ORIGINAL CONFEDERATE ARMY NOTICE OF CONSCRIPTION
Marietta, GA: Headquarters Volunteer and Conscript Bureau, 1863. Original conscription notice from Confederate Army Brigadier General, Gideon J. Pillow, mounted with a Motes & Moore photograph of a Confederate Battleflag. The notice measures 7.25 in. x 7 in. (as mounted) and shows age toning, creasing, and a small brown stain at the bottom. The notice was previously folded into quarters. The photograph measures ~3.4 x 5.8 in. (5 in. x 7 in. a mounted) and is in Very Good condition with age toning and very light wear to corners and edges. Assemblage is professionally mounted and framed (measuring 16.3 in. x 11 in.). Wood frame in Very Good condition with 2 in. chip along the top edge. JL Consignment. Shelved in DuPont.
1384844
Shelved Dupont Bookstore
Price: $8,000
NOTES
Gen. Gideon Pillow’s Conscription Efforts
Based upon an authorization from the War Dept., Braxton Bragg created the Volunteer and Conscript Bureau or the Army of Tennessee on January 16, 1863, with Gen. Gideon Pillow as head. He rounded up stragglers, deserters, and men avoiding conscription using four companies of cavalry and details of officers from various regiments. He scoured counties in TN and AL, returning to the army thousands of men away without leave. Despite conflicts with the existing conscription bureau, he persisted he also brought in foodstuffs and even slaves to serve as teamsters, freeing up 2,000 detailed white men for combat.
Pillow’s activity was stunningly effective. In early January the Army of Tennessee numbered perhaps 25,000 men. By April By April 10 there were 49,401 effectives. with 65,077 men present. (This includes 3,500 reinforcements of Maj. Gen. Earl Van Doren’s Cavalry that arrived in April)