General Orders. No. 231

Washington: War Department, Adjutant General's Office, 1863 Book. Fine. Hardcover. General Orders. No. 231. 4pp. Removed from bound volume. Left edge with tick marks, a bit rough with small breaks. A view minor creases. Overall, a very good copy. Washington: War Department, Adjutant General's Office, July 23, 1863. This printed General Order involves two soldiers of the California Column. In 1861, the California Volunteers rallied to Lincoln's call for volunteers. Former gold seekers were transformed into tough and efficient soldiers. They did not fight in the battles of the eastern United States. Instead, they were sent to the Southwest, prevented a Confederate takeover of Arizona, established mail and other essential services, created maps, enacted laws, and founded institutions. Two of these soldiers (among many) did not enjoy the heat, fighting Indians, etc. John O'Brien of the California Volunteer Cavalry (stationed at Mesilla, Arizona) and Private Thomas Boylan of the California Volunteer Infantry (stationed at Tucson, Arizona) did a "no-no." O'Brien attempted to shoot his commanding officer with a Colt Navy pistol; Boylan took up a shovel and attempted to whack his buddies and officers. Both were sentenced "to be shot to death with musketry." How did it end? "The failure of the record, in each case, to show that the sentences were concurred in by two-thirds of the members of the Court, renders the sentences inoperative. The prisoners will be released from arrest and returned to duty." [In part: Masich, Civil War in Arizona]..