Union Navy Enlistment Question (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

I am researching Arthur Benson Homer (from Massachusetts) who served in the Union Navy from 1861-1865 (see stats below)

Homer originally enlisted on September 13, 1861 and was assigned to the bark USS Kingfisher which sailed from Boston to Key West, Florida where it served as part of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. In the latter part of 1862 the ship was sent back to Boston for repairs. From 1863 he was aboard the "Tinclad" USS Argosy as part of the Mississippi River Squadron until discharged in November of 1865.

My question concerns his mustering out on November 12, 1862. Was this a result of the Kingfisher being sent back to Boston for repairs and Homer being reassigned to another ship? The data shown below indicates that he re-enlisted in Massachusetts on February 13,1863. In late March/early April, he was aboard the USS Argosy until November, 1865. The USS Kingfisher had been reassigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and was stationed at Port Royal, South Carolina by December 21, 1862.

Arthur Homer was the younger brother of American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910)

 

[Shiloh]

I bet he enlisted for one year the first time and was disharged up on his return to Boston.
It was very common during this era to enlist for as little as 3 months at a time, but 1 year was the most common enlistment. Being aboard a naval vessel it usually means you won't be discharged until the ship returns to port after the cruise is complete. From the records he also crossed over from enlisted man the first time to commisioned officer the second time. The break in service does mean that he did leave the service for a few months.

 

[PolarBear]

I bet he enlisted for one year the first time and was disharged up on his return to Boston.
It was very common during this era to enlist for as little as 3 months at a time, but 1 year was the most common enlistment. Being aboard a naval vessel it usually means you won't be discharged until the ship returns to port after the cruise is complete. From the records he also crossed over from enlisted man the first time to commisioned officer the second time. The break in service does mean that he did leave the service for a few months.

Gary

Thanks that is very helpful.

Randy