1861-1865 The first experience of the American people with conscription came during the Civil War. In the North, the 1863 Congress first provided for exemptions if men furnished an acceptable substitute or paid $300 towards hiring a substitute. Among conscientious objectors (COs), this provision was not satisfactory, because it seemed inconsistent to hire another person to do what you would not do yourself. A second draft act was passed that provided three alternatives to military service for COs: assignment to duty in hospitals to care for soldiers, assignment to care for the freedmen, or payment of a fee for the … Continue reading Civil War