The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-06-10
TIE NEW MILITARY OR coNscR1HTIoN



To this law of Congress at first published by
u.s. there were subsequently passed several amend
ments or auxiliary laws. We present the follow
ing synopsis of the law as thus modified, which we
are satisfied will be found correct in the hope and
belief that it will prove useful in contributing to
general understanding OF 1T
The CONSUMPTION law places in the service of the
Confederate States for three years unless the war
sooner ends all white between eighteen and
thirty five years of age resident in the Confederate
States and not legally exempt from service.
The law is silent as to exemptions; but an act
defining the class of exempts has been passed,
which embraces generally those hitherto exempt,
with some additions.
All twelve months men. between the prescribed
ages arc continued in service for two years from
the expiration of their present term, should the war
continue so long; and all trase under eighteen aud
over thirty five, to be retained for ninety days
after their term expires. unless their places are
sooner supplied by recruits.
The twelve months men, between eighteen and
thirty five, who retained beyond their term of
enlistment and who ha, not yet received bounty
and furourh. shall receive both; the furlnug CHS.
however, be granted in such numbers and at
such times : the Secretary of War may deem
most compatible with the public interest; and the
men may receive in lieu of furough, the colfYshuta
ton value in money of the transportation granted
tn furIoughcd men by the act.
The term of service of those who originally en-
listed for the war, who have since enlisted for
that period, Il not uffecteG Dy the law
Men now in service not permitted to ree enlist
in ether organizations than those to which they
now belong; and all re-enlistments that have been
made from one existing company to another, or into
Il new company, where the re-enliStment has not
been perfected by actual transfer is i'll effect call
crlled.
Companies, battalions and regiments of twelve
months men, retaintd in service by the act shall
be entitled, within forty days from the date of the
act. day to be fixed by the Commander of the
Brd5ade, to re-orgamizc, by elccting all their Of
iccrs whom they had a right heretofore to elect.
Companies, battaliOns, squadr"nS, or regiments
organized, or in process of organization. by au-
thnrty from the Secretary of Var, which may, with
in thirty days from the passage of the act, have the
whole number of men necessary to complete their
organization actually enrolled, not including, how
in that number persons now III service shall be
mustered into the service of the Confederate States
and be received III that of the service in which
they authorized to organize, and elect their
company, battalion and regimental officers.
To enroll the persons contemplated by the act,
and not now in service the President may, with the
of the Governors of the States, employ State
officers; if such consent cannot be obtained Con-
fcdcrate officers shall be appointed by the preSi
dent.
Persons not in service, who shall he enrolled.
shall be assigned by the Secretary of War to the
different companies of the State from which such
persons drawn; until each company Is filled to
its ma Ximum number.
Scamrn and ordinary seamcn, enrolled under the
act, may, application of the Secretary of the
Navy. be transferred to the naval service
IL after filing up the companies. regiments, bat
taion> and Squadrons from any State there shall
remain any of the enrolled men, the excess shall be
kept Il reserve and at stated intervals, not ex-
cerdinG three mouths details, to he made by lot.
shall be drawn from the reserve to keep the COM
pal.irs ms nearly full practicable The persons
reserved remain at home until called into service,
and receive pay until actually mustered III.
They not. while at home in reserve, subject
to the rules and articles of except that if they
wiffully refuse to obey call of the President they
shall be held desertcrS. and punished j such.
Whenever the President shall think that The
exiGencies of the service require it, he may call into
active service the entire reserve. much may
be necessary, and they shall be organized under
such rules the Secretary of War may adopt and
shn elect their field and company officers.
The reserves from each State, when thus called
out. shall be organized separately
Every man mustered into service, who shall bring
with him muskrt, shot gun, rifle carbinc ac-
cepted efficient weapon, shall receive the
value of it nScrrtancd by the mastering officer
under such regulations the Secretary of War
may prescribe, or if the be unwilling to sell,
he shall receive dollar a month for the use of
such arm.
Persons not liable to duty may be received as
substitutes, under such regulations theS tury
of War may prescribe.
Vacancies shall be filled by the President from
the company, battalion squadron regiment in
which such vacancies by promotion he cord
ing to seniority, except in case of disability or
other incOmpetency.
The President may, however. fill a vacancy by
pr"m"ting any officer of the company, battalion,
squadron or regiment. who may have been dis
tngushed in the service by vuor and skill without
reference tn seniority. Vacancies in the lowest
grade of commissioned officers of a Company shall
be filled by election the President may promote
to such vacancy commissioned officers or
Privntcs who have distinguished themselves by skill
and V.In
service, may, before being enrolled, volunteer with
existing companies in service.