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

[121] confer with him in regard to garrisoning our forts with militia; also recommends that a guard be placed at the United-States Arsenal at Springfield. ‘Two thousand men could be thus employed, who would enlist for one or two years, be drilled as soldiers, and sent forward when required.’ Telegraphs to Secretary of War for ‘one or two thousand smooth-bore muskets, of which there are one hundred thousand at the Springfield Arsenal.’ Acknowledges with thanks the offer of the Empire Association of Lynn to ‘give to the new volunteer company raised in that city sixty-six military frock-coats.’ Thanks ‘Mr. Tilson, and the ladies of the Baptist Church and Society of Hingham, for the tender of their services to make clothing and sew for the soldiers.’

April 23.—The Governor writes a letter to Major-General Wool, introducing William L. Burt, of Boston, who was instructed to ‘get authority to garrison the forts in Boston harbor with militia.’ John M. Forbes, by direction of the Governor, writes to Samuel M. Felton, of Philadelphia: ‘Your information about matters at Annapolis received. The expedition which left New York yesterday will take care of Annapolis; but we shall continue our preparations, including armed ships. Look out for Port Deposite. Keep us posted.’ Governor writes to Mrs. Harriot C. Gould and Mrs. Harriot A. Jaquith, who had offered to furnish the soldiers with the New Testament, and informs them ‘that each soldier of the Fifth Regiment, which left Boston on Sunday, had been furnished with a Bible; and there is an abundant supply to furnish those who are expected to leave.’ Writes to Henry A. J. Williams that ‘colored men cannot be enrolled in the militia. It cannot be cone by law, which limits the militia to white male citizens. Personally, he knows no distinction of class or color, in his regard for his fellow-citizens, nor in their regard for our common country.’ Writes to Mrs. Devereux, wife of Captain Devereux, of the Eighth Regiment, who had offered her services as a nurse, ‘that he would be reluctant to call into the field another member of a family which has already contributed so many of its children to the country.’ Two brothers of Captain

Devereux were also in the service.