While searching for information in the Madison Daily Courier about my
MORGAN and BAXTER Civil War soldiers from Jefferson County, I became
captivated by accounts of how President Lincoln's first Federal draft
call in the summer of 1863 influenced recruiting in Jefferson County.
Perhaps these news items will be interesting and useful to many of
you.
Madison Daily Courier, Vol. 15 #163, Dec. 3, page 2
Now that our County Commissioners have offered in addition to the
Government and State bounties, an additional bounty of $200, the
question of volunteering comes up in a business light, as well as
appeals to our patriotism.
Vol. 15 #167, Dec. 8, 1863 page 4
Recruiting goes bravely on, but the days are passing all too swiftly
for the work in hands between this and the 5th day of January, when
the draft begins.
Vol. 15 #176, Dec. 18, 1863, page 2
Jefferson County's quota is 249 and as of today only 90 have been
raised by voluntary conscription.
Vol. 15, #188, Jan. 4, 1864, page 4
EXTRA BOUNTY--$602 and $702 Altogether:
Make up your minds right away, if you want to escape the draft; enlist
and secure the enormous bounties that will cease to be given after
twelve o'clock tonight. If you want to go to the Cavalry, call at the
court house, Thom's law room, or Mr. Frey's office. If you prefer the
Artillery or the Naval service, call at either of the places named, or
upon Captain S.K. Williams, Post Commandant. If you don't want to be
drafted, better accept the biggest bounties and volunteer at once. Be
wise in time, today; 'tis folly to delay.
Vol. 15 #191, Jan. 7, 1864, page 4
Enlistment fever is running high and the city will be saved from a
draft.
Vol. 15 #194, Jan. 11, 1864, page 4
State has filled quota but recruiting continues.
Major W.S. McClure of the 3rd Indiana Cavalry was appointed Colonel of
the 10th (new) Cavalry. McClure is a citizen of Madison.
Vol. 15 #229, Feb. 20, 1864, page 4
Lt. Wall of the 10th Cavalry said the regiment is rapidly filling up
and will soon go into camp at Columbus where it will be organized when
full to the maximum. Lt. Wall and 90 odd of the members of his
company were formerly in the rebel army.