Content Note

These records were compiled for the purpose of crediting New Jersey congressional districts with army enlistments. While some of the documents in the series date to 1862-1863, most are from 1864 and 1865, following the issuance of General Order No. 25 from the Adjutant General's Office, Washington, on 18 January 1864 (giving instructions for the return of enlistment credits). With the exception of item #69, which relates to the 15th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, the credit records are for U.S. Regular Army enlistments.

The series includes a variety of record formats, e.g. enlistment returns, tri-monthly reports, form letters, certificates, and enlistment acknowledgements. Most of the formats record the soldier's name, army unit, rank, district/county/ locality to be credited, and enlistment date. The enlistment acknowledgements also provide personal information such as the soldier's birthplace, age, and physical description.

The documents were originally in Civil War binder #319, and are number-stamped from 1 to 164. A name index to the series below provides the document number, as well as the branch of service (with regiment numbers following the colon) for each soldier listed. The following codes have been used: