Seeking information on the practice of paying a bounty to Germans who enlisted in the Civil War. Two branches of the family have soldiers who enlisted twice, presumably to collect a second bounty. This was used at the end of the war to finance and facilitate the immigration of the family.

Adolphus Becker is said to have enlisted in the 20th New York Regiment on May 3, 1861 in Frankfurt Germany. He served 2 years and was discharged. He then re-enlisted in Company K of the 41st Regiment of NY on Sept. 9, 1864.

Jacob Zwergel enlisted on May 6, 1861 in E Company of 39th Infantry New York. This unit was almost entirely new immigrants with the companys being called German, Hungarian, Swiss, etc. depending on the nationality of the soldiers. He was discharged with a disability on Nov. 1, 1862. He re-enlisted on February 20, 1864.

Although undocumented, I also heard this story related about a soldier from France. Can anyone direct me to sources that might provide more information on this? I would appreciate any help.