Type: Exhibition caption

Detail: After reporting to recruiting posts throughout the state, most volunteers were divided up into companies of about one hundred and sent to Camp Olden in Trenton for swearing-in, medical examinations, uniforms, and two weeks of training. Soldiers reported that living conditions in the camp were poor, and discipline and security lax. Frequently, men slipped out of camp to forage for food in the surrounding towns, or for drinking sessions in the city of Trenton. Order No. 8 provides the schedule of a day of training.

Type: Exhibition case

Name: Raising Troops, Raising Money

Detail: When war broke out, the regular army only had 16,000 men, many of whom were dispersed on the frontier. In calling for troops, Lincoln was relying on the northern state militias and the good will of governors to assist him. In New Jersey, the militia lacked training, arms, and ammunition. Furthermore, New Jersey did not have cavalry or artillery militia. Although young men initially rushed to volunteer, the task of preparing for war was daunting.