Proposed Regulations Regarding Relative Rank Between New Officers & Promotions
Document 1799Submits a plan for resolving the issue of relative rank between the officers of the 12 new regiments. Mentions as primary a concern to avoid comparisons based on merit, which might offend some of the men. Suggests that for men who served in the Revolutionary War, their rank at the close of that conflict should govern. These seem to be ranked first over men who have served in the army at some point, and those in turn over men who have not seen any service. For those who have some experience, merit or lot should decide seniority. Also proposes a plan for managing promotions within the army that was originally conceived by General Washington -- that, excepting extraordinary circumstances, officers rise within their regiments until the rank of major, when they may rise to any unit; officers may not be promoted to another corps (infantry, artillery or cavalry) until having reached the rank of colonel. Proposes reconciling these regulations with the officers who enlisted under the previous system, but notes that one unified promotion system must result. Asks for Adams' approval on these plans.
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