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Buying a substitute in the North during the war, c. 1880-90 (etching)
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Buying a substitute in the North during the war, c. 1880-90 (etching)
497524 Buying a substitute in the North during the war, c.1880-90 (etching) by Volck, Adalbert John (1828-1912); 26.1x34.8 cm; Gilder Lehrman Collection, New York, USA; (add.info.: Contrary to Volcks depiction of the Norths policy of allowing substitution in the army, the South also followed the same practice for a period of time. On 16 April 1862 the Confederate Congress adopted a conscription act which also allowed for substitution. It was not until after the price of substitution soared above in gold that the Confederacy abolished the measure. The Union continued to allow the practice of substitution throughout the war and approximately six to eight percent of the Union army included substitutes.
Image comments negatively upon the Northern policy of allowing men to find a substitute to take their place in the draft. Shows a well-dressed and dandified agent with a holstered pistol showing a timid gentleman into a low class pub where the shyster agent is displaying the men the gentleman can buy as a substitute. The door has a sign pasted to it that says " Substitutes for sale supply of ablebodied men always on hand." Volck satirizes the claim that these are " ablebodied men, " by depicting lower-class drunks and card players in a pub. Two blacks also appear to among the choices the gentleman can make. A poster of " Honest Abe" is in the background. ); eGilder Lehrman Institute of American History; German, out of copyright
Media ID 22670646
© Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History / Bridgeman Images
Alcoholic American Civil War Buying Civil War Coarse Confederate Customers Dandy Drunk Drunken Federal For Sale Idle Intoxicated Mercenaries Mercenary North Prone Salesman Scam Scruffy Secessionist Selling Shabby Southern Substitute Union Unionist Useless Inept Substitution
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This etching by Adalbert John Volck, titled "Buying a substitute in the North during the war" offers a critical commentary on the controversial practice of substitution during the American Civil War. The image depicts a well-dressed agent, armed with a holstered pistol, leading a timid gentleman into a seedy pub. A sign on the door boldly proclaims "Substitutes for sale supply of able-bodied men always on hand". Volck's satirical portrayal challenges the notion that these substitutes are truly capable soldiers by filling the pub with lower-class drunks and card players. Amongst them, two African Americans can be seen as potential choices for purchase. Intriguingly, this artwork sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of history - while commonly associated with Northern policy, substitution was also practiced in the South for some time. However, it was ultimately abandoned due to soaring prices in gold. The presence of a poster depicting "Honest Abe". Abraham Lincoln further emphasizes Volck's critique of Northern policies surrounding military conscription and substitution. Measuring 26.1x34.8 cm, this etching is part of the Gilder Lehrman Collection housed at New York's eGilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Through its thought-provoking imagery and historical context, this print serves as both an artistic masterpiece and an important reminder of past societal practices during times of conflict.
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