Description:

JAMES A. GARFIELD
Rare war-date A.L.S. 2pp. 4to., Hiram, Mar. 27, 1865, to Capt. D. Caldwell, Provost Marshal of the 19th. Dist. regarding a soldier's "commutation". In part: "...The bearer of this, Nelson F. Raymond of this township was drafted in May last and paid his $300 Commutation. He is again drafted. I believe the Provost Marshal has in some instances or rather in a certain class of cases allowed the payment of Commutation to have weight in the subsequent draft. In a telegram received from him by me on the 25th in it he says: 'When men are drafted who previously paid Commutation - the board of Enrollment is instructed to report the facts to this office with a view his release'. It is to avail himself of whatever relief the law and the rules of the Department may afford when Mr. Raymond calls on you. He is a worthy and reliable citizen...". Very rare, particularly with directly mentioning and relating to the highly controversial practice of commutation, in which with the payment of a special $300 fee, a drafted Union soldier was able to buy his way out of military service. A tad light, else very good, with a large, over 3" signature.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

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