By-Laws of Company D, 16th Regiment of Virginia
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I. Name and Affiliations: We are a Civil War reenactment group portraying Company H of the 32nd Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. Our organization is a member of the 1st Division, 2nd Battalion of the Army of Northern Virginia (ANV).
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II. History: Company H (Also known as the Warwick Beauregards) was raised in May of 1861 by Dr. H. H. Curtis at his Warwick County home, Endview Plantation. The 32nd Virginia started with ten companies, but lost three companies to the 1st Virginia Artillery and was reorganized with seven companies in May of 1862. Various companies of the 32nd served on detached service, so the regiment rarely served as a complete unit. The 32nd served at the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Savage Station, South Mountain, Sharpsburg, Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred, Five Forks, Sayler's Creek and Appomattox, as well as performing provost duty in Petersburg.
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III. Company Objectives:
A. To accurately portray the life and times of the typical Confederate soldier.
B. To expand our knowledge of the Civil War period and share that knowledge with the public.
C. To maintain an authentic camp environment that is suitable for all visitors.
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IV. Membership:
A. To be considered a "member in good standing" of this company, one must pay dues in a timely manner, participate in %50 of company events (exceptions for job conflicts, etc. may be granted by the commanding officer), obey the reasonable requests of company officers/non-coms, uphold the by-laws of the company, and successfully complete an initial 6-month probationary period (at which time full voting rights accrue).
B. Yearly dues (the amount to be determined each December by a vote of the company) are to be paid by January 31st. The commanding officer may grant up to two thirty-day extensions (with a $1 penalty assessed for each extension). If dues/penalties have not been paid by the end of the extension period, that member will not be allowed to participate in events or vote until the debt is paid in full.
C. Membership in any other Civil War reenactment group must be authorized by the company staff.
D. Members must be at least 16 years of age (birth certificate/proof of age required on file) to carry a weapon. Members between the ages of 16-18 who do not have a legal guardian present at an event must have the written permission of a legal guardian to carry a weapon and must have a written, notarized affidavit granting power of attorney to a designated chaperone. This shall be in effect immediately (upon ratification of these by-laws) for all under-age members, regardless of previous experience or company practice.
E. To be eligible for an officer's position one must have been a member for at least five years. To be eligible for a non-coms position one must have been a member for at least two years.
F. Members can hold only one office at the company level. Battalion or Division level office may be held at the same time as company office, but only so long as company duties are fulfilled (subject to company review and vote).
G. Honorary memberships may be granted by a 2/3 vote of the members. Since such members do not pay dues, they do not have voting rights.
H. Membership will not be denied based upon race, religion, creed, national origin, or gender. However, women in ranks must make a concerted effort to hide their gender - just as did women soldiers of the time we portray - or they may be subject to disciplinary action.
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V. Company Structure: the number of officers/noncoms needed will be determined by the size of the company. The minimum compliment of field officers shall be: Captain, 1st Lt., 1st. Sgt., 1st Corp. and Ord. Sgt. Terms of office will be for one year. The company chain of command and position responsibilities are as follows:
A. Captain - To command the company in the field, represent the company at battalion level officers' meetings, lead company meetings, keep official company records, and take care of other company needs as necessary.
B. 1st Lieutenant - To act as second in command, taking over the commanding officer's duties as necessary.
C. 2nd Lieutenant - To support the other officers in command roles as needed.
D. 1st Sergeant - To relay the orders of the officers to the company, drill the company, act as right-hand guide in a line of battle, and prepare morning reports at events.
E. 2nd Sergeant - To support the 1st Sergeant and act as left-hand guide in a line of battle.
F. 1st Corporal - To support the officer corps in the direction of the company.
G. 2nd Corporal - To support the officer corps in the direction of the company.
H. Ordinance Sergeant - To act as company safety officer and to enforce safety regulations with the help and support of all members.
I. Quartermaster Sergeant - To keep track of and maintain company equipment.
J. Company Clerk - To publish newsletters for the company and assist the commanding officer with event registrations.
K. Recruiting Officer - To recruit and register new company members, and forward membership information to the commanding officer.
L. Privates - To accurately portray the life and times of the Confederate soldier, to follow the commands of company officers/noncoms, and to upghold the company by-laws.
NOTE: Brevet ranks (temporary field promotions) will be determined by the ranking officer/noncom at an event (as needed and based upon experience/ability) and are in force for the duration of that one event.
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VI. Company meetings: The company shall meet at each event (and as needed in the off-season) to disseminate information, make decisions about event attendance and expenditures, conduct elections, convene courts martial, etc. Meetings shall be conducted by the ranking officer/noncom and shall be modeled upon Roberts' Rules of Order.
A. Voting - One vote per member in good standing shall be allowed. Those on probation due either to new member status or disciplinary action shall not be allowed to vote in either elections, courts martial, or changes to by-laws/amendments. Only military reenactors will be allowed to vote upon officers, selection of events, or changes to by-laws/amendments. All dues-paying members may vote upon company expenditures. Honorary members may not vote.
B. Quorum - A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the members in good standing, and shall be necessary for company decisions.
C. Absentee voting - Those members in good standing who cannot vote in person may submit their votes in writing, provided that their vote is delivered prior to the formal vote. No proxy votes shall be allowed.
D. Elections - Company elections shall be held each December. Those nominated, whether in advance or from the floor, must agree to run for office. Candidates may run for no more than one position per election. Election will be by secret ballot, to be counted by three company members (who are not seeking office) selected by the commanding officer. Election shall be simple majority. In the case of a tie, the company shall vote again until such time as a clear winner is determined. When a candidate for office is unopposed, the company may select that candidate (without formal vote) by unanimous acclamation. Those elected take office on January 1st of the new year. In the event that an office becomes vacant, the commanding officer may make promotions among existing staff members and/or call for a special election to fill the vacancy.
E. Committees - If the company deems that any committees (standing or temporary) are necessary, proposals for such shall be outlined (including function, composition, and duration) and voted upon by the company (simple majority).
F. Ratification of by-laws/Amendments - Any changes made to the by-laws shall require a 2/3 majority vote of the members in good standing.
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VII. Disciplinary Procedures: Officers and noncoms are responsible for enforcing the order and discipline of the company. Offenses which may require disciplinary action include, but are not limited to: lying, cheating, stealing, fraud, drunkeness on duty, disrespect for officers/noncoms, disobeying orders, striking a member of the company, or violation of Safety Regulations or Authenticity Guidelines. Any infractions of the by-laws shall be reported through the chain of command.
A. First Offense - An oral warning will be issued by an officer/noncom outlining the nature of the offense, as well as suggestions for correcting the problem. The date of the infraction will be recorded for future reference.
B Second Offense - A written warning will be prepared by an officer/noncom explained to the offender, and then turned over to the commanding officer. This document shall be kept on file for one year. Further violations during this year shall be grounds for court martial.
C. Minor offense may be dealt with at the discretion of the officer corps (i.e. extra duties).
D. Major or chronic offenses (serious enough to warrant possible expulsion) may be referred to a court martial.
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VIII. Courts Martial: The officer corps may convene a court martial for chronic or serious breaches of conduct. To ensure fairness, officers of the court cannot have been directly involved in any incident being examined by the court.
A. The "President" of the court shall be the highest-ranking officer/noncom present (1863 regulations) and shall preside over the court. He shall select a "Clerk of the Court" to record the proceedings, and may appoint any other court officials he deems necessary (such as "Sergeant-at-arms").
B. The "Judge Advocate" shall be a member of the officer corps agreed upon by majority vote of the company. The judge advocate will act as the prosecution.
C. The "accused" must select a member of the company to act as "defense counsel". This will ensure fairness when determining a verdict (see VIII, F. below).
D. The president, the judge advocate, and the accused (with defense counsel) shall agree upon a time and place to hold court proceedings.
E. Evidence shall be presented first by the prosecution, and then by the defense, both sides being allowed cross-examination of any witnesses.
F. After closing remarks are made by the prosecution and the defense, the company will decide the guilt or innocence of the accused by secret ballot. Ballots shall be counted and confirmed by the president, the judge advocate, and the defense counsel.
G. A verdict of guilt or innocence will be confirmed by a 2/3 majority vote of company. If no such majority can be determined, then the president shall declare a mistrial, and the court shall be adjourned.
H. The verdict shall be read before the court by the president. The verdict (and sentence, if applicable - see VIII, I. below) will be recorded by the clerk of the court and the record signed by the accused., the defense counsel, the judge advocate, and the president of the court. The president shall keep the record for one year, after which time it shall be destroyed.
I. If the accused is found innocent, the president shall adjourn the court martial. If the accused is found guilty, the court shall proceed to sentencing.
J. Sentencing - Sentence shall be determined by the company through secret ballot (counted as before, see VIII, F. above). The company shall have two sentencing options available for guilty verdicts in a court martial: (1) immediate expulsion from the company or (2) a probation period of one year. The president shall pass sentence based upon a majority vote of the company.
K. Probation - Any infractions during the probation period shall be grounds for another vote of the company (simple majority) to either: (1) extend the probation period or (2) expel the guilty party without benefit of a new couret martil.
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IX. Authenticity Guidelines for Uniforms and Equipment: Recruits shall have one year to obtain appropriate uniforms and equipment. While these guidelines are not absolute, please keep in mind that just because some item existed during the Civil War, that does not mean that it would be in common use.
A. Muskets or rifle-muskets with bayonets and scabbards must be appropriate to the period (see X, C).
B Accoutrements - Cap boxes, cartridge boxes w/tins, slings and belts should be of black leather, though buff (early war) and brown leather, as well as painted cloth (late war) belts and slings are acceptable. Belt buckles should be Virginia plates, forked-tongue, iron roller buckles, US or CS plates (no CSA).
C Uniform coat - Must be made of wool or jeans cloth and may be any of the various shades of gray/butternut. Nine-button shell jackets are preferable for noncoms and privates, but frock coats and sack coats are acceptable. Officers coats should follow Confederate regulatons. Buttons should be Virginia state seal (early war), block I, Federal, Confederate eagle (officers), or civilian type (no CSA - they are not appropriate for the eastern theater).
D. Shirts - Must be of the pullover style and in period colors or prints.
E. Trousers- Must be made of wool or jeans cloth and may be of either military of civilian style and color. Suspenders should be button type (no clips or elastic).
F. Shoes - Should be military brogans, black or brown. Socks should be solid colored wool, though cotton socks were also used. Keep in mind that brogans are more practical (and more correct) on the march than high top or cavalry boots.
G. Hats - Headgear may be kepis, bummers, wheel caps, or felt hats of period style. Avoid using lots of brass decorations, especially for late war impressions.
H. Haversacks - May be of plain canvas (Confederate), painted canvas (Federal), or civilian style. Contents should include a tin plate, a tin cup, period eating utensils, period toothbrush, and other small personal items as desired.
I. Canteens - Must be wood or tin and of period design.
J. Cups - Must be of period design. All beverages must be consumed from priod containers. Tin cups were the norm. Avoid enameled cups, pots, etc.
K. Blankets - Should be wool or quilts of period design. Avoid modern looking military wool blankets. Sleeping bags or pads must be covered with a period blanket.
L. Eyewear - If you need vision correction, you must use either contact lenses or period frames - modern eyeglasses will not be allowed on the field or in camp during public hours.
M. Optional Euqipment - The purchase of knapsacks, gum blankets, dog tents, pocket watches, and other items to enhance one's impression are up to the individual.
N. Remember the period we ar portraying. Rough language and coarse behavior were not acceptable in front of women and children - be aware of who may hear or see you and act accordingly.
NOTE: We represent typical Confederate infantrymen. We are not Zouaves, sharpshooters, or dismounted cavalry, so avoid unusual or atypical gear.
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X. Safety Regulations: Though the Ordinance Sgt. is the chief safety officer, it is the duty of every company member to look out for the safety of our fellow reenactors. Those who disregard these safety regulations will be brought before the commanding officer for reprimand, discipline, and possible court martial. In cases where these regulations do not coincide with ANV regulations, the stricter of the two shall be enforced.
A. When the Ordinance Sgt. cannot be present at an event, the ranking officer shall designate a noncom to serve as company safety officer for that event.
B. All weapons must pass a safety inspection by the Ordinance Sgt./Safety Officer before they will be allowed on the battlefield.
C. Muskets or rifle-muskets must have percussion locks and be of the 3-band type (such as Enfields or Springfields). Shorter weapons (such as two-band rifles or shotguns) are not safe for firing in two rank formations.
D. All weapons are to be handled in a safe manner - no horseplay. Maintain control of all weapons. Do not allow spectators to handle weapons.
E. No company member shall be allowed to carry a firearm on the battlefield until he has demonstrated to the Ordinance Sgt. and/or the commanding officer that he: (1) knows the manual of arms, (2) knows the firing positions, (3) can quickly and safely load and fire his weapon, and (4) can properly take down and clean his weapon.
F. Firearms will not be aimed at anyone within 25 yards. Remember to elevate your weapon when near the enemy or the wounded. Never place your chin or hands over the muzzle of your weapon - always assume it is loaded.
G. Keep a loaded firearm on half cock - this is your weapon's safety. Also, keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.
H. Ramrods will not be drawn on the battlefield except for weapons inspections.I. Do not ram paper (wadding) unless directed to do so by an oficer/noncom.
J. Cap and cartridge boxes (with tins) are required. Do not carry caps or cartridges in pockets.
K. Bayonets and side knives are to be sheathed and tied in their scabbards at all times. Do not draw edged weapons without permission or fix bayonets unless ordered to do so.
L. Any hand-to-hand combat will be kept to a moderate level. If your opponent appears to lose self-control, take a hit and avoid injury.
M. Cartridges shall contain a maximum charge of 70 grains of black powder. Powder shall be stored in a military-style steel ammo can.
N. Campfires must be monitored at all times and be kept to a manageable size. No explosive are to be thrown into campfires. A shovel and a bucket of water shall be kept by each campfire at all times. Lit lanterns must also be attended.
O. Controlled substances - Only those members of legal age may use controlled substances in camp. No alcohol shall be consumed during public hours. No alcohol will ever be tolerated on the field. Those who use tobacco must use it is period form (i.e. pipe, cigar, chaw or filterless cigarette) during public hours and take care to keep lit smokables away from any source of gunpowder. There will be no smoking in ranks. Civilian women should not smoke during public hours. Illegal substances are forbidden at all times.
P. Whenever the company is in formation and at attention, members will maintain quiet in ranks. To function effectively and safely, company members must be able to hear orders.
Q. Identification - Each member shall keep an index card (in the haversack) which details that members name, unit, medical conditions, and emergency contact phone numbers. this card shall be kept in a protective cover (such as a zip lock bag) and shall always be carried on the field.
These by-laws, having been duly ratified by a majority of the membership (as per the old by-laws), take effect on April 15, 2002.
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