HISTORY

Typical Regulars

In January 1812, Congress authorized an increase in the US Army to a strength of 50,000 men. Yet by the end of June 1812 only a little over 5,000 had joined the ranks. Few soldiers were interested in the army as a career. Most joined for a single year . . . just to see what army life was like. Few continued after their term was completed, some leaving even if a major battle was looming the next day.