Volunteer enlistment paper of Phiney Wells, St. Peter, Minnesota

              Manuscript No. 313 Nicollet Co. Historical Society From Art W. Powers, Clerk of Lake Prairie Township. VOLUNTEER ENLISTMENT. STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF Nicollet TOWN OF  Oshawa I, Phiney Wells born in Clinton County in the State of New York aged Twenty five years, and by occupation Farmer DO HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE to have volunteered this Twenty Seventh day of December to serve as a SOLDIER in the Army Of the United States of America, against any Indians at war with the Government of the United States, for the period of TWELVE MONTHS, unless sooner discharged by proper authority: Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations, and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for said volunteers. And I, Phiney Wells do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War. Sworn and subscribed to at Saint Peter this Twenty Seven day of December 1862. BEFORE D.R. Kennedy 2nd  Lieut 1st Reg’t Minnesota Mounted Rangers. Phiney Wells I Certify, on honor, That I have carefully examined the above named Volunteer, agreeably to the General Regulations of the Army, and that in my opinion he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity, which would in any way, disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier, CW Le [MS. Illegible] EXAMINING SURGEON.  I Certify, On honor, That I have minutely inspected the Volunteer, Phiney Wells previous to his enlistment, and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; and to the best of my judgment and belief, he is of lawful age; and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able bodied soldier, I have strictly observed the regulations which govern the recruiting service. This soldier has blue eyes, dark hair, light complexion, is five feet, 10 inches high D.R. Kennedy 2nd Lieut First Regiment of Minnesota Mounted Rangers Recruiting Officer