1885 public laws – Ch. 349 Sec. 2

That section three thousand two hundred and sixty-one of The Code be stricken out and the following substituted therefor: Two or more white companies or two or more colored companies may form a battalion and elect a major ; five or more white or five or more colored companies may form a regiment, not to exceed ten companies, and elect a colonel, lieutenant-colonel and major. Each battalion or regiment shall be designated by number, and each company by letter, and a record thereof made in the office of the adjutant-general. The commander-in-chief may in his discretion organize the State Guard into one or more brigades and divisions, and appoint brigadier and major-generals to command the same, who shall hold their commissions at the pleasure of the commander-in-chief, and whenever commander-inchief shall form a battalion or regiment of the State Guard he shall order an election to be held for the field officer or officers of such battalion or regiment, such election to be conducted as hereinafter provided.