The Town of Otsego:
Home Front, 1861 - 1865
Compiled from The Freeman's Journal
and Otsego Town Records
by Marion H. Brophy
Otsego Town Historian
I recently transcribed the Otsego Town Records from 1825 through 1870. These included the minutes of a few special meetings which were called to determine the amount of bounty to be paid to Civil War recruits, and the method of raising this money. It seemed likely that there had been additional special meetings for which the minutes had been lost. I checked the pages of The Freeman's Journal for the years 1861 - 1865 and found this was true. My original intention was to limit this research to the question of the bounties. However, the pages of The Freeman's Journal revealed the efforts of the citizens of the town to contribute to the "gallant" soldiers who were far from home and in need of many essentials. There is also much good advice from the editor, who was never without an opinion on local issues..
I decided to combine the reports which appeared in The Freeman's Journal with the records of the town meetings. The Journal still used "ult" when reporting an event which took place the preceding month, and "inst" for the current month. To avoid repetition, I have not included the Town Records, when they do not contain anything in addition to the reports found in The Freeman's Journal. All entries are from The Freeman's Journal, unless otherwise noted.
It is interesting to compare the problems facing the residents one hundred
and forty years ago with those we face today:
1) What will the final decision be from Washington? No (F J,
Feb.26, 1864) or, after plans have been changed to accommodate the No, it is Yes
(F J, June 3, 1864)
2) The question of soldiers' votes being counted in the
national election of 1864 (FJ, Nov.11, 1864).
3) Assistance for the families of the enemy (F J, Dec.9,
1864).
4) The challenge of receiving cooperation from Albany (F J,
March 24, 1865)
March 24, 1865 was the last report I found of the difficulties experienced in the Town of Otsego in the role of Home Front during the years of the Civil war. However, additional funds were appropriated in 1866 and 1867 for items relating to war tine expenses. The Town board of Auditors passed the following resolution in 1866: Resolved that the Supervisor be instructed to pay the sum of two hundred and sixty five dollars, being the sum apportioned to the Town of Otsego for aid in erecting a Hall of Military Records at Albany. On February 5, 1867 the Town Records include a resolution that the balance of the bonds now outstanding against the Town for war purposes be liquidated.and in 1868 the Board of Town auditors passed a resolution to raise the sum of two thousand six hundred and seventy dollars and eighteen cents to pay unpaid Bounty bonds of the Town of Otsego due Feb 1, 1869.
May 3, 1861
A subscription is being circulated in this village to aid in
the formation of a Military company, the services of which will be tendered to
the Governor. It has been suggested that when the subscription reaches the
desired sum, the subscribers to the fund should be called together for
consultation and the appointment of a committee to act in concert with the
officers of the company. If we have those among us who desire to enlist under
the Stars and Stripes at this time, the citizens of Cooperstown will not be
backward in subscribing aid toward the support of their families during their
absence. This is being done in every city and village that sends forth a
company. The State authorities furnish arms, uniforms and equipments to all
whose services are accepted, and their pay commences from the day they commence
drilling.
May 10, 1861
A Military Soiree will be given at the Eagle Hotel this
(Thursday) evening, by citizens of this place, complimentary to the Officers of
the Fifth Division, S. S. Burnside, General. Music by Crumwell's full band.
A number of our citizens meet three or four times a week at
Burgess Hall, for military drill. They will be ready to respond to the call of
the Government for troops, when needed.
It has been proposed to organize a "Home Guard" for Cooperstown, with
the understanding that it shall not be required to leave the village unless
invaded.
May 17, 1861
The meeting at this village on Thursday and Friday of last
week, of most of the Generals and Field Officers of the 5th Division, left a
very favorable impression with our citizens as to the character and general
bearing of the gentlemen holding these offices. The Division embraces portions
of 11 counties, and includes four brigades and eight regiments. Considering the
imperfections of the present militia system of this State, the 5th Division is
in good condition, and will compare favorably with any in the interior of the
State. The officers made a fine appearance in their full-dress parade on Friday
morning.
The Soiree, on Thursday evening, was well attended, and was a
very pleasant affair in all respects. The following has been handed in for
publication: -
A Card: -
At the meeting of the officers of the 5th Division N. Y. S. M., held at
Cooperstown on the 10th inst., the following resolution was unanimously adopted.
In behalf of Major General S. S. Burnside and Staff, and Brigade and Field
Officers of the Division, as a testimonial of regard for the kindness,
hospitality and attention given them by the Ladies and Citizens of the Village
of Cooperstown, we offer the following resolution: -
Resolved,
That we tender our regards to the Ladies and Citizens of this
village for the kind attention, and for the tasty, polite and bountiful manner
in which we were treated at their "Soiree" last evening.
May 31, 1861
The Ladies of this village have undertaken to furnish 1,000
"Havelocks" for the U. S. soldiers near Washington - and they will do
it.
Note; A Havelock is a light cloth covering for a military
cap, falling over the back of the neck for protection against the sun.
June 21, 1861
The Ladies of this town, through whose kind and patriotic
exertions a handsome number of "Havelocks" were forwarded to our
gallant volunteers, will peruse with pleasure the following letters, addressed
to the Lady who had the matter specially in charge:
- Office of Union Defence Committee New York, June 11, 1861
Madam: - I am desired by Mr. Draper to acknowledge your
kind donation, (on the part of the benevolent women of Cooperstown,) of a box
containing 666 Havelocks.
This most acceptable gift to the soldiers in this warm
season, will be gratefully acknowledged by the regiment of Anderson Zouaves, to
whom they have been presented.
On behalf of Mr. Draper and of the Committee, I beg to assure
you that the generous offering from yourself and associates is most thankfully
appreciated.
I am, respectfully and sincerely, yours, P. M. Wetmore, Secretary.
To Mrs. Lyman Foote, Cooperstown, N.Y.
New York, June 17, 1861
Madam: -
As the recipients of a supply of Havelocks sent by the "Women of the
village of Cooperstown," through the kind favor of the Union Defence
Committee, we embrace this, the earliest moment of expressing our profound
gratitude to those ladies for the opportune favor thus derived through their
patriotic efforts in a common cause, and desire to assure them that while we
will be greatly benefited by having our heads kept cool for action, our hearts
have already been warmed by this evidence of interest in the comfort and
happiness of the volunteers, on the part of the women of Cooperstown.
Respectfully yours, J. Lafayette Rider, Colonel
To Mrs. Lyman Foote, Cooperstown, N.Y.
July 25, 1861
Our brave volunteers in Virginia are suffering for many
things which those in the rural districts can easily supply. The sick and
wounded make earnest appeals. Shall they appeal in vain? The Ladies of
Cooperstown who feel disposed to respond to the call of the brave volunteers of
their own state, will meet at Burgess Hall, promptly at 2 o'clock on Saturday
afternoon next. A general attendance is earnestly solicited.
August 2, 1861
The ladies of this village intend holding an Ice Cream Sale,
at Burgess Hall, on Wednesday evening next, for the benefit of our sick and
wounded soldiers. It is hoped that every patriotic man and woman in the village
will be present - and as many from the surrounding country as possible.
August 9, 1861
A subscription was circulated in this village last week, in
aid of the sick and wounded soldiers, and about $250 subscribed. The Ladies
realized enough at the Sale, on Wednesday evening, to make the sum about $300.
The Brass Band of this village, and the Barker Family,
furnished some excellent music at the sale.
August 16, 1861
The ladies of this village interested in raising money
and making up articles for the sick and wounded soldiers, confine their efforts
to the Volunteers from their own State - of whom there are over forty thousand
in the field. They co-operate with the Army and the Women's "Central Relief
Association," having their head-quarters in New York City, at the head of
which is Dr. Mott.
Notwithstanding the liberal provision made by Government for
the sick and wounded, the volunteer aid received through this Association and
from other sources, has been very grateful to the recipients. There are now
about 950 reported in the hospitals in and near Washington. The female nurses,
employed for the first time in the Army, have rendered very efficient service -
aided and sustained as they have been by the Relief Association alluded to
above.
Otsego is not to be altogether unrepresented on the battle field. Within the past few weeks quite a number of army recruits have been obtained in this county. On Wednesday morning about 40 men left this village to form a company in the Van Guard Rifle Regiment. They were mostly from Milford, Laurens and Fly Creek. They are to go immediately into camp on Staten Island. Recruits will be received for this company, during the next two weeks at the Otsego Hotel.
August 30, 1861
Capt. H. W. Lyon, of New York, is recruiting a company in
this county for the Ira Harris Cavalry; recruiting offices, Tryon House, Cherry
Valley and Otsego Hotel, Cooperstown. The pay in this arm of the service is $15
a month for privates.. Horses and all equipment furnished by the Government.
September 6, 1861
Messrs. Morris Foote, Marmaduke Cooper and Wash. B. Fairman.
left this village on Tuesday last, to join the People's (Or Ellsworth) Regiment
at Albany. Cooperstown is now well represented in that regiment.
September 27, 1861
Geo. Heath, of this village, left on Tuesday for Albany, to
join the Ellsworth regiment. All the Cooperstown boys are in Company C.
October 4, 1861
The desire that this county should be represented on the
battle-field for the Union, by a regiment of her hardy and intelligent yeomanry,
has been often expressed; but yet, with about 300 men enlisted, we cannot, that
we are aware, point to a single company as entirely our own. Our men are
scattered about in various regiments and companies, in squads of from five to
thirty men. Thus Otsego receives little or no credit for what she has done to
uphold the Government in this contest.
It is now thought that, with perhaps some aid from our neighbors of Chenango and
Delaware, a Regiment may be speedily formed, and a camp of instruction organized
at this place. Hon. R. Franchot, Member of Congress for this District, having
conferred with the State authorities and received assurances of all necessary
aid and encouragement from them, has issued the following appeal in hand-bill
form.
A Camp of Instruction at Cooperstown. Whenever eight Companies of thirty-two
men each, shall be raised from the counties of Delaware, Otsego and Chenango, an
order will be issued from the Adjutant General's office for a Camp of
Instruction at Cooperstown. The Volunteers will be furnished with subsistence,
arms, clothing and camp equipment, as soon as mustered into service.
I am encouraged to believe that within ten days time, the required number of men
to organize a regiment can be mustered at Cooperstown, and in common with all
loyal citizens, I trust that a combined effort may be made to effect this
object.
Have not the citizens of these three Counties, pride of
locality sufficient to place themselves on a par with other Counties of the
State? Let the hearty response of every loyal man to this invitation, prove this
confidence is not misplaced! I pledge myself that all the provisions above
enumerated, will be carried out by the proper authorities.
R. Franchot
Mr. Franchot informs us that several gentlemen have already
assured him that they can and will raise companies for the "Otsego
Regiment," to command which competent officers can be obtained without any
difficulty.
The citizens of Cooperstown, we are confident, will extend a
helping hand in this laudable effort. The Fair Grounds could be converted into a
convenient Camp; tents, &c., will be furnished by the State.
At a meeting of those interested in this movement, held on
Wednesday evening, the following gentlemen were appointed a Central Executive
Committee: F. M. Rotch and L. J. Walworth, Otsego; Samuel F. Miller, Delaware;
and Adrian Foote, Chenango.
It was resolved that the members of the Executive Committee
in each county be authorized to appoint a sub-committee in each town of their
respective counties, to further the patriotic object in view.
October 11, 1861
Col. Shaul's Regiment, the 39th, have voted to go to war
under him, and efforts are being made to fill up the regiment to the requisite
number. The encampment will be at Cherry Valley. In order to aid in this
movement, no further steps will be taken to open an encampment at this place.
The 39th will be known as the "Otsego Regiment," and we hope its ranks
may soon be filled.
Dec. 20, 1861
Mr. Editor: -
A box has been forwarded to Washington this week, mostly the
work of thirteen young ladies of this village, containing the following list of
articles.
12 comfortables (a quilted bed covering) 9 pairs of sheets, 9
pillow cases, 24 towels, 24 pairs of drawers, 24 pairs of stockings, 36 pairs of
slippers, 1 pair of mittens, books, magazines, 85 tracts, (the donation of a
little girl) farina, arrow-root, sago, &c.
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January 17, 1862
We are requested by the Committee having in charge the
receiving and forwarding of articles for the benefit of our Soldiers in the
hospitals, to state that a second box will be sent during the ensuing week.
Those persons who have taken yarn for the purpose of knitting, will please send
in the completed work as soon as possible, as the season is now far advanced
when such articles are most needed.
Further contributions are solicited from the liberally and charitably inclined.
Materials for drawers and comfortables, if sent in immediately, will be made up
and forwarded. Let not our energies slacken, the demand will be urgent and never
ceasing while the war lasts.
February 14, 1862
Doubleday's Band, of this village, having been hired by the
N. Y. 66th Regiment, left this place for Alexandria - where the Regiment is
stationed - on Monday last. The Band comprised the following members: L. M.
Doubleday, leader; Wm. H. Doubleday, S. H. Bingham, Thos. H. Bingham, Sam. B.
Lewis, Chas. J. Tuttle, of Cooperstown, Warren Beardsley and James Beardsley, of
Cherry Valley and Senaca Duel of Mohawk.
The 66th will have good music, and the Band, we hope, will
have a good time and a safe return at the close of the war.
March 7, 1862
The Woman's Central Relief Association of New York,
acknowledge the receipt of a barrel from this place, containing as follows: - 15
pairs canton flannel drawers, 29 pairs woolen stockings, 9 pairs of mittens, 1
pair of sheets, 1 pair of pillows, 1 blanket and a lot of books and pamphlets.
April 11, 1862
A circular has been sent the ladies of this village, from the Central Society of
New York, making an appeal on behalf of our sick and wounded soldiers. They
intend, as heretofore, to respond to this appeal, and will crave the assistance
of our citizens generally.
Most of our readers are probably aware of the fact that the
number of sick and wounded - especially the latter - has largely increased
during the past few months; and a few days since, when a vessel arrived at New
York from Newbern battle-field , no adequate preparation had been made for their
reception. The whole burden of providing for such exigencies should not be
thrown upon the cities; let the country cheerfully do its share.
July 11, 1862
Volunteers are Needed to reinforce our brave army in the
field. How shall they be obtained fast enough, and in sufficient numbers? The
Government offers liberal pay; but the inducement is not sufficient in this
crisis. Men are needed now, and they must be had, or the rebellion becomes a
success.
Otsego County should furnish 400 of the 50,000 men New York
is called upon to raise. To do this promptly, she should donate $50 to each
volunteer, as an additional inducement to enlist, or to assist in taking care of
his family. Why should not the country, as well as the cities, aid in this
manner? Let the Supervisors of Otsego County meet immediately, and vote to raise
$20,000 by loan to aid in this movement. The amount might be paid in four years,
and none of us feel the poorer. Shall it be done?
July 25, 1862
The Committee appointed for the town of Otsego had a
preliminary meeting on Tuesday evening - E. M. Harris, Chairman, and J.
Worthington, Secretary. It was not then deemed best to designate any of the
officers for the company proposed to be raised in this town, but the following
resolution was adopted, and those wishing to volunteer, can enroll their names
at either of the places designated: -
Resolved, That Marcus Field, John Worthington and J. B.
Hooker, of this town are designated to receive the names of persons who may wish
to enlist in the Regiment to be raised in this Senate District: and those desire
to join the Company to be raised in town, are requested to leave their names
with either of the above named gentlemen.
The Committee desire to call attention to the following inducement to
volunteers, so far as pay is concerned: -
Bounty To Volunteers.
The compensation now offered to volunteers is of the most
liberal character. the private receives his regular pay of $13 per month, $100
bounty from the General Government, and those from this State will now receive a
special bounty of $50 under the arrangement just decided upon by Gov. Morgan.
Beside this, $2 is given for every volunteer. This goes to the volunteer if he
enlists of his own accord. This makes the aggregate pay of a private, as
follows, per year: -
Regular monthly pay $157 [12 x
$13, should be $156 ?]
Government
bounty 100 .
Special State
bounty
50
Enlistment pay
2
$309
In addition to clothes and rations, each man receives $25.97 monthly wages. In all human probability, the Rebellion will be crushed out, and the war concluded within a year. There are few men, comparatively, that can secure a better income in any other way.
A Grand War Meeting is called at this place, on Wednesday next. Let the meeting be largely attended by the patriotic and loyal men of Old Otsego. Hundreds of her gallant sons are in the field. They need reinforcements. Shall they have them?
August 1, 1862
The war meeting held at the Court House in this village, on Wednesday afternoon,
was as largely attended as could be expected this busy time of year. Hon. W. W.
Campbell was called upon to preside at the meeting, and W. H. Bunn and S. S.
Adick appointed Secretaries.
Judge Campbell briefly addressed the meeting on taking the chair. He was
followed by Judge Graves of Herkimer, and H. Sturgess, Esq., in eloquent and
stirring speeches.
In several towns in Otsego county active measures are being taken to raise immediately the number of men required under the late call for volunteers. Meetings are being held in all parts of the county. Wm. Wendall of this village, has been authorized by the Governor to enroll a company of Volunteers. Young men of Otsego county, rally!
August 8, 1862
At a meeting of the taxable inhabitants of the town of
Otsego, held pursuant to call, at the Court House in the village of Cooperstown,
on the 6th day of August 1862, Wm. H. Averell, Esq., was elected chairman and M.
B. Angell, Secretary. E. M. Harris, Esq., Chairman Town Military Committee,
offered the following resolution, -
Resolved, That the Supervisor of the town of Otsego be
authorized to borrow on the credit of the town, a sum sufficient to pay each
volunteer,. resident of the town of Otsego, already enlisted or who shall
enlist, under General Order No. 52, pursuant to the call of the President of the
United States for 300,000 volunteers, twenty-five dollars, in addition to that
paid by the General Government and the State; one-half to be paid when accepted
and mustered in at the Regimental depot, the residue to be paid when they are
accepted and mustered into the service of the United States - to the number of
at least 50 men, and that the same be levied and assessed upon said town.
On motion of E. P. Byram, J. P. Sill, J. R. Worthington and
J. H. Story were appointed a committee to co-operate with the Supervisor in
negotiating a loan, for the purpose of paying the bounty of $25 to each
volunteer resident of the town of Otsego, pursuant to call of order No.52 and
the resolution adopted above.
This mode of raising a town bounty is the only equitable one
- and it seems to meet the hearty acquiescence of all tax-payers. The aggregate
bounty, to resident volunteers of this town, now amounts to $175.
August 22, 1862
A new Company is to be raised for the war in this town, under
Capt. A. A. Bingham as commandant. A tent has been raised on the corner of Main
and West {Pioneer} streets, which will be used as head-quarters for recruiting.
Capt. Bingham is a good drill officer, who has had much experience in military
matters. Volunteers are invited to enroll their names.
War Meetings were held in this village on Tuesday and
Wednesday evenings of this week. They were largely attended.
A War Meeting was held at Fly Creek on the 4th inst., which
was largely attended. Fly Creek has furnished a goodly number of volunteers for
the army.
The ladies of this village who got up the ice cream sale on Saturday evening last, for the benefit of the soldiers of this State, realized about $120. Well done! Who will say there is not both enterprise and liberality in Cooperstown - especially in anything managed by the ladies.
August 29, 1862
The Town Bounty of Otsego has been increased to $100. Two
companies are being recruited here - one by A. A. Bingham, the other by D. B.
Boden. While in the service of the U.S. the Cooperstown Band lost one member by
death, and another was left in the hospital. The other members returned to this
place last week - all in good health.
September 19, 1862
Otsego County has furnished more than her compliment of men
under the first call. The following returns show the number required to fill out
the quota under both calls, the number reported by the town committees, and the
deficiency. Should a draft be ordered, it will be upon the several towns for the
number of men still deficient. There may be two separate drafts; one for men
"for the war" and one for nine months' men.
The numbers for the town of Otsego were: Full quota - 133;
Number reported - 89; Deficiency - 44.
You who have money to spare, give. You who can better spare cotton cloth, flannel, lint, bandages, dried fruits, jellies put up in bottles, &c., give. Give freely and liberally. Your gifts will go to make comfortable the noble fellows who fought and bled for the Union, and who are now in hospitals, away from home and friends. Never mind what you think about the war or the Administration, help the sick and wounded. Those who can and do not, do not deserve the blessings of civil liberty. Send in your gifts to Miss Loper's store, and they will be put to good use. Give! Give Now. The need is great.
October 24, 1862
There are, it is estimated, about 525 persons in the town of Otsego liable to
draft; about 35 will be called for, to make up our quota of 9 months' men - one
in 15.
October 31, 1862
Messrs. Harris and Lathrop find their office no Sinecure!
They are hard at work eight to ten hours a day, and manage to dispose of from 80
to 100 cases during that time. The rush has been so great, that the
Commissioners have been obliged to establish a registry system; each applicant
for exemption being required to register his name, and he is called in proper
order. This (Thursday) morning there are 1400 names so registered. - full as
many as they can dispose of by the 8th. The draft will probably have to be
postponed a few days, or many applicants in this and other counties cannot be
heard.
Doctor Lathrop informs us that a large majority of the cases
thus far examined by him, are clearly exempt from the instructions received from
head-quarters; still a great many have failed in their application. Dr. L. has
had the aid and advice of a number of our country physicians during the progress
of the examinations.
There are a large class of cases which come only before the
Commissioner - such as aliens, exempt by age, in military service, &c. The
justice and fairness of exempting those who may belong to the "National
Guard," or uniformed militia, from the present draft, those not embraced in
such exemptions fail to see. The Commissioner yesterday rejected over 40 of the
cases which came directly before him. Those passed upon by the Surgeon, he does
not hear - except to put those under oath who may prove physical disability.
They must swear to all they have stated.
For most of the towns in this County there will probably be drafted into the
army men on whose labor women and children are depending for their support. The
soldier can not send home more than $5 to $10 a month of his pay; he needs some
of it for his own comfort. He may not receive his pay promptly. His family must
not be allowed to suffer during his absence.
We call upon the benevolent and patriotic men in the several
towns in the County to look to this matter and to organize some system which
shall not have the families of absent soldiers dependant on chance or charity.
They must have our watchcare and aid, wherever needed. The soldier who is poor,
and who is drafted into the service, must leave his home free from care on this
subject.
A Committee should be appointed in every town where a draft
takes place, to look .after this matter, and to put in operation a judicious
system to aid the soldier's families: and those of volunteer soldiers, now in
the service, should not be overlooked in this plan..
A meeting was held in this village on Tuesday last, at which
a plan was initiated to raise a fund - partly by tax on the town, and partly by
volunteer subscription - which should be employed in securing a sufficient
number of nine months' Volunteers to enable the town of Otsego to escape this
first draft, ordered to take place on the 10th . The amount will likely be
raised, and probably the men, if money is any inducement. The amount offered,
$200, is equal to a bounty of $800 for three years' men. They received, in this
town, but $250.
November 7, 1862
The town of Otsego is paying a bounty of $100 to nine months' volunteers. If the
volunteer is a subscriber to the "town volunteer" fund, he also
receives #100 from that source. Drafted men, if subscribers to the fund to the
amount of $10, will receive $100 - one-half the amount received by the
volunteer.
At the town meeting held last Saturday, which voted this
bounty, the merchants, bankers and traders of the village of Cooperstown were
represented by just one man! Is this to be interpreted into an indifference as
to the object, an unwillingness to assume responsibility, a disregard as to the
amount of tax voted on the town, or a willingness to acquiesce in any thing and
everything which a few may propose?
Heretofore, when it has been proposed to vote a few hundred
dollars for a new school house, a new bridge, or an increased appropriation for
streets or fire apparatus, such marked inattention to the subject has not been
witnessed in the village.
November 14, 1862
During the past week the Commissioner and Surgeons have
examined and disposed of over 1000 cases. There are about that number now on the
list, waiting action. The draft in this county will probably not take place
before the 24th.
Nearly all the men required to fill out the quota of the town
of Otsego have been recruited as volunteers. The rest will probably be
forthcoming.
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January 9, 1863
Another box of mittens was forwarded by the Ladies of this
place to the Soldiers of the 152d Regiment on Tuesday last. The Soldiers have a
good friend in Miss L. Pickens of this village, who has taken principal charge
of this matter.
Col. Upton says that the present pressing wants of the
soldiers of the 121st Regt. is blankets, coverlids, sheets and pillow cases and
tick. To supply this want as speedily as possible, let those who have friends in
the 121st Regt., bring such of these articles as they can spare to Cockett &
Marvin, labeled with the name of the person intended for. Some may feel willing
to contribute of these necessary articles, leaving Col. Upton to distribute to
those needing them. A small sum, perhaps twenty-five cents more or less, should
be left with each package for defraying expences of boxing and transportation;
if it should prove more than necessary the balance will be paid over to the
soldiers. Those things are needed immediately by the soldiers of the 121st Regt.
If the Regt. remains where it is, or goes into winter quarters, these comforts
will be enjoyed by them until the warm weather renders them unnecessary. In case
of the advance of the army they might have to be thrown away, or lost; but Col.
Upton says that the friends of soldiers ought to be willing to take the risk.. I
wish an abundance of these things to be sent in to Cockett & Marvin's during
the coming week. They will see to boxing and forwarding them without delay.
J. B. Wood
We hope this call will be promptly and generally responded to. Let every one who can send a blanket, do so, whether they have a relative in the regiment or not.
August 14, 1863
Chapter 184 of the Laws of the last session of the
Legislature of this State provides for the payment of $150 as a bounty to each
man in the service of any N. Y. regiment, who may re-enlist for the term of two
years; $50 for each re-enlistment of one year; and $75 for each new recruit for
three years. Gov. Seymour has been and is now paying said bounties.
The 3d section of the act contains the following
prohibitions:
Neither any city, county, town or municipal corporation, or
person, or recruiting officer of any other State, shall hereafter offer, raise
or expend any money, or incur any liability, for the purpose of giving, or
paying any bounties to promote the enlistment of volunteers, * * * [sic] nor
shall this section be so construed as to prevent the payment of any sums to
procure substitutes for persons drafted.
The draft soon to be made in this District, we are informed, calls for about
130 young men from the town of Otsego. Of this number there may be a few with
families dependent on them for support, who are not able, unassisted, to procure
substitutes, and whose families need their presence at home. Such, we think,
should receive aid from the town. We throw out the suggestion for the
consideration of all who feel any interest in the matter. The payment of one or
two hundred dollars to aid each needy married man to procure a substitute - or
the donation of that amount to the families of such as may elect to go - would
be no heavy burden for this rich town. The Government pays a bounty of $100 to
each drafted man.
Another suggestion - let the young men in each school
district subject to the draft meet for the purpose of organizing an
"insurance association" to procure a substitute for any member
drafted. Three hundred dollars for eight members would be about the sum needed.
This is being done to a great extent to the East, in workshops, manufactories,
militia and engine companies, &c. In some places substitutes are procured
for $100 to $250.
August 28, 1863
The Draft commenced at Norwich, for this District, on Monday
last. Chenango is the first county on the list, the towns being taken
alphabetically. Otsego will come last. Notice will be given, by special
handbill, when the draft is to take place for each town.
The attention of the Commissioner has been called to the fact
that very general dissatisfaction exists in this county because of the
arrangement under which the draft for Otsego is to be made at Norwich, instead
of our own county seat, where it should take place. There is no good reason why
the Board should not accommodate the people in this matter; and it is to be
hoped that even at this late hour a different arrangement may be announced. It
will be far more satisfactory to the people of Delaware and Otsego if the Board
will yield to the well understood wishes of the people of those counties in
regard to this matter.
Since the commencement of the war there have been altogether, a score or two
of recruiting officers located here, some of whom remained for months, and were
very successful in enlisting men for the army. It is believed that the town of
Otsego has sent more than its share of men to the army.
The Utica Herald on Tuesday last states that: An attempt is
being made along the whole line of the Central Railroad, as well as in the
metropolis, to have the volunteers who have recently enlisted, credited to the
cities and not to the rural districts at all. Thus men have been gathered up in
the country round about, and brought here to enlist. No local bounty has been
paid to them; they have in no way claimed a residence here; yet an effort is now
made to credit them to the quota of the city.
Some of these recruits were from Otsego county, and if they
are to be "credited" to any locality, they should, as the Herald
suggests, be credited to the rural districts where they had a residence.
The whole matter in regard to the National Cemetery at Gettysburg for the interment of the gallant dead who fell in the terrible battle there, has been arranged. About fourteen acres of land, fronting on the Baltimore turnpike and extending to the Taneytown road, embracing the highest point on the Cemetery Hill, have been purchased by the state of Pennsylvania. Other states have been invited to cooperate in the removal of the soldier dead to these grounds. The arrangements for plotting the grounds, preparatory to the removal of the dead, are making as rapidly as possible.
September 4, 1863
An extra from the Chenango Union office, dated the 28th ult.,
states -
Provost Marshal Gordon, having this morning received a
dispatch from headquarters ordering him to proceed with the Draft daily, it will
hereafter, beginning on Monday next, be continued every day, averaging five
towns a day, until all the towns in the District are gone through with.
Otsego [county] is called upon for about 935 able- bodied
young men. Of this number we estimate that 200 will go, 135 will either procure
substitutes or "skedaddle," and 600 will pay the $600 commutation fee.
This will call for $180,000!
September 11, 1863
We give the lists for the towns of Otsego county, in which
the draft has been made, as far as received in this office up to the time of
going to press. Ample notice will be given drafted men when they are to appear
for examination, or to render excuse. [Town of Otsego is the last township
listed, 136 names]
October 16, 1863
In the Journal of August 14, in an article on the draft, we
made the following suggestions: [see August 14 above]
We also quoted the Act of the last legislature authorizing
the payment of money to aid in procuring substitutes. What was here suggested
has been done in many towns and cities in those states where the draft has been
enforced. In this town the matter received no attention, and the result was what
was anticipated: a few young men who have been drafted, leaving families
dependent on their labor for support, must either be aided by the private
subscriptions of a few liberal persons, or they must respond to the call of the
Government. Several subscription papers of that character have been in
circulation on this corporation - some for relief of those whose cases are hard
indeed; and we are glad to know that these are being aided, But if it is right
and proper that aid should be extended to this class of citizens, it should be
done as in many other places, by a tax on the whole town. The most liberal of
our citizens - whose hands are always open to aid a worthy object - complain of
the frequency with which they are called upon with subscription papers for a
great variety of objects, private and public. It comes upon the few, in almost
every case, and the tax is felt to be burdensome.
In view of the fact that another draft may soon be ordered,
we again call attention to this subject, and we do so for the special benefit of
the class of men we have mentioned. And let us here say to them, they must
themselves take more interest in the matter, and initiate the movement for a
Town Meeting to consider the subject of raising money under the Act of '63, to
aid in providing substitutes for such as have families depending solely on their
labor for support.
October 23, 1863
Over Three Hundred Thousand Dollars have been received by the
Collector in this District as a result of the recent draft - and about 150 men
will be sent to the field, most of them as volunteer substitutes.
Will the Administration offer this large sum in this District
to those who may volunteer under this last call? Will it pay at least $300 for
each new recruit? It should do so - for it was the understanding that for $300
the Government undertook to get a substitute for each man paying it.
November 20, 1863
[The Proceedings of the Board of Supervisors November 13,
1863]
Mr. Hooker offered the following,
Resolved, That there be assessed upon the town o Otsego the
sum of $819.26 to pay the bonds issued by said town to raise money under and by
virtue of the act of the Legislature passed Feb. 21st, 1863, in relation to
bounties to volunteers.
December 11, 1863
Lists have been printed and circulated, giving the names of
persons subject to draft under the late call. Those recently drafted are also
designated, and those who paid the commutation fee, as well as those who
procured substitutes, are exempted from the next draft. This of course increases
the chances of the fortunate ones who escaped at the recent turning of the
wheel. As we understand it, the 1st Class will be exhausted before recourse is
had to the 2d Class to fill the quota.
The machinery formerly used to induce volunteering, had been
laid aside, especially in the country; and hence it takes longer to get in
motion. Whether or not we shall have a draft in January, will, we presume,
depend in a great measure on the progress made in volunteering, and the
exigencies of the service. If the young men of our country show a disposition to
fill up the ranks of the Union army by volunteering, it is possible that a brief
extension of time may be given.
We take the liberty of suggesting, that in each town a
meeting of those who are in the 1st Class be held at an early day, for the
purpose of considering this important subject, and taking such action as may be
deemed advisable. Where companies or squads are recruited, they may elect to
join what regiment they please. Let us send a few companies to the gallant 121st
and 152d.
The following Order is of interest to the Towns and all concerned.
A record should be kept of all who are recruited in the
county. A number recently joined a cavalry regiment.
State of New York, Northern Division, Albany, Nov.28, 1863
Circular No. 39.
Provost Marshalls are informed that quotas to towns or sub districts are to
be assigned by State authorities under the quotas assigned by the Provost
Marshall General to Congressional Districts. All towns which raise their quotas
will be exempted from draft, and all men raised in towns will be credited to
them if reported and mustered for forming part of the quotas of particular
towns. If not so reported, they will be credited to the District at large.
FREDERICK TOWNSEND, Maj. U. S. A. and A. A. P. M. Gen'l.
December 18, 1863
Some of the towns in this county, we learn, are offering a
local bounty for volunteers. In most of the towns no action has as yet been
taken in regard to the matter. There are points undecided about which the people
desire information. For instance, the War Department claims that there is a
deficiency of about 47,600 standing against New York on the draft just made.
Should the claim be made good, how is that deficiency to be levied? The 19th
District stands about No.1 in the State as to men furnished or money paid. Is
that fact to be considered, and due credit given, or is the deficiency to be
apportioned to the several Districts without regard to what they did on the
first draft? Again - it is said that towns will be credited for all the
volunteers they may raise, and that any town furnishing its full quota under the
last call will be exempted from any call for deficiency on the draft. Supposing
the quota of any town to be 50 men under the last call, and 30 deficiency; if
the 50 volunteers are forthcoming, that is the end of it; but if only 40 can be
obtained, how many more will be drafted? 10 or 40? These are important questions
and Mr. Fry should speedily determine them.
A year ago most of the towns in this county voted large bounties; others paid
little or nothing. Some of the towns raised their full quotas called for; others
were far in arrears. The then threatened draft was not put in force; when the
first draft did occur, no allowance was made to towns or counties for what they
had done. This should not again occur.
In this town - as we presume is the case elsewhere-
considerable diversity of opinion prevails on the subject of bounties. It is not
believed that a draft will be made under two or three months, and the
disposition appears to be to delay action - if any is to be taken - until
Congress acts on the proposition before it for amending the conscription act;
and until the Legislature, soon to assemble, shall open the way to some legal
action by repealing the act of last year prohibiting the paying of local
bounties. Some of our citizens are in favor of offering a town bounty; others
are strongly opposed to it. This feeling takes no party shape..
Persons claiming exemptions from the draft and applying to have their names stricken from the rolls, - because of, alienage, non-residence, want of proper age, or manifest permanent physical disability - will be heard until the 20th inst. The object of the Board is, we presume, to strip the rolls of all the dead wood on them before another draft takes place.
Winter is upon us; and in every town in the county are the families of men who are in the army. Some of them doubtless need a few loads of wood, or a few dollars in ready money. Do not let them be forgotten or neglected. Above all others of our poor, they should not be allowed to suffer. A list of the families of absent Soldiers should be made out and filed with the Supervisor of each town, and the needy assisted.
December 25, 1863
The Town Meeting called for the 23d inst., assembled at the
Court House and organized by the appointment of Rev. Martin Marvin, Chairman and
Samuel A. Bowen, Secretary.
The object of the meeting was stated to be the raising of a
bounty to pay Volunteers. The reading of an Act of the last legislature,
forbidding the paying of local bounties, was called for.
L. I. Burditt, Esq., took the ground that the town should not
act directly against the law - which was adopted for the wise purpose of
preventing a competition between different localities - but that we should await
the further action of the legislature. E. Countryman, Esq., said there was no
doubt that the legislature would repeal the Act of last year, and legalize the
action of this meeting.
Mr. G. L. Bowne moved that the town pay a bounty of $500. Mr.
Countryman moved $600. The amendment was adopted.
The following resolutions, on behalf of Mr. C., were adopted:
Resolved, That the sum of Six Hundred Dollars shall be paid
to any and every person who shall hereafter volunteer as a soldier in the army
of the United States, from the town of Otsego, to be allowed on the quota of
said town under the recent call for volunteers by the President of the United
States, the same to be paid whenever said volunteer shall be accepted and
mustered into the national service.
Resolved, That bounty money be raised by assessment and
taxation on the taxable property of said town of Otsego, in the same manner that
town taxes are levied and collected by law.
The following were appointed a committee to superintend the
raising and paying out the money; H. H. Hooker, Dr. Lathrop,. E. Countryman,
Fayette Hinds, John B. Hooker.
The meeting then adjourned.
Martin Marvin, Chairman Samuel A. Bowen, Secretary.
***********************************************************
January 1, 1864
Correction - Our report of the town meeting held on the 23d
ult., in this village, was rendered incorrect by us, in making Mr. Countryman
the mover of the resolution to fix the bounty at $600. The first motion was made
by Mr. Bowen, as stated; the amendment offered by some other gentleman, not
known; and after the amount was thus fixed, Mr. C. came in with a resolution,
drawn at request of others, in which the sum voted was inserted. This correction
is due Mr. Countryman, especially as the bounty voted was beyond his own views.
The Quota for Otsego County, under the late call for troops, is given by
towns, as follows, together with the enrollment of the 1st Class. As it appears
to be a settled thing at Washington that the 2d Class will be consolidated with
the 1st, it will add about 75 per cent to the number liable to be drafted; the
call will then be for 8 or 9 out of each hundred.
Town of Otsego, 1st Class - 474 Quota - 67
All men recruited since the 17th of October, will be allowed
in reduction of the above quota. Towns should keep a careful record of the men
who have enlisted since that date, with the proper evidence.
The legislative act of last year expressly provided that towns or cities
might appropriate funds for the purpose of procuring substitutes for drafted
men. It seems to be a settled fact that the Government will continue to provide
substitutes for $300. Senator Fessenden recently announced that more men had
applied for the bounty than had paid the commutation - hence an additional
appropriation was rendered necessary.
In view of these facts we renew the suggestion made in this
paper previous to the first draft, that drafted married men of little or no
means, who are supporting their families by their labor, shall receive the
necessary aid to enable them to commute or to procure a substitute. Some may be
able to pay fifty, a hundred dollars or more, themselves; others may have
nothing of their own. It is probable that a number of men, greater or less, will
be drafted from every town in the county, should the draft take place within a
month or two - and of that number there will very likely be a few of the class
we have indicated. We believe there is a very general feeling in favor of let
the rich and well-to-do take care of themselves; the worthy poor man of family
should have aid and assistance. If he voluntarily leaves his family to go to
war, they should never be allowed to suffer, in any contingency.
January 8, 1864
An adjourned town meeting was held at the Court House in this
village on Monday last. Scarcely one hundred of the tax payers of the town were
present; very few, especially, of the business men of Cooperstown were there. H.
Sturges, Esq., was appointed Chairman. and S. A. Bowen, Esq.,
Secretary.
The committee appointed at a former meeting made a report, to
the effect that they had obtained sufficient signatures to notes making them
good for any reasonable amount; that none of the capitalists or banking
institutions of this town would advance the money on them; that a number of men
had already enlisted, expecting to receive a town bounty of $600; that they had
information to the effect that several veterans now in the Army had been
enlisted to the credit of the town of Otsego; many new men were ready to enlist;
the committee had done the best they could to carry out the wishes of the former
meeting, and they now asked to be discharged. One of the committee further
stated that some of the volunteers were ready to take the bonds of the town.
Mr. Hendryx moved that the proper town officers be instructed
to issue town bonds, to the amount of $600 to each man willing to enlist and
take the town bounty in that form.
This motion appeared to meet with very general favor -
especially among the tax payers present - and it was, after some discussion as
to details, passed; the bonds are to be for $200 each, and to have one, two and
three years to run - so that the tax for this specific purpose will be about
$14,000 each year.
Mr. Shaw moved that the Committee be instructed to favor the
Veteran volunteers mentioned in their report, in preference to all others, so
far as possible. Carried .
The quota of the town of Otsego is nearly or quite made out;
there may be one or two lacking. Eleven veterans from the 43d Regiment
re-enlisted and desired to be credited to this town.
We were last evening shown a letter from C. Brown, Esq.,
dated at the camp of the 3d N. Y. Cavalry, Newbern, in which he stated that 15
men of that regiment had re-enlisted and desired to be credited to this town, or
to some other town in Otsego. He said "I could fill up your entire quota
from this regiment."
February 26, 1864
It was supposed by the Supervisors and others of the
Committee having the matter in charge, that the quota of this town, under the
call of last fall, was about full. Thirty seven new men and 27 veterans had been
enlisted. The town bounty had not been paid to the latter, as no definite answer
could be obtained from the War Department in regard to their being allowed on
our quota. Now it is announced that the re-enlisted veterans will not be
credited. This is contrary to the general expectation, It is a ruling that
certainly should not apply to men who have served out their time of two or three
years.
According to the circular issued from the office of the Assistant Prov. M.
General, this district was behind but 228 men on all calls, on the 1st inst.
Since that data, quite a number have been sworn in, and we presume the quota is
about full. If so, the town of Otsego, with but 37 men credited under recent
calls, must have a surplus to her credit - inasmuch as several towns in the
District are far in arrears; indeed, some of then have furnished scarcely any
men.
Since the above was in type, Mr. Ernst has furnished us with
the Chenango Telegraph, giving the state of affairs in this District up to the
31st of January - since which date, some of the towns have filled their quotas.
The town of Otsego was thus reported - Recruited, 92 - Deficiency, 8
Otsego Town Records, March 4, 1864
At a meeting of the board of relief of the town of Otsego
held March 4th 1864 Resolved The sum of three hundred dollars be raised for the
relief of indigent families of volunteers in service of the United States from
the town of Otsego.
And that a Town Bond or Bonds be issued for the above amount. John E. Brown Town clerk
May 13, 1864 -
Advertisement Government Claim Agency, $100 Bounty
The Government Bounty of $100 can now be procured by the
proper claimants, by applying in person, or by letter, to the subscribers, who
have a direct license from the U.S. Government for prosecuting claims for
Pensions, Bounty, Half Pay, &c.,
They possess unusual facilities for obtaining Bounties for
all entitled to the same.
For obtaining pay for officers and discharged soldiers.
For obtaining Army Pensions for all entitled to the same,
under the provisions of the last Pension Act.
Terms, $6 Communications, containing return stamp, promptly
answered.
No fee charged for counsel. Office on the second floor of the
Bowne building on Main Street, Coopetstown, N.Y.
Hiram Kinne
R. A. Clark
June 3, 1864
At the last town meeting held in this village for the purpose
of voting bounties to volunteers, it was resolved special pains should be taken
to have any volunteers then in the field, who might enlist to the credit of this
town, paid such bounty - it being then understood that all such volunteers would
be allowed on our quota. The Department at Washington decided not to allow them,
after about 40 veterans had enlisted to the credit of the town of Otsego; our
Committee then filled up the quota independent of these veterans; then the
Department reversed its decision, and agreed to allow the veteran volunteers to
such towns or counties as had voted them bounties. After the meeting in question
there was a call for 200,000 more men. The 40 veterans would make our quota
under that call. A special town meeting has been called, to take place at the
Court House at 1 o'clock on the 10th inst., to vote a bounty of $300 each to
these men - who enlisted expecting to receive $500.
Otsego Town Records, June 10, 1864
At a special town meeting held at the Court House in the village of Cooperstown
in and for the town of Otsego in pursuance of a call previously made and posted
according to law Horace M Hooker was duly Elected chairman of Said meeting.
On Motion of E Countryman, George W Ernst, E M Harris,
Hezekiah Sturgess, James Hendryx J K Leaning were duly elected a war committee
for the town of Otsego The following resolutions were duly passed and adopted by
said meeting
Resolved that the town of Otsego pay to each of the veterans
who re-enlisted for the town of Otsego and who have been credited to the town
under a previous call of the President, a bounty of three hundred dollars and
that the town issue bonds The following resolution was duly passed and adopted
by said meeting Resolved that the town pay the bounty or bond due to Robert
Burk, to his family and that the same be used for the future benefit of his
family and for their Education and support hereafter and not to pay his old
debts The meeting then adjourned
John E. Brown Town Clerk
June 10, 1864
The Central Relief Association have acknowledged a box sent
from this village on the 19th ult., containing the following articles;
Thirty three shirts, 9 pair drawers. 8 sheets, 2 pillows, 2
pair pillow cases, 2 quilts, 1 double gown, 7 pair socks, 9 needle books, 2
bottles currant wine, currant jelly, packages of dried apples, raspberries,
currants and old linen, magazines and papers.
M. M. Foot, Sec'y.
June 17, 1864
At the special meeting held in this village last week, it was
resolved to pay the veteran volunteers a bounty of $300 each; and Messrs. G. W.
Ernst, E. M. Harris, H. Sturges, J. I. Hendryx, and J. K. Leaning were appointed
a committee to carry into effect the resolution of the meeting, acting in
connection with the proper town officers.
During the past week a box was forwarded to the Central Relief Association
from Fly Creek containing the following items; -
Three hundred pounds dried fruit, 8 do [ditto] beef, 10 cans
jelly, honey, horse radish, &c., 5 bottles wine, 8 gallons pickles, 4 pair
drawers, 64 shirts, 10 collars, 50 towels, 44 handkerchiefs, 52 lbs. old cotton
and linen, 13 pair pillow cases, 7 sheets, 19 cushions, 6 pillows, 2 summer
coats, 1 dressing gown, 1 pair slippers, magazines and 1 testament. M. M. Foot,
Sec'y.
July 8, 1864
The Ladies of Cooperstown will give a Fair for the benefit of
our sick and wounded soldiers, in Judge Nelson's new brick block, corner
Chestnut and Main streets - on Thursday, July 21st. the opening will begin at
12. Those who desire Ice Cream for dinner can be provided for. The Fair will
continue from 12 to 11 P.M. It is earnestly desired that there be a large
attendance.
The Fair for the Soldiers to be held on the 21st of this month, should not be forgotten. We are requested to hint to some of our liberal hearted farmers that a few pounds of live geese feathers would be thankfully received, to be made up in cushions for wounded men. They may be left with Miss Pickens.
July 15, 1864
The Ladies of the Episcopal Church of Cooperstown will offer for sale this
(Thursday) evening, at Bowne Hall, an assortment of useful and fancy articles,
also Ice Cream, a variety of Cake, &c. The public will avail themselves of
this opportunity to spend an evening pleasantly.
Supplies of Hospital shirts, pads, bandages and old linen and cotton are very
much needed by the Sanitary Commission. Aid Societies will do good service by
forwarding these articles, with the least possible delay to the Central Relief
Association.
M. M. Foot, Associate Manager
Mr. Editor: Why are not the town bonds issued or the town bounties paid, that
were promised the volunteer soldiers by the town of Otsego? The committee are
patriotic men, and would not let any private business interfere with that sacred
duty. What is the matter?
J. Stick
July 29, 1864
The Fair for the Soldiers held in this village last week, was a decided success.
The ladies interested in it took hold energetically and accomplished a great
deal of work in a short time. Several articles of value, contributed by
different persons, were disposed of by lot, and helped materially to swell the
receipts. The contributions for the ice cream and refreshment room were on a
liberal scale, and that department of the fair netted a very handsome sum. The
rooms in Judge Nelson's new building, where the fair was held, were handsomely
trimmed with flags, evergreens and flowers, reflecting the good taste of the
young ladies who did the work. The attendance was so large on Thursday evening,
that many persons were unable to gain admittance. The aggregate receipts
amounted to about $695 Disbursements for general expenses, material made up,
&c., $138 - net proceeds $557. A draft for $527 was sent the President of
the Christian Commission, and $30 sent the Sanitary Commission for the purchase
of material to be made up for the soldiers.
In this connection we publish the following extract from an
officer's letter, dated Near Petersburg, July 13:
"The weather continues intensely hot. We have had no
rain now for more than 50 days, and the dust, as our trains move, is actually
suffocating. Our poor soldiers in the trenches suffer beyond description; but
they all stand up under it bravely, and the entire army is in good spirits and
confident of ultimate success. They all complain, however, of not being paid.
There is now more than four months' pay due them; but the officers are worse off
than the men. The soldiers are all well fed and clothed, but the poor officers
have to find themselves. The Sanitary Commission is an institution a credit to
every one who has helped them. They have their stores in the wagons here at the
front, and wagons passing from City Point to all parts of the army. They keep
the soldiers supplied with vegetables, the hospitals with delicacies, &c.
The Christian Commission is also another good Samaritan affair."
Lieut. F. W. Foot, of the 121st Regt., reported killed, is
alive and a prisoner in Libby Prison Hospital, Richmond. He was wounded in an
engagement on the 10th of May, captured, and was obliged to have a leg amputated
above the knee.
Note: I have included these items as an example of the
reports which appeared in the paper every week, along with the obituaries of
local soldiers.
A town meeting has been called, to assemble at the Court House on the 1st day
of August, at one o'clock P.M., to take into consideration the subject of voting
a town bounty to Volunteers under the late call for half a million of men. It is
a meeting which should be attended by all interested.
A preliminary "mass meeting" was held on Monday
last, at which the payment of bounties was recommended.
The Surplus of those towns in Otsego county which have
furnished an excess of men over all calls previous to that of the 18th inst., is
officially announced as follows:
Town of Otsego - 14 men surplus
If in justice this town is allowed 42 one year men on the last call, for the 14 three year men credited as excess, we shall have but a few to furnish. How else Mr. Fry is to "equalize" the matter, we are not informed.
Otsego Town Records, August
At a Special Town meeting held at the Court House in
Cooperstown on the 1st day of August 1864 in & for the town of Otsego,
pursuant to Call
The following Resolutions were duly passed and adopted by said meeting Resolved that a bounty of $350 be paid to one year men & 400 dollars 400 to two years men & six hundred dollars 600 to three years men who may enlist to the Credit of the town of Otsego under the recent Call of the President of the United States
Resolved that J. B. Hooker, Thomas McIntosh, A. T. Vanhorn, Fayette Hinds
& G. P. Keese be a War Committee to secure recruits for said town The
meeting then adjourned
J. E. Brown Town Clerk
Note: I am including both reports of this meeting to illustrate the additional detail supplied by the Freeman's Journal.
August 5, 1864
A town meeting was held in the yard of the Court House, on
Monday last, to take into consideration the subject of voting a town bounty to
volunteers. The meeting was organized at 2 o'clock, and on motion a vote was
taken on the subject of paying a bounty. Sixty odd votes were cast
"for" and thirty odd "against" offering such bounty. During
the progress of the meeting others came in, until the number present may have
reached two hundred. - representing not a very large proportion of the taxable
property of the town. A thunder storm came looming up, and in a hurried manner,
with no opportunity for proper deliberation or consultation, a resolution was
adopted in favor of paying a bounty of $350 for one year men, $500 [sic] for two
years' men and $600 for three years' men - and then the whole matter put in
charge of a committee consisting of T. McIntosh, G. P. Keese, J. B. Hooker, J.
K. Leaning and A. T. Van Horne, to arrange as they might deem proper.
This committee held a meeting the next day, and offered to pay the above bounties to Mr. J. B. Hooker, and a Mr. Seeley of Albany for a sufficient number of men to fill the quota of this town under the last call.
If 85 men are put in at $600 each, the cost to the town will be $51,000; the debt on the town is already about $55,000. Those of our taxpayers who have favored the kind of "legislation" witnessed on Monday last, must by this time be satisfied with its workings. Verily we are a "democratic" people, having "all things in common!"
Otsego Town Records, At a Meeting of Town auditors of the Town of Otsego held at Otsego August 23d 1864 Resolved That the Board wait until the action of a special Town meeting called to be held on the 29th day of August to determine whether a Bounty should be paid drafted men & men who furnished substitutes and adjourned until such meeting. John E. Brown Town Clerk
August 26, 1864
The gentlemen who undertook to fill the quota of this town
have written to Mr. Hooker that the men cannot be obtained for the bounty
offered. We believe they obtained two or three recruits in New York. They meet
hundreds of agents, all on the same business, wherever they go.
The bonds offered by the town of Otsego in payment of
bounties, are as good as a mortgage and they will be paid - therefore we have no
hesitation in recommending them as an investment to those who have money lying
idle. A state of things may arise in the future which will make it desirable in
some cases to renew the bonds for a few years; but to that capitalists will not
be likely to object.
Otsego Town Records
At an informal town Meeting held at the Court House in
Cooperstown on the 29 day of August 1864 Martin Marvin was elected Chairman
The committee appointed at the previous town meeting reported
that the gentlemen to whom the contract was given to procure recruits for the
town had secured two men and a few substitutes - but how many they had not yet
been able to ascertain
The following resolutions were adopted and passed by said
meeting
Resolved that the town of Otsego pay town Bounty to
each and every person who should enlist or who furnish a Substitute when
mustered into the Service of the United States and credited to said town under
the present Call of the President of the United States in July 1864 for 500,000
men a sum not exceeding $1025 But no person procuring a substitute or volunteer
to receive a greater sum than the volunteer or substitute has received not
exceeding the sum aforesaid.
Resolved that town Bonds be issued to said volunteers
or substitutes payable this fall and that the town Officers receive and collect
the monies at a day not later than this fall. The following named persons were
appointed a War Committee for the town of Otsego : F U Johnson, J A Lynes,
Andrew Shaw The meeting then adjourned John E Brown Town Clk
The Freeman's Journal, September 2, 1864
At a town meeting, very largely attended, held at the Court
House on Monday last, it was recommended that a bounty of $1025 be paid
volunteers credited to this town. A meeting, properly called, is to be held on
Wednesday next to legalize this action. A number of men have already been
enlisted. The bonds of the town, we presume, will be freely taken by many of the
recruits as a safe investment
P.S. We learn that our quota is nearly full; About 30 of the number are three years' men. Mr. Prosser secured 20 such in Buffalo at $900 each.
Many of those who went to the Court House on Monday last and voted in favor of this town paying a large bounty, have money to loan; and they should now come forward and take the town bonds they voted to place on the market. The banks, we are informed, have granted all the assistance they can, and the committee are in want of immediate funds. The Farmers of the town are called upon to do their full share. .
We again suggest to any young men who intend to volunteer from this county, that they organize companies and go together to the field. Volunteers have this privilege; substitutes and drafted men do not.
Otsego Town Records September 7, 1864
The resolutions of the town meeting held August 29, 1864 offering a bounty of
$1025 to volunteers to fill the quota of the town were duly adopted by said
meeting and a resolution duly passed ratifying and confirming the action of the
previous town meeting of August 29th The meeting then adjourned
John E. Brown Town Clerk
October 21, 1864
An acknowledgment has been received from the Central Relief
of the following articles sent from this place on the 27th ult.
Four gallons blackberry cordial, 7 linen shirts, 2 cotton do,
2 pair cotton drawers, 31 handkerchiefs, 6 towels, 1 table cloth, 1 roll old
linen, 6 pair hose, 29 lbs. dried currants, 15 1/2 do. blackberries, 5 1/2 do.
apples, 5 pair pillow cases, 1 double gown, 1 bundle old cotton, 1 silk
handkerchief, 1 pair gloves, 17 flannel shirts, 15 do. drawers in return for
flannel sent.
Otsego Town Records, October 27, 1864
At a Meeting of the Town board of Otsego held at W. C. Keyes
Hotel Oct 27 1864
Resolved
That the sum of Sixty Thousand dollars be levied upon the
taxable property of the town of Otsego for the purpose of paying the notes given
for Bounty money to soldiers and that a tax for that amount be made out and the
Book be left with J. P. Sill at the Bank of Cooperstown that such persons as
choose to may pay their tax.
John E. Brown Town Clerk
October 28, 1864
In anticipation for an early call for more men from this
State, especially should Lincoln be re-elected, it would be well for the Board
of Supervisors at its approaching session to make provision for raising at least
half a Million of Dollars, by taxation and a moderate use of bonds, to be used
for paying bounties to volunteers. Unless something of this kind is done, towns
will again be found bidding against each other, and bounties will be run to a
very high figure for one year men.
The hardships of the draft have been greatly increased by the
recent decision announced last week, in the following paragraph: -
"Many of the men recently drafted here,. have run off or
hid themselves. In view of this fact, enquiries were recently addressed to the
Provost Marshall, who replied, that drafted men who fail to report and do not
actually enter the service, are not credited on the quota. A supplementary draft
will be made for any deficiencies that may exist after the present draft is
completed
The practical effect is this: A town has 100 men who are
liable to the draft, and 25 is the quota; of this number 15 or 20 "run
off" when drafted; they are situated so that they can leave; others are
not; and they must run two or three chances of being drafted - to fill the
places of deserters on the army! This decision will have the effect intended by
Mr. Fry - but is it fair and just?
November 4, 1864
This town borrowed $55,000 for bounty purposes, in the city
of New York, on the notes of several of our citizens; which notes become due the
first of December, and must go to protest unless paid. To avoid this
alternative, it became necessary to call on the tax-payers of the town to pay a
portion of the Bounty Tax previous to that time. We understand that a large
proportion of this tax is being paid into Mr. Sill, appointed by the Supervisor
to receive it.
Maryland has quite recently filled her quota, at $600 a man. So much for not getting scared. This town paid a number of Marylanders $1,025 each to do the fighting for "our folks"; and the stay-at-home tax-payers of Maryland hire others to fight for them at a little more than one-half of that sum.
Otsego Town Records, November 10, 1864
At a meeting of the Town Board of Town Auditors of the town of Otsego held at
the Inn of W. C. Keyes, the Place where the last town Meeting was held Dated Nov
10th 1864
Resolved
That the sum of one per cent be allowed H. M. Hooker,
Supervisor for receiving and Disbursing Bounty Money. John E. Brown Town Clerk
November 11, 1864
An incident or two occurred at the polls in this village, on
Tuesday last, which doubtless had their counterpart elsewhere. Jacob and John
Blonk are legal voters of this town and election district - their names being
duly registered. They enlisted in the army during the present year, and are now
in the service. They sent on the specified proxies, with their votes, directed
to J. F. Scott, Esq., who does business in this town, but lives just over the
line in Middlefield. There was no question as to their being voters, or as to
their signatures; the only point - raised by several Republicans present - was
that the votes were not sent to an elector of this town, and hence, under a
strict construction of the law, should not be received. It was insisted, on the
other side, that these were good and true votes, that there was no fraud
intended or charged, and that a liberal and just construction of the law would
allow of their being received. Mr. Bowen, Chairman of the Board of Inspectors,
so held; but his Republican associate was decidedly opposed to it, and the other
Democratic member said that a strict and literal construction of the law would
compel him to decide the same way - though he knew the Blonks to be legal voters
of this district. This was a hard case, as all must admit. We shall not complain
of the action of the Board; yet we do not believe these votes should be lost to
the brave men who sought to cast them for the candidates of their choice.
The law is one which, with the experience of this election
before them, men of both parties will be willing to see materially amended.
November 25, 1864
It will be remembered that the tax book for this town was
left with Mr. Sill as Receiver of such portion of the Bounty tax as was needed
to pay certain bonds falling due the 1st of next month. The payment of the tax
at this time was entirely voluntary. The result is stated as follows: "The
sum of $41,106 was paid in by 655 people and corporations; the tax of 176
persons and corporations remains unpaid, amounting to $17,848 - of which sum
$14,934 is due from persons and corporations in this village." This is a
good show for the town of Otsego.
The sum paid, as mentioned above, is of course to be credited
on the tax levied on this town by the Board of Supervisors. There remains to be
paid this year about 3 per cent more for bounty purposes - and about $50,000
will remain due, most of which will be paid next year.
December 9, 1864
There was a "big scare" when the last call was made
for Volunteers, and a day appointed for the draft. In most of the towns in this
county the business of filling the several quotas was badly conducted, and as a
general thing one year men were put into the service at a greater price than
should have been paid for three years' men. It was so in this town. All the
circumstances are fresh in the recollection of our fellow townsmen, and we need
only allude to them. Do our citizens wish to see an re-enactment of the same
scenes? Are they willing to have from $50,000 to $75,000 added to the town debt?
If not, they must, we think, act now, while there is time and opportunity to do
things in a more deliberate way, and obtain volunteers at a moderate cost.
It would be a very easy thing to denounce the "town
mob" mode of legislation, and to say that such things should not be
submitted to - but would that do any good? would it save the town from
unnecessary burdens? We think not; for we are compelled to judge the future by
the past. The gentlemen who last summer advocated moderate bounties, deliberate
action, and the putting in of two or three years' volunteers, were not listened
to. It would be the same thing over again, under similar circumstances. The
legislature gave the people the power and they should exercise it; and it is all
idle to talk about a supposed or real inequality or injustice in the working of
the "new system" in the face of an impending draft. Besides the
propriety and justice of granting bounties to volunteers, to a greater or less
extent, has been almost unanimously acknowledged. Because bounty taxes have
become burdensome, and in some cases really oppressive, great complaint is made;
and that is not to be wondered at. Wise legislation does not spring from hasty
and excited action. For one, we should prefer to be governed by legislative
bodies, known to our constitution and laws; but in regard to this affair of
paying bounties and voting taxes, the whole matter has been placed in the hands
of the sovereign people, and we must take the thing as it is.
The strong probabilities are, another call for volunteers
will soon be made, and the question before our people is, What are you going to
do about it? There is only one way in which they can be obtained; that is well
understood. Some one "out of the draft," says: "Those who are
drafted should either go or get a substitute." Another, liable to be
drafted, replies: "The aggregate of property should bear the brunt of the
war; why should you, but a year older or younger than I, escape taxation and I
be compelled to hire a man to fight our battles? I have no more interest in this
matter than you - and feel as great a repugnance to being torn from my
family." Another says: "If you want me to go to a war in which all are
alike interested, you must pay me well for it; if you do not, I shall leave you
to stand the draft." There are a great many such, who, some may say,
"can as well go as not." True, but they can also go in another
direction "as well as not" - and not a few do go. And then your town
is drafted "to fill deficiencies."
We are not arguing the question of right and wrong in this
matter. Under the circumstances, there is no use of it. It would avail nothing.
If there is a draft ordered, there will be a town meeting held, large bounties
will be voted, and the people will have to pay. We have only one object in
writing on this topic, and that is to have such action taken as will render our
burdens as light as possible, and at the same time render a draft unnecessary.
We desire to have it avoided, if possible. . The government is still paying
bounties to volunteers. So is the city of New York, whose quota under the last
call was filled months ago. The city pays $100 for one year men, and $25 to the
recruiting agent. We might obtain say 50 men for - not to exceed - $200 each.
That would be but $10,000. If we wait for another draft to be ordered, it may
cost five or six times that sum.
What say our Bank officers and large tax-payers? Will they
get together and consider this matter, and propose some efficient and early
action; or shall we drift along till the call is made, and then be at the mercy
of a concourse of excited men and greedy substitute agents?
An Appeal has been made in behalf of the Southern Union Refugees, thousands of whom are in great distress and the most abject poverty. Women and children are severe sufferers. Articles of cast-off clothing as well as money, will be received and forwarded by Miss Susan F. Cooper. What you feel inclined to do in that direction, do as soon as convenient.
December 23, 1864
A Special Town Meeting has been called for Otsego, at the
Court House, on Wednesday next at 1 P.M., to take into consideration the matter
of raising volunteers for the army by payment of a town bounty.
In anticipation of another call for men, we several weeks ago
urged upon our fellow-town-men the importance of early action in this matter,
and suggested the hiring of at least 50 men to be credited to this town. They
were then being obtained in New York at from $125 to $200 each for one year men,
and from $250 to $300 for two years' men. They cannot now be had for those
figures.
Those gentlemen who have finally initiated a movement for
raising men and means, and who should come before the meeting they have called
with some practical suggestions and plan of operations will doubtless be guided
somewhat by the past experience of this town. While they recognize the
desirability of avoiding a draft in Otsego, they should also regard the
interests of the tax-payers. No larger sum than is actually necessary to procure
the men should be raised; the monied interests and capitalists of the town
should be fairly represented on the committee; and some discretion should be
allowed them as to the terms for which men should be put in, and the bounties to
be paid. We believe several thousand dollars might be saved by advertising in
New York, Albany and Buffalo for proposals from responsible parties, for the
requisite number of men. Prompt, but not hasty action is needed. There should be
a full attendance at the meeting
Otsego Town Records. December 28, 1864
At a Special Town Meeting held at the Court House pursuant to
Call already made
The following resolution was offered by E. C. Denio and being seconded by Geo.
Holman was put to vote & carried & adopted by said Meeting
Resolved That the Town of Otsego pay a bounty to volunteers
who shall enlist to fill the quota of the town under the late call of the
President of the United States not to Exceed the sum of Four hundred dollars for
one year men Six hundred dollars for two year men and Eight hundred dollars for
three year men The following resolution was offered by E. M. Card and being
seconded was put to vote and carried by said meeting
Resolved that any Person furnishing a substitute shall
receive from the Town the amount he pays such substitute not exceeding the sum
of Four hundred dollars for one year Six hundred for two years man and Eight
hundred for three year men The following resolution was offered by H. M. Hooker
- seconded and adopted by said meeting.
Resolved That J. S. Sprague, Horace Lathrop, F. B. Smith, J.
Leaning J. S. Bl [illegible - ink blot] Frank Roof be a committee to examine
enrolled men and to see that such men as they thought proper should be sent to
Norwich and the Town pay the necessary expenses of such men as should be sent
upon the certificate of the foregoing committee.
The following resolution was offered by E. M. Card and duly
seconded and adopted by said meeting
Resolved that the supervisor be authorized to levy and
collect the monies necessary to provide for the payment of the bounties to carry
into effect the fore going resolutions by a tax or by issuing bonds upon the
credit of the town for the payment of said Bounties
The following named persons were Elected by the meeting a War
Committee to Procure volunteers to fill the quota of the town To witt
A. A. Brown, B. F. Kipp, J. K. Leaning, G. P. Keese, E. M.
Card The Meeting then adjourned
John E. Brown Town Clerk
December 30, 1864
A special town meeting was held at the Court House on
Wednesday last, pursuant to call to take action on the proposition to vote a
town bounty.
It was resolved to pay a bounty not to exceed $400,
$600 and $800 for one, two and three years' men; and Messrs. A. A. Brown, G. P.
Keese, J. K. Leaning, B. F. Kip and E. M. Card were appointed a committee to
take the matter in charge.
It was resolved that the Supervisor immediately levy
and cause to be collected the money necessary to pay these bounties - (which of
course he has no authority to do without action on the part of the Board of
Supervisors) No power was given to issue bonds.
Doctors Sprague, Leaning, Lathrop, Blodgett, Smith and Roof
were appointed a committee to aid in the correcting of the town enrollment.
The Enrollment for this town has just been completed by Mr.
E. C. Denio, the enrolling officer for Otsego. We believe his work has been done
fairly and conscientiously. There are a number of the 600 persons enrolled who
are clearly entitled to exemptions, but Mr. Denio has no discretion in their
cases. They must go before the Board at Norwich - and the sooner the better.
*************************************************************
January 6, 1865
The gentlemen acting as a War Committee for this town, now
realize the force of certain facts which we urged upon our fellow townsmen a
month or two ago, when 50 three years' men could have been attained for less
than $20,000. However, we hope they will take the matter coolly and act
deliberately. Should we fortunately obtain speedy and decisive successes in the
field, the threatened draft may be avoided. Doubtless, however, it is the
interest of towns to obtain all the volunteers which can be had for fair
bounties.
The physicians of this town, appointed as an examining committee, recommended about 60 men to apply to the Board at Norwich for exemption from the draft on account of permanent physical disability; and most of them went over there on Tuesday.
January 13, 1865
We are happy to announce the escape of Lieut. Morris Foot, of
this place, from a rebel prison in Georgia, and his return home. He was on Gen.
Wessells' staff , at Portsmoutn, at the time of his capture.
Our quota has not yet been filled - and young men who wish to
enlist to the credit of Otsego, can do so and receive a handsome bounty, cash in
hand.
January 20, 1865
A quote from the Albany Argus stating that veterans who
enlist in Albany county in Hancock's Corps, for three years will receive a
bounty of $1,200, as follows:
Regular Government bounty $300
Extra to men in this Corps 300
Albany county bounty 600 1,200
Volunteers in this [Otsego] county can obtain the same large
bounty by applying to our town committee. We should like to see out quota filled
with such men. Fifty of them would be worth a hundred raw recruits; and they
would be of more real benefit to the service than a battalion of such men as
some of the city bounty brokers furnish. What veteran wants the $1,200 bounty?
We learn that the committee appointed at the town meeting held in this village on the 29th ult., for the purpose of filling the quota of this town under the last call of the President for 300,000 men, have labored under many disadvantages, the most serious of which is the difficulty in raising the necessary funds to pay the volunteers when procured. Had they been able to have procured the money, the quota could have been filled at a much less sum per capita than they were authorized to pay, and it can still be done, in the opinion of the committee, if the money can be procured. We are enabled to state that the committee have made arrangements for 14 three year men, at from $600 to $660 each; and 7 substitutes have also been procured for three years to apply on the quota - 21 in all. The bonds of the town are to be issued payable in 2 or 3 years, bearing 7 per cent interest, and some bonds will be issued payable on the 1st of April next. All persons desiring a safe investment for their money, and all interested in having the quota under this call filled at an early day, at the lowest possible figures, as well as those liable to the draft, are earnestly requested to aid the committee in raising the necessary funds for this purpose, for they must have the money to accomplish it, and if promptly aided in that respect by the people, many thousand dollars will be saved to the tax-payers of the town. Shall they have the money?
Otsego Town Records
At the Annual Meeting of the Board of Town Auditors held at
the Inn of W. C. Keyes, the place where the last annual Town meeting was held.
Resolved
That the Supervisor raise the sum of Eight hundred dollars to
constitute a fund for the aid and relief of Soldiers families and to defray
Expenses already occurred on their account as soon as he can conveniently do so.
Resolved
That H. M. Hooker, Supervisor be allowed the Sum of eight
hundred dollars for his commissions, services, and liabilities in receiving
& paying soldiers bounty money. $92,600. John E. Brown, Town Clerk
January 27, 1865
We are informed that the War Committee of this town have
enlisted 58 three years' men - 41 as volunteers, and 17 substitutes have been
offered. The Committee have agreed to pay as follows: 17 men $650 each, 10 $660,
10 $640, & 4 $600. It is stated that the resolution adopted at the last town
meeting was to the effect "that $800 be paid to those furnishing
substitutes," and that the Committee have no control over the matter. But
we presume that it will not be claimed that it was contemplated to pay more for
substitutes - for the benefit of individuals - than to volunteers, all to the
credit of the town. The most that any city or town has done, has been to allow
those putting in substitutes as much as has been paid for volunteers; while the
general rule has been to pay less. The evident intention here was, to pay $800
for substitutes, provided the town paid that, the maximum, for volunteers.
The Committee, we are also informed, has determined for the
present, to suspend recruiting. We think this course, under all the
circumstances, will be approved by the tax-payers of the town. Our debt should
not be unnecessarily increased. If we are not to have a draft, we have already
done enough, in a patriotic view of the case; and should one be ordered, it may
be for only a portion of the men called for. That this is the last call for men
to carry on this war, is a general conviction; hence, if more men should be
needed to fill our quota, one year volunteers will as well answer the purpose.
as those for three years; and they can be had at a less cost to the town.
The War Committee will be expected by the tax-payers to make
a full report of their doings, and a statement of all their expenditures and
obligations incurred. We call for a report, at the request of those interested
in these important town matters.
P.S. Three men have been received, at $400 each. The
substitutes are 18 in number - 62 men in all.
February 3, 1865
We are indebted to Mr. Ernst for the following information in
regard to the draft, quotas, &c.:
For the information of the several towns in Otsego
County, I herewith send you a detailed list of the quotas due from the several
towns under the call of December 19, 1864, for 300,000 men, after deducting
credits, with the excess standing to those towns which furnished a greater
number of three years' men, under the call of July 18, 1864. It is believed that
the 19th district will be the first in the State to fill her quota under the
late call. Many towns have already furnished an excess on the present quota,
which excess will be carried to their credit in case of a further draft.
The town of Otsego has filled her quota and has an excess of
about 130 years' service. Only 54 one year men were called for and she has
furnished over 60 three years' men.
The tax-payers will certainly feel thankful, in view of the
heavy obligations resting upon them, that their Committee did not act upon the
fears of some, or the advice of others, and put in from one to two hundred men,
at six to $800 each. Whenever the Committee are ready to publish a full report
of their doings with a statement showing the expenses incurred in raising men
under the recent call, our columns will be open to them. It is due the
tax-payers that they should be fully informed on such matters.
March 24, 1865
By the persistent efforts of E. M. Card, Esq., the
difficulties and hindrances which stood in the way of this town receiving the
proper credit for men placed in the U.S. service have been mainly overcome, and
full justice will probably be done us. We shall stand, as heretofore claimed,
with a surplus of over 20 three years' men.
Mr. Card went to Albany last week, to confer with Deputy Pro.
Marshall General, Col. Townsend - an official not so easy of access or
accommodating as might be. Mr. C. was told by those in charge of the office to
take his papers, &c., to the Provost Marshall of his own District; but he
had not journeyed to Albany to obtain such valuable advice. He knew Mr. Gordon
was willing to do us justice, when he had the proper authority. Failing to
obtain any very satisfactory information in Albany, Mr. Card paid a visit to
Col. Baker, at New York who showed him the book - seized at the discovery of the
enlistment frauds in this State - containing a list of naval recruits. There he
found recorded the names of nine men enlisted to our credit in New York. He
returned to Albany, succeeded in obtaining an interview with Col. Townsend, and
found that the number, but not the names, of the men enlisted in Buffalo had
been reported by the mustering officer - who should also have, reported the
names to Capt. Gordon, at Norwich. He was also informed by Col. T. that on the
discovery of the enlistment frauds, new orders had been issued in regard to the
manner or reporting recruits by the mustering officers, and on that account,
some of our credits had not been made; that he could not go back of his orders
to make them, &c.
Mr. Card then asked for an extension of time for the men
drafted in this town and Hartwick, to report at Norwich; also for an order
directing Capt. Gordon to give the proper credits. This was denied. Mr. C. then
presented the case to Senator Andrews, who telegraphed Gen. Fry, at Washington.
That officer promptly directed an extension of ten days' time in which the
drafted men of Otsego and Hartwick should be required to report at Norwich; also
ordering credits to be given for all men received into the service. Col.
Townsend then promised Mr. Card that on receipt of the proper certificate from
Col. Baker, the 9 men above alluded to should be credited to Otsego; also any
men mustered in to the credit of Hartwick and received on shipboard. It is
therefore expected that as far as this town is concerned, all but perhaps two or
three of the men paid for will be duly credited at Norwich.
Mr. Card deserves much credit for the persevering manner in
which he sought to have justice done this town and Hartwick.. If the government
officials would do their business in a straightforward manner, all this
unnecessary trouble might be avoided. But the whole drafting business has been
miserably managed from the outset.
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