Boston February 23^d 1863

L^t Col Harrison Ritchie

AD.C.

Colonel.

             I have received yours of the 20^th (only this morning) covering the inspection report of the 32^d Massachusetts & presuming that it is communicated to me as implying that I am censurable for the condition of the Regiment as therein described I thank you for the opportunity to clear myself from the imputation.             

 

I write today to ascertain who is responsible and if the officers under whom I now serve hold me blameworthy I will acknowledge it fairly.

 

            Meantime allow me to say that I had already heard of this report and it appears that at the time of the inspection the Regiment properly speaking was absent on fatigue duty the number of men remaining in camp was about 80 consisting of the sick, the extra duty men, servants and 30 men who had just returned from three days tour of guard duty at Division Head Quarters.

 

            The field officers, three Senior Captains and nearly all the other officers were absent on leave or with the regiment, and the Senior officer in camp was Capt Norton of Co I. The inspection must have been a peculiar one.

 

            Of course you would not hold me responsible for the condition of muskets & equipments or dress when I had been out of the command six weeks but in some respects I know the report to be untrue probably because Capt Norton, who had not known the regiment long enough, gave erroneous replies to questions.

 

            Recitations in Army Regulations were held at Fort Warren. At about the time the new companies joined Caseys book was adopted and until I left my copy was the only one in camp nor could more be obtained upon my repeated requisition. But my own opinion is that instruction by recitation is practically impossible in a marching regiment.

 

            The articles of war had been read—repeatedly to the old companies—and certainly once to the new.

 

            The regiment while under my command was considered remarkable for guard duty & was repeatedly complimented therefor. Indeed two entire companies have been detached permanently for guard and the details were large & frequent & for the most creditable positions

 

            As to the efficiency of the officers I hand you with this a list of them giving my judgment, but I beg you to notice that my recommendations or selections were limited to my own command and the problem for me to solve was not to obtain the most efficient officers but to obtain the best from the ranks. Consequently I allowed second officers to remain not because I could not find better but because I could find none better in the regiment.

 

            You will remember that my request for the appointment of certain officers from other regiments was not granted. /

 

 

I confess to a feeling of deep mortification at knowing of such an inspection report but believe that I can in a few days show to His Excellency satisfactory proof that if this be a correct report it is very different from those while I had the honor to hold the command.

 

            Again thanking you for giving me this opportunity I am

 

Very respectfully yours

Franc^s J. Parker /

 

Boston February 23^d 1863.

Brig Gen Griffin

Comdg 1^st Division 5 Corps

General,

                   His Excellency Gov Andrew has transmitted to me a copy of the inspection report of the 32^d Massachusetts dated February 11^th and I receive it as an intimation that I am responsible for the present condition of the regiment. If such is the fact I am prepared to bear the imputation as a deserved punishment. And I confess to a feeling of the deepest mortification, whether the responsibility is upon me or not.

 

            I would respectfully request your opinion as to its cause and your statement as to the habitual condition of the regiment while under my command, and your reply whether favorable or unfavorable to me shall be transmitted to Gov. Andrew, and I shall be as always with sentiments of the warmest regard

 

Very respectfully

Your Obedient Servt.

Franc^s J Parker

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