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Circular No. 6. April 1, 1864:
Electronic Edition.
Confederate States of America. Bureau of Conscription.
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Source Description:
(caption title) Circular No. 6.
Confederate States of America. Bureau of Conscription.
19 p.
Columbia, S. C.
s. n.
1864
Call number 818 Conf. [6] (Rare Book Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998
Languages Used:
- English
LC Subject Headings:
- Draft -- South Carolina.
- Draft -- Confederate States of America.
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
Revision History:
- 2001-02-08,
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CIRCULAR No. 6.
HEAD-QUARTERS CONSCRIPT DEPARTMENT,
COLUMBIA, S. C., April 1, 1864.
I..In pursuance of the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to organize forces to serve during the war," approved February 17, 1864, and in obedience to General Orders Nos. 26 and 33, Adjutant and Inspector-General's office (current series), and to Circular No. 8, Bureau of Conscription (current series), the enrolment for military service during the war is hereby ordered of all white men, residents of the Confederate States, between the ages of seventeen and fifty years, who are not declared exempt by the provisions of said act.
II..Immediately on receipt hereof, Enrolling Officers will publish notices in their respective districts, requiring all persons liable to enrolment, between the ages of seventeen and eighteen, and forty-five and fifty, to report for such enrolment within thirty days from the day when the notice shall be given in the district. They will also publish notice declaring no longer of force all certificates of exemption issued by Enrolling Officers under previous acts of Congress (except exemptions of mail contractors, drivers of post-coaches and hacks, and on account of religious opinion), and ordering all persons holding such exemptions to report for enrolment under the provisions of the aforesaid act, approved February 17, 1864.
III..Enrolling Officers will at once proceed to select in their respective districts (under paragraph II, Circular Order No. 8, Bureau of Conscription) three persons of integrity, discretion, and judgment, to constitute an Advisory Board, to aid in the investigation of applications for exemption and detail for agricultural, industrial, and other necessary pursuits. The selection is limited to the class of persons between forty-five and fifty years who are liable to enrolment. Care will be taken to select men who are not open to popular influences, and who will discharge the duties with reference alone to the public interests. For obvious reasons, they should reside as near as practicable to the Head-quarters of the Enrolling Officer.
The persons selected will be immediately reported to these Headquarters for appointment.
Page 2
IV..The most active and continuous efforts of Enrolling Officers will be directed to perfecting a thorough military registration of all white males, resident or found within their respective districts, who are between the ages of seventeen and fifty years. This "Register" should embrace all men not already in service, no matter what may be their physical condition or claims to exemption, and should satisfactorily exhibit, under the head of "Remarks," the status of each person. V..It is the duty of all persons within the ages designated to report for enrolment. Enrolling Officers will not, however, wait such voluntary reporting, but will make diligent inquiry as to persons, and will enroll on information such as they may be satisfied are liable to enrolment. Persons may be enrolled wherever found. VI..Persons when enrolled will be ordered for examination by the Examining Board, to ascertain their fitness for field service or other duty. Those accepted between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, will be ordered to the Camp of Instruction. Those accepted for light duty, as also those who are enrolled for service between the ages of seventeen and eighteen, and forty-five and fifty, will be held under orders, to be assigned by the Commandant of Conscripts to such duty as may be authorized by existing orders of the War department. VII..Supplementary to the "Register," every Enrolling. Office will contain the following Rolls, to wit: The term "enrolled for service" is intended to embrace as well those who have been examined and accepted by the Examining Board, as those who may be ordered or sent forward without such examination. VIII..When a person reports or is reported for enrolment, his name should be entered on the "Register," and inquiries made as to his age and liability to service. When the Enrolling Officer is satisfied that he is within conscript age, and without cause of exemption, an entry of this fact, with date, should be made on the "Register," under the head
of "Remarks," and the person be ordered for examination by the Board, thus: "April 1, 1861, ordered for examination." This entry completes the enrolment. The date of the entry is the "date of enrolment," and should go with the name when transferred to Roll I and other rolls. IX..Persons discharged from service are liable to enrolment. A discharge from service is not an exemption; nor does any physical disability, however obvious, amount to an exemption. All persons physically disabled should be registered, and hold exemptions from the Examining Board. X..The age of a person at "date of enrolment" determines his liability to enrolment. Questions as to age should be determined by the Enrolling Officer, after careful inquiry and investigation. The family record, if genuine, furnishes the highest evidence, and if one is known to exist, the failure to produce it is suspicious. The testimony of the mother, if she be worthy of credit, should be overruled with great caution. Reference should be had to the census returns of 1850 and 1860, and to previous enrolments. The State enrolment of March, 1862, is of record in the State Adjutant-General's office, and can be examined on reference of the inquiry to these Head-quarters. XI..The attention of Enrolling Officers is specially directed to paragraph III, Circular No. 8, Bureau of Conscription, requiring the immediate enrolment of all persons, within the prescribed ages, who are found in the employment of any department of the government, and who are not specially exempted by act of Congress. XII.. Volunteering.--Persons hitherto exempt, and youths who have attained or are about to attain the age of eighteen years, will be allowed to volunteer, before enrolment, into companies which were organized prior to April 16, 1862, and which are below the minimum number prescribed by regulations. Certificates will, in such cases, be furnished by the Enrolling Officer, which, on being approved by the Commandant of Conscripts, will authorize the mustering in of such persons as volunteer recruits. Volunteering is governed in other respects by the provisions of General Orders No. 7, Adjutant and Inspector-General's office, current series. XIII..All exemptions heretofore granted under previous acts of Congress being no longer of force (except exemptions of mail contractors, drivers of post-coaches and hacks, and on account of religious faith), Enrolling Officers will proceed to the enrolment of all persons holding such exemptions who do not bring themselves within the provisions of the law of exemptions as it now stands.
XIV..The following are the classes of exemptions now authorized by the act of Congress, to wit: XV..All applications for exemption (except for physical disability, for Confederate and State officers, and railroad officers and employees) must be made to the Enrolling Officer of the district in which the applicant resides, and be supported by the affidavit of the applicant and other sworn testimony. If the application shall pertain to the exemption of a person not within the district in which the applicant resides, it should be referred, after investigation, to these Head-quarters for proper reference. XVI..When an application is presented, the Enrolling Officer will carefully ascertain to which class it belongs, and will see that it embodies all the facts necessary to the exemption asked. Applicants will be carefully and patiently advised and instructed as to the provisions of the law. Exemptions must not be hastily granted, but only after careful and thorough inquiry into the facts. Applications should, therefore, be held until the Enrolling Officer is fully satisfied. The state of facts existing at date of enrolment will determine all claims to exemption, unless otherwise declared by act of Congress, or by orders of the War department. XVII..Appeals.--From the adverse decision of an Enrolling Officer on an application for exemption, an appeal may be taken to the Congressional district officer, and from him to the Commandant of Conscripts and to the Bureau of Conscription. Before the case is sent up, an opportunity should be afforded the applicant to submit any additional testimony he may have. The Enrolling Officer will prepare a report as to the facts and reasons which influenced his decision, and send up the same, with the papers, to the Congressional district officer, who will forward them to these Head-quarters, with his remarks. Pending the consideration of appeals, the parties must be indulged XVIII..Revocation of Exemptions.--When an Enrolling Officer has
reason to believe that an exemption has been improperly granted, or is improperly held because of a change in the facts or circumstances, he will notify the party to appear on a given day and show cause why it should not be revoked. If no sufficient cause be shown, the exemption will be revoked, and the party be enrolled and ordered for examination. From an order of revocation, an appeal may be taken in like manner as directed in preceding paragraph. XIX..Confederate and State Officers.--A partial enumeration of this class will be found in paragraph XI, General Orders No. 26, Adjutant and Inspector-General's office, current series. The following State Officers have been required by his Excellency, the Governor of South Carolina, as "necessary for the proper administration of the State government," to wit: The Lieutenant-Governor; Judges of Law and Equity; Attorney-General and Solicitors; Ordinaries; Clerks of Courts and Registers of Mesne Conveyance; Sheriffs, Masters, Commissioners, and Registers in Equity; Secretary of State; Surveyor-General; Comptroller-General; Treasurers of the State; Officers of the State Military Academies; Officers of the Bank of the State and branches; Keepers and assistants of Lunatic Asylums, and of Deaf, Dumb, and Blind; members of Soldiers' Boards of Relief, who are over forty-five years of age, until next meeting of the Legislature; Private and Executive Secretaries; Adjutant and Inspector-General and his assistants; Governor's Aids; Tax-Collectors; State Auditors; State Engineer and assistant; Quartermaster-General, and Commissary-General. The exemption of the above enumerated State officers having been approved by the War department, will be recognized. Militia Officers, Magistrates, and officers of the State Provost Courts are not exempt. Collectors and Assessors of the Confederate War Tax are not exempt. Certificates of exemption will be issued by the Commandant of Conscripts to officers of the Confederate and State governments, when desired. XX..Professions, Trades, and Occupations.--Applications for exemptions of this class (under article III of the 10th section of the act of Congress) will be determined by the local Enrolling Officer. If satisfied that exemption should be allowed, he will issue the certificate, endorse his action on the application, and submit the same to the Congressional district officer for his approval. By the term "physicians" is meant regularly licensed, practising physicians.
The proviso which requires that teachers shall have "twenty students or more" is considered to apply only to teachers of "schools," and not to teachers of colleges, theological seminaries, and academies. Teachers who are employed merely as private instructors in families, can not be regarded as "teachers of schools;" and, although having, in the aggregate, twenty or more pupils in different families, are not entitled to exemption. By the term "apothecary" is meant a practical apothecary, educated and trained to the compounding of medicines. It does not embrace druggists, or those who merely sell drugs. The term "public hospitals" does not refer to military hospitals. The continuity of professional employment of physicians and teachers will not be regarded as being interrupted by a period of absence in military service, provided the person was regularly engaged as a physician or teacher at the time of entering the service, and resumed the employment on being discharged. XXI..Overseers, or "Owners and Managers" of plantations of fifteen hands.--Applications for exemptions of this class must set forth: 1. That there are now, and were, on the 1st of January, 1864, on the plantation, fifteen able-bodied field hands (or more, giving the exact number), between the ages of sixteen and fifty years. 2. That the person whose exemption is asked was, on the 1st of January, 1864, the overseer, or the "owner and manager" (as the case may be) of said plantation. 3. That there is on the plantation no white male adult not liable to military service. 4. That the applicant is able and willing to comply with the terms and conditions on which such exemptions are authorized by the act. The form of bond will be found appended. Before issuing certificates of exemptions of this class the application must, in every instance, be sent up (together with the bond) to these Head-quarters for examination and approval, indulgence being given to the party until the application shall be returned. It will be noted that the terms "owner" and "manager" are conjoined. Only those owners who, on the 1st of January, 1864, were in charge of and managing their own plantations, can claim the exemption. Owners who, on the 1st of January, 1864, were absent in service, but have since been discharged, are considered as coming within the spirit of the act. The presence of a "white male adult" on the plantation, who is incapable, by reason of mental or physical disability, of managing the same with a reasonable degree of efficiency, may be disregarded. It is held, by the War department, that all persons enrolled during the month of January, or since, and who are at the Camp of Instruction
or otherwise within the control of the Conscription department, may claim the benefit of this exemption. XXII..Officers and Employees of Railroads.--Applications for exemptions of this class must be made to the Commandant of Conscripts, by whom the certificates will be granted. It will be the duty of Enrolling Officers to scrutinize continually and closely such employees, and enroll all, otherwise liable, who are without proper certificates. XXIII..Mail Contractors and Drivers.--Attention is directed to the act of Congress, herewith printed, entitled "An act to exempt contractors for carrying the mails, etc." Enrolling Officers will see that applications of this class are in strict conformity with the provisions of said act. Contractors who were appointed prior to date of enrolment as conscripts, are entitled to claim the benefit of the act. Mail riders are not exempt. Exemptions of this class, heretofore properly granted, are not revoked. Enrolling Officers will specially report to these Head-quarters all cases where the personal services of the contractor are not employed in the execution of the contract, giving all the facts. XXIV..By paragraph VI, Circular Order No. 8, Bureau of Conscription, it is ordered that the exemptions authorized by the fourth clause of tenth section, and by the eleventh section of the act approved February 17, 1864, shall be granted only as details; that is, the persons must first be enrolled, and if accepted for service may be detailed for definite periods. The details authorized by the act are the following: XXV..All applications for detail of conscripts must be made to the Enrolling Officer of the district in which the person applied for resides or is enrolled, unless he be at the Camp of Instruction, or on detail or furlough from the camp, in which case the application may be made to the Commandant of Conscripts.
XXVI..No application for detail can be entertained until the person has been enrolled. As evidence of this, as also to identify the individual, applications must in all cases be accompanied by a descriptive list taken from the books of the Enrolling Officer. In cases where the conscript is at the Camp of Instruction, or on detail or furlough from the camp, the descriptive particulars may be obtained from the camp books. XXVII..Where the application is made to the local Enrolling Officer, he will, if he approve it, grant a detail of sixty days, and immediately thereupon endorse his action and forward the papers, through the Congressional district officer, to these Head-quarters for further action. XXVIII..From an adverse decision on an application for detail, an appeal may be taken to the Congressional district officer, and from him to the Commandant of Conscripts and the Bureau of Conscription. The course of procedure in such cases will be the same as directed in paragraph XVII. In cases of appeal, the persons applied for, if engaged in performing the duties on account of which the detail is asked, will be allowed to remain until final action. If otherwise, they should be sent to the Camp of Instruction. XXIX..Details account of Public Necessity.--These may be of tanners, millers, shoemakers, blacksmiths, and other mechanics; of employees of manufacturing establishments, or of persons of whatsoever class, whose personal services are necessary to the public generally, or to the particular community in which they live. XXX..Details of persons between forty-five and fifty, on account of Equity, Justice, and Necessity.--These terms would seem to imply considerations of necessity affecting the individual or his family, of personal hardship, of humanity, or considerations of equity and justice resulting from special circumstances, from sacrifices to the common defence, or contributions to the government, or considerations of like character. XXXI..Agricultural Details.--These may be "to ensure the production of grain and provisions for the army and the families of soldiers," or of "overseers, farmers, or planters who may be more useful to the country in the pursuits of agriculture than in the military service." Applications of this class are authorized by paragraph XII, Circular No. 8, Bureau of Conscription, for the detail of one person as overseer or manager of two or more farms within five miles of each other,
having an aggregate of fifteen or more hands. Special attention will be given to the schedule of termson which such details may be granted. Enrolling Officers will carefully discriminate between applications for details of this class, and applications for exemptions under article IV, of the 10th section of the act of Congress. XXXII..Bonds.--Forms of the bonds required for agricultural exemptions and details will be found appended. Great care should be required in the execution of such bonds, and applicants should be required, if necessary, to employ counsel for that purpose. XXXIII..Applications for details for service in any of the bureaus or departments of the government, or of contractors to furnish supplies to the government, or of artisans, mechanics, or persons of scientific skill to perform indispensable duties, must be made by the government officer for whose services the detail is asked, or with whom the contract is made. For the detail of employees of contractors, the application may be made by the contractors, but must be approved by the government officer with whom the contract is made. XXXIV..The applications for details of this class must set forth the duties to be performed, the particular necessity for the personal services of the persons applied for, and the period for which the detail is asked. The action of Enrolling Officers on such applications will be directed by instructions contained in preceding paragraphs XXVI and XXVII. XXXV..Details to Bureaus or Departments.--Persons (not artisans, mechanics, or of scientific skill) can not be detailed for service in any of the military bureaus, or in the Quartermaster's, Commissary, Ordnance, Conscription, or other departments of the government, or for any of the like duties, unless they be persons between the ages of forty-five and fifty years, or persons between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, who have been adjudged by an Examining Board to be unfit for service in the field, and capable of performing the duties for which their detail is asked. XXXVI..Details of Government Contractors.--Details of contractors to furnish supplies to the government can only be made in cases where the personal services of the contractors are indispensable to the execution of the contract--which fact must be certified by the head of the bureau or department to which the contract pertains. Such applications must set forth the nature and extent of the contract, and in what respect the personal services of the contractor are indispensable to its execution.
In view of the need of the government for men in the field, officers in making contracts should require of each contractor the highest amount of supplies of which he is capable, in order that the fewest number of details may be required. In their investigations, Enrolling Officers will ascertain whether the supplies agreed to be furnished are equal to the capacity or means of the contractor. XXXVII..Details of Artisans, Mechanics, etc.--The detail is authorized of such artisans, mechanics, and persons of scientific skill as may be indispensably necessary to the performance of duties in the military bureaus or departments of the government, or to government contractors. The applications therefor must set forth the skill of the party applied for, the nature of the duties to be performed, in what respect his services are indispensable, and the time for which it is asked. XXXVIII..Details of Employees of Contractors.--These can only be detailed of such artisans, mechanics, and persons of scientific skill as may be indispensable to the execution of the contract. The detail to contractors of mere clerks, agents, laborers, or other persons who are not artisans, mechanics, or persons of scientific skill, is not authorized. Applications of contractors for details can not be entertained unless approved by the government officer with whom the contract is made. XXXIX..Applications for detail of persons for other government purposes, not within the classes enumerated, may be made, investigated, and forwarded in like manner. XL..In the investigation of all applications for exemption or detail, Enrolling Officers will avail themselves of the assistance of the Advisory Board. Their local knowledge of persons, of the wants and necessities of particular localities, and their means of information, should enable them to contribute greatly to satisfactory investigation. Their co-operation will be continually required in the discharge of the duties imposed on Enrolling Officers. XLI..All applications for the detail of persons (for other than government purposes) rest upon the assumption that the public or private necessity is such as to require the detail. The government recognizes its obligation to respect the wants and necessities of the families of those who are in service, and of the destitute at home, and forbears to withdraw from the country those who can not be spared without producing want and suffering.
Enrolling Officers will, therefore, inquire: What is the public or private necessity which requires the detail? Can it not be met or supplied by other persons not capable of rendering military service? Is the person applied for able to meet or supply this want or necessity? Are his personal services indispensable? It is very desirable that the agricultural interests should be fostered to the extreme limit consistent with recruiting the ranks of the army. The production of grain and provisions for the army is, moreover, equally as essential as the furnishing of men. But Enrolling Officers can not know the necessities or resources of the government, and their investigations must necessarily by determined with reference to the wants and necessities of the particular locality. XLII..The investigation should not be confined alone to an examination of the application, or into the truth of the statements there-in made, but inquiries should be instituted as to other facts, and information solicited of persons not connected with the application. All pertinent circumstances should be inquired into, such as the fitness of the party for the field; his ability or aptitude for the purposes of the detail; the condition of the family, whether any are or have been in the military service; and such other inquiries as may ascertain the merits of the application, and exhibit the necessity or want of necessity for the detail. XLIII..It is pertinent to inquire into the past conduct of the individual in reference to the public interests. Has he evinced a public, unselfish spirit, and recognized the obligation to aid the government in its struggle, and to sustain the necessitous at home? Have the products of his agricultural or mechanical industry been sold to the needy, to the families of soldiers, or to the government, at reasonable prices? Has he been disposed to sustain the country by giving credit to its currency? Or, on the contrary, has he withheld his hand, or used his past advantages for purposes of private emolument, and sought to enhance his gains from the necessities of the country? A favorable report on these points will go far to recommend an application to favorable consideration, because furnishing the highest evidence that the public welfare will be subserved by the detail. It is not proposed to recommend to the favorable consideration of the War department those who sell at exorbitant prices, or who refuse to sell altogether, awaiting higher prices, or holding as an investment. Such facts would exhibit the want of necessity for the detail, and demonstrate the propriety of assigning the party to the field, that he may share the wants and privations of those whose necessities at home have contributed to his gains.
XLIV..Reports.--The report of the Enrolling Officer on the investigation of applications should be written on a separate sheet of paper, with an outside blank page, and be sent up without endorsement. It should be somewhat in detail, setting forth, in regular order, the facts developed in the investigation, and giving the reasons for the opinion expressed, as briefly as may be consistent with clearness. XLV..Appointments for the examination of conscripts by the Examining Boards will be made in each district once per month, of which at least ten days' public notice should be given. XLVI..Two, at least, of the members of the Board should be present at each appointment. One, however, may act in the absence of others, so far as to accept for service those cases are free of doubt. Certificates of exemption for disability can only be given by a full Board. XLVII..The Enrolling Officer should himself be present at such examinations, and should note on his Roll (I) the result of each case, whether accepted or exempted. To guard, however, against inaccuracies, the Board will furnish to the local officer, before leaving the rendezvous, a list of the accepted and exempted, and of special cases not determined. XLVIII..The attention of Examining Surgeons is directed to paragraphs VII and VIII, General Orders No. 26, Adjutant and Inspector-General's office, current series, and to paragraphs IV and XVIII, Circular No. 8, Bureau of Conscription. XLIX..A Special Board (in pursuance of paragraph II, General Orders No. 107, Adjutant and Inspector-General's office, series of 1863) will be convened monthly, at the Camp of Instruction, for the examination of such conscripts at the camp as are believed to be "disqualified for service." L..The Chief Surgeon assigned to duty at these Head-quarters is charged with the supervision of all matters pertaining to the medical department of the conscript service in this State. Examining Surgeons will communicate with these Head-quarters through him. LI..In view of the great number of conscripts thrown into the Camp of Instruction who are found to be utterly unfit for any service--many of whom are discharged from the camp, and others discharged after being assigned to the army--the greatest care is urgently enjoined upon surgeons in the accepting of conscripts for service.
LII..Certificates of exemption or detail are of force only so long as the material facts remain unchanged, and the persons continue to be engaged in the pursuits or occupations in reference to which they were granted. A physician is exempted, not because he is a physician, but that he may devote his professional skill and services to the afflicted; a mechanic, that he may serve the community in the line of his trade; a farmer, that he may apply his labor and capital to the production of grain and provisions. Whenever, therefore, in these and other instances, the purpose of the exemption or detail is not met in good faith, the necessity for it ceases, and it should be revoked. Enrolling Officers should continue a careful supervision over all exemptions, and revoke those where the parties fail to devote their time, labor, capital, and skill to the purposes for which they were exempted or detailed. LIII..When persons are reported to Enrolling Officers as liable to, and evading conscription, or as improperly exempted, a memorandum should be made of all the facts communicated, and immediate attention given to the matter. Persons are discouraged in giving such information when they find it receives no attention; and only by encouraging such communications can Enrolling Officers become informed as to such matters. All communications of this character, written or verbal, should be held in strict confidence. LIV..The employment in the Enrolling service of able-bodied conscripts between the ages of eighteen and forty-five is strictly forbidden either as clerks, assistants, or in arrest of deserters. No conscripts can be so employed except those between the ages of forty-five and fifty, and except those between eighteen and forty-five who are pronounced by an Examining Board to be unfit for field service, and who are specially assigned from these Head-quarters. LV..By paragraph V, General Orders No. 96, Adjutant and Inspector-General's office, 1862, the Commandant of Conscripts is authorized to assign to enrolling service, and to the arrest of stragglers and deserters, "commissioned officers and soldiers who are incapable of bearing arms in consequence of wounds received in battle." Applications for details of this class should be made by Enrolling Officers to the Commandant. LVI..Conscripts should not be sent to the Camp of Instruction until first examined and accepted by the Examining Board, or by some one of the members of the Board. Departures from this rule are in some
cases unavoidable, when persons have evaded examination, or would be much delayed from service by being held for examination. When they are sent up without examination, the fact and reasons should be promptly reported. It should never be done when the appearance of the individual clearly indicates unfitness for service. LVII..Immediately upon a conscript being accepted, his name, date of enrolment, and descriptive particulars should be reported to these Head-quarters. Inattention to this duty is the cause of great embarrassment. This report should state whether the examinations were made by a full Board, and if not, by what member of the Board. This should be indicated under head of "Remarks" opposite to each name. LVIII..By the first mail after the close of each month, Enrolling Officer will send directly to these Head-quarters, and also to the Congressional district officer, a report of the month's transactions, giving the number and classifications of exemptions and of details; the number and classifications (as to age) of persons exempted for physical disability; of persons enrolled for service, and of persons accepted for light duty. With the report sent to the Congressional district officer will be forwarded copies of all the Rolls enumerated in paragraph VII, for his examination, and reference to these Head-quarters. LIX..The proper discharge of the duties of the conscription requires of Enrolling Officers courtesy and patience. They should bear in mind that they are dealing with persons in reference to the tenderest relations of life. Their duties look to the separation of husbands and fathers from their families, and of sons from their parents. They should, therefore, avoid all petulance and harshness, and all seeming disregard of claims to exemption and indulgence; and should advise and instruct, and patiently and courteously listen to and investigate all such claims, so that, if ordered to service, the applicant may go forward feeling that his case has been rightfully determined, and that no privilege of right has been denied him. So feeling, he will become the better soldier. LX..Enrolling Officers are strictly enjoined not to absent themselves from their districts without leave first obtained from these Head-quarters. Their duties, if properly discharged, will require their entire time and attention. They must regard themselves as in military service, and must ignore private interests and convenience as fully as do those who are in the field. Those who can not meet this requirement, should yield the position to those who can. They will not overlook the fact that, in drawing their pay, they are
required to certify "on honor" that they have not been absent without leave. LXI..Congressional District Enrolling Officers will exercise a rigid supervision of the local officers in their discharge of the duties of the conscription. They will visit each office in their respective Congressional districts monthly, and will report on the condition of the office, whether the books are properly kept, and as to the manner in which the duties are discharged. They will report for removal any officers who are found inefficient or delinquent. C. D. MELTON, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Know all men by these presents, That we [A. B.], Principal, of ---- district, and [C. D.] of ---- district, and [E. F.] of ---- district, sureties, are held and firmly bound unto the CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, in the penal sum of [double the estimated value of produce to be delivered, in words, not figures] dollars, to be paid to the said Confederate States of America; for which payment, well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, and each of us, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, and dated this ---- day of ----, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- Whereas, the above bound [name of principal] has applied for the exemption from military service of service of [himself, or name of person exempted] as ["overseer," or "agriculturist," as the case may be], under the fourth article of the tenth section of the act of Congress approved 17th February, 1864, entitled "An act to organize forces to serve during the war," there being upon the farm or plantation of the said [name of owner of farm] for which exemption is sought [number in words] able-bodied field-hands between the ages of sixteen and fifty, within the meaning of said act; and which application is to be granted upon the satisfactory execution of this bond. Now the condition of this obligation is such, that if the above bound [name of principal] shall deliver to the duly authorized officer or agent of the Confederate States, at [naming the railroad depot, or other station
agreed upon], or at such other place as may be directed by the Secretary of War, or his duly authorized officer or agent, within twelve months from the date hereof [number in words, not figures], pounds of bacon, or, at the election of the government, its equivalent in pork, and [number in words, not figures] pounds of net beef (said beef to be delivered on foot), to be paid for by the government at the prices fixed by the Commissioners of the State under the Impressment act; and shall sell the marketable surplus of provisions and grain now on hand, and which he may raise from year to year while this exemption continues, to the government, or to the families of soldiers, at prices not exceeding the prices fixed by the Commissioners of the State under the Impressment act; and shall, in all other respects, faithfully conform to the requisitions of the said act, under which the said [name of person exempted] is exempted, according to the true intent and meaning thereof (he being entitled to the commutation therein provided, upon compliance with the terms thereof), then this obligation to be void and of no effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed, and delivered [SEAL.] STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Know all men by these presents, that we [naming the owners of the several farms or plantations, and the district of their residence], are held and firmly bound unto the CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, in the penal sum of [double the estimated value of produce to be delivered, in words, not figures] dollars, to be paid to the said Confederate States of America; for which payment, well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, and each of us, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, and dated this ---- day of ----, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- Whereas, the above bound [naming the several owners] have applied for the detail of [naming person to be detailed] as ["overseer" or "manager" as the case may be] of the farms or plantations of the said [naming the several owners] under terms prescribed by the Secretary of War, in pursuance of the provisions of an act entitled "An act to organize forces to serve during the war," approved February 17, 1864;
there being upon the said farms or plantations [writing number in words] able-bodied hands between the ages of sixteen and fifty, within the meaning of said act, which application is to be granted upon the satisfactory execution of this bond. Now the condition of this obligation is such, that if the above bound [naming all the obligors] shall deliver to the duly authorized officer or agent of the Confederate States, at [naming the railroad depot, or other station agreed upon], or at such other place as may be directed by the Secretary of War, or his duly authorized officer or agent, within twelve months from the date hereof [writing number in words], pounds of bacon, or, at the election of the government, its equivalent in pork, and [writing number in words] pounds of net beef (said beef to be delivered on foot), to be paid for by the government at the prices fixed by the Commissioners of the State under the Impressment act; and shall sell the marketable surplus of provisions and grain now on hand, and which he may raise from year to year while this detail continues, to the government, or to the families of soldiers, at prices not exceeding the prices fixed by the Commissioners of the State under the Impressment act; and shall, in all other respects, faithfully conform to the requisitions of the said act, under which the said ---- is detailed, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, then this obligation to be void and of no effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed, and delivered
[SEAL.] STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Know all men by these presents, That we [A. B.], principal, of ---- district, and [C. D.] of ---- district, and [E. F.] of ---- district, sureties, are held and firmly bound unto the CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, in the penal sum of [double the estimated value of produce to be delivered, in words, not figures] dollars, to be paid to the said Confederate States of America; for which payment, well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, and each of us, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, and dated this ---- day of ----, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-
Whereas, the above bound ---- ---- has applied for the detail of ---- ---- as overseer [or "manager" as the case may be] of the farm of ---- ----, under terms prescribed by the Secretary of War, in pursuance of the provisions of an act entitled "An act to organize forces to serve during the war," approved February 17, 1864, there being upon the said farm ---- able-bodied field hands between the ages of sixteen and fifty years, within the meaning of the said act; which application is to be granted upon the satisfactory execution of this bond. Now the condition of this obligation is such, that if the above bound ---- ---- shall sell the marketable surplus of provisions and grain now on hand, which he may raise from year to year while this detail continues, to the government at prices not exceeding the prices fixed by the Commissioners of the State under the Impressment act; and shall, in all other respects, faithfully conform to the requisitions of the said act, under which the said ---- ---- is detailed, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, then this obligation to be void and of no effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed, and delivered
[SEAL.] The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the contractors for carrying the mails of the Confederate States shall be exempt from the performance of military duty in the Armies of the Confederate States, from and after the passage of this act, during the time they are such contractors; provided, that no more than one contractor shall be exempt, on any route, and that no more than one member of any firm of contractors shall be exempt, and no contractor on any route of less than ten miles in length, and on which the mail is carried on horse, shall be exempt under this act; and if any one or more members of any such firm be exempt, from age or other cause, from the performance of military duty, the other member or members of such firm shall not be exempt by this act on account of being mail contractors; and provided, further, that no person to whom a contract for carrying the mails may be transferred, with the consent of the Post-office department, after the passage of this act, shall be exempt from military service on that account.
SEC. 2. That the drivers of post-coaches and hacks for carrying the mails, on all routes where the weight of the mails requires that they should be carried in coaches or hacks, shall be exempt from military service in the Armies of the Confederate States, from and after the passage of this act, so long as they continue to be employed as such drivers; provided, the contractor by whom any such driver is employed shall take and subscribe an oath, to be furnished to the Enrolling Officer, that the weight of the mails on his route requires the use of coaches or hacks for their conveyance, and that he has not a greater number of drivers employed in his service than are indispensable to enable him to fulfil his contract for carrying the mails; and that he will not, while a contractor, employ a greater number of drivers than may be indispensably necessary for that purpose; and that he will give notice to the Enrolling Officer when any such driver ceases to be in his employment. [Approved April 14, 1863.]
Return to Menu Page for Circular No. 6: April 1, 1864. by Confederate States of America. Bureau of Conscription Return to The Southern Homefront, 1861-1865 Home Page Return to Documenting the American South Home PageREGISTRATION AND ENROLMENT.
Page 3EXEMPTIONS.
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Page 5
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Page 7DETAILS.
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Page 9DETAILS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
Page 10INVESTIGATION OF APPLICATIONS.
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Page 12MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF CONSCRIPTS.
Page 13MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS.
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Major, Commandant of Conscripts for South Carolina.FORM OF BOND.--NO. 1.
FOR EXEMPTION OF "OVERSEER," OR "OWNER AND MANAGER" OF FIFTEEN
FIELD HANDS.
[Under Article IV, Section 10, of act approved February 17, 1864.]THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
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in presence of
[SEAL.]
[SEAL.]FORM OF BOND.--NO. 2.
FOR DETAIL OF "OVERSEER" OR "MANAGER" OF TWO OR MORE FARMS.
[Under paragraph XII, Circular No. 8, Bureau of Conscription.]THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
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in presence of
[SEAL.]
[SEAL.]FORM OF BOND.--NO. 3.
FOR DETAIL OF AS "OVERSEER" OR "MANAGER" OF FARM OF LESS
THAN FIVE HANDS.
[Under Paragraph XII, Circular No. 8, Bureau of Conscription.]THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
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in presence of
[SEAL.]
[SEAL.]AN ACT TO EXEMPT CONTRACTORS FOR CARRYING THE MAILS OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, AND THE DRIVERS OF POST-COACHES AND HACKS, FROM MILITARY SERVICE.
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