J. K. Moorhead to Grorge L. Stearns, June 18, 1863

Maj. GrorGe L. STEARNS, Continental Hotel, Philadelphia:

This morning I saw the dispatch referred to in your telegram, and immediately telegraphed General Couch that he was authorized to receive troops without regard to color; but if there is likely to be any dispute about the matter, it will be better to send no more. It is well to avoid all controversy in the present juncture, as the troops

can be well used elsewhere.

204 N. ©, V. A. W. V. A. M. D., P. A., ETO. [Cuar. XXXIX,

Washington, June 18, 1863—11.40 a. m, His Excellency Governor CURTIN, Harrisburg, Pa.:

Your telegram in respect to the One hundred and seventy-second Pennsylvania,* now at Yorktown, has been received. If that regiment will re-enlist for six months, its services will be accepted. Will you communicate with the regiment, and inform this Department of their determination ? EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

PITTSBURGH, June 18, 1863. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States:

DeEaR Sir: At several public meetings of citizens and the committee of safety, resolutions have been passed expressing a desire to have martial law declared here. Last night a committee, consisting of Mr. Thaw, Joseph Plummer, James Park, jr., Reuben Miller, jr., and myself, were appointed to request you to give Major-General Brooks authority to decline it. This is believed to be necessary to enable us to complete the fortifications now being erected, and to successfully defend the city. Let me, therefore, urge upon you the importance of promptly clothing the general with sufficient power.

Respectfully, yours,