9 October 1864: “The General has noticed the large number of men (apparently ablebodied soldiers) who frequent the numerous wagon camps and detached encampments”

Item Description: Circular ordering officers to return men on detached duty to their respective regiments and to make sure that men who are not fit for active duty are assigned jobs within their regiments.

18641009_01

Item Citation: Folder 18 of the T. L. Clingman Papers, #157, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription:

Hd Qrs Army of No Va

October 9th, 1864

“Circular”

With a view to increase the effective strength of this army which is regarded as the first importance at this time the Commanding General directs that you will supervise the rolls of all the enlisted men on detached duty under your immediate control and of those serving with subordinate officers of your department and cause all to be returned to duty with their respective commands who shall not be declared by a board of army surgeons to be physically disqualified for duty in the ranks.

The General has noticed the large number of men (apparently ablebodied soldiers) who frequent the numerous wagon camps and detached encampments to be met with in the rear during an engagement with the enemy and he does not think there can be any indispensable service which necessitate the absence of these men from their regiments.

Those who are not are not capable of performing active service must be selected to perform the duties of ?, Field Hospital attendants, Forage Masters, Couriers, the like and this relieve the strong men for service in the ranks.  This is an important matter and the Commanding General expects your earnest cooperation to accomplish the object desired.

Very respectfully Your Obedient Servant,

W. H. Taylor

A. A. General

(Signed)

Officer

Jas McAdams

Inspector General

Clingman’s Brigade

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