Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-07-28
Representative Recruits.

We notice that in many of the cities OF the
Union general and earnest movement is be-
ing inaugurated by persons not fit for militia
~ duty and not liable to draft on account
OF age or other causes, to furnish represent
atlve recruits" for the army. We consider
this an excellent idea and well worthy of en-
couragement and commentator.
In every city, town, and hamlet of the loyal
North men of wealth and ardent patriotism
are to be found in considerable numbers who
are exempt from the military service of the
country, who could with a little patriotic eff
to their well-fled purses, furnish to the
country a soldier as their immediate repre-
sentative in the Union army.
The beneficial results from this course, if
generally adopted, would be almost incaleula-
BILE. 1t would Immediately increase our
army by many thousand effective men, and
kindle anew the fire of patriotism throughout
the length and breadth of the North. Men
who from advanced age or other circumstance
es, have as it were kept aloof from an active
participation in measures necessary in every
community to furnish the material of war,
would be encouraged to let their voices be
heard and their infuunce felt in seeking out
persons who, with the proper pecuniary in
ducement afforded, would gladly avail them
selves of the opportunity to 60 forth to bat
tie for their country.
The effect would be contagious. All class
es would be more or less influenced by the
example. The young men would be inspired
by this conduct of their grey haired sires,
and not wishing to be outdone by the old aud
infrm in patriotic effort to restore our coun-
try, would rally around the flag.
The War Department, induced by the nu-
merous offers of recruits from this source
already made, have specially instructed the
Provost Marshals to furnish all the facility in
their power to enlist and muster promptly all
such representative rec1'uits as may be presented
Who among the exempts of Madison will
first initiate this patriotic proceeding There
are many who ought to do it. Fifty men
might be raised in this manner in this city
within the next sixty days or less. Individ-
ual effort in this direction will accomplish
wonders. And we venture the assertion,
that no man who undertakes to furnish his
representative recruit will fail in his object.
The name of the person who furnishes the
descriptive roll, and from thence will be car
ried forward to other official records which
form the military history Of his Representatives
Suitably prepared certificates of this personal
representation in the service will be Issued by
Provost Marshals to those persons who fur
nish to the army such representative recruit.
Persons who are liable to draft can under GER
tain regulations and restrictions in advance
of the draft furnish their substitute and thus
be relieved from its operation during the time
of service of their substitute
We hope our citizens, whether exempt or
not, will take hold of this matter Practic-
ally it amounts to this: If you are exempt
and furnish to the Government your repre-
sentative recruit,you have the proud conscious
ness of contributing directly a soldier to the
army which is to save the Republic, and of
emitting your name to be inscribed upon the
roll of honor. If, on the other hand, you are
liable to respond when the Government calls
for more men, you can now, at your leisure,
procure your substitute, have him mustered
into the service and thereby secure your dis
charge from the impending draft