Turner Dec. 1, 1862

Hon. I Washburn Governor of Maine

Respected Sir.

I take the liberty to address you upon a subject that is, at this moment, agitating the minds of our people, and I can assure you it is no very pleasant thing to hear their wailings at the treatment their sons are receiving from the authorities who have control over them in the Army. 29 of our boys enlisted in the 16th Regt. although some few chose to take their chance in some of the Old Regiments. From those in the 16th Regt. we are continually receiving accounts of ill treatment, lack of clothing, lack of food & want of tents, &c &c.

You having recently visited the Army can tell why these complaints are made. Our citizens, particularly those having sons in the 16th Regt. have had a meeting & have decided to send an Agent to the Army, with clothing for their sons.

I saw a letter from one of the Officers detailing quite particularly their sufferings & wants and stating that the Government had furnished every thing in abundance but after trying for months they could not get it - and stating further that they had not seen their Quartermaster for a month and his Idea was that the trouble was in the ineficiency of the Qr. M. Our people are preparing shirts, drawers, boots & will send them on by an Agent 1 week from today.

Arch Leavitt will go as the Agent. Thinking that you might have something to say that might assist them in their operations I write to you on the subject. I shall be happy to hear from you on this subject.

With sentiments of esteem

I am Respectfully yours,

Philo Clark

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