Washington Apl 27, 1861
My dear wife
I arrived here with the N York regiment on Wednesday after a steady foot march of a day and a night assisting to haul canon build railroad and chasing the garilla forces that we found in our way.
I have visited all the heads of departments and reported everything. I have no news from our Governor1 but I have told the different officers Iowa is no doubt ready with her regiment and anxious to furnish several more.
Genl Scott told me he wished I had a Commission as General of Militia. He could at once give me power to give orders which I cannot do without a Commission in the Militia service. Ask Genl Reid how I can get such an authority to act. A staff appointment will not do. I need a commission of Col or Genl the higher the better and by being ordered by the Govr my status would enable me to receive General orders from the department which the General knows I could develop in detail.
I am very well and very busy. Sadie will write more fully than I can.
You may know where the Governor is and can hurry up such instructions from him with some sort of commission that will enable me to procure arms and munitions for the state.
Troops are now rolling into Washington and the anxious people of this city breathe easier.
I return a letter which Sadie sent to my address and which was forwarded to me at this place after going to Keokuk as one from Sam was.
See that PM2 and tell him you are authorised to receive and open my letters in my absence. We got your letter last night written the day after I left
Sadie is still at the Resides & very well
Affectionately yours
Saml R. Curtis
1. Samuel Jordan Kirkwood, governor of Iowa 1859-1863, 1876-1877. U. S. Senator 1866-1867, 1877-1881, was also Secretary of Interior under President Garfield, 1881-1882. Kirkwood issued a call for Iowa troops April, 1861.
2. Richard McAllister held office until May, 1861.