Contributed by Presque Isle Historical Society
Description
Hovey Austin of Presque Isle, who had enlisted as a lieutenant in Co. I of the 7th Maine Infantry and who was serving as a recruiter in Presque Isle, wrote a letter to Maine Adjutant General John L. Hodsdon on June 30, 1862 from Presque Isle requesting funds with which to pay potential recruits.
New recruits were obtained for the Civil War mostly by volunteers, but after January 1863, they could be drafted. Soldiers received bonuses for enlisting. In Presque Isle, the fee paid was $300 - $400. In this rural agricultural area, money was tight and this large fee could save a farm or family.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Letter to Gen. Hodsdon from recruiter Hovey Austin, Presque Isle, 1862
- Creator: Hovey Austin
- Creation Date: 1862-06-30
- Subject Date: 1862
- Location: Presque Isle, Aroostook County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Recruiting and enlistment
- United States. Army--Recruiting, enlistment, etc.
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Maine--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
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Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Presque Isle Historical SocietyPO Box 285, Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 762-1151
Website
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