Paymasters. Are officers appointed in the army for the purpose of keeping its pay accounts, and the disbursing of moneys in payment of troops. In the U. S. service it is the duty of paymasters to pay all the regular and other troops; and to insure punctuality and responsibility, correct reports shall be made to the paymaster-general once in two months, showing the disposition of the funds previously transmitted, with accurate estimates for the next payment of such regiment, garrison, or department, as may be assigned to each. In the British service a paymaster is attached to each regiment.
Paymaster-Sergeant. In the English army, a non-commissioned officer who assists the paymaster.
Pay-roll. A roll or list of persons entitled to payment, with the sums which are to be paid on them. In the U. S. army, commanders of companies are required to prepare at each regular muster, beside one muster-roll, three copies of the “muster- and pay-roll,” two for the paymaster, and one to be retained in the company files. When the paymaster’s rolls have been computed and returned to the company for examination and signature, the calculations thereon will be transcribed on the triplicate muster- and pay-roll, under the direction of or by the company commander, who is responsible for the correct performance of this duty.
Pay-Sergeant. In the British service, a sergeant who, on the responsibility of the captain of a troop, battery, or company, keeps the men’s accounts. He is generally, but not invariably, the color-sergeant in the infantry, or the troop or battery sergeant-major in the cavalry or artillery.
Pea Ridge. A range of hills in Benton Co., Ark., which gives its name to the battle fought here March 6-8, 1862, between the Union forces under Gen. Curtis and the Confederates under Van Dorn, in which the latter were defeated with loss of over 2500 killed, wounded, and captured.
Peabody-Martini Rifle. A breech-loading rifle invented by an American—Peabody—and improved by a Swiss. It is called [Martini-Henry] in England, in which country it is the official arm. More than half a million of these rifles were manufactured for the Turkish government during the late Russo-Turkish war by the Providence Tool Company of Rhode Island. The gun has a great reputation on account of its long range.
Peace. Freedom from war, exemption from, or cessation of, hostilities. This condition of affairs is effected and maintained by treaties between independent powers.
Peace Establishment. The reduced number of effective men in the army during a period of peace.
Peal. A long sound, or a succession of long sounds, as of cannon, etc.
Pean (Old Fr. pannes, “furs”). One of the furs borne in heraldry, differing from ermine only in the tinctures,—the ground being sable and the spots of gold.