UNOFFICIAL.
Headquarters, 6th
Regiment, M.V.M. – Capitol,
WASHINGTON, April 30th,
1861
General B. F. BUTLER, ANNAPOLIS, MD.
MY DEAR GENERAL: I am anxious to get my regiment out of this
Capitol and under canvas. I also understand that camp equipage is coming
forward, and what I ask is that you will place me in position to take
sufficient for my wants when it comes. I have good quarters here, but the men
are getting sick from eating everything which they have a chance to get hold
of, and from catching colds which the damp, stone floors furnish to any extent.
Also do not place me in any position which will detach me from my regiment, as
I want nothing, if God spares my life, but an opportunity to take them home
with our laurels untarnished. I received a telegraph from Gov. Andrew to Geo.
Abbott, saying “every requisition from Col. Jones will be answered,” and I have
sent forward to Gov. Boutwell to take some measures to put us in decent
apparel, as they are in just the condition which I prophesied some 3 months
since, viz., rag, tag, and bobtail. The idea of getting up an “Esprit de Corps”
in a man with his shirt-tail sticking out!
I regret exceedingly that we are separated in this campaign.
Please inform of your position and future prospects. I am getting my regiment
into pretty good state of discipline, but it was a trial of titles at first, -
and you can guess who came out ahead if he came out alive. I have not heard
from my family since I left home. Too bad, I cannot succeed in getting me a
decent horse. Are they to be had out your way? I do not know what to do in
regard to drawing clothing, &c., from
the government here.
Your old Friend,
E. F. Jones
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. 60-1
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