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

My impression is, that, under the volunteer laws, hundred day men cannot be mustered, but militia can be mustered for one hundred days. If Shenandoah raid subsides, and duty of patriotism therefore permits reference to our own interests, I shall consider the interest of Massachusetts served by not favoring hundred days men, since they tend to diminish volunteering for longer terms. Am making excellent progress, both about naval credits, and recruiting in disloyal States, under new law. Thus far, my visit is of the utmost advantage. Probably finish to-morrow.

In carrying into effect the law of Congress allowing navy credits, the Secretary of War decided, that the men should be credited to the State in which they enlisted, unless it should be proved that they properly belonged elsewhere.. Governor Andrew and ex-Governor Clifford were appointed commissioners to take charge of the navy enlistment in Massachusetts; they were to decide all questions relating thereto, and, in case of disagreement, the Secretary of War was to act as umpire. No disagreement ever occurred. As the law did not pass until July 4, and a draft was to be made early in September, it was of the utmost importance that the number of navy credits to which Massachusetts was entitled should be immediately known and properly distributed. To obtain this information, recourse was had to the muster-rolls on board the receiving ship Ohio, at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Captain Green, U. S.N., in command of the ship, gave permission to the Adjutant-General to make a transcript of these rolls, and he employed two clerks to perform the work: these were all that could be employed at one time, because of the limited room on board the ship where they were kept. It appeared, by these rolls, that the total number of men who had enlisted in Massachusetts into the navy from April 13, 1861, to Feb. 24, 1864, the date fixed by act of Congress, was 22,360.

In order that a just distribution of these credits should be made among the several cities and towns, the commissioners caused a circular to be sent to the municipal authorities of each place, requiring a sworn return of the names of all persons residing within their municipalities, who had entered the naval service during the Rebellion, up to Feb. 24, 1864. Answers