Camp of Instruction
Benton Barracks Sept 21. 1861
Dr Major
I find the skeleton Regiment in camp requires much time and attention. Men come and stay a few days without being mustered in, and slip away from camp cheating the Government out of subsistance and causing insubordination. I have therefore detailed an officer (Lieut Freeman of the Regular Army) to muster them in as fast as they come, so that in case they leave they may be regarded as deserters. They generally comply without much complaint. Col Burge has a small squad of men who he calls Rifles or Sharp Shooters. They are about 150 in number and claimed by about a Doz quasi Captains but none of them either officers or privates mustered into the service. I ordered the Colonel to have this floating population mustered into the service. He seems to dread it, and holds back unless it can be done on conditions &c &c I have insisted and told him I would not approve provision rations for his men unless they are mustered. In the mean time he has gone to Head Quarters and I report the facts to prevent misunderstandings. I have told him we will let him have riffles if they can be got; but soldiers must be soldiers and I could see no need of keeping these men and officers for weeks in an unorganized condition Good order of camp and economy of service requires this.
Very Respectfully yours
Saml. R. Curtis
Brigr Geni Com. Camp