Keokuk loway
June 5. 1861
Major Ebenezer S. Sibley
Acting Quarter Master Genl
Dr Sir
You will recollect that I was authorized by the Secretary of War to procure an outfit for the Iowa troops. The arms and accoutraments have been procured and bills for transportation are presented.1 I have turned the main business over to Lieut Chambers mustering officer but I have made some necesary purchases which I think will be aproved and estimate necessary funds as follows
You will oblige me by placing this sum subject to my check in the city of N. York.
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
Saml R Curtis
1. The accoutrements included cartridge boxes, bayonet scabbords, and waist bands. As early as May 20 they were reported to have left Pittsburgh. No tents were reported available in Washington, according to a report of Curtis in the Keokuk Daily Gate City May 15. On May 21, 2000 muskets arrived, reportedly from the St. Louis Arsenal, all smooth bores, altered to be fitted with percussion caps. These inferior weapons, the Gate City observed. “will answer for drilling and other purposes and are a heap sight better than nothing.”