HEADQUARTERS MILITARY GOVERNOR OF RICHMOND,
RICHMOND, VA., April 3, 1865
1. The armies of the rebellion having abandoned their effort to enslave the people of Virginia, have endeavored to destroy by fire the capital which they could no longer occupy by their arms. Lieut.-Col. Manning, Provost-Marshal-General of the Army of the James and Provost-Marshal of Richmond, will immediately senda sufficient detachment of the provost guard to arrest, if possible, the progress of the flames. The Fire Department of the City of Richmond, all the citizens interested in the preservation of their beuatiful city, will immediately report to him for duty, and render every possible assistance in staying the progress of the conflagration.
The first duty of the armies of the Union will be to save the city doomed to destruction by the armies of the rebellion.
2. No person will leave the City of Richmond without a pass from the office of the Provost-Marshal.
3. Any citizen, soldier, or any person whatever who shall hereafter plunder, destroy, or remove any public or private property of any description whatever, will be arrested and summarily punished.
4. The soldiers of the command will abstain from any offensive and insulting words or gestures towards the citizens.
5. No treasonable or offensive expressions insulting to the flag, the cause, or the armies of the Union will hereafter be allowed.
6. For an exposition of their rights, duties, and privileges, the citizens of Richmond are respectfully referred to the proclamation of the President of the United States in relation to the existing rebellion.
7. All persons having in their possession, or under their control, any property whatever of the so-called Confederate States, or of any officer thereof, or the records or archives of any public officer whatever, will immediately report the same to Col. Manning, Provost-Marshal.
In conclusion, the citizens of Richmond are assured that, with the restoration of the flag of the Union, they may expect the restoration of that peace, prosperity and happiness which they enjoyed under the Union, of which that flag is the glorious symbol.
G.F. SHEPLEY
Brigadier-General United States Volunteers
And Military Governor of Richmond.
