In a message dated 7/4/03 1:45:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


>
> We have just returned from a short vacation in upstate NY, and read an
> article about some NY regiment whose enlistments ran out so the whole regiment
> returned and never went back to fight again.
>
> Did anything like this total unit muster-out happen in the South,
> particularly Virginia?  I have seen at least one instance of somebody being 'honorably
> discharged' after the battle of Fredericksburg, but no reason was given.  My
> impression has been that whatever term one signed up for in the Confederacy,
> the term ended up being the entire war.
>
> Randy Cabell
>
>

Randy

The short answer to the question for Virginia troops mustering out en masse
at the expiration of their term of service is no.  The more complicated answer
is that there were individuals exceptions.

To elaborate, in the spring of 1862 the Confederate Congress passed a
conscription act, which extended the one year terms of 1861 to three years or the
duration of the war.  Those that chose to accept this without an argument would
be reenlisted and receive a $50 bounty, and a 30-day furlough.  Those that
didn't would be mustered out (in theory), and have to take their chances with the
Confederate Conscription agents (aka Dog Catchers).  The vast majority took
the first alternative.

This 1862 conscription act fixed the ages at between 18 and 35.  (These were
later extended to 17 to 50 in 1864).  If someone reached the age of 35 in
1863, he may have been discharged honorably.  If someone who was under 18 (later
17) enlisted without parental permission, and the parents found out and
objected, that soldier would have been discharged honorably as well.  If a man was
disabled from wounds he may have been discharged honorably.  (Depended on how
severe the wounds were and what limitations they put on his ability to do
physical activity).  If a person was elected to a civil office while in service,
(e.g., clerk of court, sheriff), he would have been honorably discharged.

But no Virginia was mustered out en masse, with the following exceptions.
Virginia Militia units were used as a source for drafting men.  The remnant that
was left, too old, unfit for service, were mustered out, but there wasn't
much material for an effective military unit in the militia after the summer of
1862 because of the drafts.

The units which composed the Virginia State Rangers and Virginia State Line
were disbanded in March 1863.  These men were left to be conscripted into other
units, and most rather than take their chances formed units which were
tendered to the Confederate Government rather than the Commonwealth's government.
(See my book on these characters for a fuller description of what was going on
with them).

Additionally in 1861 there were several units that were authorized, but never
completed their organization.  Most of these men were discharged (honorably)
but later served with other units.  The reasons most of these units never
completed their organization were:  1) competition from other men with commissions
working in the same area 2) lack of equipment 3) capture of the proposed
leaders during the recruiting process.

Probably more than you wanted to know, but there it is.  Hope it helps.


Warm regards
Jeff Weaver
PO Box 351
Saltville, Smyth County, VA
http://www.ls.net/~newriver/nrv.htm - New River Notes
http://members.aol.com/jweaver300/grayson/vacwhp.htm - Virginia Civil War
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