Chapter 341.
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/statutes-at-large/vol-24/chapter-341-218915·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
CHAP. 341.— An act to remove the charge of desertion from the rolls and records in the Office of the Adjutant-General of the Army against certain soldiers.May 17, 1886. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,Charge of desertion removed from record of certain soldiers. That the charge of desertion now standing on the rolls and records in the Office of the Adjutant-General of the Army against any soldier who served in the late war of the rebellion, by reason of his having enlisted in any regiment, troop, or company without having first received a discharge from the regiment, troop, or company in which he had previously served, shall be removed in all cases wherein it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Secretary of War, from such rolls and records or from other satisfactory testimony, that such reenlistment was not made for the purpose of securing bounty or other gratuity that he would not have been entitled to bad he remained under his original term of enlistment: *Provided*, That no*Proviso*.
Not to apply to those who deserted in face of enemy; while under arrest, etc. soldier shall be relieved under this act who, not being sick or wounded, left his command, without proper authority, while the same was in the presence of the enemy, or who, at the time of leaving his command, was in arrest or under charges, or in whose case the period of absence from the service exceeded three months. Sec. 2. That in all cases where the charge of desertion shall be removedAdjutant-General to issue certificate of discharge. under the provisions of this act, the Adjutant-General of the Army shall issue to such soldier, or, in case of his death, to his heirs or legal representatives, a certificate of discharge from the regiment, troop, or company in which he first served.
Sec. 3. That all applications for relief under this act shall be madeApplication to be filed within five years. to and filed with the Secretary of War within a period of five years from and after its passage, and all applications not so made and filed within such period of five years shall not be received or considered; and all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. Approved, May 17, 1886.