Military Soldier's Handbooks Deal With Instructions, Behavior, Punishment -- No Flogging But Death For Certain Offenses; Codes For Signaling

Offering two editions – 1895 (75 pp) and 1898 (67 pp) – of the Soldier’s Hand book, U.S.A. revised, once belonging to Sergeant Ernest G. Gaus of Cleveland, Ohio . The 1895 edition includes permission for publishing by then-Secretary of War Robert T. Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. Both bound in leather. Gaus enlisted in Co. C, 2nd Regiment Cavalry on December 31, 1895. He was discharged December 31, 1898. He reenlisted on February 8, 1899, promoted to corporal on June 29, 1899 and to sergeant on January 1, 1900. The introduction begins, in part, "The Soldier’s Hand-Book will be considered as part of the personal effects of the soldier, excepting in the case of deserters or men dishonorably discharged, when the books will be taken up by company commanders and if serviceable, forwarded by mail to the Adjutant General of the Army." The hand book also includes instruction regarding the "Rights of Citizens forfeited by desertion.Persons who deserted the military or naval service.are deemed to have forfeited their rights of citizenship, as well as their right to become citizens; and such deserters shall be forever incapable of holding any offices of trust or profit under the United States." The hand-book also discusses discipline and forbids flogging, branding or tattooing on the body. Officers and soldiers who force a commander to give up the enemy can be subject to death. The hand books also include codes of signaling. The 1895 hand book has wear to the covers, some unbound journal pages in the back. Overall a fine example of military Americana. Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses. [M-124].