.ODk3.NTIyMA

�[state of Maine seal] State of Maine. HEAD QUARTERS Adjutant General's Office. Augusta Sunday morning [inserted] May 26th 1861 Mr dea General. Yrs of 22 + 23 int were not read until after the [?] telegram announcing yr resignation + I felt that a hasty epistle was not what was due you, from me, in view of the very pleasant acquaintance + official inter[?] hitherto existing between us. Little as I know about the details of staff duties, I am satisfied of the very good advantage to the State + myself, + all officers connected with the Military Depts in the present unparalleled emergency, in availing ourselves of your superior practical knowledge of the legitimate duties in detail of each + all of us. It was, therefore, to me a very pleasant reflection that you might be induced to continue in a position that might render that knowledge available, + I still trust that our [underlined] relations are such that you will not withhold yr advice + counsel from myself + those connected with us who have in good faith endeavored + under your position endurable.

In regard to clerks at Portland, Merrill was mistaken. The part was I think not half what he stated. I have shown conclusively to all connected with Head Quarters, the very great economical [underlined] necessity [underlined], of putting all the clerks possible to be employed, upon them Rolls, as every [underlined] day's [underlined] continuance of that 1st Reg upon our hands involved + expresses directly + in- -directly of pay subsistence clothing quarters +c of $1000, the reimbursement of which, by the Genl. Grant would

be exceedingly difficult + yet "one purchased against

his will, remains of the same opinion still". I can perceive in the present imperfect method