By-Laws

The good people of this organization, who in aggregate shall constitute the Company and bear equal responsibility for managing its civil affairs, have the full power of Impeachment and to enact By-laws, levy War, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other acts and things in its own interest which an independent organization may of right do.

A. The powers not delegated to the Company by these By-laws, nor prohibited by them, are reserved to the good people of this organization.

SECTION II. Mission

The objective of this organization is to portray Company A of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Kentucky Volunteers during the War for Southern Independence. This organization shall also be devoted to honoring the memory of all those brave Confederates who sacrificed for the cause of liberty by reenacting their struggle in a manner and style that is authentic, professional, educational, safe, and enjoyable..

SECTION III. Name

Whereas, a militia company of infantry named the Lexington Rifles was raised and established at Lexington, Kentucky in 1857 by its commander, capt John Hunt Morgan, and

Whereas, the Lexington Rifles was mustered as Morgan’s Company into the cavalry service of the Confederate States at Woodsonville, Kentucky on the Twenty-seventh Day of October 1861 by maj William Preston Johnston, and

Whereas, Morgan's Company was designated as Company A of Morgan's Cavalry Squadron upon organization of that command at Bowling Green, Kentucky on the Fifth Day of November 1861 by brig-gen Simon Bolivar Bucker, and

Whereas, Morgan’s Squadron, having gained renown under the sobriquet of “Morgan's Raiders”, became the nucleus for formation of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry upon organization of that regiment at Chattanooga, Tennessee in June 1862 by col John Hunt Morgan and lt-col Basil Duke, and

Whereas, in response to the tyrannical usurpations by the federal government of the United States against the people of Kentucky, Morgan and his men committed themselves to fight in defense of liberty against despotism and the enemies of freedom, thereby establishing a reputation as a formidable force that became famous in the annals of warfare for cunning, gallantry, and valor,

Now, Therefore, Be it resolved, the good people of this organization hereby proclaim that this Company shall henceforth be known as the “Lexington Rifles”, and that it may also be referred to as “Morgan's Company” or as “Company A, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Kentucky Volunteers”.

SECTION IV. Motto

Whereas, Brig-Gen Basil Wilson Duke, who served as 1st Lieutenant of Morgan’s Company, and as Colonel of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, was a noted postbellum author and historian, and

Whereas, the book “History of Morgan's Cavalry”, written by Duke and first published in 1867, is recognized as being a historically accurate and reliable account of the subject, and

Whereas, Chapter V of Duke’s book refers to the motto – “Our Laws, the Commands of Our Captain” – that was prominently displayed at the entrance to the Lexington Rifles Armory, located at Main and Upper Streets in Lexington, Kentucky,

Now, Therefore, Be it resolved, the good people of this organization hereby proclaim that those words and that sentiment shall henceforth be retained as the official motto of this Company.

ARTICLE II.

Administration

SECTION I. Board of Directors

An elected Board of Directors shall hold their offices during good behavior and have the power and the duty to conduct the civil affairs of the Company. Any officer of the Board may be impeached and removed from office for dereliction of duty or for violation of the Company By-laws and/or Special Orders. Unilateral decisions by an officer of the Board on behalf of the Company may be overridden by vote. The description and responsibilities of these offices are as follows:

A. Chief of Staff
As the chief executive officer, the Chief of Staff shall possess all the superintending powers and duties usually vested in the Office of President, and shall be empowered to conduct all non-military affairs of the Company.

1.) The Chief of Staff shall preside over civil meetings of the Company, and is responsible for preparing an agenda for all such proceedings.

2.) The Chief of Staff is empowered to authorize payment of any bill not exceeding $50 United States currency, or $850 Confederate States currency.

3.) The Chief of Staff may appoint committee members and temporarily fill vacant civil offices until proper elections take place in accordance with these By-laws.

B. Adjutant
As the assistant executive officer, the Adjutant shall possess all the general powers and duties usually vested in the Office of Vice-President, and shall be empowered to act as an agent of the Chief of Staff at his discretion.

1.) The Adjutant shall assume all responsibilities of the Chief of Staff in cases of his inability to discharge the duties of his office.

2.) The Adjutant is empowered to cast a deciding vote in all cases of a tie.

C. Company Clerk
As the clerical officer, the Company Clerk shall possess all the general powers and duties usually vested in the Office of Secretary, and shall maintain all non-financial records and correspondence of the Company.

1.) The Company Clerk shall notify members of the time, place, and proposed agenda of all meetings of the Company, and shall keep the minutes of all such proceedings.

2.) The Company Clerk shall register the Company for attendance at scheduled events.

3.) The Company Clerk shall act as elections judge by conducting all elections; certifying the number of points accrued by each member; and tallying election results.

D. Paymaster
As the financial officer, the Paymaster shall possess all the general powers and duties usually vested in the Office of Treasurer, and shall be accountable for all financial transactions of the Company.

1.) The Paymaster is responsible for the deposit of U.S. and C.S. currency, script, gold and other valuable in the name and to the credit of the Company in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors.

2.) The Paymaster is empowered to disburse Treasury funds for the payment of any bill that is owed by the Company, and to collect any debt that is owed to it.

3.) The Paymaster is responsible for preparing the operating budget of the Company, which shall estimate expected revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year.

4.) The Paymaster shall investigate revenue evasion, counterfeiting, forgery, smuggling, and the distillation of illicit spirits.

SECTION II. Committees

Committees, consisting of a minimum of three members, may be appointed to examine important issues and to make recommendations. They may also take responsibility for certain services and functions of the Company.

A. Committees shall have an advisory role only and shall be disbanded once their duties have been fulfilled. All decisions pertaining to their recommendations rest solely with the Company.

B. Multiple committees dealing with identical issues are allowed, provided they each have the required sponsorship.

C. The Company will maintain the following standing committees:

1.) Authenticity
The Authenticity Committee provides oversight for the historical accuracy of any aspect of members’ portrayals.

2.) Recruiting
The Recruiting Committee facilitates recruitment of new members and assists their transition into the Company.

3.) Attendance
The Attendance Committee is responsible for issues dealing with voting points and participation.

D. Nothing in this section is meant to discourage or prohibit any member from proposing suggestions to the Company for consideration.

SECTION III. Meetings

The Company shall meet at a time and place that is convenient to its members, and an agenda will be published for the purpose thereof with no other business being conducted unless by consent of a majority in attendance. A quorum is met by a simple majority of members, excluding those who are on furloughed leave, but the lack of a quorum will not affect the proceedings unless a point of order is raised. “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised” shall govern the procedure of these meetings.

A. Annual Convention
A convention of the Company shall be held annually within the first 5 months of each calendar year, with at least 21 days advance notice being given.

B. Special Meeting
Special meetings may be called by the Chief of Staff at his discretion, with at least 5 days advance notice being given.

C. Council of War
Councils of War may be called by the military commander and are not subject to the requirements of this section. However, the presiding military member shall make available a report of all such meetings to the general membership.

D. Order of Business
The order of business at all meetings shall be as follows:

1.) Call to Order

2.) Minutes

3.) Official Reports

4.) Old Business

5.) New Business

6.) Elections

7.) Adjournment

SECTION IV. Financial Affairs

The Company shall operate on an approved budget during the fiscal year, which will run concurrently with each calendar year. No dues, imposts, or fees are to be levied without authorization by the members.

A. Dues
To ensure that the Company operates without deficit, dues may be assessed to finance and support the approved operating budget of the Company.

B. Imposts
Imposts may be levied to pay for special needs that are not listed in the annual budget. These may be time and/or need specific and include, but not be limited to, the purchase of ammunition, equipment, and provisions.

C. Commutation Fees
To equalize individual contributions to the Treasury through honoraria earned from fund raising activities, a commutation fee may be levied in lieu of participation in such efforts.

SECTION V. Special Orders

Regulations and procedures for governing the efficient operation of the Company may be written in the form of Special Orders, which may be adopted, changed, or deleted by simple majority.

SECTION VI. Discipline

In the interest of preserving civil order and maintaining discipline, a judicial system will be used to enforce Company laws and to administer justice fairly. No member shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy, nor shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

A. Order of Procedure
Justice will be administered in civil affairs according to the following procedures:

1.) Indictment
A complaint alleging violation by a member of any By-law or Special Order may be brought forth only by another member. Such charge, bearing details of the complaint, will be filed with the Company Clerk.

2.) Hearing
A formal hearing of the complaint against the accused will be conducted in a timely manner by the Chief of Staff, who may call a special meeting of the Company for the purpose of presenting evidence. The accused will have the right to be confronted by witnesses against him, to have witnesses appear in his favor, and to have assistance of counsel for his defense.

3.) Verdict
Following deliberations, a secret ballot to decide the guilt or acquittal of the accused will be conducted by members hearing the case, who will act as jury.

4.) Sentencing
In cases of conviction through a finding of guilt, the disposition will rest solely with the members hearing the case, who may impose penalties at their discretion.

B. Nothing in this Section shall preclude the military staff from invoking and/or imposing martial law in accordance with the “Regulations for the Army of the Confederate States of America”.

SECTION VII. Dissolution

The organization may dissolve and terminate its affairs at a properly convened meeting of the Company, assembled, by unanimous ratification of a resolution proposing such action.

ARTICLE III.

Suffrage

SECTION I. Voting

Members shall have the right to vote in deciding civil matters of Company business at any properly convened meeting. Deliberative issues, other than elections and the scheduling of events, shall be decided either by voice, by a show of hands, or by a non-weighted secret ballot at the discretion of the presiding officer. With the exception of the two-thirds majority that is required for amending these By-laws, all issues will be decided by a simple majority.

A. Eligibility
Each member in good standing, whose rights and privileges are not suspended, is eligible to vote and to hold office. However, only military members are eligible to vote concerning military affairs or to hold military office.

SECTION II. Elections

Based upon the belief that members should have a voice that is proportional to the level of their individual participation, office elections and the selection of an event schedule shall be conducted by weighted secret ballot.

A. Weighted Ballots
Voting points will be used to weight ballots for office elections and the scheduling of events. Each weighted secret ballot issued will cite the number of voting points earned by the recipient, who may assign all, some, none, or split their points in casting the ballot.

B. Voting Points
Points that are used to weight ballots will be earned by a member through their participation at Company events. Any meaningful contribution of support that assists the Company in satisfying its mission statement constitutes participation.

1.) The total number of points that are accrued by a member will be available for use only during the subsequent calendar year and will not be accumulated from year to year.

2.) One (1) point will be earned for participation each day during a Company event.

3.) One (1) bonus point will be added for participation at each of the following, respectively: the annual convention; any fund raising event; and attendance on consecutive days of a multi-day Company event.

C. Elected Offices
Terms of office are for one year, with no term limits. Elections for each vacant office will be conducted in descending order.

D. Event Schedule
An official event schedule for the calendar year will be chosen from a list of nominated events, for which an unlimited number may be included for consideration. The numerical order in which a voter places a nominated event on their ballot will determine the point value that will be used as a multiplier to weight their choice.

E. Proxies
The Company will allow the use of proxies, empowering one member to act on behalf of another. The proxy is valid only during the meeting for which it is issued.

ARTICLE IV.

Membership

SECTION I. Types

There are two types of membership as herein described: Inducted and Honorary.

A. Inducted
An inducted member is a person who is authorized by the Company to possess all the rights and privileges thereof, and whose status is either on active duty or on furloughed leave.

1.) Active Duty
An inducted member who is capable of participation in support of Company activities is considered to be on active duty.

2.) Furloughed
An inducted member who is incapable, for reasons beyond their control, of participation in support of Company activities is considered to be on furloughed leave and is excused from active duty. Reasons of incapacitation may include, but are not limited to, health condition or geographical relocation away from the Company’s area of operations.

B. Honorary
An honorary member is a person who has been conferred that dignified title by the Company, but who does not possess the rights or responsibilities of an inducted member.

SECTION II. Eligibility

Except for the restrictions as noted herein, all free persons who subscribe to the By-laws and Special Orders of this organization are eligible to apply for membership. Those under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent, guardian, or master. Each prospective member should also be effective, able-bodied, and sober, free from disease, of good character and habits, and possess a competent knowledge of the English language.

A. Males
All males over the conscription age of 16 will portray Confederate cavalrymen. Civilian portrayals by males above the age of conscription are not permitted.

B. Females
In order for the Company to maintain a more accurate portrayal of a 19th-century military organization, the importance of disallowing women from military service and preventing their overrepresentation is recognized. Therefore, membership by females is limited to those married re-enactors whose husbands are members; such status being concurrent with that of their husbands' tenure. Military portrayals by females are not permitted.

1.) Nothing in this section is meant to preclude or to discourage the association of unmarried female re-enactors with this organization. However, unmarried women are not eligible for inducted membership status.

SECTION III. Requirements

Membership status is decided by the Company, which may consider an applicant’s petition for enlistment following fulfillment of all the requirements listed in this section. In cases of successful application for membership, the oath of enlistment will be administered in a timely manner thereafter.

A. Each member must be able to demonstrate a level of personal integrity, competence, authenticity, knowledge, skill, and safety in their historical portrayal that would assist the Company in satisfying its mission statement.

B. A recruit must earn a minimum of 12 points within 12 consecutive months in order to be considered for induction. This requirement may be waived in considering reinstatement of a former member.

SECTION IV. Allegiance

Based on a mutual bond of trust and fidelity that is considered to exist between members of this organization, the duty of allegiance to the Company is expected. Members, therefore, are prohibited from engaging in conduct that would be considered a treasonous breach of their oath, or in conflict with the interests of this organization.

A. Conflict of interest is defined as:

1.) Treasonous service to the United States government during any sessions of the Provisional, the First, or the Second Congresses of the Confederate States of America, a practice commonly referred to as "galvanizing".

2.) Unauthorized service to another organization at a Company event.

3.) Membership in, or affiliation with, any organization that would impugn or denigrate the good name and reputation of either the Company or the Confederate States of America.

B. Treason shall consist of levying war against forces of the Confederate States. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. No attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted.

C. Nothing in this section is meant to prohibit service to the United States government that would not constitute a conflict of interest as herein defined, or to prohibit service to another organization under circumstances whereby the Company is militarily unviable.

SECTION V. Suspension

A member’s rights and privileges may be suspended as is herein provided in this Section.

A. Suspension will occur automatically when debt to the Company is in arrears. Reinstatement in such cases will not occur unless the payment is made or the obligation is forgiven.

B. Suspension may occur through action by the Company as a consequence of conviction in a disciplinary hearing. .

SECTION VI. Termination

Membership may be terminated as is herein provided in this Section.

A. A member may resign by tendering notice to any member of the Board of Directors.

B. A member may be cashiered through action by the Company as a consequence of conviction in a disciplinary hearing.

....

ARTICLE V.

Military Affairs

SECTION I. Regulations

“Regulations for the Army of the Confederate States”, adopted by the Confederate War Department on 28 January 1863, will govern the military affairs of this organization and nothing contrary to them will be enjoined or permitted.

SECTION II. Rank

The military ranks of the Company will be limited to males over the conscription age of 16, and will be determined according to standards that are set forth in the Special Orders of this organization. The ranks that are allowed, and the descriptions and responsibilities of each, are as follows:

A. Commissioned Officers
Officers hold authorized commissions of command rank and authority that are issued by the Confederate States government.

1.) Captain
The Captain is the commanding officer who is responsible for all aspects of military operations at the Company level.

2.) Lieutenant
The Lieutenant is a junior company-grade officer who reports to the Captain and is responsible for all aspects of military operations at the Platoon level.

B. Enlisted Personnel
Enlisted men hold no commissioned office rank, but may hold positions of authority.

1.) Sergeant
The Sergeant is a senior grade non-commissioned officer who reports to the Lieutenant and is responsible for all aspects of military operations at the Section level.

2.) Corporal
The Corporal is a junior grade non-commissioned officer who reports to the Sergeant and is responsible for all aspects of military operations at the Squad level.

3.) Private
The Private is a volunteer soldier who holds no rank and reports to a commissioned officer, or a non-commissioned officer, as his duty assignment may require.

ARTICLE VI.

Ratification & Amendments

SECTION I. Ratification

WE, the petitioners in convention, assembled, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God for the rectitude of our intentions, and by authority of the good people of this organization, do ordain and hereby establish these By-laws for the Lexington Rifles – Company A, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Kentucky Volunteers. In doing so, the petitioners solemnly publish and declare that this Company is free and independent, and is absolved from all allegiance to any other organization except the Confederate States of America.

DONE in convention by the unanimous consent of the petitioners present at Wauconda, Illinois on the First Day of April, Anno Domini MM.

In Witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names.
Thomas Knight, Allan Petrusky, Warren Pierce, Robert Sanderson, Stephen Sonnon.

SECTION II. Amendments

These By-laws may be amended upon ratification by two-thirds of Company members. Any amendment adopting or deleting any provision thereof shall revise the main body of the original text; and the date, place, and roll of those attending the ratification shall be recorded.

1st Revision
These By-laws were amended at the annual convention of the Company, assembled, at Waukegan, Illinois on the Twenty-seventh Day of January, Anno Domini MMI.

Roll: B. Fisher, J. Knight, T. Knight, A. Petrusky, L. Petrusky, C. Pierce, C. Sanderson, R. Sanderson, S. Sonnon.

2d Revision
These By-laws were amended at the annual convention of the Company, assembled, at Gurnee, Illinois on the Twenty-fourth Day of February, Anno Domini MMII.

Roll: J. Knight, T. Knight, A. Petrusky, L. Petrusky, C. Pierce, C. Sanderson, R. Sanderson, D. Sauter, J. Sauter, A. Stenger, J. Wilson.

3d Revision
These By-laws were amended at a special meeting of the Company, assembled, at Wauconda, Illinois on the Sixth Day of July, Anno Domini MMII.

Roll: G. Bristow, J. Bristow, C. Eaton, J. Eaton, M. Eaton, S. Glandon, T. Glandon, C. Hensel, J. Knight, T. Knight, A. Petrusky, C. Pierce, C. Sanderson, R. Sanderson, D. Sauter, J. Sauter, J. Wilson.

4th Revision
These By-laws were amended at a special meeting of the Company, assembled, at Brookfield, Wisconsin on the Second Day of May, Anno Domini MMIV.

Roll: G. Bristow, J. Bristow, M. Eaton, S. Glandon, T. Herrmann, J. Knight, T. Knight, A. Petrusky, C. Pierce, C. Sanderson, R. Sanderson, D. Sauter, J. Sauter, M. Wright.

5th Revision
These By-laws were amended at the annual convention of the Company, assembled, at Galena, Illinois on the Twenty-sixth Day of February, Anno Domini MMVI.

Roll: G. Bristow, J. Bristow, S. Glandon, T. Glandon, A. Petrusky, B. Sanderson, C. Sanderson, R. Sanderson, J. Wilson.

6th Revision
These By-laws were amended at the annual convention of the Company, assembled, at Galena, Illinois on the Eleventh Day of March, Anno Domini MMVII.

Roll: G. Bristow, J. Bristow, S. Glandon, T. Glandon, A. Petrusky, B. Sanderson, C. Sanderson, R. Sanderson, A. Wilson, J. Wilson.

7th Revision
These By-laws were amended at the annual convention of the Company, assembled, at Galena, Illinois on the Fifteenth Day of March, Anno Domini MMIX.

Roll: S. Glandon, T. Glandon, A. Petrusky, B. Sanderson, C. Sanderson, R. Sanderson, P. Truitt.

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