LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ®m^i-^mm¥ lo._.. Shelf Al.'i.GrU UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SONS OF VETERANS' GUIDE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS SONS OF VETERANS', U. S A. Ladies' aid Societies 8ECOND EDITION.— REVISED BY y COL. EDWARD K. GOULD Past Commander, Division of Maine ROCKLAND, MAINE EDWARD K. GOULD, PUBLISHER 1888. 'mBi' Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1887, by Edwabd- K. Gould, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The Camp 5 CHAPTER II. Camp Officers 15 CHAPTER III. Camp Records 31 CHAPTER IV. Camp By-Laws 48 CHAPTER V. The Division 55 CHAPTER YI. Division Officers 59 CHAPTER YII. Division Records ^ 68 CHAPTER YIII. Commandery-in-Chief 84 CHAPTER IX. Commandery-in-Chief Officers 88 CHAPTER X. Correspondence 96 CHAPTER XL Infantry Tactics 100 CHAPTER XII. Manual of Arms 110 CHAPTER XIII. Inspections 116 CHAPTER XIY. Muster of New Camps 126 CHAPTER XY. West Point. — Information about Appointment and Admission of Cadets , 130 PREFACE. The flattering reception accorded the first edition of the Guide, and the continued demand for the same, has led the author to prepare and present this edition to the Order. The book, as revised, has grown to respectable proportions, in keeping with the rapid progress and de- velopment of all departments of the Sons of Veterans' and the Ladies' Aid Societies ; and it is hoped that it will fully meet all the demands and wants for which it is intended. Every chapter has been carefully revised, and much new matter added thereto. The chapters on The Camp, Camp Records, The Division, Division Records, The Commandery-in-chief, Inspections, Muster of New Camps, and West Point, make their first appearance «i this edition. The author is under many obligations to Gen. George B. Abbott, Commander-in-chief; Brig. Gen. C. J. Post, Adjutant-General; Col. Frank McCrillis, Commander of the Illinois Division, and Col. Charles H. Eice, Past-Commander, Division of Maine, for valuable assistance in the preparation of this volume. SOJSrS OF ^TFTERJ^NS' a UJDJE. CHAPTER I. THE CAMP. 1. Camps are formed by nuthority of the Divis- ion Colonel, noting by direction of the Command- er-in-Chief, on application of not less than ten eligi- ble persons. Chap, II, Art. I, Sec. 1. 2. Xo Camp shall be recognized by the Sons of Veterans unless acting nnder a legal and unfor- feited charter. Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 1. 3. A Camp cannot surrender its charter, so long- as ten members demand its continuance. 4. In order to surrender the charter, a proposi- tion to that effect mast be made at least four weeks previous to action, an«l due notice given to each member. Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 2. 5. The rank of Camps is determined by date of charter. Chap. II, Art. I. Sec. 3. 6. Cannot surrender charter for a limited period 7. May forfeit charter by failure or neglect to hold monthly meetings. 8. Consent of Camp not necessary for the or- ganization of new Camp in the same town. 2 SONS OF VETERANS GUIDE. 9. Each Camp to have appropriate name and number, but no two Camps of same Division are al- lowed to use the same name and number. Ch:ip. I, Art. lY, Sec. 1. 10. Applications for membership to be made at stated meetings of Camp. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 2. 11. Investigating Committees report in writing on applications for membership at subsequent meet- ing, unless dispensation is granted by Colonel. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 2. 12. Rejected applicants forever after ineligible for admission to any other Camp, without the con- sent, by three-fourths vote, of Camp rejecting. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 5. 13. Rejected applicants cannot be admitted to the Camp rejecting until six months thereafter. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 5. 14. It Candidates fail to present themselves for muster within three months from date of election, it is void, ami they forfeit the fees paid. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 7. 15. The Colonel may, however, grant a dispen- sation to above rule. 16. Shall not divulge the cause or means of re- jection of an ai>plicant for membership. 17. May, at the request of a Brother, mquire in- to his character, and vq',\^ the evidence to the Camp. THE CAMP. 18. Cannot act on verbal report of investigating committees. 19. Where such committees have not seen the candidate, but report, and a ballot is had, action is void. 20. Catnp is not debarred from a true expres- sion of their opinion by the negligence of an inves- tigating committee. 21. Cannot give consent to the withdrawal of an ai^plication after committee has reported thereon. 22. A Camp may admit or re-admit a Brother with a valid transfer, by three-fourths vote. Chap. II, Art. Ill, Sec. 1. 23. He may also be a charter member of a new Camp. 24. Cannot impose any restriction u2:)on the right of a Brother to demand a transfer c;ird, in the form of a fee or otherwise. 25. A vote of the Camp instructing Captain not to grant a transfer is void. 26. Application for transfer card must be made to the Captain in writing at a stated meeting of the Camp. Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. % 27. A Camp giving relief to a needy visiting Brother, must endorse the same on his leave of ab- sence, and notify his camp. Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. 1. 28. Application for an Honorable Discharge can be made by any Brother in good standing, to the Captain oiliis Camp, at a stated meeting of the same, but he shall i"^ceive the same at some subse- quent meeting. Chap. II, Ai-t. IV, Sec. 3. 29. Honorably discharged brothers may be re- admitted on application duly made to any Camp, and b illoted upon, by taking anew the obligation. Chap. W, Art. IV, Sec. 3. 30. When a Camp , surrenders charter, all members in good standing entitled to transfer card from Colonel. Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. 4. 81. Stated meetings of the Camp shall be held at least monthly. Chap. II, Art. V, Sec. 1. 32. In Ca23tain's absence, next in rank assumes command. In absence of Captain, First and Sec- ond Lieutenants, the Senior Past Captain present presides, and should no Past Captain be present, the Camp chooses a Captain ^9ro tempore. Chap. II, Art. V, Sec. 1. 33. Special meetings are convened by Captain at his own discretion, or on written application of not less than six members. Chap. II, Art. V, Sec. 2. 34. The call for a special meeting must specify the business to be transacted, and no other can be transacted. Chap. II, Art. V, Sec. 3. 35. Stated and special meetings having closed THE CAMP. cannot be re-o]jened except by general consent, and before any member has left Camp room. Chap. II, Art. V, Sec. 4. 36. Appropriation of money or Camp property cannot be made at special meetings. Chap. II, Art. y, Sec. 5. 37. Seven members in good standing constitute a quorum at stated and special meetings. Chap^ II, Art. V, Sec. 6. 38. Nominations for officers are to be made at least ,one stated meeting prior to election. Chap. II, Art. VII, Sec. 1. But this does not prevent nominations from being made two or three weeks prior provided due notice is given. 39. The annual election takes place at last stated meeting in December, and the installation occurs on first stated meeting in January. Chap.. II, Art. VII, Sec. 1. 40. Majority of all votes cast necessary to a choice of officers. Chap. II, Art. VII, Sec. 1. 41. Vacancies may be filled at any stated meet- ing, notice being given one stated meeting prior. Chap. II, Art. VII, Sec. 2. 42. A Camp cannot accept the resignation of the Captain, First or Second Lieutenant. The ac- ceptance is by the Colonel. 43. Transaction of Camp void when done under 10 SONS OF veterans' GUIDE, a CMptain pro tempore not a member of the Camp- 44. Cannot install officers in December. 45. Where the decision or action of the Captain is in violation of the (])onstitution, Rales and Regu- lations, a vote of the Camp to sustain him does not cure his error. 46. May provide by By-Law that officers absent- ing themselves from meetings shall be punished by fine. 47. May impose fines by By-Laws for neglect of duty on the part of officers, special committees or members. Chap. II, Art. XI. 48. All elections of officers and representatives must be conducted as provided in Chapter II, Art. XII. 49. Discussion of Politics and Religion forbid- den in Camp room. Chap. II, Art. XY. 50. No Officer or Past Officer sh;ill affix his of- ficial signature to a recommendation or application for political position. Chap. II, Art. XVI. 51. May establish Relief Fund for assistance of needy soldiers, sailors and marines, and their wid- ows and orphans. Chap. II, Art. XYIII. 52. May adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with Constitution, Rules and Regulations, subject to the Colonel's approval. Chap. II, Art. XIX, 53. Entitled to one representative and alternate THE CAMP. 11 in Division Encampment for every 100 members in good standing, and an additional one for a iSnal fraction of more than one-half that number. Each Camp however is entitled to one representative,what- ever its number may be. Chap. Ill, Art. II, Sec. 1, Clause 4. This clause is not thoroughly understood and aj)- pears to be awkwardly drawn. 100 members in good standing constitute the unit of representation of a Camp in the Division Encampment, and a final fraction of more than half the unit — that is, more than 50 members — sh.ill count as 100. Every camj) would, therefore, be entitled to one representative ; and if comj^osed of between 51 to 150 members as 100, every 151 to 250 as 200, etc. Should a Camp, number 151 they would be entitled to one repre- sentative and an additional one forthe 51 members, which is a final fraction of more than half of one hundred. 54. Camps must pay charter fee to Division of not less than $10 nor more than $15. Chap. YI, Art. I, Sec. 1. 55. Camps on surrendering charter must turn over to the Division Adjutant all books of records, Orders, Rituals and Camp papers belonging to it. Chap. VI, Art. 1, Sec. 3. 56. Camp charters can be suspended or an- 12 SONS OF veterans' guide. nulled by Commander-in-Chief on recommendation of Colonel. Chap. VI, Art. J, Sec. 4. 57. Shall be assessed by Division Encampment,. a per capita tax not exceeding 50 cents on each and every member in good standing. Chap. YI, Art. Ill, Sec. 2. 58. A Camp. in arrears for reports or dues not allowed representation in Division Encampment until same are forwarded . Chap. VI, Art. IV, Sec. 2. 59. Camp may elect by two-thirds vote a G. A. R. Advisory Committee of five comrades in good standing, and Diplomas shall be issued to them by the Commander-in-Chief. 60. Continued absence and neglect sufficient cause to remove a member of al)ove Committee, subject to two-thirds vote, after a respectful notice to delinquent. Chap. VI, Art. XII, Sec. 2. 61. A Camp should have two flags — the first a National color, the second a Camp color as de- scribed in Chapter VI, Art. XIII, Sec. 2, Rules and Regulations. 62. The Camp Seal consists of the crest of the Coat of Arms surrounded by thirteen stars, and un- der the roll shall appear, in Roman numerals, the year of tlie organization of the order (to wit 1881 ). The whole shall be surrounded by the words " Camp, No. , Sons of Veterans," and the loca- THE CAMP. 13 tion, town or city, and State, shall be added to the same. Chap. YI, Art. XV. 63. May fix admission fee of not less than $1.50 including Badge and also the annual dues. 64. May exclude suspended member from meet- ings of the Camp. 65. Cannot reinstate a former brother who had iDeen dropped for arrearages, and who died after his nnme had been dropped. 66. Cannot remit the dues of a dropped member. 67. Cannot use Camp funds to reinstate a mem- ber. 68. Cannot order the publication of any sen- tence of a Court Martini. 69. Where the Constitution, Rules and Regula- tions are silent, may provide by By-Law. 70. Cannot hold "executive sessions." . 71. Has no executive power. 72. Cannot exclude Division officers. 73. May consult its own convenience in regard to admitting Brothers from other Camps, with due regard for the principles of courtesy and fraternity. 74. Supplemental reports should be made, show- ing wdiat number have been reinstated, and the quarters for which dues have been paid to the Camp, 75. The Colonel or Commander-in-Chief cannot 14 grant a "Roving Charter," a Camp m\ist be located.. 76. Must have a regidar and uniform Initiation Fee, and cannot establish different fees for differ- ent applicants, 77. Cannot levy an assessment on members for burial purposes. 78. Organized after the third quarter of the year entitled to representation in the Divisio i Encamp- ment. 79. Cannot change records except to correct errors. 80. The official Camp Ribbon, to be worn on^ badge of Captain, First and Second Lieutenant, is of a blue center and a red, white and blue border, same as is now worn. Chap. VI, Art. XI, Sec. 5. 81. Any person who has ever borne arms against the government of the United States not eligible ta membership. ■ CHAPTER II. CAMP OFFICERS. 1. Elected Officers. — Captain, First Lieu- tenant, Second Lieutenant, Camp Council, Dele- gate and Alternate. 2. Appoin-ted Officers. — Chaplain, First Ser- geant, Quartermaster Sergeant, Sergeant of the Guard, Corporal of the Guard, Camp and Picket Guard. 3. Duties of Captain". — The Captain shall pre- side at all meetings of the Camp and shall preserve order and decorum therein. He shall enforce a strict observance of the Constitution and By-Laws and all orders from proper authority. He shall de- cide a4 questions of order without debate, subject, however, to an appeal to the Camp. It shall be his duty to detail all officers and appoint nil commit- tees not otherwise provided for, sign all orders, or requisitions made on the Quartermaster Sergeant or damp Council for appropriations of money or any property of the Camp, ami perform all other duties pertaining to his office. At all elections the Commanding officer shall act ^s judge, and he shall appoint as tellers, two mem- 16 SONS OF veterans' guide. bers who are not candidates to assist him. Sec. 1^ Art. Vlir., Chap. II. 4. Shall .ippoint the Chaplain, the different Ser- geants, the Corporal of the Guard, a Camp and Pick- et Guard. Sec. 3, Art. VII., Chap. II. 5. Is member of Division Encampment. Sec. 1,. Art. II., Chap. III. 6. Issues credentials to representatives, forward ing copy to Adjutant immediately after election. Sec. 3, Art. II., Chap. III. Blanks should be fur- nished from Division Headquarters. 7. Holds in trust the Bond of Quartermaster Sergeant and members of Camp Council, Sec. 6^ Art. VII., Chap. VI. 8. May be suspended from office by Division Commander when charges are preferred against him. Sec. 7, Art. VI., Chap. VI. 9. Can only be tried by court-martial appointed by Division Commander. Sec. 3, Art. VI., Chap. VI. 10. Must forward to Division Headquarters full proceedings of Camp Court-martial where the sen- tence is dishonorable discharge, but may confirm or disapprove sentences of lighter degree. Sec. 6, Art. VI, Chap. VI. 11. May call special meetings. (See Camp.) Sec. 2, Art. v., Chap. II. CAMP OFFICERS. 17 12. Shall appoint all special committees. Art. XIII., Chap. II. 13. Insignia of rank of Captain is two bars on blue field of rank strap. Clause 3, Sec. 1, Art. X., Chap. VI. 14. Past Capt.'iin, who has served full term or to the end of an unexpired term, entitled to wear Iron Cross of the Order, attached to Camp ribbon Sec. 3, Art. XL, Chap. II. 15. Forwards names of Advisory Committee through Division Headquarters to Commander-in- Chief. Sec. 2, Art. XI., Chap. VI. 16. Must forward name of rejected applicant to Division Headquarters, together with date of rejec- tion. Sec. 6, Art. II., Chap. II. 17. Must forward reports of First and Quarter master Sergeants to Division Adjutant on the first DAYS OF January, April, July and October Sec. 1, Art. II., Chap. VI. 18. Shall forward with the reports the Divis- ion tax on the members reported in good standing. Sec. 3, Art. III., Chap. VI. 19. Is chairman of Visiting Committee. Art. XIII., Chap. II. 20. May order courts-martial for tiial of offend- ers in his jurisdiction. Sec. 3, Art. VI., Chap. VI. 21. May grant Leaves of Absence, Transfers, 3 18 SONS OF veterans' guide. and Discharges to brothers. Sec. 1-3, Art. IV., Chap. II. 22. It is the duty of Captain to transfer or dis- charge a Brother in good standing on application. 23. When the Constitution, Rules and Regula- tions are silent, and the Camp has not provided by By-Law for making appointments, Captain shall detail or appoint. 24. When charges are preferred, should be sus- pended from official duties. 25. lias no power to pardon a brother sentenced by court-martial. 26. Has no power to suspend a member of his Camp, against whom charges have been preferred before the decision of the case. 27. When charges are made to Colonel that the election of a Captain is illegal, installation may be postponed. 28. Cannot turn over his command to a brother not a member of his Camp. If he does, proceed- ings are void. 29. Should decide points of order arising in a Camp meeting. 30. Decisions of, may be over-ruled by the Colo- nel without an appeal having been taken. 31. Cannot call in question the standing of a Charter member. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. 19 32. May detail officers in absence of Lieutenants. 33. May communicate the countersign to a Brother in srood standing;, either at ameetinsj of the Camp or outside of Camp. 34. Cannot, on his own option, order Brothers to atteml a funeral of other than brothers of the Order in good standing. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. The Captain should be familiar with the Rules and Regulations, and with common parliamentary law ; also the Rules of Order. The Ritual should be memorized thoroughly. The officers and guard should be drilled in the muster-in services in the intervals of Camp meet- ings until perfect, and each officer should be pre- pared to act for the next highest officer in his ab- sence. Errors in the instruction of a recruit should not be publicly corrected, unless absolutely necessary, and then the instruction will be communicated by the Captain in a low tone to the officer in fault, and care taken that the error be not repeated. The Captain is responsible for the discipline of the Camp when in session or on parade. He will receive and respond to the proper saluta- tions of members. If his attention be momentarily 20 SONS OF veterans' guide. withdrawn, brothers must wait respectfully, and not call attention by rudely stamping the feet. The General Orders, etc., received by the Cap- tain from Headquarters are Camp property, and after being read to the Camp, on tlie meeting next after their receipt, will be properly filed and kept accessible to members. In accordance with military usage, the Captain will conduct correspondence with Division Head- quarters. First and Second Lieutenants. The First Lieutenant and Second Lieutenant shall assist the Captain in preserving order and decorum in the Camp, and shall perform such other duties as are re- quired of them by the Constitution and Ritual jof the Order. The inner door of the Camp shall, un- der orders of the Commanding Officer, be in the spe- cial charge of the First Lieutenant. Sec. 2, Art. VIII., Chap. II. Chaplain — The Chaplain shall assist in conduct- ing the ceremonies prescribed by the Work of the Order : ho shall officiate at the opening and closing of the Camp, and j)erform such othei- duties as are required of him. Sec. 3, Art. VIIL, Chap. II. P'iRST Sergeant. — The First Sergeant shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the Camp, which shall be read in full at the succeeding GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. 21 meeting, and having, if necessary, been corrected, and duly approved. He shall attest, with or with- out the seal of the Camp, all notices, orders, requi- sitions and other documents and papers of the Camp ; shall notify all candidates of their election^ and shall mnke out for the Camp Commander all reports, returns, and other papers required of him. 2. He shall keep in books properly prepared. 1. The Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of Order of the Camp, the same to be subscribed to by every candidate on his becoming a member. 2. A Descriptive Book, containing the full name, age, residence, date of application, acceptance, and muster of each member, the facts upon which his right to membership is based, and name of father from whom eligibility is derived, giving in concise form a brief but complete history of the case. 3. A Journal of the proceedings of the Camp after the same shall have been corrected and ap- proved. 4. An Order Book, in which shall be entered all orders and circulars of the Camp Commander. 5. A Requisition Book, to pay bills, and he shall draw requisitions on the Quartermaster Sergeant for all amounts to be expended by the Camp, and submit the same to the Commanding Officer for his approval. 22 SONS OF veterans' guide. 6. A Black Book, in which shall be recorded the names of all rejected candidates and all dishonor ably discharged members, giving in each instance the date and a concise history of the case. 3. The First Sergeant shall perform such other duties as pertain to his office, and on his re- tirement from the same, shall promptly and without delay, transfer to his successor, who shall receipt for the same, the seal of the Camp, and all books, papers, blanks, and other property of the Camp in his possession. 4. The efficiency of the Camp depends largely on the manner in which this officer discharges his duties, and CajDtains cannot exercise too much judgment in choosing a brother for this important office. 6. He should be able to refer promptly ,to the records of j^receding action of the Camp, to com- munications and orders received. 6. The Journal should be ruled down the out- er margin of each page, leaving one and one-half inches of space to index the headings of each item of business. 7. The minutes should not be entered on the Journal until after they have been read to the Camp for correction. 8. When the minutes are read, the Captain will GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. 23 say: "If there is no objection, the minutes Avill stand approved as read." "They are so approved." 9. These minutes should recite in detail the ac- tion of the Camp. 10. The name of the proposer of any business should always be given. 11. The substance of remarks or discussions need not be noted unless especially required. 12. Lengthy communications or reports need not be entered in full unless so directed, but a brief synopsis of each should be given, and the papers then numbered and filed for reference. 13. Important and lengthy resolutions should be committed to writing by the proposer. 14. Resolutions accompanying a report should be entered in full. 15. The General Orders are to be read in place and then filed, unless action thereon is called for. Commandery and Division orders should be pre- served in Binders for handy reference and as Camp property. 16. The First Sergeant details the guards under orders of the Captain. 17. Gives two weeks notice of annual election of officers and that all brothers six months in ar- rears will be prohibited from voting. Art. XII., Chap. II. Same rule applies when vacancies are to be filled. 24 18. Makes out quarterly returns for Captain. 19. Insignia of rank is chevron of blue silk, worn on arm above the bend of the elbow, and consists of three stripes in the form of a V, with a lozenge in the angle, same as worn in the service of 1861- 1865. 20. Not entitled to Avear Camp ribbon, wears ribbon of general membership — red, white and blue. Quartermaster Sergeant. — The Quartermas- ter Sergeant shall hold such of the funds of the Camp as are required for its more immediate use. He shall hold and have the genei-al charge of the other property of the Camp, not otherwise provided for ; shall fill all requisitions drawn by the First Sergeant and approved by the Camp Commander ; and he shall not pay out any money except upon requisition in due form from the First Sergeant, countersigned by the Commanding Officer, and a RECEIPT UPON this REQUISITION shall be his vouch- er of authority and disbursements; shall keep the accounts between the Camp and its members; shall collect all moneys due the Camp, giving in all cases receipts therefor ; shall notify all members in ar- rears ; shall furnish the First Sergeant with the re- ceipts prior to the close of each meeting ; and at the next stated meeting after the close of each month, render to the Camp a detailed account of GENERAL INSTKUCTIONS. 25 the transactions of tlie month, and the money bal- ance in his hands. He shall perform all such other duties as pertain to his office, and on his retirement from the same, shall promptly turn over and deliver to his successor, who sliall receipt for same, all the funds, books, papers, and other property of the Camp in his possession. Sec. 6, Art. VIII., Chap. II. 2. Shall make tlie quarterly reports, for the Captain, of state of the finances, etc. Sec. 5, Art. II., Chap. VI. 3. The Q. M. S. requires a Cash Book, Ledger and Receipt Book. 4. On the Cash Book should be noted each payment as made, and the entries should be read to the Camp before adjournment to allow corrections. 5. The Receipt Book should also carry for- ward on the stubs the total receipts, etc. 6. The Requisitions or Orders, duly receipted by the party to whose order they are drawn, are his vouchers for payment, and the total of these deducted from the receipts, gives the balance of cash on hand. 7. Some pages of the Cash Book should be ruled for a summary of Disbursements, giving No. of Requisition, date, for whom drawn, for what account, and amount, so as to be always ready for reference. 26 SONS OF veterans' guide. ^. The Q. M. S. sliould fill out the receipts as payments for clues are made by brothers, and entered m the Cash Book. ( !See Gamp Records.) 9. Quartermaster Sergeants are required to give Bonds for the faithful performance of their duties, Sec. 1, Art. VII., Chap. VT. Too great importance cannot be given to this matter. Instances are on record where Q. M. Ser- geants have absconded with the funds and left the Camp in jeopardy. Camps of the Sons of Veterans, unincorporated, cannot bring suits agninst defaulting officers, except in an indirect and troublesome manner. The Law, as applicable to such institutions in each State, should be carefully examined by the Judge-Advo- cate in each Division, in order that a bond may be j^rovided that will stand legal tests, and forms be then printed and issued to Camps. Generally, the bond of an officer re-elected, which is not renewed for each term, is void. 10. The Color Sergeant is under the order of the Quartermaster Sergeant. Chap. II., Art. VIII., Section 7. 11. The Principal Musician is also under his direction. Chap. II., Art. VIII., Sec. 8. 12. Shall prepare alphabetical list of all brothers entitled to vote, at least one week prior to an GENEKAL INSTRUCTIONS. 27 election, one or more of the Camp Council shall assist him. Chap. II., Art. XII. 13. The Insignia of Rank of this officer is the chevron used in the service 1861 to 1865, and con- sists of three blue silk stripes, with three horizontal bars at to]), in shape of Y, worn at the bend of the elbow. 14. Wears the membership ribbon of red, white and blue. 15. May make the entry of "Suspended" or " Dropped " members without action of Camp. Color Sergeant. — The Color Sergeant of the Camp shall, under the directioil of the Q. M. Ser- geant, have charge of and be responsible for the preservation and safe keeping of the several flags and colors of the Camp. Sec. 7, Art. YIIL, Chap. II. Principal Musician. — The Principal Musician shall, under direction of the Quartermaster Ser- geant, be responsible for the preservation and safe keeping of the fifes, drums, bugles and other property of the Corps. Sec. 8, Art. YIII., Chap. II. Sergeant of the Guard. — The Sergeant of the Guard will see that the Camjj room is in proper condition and order for the transaction of business. 2. He will examine, j^^'epare and introduce all 28 SONS OF veterans' guide. recruits, and instruct them in the unwritten work, which should be carefully memorized, and be given clearly and plainly. 3. He will have charge of the ballot-box during the election of members, presenting the same to the Captain for his announcement of the result. Corporal of the Guard. — The Corporal of the Guard assists the Sergeant of the Guard in the per- formance of his duties. Under direction of the Commanding Officer, he inspects the Guards and reports the result of said inspection to him. Camp Council.* — The Camp Council shall be charged with the general care and supervision of the investment of the surplus funds of the Camp, and shall be responsible for and look after all its material welfare. It shall be their duty to devise and recommend measures for preserving and increas- ing the funds of the Camp; to make its investments, leases and other contracts; secure a place of meet- ing ; settle and dispose of all disputed accounts be- tween the Quartermaster Sergeant and members of the Camp ; examine and pass upon all accounts and bills incurred by any officer or committee of the Camp ; examine the books, vouchers and other papers of the different officers at their pleasure, and all books and accounts shall be open to the inspec- GENERAL INSTRnCTIONS. '29 tion of the Camp Council on demand. The Camp Council shall keep a record of their proceedings, and at the end of each three months shall render a full and complete report in writing, showing their tran- sactions and the financial condition of the Camp. 2. The best interests of a Camp require, that be- fore the close of each quarter, the Camp Council should carefully examine the books and vouchers of the Quartermaster Sergeant, the records of the First Sergeant, inquire into the responsibility of the bondsmen of the Q. M. Sergeant, and pass upon the account of each brother with the Camp, and make recommendations as to who are in arrears, and should be suspended or dropped. 3. The Camp Council shall severally and jointly give bonds for the faithful performance of their duties. Sec. 2, Art. VIL, Chap. VI. 4. No change should be made by the Camp Council in any investment of the Camp Funds, or in the title to Camp jjroperty, or any money paid therefrom, without the concurrence in writing of all the Councilors. 5. The Q. M. Sergeant shall turn over to the Camp Council such property and funds of the Camp as the Camp by vote may direct. 6. One or more of the Camp Council shall assist the Q. M. Sergeant in making up the Poll List. Art. XII., Chap. II. 30 SONS OF veterans' guide. 7. Must be in session on night of election of officers. Art. XII., Chap. II. 8. The attention of members of the Council is called to the article on Auditing Accounts. In order to projDerly discharge their duties, they should be perfectly familiar with the duties of the Quartermaster Sergeant, and to this end a careful study of his duties as laid down in this work is ad- vised, {^ee ^^Camp Becords^^ also "§. M. Ser- geantP) CHAPTER III. CAMP RECORDS. The records of the Camp are kept by the First and Quartermaster Sergeants, and the books neces- sary for this purpose have been enumerated under the duties of the above-named officers. The Journal should contain a brief history of the proceedings of each meeting, and to assist First Sergeants in properly keeping the name, the following form is given : Headquarters Camp, S. of V. 188 Camp met in G. A. R. Hall, and opened in due form at 8 o'clock p.m. ; Captain A. B. in the chair. Officers absent at Roll Call : First Lieutenant C. D., and Chaplain E. F. Details : Acting First Lieutenant G. H. ; Acting Chaplain I. J. Records of the last meeting read and approved. (Records of last meeting read and approved after making the following amendment: "The Color Sergeant came in and assumed his official position," after reports of committees, etc.) 32 SONS OF veterans' guide. Brother H. I. reported sick, and the Visiting Committee was instructed to visit him. Comrade B. A. of the G. A. R., was also reported in need of assistance, and the Visiting Committee was ordered to visit and assist him. Captain A. B., Cliairman of the Visiting Com- mittee, reported that the committee had visited Brother G. E., reported sick at the hist meeting, and found him improving in health and in need of no assistance. On motion of Bro. H. J,, the report was accepted. Bro. J. K , from committee appointed to investi- gate the application of R. S. for membership, re- j^orted favorably on tlie same. On motion of Brother C. D., the report was accepted, and the Camp j^roceeded to ballot on the application. The result of the ballot being favorable, R. S. was elected, and was there introduced and duly mustered. (If the applicant be not present, the First Sergeant should send him notice of his election, and if he does not present himself for muster within three months, the election will be void, and nil the moneys paid for muster fee forfeited to the Camp.) The application of K. C. for membership, was then read and referred to Brothers C. D., E. F. and G. H., for investigation. CAMP RECORDS. 33 A recess was declared for the collection of dues. Meeting called to order, and Geneial Orders, No. 7, Headquarters Comniandery in Chief was then read and placed on file. The bill of C. D., of $6.00, for services as janitor, W(\8 also read, and on motion of E. F., ordered paid when approved by the Camp Council. On motion of Brother R. Y., the following was unanimously adopted : — Hesolved, That the thanks of this Camp are due and are hereby given the Ladies' Relief Corps for the assistance rendered at our late entertainment. Hesolved, That tb.e First Sergeant be and hereby is instructed to furnish the Relief Corps with a copy of these resolutions. Receipts of the evening, $3.75. Meeting closed in due form at 9.30 o'clock, p.m. J. A. K., First Sergeant. Applications for Membership when received by the First Sergeant, should be read by him in Camp, after which the Captain should appoint an Investigating Committee thereon, of which the brother recommending the applicant shall not be a member, and endorse the names of the committee on the back, together with date of appointment. The First Sergeant shall then deliver the appli- cation to the chairman of said committee, and the same shall be thoroughly investigated, special at- 34 soxs OF veterans' guide. tention being paid to the applicant's character, his father's service, and if he were honorably difcJiarged therefrom ; also ascertain if he has ever borne arms against the Government of the United Slates. If evidence appears that the applicant himself has ever borne arms against the United States Govern- ment, or has ever been convicted of an infamous crime, he should be rejected. The committee shouhl report by endorsement on tlie applications at the next meeting after appointment, unless a dis- pensation has been granted by the Colonel permit- ting them to report on tlie same evening. If the application be rejected, it should be entered on the Black Book and reported to Division Headquarters in the next quarterly report. Should the result of the ballot be favorable, the First Sergeant should endorse on the application, " Elected — 18 — ," and when mustered, '-'-Mustered — 18 — , No. on Descrip- tive Book — ." After the applicant is mustered, the application should be entered in the Descriptive Book, and not before^ and should be placed on file for future reference. The First Sergeant should insist on having all applications for membership full,, complete and accurately made out in ink. The Descriptive Book should contain a con- cise history of each member, and of his father. Each name as it is entered, should be numbered in consecutive order. The name of the brother and CAMP RECORDS. 35 his father should be entered in full, and initials should be avoided as much ns possible. That is, never enter a name J. P. Brown or T. R. Smith, but John P. Brown or Thomas R. Smith. Ditto marks are prohibited in the military service, and they should not be used in the De- scriptive Book. After once entering the name and history of a recruit in the Descriptive Book, and after the same has been reported to Division Headquarters in the quarterly returns, never change or transpose the same without notifying the Adjutant of your Divi- sion of the exact alteration. If you do not do this it will create confusion in the Division records and lead to much trouble. For instance, you enter the following on your Descriptive Book : JSTo. 5, James R. Havens; Age 21; Residence Rockland; Birth- place, JBoston, Mass.; Father'' s Name, Edward J. Savens^"* etc., etc., and you report the above in your quarterly returns to the Adjutant, who enters the same on the Division Descriptive Book. After this, perhaps you have got a new Descriptive Book, and have transferred the names and descriptions from the old to the new book, and rearranged them. In your new book you number James R. Havens 25, while in the old book and in the Division De- scriptive Book he is numbered 5. You do not notify the Adjutant of this change. The time 36 SONS OF veterans' guide. come8 when the brother is suspended, you re- port him suspended on your quarterly returns as follows : "iV'o. on DescHjMve JBook^ 25; James R. Haveiifi; Suspended for Non-Pay- 7ne)it of Dues?' The Adjutant takes your re- port, looks at the number you give, turns to the roster of your Camp in his Descriptive Book, and looks for the number which is the index to the name. No. 25 is the number of John Jones ; and the Adjutant is obliged to go over the entire list of your Camp in order to find James R. Havens, while if you had given the correct number, 5, he could have turned to it at once. Should your (^amp number seventy-five or a hundred members, and the Adjutant have twenty-five or thirty such re- ports to enter on his book, you can readily estimate what a large amount of unnecessary work you are causing him, for all these changes have to be entered on the Division Descriptive Hook. The same rule will apply to names. At the time of muster, you report this brother's name as James R. Havens, and when suspended you report him as J* R. Havens in your quarterly returns. A careful Adjutant will not jump to the conclusion that James R. Havens and J. R. Havens are one and the same person, but wall run over the roster of your Camp to ascertain if there be a J. R. Havens and even if he finds none by that name, it may not CAMP RECORDS. 37 satisfy him that James R. Havens is the one meant, and he must write yon to ascertain, for there may be a possibility of an omission to report the name when mustered. These cases frequently occur. When a brother is suspended, write the follow- ing in pencil under the head of " Remarks," in your Descriptive Book : " Suspended 188 — ," and when reinstated these can be erased. When a brother is dropped, honorably discharged, dishonor- ably discharged, transferred or is dead, write in red ink the words, '-'- Dropped^"* ^^ Ho nor ably Dis- charged^^'' etc., under the head of " Remarks," and draw a red line through the brother's name. The fact of a brother being on a Leave of Absence should be noted in pencil under "Remarks," together with the date on Avhich said Leave ex- pires. The Black Book. The names of all brothers rejected or dishonorably discharged, and the date of said rejection and dishonorable discharge should be entered on the Black Book. This book and the record it contains is of more importance than is generally j^resumed, and should be as carefully kept as any of the other records. The Order Book is another book of import- ance to the camp. All orders of the Captain should be accurately copied in the same and signed by the Captain. This makes an authentic and permanent 38 soxs OF veterans' guide. record of all orders, and will prove important in many cases, especially in courts-martial, where orders are frequently introduced as evidence. Requisition Book to Pay Bills. As bills are approved by the Camp Council, the chairman hands the same to the First Sergeant, who at once fills out an order in this book, carrying it out on the stub. After receiving the signature of the Captain, the First Sergeant tears out the order, leaving the stub on which is written the memorandum of the order, in the book, and presents the order, together with the bill, to the person to whom the amount of the bill is due, who should then receipt the bill, return the same to the First Sergeant to be placed on file by him. The person holding the Requisition should then present the same to the Quartermaster Sergeant for payment. In paying the same, the Q. M. Sergeant should take a receipt on the Requisition, which is of the same nature as bank checks. These Requisitions are legal vouchers for the expenditure of Camp Funds. The following rule should be observed : The First Sergeant pays all bills with the Requisition, and keeps all of these bills, after being receipted, on file. The Quartermaster Sergeant cashes these Requisitions, when i)resented to him for payment, taking a receipt thereon, and keeping the same on file. CAMP RECORDS. 39 Files. All letters and important communi- cations should be kept in suitable files, numbered, and a brief statement of their contents noted on the back. Returxs. Immediately on receiving the blanks from the Adjutant, the Captain should turn the same over to the First and Quartermaster Ser- geants, who should begin at once the preparation of their quarterly returns. First Sergeant's Returns. The First Ser- geant will take from the Descriptive Book the names of all brothers who have been mustered into the Camp during the quarter. This can be ascer- tained by looking at the date of muster in the Descriptive Book. These should be copied on the return sheet under the head of " Muster Roll," etc., and the total number so entered should appear in the "Recapitulation " as " Gain, by muster in." The names of all brothers mustered by the trans- fer should also appear in the Muster Roll, but the members so gained should be entered in the " Recapitulation " as gain by " Transfer." The First Sergeant should then request the Quartermaster Sergeant to give him the names of all brothers reinstated on the payment of out- standing dues during the quarter. He will erase the word ''''Suspended'''' from his Descriptive Book, 40 SONS OF veterans' guide. when appearing against the names of brothers re- instated, and enter the names and the numbers, together with the .cause of reinstatement, on his return sheet, under the head of " Gains During the Quarter from Suspended or Dropped," and enter the total number so reinstated in the Recapitulation after the words, " Gained by Reinstatement from Suspended or Dropped." First Sergeants must take particular notice not to fill this column out with those mustered in during the quarter, as is frequently the case. They should be entered on the " Muster Roll " and at no other place. The Quartermaster Sergeant should then furnish the First Sergeant with a list of all brothers who have been suspended for the non-payment of dues. The First Sergeant will enter in pencil ^'-Suspended 188 — ," in his Descriptive Book, against the names appearing on the list, and shall transfer said names, together with their numbers, and cause of suspension, on the return sheet under the head of " Losses During the Term from all Causes," and will enter under the " Recapitulation," after the words, " Losses from Suspension or Dropi:>ed," the total number appearing on this list. Brothers who are one year in arrears in the payment of dues, shall be " Dropped," and they should be reported under this head in the same manner as the sus- pended. CAMP RECORDS. 41 The names of thosS who have died, or who have 'been honorably or dishonorably discharged, with number on Descriptive Book and cause, should be •entered under " Losses During the Term from all Causes," and the total number should be entered under the "Recapitulation," in their appropriate places. The copy of the last report made to Division Headquarters, should then be examined to ascer- tain the " number in good standing upon which per capita tax is due," and this number should be placed at the head of the "Recapitulation," after the words, " number of members in o;ood standing at date of last report." The figures under the " Gain " column in the Re- -capitulation should then be added. That is, those gained by Muster, Transfer and Reinstatement. This will make the total gain, which added to the number in good standing at date of last report, will make the "Aggregate." Next add your "Losses" column; that is, the figures appearing after the words, " By Death," *' By Honorable Discharge," "By Transfer," "By ■Suspended or Dropped," "By Dishonorable Dis- charge," and you have your total loss, which sub- tracted from the " Aggregate, " gives the " num- ber remaining in good standing upon which per 5 42 SONS OF veterans' guide. capita tax is due." This number you will give the Quartermaster Sergeant, who will enter the same on his report at the proper place. Under the head of " Roster of Officers " on the return sheet, give the name and number of your Camp, and the Division to Avhich it is attached ; also the town or city in which it is located. Then give the name and address of the Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, First Sergeant and Quartermaster Sergeant. Give the town in which your hall is located, and the street and number of your place of meeting, and also your night of meeting. Sign the return, affix the Camp Seal, and pre- sent the report to the Captain on the last night of meeting in the quarter, and then your duty is per- formed. Captains should always acknowledge the receipt of General Orders, Blank Reports and other matter and communications from Headquarters. The Quartermaster Sergeant's Return is so simple, that it needs no explanation to make the same out properly. Any intelligent person can easily master the same after a few moments' study. Cash Book. Cash received from all sources should be entered on this book, as well as the cash paid out. The following form is given to all new officers : CAMP RECORDS. 43 1 o 1 1 = = - a 'II 1 C-l <1 !h C! 2- ^ S. » c Ci; 2* o 3 K i^ ^ 3 ^! bij >. C3 ^ 3 W > s a ^t-i rOfb ts If o t?j Ci CO ' *>. 1 ts ^§ o '^^ *< i o o o "Er/J ^^i CT d o g == 2- P Cl3 )-* H-' S" ' ^.? ct 01 Or ^ o H: CD Will B.H Me. H iamB .Beal Div. g o k ?| 3 o < z ^ H o p- ts H- > M>. ta o 3 OO Ol 1^ ?* 44 SONS OF veterans' guide. Each expenditure on the Cash Book should be supported by a projjer A^oucher (Requisition from the Captain and First Sergeant), and in the above form of Cash Book, orders should be on file in favor of William Bryant, B. II. Beale, Post No. 12, and Maine Division, Sons of Veterans, so that when the books are examined by the Camp Council, as they should be at least once every three months, every cent expended will be accounted for. The cash on hand added to the amount of the Requisition for money paid, should always agree with the total of cash received. Supplies should only be sold for cash. The Ledger should contain the accounts be- tween the Camp and its members. On the first day of each quarter, each member should be charged on the Ledger with one quarter's dues, and when paid should be credited in the next column. New members are charged with the roster fee (which, by the Camp Constitution, should not be less than 11.50, including the badge), and credited for the same. The following form is given for your guidance : — CAMP RECORDS. 45 t p i ! P i i II II S g II |5 s ! P 03 l-l 1887. Dec. 16 ^ to - V) m 15 15 1 to ' s II l« s 1 46 SONS OF veterans' guide. As has been stated before, all receipts of cash should be entered in the Cash Book. Each brother should be credited on his Ledger account with all j^ayments for muster fees and dues, and the number of his Ledger page should be entered in the Cash Book opposite the item paid by him. Credit a brother at once on the Ledger when he pays his dues, giving him a receipt, then you will make no mistakes, and consequently no trouble will follow. Balances. The Cash Book should be figured in pencil for the monthly reports of the Camp, and balanced at the end of each quarter. Ledger ac- counts should be balanced at the end of each year. Never pay a bill from the Camj) funds until a Requisition, properly made out and signed, is pre- sented to you for the amount. Have your return to Division Headquarters ready by the last meeting in the quarter, and pre- sent the same, together with the per capita tax, to the Captain, who should forward the same at once. Make out all requisitions for supplies on the Division Quartermaster, and present the same to the Captain for his signature, then forward the same accompanied by cash and a Requisition for CAMP RECORDS. 47 money payable to the Quartermaster, to be en- dorsed by him and returned. All funds forwarded by mail, should be sent by post-office or express order, check or draft, pay- able to the Quartermaster of your Division. Postal notes are no safer than bills, and you send them at your own risk. You should keej) constantly on hand an accurate schedule of all Camp property. CHAPTER lY. CAMP BY-LAWS. In response to frequent enquiries, the following set of By-Laws is given to aid Camps in formulat- ing and adopting a good code : — ARTICLE I. TITLE. This Camp shall be called and known as CAMP, NO. — , DIVISION of , SONS of VETERANS, U. S. A. ARTICLE II. MEETINGS. Section 1. — The stated meetings of this Camp shall be on evening of each week. Section 2. — The hour of assembly shall be 7.30' o'clock p.m., from September 1st to April 1st, and 8 o'clock p.m., the remainder of the year. Section 3. — At the last stated meeting in December the officers shall make their annual re- ports for the information and action of the Camp* CAMP BY-LAWS. 49^ ARTICLE III. FEES AND DUES. Section 1. — The fee, for muster-in to this Camp shall be two-dollars, to include the Membership Badge, which sum shall accompany the appli- cation, and in case of rejection shall be returned to the applicant. Section 2. — Each member joining by transfer card shall pay a fee of one dollar. Section 3. — The quarterly dues of each member^ except as specified in Article IX., Section 1, shall be fifty cents, due and payable to the Quarter- master Sergeant in advance, at the beginning of each quarter. Section 4. — Brothers joining by muster or trans- fer shall not be taxed until the beginning of the next quarter thereafter. Section 5. — The quarters, for the payment of dues, etc., shall begin on the first days of January, April, July and October of each year. ARTICLE IV. FUNDS, DISBURSEMENTS, ETC. Section 1. — The Quartermaster Sergeant shall retain of the moneys of the Camp sufficient for the current expenses of the Camp, and to cover con- tingencies, a sum not to exceed one hundred and fifty dollars. All moneys in excess of that amount 50 which shall come into his hands shall be deposited with the CamjD Council. Section 2. — There shall be set apart in the hands of the Camp Council a sum of money, which shall be known as a Relief Fund. All moneys which shall be donated, earned by entertainments, or voted by the Camp for that purpose, shall be sacred to that fund, and this fund shall be subject to the drafts of the Relief Committee for the relief of needy or distressed members of the Sons of Veterans, or of soldiers and sailors and their fami- lies. Section 3. — No disbursement shall be made by the Quartermaster Sergeant except for the ordinary running expenses of the Camp, approved by the Camp Council, except by vote of the Camp,- certi- fied by the Orderly Sergeant and countersigned by the Commander, and any motion involving the ex- penditure of money, except for payment of rent, fuel, lights or janitor's services, shall lie upon the table for one week, and then require the two-thirds vote of all members present for its adoption. ARTICLE V. FINES. Section 1. — Any officer or member of the Camp who shall fail to turn out with the Camp on Mem- orial Day, shall be fined one dollar for each offence. CAMP BY-LAWS. 51 Section 2. — Any officer or member of the Camp failing to attend the funeral of a member after being duly notified, shall be fined fifty cents for each offence. Section 3. — If the commanding officer of this Camp fails to enforce any of the foregoing fines, he shall himself be fined fifty cents for each offence. Section 4. — Any officer or member may have his fines remitted, if he present satisfactory evi- dence in writing that it was necessary for him to neglect the performance of the duties named in Sections 1, 2 and 3 of this article. Said evidence shall be referred to a special committee, to consist of three brothers, who shall carefully consider the same and re^^ort on each and every case at the next regular meeting of the Camp. Section 5. — All fines, if not paid at once, shall be passed to the account of the member incurring them, and shall stand against said member as reg- ular dues, which must be settled to entitle him to the privilege of voting and of holding office. Section 6. — Suspended members shall pay the whole sum due from them up to the time of re- instatement. 52 ARTICLE YI. BOXDS. Section 1. — The amount of the Bond of the Quartermaster Sergeant shall be One Hundred (100) Dollars, with sufficient sureties, which amount may at any time be increased by a vote of the Camp. Section 2. — The Camp Council shall individu- ally give bonds for the faithful performance of their duties, with sureties to the satisfaction of the Camp, by majority vote, in the sum of Five Hun- dred Dollars each. ARTICLE YII. G. A. R. Advisory Committee. Section 1. — This Camp shall elect an Advisory -Committee of five comrades of the G. A. R., as provided in Article XII., Section 2., Rules and Regulations of the Commandery-in-Chief. Section 2. — As a means of recognition at any meeting or entertainment of this Camp, the mem- bers of the Advisory Committee shall wear pinned on the left breast a badge composed of a blue ribbon two inches in width and six inches long ; on the center shall be printed in gilt the Coat of Arms of the Order ; above this in a semi-circle, the words CAMP BY-LAWS. 53 ■*' Advisory Committee," and below, Camp, S. of v., U. S. A. ," in gilt letters. ARTICLE VIII. MILITARY DRILL. Section 1. — This Camp shall devote such time as shall be designated by a majority vote of all the members j^resent at any regular meeting, to j^i'ac- tical instructions in Infantry Tactics. Sectiox 2. — Upton's Infantry Tactics is hereby adopted as the authority in military drill. ARTICLE IX. MISCELLANEOUS. Section 1. — The Orderly and Quartermaster Sergeants and Picket Guard shall be exempt from the payment of quarterly dues to the Camp during the satisfactory performance of their duties. Section 2. It shall be the duty of any member "WITHIN ONE MONTH AFTER CHANGING HIS PLACE ■OF RESIDENCE, TO NOTIFY THE OrDERLY SeRGEANT THEREOF, TOGETHER WITH HIS ADDRESS. Section 3. — Janitor. Annually in January the commanding officer shall appoint a worthy brother of the S. of V., or a comrade of the G. A. R., as Janitor, whose duties shall be to care for and clean all the rooms and furnishings therein belong- 54 SONS OF VETERANS GUIDE. ing ; to keep the corridors and approaches to the Camp Room in a cleanly condition ; to biiild and care for fires and lights. The Janitor shall be nnder the direction of the Captain of the Camp, the Captain being respon- sible to the Camp for the faithful performance of his duties ; and for any dereliction of duty he shall be removable by the Captain. He shall receive such compensation as the Camp from time to time may direct. Section 4. — No brother shall be allowed in the ante-room during the sessions of the Camp, except those whose duties require their presence there, and recruits who are waiting muster ; provided, how- ever, that brothers coming into the ante-room while the ceremony of muster-in is in progress, shall be required to remain until such ceremony is finished, before entering the hall. ARTICLE X. amendments. These By-Laws may be altered or amended at any stated meeting of the Camp by vote of two- thirds of the members present, such proposed amendment having been submitted in writing and entertained by the Camp at a previously stated meeting. CHAPTER V. THE DIVISION. Three Camps are the minimum number to form a Division. Chap. III., Art. I., Sec. 1. 2. Governedby a Division Encampment. Chap. III., Art. I., Sec. 2. 3. Membership of Division Encampment con- sists of the Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Surgeon, Chaplain, Adjutant, Quartermaster, In- spector, Judge Advocate, Mustering Officer, Mem- bers of Division Council, all Past Commanders in Chief, Past Grand Division Commanders and Past Colonels, Past Camp Captains, Sitting Camp Captains, Representatives and Alternates from each Camp. Chap. III., Art. II., Sees. 1 and 2. 4. Number of Representatives from each Camp to be determined by First Sergeant's report last preceding the election, made September 30th, of each year. Chap. III., Art. II., Sec. 5. 5. Annual meeting of Encampment between April 1st and July 10th, of each year. Chap. III., Art. III., Sec. 1. 6. Four weeks' notice of Annual Meeting to be given each Camp. Chap. III., Art. III., Sec. 2. 56 7. Special meetings may be ordered by Colonel by consent of Division Council. 8. . No business except that specified in the call,, and no changes or alterations affecting the general interests or welfare of the Order, to be transacted at special meetings. Chap. III., Art. III., Sec. 3. 9. Notice of special meetings to be forwarded under seal and duly signed, to each member of the Encampment, two weeks prior to same. Chap. III.^ Art. III., Sec. 4. 10. Committees of Division Encampment are on Ritual, on Resolutions, on Reports of Officers^ on Constitution. Rules and Regulations, to con- sist of not less than three nor more than five mem- bers each, all of Avhom are aj^pointed by the Colonel. {Order of Busmess). Chap. III., Art* X., Sees. 1 and 2. 11. May adopt By-Laws subject to the approval of the Commander in Chief. Chap. III., Art. X. 12. To have charter signed by Commander in Chief and Adjutant General. Fee for same to be not less then ten nor more than fifteen dollars* Chap. YI., Art. I., Sec. 5. 13. Charter may be revoked by the Com- mandery, or the Commander in Chief, with the consent of the Council in Chief, on failure to for- ward reports or dues for three-quarters of a year* Chap. YI., Art. I., Sec. 6. THE DIVISIOX. 57 14. The tax of the Division, paid to the Coiu- mandery, not to exceed twenty cents on each mem- ber in good standing. Chap. YI., Art. III., Sec. 1. 15. Tax to be paid in installments in equal parts, to be forwarded by the Colonel to the <^uartermaster General, on or before the last days of January, Aj^ril, July and October. Chap. YI., Art. III., Sec. 1. 16. May assess a tax of not more than fifty cents per member on each Camp. Chap. YI., Art. III., Sec. 2. 17. Division in arrears for reports and dues, is deprived of representation in Commandery until forwarded. Chap. YI., Art. lY., Sec. 1. 18. May adopt a Division Mark to be worn on the top of cap. 19. The Division Encamimient is entitled to have four flags. 1st, the National Flag ; 2d, En- campment Color, of red, etc.; 3d, two small col- ors of red — same as described in Chap. YI., Art. XIII., Sec. 3. 20. The Seal to consist of the full Coat of Arms, surrounded by the words, " Division^ JSons of Veterans^ United States of A^nerica.'''' 21. Division Ofiicers failing or refusing to per- form their duties, may be placed in arrest by the Commander in Chief. 58 soxs OF veterans' guide. 22. Acting Division Colonel may be appointed by the Commander in Chief. 23. When Division Officers are removed, the Division^ Council should convene for the election of officers. 24. Division Officers hold office until their suc- cessors are installed. 25. Commander in Chief shall order Colonel to perform any neglected duty, and on failure to obey, may take jurisdiction of the Division. 26. Division officer does not forfeit his office by reason of any misconduct of his Camp. 27. Division having made out and mailed a report, has a right to suppose that it has been re- ceived, in the absence of any notification to the contrary. 28. Division Officer may be an officer of his- own Camp. 29. Officers must be installed before they can act as such. CHAPTER VI. DIVISIOX OFFICERS. Elected Officers. — Colonel,Lieutenaiit-Colonel and Major, Division Council, Delegates and Alternates. Appointed Officers. — Surgeon with the rank of Major, a Chaplain with the rank Captain, an Adjutant, a Quartermaster, an Inspector, a Muster- ing Officer and a Judge Advocate, with the rank of First Lieutenant, and as many Aides, with rank of Second Lieutenant, as may be deemed neces- sary, not exceeding one, however, from each Camp in the Division. The clerical force appointed shall rank as follows : For the Adjutant as Sergeant Major; for the Quartermaster as Quartermaster Sergeant ; for the Division Council as First Ser- geant ; and for the Inspector, Judge Advocate and Musterinoj Officer as Sersjeants. Duties of Colonel. — The Colonel shall preside at all meetings of the Division Encampment and the Division Council. He shall enforce a strict obedi- ence to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Divison, and shall perform such other duties as are encumbent on him. Chap. III., Art. VII., Sec. 1. 60 SONS OF VETERANS GUIDE. 2. He is ex-efficio a member of the Commandery in Chief. Chap. lY., Art. III., Sec. 1. 3. Holds as Trustee the bond of the Quarter- master. Chap. VI., Art. VII., Sec. 6. 4. Names selected for Camps must be sub- mitted for his approval. 5. May grant dispensation in writing for any Camp to receive the application of, and muster any recruit on the same night of the meeting. Chap. II., Art. II., Sec. 3. 6. May grant dispensation to rule requiring applicants to present themselves for muster within three months from date of election. Chap. II., Art. II., Sec. 7. 7. May muster applicants residing outside the territorial limits of any Camp, or may detail a staff officer or brother for that duty. Chap. II., Art II., Sec. 9. 8. May request oj^inion of Judge Advocate on points of law, whenever deemed necessary. 9. Forward reports and per capita tax to the Adjutant General, on or before last days of Jan- uary, April, July, and October. 10. Shall give transfer cards, attested by Adju- tant, and under seal, to members of disbanded Camps, who were in good standing at time of dis- solution. Chap. II., Art. IV., Sec. 4. DIVISION OFFICERS. 61 11. Must review proceedings, findings and sentence of Courts-Martial, if sentence is Dishonor- able Discharge. 12. Can order Courts-Martial to try offenders within his jurisdiction. Sec. 3, Art. VI., Chap. VI. 13. Can only be tried by Court-Martial ordered by CommandeT-in-Chief. 14. May be suspended by the Commander-in- Chief when charges are preferred against him. 15. Past Colonels entitled to wear Silver Cross attached to the Division Ribbon. Chap. VI., Art. XL, Sec. 3. 16. Insignia of rank consists of ranks straps with black velvet field, on which is silver spread eagle, to be worn on coat collar, just above the seam on the lapels. Chap. VI., Art. X., Sec. 1, Clause 3. 17. May suspend an officer from the perform- ance of his official duties. 18. As reviewing officer, may return jDroceed- ings of Court-Martial for revision. 19. May, on information that an election of Camp Officers is illegal, postpone installation until investigation is had. 20. May annul, or cause to be annulled, illegal proceedings of a Camp. 62 SONS OF veterans' guide. 21. Can overrule the decisions of a Camp Council without an appeal having been taken. 22. Alone responsible for the organization of a new Camp, and he may grant or reject the ap- plication regardless of any existing Camj). 24. Has not power to annul a ballot, or to in- quire into the motives of those who vote to reject an application. 25. May communicate Pass-word and Counter- sign. 26. Office of Colonel cannot be declared vacant by reason of his absence from the Division. 27. May grant a dispensation to armed and equipped Camps to adopt the U. S. Army Dress Uniform. 28. May grant a dispensation to officers of armed and equipped Camj^s to wear the regulation shoulder straps. Lieutenant Colonel and Major. — The Lieu- tenant Colonel and Major shall assist the Com- mander in the performance of his duties, and in his absence or disability shall fill his office, according to seniority. Sec. 2., Art. VIL, Chap. HI. Adjutant. — Keeps Records of Proceedings of Division Encampment, and of the Division Council. 2 Conducts all correspondence and issues all orders under the direction of the Colonel. DIVISION OFFICERS. 63 3. Draws all requisitions on Quartermaster. 4. Makes out all returns to Commandery Head- quarters, and transmits the same through Division Commander to Adjutant-General. 5. Countersigns all charters issued by Com- mander. 6. Keeps an Order Book, a Letter Book, an Endorsement and Memorandum Book, and files of all orders, reports and correspondence received and remaining in his office. 7. Performs such other duties, and keeps such other records as shall be required of him by the Commander or the Division Encampment. 8. Should make a full report to Division En- campment, and when retiring from office, to deliver to his successor all moneys, books, and other property of the Division in his possession, or under his control. 9. Shall attest and affix seal to all Transfers granted by the Commander. Sec. 4, Art. IV., Chap II. 10. Shall recommend a brother for appoint- ment as Sergeant Major. Sec. 4, Art. VI., Chap. II. 11. Shall report disbandment of Camps to Adjutant General. 12. Is a member of the Division Encampment and Council. 64 13. Wears ribbon prescribed for Camp officers, — blue. 14. Insignia of rank, is rank straps of black velvet and gold, with one bar thereon, worn on coat collar. 15. Should notify Camps of failure to receive returns. {See Divisioii Records.) QuAKTEEMASTEE. — Should hold the funds, se- curities, vouchers and j^roperty of the Division. 2. Fills all requisitions drawn by the Adjutant and approved by the Commander. 3. Shall give Bond, to be approved by Division Council, for the faithful performance of his duties. Sec. 3, Art. YII., Chap. VI. 4. Shall consolidate returns of Q. M. Sergeants within twenty days after the commencement of each quarterly term. Sec. 6, Art. II., Chap. VI. 5. Member of Division Encampment and Council. 6. Wears the Camp officer's ribbon, — blue. 7. Insignia of rank, — same as Adjutant. {See Divisio7i Mecords.) Chaplain. — Conducts devotional exercises of the Division Encamj^ment, and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him. (Ixstal- LATION.) Inspectoe. — Receives reports of inspection of DIVISION OFFICERS. 65 Camps, and makes consolidated report to Com- mander and Inspector General. (See Inspection, also Art. Y., Chap. VI.) Judge- Advocate. — Passes upon questions re- ferred to him by the Division Commander. 2. Makes written report to Division Encamp- ment, Mustering Officer. — The duties of the officer are not defined in the Constitution, and conse- quently they vary in different Divisions. Cus- tom, however, generally requires him to form and muster new Camps in his division, under orders of the Colonel. 2. He should make a written report to the Division Encampment. 3. Is a member of the Encampment and the Council. 4. Wears same Ribbon and Insignia of Rank as the Adjutant. {See Muster of JSTeio Camps.) Division Council. — They shall, with their ad- vice and counsel, aid and assist the Division-Com- mander in the performance of his duties. They shall be charged with the general care, control and supervision of the funds of the Division, and shall be responsible for and look after all its material interests. They shall devise and recommend such measures as will enable the Division to meet all its 7 66 SONS OF veterans' guide. necessary expenditures, and shall examine and pass upon all accounts and bills incurred by any and all officers and committees of the Encampment. They shall examine all the books, vouchers, and other papers of all the different officers of the Division, and shall audit all their accounts. They shall keep a full and detailed record of all their proceed- ings, and shall present a complete report to the Division Encampment, at each stated yearly meet- ing of the same, and at such other times as the Commanding Officer of the Division may direct. Sec. 1, Art. X., Chap. III. 2. The Division Council shall have one stated meeting each year, the same to be held prior to, and at the same place as that of the stated yearly meeting of the Division Encampment. Special meetino^ of the Division Council niav be convened by the Commanding Officer of the Division, at such times and places within the Division limits as he may direct, providing that due notice of the same shall be sent to each member of the Council at least two weeks j^rior to the time named for the meeting, and the notice shall set forth the emer- gency and the business to be transacted. Sec. 2, Art. X., Chap. III. 3. Seven members constitute a quorum. Sec. 3, Art. X., Chap. III. DIVISION OFFICERS. 67 4. Can fill vacancy in their number. Sec. 2, Art. IX., Chap. III. 5. May fill vacancy in elective officers of the Division. Sec. 3, Art. YI., Chap. III. 6. Approves bond of Quartermaster. Sec. 3, Art. VII., Chap. VI. 7. Has no power to legalize an illegal act of Camp Commander. 8. Are members of Encampment. 9. Member holding transfer card may act. (^'ee Quartermaster^ Auditing Accounts^ Dimsion Becords.) Reports. — All of the Division Officers, elected or appointed, together with the Council, should present written reports of the business of their respective departments at each annual meeting of the Division Encampment. This does not include Aides-de-Camp and Assistant Inspectors. CHAPTER YII. DIVISION RECORDS. The records of a Division should consist of the books named in the duties of Adjutant and Quar- termaster, and it has been the custom of some Divisions to add others ; but we shall not endeavor to enter in detail into the manner in which each division keeps its records, but will present in a gen- eral way such rules as are applicable to all. Division Descriptive Book. — This book should contain the name of every brother in the Division, together with a description similar to that found in the Camp Descriptive Book. The names should be arranged according to Camps, with blank leaves left for addition. Thus, Camp No. 1 should occupy the first six leaves of the Book, and so on. When the Adjutant receives the application for a charter, *and the Camp is mustered, he enters all the names appearing on the Chapter Application on the De- scriptive Book, and when he receives the quarterly returns of the First Sergeant, he will examine them to see if they are correct, enter all names found on the Muster Roll in his Descriptive Book, enter under the head of Remarks, in pencil^ '-^ Suspended^ DIVISION RECORDS. 69 -, 188-,'''' agaiMSt the names of the brothers reported suspended; Mgainst the names of those reported dropped, dead, honorably discharged, transferred, dishonorably discharged, he will enter the words in 7^ed ink, ^'' Dropped^'' "J9et«^," " Hon- or ably Discharged,'^ " Transferred^^ ^^Dishonora- bly Discharged,^'' with the date thereof. When a brother is reinstated, he will erase the word ''^ sus- pended^^ from against his name. Thus the exact history of the standing of each brother in the Di- vision can be ascertained at a glance. When a Camp surrenders its charter, or when the same is annulled, write across the last page of the Descriptive Book devoted to this Camp, " Charter surrendered, , 188- ; transfer cards granted JVos. 5, 7, 8, 10, 11,'' etc. " C. D. Adju- tant," or " Charter antiulled by the Coni^nander -in- Chief , 188-. C. D. Adjutant:' All records of defunct Camps turned over to the Adjutant, should be carefully preserved. Division Roster Book should contain the names of the Elective Officers of the Division, Past-Colonels, members of the Council, Delegates and Alternates to the Commandery, Division Staff, including Aides-de-camp and Assistant Inspectors. It should contain the full name, the rank, date of rank, residence, and a place for Remarks. When 70 SONS OF VETEExVNS' GUIDE. an officer resigns, dies, is removed, discharged, etc., it should be so entered under " Remarks," together with the date. The Camp Roster should contain the name, number, and location of each Camp, the names of the Captain, First and Second Lieutenants, First Sergeant, Quartermaster-Sergeant, and members of the Council. The date of rank should be given, the residence, and a place should be left for Re- marks, under which all resignations, transfers, and discharges should be entered. Register of Camp Charters. — This book should be so ruled as to contain tlie Number, Name, Location, Date of Charter, When Published, When Annulled or Surrendered, of each Camp in the Division. Order Book. — This book contains all General and Sj^ecial Orders issued by the Colonel. They should be written out in full, and should appear in consecutive order. Printed copies should never be pasted into the Order Book. Opinions of Judge Advocate, and decisions of the Colonel, should also be recorded in full in a book kept for that purpose, properly numbered, and containing a syllabus for ready reference. Roll of Encampments. — This book contains the name of each Division officer or past officer en- DIVISION RECORDS. 71 titled to vote in the Division Encampment, and the names of the Cam]) officers, i3ast officers, dele- gates and alternates should be entered as soon as reported, under the name of the Camp to which they belong. Journal of Proceedings. — The proceedings of each encampment should be written in this book. The original notes to be placed on file, together with all officers' and committees' reports, and other documents relating to the Encampment. Indorsement and Memorandum Book. — All items of importance occurring at headquarters should be noted in this book. For example : *' Thursday, , 188- ; sent consolidated re- turns and tax of twenty-five dollars to Adjutant- General. Received application for Camp Charter from . Received application for dispensa- tion to muster recruits from Captain . Is- sued Special Orders granting same," etc. All in- dorsements made on official documents passing- through, into, or issuing from Division headquar- ters, should be copied into this book. Several copies of each General Order issued from Division headquarters should be preserved to supply missing numbers in Camp Files. General Orders — how promulgated. — All General Orders are mailed to Camps and Officers 72 by the Adjutant. Two copies of each order should be mailed to each Camp^Captain, one for his own use, and the other to be read and placed on file in the Camp Archives. Take your Camp Roster and supply every Camp first. Then take the Division Roster and mail one coj^y to each Division officer. Then from the remainder mail one copy to each of the National officers, Colonels of the other Divis- ions, and to G. A. R. and S. of Y. newspapers. Blank Returns. — Send out two copies of First Sergeants' return, and two copies of Quartermas- ter Sergeants' return to the Captain of each Camp at least one month prior to the close of the quarter. Be sure that you do not omit a single camp in for- warding these blanks and General Orders. Go over the list twice, and be certain that no mistake is made. It is well to require each Captain to ac- knowledge the receipt of blank returns and Gen- eral Orders. Do not omit to send copies of your orders to Grand Army and S. of Y. papers. This will advertise the Division and the Order, and let others know what you are doing. Letter Book. — It is the custom to preserve copies of all important letters sent out from head- quarters. These are copied into the Letter Copy book, and indexed. Reception of Returns. — The First Sergeant's DIVISION RECORDS. 73 and Quartermaster-Sergeant's retains and money for the per capita tax should always be mailed to the Adjutant. On receipt of the same, the Adju- tant will note the date of reception on the back, and will also indorse on the Quartermaster-Ser- geant's return the amount of the tax enclosed, and the number of members in good standing. He will enter the P'irst Sergeant's return on the Descrip- tive Book, and at the same time it should be en- tered on the Adjutant's Consolidated return to the Adjutant-General. He will then send a receipt, and the passioord, if necessaiy, to the Captain of the Camp, whose returns have been received. He should keep an account of all moneys passing through his hands, turning the funds over to the Quartermaster, taking his receipt. After all re- turns are in, the Adjutant will turn over to the Quartermaster the Camp Quartermaster-Sergeant's returns for the quarter in his j^ossession. Consolidated Returns. — Adjutants should write the number and name of each Camp on their Consolidated Return sheet before the first Camp return is received at their office ; and as fast as they are received the figures on them, if correct, should be entered on the Consolidated Return sheet against tlie Camp's name, in the columns pre- l^ared for them, the headings of which are suffi- 74 SONS OF veterans' guide. ciently explanatory without special mention being made of them. After all these have been entered, then comes the most difficult pail, the making up of the " Re- capitulation^'' and great care should be used in fill- ing the same out. The following directions are given for your guidance : Firsts Add the figures in the column headed " Number in Good Stmding at Last Report," also count the number of Camps which have reported, and enter the result in the Recapitulation after the above-named words. Second^ Add the figures under " By Muster in," and also count the Camps mustered during the past quarter, and enter in the Recapitulation after these words. Thirds Add the figures under "By Transfer," and enter as above. Fourth^ Add the figures under " By Reinstate- ment," and carry the result to the proper place in the Recapitulation, also count the Camps reinstated, and enter the same. Now turn to the Recapitulation and cast up the column headed " Camps," and ihen the one headed "Members" in the " Gains"; enter the result after the word "Aggregate," at the foot of the cohimns, DIVISION RECORDS. 75 and you then have the aggregate number of Camps and members in your Division, It is well to verify the above result by adding up the aggregate column on the inside of the Re- turn sheet, which must correspond with the aggre- gate of the Recapitulation. The Losses must then be estimated, and deducted from the aggregate. First, "By Camps having disbanded"; this is the first colunm under losses, and you should enter the number of members in good standing of each Camp disbanded, at the date of their last report received by you. Add this column, nnd count the Camps disbanded, entering same after above-named words in the Recapitulation. Second, Add the " By Death" column, and enter in the place assigned in the Recapitulation. Third, Do the same by the columns headed " By Honorable Discharge," "By Transfer," and "Dis- honorable Discharge." Do not get the columns headed "By Transfer" in the "Gains" mixed with the " By Transfers " in the " Losses." Fourth. All Camps which do not report and pay per capita tax should be reported " suspended," and the membership of the same, as indicated by the last report received prior to the quarter on which they were suspended, should be entered in 76 the " Suspended or Dropped " column. The Camps so suspended should bo counted, and the " Sus- pended or Dropped" column added, and the result carried to the Recapitulation under the proper head. Xow you are ready to ascertaiu the "Losses." Turn to the Recapitulation, and under " Loss '^ cast up the " Camp " column, and then the "Mem- bership," carrying the results out to the places in- dicated, after the words " Total Loss." You then have the losses in Camps and Members from all sources. Subtract the " losses " from the " aggre- gate," and then you have "Number remaining in good standing upon which per capita tax is due." Sign the report. Then enter after the Avords "Numbers of the several Catnps which have failed to report," the official number of each and every Camp from which returns have not been received. SUGGESTIONS. Verify your total loss in the Recapitulation by the "total loss" column on the inside of the sheet. Do the same by the column marked " Number remaining in good standing." If more space is required, do not attach or paste on paper, but use an additional blank, and attach it at the top by paper fasteners or pins. Place the list of Camps in numerical order. DIVISION RECORDS. 77 Opposite the name of every Camp that has been disbanded during tlie quarter, write in red ink "Disbanded," giving the date, and enter the num- ber of members of each disbanded Camp in column headed " By Camp having disbanded." In the absence or disability of the Colonel com- manding the Division, the next available officer in rank will sign the papers as " Lieutenant Colonel (or Major) Commanding," and they will then, with the per cajiita tax due, be promptly forwarded to Headquarters Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. In the event that all of the Reports and Returns due from any Division are not received at head- quarters within twenty days after the commence- ment of the new quarter, the Adjutant General will at once call the attention of the Division Colo- nel to the deficiency, and will at the same time in- struct the aide-de-camp at or nearest to Division Headquarters, to at once ascertain the cause of the delay, and to personally see that the business is promptly attended to, and the papers forwarded. Division Commanders will not allow their Reports to be delayed on account of the delinquency of Camp Commanders, but after waiting a reasonable time will make up their Reports from the data in hand, and forward with per capita tax, reporting the numbers of the delinquent Camps on next page. 8 78 SONS OF VETERANS GUIDE. Dispensations granted by the Colonel should issue from the office of the Adjutant, and should be drawn up on the blank provided for this pur- pose, and then recorded verbatim in a book of Dispensations. One cojDy of this report should be retained. The Quartermaster generally keeps a Cash Book, Ledger and Letter Book. There are various good methods of keeping these books, but we shall endeavor to name and illustrate but one of them. Cash Book. — In this book should be entered all cash receipts from every source, and it should be so ruled as to show whether they were for " Sup- plies," " Charter Fees," or " Per Capita Tax." For example : Division Cash Book. Cash Received. 1887. L.P. Charter Fees. Sup- plies. Per Capita Tax. June 1 3 8 Camp No. 14, Garfield Camp, No. 20, Anderson Camp, No. 7, Total Charter Fee, " Supplies, " Per Capita Tax, Grand Total, 18 19 $12 50 m'io $4 80 $5 00 $4 30 $5 00 4 30 5 00 $2180 DIVISION RECORDS. 79 In the Cash Book the following form is on the page opposite to the above : Cash 2) aid out. 1887. ])lies. Char- ters. Ex- pense. June 1 2 4 Paid postage, " Charter for Camp No. 14, " 1 dozen Badges, Total Supplies, " Charters, " Expense, " paid out, Balance on hand, $6 00 2 00 2 10 6 00 2oO 2 10 10 10 11 70 2180 Each amount paid out should be entered in the Cash Book under " Cash Paid Out," and be sup- ported by proper vouchers, i.e., written orders from the Colonel. The following is a good form of an order on the Quartermaster for money. Order on Quartermaster. No. 5 Name John Brown, Amount $50.00. What purpose Printing Proceedings ■2d Encampment. if 50 Headquarters Division of Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. 188-. To Lieut Division Quartermaster. Pay to John Brovm, or order, Fifty Dollars for Printing Proceedings of 2d Encampment. Colonel. Received $50, . . . . 18 . . , in full for bill rendered John Broion. 80 SONS OF veterans' guide. The words in italics should be in writing, the re^ mainder is a printed blank. For the convenience of the auditing committee, the receipt should be taken on the face of the voucher. These vouchers should be filed in the order in which they are entered on the books. Ledger. — The accounts between the Camps and the Divisions, so far as they pertain to charter fees and per capita tax, are kej^t in this book, also the account between the Commandery-in-chief and the Division. . In keeping this book a great deal must be left to the judgment and good taste of the Quartermas- ter, and, therefore, special comment thereon is deemed unnecessary. Money. — All moneys belonging to the Division should be deposited in its name in some safe, relia- ble bank, subject to the check of the Quartermaster. Close Accounts but once a year. The books can be figured easily at any time when so desired. The Quartermaster's vouchers, added to the cash on hand, must agree with his receipts of cash. Requisitions for Supplies. — Xever file an or- der unless made on the regular blank, and accom- panied by cash. Indorse the receipt of the same on the back, and also the time and manner of send- DIVISION RECORDS. 81 ing suj^plies ; that is, whether they were sent by mail or express. Then place the Requisition on file. Requisitions not filled should be kept in a separate file until the supplies are sent. Ordering Supplies. Do not order unneces- sary supplies. Estimate the amount you will need each quarter, and then let the Colonel make requi- sition on the Quartermaster-General for the same. Experience will teach you that more supplies are ordered by Camps during the winter and early spring, than in the summer and fall. From June to October, as a general rule, few supplies should be ordered. If you have an oftice, prepare pigeon holes and shelves for the reception of blanks, with the name of the blank each contains posted or painted thereon. You will find it very convenient in filling requisitions, saving you much trouble and annoyance. Become familiar with the appearance and use of each blank, so that you may readily recognize the same, and be prepared to give instruction. Fill all orders and discharge your du- ties promptly. Bear in mind that all requisitions not filled should be filed in a separate file, until the supplies ordered by them are sent. If you have not the supplies ordered in stock, notify the Camp making requisition for the same, and order them from the Quartermaster-General at once ; or 82 SONS OF veterans' guide. if more convenient, or if the supplies are needed at once, borrow them of the nearest Division, re- paying in kind at the earliest opportunity. Quartermaster's Returns. — The quarterly re- turn sheet for the Quartermaster is so simple that special instructions concerning the making up of the same are unnecessary. In making up this re- turn, however, care should be taken that the num- ber of members on the report agree with that of the Adjutant. Auditing Accounts. — It is the duty of the Council to audit all accounts. Take the books and go over each account to see that no mistake is made in adding, subtracting, etc. Then go to the source from which all moneys have been received ; requisitions and quarterly camp returns. If funds have been received from other sources, evidence of the same should be furnished the Council. Trans- fer these amounts to paper, and add, then you have the total amount of cash received during the year. Does it agree with the Quartermaster's re- port ? Take the vouchers, examine them carefully to see if they are properly made out and receipted, then transfer the amounts to paper, and add ; this should giv^e you the amount of funds paid out. See if it agrees with the Quartermaster's report. Subtract this amount from the amount received, DIVISION RECORDS. 83 and you have the cash on hand (if any) . Count the cash to see if it agrees with your figures. Great care should be taken in auditing accounts, so that frauds and dishonesty may readily be detected. Do not rely on the Quartermaster's statement as to the amount received and the amount o/i handy but investigate for yourself. This is a matter very often neglected. Official Questions to the Council should be submitted on Form 40, and should be so framed that they can be answered by " yes " or " no," or "favorably" or "unfavorably." All explanatory matter accompanying the questions should be writ- ten on separate paper. The Official questions should be numbered in the order of issue, and the reply of the member should appear upon the face over his own signature. It should then be re- corded by the Adjutant. CHAPTER Yin. COMMAXDERY-IN-CHIEF. 1. The Commandeiy- in-chief shall be the su- preme source of power for the Sons of Veterans, and under its complete and concentrated authority shall make all needful rules and regulations to in- sure a uniform system in all things, and the perma- nency and continued success of the Order through- out the whole country. To this end, no form of government, either general or local, shall be con- sidered as legally established until the same has been submitted to and duly approved by the Com- mandery, at a stated yearly meeting of the same. The Commandery shall, through its proper officers, from time to time publish all necessary orders, and give all detailed instructions necessary to maintain uniformity, and for the information and guidance of all concerned, and shall make it its especial duty to see that in all the different branches of the order the same are faithfully and fully complied with. Chap. IV., Art. I. 2. Membership of the Commandery consists of the General and Commander-in-chief, Lieutenant- General, Major-General, Chief of Staff, Adjutant- COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF. 85 General, Quartermaster-General, Inspector-Gen- eral, Surgeon-General, Chaplain- in-chief, Chief Mustering officer, .Tudge-Aclvocate General, five members of the Council-in-chief, Past Grand Divis- ion Commanders, Past Colonels of Divisions, Sit- ting Division Colonels, and Delegates and Alter- nates from each Division in the ratio of one for every one thousand members in good standing, and an additional Representative for a final fraction of more than one-half of the number. Divisions are entitled to one representative in addition to the Representative at Large, whatever their number^ The number of Representatives of each Division to be determined by the Adjutant's report last pre- ceding the election. (See Division.) 3. Annual meeting to occur in August of each year. Chap. lY., Art. III., Sec. 1. 4. Six weeks' notice should be given of Annual meeting, and a change of the time named should promptly be made public. Chap. IV., Art. III., Sec. 3. 5. Special meetings can be ordered by the Com- mander-in-chief, with the consent of the Council- in-chief, but no business except that named in the call, and no changes or alterations affecting the general interest and welfare of the Order shall be transacted. Chap. IV., Art. III., Sec. 4. 86 6. Six weeks' notices, signed and under seal, must be given of time and place of special meet- ings, and the business to be transacted. Chap. IV., Art. III., Sec. 5. 7. Officers are chosen by ballot at yearly meet- ing, a majority of the votes cast being necessary for a choice. Chap. IV., Art. VI., Sec. 1. 8. Committees — to consist of not less than five members each : on Credentials ; on Constitutions, Rules and Regulations ; on Ritual and on Resolu- tions ; to be appointed by Commander-in-chief at annual meeting. 9. Changes to Rules and Regulations and Rit- ual must be recommended to the Commandery by a two-thirds vote of a Division Encampment, such proposed changes to be published at least four weeks prior to the meeting at which action is to be had. A two-thirds vote of the Commandery will then be necessary for adoption. Chap. IV., Art. X. 10. May, at yearly meeting, revoke the charter of any Division three quarters in arrears for re- ports or dues. Chap. VI., Art. I., Sec. 6. 11. Furnishes all siipj^lies needed by the Order. Chap. VI., Art. II., Sec. 7. 12. Taxes Divisions not more than twenty cents per member. Chap. VI., Art. III., Sec. 1. 13. The Commandery is entitled to four flags : COMMANDERY-IX-CHTEF. 87 1 N'ational Colors. 2 Commandery color of red,, white and blue. 3 Two small colors of red, white and blue, same as described in Chap. YI , Art. XIII., Sec. 4. 14. Official seal consists of the full Coat of Arms of the Order, surrounded by the words ^^ Commandery-in- Chiefs Sons of Veterans, United States of America.''^ Chap. YI., Art. YII. 15. Special duty of this body to maintain the claims of the Order of being non-sectarian and non-political. Chap. YI., Art. XX. 16. This body alone possesses the power to alter or amend the Constitutions, Rules and Regulations. 17. May suspend any section for the time being, except Article X. 18. AYhere reports have been sent and not re- ceived, delegates are admitted. 19. Members of, must be in good standing. 20. A Past Division Colonel, though a member of a Camp in another Division than that of which he was Colonel, is a member of the Commandery- in- chief. CHAPTER IX. CO^rMA:N^DEEY-IN-CHIEF OFFICERS. Elective Officers. — General and Commander- in-chief, Lieutenant-General, Major-General (and five members of the Council-in-Chief to be chosen by ballot). Appointive Officers. — Chief of Staff, Adju- tant-General, Quartermaster-General, Inspector- General, Chief Mustering Officer, Judge-Advocate General, Surgeon-General, Chaplain-in-chief, and not exceeding four Aides-de-Camp for each Division. Duties of Commander-in-chief. — The Com- mander-in-chief shall i)reside at all meetings of the Commandery and the Council-in-chief. He shall enforce a strict obedience to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Commandery, and shall perform such other duties as are incumbent upon him. Chap. Y., Art. VII., Sec. 1. 2. May grant a dispensation to rule, prohibiting the report of an investigating committee on night of appointment. Chap. II., Art. II., Sec. 3. 3. May muster an aj^plicant for membership who resides outside the territorial limits of any COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF OFFICERS. 89 Camp, or detail a brother for that duty. Chap. II., Art. II., Sec. 9. 4. Can detail any officer or past officer of the Order for any special duty. Chap. V., Art. VL, Sec. 5. 5. Shall appoint Standing Committees. Chap. v., Art. IX., Sec. 1, 2. 6. Vacancies in Standing Committees filled by Commander-in-chief. Chap. Y., Art. IX., Sec. 5. 7. Shall promulgate all proposed, changes in the Rules and Regulations in General Orders. Chap. v., Art. X., Sec. 5. 8. Shall sign charters of Divisions and Grand Divisions. Chap. VI., Art. I., Sec. 5. 9. May revoke, with consent of Council-in-chief, the Charter of any Division which has failed to forward reports and dues for three-quarters of a year, and remand such department to a provisional condition. Chap. VI., Art. I., Sec. 6. 10. Shall, through proper channels, cause each Division to be divided into Sub-Divisions for in- spection. Chap. VI., Art. V., Sec. 1. 11. May order Courts-Martial to try offenders in his jurisdiction. Chap. VI., Art. VI., Sec. 3. 12. May suspend a Division Commander against whom charges have been preferred. Chap. VI., Art. VI., Sec. 7. 9 90 SONS OF veterans' guide. 13. Shall hold as Trustee the Bonds of the Ad- jutant-General and Quartermaster-General. Chap. yi., Art. yil., Sec. 6. 14. May issue Diplomas to Camp Advisory- Committee. Chap. VI., Art. XII., Sec. 1. 15. May order disbursements from the treasury of the Commandery, to meet current expenses dur- ing the intervals of the meetings of the Council- in-chief. Chap, yi.. Art. Xyil., Sec. 2. 16. Shall settle upon and distribute the Pass- word and Countersign. Chap, yi., Art. Xyill. 17. Can cause to be published a Digest of the laws, rules and regulations, etc., as soon as conven- ient. Chap, yi.. Art. XXII. 18. Has no authority to withdraw Division charter. 19. May put Division- Colonel under arrest. 20. May appoint Acting Division Colonel. 21. Should order Colonel to perform neglected duty. 22. May take charge of a Division and call a meeting of Division Encampment, when Colonel fails or neglects to call the yearly meetings, as di- rected in the Constitution. 23. He has no power to fill vacancy in Council- in-chief. 24. Can organize a Permanent Division from Provisional Division. COMMAXDERY-IN-CHIEF OFFICERS. 91 25. May ratify acts of Provisional Commander. 26. May, in the exercise of sound discretion, refuse to order a Court to try certain charges and specifications of a frivolous nature. 27. May susj^end an officer from the discharge of his official duties, after charges are j^referred. 28. Wears the Commandery Ribbon — yellow. 29. Insignia of rank: rank straps of black vel- vet and gold, with four silver stars thereon, worn on coat collar. 30. Past Commanders-in-chief are entitled to wear the Golden Star of the Order. 31. Shall give a Bond. Lieutexaxt-Gexeral axd Major-Gexeral. — The Lieutenant-General and Major-General shall assist the Commander-in-chief in the performance of his duties, and in his absence or disability shall fill the office, according to seniority. Chap. V., Art. VII., Sec. 2. 2. Are members of the Council-in-chief. Chap. v.. Art. lY. Chief of Staff. — For this officer no special duties are assigned by the Rules and Regulations. Under the direction of the Commander-in-chief he has the general oversight of the Commandery Staff. 2. He is Ex-OFFicio a member of the Council- in-chief. Chap, v.. Art. IV. 92 SONS OF veterans' guide. Adjutant-General. — Shall keep correct rec- ords of the proceedmgs of the Commandery-in- chief and Council-in-chief. 2. Shall conduct its correspondence and issue the necessary orders, under direction of the Com- mander-in-chief. 3. Shall turn over to the proper officers all re- turns received by him from Divisions. 4. Shall prepare all books and blanks required for use of the Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., and shall distribute the same, under direction of the Commander-in-chief. Chap. VI., Art. II., Sec. 8. 5. Shall draw requisitions on Quartermaster- General, approved by Commander-in-chief. Art. XVII., Sec. 2. 6. Shall keep such other books and records, and perform such other duties as the Commander- in-chief or the Commandery may require of him. 7. Shall give Bond, with sufficient sureties, ap- proved by Council-in-chief. Chap. VI., Art. VII., Sec. 5. 8. Countersigns, under seal, the Charters of Divisions. 9. Makes written or printed report at annual meeting of the Commandery. Chap. VI., Art. II., Sec. 4. 10. Shall consolidate reports of Adjutants of the Divisions. Chap. VI., Art. II., Sec. 4. COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF OFFICERS. 93 11. Wears Ribbon prescribed for the Grand Division — white. 12. Insignia of rank: rank straps, same as Com- mander-in-chief, except there is but one silver star. Quartermaster-General. — Shall hold the funds, securities and vouchers of the Commandery. 2. Fills all requisitions drawn upon him by the Adjutant-General, approved by the Commander-in- chief. 3. Shall give Bond, with sufficient sureties, ap- proved by Council-in-chief. Chap. VI., Art. VII., Sec. 5. 4. Shall make a report to Commandery at the annual meeting of the same. Chief Ordnance Officer. — Furnishes all the badges to the different Camps of the Order. (This department has been put into the permanent charge of Major A. P. Davis, Father of the Order, Pitts- burg, Pa.) Inspector-General. — The Inspector-General shall perform such duties as are required of him by Chap. VI., Art. V. (See Inspection.) Chief Mustering Officer. — Shall perform such duties as are required of him by the Commander- in-chief. Judge-Advocate-General. — Passes upon ques- tions referred to him by the Commander-in-chief. 94 SONS OF veterans' guide. General Provisions. The other officers of the Coraraandery shall, under orders and direction of the Commanding Officer, perform the duties pertaining to their re- spective offices, and such other duties as circum- stances require of them. . Chap. V., Art. VII., Sec. 3. The Chief of Stnff, Quartermaster, Commissary, Inspector, Judge-Advocate, and Surgeon-Generals, and the Chief Mustering and Ordnance Officers wear the same ribbon and insignia as the Adjutant- General. Coctncil-in-Chief. — 1. The Council-in-chief shall consist of the first three elective officers, the Chief of Staff, the Adjutant-General, the Quarter- master-General, the Inspector-General, the Ciiief Mustering Officer, the Judge-Advocate-General, the Chaplain-in-chief, and five members elected yearly by the Commandei-y-in-chief. 2. Shall, with their advice and counsel, aid and assist the Commanding Officer in the performance of his duties. They shall be charged with the gen- eral care, control, and supervision of the funds of the Commandery-in-chief, and shall be lesponsible to and look after its material interests. They shall devise and recommend such measures as will ena- ble the Commandery to meet all its necessary ex- COMMANDERY-IX-CHIEF OFFICERS. 95 penditures, and shall examine and pass upon all accounts and bills incurred by any and all officers and committees of tlie same. They shall examine all the books, vouchers, and other papers of all the different officers of the Commandery, and shall audit all their accounts. They shall keep a full and detailed record of all their proceedings, and present a complete report to the Commandery-in- chief at e:ich stated yearly meeting of the same, and at such other times as the Commanding Officer may direct. Chap. V., Ait. YIIL, Sec. 3. 3. Approves Bonds of Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General. Chap. YI., Art. VII., Sec. 5. 4. Can fill vacancies in their numbers. Chap. VI., Art. VIIL, Sec. G. 5. Fills vacancies in elective officers when they occur. Chap. VI., Art. .VI., Sec. 3. 6. Approves Bonds of Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General. Chap. VI., Art. VII., Sec. 5. 7. Can fill vacancies in their numbers. Chap. VI., Art. VIIL, Sec. 6. 8. Fills vacancies in elective officers when they occur. Chap. VI., Art. VI., Sec. 3. CHAPTER X. COEEESPONDEXCE. CoEEESPOXDENTS iiiust follow military usage. Communications are to be made on lettee papee, folded in three equal parts, and endorsed on the first fold, in the following manner : Headquartees Camp, No. — , Division of S. of V., U. S. A. , 18-. B- Commander. [Here give a brief statement of contents.] Keply will be made by endorsement through the different channels required. Brothers address Camp First Sergeants, Camp Captains, the Adjutant of the Division, Division Commanders, the Adjutant-General. From Commandery Headquarters to Camps the reverse rule is followed. The Adjutant-General addresses the Division Commander, and the Ad- jutant the Camp Captain. CORRESPONDENCE. 9T As a matter of convenience the Adjutant may address the Adjutant-General direct on routine matters. [Forms.] A Brother in the Camp. , 18— E G , Orderly Sergeant, , Camp No. — . Dear Sir and Brother : Can you give me any information concern- ing, etc., * * * Yours in F., C. and L., , S. O. N. Camp to Division. Headquarters Camp, No. — , Division of S. of Y., U. S. A., , 18-. L M , Adjutant, Division of . Dear Sir and Brother : * * * * * * Yours in F., C. and L., C Y , Captain. 98 SONS OF veterans' guide. Division to Commandert. Headquarters Division, S. of Y., U. S. A. , 18— O P _, Adjutant-General, S. of V., U. S. A. Dear Sir and Brother : ****** Yours in F., C, and L., R S , Colonel-Commanding. ORDERS. The Official Orders of a Camp will be signed; ****** By order of A M- Cai^tain Commanding. R- First Sergeant. Of a Division. By command of H J- Colonel-Commanding. K , Adjutant. CORRESPONDENCE. 99 Of Commandery. By command of O P , Commander-in-chief. L R , Adjutant-General. Orders received by Camps should be read in place at the next meeting after their receipt. No vote is necessary on their reception. If BUSINESS is suggested, it lays over until "New Business." Otherwise, the orders will be duly filed. CHAPTER XI. INFANTRY TACTICS. FORMATION IN LINE. ■[Plate 1.] The Camp is formed in single (or double) rank, the men being arranged according to height. The Captain is two yards in front of the center of the Camp; the First Lieutenant is two yards in the rear of the center of the first platoon ; the Second Lieutenant is two yards in the rear of the center of the second platoon. Each lieutenant is the chief of the platoon behind which he is posted. The First Sergeant is on the right of the front rank ; the other sergeants and the Chaplain (except the Color Sergeant) are in the line of file-closers, the Quartermaster-Sergeant oppo- site left file of the Company, the Chaplain oppo- site the second file from the right, the Sergeant OF THE Guard on the left of the First Lieutenant, the Color Sergeant and Color Guard (composed of the Corporal of the Guard, the Camp and Picket Guard) in the center of the front rank ; the Prin- cipal Musician, when not required to play, is in the line of file-closers, between the First Lieutenant INFANTRY TACTICS. 101 and the Chaplain, and when required to play he marches at the head of the column. If there be a band or drum corps connected with the Camp, he shall march at their head, taking his station two yards in front of the front rank of the same. The file-closers are as equally distributed along the line as possible. All National and Division Officers and Past Camp Commanders shall form on the right of the line, two yards from the First Sergeant. Formation in Column. [Plate 2.] The First Sergeant is twenty-one inches in front of the left file of the first four ; the Quar- termaster-Sergeant is twenty-one inches in the rear of the Camp, opposite the left file of the rear four. The File-closers march two yards from the flank of the column, and see that all the fours maintain accurately their distance. The position of the Captain is by the side of the First Sergeant, on the flank opposite the file- closers. The National and Division Officers, and Past Camp Commanders march two yards in front of the First Sergeant and Captain. 10 102 SONS OF VETERANS GUIDE. [PLATE 1.] 1 [PLATE 2.] Formation IN Line. Formation in Column. '6 Band. d M a . II > |St Nat. and Div. Officers. bt^A > a ^ Ola Past Camp Commanders. c« O 125 O ^ 1 ^ Capt. 0. S. -S Ph Chap. ^ bfl ^ 1 . P. M. ^ • ' ^ __ OS ce ■^ 1 ^ 1st Lt. 1 O 1 ^ 1 Ph- -iJ 1 ^ 1 ^ QQ tH C. S. and Guard. ft 1 ^ \ «8 1 ^-1 1 's S.ofG. w 2dLt. 4i — 1 ^ ' 73 per weigh 18 times as much as a cubic foot of water; how many cubic inches of copper will weigh as much as |- of a cubic inch of gold? Find the least common multiple for the numbers I, 2.1, 5.25, f A wins 9 games out of 15 when playing|against jB, and 16 out of 25 when playing against C. How many games out of 118 should (7 win when play- ing against £^ A and £ run a race, their rates of running being as 17 to 18. A runs 2i miles in 16 minutes, 48 seconds, and jB runs the entire distance in 34 min- utes. What was the entire distance ? A and £ can do a piece of work in 4 hours, A 140 SONS OF veterans' guide. and C in 3f hours, B and C in 5| hours. In what time can A do it alone? English shillings are coined from a metal which contains 87 parts of silver to 3 parts of alloy; one pound of this metal is coined into 66 shillings. The United States silver dollar weighs 412.5 grains, and consists of 9 parts silver to 1 of alloy. What fraction of the United States dollar will con- tain the same amount of silver as one English shilling ? Give the rule for reducing a decimal of a given denomination to integers of lower denominations. What is the effect of dividing the denominator of a fraction by a whole number, and why ? Explain the difference between a common frac- tion and a decimal. What is the effect of annexing a cipher to a dec- imal, and why? If the same number be subtracted from both terms of an improper fraction, what will be the effect? Why? Give the rule for reducing a common fraction to an equivalent decimal, and explain why the result- ing decimal will be equal to the common fraction from Avhich it is obtained. Give the rule for dividing one decimal by an- other, and explain why the decimal point in the quotient is placed where the rule directs. WEST POINT. 141 Define Reduction, and state the different kinds. Grammar. — In English Grammar^ candidates must be able : — 1. To define the parts of speech, and give their classes and proj^erties ; to give inflections, includ- ing declension, conjugation and comparison; to give the corresponding masculine and feminine gender-nouns; to give and apply the ordinary rules of syntax. 2. To parse fully and correctly any ordinary sentence, omitting rules, declensions, comparisons, and principal parts, but giving the subject of each verb, the governing word of each objective case, the word for which each pronoun stands, or to which it refers, the words between which each preposition shows the relation, precisely wiiat each conjunction connects, what each adjective and ad- verb qualifies or limits, the construction of each infinitive, and, generally, showing a good knowl- edge of the function of each word in the sentence. Omissions will be taken to indicate ignorance. 3. To correct in sentences or extracts any ordi- nary grammatical errors, such as are mentioned and explained in ordinary grammars. It is not required that any particular gramma- rian or text-book shall be followed ; but rules, defi- nitions, parsing, and corrections must be in accord- 142 soxs OF veterans' guide. ance with good usage and common sense. The examination may be written or oral, or both writ- ten and oral. Geography. — Candidates will be required to pass a satisfactory exaramation, written or oral, or both, in Geography^ particularly of our own coun- try. To give a candidate a clear idea of what is required, the following synopsis is added to show the character and extent of the examination. Questions are likely to be asked involving knowl- edge of : 1st. Definitions of the geographical circles, of latitude and longitude, of zones, and of all the nat- ural divisions of the earth's surface, as islands, seas, capes, etc. 2d. The continental areas and grand divisions of the water of the earth's surface. 3d. The grand divisions of the land — the large bodies of water which in part or wholly surround thera. Their principal mountains, location, direction, and extent; the capes, from what parts they pro- ject, and into what waters ; Their principal peninsulas, location, and by what waters they are embraced ; The parts coimected by an isthmus, if any ; Their principal islands, location, and surround- ing waters ; WEST POINT. 143 The seas, gulfs, and bays, the coasts they indent, and the wateis to which they are subordinate ; The straits, the lands they separate, and the waters they connect; Their principal rivers, their sources, directions of flow, and the waters into which they empty ; Their principal lakes, location and extent ; 4th. The political divisions of the grand divisions. Their names, locations, boundaries, and capitals ; general questions of the same character as indi- cated in the second section made applicable to each of the countries of each of the grand divisions. 5th. The United States. The candidate should be thoroughly informed as to its general features, configuration, location, and boundaries (both with respect to neighboring countries, and latitude and longitude) ; its adja- cent oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, sounds, straits, and islands; its mountain ranges, their location and extent ; the sources, directions, and terminations of the important rivers and their principal tribu- taries, the lakes, and, in short, every geographical feature of the country as indicated above. The location and termination of important railroad lines and other means of communication from one part of the country to another should not be omitted. 144 SONS OF veterans' guide. The States and Territories are to be accurately located with respect to each other by their boun- daries, and as to their arder along the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Coast, the Northern frontier, the Mexican frontier, and the Mississippi, Missouri, and, Ohio Rivers. The boundary and other large rivers of each State, as well as all other prominent geographical features should be known. The names and locations of their capitals, and other important cities and towns are likewise to be known. In short, the knowledge should be so complete that a clear mental picture of the whole or any part of the United States is impressed on the mind of the candidate. More weight is attached to a knowledge of the geography of the United States than to that of all other countries combined. History. — The candidate should make himself familiar with so much of the History of the United States as is contained in the ordinary school histo- ries. The examination may be written or oral, or partly written and partly oral, and will usually consist of a series of questions similar to the fol- lowing : 1. Name the earliest European settlements within the present limits of the United States — WEST POINT. 145 when, where, and by whom made ? When did the settlements made by other nations than the English, come under the Dominion of Great Britain, and of the United States ? II. What was the difference between the Royal, the Chartered, and the Proprietary colonies ? How many colonies were there originally in Massachu- setts and Connecticut? when were they united ? How many in Pennsylvania? when were they sej^arated ? III. In what wars were the colonies engaged before the Revolution ? What were the principal events and results of those of King William, Queen Anne, King George, and the French and Indian. IV. What were the remote and the immediate causes of the American Revolution ? Explain the Navigation Act, the Stamp Act, Writs of Assist- ance. When did the War of the Revolution prop- erly begin? when, where, and how did it end? Give the particulars of Arnold's treason. Who were the most prominent generals in this war? Name the most important battles, and their results. V. The Constitution of the United States — why and when was it formed ? when was it adopted? VI. Give the names of the Presidents of the United States in their order. Give the leading 146 SONS OF veterans' guide. events of the administration of each one ; for ex- ample, that of — Washington — Indian war; trouble with France; Jay's treaty ; the whiskey rebellion, etc. Jefferson — War with Tripoli ; purchase of Louisiana ; the embargo, etc., etc. Madison — War of 1812; its causes; the princi- pal battles on land and sea; peculiarity of its last battle, when ended, etc., etc. Monroe — Indian war; cession of Florida ; Mis- souri compromise, et(;., etc. Jackson — Black Hawk and Seminole wars ; the United States Bank ; nullification, etc., etc. Polk — The Mexican war; its causes; principal battles ; result of it, etc., etc. Pierce — Repeal of Missouri compromise ; troubles in Kansas, etc., etc. Buchanan — Civil war, how begun, etc., etc. Lincoln — War of Secession ; its causes ; its re- sults, social and political ; explain Doctrine of State Sovereignty; alienation between Northern and Southern states; Doctrine of Secession; give an account of principal battles. Johnson — Fourteenth Amendment; Tenure of Office Bill ; Johnson's Impeachment. Grant — Fifteenth Amendment ; Alabama Claims and Treaty of Washington; Electoral Commission. WEST POINT. 147 Academic Duties. The academic duties and exercises commence on the first of September, and continue until the first of June. Examinations of the several classes are held in January and June, and, at the former, such of the new Cadets as are found proficient in studies and have been correct in conduct are given the particular standing in their class to which their merits entitle them. After each examination. Ca- dets found deficient in conduct or studies are dis- charged from the Academy, unless the Academic Board for special reasons in each case should oth- erwise recommend. Similar examinations are held every January and June during the four years comprising the course of studies. These examinations are very thorough, and re- quire from the Cadet a close and persevering atten- tion to study, without evasion, or slighting of any part of the course, as no relaxations of any kind can be made by the examiners. Military Instruction. — From the termination of the examination in June to the end of August, the Cadets live in camp, engaged only in military duties and exercises, and receiving practical mili- tary instruction. Except in extreme cases. Cadets are allowed but one leave of absence during the four years' course ; 148 SONS OF veterans' guide. as a rule, the leave is granted at the end of the first two years' course of study. Pay of Cadets. The pay of a Cadet is 8540 per year, to com- mence with his admission to the Academy, and is sufficient, with proper economy, for his support. No Cadet is permitted to receive money, or any other supplies, from his parents, or from any per- son whomsoever, without the sanction of the Superintendent. Cadets are required to wear the prescribed uni- form. All articles of their clothing are of a uni- form pattern, and are sold to Cadets at West Point at regulated prices. Expenses of Candidates prior to Admission. The expenses of a candidate for board, washing, lights, etc., after he has reported, and prior to ad- mission, will be about $10. Immediately after be- ing admitted to the Institution he must be provided with an outfit of uniform, the cost of which will be about $90, making a total sum of $100, which must be deposited with the Treasurer of the Academy before the candidate is admitted. It is best for a candidate to take with him no more money than will defray his traveling expenses, and for the par- WEST POINT. 149 ent or guardian to send to '-'-The Treasurer U. S. Military Academy^'' the required deposit of $100. Any deviation from the rule as to the amount or manner of making the deposit must be explained in writing, by the parent or guardian of the candi- date, to the Superintendent of the Academy. Assignment to Corps after Graduation. The attention of applicants and candidates is called to the following provisions of an act of Con-, gress approved May 17, 1886, to regulate the pro- motion of graduates of the United States Military Academy. That when any cadet of the United States Mili- tary Academy has gone through all its classes, and received a regular diploma from the academic staff, he may be promoted and commissioned as a second lieutenant in any arm or corps of the army in which there may be a vacancy, and the duties of which he may have been judged competent to per- form ; and in case there shall not at the time be a vacancy in such arm or corps, he may, at the dis- cretion of the President, be promoted and commis- sioned in it as an additional second lieutenant, with the usual pay and allowances of a second lieuten- ant, until a vacancy shall happen. 14 150 SONS OF veterans' guide. « General Qualifications. A sound body and constitution, suitable prepara- tion, good natural capacity, an aptitude for study, industrious habits, perseverance, an obedient and orderly disposition, and a correct moral deport- ment, are such essential qualifications that candi- dates knowingly deficient in any of these respects, should not, as many do, subject themselves and their friends to the chances of future mortification and disappointment by accepting appointments at the Academy, and entering upon a career which they cannot successfully pursue. WEST POINT. 151 Course of Study and Books Used at the Military Academy. [Books marked thus * are for reference.] First Year.— Fourth Class. DEPARTMENT. COURSE OF study, TEXT-BOOKS AND BOOKS OF REFERENCE. Mathematics. Davies' Elements of Algebra. Davies' Legendre's Geometry. Church's Planeand Spherical Trigonometry. Davies' Surveying. Church's Analytical Geometry. Modern Languages. Keetels' Analytical and Practical French Grammar. Keetels' Analytical French Reader. *Spiers' and Surenne's Dictionary. Whitney's Essentials of English Grammar. Hart's Manual of Rhetoric and Composition. Abbott and Seeley's English Lessons for English People. Abbott^s How to Write Clearly. ♦Webster's Dictionary. History, Geography and Ethics. Lectures in Ethics, and in Universal History. Tactics of Artillery and Infantry. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company and Battalion. *Blunt's Rifle and Carbine Firing. Practical Instruction in Artillery. Use of Small Arms. Instruction in Fencing and Bayonet Exer- cise, and Military Gymnastics. 152 SONS OF VETERANS GUIDE. Second Year.— Third Class. DEPARTMENT. COURSE OF STUDY, TEXT-BOOKS, AND BOOKS OF REFERENCE. Mathematics. Church's Analytical Geometry. Church's Descriptive Geometry, with its application to Spherical Projections. Church's Calculus. Church's Shades, Shadows and Perspective. Chauvenet's Treatise on the Method of Least Squares. Modern Languages. Keetels' Analytical and Practical French Grammar. Borel's Grammaire Fran^aise. Bocher's College Series of French Plays. Roemer's Cours de Lecture et de Traduc- tion. Vols. I and II. *Spiers and Surenne's Dictionary. Drawing. Topography and plotting of Surveys with lead pencil, pen and ink, and colors; construction of the various problems in Descriptive Geometry, Shades and Shadows, and Linear perspective and Isometric projections ; practical survey- ing in the field. *Reed s Topographical Drawing and Sketching. Tactics of Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Companv and Battahon. *Blunt's Rifle and Carbine Firing. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cav- alry. WEST POINT. 153 Third Year.— Second Class. DEPARTMENT. COURSE OF STUDY, TEXT-BOOKS, AND BOOKS OF REFERENCE. Natural and Experi- mental Philosophy. Michie's Mechanics (Solids). Bartlett'8 Mechanics (Fluids), Bartlett's Astronomy. Michie's Elements of Wave-Motion relating to Sound and Light. Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology. Bloxam's Chemistry, 5th Edition. Everett's Deschanel's Heat, Part II. Tillman's Principles of Chemical Philosophy Brown's Eclectic Physiology. Thompson's Elementary Lessons in Elec- tricity and Mag-netism. Dana's Mineralogy. Le Conte's Elements of Geology. Drawing. Free Hand Drawing and Landscape in black and white. Constructive and Architec- tural drawing in ink and colors. *Reed's Topographical Drawing and Sketching. Tactics of Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry. United States Army Artillery Tactics. Tidball's Manual of Heavy Artillery Ser- vice. U. S. A. United States Army Cavalry Tactics. L'pton's L'. S. Army Infantry Tactics. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cav- alry. Practical Military Engineering. Myer's Manual of Signals. Practical and Theoretical Instruction in Military Signaling. 154 SONS OF veterans' GUIDE. Fourth Year.— First Class. DEPARTMENT. COURSE OF STUDY, TEXT-BOOKS, AND BOOKS OF REFERENCE. Civil and Military Engineering and Science of War. Wheeler's Civil Engmeering. Wheeler's Field Fortifications. Wheeler's Military Engineering (Perma- nent Fortifications, Siege Operations, and Military Mining.) Wheeler's Elements of the Art and Science of War. Mahan's Stereotomv. *Royal Engineers, "^Aide-Memoire, Parts I and II. Modem Languages. Knapp's Spanish Grammar, Knapp's Span- ish Readings. *Sloane's Newman and Barrett's Dictionary. Law. Woolsey's International Law. Cooler's General Principles of Constitu- tional Law in the United States. Winthrop's Abridgement of Military Law. General Orders No. 100, A. G. O., 18G3. History, Geography and Ethics. Swinton's Outlines of the World's History. Labberton's Historical Atlas. Practical Military Engineering. Practical Instruction in the construction of Pontoon and Spar Bridges : in the prep- aration of Siege Materials ; and in lay- ing out field and siege work. Practical Instruction in Astronomy, in Sur- veying, in Military Reconnaisances, in Field Telegraphy, and Night Signaling. ♦Ernst's Manual of Practical Military En- gineering. Myer's Manual of Signals. Tactics of Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry. Ordnance and Gunnery. Benton's Ordnance and Gunnery. Ordnance Pamphlets, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Practical Pyrotechnics. Practical Ballistics.