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Men for the two artillery companies at
Fortress Monroe will not under any circumstances get bounties, the companies being for special service.
You will readily perceive that the decision of
Colonel Fry virtually suspends recruiting for these companies.
They have never asked to serve “on special duty.”
They were to be enlisted for three years, and to be subject to all commands of their superiors; to march whenever and wherever ordered,—whether to
Fortress Monroe,
Nashville, New Orleans, or
Texas; and this is what the men expect.
Why, then, should
Colonel Fry speak of them as for “special duty” ? But, even if they were placed on “special duty,” is there any thing in the law of Congress which debars soldiers on “special duty” from receiving the bounty which Congress allows?
These men are to serve for three years, and they are to stand in every particular as other volunteers.
They ask no favors, but they expect to receive the bounty which other recruits receive, and which the law allows.
As one of these companies was to be raised in
Springfield and vicinity, and as a large number of recruits have already been enlisted for it, it is the wish of His
Excellency that you would show this letter to
Mr. Dawes, and that he and you should see
Colonel Fry or the
Secretary of War, and have the decision of
Colonel Fry in regard to these companies countermanded.
Unless this be done the companies cannot be raised, and disappointment and bad feeling will be widely spread.
As yet we have not made the decision of
Colonel Fry known, and will not until you and
Mr. Dawes shall have seen
Colonel Fry and the
Secretary of War.
Please give your earliest attention to this subject.
, Jan. 14, by the
