June 5, 1863, Charleston Mercury
[From the Staunton (Va.) Spectator.
Brigadier General Roberts came into Weston week before last, after our forces under Gen. Imboden had passed through, and commenced a series of tyrannical acts alone worthy of abolition commanders.
They delivered copies of the annexed orders to numbers of families, some of whom have reached this point–having been sent through their lines as far as Kernestown, at which place they arrived at night, and were there left to take care of themselves. Sixty-three women and children were sent out with the lady who received the order from which we copy, and sixty-two who did not have natural protectors in the South, were at the same time started for Camp Chase. This treatment is hereafter to be dealt out to all Southern sympathisers who may be found in their lines.
What a valiant set of warriors, who, as long as our forces were in Western Virginia, kept aloof from danger, and after their departure charge into defenseless towns and wreak their vengeance upon helpless women and children!
Headq’rs Ind. Div’n Middle Depm’t, }
Weston, N. W., Va, May 16, ’63. }
General Order No. 63.
I. The Major General Commanding the Department has directed that all families within the lines of this army whose natural protectors have joined the rebellion against the United States, by taking up arms or going and remaining within the country occupied by the Confederate armies, be sent beyond our military lines.
II. All officers and military commanders, within the lines of the army, will see that these instructions are strictly carried out.
III. The humane policy of the Federal Government to give protection to families of rebels within our lines, on the observance of strict neutrality, has been so shamefully used as the means of treacherous and treasonable intercourse and information with the enemy, that its discontinuance has become a necessity.
By order of Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts.
(Signed) Jas. McC. Bell,
Capt. and A. A. G. U.S.A.
(Official.) L. Markbeit, A. D. C. and P. M.
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Hd Qrs. Ind. Div. Middle Dep’t, }
Provost Marshal’s Office. }
Weston, W. Va., May 16th, 1863 }
Madam: I have the honor to inform you that yourself and the grown members of your family are hereby required to hold yourselves in readiness to proceed outside the Federal lines on Tuesday morning, May 19th, 1863.
The following regulations will be strictly observed:
I. No person will be permitted to take with him or her more than 60 lbs. of baggage.
II. No person will be allowed to take with him or her more than $1000 in United States funds, gold and silver included. No limit placed on Confederate scrip.
III. Persons who cannot provide themselves with transportation will be furnished such by the Government.
By order of Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts.
L. Markbeit,
A.D.C. and Provost Marshal.