Original Discharge and Pay Certificates for Private in New York Volunteers 1862

Description

These two original documents were given to Private Reuben Hammond when he was discharged from H Company, 27th Regiment of the New York Volunteers on December 22, 1862.  Together, they enabled him to receive his pay of .93.
The first document is entitled "Certificate to be Given to Volunteers at the Time of their Discharge to Enable Them to Receive Their Pay."  It documents that Pvt. Hammond, who enlisted in April 1862 for a two year term, was being discharged "by reason of physical & mental ability" after serving with his Company in Virginia and Maryland. The Company had seen hard fighting in both Antietam and Fredericksburg in the fall of 1862, which may very well have contributed to Private Hammond's inability to continue as a soldier.
The second document provides the details of his pay, including travel from Washington DC (303 miles at 20 miles per day = 15 days at per month), plus rations.  It also deducts pay for "Army Asylum" (where Private Hammond would have received treatment) and clothing.
The documents are in good condition.  Both have old taped repairs to folded seams, and have foxing along the edges, but are otherwise in solid shape.  The ink is slightly faded in a few areas, but is very legible.
A pair of documents with great history!