I thoroughly enjoy writing imitation army orders and telegrams based on my research. Here’s a couple from my current project, the Peninsula Campaign:
April 5 Telegram
Colonel Thomas Spears,
Yours of 7:30 p. m. to-day received.
Second Division headquarters are set up about one mile southeast of Yorktown. You will begin march tomorrow at 6 a. m. and proceed to join the division at this location. Cross Howard’s Bridge and proceed north by way of Cockletown. I will expect your arrival by tomorrow evening. Enemy force is fortified in and around Yorktown.
J. HOOKER
Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division, Third Army Corps.
April 7 Orders
Colonel Thomas Spears,
Orders for First Brigade dated April 7, 1862, 4:25 a. m.
You are hereby ordered and directed to detach two regiments of infantry west along the saw mill road a distance of apprx. one half mile, there to report to Brig.General F.J. Porter, directing siege operations at Yorktown, to assist in the digging of intrenchments and various occupations with intent to further the fortification of siege positions.
You are hereby also directed to convey one regiment into the command of Brig.Gen. J. Barnard, army engineers, for the purpose of improving the supply roads to the forward positions around Yorktown.
Your final regiment will be held in reserve against any exigency which may arise.
I leave it to your discretion which regiments of your brigade you believe most suited to the tasks at hand, trusting in your good judgment, and your nearer assessment of the troops under your command.
Yours truly and most respectfully,
J. HOOKER
Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division, Third Army Corps.