LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). His endorsement ("Approved, A. Lincoln, Aug. 7 1681") on the docket of a manuscript document, [Washington,] 7 August 1861.

One page, bifolium, 252 x 203mm (some toning along folds). Additionally endorsed by Simon CAMERON ("Simon Cameron") as Secretary of War.

Lincoln approves the text of a War Department regulation concerning unauthorized communication with the enemy. Citing article 57 of the 1806 "Act for Establish Rules and Articles for the Government of the Armies of the United States," which was "punish by death or such other punishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a Court Martial," the regulation stipulates that "all correspondence and communication verbally or by writing printing or telegraphic respecting operations of the army or military movements on land or water or respecting the troops, camps, arsenals, intrenchments or military affairs, by which intelligence shall be directly or indirectly given to the enemy without the authority and sanction of the Major General in command, be and the same are absolutely prohibited and from and after the date of this order persons violating the same will be proceeded against under the 57th Article or War."