HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,

JUDGE ADVOCATE'S OFFICE,

St. Louis, November 25th, 1863.

During the six months endnig the first ult., there were reviewed at these Head Quarters three hundred and eighty-four records of cases tried before Military Commissions in this Department. Cases of this kind are likely to be quite numerous for some time. With the hope of affording some assistance to members of Military Commissions and Judge Advocates, in the performance of their responsible duties, I have prepared for publication this collection of the more important General Orders, laws and rules, relating to the organization, jurisdiction, powers, duties and proceedings of Military Commissions.

Most of the rules will be found applicable, also, to the proceedings of Courts Martial.

W. M. DUNN,

Major and Judge Advocate.