Drafting In Connecticut

We copy the following articles from the Hartford Times:

Men who had hitherto been supposed to be in the enjoyment of perfect health, were found, to the astonishment and grief of their friends, to be so afflicted with chronic complaints, as to render them unfit for militia duty.  Physician’s “Certificates” were in great demand both in this and adjoining towns.  Many, who had been regarded as enjoying the vigor of youth, were found to be on the shady side of five-and-forty, and on the other hand, many of our youth were found to be yet in their “teens,” even those who had claimed for themselves the rights and privileges of manhood.  ‘Twas no use to say that those drafted would not be called into active serviced, the very word seemed filled with horrors unspeakable.

In Stratford, where 29 men were called for, the drafting took place yesterday (Thursday.)  We learn that there was quite an excitement over the matter in that quiet town.

Drafting also took place yesterday in Trumbull, where 18 was the number called for.

The New Haven Journal of the 30^th, speaks of the effect of the drafting in other localities as follows:

The victims of the “active” militia draft are showing a decided “activity” in getting their names off the list.  Of the 127 drafted of New London, all but nineteen had, from one pretext or another, begged off at the end of the week.

Ten men were drafted in Salem.  All of them got excused on the score of not being “able-bodied.”  The Selectmen will now have to draw ten more.

Out of the twenty-six persons drafted in Preston, twenty-three have already either paid up or got excused.

The Middletown Sentinel says that the entire quota of men drafted in East Hampton, paid their fines, as they didn’t like to be soldiers.

The number drafted in Meriden was 78, of whom 60 have already paid their fines, rather than serve the state.

LEDYARD. – Out of twenty men drafted in Ledyard under the provisions of the military law, thirteen stood, three paid their fine of $10, and four were proved to be exempt.  A new draft of seven men were to supply the deficiency.

– Published in The Dubuque Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 7, 1862, p. 2