BosTON, Feb. 5th, 1861
To His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief:
At our interview this morning you requested me to put the
matter which I wished to communicate in writing. In accordance therewith, I
make the following statement as to the condition of my command, and take the
liberty to forward the same directly to you, passing over the usual channel of
communication for want of time. The Sixth Regiment consists of eight companies,
located as follows, viz.: Four in Lowell, two in Lawrence, one in Acton, and
one in Groton, made up mostly of men of families, “who earn their bread by the
sweat of their brow,” men who are willing to leave their homes, families, and
all that man holds dear, and sacrifice their present and future as a matter of
duty. Four companies of the regiment are insufficiently armed (as to quantity)
with a serviceable rifle musket; the other four with the old musket, which is
not a safe or serviceable arm, and requiring a different cartridge from the
first, which would make confusion in the distribution of ammunition. Two
companies are without uniforms, having worn them out, and were proposing to
have new the ensuing spring. Six companies and the band have company uniforms
of different colors and styles, but insufficient in numbers, and which are
entirely unfit for actual service, from the fact that they are made of fine
cloth, more for show and the attractive appearance of the company on parade
than any other purpose, being cut tight to the form and in fashionable style.
I would (after being properly armed and equipped) suggest
our actual necessary wants, viz.: a cap, frock coat, pantaloons, boots,
overcoat, knapsack, and blanket to each man, of heavy serviceable material, cut
sufficiently loose, and made strongly to stand the necessities of the service.
Such is our position, and I think it is a fair representation of the condition
of most of the troops in the State. Their health and their efficiency depend
greatly upon their comfort.
My command is not able pecuniarily to put themselves in the
necessary condition, and should they, as a matter of right and justice, be
asked so to do, even were they able? What is the cost in money to the State of
Massachusetts when compared to the sacrifices we are called upon to make?
Respectfully,
EDWARD F. JonEs, Col. Sixth Regiment
P.S.. I would also suggest that it would require from ten to
fourteen days as the shortest possible time within which my command could be
put in marching order.
SOURCE: Jessie Ames Marshall, Editor, Private and
Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the
Civil War, Volume 1: April 1860 – June 1862, p. 5-6
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