Looks as if Gen Van Dorn had previously proposed a similar distinguished organization.
5/25/62 Corinth, Van Dorn to Gen Beauregard ref proposed organization of a "Corps of Honor" in the Army of the West
Proposed Organization
A "Corps of Honor" will be organized in the Army of the West, to act under the immediate orders of the Gen cdg.
The Corps will only be called into action when it is deemed necessary to carry an important position by a coup de main. It will be exempt from all ordinary detail service of camp, & will be employed exclusively in constant preparation for battle. It will be organized as follows:
1200 vols for this Corps will be received from the army, provided that not more than 1/10 of any Regt or Bn be presented.
Officers will volunteer for this Corps; from them the Gen cdg will select the field officers, & the men will elect their Co officers. Their rank will be honorary, unless Congress shall hereafter by law confirm their appointment.
The names of applicants for membership will be received at these Hqs until 12 o'clock on the coming____
At which time the organization will take place in accordance with the regulations to be prescribed by the Gen cdg.
Vacancies that may occur after this organization shall have been completed will be filled by men who may have distinguished themselves in battle, & shall have been mentioned in GO's to this army; & in no other way.
A suitable badge of distinction will be worn by the officers & men, to be provided by the cdg Gen, as soon as practicable. Members of this Corps will pledge themselves, each to the other, to rush side by side to the shock; not to flinch from the execution of any under taking once begun; to regard nothing so terrible as failure; & he who falters, shall be dismissed from the Corps, forfeit his badge of honor, & his name be published in GO's to the army.
Soldiers who shall volunteer for this Corps, & hazard their lives for the sacred cause of liberty & the glory of their country deserve & shall receive marked honors from a grateful people, & win for themselves the proud distinction of "the bravest of the brave."
May 1862-Corinth-Van Dorn's plan for organizing a CS Regt or Bgde to be called the National Confederate Guards
Let each county in the CSA select 1 man of good character, undoubted bravery & physical ability.
The men thus elected, from each state, constitute a Co, elect their own officers & carry their state flag.
Let each man carry $100 to deposit in the treasure for his equipment & by 10/3, report himself to Sec of War in Richmond…
Should a Bgde or legion be preferred then let 2 or more men be selected from each county.
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