R
r.j.potts
Guest
Hi,
I'm digging around in some muster rolls, looking at individuals who ended up in the GAR in San Luis Obispo after the war. One soldier is H. Hall, who I believe is the Henry Hall on this muster roll here:
http://www.pa-roots.com/pacw/infantry/190th/190thcok.html
It was the third Pennsylvania unit Henry Hall had served in during the war. Much of this unit was apparently captured and spent time as POWs.
It says that he was "Discharged by Special Order", as opposed to being mustered out or discharged by general order. He was the only member of the company to be discharged on the date given.
So my question is, under what circumstances would a solider be described as having been "Discharged by special order"? Might this mean a dishonorable discharge, or is it more likely if say, there were special circumstances at home (if he had to go and look after the farm if his dad fell ill or whatever). Is it impossible to say at this distance of time? Or is the phrase one which tends to mean the same thing whenever it crops up?
Any help would be, er, helpful.
Thanks,
Richard
I'm digging around in some muster rolls, looking at individuals who ended up in the GAR in San Luis Obispo after the war. One soldier is H. Hall, who I believe is the Henry Hall on this muster roll here:
http://www.pa-roots.com/pacw/infantry/190th/190thcok.html
It was the third Pennsylvania unit Henry Hall had served in during the war. Much of this unit was apparently captured and spent time as POWs.
It says that he was "Discharged by Special Order", as opposed to being mustered out or discharged by general order. He was the only member of the company to be discharged on the date given.
So my question is, under what circumstances would a solider be described as having been "Discharged by special order"? Might this mean a dishonorable discharge, or is it more likely if say, there were special circumstances at home (if he had to go and look after the farm if his dad fell ill or whatever). Is it impossible to say at this distance of time? Or is the phrase one which tends to mean the same thing whenever it crops up?
Any help would be, er, helpful.
Thanks,
Richard