Lists of Deserters and Substitute Deserters, 1861-1866

About This Collection

Completed in 1866, these lists are mostly official forms issued by the War Department that include each dissenters name, age, height, complexion, eye and hair color, state or kingdom of birth, and where, when, and for what term enlisted. The lists frequently also provide information regarding where and when the person deserted and the location where he might have been found. Other lists provide only the names and residences of deserters and occasional notations stating they were not found. Also present are descriptive lists of the number of deserters broken down by military organization. This collection is part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs which is responsible for administering the Pennsylvania National Guard, and administers various programs of assistance to veterans.