Special Orders No. 179. Lynchburg, VA. 6 August 1864. Partly printed document releasing Confederate prisoners from the Battle of Lynchburg. Identified to William M. Ball, Co. G, 37th Virginia Infantry.

1 page, 4to, 8 1/2 x 9 7/8 in., creasing, light staining to left edge. 

Printing of Special Order No. 179 issued by General Colston on 30 July 1864 reading: "in consideration of the meritorious of the battalion of soldiers lately released from the military prison at Lynchburg and their good conduct during the late operations of the enemy in the immediate vicinity of that city, the President directs that as soon as their present organization is broken up, the men be returned to their respective commands without further investigation or punishment of the offenses with which they are individually charged." 

Completed in manuscript for "Private Ball, Co. (not known), 37th Va. Regt., Stewarts Brigade."

Identified to Private William M. Ball who enlisted on 13 July 1861 at new Garden, VA, mustering into Company G of the 37th Virginia Infantry on the same day. HDS notes that he was released on from Lynchburg Military Prison on 15 July 1864, corresponding with this document.