William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

‘ [125] harbor, His Excellency directs me to say, that at the earliest practical moment, probably during the first days of the coming week, he shall place troops in the forts, to whom the bounty of the city will apply; and the Adjutant-General is instructed to superintend and arrange all the details of the operation.’ Governor to John M. Forbes, ‘Buy the “Pembroke” on the best terms possible, letting the merchants or coast-guard company put in such part of the cost as you can arrange. She must be armed and fitted with all reasonable speed, and be prepared to carry stores. She must only be used as coast-guard, when we can spare her from transportation. Let the alterations be as few as possible, so as to keep her cost down to the lowest point compatible with efficiency as an armed storeship.’ Governor to James M. Stone, who had given valuable aid as assistant-quartermaster: ‘I received your account last Saturday, with your admirable, full, and accurate report. The whole forms a model statement. I will have the account passed to-day by the Council.’ The Council approved Mr. Stone's account, and voted to pay him seventy-five dollars for his services, which he declined to receive, as he intended his services to be gratuitous.

April 29.—Governor to Rev. Dr. Stearns, President of Amherst College: ‘I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter concerning the three young gentlemen, students of Amherst College,—Mr. James A. Rhea and Mr. Joseph B. Rhea, of Blountville, Tenn., and Mr. William A. Staymaker, of Alexandria, Va.,—who, you assure me, are loyal to their Government, and who, on account of the perils of the times, are summoned by their friends to return to their homes. No persons who are loyal to their Government need any “passport or testimonial,” from me or from any other person, to travel freely throughout this Commonwealth; and I feel confident, that the travel of such persons throughout the United States will be obstructed nowhere, unless by traitors and rebels, or as a military necessity by troops acting against traitors and rebels.’ Governor to George Dwight, Superintendent of the Springfield Armory, introducing Mr. Blaine, agent of the State of Maine, who wished to get three thousand muskets for that State. Governor to Robert M. Mason, of Boston: ‘I hold a check for ’