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

‘ [223] place be made to the United States.’ The men were mustered into the United-States service, and were United-States soldiers. When the men were forwarded upon the requisition of the President, the Governor represented that they were deficient in certain necessary equipments: the answer was, ‘No matter for any deficiencies: only hurry on the men, and any and all deficiencies will be supplied here.’

He considered, therefore, that the Federal Government had pledged itself to see our troops properly supplied. He had also received a despatch from General Butler, dated May 20, which said, ‘The Massachusetts troops are now supplied with all provisions and clothing necessary for their term of service.’ However, in view of their present wants, the Governor asked him to impress upon the officers, ‘that if their men need any necessary equipments or provisions whatever, and fail to obtain them from the United States, the State will furnish them.’

Colonel Ritchie had also informed the Governor, that there were, at Fortress Monroe, several hundred pairs of thin trousers, which had been condemned as unfit for service, and had not been issued to the soldiers. These were part of a lot of thin clothing sent forward in April, and which were designed to be used during the warm weather. The Governor hoped General Butler would issue them to the troops, as they would serve them during the brief remainder of their term. ‘Let them,’ he says, ‘get what comfort out of them they can. If the United States will not accept the pecuniary responsibility for the cost, then this Commonwealth must defray it. The question who shall pay for them afterwards, is of secondary importance, if our troops need clothes.’ The Governor also represented that no report had reached him, from any source, of the disposition of the Massachusetts stores sent to our troops at Fortress Monroe, and particularly of the cargo sent by the bark Aura. He hoped, as a Massachusetts man, having a common interest in the comfort and reputation of Massachusetts soldiers, the General would interest himself in these matters.

On the eighth day of July, the Governor telegraphed to Colonel Dalton, at Washington, that he might sell the steamer Cambridge for $80,000, exclusive of her armament.