What is a Vice McGuire?

[huskerblitz]

Seen this today and not sure what it means.

 

[UCVRelics]

They were assistants to US District attorneys.

 

[huskerblitz]

Any idea why a soldier would be assigned to this position while in the field?

 

[JOHN42768]

How about an early version of JAG

 

[rpkennedy]

The term "vice" in most Civil War records essentially means "in place of". This person took the rank or position of a man named McGuire who was transferred.

Ryan

 

[rpkennedy]

For example from the records of the 16th New York:

AUSTIN, JOHN H.-Age, 26 years. Enlisted, May 6, 1861, at De Peyster; mustered in as private, Co. G, Mary 15, 1861, to serve two years; promoted first sergeant, date not stated; mustered in as second lieutenant, October 21, 1862; mustered out with company, May 22, 1863, at Albany, N.Y.; commissioned second lieutenant, December 18, 1862, with rank from October 21, 1862, vice Bayne promoted.

In this case, Bayne refers to Andrew C. Bayne who was promoted to first lieutenant in place of William L. Best who was also promoted.

Ryan

 

[huskerblitz]

The term "vice" in most Civil War records essentially means "in place of". This person took the rank or position of a man named McGuire who was transferred.

Ryan

Hmm...he did replace someone but his name wasn't McGuire.

 

[rpkennedy]

Hmm...he did replace someone but his name wasn't McGuire.

Perhaps McGuire was the technical holder of the position? I've seen that a few times where the technical holder wasn't with the unit or that they held the rank for only a day before they were transferred. It's an interesting question for sure.

Ryan

 

[huskerblitz]

So there was a McGuire in the company. I think the problem was he was the only officer left in the company so he quickly moved up to a captaincy. Unfortunately he was forced to resign due to health problems pretty much after promotion.

Thanks for helping me clear up my confusion!