The terrible pressure of business upon me has prevented my answering your favor of the 4th inst. before. I inclose you the blanks you ask for. Pittsfield must furnish one hundred and two men. Why can't you raise a regiment in Berkshire? If we cannot get the men in this way, we must draft; for the men must be had at once. Let a meeting be called; and let those who have money in their pockets, and patriotism in their hearts, step forth, and give to the cause. We must have the men.To E. W. Norton, North Blandford,—
In answer to your patriotic and excellent letter of the 4th inst., I would say that we want all the men asked for at once. Please see General Order No. 26 in the papers of to-day. Each town's quota is set down, and they must respond. Let influential and patriotic men take hold at once, and put the thing through. The order contains all the necessary information. A copy will be sent to every town in the State. Any thing you can do to forward the cause will be gratefully remembered.To Charles F. Crocker, Cotuit Port,—
You will see, by General Order No. 26 in to-day's papers, that the quota for Barnstable County is two hundred and eighty-five men. I care not how they are raised; only raise them, as we want men very much. I hope the selectmen and prominent citizens will act together, and raise the men,–each town its own share. I want the towns to take hold systematically.To H. W. Pratt, Worcester,—
Give Mr. Brewer the authority he requires. Let him recruit men for you, and take receipts for the same, and I will see that he gets his two dollars. We must have the men at once. Let meetings be called, and the influential men, and the city and town authorities, take hold with a will.To Joshua Tarr, Rockport,—
The quota of Rockport is twenty-nine men. We want these men very much indeed; and any means you may adopt to recruit them will be satisfactory. If Mr. Thurston is the man, then you may employ him. This letter will be his authority. The men are entitled to one month's pay (thirteen dollars), and a bounty of twenty-five dollars in addition, as soon as the company is full to which they may be attached. How long will it take to recruit these men? I will furnish transportation to the camp. Let me hear from you again.
