"GENERAL ORDERS No. 81. HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, La., December 9, 1864. Subject to the approval of the President of the United States, Maj. J. B. Cook, Third U.S. Colored Cavalry, is hereby promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of that regiment, to date from the 27th of November, 1864, in consideration of the gallantry displayed by him on that day, when, with his men dismounted, and having nothing but railroad ties for a path, he charged over the Big Black bridge, near Canton, Miss., in the face of a heavy fire, drove off the rebel force stationed on the opposite shore behind a strong stockade, and destroyed the bridge, by which the main line of the rebel General Hood's communication with his depots in South Mississippi and Alabama were effectually cut off. The major-general commanding the Districts of West Tennessee and Vicksburg styles this affair as "one of the most daring and heroic acts of the war." By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:

C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. [First indorsement.]

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, La., December 9, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army, with the earnest request that this order be approved, and, if thought proper, the promotion be published in general orders of the War Department. E. R. S. CANBY, Major-General, Commanding. By C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. (General Canby being confined to his quarters in consequence of wounds.)"

One page imprinted order No. 303 stating that G.O. No. 81 has been approved by President Lincoln. Excellent period ink manuscript summary written on back of order.
In fine condition, with wear as shown in the scan. See the link below for more details on this daring act.