Gloucester, Mass.

July 1^st 1863

 

Col. Francis J. Parker

Dear Sir,

               In view of present exigencies Gov Andrew has issued orders for recruiting a Company for the defence of Gloucester against piratical invasion, and another for the protection of the State should any emergency arise.

 

As my health has been restored, I feel that my obligations to the Government are consequently renewed. Therefore, I have addressed a communication to the Governor, offering him my services in either of the companies to be recruited, should he see fit to / grant me a commission.

 

Should my plan meet your approval, may I solicit your influence in my behalf, assuring you that I shall feel deeply grateful for any thing you may do towards promoting my interest in securing the appointment. I am compelled by conscientious convictions to rally with all who may fly to the rescue of the Palladium of our liberties from the grasp of a vandal horde plotting usurpation, anarchy & ruin. To be apathetic in the presence of such a crisis in our national struggle would manifest the basest poltroonery, if not downright treason. The hour is coming when the declaration of the Savior will be strikingly verified in the cause of American liberty, when he who is not with it, will be against it, when every man who preserves silence or manifests indifference in this stern conflict, will / be counted recreant to a freeman's trust, an enemy to his country's welfare, and practically a coadjutor in the accomplishment of its inglorious overthrow.

 

With sentiments of high regard, I have the honor to remain

 

Your Very Ob't Servt

Octavius A. Merrill

 

[endorsement]

 

O. A. Merrill

July 1. 1863

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