War Department
May 7. 1861.
In the absence of regular officers for the purpose the Hon. Col. Samuel R. Curtis of Ioway late of the U.S. Army, is hereby appointed to muster into the Service of the United States the quota of Militia of the State of Ioway called out under the requisition of the President of the U.S.1
He is authorised to take all steps necessary to equip, provisions, and supply these troops till the officers of the several administrative departments can be ordered to relieve him, until which time he will receive, and govern himself, by the instructions these Departments may give.
Simon Cameron
Secy of War
1. The call for 75,000 ninety day troops of the state militia was issued by Lincoln April 15. Iowa’s quota was one regiment. There was a subsequent call for three year troops several weeks later. Three regiments were quickly formed in Iowa to rendenvous at Keokuk May 20.