Tripler's Form For Examining A Recruit, Sept. 1862

Form signed by 'Inspecting Surgeon' John M. Smith

"To be filled out according to instructions in Tripler's Manuel"

Click on image to enlarge

Today, Barnstable is a world-renowned tourist destination. Many prominent Bostonians spent their summers on the Cape shores, as did Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland. However, the most famous family to summer in the town was, and still is, the Kennedy family, who can still be found living in the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port. It was the summer home of President John F. Kennedy during his administration, and it was likewise the home of Senator Ted Kennedy until his death.

During the Civil War: While there were many volunteers, of 914 men in Barnstable County that were drafted, only seven actually served in the military, the remainder either purchasing substitutes or being physically unfit. Two of those draftees that did see action were African Americans, Charles Ellis of Hyannis and George Clark of Sandwich. Fifteen Cape men were captured and imprisoned in the infamous camp at Andersonville, GA. Only three survived to return home.