The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-07-08
NEW MILITARY OR THE CONSUMPTION
LAW.

NEW OrA A11 SOISSS1N-A 1880
LAW.
To this law of Congress as at first published by
US, there were subsequently passed several amend
ments or auxiliary laws. We present. the follow
ing 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 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 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 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 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 furoughs
however, to 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 furlough. the commute
ton value in money of the transportation granted
to furlorghrd men by the net.
The term of service of those who originally en-
listed for the war, or WHO nave SlnC1 REQUESTED
that period is not affected by the law.
Men in service are not permitted to re -enliSt
in other organizations than those to which they
now belong; and all re-enlstments that have been
made from one existing company to another, or into
a new company where the re-eniistment has not
been perfected by actual transfer, is in effect
cellcd.
Companies battaions and regiments of twelve
months men. retained in service by the act, shall
be entitled within forty days from the date of the
Low hoS ID h,t l,o lar of+
Bridgade to re-organize, by electing all their of
fcers whom they had right heretofore to elect.
Companies, battalions, squadrons, 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 now in service, shall be
mustered into the service of the Confederate States,
and be received in that arm 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 shall be appointed by tho 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 filled to
its maximum number
Seamen and ordinary seamcn, enrolled under the
act, may, on application of the Secretary of the
Navy be transferred to the naval service,
If, after filing up the companies, regiments, bat
taliOns and Squadrons Eum any State, there shall
remain any of the enrolled men, the excess shall be
kept rs reserve, and at stated Intervals not ex-
Cccding three months, details, to be made by lot.
shall be drawn from the reserve to keep the COM
panes nearly full as 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 ia reserve, subject
tn the rules and articles of except that if they
wifuly refuse to obey call of the President they
shall be held as deserters. and punished such.
Whenever the President shall think that the |
exgencies of the service require it, he may call into
active service the entire much as may
be necessary, and they shall be 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 man mustered into service, who shall bring |
with him musket, shot gun, rife or carbne ac- |
cePted efficient weapon, shall receive the |
value of it rs ascerained by the mastering officer
under such regulations the Secretary of War |
may prescribe, or if the be unwilling to SELL
he shall receive dollar month for the use of |
such arm.
Persons not liable to duty may be received as
under such regulations the Secretary
Of w ar may prescribe.
Vacancies shall be filled by the President from |
the company, battalion, squadron or regiment in |
which such vacancies occur, by promotion accord |
ing to seniority, except in of disability or
other incompetency.
The President may, however, fill q vacancy by |,
promoting any officer of the company, battalion, |
squadron. regiment, who may have been dis |
tingushed in the service by vaor and skill without
reference to seniority. Vacancies in the lowest |
grade of commissioned officers of Company shall !
be filled by election or the President may promote |
to such vacancy non commissioned officers or
privat"s who have distinguished themselves by skill
and vaor in the service. Persons NOT now in |
service, may, before being enrolled volunteer with
pxistns companies in service.
EXEMPTIONS