An example of an army commander acting in accordance with the General Order #34 is General Van Dorn as follows:

6/11/62 Army of the West-Priceville, Ms
Van Dorn issues G O #39.

VII. In accordance with the law, a Battalion of sharpshooters will at once be organized in each bgde of this Army. These Battalions will be made up of chosen men, all of whom must be able-bodied, active & good rifle shots and of tried courage. Volunteers from the Companies now in the brigades of the Army of the West may be accepted for the Battalion of sharpshooters, provided no Company is thereby reduced below the legal minimum. The Battalion may be filled up if necessary by recruits from those exempt from conscription, or by choice volunteers from the conscripts.

All of the officers of the Battalion will be carefully selected & thoroughly examined before being recommended to the President for promotion or appointment to the Battalion. It is desired to bring the effective strength of each Battalion up to (750) rank and file, if possible, & no pains will be spared to make the Battalions the elite of the Army of the West. An opportunity is therefore now afforded to young men of spirit to enroll themselves in a corps which is unquestionably to become the most distinguished in our Army. It is hoped & expected that no man will offer or be accepted into this select corps who is not resolved to lead in every daring enterprise which may be undertaken.

VIII. Brigade cdrs will commence enrolling the sharpshooters at once. Every proper means will be taken to fill up the Battalions as soon as possible. The men & officers of each Company will be from the same State. The bgde ordnance officers will see that the sharpshooters are equipped with long range guns, & if possible, that the guns are of uniform caliber.