This letter was composed by Lockhart Davenport (1818-1875) of Hinsdale, Cheshire county, New Hampshire. According to the 1860 US Census, Davenport was involved in the lumbering business. He was also evidently tasked by his county or the provost marshal office to apprehend draft evaders in Canada or to locate military-age men willing to accept bounties offered by county governments to fulfill their draft quotas. Davenport’s letter discloses that the prevailing rate in New Hampshire for conscript substitutes was $565 and was projected to exceed $600 before the county quota could be fulfilled.

Davenport wrote the letter to Warren Snow Barrows (1824-1888) of Hinsdale, Cheshire county, New Hampshire. He was married in May 1856 to Maria L. Walker of Keene, Cheshire county, New Hampshire.

Transcription

West Lebanon [New Hampshire]
December 2, 1863

W. S. Barrows, dear sir,

I sent you a telegram this morn. I have just returned from Canada with no success except getting out safely. Men are selling today for $565 each. Nims of Keene returned home last night. Has put in no men but thought he should be instructed to put in one half or more and run their chances about there being another draft. That would be my opinion in regard to the way for us to pursue. You will please write me tomorrow as I must go home Saturday.

H[enry] O[scar] Coolidge went home this morn without doing anything. I think men will be worth $600 but some think they will be less. Yours in haste, — L. Davenport

P. S. We have about 30 men to enlist this a.m. all taken up last night & are now rushing in to the office and being short of office help I have got yp help. Else I would write more. — L. D.

Telegram

“No men can be had for less than five hundred sixty-five dollars. What shall I do? If put them in, say so today. I have written you this morning.” — L. Davenport