or $300 to Collector of Internal Revenue
Apparently some shrewd lawyers and agents were trying to make a buck by representing newly drafted men for exemption claims. Auburn, New York’s Provost Marshal said that representation was unnecessary – the conscripts can completely trust the Board of Enrollment.
From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1863:
To Drafted Men.
HEADQUARTERS PROVOST MARSHAL,
24th District, N.Y.,
AUBURN, July 28th, 1863.
In answer to many inquiries, notice [is] hereby given:
1. That those drafted on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th insts., will be required to report in person at these headquarters on the named in the notice that will be served upon them.
2. Persons drafted can furnish substitutes and can pay the $300 after as well as before examination, and a reasonable time – hereafter to be announced – will be given for this purpose. The Collector of Internal Revenue, W.A. Halsey, Esq., to whom the $300 is to be paid, is now engaged in perfecting arrangements to promote the convenience of parties who elect to pay the amount instead of procuring substitutes.
3. The employment of attorneys or agents to secure the rights of drafted men and argue their claims of exemption, is entirely unnecessary, and will be discountenanced by the board. Drafted men are cautioned against being imposed upon by parties who seek to obtain fees for pretended services in their behalf.
The Board of Enrollment regard it their duty to see that every person whom the law exempts shall be exempted, and they will be equally particular to conserve the rights of the individual and the claim of the Government.
4. Drafted men are in the service by fact of draft. They cannot afterward enlist; but may be assigned by the Government to particular regiments.
J.N. KNAPP, Provost Marshal,
and President of Board of Enrollment.
