Research


Administrative History

These records were initially compiled pursuant to Chapter 113, Laws of 1863 which required the Bureau of Military Statistics, in addition to other duties, to "collect and preserve...an account of the aid afforded by the several towns and counties of this state."

In response to this directive, the bureau printed up several different forms designed to accumulate the data required by the statute. Many of these forms are contained within the series. In 1865, the Legislature further specified the type of information which the bureau was to collect. (This statute, Chapter 690, also changed the name of the Bureau of Military Statistics to the Bureau of Military Record. However, Chapter 665 of the Laws of 1866 changed the name back to the Bureau of Military Statistics). Through additional blank forms distributed to local officials the bureau was to obtain a "detailed statement of moneys raised and of moneys paid for every purpose connected with the war, by towns, cities and counties, as well as by loans and by tax, classified by years and objects, the number of men raised..., the number of men to whom bounty has been paid, and the rate of bounty per man..." Furthermore, the law compelled town clerks, town supervisors, county treasurers, mayors, and common councils to answer these questionnaires and return them to the bureau.