Summary:
Henry Ickes, a Union draft enroller for Bedford County, writes in June, 1863, to Provost Marshal George Eyster, stationed at Chambersburg, concerning resistance to the draft. Ickes reports that several men refused to give the ages of their sons, and declared the draft law unconstitutional. Ickes also reports that resisters burned his sawmill, and requests compensation from the government.

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Capt. GEORGE EYSTER:

SAINT CLAIRSVILLE, BEDFORD COUNTY, PA.,

June 5, 1863.

DEAR SIR:

I must inform you that I commenced enrolling yesterday and I met with resistance. The first half day that I was out four men declined to give me the age of their sons, and said that there was no law to make another draft, and that it was unconstitutional, and if they were drafted they would use powder and lead. The same night my saw-mill was set on fire and burned to ashes, which is a loss to me of at least $600 with the other property that was on it.

I have declined to make the enrollment for the reason that I think that my family and the balance of my property would not be safe. I think the Government should make up my loss, as I was employed by it. I would not risk my life and property and make the enrollment for $1,000.

Please write soon and direct to Saint Clairsville, Bedford County, Pa.

Yours, truly,

HENRY ICKES,
Esquire.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 3, Volume 3, Serial No. 124, Pages 324-325, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.