Special Orders

Acknowledging that all members represent not only the best ideals of the Southern Confederacy but also represent each other, and in an effort to project the best possible image to others, a courteous and respectful demeanor is encouraged. To this end, the display of character that may discredit and/or impugn the good image, name, and reputation of the Lexington Rifles is prohibited. Any conduct that can be considered to be unbecoming a member of polite society in the antebellum South, is subject to sanction and censure.

The following conduct will not be tolerated: Assault; Battery; Personal Threats; Theft; Use of Abusive, Profane, or Vulgar Language; Possession of Contraband; Use of Illegal Substances; and Rowdiness or Hooliganism in general. In addition to disciplinary action by the Company, violators of any criminal laws are subject to arrest and prosecution in accordance with the statutes of state and local jurisdictions.

Children must be properly attired in period clothing. Parents or guardians will be held accountable for the behavior and actions of their children.

Materials and construction of garments and equipment must conform to those that were common in mid-19th century America. Modern hairstyles, obvious make-up, modern eyeglasses and footwear, wristwatches, and garments made with zippers or non-period fabrics are not reflective of the time period and are considered unacceptable anachronisms. The acquisition and use of items whose historical provenance has been established are preferable and are encouraged.

Although not required, members are encouraged to use language and behavior modifications to more accurately reflect an authentic historical portrayal.

In managing the finances of the Company Treasury, the Paymaster is charged with the collection of revenue and the disbursement of funds in accordance with the approved operating budget, of which deficits and surpluses shall be carried forward to the next budget.

A. Revenue: The following are recognized sources of income and their rates of exchange.

1.) Fines: In order to enforce Special Orders No. 1 & 2, pertaining to standards of authenticity and behavior, the authority to levy a fine for a violation is granted to any member who identifies an offense by a fellow member. Since levy of this fine is meant solely to encourage compliance with these regulations, and is not meant to be punitive, the accused must first acknowledge culpability before payment is made. Payment of this levy shall be voluntary and based upon gentlemanly good will and honor.

In keeping with historical authenticity, the amount of the fine will be that which was assessed by John Hunt Morgan for infractions by both himself and other members of the original Lexington Rifles. Since the standard fine for violations in 1857 was 25 cents, it so shall remain 25 cents.

2.) Bounties: All personal bounties and honoraria that are received by individuals while acting in service of the Company shall become property of the Company for the benefit of all. Bounties in the form of currency or check will be delivered into custody of the Paymaster for deposit into the Treasury, while the use and rate of exchange for any other bounty item of value will be determined by the Company.

3.) Ordnance Sales: Black powder and musket caps will be supplied to members at a rate of $10/lb. and $8/200, respectively. There will be a $2 surcharge imposed on member rates for all supplies furnished to non-members.

4.) Fees: During the war, propertied men could legally procure their exemption from conscripted military service by paying a commutation fee to the government. In keeping with this practice, military embers may procure their exemption from participation at fund raising events by paying a commutation fee of $20.

B. Disbursements: The following are recognized legitimate expenditures and the rates paid.

1.) Provender: The Company shall reimburse breakfast costs to any member who furnished such provisions and presented a paid purchase receipt. The maximum reimbursable amount of $30 is to be paid at the following rate: Up to $20 for the first 10 people served, plus $1 per each additional person.

2.) Ordnance: The Company may procure and store war materiel in the form of firearms, percussion caps, and black powder as needed

3.) Website: The Company may purchase the use of a web domain on the internet and provide for its maintenance.

Camp will be named in honor of "Camp Charity", which the Lexington Rifles established east of Bardstown, Kentucky during September 22-25, 1861. The camp was so-named to recognize the charitable donations of food and equipment that was freely given by the generous and patriotic townspeople of Bloomfield.

Camp Charity shall appear orderly, giving a visitor the overall impression of hospitality. To this end, each member has the responsibility to maintain sanitary conditions within the camp through the policing and proper disposal of all litter.

Any canvas tent of period military design is acceptable, but wedge tents are preferred. Dimensions of the recommended wedge tent are 7’H x 9’W x 9’L. Tent fronts should be aligned with each other to maintain the appearance of an orderly Company street, which shall be kept free of fire pits, shelters, and unattended equipment.

Whenever possible, Camp Charity shall be situated near other camps of the cavalry branch of the Army. Modern items that are not consistent with the mid-19th century period shall be concealed from view, and the indiscreet use of electronic devices and modern lighting is not permitted.

Each military member is expected to supply provender for, and furnish preparation of, one breakfast for the Company during the season. It is the responsibility of the volunteer cook to ensure that the necessary conditions and supplies exist to prepare the victuals, i.e. fire pit, firewood, fire grate, cookware, and utensils. If the volunteer has special needs or requires assistance from others in securing necessary equipment, he must make the request himself to those other members who may provide it. It is recommended, but is not required, that each member also provides a minimum of one gallon drinking water at each event, for both personal and Company use.

The military commander shall have the responsibility and obligation to ensure that each weapon is operationally safe and appropriate. If any equipment or ammunition is found to be in non-compliance with these rules, steps must be taken to correct the violation. If the correction cannot be made, the equipment will not be used.

A. Inspections: All firearms must be of a percussion-fired, black powder type, of pre-1865 design. An inspection of each firearm shall be performed prior to its use to ensure that it is in an overall safe firing condition. Gun barrels shall be checked for obstructions, and hammers shall be checked for functional half-cock and full-cock settings.

B. Long Arms: A person may carry no more than one long arm. Only non-commissioned officers, acting as safety officers, may draw a ramrod on the field to clear a malfunctioning arm.

C. Side Arms: A person may carry no more than two side arms. All pistols must be worn in period holsters.

D. Cartridges: Paper cartridges shall be carried within a cartridge box designed for that purpose, and will not contain any substance other than black powder loaded to no more than a maximum of 80 grains. Pistol chambers shall be loaded to no more than a maximum of 30 grains black powder and use only wheat grain cereal as packing material.

E. Munitions: Black powder in bulk will not be carried on a person. Percussion caps may be carried in pouches designed for that purpose, or in product containers. Under no circumstances will period arms projectiles of any kind be permitted on site.

F. Edged Weapons: Edged weapons will only be carried in appropriate sheaths or scabbards that are designed for that purpose, and will not be drawn on the field.

In order to present a more accurate representation of the proper ratio of rank and file, the Company shall use a sliding rank system of promotions. The system will be based upon the number of carbines present in formation, using the following scale to determine the proper rank representation.

The sliding rank system will allow all elected military staff to slide up or down in rank to adjust their appropriate portrayals. Brevet promotions may be made by the company commander, being valid only for the particular event or circumstances for which they occur.

The democratic election of the appropriate number of officers and non-commissioned officers in the unit will be based on the previous year’s average military turnout at events, excluding fund raising events, and will be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the By-Laws.

4 carbines = Squad 2 Squads = Section 2 Sections = Platoon

                                                    < 5 carbines    =                            1 Sgt.
                                                          5 carbines    =                            1 Sgt.    1 Cpl.
                                                          9 carbines    =                            1 Sgt.    2 Cpl.
                                                        13 carbines    =                 1 Lt.    1 Sgt.    2 Cpl.
                                                        17 carbines    =                 1 Lt.    2 Sgt.    2 Cpl.
                                                        21 carbines    =                 1 Lt.    2 Sgt.    3 Cpl.
                                                        25 carbines    =                1 Lt.    3 Sgt.    3 Cpl.
                                                        26 carbines    =    Capt.   1 Lt.    3 Sgt.    3 Cpl.
                                                        30 carbines    =    Capt.   1 Lt.    3 Sgt.    4 Cpl.
                                                        35 carbines    =    Capt.   2 Lt.    4 Sgt.    4 Cpl.

Commencing in March 2007, a military alliance will be in effect between the Lexington Rifles and units in combination that are collectively known as the "Kentucky Cavalry Brigade". This alliance is a non-membership pact that may be revoked by either party at any time and without notice or reason being given, and is solely for the purpose of mutual interest and cooperation whenever and wherever the organizations may coincide.