The U.S. Marine Corps was created by an act of Congress approved July 11, 1798. According to this legislation the Corps was to be formed into as many companies or detachments as the President should direct. They were to act on board the frigates and armed vessels of the United States, to do duty in the forts and garrisons of the United States, and to perform any other required shore duty. Except for minor changes, this was the only legal authority for Marine Corps missions for the next 149 years (until 1947). No one knew whether the Marine Corps appertained more to the Navy or to the Army, for this act placed the Marines under Navy regulations when afloat and under the Articles of War when ashore. Neither the Secretary of the Navy or the Secretary of War fully controlled or administered the Corps. Contents: Office of the Commandant, 1798-1939 Adjutant and Inspector's Department, 1798-1949 Paymaster's Department, 1808-1939 Quartermaster's Department, 1811-1942 Marine Detachments Aboard Vessels Overseas China, 1930-34 Cuba, 1898-1912 Marines in Cuba, 1898-99, 1908-9, 1911 and 1912 France, 1878-79 Guam, 1927-31 Haiti, 1915-34 Gendarmerie d'Haita (Garde d'Haiti), 1915-34 Nicaragua, 1927-32 Panama, 1909-10 Marine Units 5th Regiment of Marines, 1914 Marine Aircraft Squadrons, 1931-34 Marine Defense Battalions, 1943-44 Maizie Johnson 1970, 8.5" x 11", paper, 90 pp.101-J1970