The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-08-16

uPoo Ao4uioieiVuS COWlOg III Tue proper IOEm
This fact was substantiated by Captain
Gibson, upon whom l afterwards called
during the same morning. I then asked
General Meigs if he would telegraph to
Philadelphia, and have the clothing upon
the requisition made by Colonel German
shipped, directed for the First Minnesota
Regiment. He said he would do so, and
called clerk and directed him to do it.
Upon the following day, in the order pass
book of the department, saw a copy of
the telegram, and it was specially ordered
for the regiment.
At the end of about five or six days,
began to call at the clothing depot to see if
the clothing had arrived, and continued to
do so up to Wednesday, the 18th, when the
regiment having left Alexandria and gone
towards Manassas, and could not find at
the Railroad depot, upon the bills of lading,
that the clothing had been shipped land know.
ing consequently that several days at least
must eIapse before could ordinarily receive
it, l started after the regiment, overtaking it
at Langer's Station, some five miles beyond
Fairfax Court House, upon Thursday morn.
ing. The Colonel Immediately asked for
the news in regard to the clothing. l told
him, when he ordered me back to Wash
ington, and mot to return without it," That
night l reached Washington, and upon the
following morning called upon Gen. Meigs,
and asked him to telegraph to Philadelphia,
making enquiries in regard to the clothing.
He replied that he was very busy indeed,
but if would write the telegram he would
sign it: 1t was done but upon that day,
nor upon the next, was any answer received,
Upon Sunday-the day of the fght-the
invoice came, and as soon as the regiment
arrived here in Washington and became
settled in camp, the clothing was distribu-
ted to the men, and general good humor
began to prevail. The pants, it is true, are
very large; but that, in the regular army,
is considered good fault, as they can easily
be made smaller. We have had four tailors
constantly at work since the pants were de-
livered. The clothing consists of pants,
flannel blouses, and dress coats army pat
tern. Since the regiment came here, about
one week ago, a complete inventory of
everything the regiment stood 10 want of
has been made, including clothing, camp
and garrison equipage, and ordinance and
stores, acquisitions made, and everything,
except the clothing, received and distribu-
ted amoLg the companies. Among the
clothing ordered, there are blankets, shirts,
socks and OvercOats, in anticipation of win
ter. Thus much in regard to the clothing
for the regiment. You will perceive that the
proper officers, both of the Regiment and
of the Department, have done everything
in their power, and pursued the matter
with more than ordinary diligence, but we
have been subject to unavoidable delays and
accidents.
sECoND-As TO FOOD.
The army regulations allow as ration
three fourths of pound of pork or bacon,
or one and one fourth pounds of fresh or
salt beef; one pound and two ounces of
-four or bread, or twelve ounces OF lard
bread and at the rate, to one hundred ra
lions, OF eight quarts of peas or beans, or
in lieu thereof ten pounds of rice; ten
pounds of coffee, fifteen pounds of sugar,
four quarts of vinegar, and a half
pounds of candles, four pounds of soap, and
two quarts of salt.
Our regiment has always had, since we
first came to Washington, the full amount
OF the above rations, they having generally
been drawn for three days at time, with
the exception of fresh bread and fresh beef,
which are always drawn upon the day of
| consumption. Whenever the regiment has
been so situated that it could be done, they
have had fresh bread every morning, which
has been about one halt of the time, as near
as l can ascertain from hasty examina-
ton of the provision returns. Fresh beef
is intended, and is generally issued, twice a
week.
Upon an examination of the above, you
will perceive that the government furnishes
liberal supply of food, and in some of the
companies, where they have been prudent
and economical, they have saved quite a
company fund.
THIRD-As TO PAY.
This was due the regiment, aod it was
entitled to receive it, upon the first day oil
July. The pay can only be procured upon
going through with certain formalities, the
first of which is Tor the company officers to
make complete and perfect muster roll OF
their respective companies, showing when
and where each man was enlisted. From
this the paymaster's clerks make out pay
roll, upon which the assistant paymasters
pay the regiments. The blanks for the
muster rolls OF this regiment were obtained
by Major Dixie in the early part of the
month, and some of the company officers
made out their muster rol S Immediately.
Others, being unacquainted with the busi-
ness, and not knowing how to make out
these rolls, and not taking efficient measures
to learn how, have neglected to make them
out until towards the close of last week,
when, upon Saturday morning last, the
rolls being all in and complete, they were
handed in to the Paymaster's Department
since which time Paymaster Major E. E.
Paulding, of our State, hes been busy
with several clerks computing the amounts
due each man, and filling out the
pay roll, in order to 'E,y US to-
morrow, when he will be rec as be to
day assured me. This paymel --.,ght have
and would undoubtedly have been made
three weeks ago, at least, if the muster rolls
had been completed. The Government has
been, as am assured, ready and prepared
to pay US at all times since the pay became
due.