Talking About That Recruiting Poster-- Part 1" Less Time and Safer

The posters serves as a great primary source as it gives a good account of service in the Union's Civil War Navy.

First off, joining the Navy was a good way to avoid getting drafted by the Conscription Bill (the Draft). Getting drafted meant going into the Army and generally, being on a ship is safer than fighting on land, especially considering the weakness of the Confederate Navy. Plus, you had a guaranteed place to sleep and food.

I'm not sure of the date of the poster, but the CWNC had it in the September 1863 section. They wanted 1,000 men to enlist for just 12 months. I think at the time, Army enlistees were joining either for 3 years or duration of the war. So, you wouldn't have to serve as long. But, I'm sure, recruiting officers would push for the longer enlistments.

--Old B-R'er