MILITARY RECORDS
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES ON CIVIL WAR DRAFT
Transcribed by Sue Broadbooks, July 27, 2024
The Morning Democrat
Davenport, Iowa
Wed, Sep 10, 1862
Page 1A NUISANCE. - The fact is there are altogether too many men in Davenport claiming the same name. Every day we are called upon by sundry individuals who imagine they have been greatly wronged by the publication of their names in the "sneak list." Now, once for all, we wish to state that no names have been published in that list except those who have applied for exemption as aliens, and those unhappy individuals who may discover a similar name to their own in the list may rest satisfied that if they are not guilty, the coat was not intended for them to wear. Don't use it unless it fits, and above, all, don't bother any more with your complaints.
LEGISLATIVE CORRESPONDENCE.
DES MOINES, September 8, 1862.
EDITOR OF GAZETTE. I intended to send you a letter on Saturday, but was too late for the afternoon mail. As no mail leaves on Sunday this is my next opportunity to write you. You may have expected that the Legislature would adjourn after a few days' session. If so, you miscalculated. There is more business to occupy the attention of the present extra session than any one would have imagined. Many bills of local interest, but really necessary, have come up for consideration. The dog law is again under discussion. As soon as there was an opportunity for the introduction of business each member seemed anxious to be foremost in moving its repeal. Even the gentleman from Delaware, who last winter declared that he was elected on the dog question, was the first to move for its repeal. It has not yet been repealed, and its unconditional repeal is doubtful, notwithstanding the anxiety of certain parties whose political prospects would seem to depend on their action in this matter.The important bills are still in the hands of the committees. Some are reported to-day and will be promptly acted upon.
The Quakers, Menonites and Seventh-day Baptists are here to ask for exemption from military draft, on the ground of being conscientiously opposed to bearing arms. It is an unfavorable time for them to apply, but the matter will be acted upon, I trust, with calmness. A bill is drawn by Mr. Young, chairman of the select committee, to whom the petitions were referred, providing that they shall be exempt on the Government's receiving an equivalent in money; said money to be collected by distraint and sale of personal property where it is not voluntarily paid - no exemption to be granted until an equivalent is realized. This would seem to be just and fair to all parties. It is a question of expediency with the State. Quakers, at least, will not fight. They will submit to the penalty for not doing so. They may, as the law provides in cases of draft, be treated as deserters if they do not appear at the place of rendezvous, but the State gains nothing by the punishment. It becomes a mere persecution for conscience sake, in which no one is benefited. If, however they are exempted, when the State has realized an equivalent, the government loses nothing by their exemption. The members seem rather hostile to granting exemption to any able-bodied citizens at such a time as this. Still there is a goodly number who look at the matter practically, and who from their acquaintance with these people can easily foresee the result of any attempt to force them into the service. These will advocate their cause, and the expediency of passing some such law as the one alluded to. The subject comes up for consideration in the House to-morrow afternoon.
The military bills are not yet before either House. The disposition is not to pass a general military law providing for the drill of all the militia of the State, but to pass a special act providing for the defense of the borders. Our exposed condition on the North and South are such that immediate action is required, and yet the disadvantage of hasty legislation is so apparent, that all feel the necessity of making some provision now, fully adequate to meet any emergencies that may arise. The military committee, and the committees on border difficulties are preparing a bill or bills that will cover the whole subject, and show the people on the frontier that they are to be protected, and that without delay. This matter has not been deferred for other business. The committees have been at work from the first, gathering all the information they could and endeavoring so to prepare the bills, that they will be acceptable when presented. - While they have been thus engaged, the Legislature has been more or less engaged on other business necessary to be considered at this time.
A bill providing for the appointment of a Commissioner to select the lands donated to this State by the General Government, and fixing his compensation, has been passed. The Senate is considering a bill to annul all proceedings under the order for drafting, and obliging the examining surgeons to refund the monies paid them for examinations. The members talk of adjourning on Thursday, but the session may shed over till Monday next. Will write again in a few days.
Yours truly, J. R. C.
The Morning Democrat
Davenport, Iowa
Wed, Sep 10, 1862
Page 2No Exemption for Quakers
MARENGO, Sept. 8th, 1862.
MESSRS. EDS. DEMOCRAT & News:GENTS: - It is not my place to find fault with this or that measure, this or the other officer, either civil or military. Neither do I wish to, especially at this the most trying and gloomy moment in the history of our once happy, but now distracted country. Yet there are and will be, at times, measures recommended and acted upon by our legislature that we all as a free people, have the right to express our opinion upon. which is the recommendation of our Governor in his late message to the legislature, to exempt from draft some religions bodies residing in our State, upon the payment of a fixed sum of money to the State. Now, sirs, it is with surprise bordering on indignation, that nine tenths of the people read this part of the message. At this awful crisis of our country's peril, of what moment is money or property in exchange for men, and muskets. Then again where is the justice of such a law? Many men's names are published, and very justly too, in what is called the sneak list, who may (at least some of them) have equal ground for excuse, but who have not the money or would no doubt either pay a fixed sum than to have their names thus put in print. The ending of such a law would be nothing more nor less, than granting a privilege to one man or a community, because they had money, and denying the same to another because, in the providence of God, he happens to be poor. Why should the peculiar conscientious views of one man who happens to be associated with a society whose wealth is counted by millions, exempt him from defending his property and family by paying two or three hundred dollars, any more than the poor man who is obliged to tol day by day to support and protect those dependant upon him, and who may have religious scruples against fighting, but who has not the money to purchase his exemption from draft! Suppose the rebel army should finally work their way into the State where we have from five to fifteen hundred in different locations, of these individuals who don't wish to fight. If their property or persons should be attacked I am inclined to think that they would cut a fine figure standing in some secure place with their hands thrust in their pockets saying to others, go in you poor devils; protect me and mine; I have paid my money and the Governor and legislature says you must fight, and if needs be, loose your lives to save mine! Why? Because I have the religious scruples and money! You may have the religion but lack the money! I tell you, Messrs. Editors, the member of the present legislature that shall vote for this ridiculous measure - it were better that he never had been born, only that it may have relieved a near relative, especially if he is looking after another office, for the people will boost him so far off the line of promotion that the trump of Gabriel could not call him on the track again, though fools should be selected for candidates. The people are in for sustaining the Government, we don't wish to sell our sons and brothers for money; and the man that is able-bodied and don't wish to stand his chance not only in money but in person to protect the flag that has protected him - let him pack up and walk! The same read that brought him here will take him back, provided the Governor gives him a pass.
T. J. H.
WILL NOT PASS
Representative Van Anda of Delaware county, who has lately been appointed Major, passed through this city on his way from Des Moine a day or two since. He informed us that the Quaker exemption dodge will not pass the Legislature; the great majority of the members feeling indignant that any class of people in the State of Iowa should claim any such respite.
No amount of sophistry will ever convince intelligent and patriotic people that any able bodied man within the prescribed age, and of sound body and mind, has a moral or a legal right to claim exemption from military duty when his country is in peril, and the government which he has chosen for himself and his children is in danger of being subverted. The man does not live who would not be answerable for a high crime to his God, who would thus shirk a known responsibility of that character. Self preservation is the first law of nature, and how can a man so well preserve and protect himself as to help sustain his country and its laws? Surely the Quaker can claim no legal right to exemption from military service in time of war. The constitution of the State of Iowa, the highest law of the State, declares to the contrary. Read it:
"No person or persons conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms shall be compelled to do military duty in time of peace."
This closes the question at once, in our opinion. The constitution of our State comtemplates that every person, whether entertaining conscientious scruples or no, shall, in time of war, be compelled to do military duty - be compelled, it they will not do it voluntarily, to defend the rights which they enjoy, the privileges they esteem-in short, defend the Government that defends and protects them.
It cannot be that the salvation of a Quaker's soul depend upon keeping aloof from the field of carnage and death, any more than that of any other His obligations are no less than those of any other sect or denomination. They have the same chance that other einzens have: if they are drafted and do not want to go, let them furnish substitutes. Let them seek to avoid no constitutional obligations, but stand up like men for their country, either in person or by proxy, wherever called upon. We are astonished that the Governor should entertain the idea for a moment, of exempting them. The legislature has no authority, either expressed or implied, to take such a step, and we earnestly hope that the recommendation will be ignored, and that the hollow prayers of the petitioners will not be granted.
ATTENTION ONE DOLLAR EXEMPTS. - You are hereby ordered to meet for inspection in front of Dr. McLaren's office in the city of Burlington, on Saturday, the 6th inst., at 10 o'clock a.m., equipped in petticoats, armed with crutches, opera glasses, ear trumpets, patent trusses, Sand's Sarsparilla, pile drivers, and Dr. McLaren's certificates. Fail not, on pain of being drafted. Per order of MOTHER GOOSE,
General Commanding
Burlington, Sept. 3, 1862.
Burlington Hawkeye."Quaker consciences" should have been included in the above list of exemption equipage.
GETTING SCARCE. - As the time for drafting draws near the number of street loungers materially decreases. But few of the habitual loafers, who, but a short time since held up the lamp posts on the corner of Brady and Second streets, are now visible to the naked eye. They have hunted their holes and kept dark, hoping to be overlooked in the general confession consequent upon the draft. But let us assure them they need not flatter their souls with any such nonsense. If drafted, they must come to time, or be brought out very unceremoniously.
NEW RECRUITING OFFICE. - Dr. J. C. Parker, one of our most popular citizens, has opened a recruiting office in Franklin block. He acts in connection with I. M. Talmage, Esq., whose office is just opened in LeClaire, These gentlemen will make excellent officers and they have the promise of a position for their Company in one of the best Regiments in the State. This is the time to enlist. In a few days more all volunteering will be at an end. Now is the chance - the last and only chance to come in for the bounty offered by the county. Come forward and take position in a crack company. Come right along and put down your names.
REGARDING OUR AGE. - Many inquisitive people have of late been quizzing us about our age-liability to draft, and our physical condition. To satisfy all at once and forever we will give a brief chronological summary of our life and times since, setting foot on this sublunary sphere:
We are a free born son of the mountains of Hepserdam, which probably accounts for our youthful appearance, and excellent preservation. We honored this world by coming into it about the time of laying the keel of the good ship “Mayflower," and our first recollection runs back to the joyous times when we were engaged catching minnows with a pin hook whilst crossing the briny ocean in that celebrated clipper. The events of our early life were few and far between. Our principal occupation was in spearing eels off Plymouth Rock, and carrying water and whiskey to our "governor's" harvest hands. In these arduous avocations we thrived like a Green Bay tree, and In due course of time arrived at man's estate. Our life since we became our our own boss, has been checkered - some. We have lived virtious that we might die happy; never went back on a friend, or refused a "smile," after business hours. Never shoved bugus or stole a horse; havn't paid all our debts, to be sure, but failure of remittances from abroad, must be our excuse. Have voted the democratic ticket ever since we had a legal right to vote any ticket, and propose doing so some more.
Think old Abe's letter to chuckle head Horace was a bulger, and lay it all to the moral influence of the DEMOCRAT AND NEWS, which journal Mr. Lincoln reads every morning while sipping his coffee. Never bought but one lottery ticket in our life; drew a blind horse, treated the crowd to thirty dollars worth of champagne, and sold the horse the next morning to a drayman for twelve dollars, halter and shoes thrown in. If it is just the same to all concerned, we shall not invest in the lottery to be drawn next month Rather draw another blind horse then one of the prizes offered by that concern. If the managers had larded the thing with an occasional: pair of shoulder straps, mounted with eagles, we might have been induced to take a chance.
With this brief, but we trust, lucid review of our early life and riper years, we wish our friends to be satisfied. Identified, as we are, with the Great West, (and the little ones, too - for that matter,) and especially Iowa, we feel proud that so many of her noble sons have responded to the call of the Government, and enrolled themselves among her legions, and to those who still tarry in Jericho, we say, “go thon and do likewise.”
NOTICE.
ANY PERSONS SUBJECT TO DRAFT, WHO have evaded or kept out of the way of the enrolling officer for their wards or townships, or who may have deceived the officer in the facts necessary to their proper enrollment, will be re- ported to the proper military authority, to be dealt with according to the orders of the War Department. I will return the lists for a few days, to enable any of the above persons to report to me,or to the officer who had their particular district in charge. Act prompt and at once, or some persons may lose their chance of being drafted,and be at once mustered into the service.
JAMES THORINGTON,
Enrolling Officer for Scott County, Iowa.N, B. Office south-east corner of Brady and Second streets, up stairs.
STATE LAW.
WHO ARE EXEMPT.
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa, That all able-bodied white male citizens of this State, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, residing in this State, and not exempted by the laws of the United States, shall be subject to military duty, excepting,
1st - All persons in the Army or Navy of the United States.
2d - Persons who have been or hereafter shall be regularly and honorably discharged from the army and navy of the United States in consequence of the performance of military duty in pursuance of any law of this State, and such firemen as are now exempted by law.
3d - Commissioned officers who shall have served as such in the Militia of this State or in any one of the United States for the space of four years, but no officer shall be exempt unless by his resignation after such term of service duly accepted or in some other lawful man- ner he shall have been honorably discharged.
4th - Every non-commissioned officer, musician and private of every uniformed company or troop raised or hereafter to be raised, who has or shall hereafter uniform himself according to the provisions of any law of this State for the space of six years from the time of his enrollment in the active Militia, shall be exempt from military duty, except in cases of war, insurrection or invasion.
MODE OF DRAFTING.
SEC. 29. Whenever the President of the United States, or the Commander in-chief shall order a draft from the Militia for public service, such draft shall be made in the following manner:
First - When the draft required to be made shall be a number equal to one or more companies to each Brigade, such draft shall be made by company, to be termined by lot, to be drawn by the Commandant of Brigade, in presence of the commanding officers of the regiments composing said Brigade, from the military forces of the State in h s Brigade, for organized, uniformed, armed and equipped according to the provisions of this Act.
Second - In case such draft shall require a number equal to one regiment, such shall be determined by lot in the manner above described.
i>Third - In case such draft shall require a larger number than the whole Number of men composing the Volunteer Militia of said Brigade, such additional draft shall be made of an equal number from the Reserved Militia. Such draft shall be determined by lot, to be drawn by the Clerk in whose office said writ shall have been filed, in the presence of the Commandant of the Regiment within the bounds of which such persons may reside, and upon his requisition.
SUBSTITUTES.
SEC. 30. Any person so drafted in accordance with the above provisions, may offer a substitute at the time and place of the rendezvous of such drafted militia, and such substitute, if he shall be an able-bodied man of the age of twenty-one years, and shall consent in writing to subject himself to all the duties, fines, forfeitures and punishments to which his principal would have been subject had he personally served, shall be accepted by the Commandant of the Company of drafted militia to which his principal may belong.
ORDERING OUT IN CASE OF WAR.
SEC. 33. In case of war, alarm, invasion, insurrection, or to repel invasion, the Commander-in-Chief is hereby authorized and required to order out from time to time for actual service, by draft or otherwise, as many of the Militia as the necessity of the case may or shall demand.
FAILURE T0 APPEAR DEEMED DESERTION.
SEC. 39. Every soldier ordered out, volunteered or drafted, who shall not appear at the time and place designated, or who shall not have some able-bodied and proper substitute at such time and place, within at least twenty-four hours from such time, shall be taken to have deserted, and be dealt with accordingly; and each non-commissioned officer and soldier shall take with him provisions for not less than three days when so ordered out.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ DOCTORS' CERTIFICATES OF NO AVAIL.
[From the Albany Evening Journal.]
We are requested by the Surgeon General to state "that doctors' certificate of disability" will be of no avail except for mere State service. Under the order from the War Department everybody, within certain ages - without reference to his physical condition-will be subject to draft. If, after they have been drafted, they are found to be disabled, they will be exempted People, therefore, who run to their physicians to get certificates of physical unfitness to "shoulder arms," waste their time and breath in vain.
Proclamation by the Governor to the People of Iowa.
I have this day received from the Secretary of War a telegram requesting me to raise, as soon as practicable,for the United States service, for three years or during the war, five regiments of volume, ten infantry, being a part of the quota of this State under the late call of the President for 300,000 men. The preservation of the Union, the perpetuity of our government, the honor of our State demand that this requisition should be promptly met. Our harvest is upon us and we have feared a lack of force to secure it. But we must imitate our brave Iowa boys in the field, meet new emergencies with new exertions. Our old men and our boys, unfit for war, if need be, our women, must help to gather harvests while those able to bear arms go forth to aid their brave brethren in the field. The necessity is urgent. Our national existence is at stake. The more promptly the President is furnished the needed troops the more speedily will this unholy rebellion be crushed, and the blessings of peace again visit our land. Until then we must expect the hardships and privations of war.
The time has come when men must make, as many have already made, sacrifices of ease, comfort and business for the cause of the country.
The enemy, by a sweeping conscription, have forced into their ranks all men capable of bearing arms. Our government has as yet relied upon the volunteer action of our citizens. But if need be, the same energies must be exerted to preserve our government that traitors are using to destroy it. To simplify and systemize the raising of these regiments, I have assigned one to each of the 1st 2d, 3d and 4th Congressional Districts, and to the 5th and 6th together. This will prevent interference in recruiting and enable those from the same section to go to the field together.
Which District will have its regiment first in the field? Places of rendezvous, for the different regiments, will be designated when I receive notice of their destination. I will be necessarily absent for some weeks at Washington. Meantime all information in regard to the new regiments can be obtained from Adjutant General Baker, at Clinton.
SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.
Iowa City, July 9th, 1862.~* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Page created July 27, 2024
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