Pvt. Lanahan Is Sentenced "to be hanged by the neck until he be dead."

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War-date printed Union General Orders No. 1, 2pp. 8vo., signed in type by General Seth Williams, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Washington, Jan. 2, 1862 being the court martial proceedings against Pvt. Michael Lanahan, Co. A, 2nd United States Infantry who was accused of murdering a superior officer, reading, in small part: "…The court did…sentence…Private Michael Lanahan…to be hanged by the neck until he be dead…it appears…that Sergeant Brennan, the deceased, was sergeant of the guard at Georgetown, D. C. on the 29th October last…the prisoner was a private of the guard…when the hour came for posting this relief, Lanahan was not at the guard house…the sergeant turned sharply towards him, told him he was never in place when wanted, slapped him…Lanahan got his gun…as Brennan was passing by his post, the accused fired and killed him…he did this in satisfaction of the grudge…it is reprehensible for a…non-commissioned officer to strike a soldier, except when it is absolutely necessary to repress disorder…it was not customary for sentinels at Georgetown to have their arms loaded. The prisoner must have loaded his musket for the purpose of carrying out his vindictive [act]…Private Michael Lanahan…will…be hanged by the neck until he is dead, on Monday, the sixth day of January, 1862…within the limits of this District…". Typical punch holes on the left margin consistent with war-date binding with minor toning, else VG

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