Volunteer Enlistment records

Volunteer enrollments with State militia, attached chartered independent companies, National Guard, State Guard & Provision Companies of the State Guard Reserves. Includes age, residence, nativity, occupation, height, eye & hair color, complexion & signature or mark of applicant. May contain record of medical examination conducted, parent or guardian authorization or reference to prior enlistment or military service, etc.

Rhode Island militia reorganized pursuant to act of the General Assembly (Chapter 760), approved April 10, 1879 – An Act to revise, consolidated and amend the several acts of the state relating to “the Militia.” State forces organized into one Brigade with five battalions of Infantry comprising twenty companies; one battalion of Cavalry, one battery of light artillery & independent companies of the Newport Artillery, United Train of Artillery & Bristol Train of Artillery. Act required all members of the militia to be enlisted for a term of three years & with enlistment papers furnished by the Adjutant General. Commanding officers of each company authorized as recruiting officers. Units failing to fulfill organization of at least forty enlisted men disbanded pursuant to General Orders No. 4, dated May 28, 1879 (C#0210 – Acts & Resolves of the General Assembly, Vol. 78)

National Guard established by act of Congress approved January 21, 1903 “An Act to promote the efficiency of the militia and for other purposes.” Act replaced law in existence since first passed by Congress May 8, 1792, by converting the militia of all the states & territories to those more consistent with that of the regular army with respect to organization, armament, discipline & inspection.