September 14, 1864
The Draft to Commence on Monday - Stand From Under. - There is no longer any doubt but the draft is coming. Col. Ely, the Provost Marshal General of this State, yesterday received the following telegram from Washington:
War Department.
Provost Marshal General's Office,
Washington, D. C. , Sept. 12, 1864.
Col. John Ely, A.A.P.M.General, Wheeling, West Va.:
Commence the draft on Monday, the 19th inst., beginning, as far as practicable, in those deficient districts and sub-districts where there is the least volunteering going on. The quota of every sub-district under the present call must be filled, and the draft will be continued until it is so filled, either by volunteering or drafting.
(Signed)
James B. Fry,
Provost Marshal Gen'l .
In accordance with this telegram and order similar to the following has been sent to Capt. James Evans o the 2d, and Captain James A. Smith of the 3rd district:
Acting Ass't Pro. Mar. Gen'l Office,
State of West Virginia.
Wheeling, Sept. 13, 1864.
Capt. Benj. B. Stone, Provost Marshal, 1st District, West Virginia.
Captain: In accordance with directions from Brig. Gen. James B. Fry, Provost Marshal General, dated Washington, D. C., Sept, 12, 1864, (a copy of which is herewith enclosed,) you will commence the draft in the 1st District West Virginia, on Monday September 19, 1864. Beginning so far as practicable in those deficient Counties and Sub Districts of your District where there is the least volunteering going on.
The quota of every sub-district under the present call must be filled, and the draft be continued until it is so filled, either by volunteering or drafting.
By order of,
John Ely,
Col. & A.A.P.M. Gen. W.Va.
Wetzel county in this district owes 125 men, Pleasants 39, Wirt 45, Ritchie 24, Doddridge 63, Gilmer 44 and Calhoun 23. Other counties are somewhat behind but all except those named expect to fill up before the draft reaches them. The draft will commence in Wetzel first, and will continue its operations in the counties from which the least number of men have been furnished and in which the least efforts are being made to furnish volunteers.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: September 1864