The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Duties of Forage Master
In Response To: Duties of Forage Master ()

George Martin may want to chime in here but as I understand it a Forage Master was in effect a Regimental staff position and could be held by an enlisted or civilian man. The duties were the organization of foraging, i.e.. scour the countryside the unit was in to find forage for animals and food for men. What sets this position apart and why it carries a bit more clout is whoever was appointed had to be literate. They were responsible for the record keeping of the activity and reported to the regimental Quartermaster. As such they had to handle receipts, purchases, etc. I presume it would be somewhat similar to what Warrant Officers and civilian contractors are today. The position was distinctly different from a being a wagoner or teamster. NARA in the early 1900's started to lump Union Wagon masters and Forage masters all under the name of Wagon master, but as I understand it, it really was two distinctly different responsibilities. CSA records seem to maintain the difference. On a quick check it also appears the CSA was more inclined to make both positions civilian for either a monetary reason or a way to escape final fiscal liability for script issued for rage and supplies. That may be why your fellow "disappears" from muster roles and engagements.

John R

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