In 1958 the government was providing pensions for 3,042 widows of Union veterans. In June of that year, as a result of special legislation, 526 widows of Southern soldiers and the two surviving Confederate veterans became eligible for Federal pensions. The last Union veteran, Albert Woolson, had died in 1956, leaving the two Confederates, John Salling and Walter Williams, to draw the highest Civil War pensions paid by the United States Government. The last Civil War veteran, Walter Williams, died in December 1959 at the age of 117. Since then, William's claim as a veteran has been disputed in the newspapers, but sufficient evidence does not exist to positively prove or disprove his military status. The pursuit and capture of Jefferson Davis at Irwinville, Georgia, cost the Federal Government $97,031.62. From 1861-1865 it cost the Federal government, in millions of dollars: $727--to clothe and feed the Army 18--to clothe and feed the Navy 339--for transportation of troops and supplies 127--for cavalry and artillery horses 76--for the purchase of arms 8--to maintain and provide for Confederate prisoners Soldiers and sailors of the United States received 1.34 billion dollars in pay during the war. In 1861 an infantry private was paid $13 per month--compared to a private's pay of $83 today. A Civil War colonel drew $95 per month and a brigadier general $124. Their counterparts today are paid a monthly base rate of $592 and $800. During the 1860's the average cost of a musket was $13 as compared to $105 for an M1 Garand in World War II. [Illustration] NUMBERS AND LOSSES North South[1] Population 22,400,000 9,103,000[2] Military Age Group (18-45) 4,600,000 985,000 Trained Militia 1827-1861 2,470,000 692,000 Regular Army January, 1861 16,400 0 Military Potential 1861 2,486,400 692,000 Total Individuals in Service 1861-1865 2,213,400 1,003,600 Total Strength July, 1861 219,400 114,000 Total Strength January, 1863 962,300 450,200 Peak Strength 1864-1865 1,044,660 484,800 Army 980,100 481,200 Navy 60,700 3,000 Marines 3,860 600