ORDER NUMBER 249
In this connection, the government, and the general commanding the department, call your attention to the rumors of the activity of a secret, treasonable organization named the Knights of the Golden Circle, composed of so-called Copperheads, and sympathizers, for the purpose of furnishing comfort, giving aid, supplies, recruits and information of our movements to the enemy, a lodge of which is said to be in your immediate vicinity. You are especially expected to capture and thus summarily end the activity of a spy named Lucas Mallory, a man who has, thus far, eluded all attempts to take him. Before his execution you will endeavor to secure from him such information as will enable you to apprehend all members of the said treasonable organization, or organizations, together with such evidence as can be secured, as well as to locate the said lodge and capture and dispose of all persons having anything to do with its operation. The general is determined that this hot-
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