In this letter from April 1861, William B. Rogers helps raise money to purchase knapsacks for a regiment of Massachusetts soldiers.
1 Temple Place
Boston Ap 23 1861
My dear Sir:
I learn that some of our brave troops recently gone South were but imperfectly provided with knapsacks and that a supply of this article of equipment is urgently needed for those that are to follow.
Twelve hundred dollars will procure good knapsacks for a regiment of 640 men. In aid of such a provision I propose raising a subscription contributing what little I can myself.
The maker is ready to execute the order at once.
Commending the subject to your attention I remain,
Very truly yours,
William B. Rogers
William Barton Rogers Papers, Department of Distinctive Collections, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
