The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-07-22
NEW MILITARY OR THE coNScRIPTIoN


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
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 a
general understanding of it
The conscription law places in the service of the
Confederate States for three years, unless the
sooner ends. all white men between eighteen and
thirtvfve years of age resident in the Confederate
States and not legally exempt from service.
The law is silent to exemptions; but an act
defining the class of exempts has been passed,
which embraces generally those hitherto exempt,
with additlons-
All twelve months men, between the prescribed
ages 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-fv who retained beyond their term of
enlistment, and who have not yet received bounty
and furough, shall receive both; the furloughs,
however, to be granted in such numbers and at
such times as the Secretary of War may deem
most compatible with the public interest; and the
men NAV receive in lieu Of furlOugh the oommuta-
ton value in money of the transportation granted
TO furloughcd men by the act.
The term of service of those who originally
listed for the who have since re-enisted for
that period, is not affected by the law.
Men now in service not permitted to re enlist
in other organizations than those to which they
now belong: and all re-enlistments that have been
made from existing company to another, or into
q new company, whore the re-enIistment has not
been perfected by actual transfer, is in effect can
celled.
Companies, battalions and regiments of twelve
months 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
Brdgade, to re-organizc, by electing all their Of
fcers whom they had a right heretofore to elect
Companies battaIlGns, squadr0nS, or regiments
organized, or in process of organization, by
thority 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 actually enrolled, not including, how
in that number persons IN service, shall be
mustered into the service of the Confederate States
and be received in 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 in service the President may with the
consent of the Governors of the States employ State
officers; if such consent cannot be obtained, Con-
fedcrate officers shuli be appointed by the Pres
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 filled to
its maXiT:am number.
Seamen anu ordinary seamen, enrolled under the
act, may, application of the Secretary Of the
Navy. be transferred to the naval service,
IT, after filing up the companies regiments bat
talon< and squudruns from State, there shall
remain any of the enrolled the shall be
kept reserve, and at stated intervals. not
ceedng three months, details, 70 be made by lot.
/ shall be drawn from the reserve to keep the com
pnnies 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 in reserve, subject
to the rules and articles of except that if they
wilfully refuse to obey call of the President they
shall be held descrters. and punished such.
Whenever the President shall think that the
exigenoies 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 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 him u musket, shot gun, rifle or carbne ac-
cepted efficient weapon, shall receive the
value of it a=certained by ithe mastering officer
under such regulations the Secretary of War
may prescribe or if the owner be unwilling to SELL
he shall receive one 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 flied by the President from
tho company, battalion, squadron regiment in
which such vacancies occur, by promotion accord
ing to seniority, except in of disability or
other incompetency.
The President may, however. fill vacancy by
promoting any officer of the company, battalion,
squadron. or regiment, who may have been dis
tingushed in 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 the President may promote
to such vacancy non-commissioned officers
Privutes who have distinguished themselves by skill
and vnor in the service. Persons NOT now in
service may before being enrolled, volunteer with
existing Coinpanits in service.