To James Madison from the Officers of the Pittsburgh Blues, 4 June 1812 (Abstract)
§ From the Officers of the Pittsburgh Blues
4 June 1812, Pittsburgh. Have been authorized by vote to tender the services of the “Pittsburgh Blues” under the act authorizing JM “to accept of the services of Fifty Thousand Volunteers.” “The Blues are … composed of Fifty young men anxious to serve their Country in the anticipated contest; and we hope should your Excellency think proper to employ them, that they will be unremitting in their attentions & exertions to promote the welfare of our common Country.”1
RC (DNA: RG 107, LRRS, B-270:6). 1 p. Signed by James R. Butler, captain; Matthew J. McGee, lieutenant; and James Irwin, ensign. Docketed as received in the War Department on 12 June 1812 with the notation: “N. B. Inscribed 50.”
1. In acknowledging this letter on 14 Aug. 1812 the secretary of war enclosed commissions for the officers and directed the company to report to Niagara “to cooperate with the Troops on the Lakes.” The company, Eustis added, would have to provide its own camp equipage and transportation, as it was impossible for the War Department to furnish these for all the volunteer companies from every part of the Union (DNA: RG 107, LSMA).