HISTORY

NCOs

James Crawford was a sergeant in 22nd US Infantry, recruited from Western Pennsylvania less then a year ago he lead his platoon into battle on May 27, 1813 . . . his qualifications? James could read. In an army of mostly illiterates NCO were made from anyone who could read; an important still in terms of being able to receive written orders from officers who were often not directly on the field.

James also noted that his back pay, due from the army, totaled $112; a huge sum in 1813 where army wages were about $10 a month. Meaning that after a year of service, he was yet to be paid.