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[128]

On the 2d of May, Colonel Sargent, of the Governor's staff, wrote to Mrs. Mary E. Whitney:—

I promised to write to you if I learned any thing of interest to you. There are no marks of any description whatever on the arms of the man whom you saw this afternoon. I had a careful examination made. There is no doubt whatever that this man and your husband are two entirely different persons. There is no reason to think that any harm has come to your husband. I have no doubt he is alive and well, and doing his duty like a good citizen and brave soldier.

James Keenan and Edward Coburn were wounded in Baltimore, but neither of them fatally. Of the four who were killed, Charles Taylor was buried in Baltimore. No trace of his family or friends has ever been discovered. Needham was buried in Lawrence; Whitney and Ladd, in Lowell. The funeral services at Lawrence and Lowell, over the bodies of these first martyrs of the great Rebellion, were grand and imposing. In each city, monuments of enduring granite have been raised to commemorate their deaths, and to be their sepulchres.

On the 2d of May, Governor Andrew wrote to Simeon Draper, of New York, that he had ‘about four thousand troops already in the field, as many more ready at brief notice; probably ten thousand drilling, hoping for an opportunity. Why don't the Government call faster? We sent a steamer with supplies to-day.’ The steamer here referred to was the ‘Cambridge,’ which had been fitted out by the State, and had sailed, laden with supplies of clothing and provisions for the Massachusetts troops, on the 1st of May. She had also some recruits for the Third Regiment, and a company for the Rifle Battalion. After taking out certain supplies and men at Fortress Monroe, she was to go by the Potomac to Washington, if it were safe to do so. Governor Andrew wrote to General Scott a detailed statement of the expedition. He said,—

1st. I desire our Massachusetts troops to receive and have the first benefit of our supplies, but, if need be, that others should share them.

2d. That, if you see any objection to the “Cambridge” going up the Potomac, you would give orders to Captain Matthews, her commander, who is instructed to receive your directions.

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