Texas. Adjutant General's Dept.

On November 13, 1835, the Texas Consultation created the office of Adjutant General, as one of five heads of departments under the Commander-in-Chief of the Texian Army (the other offices being Inspector General, Quartermaster General, Surgeon General, and Paymaster General). On December 20, 1836, the 1st Congress passed an Act to organize and fix the Military establishment of the Republic of Texas, which in addition to the aforementioned bureaus, created a Commissary General of Subsistence, a Commissary General of Purchases, and a Colonel of Ordnance, all of whom answered to the Secretary of War. On December 18, 1837, the 2nd Congress passed--and later passed again over President Sam Houston's veto--an act making the Adjutant General a position elected by the Congress; the first man so elected was Hugh McLeod. This arrangement lasted less than two years, however, with subsequent Adjutants General--beginning with McLeod on January 30, 1839--being appointed by the President. The 4th Congress combined the offices of Adjutant General and Inspector General on January 28, 1840, and the 5th Congress technically abolished this position on January 18, 1841. Yet Peter Hansborough Bell served as Adjutant General of Militia soon thereafter; and in legislation of February 1842, there is a reference to an Acting Adjutant General.

From the guide to the Army papers, 1835-1846, (Repository Unknown)

The Adjutant General's Department gives military support to state civil authorities to provide for the safety and welfare of Texas and its citizens and stays prepared to furnish trained and equipped forces to the nation in case of war or other national emergency. The department headquarters, at Camp Mabry in Austin, controls and administers the state's military forces, composed of the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, and the Texas State Guard. The adjutant general is the head of the Adjutant General's Department and controls the military department of the state. The adjutant general is subordinate only to the governor in matters pertaining to the military department of the state and the state military forces.

From the guide to the Blueprints, 1987-1993, (Repository Unknown)

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the 12th Legislature, Called Session, created the Frontier Forces (June 13), the State Guard and Reserve Militia (June 24), and the State Police (July 1), all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. On November 25, 1871, the 12th Legislature, 2nd Session, added a fifth organization, the Minute Men. The first Adjutant General so appointed, James Davidson, absconded with over $37,000 of state funds in 1872. The 13th Legislature merged the State Guard and Reserve Militia into a simple state militia on March 19, 1873, and abolished the State Police force on April 22, 1873.

From the guide to the Reconstruction records, 1865-1873, undated, (Repository Unknown)

The Texas Volunteer Guard was reorganized by the 28th Legislature, Regular Session, on April 1, 1903, as the Texas National Guard. All able-bodied citizens between the ages of 18 and 45 were liable to militia service. The state militia was divided into two classes: a Reserve Militia composed of all persons liable to militia duty; and the Texas National Guard composed of volunteers accepted as such by the commander-in-chief. The Governor of Texas would serve as commander-in-chief until such time that the National Guard was called into the service of the United States. The National Guard could be called to execute the laws, to suppress insurrections, repel invasions, and protect the frontier from hostile incursions by Indians or other predatory bands. In peacetime, the Texas National Guard was not to exceed 5,000 officers and enlisted men. As of 1987, the Texas National Guard may not exceed 37,000 officers and enlisted persons except in case of war, insurrection, invasion or the prevention of invasion, the suppression of riot, or the aiding of civil authorities to execute state law.

The Governor (commander-in-chief), with advice and consent of the Senate, appoints an Adjutant General with the rank of brigadier-general, plus all other officers of the Texas National Guard. The commander-in-chief also originally appointed a Quartermaster General, who would also be Chief of Ordnance. (The current law calls for the appointment of Assistant Adjutants General.)

On August 5, 1917, the Texas National Guard was drafted into federal service, forming the 36th Division, which was to be mobilized during World War II as well.

From the guide to the Texas National Guard military rolls, 1902-1913, 1915, 1917, 1935, undated, (Texas State Archives)

After the annexation of Texas into the United States, the 1st Texas Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; and recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

On February 1, 1861, the delegates to the Texas Secession Convention adopted an ordinance of secession, which was approved by the voters of the state on February 23. In early March the convention reassembled, declared Texas out of the Union, and adopted a measure making Texas one of the states in the newly formed Confederate States of America.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the Texas Adjutant General's Department, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutants General would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The manpower and supply demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the war.

Most of the major battles of the Civil War were fought east of the Mississippi River. Ironically, the last battle of the war was a victory by John S. Ford over Union forces at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville on May 13, 1865, slightly more than a month after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. General E. Kirby Smith formally surrendered the Trans-Mississippi Department on June 2, and Union forces under General Gordon Granger entered Galveston on June 19, 1865.

From the guide to the Civil War military rolls, 1860-1865, (Texas State Archives)

After the annexation of Texas into the United States, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; and recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

On February 1, 1861, the delegates to the Texas Secession Convention adopted an ordinance of secession, which was approved by the voters of the state on February 23. In early March the convention reassembled, declared Texas out of the Union, and adopted a measure making Texas one of the states in the newly formed Confederate States of America.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutants General would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The manpower and supply demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the war.

Most of the major battles of the Civil War were fought east of the Mississippi River. Ironically, the last battle of the war was a victory by John S. Ford over Union forces at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville on May 13, 1865, slightly more than a month after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. General E. Kirby Smith formally surrendered the Trans-Mississippi Department on June 2, and Union forces under General Gordon Granger entered Galveston on June 19, 1865.

From the guide to the Adjutant General's Texas State Troops records, 1861-1865, undated, (Texas State Archives)

On November 13, 1835, the Consultation created the office of Adjutant General, as one of five heads of departments under the Commander-in-Chief of the Texian Army (the other offices being Inspector General, Quartermaster General, Surgeon General, and Paymaster General). On December 20, 1836, the 1st Congress passed an Act to organize and fix the Military establishment of the Republic of Texas, which in addition to the aforementioned bureaus, created a Commissary General of Subsistence, a Commissary General of Purchases, and a Colonel of Ordnance, all of whom answered to the Secretary of War. On December 18, 1837, Congress passed--and later passed again over President Sam Houston's veto--an act making the Adjutant General a position elected by the Congress; the first man so elected was Hugh McLeod. This arrangement lasted less than two years, however, with subsequent Adjutant Generals--beginning with McLeod on January 30, 1839--being appointed by the President. Congress combined the offices of Adjutant General and Inspector General on January 28, 1840, and technically abolished this position on January 18, 1841. Yet Peter Hansborough Bell served as Adjutant General of Militia soon thereafter; and in legislation of February 1842, there is a reference to an Acting Adjutant General.

The Texas Navy at first operated under a separate Secretary of the Navy, appointed by the President as authorized by an act of Congress approved October 25, 1836. On January 18, 1841, Congress abolished this office and created a Naval Bureau under the Secretary of War and Marines. Of course, the end of the Republic in 1846 meant the end of the Texas Navy as well.

Whereas under the Republic the Adjutant General was subservient to the Secretary of War, under statehood the position was elevated to that of head of all military departments. After annexation, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen; and now, the issuing of all bounty and donation land warrants on the basis of military service to the Republic. This last duty was assumed by the Commissioner of Claims, pursuant to an Act of the legislature passed August 1, 1856; the office of the Adjutant General had been the victim of apparent arson in October 1855, allegedly by persons engaged in land certificate fraud. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutant Generals would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the War.

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the Legislature created the Frontier Forces (June 13), the State Guard and Reserve Militia (June 24), and the State Police (July 1), all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. On November 25, 1871, the Legislature added a fifth organization, the Minute Men. The first Adjutant General so appointed, James Davidson, absconded with over $37,000 of state funds in 1872. The State Guard and Reserve Militia were merged into a simple state militia on March 19, 1873, and the State Police force was abolished April 22, 1873.

The place of the Frontier Forces was taken in 1873 and 1874 by the Rangers and the Frontier Men, and finally by the Frontier Battalion, organized by an act passed April 10, 1874. At about the same time one can date the evolution of the Texas Volunteer Guard as the definitive militia organization for the state. On July 22, 1876, an Act to suppress lawlessness and crime in certain parts of the state authorized the creation of the Special State Troops, commanded first by Captain Leander McNelly and subsequently by Captain J. L. Hall. In the last year of the operation of this Special Force (1880-1881), it was commanded by Captain Thomas L. Oglesby.

The Spanish-American War (1898) saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard, which was organized into four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, and designated the Texas Volunteers. After the war they were de-nationalized, and reorganized on April 1, 1903 as the Texas National Guard. On August 5, 1917, the Texas National Guard was drafted into federal service, forming the 36th Division, which was to be mobilized during World War II as well.

The Frontier Battalion was reorganized as the Ranger Force by an act of the Legislature on March 29, 1901. From time to time this regular force was supplemented by specially commissioned Special Rangers, Railroad Rangers, Cattlemen's Association Rangers, and Loyalty Rangers. Finally, on August 10, 1935, the Ranger Force was transferred to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

From the guide to the Adjutant General's Department service records, 1836-1845, 1854-1865, 1870-1935, (Texas State Archives)

On November 13, 1835, the Consultation created the office of Adjutant General, as one of five heads of departments under the Commander-in-Chief of the Texian Army (the other offices being Inspector General, Quartermaster General, Surgeon General, and Paymaster General). On December 20, 1836, the 1st Congress passed an Act to organize and fix the Military establishment of the Republic of Texas, which in addition to the aforementioned bureaus, created a Commissary General of Subsistence, a Commissary General of Purchases, and a Colonel of Ordnance, all of whom answered to the Secretary of War. On December 18, 1837, Congress passed--and later passed again over President Sam Houston's veto--an act making the Adjutant General a position elected by the Congress; the first man so elected was Hugh McLeod. This arrangement lasted less than two years, however, with subsequent Adjutant Generals--beginning with McLeod on January 30, 1839--being appointed by the President. Congress combined the offices of Adjutant General and Inspector General on January 28, 1840, and technically abolished this position on January 18, 1841. Yet Peter Hansborough Bell served as Adjutant General of Militia soon thereafter; and in legislation of February 1842, there is a reference to an Acting Adjutant General.

The Texas Navy at first operated under a separate Secretary of the Navy, appointed by the President as authorized by an act of Congress approved October 25, 1836. On January 18, 1841, Congress abolished this office and created a Naval Bureau under the Secretary of War and Marines. Of course, the end of the Republic in 1846 meant the end of the Texas Navy as well.

Whereas under the Republic the Adjutant General was subservient to the Secretary of War, under statehood the position was elevated to that of head of all military departments. After annexation, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen; and now, the issuing of all bounty and donation land warrants on the basis of military service to the Republic. This last duty was assumed by the Commissioner of Claims, pursuant to an Act of the legislature passed August 1, 1856; the office of the Adjutant General had been the victim of apparent arson in October 1855, allegedly by persons engaged in land certificate fraud. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutant Generals would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the War.

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the Legislature created the Frontier Forces (June 13), the State Guard and Reserve Militia (June 24), and the State Police (July 1), all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. On November 25, 1871, the Legislature added a fifth organization, the Minute Men. The first Adjutant General so appointed, James Davidson, absconded with over $37,000 of state funds in 1872. The State Guard and Reserve Militia were merged into a simple state militia on March 19, 1873, and the State Police force was abolished April 22, 1873.

The place of the Frontier Forces was taken in 1873 and 1874 by the Rangers and the Frontier Men, and finally by the Frontier Battalion, organized by an act passed April 10, 1874. At about the same time one can date the evolution of the Texas Volunteer Guard as the definitive militia organization for the state. On July 22, 1876, an Act to suppress lawlessness and crime in certain parts of the state authorized the creation of the Special State Troops, commanded first by Captain Leander McNelly and subsequently by Captain J. L. Hall. In the last year of the operation of this Special Force (1880-1881), it was commanded by Captain Thomas L. Oglesby.

The Spanish-American War (1898) saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard, which was organized into four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, and designated the Texas Volunteers. After the war they were de-nationalized, and reorganized on April 1, 1903 as the Texas National Guard. On August 5, 1917, the Texas National Guard was drafted into federal service, forming the 36th Division, which was to be mobilized during World War II as well.

The Frontier Battalion was reorganized as the Ranger Force by an act of the Legislature on March 29, 1901. From time to time this regular force was supplemented by specially commissioned Special Rangers, Railroad Rangers, Cattlemen's Association Rangers, and Loyalty Rangers. Finally, on August 10, 1935, the Ranger Force was transferred to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

From the guide to the Correspondence (part II), 1846-1943, (bulk 1861-1933), (Texas State Archives)

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). These troops were federal (i.e. United States) troops, and their records would be federal records, not held by the Texas State Archives.

Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the 12th Texas Legislature, Called Session, created the Frontier Forces (June 13), the State Guard and Reserve Militia (June 24), and the State Police (July 1), all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. (The first Adjutant General so appointed, James Davidson, absconded with over $37,000 of state funds in 1872.) On November 25, 1871, the 12th Legislature, 2nd Session, added a fifth organization, the Minute Men.

Governor Davis called out six companies of Provisional State Troops for martial law duty in Limestone County during October and November of 1871, when citizens rioted against the State Police.

The 13th Texas Legislature merged the State Guard and Reserve Militia into a simple state Militia on March 19, 1873, and abolished the State Police force on April 22, 1873. The Frontier Forces were replaced in 1873 and 1874 by the Rangers (also known as the Frontier Men), and finally by the Frontier Battalion, organized by an act of the 14th Texas Legislature, 1st Regular Session, passed April 10, 1874. At about the same time one can date the evolution of the Texas Volunteer Guard as the definitive militia organization for the state.

From the guide to the Reconstruction military rolls, 1865-1866, 1870-1877, undated, (bulk 1870-1874), (Texas State Archives)

The State Guard and Reserve Militia of the Reconstruction era were merged into a simple state militia by the 13th Texas Legislature on March 19, 1873. Although clear enabling legislation cannot be found for the next sixteen years, there is reference to Volunteer Units in the Adjutant General's biennial report of 1876; to officers of the Militia and State Troops in 1878; to Texas Volunteer Guards in 1880; etc.

The Militia Act was approved on April 5, 1889 by the 21st Texas Legislature, Regular Session. This law called for voluntary enlistments for a three-year period, of men in companies which (once approved by the governor) would elect their own officers. To quote Article 3304, The Texas volunteer guard in time of peace shall consist of one major-general, two brigadier-generals, an adjutant-general's department, an inspector- general's department, a quartermaster's department, a subsistence department, an ordnance department, a medical department, a pay department, a bureau of military justice, and such organizations of artillery, cavalry, and infantry as the commander-in-chief may direct, not to exceed three thousand men rank and file including all departments of the volunteer guard, and which shall be organized into battalions, regiments, brigades, and divisions of suitable size, and changed from time to time as the commander-in-chief may deem for the best interests of the service. A company would be composed of not less than 40 nor more than 100 men. Not more than 10 companies would form a regiment (revised upward to 12 companies on June 5, 1899). Not more than 5 regiments would form a brigade (revised downward to not more than 4 regiments on June 5, 1899).

The Spanish-American War (1898) saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard. The 28th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, reorganized the state militia into a Reserve Militia and a Texas National Guard, on April 1, 1903.

From the guide to the Adjutant General's Department Texas Volunteer Guard military rolls (Part II: 5th Regiment, Infantry thru Rosters of Officers), 1880-1903, undated, (Texas State Archives)

On November 13, 1835, the Consultation created the office of Adjutant General, as one of five heads of departments under the Commander-in-Chief of the Texian Army (the other offices being Inspector General, Quartermaster General, Surgeon General, and Paymaster General). On December 20, 1836, the 1st Congress passed an Act to organize and fix the Military establishment of the Republic of Texas, which in addition to the aforementioned bureaus, created a Commissary General of Subsistence, a Commissary General of Purchases, and a Colonel of Ordnance, all of whom answered to the Secretary of War. On December 18, 1837, Congress passed--and later passed again over President Sam Houston's veto--an act making the Adjutant General a position elected by the Congress; the first man so elected was Hugh McLeod. This arrangement lasted less than two years, however, with subsequent Adjutant Generals--beginning with McLeod on January 30, 1839--being appointed by the President. Congress combined the offices of Adjutant General and Inspector General on January 28, 1840, and technically abolished this position on January 18, 1841. Yet Peter Hansborough Bell served as Adjutant General of Militia soon thereafter; and in legislation of February 1842, there is a reference to an Acting Adjutant General.

The Texas Navy at first operated under a separate Secretary of the Navy, appointed by the President as authorized by an act of Congress approved October 25, 1836. On January 18, 1841, Congress abolished this office and created a Naval Bureau under the Secretary of War and Marines. Of course, the end of the Republic in 1846 meant the end of the Texas Navy as well.

Whereas under the Republic the Adjutant General was subservient to the Secretary of War, under statehood the position was elevated to that of head of all military departments. After annexation, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen; and now, the issuing of all bounty and donation land warrants on the basis of military service to the Republic. This last duty was assumed by the Commissioner of Claims, pursuant to an Act of the legislature passed August 1, 1856; the office of the Adjutant General had been the victim of apparent arson in October 1855, allegedly by persons engaged in land certificate fraud. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutant Generals would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the War.

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the Legislature created the Frontier Forces (June 13), the State Guard and Reserve Militia (June 24), and the State Police (July 1), all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. On November 25, 1871, the Legislature added a fifth organization, the Minute Men. The first Adjutant General so appointed, James Davidson, absconded with over $37,000 of state funds in 1872. The State Guard and Reserve Militia were merged into a simple state militia on March 19, 1873, and the State Police force was abolished April 22, 1873.

The place of the Frontier Forces was taken in 1873 and 1874 by the Rangers and the Frontier Men, and finally by the Frontier Battalion, organized by an act passed April 10, 1874. At about the same time one can date the evolution of the Texas Volunteer Guard as the definitive militia organization for the state. On July 22, 1876, an Act to suppress lawlessness and crime in certain parts of the state authorized the creation of the Special State Troops, commanded first by Captain Leander McNelly and subsequently by Captain J. L. Hall. In the last year of the operation of this Special Force (1880-1881), it was commanded by Captain Thomas L. Oglesby.

The Spanish-American War (1898) saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard, which was organized into four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, and designated the Texas Volunteers. After the war they were de-nationalized, and reorganized on April 1, 1903 as the Texas National Guard. On August 5, 1917, the Texas National Guard was drafted into federal service, forming the 36th Division, which was to be mobilized during World War II as well.

The Frontier Battalion was reorganized as the Ranger Force by an act of the Legislature on March 29, 1901. From time to time this regular force was supplemented by specially commissioned Special Rangers, Railroad Rangers, Cattlemen's Association Rangers, and Loyalty Rangers. Finally, on August 10, 1935, the Ranger Force was transferred to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

From the guide to the Departmental correspondence, 1846-1943, (bulk 1861-1933), (Texas State Archives)

Whereas under the Republic the Adjutant General was subservient to the Secretary of War, under statehood the position was elevated to that of head of all military departments. After annexation, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen; and now, the issuing of all bounty and donation land warrants on the basis of military service to the Republic. This last duty was assumed by the Commissioner of Claims, pursuant to an Act of the legislature passed August 1, 1856; the office of the Adjutant General had been the victim of apparent arson in October 1855, allegedly by persons engaged in land certificate fraud. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutants General would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the War.

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the Legislature created the Frontier Forces (June 13), the State Guard and Reserve Militia (June 24), and the State Police (July 1), all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. On November 25, 1871, the Legislature added a fifth organization, the Minute Men. The first Adjutant General so appointed, James Davidson, absconded with over $37,000 of state funds in 1872. The State Guard and Reserve Militia were merged into a simple state militia on March 19, 1873, and the State Police force was abolished April 22, 1873.

The place of the Frontier Forces was taken in 1873 and 1874 by the Rangers and the Frontier Men, and finally by the Frontier Battalion, organized by an act passed April 10, 1874. At about the same time one can date the evolution of the Texas Volunteer Guard as the definitive militia organization for the state. On July 22, 1876, an Act to suppress lawlessness and crime in certain parts of the state authorized the creation of the Special State Troops, commanded first by Captain Leander McNelly and subsequently by Captain J. L. Hall. In the last year of the operation of this Special Force (1880-1881), it was commanded by Captain Thomas L. Oglesby.

The Frontier Battalion was reorganized as the Ranger Force by an act of the Legislature on March 29, 1901. From time to time this regular force was supplemented by specially commissioned Special Rangers, Railroad Rangers, Cattlemen's Association Rangers, and Loyalty Rangers. Finally, on August 10, 1935, the Ranger Force was transferred to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

From the guide to the Ranger records, 1839-1975, undated, (bulk 1854-1918), (Repository Unknown)

On November 13, 1835, the Consultation created the office of Adjutant General, as one of five heads of departments under the Commander-in-Chief of the Texian Army (the other offices being Inspector General, Quartermaster General, Surgeon General, and Paymaster General). On December 20, 1836, the 1st Congress passed an Act to organize and fix the Military establishment of the Republic of Texas, which in addition to the aforementioned bureaus, created a Commissary General of Subsistence, a Commissary General of Purchases, and a Colonel of Ordnance, all of whom answered to the Secretary of War. On December 18, 1837, Congress passed--and later passed again over President Sam Houston's veto--an act making the Adjutant General a position elected by the Congress; the first man so elected was Hugh McLeod. This arrangement lasted less than two years, however, with subsequent Adjutant Generals--beginning with McLeod on January 30, 1839--being appointed by the President. Congress combined the offices of Adjutant General and Inspector General on January 28, 1840, and technically abolished this position on January 18, 1841. Yet Peter Hansborough Bell served as Adjutant General of Militia soon thereafter; and in legislation of February 1842, there is a reference to an Acting Adjutant General.

The Texas Navy at first operated under a separate Secretary of the Navy, appointed by the President as authorized by an act of Congress approved October 25, 1836. On January 18, 1841, Congress abolished this office and created a Naval Bureau under the Secretary of War and Marines. Of course, the end of the Republic in 1846 meant the end of the Texas Navy as well.

Whereas under the Republic the Adjutant General was subservient to the Secretary of War, under statehood the position was elevated to that of head of all military departments. After annexation, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen; and now, the issuing of all bounty and donation land warrants on the basis of military service to the Republic. This last duty was assumed by the Commissioner of Claims, pursuant to an Act of the legislature passed August 1, 1856; the office of the Adjutant General had been the victim of apparent arson in October 1855, allegedly by persons engaged in land certificate fraud. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutant Generals would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the War.

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the Legislature created the Frontier Forces (June 13), the State Guard and Reserve Militia (June 24), and the State Police (July 1), all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. On November 25, 1871, the Legislature added a fifth organization, the Minute Men. The first Adjutant General so appointed, James Davidson, absconded with over $37,000 of state funds in 1872. The State Guard and Reserve Militia were merged into a simple state militia on March 19, 1873, and the State Police force was abolished April 22, 1873.

The place of the Frontier Forces was taken in 1873 and 1874 by the Rangers and the Frontier Men, and finally by the Frontier Battalion, organized by an act passed April 10, 1874. At about the same time one can date the evolution of the Texas Volunteer Guard as the definitive militia organization for the state. On July 22, 1876, an Act to suppress lawlessness and crime in certain parts of the state authorized the creation of the Special State Troops, commanded first by Captain Leander McNelly and subsequently by Captain J. L. Hall. In the last year of the operation of this Special Force (1880-1881), it was commanded by Captain Thomas L. Oglesby.

The Spanish-American War (1898) saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard, which was organized into four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, and designated the Texas Volunteers. After the war they were de-nationalized, and reorganized on April 1, 1903 as the Texas National Guard. On August 5, 1917, the Texas National Guard was drafted into federal service, forming the 36th Division, which was to be mobilized during World War II as well.

The Frontier Battalion was reorganized as the Ranger Force by an act of the Legislature on March 29, 1901. From time to time this regular force was supplemented by specially commissioned Special Rangers, Railroad Rangers, Cattlemen's Association Rangers, and Loyalty Rangers. Finally, on August 10, 1935, the Ranger Force was transferred to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

From the guide to the Military rolls, 1835-1915, 1917, 1935, undated, (Texas State Archives)

The 47th Legislature, by House Bill 45 (effective February 10, 1941) created the Texas Defense Guard, to be organized by the Governor whenever any part of the Texas National Guard was in active federal service (as they were during the emergency beginning prior to Pearl Harbor, and extending to 1947). This militia force was intended to serve only within the borders of the state, except (by mutual consent of the state governors involved) to aid the military or police forces of another state, or in fresh pursuit of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies, or enemy forces beyond the borders of this State. Members of the Guard would neither be liable for, nor exempt from, federal military service as a result of their membership in the Guard. Eventually 51 battalions were formed, each battalion containing a headquarters and a headquarters detachment, a service detachment, and a medical detachment, in addition to between four and eight companies. Up to fifteen air force squadrons, two battalions of field artillery, and several bands, were also authorized. In 1943 the 48th Legislature, by House Bill 585, changed the name of the organization to the Texas State Guard, and made a distinction between the active and the reserve militia.

When the Texas National Guard was demobilized in 1947, the 50th Legislature (by Senate Bill 361) created the Texas State Guard Reserve Corps (TSGRC), to provide a reservoir of military strength for use by the state in time of national or state emergency, when any part of the Texas National Guard was called into federal service. When so activated, this Texas State Guard Reserve Corps would function as the Texas State Guard (TSG). The Governor of Texas appointed a Commanding General for the Texas State Guard Reserve Corps, to be supervised by the Adjutant General of Texas. Initially the state was divided into twelve districts, each with a colonel as regimental commander.

In January 1958, the TSGRC was reorganized as follows: an Active Reserve, a Ready Reserve, an Inactive Reserve, an Enlisted Reserve, an Honorary Reserve, a Provost Marshal Section, and an ROTC-NDCC [Reserve Officer Training Corps-National Defense Cadet Corps] Group. As the most important component, the Active Reserve was composed of a Corps Headquarters, one Corps Radio Unit, six Defense Group Headquarters, six Defense Group Radio Units, 30 Internal Security Battalions (about half of them strictly cadre units with officer personnel only), and 12 Radio and Rescue Detachments, with a total authorized strength of 10,000 officers and enlisted men.

In 1965, the 59th Legislature, by House Bill 410, abolished the TSGRC and replaced it with the Texas State Guard; in this act the Active Militia (or State Military Forces) is defined as consisting of the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard (known collectively as the Texas National Guard), supplemented by the Texas State Guard.

From the guide to the Texas State Guard/Texas Defense Guard/Texas State Guard Reserve Corps records, 1938-1983, undated, (bulk 1941-1945), (Repository Unknown)

On April 25, 1898, the U.S. Congress declared war on Spain. Two days before, President William McKinley had issued a call for 125,000 volunteers. The Spanish-American War saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard, which was organized into four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, and designated the Texas Volunteers. A truce was signed in August, and a treaty formally ending the war in December 1898. The Texas Volunteers were de-nationalized in late 1898, and the Texas Volunteer Guard was reorganized on April 1, 1903 as the Texas National Guard.

An act of the U.S. Congress was approved on July 8, 1898, entitled An Act to reimburse the governors of States and Territories for expenses incurred by them in aiding the United States to raise and organize, and supply and equip the Volunteer Army of the United States in the existing war with Spain. This act was amended by another act of Congress (approved March 3, 1899), and paralleled by an act of the 23rd Legislature of Texas (approved June 1, 1899). Simply put, the individual claimants would submit claims against the State of Texas, which would in turn submit claims against the United States government.

From the guide to the Spanish-American War military rolls, 1898-1899, 1901, undated, (Texas State Archives)

The Texas Volunteer Guard was reorganized by the 28th Legislature, Regular Session, on April 1, 1903, as the Texas National Guard. All able-bodied citizens between the ages of 18 and 45 were liable to militia service. The state militia was divided into two classes: a Reserve Militia composed of all persons liable to militia duty; and the Texas National Guard composed of volunteers accepted as such by the commander-in-chief. The Governor of Texas would serve as commander-in-chief until such time that the National Guard was called into the service of the United States. The National Guard could be called to execute the laws, to suppress insurrections, repel invasions, and protect the frontier from hostile incursions by Indians or other predatory bands. In peacetime, the Texas National Guard was not to exceed 5,000 officers and enlisted men. As of 1987, the Texas National Guard may not exceed 37,000 officers and enlisted persons except in case of war, insurrection, invasion or the prevention of invasion, the suppression of riot, or the aiding of civil authorities to execute state law.

The Governor (commander-in-chief), with advice and consent of the Senate, appoints an Adjutant General with the rank of brigadier-general, plus all other officers of the Texas National Guard. The commander-in-chief also originally appointed a Quartermaster General, who would also be Chief of Ordnance. (The current law calls for the appointment of Assistant Adjutants General.)

On August 5, 1917, the Texas National Guard was drafted into federal service, forming the 36th Division, which was to be mobilized during World War II as well.

From the guide to the Texas National Guard records, 1902-1931, 1939, 1941-1945, 1950, undated, (bulk 1903-1911), (Repository Unknown)

On November 13, 1835, the Texas Consultation created the office of Adjutant General, as one of five heads of departments under the Commander-in-Chief of the Texian Army (the other offices being Inspector General, Quartermaster General, Surgeon General, and Paymaster General). On December 20, 1836, the 1st Texas Congress passed an Act to organize and fix the Military establishment of the Republic of Texas, which in addition to the aforementioned bureaus, created a Commissary General of Subsistence, a Commissary General of Purchases, and a Colonel of Ordnance, all of whom answered to the Secretary of War. On December 18, 1837, the Texas Congress passed--and later passed again over President Sam Houston's veto--an act making the Adjutant General a position elected by the Congress; the first man so elected was Hugh McLeod. This arrangement lasted less than two years, however, with subsequent Adjutants General--beginning with McLeod on January 30, 1839--being appointed by the President. Congress combined the offices of Adjutant General and Inspector General on January 28, 1840, and technically abolished this position on January 18, 1841. Yet Peter Hansborough Bell served as Adjutant General of Militia soon thereafter; and in legislation of February 1842, there is a reference to an Acting Adjutant General.

Enabling legislation for the Army of the Republic includes: Act to raise a regular army (November 24, 1835, calling for 1,120 men); Act for establishing rules and articles for government of the armies of the Republic of Texas (November 21, 1836); Joint Resolution authorizing the President to reorganize the army (November 30, 1836); Act to organize and fix the military establishment of the Republic of Texas [besides volunteers and mounted rifle corps and militia] (December 20, 1836, which authorized four regiments of infantry, with ten companies per regiment, one regiment of cavalry, and one regiment of artillery); Joint resolution for the relief of soldiers composing the late 1st Regiment of Infantry [which had been disbanded sometime after February 5, 1840] (December 10, 1841). The Republic Minute Men were authorized by the Act to encourage frontier protection (February 4, 1841).

The Texas Navy at first operated under a separate Secretary of the Navy, appointed by the President as authorized by an act of Congress approved October 25, 1836. On January 18, 1841, Congress abolished this office and created a Naval Bureau under the Secretary of War and Marines. Of course, the end of the Republic in 1846 meant the end of the Texas Navy as well.

From the guide to the Republic of Texas military rolls, 1835-1846, undated, (Texas State Archives)

After the annexation of Texas into the United States, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; and recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

On February 1, 1861, the delegates to the Texas Secession Convention adopted an ordinance of secession, which was approved by the voters of the state on February 23. In early March the convention reassembled, declared Texas out of the Union, and adopted a measure making Texas one of the states in the newly formed Confederate States of America.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutants General would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology). The manpower and supply demands of the Confederate States Army, often conflicting with the needs and desires of the State of Texas, would affect the entire period of the war.

Most of the major battles of the Civil War were fought east of the Mississippi River. Ironically, the last battle of the war was a victory by John S. Ford over Union forces at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville on May 13, 1865, slightly more than a month after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. General E. Kirby Smith formally surrendered the Trans-Mississippi Department on June 2, and Union forces under General Gordon Granger entered Galveston on June 19, 1865.

From the guide to the Civil War records, 1855, 1860-1866, undated, bulk 1861-1865, (Repository Unknown)

The State Guard and Reserve Militia of the Reconstruction era were merged into a simple state militia by the 13th Legislature on March 19, 1873. Although clear enabling legislation cannot be found for the next sixteen years, there is reference to Volunteer Units in the Adjutant General's biennial report of 1876; to officers of the Militia and State Troops in 1878; to Texas Volunteer Guards in 1880; etc.

The Militia Act was approved on April 5, 1889 by the 21st Legislature, Regular Session. This law called for voluntary enlistments for a three-year period, of men in companies which (once approved by the governor) would elect their own officers. To quote Article 3304, The Texas volunteer guard in time of peace shall consist of one major-general, two brigadier-generals, an adjutant-general's department, an inspector- general's department, a quartermaster's department, a subsistence department, an ordnance department, a medical department, a pay department, a bureau of military justice, and such organizations of artillery, cavalry, and infantry as the commander-in-chief may direct, not to exceed three thousand men rank and file including all departments of the volunteer guard, and which shall be organized into battalions, regiments, brigades, and divisions of suitable size, and changed from time to time as the commander-in-chief may deem for the best interests of the service. A company would be composed of not less than 40 nor more than 100 men. Not more than 10 companies would form a regiment (revised upward to 12 companies on June 5, 1899). Not more than 5 regiments would form a brigade (revised downward to not more than 4 regiments on June 5, 1899).

The Spanish-American War (1898) saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard. The 28th Legislature, Regular Session, reorganized the state militia into a Reserve Militia and a Texas National Guard, on April 1, 1903.

From the guide to the Texas Volunteer Guard records, 1874-1904, undated, (Repository Unknown)

The State Guard and Reserve Militia of the Reconstruction era were merged into a simple state militia by the 13th Texas Legislature on March 19, 1873. Although clear enabling legislation cannot be found for the next sixteen years, there is reference to Volunteer Units in the Adjutant General's biennial report of 1876; to officers of the Militia and State Troops in 1878; to Texas Volunteer Guards in 1880; etc.

The Militia Act was approved on April 5, 1889 by the 21st Texas Legislature, Regular Session. This law called for voluntary enlistments for a three-year period, of men in companies which (once approved by the governor) would elect their own officers. To quote Article 3304, The Texas volunteer guard in time of peace shall consist of one major-general, two brigadier-generals, an adjutant-general's department, an inspector- general's department, a quartermaster's department, a subsistence department, an ordnance department, a medical department, a pay department, a bureau of military justice, and such organizations of artillery, cavalry, and infantry as the commander-in-chief may direct, not to exceed three thousand men rank and file including all departments of the volunteer guard, and which shall be organized into battalions, regiments, brigades, and divisions of suitable size, and changed from time to time as the commander-in-chief may deem for the best interests of the service. A company would be composed of not less than 40 nor more than 100 men. Not more than 10 companies would form a regiment (revised upward to 12 companies on June 5, 1899). Not more than 5 regiments would form a brigade (revised downward to not more than 4 regiments on June 5, 1899).

The Spanish-American War (1898) saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard. The 28th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, reorganized the state militia into a Reserve Militia and a Texas National Guard, on April 1, 1903.

From the guide to the Adjutant General's Department Texas Volunteer Guard military rolls (Part I: 1st thru 4th Regiment, Infantry), 1880-1903, undated, (Texas State Archives)

On April 25, 1898, the U.S. Congress declared war on Spain. Two days before, President William McKinley had issued a call for 125,000 volunteers. The Spanish-American War saw the nationalization of the Texas Volunteer Guard, which was organized into four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, and designated the Texas Volunteers. A truce was signed in August, and a treaty formally ending the war in December 1898. The Texas Volunteers were de-nationalized in late 1898, and the Texas Volunteer Guard was reorganized on April 1, 1903 as the Texas National Guard.

An act of the U.S. Congress was approved on July 8, 1898, entitled An Act to reimburse the governors of States and Territories for expenses incurred by them in aiding the United States to raise and organize, and supply and equip the Volunteer Army of the United States in the existing war with Spain. This act was amended by another act of Congress (approved March 3, 1899), and paralleled by an act of the 23rd Legislature of Texas (approved June 1, 1899). Simply put, the individual claimants would submit claims against the State of Texas, which would in turn submit claims against the United States government.

From the guide to the Texas Volunteers (Spanish-American War) records, 1898-1904, (bulk 1898-1901), (Repository Unknown)

On November 27, 1835, the General Council of the Provisional Government of Texas passed an Ordinance and Degree establishing the Navy, authorizing the purchase of two schooners of twelve guns each and two schooners of six guns each, plus the recruitment of the requisite number of officers, seamen and navvies. These first four ships were the Liberty, the Invincible, the Independence, and the Brutus . The Texas Navy at first operated under a separate Secretary of the Navy, appointed by the Texas President as authorized by an act of the 1st Congress of the Republic of Texas approved October 25, 1836. On December 15, 1836, the 1st Congress passed An Act Establishing Regulations and Instructions for the Government of the Naval Service of Texas. All four original ships had been lost by late 1837, ending the first Texas Navy.

On November 4, 1837, the 2nd Congress authorized a commissioner (Samuel M. Williams) to go to Baltimore and contract for the construction of six more ships, which would become the San Jacinto, the San Antonio, the San Bernard, the Wharton, the Austin, and the Archer . In addition, the Potomac and the Zavala were bought in 1838.

By an act To Fix the Naval Establishment of the Republic passed on February 5, 1840, the 4th Congress authorized the President to cause all ships in the Navy to be laid up in ordinary except for two schooners patrolling the Gulf of Mexico. On January 18, 1841, the 5th Congress abolished this office and created a Naval Bureau under the Secretary of War and Marines. Texas' annexation into the United States in 1846 meant the end of the Texas Navy, the ships being transferred to the U.S. Navy.

From the guide to the Navy papers, 1835-1847, 1852, 1855, (bulk 1836-1846), (Repository Unknown)

The term Texas Ranger is a generic term that applies to members of units variously called Ranging Corps, Rangers, Mounted Volunteers, Mounted Gunmen, Mounted Riflemen, and Spies (1836-1845); Rangers, Mounted Volunteers, and Minute Men (1846-1861); Mounted Regiment and Frontier Regiment (1861-1865); Frontier Forces (1870-1873); Frontier Men (1874); Frontier Battalion (1874-1901); Special State Troops (1876-1880); Special Force (1880-1881); and Ranger Force (1901-1935).

During the lifetime of the Republic of Texas (1836-1845), certain companies of the Republic of Texas militia operated as Ranger units.

Whereas under the Republic the Adjutant General was subservient to the Secretary of War, under statehood the position was elevated to that of head of all military departments. After annexation, the 1st Legislature provided for an Adjutant General to be appointed by the Governor, in an Act to organize the Militia of the State of Texas (April 21, 1846). The duties which fell to the Adjutant General included the issuance of all military orders; the maintenance of records of appointments, promotions, resignations, deaths, commissions, etc.; the receipt of monthly and annual returns, and muster rolls from the various military units; the keeping of the records of general courts martial; recruitment and enrollment of Rangers and militiamen; and now, the issuing of all bounty and donation land warrants on the basis of military service to the Republic. This last duty was assumed by the Commissioner of Claims, pursuant to an Act of the legislature passed August 1, 1856; the office of the Adjutant General had been the victim of apparent arson in October 1855, allegedly by persons engaged in land certificate fraud. The position of Adjutant General was itself reestablished by the Militia Law of February 14, 1860, by which act he also assumed the duties of Quartermaster General and Ordnance Officer of the State.

With the Civil War came the reorganization of the office, an act of December 25, 1861 creating an Adjutant and Inspector General, who would also serve as Quartermaster and Commissary General, and Ordnance Officer. Oversight of the 33 Brigades of the Texas State Troops plus the Frontier Regiment fell to this office, just as later Adjutant Generals would split their time between the Militia and the Rangers (whatever the prevailing terminology).

During the Congressional phase of Reconstruction, the military affairs of the State of Texas, and many aspects of civil government, were controlled by the commander of the District of Texas (1866-1868), or of the 5th Military District (1868-1870). Within months of Texas' readmission to the Union under Radical Republican Governor Edmund J. Davis (1870), the Legislature created the Frontier Forces (June 13), as well as the State Guard and Reserve Militia, and the State Police, all of which were commanded by a newly restored state Adjutant General. On November 25, 1871, the Legislature added a fifth organization, the Minute Men.

The place of the Frontier Forces was taken in 1873 and 1874 by the Rangers and the Frontier Men, and finally by the Frontier Battalion, organized by an act passed April 10, 1874. On July 22, 1876, an Act to suppress lawlessness and crime in certain parts of the state authorized the creation of the Special State Troops, commanded first by Captain Leander McNelly and subsequently by Captain J. L. Hall. In the last year of the operation of this Special Force (1880-1881), it was commanded by Captain Thomas L. Oglesby.

The Frontier Battalion was reorganized as the Ranger Force by an act of the 27th Texas Legislature on March 29, 1901. From time to time this regular force was supplemented by specially commissioned Special Rangers, Railroad Rangers, Cattlemen's Association Rangers, and Loyalty Rangers. Finally, on August 10, 1935, the Ranger Force was transferred to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

From the guide to the Ranger military rolls, 1846-1861, 1874-1910, 1913-1914, undated, (Texas State Archives)

The state office of adjutant general, founded in 1905 by order of the Texas legislature, aids the governor in the supervision of the state’s military department. The Republic of Texas had a similar department that ceased in 1840 and began again in 1846. In this incarnation, the office served only to verify veterans’ land claims and operated only intermittently until 1905. The adjutant general is appointed by the governor, and then makes recommendations for two assistant adjutants general. The governor then appoints the two assistants. The Texas Adjutant General’s Office is located at Camp Mabry, in Austin, Texas. The adjutant general’s responsibilities include providing aid and personnel from the military forces of Texas, in the event of war or other national emergency.

Source : Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. Adjutant General, http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/mba1.html (accessed June 2, 2010).

From the guide to the Texas Adjutant General's Office Records, 1838-1889, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)