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

‘ [170] has now elapsed since they left the State, the muster-rolls of the Eighth Regiment are the only ones which have as yet been received.’ He then recites the facts concerning the blankets which were put on board of the transport at New York for the Fifth Regiment, which were stowed away so that the regiment could not get them, and were finally taken at Annapolis, and distributed among Pennsylvania troops.

He also speaks of the neglect of officers to report to him what they need fully and frequently, in order that he may know what to furnish. In no single instance had authentic information been received of any needs, without measures being taken instantaneously to supply them. ‘We have not less than fifty thousand dollars' worth of under-garments and other clothing now on hand. We are now having manufactured no less than six thousand summer uniforms; and we have spent not less than fifty thousand dollars in merely supplying subsistence to our troops on their way and in the field.’ He had, when the call was first made for troops, informed the Secretary of War that the troops needed some articles of equipment, who replied in substance, ‘No matter: only hurry them forward, we will look out for all that, and will remedy all such needs when they are arrived here: it is essential to us that they should be sent at once.’ Notwithstanding, from that day to this he had not been advised in any manner what supplies he has furnished or expects to furnish. Notwithstanding repeated requests, no United-States officer had been detailed here to muster troops or to advise with the Governor concerning military affairs, as has been done in the instance of New York and other States. Notwithstanding he had frequently called attention to the defenceless state of Boston Harbor, it remains undefended by a single gun. His requests meet either with silence, or with positive refusal. He is even denied by the Secretary of War permission to clean Fort Warren at the expense of the State, so as to render it healthy and comfortable for the volunteer troops to be placed there. The Governor suggests ‘that the influence of all the agents of Massachusetts at Washington is needed, and may be profitably exerted to extort from the national Government, if it cannot be done by persuasion, at least some approach ’