PORTLAND, ME., May 24, 1861.

Honorable S. CAMERON,

Secretary of War:

I wish to be informed whether a regiment of picked men outside of the State militia to serve during the war would be accepted and equipped by the Government? I am assured that such a regiment can be ready in ten days, and urged to procure its acceptance. They would be of the right sort.

W. P. FESSENDEN.

WAR DEPARTMENT, May 24, 1861.

Honorable WILLIAM PITT FESSENDEN,

Portland, Me.:

It is impossible for this Department at this time to accept any more troops from Maine than its quota.

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, May 24, 1861.

Honorable E. D. MORGAN, Albany, N. Y.:

DEAR SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 21st instant, and beg leave to say in reply that this Department does not at this time desire the appointment of additional major or brigadier generals by Governors of States. I inclose you a copy of Orders, Numbers 15,* by reference to which you will perceive that these officers are appointed by the President to command the second quota of your troops.

Very truly, yours,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 24, 1861.

J. MEREDITH READ, Jr.,

Adjutant-General, Albany, N. Y.:

DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 22nd instant, informing this Department of thirty-eight regiments accepted by the Federal Government-thirty-one have already been ordered to be mustered into the service, and the remaining seven will be ready in a few days-has been received. The number mustered is in direct contravention of the positive order of this Department requesting only twenty-eight to be so mustered.

I am, sir, very respectfully, yours,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War.

NEW YORK, May 24, 1861.

Honorable SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War:

Governor Morgan telegraphed that he could not come here. Too late to allow me to go to Albany last night. I must see the regiments of

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*See p. 151.

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