Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Executive Department,
BosToN, April 23rd, 1861
Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER
GENERAL: Yesterday afternoon a despatch was received by me
from Major Ames dated at Philadelphia on the previous day. The bearer, Wm.
Steppe, returns with this communication. After examining the “memorandum of
your plan and reasons for proceeding to Annapolis,” which was inclosed to me, I
have to say that I entirely and cordially approve your action, and have every
confidence that your discretion has dictated the wisest and safest course that
could have been devised in the absence of suggestions from Washington. I have
received most satisfactory information concerning the landing of our troops at
Fort Monroe; and Captain Eldridge, the intelligent master of the Steamer “State
of Maine,” has reported to me in person the incidents of his voyage. With
regard to the Fifth Regiment, which I have despatched to Annapolis by steamer
from New York City, I wish to call your careful and particular attention to an
unfortunate division of sympathy and opinion between Col. Lawrence and Lieut.
Col. Green, which seems to threaten a serious diminution of the efficiency of
that regiment. From my own observation during the day and night of their
departure I was led to believe that Lieut. Col. Green afforded much less
assistance to Col. Lawrence than he should have done, in view of his duty as
well as of his capacity. I was satisfied that the departure of the regiment
from Boston was seriously delayed and obstructed by this stolidity of the
Lieut. Colonel. I fear that if the same obstruction shall continue the health of
Col. Lawrence will give way under the weight of his care and anxiety, for he
appears to be of a remarkably sensitive and amiable disposition. In view of
this condition of facts it may become necessary for you to adopt vigorous and
peremptory measures in order to check this evil. Perhaps detailing Lt. Col.
Green upon some special duty, or, if a division of his regiment between two
points is necessary, giving the Lt. Col. the charge of one of the detachments
away from the Head Qrs. of the Regt. would answer the purpose. I wish to
express my appreciation of your attention in transmitting so regularly and
accurately during the night of the 19th inst. information concerning the fight
at Baltimore. Such portions of your despatches to me on that night as could with
propriety be published were compiled, under my direction, by my private
Secretary, and communicated to the newspapers of the next morning. Such an
official promulgation of events, I am informed from various sources, caused
great relief to many families who were distracted by the exaggerated and
conflicting accounts of the correspondents of the press. At the urgent request
of many persons I am inclined to continue such official bulletins on important
occasions, and I request that you may make your despatches as full and minute
as may be consistently with your time and duties, in order that such
information may be supplied.
I desire you to cause observation to be made with care
concerning Frederick W. Heath, Adjutant of the Light Artillery Battery. Grave
intimations have reached me to the effect that he has very recently expressed
earnest sympathy for the secessionists.
For our guidance and assistance in settling accounts I wish
that a statement should be prepared, and sent forward promptly, of all items of
indebtedness incurred under your direction in respect to the transportation of
the troops, also copies of your letters of credit, and any memoranda that may
assist our disbursing and auditing officers here to avoid imposition. I am
faithfully, & with cordial sympathy for yourself, family, & command,
Yours,
JoHN A. ANDREw,
Comdg M.V.M.
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. 31-2
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