George Shepley Transcript

Head Quarters 12th Regt
Maine Volunteers
Portland
Nov 7, 1861

His Excellency
Israel Washburn Jr.
Governor of Maine State Archives

Dear Sir
Capt Thompson the bearer will communicate to you certain matters I hae explained to him respecting the recruiting service.

There are from three to four hundred men in the State who have been established ostensibly for the 12th who are now in or are going in to other Regiments. This has left some small fractions in several of my companies that I want to fill up immediately. I could have thirteen or fourteen hundred men today if I could take all the company organizations offered and enlisted for the Twelfth Regiment. I want also about one hundred men to fill up the Battery immediately. I expected to have more time to fill this up but we shall leave much sooner than I expected and without waiting for the Regiment from other states who do not begin to come up with Maine in promptness and patriotism.

Thank God! By the kindness and efficiency of the Executive and the General Staff, and the efficiency of my officers, and the patriotism of the people, the Twelfth Maine will be the first regiment in the field of the new ones authorized to be raised by Gen’l Butler.

The men I awnt are, asy one hundred and fifty men, without offivers, to complete companies up to maximum, and fill up Batter. I could have them enslited readily if I had time.
Will the State furnish us Army Regulations and the new “Complete” Tactics?
I hope to be able to be in Augusta soon.
I shall have the honor of forwarding nominations for company Officers in a day or two

With great respect
Your
Obt Servant
G. F. Shepley
Col 12th R.M.V.