[source: regimental letters book]
Head Quarters 91st Regt Penna Vols.
Lieut B. J. Tayman
Adjutant 91st Regt Penna Vols
Lieutenant
I have the honor to submit the following report in the case of William T Pritchett who was mustered into Co "G" 91st Regt Penna Vols on the 2nd day of October 1861 by Captain Dye U.S.A. and who has been arrested at Philadelphia as a deserter.
He was enrolled in the Compy along with a few of his young friends by Lieut James H Closson of Co G and was mustered into the Service as above stated. He never reported himself at Camp nor could his friends of the Compy and Several Guard details who were sent for succeed in finding him Lieut Closson then called at his fathers [sic] house (Mr Pritchett) to see weather [sic] he could gain any clue to his whereabouts, the Lieut saw and conversed with Mrs. Pritchett who said she did not know his whereabouts and that he was unable to do Military Duty on account of weakness in the eyes and added something in reference to a substitute. A few days after the above visit Mr. Pritchett did appear at camp with a man who [sic] he offered as a substitute for his son. I spoke to the Colonel [sc. Edgar Gregory] and Major [sc. George Todd] on the subject both of whom advised the taking of the substitute providing he would pass the Surgeon the man was found capable and then he was regularly mustered into the Service.
I had no authority to drop the name of William T. Pritchett which had already been placed on the Muster Roll at the Office of the Mustering Officer (Lieut Col Reiff) and could not be erased unless by an order from the War Department.
I am now aware that the taking of the substitute was done very irregular [sic] but at that time I acted as I thought for the good of the Service as I had made every effort to find Pritchett and did not succeed Lately having been called upon for a list of the Deserters of my Compy and the name of William T Pritchett being among the number, I consequently forwarded it.
In regards to the paper given to Mr Pritchett I would say that it had refference [sic] entirely to publishing in the Public Newspapers as there had been several deserters from Col Rushs [sic] 6th Regt Pa Cav. published in the papers about that time.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Eli G Sellers
Cap. Commdg Co G
(Received the above Nov 21st 1863)
Head Quarters 91st Regt Penna. Vols
Camp near Paole Mills Va November 21st 1863
L Thomas
A General U.S.A.
Sir
In compliance with orders dated Adjt Generals Office Washington DC Nov 10th 1863
I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of E. G. Sellers Captain of Co G of this command in the case of Foster [sic] Pritchett of Philadelphia [perhaps Foster Pritchett is the father]
I am General &c
E. M. Gregory
Col Commanding
[source: regimental orders book]
Head Quarters 91st Regt Penna Vols
November 21st 1863
Circular
The troops of this Corps will be reviewed by General Sykes this day. Company Commanders will see that every man not on duty be ready and everything in complete order. the commands to appear without Knapsacks or Haversacks
One relief only of the camp Guard to be left in camp the line will be formed at 11 30 am precisely
By order of
E. M. Gregory
Col Commdg
B. J Tayman
Adjutant
[source: regimental orders book]
War Dept
Adjt Genl's. Office
Washington's [sic] Nov 21st 1863
Special Orders No 518 (Extract)
x x x
8. 1st Lieut James Delavan 91st PV having been absent from duty over six months is hereby honorably discharged the Service of the United States on account of Physical disability with conditions that he shall recieve [sic] no final payment until he has satisfied the Pay Dept that he is not indebted to the Government
x x x
By order of the
Secty of War
(Sgnd) E. D Townsend
A A Genl
Hd Qrs 2nd Div 5 Corps
Nov 23 1863
Official
(Sgnd) J P Martin
Capt & A A A Genl