October 3, 1863

THE DRAFT.; Refunding of Commutation

 Money. WAR DEPARTMENT.

Published: October 4, 1863

PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL's OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 27, 1863.

The following rules for the refunding of commutation money and repayment, in whole or in part, of amounts paid for substitutes, will govern in the settlement of outstanding claims of this nature of drafted men who, having been field to service under paragraphs four and five of Circular No. 44, have been of may be subsequently exemated under the provisions of Circulars Nos. 51 and 83 from this office:

I. In the cases of men who were drafted and paid the $300 commutation without being examined; but who, on subsequent nomination, have been or may be found exempt, and claim to be refunded the amount paid.

The Board shall carefully examine each case of this kind, make a full report upon it, and give an opinion with regard to it. They shall then forward this report and opinion, with all the papers in the case, to the Provost-Marshal-General for final orders as to refunding the money.

II. In the case of men who were represented by substitutes in the United States service on the 3d of March, 1863; but who, being drafted under the present draft, paid commutation money, and now claim to be reimbursed for the amount paid:

The Board shall carefully examine each case of this kind, make a full report upon it, and give an opinion with regard to it. They shall then forward this report and opinion, with all the papers in the case, to the Provost-Marshal-General for final orders as to refunding the money.

III. In cases of men who, under the circumstances set forth for the two preceding rules, furnished substitutes in lieu of paying commutation money:

The Board shall carefully examine each case of this kind, make a full a report upon it, and give an opinion with regard to it. They shall then forward this report and opinion, with all the papers in the case, to the Provost-Marshal-General. The Board shall require an affidavit of the principal, as to the amount paid the substitute furnished by him, the time when it was paid, whether to or through a broker or agent, and if so, the name of such broker or agent. He shall also be required to present the receipt taken for such amount, or, if he claims to have no receipt, to make affidavit to that effect.

No refunding of commutation money, or payment for substitutes furnished, shall be made until the original exemption papers granted the principal shall have been destroyed by the Provost-Marshal. The Provost-Marshal's certificate of such fact shall, in all cases, be required by the Receiver of Commutation Money or other Disbursing officer, before refunding the money paid on either account.

JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal-General.

(6-2-2013)