GEXERAL ORDERS, 
No. 156. 
WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Adjutant General’s Office, 
Washington, May 28, 1863. 
I..Before a General Court Martial which convened in the city of 
Washington, D. C., July 16, 1862, pursuant to Special Orders, No. 56, 
dated Headquarters Reserve Army Corps, Alexandria, Virginia, July 14, 
1862, and of which Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, jr., 10th Rhode 
Island Volunteers, is President, was arraigned and tried— 
Private Josiah Sears, Company “E,” 112th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
Charge I.—“Drunkenness.” 
Specification—“ In this ; that he, the said Josiah Sears, a private in Com- 
pany ‘E,’ 2d Regiment Artillery, 112th Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, did, on the afternoon of June 12th, 1862, come into camp 
in a drunken and disorderly manner. This at Camp Saratoga.” 
Charge II.—“ Striking and offering violence to his superior officer.” 
Specification l*i—“In this; that he, the said Josiah Sears, a private of 
Company ‘E,’ 2d Regiment Artillery, 112th Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, did refuse to deliver up his canteen when ordered to do 
so by 1st Lieutenant J. H. Oberteuffer, and say, ‘I’ll be damned 
if you shall have it,’ or words to that effect; and upon the said 
Lieutenant J. H Oberteuffer trying to take it from him did at- 
tempt to strike the said Lieutenant John H. Oberteuffer with 
his canteen. This at Camp Saratoga, D. C., on the 12th day of 
June, 1862.” 
Specification 2d—“In this; that he the said Josiah Sears, a private in 
Company ‘ E,’ 112th Pennsylvania Volunteers, did, on the after- 
noon of June 12th, 1862, violently resist the acting sergeant of 
the guard who had been ordered to arrest him, and did attempt 
to strike the said acting sergeant of the guard and say that ‘it 
would take eighteen such men to arrest him,’ or words to that 
effect, and did use the most profane and abusive language to 
his superior officers. This at Fort Saratoga, &c. 2 
Specificdion 3d—“In this; that he, the said Private Josiah Sears, Com- 
pany ‘E,’ 2d Regiment Artillery, 112th Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, did on the afternoon of June 12th, 1862, strike with his 
fist Sergeant Bernard Mercer and Corporal Seth Coar, who had 
been called upon by Lieutenant J. H. Oberteuffer to assist in 
taking the said Josiah Sears to the guard-house. All this at 
Camp Saratoga, &c., on or about June 12th, 1862.’’ 
To which charges and specifications the accused, Private Josiah Sears, 
Company “E ” 112th Pennsylvania Volunteers, pleaded as follows : 
Charge I. 
To the Specification, “Guilty.” 
To the Charge, “Guilty,” 
Charge II. 
To the 1st Specification, “ Not Guilty.” 
To the 2d Specification, “Not Guilty.” 
To the 3d Specification, “ Not Guilty.” 
To the Charge, “ Not Guilty.” 
Finding. 
The Court, having maturely considered the evidence'adduced, finds 
the accused, Private Jonah Sears, Company “E” 112th Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, as follows : 
Charge I. 
Of the Specification, “ Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “ Guilty.” 
Charge II. 
Of the 1st Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the 2d Specification, “ Guilty, except instead of attempting to strike 
acting sergeant of the guard.” 
Of the 3d Specification, “ Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “Guilty.” 3 
Sentence. 
And the Court does therefore sentence him, Private Josiah Sears, Com- 
pany “E,” 112th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 11 To forfeit to the United, 
States all pay and allowances due, or to become due by virtue of his enlistment, 
to be dishonorably discharged the service of the United States, being drummed out 
in the presence of his company with one-half of his head shaved, and be impris- 
oned in the penitentiary of the District of Columbia for one year. ’ ’ 
II..Before a General Court Martial which convened in the city of 
Washington, D. C., November 25, 1862, pursuant to Special Orders, 
No. 225 and No. 236, Headquarters District of Washington, and of 
which Colonel James R Porter, 135th Pennsylvania Volunteers, is 
President, was arraigned and tried— 
Private William B Lucas, Company “ F,” 35th Regiment New York 
Volunteers. 
Charge —“Theft.” 
Specification 1st—“In this; that the said Private William B. Lucas, Com- 
pany * F,’ 35th Regiment New York Volunteers, while a patient 
in Carver United States General Hospital, and on extra duty in 
charge of the soiled linen room, did take therefrom three white 
woollen blankets and sell the same to 'T'racy Burrman for the 
sum of three dollars. All on or about the 4th day of Novem- 
ber, 1862, at the said Carver United States General Hospital, 
Washington, D. C.” 
Specification 2d—“ That the said Private William B Lucas, while doing 
duty as hospital nurse at said hospital, and when in charge of 
the soiled-linen room did, at different times between the 1st of 
June and the 4th November, take possession of, and appropriate 
to his own use, a large amount of towels, pillow cases, sheets, 
cotton shirts, flannel shirts, and woollen blankets belonging to 
the government of the United States, all of which was concealed 
in his trunk and boxes under beds in his quarters, and which 
required a two-horse wagon to remove.” 
To which charge and specifications the accused, William B Lucas, 4 
private, Company “F,” 35th New York Volunteers, pleaded as fol- 
lows : 
To the 1st Specification, “Guilty,” 
To the 2d Specification, “ Not Guilty.” 
To the Charge, “ Guilty.” 
Finding. 
The Court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds 
the accused, Private William B. Lucas, Company “F,” 35th New York 
Volunteers, as follows : 
Of the 1st Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the 2d Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “Guilty.” 
Sentence. 
4nd the Court does therefore sentence him, Private William B Lucas, 
Company “F,” 35th New York Volunteers, “ That he be confined in the 
penitentiary for the period of three months, and that he forfeit all pay and allow- 
ance except necessary clothing during said term, and at termination of said three 
months that he be dishonorably discharged the service of the United Slates. To 
take effect on the day this sentence is approved.” 
III..Before a General Court*Martial, which convened at Mary Hall’s 
house, November 28, 1862, pursuant to Special Orders, No. 27, dated 
Headquarters Abercrombie’s Division, November 17, 1862, and of which 
Colonel Clarence Buel, 169th New York Volunteers, is President, was 
arraigned and tried— 
Nathan G. Axlell, 142d New York Volunteers. 
Charge I.—“Disobedience of orders.” 
Specification 1st—“In this; that Major Nathan G. Axtett, of the 142d Piegr. 
ment New York Volunteers, having been duly detailed, and 
while acting as Field Officer of the Day, did fail to visit the 
picket guards on the second night of his tour of duty, notwith- 
standing he had written instructions from the Division Coin- 5 
mander, and verbal orders from the Brigade Commander, to visit 
all his posts once in the day, and once after twelve o’clock at 
night. This at Fall’s Church, Virginia, on or about November 
6, 1862.” 
Specification 2d—“In this; that Major Nathan G. Axtell, of the 142d 
New York Volunteers, when acting as Field Officer of the Day, 
while visiting the guard at night, between the hours of twelve 
and twoo’clock, and approaching the sentinel at the reserve alone, 
while mounted, and being challenged at a proper distance, and 
ordered to dismount, advance and give the countersign, did re- 
fuse to dismount in defiance of the written orders, ‘ that all 
mounted men shall be ordered to dismount,’ but called out the 
countersign in a loud tone of voice This at Fall’s Church, 
Virginia, on or about November 5, 1862.” 
Chabge II.—“Conduct prejudicial to good order and military dis- 
cipline.” 
Specification 1st—“In this; that Major Nathan G. Axtell, of the 142d 
Regiment New York Volunteers, being duly detailed, and while 
acting as Field Officer of the Day, did neglect to visit the guaid 
during the second night of his tour of duty. This at Fall’s 
Church, Virginia, on or about November 6, 1862.” 
Specification 2d—“In this; that Major Nathan G. Axtell, of the 142d 
Regiment New York Volunteers, while acting as Field Officer of 
the Day, when approaching, mounted and alone, a reserve of the 
picket guard, did fail to obey and respect the orders of a sentinel 
duly posted and instructed, in accordance with orders from Di- 
vision and Brigade Headquarters, by refusing to dismount, and 
did call out the countersign in a loud tone of voice. This at 
Fall’s Church, Virginia, on or about November 5, 1862.” 
To which charges and specifications the accused, Major Nathan G. 
Axtell, 142d New York Volunteers, pleaded “Not Guilty. ” 
Finding. 
The Court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds 
the accused, Major Nathan G. Axtell, 142d New York Volunteers, as 
follows: 6 
Charge I. 
Of the 1st Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the 2d Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “Guilty.” 
CnARGE II. 
Of the 1st Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the 2d Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “Guilty.” 
Sentence. 
And the Court does therefore sentence him, Major Nathan G. Axtell, 
142d New York Volunteers, “ To be dismissed the service.” 
IV..Before a General Court Martial, which convened in the city of 
Washington, D. C., February 24, 1863, pursuant to Special Orders, 
No. 37, dated February 20, 1863, and No 39, dated February 22, 1863,. 
Headquarters Military District of Washington, D. C., and of which 
Lieutenant Colonel William 0 Drew, 2d District of Columbia Volun- 
teers, is President, was arrainged and tried— 
Lieutenant John P. Cole, 144th New York Volunteers. 
Charge.—“ Desertion.” 
Specification—“In this; that Lieutenant John P. Cole, 144th New York 
Volunteers, did desert from his regiment aud company on or 
about the 19th of January, 1863, and did remain absent until 
apprehended on or about the 21st day of January, 1863, at 
Washington, D. C.” 
To which charge and specification the accused, Lieutenant John P. Cole, 
144th New York Volunteers, pleaded “Not Guilty.” 
Finding. 
The Court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds 
the accused, Lieutenant John P. Cole, 144th New York Volunteers, as 
follows : Of the Specification, “ Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “Guilty.” 
Sentence. 
And the Court does therefore sentence him, Lieutenant John P. Cole, 
144th New York Volunteers, “ That he be shot to death with musketry at 
any time and place the Commanding General or the Piesident of the United States 
may appoint. This sentence was concurred in by two-thirds of the Court." 
V. .Before a General Court Martial which convened at Centerville, 
Virginia, April 11, 1863, pursuant to General Orders, No. 38, dated 
March 31, 1863, and Special Orders, No. 36, dated April 3, 1863, 
Headquarters Casey’s Division, Washington, and of which Colonel 
George L. Willard, 125th New York Volunteers, is President, was 
arraigned and tried— 
Captain Jacob S. Gruff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
Charge I.—“Quitting his guard.” 
Specification—“In this; that he, Captain Jacob S. Graeff, Company 
‘E,’ 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, having been regularly de- 
tailed as officer of the picket guard for the right wing of the 
picket line extending from Union Mills to Blackburn’s Ford, 
along the general course of Bull Run stream, did, after having 
been duly placed in command of such guard, and after said 
guard had been posted, quit his said guard and leave the said 
picket line and go to the camp of his said regiment. This at or 
near Union Mills, Virginia, on or about the 9th day of Feb- 
ruary, 1863.” 
Charge II.—“Conduct prejudicial to good order and military disci- 
pline.” 
Specification—“In this; that he, Captain Jacob S. Graeff, Company ‘E,’ 
151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, while regularly in command of 
the picket guard of said Regiment—which guard was posted 
along the picket line from Union Mills to Blackburn’s Ford, 
along the general couise of Bull Run stream, and while stationed 8 
at post number seven of said picket line, to wit, at McLean’s 
Ford, with a reserve of said guard—did, before lie was regularly- 
relieved, quit said post number seven, and go away from the 
said picket line to the camp of his said Regiment, and did so re- 
main away for a long time This at or near Union Mills, Vir- 
ginia, on or about the 9 th day of February, 1863.” 
To which charges and specifications the accused, Captain Jacob S. 
Gratff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, pleaded “ Not Guilty.” 
Finding. 
The Court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds 
the accused, Captain Jacob S. Graeff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, as 
ollows: 
Charge I. 
Of the Specification, “Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “ Guilty.” 
Charge II. 
Of the Specification, “Guilty, except the words, ‘and did so remain 
away for a long time.’ ” 
Of the Charge, “Guilty.” 
Sentence. 
And the Court does therefore sentence him, Captain Jacob S. Graejf, 
151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, ‘ ‘ To be dismissed the service of the United 
States. 
VI. .Before a General Court Martial which convened in the city of 
Washington, D. C., March 2, 1863, pursuant to General Orders, No. 20, 
dated February 2, 1863, Special Orders, No. 146, dated February 10, 
1863, and No. 150, dated February 16, 1863, Headquarters Cavalry 
Department of Washington, and of which Colonel C. H. Town, 1st 
Michigan Cavalry, is President, was arraigned and tried— 
2d Lieutenant Joseph B. Grice, 5th New York Cavalry. 9 
Charge I.—“Violation of the 42d Article of War.” 
Specification—“ In this; that the said Joseph B. Grice, Company ‘ C,’ 5th 
New York Cavalry, having received a pass for forty-eight hours 
on the 12th day of January, 1863, failed to return to his Com- 
pany and Regiment, and did remain absent on the nights of the 
14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th of January, 1863, without the con- 
sent of his commanding officer, during which time he, the said 
Joseph B. Grice, remained in Washington, District of Columbia, 
and on the 18th of January, 1863, he, the said Joseph B. Grice, 
was ordered by the Provost Marshal of Washington * to report 
to the commanding officer of his regiment within twenty-four 
hours, in arrest,’ having been found in the city of Washington 
without authority, and drunk. All this at Washington, in the 
District of Columbia, on the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th January, 
1863.” 
Charge II.—“ Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.” 
Specification—“ In this ; that the said Joseph B. Grice, 2d Lieutenant, 
Company ‘C,’ 5th New York Cavalry, did, on the night of the 
31st December, 1862, while on duty near Fairfax Court House, 
get drunk, and was in such a state of intoxication that he, the 
said Joseph B. Grice, was pulled from under the feet of the 
horses of the troop by Private James Highland, of said company. 
This at Fairfax Court House, Fairfax county, in the State of 
Virginia, on the 31st day of December, 1862.” * 
Charge III. 
Specification—“In this; that the said Joseph B. Grice, 2d Lieutenant, 
Company ‘C,’ 5th New York Cavalry, did, while on duty as 
commandant of said company, get drunk and appear before his 
company in that condition, to the prejudice of good order and 
military discipline. This at Chantilly, Fairfax county, in the 
State of Virginia, on or about the 6th day of January, 1863.” 
To which charges and specifications the accused, 2d Lieutenant Joseph 
B. Grice, 5th New York Cavalry, pleaded “Not Guilty.” 10 
Finding. 
The Court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds 
the accused, 2d Lieutenant Joseph B. Grice, 5th New York Cavalry, as 
follows : 
Charge 1. 
Of the Specification, “ Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “Guilty.” 
Charge II. 
Of the Specification, “ Guilty, with the exception of the words ‘ by 
Private James Highland, of said company.’ ” 
Of the Charge, “ Guilty, with the same exception.” 
Charge III. 
Of the Specification, “ Not Guilty.” 
Of the Charge, “ Not Guilty.” 
Sentence. 
And the Court does therefore sentence him, 2d Lieutenant Joseph B. 
Grice, 5th New York Cavalry, “ That he he dismissed fnom the service of the 
United States. ’ ’ 
VII..Ia compliance with the 5th section of the act approved July 
17, 1862, the proceedings in the case of Private Josiah Sears, Company 
“E,” 112th Pennsylvania Volunteers, have been submitted to the 
President of the United States, who disapproves so much of the sen- 
tence as subjects the prisoner to confinement in the penitentiary of the 
District of Columbia—the remainder of the sentence will be executed. 
In compliance with the 5th section of the act approved July 17, 
1862, the proceedings in the case of Private William B. Lucas, Company 
“ F,” 35th New York Volunteers, have been submitted to the Presi- 
dent of the United States, who disapproves the sentence for want of 
jurisdiction of the Court; “ theft" not being a military offence. 
The proceedings of the Court in the case of Major Nathan G. Axtell, 11 
142d New York Volunteers, have been forwarded for the action of the 
President of the United States, who approves the sentence, but in con- 
sideration of the mitigating circumstances exhibited by the record, the 
sentence awarded by the Court is remitted. 
The proceedings of the Court in the case of Lieutenant John F. Cole, 
144th New York Volunteers, have been forwarded for the action of the 
President of the United States, who approves the sentence, but direct 
that it be commuted to dismissal from the service of the United States, 
as recommended by the Court. 
The proceedings of the Court in the case of Captain Jacob S. Graeff, 
151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, have been forwarded to the President 
of the United States, who approves the sentence, but directs that it be 
mitigated to a forfeiture of pay for the period of three months. 
The proceedings of the Court in the case of 2d Lieutenant Joseph B. 
Grice, 5th New York Cavalry, have been forwarded for the action of 
the President of the United States, who disapproves the sentence in the 
case, on account of marked irregularities in the proceedings. 
P)Y ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR: 
E. D. TOWNSEND, 
Assistant Adjutant General.