USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts in the Civil War > Part 15
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I have since applied to the underwriters and merchants to take and own half of the ship, if the State will take the other half, with the understanding that she is to be managed as an armed transport, used to convey troops and stores, at the prices current for other transports ; and, when not so used, to act as coast-guard or despatch vessel, under the management of a Government agent or agents.
It is hoped, upon this basis, to make her pay her way, with little or no loss, besides doing good service, and keeping up the confidence of onr citizens and the fears of our enemies.
If you approve the plan, I should like to have you own such part of her as I cannot get readily taken by the underwriters ; also, propor- tion of her outfit, which I estimate at under $10,000.
She can at once load coal and the stores ordered, get on board the guns, which the Navy Yard will lend us temporarily, and be ready for troops or other service.
I have inquired also about other vessels. The only suitable pro- peller is a small vessel of about three hundred tons, nearly new, due here to-night, which can be bought for a trifle under $30,000. She would make a good temporary gunboat ; could carry her crew, a good load of stores upon a pinch, and a few troops, not many.
If you are disposed to have another vessel, she is the most available, and is not dear. I think, if you wish it, the merchants and under- writers would take part of her, E probably half. She would be well adapted to the coast-guard now being raised.
In addition to these, I have found a side-wheel ship of about one thousand tons, older than the others, and having the single advantage of light draught of water, - a good serviceable ship. She can be bought on reasonable terms to-day, -not cheap, not very dear, - but, in my
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opinion, not so desirable as either of the others, unless some new arrangement arises.
I should strongly recommend some prompt action as to the first two vessels, if you knew the emergency as I do, and are willing to take the responsibility.
The money for the " Cambridge " ought to be appropriated immedi- ately, and orders given as to the name in which she shall stand regis- tered, - perhaps two trustees, one to represent the State, and one the individual subscribers.
With much respect, your obedient servant, J. M. FORBES.
N.B. - I do not think the merchants ready, at this moment, to share in the third vessel, - the side-wheel steamer.
On the same day, the letter was referred by the Governor to a committee of the Executive Council, who reported that " the Committee authorize the Governor to procure, on the basis of the letter, two steam-vessels, the State to take one half and the underwriters the other, to be managed as armed transports to convey troops and stores, and, when not so used, as a coast- guard or despatch vessels." These vessels were immediately purchased, - the " Cambridge" at a cost of $75,000, and the " Pembroke " at $30,000. The outfit of the " Cambridge " cost $10,000. The Council also ordered, "that the Governor, with the advice of the Council, employ John M. Forbes, Esq., to procure proper rations for the supply of four thousand men in service for thirty days, to be furnished immediately."
Mr. Boutwell arrived at Washington on the 28th of April, and, on the evening of that day, wrote the following interesting letter to Governor Andrew, which was the first satisfactory communication he had received from Washington since the regi- ments had left the State : -
WASHINGTON, April 28, 1861. To His Excellency Governor ANDREW.
SIR, - I arrived in Washington to-day, after a journey of forty- eight hours from Philadelphia by Annapolis. There have been no mails from the North for a week ; and you may easily understand, that the mighty public sentiment of the Free States is not yet fully appre- ciated here.
The President and Cabinet are gaining confidence; and the measures of the Administration will no longer be limited to the defence of the
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MR. BOUTWELL WRITES FROM WASHINGTON.
capital. Secretary Welles has already sent orders to Captain Hudson to purchase six steamers, with instructions to consult you in regard to the matter. I regret that the Secretary was not ready to put the matter into the hands of commissioners, who would have acted effi- ciently and promptly.
Mr. Welles will accept, as part of the quota, such vessels as may have been purchased by Mr. Forbes.
Senator Grimes, of Iowa, will probably give Mr. Crowninshield an order for arms. The United-States Government may do the same; but no definite action has yet been taken.
Martial law will be proclaimed here to-morrow. Colonel Mansfield will be appointed general, and assigned to this district. He is one of the most efficient officers in the country.
Baltimore is to be closed in from Havre-de-Grace, from the Relay House, from the Carlisle line, and by an efficient naval force. She will be reduced to unconditional submission. The passage of the troops through Maryland has had a great moral effect. The people are changing rapidly in the country . places. Many instances of a popular revolution, in towns through which troops have passed or been stationed, have come to my knowledge. I came to Washington with the Twelfth New-York Regiment; and from Annapolis Junction there were cheers from three-fourths of the houses by the wayside.
Every thing appears well at Annapolis, where General Butler com- mands in person. There is a large body of troops, the people are gradually gaining confidence in the army and the Government, and the regulations seem to be effective. General Butler is popular with the officers whom I met. Ile has taken command of the highlands that command the town and the encampment. All sorts of rumors are spread among the troops concerning an attack upon the Annapolis Station ; but the place can be defended under any conceivable circum- stances. I am sorry to say, that every thing is in confusion at Annap- olis Junction ; and a moderate force might, in a single night, break off the connection of this city with the North. It is at present a military station without a permanent head. Each colonel, as he moves towards Washington, commands for twelve or twenty-four hours. My own belief, however, is, that Maryland will never see two thousand men together as a military organization in opposition to the Government.
I presume that your Excellency has means of obtaining information concerning the condition of Massachusetts men, morally and physically ; but, as I am here, I shall try to obtain and transmit any information that seems important. I may say now, that the Eighth Regiment is quartered in the rotunda of the Capitol; and a military man, not of
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Massachusetts, says, that they are already suffering from the cold and dampness of the place. He advises tents and out-door encampment.
I repeat what is every hour said in my hearing, that Massachusetts has taken her place at the head of the column in support of the Gov- ernment ; and our regiments are everywhere esteemed as noble exam- ples of citizen-soldiers. I, for one, feel anxious that every thing that is proper should be done.
I have written this communication in great haste ; and I have only time to subscribe myself your Excellency's obedient servant,
GEORGE S. BOUTWELL.
On the 30th of April, Governor Andrew received from Attorney-General Foster a telegram from Washington, saying, "Arrived last night. All well at Annapolis and here." Mr. Foster had followed on the heels of Mr. Boutwell. While at New York, on his way to Washington, he wrote to Governor Andrew as follows : -
NEW YORK, April 27, 1861.
I have spent to-day in trying to find the utmost known in this city ; but there is no reliable intelligence not known to you. New York has sent up to this time five thousand four hundred troops, and by Tuesday next will send four thousand more.
Three regiments from Connecticut are nearly ready, - two thou- sand four hundred. New Jersey claims to have four regiments nearly ready, - three thousand two hundred. Notwithstanding all this, it seems to be the strong desire of every one here, that more men should go from Massachusetts, without waiting for a requisition. General Wool says, if you telegraph to him whether you shall send two more regiments, he will answer, "Yes." I have seen him, and he appears well, but very much overworked and worn out. For the occasion, the committee of merchants are working very hard, and comprise many of their best men. I did not feel it was a sufficiently clear case in favor of sending more men to telegraph to that effect. But I would do it unless you get later advices adverse. The present feeling here is, that Washington is safe, but that more troops are greatly needed ; and the universal cry is, that the Government is far behind the people. I am going to Washington to-night via Annapolis, and no doubt shall find the way open and safe. There are a number of bills here for transportation by steamer, and for subsistence furnished our men ; and I am very confident, that a faithful, sensible man, with a small office in this city, to act as agent for Massachusetts, and to whom alone you should refer al' bills, &c., would save a great deal of
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STATE OF FEELING IN THE CABINET.
money and time. There will be men going and returning, and a great variety of wants, large and small, until the end is reached; and we shall have undesirable men claiming to represent the State, and inter- meddling in many ways, unless there is some one agent on the spot all the time.
The praise of the Old Bay State is in every mouth; and the repeti- tion of the half said of her Governor to you would be flattery.
Very respectfully and truly yours,
r DWIGHT FOSTER.
Mr. Boutwell remained in Washington until the 1st of May, when he left for Boston. At Perryville, he telegraphed to " Mr. Forbes & Co., -Two lots of stocks additional ordered by Cabot." This was in the cipher arranged by Mr. Forbes, and meant, "Two regiments of troops additional ordered by Cameron." Mr. Boutwell arrived at New York on the 2d of May, and wrote to Governor Andrew that evening : -
I arrived here this afternoon, and I hope to report to you in person Saturday. I had free conversation with the President, General Scott, Mr. Seward, Mr. Chase, General Cameron, and Mr. Blair, upon public affairs. The impression I received from all, except perhaps Mr. Sew- ard, was favorable to a vigorous prosecution of the war. Mr. Seward repeated his words of December and February, " The crisis is over." It is, however, understood at Washington, that Mr. Seward favors vigor- ous measures. Mr. Chase says, that the policy of the Administration is vigorous and comprehensive, as sure to succeed in controlling the Rebellion, and preserving the whole territory of the Union. I will only say now, that I left Washington with a more favorable impres- sion of the policy of the Government than I entertained when I left Boston.
General Cameron agreed to anthorize Massachusetts to raise two regiments in addition to that of Dwight's. The papers were all made, and only, a Cabinet meeting prevented their completion on Tuesday. I did not wish to remain another day, and I left the papers with the chief clerk ; and I also received the assurance of Colonel Ripley, that he would give personal and prompt attention to transmitting them to Boston. I shall expect them on Saturday.
Colonel Ripley issued an order on Tuesday for rifling cannon. Mr. Forbes's letter aided very much.
I am very truly your most obedient servant,
GEORGE S. BOUTWELL.
10
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MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
The "Cambridge " had arrived in Washington from Boston, with troops and military stores. Judge Hoar was in the city. There appears to have been no one to act for the Government to take charge of the stores, or to superintend their distribution. The following letter from E. Rockwood Hoar, one of the jus- tices of the Supreme Court, to the Governor, relates to this matter, and to the hardships borne by the Fifth Regiment, from the time it left Boston until it arrived in Washington, which, in part, were occasioned by haste and bad management in loading the transports at New York, by which the rations and the bales of blankets, which were to have been distributed to the men, were covered with other merchandise, and could not be got at, so that the men suffered for want of food and blankets : -
WASHINGTON, May 6, 1861.
To His Excellency Governor ANDREW.
DEAR SIR, - Mr. Foster, I learn, has gone with General Butler, and cannot be communicated with. Dr. Howe has not arrived. The " Cambridge " arrived yesterday afternoon. I have therefore, as I wrote to you yesterday, "taken the responsibility," which I trust will meet your approbation, as there is nobody here to attend to the busi- ness ; and, unless instant attention be paid to it, in the present extreme confusion of affairs here, there would be even great delay in getting their private packages to our troops. I saw the President this morn- ing the instant he left the breakfast table, presented your letter to him, and explained to him the whole business. I also saw General Cam- eron, and he has agreed to take the stores, with the exception of such as we may retain for hospital use, and for the reasonable comfort of our men, at the invoice price, with the freight added at the price you named. The President sent for Mr. Seward ; and I had a conference with them jointly as to the purchase or employment of the steamers, and also with General Cameron. The strong inclination of the Gov- ernment is to purchase rather than charter vessels; and I think the arrangement can be made to sell them. But to-morrow they are to have a detailed report of the number of vessels already engaged, and I am promised a definite answer on Wednesday.
I took Senator Wilson with me, and consulted Colonel Lawrence, the senior officer in command of the Massachusetts men, and Colonel Monroe, and the quartermaster of the Sixth Regiment, as to the sup- plies and stores which should be retained for the hospital service and the comfort of the troops, and we have examined the invoice and made
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JUDGE HOAR AT WASHINGTON.
the selection ; and I have the promise that by one o'clock the business shall be put through the proper department.
The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment left Washington yesterday, under General Butler's orders, for the Relay House, between Annap- olis Junction and Baltimore. Their future destination is not certain ; but, if there should be a march for the occupation of Baltimore, it is felt that poetical justice requires that regiment to have the first place.
I have the honor, further, to submit a matter which I venture to press upon your immediate attention.
The Fifth Regiment left Boston, by their own choice, partially equipped, on Sunday morning, April 21, rather than wait another day to have their equipments completed. They had to sleep in Faneuil Hall, in the confusion and bustle of the two preceding nights. They went to New York on that Sunday, marched the whole length of that city in the evening, hardly able to stand from fatigue and sleeplessness. They were crowded on board the steamer, and sent fresh from their country homes and habits to the sickness and misery of the sea voyage, with only the deck to lie down on, and not room enough for all to do that. They landed at Annapolis at niglit, were kept standing in line, waiting for orders, four or five hours, and at eleven, P.M., required to march on foot to Annapolis Junction, twenty miles. Their blankets and clothing were done up into bales and boxes on the steamer, and had only been partially landed when they started. Colonel Lawrence wanted to wait for it ; but the danger and necessity of their immediate presence at the junction made their march imperative. IIe left forty men detailed to take charge of and forward the baggage ; but, after the regiment had gone, General Butler ordered them off to serve as a guard on the line of the railroad. The regiment reached the Junction, and took their first substantial sleep on the ground, without shelter or blankets. Our Concord company had nothing but their guns, and what they left home in and their great-coats; and a number had not even the coats - left behind at Annapolis. The baggage, left without charge, got mixed with general United-States stores, and got distributed to Penn- sylvania and other troops promiscuously. It is gone past redemption. Thirty men of the Concord company have not yet got a blanket, and sleep on a hard floor. They had not a shirt in the company till last Friday, two weeks from home, except those they wore from home, nor a pair of drawers or stockings till Saturday, and then not enough to go round. There is no complaint. Health generally good, and spirits and patriotism as high and cheerful as yours or mine, - the heroes ! The United States have no blankets here ; and all attempts possible have been made, here and at Annapolis, to supply them. Colonel
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JUDGE HOAR AT WASHINGTON.
the selection ; and I have the promise that by one o'clock the business shall be put through the proper department.
The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment left Washington yesterday, under General Butler's orders, for the Relay House, between Annap- olis Junction and Baltimore. Their future destination is not certain ; but, if there should be a march for the occupation of Baltimore, it is felt that poetical justice requires that regiment to have the first place.
I have the honor, further, to submit a matter which I venture to press upon your immediate attention.
The Fifth Regiment left Boston, by their own choice, partially equipped, on Sunday morning, April 21, rather than wait another day to have their equipments completed. They had to sleep in Faneuil Hall, in the confusion and bustle of the two preceding nights. They went to New York on that Sunday, marched the whole length of that city in the evening, hardly able to stand from fatigue and sleeplessness. They were crowded on board the steamer, and sent fresh from their country homes and habits to the sickness and misery of the sea voyage, with only the deck to lie down on, and not room enough for all to do that. They landed at Annapolis at night, were kept standing in line, waiting for orders, four or five hours, and at eleven, P.M., required to march on foot to Annapolis Junction, twenty miles. Their blankets and clothing were done up into bales and boxes on the steamer, and had only been partially landed when they started. Colonel Lawrence wanted to wait for it ; but the danger and necessity of their immediate presence at the junction made their march imperative. He left forty men detailed to take charge of and forward the baggage ; but, after the regiment had gone, General Butler ordered them off' to serve as a guard on the line of the railroad. The regiment reached the Junction, and took their first substantial sleep on the ground, without shelter or blankets. Our Concord company had nothing but their guns, and what they left home in and their great-coats; and a number had not even the coats - left behind at Annapolis. The baggage, left without charge, got mixed with general United-States stores, and got distributed to Penn- sylvania and other troops promiscuously. It is gone past redemption. Thirty men of the Concord company have not yet got a blanket, and sleep on a hard floor. They had not a shirt in the company till last Friday, two weeks from home, except those they wore from home, nor a pair of drawers or stockings till Saturday, and then not enough to go round. There is no complaint. Health generally good, and spirits and patriotism as high and cheerful as yours or mine, - the heroes ! The United States have no blankets here ; and all attempts possible have been made, here and at Annapolis, to supply them. Colonel
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MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
Lawrence is doing, and has done, all in his power, and is entitled to great credit for his services. But they want what the enclosed list states, - instantly. I know you will send them if you can. If the State cannot pay for them, send the bill for the Concord company to Concord, and it shall be paid as soon as I get there. I will write again this evening.
The commissary says Government is very short of money. Treas- ury-notes are but partially serviceable, because they are used to pay dues to the Government, and so must cut off revenue; in fact, substan- tially amount only to an anticipation of revenue.
The matter of the loan, on which we addressed you last week, is therefore of the highest importance.
I learned on my arrival, that the orders for Massachusetts regiments to be enlisted. mustered, and drilled at Boston had been forwarded. If they have not come to hand, telegraph me or Wilson, and duplicates will be sent.
Faithfully your Excellency's friend, and the servant of the com- mittee and the cause, E. R. HOAR.
With the following letter from Judge Hoar to the Governor, we close this part of the correspondence relating to matters connected with the three months' troops, and the disposition of the War Department neither to accept more troops, purchase transports, nor to take charge of commissary stores which had been forwarded by Massachusetts : -
WASHINGTON, May 8, 1861. To His Excellency Governor ANDREW.
DEAR SIR, - The " Cambridge " arrived this morning, having been detained between two and three days at Fort Monroe to bring on some heavy guns and shells. Dr. Howe arrived this morning, having been detained on the way by illness.
Mr. Cameron told me this morning, that his department would not purchase, or agree to employ, the steamers ; and, in answer to my urgent representations about the six Massachusetts regiments for the war, said that none could he received at present, and that he could give no promise or encouragement for the future. I asked Mr. Chase if he could help us, and he said he was afraid he could not, as he had been trying to get Cameron to receive ten regiments from Ohio, and had succeeded in getting him to accept only three.
In regard to the steamers, I have made a very strong application to the Secretary of the Navy, which I think has produced some impres-
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OFFER TO FURNISH MORE TROOPS.
sion ; and he has promised to have the naval inspectors examine the " Cambridge " to-morrow, and to see if he can take her. I put the matter upon all the public grounds I could urge, and upon the claim which our State has for consideration from what she has done and what she is doing ; and I am sure Mr. Welles feels personally friendly to our purpose. The " Pembroke " I do not believe you can sell to either department, and think you had better put her freight charge, and make your plans for her future employment upon that suppo- sition.
I have the promise, that the duplicate orders for our troops to be mustered into service in Boston shall be immediately transmitted. I received your telegram too late to have it done to-day. I must leave Washington to-morrow morning, and shall leave Mr. Lowell in charge of the affairs of the " Cambridge " until he is superseded by some one else. I trust he may receive express and direct authority, addressed to him personally from you, or by your order, which I think will facili- tate his action and communication with the authorities.
Dr. Howe prefers he should go on with the business, as he under- stands and has begun it ; and it requires a great deal of running about and personal hard work. I think it will be done to your satisfaction. The captain of the " Cambridge " thoughtlessly omitted to make any bargain for the transmission of the guns and shells from Fortress Mon- roe, and that will make some trouble, but will be carefully looked after. Senator Wilson will do all he can to forward the sale of the vessel; and he and Dr. Howe will advise with Mr. Lowell.
Faithfully your Excellency's obedient servant, E. R. HOAR.
The letters of Mr. Boutwell and Judge Hoar describe the duties with which they were charged by the Governor. They were to consult with the President and his Cabinet and with General Scott respecting the exigencies of the occasion, and keep up a communication with the authorities of the State. They had also charge of the provisions, clothing, and munitions of war, forwarded from the State to the Massachusetts soldiers. Judge Hoar, who was in Washington about the time when the proclamation of the President was issued for regiments of three years' volunteers, made, by direction of the Governor, urgent efforts to induce the Government to accept of all the regiments which Massachusetts was prepared to furnish. On the 8th of May, a proposition was made by him in writing, to the Secretary of War, offering, on behalf of the State, to "furnish six regiments
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MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
for three years, or for the war, perfectly equipped, in addition to the quota which Massachusetts might be called upon to furnish under the first call of the President; and, on the same day, it was refused by the Secretary. IIe also, in co-operation with Mr. Foster, the Attorney-General, and Senator Wilson, by direction of the Governor, offered such aid as Massachusetts could furnish to the pecuniary credit of the Government.
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