24 December 1811 c. 10 2 Stat. 669

CHAP. X. – An Act for completing the existing Military Establishment.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the military establishment, as now authorized by law, be immediately completed.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That there be allowed and paid to each effective, able bodied man, recruited or re-enlisted for that service, for the term of five years, unless sooner discharged, the sum of sixteen dollars; but the payment of one half of the said bounty shall be deferred until he shall be mustered and have joined the corps in which he is to serve; and whenever any non-commissioned officer or soldier shall be discharged from the service, who shall have obtained from the commanding officer of his company, battalion or regiment a certificate that he had faithfully performed his duty whilst in service, he shall moreover be allowed and paid, in addition to the aforesaid bounty, three months’ pay, and one hundred and sixty acres of land; and the heirs and representatives of those non-commissioned officers or soldiers, who may be killed in action, or die in the service of the United States, shall likewise be paid and allowed the said additional bounty of three months’ pay, and one hundred and sixty acres of land, to be designated, surveyed and laid off at the public expense, in such manner and upon such terms and conditions, as may be provided by law.

APPROVED, December 24, 1811.

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