Order Authorizing General Halleck To Suspend The Writ Of Habeas Corpus,

December 2, 1861

MAJOR-GENERAL H. W. HALLECK, Commanding in the Department of Missouri.

GENERAL:—As an insurrection exists in the United States, and is in arms in the State of Missouri, you are hereby authorized and empowered to suspend the writ of habeas corpus within the limits of the military division under your command, and to exercise martial law as you find it necessary in your discretion to secure the public safety and the authority of the United States.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed at Washington, this second day of December, A.D. 1861.

A. LINCOLN.
By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.