Jesse Fell Civil War paymaster records

Jesse W. Fell's (1808-1887) hugely successful land speculation deals has led to him being credited as the founder of several central Illinois towns and counties, as well as Illinois State (Normal) University. During the Civil War, Fell's Quaker faith prevented him from serving as a soldier. He instead signed on to work as a paymaster for the Union Army, though he still refused to wear arms or travel with armed guards. These letters and forms bearing his signature provide a glimpse into the business and bureaucracy of war through the eyes of a committed pacifist.