One of the most interesting documents I have happened upon in a long while, this is a multi-page document supporting the petition of Lieut Eli Kahler for expenses incurred as he actively worked to recruit for the formation of the regiment and for his own bounty. The legal petition lays out the nature of the claim and allows that Kahler was not paid when the Niagara County Supervisors authorized pay for others as he was a prisoner of war and had no one to represent him at the hearings. One document was prepared in the US Mustering and Disbursing Office in Rochester NY 8 October 1865 and certifies that Kahler was mustered into the 2nd Mounted Rifles, NYSV 31 October 1863 at the age of 22 as a 2nd Lieutenant. This document is signed by A(rthur) T(racey) Lee who led the 2nd at Gettysburg, was there wounded in action and breveted to Major for gallantry. Following this is the 3-page legal petition which has been notarized and affixed with the 1864 5c proprietary stamp. Next is a list of expenses which Kahler paid out of pocket in the recruiting process. Finally, the package contains a notarized, sworn statement by John Fisk, late colonel of the 2nd Mounted Rifles attesting to Kahler's service and the veracity of his petition. This is an excellent grouping, rich with history and in excellent condition.