Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-06-25
why the Ohio Troops in Washington Have
NJ


The following is the official report Of Mr..
Platt to Governor Dennison, in reference to
the payment of The Ohio troops now in
Washington:
Sir. In compliance with your instructions
Of the 9th inst, left this place in the afler-
noon of that day, for Washington City, and
arrived there on the morning OF the Sth.
l first called on the Secretary of the Treas
ury, explained 70 him the object of my visit,
showed him my letter of instructions, and
left with him the S25 600 sent TO pay for one
month service of the First and Second Regi-
ments of Ohio Volunteers, which he received
with apparent satisfaction.
then went to the encampment of the Ohio
troops on the northern boundary OF the city,
saw and conversed with officers and privates
in regard to rumors of their destitute cOndi-
ton which were in circulation; told them Of
your desire that every ground of complaint
should be removed, and that with this view
] had been sent with money to pay them for
one months service, and to examine into the
condition of their clothing and report what
might be needed to make them comfortable.
Upon inquiry | sscertained that the cloth
| ing and shoes furnished them in Pennsylva-
mia were not all of one quality, part being
inferior and part good, but was assured by
| both officers and men that it was not so bad
| as had been represented. | found that the
First Regiment had just received a new
outfit from the United States and was COM
| fortably clothed. The Second Regiment was
still wearing the Pennsylvania uniform. 1t
was much worn and soiled, and not suitable
for a days dress, but | learned that steps
| had already been taken for furnishing this
regiment also with United States uniforms,
which they received within few days after,
and are now clothed in the same manner as
the First Regiment.
To provide for wants which it was expected
| would be found pressing and require imme-
diate attention, five hundred pairs Of panta-
| looms were forwarded to Washington, to be
| furnished to the troops on my arrival. As
these were not needed, directions were given
| for their immediate return to Columbus, to-
gether with one thousand and forty eight
pairs of drawers and one hundred and forty
eight flannel shirts, furnished by the State,
which were reported by Colonel McCook to
be on hand and not wanted by the men.
was informed by Colonel McCook that
blankets for thirty privates, and blouses,
pants, and blankets for eleven musicians of
the First Regiment were needed, and recon-
mended that they be furnished Immediately.
The officers of the First Regiment ask the
State to relieve them of liability incurred
for band of musicians, amounting to Sl9S
per month being $l8 each for eleven mu-
sicans. The United States authorities will
! not recognize this expenditure, and If not
paid by the State it will fall on the officers
Under the circumstances, this expense ap-
pears TO me proper, and that it should be
borne by the State. / therefore respectfully
recommend that it be paid.
On my arrival in Washington as before
, stated, left with the Secretary of the Treas.
ury $25 900, to be applied to the payment OF
one months wages of the Ohio troops, and
made this fact known to them. A few days
after, finding the men were not paid, called
at the Treasury Department to inquire into
the cause of the delay, and was told it was
for the want of the muster rolls which the
officers had omitted to furnish-that on the
receipt of them by the Psymaster General
the money would be Immediately paid. This
/ soon made known to the men. There
seems to be some difficulty in getting the
muster-rolls made out correctly, owing, ap-
) parently, to the want of a clear understands
, ing on the part of officers of the wishes Of
the pay department. Two or more sets were
, | made " hch were unsatisfactory.
The day before leaving for home, when at
, the camp, saw seven or eight men busiiy
engaged making out third or fourth set
, and was assured they would be "aH righ
: This time" and completed in time to draw
: the money the following morning, all o
which | supposed would be accomplished.
On calling at the Treasury Department
some days after leaving the $4,000, wa!
: informed that provisions had been made fol
paying our troops without using this money
and that, to avoid confusion in the accounts
' of the Department it would be returned t
me.
Having been assured by the Secretary o
? the Treasury that this return would cause nj
delay in paying our soldiers, received bacl
the same drafts furnished me by the Stat
Z Auditor, and on my return to Columbus paiC
j them to the State Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
=, WIN. A. PLATT.
COLUMBUS, June 20, 1861.