Headquarters Indiana Brigade

Billie Creek, Virginia

May 31, 1863

General order 21-1863

1. Situation:

The Indiana Brigade is part Gen Meade’s V Corps assigned to defeat Confederate forces in the vicinity of Chancellorsville, Va. Union forces out number Confederate forces approximately 5 to 2 based on new intelligence estimates. It has been reported that the 19^th Virginia has been sited to our south. General Jackson is nearby and can be expected to do the unexpected.

2. Force structure:

A. Infantry:

Elements of the Cumberland Guard will be positioned in the North of the village, with Indiana Brigade elements to the South.

B. Cavalry:

4^th Indiana Cavalry will be under the operational control of the Federal Commander initially. They will revert to Brigade control on the complete engagement of the brigade.

C. Medical

Indiana Medical Society will set up in Billie Creek Village.

D. Artillery

Indiana Brigade Artillery assets will be under the direct command of Captain Pairitz. Artillery will deploy to the south of town to guard that avenue of approach.

3. Mission:

A. Higher Headquarters Mission Statement:

This Federal Brigade is to maintain control of the bridges near the village of Billie Creek to allow mobility of the Union Army and deny the same mobility to Confederate forces.

B. Commander’s Intent:

Our area of operations is the East and Southern approaches to the Billie Creek Village. I see necessity in being prepared to move rapidly to any of the bridges near to Billie Creek to deny the Confederate forces use of them. Therefore, we must maintain the ability to respond quickly.

C. Orders to Units:

Our infantry will consolidate into two companies to compensate for recent heavy losses. 14^th Indiana will provide the Regimental Colors.

C. Maneuver:

Maneuver will be critical to success as the brigade must face threats from several directions. Be prepared to change direction and formation on short notice. Company commanders need to prepare to form and deploy their companies on a moment’s notice.

4. Logistics

A. All infantry will maintain orderly company streets in the village of Billie Creek. Displaced civilians are to be kept to the north of the creek.

B. Medical will be located in the stables in Billie Creek Village.

C. Units are to be prepared to deploy on short notice. Camps are to be left in place if necessary.

D. Rations will be per SOP.

E. Liquor ration is not available.

5. Command and Control

A. Orders Books

Company 1^st Sergeants , Orderly Sergeants, are required to maintain an updated ORDERS BOOK. Orders will be recorded when morning reports are turned in and upon changes and amendments.

B. Morning reports will be completed by 1^st Sergeants, and delivered to Battalion Adjutant no later than 7 am.

C. Officers calls will be on-call.

D. Chain of Command:

§ Colonel Neher, Lt. Colonel Williams, Major Davis, senior Company Commander.

§ Captain Howey is the safety and quartermaster officer.

§ Captain Combs is the adjutant.

E. If available, telegraph will be used to report status to higher headquarters.

F. There will be no hand-to-hand combat unless scripted and approved by the chain of command.

By the Command of

Colonel Paul Neher

Tentative Schedule

FRIDAY

10 o’clock Officers Call - HQ

11 o’clock Tattoo

1130 o’clock Taps – All Quiet!!

SATURDAY

6 o’clock reveille

615 o’clock roll call/weapons inspections

630 o’clock Morning parade

7 o’clock breakfast

8 o’clock NCO’s Call, morning reports due, orders

830 o’clock Officer’s Call, School of Soldier (Corporals)

930 o’clock Company Drill

11 o’clock Battalion Drill

12 o’clock Dinner

5 o’clock Evening parade

530 o’clock Supper