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it is not by any means a finality [underlined] with him, & perhaps therefore, not much but better be said about it. If we can receive the cooperation of Massachusetts & some other States, in attempting to have this rescinded we shall try it measurably. It is well enough, so far as field officer are concerned, but Lieutenants & captains, as matters are in this State, will be unfavorably affected & it will prejudice our operations. Indeed, I think the effect of it here would be to disorganize the Regiment. It would be difficult finding men qualified for captains under 30 & Lieuts. under 22 with whom parents would be willing to trust their sons - moreover, the present elected officers de[?] out of service by this order, would disaffect (as much as possible,) the men of their command, & that disaffection would be contagious - the blame would be thrown upon the Governor in as much as it is but a suggestion, not an order, [underlined] & it would help throw the State into the hands of the opposition. On the other hand, the Genl. Government is not soliciting [underlined] troops [underlined] of us [underlined], but we are entreating them to receive the Regiments tendered & therefore they can dictate the terms upon which they will receive them.

In view of the fact that company officers are selected for the 4 regiments, (tho not commissioned) it is a dilemma. [underlined]. Not more than 3 capts. & as many Lieuts. here, would be spared under a literal [underlined] enforcement of the rules. The remainder, & their respected [?] to the [?] generation, would be found besieging the Legislature & Congress, for reimbursement & indemnification [?] & constructive, for loss & injury of every kind & description, (that the ingenuity of man, devil, + lawyer, could invent,) in any way accruing from their having at the earnest & pitiful entreaty of this State and Genl. Government.