Virginia Certificate of Exemption (Detail) as Agriculturist -1864

Virginia Certificate of Exemption (Detail) as Agriculturist -1864. This certificate issued under the authority of the Confederate Bureau of Conscription entitled Certificate of Exemption as Agriculturist was made out for Robert Hawkins, July 12, 1864. Col. Alexander G. Taliaferro was the enrolling officer at Richmond. He signs the document further down.  Apparently the “detail” has to do with Hawkins providing 250 pounds of bacon or beef procuring for the military to be delivered to the depot at Lynchburg.  His exemption dated for one year began on April 1st, 1864, not having to serve in the military of the Confederate States, and counter signed by Captain E.J. Anderson, enrolling officer at Lynchburg, Va.

The reverse side give all the details regarding Hawkins, date of birth, occupation, on and on.

The documents looks as it should, being carried in his billfold from the day it was issue, which was the norm with such documents. The stains are a combination of dirt, sweat, coins etc.  Two old paper repairs were made at the outside center folds.

Robert Chapman Hawkins enlisted in April of 1862 as a private in Co. B, 13th Virginia Infantry. He was discharged on June 22, of that year. The photo of him was taken from the net.

Colonel Alexander G. Taliaferro, enlisted  in June of 1861 as a captain in the 23rd Virginia Infantry and transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps on March 13, 1865. See image of him and his participation in the war.

Food was needed so badly by the South, and the military, that the Confederate Government would allow soldiers to leave the ranks to provide what food they could supply, in spite of the weakening strength of the Army.  An interesting document.