Glass Book. H^^^ > ^ ^ hit a( gtii) lorh. N"o. 15- IINT ASSEMBLY, Jannary 9, 1862 .c%~ COMMUNICATION FROM THE GOVERNOR TRANSMITTING THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF STATE OFFICERS NAMED IN THE ACT OF APRIL 16, 1861, ENTITLED, " AN ACT TO AUTHORISE THE EMBODYING AND EQUIPMENT OF A VOLUNTEER MILITIA AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENCE." STATE OF NEW YORK : ^ Executive Department, > Albany, January 9, 1862. J To the Jissemhly : I transmit the Report of the Board of Officers named in the act of April 16th, 1861, entitled, " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a Volunteer Militia, and to provide for the public defence," together with a copy of the minutes of their several meetings. E. D. MORGAN. [Assem. No. 15. J 1 523 S EEPORT. To the Hon. Legislature of the State of New York: The undersigned, the Board of State Officers formed by, and mentioned in the act of the Legislature, entitled, " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volun- teer militia and to provide for the public defence," passed April 16th, 1861, beg leave respectfully to REPORT: That they have the honor herewith to transmit the official journal of the proceedings of said Board hereto attached. This document will inform the Legislature of the methods and means adopted and employed by the Board in r)er- forming the important and extraordinary duties imposed upon them by the said act. In addition to the said journal, a few words of explana- tion and commentary will suffice. A requisition from the Federal Government upon the Executive of this State, demanding the services of seventeen regiments of militia was received by his Excellency on the day succeeding the enactment of the law, and the Board at once proceeded to place at the disposal of the Governor the means entrusted by the said act to their care, so much as should be necessary to equip and send forward to the aid of the General Government, the requisite number of the uniformed militia of the State, and at once 4 [Assembly proceeded to organize seventeen regiments of two years volunteers under said act, who should be prepared to take the place of the uniformed militia as soon as organized. The Governor having sole charge of the militia, it is understood, dispatched the necessary men promptly to the aid of the General Government at an expense which no doubt he will report. The Board, at their first meeting, were informed that the necessary arms and accoutrements for the force to be raised were ready in the arsenals and storehouses of the General Government, but soon ascertained that only a limited supply of arms, and those of an inferior quality were possessed by that government, and that absolutely none of the necessary accoutrements existed. That arms of a good quality could only be purchased in Europe and that all the necessary uniforms and equipments of every kind must be manufactured to order and were not in existence or pur- chasable in market. The rapid occurrence of alarming events following upon the fall of Fort Sumter, the suspen- sion of communication with the federal capital, and the portentous aspect of affairs rendered prompt action on the part of the Board an imperative duty. The extreme impatience of the public, frantic at the sight of the capital of the country menaced, and the existence of its govern- ment endangered by a formidable rebellion— the scarcity in market of the necessary supplies, and the eager compe- tition not only of the federal authorities, but those of the several loyal States in the purchase of the limited stock on sale rendered the performance of those duties the more difficult and embarrassing. . , No. 15.] 5 The Board proceeded to make contracts for supplying the troops then proposed to be raised, and within ten days after the passage of the law, had made contracts for uni- forms at a price below the cost estimated by military gentlemen called on to advise the Board, and had dis- patched an agent to Europe to purchase the necessary arms, efficiently to arm the troops. It also became apparent that the seventeen regiments already provided would be insufficient for the service of the government, and the Board resolved to raise the whole thirty thousand men authorized by the act. This object was effected, and the whole force placed in the field with a dispatch which, notwithstanding the diffi- culties surrounding the Board, it is believed, will compare favorably with the experience of this or any of her sister States, and with an economy of expense which, the circum- stances and state of the market being considered, it is be- lieved will bear the strictest scrutiny. But one unfortunate purchase was made — that of the first purchase of uniforms. It will be seen by the Journal attached, that these uniforms were contracted for at a price very considerably below the estimate of the military offi- cers. A committee of the Board was sent to New York, and on the representation that the army cloth called for by the proposition which had been accepted, could not be ob- tained in time to clothe the troops already in depot and detained from the field, solely by the want of the neces- sary supplies, and that the cloth which could be found in the market was of equal durability and greater cost than army cloth, consented to change the samples for a large 6 [Assembly portion of the contract. This action of the committee was subsequently approved and adopted by the Board. Subse- quent events proved that both the committee and the Board had been deceived by the representations that the substi- tuted cloth was of equal value to that called for by the proposition. The samples attached to the contract were, however, all sound and serviceable cloth, and if the uniforms delivered had equaled the samples on file in the Comptrol- ler's office, the uniforms would have been serviceable and durable, and fully equal to the average of uniforms on the troops of the Eastern States. A portion of these uniforms, particularly those sent to the depot at Elmira — the depot most remote from the personal supervision of the members of the Board — proved to be comparatively worthless. Immediately upon this fact being represented to the Board, a committee, consisting of the Lieut. Governor and State Engineer and Surveyor, was instructed to investigate the matter, and their report, with the evidence taken thereon, will be found in the annexed Journal. The evidence clearly establishes the fact, that the uniforms received and there distributed to those regiments, were nearly worthless, and that the boxes containing the defective uniforms had attached the certificate of the inspectors appointed under the authority of the officers of the Quartermaster's Depart- ment, to the effect that the uniforms therein contained were equal to the requirements of the contract. These certificates are proven to have been delivered by the inspectors to the contractors, to be used at will on boxes not packed under the supervision of the inspectors. Restitution was demanded by the Board from the con- No. 15.] 7 tractors and 2,350 new suits of uniforms of army cloth were furnished by them in lieu of the defective articles. By this arrangement the State is believed to have been fully indemnified. The subsequent contracts for clothing, as will appear by the journal, were inspected in a different manner and were all satisfactorily fulfilled, and the clothing of the troops of this State are believed to be equal, if not superior to any other uniforms of equal price in the service. The first of the regiments raised under the said act were inarched to Washington on the 29th day of April last, within two weeks after the act was passed. ^^ A large majority of the force were mustered into the ser- vice of the United States before the middle of June and the last regiment left the State on the 12th of July. The whole force of 30,000 men, in itself a respectable army, under all the embarrassments alluded to, were fiilly organ- ized, armed and equipped within twelve weeks from the enactment of the law authorizing the same, all the material being created, and with no nucleus upon which to form it. It would seem that this was done with satisfactory despatch. But the force would have been put on foot in one-half the time could supplies have been obtained, and even then would have sooner marched but for the singular reluctance of the War Department of the United States Government to accept troops, and the remarkable misunderstanding in reference thereto, disclosed in the annexed journal. Notwithstanding the express agreement of that Depart- ment of the government, on the 3d of May, to accept those regiments for two years, the subsequent eifort to change the 8 [Assembly time of service, and the imautliorized mustering of five of the regiments for three months, not only delayed and em- barrassed the operations of the board, but betrayed portions of the force, who acted on the conclusion to be drawn from the acts of the General Government, into acts of seeming insubordination, and subjected a small number of the troops to what seemed to the Board, undeserved punishment, and demanded from the Board exertions to mitigate the punish- ment on the one hand and allay the dissatisfaction on the other, which they hope were in a good degree successful. Of the $3,000,000 placed by the act at the disposal of the Board only $2,841,205.10 have been expended, includ- ing the purchase in Europe of 20,000 stand of rifled arms. Batteries of artillery now in possession of the State, and the expense of completing the arms and supplies, and inci- dental expenses incurred by the Governor in forwarding regiments of the uniformed militia to the service of the United States Government, and the greater part of this sum is expected to be refunded by that government to the State. All which is respectfully submitted. By order, J. H. LINSLY, Secretary, Dated December 13, 1861. PROCEEDIISrGS. STATE OF NEW YORK : ^ Executive Department, J- Albany, ./Jpril 16, 1861. j Sir — The officers named in the act entitled " An act to autho- rize the embodying and equipment of a Volunteer Militia, and to provide for the public defence," passed this day, are requested to meet at the Executive Chamber this (Tuesday) evening, at seven o'clock. I am respectfully, &g., E. D. MORGAN. At a meeting of officers named in the foregoing call, at the Executive Chamber, on the evening of April 16, 1861, there were Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, At- torney General, and State Treasurer — 5. Absent — Secretary of State, State Engineer and Surveyor — 2. The Governor briefly stated the object of the meeting, referring to the fact that he had as yet received no formal call for militia, but submitted the following despatch from General Cameron : Washington, ^pril 15, 1861. Gov. E. D. Morgan : President has made requisition on you for seventeen regiments about thirteen thousand men, to be mustered into immediate ser- vice. Rendezvous at New York, Albany and Elmira. Sent a letter by mail. Would be much gratified to have one or more regiments march here at once before close of week. SIMON CAMERON. He stated that it was his intention, if called upon, to furnish immediately a portion of the quota of this State, to order one or two regiments of the first division to Washington. The Attorney General remarked, that the first business in or- 10 [Assembly der was to determine the number of men to be mustered into service, and accordingly moved : That seventeen regiments of Y80 men each, be enrolled and mustered into service under act entitled "An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to pro- vide for the public defence," passed April 16. Adopted unani- mously. The question as to the manner in which the force should be ojQficered, organized and equipped, on suggestion of Mr. Comp- troller, was now discussed. After some desultory conversation and on recurring to the question, it was, on motion of Mr. Dorsheimer, Treasurer, Resolved, That the regiment formed under this act, be organ- ized with the following officers : Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Quartermaster, Paymaster, Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon, Sergeant-Major, Drum-Major, two Sergeant Standard-bearers, Quartermaster-Sergeant. Carried unanimously. 10 companies to each regiment. Each company — one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, two musicians. Resolved, That the militia now organized, or so many of them as the Governor shall order into the service of the United States, be transported by and under the direction of the Governor, to Washington; and that the expenses thereof, if not provided by the United States Government, be paid by the Comptroller, on the certificate of the Governor. Adopted unanimously. Mr. Myers moved an adjournment to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Carried. April 17, 1861. State officers met pursuant to adjournment, at 9^ o'clock, A.M. Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, State Treasurer. Abseut^ — Lieutentant Governor, Secretary of State, State Engi- neer. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. The Governor presented the requisition of the President of the United States for seventeen regiments of militia, which he received this morning. By unanimous consent, the minutes of previous meeting were No. 15.] 11 amended by substituting the following composition of regiments for the organization : One Colonel, one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, one Adjutant, (lieutenant) one Regimental Quartermaster, (lieutenant) one Surgeon, one Surgeon's Mate, one Sergeant Major, one Drum Major, one Fife Major, ten Captains, ten Lieutenants, ten En-. signs, forty Sergeants, forty Corporals, ten Drummers, ten Fifers, 640 Privates. The Comptroller stated that he desired a formal authorization to pay money on the order of the Governor. The Attorney General stated that the Board ordered the pur- chases, and that the Governor's certificate was the Comptroller's proper order, aud that it w^as unnecessary for him to go behind that. On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved. That the Governor be, and he hereby is authorized and requested to employ such and so many additional persons in the staff department as he shall deem necessary to efficiently effect the organization of the force, and to fix their compensations. Carried unanimously. On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the Governor be, and he hereby is authorized to incur such incidental expenses as shall attend the organiza- tion of the force in the transportation of recruits, the procuring of quarters at the respective rendezvous, the procuring of hos- pitals and medical supplies, printing, stationery, telegraphs, postages, and other necessary incidental expenses, and that upon his^^ertificate to the Comptroller, that officer shall draw his war- rant 'for the same: Provided, that no purchase of supplies here- under, exceeding in the aggregate $5,000, shall be made except upon sealed bids, which the Governor shall invite to be presented at such time and place, and upon such publication of notice as he shall deem meet, which bids shall be opened and accepted by this Board, which shall be convened by the Governor for the pur- pose. Adopted unanimously. It was moved and seconded, to adjourn to meet at the call of the Governor. Carried unanimously. April 22, 186L Officers met at Executive Chamber at 1 o'clock P. M., pursuant to written notice. 12 [Assembly Present — Governor, Comptroller, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, State Engineer and Surveyor — 6. Absent — Lieut. Governor — 1. Secretary read the minutes of the two previous meetings, which were approved. Mr. Secretary Jones stated, that having been absent from Albany for some days, he had not received the notice to attend, and was therefore unable to attend the previous meetings of the Board. As a matter of imformation, the Governor reported that on the I7th instant, he ordered the 7th regiment to proceed to Wash- ington in conformity with the requisition of the President, and report to the Presiden t of the United States. Also, that on the morning of the 19th instant, the Governor telegraphed Mr. Cameron, as follows : " The seventh regiment leaves for Washington to-day, I can send immediately to Washington additional regiments of our present militia force. Shall I do so ? or wait for volunteer regiments." Hearing nothing from him, he ordered the 6th, 12th and 7lst regiments of New- York, and the 25th regiment of Albany to Washington. In less than half-an-hour after doing so he received the following dispatch from Mr. Cameron : " Wait for further directions." He stated that the Gth, 12th, and Ylst regiments left New York yesterday by steamer for Washington, mustering about 2,600 men. They with the Massachusetts and Rhode Island troops were taken down the bay in six steamers. Communication by telegraph being cut off to Washington, the Governor yesterday while in New York made request by letter to Commodore Breese for the Harriet Lane to convoy the trans- ports for troops. He stated in reply that the wish had been anticipated, and that her commander reported her ready for sea. The Governor stated that on Saturday about 6 o'clock, he re- ceived orders from the Secretary of War to make requisition on the Springfield armory for arms. He accordingly ordered 8,000, 3,000 for Albany, and 5,000 for New York. Having received no information from the War Department about arms and uniform the Governor stated that he had sent a special messenger to Washington to learn, first in relation to arms, also to learn specially about the uniforms ; to know if General Government would uniform troops of this State. He also stated that he had made requisition on Springfield Armory No. 15.] 13 at six o'clock Saturday evening for approved Minnie muskets. That 10,000 had been ordered to New York, 8,000 to Albany and 5,000 to Elmii-a. The Governor stated that he had ordered, in addition to those before named, the 8th and 69th regiments from New York, and the 13th and 28th from Brooklyn to proceed at once to Washington. Adjutant General was about making report of offers of service ; pending which several gentlemen entered the room. The Governor informed the meeting that a Board of officers, consisting of General Jackson, Colonel Milleri Major Gates and Major Talmadge, had been requested to make a report on the subject of uniforms. lie stated that the gentle- men who had just come in comprised the Board on Uniforms. Inspector General Jackson, on behalf of the Board, stated they had a report ready. On request the report was read by Inspector General Jackson, as follows : The Board convened, by order of the Commander-in-chief, to determine upon a plan for uniforming and clothing the volunteer militia, to be raised pursuant to the act of April IGth, 1861, do report as follows : That the uniform of the troops should consist 1st. Of a jacket of dark army blue cloth, cut to flow from the waist and to fall about four inches below the belt. The coat to be buttoned with eight buttons, from the throat to the waist- The collar to be a low standing collar. The buttons are to be those of the State militia. Four sizes of jackets will be required. The Quartermaster General will furnish a sample of the jacket. 2d. Of trowsers, to be made of light army blue, cut full in the leg and large around the foot. Four sizes of trowsers will be required. The Quartermaster General will furnish a sample of the trowsers. 3d. Of an overcoat of light army blue, of the pattern worn by the United States infantry. Four sizes of overcoats will be required. The Quartermaster General will furnish a sample of the overcoat. 4th. Of a fatigue cap of dark blue, with a water-proof cover, to be made with a cape which will fall to the shoulder. Tho cover to be buttoned at the visor, and furnished with strings, so that it may be tied under the chin. A sample of the cap, cover and cape will be furnished by the Quartermaster General. The State button will be used for the jacket, overcoat and cap. 14 [Assembly Each soldier should be provided with two canton-flannel shirts, two pair canton-flannel drawers, two pair woolen socks, one pair stout cowhide pegged shoes, and one double Mackinac blanket. The cost of the uniform and clothing will be, in the opinion of the Board, about $26. It may somewhat exceed this, if the great demand for the article needed creates a proportionate rise in their market value. The Board have ordered to be made samples of the jacket, trowsers and cap, and also a sample of a blouse, which may be substituted for the jacket. These samples will be ready for in- spection at six o'clock this evening. The Board would suggest that the commissioned oflScers of this force be uniformed according to the bill of dress for ofiicers al- ready established by the general regulations. As it is a matter of doubt whether the U. S. Government will furnish the troops with knapsacks, haversacks and canteens, the Board suggests that they be purchased at once by the Govern- ment. All of which is respectfully submitted. ^ WM. A. JACKSON, Inspector General. D. M. TALMADGE, Major, T. W. MILLER, Colonel commanding 20tli Regiment. T. B. GATES, Major lUh Regiment, Dated at Albany, April 22d, 1861. The Treasurer moved that the State furnish a uniform for the volunteer militia now mustering into the service of the State. Adopted unanimously. The Comptroller moved that the uniform be in accordance with the report of the Board on uniform, just submitted. The Attorney General offered an amendment which was accept- ed by the Comptroller, that flannel undershirts and drawers be substituted for the canton-flannel named in the report. Motion was now on resolution of Comptroller as amended by Attorney General, and, being put, was adopted without dissent. The Governor ordered, under direction of the Board, by tele- graph, the following, through Geo. D. Morgan of New York city, " Purchase 350 Sharpe's carbines, and the 50 Enfield rifles." The Attorney General prepared a paragraph for the agent of the associated press, inviting competition for proposals for uniform No. 10.] 15 and clothing in the following words. Proposals are invited for the immediate furnishing of uniforms and clothing for 12,000 New York volunteers, to be made at the Capitol on the 23d inst., at 1 o'clock P. M. Specifications of the articles required can be found at the Quartermaster General's office in Albany. The Governor inquired whether we should aid such of our present organized militia regiments as are ordered away to Wash- ington. They say they want $3,000, $i,000 or $5,000 each. To answer this, the Attorney General submits the following resolution, which on motion was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the Governor be, and he hereby is authorized to supply in his discretion necessary arms, equipments and sup- plies for the uniformed militia which he shall order into service before the volunteer force are ready for service, and to certify the items of expense so incurred to the Comptroller, who is here- by directed to draw his warrant on the Treasurer therefor in favor of the party specified in such certificate. The Adjutant General was now called upon to report the num- ber of companies that had presented themselves for acceptance. He stated that eighty-two companies had applied, and pre- sented a report in writing. During the discussion of the ques- tion of accepting the services of companies, the Governor stated that he had issued the following proclamation. PROCLAMATION. By Edwin D. Morgan, Governor of the State of Mew York. The President of the United States, by proclamation, and through the Secretary of War by formal requisition, has called upon this State for a quota of seventeen regiments of seven hun- dred and eighty men each, to be immediately detached from the militia of this State to serve as infantry or riflemen for a period of three months, unless sooner discharged. Now, in conformity with the aforesaid demand, and by virtue of the act of the Legis- lature of this State, passed on the 16th day of April instant, en- titled, " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence," and the power vested in me by the Constitution and laws, I do call for the aforesaid quota, consisting of six hundred and forty-nine offi- cers and twelve thousand six hundred and thirty-one men, form- ing an aggregate of thirteen thousand two hundred and eighty. The organization of this force to bo in conformity with article l6 [Assembly leven, section two, of the Constitution of this State, and with the rules and regulations embraced in general orders, number thirteen, promulgated this day. The rendezvous for this State will be at New York, Albany, and Elmira, head-quarters at Albany. In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed the privy seal of the [l. s.] State, this eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. By the Governor, EDWIN D. MORGAN. LocKwooD L. Doty, Private Secretary. And that he had directed the promulgation of general order, No. 13, as follows, without any action. GENERAL HEAD-QUARTERS, ^ STATE OP NEW YORK: . Adjutant-General's Office, i Albany, ^pril 18, 1861. J General Orders, JYo. 13. I. The President of the United States having made a requi- sition upon the State of New York for an aggregate force of 13,280 men, under the act of Congress approved February 28, 1795, " for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, repel invasions, &c.," the Com- mander-in-Chief, in accordance with an act passed by the Legis- lature of this State, April 16, 1861, entitled, " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence, hereby directs the organiza- tion and enrolment of the quota so called for, in the following manner : II. The forces will be divided into : Two divisions, Four brigades. Seventeen regiments, and One hundred and seventy companies ', and will comprise two Major-Generals, with two Aids-de-Camp (rank of Major); two Division Inspectors (rank of Lieutenant-Colonel) ; four Briga- dier-Generals, with four Aids (rank of captain) ; four Brigade Inspectors (rank of Major) ; seventeen Colonels : seventeen Lieutenant Colonels ; seventeen Majors ; seventeen Adjutants (rank of Jjieuteuant) ; seventeen Regimental Quartermasters No. 15.] n (rank of Lieutenant) ; seventeen Surgeons ; seventeen Surgeons' mates ; seventeen Sergeant-majors ; seventeen Drum-majors ; seventeen Fife-majors ; and each company will comprise one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four sergeants, four corpo- rals, two musicians and sixty-four privates. III. The force volunteering under the provisions of the said act will he enrolled for the term of two years, unless sooner dis- charged. ly. Privates and non-commissioned officers below the age of 18 years, or above the age of 45 years, will not be enrolled as volunteers, nor will any person of any age who is not " in physi- cal strength and vigor." V. Company rolls, in the form prescribed by the Adjutant General (who upon application will furnish the same), must be signed by those volunteering, who shall indicate upon these rolls the names of the persons they shall desire to be commissioned as captains, lieutenants and ensigns of their respective companies. The persons thus indicated for the several company offices will, in like manner, specify upon the same rolls the names of the per- sons as field officers under whom they desire to serve. When- ever any such roll shall have been signed by at least thirty-two persons, and not more than seventy-seven, inclusive of the indi- cated commissioned officers of the company, it shall be trans- mitted to the Adjutant General, who, upon its approval by the Commander-in-Chief, will direct some proper officer to inspect the company making the return, and to preside at an election, to be determined by written ballot, for the choice of persons to fill the offices of captain, lieutenant, ensign, four sergeants and four cor- porals. Upon the return of such inspection and election, the Adjutant General will transmit to the officers so elected their commissions and warrants, with a notification that the company has been accepted into the service of the State, pursuant to the above mentioned act, and will also direct the commandant of the company to report himself and his command to such Brigadier General as he may designate in charge of a depot of volunteers. VI. Upon the assembling, at any designated depot, of six or more companies, thus organized, who shall have indicated the same persons as their choice for the field officers of the regiment to which they desire to be attached, the Brigadier General in charge, will direct the assembling of their commissioned officers for an election, at which he shall preside, to determine, by writ- [Assem. No. 15.] 2 18 [Assembly ten ballot, the choice of persons to fill such field offices. Should it so happen that companies assembled at any depot, without having indicated a preference for their field officers, on the re- porting of at least six of such companies, the Brigadier General in charge will, in like manner, direct the assembling of their commissioned officers for an election to fill the field offices of such regiment, and make return of these elections to the Adjutant General, for the commissions of the officers elected, who will at once be assigned to their respective regiments. VII. Should any additional companies of men be necessary to complete the organization of a regiment, it shall be recruited to its full complement and be mustered by the Inspector General, and turned over by him to the authorities of the United States. VIII. The pay and rations of the general officers, staff officers of the divisions and brigades, and of the field and staff officers and non-commissioned officers of regiments, shall commence from the date of their commissions or warrants. That of the com- pany officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, will commence from the date of the notification of the accept- ance of the company by the Commander-in-Chief. The pay and rations will be the same as those of the officers and men of the same grade in the army of the United States, which will be dis- continued on the part of the State when the force shall be mus- tered into the service of the General Government, and be resumed again by the State on the return of the force to the State authorities. During the time the force is in the service of the United States the pay and rations will be furnished by the General Government. IX. The requisite clothing, arms and accoutrements will be furnished at the expense of the State or the United States, to the non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates. By order of the Commander-in-Chiof. J. MEREDITH READ, Jr., Adjutant General. The Board, on motion of the Comptroller, took a recess for one hour. 3| P. M. Present, as before. In answer to a question the Governor replied that the accept- ance of companies was formal, so far as the same was possible. The Governor stated that it was necessary to have the ofiicers No. 15.] 19 present all the while. That if absent he should feel it his duty to accept the companies as they presented themselves under the provisions of general order No. 13. This position was dissented from by members of the Board, who held that as the law of April 16th conferred joint authority, it could not be exercised by a single member. On the enquiry of the Secretary of State the Governor stated that he should deem the Comptroller, or any officer, in the ab- sence of all the others, officers composing the Board, or even the Adjutant General acting for him, as authorized to accept the ser- vice of volunteer companies. On motion, the Board took a recess till six o'clock. April 22d, 1861—6 o'clock, P. M. Present, as before. The Governor proposed that the State employ an agent to go to Europe. on the Persia, which sails on Wednesday next, to pur- chase Minnie rifles. The consideration of this question was post- poned until to-morrow. The Governor stated that he deemed it proper, in the present situation of public affairs, that the full complement of 30,000 named in the law of April 16th, be organized at once ; that it was no time to delay their organization until the enemy was at our door. He, therefore, proposed to organize the balance of the force authorized by the act of April 16th, entitled "An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence," which suggestion was adopted unanimously. The Treasurer offered the following resolution : Resolved^ That officers of engineer and a corps of sappers and miners be attached to the volunteer force ; the said officers to be appointed, and the said corps organized under the provisions of the law of April 16, 1861. Withdrawn. The Comptroller offered the following resolution : Resolved, That as soon as a sufficient number of companies of volunteers have their fidl complement of seventy-eight men each, including officers, this Board will proceed to pass upon the ac- ceptance of such companies ; and that when a sufficient number of companies, fully organized, are accepted, this Board will pro- ceed to divide them into regiments and designate the companies to compose each regiment ; and that the companies accepted by 20 [Assembly the Governor since tlie last meeting of the Board, will, when filled, be distributed into regiments by resolution of this Board. ^ Ayes and noes being called for, the clerk proceeded to call the roll, and it was adopted, the following being the vote : Ayes — Secretary of Stale, Comptroller, Attorney General, State Engineer, and Treasurer — 5. Noes — the Governor — 1. And was declared carried by the chair. The Secretary of State moved to adjourn to one o'clock to- morrow. Carried. April 23, 1861—1 o'clock, P. M Officers met pursuant to adjournment, at the Executive Chamber. Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Secretary of State, At- torney General, State Engineer and Surveyor, and Treasurer — 6. Absent — the Lieutenant Governor — 1. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor received a letter from George D. Morgan, in re- lation to the purchase of Minnie rifles in Europe. Pending the consideration of which, the Secretary of State submitted the fol- lowing resolution : Resolved, That, with a view to greater efficiency and despatch in mustering volunteers into the service of the State, under the late act of the Legislature providing for that purpose, the Gov- ernor is hereby authorized and empowered by this Board, in any case of emergency that may hereafter arise when a meeting of a majority of this Board cannot speedily be obtained, to accept into the service of the State such companies as, when completed in conformity with the terms of the resolution yesterday adopted by this Board, shall apply therefor. Which was adopted, the Governor alone dissenting. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved, That a committee of tl:(is Board be appointed by the Governor, to proceed forthwith td the city of New York with instructions to employ an agent for the purpose of taking the first steam conveyance to Europe, there to purchase for the State, on commission or otherwise, 25,000 of the Minnie rifle musket, or other approved musket, with bayonet attached, and that all the expense incidental to such purchase be borne by the State. Under authority of the foregoing resolution, the Governor ap- No. 15.] 21 pointed the Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Attorney Gen- eral, as such committee. Captain Schriver and Captain Sitgreaves having been invited to submit an estimate of the cost of furnishing accoutrements for thirty-eight regiments of volunteers, submit the following aa their report : Thirty-eight regiments — Infantry Accoutrements. ' Cartridge boxes; do belt and plates ; 28,000 , Bayonet, scabbard and frog ; ^o AAA I Waist belts and plate ; 28,000 ^ 1 1-1 Cap-pouch and pick ; 1^ Gun-sling — at an average of $3.36. 2,500 non-commissioned ofl&cers and men's swords and waiat- belts, complete, at $1.69. 28,000 knapsacks, at $1.87^. 28,000 haversacks, drilling, at 22c. Accoutrements $94,080 Non-commissioned 4,225 Knapsacks 52,360 Haversacks 6,160 $156,825 They also submit the following estimate of the cost of tents For a Regiment. 90 soldiers' tents. 16 oflScers' tents. 38 regiments. 38 90 16 3,420 men's. 228 5 38 3,425 608 officers. ===» 2 610 The Comptroller offered the following resolution : Resolved, That accoutrements and equipments as per the an- nexed schedule, be purchased under the direction of the Gover- nor, which was unanimously adopted. 22 [Assembly On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved, That a committee consisting of the Governor, Treas- urer, and State Engineer be, and they hereby are appointed to open and examine the bids for uniforms, and award the contracts therefor. The Comptroller offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That 1,000 common tents and 250 wall tents, be purchased under the direction of the Governor. On motion of the Comptroller, the Board adjourned to one o'clock to-morrow. April 24, 1861—1 o'clock, P. M. The officers met pursuant to adjournment, at the Executive Chamber. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Treasurer —3. There being no quorum present, the Board, on motion of the Treasurer, adjourned to six o'clock this afternoon. 6 o'clock, P. M. Present — the Governor, Lieut. Governor, and Treasurer — 3. There being no quorum present, the Board, on motion of the Treasurer, adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Executive Chamber, JJjjril 25, 1861 — 9 o'clock, A. M. Officers met pursuant to adjournment. Present — The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, and Attorney General — 5. Absent — Secretary of State, and State Engineer and Sur- veyor — 2. The minutes of two previous meetings were read and ajjproved. The committee appointed to visit New York for the purpose of employing an agent to go to Europe to purchase arms having returned, and in the absence of the Chairman, through the Attor- ney General, reported that the committee proceeded to New York on the day of their appointment, and after due consideration, closed the contract at 1 o'clock P. M., on yesterday, with Mr. Jacob R. Schuyler, of the firm of Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, who was to sail in the steamer Persia, at 2 o'clock, P. M., the same day. No. 15.] ^ 23 The committee submitted an agreement between this State and the firm of Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, in the following words: Memorandum of agreement made this twenty-fourth day of April, 1861, between the State of New York, acting by its Sec- retary of State, Comptroller and Attorney General, a committee of its Board of officers thereto duly authorized by act of its Legis- lature, entitled, " An act to authorize the embodying and equip- ment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the public de- fence," passed April 16th, 1861, of the one part, and Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, of the city of New York, of the other part, witnesseth : That said Schujder, Hartley & Graham, on their part, agree to despatch Mr. Jacob R. Schuyler, one of their firm, to Europe by the steamer Persia, this day, who shall, with the utmost diligence, purchase for the said State twenty-five thousand stand of arms, to be complete, perfect and of the most approved and efficient modern pattern, to be Minnie or Enfield rifles, or rifled muskets, with bayonets attached, in such proportion as he can procure, either in market or from the armories of England or Fraece, if he can procure them from those sources, together with an adequate quantity, in his discretion, unless hereafter limited by order from the officers of the State, of fixed ammunition appropriate to be used with said arms, and to ship the same from time to time, as fast as the same can be procured, to the city of New York or Boston, by British steamers only, consigned to the Bank of Com- merce; each shipment of arms to be accompanied by its appro- priate proportion of said ammunition. It is agreed that said Schuyler may purchase two thousand stand of arms, which he has already agreed to purchase for the State of Ohio, but that all the other of said arms he may pur- chase, or can or shall in any manner purchase or procure, shall be for the said State of New York, and the property thereof un- til the full number above-mentioned shall be supplied and de- livered to said State. In case said arms cannot be found for purchase, then said Schuyler is authorized to engage their manufacture in Europe, if he can contract for their delivery within three months from the date of this agreement, or for such proportion as he can pro- cure to be manufactured within that time, at the same time en- gaging the refusal of the manufacture beyond that time, if de- sired by the State to complete the above specified number, the 24 [Assembly pleasure of the State to be made known within a convenient time after being advised of the contract made by said Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. The State of New York herewith furnish to said Schuyler, Hartley & Graham a letter of credit, drawn by the Bank of Com- merce, upon Messrs. Baring Brothers, for the funds deemed neces- sary to complete said purchase, not to exceed four hundred thousand dollars, and hereby agree to pay and allow to the said Schuyler, Hartley & Graham the commission of two and one-half per centum upon the purchases made by them hereunder, in full for all costs, charges, expenses or claims to be incurred or made by them for the service aforesaid. And they hereby agree to use their utmost care and skill to purchase said property at the lowest practicable price, and in the shortest time, and of the best quality. D. R. FLOYD JONES, Secretary of State. ROBERT DENNISTON, Comptroller. CHAS. G. MYERS, Attorney General. SCHUYLER, HARTLEY & GRAHAM. The committee submit also a copy of a letter of request from the committee to Mr. Schuyler, as follows : (Copy.) New York City, ^pril 25, 186L Dear Sir — You are hereby requested to act in harmonious co- operation, as far as practicable, with such agent or agents from Massachusetts and other loyal States, as have been sent to Europe on a similar mission to yours, so that rivalry and com- petition between such agents may not operate to increase the price of arms, and thus affect injuriously the object of your mis- sion and theirs. Yours^ respectfully, D. R. FLOYD JONES, ROBERT DENNISTON, CHAS. G. MYERS. Jacob R. Schuyler. After fully detailing the circumstances connected with their duty, the chair stated that the question is on accepting the re- port and approving the foregoing contract, which was on motion accepted and unanimously affirmed. No. 15.] 25 The Governor reported that he had written a letter to Lord Palmerston, asking him under the present condition of public affairs in this country, to sanction the purchase of arms by the agent employed by the committee. (Copy on file.) The Governor submitted the following letter from the Water- vliet Arsenal : Watervliet Arsenal, April 24, 1861. Hon. E. D. Morgan, Goveriior State of JYew York: Sir — The bearer, Mr. Rankin, a member of the common council of the city of Troy, and chairman of a committee of investigation, &c., &c., will explain his business. The bullet machine they have found in the hands of a so-called traitor, (I know nothing as to the facts of the case) is one of our improved machines, and made after our patterns. It would be a valuable property for the State of New York, as cartridges cannot be made fast enough at this post to meet the demand. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. C. STRONG, Lieutenant of Ordnaiice. (Bullet machine was ordered by S. D. Roberts, Cr., F. W. Parmenter, Troy.) After hearing the letter read, the Lieutenant Governor moved that a committee consisting of one member of the Board be appointed by the Governor to proceed to Troy to investigate the charges made therein, and to report the fact to this board. Motion adopted, and the Governor appointed the Lieutenant Governor as such committee. Attorney General submitted Mr. Van Wart's price list of guns, shot and shell, and cartridges. Ordered on file. The Governor submitted the following proposition of Mr. Corning, which on motion of the Comptroller was accepted. "Mr. Corning, President of the Central Railroad, proposes to bring all troops passing over the New York Central Railroad at the rate of 60 percent of the regular fare." Rejected volunteers will be returned free over the road on producing proper certificates of rejection. The officers of the road are permitted by the Governor to carry no one at the expense of the State unless they have been ordered to their rendezvous. The Governor, who was authorized by resolution to purchase accoutrements and equipments, reports that he has ordered the 26 [Assembly publication of the following advertisement in the New York daily papers : PROPOSALS FOR MILITARY STORES. STATE OF NEW YORK, ] Commissary General's Office, j- New York, Jipril 20, 1861. J Sealed proposals will be received at this office on the corner of seventh avenue and thirty-fifth street, until 12 o'clock M., on the 26th of April, for furnishing the following infantry accotitrements and equipments (army pattern) to be furnished to the volunteer troops of the New York State Militia; 3,000 of which must be delivered (except the non-commissioned sword-belts) by the 30th of April, at such places as may from time to time be designated by the Commissary General : 28,000 cartridge boxes, 28,000 cartridge box belts and plates, 28,000 bayonet scabbards and frogs, 28,000 waist belts and plates, 28,000 cap pouches and picks, 28,000 gun slings, 28,000 knapsacks (india rubber vulcanized ) 28,000 haversacks, 2,500 non-commissioned officers and musicians swords and waist belts, complete. The bids will state the price at which each of the aforemen- tioned articles will be furnished. All bidders are requested to meet at the Commissary General's office, on the 26th of April, at 12 o'clock, to learn who are the successful bidders who must be able to give at once full and sufficient security for the faithful performance of their contract. BENJAMIN WELCH, Jr., Commissary General. The Governor stated that the two companies named below were on yesterday on conference with the Lieutenant Governor and Treasurer, accepted, although their numbers were not yet full. CHARLES E. BRIMHALL, CapL, Troy. SAMUEL KING, Capt., Lansingburgh. The Governor submitted a communication from Judge B. F. Hall, of Auburn, relative to the equipment of the Cayuga regi- ment of volunteers. No. 15.J 27 The Treasurer from the committee appointed to open the bids for uniform, and to award the contract, reports : The contracts for the uniforms and clothing for the volunteer force created by the law of April 16, 1861, were awarded as follows : For Uniforms. Consisting of overcoat, jacket and trowsers, to be made accord- ng to the samples in the Quartermaster General's office. The contract for 12,000 of each Avas awarded to Brooks Brothers of New York city, at $19.50 for each complete uniform, the uniforms to be delivered at the rate of 2,000 a week. For Caps. To be made according to the sample in the Quartermaster General's office, the contract for 12,000 was awarded to J. G. Cotrell & Son at $12 per dozen, the caps to be delivered in twen- ty days. This contract, by consent of the committee, was divided equally between J. G. Cotrell & Son, and J. H. McDonald, Jr., both of the city of Albany. For Woolen Socks. To be made according to the sample in the Quartermaster Gen- eral's ofjfice. The contract was awarded to Van Sickler & Forby, and Strong Brothers & Co., of the city of Albany, for 20,000 pairs, at an average of $2.62 per dozen, all to be delivered in twenty days. For Drawers and Shirts. To be made according to the sample in the Quartermaster General's office. The contract for 20,000 of each was awarded to Van Sickler & Forby, and Strong Brothers & Co., at the price of $5.50 per dozen for each, to be delivered in twenty days. For Shoes. To be made according to sample in the Quartermaster Gene- ral's office. The contract for 12,000 pairs was awarded to G. A. Wolverton & Co., Albany, at $1.25 per pair, to be furnished in twenty days ; and the contracts were duly entered into for the same. Report accepted and contracts confirmed. The Governor submitted the draft of a general order for con- sideration of the Board, and also a draft of a proclamation, which last was approved, and is in the following words : 28 [Assembly PROCLAMATION. By Edwin D. Morgan, Governor of the State of JVew York: Under the authority of an act, entitled " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to pro- vide for the public defence," passed by the Legislature of this State on the 16th day of April inst., and in compliance with the formal determination of the officers named in the said act, I do hereby call for twenty-one regiments of volunteer militia, of 780 men each, in addition to the number already called for by my proclamation, under date of the 18th of April instant, and I do hereby require that the volunteer militia force shall hereafter be organized and accepted in conformity with section 2 of the Con- stitution of this State, and with the rules and regulations in general order No. 17, issued this day. In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed the privy seal [l. s.] of the State, at the city of Albany, this twenty-fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1861. By the Governor, E. D. MORGAN. LocKwooD L. Doty, Private Secretary. Pending the consideration of the draft of the general order, the Governor offered the following resolutions : Resolved, That the present emergency demands from this Board a liberal construction of the act entitled " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to pro- vide for the public defence," in regard to the acceptance of vol- unteer militia under said act, and that anything tending to repress the spirit of enlistment, now so manifest, should be avoided. Resolved, That the regulation prescribed in general order No. 13, issued under direction of the Governor by the Adjutant Gen- eral on the 18th instant, and which order is in accordance with the militia law of this State, as it tends to encourage enlistment, be continued with respect to the remainder of the 30,000 volun- teers authorized to be enrolled by the act above referred to with the exception that the order be so changed as to leave to the Board of State officers, named in the act, the accepting of such volunteer companies. Before the question was taken, the Attorney-General offered the following as a substitute for the resolutinn oiFered by the Gov- ernor : No. 15.J 29 Resolved, That in the opinion of this Board, the act of April 16, 1861, is too plain to need construction in two particulars : 1st. That the Board, and not the Commander-in-chief, are to accept the service of the volunteers. 2d. That the officers thereof (except vacancies occurring while in service out of the State), are to be elected by the written votes of the company as to company officers, and of the commissioned officers as to regimental. That General Order No. 13 violates this law in both particu- lars. It does not contemplate the acceptance of the volunteers by the Board, but only by the Commander-in-chief, acting through his staff. It evades, or at least greatly embarrasses the free ex- ercise by the men of their right to elect their officers, by requiring from them in advance a written indication of their preferences for company and field officers. The provisions of that order also allowing companies of thirty- two to elect company officers, and six of such companies to elect regimental officers, are deemed objectionable, as allowing those near the public offices an opportunity to forestall all the import- ant offices by the formation of skeleton regiments, as tending to delay and embarrass the efficient organization of the force instead of facilitating and expediting it, owing to the natural repugnance of spirited young men to volunteer in companies and corps in which the official prizes have all been anticipated by others more vigilant or more fortunately located ; and also because it throws upon the State the unnecessary expense of maintaining such skel- eton organizations until they can, under svich adverse circum- stances, be recruited to their complement. The motion was on the acceptance of the substitute offered by the Attorney General, which, on being put by the chair, was de- cided in the affirmative, as follows : Ayes — the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptrol- ler, and Treasurer — 5. Noes — the Governor. The question was now declared to be on the resolution offered by the Attorney General. All voting voted aye, the Governor declining to vote. The Adjutant General having announced that a volunteer com- pany, with full ranks, had just arrived from Ogdensburgh, the Attorney General moved that the company of volunteers from Ogdensburgh, commanded by Captain Nevins, be accepted, which 30 [Assembly motion was carried. (Lieutenant Governor Campbell in the chair.) The Attorney General offered the following resolution : Resolved, That the provision of general order No. 13, so far as it allows the acceptance of companies not full be continued and allowed as applicable to the first seventeen regiments of said volunteers only ; provided that the officers indicated for any company be not commissioned until the company is full ; and in case the troops are required to march from the rendezvous for service before the companies are filled, then the Board reserves tlie right to consolidate the respective companies so as to form full companies, and in case of consolidation, new election of com- pany officers shall be held under the direction of the Governor, and the officers so elected shall receive commissions ; which was adopted unanimously. The Attorney General moved that the six Herkimer companies (Ladue's), and the two Troy companies, under Brintnall and King, respectively be accepted under the provisions of the reso- lution just adopted. Carried. It was on motion Resolved, That the Treasurer proceed to New York, there to confer with the Assistant Quartermaster General Arthur, and Major Patrick in regard to uniforms, and also, that he be a com- mittee in conjunction with the Commissary General to open and award the contracts for accoutrements now advertised for. Carried. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was Resolved, That in case the Treasurer cannot obtain the con- sent of Brooks Brothers to release so much of their contract as to enable the State to procure from other sources, and which shall form a part of the 12,000 uniforms ordered ; that he be authorized to obtain th7'ee thousand uniforms in addition to the number already authorized by contract, provided that he shall obtain from the parties from whom he procures the uniforms proper security that the work shall be done in the same manner, of the same quality, material, and at the same prices as is argeed to be done by Brooks Brothers, to be furnished within three weeks time. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, the Board adjourned to 10 o'clock A. M., to-morrow. No. 15.] 31 Executive Chamber, Jipril 26, 1861 — 10 A. M. The officers met pursuant to adjournment : Present — ^Thc Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General — 4. Absent — The Secretary of State, State Engineer and Surveyor, and Treasurer — 3. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor presented the following proposition from the president of the New York and Erie Railroad : New York, April 25, 1861. E. D. Morgan — Mr. Corning, president of the New York Cen- tral Railroad, informs me that lie has an-anged with you to tran- sport State troops at 60 per cent of the regular fare. I propose to do the same on the Erie road. If this meets your approval please give the necessary instructions. NATH'L MARSH, ^ President ,JYew York and Erie Railroad. Which, on motion of the Comptroller, was accepted. The Governor submitted the following propositions from Gen- eral James : 1. C. T, James proposes to ream and rifle all the field artillery of the State of New York, for the sum of fifty dollars per gun. 2. The guns to be delivered at the expense of the State, at someplace to be selected by Mr. James in the city of New York. 3. To furnish all the fixed ammunition shot and shell that may be required for said guns, at two dollars and twenty-five cents per round, ready for field service. 4. The quantity of ammunition to be fixed, to start at two hundred rounds per gun, two-thirds shell, and one-third shot. 5. The work to commence immediately, and to be executed with the least possible delay. 6. Entire new rifle batteries can be furnished at short notice. Bronze guns rifled at fifty cents per pound. Carriages and equipments complete at the United States prices, and ammunition at prices named in article 3d. 7. It is understood that the prices herein named, for rifling and for ammunition are based on six pounder field guns. Guns of larger calibre will be rifled and supplied with ammunition at prices to be hereafter agreed upon. Albany, April 26th. The Attorney General moved that this Board declines to ac- 32 [Assembly cept proposition made by General James, for reaming and rifling cannon. Carried. The Attorney General offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That Colonel Delafield and Captains Sitgreaves and Schriver be requested to ascertain, and report to this Board, what number of rifled camions are necessary for the State forces to be called into immediate service : of what description these cannons should be ; when and where and at what prices they can be obtained, and any other matters which in their judgment should be brought to the attention of this Board in relation thereto, and if in their judgment necessary, to obtain a refusal of such guns until the Board can act on their report. The Lieutenant Governor, as the committee appointed to visit Troy, to ascertain and report the facts connected with the alleged manufacture of a bullet nxachine, after patterns furnished at the Watervliet Arsenal, reported that he had visited the arsenal and called upon Mr. Strong, the lieutenant of ordnance. That F. W. Parmenter, who was making the machine, was foreman some years ago in the U. S. Arsenal at West Troy. That his enquiries were favorable to the man's integrity. That Parmenter had shown a willingness to have a policeman present in his establish- ment, since the citizens had taken the matter in hand, and in other ways proved his intentions to be proper. He thought that Parmenter procured, through Major Mordecai, superintendent of the Arsenal, and Governor Floyd, Secretary of War, the right to manufacture the machine, and that he obtained the pattern and drawings of the machine at the Arsenal, and that he con- tracted Avitli S. D. Roberts, of New York, who was in the south- ern trade, to construct and furnish machine to him at $1,700. That the machine was nearly ready before the difiiculties com- menced. That Parmenter expressed a willingness to sell the machine, when fully completed, to the State for $1,Y00. That he con- sented to return the drawings and patterns, and will not suffer nor permit any one to take a copy of the drawings or models. That he was informed by Lieut. Strong that there were only three machines of the kind in existence, one of which was given to the Japanese Ambassador, one in Philadelphia, and the remaining one at the Watervliet Arsenal. That the vigilance committee of Troy have directed Parmenter to finish the machine under their No. 15.] 33 charge, and concluded by saying that as the State would have no use for the machine after the present difficulties, he would re- commend that the Federal authorities be requested to purchase the machine for the General Government. The Lieutenant Governor offered the following resolution : Resolved, That a committee of this Board, to consist of one member thereof, be and he is hereby authorized to purchase for this State the bullet machine now in process of construction by Mr, F. W. Parmenter of Troy, at a price not to exceed $1,700 when completed and fit for use. The completion of the same to be certified by Geo. C. Strong, lieutenant of ordnance at the Watervliet Arsenal. Adopted unanimously ; and the Governor appointed Lieutenant Governor Campbell as such committee. The Governor submitted the following communication from D. B. King : Waterford, N. Y., April 24, 1861. To His Excellency, the Governor of New York : Dear Sir — I have over one thousand cartridge boxes which I will deliver to your order. Yours, with respect, D. B. KING, per J. L. H. The Lieutenant Governor moved that the Governor accept the cartridge boxes referred to in the letter of D. B. King. Carried. The Governor moved that Col. Delafield and Capts. Schriver and Sitgreaves be a committee to report to this Board in regard to cavalry and artillery for the volunteer militia force. The Governor submitted the following letter from N. C. Bur- nap, which was ordered on the table : 100 Chamber Street, ^pril 22, 1861. Hon. E. D. Morgan : Dear Sir — I have just received from Europe sample rifled mus* kets, made by the French government, and costing here about $20, paying the duties. I can have 1,000 of them here in sixty days, and afterwards they can be forwarded at the rate of 1,000 per month. I know nothing of the present demand, its extent or the character of arms needed, but make this communication thinking it may be valuable. If rifled cannon are needed I can have them from the Royal manufactory of France, quite a num- [Assem. No. 15. [ 3 S^ [Assembly ber at once. Referring you to Gen. Hall for the reliability of my Btatements, I remain, very respectfully, yours, N. C. BURNAP. It was moved and seconded that the Board adjourn to to-mor- row morning at 10 o'clock. Carried. Executive Chamber, April 2^th, 1861. Pursuant to adjournment the State officers met at 10 o'clock^ A. M. Present, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller and Attorney General. Absent, Secretary of State, Treasurer and State Engineer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Lieutenant Governor, as the committee charged to pur- chase the bullet machine now in process of construction by P. W. Parmenter, of Troy, reported that he had visited Troy, and that he had concluded a purchase, and submitted a contract for the same, viz : Memorandum of an agreement made and entered into this 26th day of April, 1861, by and between Flavel W. Parmenter, of the city of Troy, of the first part, and the Commissioners named in the act of the Legislature of the State of New York, entitled " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volun- teer militia, and to provide for the public defence," passed April 16, 1861, by Robert Campbell, one of the said Commissioners, duly authorized for that purpose, of the second. Witnesseth : First. The said party of the first part agrees to furnish, in a perfect and workmanlike manner, the bullet machine now in pro- cess of construction at his machine-shop, in the city of Troy, with the moulds and rollers attached or used with the said bul- let machine, so that the said machine, mould and rollers shall be as perfect as the bullet machine, moulds and rollers now in use at the Watervliet Arsenal, and to sell the said machine, moulds and rollers, v/hen so completed, to said parties of the second part, for the sum of one thousand and seven hundred dollars ; ^md the said party of the first part agrees to so furnish and complete said machine, moulds and rollers within ten days from date, and to deliver the same to said parties of the second part, or their No. 15.] 35 agent, at any place they may designate in the city of Troy, West Troy or Albany, and to procure the certificate of George C. Strong, lieutenant of ordnance at the Watervliet Arsenal, that said machine, moulds and rollers are in good working order, and that the same are of equal finish and value of the bullet machine, moulds and rollers at said arsenal. Second. The said parties of the second part agree to pay to said party of the first part, for said bullet machine, moulds and rollers, when so completed and delivered as aforesaid, and after the said party of the first part shall have procured the certificate of said Strong as aforesaid, the sum of one thousand and seven hundred dollars, which sum is to be received in full payment therefor, and in full payment and discharge of the claims of any other persons having an interest in said machine, or the manu- facture of the same, or patent thereof. And the said party of the first part hereby agrees not to use the patterns or drawings of said machine, moulds or rollers, in making or constructing any other bullet machine, moulds or rollers for any other person or persons than the parties of the second part, without their consent or approval. In witness whereof, the parties to this agreement have hereto set their hands, the day and year above written. F. W. PARMENTER. R. CAMPBELL. Witness, George B. Warren, Jr. Report accepted and contract confirmed. The Attorney General moved that the sum of $500 be placed at the disposition of the Governor, for the purpose in his discre- tion of obtaining information connected with the public military service. Carried unanimously. Mr. Thomas W. Olcott entered and read a communication from Professor 0. M. Mitchell. The Governor presented a telegram from W. A, Wheeler and Col. W. H. Allen. It was moved by the Attorney General that the Board adjourn to 3 P. M. Carried. April 27—3 o'clock P. M. Present as before. The Attorney General moved that all volunteers rejected be retained at the depot until the proper time for them to leave for home, and that the proper officer furnish each rejected volunteer 34 ' [Assembly a pass to get home, and that each be furnished the sum of one dollar per day for the time necessarily occupied in getting home. Carried. The Attorney General moved, that the proper officers at the Albany rendezvous be instructed by the Governor to procure 8uch martial music for the depot as shall be proper and necessary. Carried. The Adjutant General submitted a list of such enrolled compa- nies as numbered 7Y men or over. No action. It was moved, seconded and carried, that when the Board ad- journs it adjourn to Monday, 10 'clock, P. M. The Treasurer, who was appointed a committee to proceed to New York, there to confer with Assistant Quartermaster General Arthur and Major Patrick in regard to uniforms, reports that the New York market could not supply the necessary cloth for the 12,000 uniforms of the pattern style ; that he was therefore, after due consultation, obliged to substitute another style of cloth. The Treasurer therefore stated that he had completed and signed a contract with Brooks Brothers. A motion being made to adjourn, it was carried. :ecutive Chamber, ) April 29a, 1861. ] At a meeting of the State officers held this day there were Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, and Treasurer — 4. Absent — Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and State Engineer — 3. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Attorney General offered the following resolution: Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Board, the government of the United States cannot, without seriously jeopardizing its existence, further delay asserting its power, or entertain nego- tiations with, or make further concessions to traitors while in arms, or their abettors. That the allegiance to the people to the Federal government, in all matters within its constitutional powers, is paramount, and that allegiance to State sovereignty, except as subordinate to the Constitution of the Federal government, cannot be admitted with- out the entire demoralization of our whole system of government, No. 15.] 37 its ultimate subversion, and the sacrifice of the best interests not only of the nation, but the race. That the State of New York is now prepared to furnish her proportion of means of every kind to the defence not of the capi- tal only, but of the integrity of the national boundaries, the Con- stitution, the laws, and the flag of the nation as well. That the popular sentiment of the State imperiously demands the defence of each and all alike, and that the most imminent danger, we foresee, would arise from resisting in this regard the popular will. That the State of New York demands free and uninterrupted access to and communication with the national capital, and earnestly hopes this may be at once attained through the action of the Federal Government. Adopted unanimously. On motion of the Comptroller, it was unanimously Resolved, That the above resolutions be certified by the Gov- ernor, that the Attorney General proceed forthwith to Washington and communicate the same to the General Government ; and also endeavor to induce that government to make a requisition upon this State for the remaining tAventy-one regiments of the volun- teer force to be mustered into depots as soon as practicable. The Governor submitted letters of Judge James, Sir Edmund Head, Governor General of Canada, respecting his application for " Minnie rifles," in which the last named gentleman states that he is prohibited by law from permitting arms and accoutre- ments being taken out of the Province. Colonel Delafield and Captain Schriver submitted two reports : one in relation to artillery organization, and the other in relation to articles of military equipment necessary for the twelve regi- ments of New York State volunteers now in the field or about to march, to render them efficient after leaving railroad and steam- boat transport conveyance, which were read by Captain Schriver, and are as follows : Artillery Organization. This arm is the most complicated and expensive, at the same time that it requires the greatest care, attention and intelligence in rendering and preserving it in an efiicient state. For an army of 50,000 men, two hundred field pieces would occupy so much space, and retard the general movements of such an army corps as to be objectionable. Under ordinary circumstances, one gun 38 [Assembly per thousand men must suffice for most field operations, with another piece held ready in reserve. Considering that the United States has already in the field some very excellent batteries, and that other States will in like manner prepare this arm in anticipation of future wants, we con. sider it most advisable to limit the present and immediate prepa- ration of the artillery force for the volunteers of the State of New York, to 1 battery' of 4 pieces of Armstrong rifle guns. 3 batteries of 4 do the Parrott or Blakely rifle gun, or 16 pieces of 6-pounder spherical bore, being adapted to a 10- pounder elongated rifle shot. Rifle guns of these two kinds were experimented with for seve- ral weeks with very satisfactory results, not long since, under the direction of a member of this committee. The first has attained great celebrity, and extensively adopted by the English Government, and used for distant fire with good results in China, though not possessing any material advantage at short distances. The immense moral power and influence pro- duced by the extraordinary range, executing five miles with a 30-pounder, with surprising accuracy of direction, such as never to miss the Avidth of a column of troops on a road at that great distance, justifies the introduction of one battery of these guns. Beyond this we would not at the present moment recommend its adoption. A similar gun in principle was used recently with surprising success by the Sardinians at the siege of Gaeta. These are breach-loading guns. The rifle gun upon which we place most reliance, is the Parrott or Blakely pattern, and a muzzle-loading gun ; of this pattern we recommend three batteries. It is loaded with the same fa- cility and rapidity as the ordinary 6-pounder, and no more lia- ble to get out of order, while, with much less quantity of powder, it throws a greater weight of metal with greater accuracy, to a much greater distance. It was used with considerable effect against Fort Sumter, fired from Morris Island, and penetrated the masonry of the fort about eleven inches, and apparently aimed at the points struck with remarkable precision. The French artillery at Solferino, and the French and English rifle ordnance at Sebastopol, and prepared for Cronstadt, with the other instances referred to, have proved the necessity of the No. 15.] 39 adoption of rifle cannon in our service without delay; and ac- cordingly we recommend that the State of New York cause these four batteries to be constructed and equipped at once for service. These batteries will consist each of 4 pieces and carriages, 10 pds. for 6 horses each.. 24 horses. 4 caissons (ammunition wagons) for 6 horses each.. 24 do 1 battery wagon (for tools, implements, &c.,) do . . 6 do 1 traveling forge (for shoeing horses, &c.,) 6 do Spare horses as a reserve 6 do For officers and non-commissioned officers 12 do 10 carriages, and 78 do The gunners will ride on the caissons and limbers. Equipments for each battery will consist of 20 sets harness, lead for 2 horses. 10 do wheel for 2 horses. 10 leg-guards, 30 whips and implements, and equipments suited to the service, selected from table page 305, Ordnance Manual. Equipments for battery wagon, selected from table on page 310, Ordnance Manual, and the equipments for the traveling forge, from page 307 of the Ordnance Manual. Ammunition for each battery will consist of 50 rounds per gun in the limber boxes. 150 rounds do in caissons. 200 rounds per gun with fuses, primers, &c., and other indis- pensable small articles selected from table on page 303, Ord. Manual. A like quantity per gun must be prepared and in depot, to be forwarded as needed. The personnel for each battery will consist of 4 commissioned officers, a captain, one 1st and two 2d lieuten- ants, 8 non-commissioned officer, 1 bugler, 1 farrier, 68 artille- rists and drivers — total, 78; to be armed as the United States field artillerists. These four batteries will thus be composed of 40 carriages and 312 horses ; 16 officers and 312 non-commissioned officers, buglers, farriers and privates ; 80 sets of lead harness for two horses ; 40 sets of wheel harness for 2 horses. 40 [Assembly Cost, &c. The cost of each gun with 100 rounds of ammunition of the Blakely or Parrott model, will be as follows : 12 guns at $250 each $3,000 00 12 gun carriages and limbers $275 00 3,300 00 12 caissons 340 00 4,080 00 3 battery wagons filled, (maximum).. G78 00 2,034 00 3 forges, (maximum) 437 00 1,311 00 60 set lead harness for two horses 75 00 4,500 00 30 set wheel harness for two horses 85 00 2,550 00 234 horses (for the three Parrott bat- teries) may probably be purchased at an average of 125 00 29,250 00 Making total cost for three batteries $50,025 00 The cost of the Armstrong model will differ in the expense of the gun and its carriage, both of which items will be considerably in excess of the Parrott model. No definite information has yet been re- ceived. We may however venture to estimate these two items at double the corresponding ones of the Parrott model, in which case the cost of the Armstrong battery of four guns, equipped as the preceding will be $21,320 00 Total cost of four batteries $71,345 00 RICHARD DELAFIELD, U. S. Corps of Engineers. For self, Capt, Schriver, and Capt. Sitgreaves. Albany, April 29, 1861. '>-i^ No. 15.] 41 Memorandum of articles of military equipment necessary for the 12 Regiments of JYew York State Volunteers, 7iow in the field, or about to march, to render them efficient after leaving railroad and steam transport conveyance. 1. Tents. 1,000 common tents, with poles and pins, weigliing 36 lbs, each _. 36,000 lbs. 120 wall tents, for company officers. 12 wall tents, for colonels of regiments. 12 wall tents, for lieiit. colonels and majors. 12 wall tents, for adjutants and quarter-masters. 12 wall tents, for surgeons and assistant surgeons. 168 wall tents, weighing 100 lbs. each 16,800 lbs. 24 double wall tents, as hospital tents 4,800 lbs. If men from the regiments leave in greater num- bers than these double wall tents will accommodate, those in the regimental use become vacant, and must be used accordingly. This provision being for field hospital service only, the sick being more carefully attended to in a building, farm-house, &c., to be occupied as a general hospital. Total weight of tents and poles 5Y,600 lbs. 2. Tools. 264 axes and helves, 6 lbs. each 1,584 lbs. 264 hatchets and helves, 2 lbs. each 528 lbs. 264 spades and helves, 6 lbs. each 1,584 lbs. 132 pickaxes, 9 lbs, each. 1,188 lbs. 1,248 camp kettles, 8 lbs. each ._ 9,984 lbs. 2,496 mess pans, 2 lbs. each 4,992 lbs. 19,860 lbs. 3. Ammunition. Musket ball cartridges, 100 rounds per man, packed in water- tight boxes, of 1,000 rounds each, 95,000 rounds. These will require 95 boxes of the following dimensions, ac- 42 [Assembly cording to the bore of the musket for which they are intended. See Ordnance Manual, p. 249. Weight Weight Depth. Length. Width. empty. packed. In. In. In. Lbs. Lba. For buck and ball cartridges 6.75 15.5 11.75 12 107 Rifle ball cartridges... 5.75 13. 11.75 11 100 It is known that the New York volunteers have arms of differ- ent bore. The greatest possible care and attention must be taken to insure the right size to the different regiments, and to this end every box must be marked with its contents. The weight of these 95,000 rounds is averaged at 10,165 lbs. The total weight that must be transported for the troops when moving, independent of railroads and vessels, and excluding what each man carries about his person, is : In tents,.. 57,600 lbs. In tools,. 4,884 In camp kettles, 14,976 19,860 lbs. In ammunition, 10,165 lbs., average estimate. Making a total of, .: 87,625 lbs. For which land transportation should be provided. Estimat- ing the wagon to carry 2,500 to 3,000 lbs., under ordinary cir- cumstances, we consider it will be necessary to have at least 30 baggage wagons, for tents, tools, camp kettles, &c. 24 hospital wagons, for conveyance of sick, hospital stores, and medicines. 5 ammunition wagons, for musket cartridges, making 59 wagons for the 12 regiments, independent of what means of transport may be found necessary for accumulating supplies in the general depots. These 59 wagons, being for the daily service of the troops between the camp and depots, and to transport the baggage, and whenever the troops move. Horses. The number of horses required for this service will be 236, or four to each wagon. No. 15.] 43 Drivers. Fifty-nine drivers should be enlisted to serve permanently, each with a team, to be charged with it specially, under the regimental quartermasters. Estimated cost of transport wagons, Sfc, above specified. 59 wagons, $180 each $10,620 236 horses, $125 each 29,500 118 sets harnesses, $130 each 15,340 Total $55,460 RICHARD DELAFIELD, U. S. Corps of Engineers. For self, Capt. Schriver, and Capt. Sitgreaves. Albany, April 29/A, 1861. The Attorney General moved, that the reports be accepted, with the thanks of this Board, and laid upon the table. Carried unanimously. The following letter was submitted by the Treasurer : Dear Sir — Will you give us ten days' more time to produce the same color in shirts and drawers, provided we furnish you a large share of the whole quantity before the expiration of the twenty days? Yours, R. M. YAN SICKLER & FORBY, STRONG BROTHERS & CO. Which was declined. The Adjutant General presented a communication of Colonel Lichenstein, proposing to organize a regiment of artillery. On motion of the Comptroller, it was Resolved, That this board decline to accept the proposition of Colonel Lichenstein at present," as it does not comport with the organization proposed by this Board. Carried unanimously. The Governor submitted a letter from Lieutenant Governor Campbell, also one from Col. Sam'l Colt, in relation to furnishing rifles. To the latter, on motion of the Attorney General, the Governor was requested to reply, that the State was not at pres- ent ready to treat with Mr. Colt, until it knows the result of an arrangement already entered into for an ample supply of arms for its forces. 44 [Assembly The Governor stated that since the last meeting he had tele- graphed to the Secretary of War as follows : " Will the President call for militia from this State beyond the seventeen regiments ? Important, answer at once :" to which despatch he had received the following answer : " Not at present time." The Governor stated that he last night received a telegram from Governor Dennison as follows : " Can you meet Governors Curtin, Morton, Yates and myself at Cleveland on Tuesday night? I will have with me General McClellan, commander of the Ohio troops:" to which he replied that "Public duties here prevent my leaving at present. Please telegraph me what is done. I regret the necessity that prevents a compliance with your re- quest." This A. M. another despatch was received from Gover- nor Dennison as follows : "Will you send a confidential messen- ger to the meeting? I will advise you when the day is fixed :" to which he returned the following answer: "Yes." The Attorney General moved to take a recess for twenty min- utes. Before taking this question, on motion of the Comptroller, the Board adjourned for half an hour. 3 o'clock 25 minutes, P. M. Present as before. On the meeting being called to order by the chair, a debate ensued as to the policy to be adopted in relation to the enrol- ment of the twenty -one regiments called for by general order No. lY, in which all the members of the Board present partici- pated. Suggestions were also made by Colonel Delafield and Captain Schriver. On motion of the Attorney General, the Board adjourned to 7 o'clock, P. M. 7 o'clock 25 minutes, P. M. Present as before. On motion of the Attorney General it w^as unanimously Resolved, That the Treasurer and Comptroller be a committee authorized to receive any full company that may be presented, until the next meeting of the Board. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board adjourned to 1 o'clock, P. M., to-morrow. No. 15.J 45 Executive Chamber, ) h, 1861. J April 30th, Pursuant to adjournment the State officers met at 1 o'clock P. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, and State Engineer and Surveyor — 5. Absent — the Attorney General and Secretary of State — 2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor reported that- Governor Dennison had named Friday next as the day for meeting of Governors referred to in telegraphic despatch submitted yesterday. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That all companies heretofore accepted pursuant to the resolutions of this Board, under general order No. 13, and which now contain a less number than 77 men including officers, be required to complete their enlistment and organization, so that each of said companies shall contain 77 men, by the 9th day of May, 1861 ; and that in default of their so doing that said companies be consolidated under the direction of this Board. The Adjutant General presented at request of J. McLeod Mur- phy, ten rolls of full companies. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That so far as relates to the first levy of troops, com- prising the first 17 regiments, the Governor is hereby authorized as soon as the respective companies containing 77 men or less are accepted and inspected, to order them into barracks. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, the Board adjourned till 1 o'clock P. M., to-morrow. Executive Chamber, ) May 1st, 1861 J The State officers met pursuant to adjournment at 1 o'clock P. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Secretary of State, and State Engineer — 6. Absent — Attorney General — 1. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor submitted a letter from Gouverneur Kemble, stating that " 4 batteries of rifled cannon for light artillery ser- vice, to be mounted on 6-pound carriages, in all, 16 guns, are now preparing at the AVest Point foundry, by order of the safety com- 46" [Assembly mittee of New York, and that if the carriages and caissons ar- rive, the first battery of four guns will be ready for mounting by the present week." The Governor also presented a letter from Aaron Wheeler, agent of the Geneva and Watkins Steamboat Co., offering to trans- port troops from Geneva to Watkins en route for Elmira, forty miles across Seneca lake, for fifty cents each, which offer, on motion of the Lieutenant Governor, was unanimously accepted. Two letters from the Secretary of War were also submitted by the Governor, and on motion of the Lieutenant Governor were ordered to be entered at length on the minutes. War Department, Washington, April 26, 1861. To His Excellency E. D. Morgan, Gover?ior of JVew York: Dear Sir — I have to repeat the acknowledgments of this de- partment for your very prompt and energetic action in sending forward the troops of your State. In regard to the suggestions contained in yours of the 22d inst., they have been made the subject of careful consideration, and such measures adopted by the officers in command as circumstances permitted. Very truly yours, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. War Department, Washington, JJpril 20tk, 1861. To His Excellency E. D. Morgan, Governor of JVew York : Dear Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge yours of the 18th instant, in response to the call of the Federal Government for seventeen regiments of troops from the State of New York. The alacrity and promptness with which you have met this requisition is alike honorable to the great State of New York, and yourself as her Executive, and for which I beg to tender you my most grateful acknowledgments. I am, dear sir, very truly yours, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. A communication on behalf of the companies from northern New York, representing that there are now five companies in the depot at Albany fully inspected and mustered into service, and that owing to the crowded state of their quarters, they have no place to drill in ; that five other companies have presented their No. 15.] 47 applications, which are all full and have been received by the Board for inspection, election of officers and muster. They now ask that the five companies already here be .permitted to form themselves into a battalion, for the purposes of comfort, better accommodation and drill ; they also ask that a regiment may be formed from the 4th judicial district, composed of these and the remaining companies ; and that companies as they arrive may be permitted to join the battalion until the whole regiment is made up. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That said communication be referred to Brigadier General Rathbone, with a request that he conform to their wishes if practicable, but said arrangement not to extend beyond the 9th of May. The Comptroller presented application for company organiza- tion of three full Buffalo companies, to wit : Captain Elisha L. Hayward, Edward Hayward, and John M. Layton; also, applica- tion for company organization of one Rochester company (Capt. Hiram Smith's), which, on motion of the Comptroller, were all unanimously acceopted. A communication was presented from a committee of a public meeting held at the village of Fonda. As one of such committee, Mr. Horton appeared before the Board and stated that the citi- zens of Fonda hoped to raise a regiment, and requested that a temporary depot be established at Fonda; which proposition was, on motion of Lieutenant Governor Campbell, unanimously declined. The Lieutenant Governor presented an application for the company organization from Watkins, Schuyler county. Captain James H. Chapman, which, on motion of the Lieutenant Gover- nor, was unanimously accepted for the purpose of inspection. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Quartermaster General be directed forth- with to erect temporary barracks at Albany sufficient to accom- modate two regiments. Captain Schriver submitted a draft of a general order, to be published by the Adjutant General, which, on motion of the Treasurer, was unanimously approved. Leave of absence was granted to the Lieutenant Governor until Tuesday morning next. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board adjourned until 3| P. M. 4^1 [Assembly 3-40 P. M. Present, same as before. On motion of the Treasurer it Avas unanimously Resolved^ That the regulations for the army of the United States, approved January 1, 1857, be and the same is hereby adopted for the government of the volunteer militia of this State, while in the service of this State, except so far as said regula- tions may conflict with any of the statutes in force for the gov- ernment of the militia. Resolved, That said regulations be published, by direction of the Governor, in the form of general orders, with an appendix showing in what respect the same are modified by the statutes of this State. The Adjutant General submitted an order, directed to the Commissary General, to supply Col. Pratt's regiment with arms, accoutrements and camp-equipments, which was unanimously ap- proved, and directed to be issued. A petition was presented by Messrs, Viele, Brintnall, Ball, Saxe and G. Robertson, Jr., of Troy, as follow- s : To His Excellency, Gov. Morgan and the Military Board : The undersigned are a committee from persons interested in the formation of a regiment of volunteers, who desire their head- quarters to be established, during their organization, at Bull's Head, in Troy. We ask an order that ten companies now formed, and in process of formation, may designate that as their depot or place of rendezvous. The undersigned guarantee that no expense shall fall upon the State for barracks. These will be furnished free of expense. And the regiment or company in quarters will be subsisted at 3*7^- cents per day, thereby making a saving of twenty-five per cent., or about one hundred dollars per day for a regiment during the encampment and organization. Besides, they have a good healthy enclosure, w-ith all the conveniences necessary for the subsistence and drilling of the recruits. We also suggest that this location is not so far as to be considered in any other light than as a branch of the Albany Depot, and, therefore, respectfully urge upon your honorable Board the is- suing of an order for such purpose. JOHN J. VIELE, CHAS. E. BRINTNALL, L. CHANDLER BALL, PETER SAXE, G. ROBERTSON, Jr. No. 15.] 49 In reply to which the Comptroller offered the following resolu- tion : Resolved, That the volunteers being organized at Troy and vicinity, as soon as the companies are filled up, be permitted to quarter at Troy, on the terms proposed by the application from that city, provided that they will be subject at all times to th& order of Brigadier General Rathbone. Which was unanimously adopted. The Treasurer submitted a contract with Brooks Brothers & Co., of New York, for clothing, conditioned to furnish at various times, on or before the 18th day of May next, 12,000 uniforms, at $19.50 each, together with a bond executed by Chas. F. Goodhue and James F. Joyce, in the sum of $50,000, which contract is in the words following : Articles of Agreement made and entered into this twenty- sixth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, between the people of the State of New York, parties of the first part, and Daniel H. Brooks, John Brooks, Elisha Brooks and Ed- ward S. Brooks, composing the firm of Brooks Brothers, of the city of New York, parties of the second part. Witnessing, That the said party of the first part, and the said parties of the second part, for themselves, their executors and administrators, have covenanted and agreed, and b}^ these presents do covenant and agree, to and with each other, as follows, to wit : First, That the said parties of the second part shall furnish, manufacture and deliver at such places in the State of New York as the Quartermaster General of said State shall designate, the following articles of clothing at the times and of the quality and description hereinafter designated, namely, twenty-six hundred dark blue kersey jackets, indigo blue, and all wool, of which one thousand shall be furnished on or before May 4th, 1861, and six- teen hundred thereof on or before May 12th, 1861, of which said blue kersey a sample is hereunto attached marked " Brooks Bros., Sample No. 1."" Also, twenty-one hundred dark blue felt jackets, all wool, indigo blue, on or before May 12th, 1861, of which said felt a sample is hereunto annexed marked " Brooks Brothers, Sample No. 8." Also, seventy-three hundred grey jackets, of cadet mixed satinet, to be delivered one-half thereof May 4th, 1861, and one-half thereof May 12th, 1861, of which said grey satinet a sample is hereunto annexed marked "Brooks Bros., Sample No. 3." Also, one thousand dark blue kersey trowsers, [Assem. No. 15.] 4 50 [Assembly indigo blue, all wool, to be delivered May 4th, 1861, and fourteen hundred to be delivered May 12th, 1861, of which said kersey a Bample is hereunto annexed, marked "Brooks Bros., Sample No. 1." Also, two thousand four hundred light blue army kersey trowsers, indigo blue, all wool, to be delivered on or before May 18th, 1861, of wliich said kersey a sample is hereunto annexed marked " Brooks Bros., Sample No. 7." Also, seven thousand two hundred grey cadet mixed satinet trowsers, to be delivered one-third May 12th, 1861, one-third May 4th, 1861, and one-third May 18th, 1861, of which said satinet a sample is hereunto an- nexed marked "Brooks Bros., Sample No. 3." Also, four thou- sand brown mixed overcoats, all wool, to be delivered fifteen hundred on the 4th day of May, 1861, fifteen hundred on the 12th day of May, 1861, and one thousand on the 18th day of May, 1861, of which said cloth a sample is hereunto annexed marked " Brooks Bros., Sample No. 4." Also, sixteen hundred blue peter- sham over coats, all wool, indigo blue, to be delivered May 18th, 1861, of which said petersham a sample is hereunto annexed marked "Brooks Bros., Sample No. 5." Also, two thousand mixed kersey overcoats, all wool, to be delivered May 4th, 1861, of which said kersey a sample is hereunto annexed marked "Brooks Bros., sample No. 2." Also, four thousand four hun- dred cadet doeskin overcoats, all wool, to be delivered one-half May 12th, 1861, and one-half May 18th, 1861, of which said doe- skin a sample is hereunto annexed marked " Brooks Bros., Sam- ple No. 6." Second. The said jackets, overcoats and trowsers, shall be well and properly cut and made, and shall be strongly and thoroughly sewed and stitched, and shall be of four sizes, and all the mate- rials shall be of the best quality, of their respective kinds, and they shall be made according to shape and form, according to certain patterns heretofore delivered by the parties of the second part unto the party of the first part, and marked »/?, B and C Third. The said jackets, trowsers and overcoats shall have the proper number of buttons, which shall be of the pattern and ma- terial prescribed by the general regulations of the State of New York for privates. Fourth. The party of the first part shall have power to reject any articles of an inferior character to what is above stipulated, and the said party of the second part shall thereupon forthwith furnish other articles of the proper character in place thereof, or No. 15.] 51 in default thereof the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by purchase, and the said party of the sec- ond part shall be charged with the difierence at cost. Fifth. Time is hereby declared to be of the essehce of this con- tract ; and in case the said parties of the second part shall not deliver said articles at the times hereinbefore specified, the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by pur- chase, and the said party of the second part shall thereupon be chargeable with any diff'erence of price, and any damages which may thereupon ensue, and the said party of the first part shall have power to retain, from the sum hereinafter stipulated to be paid to the parties of the second part, such sums as may be neces- sary to indemnify said party of the first part in the premises. Sixth. The said party of the first part hereby agrees to pay to the said parties of the second part, at the rate of nineteen dollars and fifty cents for each suit, consisting of trowsers, jacket and overcoat ; seventy-five per cent, thereof to be paid upon the de- livery to and acceptance of the same by the inspecting officer of the party of the first part, and the remaining twenty-five per cent, thereof to be paid when the terms of this contract shall have been fully carried out and complied with by the party of the second part ; payments to be made in sums of fifty thousand dollars and upwards, as said goods are delivered. Seventh. It is hereby expressly stipulated and agreed, that until said goods shall be delivered and received by the party of the first part, they shall be in all respects at the risk of the party of the second part. In witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written, P. DORSHEIMER, Treasurer, Sfc, [l. s.] DANIEL H. BROOKS, [l. s.] JOHN BROOKS, [l. s.] ELISHA BROOKS, [l. s.] EDWARD S. BROOKS, [l. s.] Sealed and delivered in presence of Wm. Henry Anthon. On motion of the State Engineer and Surveyor, it was unani- mously Resolved, That the contract with Brooks Brothers & Co., be approved, and ordered filed iu the Comptroller's oflice, The Commissary General submitted a contract entered into by 52 [Assembly him with Thomas C. Smith, for accoutrements, in accordance with the published notice with two sureties in the sum of $80,000. On motion of the State Engineer and Surveyor, it was unani- mously Resolved, That the contract be confirmed, and that the origi- nal be filed in the Comptroller's office. The Commissary General also submitted a contract with Chas. H. Tyler, for tents, camp equipage, &c., (with two sureties in the sum of $15,000) in the following words : Articles or agreement, made and entered into this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and sixty-one, between the people of the State of New York, party of the first part, and Charles H. Tyler of the city and county of New York, party of the second part, witnessing : That the said party of the first part, and the said party of the second part, for himself, his executors and administrators have covenated and agreed, and by these presents do covenant and agree to and with each other, as follows, to wit : First. That the said party of the second part shall furnish and manufacture, and shall deliver at such places in the State of New York as the Commissary General of said State shall desig- nate, the following equipments of the same pattern, character, material and description as those in use in the United States army, and designated United States army pattern, and of which said equipments samples have been delivered by the party of the second part unto the party of the first part ; at the times and at the prices hereinafter set forth, namely : Two thousand common tents, with poles and pins complete, at $20 (twenty dollars) each. ...Two hundred and fifty wall tents and flies, with poles and pins complete, at $25 (twenty-five dollars) each. Two hundred drums, and sticks — wood — with slings and car- riages complete, at $6 (six dollars) each. Slings and carriages, $1 each. Two hundred cocoa wood fifes, at $1 (one dollar) each. One thousand axes and helves, at $1 each. One thousand spades, at 75 cents each. Five hundred hatchets, at 50 cents each. Two thousand five hundred camp-kettles, at 45 cents each. Five thousand mess-pans, at 30 cents each. No. 15.J 53 Five hundred pick-axes and handles, at $1 each. Second. All of the said articles shall be of the United States army patterns as before mentioned, and shall be made of the best materials of their respective kinds, and such of them as are sowed shall be strongly and thoroughly stitched and sewed, and said tents shall be of the sample cloth annexed, marked A. Third. One hundred of said tents shall be delivered daily after the day of the date of these presents, at such places in the State of New York as the said Commissary General shall designate. Fourth. The remainder of said articles shall be delivered at such times and places in the said State of New York as the said Commissary General shall direct, the whole of the same to be furnished forthwith if required. Fifth. The party of the first part shall have power to reject any articles of an inferior character to what is above stipulated, and the said party of the second part shall thereupon forthwith furnish other articles of the proper quality in place thereof, and in default the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by purchase, and the said party of the second part shall be charged with the difference of cost. Sixth. Time is hereby declared to be of the essence of this contract, and in case the said party of the second part shall not deliver said articles at the times hereinbefore specified the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by pur- chase, and the said party of the second part shall thereupon be chargeable with any difference of price, and any danages which may thereupon ensue. And the said party of the first part shall have power to retain from the sum herein stipulated to be paid to the party of the second part, such amount as may be necessary to indemnify said party of the first part in the premises. Seventh. The said party of the first part hereby agree to pay to the said party of the second part for the said articles at the rates hereinbefore specified, seventy-five per cent, thereof to be paid upon the delivery to and acceptance of the same by the said Commissary General, and the remaining twenty-five per cent, thereof to be paid when the terms of this contract shall have been fully carried out and complied with by the said party of the second part ; payment to be made in sums of ten thousand dol- lars and upwards, as said articles are delivered. Eighth. It is hereby expressly stipulated and agreed that until Baid articles shall be delivered and received by the party of the 54 [Assembly first part, they shall be in all respects at the risk of the party of the second part. In witness whereof the parties to these presents have here- unto set their hands and seals the day and year first above writ- ten. BENJAMIN WELCH, Jr., Commissary General, [l. s.] CHARLES H. TYLER, [l. s.] Sealed and delivered in presence of Wm. Henry Anthon. State of New York, \ City and County of JVew York, ) On this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, before me came Benjamin Welch, Jr., and Charles H, Tyler above named, both to me known to be the same persons described in and who executed the afore- going instrument, and severally acknowledged that they had executed the same. WM. HENRY ANTHON, JYotary Public, city and county of JVew York. On motion of State Engineer, it was unanimously Resolved, That the contract be confirmed, and that the original be filed in the Comptroller's ofiice. On motion of the Secretary of State it was unanimously Resolved, That the department of the Commissary General be authorized to advertise for tents, sufficient for the troops already in the field, or which may hereafter be ordered into service. Frederick Townsend appeared before the Board and made a .statement respecting the election held by ten companies under the provisions of general order No. 13, at the Albany rendez- vous, designating him as Colonel ; and stating also that he was desirous, if it was necessary, to hold another election, he would be glad to have it ordered at once. The Comptroller moved that the consideration of the applica- tion of Frederick Townsend be postponed. Seconded and carried. The Adjutant General submitted the rolls of 4 Canadian com- panies, but without any formal action, the papers were withdrawn. The State Engineer and Surveyor asked leave of absence, and on motion of the Treasurer leave was granted until Tuesday morning. The Governor submitted a proposition of Hotchkiss and Sons, of Sharon, Connecticut. On motion it was laid on the table. Colonel Christian, of Utica, entered and made a statement re- No. 15.J 55 specting Y companies which had been raised in Utica. He pre- sented applications for company organization (Captain Montgom- ery Caplemant, Captain George A. Blackwell), which on motion of the Comptroller, were unanimously accepted. On motion of Mr. Dorsheimer, the Board adjourned until to- morrow morning at 11 o'clock. May 2, 1861. The State officers met at the Executive Chamber, at 11-40 A. M. Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Secretary of State, and Treasurer — 4. Absent — Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Stato Engineer — 3. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer presented application for company organization from Saratoga county, (captain A. J. Perry's) which, on hia motion, were accepted for the purpose of inspection. Also application for a company organization of a Buffalo com- pany, (captain James C. Strong) which, on motion of the Treas- urer, was unanimously accepted. The Adjutant General presented two applications for company organization, from Broome county, (captain Joseph C. Bartlett, and captain Hiram C. Rogers) which, on motion of the Treasurer, were unanimously accepted. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved, That on the presentation of a company roll contain- ing 77 names, under general order No. 17, the Adjutant General shall direct an inspection of the company and the election of its officers. On motion of the Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That Brigadier General Rathbone be authorized to employ a chaplain to officiate at the barracks in the industrial school building. On motion of the Comptroller, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized to appoint a chaplain for each regiment organized, under the act of April 16, 1861, on the nomination of the field officers of the respective regiments. Acting Quartermaster General Arthur appeared and presented a statement to the Board in relation to the depot in New York r5^6 [Assembly with suggestions as to what will be required for the accommoda- tion of the volunteers there. On motion of the Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That the acting Quartermaster General and Briga- dier General in command of the depot in New York, be author- ized to erect barracks for such number of men and at such place or places in and near the city of New York, as the Brigadier General in command shall designate. On motion of the Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That the thanks of the Board bo presented to the president and directors of the Hudson river railroad, for their generous offer to transport the troops of this State free over their road, and that the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of this resolution to the president of said road. On motion of the Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That the acting Quartermaster General at New York, be authorized to furnish a breakfast for the Maine regiment, ex- pected to pass through New York this day, on their way to Washington. On motion of the Secretary of State it was unanimously Resolved, That the Adjutant General be authorized to issue an order directing Brigadier General Rathbone to cause an election for the choice of a suitable person to fill the office of captain of the company of volunteers now in the barracks at Albany, here- tofore commanded by John Lawless, who has absented himself from his command. The Governor presented a copy of a letter which he had ad- daessed to the Secretary of War on the 26th inst., and General Cameron's reply thereto, which, on motion of the Treasurer were ordered to be entered at length on the minutes of the Board, as follows : STATE OF NEW YORK: ^ Executive Deparment, !► Albany, Jlpril 26, 1861. J Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War : Sir — I beg to request an order from the Secretary of War, assigning the cadets in the present first class from the State of New York in the West Point 'academy, to duty with the regi- ments of New York volunteers, as instructors. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your favor of the 20th inst. I am very truly yours, E. D. MORGAN. No. 15.] 5-7 War Department, JJpril 29, 1861. Gov. E. D. Morgan, Dear Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th inst., and to inform you that the early gradua- tion of the first class of cadets at West Point, is now under con- sideration. If possible, your request will be complied with, but the scarcity of army officers may render it necessary to assign commands in the service immediately to those cadets. Very truly yours, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. The Governor submitted a letter from the 'Secretary of War, and requested that it should be entered at length on the minutes of this Board, which, on motion, was unanimously agreed to, and is in the following words : War Department, } Washington, 29th Jifril^ 1861. ) His Excellency E. D. Morgan, Governor of JVew York : My Dear Sir — I have yours of the 24th inst. This Department has again to acknowledge its many obligations to your Excel- lency for the promptness and despatch with which you have sent forward your troops for the defence of the capital. I have to request that you will not send any more to this point until you are further advised. I have the honor to subscribe myself, Very truly, SIMON CAMERON, Sec'y of War. The Adjutant General stated that a company of 65 men, volun- teers from Chenango county, had arrived in this city, having come here without being inspected, and without orders. James Tyrrell, the captain of the com.pany, appeared and stated that if the men here could be taken care of, and he could have four days to recruit in, that his company would be filled to the required number. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That Capt. James Tyrrell, who has arrived this day from Norwich, Chenango county, with 65 men, be sent to the barracks with such men, and that if he shall recruit to the num- ber of 7*7 men, on or before the 8th inst., the company will be accepted into the service, and if duly elected by his company therefor will be commissioned as captain. On motion of the Comptroller, it was unanimously 5^B [Assembly Resolved, That Mr. Dorsheimer proceed to New York to super- intend the inspection of the clothing to be delivered under the contract of Brooks Brothers. On motion of the Comptroller, it was unanimously Resolved, That while the Board is in a minority during any one day, the Governor be directed to act for the Board in any emergency which may arise. On motion of the Secretary of State the Board adjourned until 1 P. M. to-morrow. May 3, 1861. The officers met at the Executive Chamber at 1 P. M. Present — The Governor, Comptroller, and Secretary of State. Absent — The Lieut. Governor, Treasurer, Attorney General, and State Engineer. No quorum being present, on motion of the Secretary of State the Board adjourned until 12 o'clock M. on Monday. May 6, 1861. The State officers met at the Executive Chamber at 12.45 P. M. Present — The Governor, Comptroller and Secretary of State. Absent — The Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Trea- surer and State Engineer. No quorum being present the Board adjourned until 7 P. M. 1 o'clock P. M. Present — same as above. No quorum. Adjourned until 12 o'clock M. to-morrow. Tuesday, May 7, 1861. The State officers met at the Executive Chamber at 12.20 o'clock P. M. Present — The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Secretary of State and Attorney General. Absent — State Engineer. The minutes of previous meetings were read and approved. No. 15-1 5'9 The Governor reported that on the 4th inst. a company of 90 men, from St. Lawrence county, had presented themselves vt^ith- out rolls, without inspection, and without orders, and that he had ordered them sent to barracks in Albany ; also, that on the same day he had, on the advice of the Comptroller, ordered the ten full Turner rifles, not accepted by the Board, sent to barracks in New York city ; and further, that on the advice of the Comp- troller and Secretary of State, he had ordered a company from Clinton county, (Capt, Stetson's,) who had come here without being ordered, to be sent to barracks in Albany. The Governor further reported, that on the 6th inst. a quorum of the Board not being present, on advice of the Comptroller and Secretary of State, he had ordered that additional barracks for the necessary accommodation of the volunteers now in Albany, be erected with all practicable despatch. On motion of the Secretary of State, the foregoing report of the Governor was unanimously accepted and approved. The Governor submitted a communication from Brigadier General Rathbone, in relation to the condition of the barracks under his charge, w^hich, on motion of the Secretary of State, was ordered on file. The Attorney General reported, that in obedience to a resolu- tion of this Board, he proceeded on Monday evening to Washing- ton, arriving there on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. He submitted, as his report, a copy of a letter which he had ad- dressed to the Secretary of War, with Gen. Cameron's reply thereto, which are in the following words : Washington, May 1, 1861. Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, ^c. Sir — On behalf and by order of the Board of Officers formed under and by the act of the Legislature of the State of New York of April 16, 1861, 1 beg to submit, that by the said act the said Board are authorized to raise a volunteer militia for two years' service, unless sooner discharged, of thirty thousand men, and that that Legislature appropriated and laid a tax for three and a half millions of dollars to arm and support such force as the^said Board might raise under its provisions. The requisition of the Federal Government upon the State was subsequently made for seventeen regiments, of seven huu- 60 [Assembly dred and eighty men each, but such is the patriotic zeal of the people of the State that it will be a great disappointment to them if they are not permitted to raise thirty-eight regiments for the public service instead of seventeen. At the same time the State unexpectedly finds that the most improved arm cannot be at once furnished by the United States Government to arm this force, and the Board have provided for the purchase of such arms at an early day, and also for the complete uniform and equipment of the force. The expenditure for these purposes will so far exhaust the means at the disposal of the Board as to leave them without the necessary resources, until the next meeting of the Legislature, to pay and subsist the force after the troops shall arrive at the depots, without infringing a constitutional inhibition against the contraction of a debt except in case of the actual invasion of the State or insurrection therein. The Board, therefore, respectfully request that the United States Government will receive from the State of New York, at such depots, within the State, as the United States Government may choose to indicate, thirty-eight regiments of volunteers for two years service, unless sooner discharged, of such arm of ser- vice as it may require, and assume, at the depots, the instruction, pay and subsistence of such troops. I have the honor to be, Your most obedient servant, CHAS. G. MYERS, Attorney General of Mew York, and one of said Committee. War Department, ? Washington, M May, 1861. \ Hon. Chas. G. Myers : Dear Sir — I have yours of the 1st inst., in which, on behalf of the Board of military officers of the State of New York, you tender to the United States Government thirty-eight regiments of troops, to be armed and supplied by the State of New York, and to rendezvous at such place or places within the State as this department may indicate, to serve for two years, unless sooner discharged. This government to assume, at the depot, the pay, instruction and subsistence of such troops. I have the honor, on behalf of the Government of the United States, to in- No. 15.] 61 form pou that this offer will be accepted on the conditions stated ; and the regiments of New York uniformed militia now in the ser- vice of the government, will be relieved when the troops you have tendered shall have been mustered into service. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, SIMON CAMERON, Sec'y of War. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved, That the report of the Attorney General be received and entered upon the minutes of the Board, and that the agree- ment entered into by that officer, on behalf of the State, with the Federal Government, be, and the same is hereby approved and adopted. Also, that the thanks of this Board be, and are hereby tendered to the Attorney General for the prompt and efficient manner in which he has discharged the duties which he was dele- gated to perform. The Governor submitted a telegraph from General Simon Came- ron, Secretary of War, which, on motion of the Attorney General, was ordered to be entered at length on the minutes of the Board, and is in the following words : Washington, May 3, 1861. Gov. Morgan — Accepted to-day, proposition of your Military Board, presented by Attorney General Myers, who is on his way homeward. This will, I suppose, answer your inquiry about ac- ceptance of regiments ready to embark. SIMON CAMERON, Sec'y of War. The Governor also submitted the following telegraph from the Secretary of War, w^iich was ordered entered at length on the minutes : Washington, May 6, 1861. E. D. Morgan — ■ It is decidedly probable that all the regiments mustered into the service of the Government, from your State, not already ac- tually sent forward, should be mustered into service for three years, or during the war. If any person belonging to the regi- ments already mustered for three months, but not yet actually sent forward, should be unwilling to serve for three years, or during the war, could not their places be filled by others who are willing so to serve. SIMON CAMERON, Sec'y of War. 62 [Assembly Lieutenant Governor in the chair. The Governor also submitted the following as a proposed reply thereto, which, on motion, was unanimously approved. Albany, May 1, 1861. Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War : But one of our regiments of volunteers under an act of April 16, 1861, has been sent forward. The men who will constitute the remaining thirty-seven regiments are all, or nearly all, em- bodied and moving to the depots under an act for two years ser- vices, as recognized in your acceptances of the proposition of the State, of the 3d inst. The period of enrolment cannot now be changed, though no doubt if required beyond two years the force can be filled at the end of that time. E. D. MORGAN. The Adjutant General reported that two companies, one of 40 men, Capt. Page, from Peru, Clinton county, and one of 82 men, Capt. J. J. Sager, Franklin county, had come here without orders. The Attorney General moved that they be accepted, subject to inspection and consolidation, and ordered into barracks in Alba- ny, which was carried, the Treasurer alone dissenting. The Secretary of State presented a communication from Lieut. Barnard, Adjutant of Col. Allen's regiment, petitioning the Board for muskets for the regiment, and also for pistols and overcoats for the officers, &c, &c., which petition was, on motion, laid upon the table. The Treasurer presented application for a company organiza- tion of a New York company of 78 men, Capt. Sass, which, on motion of the Treasurer, was unanimously accepted. A committee of four gentlemen, on behalf of ten companies from Washington, Warren and Saratoga counties, seven of which contain 77 men, and have been inspected,* requested that these companies might be permitted to rendezvous at Troy, when, on motion of the Comptroller, it was unanimously Resolved, That all the companies of Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties accepted, and which may hereafter be accepted by this Board, be quartered at the branch of the Albany rendez- vous at Troy, provided they be quartered on the same terms as the regiment already quartered there. The Lieutenant Governor presented a commiinication from F. W. Parmenter, in relation to the bullet machine recently pur- chased for the State, which, on motion of the Comptroller, was laid on the table. No. 15.] 63 Troy, May 6th, 1861. Honored Sir — This will be handed you by Mr. Burroughs, of the house of S. D. Roberts, of New York. Mr. Roberts was the owner of the ball machine lately taken from me by the State, and is much disappointed at the result of his planning and management in getting up the only machine of the kind in private hands. I hope he may be able to so arrange with you that his interests will not suffer, while I remain, Yours respectfully, (Signed,) F. W. PARMENTER. To the Hon. R. Campbell, Lieut. Governor State of JYew York. The Governor presented a communication from Lieut. Strong, together with one from Messrs. P. J. Marsh and S. W. Tyler, in relation to same subject, which were also, on motion of the Comp- troller, laid on the table, and are in the words following : Watervliet Arsenal, May *lth, 1861. Hon. E. D. Morgan, Governor State of JYew York : Sir — Should it be decided to put the bullet machine recently purchased by the State into private hands, to be run for supply- ing ammunition to the New York volunteers, I have the honor to recommend Messrs. P. J. Marsh and S. W. Tyler as men responsi- ble and possessed of facilities for fulfilling any contract that may be made with them concerning this matter. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. C. STRONG, First Lieut. Ordnance. Troy, May 6, 1861. To His Excellency the Governor of the State of JYew York : Sir — This petition' respectfully represents, that it is the desire of the undersigned, if compatible with the final disposition con- cluded upon by the State Executive council, of the bullet ma- chine lately purchased by this State, of F. W. Parmenter, of the city of Troy, to secure the contract for running the same, and furnishing cartridges ready for army use, to such an extent and under such regulations, as the honorable Board shall direct. P. J. MABSH, S. W. TYLER. In pursuance of the above, we, the undersigned members of the committee appointed by the common council of the city of Troy, to make investigations in relation to the bullet machine Qi [Assembly therein referred to, do most cheerfully recommend to your favor- able consideration, Messrs. P. J. Marsh and S. W. Tyler, as men worthy and well qualified to execute the purposes set forth in the above petition. Troy, May Qfh, 1861. GEORGE B. WARREN, Jr., Mayor. H. RANKIN, CHARLES EDDY, JAMES FLEMING, Common Council Committee. To His Excellency, E. D. Morgan, Governor State of Mew York. The Attorney General moved thafe. Capt. Stetson's company from Clinton county, be accepted (the Adjutant General having reported that all the prescribed forms had been regularly gone through with by. this company) which was carried unanimously. The Adjutant General presented a petition stating that Thomas Whipple enlisted in the town of Knox, under Captain Floyd, on the 23d day of April, 1861, whilst intoxicated; that his family, consisting of one son and three daughters, have no means of support, and are entirely dependent upon their father. In consideration of these facts, the petitioners ask that the said Whipple be discharged. In view of these statements, the Attor- ney General moved that the Adjutant General be authorized to release and discharge the above mentioned Thomas Whipple, which was unanimously carried. The Lieutenant Governor stated that Col. Frederick Townsend would like to appear before the Board ^nd make a statement be- fore adjournment. On motion, the Board adjourned until *7 o'clock. P. M. May 7, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, at 7 P. M. Present, as before. Mr. Cholwell entered and stated that he had raised a company of seventy-seven men, in Rockland county, who have been in- spected to-day, and asked that his command be ordered to the depot in New York city, with permission to join Colonel Lan- sing's regiment. The Governor presented a communication from Lieut. Willard, of the U. S. army, declining the position of colonel of the 2d volunteer regiment, which is now quartered at Troy. No. 15.] 65 The Adjutant General reported the following list of the com- panies that had been inspected before seven o'clock, this P. M. Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta n Franklin J. Davis, Westchester county, IT men, n Morgan H. Chrysler, Saratoga county, 77 men, n John Whitlock, Ithaca, *78 men, n Joel J. Seaver, Malone, 81 men, n Edmund Boynton, Whitehall, 78 men, n Archibald H. Preston, Oswego, 77 men, n George G. Wanzcr, Rochester, 77 men, n Nelson T. Stephens, Moravia, 77 men, n A. J. Barney, Jefferson county, 79 men, n S. I. Mundell, Jefferson county, 79 men, n Horace R. Lake, Lewis county, 84 men. *Captain Daniel E, Gavit, New York, 77 men, *Captain Jolm F. Harrold, do 79 men. *Captain Robert F. Allason, *Captain Eugene McGrath, *Capt Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta Capta do 78 men, do 78 men, ain Oliver A. Tilden, do 79 men, n Peter Hogan, Albany, 78 men, n James Perkins, Livingston county, 85 men, n Peter Jay, Binghamton, 77 men, n William N. Angle, Copenhagen, 83 men, n John L. Stetson, Clinton, 78 men, n AVilliam H. H. Mapes, Lockport, 77 men, n Wm. D. Ferguson, Oswego, 77 men, n John C. Gilmore, Potsdam, 78 men, n Albert J. Perry, Saratoga Springs, 77 men, n George Clenden, Glen's Falls, 77 men, n John McKie, Jr., Cambridge, 78 men, n Barry I. Hage, Johnstown, 81 men, n James C. Strong, Buffalo, 80 men, n August Hust, New York, 78 men, n Warren Gibson, Stockholm, 71 men, n Gorton T. Thomas, Keeseville, 77 men, n George D. W. Clinton, Buffalo, 82 men, n James H. Demarest, Nyack, 78 men, n N. Martin Curtiss, St. Lawrence, 74 men, which, on motion of the Treasurer, were unanimously accepted. * Scott's Life Guard. [Assem. No. 15.] 5 6fi» [Assembly Gen. Duryea entered and stated that the common council of the city of Brooklyn had spent thousand dollars in organizing and equipping the 14th regiment N. Y. S. M., which 18 now fully equipped and prepared for active service. He asked that the regiment be called into immediate service and stationed in Brooklyn as a home guard, until it should be required by the general government. The Adjutant General presented the rolls of ten companies, who desired to be organized into a regiment with Frederick Townsend as colonel. On motion of the Attorney General the application of the ten companies, above referred to, -was laid on the table. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following captains, to wit : John Coyle, Edward Burns, Michael C. Murphy, John Downey, John E. Levench, Wm. H. Burns, Michael A. Fa- gen, Wm. Hagen, John Wildey and Andrew D. Printell, compo- sing the regiment called by some Ellsworth Zouaves, who were said to be ordered to Washington to be mustered into service by a Government officer of the United States, and who are now in Washington without the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, in consideration of the peculiar circumstances, be and the same are hereby ordered to compose a regiment to be numbered No. 11, and that the election of regimental officers therein, heretofore prematurely made, be assumed and affirmed, and the said regi- ment and its officers be accepted, and the Commander-in-Chief requested to commission the said officers, and that the Adjutant General be requested to correct the muster rolls to correspond to the men now actually in service. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following captains, to wit : F. A. H. Gaebel, Edward Knapp, Kasper Keller, Edward Heiffer, Rodolph Anselin, Louis Hockheim, Sixt Lewis Kappf, Jacob Scheenleber, Chas. Bethon and Edward Uratislan, who have heretofore elected John E. Bendix colonel, be, and the same are hereby accepted and formed into a regiment, and that the election of regimental officers heretofore held by them be confirmed, and the regimental officers heretofore elected be ac- cepted, and the said regiment be numbered No. *7, and the Com- mander-in-Chief be requested to commission the said officers thereof. No. 15.] e^ The Lieutenant Governor offered the following resolution, which was unanimously carried : Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following named captains, to wit : Morris H. Church, Jacob Brand, Dennis Driscoll, Geo. W. Stone, Imasher Brower, Milo W. Locke, Joseph C. Irish, George W. Cole, Henry A. Barnum, Augustus J. Root, heretofore accepted, and which on the 4th day of May instant elected Ezra L. Walrath, of Syracuse, as their colonel, be organ- ized into a regiment by this Board, and that the election of field officers by the officers of said companies at Elmira on the 4th day of May instant (although irregular), be ratified, and that the Commander-in-Chief be requested to issue commissions to said officers. The Treasurer offered the following resolution : Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following captains, to wit : S. W. Fullerton, Abel Smith, Jr., E. G. Floyd, John G. Butler, Justus W. Blanchard, Henry S. Hulburt, Isaac S. Catlin, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Jr., E. S. Jennisy and John E. Mulford, be and they are hereby accepted and organized into a regiment, to be designated as regiment No. 3, and that the officers of said companies be authorized to hold an election to elect the field officers for said regiment. Carried unanimously. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following captains, Carl Stephan, H. J. Thomas, R. F. Taylor, H. B. Wil- liams, Lebbeus Brown, Adolphe Nolte, Wm. P. Fully, Francis A. Schoeffel, Hiram Smith, George W. Lewis, bo and they are hereby accepted and organized into a regiment, to be designated as No. 13, and that the officers of said companies be authorized to hold an election, to elect the field officers of said regiment. On motion of the Attorney General it was unanimously Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following named captains : James McQuade, "Wm. R. Brazie, F. Harrer, M. McQuade, Jr., Lewis Michael, Charles F. Muller, Charles A. Skillen, S. E. Thompson, Wm. H. Seymour and H. R. Lake, be and they are hereby accepted and organized into a regiment, to be designated as regiment No. 14. and that the officers of said companies be authorized to hold an election, to elect the field officers of said regiment. 6^ [Assembly The Adjutant General stated that orders for the inspection of gome 383 companies had already been issued, that new compa- nies were daily presenting themselves, and therefore he desired that the Board would rescind the resolution directing him to issue orders for inspection as soon as rolls were presented at the department. — No action. The Secretary of State offered the following resolution: Resolved^ That the Commander-in-chief be and he is hereby requested to muster into immediate service the 14th regiment of the militia of this State, and that the expenses of the subsist- ence of said regiment, until accepted into the service of the United States, shall be paid out of the moneys appropriated by the act of April 16, 1861, which on motion of Lieutenant Gov- ernor was laid on the table. The Governor submitted the following form of a general order to be issued to-morrow, which was unanimously approved : GENERAL HEAD-QUARTERS, STATE OF NEW YORK: ♦ Adjutant General's Office, Albany, May 11th, 1861. General Orders No 41. I. By a resolution of the Board of State Officers, the following organization of volunteers is hereby ordered : First Division. To be commanded by Major General Dix, is to consist of First Brigade — Composed of : Ist Regiment Colonel Allen, 2d Regiment Colonel Carr, 3d Regiment Colonel ToAvnsend, 5th Regiment Colonel Duryea, 9th Regiment Colonel Hawkins. Second Brigade — Composed of : 7th Regiment _ Colonel Bendix, 8th Regiment _ Colonel Blenker, 11th Regiment Colonel Ellsworth, 20th Regiment Colonel Webber. General Dix will immediately take the necessary measures to hold elections for persons to fill the offices of Brigadier General No. 15.] 69 and Brigade Inspector of the brigades composing his division, and report the result to this office. II. In conformity to a resolution of the Board of State officers, colonels of volunteer regiments will appoint paymasters to their respective regiments ; but during the time the regiments are in the service of the United States, the duties, functions and pay of such paymasters will be suspended. The rank and pay of regi- mental paymasters will be that of a lieutenant. III. The pay of regimental chaplains, appointed under the pro- visions of general order No. 28, will be $60 per month, and four rations per day, to commence from the date of commission. IV. The following regulations for the pay department are pub- lished for the information of volunteers serving under the act of April 16, 1861 : 1. The regimental pa^^master, before entering on his duties, shall enter into a bond to the people of the State, in the sum of twenty thousand dollars, ($20,000,) with two sureties, who shall each justify in the same amount, to be approved by the Governor, "conditioned for the faithful application, according to law, of all moneys he shall receive in virtue of his office, which bond shall be filed in the office of the Comptroller." 2. Each captain of a company shall make duplicate returns of the service performed by all the members of his company while in the service of the State, to the colonel of the regiment to which the company is attached. The colonel shall make dupli- cate returns of the services of the companies, based upon their returns ; and also duplicate returns of the services of every com- missioned officer, and non-commissioned staff officer of his regi- ment, one to the office of the Adjutant General and the other to the Paymaster General. 3. On the receipt of such returns from a regiment, the Pay- master General will draw his certificate to the Comptroller for the amounts required by the regimental paymaster, based on such returns ; for which amount the Comptroller will draw his warrant upon the State Treasurer, in favor of the regimental paymaster. 4. The regimental paymaster shall, upon similar forms or pay- rolls used by captains and colonels in their return of service, but containing, in addition thereto, the amount to which each officer and man is entitled, and the amount each received; take the receipt of each person paid by him, in duplicate, one of which tOi [Assembly shall be sent to the Paymaster General, together with the balance of monej^s, if any, not expended by him, and the other to the office of the Coaaptroller. 5. The date of the beginning of service will be that on which the company was accepted by the State, and the date of the ter- mination that on which the company was mustered into the ser- vice of the United States. 6. All blanks for bonds, returns, &c., requisite to carry out the foregoing instructions, will be furnished on application to Pay- master General Van Buren, in New York city. By order of the Commander-in-chief. J. MEREDITH READ, Jr., Adjutant General. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor the Board adjourned until to-morrow at 12 M. May, 8, 1861. . The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 12-10, M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General and Secretary of State — 6. Absent — the State Engineer — 1. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. On motion of the Comptroller it was unanimously Resolved, That all disbursing officers with whom money may be deposited to pay claims against the State treasury be required to give bonds to the people of this State to such an amount and with such securities as the Comptroller may deem proper. The Governor submitted several letters requesting that the volunteers of St. Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton counties might be quartered in Plattsburgh, which on motion was refused on the ground that the General Government have fixed the rendezvous at other places. The Adjutant General presented application of 4 companies as follows : Michael 0. McGeary of New York, 79 men ; Martin C. Clark of Cortland, 84 men; Charles Weigand of New York, 78 men ; Otto Bernstein of New York, 78 men. All of which com- panies on motion of the Lieutenant Governor, were unanimously accepted. Mr. Wm. G. Weed entered and stated that he could not serve in the company of which he was elected captain, and asked that the Board order an election for a choice of a captain in his place No. 15.] 71 and also for the choice of a 1st lieutenant in place of Michael A. Nolan, who declines to serve. On motion of the Secretary of State it was unanimously Resolved, That the Adjutant General be directed to order an election for the choice of captain of the company no quartered at the Industrial School building, which has been heretofore known as Captain Wm. G. Weed's, in place of the said Weed, M'ho declines to serve, and also for the choice of a 1st lieutenant of the same company, in place of Michael A. Nolan, who also de- clines to serve. The Lieutenant Governor submitted a communication from Madame Cornell, petitioning that her son now in the Albany bar- racks, who is but 17 years of age, and who enlisted without her consent, be discharged. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That the Adjutant General be requested to order the discharge of private Cornell, he being but 17 years of age and having enlisted without the consent of his parent or guar- dian. The Adjutant General presented. application of Captain Wood's company of Essex county, which on motion of the Lieutenant Governor was unanimously accepted. The Secretary of State offered the following resolution : Resolved, That the 9th regiment of the city of New York, the members of which have been entirely equipped and uniformed without expense to the State, and who, with the exception of muskets, are now thoroughly prepared in all respects and ready and desirous to be mustered into the service of the Government, and to enlist for three years or during the war, be accepted by this Board, unless upon information which will be furnished to- morrow, it shall turn out that the whole quota of 30,000 men called for by the President of the United States and the procla- mation of the Governor has been already raised, and in the lat- ter event, that in case of a sudden demand for troops by the General Government, that the Cammander-in-Chief be and he is hereby requested to order said regiments into immediate service, which on motion of the Attorney General was laid upon the table, the Secretary of State alone dissent'ng. The Attorney-General moved that the Lieutenant Governor be authorized to deposit the bullet machine purchased of F. W. Par- menter in the Watervliet arsenal, provided Lieutenant Strong 72 [Assembly will take charge of it for the Board, which was carried unani- mously. On motion of the Secretary of State the Board took a recess till 7 P. M. May 8, 1861—7.35 P. M. Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Trea- surer, Secretary of State — 5. Absent — Lieutenant Governor and State Engineer — 2. The Treasurer presented a communication from A. Yon Slemushr. No action. The Adjutant General presented application of three companies as follows : Jacob L. Yates, Saratoga county, 78 men ; David Hardee, Orleans county, 77 men; Thomas J. Strong, Washington county, 97 men ; which on motion of the Secretary of State were unanimously accepted. The Adjutant General presented a report of Brigadier General R. B. Valkenburgh, commanding depot at Elmira, certifying that in pursuance of special order No. 4, issued by him, an election for officers of the 13th regiment of the volunteer militia had been held, at which he presided, and that the following named persons had been elected for field officers : Isaac F. Quinley, colonel ; Elisha G. Marshall, lieutenant colonel ; Oliver F. Ferry, major ; which officers were on motion of the Attorney General unani- mously accepted. On motion of the Secretary of State the Board adjourned until 12 M., to-morrow. May 9, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 12|^ P. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney Gen- eral, Comptroller, Secretary of State and Treasurer — 6. Absent — the Stath Engineer — 1. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved : On motion of the Attorney General it was unanimously Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following captains, to wit : D. A. Nevins, Jno. C. Stetson, U. L. Curtis, J. J. Searer, Frank Palmer, W. W. Wood, J. M. Poraeroy, J. C. Gilmore, George Parker, and Warren Gibson, be accepted and formed into a regiment. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That Captain F. Boynton's company of Canton be No. 15.J 73 accepted subject to be excluded in case the 30,000 are filled by previously accepted companies, and that the want of a previous order for inspection be waived ; the inspector's returns and rolls, showing a full company signed by Gen. N. S. Elderkin, being filed. The Adjutant General stated that Captain Caldwell's company, from Essex county, who had inspected 57 men, had come here without orders, and that they had had no breakfast. Governor Campbell moved that Captain Caldwell's company be sent to barracks and subsisted until the further order of the Board, which was carried unanimously. The Adjutant General presented the application of the follow- ing companies that have been inspected within the second call, waiting the acceptance of the Board. 12 o'clock M. George M. Guion, Seneca Falls, 85 men. Wm. C. Alberger, Buffalo, 77 men. Wm. T. Rogers, Buffalo, 89 men. Edward L. Lee, Buffalo, 83 men. James R. Mitchell, Genesee county, 77 men. Wilson B. Warford, Livingston county, 57 men. Miles P. G. Caldwell, Essex county, 57 men. Which, on motion of the Attorney General, were unanimously accepted and sent to the depot. The Adjutant General presented the application of the follow- ing companies that have been inspected, waiting the acceptance of the Board : Elisha L. Young, Montgomery county, 77 men. Franklin B. Doty, Hornellsville, 77 men, Stephen L. Potter, Jefferson county, 79 men. Which, on motion of the Comptroller, was unanimously adopted. On motion of the Attorney General it was unanimously Resolved, That the following companies, to wit : Captain J. W. Armitage, 77 men. Captain Geo. H. Otis, 77 men. Captain William A. Olmstead, 77 men. Captain Michael Cassidy, 77 men. Captain Geo. W. Wilson, 77 men. Captain Sidney W. Parks, 77 men. Captain W. B. Tibbetts, 77 men. Captain Joseph G. McNutt, 77 men. V4 [Assembly Captain Wm. McCouihe, *7*7 men. Captain John Arts. 1*1 men. be formed into a regiment, to be designated as No. 2. That all elections therein previously held be affirmed, and the officers elected be accepted as of the date of acceptance heretofore made by the Adjutant General, except Colonel Willard, who declines, and that an election be ordered to fill the office of Colonel therein. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved, That the following companies, to wit : Captain Leon Barnard, 79 men. Captain William L. Coles, 77 men. Captain Timothy Waters, 77 men. Captain Wm. H. Underbill, 77 men. Captain Ole P. H. Balling, 77 men. Captain James T. Clancy, 79 men. Captain Henry M. Burleigh, 77 men. Captain David Lovemay, 77 men. Captain James H. Brennan, 78 men. Werner W. Bjerg, 77 men. be formed into a regiment, to be numbered No. 11. That all elec- tions heretofore held therein be accepted and confirmed, and the officers accepted as of date of previous acceptance by the Adju- tant General. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the following companies, to wit : Colonel J. McLeod Murphy, Captain James McQueen, 77 men, Captain John Garrett, 77 men. Captain Thomas Began, 83 men, Captain William A. Ketcham, 78 men, Captain James Dodd, 77 men, Captain James J. Reilly, 81 men, Captain E. C. Peny, 80 men. Captain Julius C. Hicks, 78 men, Captain Geo. W. Warren, 79 men, Captain John Lalor, 79 men, be accepted and formed into a regiment, to be numbered No. 15, and that an election for field officers therein be ordered. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That this Board unite with Lieutenant Robert J. No. 15.] T5 Dodge of the 8th United States infantry, in soliciting the Hon. Secretary of War to accept the resignation of said Dodge to enable him to accept the post of Lieutenant Colonel in a volun- teer regiment of militia of this State, (to which he has been elected,) provided such resignation is not inconsistent with the public service. The Treasurer offered the following resolution : Resolved, That advertisements be issued for proposals for furn- ishing, according to samples in the Quartermaster General's office, the following articles : 15,000 all wool army cloth overcoats, 15,000 blue woolen jackets, 15,000 pair array cloth pantaloons, 30,000 pair woolen stockings, 30,000 woolen shirts, 30,000 pair woolen drawers, 15,000 pair shoes, 15,000 caps, 15,000 blankets, to be delivered at New York, Albany and Elmira, as may be hereafter ordered weekly in quantities proportionate to the whole amount of the several contracts in four week, commencing on the 2*7th instant. Bids will be received for part, or all, or any of these articles. Bids to be received at the office of the Quarter- master General until the 20th instant, at 12 o'clock noon. The Board reserving to itself the right to reject such bids, or any of them, if they shall deem it advisable. On motion of the Lieut. Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That bids for the articles named in the foregoing resolution be published daily in the following named papers until and including the 18th inst. : New York Daily Tribune, New York Times, New York Herald, New York News, New York Commercial Advertiser, New York Evening Post, New York Courier and Enquirer, New York Evening Express, Albany Evening Journal, Albany Atlas and Argus, 7i6 [Assembly Syracuse jJournal, Utica Daily Observer, Troy Daily Times, Rochester Union and Advertiser, Buffalo Commercial Advertiser. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved^ That the contract of F. S. Shelden, of 26th of April last, be confirmed so far as it relates to caps, and that he be released from the obligation to furnish any other articles specified in said contract. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved^ That the Governor be, and he hereby is authorized and empowered to supply the Sixth and Seventy-first Regiments of the uniformed militia of this State, now at Washington, with 8uch suitable articles of clothing and other necessaries, as he shall deem expedient. The Secretary of State offered the following preamble and res- olutions : This Board having authorized contracts for clothing and other military equipments, and caused the necessary orders to be given for organizing and equipping the volunteers of this State, there- fore. Resolved, That the Governor, as Commander-in-chief, and as Chairman of this Board, be authorized as its committee to carry into effect all necessary details thereof, and of any that may be hereafter made by the Board ; and that he be authorized to place the thirty-eight regiments, or the companies to compose the same, called by the President of the United States, and his own procla- mation, in such depot, and to report to such officers as he shall direct ; and that he be further authorized hereafter, in connection with the Comptroller as a committee of this Board, to take all necessary steps for equipping, organizing and accepting into ser- vice, at the earliest day practicable, in conformity with the reso- lutions and orders adopted by this Board, such regiments as have not 3^et been organized or accepted, or which may hereafter be sent to either of the State depots. And further, that the com- mittee last named be instructed to proceed with all practicable despatch to carry into effect the resolution heretofore adopted by this Board, providing for the consolidation of companies which may not contain, on the 9th instant, the full complement of seventy-seven men, including officers, and for organizing such No. 15.] 11 companies into regiments ; and that such committee, in accepting and mustering into service the volunteers aforesaid, be instructed to do so as far as practicable according to the times respectively when applications were or shall be made for that purpose, due regard being had by them to an equitable distribution of such companies and regiments amongst the several counties and dis- tricts of the State. Resolved, That the Board will meet as often as it shall be con- vened by the Governor, upon full notice, for the purpose of hear- ing and acting upon the reports of its committees, and transact- ing such other business as may be brought before it. The ayes and noes being called for, the clerk proceeded to call the roll. Ayes — Secretary of State — 1. Noes — Lieut. Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, and Treasurer — 4. The Governor declining to vote, and was declared lost by the Chair. The Comptroller asked leave of absence until Monday, at one o'clock, which, on motion of the Attorney General, was granted. On motion of the Comptroller, it was unanimously Resolved, That the application of Gen. Sandford to the Quar- termaster, for quarters and subsistence of a Vermont regiment, which is expected to shortly arrive in New York city, be refused on the ground that the Board has no right to appropriate money for the quartering and subsisting troops from other States. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board took a recess until 1^ this P. M. The board met at the Executive Chamber at *7^ this P. M. May 9, 1861. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Sec- retary of State, and Attorney General. Absent — the Comptroller and State Engineer and Surveyor. Mr. Alberger, mayor of Bufialo, entered and made a statement in relation to uniforms, &c., ordered for the seventy-fourth regi- ment by the citizens and common council of the city of Buffalo. The Adjutant General presented the application of the follow- ing companies, that have been inspected and waiting for accept- ance by the Board. 78 [Assembly 1 o'clock, P. M. Capt. Henry Witthark, New York, 81 men. " Albert Taylor, Oswego county, *7*7 men. ** Lyman Ormsby, Essex county, *7Y men. Which, on motion of the Secretary of State, was unanimously accepted. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was unanimously Resolved, That a sample of each article of clothing manufac- tured for the seventy-fourth regiment of the uniformed militia of this State from Buffalo, and proposed to be sold by the city of Buffalo to this State, be forthwith forwarded to the city of Alba- ny, and that a committee of this Board be appointed by the Gov- ernor to examine the same, and report to the Board as soon as practicable whether or not it is advisable for the State to pur- chase the same. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Governor be requested to communicate with the Union Safety committee of New York city, and request them to furnish him a statement of all the contracts for munitions of war, of all kinds, entered into by that committee, and the names of the parties with whom contracts have been made. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the communication of Mr. G. Cottingham be referred to Brig. General Rathbone, commanding the Albany depot of the volunteer militia, and that he be requested to fur- nish to this Board a statement of the facts of the case. On motion of the Lieut. Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Governor be and is hereby authorized to procure the necessary material and ammunition and equip four rifle batteries, of such model as he shall select, with battery wagons and forges complete, using all such materials as may now belong to the State and found suitable therefor. On motion of the Secretary of State, the Board adjourned until 12 o'clock noon to-morrow. May 10, 18G1. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 12 o'clock M. Present — The Governor, Lieut, Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State and Attorney General. Absent — The Comptroller, State Engineer and Surveyor. No, 15.] 79 The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Attorney General offered the following resolutions : Resolved, That the Adjutant General be and he hereby is in- structed to prepare, without delay, and submit to this Board a schedule showing : 1st. The number of regiments of volunteers organized by this Board, with the names of all field and company officers in each regiment whose services have been accepted by resolution of this Board, with the number of men now actually in such company, and the place where such company was raised. 2d. A statement of all companies entered on his books who have not yet been formed into regiments in the order they now stand on his books, showing the names of the captains, the place wdiere raised, the number of men now in each, the place where such company now is, and the field officers they have designated, if any, and if none, the fact to be stated. Resolved, That the Adjutant General, if unable to give the information above called for, from his books, be ordered to despatch messengers to New York and Elmira to obtain at once the necessary information from each place, and to cause informa- tion to be obtained as to the companies at this depot and at Troy. Which were unanimously adopted. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Governor be requested to inform the Board what has been done by the department under his charge towards effectuating the resolution of this Board of the 2'7th of April, relating to the return of rejected volunteers and defraying their expenses. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Governor be and he hereby is authorized to purchase tickets to convey rejected volunteers to their respec- tive homes, in cases where free passes cannot be obtained. The Governor having stated that it has become necessary for the Board to fix the period at which the pay of the men volun- teering under the law of April 16th, 1861, shall commence, the Secretary of State offered the following resolution : Resolved, That the pay of volunteers under the act of April 16, 1861, called for by the President of the United States and the proclamation of the Governor of this State, ought, in the judg- ment of this Board, to commence from the time that companies 80 [Assembly reported officially to this Board, having been duly inspected and containing the full complement of 77 men, have been accepted by the Board and ordered to barracks preparatory to organiza- tion into regiments ; Which, on his request, was laid on the table. Senator Spinola appeared and made a statement in relation to a regiment which had been raised in Brooklyn, and uniformed by its citizens, but which is not within the companies already inspected. Mr. Fenton also entered on behalf of a company of 77 men, raised in Jamestown, asking that they be accepted, uniformed by the citizens of Jamestown. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Governor be, and he hereby is authorized and empowered to supply the regiments of the uniformed militia of the State now at Washington, or in the United States service, with necessary articles of clothing, and other supplies, in his discretion. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That the following companies, to wit : A, Joseph Henrique, B. Samuel S. May, C. James Mooney, D. Charles W. Cruger, E. Wm. B. Parisen, F. John H. H. Camp, G. John B. Braham, H. Willard Jameson, I. J. B. Houstain, K. Andrew J. Constantine, be formed into a regiment, to be numbered No. 4 ; that all elec- tions heretfore held therein, be accepted and confirmed, and the officers accepted as of the date of previous acceptance by the Ad- jutant General. The Adjutant General presented the applications of the fol- lowing companies that have been inspected and waiting the ac- ceptance of the Board, within the second quota : 12 o'clock, M. Captain Andrew Wilson, Newark, Wayne county, 77 men, Captain James Tyrrell, Chenango county, 80 men, Captain Henry H. Paige, Niagara county, 77 men, Captain Thomas John Lord, New York, 78 men, Captain Henry M, Gaylord, Buffalo, 77 men. Captain Levi Beardsley, Oswego county, 77 men, Captain Hugh McQuade, New York, 77 men, No. 15.] 8.1 Captain George F. Brittain, New York, 77 men. Captain Isaac L. Taylor, New York, 77 men, Captain Daniel Mahew, New York, 77 men, Captain Joseph Keller, New York, 77 men, which, on motion of the Attorney General, was unanimously accepted. The Adjutant General submitted a report from Brigadier Gen- eral Jno. F. Rathbone commanding, of the number of captains at the Albany depot, which was returned to the Adjutant to enable him to make a full report in accordance with the resolution of the Board of the 10th instant, (when the reports from the other depots shall be received.) The Treasurer moved that the Chautauqua county company presented by Mr. Fenton, be admitted and sent to Elmira, the company to supply its own uniform. The motion was withdrawn. The Secretary of State offered the following resolutions : Resolved, That the companies represented here this morning by Senator Spinola, be duly inspected under the direction of the Adjutant General, provided such inspection shall in no event be construed to give such companies any rights to be received over companies previously on the records of the Adjutant General. Before taking the question, the Attorney General offered the following as a substitute : Resolved, That the Adjutant General be, and he hereby is in- structed to enter in the order of application all companies who have since the direction of conditional inspection applied for ac- ceptance and that may hereafter apply ; and in case the force on consolidation shall not be full, said companies will be ordered inspected in the order of application, and the Board will there- after pass upon the acceptance thereof respectively. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it M^as laid on the table, the Secretary of State alone dissenting. The Treasurer moved that the Board now take a recess until 4 o'clock this P. M., and that the opening of bids for tents be made the special order for that hour. (Carried.) 4 o'clock, P. M. Present — Same as before. In accordance with the resolution passed to-day before the recess, the Board proceeded to open bids for tents, in pursuance to the following notice : [Assem. No. 15.] 6 82 [Assembly STATE OF NEW YORK, i Commissary General's Office, \ New York, May 7, 1861. J Sealed proposals will be received at the Executive Chamber, Albany, until 12 o'clock, M., on the 10th instant, for the following articles, viz: 2,000 common tents, 250 wall tents and flies, with poles and pins complete. The bids are to be opened by the State Board, wto reserve the right to reject all bids that are deemed unreasonable. BENJAMIN WELSH, Commissary General. Ten bids were received in all, from the following named par- ties : R. H. Douglass, of New York. W. H. Wells, do Stephen Hemmenway, do J. H. Hitchcock, agent, do George H. Peck, do G. C. Quick. Hemenway and Beveridge, of New York. Wm. H. Johnson, do V. Tilyou, do Fox and Polhemus, do On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the bid of George H. Peck be accepted, to fur. nish 2,000 common tents, 7 by 9, and 250 wall tents, all army pattern, to be made of the quality of duck as per sample affixed to his bid, marked No. 1, and that he be notified by the Governor to be ready with his sureties to execute the contract on Monday next, at 12 M., at the Astor House, in the city of New York, and that the Secretary of State be appointed a committee to attend to the execution of the contract. On motion, the Board took a recess until 7 o'clock, P. M. 1 o'clock, P. M. Present — as before. The Attorney General submitted the following resolution, which w^as unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the following companies, to wit, those com- manded by No. 15.] 83 A. Capt. H. D. Hall, 79 men, B. Capt. R. J. Dumont, 83 men, C. Capt. H. E. Davis, 76 men, D. 'Capt. Josh Waugli, 79 men, E. Capt. Hiram Duryea, 77 men, F. Capt. Henry A. Swartout, 82. men, G. Capt. Abraham Denike, 84 men, H. Capt. Judson Killpatrick, 78 men, J. Capt. Charles G. Bartlett, 77 men, K. Capt. Cleveland Winslow, 81 men, be, and the same are hereby formed into a regiment, to be num- bered No. 5, and that the election for company and field officers theretofore held therein be affirmed, and the said officers severally accepted, to take effect as of the date of the acceptance thereof by the Adjutant General. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the companies commanded by the following captains, to wit : A. Lorenzo Meyer, 78 men, B. Anthony Brooklyn, 78 men, C. Charles Hocklertner, 80 men, D. Joseph Otto, 77 men, E. Ernest O'Bernet, 81 men, P. Charles Lemsey, 78 men, G, William Schon, 79 men, H. Wm. Van Dochn, 82 men, J. Henry Stumpf, 80 men, K. Englebert Schnepf, 79 men, be accepted into a regiment, to be numbered No. 20, and that an election for field officers be ordered therein. ~ The Governor read a letter from Col. E. D. Baker in relation to releasing five companies raised by him for the California regi- ment. The Adjutant General read a telegram on the sam6 subject. Captain Rave, of Colonel Baker's regiment, appeared and made a statement with reference to the surrender of the five companies. Laid on the table by general consent. The Adjutant General submitted returns of Brigadier General John F. Rathbone, of election for field officers of the following companies, held pursuant to special order No. 155 : 84 [Assembly Captains D. A. Nevins', W. L. Curtis', Frank Palmer's, W. W. Wood's, George Parker's, Jno. C. Stetson's, J. J. Seaver's, J. C. Gilraore's, Warren Gibson's, and J. W. Pomeroy's, at which Thomas E. Davies was elected colonel, Samuel Marsh, Lt, colonel, Buel Palmer, major. On motion of the Attorney General, the services of the field officers above named were accepted, and the election confirmed. The Adjutant General submitted returns of Brigadier General John F. Rathbone, of election for field officers of the 2d Regi- ment, held pursuant to General Order 156, which resulted in the election of Joseph B. Carr, for colonel, R. Wells Kenyon, Lt. colonel, in place of Joseph B. Carr, promoted, and Richard D. Bliss, for Major, in place of R. Wells Kenyon, promoted. On motion of the Attorney General, the services of the above named field officers were accepted, and the election confirmed. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following named captains, to wit : A. Michael Holly, B. Walstein G. Smith, C. Michael McMahon, D. Michael Norton, E. Alexander L. Graham, F. Thos. J. Doremus, G. Thos. Wallace, H. Daniel McNamis, J. W. C. Cover, K. Thos. Kerrigan, be accepted and organized into a regiment to be numbered No. 25, and an election for field officers ordered to be held therein. The Adjutant General submitted returns of Brigadier General Rathbone, of an election held for field officers of the regiment composed of the following companies, to wit : Capt. Abel Smith, Jr., Capt. John E. Mulford, " Step'n W. Fullerton, Jr., " Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Jr. " Eldridge G. Floyd, " Isaac L. Catlin, " Justus W. Blanchard, " Edwin S. Jenney, " Henry S. Hulburt, " John G. Butler, at which Frederick Townsend was elected colonel, Samuel M. Alford, was elected lieutenant colonel, George D. Bayard was elected major. On motion of the Secretary of State the above named field offi- cers were unanimously accepted, and the election confirmed as of the 8th instant. No. 15.] 85 The Adjutant General submitted returns of Brig. General Jno. F. Rathbone, of an election for field ojSicers of the following named companies, to wit : Capt. James McQuade, Capt, Wm. R. Brazie, Capt. F. Haner, Capt. M. McQuade, Jr. Capt. Lewis Michael, Capt. Charles F. Muller, Capt. Charles H. Skillen, Capt. S. E. Thompson, Capt. Wm. H. Seymour, Capt. H. R. Lake, at which were elected James McQuade for colonel, Charles A. Johnson for lieutenant colonel, Charles H. Skillen, for major. On motion of the Secretary of State, the above named field officer w re unani ously accepted and the election confirmed as of the Sth inst. On motion of the Attorney General, the Board adjourned until 10 o'clock, A. M., to-morrow. Executive Chamber, May 11, 1861. The Board met at 10 o'clock, A. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney Gen- eral, and Treasurer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Adjutant General stated that an > rder had been issued for the inspection of Captain Louis Baron's company, of Rochester, but that the Inspector refused to hold an inspection, on the ground that the captain had been a State convict. An order was there- fore issued cancelling the order for inspection. On motion it was unanimously Resolved, That the last order be approved and confirmed, and that the company of Capt. Louis Baron be rejected. The Adjutant General submitted application of the following companies, inspected and awaiting the action of the Board within the 2d quota. Edwin A. Bowen, Orleans county, 77 men, Charles E. Martin, Livingston county, 77 men, James R. Angel, Cayuga county, 77 men, Which, on motion of the Attorney General, was unanimously accepted. The Attorney General ofi'ered the following : Resolved, That the Commander-in-chief distribute, in his dis- cretion, the arms, equipments, uniforms and supplies, now or here. 86 [Assembly after in the public stores, amongst the volunteer forces organized by this board. Which was unanimously adopted. On motion of the Attorney General it was unanimously Resolved, That the Treasurer and Lieutenant G-overnor be a committee to make and perfect an arrangement with the city of Buffalo as to the uniforms offered by that city to the State, as they shall deem for the best interest of the State. The resolution of the Secretary of State, which, on yesterday was laid on the table, was taken therefrom on motion of the Attorney General. The Attorney General withdrew the substi- tute offered yesterday. The resolution of the Secretary of State, after being amended, was adopted as follows, the Governor dis- senting : Resolved, That the companies represented here this morning by Senator Spinola be duly inspected under the direction of the Adjutant General, provided such inspection shall in no event be construed to give such companies any rights to be received over companies previously applying, or on the records of the Adjutant General. On motion of the Attorney General the Board took a recess until 7 o'clock P. M. 7^ o'clock P. M. Present as before. The Lieutenant Governor, from committee on Buffalo uniform, reported that they had an interview with A. A. Howard and E. P. Dorr, a committee on behalf of the Buffalo authorities respect- ing the uniforms which had been procured by the city of Buffalo for the 74th regiment, and that the committee had made a con- tract for the said uniforms, and submitted this contract in the following words : Memorandum of an agreement made and entered into this elev- enth day of May, 1861, by and between the corporation of the city of Buflalo, by A. A. Howard and E. P. Dorr, a committee of said corporation duly authorized for that purpose, of the first part, and the State of New York, by Philip Dorsheimer and Robert Campbell, a committee duly appointed by the officers named in the act entitled " An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volunteer militia and to provide for the pub- lic defence," passed April 16th, 1861, of the second part, wit- nesseth : No. 15.] 87 . 1st. The said party of the first part agrees to sell to the party of the second part, the following articles, as follows : 170 jackets and pants at $6.75 |5,197 50 770 overcoats of U. S. army pattern, at $10.00.. 7,700 00 770 caps at six shillings 577 50 770 pairs of blankets 1,652 75 .5,127 75 being uniforms procured by said corporation for the 74th regi- ment of the New York State militia, which regiment was ordered into the service of the United States, and said order having been afterwards countermanded, and the said corporation hereby agrees to deliver said articles in good order, at the rendezvous of the United States, at Elmira, in the county of Chemung, and all to be of the sample exhibited to said committee at the office of the Treasurer of this State this day. The said corporation also agrees that the regiment of volun- teers at the said Elmira rendezvous, known as the Buffalo regi- ment, shall receive and be equipped with said uniforms. The said party of the second part agrees, that upon receipt of said articles by the officer in charge, at said rendezvous at El- mira, and the acceptance thereof by said Buffalo regiment, that the State will pay to said corporation for said articles, the sum of $15,127.75, in full payment therefor. And it is expressly understood that the officer in charge at said Elmira depot, is to certify the receipt of said articles and the acceptance of the same by said Buffalo regiment, before the same are paid for. Witness our hands the day and year above written. The city of Buffalo, By A. A. HOWARD, and E. P. DORR. For State of New York, P. DORSHEIMER, R. CAMPBELL. The report and contract of the committee were accepted, and contract confirmed. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, Captain Israel G. At- wood's company, (77 men. New York,) was received. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, Captain Doolittle's 88 [Assembly company was ordered to be furnished with subsistence till Mon- day, then to be sent back. The Attorney General presented a petition of the captains of ten companies at the Albany depot, below named, asking that an election of field officers be ordered, and offered the following reso- lution, which was adopted. Resolved, That the companies commanded by Captains John C. Maginnis, Peter Hogan, John Hastings, M. H. Donovan, T. J. Radcliff, D. S. Bartlett, Stephen Truax, William Seward Gridley, Henry Faurot, and Henry Wiltsie be severally accepted and formed into a regiment, numbered No. 18, and that orders be forthwith issued for an election of regimental officers thereof, subject only to the condition that Captain Bartlett's company stand full inspection, and his rolls of inspection be filed before the election of regimental officers. The Adjutant General submitted the returns of an election for field officers of the fifteenth regiment, held pursuant to order, certifying to the election of the following persons : John McLeod Murphy, colonel. • Richard J. Dodge, lieutenant colonel. Francis B. O'Keefe, majqr. On motion of the Attorney General the officers were accepted and the election confirmed. The Adjutant General submitted the bill of W. L. Elliott for services rendered in inspecting and mustering certain companies at Elmira, which, on motion of the Attorney General, was laid on the table for the present. The Board, on motion, adjourned to Monday morning at 10 o'clock. . May 13, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 10 A. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney Gene- ral and Treasurer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor presented application of J. C. Cuyler, editor of the Albany Morning Express, requesting that his paper be desig- nated to publish the advertisements of the Quartermaster Gene- ral's Department, which, on motion of the Lieutenant Governor, was declined. The Governor presented a communication signed by Messrs. No. 15.J 89 Trumbull Gary, Oliver P. Clark, W. S. Mallory and Wm. Tyrrell, which on motion of the Treasurer was laid on the table. On motion of the Governor it was unanimously Resolved, That the caps to be received under the contract made with J. L. Sheldon, of Auburn, be delivered by the con- tractor to Quartermaster Walker at Elmira, and that the con- tractor be paid for said caps the contract price, on his producing said quartermaster's certificate that he has received such caps, and that they are of the quality contracted for. The Governor submitted a communication form L. L. Doo- little. The Lieutenant Governor offered the following : Resolved, That Captain Doolittle's company be subsisted at the Albany rendezvous until further orders, which was unanimously adopted. The Adjutant General submitted applications of the following companies that have been inspected within the 2d quota waiting the action of the Board : Capt. C. C. Gardner, Allegany county, 77 men. Capt. J. Townsend Daniel, New York, 78 men. Capt. Gustavus Dupres, do 82 men. Capt. Alexander W. Smith, do 86 men. Capt. W. Howell Robinson, do 77 men. Capt. Wm. T. Clark, Cattaraugus co., 80 men. Capt. Jas. M. McNar, Livingston co., 77 men. Capt. John G. Todd, Madison co., 80 men. Capt. Jas. H. Chapman, Schuyler co., 78 men. which, on motion of the Lieut. Governor, were unanimously accepted. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That ten companies, commanded by the following captains : A. Capt. Hammerstein, C. Capt. Stumpf, E. Capt. Forstner, G. Capt. Thum, I. Capt. Hedterick, B. Capt. Pokomey, D. Capt. Rust, F. Capt. Gillman, H. Capt. Kron, K. Capt. Wintrchrel, be organized into a regiment, to be numbered No. 8, and that the election of field officers heretofore held, be ratified and con- firmed, and the services of the officers accepted. 9'0 [Assembly The Lieut. Governor offered the following: Resolved, That the ten companies commanded by the following named captains : Graham, 79 men, Barnett, 53 men, Parrison, 43 men, Wright, 65 men, Libaire, 34 men, Hammell, 65 men, Jardine, 81 men, Rodriques, 80 men, Capcutt, 65 men, Steinor, 84 men, be organized into a regiment to be numbered No. 9, and that the election of field officers heretofore held, be ratified and confirmed, and the services of the officers accepted. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That the companies commanded by the following captains : J. C. Strong, 80 men, G. D. W. Clinton, 82 men, W. F. Rogers, 89 men, W. C. Alberger, 11 men, Edward L. Lee, 83 men, Henry M. Gaylord, 11 men, E. L. Hayward, 78 men, Horace G. Thomas, 82 men, Jno. M. Lay ton, 79 men, W. H. Drew, 95 men, be organized into a regiment, to be numbered No. 21, and an election for field officers ordered to be held therein. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Commander-in-chief be authorized to ap- point a paymaster for each regiment organized by this Board, which paymasters shall hold their ofiSces only until the regiment for which they shall be appointed shall be mustered into the service of the United States. The Board recommends that the same person be appointed paymaster to each regiment assembled at any one depot. The Attorney General offered the following : Resolved, That an election be ordered in Capt. G. S. Jenny's company, to fill the office of ensign therein, reported vacant in place of E. H. P. Shuley, who declines, which was unanimously adopted. The Lieutenant Governor asked leave of absence until one week from to-morrow for the purpose of attending to official business, which, on motion, was granted. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board took a recess until 7 o'clock, P. M. No. 15.] 91 May 13, 1861—7-15 P. M. Present, as before. On motion of the Treasurer it was unanimously Resolved, That the companies commanded by Captains John McKie, Jr., Jacob L. Yates, Edmund Boynton, Lyman Ormsby, A. W. Holden, Geo. Clenden, Gorton F. Thomas, Thos. J. Strong, Miles P. G. Caldwell, Robert E. McCoy, be severally accepted and formed into a regiment, numbered No. 22, and that orders be forthwith issued for an election of regimental officers thereof, subject only to the condition that the companies of Capt. Robt. E. McCoy and Miles P. G. Caldwell stand full inspection, and their rolls of inspection be filed before the election of regimental officers. The Governor presented a communication from Brigadier Gen- eral Rathbone transmitting, in compliance with a resolution of this Board, adopted May 9, 1861, a statement of facts in reference to the petition of Geo. Cottingham. On motion of the Attorney General, the petition of Geo. Cot- tingham, together with the statement of Brigadier General Rath- bone, in reference thereto, was laid upon the table. The Adjutant General presented application of the following companies, within the second quota, that have been inspected and waiting the action of the Board : Ceptain Edmund Johnston, New York, 79 men, Captain Charles Winhold, New York, 77 men. Captain Gustave Leidel, New York, 77 men, which, on motion of the Attorney General, were unanimously accepted. The Brigadier General submitted a communication from E. G. Marshall declining to accept the position of lieutenant colonel of the 13th regiment (Col. Quimby's). The Attorney General moved that an election for lieutenant colonel of the 13th regiment be ordered in place of E. G. Marshall, who declines to serve, which motion was unanimously adopted. The Adjutant General submitted a communication from John E. Bendix, colonel 7th regiment, stating that an ensign of one of his companies had resigned, and asking that a new election be held. On motion of the Attorney General it was unanimously Resolved, That an election for ensign of company of the 7th regiment be ordered, to fill the vacancy caused by a resignation. 92 [Assembly On motion of the Comptroller, it was unanimously Resolved, That an election for colonel of the 4th regiment in place of Colonel Hudson, who declines to serve, and to fill such vacancies as may occur by promotion, be ordered. The Adjutant General submitted returns of Brigadier General E-athbone, of an election for field officers of the 18th regiment, at which Wm. A. Jackson was elected colonel ; William H. Young, lieutenant colonel ; George R. Myers, Major. On motion of the Treasurer, the above named officers were unanimously accepted ; the election confirmed and the 18th regiment designated as one of the rifle regiments. The Governor submitted a report of the Quartermaster Gen- eral, in relation to furnishing rejected volunteers with passes to their homes, which was ordered on file. The Board adjourned until 12 o'clock, M., to-morrow. May 14, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 12, noon. Present — the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Engineer, Comptroller and Treasurer — 7. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Secretary of State was instructed by resolution of the Board adopted on the 10th of May, inst., to attend to the execu- tion of a contract for tents with George H. Peck, whose bid had been accepted b}' the Board, begs leave to report that on Mon- day, the 13th inst., he executed such contract as aforesaid, on the part of the State, and also provided for its execution by George H. Peck, and submits the same herewith with the proper bond, executed by his sureties, to the Board for its approval, in the following words : Articles of Agreement made and entered into this thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, between th^ people of the State of New York, by D. R. Floyd Jones, Secretary of State of said State, duly author- ized by the State officers named in an act entitled "An act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence," passed April 16th, 1861, party of the first part, and George H. Peck, of Kings Bridge, in the county of Westchester, and State of New York, party of the second part, witnessing : No. 15.] 93 That the said party of the first part, and the said party of the second part, for himself, his executors and administrators, have covenanted and agreed, and by these presents do covenant and agree to and with each other as follows, to wit : First. That the said party of the second part shall furnish, manufacture and deliver at such places in the State of New York as the Commissary General of said State, or other officer for that purpose empowered, shall designate, two thousand common tents, of the United States army pattern, for from four to six men, size seven by nine feet ; and two hundred and fifty wall tents with flies, of the United States army pattern ; all said tents to be fur- nished with flies and poles complete. Said tents to be made of canvas, in all respects similar to the sample thereof on file in the office of the Comptroller of the State of New York, attached to the bid of the party of the second part, marked Sample No. 1, and said tents to be in all respects of the character and description in said bid set forth, the sewing and stitching and all of the ma- terials to be of the best quality. Second. The party of the first part shall have power to reject any tents of an inferior quality to what is above stipulated, and the said party of the second part shall thereupon forthwith fur- nish other tents of the proper character in place thereof, or in default thereof the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by purchase, and the said party of the sec- ond part shall be charged with the difference of cost. Third. One hundred of said tents shall be furnished and de- livered as aforesaid by the said party of the second part, daily, after the day of the date of these presents, until the full number thereof shall have been delivered. Fourth. Time is hereby agreed to be of the essence of this contract ; and in case the said party of the second part shall not deliver said tents at the times hereinbefore specified, the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by purchase ; and the said party of the second part shall there- upon be chargeable with any difference of price and any dama- ges which may thereupon ensue ; and the said party of the first part shall have power to retain from the sum hereinafter stipu- lated to be paid to the party of the second part, such amount as may be necessary to indemnify said party of the first part in the premises. Fifth. The party of the first part hereby agrees to pay unto 94 [Assembly the party of the second part, at the rate of fourteen dollars and fifty cents for each common tent, and twenty-five dollars for each wall tent, seventy-five percent thereof to be paid upon the de- livery to and acceptance of the same by said party of the first part, as aforesaid, and the remaining twenty-five percent thereof to be paid when the terms of this contract shall have been fully carried out and complied with by the party of the second part. Payments to be made in sums of five thousand dollars and up- wards, as said tents are delivered. Sixth. It is hereby stipulated and agreed, that until said tents shall be delivered and received by the party of the first' part, they shall be in all respects at the risk of the party of the sec- ond part. In witness whereof, the parties to these presents, have here- unto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. D. R. FLOYD JONES, [l. s.J Secretary of State. GEORGE H. PECK, [l. s.] Sealed and delivered in presence of William Henry Anthon. State of New York, / City and county of JYew York, ^ On this thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, before me personally ap- peared the above named D. R. Floyd Jones and George H. Peck, both to me known to be the same individuals described in and who executed the aforegoing instrument, and severally acknowl- edged to me that they had executed the same. WM. HENRY ANTHON, JYotary Public city and county of JYew York. Know all Men by these Presents : That we, Nathaniel Jarvis, jr., and Joseph H. Godwin, both of the city of New York, are held and firmly bound unto the people of the State of New York, in the sum of nine thousand dollars, lawful money of the United States of America, for which pay- ment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves and each of us, our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals. Dated the thir- teenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. No. 15.] 95 The condition of this obligation is such that if George H. Peck, his executors and administrators, shall and do in all things well, and truly observe, perform, fulfill, accomplish and keep all and singular the covenants, conditions and agreements whatsoever which on the part of the said George H. Peck, his executors or administrators, are or ought to be observed, performed, fulfilled, accomplished and kept, comprised or mentioned in certain articles of agreement bearing date the thirteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, between the people of the State of New York on the one part and the said George H. Peck on the other part, hereunto annexed, concerning the furnishing of tents for the New York State volunteers, according to the true intent and meaning of said articles of agreement, then, and in that case, the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. NATHANIEL JARVIS, Jr. [l. s.] JOSEPH H. GODWIN, [l. s.] Sealed and delivered in presence of Wm. Hknry Anthon. State of New York, ) y ss City and County of JYew York, ) On this thirteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, before me personally appeared the above named Nathaniel Jarvis and Joseph H. Godwin, both to me known to be the same individuals described in and who executed the afore- going instrument, and severally acknowledged to me that they had executed the same. WM. HENRY ANTHON, JYotary Public City arid County of JYew York. State or New York, ) City and County of JYew York, ^ Nathaniel Jarvis, Jr., of the city of New York, and Joseph H. Godwin of said city, being severally duly sworn, do depose and say, and each for himself deposeth and saith, that he is a free- holder in the State of Noav York, and is worth the sum of nine thousand dollars over and above all debts and liabilities and not including property exempt by law from execution. NATHANIEL JARVIS, Jr. JOSEPH H. GODWIN. Sworn to before me this 13th day of May, 1861, Wm. Henry Anthon, JYotary Public City and County of JYew York. 96 [Assembly On motion of the Attorney General the report of the Secretary of State was unanimously accepted and approved with the thanks of the Board, and contract confirmed, A contract made on behalf of the State by Commissary Gene- ral Benjamin Welch, Jr., with Thomas M. Bell, for 15,000 can- teens, was also submitted, and on motion of the Secretary of State was unanimously approved and confirmed in the following words : Articles of Agreement made and entered into this ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, between the people of the State of New York, by Ben- jamin Welch, Jr., Commissary General of the said State, party of the first part, and Thomas M. Bell, of the city and county of New York, party of the second part, WitJiessing. That the said party of the first part and the said party of the second part, for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators, have covenanted and agreed, and by these presents do covenant and agree to and with each other as follows, to wit : First. That the said party of the second part shall manufac- ture, furnish and deliver at such places in the State of New York as the Commissary General of said State shall designate, fifteen thousand canteens, covered with heavy cloth, with strap five feet six inches long, and buckle, and with cork screw handle, nut chain, complete ; said canteens to be of the United States army pattern, and similar to a sample heretofore delivered by the party of the second part unto the party of the first part. Second. The said canteens shall be delivered as aforesaid, one thousand on the 12th May inst., and the remaining fourteen thousand on or before the 20th day of May inst. Third. The party of the first part shall have power to reject any canteens of an inferior quality to what is above stipulated, and the said party of the second part shall thereupon forthwith furnish other canteens of the proper character in place thereof, or in default thereof the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by purchase, and the said party of the second part shall be chargeable with the deficiency of cost. Fourth. Time is hereby declared to be of the essence of this contract, and in case the said party of the second part shall not furnish and deliver said canteens at the times hereinbefore speci- fied, the party of the first part shall have power to supply the deficiency by purchase, and the said party of the second part No. 15.] 97 shall thereupon be chargeable with any difference of price and any damage which may thereupon ensue ; and the said party of the first part shall have power to retain from the amount here- inafter stipulated to be paid unto the said party of the second part, such sum as may be necessary to indemnify said party of the first part in the premises. Fifth. That said party of first part hereby agrees to pay to the said party of the second part at the rate of forty cents for each of said canteens, when the same shall have been furnished, de- livered and accepted by the party of the first part, in accordance with the terms of this agreement. Sixth. It is hereby expressly stipulated and agreed, that until said canteens shall be delivered and received by the party of the first part, they shall be in all respects at the risk of the party of the second part. In witness whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written. BENJ. WELCH, Jr., Com. Gen. [l. s.] THOS. M. BELL, [l. s.] Sealed and delivered in presence of Wm. Henry Anthon. City and County of JVew York, ss. : On the ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, before me personally appeared the above named Benjamin Welch, Jr., and Thomas M. Bell, to me known to be the same individuals described in and who executed the aforegoing instrument, and severally acknowledged to me that they had executed tha same. WM. HENRY ANTHON, J^otary Public, City and County of JYew York. The Adjutant General submitted applications of the following companies that have been inspected within the second quota and waiting the action of the Board : Captain Walter Darwent, New York, 77 men, Captain James B. Caryl, Candor, Tioga county, 77 men. Captain James L. Letts, Yates county, 78 men, Captain Miles P. G. Cadwell, Essex county, 79 men, Captain John Waller, Jr., Sullivan county, 77 men. Captain Robert E. McCoy, Washington county, 78 men. [Assem. No. 15.j 7 9§ [Assembly Which on motion of the Attorney General was unanimously ac- cepted. On motion of the Attorney General it was unanimously Resolved, That vacancies in company officers in the volunteers while the regiment remains in the State may be filled by elec- tions to be ordered by the commandant of the regiment, and by him reported to the Commander-in-Chief who will commission the officers so elected ; and that the regimental staff officers be ap- -pointed by the commandants of regiments respectively and com- missioned as above. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, that the companies commanded by Captains John F. Baker, Owen Garrigan, E. H. Schenck, Charles H. Stewart, Jno. H. Ammon, Solomon Giles, Nelson F. Stephens, J. E. Ashcroft, F. J. Kennedy, James R. Angel, be severally accepted and formed into a regiment, to be numbered No. 19, and that orders be forthwith issued for an election of regimental officers thereof, subject only to the condition that the companies of Capts. Owen Garrigan, E. H. Schenck, and J. E. Ashcroft stand full inspection, and their rolls of inspection be filed before the election of regi- mental officers. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That the several companies commanded by Captains Chas. A. Johnson, Chas. H. Smith, Nelson B. Bartram, Chas. G. Stone, John W. Lyon, Franklin J. Davis, Jas. H. Demarest, Jas. Tyrrell, Andrew Wilson, Wm. Chalmers, be formed into a regi- ment, numbered No. 17, and that an order be issued for the elec- tion of field officers in said regiment. A communication from nine captains of comj)anies representing the regiment from the counties of Warren, Essex, and Washing- ton, was presented, asking that the regiment might be ordered to rendezvous at Camp Willard, so soon as the regiments now quar- tered there shall vacate the camp. (No action.) The Secretary of State moved, that when i;he Board adjourn it take a recess until 7 o'clock, P. M. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board adjourned. May 14, 7| P. M. Present as before. The Adjutant General presented a communication from John P. Rathbone, Brigadier General commanding Albany depot of No. iS.J 99 volunteers, stating that Charles A. Johnson, who was elected lieutenant colonel of the 14th regiment, declines to serve. On motion of the Attorney General, an election was ordered for colonel of the 14th regiment in place of Charles A. Johnson, who declines to serve. The Adjutant General presented applications of the following companies, that have been inspected within the second quota, waiting the action of the Board. Capt. Elihu J. Faxon. Buifalo, 80 men. " Ros. A. Fish, New York, 79 men. " James H. Butler, New Yorii, 81 men. " John Kavanagh, New York, 79 men. " Michael Doran, New York, 79 men. " James T. Maguire, New York, 77 men. " John Burke, New York, 78 men. " Bartholomew Pruyn, Col. co.. New York, 80 men. Which, on motion of the Treasurer, were unanimously accepted. On motion of the Comptroller, Wm. James White, a private in Capt. Hulbert's company, now quartered at the Albany depot for volunteers, and who is only about 17 years of age, was ordered to be discharged. The Chair submitted a communication from Brigadier General Rathbone, in relation to the employment of musicians for the Albany depot of volunteers, and also the hire of a hack for the use of himself and aids. (No action.) On motion of the Treasurer, the Board adjourned until 12 M. to-morrow. May 15th, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 12 o'clock, M. Present — the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and State Engineer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Secretary of State moved a reconsideration of the resolu- tion oflFered by the Lieutenant Governor on the 13th instant, au- thorizing the Governor to appoint regimental paymasters, which was carried. The Attorney General moved the following as a substitute therefor : - Resolved, That commandants of the respective regiments ap- point regimental paymasters to their respective regiments, and 100 ] Assembly that the duties, pay and functions of such paymasters shall be suspended while their respective regiments shall be in the service of the United States. Which was unanimously adopted. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That the commandants of the respective rendezvous for volunteers be authorized to order all accepted companies, not attached to organized regiments, into regiments, and to order an election of regimental officers in each ; that orders to effect the above be at once issued to such commandants, requiring them to execute the above duties without delay, and report at once by messenger, if necessary, to the proper department what they shall respectively have done in execution of such order. The Secretary of State oftered the following preamble and reso- lution : Whereof!, applications have been made to this Board, from various portions of the State, of companies for orders of inspec- tion, preparatory to their being accepted into service and formed into regiments, and Whereas, many of these companies so applying are known to be composed of men well drilled and mostly equipped, and atford- ing well grounded assurance, if accepted into service, they will prove to be amongst the most efficient soldiers whom the Govern- ment is calling upon to aid it in preserving its integrity and sus- taining its institutions and laws, and Whereas, it is believed that this State will soon be called upon to furnish additional troops, and the inevitable effect of rejecting the proffered services of these companies at this time will be almost universal dissatisfaction and disappointment, and must create difficulties hereafter in bringing these disbanded and dis- heartened men again into the service of the country, and Whereas, there is now no certainty that the quota of 30,000 men, authorized by the act of April 16th, 1861, has been filled by previous acceptance, now therefore. Resolved, That this Board will accept into the service such companies as, upon inspection, shall be found to be full, and are ready and anxious to be mustered into immediate service, and volunteer to serve for two years, and will proceed without delay to form them into regiments, and either tender them at once to the General Government, or order them to rendezvous at such places as may be hereafter designated, so that they may be in a No. 15.] 101 position to respond to any sudden demand that may be made for their services, and be ready at a moment's notice to rally at the call of their country to the defence of its rights and the protec- tion of its flag. Which by unanimous consent was laid on the table. On motion of the Secretary of State it was unanimously Resolved, That the companies commanded by captains (A) White, (B) Fairman, (C) Elder, (D) Marshall, (E) Missing, (F) Winchester, (G) Newberry, (H) Happer, (I) Briggs, 77 men each, (K) Richardson, 81 men, be severally accepted and formed into a regiment numbered No, 10 ; that the election for company and field officers heretofore held therein, be confirmed, and the said officers severally accepted to take effect as of the date of the acceptance thereof by the Adjutant General. The Governor moved that when the Board adjourns it adjourn until 9 A. M. to-morrow, which was carried. The Adjutant General presented ajoplication of the following companies inspected within the 2d quota, waiting the action of the Board : Captain Geo. W. Flower, Jefferson county, 79 men, Captain Russell Myers, New York, 78 men. Captain Wm. H. Bennett, New York, 77 men. which on motion of the Attorney General was unanimously ac- cepted. The Adjutant General also submitted a return of Brigadier General H. B. Van Valkenburgh, commanding depot of volun- teers at Elmira, stating that an election for field officers of the 21st regiment, held on the 12th inst., at which he presided, the following persons were elected : For colonel, Wm. F. Rogers, For lieutenant colonel, Adrian R. Root, For major, Wm. H. Drew, which on motion of the Attorney General were unanimously accepted and the election confirmed. On motion of the Secretary of State, the Governor and Attor- ney General were appointed a committee to reply to a communi- cation by telegraph received this day by the Governor from the Secretary of War, in relation to the acceptance of volunteers from this State. Adjourned. 102 [Assembly May 16, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 9 o'clock, A. M. Present— the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Attorney General and State Engineer, • + oo v. ^, .^ , f T^ J 1 1 / Crown 1 oint, 82 men, m place oi Easterbrooks, ) Captain Edgar Spalsburg, Jefferson county, 11 men. Which, on motion of the Attorney General, were accepted. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board adjourned until 10 o'clock to morrow. May 22, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, at 10 o'clock, A.M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, State Engineer and Surveyor, Attorney Gene- ral, and Comptroller. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor reported, that in compliance with a resolution of the Board, he had had an abstract of the bids opened yester- day and day before prepared, and that the samples submitted were now being marked. Also that he had informed the United States Government that it could have the bullet machine pur- chased of M. Parmenter. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That the bill of the corporation of the city of Buffalo, for the uniforms purchased by this State of said corporation, amounting to $15,12*7.75, upon being audited and found correct, be paid, and that said uniforms be delivered to the Buffalo regi- ment at Elmira, and that pairs of blankets accompanying said uniforms, be issued to each member of said regiment as a single blanket, the same being of an inferior quality. ■ A communication from Wood, Willard & Prentice, was tabled by unanimoas consent. On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the Governor be requested to have pre pared at once, and submitted to this Board, a statement showing all the accepted and unattached companies, with the number and date of application, and the place where such company now is, and also 118 [Assembly the companies full and ready for inspection next following in order of application, to the number necessary to fill the remain- ing unorganized regiments. On motion of the Secretary of State it was Resolved, That the companies commanded by the following captains, to wit : James W. Burgess, Abram T. Whiting, Robert H. Hazeltine, Henry G. Bates, Henry Duprame, Walter Johnson, Wm. Edward Lathrop, Peter Duffy, Addison H. McCormick, Henry L. Hoetzle, be accepted, and that they be formed into a regiment numbered No, 6, and that the election of officers here- tofore held, viz., Wm. Wilson as colonel, John Creighton as lieu- tenant colonel, and Wm. Newtz as major, be confirmed and their services accepted. The Adjutant General submitted applications of the following companies inspected, which will doubtless come within the second quota, by the dropping or withdrawal of companies previously counted as within the second quota and first quota. No, 387, captain Davis J. Rich, Champlain, Clinton county, 79 men. No. 390, captain William H. King, Hammondsport, Steuben county, 78 men, which, on motion of the Secretary of State, were accepted. Communication of Thomas Smith, was laid on the table. Communication of Washington volunteers also tabled. On motion of the Attorney General the Board took a recess until 3^ o'clock, P. M. 3-40 P. M. Present as before. General Vail and Mr. Saxe made a statement in reply to which the Comptroller moved that the bill of Saxe & Avery for $306.86, for boards, &c., furnished at the barracks at the Bull's Head, Troy, be referred to Brigadier General Rathbone, com- manding Albany depot of volunteers, with request that he report to this Board the facts of the case. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That captain Chalmer's company be, at his request, detached from the I7th regiment, and that captain Gideon Jen- kins' company, at his request, be attached to said regiment, and directed to report at the head-quarters of said regiment in New York. A communication from colonel Edward Frisby of the 30th re- No. 15.] 119 giraent, wa? submitted, which, on motion of the Comptroller, was laid on the table. The Attorney General offered the following which was adopted : Resolved, That the companies commanded by captains William Chalmers, Russell Myers, Charles Hobbs, Jerome Rowe, Barry I. Hays, Ros. A. Fish, James H. Butler, Elisha L. Young, John Whitlock, W. Howell Robinson, formed into a regiment by order of Brigadier General Yates, and in which an election has been held by his order, be recognized and numbered No. 32, and that the services of Roderick Matherson as colonel, Francis E. Pinto as lieutenant colonel, and George Frank Lemon as major, be ac- cepted and their election confirmed. The Adjutant General presented application of company com- manded by captain E. W. Peckham, which was inspected in the order issued to George Cottingham, which, on motion of the At- torney General, was tabled. The Governor was requested to correspond with J. F. Ames, of Chicopee, to ascertain at what time and at what price he can furnish non-commissioned officers swords and belts sufficient for the volunteer force of this State. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board took a recess until T o'clock, P. M. 7-30 P. M. Present, as before. On motion of the Secretary of State, it was Resolved, That the companies commanded by Captains Catlin, Walter, Patrick, McGraw, Jno. F. Aiken, Thaddous Bodine, John R. Cutler, James M. Letts, Geo. M. Guion, Joseph W. Corning, W. B. Warford, James M. McNair, formed into a regiment by order of Brigadier General Van Valkenburgh, be confirmed as a regiment numbered No. 33, that the election of Robert F. Taylor as colonel, Calvin Walker as lieutenant colonel, and Robet J. Mann as major be confirmed, and their services accepted. It was moved that when the Board adjourn, it be until 9 A. M. to-morrow. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That the Governor and Comptroller be a committee to proceed to New York, and with full power to modify the con- tract with Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, in respect to the trans- portation of arms for Europe ; to make such arrangements as in their judgment will best secure their safe transmission, and that 120 [Assembly they make no report of their proceedings until, in their opinion, eecrecy is no longer desirable. Adjourned until 9 o'clock, A. M., to-morrow. May 23, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 9 o'clock A. M. Present — the Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Trea- surer and State Engineer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Secretary of State moved that the Board proceed to the Senate Chamber to examine bids. On motion of the Treasurer it was Resolved, That the contract for overcoats, pants and jackets be given in equal proportions of each article to the following firms or persons : Devlin, Hudson & Co., Wm. Seligraan &" Co., A. & G. A. Arnoux, F. B. Baldwin, Charles Barnum and Palmer P. Kellogg, or to such of them as will enter into contracts with satisfactory sureties to make and deliver them when required within the time mentioned in the advertisement. To be made of army cloth of the regular army standard weight, according to the quality of samples furnished this Board by said, P. V. Kel- logg, of cloth made of pure fleece wool and indigo dye, at the price of eighteen dollars a set of overcoats, jackets and panta- loons, overcoat and pantaloons of similar color of said sample, and jacket of a deep blue color. On motion of the Comptroller it was Resolved, That the contract for furnishing socks be awarded, according to his bid, to Henry C. Southwick, of Albany, at the price of twenty-seven cents per pair, (27) to be furnished ac- cording to his sample in the possession of the Quartermaster General. On motion, the Board adjourned until 7-30 P. M. 7-30 P. M. Present — the Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, State Engineer and Attorney General. On motion of the Lteutenant Governor it was , Resolved. That the companies commanded by A. Otto Bernstein and Chas. W. Wiegant be released and discharged from service in the volunteer militia of this State, said companies having, as No. 15.] 121 the Board is informed, joined another military organization, and that the oflScers and privates composing said companies be re- quested to return all property received by them of the State au- thorities. The Governor submitted a communication from Lient. Strong, of the Waterviiet Arsenal, certifying that he had inspected, (for the State of New York) approved, and has now in working order, the bullet machine lately purchased from F. W. Parmenter of Troy. On motion of the Attorney General it w^as jtiesolved, That the companies commanded by the following captains, to wit : Capts. Corcoran, Lafiflin, Brown, Sponable, Beverly, Doolittle, Baldwin, King, Oswald and Rich be formed into a regiment, to be numbered No. 34, and that an order for the election of field ofiic^rs therein be issued. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That the election of field ofticers held in the 29th regiment, by order of this Board, be confirmed, and the services of Adolph Von Steinwehr, as colonel, Clemens Suest, as lieu- tenant colonel, and Louis Livingston, as major therein, be ac- cepted. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor the Board adjourned until 9 o'clock A. .M to-morrow. May 24th, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 9 o'clock. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney Gene- ral, Comptroller, Treasurer and State Engineer, &c. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and the Board proceeded to the Senate Chamber to finish awarding contracts. The Adjutant General presented application for company or- ganization of company No. 388, commanded by Wm. H. Baird, which, on motion of the Comptroller, was accepted. 'The Board adjourned until 3| P. M. 3 1 P. M. Present as before. The Adjutant General reported that the companies commanded by Captains Smith and Atwood desired to be transferred from Col. Pratt's regiment, and be associated with the several compa- nies who have designated Colonel C. H. Innes, also that the 122 [Assembly companies commanded by Captains Rue and "Watts desire to be transferred to the regiment commanded by Colonel Pratt. On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the companies commanded by Captains Atwood and Smith, reported by Brigadier General Yates, as having re- fused to report to Col. Pratt of the 31st regiment, be detached from said regiment, and that the companies commanded by Capts. Rue and Watts, be annexed to and form a part of the 31st regi- ment, on the report of the Adjutant General that they desire to be so attached, and ordered to report to the headquarters of the 31st regiment. The Lieutenant Governor offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the companies commanded by the following named captains, viz : Capts. Lacy, Lord, Potter, Mendall, Angle, FloAver, Spantsburg, Todd, Nutting, Elvvell, be organized into a regiment, to be numbered No. 35, and an election for field officers ordered to be held therein. Resolved, That the companies commanded by the following captains. Lord, Darwent, Daniels, McDonald, Bennett, Dupres, Howlett, Waddell, Hampson, Faxson, be organized into a regi- ment, to be numbered No. 36, and an election held for field offi- cers ordered to be held therein. Resolved, That the companies commanded by the following named captains, viz., O'Connor, Doran, Cavana, McHugh, Mur- phy, McGuin, Bush, Harmon, Glark and Peckham, be organized into a regiment, to be numbered No. 37, and an election for field officers ordered to be held therein. Resolved, That the companies commanded by the following named captains, viz., Gavit, McGrath, Allison, Tilden, Harold, McQuade, Brittain, Baird, De Witt and Dwyer, be organized into a regiment, to be numbered No. 38, and an election for field offi- cers ordered to be held therein. The Comptroller offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the contract for furnishing shirts be awarded, according to their bid, to Pierce Brothers & Co., of Boston, at the price of one dollar and thirty-seven and one-half cents ($1.37|) each; also that the furnishing of drawers be awarded to the same, according to their bid, at the price of one dollar No. 15.] 123 and five cents ($1,05) each, afl to be furnished according to their sample in the possession of the Quartermaster General. Resolved, That the contract for furnishing blankets be awarded, according to their bid, to Cronin, Huxthal & Sears, of New York, at the price of two dollars and twelve and one half cents ($2.12^) each, for the whole, or such portion as may be from time to time required to be furnished, according to their sample in the posses- sion of the Quartermaster General. Resolved, That the contract for furnishing shoes be awarded, according to their bid, to Benedick, Hall & Co., of New York, at the price of one dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25) per pair, to be furnished according to their sample in the possession of the Quartermaster General. Resolved, That the contract for furnishing caps with capes and covers thereto be awarded, according to their bid, to Murphy & Childs, New York, at the price of ninety-five cents {^^q) each, to be furnished according to their sample No. 4 in the possession of the Quartermaster General. On motion of the Treasurer, it was Resolved, That the parties to whom contracts have been awarded be notified to be present at the Quartermaster General's office at Albany, prepared with sureties to enter into contracts, on Tuesday the 28th inst., at 1 o'clock, P. M. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was Resolved, That the company formerly commanded by Captain Spofi"ord, No. 358, be inspected, and authorized to hold an elec- tion for officers of said company. On motion, the Board took a recess until *7.30 P. M. 1.30 P. M. Present as before. On motion of the Comptroller, it was Resolved, That the Quartermaster General be, and he is hereby directed to pay, on the certificate of the members respectively, the travelling and other expenses of each member of this Board while actually engaged in the busineos of the Board, and the board bills of the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and State Engineer, they not being required by law to remain at the capital during the recess of the Legislature, and a per diem of three dollars to the Lieutenant Governor, he having no salary. 124 [Assembly On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved^ That a member of this Board, to be designated by the Governor, be, and he hereby is requested to proceed to Wash- ington and present to the General Government the respectful claims of this Board, to have the proportionate number of general officers appointed or elected by the State authorities of this State to the force organized by this Board so that this State shall have her due position in rank with her sister States in the ratio of her troops in the field as compared to theirs. In accordance with the foregoing resolution the Governor de- signated Lieut. Governor Robert Campbell to carry it into effect. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board adjourned until 10 A. M., to-morrow. May 25, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 10 o'clock. A. M. Present — The Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, and State Engineer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Adjutant General presented the following documents, which had heretofore been presented. On motion, were laid on the table : Telegraph from Charles H. Innes. Telegraph from Capt. W. F. Clark. Telegraph from R. B. Van Valkenburgh. Telegraph from E. J. Faxon. Telegraph from Charles Yates. Telegraph from Col. H. S. Lansing. Telegraph from H. N. Martin. Telegraph from Wm. F. Clark, captain, Ellicottville company. Telegraph from Luke H. Hamer, captain, Allegany company. Telegraph from E. J. Frazer, captain, Buffalo. Letter from Charles Yates, Brig. General commanding depot. Petition of Capt. Barney. Letter of E. B. Van Valkenburgh. Letter from Wm. H. Elwood, 1st lieutenant. The Adjutant General presented a communication from Nancy Brocancate, opposing the enlistment of her son, Stephen A. Bal- lard, sixteen years old, one from Wm. Payne, relative to discharge No. 15.J 125 of Wm. Anthony, and one from Jno. H. Wooster, applying for discharge of John and James Starting, aged nineteen and seven- teen respectively, enlisted in Capt. Butler's company, from Fair- field, all of which, on motion, directed to be referred to the colonel of the regiment in which the persons whose discharge is asked for are understood to be serving. On motion of the Attorney General, the Board adjourned until Tuesday, 28th inst., at 12 o'clock. May 28, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 12 o'clock. Present — The Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer and State Engineer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor submitted a communication received from J. T. Ames, which is in the following words : To his Excellency, E. D. Morgan, Governor of State of JYeiv York: Sir — Your favor of the 23d is received. We are very much driven for non-commissioned officers swords, by reason of so many regiments being fitted out, but if v/e get your order and you will take them in lots of one hundred or small numbers, we will do the best in our power and can begin to deliver very soon. The regular goverment prices for sword $5.50, for belt and plate $1. Very respectfully, your obd't servant, JAS. T. AMES. On motion of the Comptroller it was Resolved, That the Governor be authorized to purchase from Jas. T. Ames, of Chicopee, as many non-commissioned officers and musicians swords and belts, on the terms named in the preceding letter, as may be necessary for the volunteer regiments. The Quarter-master-General stated that the contracts will be drawn and ready by 3 o'clock this afternoon, as directed by the Board, when the awards were made, and asked whether the Board would meet at the Senate Chamber or Executive Chamber at 3^ o'clock to hear the several contracts read, and approve the sureties before the contracts were executed. On motion the Board adjourned until 3| P. M. 126 [Assembly 3-30 P. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenaut Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, State Engineer. On motion of the Comptroller it was Resolved, That in making the contract with the parties who are to furnish the overcoats, jackets and pantaloons, they be re- quired to deliver one-eighth of the whole number at the end of one week, three-eighths at the end of the second week, one quar- ter at the end of the third week, and the remainder at the end of the fourth week, the time to begin at the date hereof. Resolved, That in making the contract with Pierce Brothers & Co. for furnishing shirts and drawers, the contract be made that the drawers be furnished according to another sample now in the possession of the Quartermaster General at the price of (90) ninety cents each, and that the shirts have an additional full pocket, and three thousand of each be furnished during the pre- sent week ending Saturday, June 1, and thereafter in equal por- tions weekly during the following three weeks. The Adjutant General presented return of an election for field officers of the 37th regiment N. Y. S. V. at which Jno. A. McCunn was chosen colonel, John Burke was chosen lieutenant colonel, Dennis C. Minton was elected major. On motion of the Comptroller the services of the above named field officers were accepted and the election confirmed. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor it was Resolved, That a committee to consist of two members of the Board be appointed by the chairman thereof, to investigate all matters connected with the contract made by this Board, with Brooks Brothers, of New York, for uniforms or clothing for the volunteer militia of this State, and particularly as to the manner in which said contract is being performed, as to the quality of the articles delivered under the same and that said committee have power to send for persons and papers and examine wit- nesses, under oath, in relation to said contract and its execution. On motion of the Comptroller the Board adjourned until 11 A. M., to-morrow. May 29, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 11 o'clock A. M. No. 15.] 127 Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, State Engineer, &c. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor presented a communication from Strong Brothers & Co., one from Wm. Seligman & Co., and one from Jackson S. Shultz, and Edmund M. Young, which were read, and on motion laid on the table. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That the form of bonds and contracts drawn by Mr. Jenkins and presented by Quartermaster General to this Board, relating to clothing, shoes, socks, shirts and drawers, blankets and caps be approved. The Governor appointed Lieutenant Governor Campbell and State Engineer Richmond, a committee to carry out the resolu- tion passed yesterday, in relation to the contract with Brooks Brothers. A committee consisting of Hon. Thomas Hillhouse, Hon. Lucius Robinson, General Richardson, Judge Thurston and Major Gregg, presented communications from the 23d, 24th, 33d and Jefferson county regiments New York State volunteers, which were on motion ordered on file. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was Resolved, That Judge Ariel S. Thurston be appointed to pro- ceed to Boston to inspect 3,000 shirts and drawers contracted for by Pierce Brothers & Co., to be delivered this week, which are to be sent to Elmira at expense and risk of contractors. On motion of the Treasurer, it was unanimously Resolved, That General Rathbane be authorized to hire the land of Mr. Haswell, containing from 35 to 40 acres, at $600, from now until November, and to construct a suitable kitchen for cooking, and that two regiments be sent there and placed under canvas without delay. On motion of the Comptroller, it was Resolved, That the sum of nine thousand and seven hundred dollars be, and the same is hereby appropriated to pay the cost of the uniform and equipments procured by Col. Hawkins for the non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates of his regiment, and that said amount be paid to the persons to whom Col. Haw- kins is indebted for said uniforms and equipments, upon their producing vouchers showing the cost of said uniforms, properly verified, and that when said payment has been made that said 123 [Assembly uniforms and equipments be regarded as transferred to the State. Also, Resolved, That the sum of five thousand and nine hundred and twent}^ dollars be, and the same is hereby appropriated to defray the expense of procuring Zouave uniforms for Col. McChesney's regiment, and that said amount be paid to the persons furnishing said uniforms, upon proper vouchers of the cost of same being produced and verified, and that upon payment of said sum the said uniforms be taken and regarded as the property of the State. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was Rcsoived, That Hon. P. Dorsheimer be appointed a committee to proceed to New York and inspect the 5,000 socks to be received this week under the contract made with Henry C. Southwick. Adjourned until 11 o'clock, A. M., to-morrow. May 30, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, at 11.30 A, M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller and State Engineer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. A communication from Brig. Gen. Rathbone in relation to barracks at Camp Brintnall, which on motion, was laid on the table. On motion of the Governor, it was Resolved, That satisfactory evidence having been furnished this Board that Captain Boynton's company, in regiment No. 22, contains at the present time less than 32 privates, and that other companies in said regiment do not contain the number of privates required by the rules of this Board, it is therefore ordered, that the said company commanded by Capt. Boynton be, and the same is hereby disbanded, the election of ofiicers for said company vacated, and that the privates in said company be consolidated with and attached to the other companies of said regiment not full. The Adjutant General presented return of an election for field ofiicers of the 38th regiment N. Y. S. V. held on the 28th inst., at which J. H. Hobart Ward was chosen colonel, Addison Farnsworth was chosen lieutenant colonel, James D. Potter was chosen major. No. 15.] 129 and on motion of the Comptroller, the services of the above- named field officers were accepted and the election confirmed. Also, returns of an election for field officers of the 34th regi- ment New York State volunteers, held on the 29th inst., at which Wm. LaDue was chosen colonel ; James A. Suiter, lieutenant col- onel ; Byron Laflin, major. On motion of the Comptroller, the services of the above named field officers were accepted and the election confirmed. Also, returns of an election for captain of the 1st regiment, Colonel Wm. H. Allen's, at which J. F. Pierson was elected to fill vacancy, and on motion, his services were accepted and the election confirmed. The Adjutant General presented a communication from Geo. Cottingham (on file), in reply to which, the following resolution was on motion of the Lieutenant Governor adopted. Resolved, That there bs paid by the Paymaster General to Captain George Cottingham the sum of $150, in full payment for his services as captain of a company of the volunteer militia of this State, and of other claims against the State, and that said Captain Geo. Cottingham be honorably discharged from service. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was Resolved, That the Governor be and he hereby is authorized to order of Smith Bros. & Co., 1,000 uniform overcoats at $9 per coat, and 1,000 suits, overcoats, jackets and pants, at $18 per suit, to be equal as to color, quality of goods, style and manufac- ture, and in all other respects to those to be furnished by the parties to whom contracts were awarded on the 23d instant. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, the Board adjourned until 1 P. M., Monday. June 3, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 1 o'clock P. M. Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General and Treasurer. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. On motion of the Comptroller, the communication of Mr. Mar- tindale, which was presented on Friday, and which has been read to the Board this morning, a copy of which was forwarded by him to Governor Campbell, who is now at Washington, was [Assem. No. 15. j 9 130 [Assembly ordered entered at length on the minutes of the Board, and is in the words following : To His Excellency Edwin D. Morgan, Governor of the State of JVew York. Public attention in western New York has seen arrested by the extraordinary collision between the General and State Govern- ments on the important subject of the appointment of officers for our militia, which we have aided to organize for service in the impending struggle for Constitutional Liberty. The heart, mind and soul of our people have been concentrated in an outburst of patriotic emotion and action to sustain the government of the United States. It is important that we should not be misled into the commission of an irreparable wrong to the cause we are all so anxious and eager to sustain. In a moment of imminent peril, when the forms of law were consuming time in which it was needful to provide on the instant for the preservation of the government itself, those forms might well be omitted. To follow them might have been the circuitous and therefore the certain path to destruction. Again, those processes of law, ordained for the preservation of personal liberty, like the writ of habeas corpus, may well be and must be suspended, when higher and paramount principles on which the whole fabric of constitutional government reposes, de- mand the suspension. We, therefore, can share the general amazement and scorn, excited by the servile attempt to exalt the authority of a single judge, through the process of the habeas corpus, so as to paralyze the military arm of government, when raised to suppress an in- surrection of unparalleled atrocity and danger. We are pre- pared to concede and maintain that forms of law shall neither be followed nor regarded, when employed as the means of overthrow- ing the Constitution itself. But, on the other hand, unnecessary, inconsiderate and dan- gerous violations of the Constitution of the country in a vital point, ought not to be tolerated even by that excited and self- sacrificing patriotism which in this crisis is ready to endure and forgive much. The President of the United States has called on the several States for the militia, to suppress the insurrection now led by No. 15.] 131 ambitious traitors, and to execute the laws of the Union, which those traitors have violated, and trampled under foot. In this he has obeyed the laws of Congress, framed under a specific grant of power in the Constitution, but the same section of the Constitution which confers this power also provides in the consecutive sub-divisions that Congress shall have power " to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the serv- ice of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority to train the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress." What public exigency demands, that this reserved power " to make the appointments of officers," should be disregarded in re- spect to the general officers, while it is obeyed in the selection of regimental and company officers. There was a deep and prophetic jealousy of military power, which was embodied in these provisions of the Constitution ; The military arm was subjected to the permanent direction and government of the National authority, but the right arm whoso million sinews are strong in the militia alone, was guarded by rooting it in the local pride and spirit and subordinate sove- reignty of the States. What is gained to New York, and western New York especi- ally, by withholding from our organized regiments of militia, general officers of their own or the States appointment, why should they be deprived of the supervision, discriminating care and influence which belongs to those higher positions. In the single instance in which an officer has been commia- sioned in this State as a Brigadier General without cooperation of the State Government, has the selection been such as to fur- nish us any assurance that this unconstitutional and usurped authority will be discreetly wielded ? Is Western New York so destitute of military ability that it is needful to violate the Constitution to compensate for her weak- ness ? Is State pride, district pride, local pride, so useless an element in military character that it may be disregarded and insulted, and that too, by an inconsiderate violation of law which bears the appearance of an attempt to retain in the hands of the Na- tional administration, the distribution of commissions for general command, like so much patronage which has long been appropria- 132 [Assembly ted in the distribution of civil offices by snccessful parties, as the perquisites of victory, the "spoiis of war." To-day regiments are assembled at the depot in Elmira, not mustered into the service of the United States, doubting whether they will be so mustered at all, while expectant oflScers are sound- ing the drum-beat in our streets for recruits to a single brigade in the city of New York, which seems to have received a roaming commission to organize an independent force in utter disregard, not to say contempt, of the executive authorities of the State. It is a great mistake to suppose that this course of adminis- tration will be overlooked or forgotten. These regiments, or- ganized under a law for arming 30,000 volunteer militia, and appropriating $3,000,000 for the purpose, are entitled to prece- dence in this conflict before any other bodies of men who may have been put forward by local committees, or aspiring and pre- sumptuous individuals, acting without the sanction or supervision of the State, It will not do to confound the provisions of the Constitution, which gives Congress power " to raise and support armies," with those other provisions which provide for calling out, organizing and governing the State militia under which Congress has passed an existing law, and under which the Presideyit has made his re- quisition for military ; confusion and disorder will inevitably ensue from the unconstitutional experiment which has been inaugurated, to divide between the National and State Govern- ments the appointment of the officers, conceding to the States the appointment of regimental and company officers, and retain- ing in the National Government the appointment of general offi- cers. Acceptance of regiments from the States thus commanded, explodes the idea that they are not militia. Practically it would be impossible to organize them without conceding to the States the appointment of the subordinate officers. The spirit of our agricultural, mechanical, and commercial population, warlike, impulsive, and patriotic as it is, would revolt at the idea of surrendering the appointment of those officers to the General Government. But when these regiments of State militia are thus organized, commanded by officers whose commissions proceed from the States, they cannot be transformed into a standing army dissoci- ated from their respective States, by calling them volunteers. Neither will it do to say that the President has only taken the No. 15.] 133 responsibility of a series of acts without authoi-ity of law, trust- ing for his justification to the public exigencies and peril, and to the sanction of Congress, by public laws, when it shall assemble in July. There was no need for taking such responsibility, be- cause the existing laws authorizing the President's call for State militia, were complete and adequate to the exigency, and having invoked the State authorities, in their sovereign capacity as States for aid, and having received from the States bodies of men which have been enrolled as militia, there can be no good reason, as there certainly is no power in Congress to retain them in any other character. What else than militia could the National Gov- ernment summons from the States ? What else had the States to enrol and send forward, in response to the summons ? The whole spirit of the Constitution is against this experiment to divide commissions, prerogatives, and responsibilities. This is not a foreign war, like the war against Mexico ; but it is the very case specified in the Constitution, a case of insurrection, and resistance to the execution of the laws of the Union, in which the State militia is named as the power to be invoked and em- ployed. If the New York militia has been summoned to the field to aid in suppressing the existing insurrection ; if that mili- tia, clothed and armed at the expense of the State, and mustered into the service of the United States, is to remain just what it was created to be, then there is no power in Congress to confer on the President the prerogative of appointing its officers. An example of fearful import may grow out of this mode of appointment if it should be now persisted in. Who can fail to perceive that it is a wide departure from the jealous fear of mili- tary power and despotism breathed into the Constitution by its framers ? Why was it specified in that sacred instrument that the militia, though armed, organized, disciplined and governed by the United States when mustered into its service, should be commanded by officers appointed by the respective States ? This was the great safeguard in times of fervid patriotism and excitement like the present against the abuse of that patriotism by a concentration of military honors for ambitious purposes, which might easily become subversive of liberty. In the creation of a standing army, let the Government open its recruiting stations and accept its volunteers, but let us never sanction the attempt, now inconsiderately made, to appropriate 134 [Assembly and absorb for such a purpose the power of the State over its own militia. We call on the Executive Council of this State, to persevere in a firm and respectful maintenance of its rightful authority over its militia, and on our members of Congress to unite in holding the National Administration to a strict conformity, in this re- gard, to the letter and spirit of the Constitution. (Signed) M. B. ANDERSON, H. HUMPHREY, 0. W. BENEDICT. May SOik, 1861. On motion, the Board adjourned to 7 o'clock, this P. M. 7 P. M. Present as before, On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the contract executed by Charles Barnum, bear- ing date the 27th ult., for the manufacture and delivery of the articles at the times, and upon the terms and conditions therein specified, be accepted, and that payment therefor shall be made upon performance by said Barnum. A resolution similar to the above, was adopted, confirming contract with each of the following named parties : Devlin, Hudson & Co., A. & G. A. Arnoux, William Seligman, Palmer V. Kellogg, F. B. Baldwin, Pierce Brothers & Co., shirts and draAvers; Cronin, Huxtlial & Sears, blankets; Henry C. Southwick, socks ; Murphy & Childs, caps; Benedict, Hall & Co., ehoes. The Adjutant General presented return of Brigadier General R. B. Van Valkenburgh, commanding Elmira depot, of an election held on May 31st, for field officers of the 35th regiment New York State volunteers, at which William C. Brown was chosen colonel ; Stephen L. Potter lieutenant colonel ; Newton B. Lord major. On motion of the Comptroller, the services of the above named field officers were accepted and the election confirmed. On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized and requested to contract for and purchase sixteen thousand can- teens for the use of the volunteer militia, and to be held and issued exclusively to and for that force or the uniformed militia No. 15.] 135 actually called, or hereafter called, into the service of the United States. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That it be referred to Brigadier General Yates forth- with to report to this Board his proceedings and services of notices of election for field officers in 36th regiment. On motion of the Treasurer, the Board adjourned until 11 A. M. to-morrow. June 4, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 11 A. M. Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer and Attorney General. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Attorney General offered the following preamble and reso- lution, which were adopted : W/iereas, the act of April 16th, 1861, provided for the pay- ment of volunteers through regimental paymasters, and the Board, by resolution of May 15th, provided for the appointment of such paymasters, but also provided that the duties, pay and functions of such paymasters be suspended while their respective regiments shall be in the service of the United States : And, Whereas, many of the regiments have been and will be mus- tered into the service of the United States before paymasters are appointed, but can only be paid for the term of service before such muster through said paymasters, whose functions would, by said resolution, be suspended ; therefore Resolved, That regimental paymasters are authorized, after the muster of their respective regiments into the service of the United States, to perform all such duties as may be necessary to settle and pay their respective regiments for all service performed before said muster into the United States service, and shall be paid therefor not less than one month's pay for such service, and such further sum for travelling expenses as allowed to paymas- ters in the army of the United States for like service, in accord- ance to the army regulation. On motion of the Comptroller it was Resolved, That the bill of Schuyler, Hartley and Graham for $13,472.50 for arms be paid. The Governor reported that in compliance with a resolution of the Board he had contracted with J. F. Ames for 1,000 non- commissioned officers swords. 136 [Assembly On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That as often as quantities of the supplies recently contracted for are ready for inspection, this Board will detach one or more of its members to inspect and receive said articles, and said committee of inspection are authorized to employ experts and laborers to assist them and shall report in writing to this Board the result of each inspection. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That Captain Atwood be directed to report to Colo- nel Phelps, Comptroller. Resolved, That Captain Smith be ordered to report to Colonel Brown to fill that regiment. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That the contract with E. Remington and Sons, is so far modified that the stud shall be brazed instead of soldered to the barrel, for which they are to be paid for each rifle five cents additional and that the contract with E. Remington and Sons with the above alteration be approved and accepted. On motion it was Resolved, That the Comptroller, Treasurer and Attorney Gen- eral be a committee to proceed to New York to inspect such arti- cles that have been contracted for as are now ready for delivery. On motion of the Attorney General the Board adjourned until Thursday at 1 o'clock. June 6, 1861. The Governor being the only member present adjourned the Board until 1 P. M., to-morrow. June 7, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber on the 7 th inst., at J o'clock, P. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer and Attorney General. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Lieutenant Governor reported that in discharge of the duties conferred on him, he proceeded to Washington on Satur- day last, that he waited upon the Secretary of War and that the result of his interview with him was unsatisfactory, that he also had an interview with the President. Before leaving Washing- ton the Lieutenant Governor addressed a communication to tho No. 15.] 137 Secretary of War, which was ordered entered at length on the minutes of this Board, and is in the following words : Washington, D. C, June 4, 1861. Hon. S. Cameron, Secretary of War — I deem it important to place before you as a matter of public record, the resolution of the Board of State officers of the State of New York, under which I was deputed to wait upon you and have the interview which yesterday took place between us. At the same time, I leave with you a copy of the act of the Legislature of New York, under which the Board of State officers has acted in the organization of a force of State militia, to be placed at the disposal of the government of the United States, to aid in suppressing the present formidable insurrection. A copy of a memorial addressed to the Governor of the State of New York, which embodies, in argumentative form what is deemed to be the right of the State of New York to appoint its general officers, is also herewith transmitted. The contents of these papers were substantially repeated in the conversation with you yesterday. You announced to me, in that interview had with you, the irrevocable determination of the government of the United States to appoint the general officers for the forces furnished by the government of New York, and to refuse to receive those forces in the event that such determination should not be acceded to. I deem it my duty, respectfully but firmly, to protest against this determination. It imposes on the Board of State officers, unless they submit to it, the necessity of violating the laws and Constitution of the State of New York, which have been framed in conformity to the Constitution of the United States. It dis- honors and destroys the distinctive character of the militia of the State, which is adapted to the habits and endeared to the minds of the people. It does not agree with the written arrangement which was heretofore made with you by the Attorney General of the State, acting in behalf of the Board of State officers, and) in pursuance of which written arrangement they have organized thirty-eight regiments of volunteer militia. To the undersigned it seems to be an unnecessary and invidious determination, which, while it may command a temporary acqui- escence under the pressure of the great danger impending over 138 [Assembly the eountry, will be deliberately revoked when the present exi- gency shall have been passed, so that it may be safely and cir- cumspectly considered. It only remains for the undersigned to report to the Board of State officers of New York the determination which you have emphatically expressed, in order that they may take such action as in their judgment the occasion requires. Yours, &c., ROBERT CAMPBELL, Lieut. Governor of JVeio York. On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the report of the Lieut. Governor of the result of his negotiation with the Secretary of War, be accepted, and that the thanks of this Board be tendered to the Lieut. Governor for the firmness and fidelity with which he has discharged his duties. The Governor read a communication received from the Secre- tary of War, which, on motion, was ordered entered at length on the minutes, and is in the following language : War Department, ) Washington, June 3. 1861. ) Gov. E. D. Morgan, Albany, JVew York : My Dear Sir — Yours of the 28th ult. has been received by this department, announcing that you had appointed John A. Dix and James S. Wadsworth as Major Generals in command of the vol- unteers from the State of New York. By general order No. 15, which I enclose you, it will be perceived that the President has reserved to himself the appointments referred to, and in order, therefore, to entitle these gentlemen to command it would be essential that they should be appointed by the President and be confirmed by the Senate. The high character and eminent abilities of the gentlemen as- signed by you to these positions is fully known to and appre- ciated by this department, and I am sure it would have afforded me great pleasure if in the organization of the forces they could have been assigned to the positions for which you designate them, and for which I doubt not they are fully qualified. Yet to have Buspended the order in this case would have required the Presi- No. 15.] 139 dent to surrender the appointment to the State authorities in nearly or quite every other case. I am, very respectfully, yours, &c., SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. The Governor presented a communication from E. Remington & Sons, which was read and ordered on file. The Treasurer submitted a communication, signed by C. Shurzchn, which, on motion, was ordered on file. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That a new election for field officers be ordered in the 36th regiment, and that his Excellency, the Governor, be re- quested to prescribe the length of notice and manner of service thereof on the company officers of said regiment. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor it was Resolved, That Capt. Atwood's company be detached from the 22d regiment, and that Capt. Munroe's company, reported by the Adjutant General as full, be accepted and attached to the said 22d regiment. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor it was Resolved, That his Excellency Gov. Morgan and Attorney Gene- ral Myers (members of this Board) be requested to proceed to Washington and communicate to the United States Govern- ment the determination of this Board that they shall insist on the right of the State authorities to elect and appoint all officers required for the organization of the volunteer militia of this State, organized under the act of 16th April, 1861, in con- formity to the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and of the State of New York, and to have such further confe- rence in their discretion with the United States Government as the determination of the Board has made necessary. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That the purchase of blankets, made by his Excel- lency the Governor, from Cronin, Huxthall & Sears, be paid on the certificate of the Governor. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor the Board adjourned to meet on the call of the Governor. June 14, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, pursuant to the following call of the Governor : 140 fAsSEMBL STATE OP NEW YORK: Executive Department, ) Albany, June 14, 186i. ) Sir — You are requested to attend a meeting of the Board of officers named in the act entitled "An act to authorize the em- bodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and provide for the public defence," passed the 16th day of April, 1861, at the Executive Chamber, on Friday, 14th inst., at 12 o'clock. I am, respectfully, &c., E. D. MORGAN. Present — the Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer and Attorney General. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor, from the committee of this Board, consisting of himself and the Attorney General, appointed to proceed to Washington, for the purpose of communicating to the United States Government its determination to insist on the constitu- tional rights of the State authorities to elect and appoint all offi- cers of the volunteer militia of this State, organized under the act of April Ibth, report : That the committee reached Washington on the evening of Tuesday, the 11th instant, and called respectively at the resi- dences of the Secretary of State, of War, and of the President, on the evening of their arrival ; that they had an interview with the President and Secretary of State, and freely discussed the subject of their visit. They did not find the Secretary of War until next morning, when they urged upon the attention of the President and the heads of the War and State Departments, the justice and propriety of the views entertained by the Board. They received, however, no positive assurance that the object of their interview would be granted, particularly as regarded general officers, but that great respect would, in any event, be paid to the acts of the Legislature and the views of this Board. The committee did not in terms demand that the appointment of officers to command our forces should be made according to the law of April 16, or to assume the position that unless so made our troops should not be sent forward to the aid of the General Government in putting down rebellion. They chose rather to insist upon a recognition of the general officers already appointed by the Governor, on the ground of the manifest justice to the State of New York, and especially to the troops shrw f^r. 600 lbs. powder for proving same, at 40c 240 00 ) 4,000 additional shot at 80c 3,200 00 40 carriages, at 2^5 00 11,00000 40 caissons, at 275 00 11,000 00 10 battery wagons, at 275 00 2,750 00 10 forge wagons, at 275 00 2,750 00 $41,260 00 On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the annexed order of the Governor to Colonel Delafield, to purchase the ordnance therein specified, be con- firmed, and the action of the Governor therein approved. On motion of the Attorney General, it was Resolved, That the action of the Governor in transferring tem- porarily to the use of the General Government, certain rifled cannon, carriages, caissons, projectiles, wagons, harness, &c., be aflirmed and approved, and that he is hereby authorized to dis- pose of other cannon and appurtenances in like manner, if in his judgment, in the absence of the Board, the public safety shall require it. The Governor stated that five regiments and five companies of No. 15.] 205 the 20th regiment, colonel Weber) though enrolled in the State service for two years, had been mustered into the United States service for only three months ; that the President, through the Secretary of War, made a requisition on the 30th of July for the above named regiments and companies to serve for two years, and that he had directed the Adjutant General to issue an order to each of the colonels of these regiments directing them at the expiration of the time for which their respective regiments were mustered into the service of the United States, to report, with their commands, to the Adjutant General of the U. S. army, for duty under the order of the U. S. Government, for the remainder of the term of enlistment of their regiments into the service of the State of New York, agreeably to the law of April 16, 1861. Reports being currently reported through the newspapers that the 11th regiment Fire Zouaves, had been discharged from the U. S. service and ordered to return to New Yoi'k, the Governor stated that some action of the Board was necessary on this mat- ter, as the State will be liable for the pay of said regiment unless favorably discharged, notwithstanding they may have been dis- charged by the U. S. Government. Also that many of the thirty- eight volunteer regiments organized by the Board, were, by authority of the War Department, recruiting in the State to raise the number of men to 1,046, whereupon the Attorney Gen- eral offered the following preamble and resolution : Whereas, since the organization of the thirty-eight regiments of volunteers by this Board, and their being mustered into the service of the General Government, that Government have ordered such regiments to be recruited to the number of 1,046 each, and such recruiting is being carried on under great dis- couragement, therefore Resolved, That the Governor be authorized to advance such recruiting officer the funds necessary to subsist and transport such recruits, until such time as they may be subsisted by the United States Government, and to cause such recruits to be en- tered on the rolls of volunteers in the proper offices. Ayes and noes being called, the Secretary proceeded to call the roll with the following result : Ayes — Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, State Engineer and Surveyor — Ayes 7. 206 [ASSEMBI.Y Whereupon the chair declared the preamble and resolution to be unanimously adopted. The Governor stated that on the 24th day of July he offered by telegraph sixteen of the Parrott guns to the Secretary of War, and after some delay they had been accepted ; that in ac- cordance with his instructions the Commissary General had de- livered to Major Hagner six 10 -pounder rifled cannon mounted, and ten 20-pounder rifled cannon, not mounted, under an agree- ment that they were to be replaced within thirty days ; that the ten additional rifled cannon ordered some weeks since, had been delivered, and were mounted, and that the United States Gov- ernment also desired them together with all the gun carriages, caissons, shot battery and forge wagons, and harness that could be spared by the State, as also twelve 6-pounder brass smooth bore guns. The Governor presented an afiidavit of Peter Saxe in relation to a bill for lumber and rent of grounds at Camp Brintnall, the Troy branch of the Albany depot of volunteers, amounting to $306, which on motion of the Secretary of State was directed to be paid. The Inspector General presented an account of Capt. Bartlett for transportation and subsistence on way to depot, which on motion of the Secretary of State was referred to Gen. Patrick for inspection, and to be paid if found correct. Gen. Patrick also submitted bills of Capt. A. W. Holden, Capt. Ormsby, and others of the 22d regiment, for transportation and subsistence of their companies on way to depot, which on motion of the Secretary of State was referred to the Inspector General for inspection, to be paid if found correct. On motion of the Attorney General it was Resolved, That the Governor have authority in his discretion to return men to their regiments here on furlough at the expense of the State. On motion of the Attorney General, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, on the call of the Governor. No. 15.] 207 August 16, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber at 2 o'clock, P. M. Present — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, State Engineer. — 6. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Governor stated that he had addressed a letter to the Ad- jutant General of the U. S., inquiring whether the 11th regiment N. Y. S. V. " Fire Zouaves," had been mustered out of the U. S. service, and if so, requesting official information without delay. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, it was Resolved, That there be paid to Gen. John H. Martindale, the sum of seventy-five dollars, being his expenses in going to Wash- ington upon the business of this Board. The Governor stated that he desired to bring before the Board the subject of purchasing rifles in this State, and thought that 10,000 should be contracted for without delay ; that Messrs. E. Remington & Sons would probably be able to deliver 10,000 within four months, at the price of $15 for each rifle, with trian- gular bayonet. The members of the Board present assented to the views of the Governor, and, on motion of the Treasurer, it was Resolved, That the Governor be authorized to enter into a con- tract with Messrs. E. Remington & Sons for 10,000 rifled muskets, with triangular bayonet attached, at a price not to exceed $15 each. On motion of the Comptroller, it was Resolved, That the Governor and Attorney General be a com- mittee to go to Washington, to confer with the officers and men of our volunteers, in relation to their term of service. The Governor submitted a communication from W. T. N. Phi- pard, paymaster 6th regiment N. Y. S. V., Col. Wilson, on which no action was had. On motion, the Board adjourned, to meet 18th September, at 12 o'clock, M., unless sooner called by the Governor. September 2, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, at 11 o'clock, A. M. pursuant to call of the Governor. Present — Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer. 208 [Assembly On motion, the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was dispensed with. The Governor stated that he had deemed it necessary to offer a bounty of two dollars for each man mustered into the service of the United States, the aggregate amount not to exceed sixty- four dollars for each company of men so enlisted and mustered. He also stated that this was not to apply to militia or other regi- mental organizations now partially completed and encamped in their respective districts for the purpose of recruiting; that since issuing a general order to that effect, (No. 90,) the Adjutant General had received the following letter from the War Depart- ment, in answer to an inquiry made by him : War Department, Aug. 29, 1861. Thomas Hillhouse, Adjutant General of State of Jfew York: Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24th instant. While the Department doubts the policy of offering any bounty, in view of the increase of regular pay provided by the recent act of Congress, the offer on the part of the Empire State to act thus liberally is regarded as deserving consideration from the U. S. Government. It will be for Congress to provide for the refunding of such bounties on the part of the State, if deemed advisable. Sincerely trusting that your efforts, and those of the State Ex- ecutive, will be successful in an early organization of the State quota provided in the Governor's call, I have the honor to be, dear sir, Your most obd't serv't, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. The Board concurring in the propriety of the bounty offered by the Governor, it was, on motion of the Attorney General, Resolved, That the Comptroller pay, upon the certificate of the proper officer, the bounty of two dollars per man, offered by the Governor in general orders number ninety as "expenses for mustering the militia of the State, or any part thereof, into the service of the United States." The Attorney General moved that the report and evidence taken before the special committee on the contract for clothing No. 15.] 209 be published in the Albany Evening Journal, and in such other papers as the committee on procuring publication may deem proper, and that the Treasurer be a committee to procure the publication thereof, which was unanimously carried. On motion the Board adjourned to meet on the 19th instant. September 19, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, pursuant to ad- journment, at 12 o'clock M. Present — Governor, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General and State Engineer. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Comptroller produced the contract made with Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, which referred to the act of April 16, 1861, but which should, he thought, refer to the act of April 17, 1861. It was suggested to amend the contract by quoting the title of chapter 292, Laws of 1861 ; and it was moved to refer to the commissioners under the said last act. The Governor asked if the Enfield arms now in the Arsenal at New York should be sent forward to the regiments now in the field, who already have very good arms, or if he might not give them to the regiments now being raised. The Board was of opinion that the Enfield rifles should be dis- tributed to the thirty-eight regiments organized under chapter 211. The Secretary of State presented account of Tuomey and Elder, for plumbing. After some discussion, the Secretary of State moved to refer the foregoing bill to General Patrick, with a request that he examine the bill carefully, and if satisfied of its correctness that it be paid, and if not correct in amount, that he shall be authorized to amend it in such manner as he may deem just, and that it then be paid at such amount. On putting the question, ayes and noes were called with the following result : Ayes, — Governor, Secretary of State, State Engineer and Surveyor — 3. Noes, — Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Treasurer — 4. whereupon the motion was declared lost, by the chair. The Comptroller introduced subject of settlement of account of the State against the General Government. [Assem. No. 15.] 14 210 [Assembly On motion of Lieutenant Governor, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Comptroller and Treasurer of this State be a committee to proceed to Washington to confer with the author- ities of the General Government in reference to the accounts and claims of this State for organizing, equipping and subsisting the volunteer militia of this State under the act of April 16, 1861, and that said committee be invested with full power, to settle and discharge such accounts and claims upon receiving the amount agreed to be paid thereon. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor the Board adjourned. October 1, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, pursuant to call of the Governor, at 11 o'clock A. M. Present — Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, State Engineer. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. On motion of the State Engineer, it was Resolved, That the Governor be authorized to issue Enfield rifles, now in the Arsenal at New York, and to arrive under con- tract with Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, with this Board, to such New York State troops as in his judgment be most advantageous to the interests of the General Government. On motion, the Board adjourned, subject to call of the Gov- ernor. October 24, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber, pursuant to call of the Governor, at 12 o'clock M. Present — Governor, Lieut. Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Treasurer, State Engineer and Surveyor. On motion, reading of the minutes of previous meeting was dispensed with. The Governor asked in what manner the following cases should be met : Where regiments or smaller organizations or individuals of the force, raised under chapter 277 of the Laws of 1861, are mustered out of the United States service, so as to relieve the State from responsibility for pay, &c., instancing the squad of the 19th regi- ment of N. Y. S. volunteers. In answer to which the Attorney General presented the fol- lowing resolution, which, on motion, was unanimously adopted : No. 15.] 211 Resolved, That all such officers or men of the 30,000 troops raised under the authority of this Board, as may at any time be mustered out of the service of the United States may, in the discretion of his Excellency the Governor, be discharged by him from further service under their enlistment, under the act of April 16, 1861. On motion of the Attorney General, it was unanimously Resolved, That a report of all the proceedings of this Board, under the act of April 16, 1861, to the Legislature be prepared and printed, uiider the direction of a committee of three members of the Board, to be appointed by the Governor. The Governor named the Attorney General, Lieutenant Gover- nor and State Engineer and Surveyor as such committee. On motion of the Comptroller, the resolution adopted on the 2d of September, in the following words : " Resolved, That the Comptroller pay, upon the certificate of the proper ofiicer, the bounty of $2 per man, ofi'ered by the Gov- ernor in general order No. 90, as expenses for recruiting the militia of this State, or any part thereof, into the service of the United States," was rescinded from this date. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor, the Board adjourned until November 13th, at 12 o'clock M. Nov. 13. The Board met at the Executive Chamber pursuant to adjourn- ment, at 12-1 p, M. Present — Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, State Engineer and Surveyor. Minutes of the two previous meetings were read and approved. The Governor presented a communication from Rev. Wm. B. Matchett, chaplain 10th regiment New York State volunteers, and one from George Bliss, jr., in relation (on file) to pay of Mr. Matchett, for two months' services, ending the 15th October, ult. Mr. Matchett stated, in his letter, that he had been on duty with his regiment at Fortress Monroe, and had not received any order to be mustered into the United States service, or been advised that he should not receive pay from the State. The Governor stated that he understood that Mr. Matchett was not a regularly or- dained clergyman ; that the War Department had required that chaplains should be regularly ordained, but, nevertheless, Mr. 212 [Assembly Matchett had lately been mustered into the United States ser- vice, and would hereafter receive pay therefrom. Whereupon the Comptroller offered the following resolution : Resolved, That Reverend W. B. Matchett, chaplain of the 10th regiment. New York State volunteers, be paid all arrears of sal- ary due him, previous to being mustered into the service of the United States, and that chaplains of all other regiments of vol- unteers from this State, who have discharged their duties with- out having been paid by the United States, be paid at the rate authorized by the resolution of this Board of 16th May, 1861. Board adjourned. Dec. 13, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber pursuant to the call of the Governor at 12^ P. M. Present — The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Treasurer and State Engineer. The Governor presented the question of pay of members of his staff, and other officers engaged in military service, concerning which several members of the Board had previously been con- sulted, and submitted the following letter which he had addressed to the Comptroller. Executive Department, ? Albany, JYov. 20, 1861. \ Sir — Upon consultation with the members of the Military Board, the compensation of the staff of the Commander-in-chief, and of certain other officers engaged in military service has been fixed at the following rates, from the 16th day of April, 1861, unless another date is specified, until otherwise ordered. Adjutant General, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Inspector General, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Commissary General, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Engineer-iu-chief, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Judge Advocate General, pay and allowance of major of in- fantry. Surgeon General, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Quartermaster General, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Paymaster General, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Commandants of general depots. New York, Albany, and El- inira, pay and allowance of major of infantry. No. 15.] 213 Aid-de-camp, Col. Thos. B. Arden, pay and allowance of major of infantry. Aid-de-canip, Col. Geo. Bliss, Jr., pay and allowance of major of infantry. Aid-de-camp, Col. E. F. Shephard, pay and allowance of cap- tain of infantry. Aid-de-camp, Col. S. D. Bradford, Jr., pay and allowance of captain of infantry. Assistant Adjutant General, pay and allowance of captain of infantry. Assistant Commissary General, pay and allowance of captain of infantry. Private Secretary, yearly allowance for military service $500. An additional compensation, at the rate of $500 per annum, is allowed Chester A. Arthur, as Acting Assistant Quartermaster General. All moneys heretofore paid to either of the above named are to be deducted from the compensation hereby established. Any previous order or direction to the Comptroller, conflicting with the above, is hereby revoked. No allowance is to be made for mileage or carriage hire, but actual expenses of travel will be allowed when ordered on duty away from their posts. Payments to be made in monthly instal- ments. I am, very respectfully, Your obed't serv't, (Signed) E. D. MOEXJAN. Hon. Robert Denniston, Comptroller. On motion of the Attorney General, Resolved, That the annexed schedule for payment of the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, for compensation for the arduous and unforeseen service by them respectively performed, be adopted, and payment to the said officers respectively made. On motion of the Lieut. Governor, it was Resolved, That the State Engineer and Surveyor, Mr. Rich- mond, be added to the committee appointed by this Board, on the 19th September last, to proceed to Washington to settle the claims of the State against the General Government. Board adjourned 7 o'clock, P. M., 2Tth December. 214 [Assembly December 27, 1861. The Board met at the Executive Chamber pursuant to adjourn- ment, at 7 o'clock P. M. Present — Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Attorney General, Treasurer, State Engineer. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Comptroller, from the committee appointed by resolutions of this Board on 19th September and 13th December, to proceed to Washington to settle the claims of this State against the Gen- eral Government, reported that it had arranged for a reimburse- ment to the State of forty per cent, or $1,113,000 of its expen- ditures for organizing and equiping volunteers, payable in three instalments of equal proportions ; that the first instalment had already arrived, the second was expected to-morrow, and the third on Monday. The Attorney General, from the committee appointed under resolution of Oct. 24tli, to prepare a report of the proceedings of the Board, presented and read to the Board a draft of a report. On motion of the Lieutenant Governor it was Resolved, That the report presented by the committee be adop- ted as the report of this Board, and that the Secretary be autho- rized to certify the report and minutes of the Board to the Leg- islature. On motion of the Comptroller it was Resolved, That the account of A. S. Partridge, for procuring twenty-six recruits for the 18th regiment, be and the same is hereby clirected to be paid by the Comptroller. On motion of the Secretary of State it was Resolved, That the thanks of this Board are due and are hereby tendered to his Excellency Governor Morgan, for the prompt, courteous and impartial manner in which he has presided over the deliberations of this Board. On motion, the Board adjourned. I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the minutes of the several meetings of the Board of State Officers named in the act of April 16, 1861, entitled "An act to authorize the em- bodying and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence," and of the whole of such minutes, from April 16, 1861, to December 31, 1861, inclusive. J. H. LINSLY, Secretary. LBJa'll y .^