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

‘ [123] to be employed, sufficient to make three regiments. Finally, will you direct some general instructions and suggestions to be sent to me as to any thing, no matter what or how much, you may wish from Massachusetts, and procure General Scott also to do so? and we will try and meet, so far as may be, every wish of the Government up to the very limit of our resources and power. Will you put the six thousand rifles, now at the United-States Arsenal at Watertown, at our disposal for our men, and send immediately orders for that purpose? We shall be able to replace them at an early day, if it shall be necessary.’ Acknowledges the receipt of a letter from George T. Curtis, of New York, who had written ‘to express his sincere appreciation of, and thanks for, his co-operation in all actions taken by the Commonwealth, and by himself as its chief magistrate, to maintain the integrity and supremacy of the Federal Union.’

April 26.—Governor writes to Commodore Hudson, Navy Yard, Charlestown, ‘John M. Forbes is acting as agent for the Commonwealth in hitting up and preparing the “Cambridge” as an armed steamer for coast defence, and for the benefit of the common cause. Will you be good enough to oblige us with furnishing him with guns, armament, and ammunition he may need from the navy yard? Any aid you may give will serve the great object nearest the hearts of us all, and receive my lasting gratitude.’ To George S. Boutwell, Groton, Mass.: ‘We need your information, influence, and acquaintance with the Cabinet, and knowledge of Eastern public sentiment, to leave immediately for Washington. Hope you will proceed at once, and open and preserve communication between you and myself.’ To Montgomery Blair, Postmaster-General: ‘Hon. Dwight Foster, our Attorney-General, will hand you this note, with my full commendations. Mr. Foster is a gentleman with whom you can take counsel, finding him full of the fire and hard-working zeal of Massachusetts. How long, O Lord! how long will they delay our people?’ To George Ashmun, Springfield, Mass.: ‘A Mr. T. Jones Lyman, of Montreal, Canada West, informs me that there are two hundred thousand percussion muskets at the armories, either at Quebec or Montreal. Will you ascertain if there is any way in which they can be ’