As Commander-in-chief, the President is empowered to issue orders to his command. Such orders, which freqently emanate from the Secretary of War or the Headquarters of the Army, are designated as General and Special Orders. The commanders of military divisions and departments make and publish their own General and Special Orders which have similar force and effect as the Orders of the President, though within a narrower range. Related to Orders, Circulars are issued as needed to communicate rulings and decisions of the Secretary of War, and to advise officers of matters they should consider in the course of their duties. Cf. Winthrop, W. Military law and precedents. Washington, 1920.

Statement of responsibility transposed from head of title.

Description based on: March 10, 1864; title from caption.