government might impart instruction
to regiments and brigades, instead of to squads and companies. I
spoke to General Scott about this, and the result of my interview
was very unpleasant. I fear we both lost our temper, though I
never ceased to respect the old general for the great service he
had rendered his country; but his day was past.

After consulting Major Garesche, Assistant Adjutant-General, as to
the names of officers, I then applied to the President, explained
to him fully the situation of affairs, my promise, the gathering
of the soldiers in Camp Buckingham, their inexperience, and want
of drill masters, their ardent patriotism, stated my interview with
General Scott, and appealed to him to help me out of the dilemma.

I never shall forget the interview with Mr. Lincoln, for he did
not hesitate, but sent for Major Garesche, and gave me the coveted
order before I left him, directing the Secretary of War to detail
two second lieutenants, James William Forsyth, of Ohio, and Charles
Garrison Harker, of New Jersey, and Sergeants Bradley and Sweet, of
the regular army, for service in the Ohio Volunteers, under my
direction. This order was the key that unlocked the difficulty
and gave to the force the elements of military discipline. At the
same time the requisite orders were given for uniforms, arms of
the best pattern, cannon, horses and various equipments.

I then procured the detail of Major Robert S. Granger, of the United
States army, to command the camp and to organize the force. He
had graduated as a cadet from Ohio, was one of the officers of the
regular army surrendered by General Twiggs to the State of Texas
before the beginning of the war, and had given his parole not to
serve in the army until exchanged. Though this was not held to
apply to the enlistment of volunteers he so construed his parole
as to prevent him from serving in his regiment until duly exchanged.
When this was done he entered the service and was rapidly promoted
to Major General of Volunteers.

Within sixty days 2,340 young men of Ohio were formed into the 64th
and 65th regiments, the 6th battery of artillery, and McLaughlin's
squadron of cavalry, armed with the best arms then in the service,
uniformed, equipped and partly drilled as soldiers, ready to march,
and actually marching, to the seat of war. No better material for
soldiers, and no better soldiers in fact, ever enlisted in any
cause or any service.

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