Civil War Provost Guard

[major bill]

In the Union Army the Provost Guard had many duties. Although they were not Military Policemen by current standards the performed many of the task now performed by Military Policemen. Some of the duties of the Provost Guard:

1. Suppression of marauding and looting
2. Preserve order
3. Prevent straggling
4. Suppression of gambling houses and other houses disruptive to troop discipline
5. Responsible for searches, seizers and arrest
6. Taking charge of enemy deserters and prisoners of war
7. Issuing passed to civilians and hearing citizens complaints against the military
8. Putting down any insurrections in the field involving Federal troops in the field
9. Protection and control of civilian population

During the Civil War Provost Guard Units apprehended over 76,000 Union deserters. The Confederate Army also had Provost Units.

 

[major bill]

On example of the use of the Provost Guard was on July 1st at Gettysburg when two provost lines were used to keep stragglers and deserters in the Gettysburg area.

 

[huskerblitz]

Any idea what the rotation schedule was for Provost Guards? I found a number of men from the regiment I research that was assigned at various times to that function.

 

[major bill]

Any idea what the rotation schedule was for Provost Guards? I found a number of men from the regiment I research that was assigned at various times to that function.

I am not certain a rotation schedule was used. Commanders at Corp and Division levels appointed a Provost Marshal and furnished the Provost Marshal with the needed Provost Guard.

 

[gary]

LSU Press has a book, Rebel Watchdog, about the Cornfed Provosts.

Civil liberterians would howl at what the provosts did back then. Get a pass to go anywhere. Detailed search of the person to find contraband materials (think of a soldier instead of those nice blue clad people at the airport today).

BTW, I met a ranger who interpreted a provost guard at Harper's Ferry. He demanded I take a loyalty oath. I proclaimed it was unnecessary as I always carried proof of my loyalty, ergo, in the form of a medallion of our beloved President Lincoln. He was not impressed by my penny and I took the oath.

 

[Tom Elmore]

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/support-services-provost-guard.112968/#post-1110620

 

[GS]

My first encounter (while researching my ancestors and writing Trapped in the Crossfire) with a Provost Guard, was one who picked up my gr-gr-grandfather at the Selma Infirmary, where he had been recovering from the measles, and took him like a prisoner to his regiment, the 27th Alabama. In the soldiers' diaries, the CSA Provost Guards are called "Rebel Watchdogs". It seems they were distrusted by the men.

 

[Dave Baird]

Just found out my GG Grandfather served as a Provost Guard in the 63rd PA Vols. after being promoted to Corporal. Did these men carry any other weapons than the issued rifle?

Dave

 

[major bill]

The probably would have only had their used weapons. That being when an Infantry company pulled Prevost Guard they carried muskets, while cavalry units assigned Provost dutieswould carry carbines or pistols depending on what the were issued as cavalry.

 

[Dave Baird]

Thank you, Colonel! My wife just bought me a book on the 63rd; and besides reading he had been assigned to PG, there is a group picture including him!!!! My first (blurry) photo of my ancestor! Others around him had muskets on their shoulders, but not only doesn't it appear he had one at the picture taking, he may even be in a somewhat different uniform. Again, the area around him is blurry. Anyhow, I've been looking for a Lorenz that the company was issued. The picture had me wonder if he carried only a revolver. But, the search continues for a Lorenz. Merry Christmas, Colonel. Dave

 

[Lubliner]

Weren't they also used for enforcing the draft call, both north and south? Guarding prisoners upon capture, and also the guardhouse for camp inmates?

 

[John Hartwell]

Waldo Denny's The Wearing of the Blue in the 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, (1879), describes some that regiment's experiences as the first Provost Guard of the newly captured New Bern, N.C.:

"The Twenty-fifth Massachusetts arriving from the battle field, reached the burning bridge, and were taken, about five o'clock, p.m., to the city by the gunboats that had arrived, and was the first regiment to enter the city. Upon reaching New Berne, the Twenty-fifth was at once detailed for duty as provost guard, Captain Messenger, of the general staff being appointed provost marshal. ​

..........​

​

"On the 9th of May, [1862] the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts closed its city life. Since the capture of New Berne, the regiment had constituted the provost guard of the town. The companies occupied some of the best houses, and from the gardens were able to procure many esculents, some of which were almost ripened for the table at the time of the Federal occupation. From numerous stores and markets everything eatable was to be had, and from the wharves came an abundance of fish, chickens, sweet potatoes, eggs, etc., brought from the rivers and the surrounding country. Many, perhaps all of the companies, made large savings upon the regular ration, and, from the amount saved, such good things as were unknown in the government ration, could be obtained for the company mess, so that, in New Berne, the soldiers were supplied with the best to be had in the market. ​

​

"Except the regular guard mounting each morning, and guard duty for those detailed, no other duty was required, though the company drills were generally maintained. The guard mounting on Craven street each morning, was an interesting feature of our life in the city. It is unnecessary to say that this duty, under the supervision of Adjutant Harkness, was performed in exact accordance with the 'Regulations.' Everything was in perfect order: every boot on the line possessed an excelsior shine, every strap, buckle and button was in its place; each cap-visor was square to the front, and the bayonets and brasses shone with a brightness that proved the industry and pains-taking character of the men of the battalion. These guard-mounts were often honored by the personal inspection of General Burnside, who seemed to enjoy the ceremony as much as any of the usually large crowd of spectators. Long continued duty in a city was not, however, desirable for a soldier. Its effect was very disastrous to a wholesome esprit de corps; therefore, the order to march, on the 9th of May, to the Red house, a farm house located about thirteen miles westerly, owned and occupied by an inoffensive gentleman by the name of Bogey, was, to nearly all, a welcome command — welcome, because it was to return us to regular camp life — because the battalion would be again consolidated, and because all would be removed from the inertia and temptations incident to a town garrison." ​

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Grgrgrandfather's company of the 6th US Cavalry was detached as provost in D.C.. Have always wondered what were their duties.

It was for a term of a few months ( can't remember how long ). Reading arrest reports in newspapers ( a few pretty funny, drunks galore ), sounds as if they were a little busy.

 

[Klaudly]

Nice book about Confederte Provost:

 

[jgoodguy]

Nice book about Confederte Provost:
View attachment 215324

I have that one.

 

[CSA Today]

Nice book about Confederte Provost:
View attachment 215324

I have the book, an excellent source.