This relief was unquestionably administered with that generous liberality which the law contemplated. Yet the duty was neither easy nor desirable, as it required much labor, good judgment, discrimination, and delicacy, at the same time giving opportunity for much censure. While imposition on the counties had to be guarded against, respect for the claims of applicants was demanded, and in its distribution there was a degree of delicacy requisite in barring the least idea of a charity, and in establishing one of a right. The Quartermaster General, J. H. Fountain, a faithful and energetic officer, who had been appointed in March, was charged with clothing, equipping, and subsisting the troops on contracts made by the "Military Contract Board," organized May 15th by Legislative authority, and composed of Colonels E. 0. Grosvenor, Jonesville; Jerome Croul, Detroit; and William Hammond, Tekonsha. Individual ability and great energy, coupled with exemplary economy, characterized this Board, relieving the Quartermaster General of much labor and responsibility. General A. S. Williams and Colonel H. M. Whittlesey, of Detroit, Colonel A. W. Williams, of Lansing, and Col. C. W. Leffingwell, of Grand Rapids, constituted the State Military Board, with the Adjutant General and Quartermaster General as members ex officio.