13th New York Cavalry...One More Opportunity to Join the Best and Most Dashing Arm of the Service. Printed recruitment card.  [New York]: N.p., [1863]. Signed in type by Colonel H.E. Davies and Lt. Col. N. Coles. 

An extremely scarce recruitment card printed for the 13th New York Cavalry, also known as the Symour Light Cavalry, in the summer of 1863 when the regiment was being recruited.

Illustrated with a dashing cavalry officer on horseback, the card appeals to the chivalric and romantic notions of cavalry, encouraging potential recruits to join the "Best and Most Dashing Arm of the Service." The card also advertises the bounties available for both veterans and new recruits. 

As the conscription laws of 1863 were passed, this regiment was likely very appealing to many young men in New York. Indeed, a newspaper advertisement addresses the possibility of the draft: "THE DRAFT is upon us. It has absolutely taken place in various parts of the State, and orders have been issued to enforce it here the moment enrollment papers are completed, which may be tomorrow. With the draft, all bounties must cease. Be wise in time, and secure them before it is too late." ("Civil War Newspaper Clippings". New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.) When the New York Draft Riots erupted in July, Companies G & H participated in quelling the violence and restoring peace. 

After organization, the regiment moved south and operated throughout Virginia, facing the Confederate Grey Ghost Col. John S. Mosby. 

VERY RARE. Recruitment cards such as these were meant to be passed out individually and are very scarce. We found no other copies at the time of cataloging.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Broadsides, Ephemera, Printing, Posters, Handbills, Documents, Newspapers] 

Chip to upper corner, creasing.