[May 7, 1863.]
Yesterday at noon, I learned from Governor Andrew by
telegram that he did not intend to raise another regiment. I was thunderstruck.
My work for three months would nearly, or quite, fall to the ground. I
telegraphed in reply: “You told me to take all the men I could get without
regard to regiments. Have two hundred men on the way; what shall I do with
them?” The reply came simultaneously with your letter: “Considering your
telegraph and Wild's advice, another regiment may proceed; expecting it full in
four weeks. Present want of troops will probably prevent my being opposed.” I
replied: “I thank God for your telegram received this morning. You shall have
the men in four weeks.” Now all is right.
If I had received a refusal to accept more men, my plans
were all laid. I should have gone to Washington to-morrow morning, having
recalled my transportation agent from the West to take my place here, and have
presented a clean-cut plan to Stanton for raising colored regiments, North and
South, which I have no doubt he would have accepted. Now I go on with my work
again.
SOURCE: Preston Stearns, The Life and Public
Services of George Luther Stearns, p. 291
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