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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 particulars 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 views remain in command of this regiment disorganized & ruptured as it now is as the labor of getting the ship off the rocks, and ready for another successful voyage will surely entirely wear out the pilot. I shall now together with your assistance if granted, use every endeavor to have