WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 14, 1861.

ALFRED S. KENNEDY, Esq.,

Philadelphia:

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 13th instant, tendering the services of the graduating class of the Polytechnic College of the State of Pennsylvania to the Government. You will please answer these young gentlemen that this Department fully appreciates the patriotism which prompts their offer, and that it shall receive the consideration which it deserves. It might be well for you to communicate the names of the students, their respective ages, residences, &c.

Very respectfully,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 14, 1861.

SPENCER F. BAIRD, Esq.:

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 11th instant, inclosing the communication from students of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institution, tendering their services to the Government. You will please assure these young gentlemen that this Department fully appreciates the patriotism which prompts their offer, and that it shall receive the consideration which it deserves.

Very respectfully,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 15, 1861.

Governor JOHN A. ANDREW,

Boston, Mass.:

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to forward you, inclosed herewith, the plan of the organization of the volunteers for three years, or during the war.* Six regiments are assigned to your State, making, in addition to the two regiments of three-months' militia already called for, eight regiments. It is important to reduce rather than enlarge this number, and in no event to exceed it. Let me earnestly recommend to you, therefore, to call for no more than eight regiments, of which six only are serve for three years, or during the war, and if more are already called for, to reduce the number by discharge. In making the quota of three- years' men, you will please act in concert with the mustering officers sent to your State, who will represent this Department.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

(Same to Governors of other States, May 16, 1861, for their several quotas, as follows:

Connecticut.-One regiment for three years, or the war, in addition to the two regiments of three-months' militia already called for.

Illinois.-Six regiments in addition to six three-months' regiments.

Indiana.-Four regiments in addition to six three-months' regiments.

Iowa.-Two regiments in addition to one three-months' regiment.

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*See General Orders, Numbers 15, p. 151.

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