CSN Ranks

[Manassas 1861]

What were the ranks of the CSN?

 

[Stryker65]

According to Eicher's Civil War High Commands:

 

[RedRover]

the CS Navy uniform regulations give a quick run-down of all ranks.

CSN Uniforms by rank...

 

[Pollaco]

Ensigns? Did the CS Navy have ensigns? Not to be confused with other various ensigns. Definitely not the flag type of ensign.The CS Army tried it for about a year. They had ensigns before the rank was abolished in 1865. They were to act as Regimental Color Bearers and the rank was were created in 1864 with the pay of 1st. Lt.

 

[RedRover]

Ensigns? Did the CS Navy have ensigns? Not to be confused with other various ensigns. Definitely not the flag type of ensign.The CS Army tried it for about a year. They had ensigns before the rank was abolished in 1865. They were to act as Regimental Color Bearers and the rank was were created in 1864 with the pay of 1st. Lt.

No ensign in the CS Navy.

They had midshipmen though.

As you mention, the Confederate Army had the rank of ensign for a time in 1864-early 1865, to designate the regimental or battalion color bearers in the "Provisional army of the Confederate States" (previously sergeants).

 

[Manassas 1861]

@Stryker65 , @RedRover . Thank you for the info. I really appreciate it.

 

[Stryker65]

As you mention, the Confederate Army had the rank of ensign for a time in 1864-early 1865, to designate the regimental or battalion color bearers in the "Provisional army of the Confederate States" (previously sergeants).

View attachment 498734

View attachment 498735

There were quite a few Ensigns listed in the Meridian parole records.

 

[RedRover]

There were quite a few Ensigns listed in the Meridian parole records.

The rank of ensign in the Confederate army was "officially" abolished as a separate rank in February, 1865.

The Confederate Government enacted legislation February 23, 1865 abolished the office of ensign in regiments and battalions. Thereafter, a commander was to select a non-commissioned officer or private to act as color-bearer; being particular to choose a soldier distinguished for meritorious or soldierly conduct, or for valor or skill. While so acting he would receive the pay of a first lieutenant, but retained only his enlisted rank.

Army General orders no. 15, March 25, 1865 abolished the office of ensign as a regimental or battalion office, permitting each ensign to "choose the company to which he desires to attach himself."

The same act allowed for the consolidation of understrength units. Any companies with less than 32 rank and file present and fit for duty, and without hope of recruiting to that level, were to be consolidated with others.

The consolidated companies were to number from 64 to 125 rank and file, commanded by a captain, a first and second lieutenant, four sergeants, and four corporals. It so happened at that time, many veteran regiments were so reduced as to have less than 125 men all told. Consequently, had they at least 64 rank and file it might be consolidated into a single company. When companies, battalions, or regiments were consolidated the army or department commander was charged with choosing the officers to retain for command, who would take their posts, subject to subsequent approval of the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The supernumerary officers were to be dropped and to lose their commissions. These reduced officers, of whom it was presumed there would be many, were allowed to form themselves into their own companies, choosing their own officers and branch of service. Thenceforward, second lieutenants would not be promoted by election by their companies, but by recommendation of the army or department commanders, etc.


This act noted that these consolidated companies, when or if subsequently reduced to less than 32 rank and file by the exigencies of active service would not have vacancies for 2d Lieutenants filled. Those below 16 rank and file would not have vacancies for the first lieutenant filled. This demonstrated a standard of one officer to sixteen rank and file.

This was potentially a major reorganization of the Confederate Army, but was not entirely carried out before the end of the war.

 

[Biscoitos]

There were quite a few Ensigns listed in the Meridian parole records.

Where are the Meridian end of war paroles located please?

 

[Stryker65]

Where are the Meridian end of war paroles located please?

I have them, but only in part (none for French's division). I have been working, on and off, for the past year to transcribe them (as they are in cursive) to more readable font. I found them at my local LDS church, for some reason. If you'd like to see them, I can send them to you.

 

[Bentonville]

View attachment 498730

the CS Navy uniform regulations give a quick run-down of all ranks.

CSN Uniforms by rank...

I'm glad that the Navy Dept papers were preserved. Had the CSMC only been saved.