For the fun of it, I did an OR Search, “Ensign”, came up with about 140 hits. Here’s one that baffles me.

I did not realize the Union Army used the rank of Ensign. In this document this position is associated with that of Lieutenant, Color Sergeant, and Fifth Sergeant.

Can anyone explain this order?

Union Correspondence

General Orders, No. 3
HDQRS. FIFTH DIST., KANSAS STATE MIL.,
Council Grove, Kans., April 25, 1864.

I. In answer to many inquiries, it is hereby ordered that all regimental or company organizations, together with the officers of the same, organized under the old law, be recognized as such.

II. No vacancy will be filled in any regiment or company for any officer not provided for in the new law.

III. There will be no election in any company for the office of lieutenant so long as two lieutenants remain in the company. The ensign will act as fifth or color sergeant, and no election will be had for the fifth sergeant until the office of ensign shall become vacant.

IV. Regimental surgeons will examine all persons applying for exemption from military duty, on account of disability, on the payment of a fee of $2, and will give a certificate showing the nature of the disability and opinion as to fitness or ability of applicant to perform military duty.

V. Where any company becomes reduced below the required number (32 rank and file) the officer commanding regiment will disband such company and allow its members to enroll in some other company.

VI. All official communications must be sent through company and regimental and brigade headquarters.

By order of Brigadier General S. N. Wood, commanding:

H. C. AKIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

OR V 34, Pt. 3, pp. 385/’6