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There were, at that time, fifteen parts of companies at ‘Camp Cameron.’
After the personal conference with
Major Strong, and on the same day, the
Adjutant-General wrote to
Major Strong, in which he referred to the personal interview, and said,—
There are fifteen companies and parts of companies at “Camp Cameron.”
I propose to make ten companies of them, and fill up the ranks of each to the maximum standard; and I wish to know if General Butler will furnish men for the purpose.
If you prefer, I will mass the men into eight companies, and then have two full companies sent from “Camp Chase” (Butler's camp) to complete the regiment.
General Butler can advise in regard to the officers.
It is important that the regiment be filled immediately, and properly officered.
I am authorized to adjust all matters relating to the regiment with General Butler and yourself. . . . I will, if you desire it, make out a complete roster; and you can lay it before General Butler for examination and approval.
I would be glad to have him name persons whom he would like to have appointed, if he has any in his mind.
His Excellency will leave for New York on Monday evening. I wish to have these matters definitely settled, if possible, before he leaves.
Nov. 11.—
Major Strong wrote, in answer, that—
It will be quite satisfactory to make the arrangement proposed,—viz., to make eight companies of the fifteen skeleton companies you mention, and to add two companies from “Camp Chase” as soon as they are full, with the list of officers accompanying them, to be designated by General Butler,—this to be upon the understanding, that the Twenty-eighth Regiment is to be a part of the expeditionary corps soon to sail, and not a portion of the troops to be raised by General Butler, under order of Sept. 10, 1861; General Butler desiring to fill up the regiments destined for this purpose as soon as possible, besides those he is recruiting.
Major Strong further stated, that two regiments and two batteries ‘will sail the coming week;’ also, that the ‘arrangement in regard to the Twenty-eighth Regiment is designed to be made wholly independently of the unhappy and unfortunate difference of opinion which has arisen between His
Excellency the
Governor and
General Butler (which the latter much regrets), upon the right of recruitment, on the part of the United States Government, in
Massachusetts.’
He also said, that
