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Emmit G.Latta in the Papers of Abraham Lincoln. __________________________________________
A PERSISTENT YOUNG SUPPORTER OF THE UNION
On December 5, 1864, fifteen-year-old Emmit G.Latta of New York went to New York City and enlisted as a private in the Union Army. In 1861, Army regulations required all recruits be "above the age of eighteen and under thirty-five years" While in camp with his company at Fort Morton,Virginia, Emmit Latta was thrown from a horse and injured his arm on January 5, 1865.
A few days later, Emmit's father, Samuel E. Latta, wrote to President Abraham Lincoln, seeking to have his son discharged from service.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Affidavit of Samuel E. Latta 10 January 1865 Application for the release of a Boy 15 years old from service This is to certify that my son Emmit G Latta was born on the 28th day of May 1849 in the Town of Wirt Allegany Co New York and that I the undersigned am his Father and that I sent him on other business from home and that without my knowledge or consent he was induced to enlist into co F 1st U.S. Light artillery and is now at Fort Morgan, on Arlington heights and that I wish to have him discharged Yours &c Samuel E Latta Friendship Allegany Co N. Y To the hon. Abraham Lincoln President US Washington D. C P S. will get this endorsed by two Congressmen if required [Certification] Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of Jan 1865 Saml Drury J[ustice] p[eace] ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A few days later, President Lincoln ordered the Secretary of War to discharge Latta upon refund of "any bounty received."
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Latta's pension records indicate that he received a discharge at Fort Morton, Virginia.
On April 7, 1865, Latta again enlisted as a private in the Union Army, this time in Company I, 19th New York Cavalry Regiment. Fifteen-year-old Latta entered his age as seventeen on his enlistment form, and his father signed the consent, although he entered Emmit's age as sixteen.
After the war ended, the Army honorably discharged Latta on July 19, 1865. A year later, Latta re-enlisted as a private in Company A, 4th U.S. Infantry. According to family history, he spent this time as an engineer,
helping to locate railroad beds in the Rocky Mountains and exploring the Yellowstone region.
He was discharged from service at Fort Fetterman, Wyoming, in 1869. Latta returned to Friendship, New York, and later made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and inventor,
eventually patenting scores of improvements for bicycles and typewriters.
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