To the Secretary of War: March 18th 1861.
Sir: You will favor me by issuing an order detailing Lieut. Ephraim E Ellsworth, of the First Dragoons, for special duty as Adjutant and Inspector General of Militia for the United States, and in so far a existing laws will admit, charge him with the transaction, under your direction, of all business pertaining to the Militia, to be conducted as a separate bureau, of which Lieut. Ellsworth will be chief, with instructions to take measures for promoting a uniform system of organization, drill, equipment, &c. &c. of the U. S. Militia, and to prepare a system of2Open page drill for Light troops, adapted for self-instruction, for distribution to the Militia of the several States. You will please assign him suitable office rooms, furniture &c. and provide him with a clerk and messenger, and furnish him such facilities in the way of printing, stationery, access to public records, &c. as he may desire for the successful prosecution of his duties; and also provide3Open page in such manner as4Open page may be most convenient and proper, for a monthly payment to Lieut Ellsworth, for this extra duty, sufficient to make his pay5Open page equal that of a Major of Cavalry. Your obt. Servt.