This is a copy of a document authorizing a Substitute Volunteer Enlistment for Ferdinand Lavigne to replace Freeland Hutchinson in the Union Army during the US Civil War. The copy was sent to Dave Carlsen by Joe Terrien, Bristol, CT. Also with the document was a family group sheet showing Fredinand LAVIGNE, b. 16 June 1847, Stanfold, Arthabaska, Quebec. When he enlisted, he was 16 years old and born in Canada, contrary to statements in the enlistment document. He was residing in Island Pond, Vermont before he enlisted. He served for two years, then lived in Massachusetts until 1872, when he returned to Quebec to marry Marie DUBREUIL. He died on 6 Sep 1918 in Quebec.

Freeland Hutchinson was born 14 Aug 1831 in Norway, Oxford County, Maine and moved to Coos County, New Hampshire about the time of his marriage in 1857. At the time of Ferdinand's enlistment, Freeland was 32 years old and his wife Adrianna had given birth in 1863 to their youngest child, Annie. According to a history of Milan, New Hampshire, by Avis A. Croteau, et. al., Freeland and his family lived on the Cogswell Road on Milan Hill, where he took much interest in village affairs. He was elected to the State legislature in 1874. He died sometime after 1880.

Following is the text of the document:

(No. 40.)
SUBSTITUTE
VOLUNTEER ENLISTMENT

STATE OF New Hampshire, TOWN OF Lebanon

I, Farginam Levine born in the State of Vermont, aged nineteen years, and by occupation a Laborer Do HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have agreed with Freeland Hutchinson, Esq, of Berlin Coos County New Hampshire to become his SUBSTITUTE in the Military Service, for a sufficient consideration paid and delivered to me, on the 7th day of November, 1863; and having thus agreed with said Freeland Hutchinson, I DO HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have enlisted this 7th day of November, 1863, to serve as a Soldier in the Army of the United States of America, for the period of THREE YEARS, unless sooner discharged by proper authority: I do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations, and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for soldiers. And I do solemnly swear that I will bear true and faithful allegiance to the United States of America; that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the Officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.

Sworn and subscribed to, at Lebanon
this 7th day of November 1863.
[signed] M. G. Conners
Justice of the Peace

[signed] (X) His Mark, Farginam Levine

We certify, on honor, That we have carefully examined the above-named Volunteer Substitue agreeable to the Regulations, and that, in our opinion, he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity which would in any way disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier; that he was entirely sober when he enlisted; that he is a lawful age, (not under 18 years;) and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied soldier, and as a Substitute in lieu of Freeland Hutchinson, drafted in New Lebanon September 16, 1863, we have strictly observed the Regulations which govern [enlistments.] This soldier has hazel eyes, Bro hair, Light complexion; is 5 feet 4 1/2 inches high.

[signed] Christian Pike
[signed] Francis A. Faulkner
[signed] Dixi Crosby

Board of Enrollment,
Third Dist. of N. H.

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This page last updated: 21 April 2011