Question About This Recruiting Poster

Bryan_C

First Sergeant
Joined
Jul 21, 2012
Location
North of Fort Stevens, DC
Hello,

This recruitment poster was published by someone in 1861 raising a company of riflemen for the 53rd Ohio Infantry. The poster refers to a "new regulation" of September 27 [1861]. Does anyone know what this regulation was?

Also, I see this recruitment has some pretty sweet incentives- $100 signing bonus and 160 acres.... but in 1861, two years before the draft. Was this kind of incentive common in 1861?

Thanks if anyone can help with answers.

53rd ohio.png
 
Enlistment bounties grew exponentially during the war. Early in 1861 there were essentially none, but began in a small way during the summer ($100 is probably typical for that period). There were at least three levels of bonuses for Union volunteers: Federal, state, and local (town or county). The latter were offered to help meet local quotas ("Credit your enlistment to the quota of the town of Bunglehoot, and we'll give you $150!"). By mid 1864, a volunteer could easily clear $400-$500 for a 3 year enlistment. The MSR cards often list bounty paid/bounty due; note that only refers to the Federal bounty.
 
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