Head quarters Iowa Volunteers
Keokuk May 27. 1861
Genl. L. Thomas
Adt Genl U.S.A.
I wrote you from Des Moines last week saying I had Commenced to muster the 2nd Iowa Regiment. I have now the honor to report that the 1st and 2nd Regiments are here mustered in, and the 3d will be here all of this week.1
Your orders to Lieut Chambers2 having arrived authorizing him to muster the second call, to avoid confusion, I at once relinquished to him the remainder of that duty ; but he very ungraciously as I think, declines to recognize my mustering, and in the face of my order from the Secretary of war, persists in mustering over what I have mustered. Of course I have protested against this.
Before his order came to muster the 3 year regiments, I had procured books and blanks of you, 2000 muskets and 80 rounds of Cartridges for two reigments, ordered the cartridge boxes for two regiments at Pittsburg, and rallied the whole force required at this place, where Govr Kirkwood has directed me to take temperary command.
I transmit a request made by the Governor and staff, and that my authority may be enlarged &c recognized at headquarters. If my proceedings be approved, a telgraphic order through me to Lieut Chambers directing his recognition of my acts, would seem necessary to carry forward the complete and early equipment of these troops, and avoid petty conflict of a rightful exercise of discretion. A point so remote as this, must apply to the source of military power, in order to avoid shameful delay. I therefore respectfully request you to direct all the requisite supplies for three regiments (inclusive of what has been sent) to be forwarded as the guns were, without the delay of circuitous requisitions. Send Books and blanks from your office.
Ordinance stores for officers and men for 3 regiments (less 2000 guns and cartridge boxes) and when they are not already prepared, let power be given to procure them.
Quartermasters stores including Knapsacks & canteens; and where they cannot be obtained directions to procure them.
Commissary stores. I have ample power granted me in this respect by Col Taylor, but have not acted as Lieut Chambers seems to assume that duty.
The Governor has procured some of the supplies here enumerated, but when they can be exchanged or substituted by Government supplies, the State of Iowa will receive back such as may be unnecessary to the General Government.
Anxious to expedide the enrollment of the Iowa troops with great dispatch, and the least possible trouble to you, let me ask that the duties here invoked be assigned to your asst. Col McDowell,3 who assisted in former orders relating to this locality.
I am also authorised to say, two more regiments are enrolled and ready to march to this depot in ten days if it be your pleasure to receive them under the three year call.
I would add that we get good men, and all sorts of provisions are cheaper here than in any part of the country. It is therefore a good healthy rendevous.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Saml R. Curtis
Mustering Officer &c
1. The 1st Iowa Volunteer Regiment was for 90 days, and was mustered in May 13. The 2nd Iowa Vol. Regt. was for three years, and was mustered in May 27, the date of this letter.
2. Probably Alexander Chambers, United States Military Academy 1849, later colonel of the 16th Iowa Vol. Infantry, and an appointed Brigadier General.
3. Irvin McDowell, United States Military Academy 1834, Asst. Adjt. General 1847-1861, later a major general of volunteers, 1862.