‘Headquarters U. S. Forces,
‘Batesville, Ark., May 22, 1865.
‘General Order No. 1.
‘I. It is hereby announced to the people of Batesville and surrounding country that the chief object of the federal occupation of this place is their protection against armed forces, of whatever kind, to give encouragement to agriculture and other peaceful pursuits, and to restore commercial intercourse.
‘II. The public safety and mutual interests demand that all persons living within our lines and enjoying the protection of the nation’s forces shall declare their obedience to the government.
‘III. It is ordered, therefore, that all persons now living or hereafter coming within our picket-lines who have not taken but desire to take the oath of allegiance, with the purpose of restoring and establishing the national authority, shall register their names without delay in the provost marshal’s office, where the oath will be administered.
‘By order of
‘Col. H. Mattson, Commanding.
‘P. E. Folsom, Lieutenant and Post Adjutant.’
“On the same day a beginning was made to organize companies of home colonists among the great number of Union refugees who had followed the troops to Batesville. Arms and ammunition were placed in their hands, and the following instruction given:
‘Headquarters U. S. Forces,
‘Batesville, Ark., May 22, 1865.