AN ACT to make further provision for the public defense.
Whereas, war exists between the United States and the Confederate
States; and whereas, the public welfare may require the reception of volunteer forces into the service of the Confederate States without the formality and delay of a call upon the respective States : (Therefore,]
States; and whereas, the public welfare may require the reception of volunteer forces into the service of the Confederate States without the formality and delay of a call upon the respective States : (Therefore,]
The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the President be authorized to receive into service such companies, battalions, or regiments, either mounted or on foot, as may tender themselves, and he may require, without the delay of a formal call upon the respective States, to serve for such time as he may prescribe.
SEC. 2. Such volunteer forces who may be accepted under this act, except as herein differently provided, shall be organized in accordance with and subject to all the provisions of the act entitled “An act to provide for the public defense,” and be entitled to all the allowances provided therein; and when mustered into service may be attached to such divisions, brigades, or regiments as the President may direct, or ordered upon such independent or detached service as the President may deem expedient: Provided, however, That battalions and regiments may be enlisted from States not of this Confederacy, and the President may appoint all or any of the field officers thereof.
SEC. 3. The President shall be authorized to commission all officers entitled to commissions of such volunteer forces as may be received under the provisions of this act. And upon the request of the officer commanding such volunteer regiment, battalion, or company, the President may attach a supernumerary officer to each company, detailed from the Regular Army for that purpose, and for such time as the President may direct.
Approved May 11, 1861.