Chapter LIX.- An Act for the organization of a Corps of Artificers. April 23, 1812

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there shall be attached to the quartermaster general's department, and subject to the orders of the officers thereof, a corps of artificers, to consist of one superintendent, to be appointed by the President of the United States, four assistants, two master masons, two master carpenters, two master blacksmiths, two master boat-builders, two master armorers, two master saddle and harness makers, twenty house carpenters, five ship carpenters, twenty blacksmiths, sixteen boat-builders, sixteen armorers, twelve saddle and harness makers and twenty-four labourers, to be selected from the privates of the army, when authorized thereto by the commanding general, or engaged from among the citizens by the superintendent.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the pay of the superintendent of artificers, shall be forty-five dollars per month, three rations per day, and forage for one horse; that the pay of the four assistants, be each thirty dollars per month and two rations per day; that the pay of the twelve master workmen be each thirty dollars per month and one ration and one half of a ration per day; that the pay of the other workmen be each sixteen dollars per month, and one ration and one half of a ration per day.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the superintendent of artificers to render a correct report, once each month, of the corps, to the quartermaster general, and on oath to make out the pay roll thereof; which pay roll shall be examined by the quartermaster general, or, in his absence, by one of the deputy quartermasters, and by him be countersigned, and faithfully and without delay to execute all such orders as he may receive from the Secretary at War, any officer of the quartermaster's department, or from the officer commanding in the field or garrison to which his corps or any part thereof may be attached.

SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That this corps shall be engaged for and during the term of three years, unless sooner discharged by the President of the United States.

SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That for defraying the expense that may be incurred in the execution of this act, the sum of thirty thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby appropriated, to be paid out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

APPROVED, April 23, 1812.

By James Madison

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