The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-05-20
TIFF NEW MILITARY OR coNscRIPTIoN

LAW.
To this law of Congress as at first published by
u.s. there were subsequently, passed several amend
ments or auxiliary laws. We present the follow
inc SYNOPSIS of the law 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 it
The CONSUMPTION law places in the service of the
Confederate States, for three years, unless the
sooner ends. all white men between eighteen and
tlrtvvc years of age, resident in the Confederate
States and not legally exempt from service.
The law is silent as to exemptions; but act
defining the class of eXcmpts has been passed
which embraces generally those hitherto exempt,
with additions
All twelve months men. between the prescribed
aces, are continued in service for two years from
the expiration of their present term, should the
continue so long; and all those under eighteen and
over thirty five to be retained for ninety DAYS
after their term expires, unless their places
sooner supplied by recruits.
The twelve months men. between eighteen and
thirty five, who retained beyond their term of
enlistment. and who have not vet received bounty
and furlough. shall receive both: the furnughs
however, to be granted in such numbers and at
SUCH times the Secretary of War may deem
most compatible with the public INTEREST," and tn"
men may receive in lieu of furlough, the commHta-
ton value in money of the transportation granted
to furlou@hcd men by the act.
The term of service ~ those who originally en-
listed for the war; who have since enlisted for
Men in service not permitted to re-enli<t
in ether organizations than those TO which they
now belong; and all re-enlistments that have been
made from existing Company to another, or into
IL new company. where the re-enli<tment has not
been perfected by actual transfer is in effect can
ccicd.
Companies, battarions and regiments of twelve
months men, retained in service by the act, shall
be entitled, within forty days from the date of the
act. on day to be fixed by the Commander of the
Hri1 do tn hy ell all tirir of
fctrs whom they had right heretofore to elect.
Companies, battaons, sqnadrons or regiments
organized, or III process OF organization, by au-
th0rity from the Secretary of War, which may, with
in thirty days from the passage OF the act have the
whole number of men necessary to complete their
organization actual enrolled, not including. how
in that number persons new in service shall be
mustered into the service of the Confederate States
and be received i'll that of the service in which
they authorized to organize, and elect their
company, battalion and regmcntal officers
To enroll the persons contemplated by the act.
and not in service, the President may, with the
consent 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 now in service, who shall be enrolled.
shall be assigned by the Secretary of War to the
different companies Of the State from which such
It's Ximun number.
Srnmem and ordinary Spamcn, enrolled undc~ the
act, may, on application of the Secretary of the
Navy. be transferred to the navals"rvcP,
If. after filling mp the companies, regiments bat
talions and Squadruns from any State, there shall
remain any of the enrolled men, the shall be
kept reserve. and at stated intervals, not
cerding three months, details, TO he made by lot.
shall be drawn from the to keep the COM
pan"s nearly full practicable. The persons
reserved remain at home until called into service
and receive no pay until actually mustered in.
They are not. while at home i'll reserve, subject
al. .,
wlully refuse to obey call of the President they
shall be held drsrrterS. and punished as such.
Whenever the President shall think that :he
exigencies of the service require it, he may call into
active service the entire reserve. much may
be necessary, and they shall he organized under
such rules as the Secretary of War may adopt, and
shall 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 Linn Il mu<k,t, shot gun, rifle or carhne ac-
cePted as an efficient weapon, shall receive the
valu" of it as a<ccrtancd by the mastering officer
under such regulations the Secretary of War
may prescribe, if the owner be unwilling to SELL
he shall receive dollar month for the use of
such arm.
Persons not liable to duty may be received as
substitutes, under such regulations the Secretary
of War may prescribe.
Vacancies Shall be filled by the Pr osdent from
the company, battalion, squadron regim, mt in
which such vacancies occur, by promotion accord
ing to seniority, except in of disability or
other incompccncy.
The President may, however. fill a vacancy by
promoting any officer of the company, battalion.
squadron. or regiment, who may have been dis
tnguiShcd i'll the service by valor and skill without
reference to seniority. Vacancies in the lowest
grade of commissioned officers of a Company shall
be filled by election or the President may promote
to such vacancy non commissioned officers
prvates who have distinguished themselves by skill
and va!"r in the service Persons NOT in
service, may, before being enrolled, volunteer with
existing companies in service.