Civil War Historical Association
(Reactivated)
Articles of Association
(Adopted 12/12/2004, Whitehall N.C.)
(Amended 06/10/2006, Whitehall N.C.)
(Amended 12/17/2006, Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield)
(All references to ASSOCIATION, COMPANY, BATTERY, or UNIT are the same as Andrews’ Battery Civil War Historical Association)
I. MISSION: To honor the memory and sacrifices of all who served in eastern North Carolina during the Civil War by portraying the typical 19th century American artillery soldier in memorials, historical presentations, and living histories. Through these and other interpretive programs and events, the association’s goal is to educate the public about the period by demonstrating the physical conditions, military history, and everyday issues of the common soldier.
II. STRUCTURE: Andrews’ Battery is a private, non-profit (unincorporated) association of Civil War re-enactors structured as a working 19th century volunteer artillery company, or battery. Except for amendments to these articles and new memberships, all decisions for the association are made by a simple majority vote of the members, with a quorum of (6) six. For issues that cannot be resolved by a majority vote, a motion will be made to table the item and to vote again at a later date. The association is chaired by the ranking officer (see article #VI.)
III. MEETINGS: Company meetings are held at each event the battery; participates in for the purpose of discussing any business pertaining to the
association.
IV. ASSETS: The association owns no assets. All equipment, arms, and accoutrements used to carry out the mission of the association belong to the respective individual members and are the responsibility of those members.
V. UNIT IMPRESSIONS:
Confederate - Company F, 10th North Carolina State Troops (“Andrews’ Battery”)
Federal (Union)- Battery H, Third New York Light Artillery
VI. SAFETY: Sound judgment and standard safety procedure takes precedence over any other function or action performed by the association,
regardless of historical accuracy.
VII. MILITARY OFFICERS: Officers, commissioned or non-commissioned, represent the command structure of an authentic 19th century artillery battery and handle certain functions and business required by the association. The ranking officer acts as chair of the association and on the field is primarily in charge of the piece. He will also facilitate company business or may delegate to junior officers. Junior officers are responsible for assisting the ranking officer and are responsible for the company in the event the senior officer is absent.
VIII. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The number of officers and rank is determined by the ratio of 1 officer to every 4 men (see below.) In addition to the chart below, an adjutant will be elected to act as company clerk, which functions include communications and treasury duties. This role may be held by a person already serving a military officer role or can be a stand alone function, to be determined each year during elections (for this reason the adjutant position does not appear in the chart of officers). Officers are nominated and voted on, by majority vote, at the end of the year, terms beginning January 1st. Any member, with 12 months active experience in the company, may be nominated, as long as they have demonstrated a proficient knowledge of artillery practice, which includes all positions on a gun crew, and leadership ability. Officer positions should also be reserved for individuals who attend the majority of events scheduled.
Unit Members: Officers / Non-commissioned officers represented:
3 – 5 1 corporal
6 – 10 1 sergeant, 1 corporal
11 – 14 1 second lieutenant, 1 sergeant, 1 corporal
15 – 18 1 second lieutenant, 1 first sergeant, 1 sergeant, 1 corporal
IX. UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT: To participate with the battery in the field, members are required to have a complete period-correct military uniform, including shoes and accoutrements. The battery portrays both Confederate and Union artillery companies, depending on the event, and requires at least two (2) different uniform jackets. Since several pages could be dedicated to this one subject, new members are required to consult an experienced member of the battery, PRIOR TO PURCHASE, on what uniforms and equipment are correct. Example: If one pair of trouser will be purchased, they should be Kersey blue. New members have 12 months, after being elected into the company, to acquire the complete uniforms.
X. AUTHENTICITY: Members are responsible for being knowledgeable about their impression. Due to the nature of the hobby, all equipment and personal items associated with the battery, while in the field and in view of other units or the public, must be representative of the period prior to 1866 and have appeared in a typical military camp. If it cannot be reasonably documented as representative of pre-1866, it must remain invisible. Members of the battery are responsible for keeping themselves versed in the current accepted practices of “school of the piece” for the safety of themselves, fellow re-enactors, and the general public. 19th century artillerymen were well drilled in their military occupation (professionalism.)
XI. MUSTER: Civil War re-enacting is a hobby and must be ranked behind family, job, and other personal responsibilities. It is understood that members cannot attend every event that the battery elects to participate in. However, once a verbal commitment is made by a member to attend a particular event with the battery, it should be honored, unless there is an extreme emergency. The unit’s decision to participate in an event is based upon prior commitments by the members to attend. The company must have enough crew to safely and accurately serve the piece. Members are encouraged to stay active to keep the battery viable.
XII. CIVILIANS: Period civilian impressions are welcome to participate with the battery at events, if the event allows it. Civilians are held to the same standards of authenticity as military members in regards to dress and impression. Civilians have no representation in regards to the military function or decision making of the company. Unattached civilians are discouraged from participating with the unit unless sponsored by a current member.
XIII. NEW MEMBERSHIPS: Minimum age is 18 years, 16 years if accompanied by an active member who is a legal guardian or parent. An individual interested in joining the company must have a current member petition the battery on the individual’s behalf. The other members will vote to honor the petition (majority rule.) If no, another petition may be made after 90 days. If yes, then the petitioning member must sponsor the new recruit. The recruit must first read, fully understand, and agree to abide by all the articles of the association. Secondly, the recruit must actively participate in two (2) events with the battery (probation period.) Finally, the company will vote on accepting the recruit into the company, with a two-thirds majority affirmative vote required. Anyone with a criminal record, illegal drug use or affiliation with any anti-government or hate group will be rejected.
XIV. MEMBERSHIP DUES: Annual dues of $100.00 need to be paid no later than February 15th of the year they are being collected for. Dues are collected for the purchase of liability insurance (if available), powder and primers. Liability insurance (if available) must be paid in full at the start of each year, taking priority over the purchase of powder and primers. If an event charges registration fees, each individual member will be responsible for covering their own. Currently, there are no annual dues for civilians.
XV. AMENDMENTS: These articles may be amended as long as a motion is presented and the entire roster of current members vote (whether in person or by proxy.) A two-thirds majority is required to carry any motions of amendment. These articles stand until the battery dissolves as an unincorporated association.
Enlistment (Terms: 3 years or the war)
Preferred name: __________________________________________________________
Mailing address: _________________________________________________________
Physical address: _________________________________________________________
E-mail: _________________________________________________________________
Telephone(s)- Home: ___________________________________
Cell: _____________________________________
Sponsor’s name: _______________________________________________________
Known medical conditions that are pertinent to your emergency treatment: ________________________________________________________________________
Contact in case of emergency: Name _____________________________________
Phone ________________________________________
*VETERANS – Annual dues need to be paid by February 15th of each campaign season.