A document of great weight!
This photo is the largest register I’ve consulted in over 20 years of genealogical research. It is about 7.9 in high and weighs almost 50 lbs. This is the 1839 matricule register for the district of Strasbourg (reference 1RP 580), containing the military census of young men born in 1819 in the communes of the district. This list was used to select new recruits by drawing lots at the chief town of each canton.
Drawing lots to select young men for military service
The young men on the draw list are then examined by the board of revisors, starting with the one who drew No. 1, until the quota assigned to the canton has been reached. The Board of Revision first decides the question of physical fitness, declaring the person concerned fit for service or exempt, after consulting the doctor or health officer. The cantonal draw lists indicate the young men’s assignments and, where applicable, the reasons for exemption and reform.
Marshal Gouvion Saint-Cyr’s law, passed on March 10, 1818, made six years’ compulsory service the essential basis of military recruitment.
