15th Artillery Regiment
Shaffer letters
Transcribed and Donated by Donald LeBuis

Shaffer letter No. 1

(handwritten in ink)
(Page 1)
The real reason for my not getting mustered on the 6th of March 1862 was a financial reason. Captain Combs had arranged with a Mr. Munson or a Captain Munson of the 6th to give his son a commission as Second Lieutenant for the consideration of $200 to be paid when the son (Albert L. Munson) was secured in a Lieutenant’s position some $90 had already been paid over to the Captain. The remainder was retained subject to the muster of said Albert L. Munson. He had been elected as junior 2nd Lieutenant at the request of the Captain. It remained for him to be mustered before the balance of the money was paid. He could not be excepted by giving him my place. That was done. I was left out in the cold and decided to fill up the Company which I proceeded to do under difficulties. When I had nearly filled the Company and but 13 more men were wanted, Captain Combs made an effort to sell me out again. Lt. Mott overheard the proposition, sent word to me and I reported it to the Colonel who immediately took
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measures to prevent it. I can only account for his conduct toward me by ascribing it to jealously. The scene at the election for Company Officers had developed the fact that I had more friends in the Company even then, than he had and as his incompetency (sp.) was then demonstrated and his habits were better known, he had gained nothing in their esteem. You will therefore perceive that I was in no way responsible for the delay. Captain Combs was dismissed for incompetency (sp.), drunkeness (sp.) on duty and for conduct unbecoming an officer or a gentleman about 2 months after I was commissioned and mustered and 1st Lt. Geo. P. Mott, was promoted to fill the vacancy and thus I became Senior 1st Lieutenant. Henceforth the utmost harmony prevailed amoung the Company officers but trouble was brewing in higher quarters. The 1st and 2nd Battallions (sp.) were organized into a regiment by consolidating a couple of embryo organizations known as the 2 N. Y. Heavy Artillery and the 2 New York Light Artillery respectively. Samuel Graham, Col. of 2 Heavy, Edward Murray, Colonel of 2 Light. In the consolidation, Samuel
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Graham was made Colonel of the new organization, he having brought the most men though we had not been recruiting as long by two or three months. Edward Murray was made Lt. Colonel. He was disappointed. The disappointment manifested itself when during the winter of 1862 and 63, at his instigation, charges & specifications were preferred against Col. Graham who was deprived of his command and placed in arrest and ordered to seek quarters in the City of Baltimore. I had been detailed to superintend the work of finishing up the slope of the Parapet of the Fort to grade the grounds and otherwise improve them, and consequently had no knowledge of the trouble until the trial was nearly over. Soon as I heard of it and learned the nature of the charges, I sent my compliments to the Colonel and a tender of my sympathies and services if he desired them. He returned his thanks and requested me to call upon him which I did and received from him a full statement of the case as it then stood. I assured him there was but one charge against him which he need fear, but that one being acknowledged by him was fatal as the law
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settled it, but inasmuch as the violation of law was technical only and as the Government and not himself had been the beneficiary, and that the use of the money received was for the purpose of defraying some of the necessary expensed of recruiting and that he had so announced when receiving it, he should show that and then throw himself upon the mercy of the President there being but one course open to the Court. He followed my advise and was ultimately restored to his Command but not without a fight for it. Before the papers reached the President, the Asst. Adj. General at Washington had copied the finding and sentence of the Court, and as an act of friendship and in compliance with Col. Graham’s request forwarded it to him, under seal, through the regular Military channels. When it reached Regimental Head Quarters Lt. Col. Murray opened the letter, or caused it to be opened, made or caused to be made a copy thereof and with it proceeded to Albany and obtained a Commission as Colonel, upon which he was mustered. Others were promoted to fill vacancies this appearing to be made. When the matter was referred to me I denied the validity of the promotions on the ground that
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no vacancy had occurred whereas Lt. Col. Murray could have mustered s Colonel and therefore his muster was illegal and void. Col. Murray called me to account for my opinions. I told him plainly that I did not and could not recognize him as Colonel and I gave my reasons, told him we could not have two Colonels and as yet Samuel Graham was our Colonel, notwithstanding his Commission & Muster. Then he grew angry and threatened me with Court Martial for impudence to my Superior Officer. When I became indignant, invited him to proceed in that direction as quick as he pleased, turned on my heel after bidding him good day and left him. The papers of Col. Graham finally came, “findings approved as in accordance with evidence, sentence confirmed as in accordance with law, but in consideration of the fact the accused made no attempt to appropriate the money received (for appointment of suiter) but used it to defray expense of recruiting, and for the benefit of the Government, the sentence if hereby revoked. Signed A. Lincoln. There it was, plain as day, the same stroke of the pan that approved and confirmed, revoked. There had not been one instant of vacancy. Yet Brig. Gen Morris
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Com’d’g Brigade and Don -----, Chief of Department Staff, held that Col. Graham was a Colonel in the United Stated Military Service but not a Colonel in the Fifth Regiment M. Y. Vol. Artillery. He refused to permit Col. Graham to assume command of his regiment, and Lt. Col. Murray called out a company (C) of troops to escort him off the grounds. This action I denounced as arbitrary insubordination, and said if I was Col. Graham I would have my rights or I would know the reason why, and advised Col. Graham since he had the Brig. Commander and Department Chief of Staff (Commander was absent) against him, he should appeal to the Washington Authorities to issue a Special Order placing him in command, first stating the situation fairly and fully. He did so and the order came. Lt. Col. Murray was ordered to assume his position as Lt. leave his muster as Col. being void for want of a vacancy. That was my position exactly. Col. Graham assumed command and the conspirators set themselves to work to concoct fresh charges and in about three weeks, they had again procured his arrest and he was tried. He disproved the charge but was still held in arrest while Lt. Col. Murray worked his little games to get rid
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of the active friends of Col. Graham and make himself as solid as possible. He hit upon a plan. An examining committee would be just the thing if he could only get one rightly constituted. Of course he could since he had the sympathy of the appointing ------. A committee of three was appointed. Col. Peter A. Porter, of the Eighth N. Y. Heave Art’y was President of the Board. He was a gentleman a scholar and brave soldier. The other two members were detailed from new regiments recently arrived and proved to be born companions of Lt. Col. Murray. I was ordered before that board, together with others. I looked into the matter and had no difficulty in deciding what it meant for me and some others. I was the chief offender. I had refused to acknowledge his promotion. I had counselled (sp.) and advised Col. Graham and had been sustained in opinion by high authority. t meant me plainly, go home, discharged as incompetent. I could read it as plainly as though it were printed on a card. I reported to Col. Porter, told him I should not obey that order and told him why. He asked me a few questions, said I could pass and need fear no board. Told him it would
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not be a question of merit. The mater was already decided. He had but one vote, two against one would win every time. He said if matters were as I said he did not blame me for doing what I proposed. I sent in my resignation, assigning as a reason that I was unwilling to go before a board organized in the interest and at the instigation of an avowed enemy who was anxious to get me out of the regiment and not particular as to the means used. That resignation was detained at Regimental Head Quarters for some 3 days. Col. Graham hearing of it sent for me and besought me to recall it saying he would soon be in command of the Regiment and did not want all his best Officers and warmest friends to leave him. I at first refused but finally consented to withdraw the resignation which I attempted to do the next morning, when the Adjutant was mounted and sent with the document to Department Head Quarters, got the same accepted and on his return net an orderly with the withdrawal letter on his was to Head Quarters. The order of discharge recited that my resignation was accepted “on the ground of confessed incompetency (sp.).” As I had made no such
(Page 9)
confession, and did not fell disposed to let the matter rest there. I obtained form my Captain a certificate of mo efficiency, another from my Colonel and also one from Major Urban, each of whom certified in the most emphatic manner of my competency and general efficiency.

Armed with these and my “discharge” I proceeded to Washington, and laid them before the Adjutant General together with my original draft of resignation with all its erasures, interlineations and corrections, and a statement of the situation of affairs in the regiment. The General told me he was aware of the trouble in the regiment and thought he understood it. He would take the papers, investigate the matter and notify me of the result. I told him I only asked that justice be done and if I had been so stupid as to “confess incompetency (sp.)” where none existed to let it stand as it was, if not, to correct the record. He took my address and in about 3 weeks I received an order revoking the original “acceptance” and granting me an honorable discharge. This, remember, after an investigation and comparison with original resignation, with no outside influences. I left him entirely to
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himself and the records. I stood vindicated. A little later, I was further vindicated. The other Officers went before the board confident of their ability to pass with one exception and he told me he could not answer a single question yet he passed and was the only one who did. He was ordered there as a blind and I told him so. He had not been active in his support Col. Graham, hence had not the incurred the enmity of Lt. Col. Murray. The other Officers who went before the board were discharged for “incompetency (sp.).” Lt. Toplangi (?), one of the “incompetents” a week or two later went before a board of Regular Officers at Washington and was passed for Major. I stood fully vindicated and justified in the course I had pursued.
I have stated a few of the facts that you may know why I was not mustered at the organization, that I was then sold out, and also that you may know why after being mustered I so soon left the regiment. You are at liberty to make such use of this “Statement” as in your judgment may seem proper.
Respectfully submitted
(signed) Calvin Shaffer
Hon. Cha. F. Tracy
Washington,
D.C.
Albany Feb’y 18th 1890

Shaffer letter No. 2

(handwritten in pencil)
(Page 1)
My commission as 1st Let. 5th Regt. H’y Arty., N.Y. Vols. was dated Aug. 9th 1862 with rank from July 31st 1862. I was assigned to Co B of said Regiment where I had been elected as Lieutenant in February of the same year. I performed the duties of First Let. on recruiting service from on or about Jan’y 9th 1862 to Aug. 9th 1862, with Head Quarters at the City of New York, sending men to Co B of said regiment at intervals. I kept with me on such service, as assistants after their enlistment several men whom I had recruited and who were accounted for as members of said company, the papers having been turned over to the Captain of said company though they do not appear to have been accounted for on the Company rolls until July 31st 1862 when they were present with their company and were mustered for pay. I having brought them on from New York, reaching
(Page 2)
the regimental Camp at Fort Marshal, Baltimore Md. on that day in time for Muster. The company had its full compliment of men enlisted prior to July 31st and the company morning report should have shown it and would have done so had the men who were assisting me on recruiting service been properly accounted for on said reports as the enlistment papers were in the possession of Captain Elias Combs then comd’g Co. prior to Aug 9th 1862, and information of their enlistment by me had been conveyed to him prior to August 1st 1862. All the men I recruited were assigned to said Co B, for which they had been recruited. I recruited no men for any other Company then Co B prior to Aug 31st 1862.

Shaffer letter No. 3

(handwritten in pencil)
(Page 1)
On or about Jan 9th 1862
I was authorized by Col. Samuel Graham to recruit men for Co B of the organization then known as the 2nd N.Y. H’vy Art which on muster into the US Service became the 5th Reg H’vy Arty N.Y. Vols, was elected by the men of said Co as 2nd Lt. 1st St. & Capt respectively giving way to others on the three first for reasons satisfactory and accepting Senior Second, Feby 1862, at the time suposing (sp.) all the Lieutenants would be mustered on organization of the Regiment on minimum numbers of men to the company. Albert L. Munson was elected Jr 1st at same company election. On March 6th 1862 the Field and Staff Officers together with a Captain, First and one Second Lieutenant to each Co were mustered into the U.S. Service. I was at the time at the camp assigned to its command for the 24 hours ending at 9 AM March 6th 1862. On presenting my papers for muster I learned to my surprise that but two Lieutenants could be mustered to the company and that the said Munson had been mustered in my absence on duty, in the position to which I had been elected. I had recruited than half the men of the company which the Muster Rolls of the company will show in part. Mr Munson is accredited with one man only and he came to the Office of the Captain should have received the credit for the man. Mr Munson was mustered into the Office to which I had been elected and was entitled. It was the result of a cash transaction between said Munson and Captain Elias Combs, the consideration being $200, nearly half of which had already been paid said Albert L. Munson himself being my informant as to these facts. On being informed of the facts in the case and on my proposition to continue recruiting and filling up the company to its maximum number of men provided I could be protected, Col Samuel Graham gave me
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positive assurance that I should not be sold out again but that he himself would see that I should receive what I was so clearly entitled to as soon as the required number of men was recruited and assured me that I should have a First Lieutenant on the 9th of Aug 1862. The company having then its full compliment of men. In fact the men had been enlisted prior to July 31st 1862, and the papers turned over to the Captain and should have been accounted for in his reports as the men were retained to assist me on recruiting service and relieved from that duty and by myself delivered over in their proper persons together with men for other companies some as altogether then stationed at Fort Marshal, Baltimore Md. on August 31st 1862 when I served faithfully as such First Lieutenant.

Shaffer letter No. 4

(handwritten in pencil)
(Page 1)
On or about Jan’y 20th I united with the Military organization then known as the 2nd New York Heavy Artillery recruiting for the US Military Service Samuel Graham Com’dg and was immediately placed upon recruiting service with the understanding that on the completion of the Regiment I was to be mustered as a First Lieut as we then supposed the four Lieutenants would be mustered on the company having the minimum number of men as the 4th Art’y and other Regiments had done who had preceded us. The Officers were finally mustered in the United States Military Service as the 5th Regt N.Y. Vol. Artillery (Heavy) on or about ------ 1862 while deponent was in command of camp in City of Brooklyn. On being relieved deponent proceeded at once to Head Quarters of Col Geo Bliss Jr then in charge of Vol recruiting service NY Vols and on presentation of papers was surprised to learn that he could not be mustered as the Co was not filled to the maximum number required by law. Up to this time I had recruited about 40 men for the organization most of whom were passed to the credit of the Captain and they so appear upon the records of the company. Still resolved to enter the service deponent resumed recruiting and on or about July 7th 1862, the Co then having the maximum number of men as certified by the Capt and also Col Samuel Graham, I proceeded to Albany and on the 9th of said month was commissioned by the Gov E D Morgan and
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duly mustered on the same day by Major Sprague USA as a First Lt 5th Regt Hvy Art’y NYS Vols. Deponent further says that said Jan’y 20th until Aug. 9th he served faithfully and with the full determination and expectation of entering the US Military Service for the period of three years and in pursuance thereof was mustered as aforesaid at the earliest opportunity. Deponent further says that from said 20th Jan’y to and including the 8th day of Aug 1862 he received no pay from the Government nor any other source that he used his own private funds freely for the benefit of the service a small portion of which only was returned to him.
Deponent further says that he served faithfully with his Regiment until on or about April 13 1863 when owing to malicious persecution on the part of Lt. Col Edward Murray then in temporary command of the Regt he was constrained to resign his official position and returned home. That on or about May 20th he received from the Adgt. NY State authority to recruit for the 12th Arty which being mustered in and consolidated with the 2 Battalions then organizing as a Regiment subsequently known as the 15th Regt Hvy Arty NY Vols whereupon deponent received renewed authority to recruit for said Regt and a Captaincy therein that he continued to so recruit having recruited about 50 men when he was mustered into the U.S. Military Service as Captain of F Co 15th Regt Hvy Art’y on or about Dec 3rd 1863, and served
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therein faithfully until the close of the war being mustered out on or about Aug 20th 1865 and discharged with his regiment at New York City on or about Sept 1st 1865., that deponent received a commission as Major to rank from June 2 1865 but was not mustered thereon but performed the duties of that rank in addition to his duties as Captain during said time that during the Summer & Fall of 1864 he commanded the Artillery Reserve A.P. and had charge of the ammunition train A.P. in addition to his duties as Captain of his said Co. That from said May 20th to& including Dec 2nd Deponent has received no pay for his services and but a small portion of his disbursements in the interests of the service has been returned to him. That deponent has submitted his claim to the Pay Master Generals Department but while acknowledging the justice of the claim rejected it for lack of authority in law. Deponent therefore respectfully but earnestly prays the Congress of the United States for relief and that a law may be passed authorizing the payment of his just claims of pay allowance as 1st Lieut of 5th Regt Hvy Art’y NYS Vols from Jan’y 20th 1862 to Aug 8th 1862 both inclusive. As Capt. 15th Regt Hvy Art’y NY Vols. from May 20th 1863 to Dec 2nd both inclusive.
(signed) Calvin Shaffer

Shaffer letter No. 5

(typewritten carbon copy)
Note: See “Shaffer letter No. 3”
(Page 1)
State of New York, County of Albany
In the matter of the claim of Calvin Shaffer, 15th Reg’t, New York Artillery Vols..
On this 7th day of Dec., 1894, personally appeared before me a Notary Public, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Calvin Shaffer, whose Post Office address is Western Ave. near Allen St., Albany, N.Y., well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to his aforesaid pending claim as follows:
On or about January 9th, 1862, I was authorized by Col. Samuel Graham and Capt. Elias Combs, to recuit (sp) men for Co. B of the organization then known as the 2nd Reg’t Heavy Artillery N.Y. Volunteers, which subsequently and on muster into the U.S.Service became the 5th Regiment Heavy Artillery, N.Y. Volunteers. I was elected by the men of said company Captain, Senior 1st Lieut. Junior 1st and Senior 2nd Lieutenants respectively, having for satisfactory reasons declined the three first and accepted the last, yeilding (sp.) the former to others. I had no doubt at the time by all four lieutenants would be mustered into the U.S.Service, on the Organization showing the minimum number of men for company organization. Albert L. Munson was elected as Junior 2nd Lieutenant, at the same election, which occurred sometime during February 1862. I do not remember the exact date. On March 6th, 1862 the Field and Staff Officers, together with the Captain and first Lieutenant and one second Lieutenant to each company were mustered into the U.S.Service, which completed the Organization with the minimum number of men and it was thereafter known as the 5th Regiment
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Heavy Artillery, N.Y Volunteers. I was at the time of such muster at the camp having been detailed as commandant thereof on March 5th for the 24 hours ending March 6th at 9 o’clock A.M.. On presenting myself for muster after having been relieved from camp duty, I was surprised to learn that but two Lieutenants could be mustered to the company on minimum number of men, and that I could not be mustered because the said Munson had been mustered into the place to which I has been elected. I had recuited (sp.) more than half the number of men in the company which the rolls show only in part as I had accredited my first men to Capt. Elias Combs. Mr. Munson is accredited with but one man and he should properly have accredited to Capt. Combs as he came to his office in response to his advertisement. Said Munson has the position to which I had been elected and was clearly entitled, by not only election, but by services actually and faithfully rendered. It was the result of a cash transaction between the said Munson and Capt. Elias Combs, the consideration being two hundred dollars, nearly half of which had already been paid, the said Munson himself being my informant as to the facts and not denied by Capt. Combs when charged therewith. On being informed of the facts in the case and n my proposition to fill the company to its maximum number of men provided I could be protected against a repetition of the bargain and sale, Col. Samuel Graham gave me positive assurance that I should receive that which I was already so clearly entitled to, and that as soon as the required number of men was recuited (sp.) I should be commissioned and mustered as a First Lieutenant. When I had but nine men to get to
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complete the number, Captain Combs attempted to repeat his formet (sp.) tactics, his negotiations were overheard by Lieut. George P. Mott, who afterwards became Captain, and reported to me. I in return charged the Captain with his faced him with the proof, thus compelling an acknowledgement when I reported to the Colonel, who nobly redeemed his promise, and at his request, on a certificate from the Captain later on, that the requisite number of men were enlisted and were present or properly accounted for, I was commissioned and mustered as a first Lieutenant in said Company B, of said Regiment, where I served faithfully until I resigned and took service in another regiment as Captain, where I served faithfully to the close of the war. Co B of the 5th Regiment had its full complement of men prior to July 31st, 1862 and the company reports should have shown it as the enlistment papers had been forwarded to the Captain though some of the men had been detailed to assist me on recuiting (sp.) service with the knowledge and consent of both Captain Combs and Col. Graham. I brought the men with me into camp on Sunday morning about 11 A.M. at Fort Marshall, Baltimore, Md. and turned them over with other (lined through) men for other companies, about 40 in all, if my memory served me right, to the adjutant, who in turn sent them to the companies for which they had enlisted. Date of arrival, Aug. 31, 1862.
Calvin Shaffer.
Sworn to, and subscribed before me this 7th day of Dec. A.D. 1894
C. H. Zeilman, Notary Public.

Shaffer letter No. 6

(typewritten carbon copy)
Note: See handwritten “Shaffer letter No. 4”)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress Assembled,
That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he hereby is, directed o pay to Calvin Shaffer, of the City and County of Albany, State of New York, late a First Lieutenant, B Co, 5th Regiment, Heavy Artillery, New York Volunteers, the pay and allowance of a First Lieutenant of the Fifth Regiment, Heavy Artillery, New York Volunteers, from the 8th day of January, 1862, to and including the 8th day of August, 1862. Also the pay and allowance as Captain of 15th Regiment, Heavy Artillery, New York Volunteers, from May 22, 1862 to Dec. 2, 1863. the same as allowed all Volunteer Officers at those dates, the same being for faithful official services rendered to the United States before muster.

Shaffer letter No. 7

(typewritten carbon copy)
(Copy)
General Head-quarters, Stat of New York,
Adjutant General’s Office,
Special Order Albany, May 22, 1863.
No. 3468.
Calvin Shaffer having furnished satisfactory evidence of his fitness for a company officer, is hereby authorized to enroll volunteers to serve in the Army of the United States for three years or during the war to be attached to the 13th Regiment of Artillery N.Y.Vol’s. This authorization is granted on the express condition that such enrollment shall be, in all respects, in conformity with the provision of General Order No. 110, War Department Series of 1863 and General order No. 20 from this Department, dated May 6, 1863, together with such other orders and regulations as have been or may be established. When one half a company has been mustered into service, the first Lieutenant thereof can be mustered in, and when the organization of the company is completed the Captain and Second Lieutenant can be mustered in.
By order of the Cammander (sp.)-in-chief,
(signed)
L.S. A.A.Adjutant General.
The foregoing is a true copy of record in the office of the Adj. General,S.N.Y
Albany, Feb. 3, 1890 Col. and A.A.A.

Shaffer letter No. 8

(typewritten carbon copy)
(Copy)
General Head-quarters, Stat of New York,
Adjutant General’s Office,
Special Order Albany, June 11, 1863.
No. 3637.
Calvin Shaffer having furnished satisfactory evidence of his fitness for a company officer, is hereby authorized to enroll volunteers to serve in the Army of the United States for three years or during the war to be attached to the 12th Regiment of Artillery N.Y.Vol’s. This authorization is granted on the express condition that such enrollment shall be, in all respects, in conformity with the provision of General Order No. 110, War Department Series of 1863 and General order No. 20 from this Department, dated May 6, 1863, together with such other orders and regulations as have been or may be established. When one half a company has been mustered into service, the first Lieutenant thereof can be mustered in, and when the organization of the company is completed the Captain and Second Lieutenant can be mustered in.
By order of the Commander-in-chief,
(signed) J.B.Stonehouse,
L.S. A.A.Adjutant General.
The foregoing is a true copy of record in the office of the Adj. General, S.N.Y.
Albany, Feb. 3, 1890. Col. and A.A.A.General

Shaffer letter No. 9

(typewritten carbon copy) (Copy)
General Head-quarters, Stat of New York,
Adjutant General’s Office,
Special Order Albany, July 3, 1863.
No. 3835.
Calvin Shaffer having furnished satisfactory evidence of his fitness for a company officer, is hereby authorized to enroll volunteers to serve in the Army of the United States for three years or during the war to be attached to the 15th Regiment of Artillery N.Y.Vol’s. This authorization is granted on the express condition that such enrollment shall be, in all respects, in conformity with the provision of General Order No. 110, War Department Series of 1863 and General order No. 20 from this Department, dated May 6, 1863, together with such other orders and regulations as have been or may be established. When one half a company has been mustered into service, the first Lieutenant thereof can be mustered in, and when the organization of the company is completed the Captain and Second Lieutenant can be mustered in.
By order of the Commander-in-chief,
(signed) J.B.Stonehouse,
L.S. A.A.Adjutant General.
The foregoing is a true copy of record in the office of the Adj. General,S.N.Y
Albany, Feb. 3, 1890. Col. and A.A.A.General

Shaffer letter No. 10

(handwritten in ink)
Mailed affidavit in application for travel pay June 25th 1894 at Let. 5th He’y Arty NYV.
(signed) Calvin Shaffer

Shaffer letter No. 11

(typewritten carbon copy on letterhead of William W. Durbin)
Special attention given to
Travel Pay, Arrears of Pay, Bounty
and
All Other Claims
before the
Department at Washington.
Always enclose stamp for reply.

- LAW OFFICE OF –
WILLIAM W. DURBIN
(LATE EXAMINER OF CLAIMS, WASHINGTON, D.C.)

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Kenton, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1894.

Calvin Shaffer, Esq.,
#487 Western Avenue,
Albany, New York.
Dear Sir:-
I inclose (sp.) herewith an affidavit in your travel-pay claim which please executr and return to me as soon as possible.
Yours truly,
(signed) W.W. Durbin
(Dictated)

Shaffer letter No. 12

(typewritten carbon copy on letterhead of William W. Durbin)
Special attention given to
Travel Pay, Arrears of Pay, Bounty
and
All Other Claims
before the
Department at Washington.

Always enclose stamp for reply.
- LAW OFFICE OF –
WILLIAM W. DURBIN
(LATE EXAMINER OF CLAIMS, WASHINGTON, D.C.)

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Kenton, Ohio, Dec. 7th 1895.
Calvin Shaffer,
No.487 Western Avenue,
Albany, New York.
Dear Sir:-
I am in receipt of a letter from the Department enclosing duplicate receipts to be signed by you in your claim, both of which you will please sign opposite the cross marks made with pencil, and in the presence of two witnesses, who write, and then return the same to me as soon as possible. The claim is now in process of settlement, and when settled, the Department will insert the amount found due you in the top space, which you will please leave blank. They are sent out now so that they can be signed and returned by the time the claim is settled, so there may be no delay in the payment of the claim.
The Department also requires your discharge order from the 15th New York Heavy Artillery, or, if lost, your statement of that fact over your own signature.
If you employed two private servants other than enlisted men from June 11th, to September 2nd, 1865, please execute and return the inclosed (sp.) affidavit relative to same.
Yours truly,
(signed) W.W. Durbin
(Dictated)

Shaffer letter No. 13

(typewritten carbon copy on letterhead of William W. Durbin)
Special attention given to
Travel Pay, Arrears of Pay, Bounty
and
All Other Claims
before the
Department at Washington.

Always enclose stamp for reply.
- LAW OFFICE OF –
WILLIAM W. DURBIN
(LATE EXAMINER OF CLAIMS, WASHINGTON, D.C.)

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Kenton, Ohio, Dec. 20th, 1895.
Calvin Shaffer, Esq.,
No. 487 Western Avenue,
Albany, New York.
Dear Sir:-
I am in receipt of your letter refusing to sign the duplicate receipts for the reason as you state that I have no concern with your claim. In answer to this you are informed that under the present rulings of the Department whenever a claim and power of attorney is filed, it makes no difference for what the power of attorney is, the attorney is nevertheless recognized as attorney in the whole claim, and it is under this ruling that I have been recognized and I hope you will sign the receipts and send them on, as you undoubtedly wish to receive the money due you. If you have any doubts as to whether I am recognized as your attorney, you are at liberty to write to the Department and they will inform you as to whether I am, or not.
Please send me the receipts, and also if you employed two private servants other than enlisted men from June 11th, to September 2nd, 1865, execute and return the affidavit which I sent you relative to same.
I hope to hear from you by return mail.
Yours truly,
(signed) W.W. Durbin
(Dictated)

Shaffer letter No.14

(typewritten carbon copy on letterhead of W. A. Redmond)
W. A. REDMOND
ATTORNEY AT LAW
McGILL BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D. C.

Capt. Calvin Shaffer, May 20, 08
Albany, N. Y.
My dear Sir:
As I believe there is money due you under the Act of March 4, 1907, on account of your service in the Army, I enclose a declaration for you to make claim for the same. Please sign the declaration and return it to me, with one of the fee agreements, and I will give the case immediate attention.
As you will observe from the enclosed fee agreement, you pay no fee until you receive the check in payment of the claim, when you remit the fee stipulated therein, being 25 per cent. of the sum recovered. I enclose the names of a few clients for whom I have prosecuted similar claims.
Hoping to hear from you at an early date, I am,
Yours truly,
Dictated. (signed) W A Redmond
Enclos.

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