Talking About That Recruiting Poster-- Part 2

Continued from Sepember 26th.

What was the Navy offering? So far, it was safer, food and shelter guaranteed, and less time to be served. Then, the recruiting poster went on to list what the sailor could earn. Ordinary Seamen pay was comparable to the Army at $14 a month, but an experienced seaman could earn $4 more and landsmen (no sea experience) $2 less. And, as a bonus, sailors gor an extra $1.50 a month for Grog!!! I imagine if you didn't partake, you could sock that money away.

And now for the best thing, there was PRIZE MONEY to be had. The poster mentioned $50,000,000 in prize money given out to warships capturing blockade-runners so far in the war.

Sign Me Up. --Old B-Runner

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

Jine the Navy, See the World, Make Money-- Part 3

CHANCES FOR WARRANTS, BOUNTIES AND MEDALS OF HONOR-- All those who distinguish themselves in battle or by extraordinary heroism, may be promoted to forward Warrant Officer or Acting Master's Mates-- and upon their promotion receive a guaranty of $100, with a medal of honor from their country.

All who wish may leave HALF PAY with their families, to commence from date of enlistment.

Minors must have a written consent, sworn to before a Justice of the Peace.

For further information apply to U.S. Navy Rendezvous, E.Y. BUTLER, U.S.N. Recruiting Officer, No. 14 FRONT STREET, SALEM, MASS.

And, Even Benefits Beyond the Grog Money. ---Old B-Runner

Jine the Navy, See the World, Make Money-- Part 2

Continuing with the recruiting poster, word-for-word.

$50,000,000 PRIZES!

Already captured, a large share of which is awarded to Ships Crews. The laws of distributing of Prize money carefully protects the rights of all the captors.

PETTY OFFICERS, PROMOTION-- Seamen have a chance for promotion to the officers of Master at Arms, Boatswain's Mates, Quarter Gunners, Captain of Tops, Forecastle, Holds, After-Guard, &c.

Landsmen may be advanced to Armorers, Armorer's Mates, Carpenter's Mates, Painters, Coopers,, &c. 

PAY OF PETTY OFFICERS,-- From $20.00 to $45.00 per month.

Then, There's That Prize Money and Advancement.  Sounds Like A Great Deal.  --Old B-R'er

Jine the Navy, See the World, Make Money-- Part 1

From a recruiting poster shown in the Civil War Naval Chronology.

THE CONSCRIPTION BILL!

HOW TO AVOID IT!!

U.S. NAVY

1,000 MEN WANTED, FOR 12 MONTHS!

Seamen's Pay,-------$18.00 per month
Ordinary Seamen's Pay,-------- 14.00 per month
Landsmen's Pay,------- 12.00 per month
$1.50 extra per month to all, Grog Money.

Sign Me Up. Where You Gonna Spend Your Money While On a Ship Out At Sea?  And Then, There Was Always the Prize Money.  --Old B-Runner