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have derived from his general character and reputation; nor should I wish him to undertake it unless he could enter upon it with a full sense of its importance, with an earnest determination for its success, and with the assent and sympathy and support of the opinions of his immediate family.
I therefore enclose you the letter in which I make him the offer of this commission; and I will be obliged to you if you will forward it to him, accompanying it with any expression to him of your own views, and if you will also write to me upon the subject.
My mind is drawn towards Captain Shaw by many considerations.
I am sure he would attract the support, sympathy, and active co-operation of many among his immediate family relatives.
The more ardent, faithful, and true Republicans and friends of liberty would recognize in him a scion from a tree whose fruit and leaves have always contributed to the strength and healing of our generation.
So it is with Captain Hallowell.
His father is a Quaker gentleman of Philadelphia, two of whose sons are officers in our army, and another is a merchant in Boston.
Their house in Philadelphia is a hospital and home for Massachusetts officers; and the family are full of good works; and he was the adviser and confidant of our soldiery when sick or on duty in that city.
I need not add that young Captain Hallowell is a gallant and fine fellow, true as steel to the cause of humanity, as well as to the flag of the country.
I wish to engage the field-officers, and then get their aid in selecting those of the line.
I have offers from Oliver T. Beard of Brooklyn, N. Y., late Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fortyeighth New York Volunteers, who says he can already furnish six hundred men; and from others wishing to furnish men from New York and from Connecticut; but I do not wish to start the regiment under a stranger to Massachusetts.
If in any way, by suggestion or otherwise, you can aid the purpose which is the burden of this letter, I shall receive your coopera-tion with the heartiest gratitude.
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