Hey everyone! I had the good fortune of picking this up for a steal the other day, but I’m really struggling to translate it. I’ve got many documents in my collection, and have translated 99% or more of each one, but this one is driving me nuts. The back of it has an inscription from R.E. Foote (who was with Bushrod Johnson’s division during the siege of Petersburg when this order was issued), and it seems to summarize the order. However, I’m wondering what else might be written … Charles Marshall signed it on the back (and I assume he wrote it), and the first line definitely says “General Lee directs you to…” then it just gets way too difficult to read. I’ve darkened it a little (which helped), but I can’t get more than a word or two in a row before a stretch arrives that I can’t discern. I tried using both my iPhone 12 and my full-frame DSLR to get a better photo but neither was much better than the other. Anyone want to take a shot at it? It’s dated January 25th, 1865 - so I know it’s during the siege of Petersburg, but beyond that I’m wondering if there’s more to it than what R.E. Foote’s summary says. Lastly, someone signed it under “Official” next to Charles Marshall. I was certain it was R.E. Foote again, but it’s noticeably different than his signature on the back.

Thank you so much to anyone who wants to take a stab at it.