GENERAL ORDERS, 
No. 64. 
WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Adjutant General’s Office, 
Washington, February 18, 1864. 
Refugees and Rebel Deserters. 
Whenever refugees from within the Rebel lines, or deserters from the 
Rebel armies, present themselves at U. S. Camps or Military Posts, they 
will be immediately examined by the Provost Marshal with a view to 
determine their character, and their motive in giving themselves up. 
If it appear that they are honest in their intention of forever deserting 
the Rebel cause, care will be taken to explain to them that they will not 
be forced to serve in the U. S. Army against the Rebels, nor be kept in 
confinement. The President’s Proclamation of December 8, 1863, will 
be read to them, and if they so desire, the oath therein prescribed will be 
administered to them. They will then be questioned as to whether they 
desire employment from the United States ; and if so, such arrangements 
as may be expedient will be made by the several Army Commanders for 
employing them on Government works within their commands. Those 
who come to the Army of the Potomac will be forwarded to the Military 
Governor of the District of Columbia, at Washington, with reports in 
their cases, that employment may be given them if desired; or, if not, 
that they may be sent as far North as Philadelphia. 
By ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR: 
E. D. TOWNSEND, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 
Official : 
Assistant Adjutant General.