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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Discharge Papers, Union Army
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Discharge Papers, Union Army

Artifact ID1970.19.127 (A-B)
Object Type Discharge, Military
Date 1861
Date DescribedSeptember 3, 1861
Medium Paper
DimensionsOverall H 9 3/4 in x W 7 1/2 in (24.8 cm x 19.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionU.S. Army Civil War discharge papers written at Camp Dick Robinson, 3 September 1861. Text reads: "Jackson Coffey; a private in Capt I. Bolin Company 2nd Regh N.S. Infantry is newly Honorably released from service by reason of an Exchange, his son Shelby Coffey having taken his place in said Company as a substitute." "Isham Bolin".
Inscriptions and MarkingsThe friendly President of the United States of America Lyndon B. Johnson. Sworn, Friday Nov. 22 1963 Elected, Handwritten at bottom in pen: "Tuesday Nov 3 1964. By a Extra Large Majority Nation Wide vote. This paper sent By: Mr. Johnson's friend in Kentucky. A Grandson of Above Name Coffey. Sidney Lee Redmon Age 57. Russell Springs, Kentucky 42642"
Historical NoteOn September 3, 1861, Jackson Coffey (41), a private in the 2nd Regiment U.S. Infantry, was honorably discharged from the Union Army after his son Shelby Coffey (18) volunteered to be a “substitute” for his father. After discharge Jackson Coffey returned home to Kentucky, while son Shelby Coffey, began his assignment with Company G, 3rd Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry and saw action during the Battles of Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, and the Siege of Atlanta. Shelby Coffey survived the war and returned to Kentucky. The inscription on the lower half of the document was written by the donor, a descendant of the Coffey’s.

Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Historical Dates
  • September 3, 1861
Not on view
Place Described
Camp Dick Robinson
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