The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-04-29
THE NEW MILITARY OR coNsCRIPTIoN
LAW.
From the Richmond Enquirer.

From the Richmond Enquirer.
To this law of Congress at first published by
us there 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 it:
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 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 exPmpts has been passed,
which embraces generally those hitherto exempt
with some additions -z- .-.---- :.
All twelve months men, between the prescribed
ares are continued in service for two years from
the cxr,ration of their present term should the
continue so long; and all those under eighteen and
over thrtv-tsre 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 have not yet received bounty
and furlough. shall receive both; the furloughs,
however, to be granted in such numbers and at
such tunes as the Secretary of War may deem
most compatible with the public interest; and the
men may receive in lieu of furlough, the commuta-
ton value in money of the transportation granted
to furloughed men by the act.
The term of service of those who originally en-
listed for the war, who have since re-ensted for
that period. is not affected by the law
Men now in service not permitted to re-enliSt
i'm other organizations than those to which they
now belong; and all re-enlisments that have been
: made from existing company to another or into
a new company, where the re enlistment has not
been perfected by actual transfer, is in effect can
ceed.
Companies battaIinns and regiments of twelve
months men, retained 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
Brdgade, to re-organize, by eecting all their OF
fccrs whom they had rig ht heretofore to elect.
Companies, battalions, squadrons regiments
organized, in process of organization, by au
tlority from the Secretary of ar. 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
ever, in that persons in service shall be
mustered into the service of the Confederate States
aud he received in that of the service in which
they were authorized to organize, and elect their
company, battalion and regineutal officers.
To enroll the persons contemplated by the act,
and not now in service, the President may, with the
consent of the Governors of the States employ State
officers; if such consent cannot be obtained Con-
federate 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
persons are drawn; until each company Is tlled to
its ma ximum number.
Scan,en ard ordinary seamen enrolled under the
act, may, application of the Secretary Of the
Navy. be transferred to the naval service,
If after filling up the companies. reg inSents, bat
taonS and Squadr"ns from any State, there shall
remain any of the enrolled men, the shall be
kept u reserve, aud at stated Intervals not
ceeding three months, details, to be made by lot.
shall be drawn from the reserve to keep tho com
panies nearly full practicable. The persons
reserved remain at home until called into service,
and receive pay until actually mustered in.
They not, while at home in reserve. subject
to the rules and articles Of except that if they
wiltully refuse to obey call of the President they
shall be held drserter< and punished such.
Whenever the President shall think that :he
exgencrs 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 = 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 mustered into service, who shall bring
with him a nusket, shot gun, rife carbine
cepted efficient weapon, shall receive the
value of it ascertained by the mastering officer
under such regulations the Secretary of War
may prescribe if the owner be unwilling to sell.
hi shall receive one dollar month for the 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 President from
the company, battalion, squadron regiment in
which such vacancies occur, by promotion accord
ing to seniority, except il case of disability
other incnmpetpncy.
The President may however. fill vacancy by
promoting any officer of the company, battalion,
squadron. regiment, who may have been dis
tguiShed in the service by yalor and skill without
reference to seniority. Vacancies in the lowest
grade of commissioned officers of Company shall
be filled by election the President may promote
to such vacancy commissioned officers
prvates. who have distinguished themselves by skill
and valor in the service. Persons NOT now in
service may, before being enrolled, volunteer with
existing companies now in service.