Montgomery C. Meigs to Richard Yates

Quarter-Master General's Office,

Washington City, August 19, 1864

His Excellency

Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois,

Springfield, Illinois.

Sir:

Your communication of the 5th instant, in reference to the accounts of Ira Merchant, Frank S. Reardon, and James P. Willard, for services as clerks in clothing depot at Springfield, Illinois, has been received.

In reply, you are respectfully informed that those accounts were returned, on the 19th of May last, to Captain C. H. Ingraham, 14th Infantry, under whose direction the men appear to have been employed, and that officer was informed that the hire of citizens to assist in the issue of clothing to recruits was not approved as a charge against the Quartermaster’s Department. That Department provides and forwards to the designated depots, army posts, &c., the necessary clothing for the troops, but the issue of such clothing to recruits is a duty which does not devolve upon the Qrmasters Department.

Captain Ingraham had no authority from this office to employ clerks for any

such purpose. On the contrary, when he made application for such authority, he was informed that it could not be granted.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Very respectfully,

Your obedient Servant,

M C Meigs

Brvt. Major General, and Qr. Mr. General.

Book 60. V/.4.

 "    59. I.52.

Claim

Meigs, M. C.

Washington D.C. Aug 19th 1864

States that the accounts of Ira W. Merchant et al were returned to Capt C H Ingraham. That issue of clothing does not devolve in Q. M. Dept. Capt I. had no authority to employ such clerks and was so informed by Department.

Executive Office Springfield Ill

Aug 24th 1864

Respectfully furnished to Ira W. Merchant for his information. Will Mr. Merchant call upon the Governor in relation to this matter.

Simon Hirschbach

Col & A. D. C.

Write Merchant that he had better see me about this – Send him this letter