Warren County infantry recruitment — 1813

Lieutenant Charles Harrison of the 113th Regiment U.S. Infantry set up a Warren County recruiting operation at A. Emmons Inn at “Glenns-Falls” during the War of 1812.

He was looking for “able-bodied” men “of zeal and honor” who were between the ages of 18 and 45, The Warren Republican reported on Sept. 23, 1813, in an article preserved in the Austin W. Holden scrap books archived at The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library.

Recruits received $20 — the equivalent of $374 in 2023 dollars — upon signing, and another $20 when joining the regiment.

“He shall also receive neat and handsome clothing of all kinds, immediately.”

The enlistment term was for five years, or the duration of the war, whichever the soldier preferred.

Pay was $8 per month plus rations.

There was a greater incentive than pay.

“He shall furthermore receive, and have guaranteed to him, 100 acres of excellent land to be laid out and located at public expense — or if he should die in the service, the heirs or representatives shall be entitled to the same.”

Some who enlisted had their regrets, according to a separate report in the same Warren Republican issue, the article datelined Plattsburgh, Sept. 18.

“A soldier belonging to the artillery was shot on Thursday last for desertion. He, with another in company, deserted from Cumberland-head and were taken on their way from the lines. Both were condemned, but one was reprieved.”