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confidential

Head Quarters

Arlington heights

Camp Rice 2nd Regt. Maine Volunteers

Aug. 15th. 1861

Hon Israel Washburn Jr

Augusta, Maine

Dear Sir

I yesterday after mature deliberation telegraphed you as follows or similar

“Use all possible means to muster out of the service the 2nd Maine Regt. & order home particularly by mail” I was very much grieved I can assure you to take the above Step both for my own credit and that of the heretofore gallant 2nd but it is better for a man or a body of men “to give up the whole world rather than to lose their own souls” I cannot consistently with my present feelings[?], and[?] [?] remain in command of this regiment disorganized & ruptured[?] as it now is as the labor of getting the ship off the [?] and ready for another successful voyage will Surely entirely [?] [?] the pilot. I shall now lose this[?] with your[?] assistance[?] if granted, use every endeavor to have