Annotation
[1] Copy, DNA WR RG 94, AGO, Colored Troops Division, W 456. The copy of Lincoln's endorsement is preserved on a copy of the following letter from Governor Francis H. Peirpoint February 23, 1864:
``Oliver C. Gibbs Esq of Massachusetts, by request of Gov. Andrew as he informs me, desires to recruit colored troops in Virginia: to fill a Massachusetts regiment in that state. I dont see that I ought to object to it. I have no means to pay this or any other class of soldiers a bounty; and Mr Gibbs informs me that Massachusetts will pay them $300. Bounty.
``There are other parties here, recruiting for other states, who I learn, appropriate or receive one half of the bounty given by their states, for enlisting. I think I ought to require all these parties to report to me and make satisfactory arrangements to secure to these helpless men their full bounty. Unless you advise otherwise I shall issue a notice to this effect---and will respectfully ask that you will give aid in carrying it out if the parties prove refractory.''
See Lincoln to Andrew, February 18, supra.