"An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a Voluntary Militia, and to provide for public defense" passed Apr. 16, 1861, 1861

Included are military records pertaining to Company E of the New York Volunteer Infantry 26th Regiment including a transcription of the document authorizing formation of the New York Volunteers, descriptive lists recording soldiers names, ranks, ages, and details of their enlistment, as well as requests for same, proceedings of courts-martial, discharge notices, receipts, and other items; correspondence between Ackerman and his friends and relatives; and records of Ackerman's general store at Higginsville, Oneida County, New York. Also includes a photograph of Ackerman in uniform; photographs of Union soldiers.