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character, and susceptible of much variation in the hands of a skilful cook and an experienced quartermaster: but with the present organization of the volunteers, and the improvidence of those engaged as company cooks, it will be found an affair of great labor to instil into them either economy or a knowledge of their business, and the benefits to be attained from a company fund, or wholesome cooking, will hardly be available until the close of the war, if then.
In the last report I had the honor to make to this commission, I suggested some changes and made some recommendation based on the impression that a thorough and positive reform was desired.
Satisfied that such is not the case on the part of any of the constituted authorities, and quite convinced that nothing but the most insignificant changes will be countenanced by the powers that be, I would now modify my former views by gently intimating that the engagement of one good cook for each regiment might possibly be productive of some benefit.
With many thanks for your powerful assistance and kindly cooperation, and trusting that the great reforms you meditate may ultimately receive that appreciation they merit,
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Washington, D. C., July 29, 1861.
