General Orders No. 7, Wheeler's Cavalry Corps. June 3, 1863

Head Quarters
Wheeler's Cavalry Corps
June 3rd, 1863

General Orders No. 7

1. The earnest attention of all Cavalry is called to the importance of their observing the utmost accuracy in their reports of the movements and strengths of the enemy. This is particularly necessary preceeding or during a general engagement.
2. The commanding General of this Army relies solely upon information received from Cavalry, to make his dispositions and inaccuracies in their reports may entail great disasters.
3. During an advance of the enemy he must at favorable points be held with sufficient firmness to develope his probable strength.—Prisoners should be questioned closely, reliable men be sent to elevated points, where his force can be viewed. Men acquainted with the country should be sent to hover on his flanks, and watch his camps at night; and all means possible adopted to insure beyond doubt accurate information regarding him.
4. After having ascertained and reported fully regarding the enemy, Cavalry Officers will still continue their exertions in order to confirm the accuracy of their information, and learn at the earliest moment any change he may make.
5. In making reports, great care should be taken to distinguish between rumors and facts, and in stating rumors the authority of the rumor should be given.
6. Officers who hold the enemy in observation during his advance, will report at least once every twenty minutes, in order that the Commanding General may be frequently re-assured that the dispositions he is making are correct.
7. Scouts and Cavalry detached in rear of the enemy will, at all times, use every exertion to learn the enemys position and movements, all of which will be promptly reported to the proper authority. Officers are reminded that what may appear to them of little importance is frequently of great value to the Commanding General as the most trifling circumstances, when connected with other knowledge in his possession, very often developes the chief purpose of the enemy.

To conclude, Cavalry Officers and Soldiers must always remember that they are the eyes and ears of the General commanding, and without frequent and correct intimations from them regarding the enemy, his dispositions must be faulty and his success by no means certain.

By order of
MAJ. GEN'L. JOS. WHEELER
D. G. REED, A. A. GEN.

Copies have been listed in the following Online Auctions:

Historic Collectibles Auctions
Lot Number 149 - June 3rd, 1863, Confederate Field Printed, "General Orders No. 7," from Wheeler's Cavalry Corps., Very Fine. 10.5"x3.5," issued by order of Maj. Gen. General Joseph Wheeler. Heavily toned in the text portions, not affecting legibility. Seven ways are listed by which the cavalry can contribute to and insure the success of the Army: In part, by "observing the utmost accuracy in their reports of the movements and strength of the enemy... particularly... preceding or during a general engagement....Prisoners should be questioned closely....; great care should be taken to distinguish between rumors and facts....Officers who hold the enemy in observation...will report at least once every twenty minutes...." and more specific information, concluding that "...Cavalry Officers and Soldiers must always remember that they are the eyes and ears of the General commanding...." A highly important printed Confederate document.
Estimated Value: $900.

The Stuart Goldman Collection
Lot 76 - Confederate Field Printed General Orders No. 7. Datelined "Head Quarters, Wheeler's Cavalry Corps, June 3rd, 1863," and issued by order of Maj. Gen. General Joseph Wheeler. Seven ways are listed by which the cavalry can contribute to and insure the success of the Army: In part, by "observing the utmost accuracy in their reports of the movements and strength of the enemy... particularly... preceding or during a general engagement.... Prisoners should be questioned closely....; great care should be taken to distinguish between rumors and facts.... Officers who hold the enemy in observation... will report at least once every twenty minutes...." and more specific information, concluding that "...Cavalry Officers and Soldiers must always remember that they are the eyes and ears of the General commanding...." Heavily toned in text portions, not affecting legibility, else Fine. An important piece.
Estimate $400-600.