"Our Country Calls! We Must Obey!" headlines a recruiting poster for Co. A of the 12th Maine Infantry Regiment. The poster notes that the regiment would be part of Major General Butler's Division and commanded by Col. Geo. F. Shepley. Shepley of Portland and Butler of Massachusetts both were Democrats who supported the Union and switched allegiance to Abraham Lincoln after the election. The poster noted "Young men and middle aged, your services are needed!" It also offered several enticements: "Pay and subsistence commences immediately at time of enlistment. One months pay in advance on being mustered into service. Clothing furnished at once. $100 Bounty will be paid each Volunteer at the expiration of his term of service upon his receiving an honorable discharge." George H. Chadwell was the recruiting officer. The enlistment day was Nov. 8, 1861.
