General Order Number 38 facts for kids
General Order Number 38 was a special rule made by a Union general named Ambrose Burnside on April 13, 1863. This happened during the American Civil War. General Burnside was in charge of a military area called the Department of the Ohio. This order tried to stop people from speaking out against the war in that area.
The order said that anyone who helped the enemy would be arrested. It also said that people who showed support for the enemy would not be allowed. If someone spoke out against the war, they could be arrested and face serious consequences. They might even be sent away from Union territory.
Why Was General Order 38 Issued?
General Burnside issued this order because he wanted to keep things under control during the war. He believed that speaking against the war helped the enemy. He wanted everyone in his area to support the Union cause.
What Happened Because of the Order?
Many people, especially a group called the Copperheads, wanted peace during the war. They often spoke out against the fighting. General Burnside's order made it risky for them to do this.
One very important person affected by the order was Clement Vallandigham. He was a representative from Ohio and a leader of the Copperheads. He was arrested because he criticized General Burnside's order itself! He was then tried in a military court, which was unusual for a civilian.
The Order's Impact on People
General Order Number 38 caused a lot of discussion and debate. Some people thought it was important for keeping order during wartime. Others felt it took away people's freedom to speak their minds. This order showed how difficult it was to balance national security with individual rights during a big conflict like the Civil War.
The order even inspired a political song that mentioned Clement Vallandigham:
O, brothers, don't forget the time
When Burnside was our fate,
And laws were superseded
By order 38.
Then like a free-born western man,
Our Val spoke bold and true,
O, when he’s chosen governor
What will poor Burnside do.
Wont he skedaddle,
As he’s well used to do.
