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

On the 24th of January, the Governor wrote to Colonel Browne, acknowledging the receipt of his letter, and commented at considerable length upon ‘the extraordinary character of the language reported by you that was used by Mr. Stanton, in respect to the surplus cavalry men at Camp Meigs.’ The letter of the Governor is a model of dignified and argumentative statement. He goes over the whole ground in regard to the enlistment of these men, and shows that they were enlisted under proper authority from the War Department, and by the United-States officers stationed in Massachusetts for that duty. The letter concludes as follows:—

I presume that every word he said was hasty, inadvertent, and would be regretted, if he was reminded of the conversation. While I entertain no personal feeling, I think it my duty not to overlook his remarks. I have no right to regard such treatment of the State, and those who are charged with its service, as in any sense personal. I can only regard it officially, and must maintain the dignity and rights of the Commonwealth and her people, so far as they are intrusted to my care.

It is perhaps proper here to state that it was impossible, during a war so great as this was, that there should not have been at times some irritation of mind and hasty remarks made by those in high positions, upon whose shoulders rested so great a responsibility. As regards Governor Andrew and Secretary Stanton, they were both able, earnest, and positive men, who had the good of the country at heart, and whose plans sometimes crossed each other. But we are positive that they always entertained a high respect for each other, and the little differences which occasionally arose between them rather served to bring out their good and strong points than to cause permanent alienation. Both gentlemen were borne down and harassed with weighty duties, sufficient to distract calm thought and considerate remark. We know that, notwithstanding the conflict of views which sometimes took place between them, Governor Andrew entertained for Secretary Stanton a high regard, both officially and personally, which was fully reciprocated.