Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-01-09
WILMINGTON. N. c.. Dec. 27. 1861

WILMINGTON, N. c., Dec II, 1861.
MEsSRs EDITORS As it is question of dispute to
when the 18th Regiment n c. Troops are to be mustered
out of service will be comforting favor on many to
give some light on the subject through your reliable col
in months previous to the formation Of the
iment the 10Th last June.
For instance, Cos A g. and were ordered to take Fort
Caswe the 18th of APRIL which they did, and remained
there arduOus duty repairing the Fort &e for two
months and, other companies were sent there late in
there but company in the regiment
that ordered out By the proper authorities, either
in April May, but for reason or neggence-not
until the middle OF June. Now is very certain that each
company which had been ordered IN service previous be-
ing mustered the in June understoOdat the
Informed when they took the oath at that late
that their months would count from the day
they first went into the service With this view the farm
ers others of like interest who constitute the 18th Regi
ment looked the months of April and May, 1862
the time which but reasonable to expect twelve
months volunteers their time would expire, afOrdng them
chance to assist in the beginning OF new CROP which
could be done in six or eight weeks the expiration
which time they could again respond to the call OF their
country, If necessary.
This most of the expect to do. But notwhstand-
ing what already stated is maintained by some either
from peCunary interest mistaken views that the Regi
ment cannot or will be mustered out until the 18th
june The principal point for this unreasonable opinion
IS that the companies in service before being IN the Reg
ment were considered as militia.
But Messrs Editors how is this If this is considered
by authorities whose fault is that each company had
not been into Regiment before this late date of
June Late because they had been in regular service for
(2) months, and at any day willing, and moreover
pecng take the OATH whenever the officer for that pur
panies of the 18th Regiment militia from last April
ill June is simply to charge somebody, and the
panies with gross negligence Of duty In proof OF this,
fbe Army Regulations require that all companies after
being formed and eectng officers shall take the oath with
days after this formation So no one can say that
responsible for not being formed into
some Regiment iopg before June.
Whether the authorities intend to act according to the
of those who expect the major portion OF the Reg-
serve fourteen months instead Of twelve yet
unknown; it is certain that each company has been
paid from the time ordered OUT without any desgna-
ton, militia being made the pay rolls. Now Messrs
Editors, there evidently interest involved in this
growing question: and, if in your good judgment, you
give or any information to be given this subject
YOU will be comforting small favor which will be thank
July acknowledged by many persons concerned.
No will for moment think that the true and brave
18th wish their couny-a country IN which
thing at stake, and for which their lives pledged to
forever protection less time than they agreed. 1t is
much to the contrary They will again. yes until
it is acknowledged free and Independent by the world
Still in all matters wish to have justice and when
thew themselves wrOnged they not likely to forget
in the future Let the time of these companies, which are
were first ordered out repe the enemy, and see the
after working eo1 aceeES on their farms, will
not re-enllst. Yours, very respectfully. -
MANY FRIENDS OF THE 18TH.
We give the above communication rather because it
is sent to u.s. and with the view of eiciting information,
than with any confidence of being able to give such in
formation ourselves with any authority, On or
two points.
First 1t is evident that amount of service before
the 10th day Of May, 1861 be counted part of
the twelve months since the law authorizing the Cover
nor to call for and accept twelve months volunteers was