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

In a letter to the Governor, Mr. Crowninshield says, ‘I have not ventured to approach the British Government about guns, at the strong recommendation of Mr. Baring; but one of the gun trade, who has the means to do so, has promised to sound them about buying some from them on his own account. I have but little hope of success. Colonel Fremont, who is here, assured me that he was confident I could do nothing in France, but has written for information, which he will give me. The Government seems inclined to favor the South, so far as the question of cotton is concerned,—I think no further. I have a credit of one hundred thousand dollars from Ohio, with authority to buy to that extent. It does not seem to me, under the emergency, that we ought to haggle too much about the price: to save ten thousand dollars might be to lose every thing.’

Before Mr. Crowninshield's return, he had bought and contracted for Massachusetts, and forwarded part of them home, 19,380 Enfield rifles, and 10,000 sets of equipments, with which several of our regiments were provided, and rendered much service in the war.

Among the gentlemen who were very active in procuring arms and equipments in the States, and indefatigable and untiring in their exertions to serve the Commonwealth and the cause, was Lucius B. Marsh, whose services were rendered gratuitously. In recognition of them, the following order was passed by the Executive Council:—

Ordered, That the thanks of the executive branch of the Government of Massachusetts be tendered to Lucius B. Marsh, for his very valuable services to the State in the procurement of arms and military equipments. These services were rendered as a patriotic duty to the country, and wholly without compensation, and entitle him to the gratitude of the State, and to that of every loyal citizen; and it is further ordered, that the generous act of Mr. Marsh be recorded upon the books. of the Council, and that a copy of the record be transmitted to him.

Mr. Marsh was chiefly instrumental, in the succeeding year, in raising and organizing the Forty-seventh Regiment,—nine months troops,—of which he was commissioned colonel. The