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Document Spotlight-Captivated Prisoner Edition

This week we read from a document transcribed by Leo. The letter concerns an investigation into a claim made by John Shatcher. Shatcher had claimed to be owed $275 in pay, requested help in proving that claim. Government accountants found no record of a John Shatcher, but did find record of a John Thatcher, who curiously had been captured (captivated, according to the letter) and heldprisoner for a time; their records indicated that Thatcher had received $275 in pay. The writer asks a series of questions in order to authenticate Shatcher’s claim, and further requests that Shatcher answer them under oath if possible. It’s an interesting look at the ways in which officials investigated claims; how did one prove one’s identity? How could officials be sure they were dealing with the right people? How common were fraudulent or improper claims?

Read the original document here.

It is not too late–there are many more documents awaiting transcription. Take a moment to register (http://wardepartmentpapers.org/scripto/register.php) and choose a document to begin your adventure. You will be doing important work by adding to the historical record, and you never know what you will read!