|Rising of the People, Library of Congress| |Wm H. Velsor,
Volunteer Enlistment| 150 years ago this past week, William H.
Velsor (Feb 1823-11 Oct 1871) was on his way to Washington D.C.
to serve with the 133rd New York Infantry, 2nd Metropolitan
Guards in the U.S. Civil War. My attic is sadly lacking a
photograph of William whether in uniform or not. Is it possible
to convey his military service in the absence of his visage? In
1862, the Civil War was losing its appeal. The reality of war
was sinking in and recruiting had become difficult. Was William
inspired to serve by the verses in "Rising of the People: Drum
Tap Rattle through the Land"? Perhaps patriotic duty called. As
a butcher, William could scarcely have wanted more work. "By the
summer of 1862, Illinois alone was forwarding two thousand head
[of cattle] a week [to New York City]."(Gotham, 874) William
volunteered for service at the age of 39 with a wife and young
family at home. Were bounties an incentive for his enlistment?
Soldiers received $100