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Letter to Editor
September 1, 1807
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A Portsmouth, NH resident submits a letter to the Secretary of War questioning if volunteers can replace draftees for the U.S. quota of 100,000 militia men. Secretary Henry Dearborn replies affirmatively, preferring all volunteers over drafts.
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Full Text
MINUTE MEN!
Messrs. Printers,
For the information of the Public, you will please to give the following copy of a letter to the Hon. Secretary of War, and his answer, a place in your paper.
A Customer.
Portsmouth, N. H. August 10, 1807.
To the Hon. Secretary of War.
Dear Sir,
THERE is a difference of opinion existing in this State respecting the propriety or impropriety of receiving volunteers as a part of the quota of the 100,000 men ordered to be raised by the President of the United States. There has been several instances of Soldiers offering themselves as Volunteers, towards making a part of the 100,000 men above mentioned, and with a view to supersede the necessity of drafting, and these men have been refused! because the Officers alledged it was not legal, as the President’s orders were “They should be drafted!” Therefore, the question you are respectfully solicited to solve, is whether the officer, for the time being, can accept any part of his company as volunteers in lieu of drafting? As for instance, a captain has orders to draft 25 men from his company, when 25 men belonging to said company, instantly step forward and volunteer their services, to prevent the necessity of drafting. Cannot these men be accepted, instead of drafting 25? An answer under your own hand will satisfy the doubts of many, and confer a favor on your very obedient servant.
The SECRETARY’s ANSWER.
War Department, August 18, 1807.
Sir, I have to state in reply to yours of the 10th instant, that there can be NO DOUBT as to the AUTHORITY and PROPRIETY of ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS in ALL CASES where they offer. It would be very desirable that EVERY MAN should be a VOLUNTEER, instead of being drafted.
I am, very respectfully, Sir,
Your obedient servant.
H. DEARBORN.
Messrs. Printers,
For the information of the Public, you will please to give the following copy of a letter to the Hon. Secretary of War, and his answer, a place in your paper.
A Customer.
Portsmouth, N. H. August 10, 1807.
To the Hon. Secretary of War.
Dear Sir,
THERE is a difference of opinion existing in this State respecting the propriety or impropriety of receiving volunteers as a part of the quota of the 100,000 men ordered to be raised by the President of the United States. There has been several instances of Soldiers offering themselves as Volunteers, towards making a part of the 100,000 men above mentioned, and with a view to supersede the necessity of drafting, and these men have been refused! because the Officers alledged it was not legal, as the President’s orders were “They should be drafted!” Therefore, the question you are respectfully solicited to solve, is whether the officer, for the time being, can accept any part of his company as volunteers in lieu of drafting? As for instance, a captain has orders to draft 25 men from his company, when 25 men belonging to said company, instantly step forward and volunteer their services, to prevent the necessity of drafting. Cannot these men be accepted, instead of drafting 25? An answer under your own hand will satisfy the doubts of many, and confer a favor on your very obedient servant.
The SECRETARY’s ANSWER.
War Department, August 18, 1807.
Sir, I have to state in reply to yours of the 10th instant, that there can be NO DOUBT as to the AUTHORITY and PROPRIETY of ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS in ALL CASES where they offer. It would be very desirable that EVERY MAN should be a VOLUNTEER, instead of being drafted.
I am, very respectfully, Sir,
Your obedient servant.
H. DEARBORN.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Political
What themes does it cover?
Military War
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Volunteers
Drafting
Militia Quota
Secretary Of War
Henry Dearborn
Portsmouth Nh
1807
What entities or persons were involved?
A Customer
Messrs. Printers
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Customer
Recipient
Messrs. Printers
Main Argument
inquires if military officers can accept volunteers from their company in place of drafting men to meet the president's quota of 100,000; secretary dearborn confirms volunteers can and should be accepted preferentially.
Notable Details
Difference Of Opinion In New Hampshire On Volunteer Acceptance
Examples Of Soldiers Volunteering To Avoid Drafting But Being Refused
President's Order For 100,000 Men To Be Drafted
Secretary Emphasizes No Doubt On Authority To Accept Volunteers