Emanuel Sassaman

[Pennsylvania]

Hello, I have some questions on my fifth great grandfathers service in the civil war. He enlisted in 1861 into the 4th Pennsylvania Infantry Co.G for three months service. and in the fall of 1861 he reenlisted in the 51st Pennsylvania Infantry Co.E and served with the 51st until October of 1862 when he and his brother were transferred to the 8th U.S. regular infantry Co.A he served with the 8th until the end of the war.

Why would he be transferred to the 8th U.S. right in the middle of his three year service with the 51st P.V.I.? Thanks for any help.

 

[RedRover]

Volunteer troops were allowed to enlist in the US Army during the war, which appears to be what Mr. Sassamon and his brother did.

 

[SJU]

I knew they did that to fill the ranks of the Regular Army artillery. Didn't realize it extended to infantry. Cavalry also?

 

[RedRover]

I knew they did that to fill the ranks of the Regular Army artillery. Didn't realize it extended to infantry. Cavalry also?

Yes. the General order authorizes every regular regiment, etc., "in the field" to recruit among the volunteers.

 

[Pennsylvania]

Volunteer troops were allowed to enlist in the US Army during the war, which appears to be what Mr. Sassamon and his brother did.

View attachment 496192

That's interesting but why would they want to join the regular infantry? was there better pay or what would the reasons be? Thanks

 

[RedRover]

That's interesting but why would they want to join the regular infantry? was there better pay or what would the reasons be? Thanks

The pay was the same for regulars and volunteer soldiers. The principal difference in the services being the regular officers, of all grades, were appointed rather than elected. A 100 dollar bounty if their regular service would be for at least two full years....

 

[Pennsylvania]

Thanks I very much appreciate your help