Dated “Head Quarter Draft Rendezvous/ Long Island Boston Harbor /December 24^th 1863.” One page in ink on lined paper, 9.75 x 7.5” Exhibits fold-marks, else VG.

Text: “Special Orders / No 136.

V. Private Joseph Kelson Volunteer Recruit for the 27^th is hereby transferred from the 3^rd Vol. Detachment Capt. Smith Comdg. And assigned to the Colored Detachment Lt. Deane Comdg. For the 54^th Mass. Vols. / by order of Brig. Genl. Devens…”

Joseph Kelson was a 22-year-old Laborer, resident of Peru, mustered into Co. “A”, 54^th Massachusetts Colored Infantry, 12/17/ 1863. He died of disease in Georgetown, SC, 5/4/1865.

Just what prompted the transfer of a recruit ostensibly destined for the 27^th” to the 54^th Massachusetts is impossible to say. In any case, an interesting 54^th Mass. recruiting document, inviting further research.  [JP] [ph:L]

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