Manuscript circular in which Major General Joseph Hooker orders the use of corps badges in the Army of the Potomac. Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. 21 March 1863.

4 pages, 7 5/8 x 9 7/8 in., creased, with areas of light adhesive discoloration and residue throughout. Endorsed on first page, "HdQrs 1st A.C. March 22nd 63 Official (signed) C. Kingsbury Lt Col. & A.A.G." Endorsed on second page, "HdQrs 3rd Div 1st A.C. March 23rd 1863 / Official Meredith L. Jones Lt & A.A.A.G."

Order directs use of badges, "For the purpose of ready recognation [sic] of Corps and Divisions of this Army and to prevent injustice by reports of straggling and misconduct, through mistake as to their organization, the chief Quartermaster will furnish without delay the following badges to be worn by the Officers and enlisted men of all Regiments of the various Corps mentioned. They will be securedly [sic] fastened upon the centre of the top of the Cap." The circular then features 3 cut and pasted examples of each corps badge shape, with the corresponding division color (red, white or blue) written at the center of each shape.

As early as July 1862, Major General Philip Kearney had ordered officers in his 3rd Division, III Corps to wear a red patch on their caps as a means of identifying the men in his command. After his death in September of 1862, this order was extended to the enlisted men of his Division. Shortly after the beginning of the 1863 Spring Campaign, Major General Joseph Hooker ordered the use of badges to designate the Army of the Potomac’s Corps and their Divisions. His chief of staff, Major General Daniel Butterfield is credited with “designing and perfecting” these badges.

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca