Hero of the War of 1812 against the British

He was the longest serving Adjutant General of the United States Army in our military history

Member of the distinguished "Fighting Jones" family from Virginia

(1789-1852) Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, he was a central figure in the distinguished "Jones military family" with relatives holding commissions in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, World War I, and World War II. His brother Thomas ap Catesby Jones won distinction in the US Navy. Of his thirteen children many went on to serve in the military of both the Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. His son Catesby ap Roger Jones was the commander of the ironclad C.S.S. Virginia (also known as the Merrimac) at Hampton Roads, Va., on the second day of battle with the ironclad U.S.S. Monitor, the very first battle between ironclad warships in military history. His son Charles Lucian Jones served in the Confederate navy on the ironclad Tennessee. Another son, also named Roger Jones, served as Inspector General of the U.S. Army. Roger Jones was appointed a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on January 29, 1809, and was promoted to first lieutenant later that year. He resigned in July 1812 to accept a commission as a captain of artillery in the United States Army. He received a brevet promotion to major for his bravery at a half dozen battles in the War of 1812, and lieutenant colonel for distinguished heroism at the battle/siege of Fort Erie. In March 1825, he was appointed Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, and he was promoted to brigadier general in 1832. He was very highly commended for his actions during the Mexican War as he rapidly increased the size of the U.S. Army, and ensured that it was trained, equipped, transported, paid and fed. During his tenure he molded the Adjutant General's Department into the most important in Army Headquarters. He was promoted to major general in 1848. He died on July 15, 1852, and is buried in the Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

1838 Document Signed: 4 3/4 x 7 1/2, imprinted Circular, signed in ink above his title as Adjutant General.

War Department,
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, August 20, 1838

Circular.

With a view to remove any doubts which may arise, and to ensure uniformity in payments made to the private soldiers of the army, the following rules will be observed in addition to the provisions of "General Orders" No. 25, of July 20th, 1838.

Very fine 1838 War Department Circular whereby General Roger Jones is ensuring uniformity in payments made to private soldiers, musicians and hospital stewards.

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By Order:

R. Jones
Adjutant General

Light age toning, and wear with a couple of very thin slashes to the paper surface. Very nice, bold ink autograph of General Jones.

Very desirable circular signed by a prominent member of the "Fighting Jones" family of Virginia who held commissions in 6 different U.S. Wars.