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Armies

The United States (Regular) Army consisted of five regiments of cavalry, four of artillery, ten of infantry, the Corps of Engineers and Topographical Engineers, and administrative departments. Its strength was 16,367 officers and men. Of 198 line companies, 183 were scattered on the Western frontier and the remaining 15 were in garrisons along the Canadian border and on the sea coast. No striking force was available.

The active officer corps numbered 1,080. Of this number 286 resigned or were dismissed, and entered the Confederate service. West Point graduates on the active list numbered 824. Of these, 184 were among the officers who went over to the South. Of the approximately 900 graduates then in civil life, 114 returned to the colors, while 99 others went into the Confederate service.

Enlisted men of the Regular Army, having contracted to serve for a specified length of time, unlike the officers, could not resign.

The Confederate Army, at the start of the war, consisted of some 36,000 volunteers and militia already mustered and in the field; in addition, active recruiting went on after March 6 to obtain the full quota of 100,000 men authorized by the Confederate Congress at that time.

Navies

The United States Navy consisted of 90 wooden craft of various categories, of which 42 were in active service; 52 of the total were sailing vessels. Immediately available were but four ships out of a home squadron totalling 12 ships on paper. Personnel strength totalled 8,900. Of 1,300 active officers, 322 resigned or were dismissed and entered the Confederate service. Annapolis graduates in active service numbered 287; sixty of them went South.

Navy enlisted men, like those in the Army, did not have the privilege of an honorable resignation. Only a handful of sailors deserted.