paperwork

[rgr44]

Does anyone know what type of paperwork (if any) a soldier was suppose to keep on his person (ie enlistment papers, etc)? Also, other than some sutlers is there a place to find reproduction paperwork? Thanks

Nate Collins

[BobSullivanPress]

An enlisted soldier would not have any particular paperwork on his person or in his possession with the possible exception of a pass or furlough. Enlistments, and other forms of paperwork would be kept someplace else.

And yes, I do know of an excellent source of reproduction paperwork but unfortunately, I suppose I'd be a sutler.

[ACWCalligrapher]

Nate Collins,

You wrote:

Does anyone know what type of paperwork (if any) a soldier was suppose to keep on his person (ie enlistment papers, etc)? Also, other than some sutlers is there a place to find reproduction paperwork? Thanks

Nate Collins

Greetings. New here but, I came across your inquiry.

Any soldier could have had writing paper, dip pen, pencil (without eraser), journal, on his person. Journals often had blank pages for notes but, at times it could have acted as a receipt book. Enlistment papers, would have more than likely gone to someone they knew, e.g. parents, relatives, friend or an attorney to hold. Passes, furlough papers, sick call's prescription, letters from home, from friends, from business partners and unsent letters to home or from them. Military passes, railroad passes, boat transport passes, 'safe-guard' passes (which are an officer's written expression and authority to be placed as a safe guard at someone's business or house, when the enemy came, the safe guard would show their pass. The courtesy was, to relieve or stand guard with the safe guard until that individual was excorted to return to their own Army.

That said, soldiers on duty as couriers would be in possession of orders, notes, mail and such, working from the head-quarters as staff.

Have you by chance, considered learning how to write in 'the period style?"

Respectfully,
M. E. Weyraugh