ANDREW JOHNSON.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, April 13, 1866.
On the 14th of April, 1865, great affliction was brought upon the American people by the assassination of the lamented Abraham Lincoln, then President of the United States. The undersigned is therefore directed by the President to announce that in commemoration of that event the public offices will be closed to-morrow, the 14th instant.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 26.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE.
Washington, May 1, 1866.
ORDER IN RELATION TO TRIALS BY MILITARY COURTS AND COMMISSIONS.
Whereas some military commanders are embarrassed by doubts as to the operation of the proclamation of the President dated the 2d day of April, 1866, upon trials by military courts-martial and military officers; to remove such doubts—
It is ordered by the President, That hereafter, whenever offenses committed by civilians are to be tried where civil tribunals are in existence which can try them, their cases are not authorized to be, and will not be, brought before military courts-martial or commissions, but will be committed to the proper civil authorities. This order is not applicable to camp followers, as provided for under the sixtieth article of war, or to contractors and others specified in section 16, act of July 17, 1862, and sections 1 and 2, act of March 2, 1863. Persons and offenses cognizable by the Rules and Articles of War and by the acts of Congress above cited will continue to be tried and punished by military tribunals as prescribed by the Rules and Articles of War and acts of Congress hereinafter cited, to wit:
[Sixtieth of the Rules and Articles of War.]