War was coming and troops were to be needed. This much was certain, but no one could tell how the necessary troops would be raised. It was rumored that the military advisors of the government were divided in their councils, and that some favored the retention of the Militia for local defence, and the organization of new regiments of volunteers to fill the expected call. For weeks the Adjutant was ready to tender the services of the Eighth as a militia, or volunteer regiment, whichever way the call came. The tension was so great that on April 22nd the following letter was sent to the Governor:—
"Headquarters Eighth Regiment Infantry.
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia,
Salem, Mass., April 22, 1898.
Maj. Gen. Samuel Dalton,
Adjutant General, State of Massachusetts,
State House, Boston, Mass.
Sir:—
I have the honor to represent to the Commander-in-Chief that the officers and men of the Eighth Regiment are willing and anxious to respond to any call for volunteers, and I hereby tender the services of the Regiment, if agreeable to the wishes of the Commander-in-Chief, to form a part of any quota that Massachusetts may be called upon to furnish.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
William A. Pew, Jr.
Colonel."
The above letter was acknowledged by the following communication:—
"Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Executive Department,
Boston, Mass, April 22, 1898.
Col. William A. Pew, Jr.,
Headquarters Eighth Regiment Infantry, M. V. M.,
Salem, Mass.