Abraham Lincoln papers

1 From Francis B. Loomis to , April 19, 1864

1 The following was enclosed in Augustus Brandegee to Lincoln, [April, 1864].

To Abraham Lincoln

President of the

Believing that the time has now come when every man who has been mustered into the service of the United States either as an officer of soldier, who are now stationed at the various forts in the Loyal States should at once be put into active service, and the Forts thus vacated be at once garrisoned by Citizen Soldiers, I would respectfully represent and suggest, that inasmuch as we have in this City (New London Conn) a first class Fort now well garrisoned under the Command of an efficient officer who would do good service in the field— Having had some Military Experience as an officer the Militia of our State I propose to muster into the service of the United States One hundred good and true men to garrison Fort Trumbull. [And pledging?] I will pay the whole expense including clothing pay and rations for the troops for a period of One hundred days if not sooner relieved by the War Department.

In addition to this I will take Command of the troops so provided in person and will report myself for 2 duty at one hours notice and will fill the quota named in three days

2 Though the government did not accept this offer, Lincoln wrote to Loomis on May 12 and gave him his “cordial thanks” for the “generous and public-spirited offer.” See Collected Works, VII, 338.

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servant

F. B. Loomis

New London Conn.

April 29th 1864

Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.4288000