Muster Card Question

[huskerblitz]

Hopefully someone can clarify a couple of things for me on Union muster cards.

My understanding is a recruit would sign up (the join and enrolled part of muster card) and then later be mustered in at a particular date (in this case Jan 18, 1862).

So if that is correct, why would he be listed as Deserted Dec 1, 1861 if he hadn't been officially mustered in yet?

Thanks for the help.

 

[UCVRelics]

This is just the Company record or monthly return for the month of Jan 18th 62. Not the original muster in date but just the monthly company report. It shows him as deserted in Dec 61. Hope that helps answer your question.

 

[huskerblitz]

Not really. Still trying to understand the differences in dates and what took place between the dates of enrollment and muster-in dates.

 

[UCVRelics]

I believe this is just a company monthly report and not the mustering date of when the unit was formed. What unit is this and who deserted?

 

[huskerblitz]

22nd Ky and it's a card of my relative. Either way I think it was reported in error. He was sick in the Ashland hospital very early in 1862 and the desertion is never mentioned again.

 

[lelliott19]

Looks like he joined for duty and enrolled Oct 1, 1861.
Deserted Dec 1, 1861 from Camp Swigert
And the Roll is dated Jan 18, 1862.

I believe you will have to check the regimental records for the Muster-in date of the Company/regiment as these are often not listed on each individual soldiers' cards.

 

[UCVRelics]

what company was he with?

 

[huskerblitz]

My wife offered for us to take a road trip to Kentucky and the Kentucky Military History Museum is on the menu. They have records for Union regiments of Kentucky, just not sure what they have at this point. Which is why I bring this up. I want to make sure a trip there is worth my time since we are talking about a 14-hour drive.

 

[huskerblitz]

what company was he with?

Started out in Co. I then transferred to Co. G, same as his brother.

 

[lelliott19]

There's a note on a card for Jacob Martin of Co F 22nd KY (pages 2-3 of his file) that mentions date of muster-in for Co F as Dec 12th. He "Joined for duty and enrolled" on Dec 2 1861.

 

[UCVRelics]

here is the muster in and descriptive roll from the 22nd. This is the one that was used when the unit was formed and mustered in. The other was just a monthly muster report. Whats his last name and I will see what I can find on him.

 

[huskerblitz]

Possible I suppose. I know the regiment was partly consolidated with another to make a full regiment. And only part of the regiment was available to take part in the engagement at Middle Creek, actually only 3 companies made the trip. Suppose I should refresh my mind by looking at the regiment's abstract cards and see what they say.

 

[huskerblitz]

here is the muster in and descriptive roll from the 22nd. This is the one that was used when the unit was formed and mustered in. The other was just a monthly muster report. Whats his last name and I will see what I can find on him.
View attachment 139988

This is Enrolled Militia, not the regiment.

 

[UCVRelics]

If I had his name I could find his records. I was just trying to show you what a Mustering In roll looks like.

 

[huskerblitz]

David Burton, as seen in my sig.

 

[UCVRelics]

Here is his records. If you look at the next monthly muster it shows him in the hospital not a deserter. Hope this helps.

 

[57th Indiana Infantry]

Muster in - To call (troops) together, as for inspection (we got marching orders, Let's Roll)

Ten cards in the file, seven different copyist's, but the card in question is/was designed to show Company Muster-in Roll on Jan. 18, 1862. The copyist (Poe) added the remark "Deserted" after David Burton's enlistment and before first roll call.

Huskerblitz, you'll need to figure out, if possible, what David Burton was doing on Dec. 1st, 1861. Was he ill and bed ridden, did he walk out of camp and run back home for a few days?

David Burton
Oct. 1st 1861 - Enrolled, enlisted, joined for duty (they have him for 3 years)
Jan. 18, 1862 - Muster in, assemble, gather, inspect the troop (roll call).
Dec. 1, 1861 - Deserted, away, left.
Feb. 18, 1862 - Present
April 30, 1862 - absent (in hospital in Ashland, Ky)
June 15, 1862 - rejoined Company
July 1st, 1862 - tranfered from Co. I to Co. G

Enlisted Oct. 1st, 1861 at Grayson, Ky.
Mustered in (Roll Call) 18 Jan 1862 at Camp Buell, Johnson Co., KY
No specific date - Hospital in Ashland, Ky

 

[huskerblitz]

Huskerblitz, you'll need to figure out, if possible, what David Burton was doing on Dec. 1st, 1861. Was he ill and bed ridden, did he walk out of camp and run back home for a few days?

Thank you, that's just what I'm trying to figure out.