Benzine Board: The United States Army Reduction of 1870

Abstract

The study examines reductions in the Regular Army officer corps in 18070 as well as the events in Congress preceeding the cut backs. Immediately following the Civil War, the Volunteer Army disbanded while the Regular Army expanded; many of the Volunteer Army disbanded while the Regular Army expanded; many of the Volunteer officers and ment sought and gained appointments in the growing Army. As the Army appeared to be attaining its authorized strength and efficiency, Congress enacted a massive reduction program, one that proved traumatic in the ranks of the Army. The following year Congress opted to decrease the officer strength; a board of five officers once known as the "Special Board" or"Hancock Board" but ow called "The Benzine Board," was established to oust undesirables. Years afterwards Army historians would record that 750 unfortunates, heroes of the Civil War, were cast aside by an ngrateful public and a stingy Congress. Only a few records of the Benzine Board are readily available in the National Archives. Many others have been misplaced or no longer exist. The proceedings of the board were confidential and details were not officially eleased to the public. On January 19, 1871, The Daily Patriot Washington,D.C. newpaper, printed a recapitulation of the cases which the Board decided for or against, or on those cases wherein a decision as not rendered. As far as can be determined, this newspaper article as the only official or unofficial summary of the activities of General Hancock' s Board. Although the source of this news article was unknown, I believe it to be accurate.