TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 3 - Volume 3 AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1899 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B TH~ GIFT OF ~t~G1U. ~ 01~?(OULAT E. A. i~~s~ Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRFCORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTH, CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKIJEY. SERIES IllVOLUME III. WASHINGTON: GOYERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE., 1899 Page R002 4 j#%5~ Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL flECO1~D~ OF iIIE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. A191)IT1ONS ANI) COKRECTIONS TO SERIES IllVOLUME III. (To be inserted in the volume. For explanation see G--rieral Index volume. Serial No. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHEI) UNI)ER TiLE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AJI~SWOI{TH, CHIEF OF TIlE RECORD ANI) PENSION OFFICE, WAR 1)EPARTMENT, ANI) MR. JOSEPH W. KLRKLEY. lYir. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WA Sill N G- TON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. INDEX. Insert all words and figures iii ilalics and strike out all in [brackets]. Albright, Charles. Correspondence, Abraham Lincoln, zoo8 [1009]. Gus/is [Curtis], C. XV. P., Lighter. Fisk [Fiske], John. Green, John (4/h Ohio), [886]. Green, Jo/in (sd U. S. Cay.), 886. Hatch, Edwin A. C. Humpbreys, Andrew A. Correspondence: Lowe, 0., 291. I,owe, T. S. C., [591]. Jackson. Nathaniel J. Ass/cements, 675 [Jackson, XV. J., Assignments, 075]. Jaho. Herniana [Herman]. Jt.iickes [Jenks], Thomas A. Langdon, John [Woodhury]. 1311c0111. Abrahanl. Correspondence: Albright, C., zoo8 [1009]. Lowe, C. Gocrespondence, .1. A. Hump/i reys, 291. Lowe, Thaddeus S. C. Correspondence: Humphreys, A. A., [291]. Massachusetts Troops. CavalryRegiments: [1st U. S. Lancers, 832.] Michigan Troops. CavalryRegiments: ist U. S. Lancers, S~2. Monroe, Janles (President), [627]. il.Ionroe,James (Is3it Ill.), 627. Ordeonaux [Ordroneonx], John. Provost-Marshal-Generals Office, U. S. A. Correspondence: Jeuckes [Jenks], T. A. Rhode Island Troops. Artillery, HeavyRegiments: [1st.] A c/ihlcy, LightRegimen/s. Shor/er, John Gill [Watts, Thomas H.]. Valentine, David Thomas [D. B.]. Voorhees, Daniel W. Page R003 PREFACE. The work of preparing the records of the war for public use was begun, under the resolution of Congress of May 19, 1864, by Col. E. D. Townsend, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Army (then in charge of the Adjutant-GeneraVs Office, and subsequently the Adjutant- General), who caused copies to be made of reports of battles on file in his office and steps to be taken to collect missing records. Under the provisions of joint resolution of July 27, 1866, Hon. Peter H. Watson was appointed to supervise the preparation of the records and to formulate a plan for their publication, but he performed no service under this appointment, which expired July 27, 1868, by limi- tation. This resolution having also repealed the former one, the project was suspended for the time being. The first decisive step taken was the act of June 23, 1874, providing the necessary means to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confederate Armies, and directing him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and gen- eral orders, not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations have been made from time to time for continuing such preparation. Under this act the prelimi- nary work was resumed by General Townsend. Subsequently, under meager appropriations, it was prosecuted in a somewhat desultory manner by various subordinates of the War Department until December 14, 1877, when the Secretary of War, perceiving that the undertaking needed the undivided attention of a single head, detailed Capt. Robert N. Scott, Third U. S. Artillery (subsequently major and lieutenant-colonel same regiment), to take charge of the office. The act of June 23, 1874, enlarged upon the first scheme of publi- cation. On this more comprehensive basis it was determined that the volumes should include not only the battle reports, correspondence, etc., in possession of the War Department, but also all official docu- ments that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. Colonel Scott systematized the work, and, upon his recommendation, the Secretary of War approved the follow- ing order of publication: The first series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Confederate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the correspondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. II Page R004 Iv PREFACE. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the campaigns and sev- eral theaters of operations (in the chronological order of events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspondence, etc., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The second series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to state or political prisoners. The third series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate offi- cials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General- in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the National and the several State authorities. The fourth series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. The first volume of the records was issued in the early fall of 1880. The act approved June 16, 1880, provided for the printing and bind- ing, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a com- pilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments. Under this act Colonel Scott proceeded to publish the first five volumes of the records.* *All subsequent volumes have been distributed under the act approved August 7, 1882, which provides that: The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be dis- tributed as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceed- ing twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one, of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele- gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent Page R005 PREFACE. V Colonel Scott died March 5, 1887. At his death some twenty-six books only had been issued, but he had compiled a large amount of matter for forthcoming volumes; consequently his name as compiler was retained in all the books up to and including Vol. XXXVI, although his successors had added largely to his compilations from new material found after his demise. The Secretary of War, May 7, 1887, assigned Lieut. Col. H. M. Lazelle, Twenty-third U. S. Infantry, to duty as the successor of Colonel Scott. He had continued in charge about two years, when, in the act approved March 2, 1889, it was provided That hereafter the preparation and publication of said records shall be conducted, under the Secretary of War, by a board of three persons, one of whom shall be an officer of the Army, and two civilian experts;to be appointed by the Secretary of War, the compensation of said civilian experts to be fixed by the Secretary of War. The Secretary of War appointed Maj. George B. Davis, judge-advo- cate, U. S. Army, as the military member, and Leslie J. Perry, of Kan- sas, and Joseph W. Kirkley, of Maryland, as the civilian expert mem- bers of said board. The board assumed direction of the publication at the commencement of the fiscal year 1889, its first work beginning with Serial No. 36 of Vol. XXIV. July 1, 1895, by direction of the Secretary of War, Maj. George W. Davis, Eleventh U. S. Infantry (subsequently lieutenant-colonel Four- teenth U. S. Infantry), relieved Maj. George B. Davis as the military member and president of the Board of Publication. Subsequently Col. Fred C. Ainsworth, Chief of the Record and Pension Office, War Department, was appointed the military member and president of the board, relieving Lieut. Col. George W. Davis June 1, 1898. December 1, 1898, under the provision of the sundry civil act of July 1, 1898, relative to the War Records Office, the Board of Publi- cation was dissolved, whereupon, by direction of the Secretary of War, the continuance of the work, beginning with Vol. VI, Series II, devolved on Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Ainsworth. By operation of law (contained in An act making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Govern- ment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1900, approved February 24, 1899), the War Records Office was merged into the Record and Pen- sion Office, July 1, 1899, and since that date the work of publication has been conducted under the supervision of the chief of that office. Each volume includes a copious index, and for the further conven- ience of investigators there will be, in addition, a separate general index to the entire set. Nothing is printed in these volumes except duly authenticated con- temporaneous records of the war. The scope of the compilers work is to decide upon and arrange the matter to be published; to correct and verify the orthography of the papers used, and, wherever deemed necessary, to add a foot-note of explanation Page R006 Table of Contents Page R007 CONTENTS. Page. Correspondence, Orders, etc., from January 1, 1863, to December 31, 1863 11200 VI Page R008 C.4 CD 03 ~ ~ ~ ~- -~ ~ 03 CO ~3 ~l 03 ~ ~l 03 ~ 03 ~3 ~ ~3 ~ ~ ~ 03 Q3 CO ?0 C3 CO 13 Qi ~ -~ CO 03 -K4 CO 03 ~3 4013~ 31 03 4-~ ~ 03 ~ 43 4 4. CO 13 31 1310~ -~ CO 03 03 CD Sunday. CO 13 CO 43 ~ Mionday. ~ io ~.- 03 43 4.-~ 4.-~ ~3 4-- - Tuesday. ~N~1 ~-~4~.--~1CO03 CO03 ~CO0303 ~ Wednesday. CO ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. 43 43 4 43 4 4 43 CO 13 31 03 ~ -~ CO 03 -~ 03134-- 13~~ 43 CO 03 03 CO 43 31 03 4 4~- 03 0 0 CD 0 4310~ -~ CO 03 03 CO 13 31 03 ~ 0313~ 03 4- ~ -~ CO 03 03 CO 13 03 13 ~ CO 03 03 CO 13 03 13 4- ~ ~ -~ CO 03 .10 ~ 4~ -~ CO 03 13 ~ 31 03 4~ 43 4-L 03 CO 10 31 13 13 4 -~ CO 03 03 10 10 4.~ 03 4-~ 4~- -~ l3~ 4313~ ~ -q 03 ~ -~ ~ ~ -q CO 03 ri2 CD ciq 0313~ -~ CO 03 03 CO 03 03 CO 13 13 13 4. 03 l.3 4 I 03 4.~- -~ 4-~ ~ -~ CO 03 434-L 1013 0313~ 31 03 4- 4~- .-q ~ 03 03 CO 03 03 CO 43 1013~ 0313~~ 03 CO 13 31 03 ~ ~ -~ ~ ~ -q CO 03 10 ~ 03 CO 13 31 43 13 -~ CO 03 03 1343~ 0313~ -4 CO 03 03 CO 03 03 1013~ 0310~4-- ~ ~. -q ~ ~ -~ CO 03 Friday. Saturday. Sunday. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. Saturday Page 1 SEIIRIES 111.VOL. III. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS OF THE UNION AUTHORITIES FROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1863.* WAR DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF U. S. MILITARY RAILROADS Washington, January 1, 1863. The following is published for the information of. all parties inter- ested therein: The construction and operation of military railroads in Virginia will be separated, and each placed in charge of an officer as engineer or superintendent. A. Anderson is hereby announced as chief engineer of the military railroads of Virginia; John H. Devereux as superintendent of the mili- tary railroads which terminate at Alexandria, with their connecting roads; James J. Moore as engineer of repairs of the same; William W. Wright as superintendent and engineer of repairs of the military rail- road which terminates at Aquia Creek; E. L. Wentz as superintendent and engineer of repairs of the Norfolk and Petersburg and Seaboard and Roanoke Railroads. Engineers and superintendents are authorized to engage the services of all Dersons for whose acts they are held responsible, and may dismiss subordinates when, in their judgment, the interests of the service will be promoted thereby. They will be held strictly accountable for the results of their operations. In general, appointments must be filled by those who are at the time, or who have previously been, in the military railroad service, and, other things being equal, those longest in the service will have prefer- ence. It must not be understood, however, that priority of appoint- ment will give an individual precedence over those of superior merit or efficiency. The superintendent and engineer on each road must decide ques- tions that arise, but if parties consider themselves aggrieved by said decisions they may appeal to the military director. The rate of compensation of all emp1oy~s will be fixed by the mili- tary director, and engineers and superintendents will be required to report monthly the names, duties, and compensation of all subordi- nate officers and artificers and the number and pay of all laborers cmployed by them, and on what work employed. Forms will be furnished by the military director. As soon as found practicable, the existing rules, regulations, and orders having reference to the operation of military railroads will be 1 R RSERIES III, VOL III * For all documents relating to the organization of troops on the Pacific Coast, see Series I, Vol. L Page 2 2 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. revised and reprinted. Engineers and superintendents can present any suggestions in regard to the organization or for promoting the efficiency of the service that they may deem expedient. D. C. MCCALLUM, Cot. and Military Director and Supt. U. S. Military Railroads. H. HAUPT, Brig. Gem. and Chief of Construction and Transportation. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 1. TYashington, January 2, 1868. The following proclamation by the President is published for the information and government of the Army and all concerned: By THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the Presi- dent of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit: That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free: and the Executive Gov- ernment of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom. That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by proclama- tion, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day be in good faith represented in the Congress of the United States, by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified voters of such States shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States. Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority aud Gov- ernment of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for sup- pressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do, publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof, respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana (except the parishes of Saint Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Saint John, Saint Charles, Saint James, Ascension. Assumption, Terre Bonne, La Fourche, Saint Marys, Saint Martins, and Orleans, including the city of New Orleans), Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkeley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Anne, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth),and which excepted parts are for the present left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued. And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States and parts of States are and henceforward shall be free: and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defense; and I recommend to them that, in all cases, when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages Page 3 UNION AUTHORITIES. 3 And I further declare and make known that such persons, of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service. And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of man- kind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh. [L.s.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, Col. H. B. DAVIDSON: Richmond, Va., January 2, 1868. SIR: Colonel Jenifer has just shown to me two notices purporting to have been issued by Capt. Horace Kellogg, by order of Brig. Gen. R. H. Milroy, copies of which are hereby transmitted, marked A and B. * Notice marked B is so atrocious that I have some doubts as to its genuineness. Moreover, it seems to be very different from notice marked A. Colonel Jenifer informs me that he received the papers from you. Will you do me the favor to inquire into the genuineness and authen- ticity of order marked B and let me know the result? Respectfully, your obedient servant, RO. OULD, Agent of Exchange. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 3. Washington, January 8, 1863. The following act of Congress is published for the information and government of all concerned: (PUBLICNO. 5.) AN ACT to facilitate the discharge of disabled soldiers from the Army and the inspection of conva lescent camps and hospitals. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there shall be added to the present Medical Corps of the Army eight medical inspectors, who shall, immediately after the passage of this act, be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to their rank when so selected, but with sole regard to qualifications, and who shall have the rank, pay, and emolu- ments now authorized by law to officers of that grade. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the officers of the Medical Inspectors Department shall be charged, in addition to the duties now assigned to them by existing laws, with the duty of making regular and frequent inspections of all military general hospitals and convalescent camps, and shall, upon each such inspection, designate to the surgeon in charge of such hospitals or camps all sol- diers who may be, in their opinion, fit subjects for discharge from the service, on *See inclosures Nos. 1 and 2, Imboden to Davis, December 9, 1862, Vol. II, this series, p. 944 Page 4 4 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. surgeons certificate or disability, or sufficiently recovered to be returned to their regiments for duty, and shall see that such soldiers are discharged or so returned. And the medical inspecting officers are hereby empowered, under such regula- lions as may be hereafter established, to direct the return to duty, or the dis- charge from service, as the case may be, of all soldiers designated by them. Approved December 27, 1862. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., January 3, 18639.20 p. m. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I am advised that it is contemplated when the Legislature meets in this State to pass a joint resolution acknowledging the Southern Confederacy, and urging the States of the Northwest to dissolve all constitutional relations with the New England States. The same thing is on foot in Illinois. 0. P. MORTON, Governor of indiana. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 7. Washington, January 7, 1863. The following act of Congress is published for the information and government of all concerned: (PUBLIcNo. 6.) AN ACT to improve the organization of the cavalry forces. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That hereafter each regiment of cavalry organized in the United States service may have two assistant surgeons, and each company or troop of cavalry shall have from sixty to seventy-eight privates. Approved January 6, 1863. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, January 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: By two communications from Count Mejan, French consul at this port, bearing date, respectively, 29th and 31st Decem- ber last, and also a communication from Feliciano Ruiz, dated 31st December last, which communication bears the seal of the Mexican consulate at this port, my attention has been called to the transpor- tation of persons and the exportation of animals and materials from this port to the port of Vera Cruz, in Mexico. The French consul in his two communications, copies of which, and translations thereof, are submitted herewith, insists upon th Page 5 UNION AUTHORITIES. 5 right of free departure and transportation from this port to Vera Cruz of a large number of alleged French subjects, and asks that passage may be given to all who apply, and that unrestrained trade be permitted between this port and Vera Cruz, claiming New Orleans and Vera Cruz as ports absolutely opened to unconditional com- merce, and asserts that though France and Mexico are at war, there is nothing in the neutrality laws which contravenes the unrestrained traffic he proposes to have sanctioned. The communication from the Mexican consulate, a copy of which is also submitted herewith, * simply refers to a call in the newspapers for laborers to go to Vera Cruz, and the advertisement of a proposed semi-monthly line of steam communication between this city and Vera Cruz, and, though not so stated, is apparently intended to ask my intervention in the matter. I have answered the communications of the French consul by stating to him that I would refer the matter to my Government, deeming it a matter of sufficient importance for its consideration, and await its instructions before making any decision. A brief statement of views suggested by the neutrality act of 20th April, 1818, may not be inappropriate. In accordance with the pro- visions of that act, it is the duty of the Government of the United States to watch with care the acts of citizens of the United States, as well as of foreign citizens within its jurisdiction, that may in the slightest degree endanger or destroy the friendly relations of the Government with foreign nations. This act in explicit terms provides against, and makes a high mis- demeanor, the direct or indirect enlistment, or hiring for enlistment, immediately or at a subsequent period, into the service, naval or military, of any foreign country, of any person or persons, be they citizens or not, within the jurisdiction of the United States; with the single exception that citizens of foreign countries transiently but not resident within the jurisdiction of the United States are per- initted to take service on board of a war vessel, letter of marque or privateer, that was such prior to its arrival within the United States. In equally explicit terms it prohibits and makes a high misde- meanor the fitting out of vessels and increasing the force for a foreign belligerent against a nation at peace with the United States. The setting on foot, or providing or preparing the means for any military expedition or enterprise, against a nation or people at peace with the United States, is also ahigh misdemeanor. Though there appears to be no direct provision against permitting the departure and transportation of persons and the exportation of animals or materials, which of their nature are susceptible of a double use, peaceful or warlike, yet the Government has unquestionably the right to impose such conditions upon transportation and exportation as will guarantee the peaceful intent and the truthfulness of the alleged purposes. The sixth section of the act may seem to refer, in direct terms, only to the entirety of an expedition, or the means therefor, to be carried on immediately from the territory of the United States, but it is very evident that it is intended to give the Government discretion to deter- mine the ultimate purposes for which expeditions are fitted out or prepared, or persons leave the United States, or materials are exported or prepared for exportation, no matter how apparently fair the objects may seem at first sight. * Omitted Page 6 6 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Neutrality laws in all countries alike are the result of the common understanding of nations. If govermuents be allowed no discretion, and are simply to regard the letter, and disregard the spirit, these laws become a nullity and a far.ce, and the nation that scouts these solemnly established safeguards must beware of the consequences it may be called upon to accept. I am, with much respect, your very obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] CONSULATE OF FRANCE, New Orleans, December 29, 1862. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: A certain number of French citizens, desiring to go to Vera Cruz, in Mexico, have been refused passes by the provost-mar- shal, to whom they have made application, although their papers are in perfect order. Knowing your disposition for justice, I take the liberty to address you and to beg you to give the necessary orders, that my countrymen may not be detained. The international laws and usages justify my demand, and I can- not understand why the freedom to travel should be obstructed to Frenchmen desiring to leave a country, where, by reason of the cir- cumstances, they are without work and almost in destitute circum- stances, to endeavor to better their fortune in another country. The ports of Mexico, especially the one of Vera Cruz, are open to the commerce of the whole world, and since the occupation of the latter port many American ships have gone there from New Orleans to engage in legitimate commerce, which has never been restrained. The friendly relations which exist between the Government of the Emperor and that of the United States would render still more unjustifiable the restraint that is desired to be put upon the departure of Frenchmen, who, I must add, have for the most part already made considerable sacrifices in order to start on the voyage to which there appears to be a desire at present to put obstacles. I have no doubt, general, that these several considerations will appear to you to justify the demand I have the honor to address to you. Accept, general, the assurances of my high consideration. The consul of France, COUNT MEJAN. [Inclosure No. 2.] CONSULATE OF FRANCE, New Orleans, December 31, 1862. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: Your occupations have, I suppose, not allowed you to reply to the letter I had the honor to address you on the 29th instant, and the provost-marshal still refusing passes to the French citizens who wish to go to Vera Cruz, I take the liberty to make a new appeal to your justice. The ship EUen Stewart has been advertised for the last three weeks for Vera Cruz, taking freight and passengers. A great number o Page 7 UNION AUTHORITIES. 7 my countrymen have engaged passage on that vessel, some sold their furniture to get the means for the expenses, some shipping freight, which is now on board, and have bills of lading delivered by the custom-house. Now, in refusing passes, or refusing to acknowledge those already given, those Frenchmen suffer considerable loss. Outside of these con- siderations, I have ,gen eral, the honor to observe that no international law justifies the measure taken. It is even contrary to the principles of the United States. In fact, it is more than a year, and at a time when this port was strictly blockaded, His Excellency Mr. Seward, by agreement with Mr. Mercier, minister of the Emperor in Washington, permitted the coming to New Orleans, under protection of a ship of war of the imperial navy, of a neutral vessel, which, engaging herself to do no business operation whatever, was authorized to carry to any point about 300 Frenchmen, who had addressed a petition to me for the purpose of obtaining the means to leave a city where they could not make their living. This arrangement, with which Admiral Farragut was acquainted, had no result on account of circumstances which to relate would be too long, but it shows that the Government of the United States was disposed to put no restraint on the departure of those Frenchmen who wished to leave. Acting thus, in full war and when the port was blockaded, I doubt not that it would act in the same manner now, when freedom is accorded to ships and passengers. I can not admit that this prohibition to leave can be caused by the present state of war between France and Mexico; the ports of the latter country are open to the commerce of all nations. There is even this iuorning a public advertisement in the papers of a semi- monthly line of packets to start in afew days with freight and pas- sengers, and, from what I hear, appears to be authorized and receives a postal subvention from the Government of the United States. Can such an enterprise have any success if the profit made on passengers is taken away? I do not wish to see in the measure detaining those Frenchmen who wish to go to Vera Cruz a sign of bad intention against France. Considering the question well, it does more harm to Mexico, which needs and has always desired the European immigra- tion, and I cannot think that the United States, who have had so much benefit from it, will put any restraint on it. I take the liberty, general, to lay these considerations before you, and suppose that the equity and kindness which you have shown since your arrival in New Orleans will induce you to admit their justice. I must, however, in behalf of those who are under my protection, declare that, in case the measure of refusing the passes should be sustained, I have to protest against it and reserve all the rights of those who suffer by it. I would be obliged, general, for an early answer, desired by those who wish to depart on the Ellen Stewart, and because some of them are almost in the street, having given up their houses and sold their turniture, expecting to leave soon. Accept, general, the assurance of my high consideration. The consul of France, COUNT MEJAN. News has been brought here this morning by an American vessel from Vera Cruz that that port was filled with American ships, and even some had arrived there from New York, loaded with 800 mules, after sixteen days voyage Page 8 8 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. RICHMOND, January 7, 1863. General R. E. LEE, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia: GENERAL: I have just received the letter from Colonel Imboden, although it was dated December 9, * and I forward it to you with its two inclosures in order that you may call upon the commander of the U. S. forces to prevent the savage atrocities which are threatened, if he be disposed to enforce upon his subordinates due regard for the recognized usages of war, and to know his purpose in relation thereto. You will notify him that unless he promptly and satisfactorily responds, say within five days, measures will be taken by retaliation to repress the indulgence of such brutal passions as are indicated in the inclosed orders of General R. II. Milroy. Very respectfully and truly yours, JEFFN DAVIS. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., January 9, 1863. Governor TOD, Columbus, Ohio: I have just read with great pleasure your manly and patriotic message. You deserve not only .the honor and respect of your great State, but also of every loyal and patriotic heart. EDWIN M. STANTON. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., January 9, 1863. Hon. Mr. SEDDON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to inclose some documents illustrating the course of the Federal General Milroy toward a portion of the people of the district I represent, and respectfully invoke the attention of the Government to his high-handed outrages. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, A. R. BOTELER. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF 0CCUPATION, Jllioorefteld, Va., December 11, 1862. To THE CITIZENS OF MOOREFIELD: I am ordered by the general commanding to levy on the citizens, as a contribution of war and as a punishment for the aid given to Captain McDonald, three days subsistence for our troops now stationed in this place. The requisition will be regularly made by Lieutenant McAdams, acting quartermaster, Tenth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and equalized as nearly as possible to the ability of the citizens. The requisition will be made to-morrow morning, and six hours will be given for voluntary response. THOS. M. HARRIS, Colonel Tenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers. *See Vol. II, this series, p. 943 Page 9 UNION AUTHORITIES. 9 [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION, Mioorefteld, Va., December 12, 1862. To THE CITIZENS OF MOOREFIELD: The following articles are expected to be furnished by 4 p. m. in 1)111k. The citizens will equalize it among themselves: 1,200 pounds beef, 700 pounds pork, 1,150 pounds flour, 1,200 pounds corn-meal. Citizens not having the articles named can furnish money or some eatable article. By order of T. M. Harris, colonel, commanding: JOHN McADAMS, Lieut. and Actg. Beg. Quartermaster, 10th Regt. Va. Vol. Inf. [Inclosure No. 3.] GENERAL HDQRS. CHEAT MOUNTAIN DIVISION ORDERS, No. 39. Petersburg, W. Va., December 20, 1862. Whereas, loyalty, to the Government of the United States is the highest and first duty of all citizens of that Government, and when not voluntarily yielded, must be enforced; and subordinate and next to this is the obligation of loyalty to the State in which they live; And whereas, the Congress of the United States has recently recog- nized and admitted the State of West Virginia as one of the States of the Union; And whereas, the said new State of West Virginia has avowed and demonstrated her loyalty to the General Government of the United States by sending Senators and Representatives to the Congress thereof and by furnishing nearly 20,000 troops for the Army of that Government to assist in the suppression of the present unjust rebell ion, and is, therefore, entitled to the sincerest loyalty of all citizens within the said State: rVherefore it is ordered that all citizens, male and female, who are now, or may hereafter be, residents within the lines of this command, while within the limits of said State of West Virginia, shall, when called upon to do so by any provost-marshal or other officers of this division, take an oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States and to the State of West Virginia; and upon failure so to do when so called upon, he or she shall forfeit all right to the protection of the Cheat Mountain Division of the U. S. Army, or any part thereof. By order of Brig. Gen. R. H. Milroy: JNO. 0. CRAVENS, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 4.] GENERAL ORDERS, No. 2. HEADQUARTERS POST, - Jlilioorefield, Va., December 20, 1862. General Orders, No. 39, from headquarters Cheat Mountain Divis- ion, are published for the information of the citizens of Hardy County, W. Va., and will be immediately enforced by this command. All citizens of Moorefield and vicinity, in the county of Hardy, State of West Virginia, desiring the protection of the United States for their property and persons, are hereby notified to call at these headquarters and take an oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States and the State of West Virginia Page 10 10 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. All persons refusing or neglecting to comply with this order will be called on to furnish supplies of provisions and forage for the nse of the U. S. Army. Their property will be used to quarter troops, for Government store-rooms, & c. While loyal men are obliged to leave their families and homes, endure the hardships, take the risks of a soldiers life, and shed their blood in defense of the only truly republican Government in the world, rebel sympathizers, aiders, and abettors, seeking its destruc- tion, must be made to feel the strong arm of the Government, whether found in arms against it or at home with their families. By order of J. Warren Keifer, colonel, commanding: T. J. WEAKLEY, Lieutenant and Post Adjutant. [Inclosure No. 5.] No. 41.] HEADQUARTERS, iVijoorefteld, Va., December 23, 1862. OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. I do solemnly and voluntarily swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance, and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolu- tion, or law of any State convention or legislature to the contrary notwithstandino~ and further, that I do this with a full determination, pledge, and purpose, without any mental reservation or evasion what- ever; and further, that I will uphold and defend the government of Virginia as vindicated by the convention which assembled at Wheel- ing on the 11th of June, 1861; and will neither directly nor indirectly give aid or information to the enemies of the United States: So help ~ me God. Sworn to and subscribed before inc this 23d day of December, 1862. J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel, Commanding Post. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, January 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in- Chief U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit to you copies of two papers recently served upon Mr. Job Parsons, a citizen of Tucker County, Va., by the military authorities of the United States in that region. * The originals of these papers are now in the possession of I-us Excellency the President of the Confederate States, who has directed me to communicate with you on the subject. I am unwilling to believe that such threats against unarmed and defenseless citizens as are contained in the extract from what pur- ports to be an order from Brigadier-General Milroy have received the sanction of any soldier, and have the honor to ask whether the extract from the order referred to is literally or substantially correct. * See inclosures Nos. 1 and 2, Imboden to Davis, December 9, 1862, Vol. II, this series, p. 944 Page 11 UNION AUTHORITIES. 11 Should it unfortunately prove to be true, I am instructed to ask whether your Government will tolerate the execution of an order so barbarous and so revolting to every principle of justice and humanity. Should you not deem it proper to respond to these inquiries it will be reluctantly assumed after the expiration of ten days from the date of this communication that the order is that of General Milroy, and that its execution will not be restrained. In that event I am directed to inform you that this Government will be compelled to protect its citizens by the immediate adoption of stern retaliatory measures. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, [First indorsornent.] General. JANUARY 15, 1863. Respectfully referred to Major-General Schenck to ascertain and report if the inclosed papers are copies of genuine originals. Brigadier-General Milroy had no authority to issue these orders, which are deemed in violation of the laws of war. If such orders were actually issued they must be revoked. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Baltimore, Md., January 16, 1863. Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Kelley, who will obtain from General Milroy the information called for by the General-in- Chief. By command of Major-Genera~l Scheuck: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES UPPER POTOMAC, Harpers Ferry, January 21, 1863. Respectfully transmitted to Brigadier-General Milroy, who will report the information called for by the General-in-Chief. By order of Brigadier-General Kelley: T. MELVIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, January 10, 1868. Secretary of War: SIR: In view of the atrocious orders issued by the Federal General Milroy, with regard to citizens of the Valley District, I would respect- fully recommend that prisoners from his command captured by our forces be not exchanged, but that they be held as hostages for the protection of our people against the outrages which he is reported to be committing. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. E. LEE, General Page 12 12 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, January 11, 1863. His Excellency President JEFFERSON DAVIS: Mr. PRESIDENT: I have the honor to have received yonr letter of the 7th instant, with the two inclosures from Colonel Imboden. In accordance with your instructions I have addressed a communication to General Halleck upon the subject, a copy of which I inclose here- with. * I have taken the liberty of extending the time for his response to ten days, as I ascertained that five days would be too short a period for the investigation to be made and the reply to reach this point. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, R. E. LEE, General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., January 12, 1863. Messrs. COOPER, HEWITT & Co., New York: GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the Secretary of War to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant f asking this Department, in redemption of the promise made to you at the time you undertook to discover and establish in the United States the art of making gun- barrel iron equal in all useful qualities to the best English Marshall iron, at a cost, if possible, of not more than S cents a pound, that the price should be increased, if you could not make the iron at S cents a pound, to 10 cents a pound, provided that the increased price should at no time exceed the price of imported No. 1 Marshall iron. In reply the Secretary of War instructs me tb say that in view of the difficul- ties you have encountered, your large outlay, the increased cost of materials and labor, the rise in the price of imported Marshall iron to 12~ cents a pound, the manifest impossibility of making such iron under present circumstances at 8 cents a pound, the agreement of this Department to increase the price to 10 cents a pound if necessary, and, in addition to all, the great national importance of discovering and establishing in this country the art of fabricating such iron upon a scale adequate to the supply of our armories, he has deemed it just and proper to accede to your request, and has instructed Brig. Gen. J. W. Ripley, Chief of Ordnance, to pay you for gun-barrel iron here- after delivered under the order to you from this Department of Sep- tember 10, 1862, for 2,000 tons, at the rate of 10 cents a pound, instead of 8 cents a pound, as stipulated in said order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., January 12, 1863. General R. E. LEE, Commanding, & c.: SI,R: Your letter of the 10th instant relative to the outrages practiced by the odious Federal General Milroy on our citizens of the Valley *See January 10, p. 10. tOmitted Page 13 UNION AUTHORITIES. 13 District has, together with other documents evidencing and illustrating hjs atrocities, been submitted to the President, and will be appro- priately noticed by him in his forthcoming message. It is gratifying to the Department to have its views of the necessity of restraining such savage conduct by appropriate retaliation sustained by your judgment and sanction. It may not be inappropriate in this connection to submit to your ~onsideration a letter just received by the Department from Mr. M. R. Kaufman, a member of the General Assembly, complaining of the inactivity of our troops in the Valley. One or two other similar memorials have been sent to the Department, but I have not thought it necessary to trouble you with them. Your own greater knowledge and superior discrimination will enable you to determine what weight is to be attached to such complaints, and what remedy, if any, is advisable. With high esteem, most respectfully, yours, JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. [Inelosure.] RICHMOND, January 10, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: DEAR SIR: In behalf of the citizens of the Valley of Virginia I earn- estly solicit you to inquire into the condition of affairs in that region. Ye have no earthly protection from our forces; the enemy are allowed ~ith impunity to make raids through the different counties without tear of molestation. While I do not wish to find fault with our com- manding officers, not knowing whether they are acting under orders or not, it is quite strange to me that 1,200 or lp~OO of the enemy should be allowed quietly to march into Strasburg, take peaceable possession, commit all sorts of thefts and robberies, retire a few miles down the valley, commit similar atrocities, remain several days, and retire to Winchester, when we have a force in the valley of nearly double that amount of men, who upon every move of the enemy continue to fall back farther and farther from the enemy. I speak what I know when I say, the nearest our pickets are stationed to the Federal lines is about twenty-eight miles, and only on one occasion since the occupa- tion of Winchester has a scouting party been sent out in that direction. My residence is about ten miles south of Winchester. I have on three occasions visited my home with a view to get all the information I could, and wrote General Jones from Woodstock giving him a state- inent of facts gained by observation, and promised to act as guide provided he would send a scouting party down. I am sure we could have captured several foraging parties. My entreaties were in vain. Of the late campaign of our forces to Moorefleld, you may obtain accurate information by summoning Charles Williams, esq., delegate from Hardy County, who was with them. I saw the Yankee cavalry in Strasburg last Saturday, which is eighteen miles from Winchester. I have since learned that a scouting party entered Woodstock, thirty miles from Winchester. There is still a large amount of wheat in the lower valley, certainly enough to keep an army sufficient to keep the valley clear of the public enemy. Could we have such protection large preparations would be made for a crop of corn, which must be very essential to the support of the army Page 14 14 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. I feel a delicacy in writing this communication to you, and only do for protection of our people. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. R. KAUFMAN, House of Delegates, Frederick County, Va. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFi~IcE, Washington, D. C., January 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. DANIEL ULLMANN, Washington, D. C.: SIR: By direction of the Secretary of War you are hereby author- ized to raise a brigade (of four regiments) of Louisiana volunteer infantry, to be recruited in that State, to serve for three years or during the war. Each regiment of said brigade will be organized as prescribed in General Orders, No. 126, series of 1862, from this office. The recruitment will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the service and the orders of the War Department, and by the said Department all appointments of officers will be made. All musters will be made in strict conformity to paragraph 86, Revised Mustering Regulations of 1862. I am, very respectfully, THOS. M. VINCENT, Assistant Ai(jutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, January 13, 1863. Col. JAMES MONTGOMERY, Washington, D. C.: SIR: By direction of the Secretary of War you are hereby author- ized to raise, subject to the approval of the general commanding the Department of the South and under his direction, a regiment of South Carolina volunteer infantry, to be recruited in that State, to serve for three years or during the war. The said regiment will be organized as prescribed in General Orders, No. 126, current series [1862], from this office. All appointments of officers will be made by the War Department. All musters will be made in strict conformity to paragraph 86, Revised Mustering Regula- tions of 1862. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS C. S. FORCES, On Shenandoah Mountain, January 13, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: SIR: In reply to a letter from Robert Ould, esq., agent of exchange, to H. B. Davidson, of date January 2, 1863, which was referred to me, I have the honor to transmit herewith proof of the authenticit Page 15 UNION AUTHORITIES. 15 of certain orders of Brig. Gen. R. H. Milroy, U. S. Army, which were forwarded by inc to the President some weeks ago. In addition to the deposition of Job Parsons and myself I furnish you as cumula- tive evidence a copy of The Crisis, of date December 24, 1862, a news- paper published at Columbus, Ohio, in which the orders of Milroy are published as part of the history of the times. * I have not seen Adam Harper, who is the subject of this published order, but two of his sons, one of whom is my scout, have stated to me that their father was compelled to pay the assessment of $285 to save his life. The whole amount of money raised by these illegal assessments in the small county of Tucker, as near as-I can ascertain it, is about $6,000. Were I to report every case of outrage of this character which has come to my knowledge it would astound all Christian people who read it. Permit me, sir, to express the opinion that we have an effectual remedy for these crimes by the adoption of an inexorable rule of retaliation. The oppressions of our people cannot be increased but I believe will be mitigated by the enforcement of the fullest-measure of retaliation on these bloodthirsty savages. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. IMBODEN, Colonel, Commanding. lion: E. M. STANTON: MADISON, Wis., January 13, 1863. On the 5th ultimo writs were served upon me, which were answered on the 16th to supreme court. The decision of the court was post- poned to 30th; again postponed, and to-day announced as follows: That General Orders, No. 141, September 25, 1862, is invalid; that the President has no right to suspend the writ of habeas corpusthat Congress alone can sus- pend the writnor to declare martial law over territory not actually the scene of war. To prevent, if possible, collision between United States and State authori- ties the attachment against General Elliott will not issue until the authorities at Washington can be informed of this decision.t W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 14, 1863. General R. E. LEE, Com~nanding, & c.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 10th instant, inclosing copies of two papers purporting to be signed by order of Brig. Gen. R. H. Milroy, in INovember last, is just received. Measures will be immedi- ately taken to ascertain whether these papers are genuine, and, if so, General Milroy will be notified that his conduct in issuing them is disapproved. It is not alleged that any attempt has been made to execute them. The Government of the United States has not only observed the modern laws and usages of war, but through the present rebellion has refrained from exercising the severer rights recognized by the * For inclosures accompanying this letter, see Series II, Vol. V, pp. 809811. t For reply, see Stanton to Elliott, January 15, Series II, Vol. V, p. 179, and for Salomon to Stanton, same subject, see ibid, p. 174 Page 16 16 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. codes of civilized Europe. It has pursued this course, notwithstand- ing the innumerable violations of the rules of civilized warfare by its enemies. Nevertheless there probably have been, as there always will be, individual acts of subordinates or irresponsible persons which can not be justified, and some of which deserve punishment. All such cases, when brought to the attention of the Government, are immedi- ately investigated and a remedy applied. Neither in this nor in any other matter will the course of the Gov- ernment be changed by any unbecoming threats of barbarous retalia- tion, no matter by whom they may be made. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., January 15, 186311 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I am informed by Robert Dale Owen that two drafts of $50,000 each have been drawn on the Treasury in favor of Colonel Carrington, mustering officer here. They have not come to hand, and Colonel Carrlngton has no notice of their being sent. I have borrowed large sums and advanced them to him for advance pay and bounty, of which about $60,000 has not been refunded. The interest is accumu- lating, for which I am personally responsible. There are some com- panies of cavalry here ready for the field, and can leave as soon as their bounty is paid. I pray you will have the money sent to Colonel Carrington at once. 0. P. MORTON, Governor of Indiana. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., January 15, 1863. GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND, Providence, R. I.: SIR: I am directed to say that the President will accept into the service of the United States an infantry regiment of volunteers of African descent, if offered by your State and organized according to the rules and regulations of the service. I am, very respectfully, L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., January 15, 1863. Governor SALOMON, Madison, Wis.: Your telegram respecting the recent decision of the supreme court has been submitted to the President and his decision will be communi cated to EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. * This in reply to Salomon of January 13, Series II, Vol. V, p. 174 Page 17 UNION AUTHORITIES, 17 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., January 15, 1863. Governor SALOMON, Madison, Wis.: I leave to-night for Madison to inspect the record in the habeas corpus cases. Let all proceedings be suspended until I arrive. T. 0. HOWE. WAR DEPARTMENT, Chief Justice DIXON, Washington City, D. C., January 15, 1863. Madison, Wis.: By order of the President I leave for Madison to-night to inspect the record in the habeas corpus cases. I beg that all proceedings may be suspended until my arrival. TIMOTHY 0. HOWE. NEW YORK, January 16, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: If not objectionable, will you direct the following to be sent to the Associated Press? DANIEL ULLMANN, Brigadier- General. Brig. Gen. D. Ullmann has been assigned to special duty; large and responsible powers have been submitted to him; his headquarters will be for the present in the city of New York. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., January 16, 1863. Brigadier-General ULLMANN, New York: The Secretary of War directs me to say that the notice submitted is not approved. CHAUNCEY McKEEVER, Assistant Adjutant- General. NEW YORK, January 17, 1863. Maj. THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington: SIR: I telegraphed yesterday to the llonorable Secretary of War, requesting a notice to be sent to the Associated Press. I have to-day received his disapproval of the same. I have found that in the preliminary arrangements which I have been making to execute his orders that it is very desirable that I should be accredited before the public. I wish to prepare the public mind for the final development. It was therefor I wished some such pub- lication. I can only to-day report progress. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL ULLMANN, Brigadier- General. 2 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 18 18 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 29. * Washington, January 19, 1863. * * * * * * 22. Brig. Gen. E. R. S. Canby, U. S. Volunteers, will report in per- son without delay to the Adjutant-General of the Army for assign- ment to special duty in his office, to date from 15th instant. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, January 19, 1863. His Excellency President JEFFERSON DAVIS: Mr. PRESIDENT: Upon receiving your letter of the 7th instant, on the subject of General Milroys orders, I immediately wrote to General Halleck, inclosing copies of these orders. He has replied to my letter under the date of January 14. I inclose his letter, with a copy of my own, for your consideration. * Hoping that the correspondence may serve to put some check upon Milroy in his treatment of the inhabitants of the Valley, t I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General. [JANUARY 19, 1863.For Howe to Stanton, reply of latter, and Stanton to Elliott, in relation to habeas corpus cases in Wisconsin, see Series II, Vol. V, p. 190.] CONSULATE-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Franlefort-on-the-Alain, January $30, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington: SIR: I have shipped to-day, for the use of the wounded soldiers, to America, via Hamburg, three casks of linen and lint, and forwarded the same free of charge to Hamburg, and the enterprising and liberal American firm of James R. McDonald & Co., of Hamburg, have kindly offered to pay the transportation of all this linen from there to New York. It is all consigned to care of Mayor Opdyke, John A. C. Gray, esq., and Frederic Kapp, esq. It has been contributed here and in the neighboring towns by Germans and Americans who have friends and relatives in the Union Army, and among the contributors are officers and members of the courts to whom I am accredited. I shall forward altogether not less, perhaps, than from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. I thought it best to advise you of the same, as you may know where some of it can best be used. Much of it has been picked into lint at the numerous little lint parties held at the houses of the few Americans living here, though some of it was prepared before being sent to me. The late victories in the West have cheered up our desponding hearts, and we hope soon to see a restoration of that glorious old Union. I have communicated the fact to Mayor Opdyke that I could probably send him in a few weeks from here, if desired, for our Army from 20,000 to 30,000 experienced veteran soldiers who have seen *See pp. 10, 15. t For reply, see Series I, Vol. XXI, p. 1108 Page 19 UNION AUTHORITIES. 19 service in the Italian and Crimean wars, and who have been dis- charged by reason of a reduction by several German S.tates of their military force. I am prepared to do this without any violation of the neutrality laws of the States from whence I should send those soldiers. They would not require the large bounties now being paid in our country for soldiers, but might require some advance toward paying their passage over to America. Mayor Opdyke seemed to think that soldiers enough could be procured in the United States, and that none would be needed to be sent from here. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant, WILLIAM W. MURPHY, Consul- General. [Fir8t indorseinent.] MARCH 4, 1863. Referred to the Surgeon-General, with instructions to take steps to obtain possession of the lint, and to notify the Department of the amount he may from time to time receive. By order of the Secretary of War: P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. [Second indorsement.] SURGEON-GENERALS OFFICE March 18, 1863. Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War, with the request that remission of duties be obtained on the within-mentioned lint, & c., for the benefit of the Medical Department, and that these contri- butions be delivered to Surg. R. S. Satterlee, U. S. Army, medical purveyor, New York. W. A. HAMMOND, Surgeon- General. HDQRS. MUSTERING AND DISBURSING SERVICE, STATE OF INDIANA, Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Indianapolis, January 24, 1863. Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: At the instance of Governor 0. P. Morton, as I learn, my order to leave Indianapolis was suspended. I have been laboriously engaged in the examination of soldiers, to detect the operations of the secret society at work to secure desertions, & c. One case has already been acted upon by a general court-martial. I trust the President will find it consistent with his views of justice to approve the sentence if it be submitted to him, whatever it may be. Several organized attempts to do mischief have been frustrated, and I have snfficiem4i force to protect the arsenal and maintain order. The evidence involves some quite prominent citizens, but I have thought best not to make the results public until we push inquiries further. My views submitted to the Secretary of War have been fully confirmed, and the order is one of the most treasonable character. An apparent improvement is visible in this State, growing out of the fact that it is now understood that the Government will deal sternly with any overt offenders. Nearly 2, 600 deserters and stragglers have been arrested within a very few weeks; generally it requires an armed detail. Most of the deserters, true to th~ oath of the order, desert wit Page 20 20 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. their arms, and in one case seventeen fortified themselves in a log cabin with outside paling and ditch for protection, and were main- tained by their neighbors. I sent a detachment which secnred eight, and the day following a large nnmber surrendered. This labor seriously interrupts the labor npon comparison of enlist- ments and accounts, but is, I believe, of good service to the Govern- ment. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY B. CARRINGTON, Colonel Eighteenth U. S. Infantry. BEAUFORT, S. C., January 25, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of TWar: DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report that the organization of the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers is now completed. The regiment is light infantry, composed of ten companies of about eighty- six ~men each, armed with muskets, and officered by white men. In organization, drill, for the length of time it has been in service, discipline, and morale, this regiment is not surpassed by any white regiment in this department. Should it ever be its good fortune to get into action, I have no fears but it will win its own way to the con- fidence of those who are willing to recognize courage and manhood, and vindicate the wise policy of the Administration in putting these men into the field and giving them a chance to strike a blow for the country and their own liberty. In no regiment. have I ever seen duty performed with so much cheerfulness and alacrity, and as sentinels they are peculiarly vigilant. I have never seen in any body of men such enthusiasm and deep-seated devotion to their officers as exists in this; they will surely go wherever they are led; avery man is a volunteer and seems fully persuaded of the importance of his service to his race. In the organization of this regiment I have labored under difficulties which might have discouraged one who had less faith in the wisdom of the measure, but I am glad to report that the experiment is a complete success. My belief is that when we get a footing on the mainland regiments may be raised which will do more than any now in service to put an end to this rebellion. I have sent the regiment upon an expedition to the coast of Georgia, the result of which I shall report for your information as soon as it returns. I have the honor also to report that I have commenced the organization of the Second Regiment, which is to be commanded by Colonel Montgomery. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General, WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington C~ity, January 26, 1863. Ordered, That Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, is authorized, until further orders, to raise such number of volunteer companies of artillery for duty in the forts of Massachusetts and elsewhere, and such corps of infantry for the volunteer military service as he may find convenient, such volunteers to be enlisted for three years or until sooner discharged, and may include persons of African descent, organized into separate corps. He will make the usual needful requisitions on the appropriate staff bureaus and officers for the prope Page 21 UNION AUTHORITIES. 21 transportation, organization, supplies, subsistence, arms, and equip- ments of such volunteers. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington City, January 27, 1868. lion. WILLIAM H.. SEWARD, Secretary of State: SIR: In reply to your communication of this date relative to the communication of the Chevalier Bertinatti in regard to cannon for certain Italian war steamers now in progress of construction, I have the honor to reply that as it is found impossible to have cannon cast as rapidly as the requirements of our own service demand, it is regarded by this Department as a military necessity that no foreign Governments should be allowed to obtain cannon from any of our foundries during the present war. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, January 31, 1868. Resolved, That the President be requested, if not incompatible with lite public interest, to communicate to the Senate any orders issued I )y the Secretaries of War and of the Treasury in regard to a general prohibition to export arms and munitions of war fr~m the United States, and especially to the Mexican Republic, and any orders in regard to the exportation of articles contraband of war for the use of the French army invading Mexico. Attest: J. W. FORNEY, Secretary. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 81, 1868. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: The attention of Congress was called some months ago, through the Secretary of War, by committees of officers of Engineers and Topographical Engineers to the importance of uniting the two corps, and a bill was presented for that purpose, but failed to pass both Houses. Since then a new organization has been given to our armies, which seems to require some changes in the bill then presented. The inclosed draft of bill seems well calculated to accomplish the desired object. At present there are in our service two distinct branches of engineers originally having distinct functions, but many of their duties being now common to both, I think the interests of the service will be promoted by uniting the Engineers and Topographical Engineers into a single corps of about the same numerical strength. From a faulty organization of their corps, these engineers, though graduating higher in their classes, have generally been junior in rank to those below them at the Military Academy, and hence as large a number as were permitted have, in the present war, eagerly embraced the opportunity of obtaining higher promotion in the volunteers, thus depriving their corps of their professional services, so essentia Page 22 22 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. to our military success. About one-half of the officers of these corps capable of taking the field have thus goue iuto the volunteers, and those that remaiu, though iu the most responsible positions and performing very arduous duties, have daily to undergo the extreme mortification of being below nearly every one around them of their own age. At the present moment the Chiefs of Engineers and Topo- graphical Engineers of our armies, of from fifty to one hundred and fifty thousand men, are only lieutenants and captains, while their juniors of their own and almost every arm of seFvice are brigadiers and major-generals of volunteers, who have by no means more important duties to perform. The organization proposed by this bill gives some increased rank to our engineers, thus offering a somewhat adequate reward for their talents and services and stimulating them to remain in the performance of their necessary professional labors. This organization is als9 more in conformity to the practice of most governments, which, appreciating the elevated function of engineers, confer upon them the advantages of high rank so essential to their positions in armies, and so liberally compensated in civil life. Organization of engineers in European armies. ,J3 0 -~ .s a o a o a ---. - a Remarks. Country. Organization. ,,~ 4 -% a a a a a .~ a a a a a. ~ o .0 a ... 0 0 ~Q 0 ~ 1.4 France Staff of engineers Sappers, miners, ponto- fliers, & c. Total French engi- neer officers. Corps of royal engineers. East India engineers Total British engi- neer officers. 5taff of engineers Sappers, miners, pioneers, and pontoniers. Total Austrian engi- neer officers. Prussia Corps of engineers and l)ioneers. Engineersin Peninsula. Engineers in colonies - Total Spanish engi- neer officers. Staff of engineers and to- pographical engineers. Sappers, miners, pioneers, etc. 15 12 10 115 282 4 4 16 112 18 492 168 124 15 16 14 131 414 186 816 8 16 40 128 195 187 7 15 14 113 143 112 15 11 74 241 338 699 9 6 8 17 72 70 182 4 2 1172109 9 6 12 19 103 142 291 4 7 3 19 81 159 273 11 21 21 21 64 80 218 1 4 3 15 8 31 12 25 24 36 72 80 249 13 4148 f all lrade 4.) 461 400 Total Russian eugi- ~61 neer officers. 7 generals of division (major-generals); 8 generals of brigade (brigadier-generals). 3 generals, 5 lieuten- ant ger.erals. 1 general, 2 lieutenant- generals, 4 major- generals. Austria has besides a staff corps of 57 officers, having also I engineer duties to perform. 3 lieutenant-generals; 1 major.general. Number estimated. Great Britain - - Austria pain Russia Page 23 UNION AUTHORITIES. 23 The foregoing table will show at a glance the high rank enjoyed by the greater proportion of the officers of engineers in the armies of the great powers of Europe, and how much their numbers exceed ours. The proposed organization of our engineers contemplates but 108 officers, notwithstanding our present greater military force and larger extent of sea-coast to be protected by fortifications, & c., than Euro- pean powers. Besides, the engineers required for the construction of 1)Ublic works, surveys, Military Academy, & c., we have to supply them for seven large armies in the field, comprising twenty-one army corps, which number may increase. Certainly the chief engineer of an army of 50,000 to 150,000 has as high responsibilities as the commander of a regiment, and should have at least equal rank, and as the law gives to chiefs of the staff departments of army corps the rank of lieutenant- colonels, there is no justice in withholding equal rank from the chief engineers of army corps, and engineers of divisions have quite as important functions as captains of companies, though at present the chief engineer of our largest armythat of the Potomacholds but the rank of first lieutenant. This bill will give to chief engineers of our large armies the rank of colonels; to army corps that of lieutenant-colonels and majors, and to divisions that of captains and lieutenants. I have taken the liberty to submit these remarks, and I understand that the Chief Engineer, from motives of delicacy, declines to express any opinion upon a bill which gives him additional rank. Very respectfully, your obedient ~ervant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief INDIANAPOLIS, IND., January 31, 18639.20 p. m. (Received 12 p. in.) His Excellency the PRESIDENT: It is important that I should see you a few hours, but I cannot leave long enough to go to Washington. Can you meet me at Harrisburg? 0. P. MORTON, Governor. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., February 1, 1363. Governor 0. P. MORTON, Indianapolis, md.: I think it would not do for me to meet you at Harrisburg. It would be known and would be misconstrued a thousand ways. Of course, if the whole truth could be told and accepted as truth it would do no harm, but that is impossible. A. LINCOLN. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa F~, N. Alex., February 1, 1863. Brig.~Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to herewith inclose the report of Maj. David Fergusson, First Cavalry California Volunteers, whom I ordered to make a survey of Port Lobos and Libertad, on the Gul Page 24 24 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. of California. This is a report of great importance, as showing how much cheaper supplies can be gotten for Arizona and the Mesilla Valley via Libertad than from Indianola, Tex., or from Kansas City. The report is of still greater importance when considered with refer- ence to the political and commercial geography of our country. It shows how practicable it is to make a railroad from the Rio Grande to the Gulf of California, and thus to the Pacific. It shows why the Southern Confederacy wish to hold the Territory of Arizona and wish to have a part of the State of Sonora. It shows how very important it is for us to purchase from Mexico before it becomes a possession of, say, France, a strip of territory which will give us so fine and accessi- ble a port on the Gulf of California. When the vast mineral resources of Arizona and of the Pinos Altos region have become better known (and not one year will pass away before their importance will be appre- ciated), then the Government will see that a port on the Gulf of California should be ours at any cost. I am, general, very respectfully, JAMES II. CARLETON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] TUCSON, ARIz. TER., November 12, 1862. Col. RICHARD C. DRUM, IT. S. Army, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pac~tftc, San Francisco, Cal.: COLONEL: On the 26th of September last I received instructions as follows, viz: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PAciFIc, July 26, 1862. General Carleton will send Major Fergusson with a sufficient escort to examine the country, its resources, and the route between Tucson and Lobos Bay (place known as Libertad) via Arivaca and Altar or Cahorca. By order o~ Brigadier-General Wright: RICHD. C. DRUM, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ARIzONA, No. 20. * Las Cruces, N. Mex., September 5, 1862. * * * * * * Major Fergusson will proceed via Arivaca and Altar or Cahorca without delay to a point at or near Lobos Bay, on the Gulf of California, known as Libertad, and examine the intermediate country with a view to the transportation of sup- plies. He will ascertain the resources of the country on the route; also the availability of Lobos Bay as a port where military supplies destined for Arizona may be landed. Major Fergusson will then repair in person to the headquarters of the District of Arizona and make a report of his examination of the port of Lobos route to the general commanding the Column from California. * * * * * * * By command of Brigadier-General Carleton: BEN. C. CUTLER, First Lieut., First Infantry California Volunteers, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. There being no cavalry at the disposal of the commanding officer at Tucson for an escort, I was delayed until the 10th of October from proceeding to carry the above instructions into effect. On the after- noon of that day I started with an escort of seventeen men of Company E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, commanded by First Lient. C. P. Nichols, of the same regiment, en route to the port of La Liberta Page 25 UNION AUTHORITIES. 25 via Arivaca, Altar, and Pitiquito, and arrived at LaLibertad on the 20th of October. I append hereto an itinerary of the route. * The distances were measured by an odometer, which I was for- tunate to get the loan of from Mr. J. B. Mills, jr., interpreter to Lieutenant Nichols, commanding my escort. The port of La Libertad is not on that part of the Gulf of California known as Lobos Bay, but at a distance which I estimate to be about twenty miles south of it. I mnclose herewith a copy of map* of the Eusenada de Los Lobos, so-called, and the port of La Libertad, made by the scientific commis- sion of which Don Tomas Robinson, of Guaymas, was chief. Pre- vious to obtaining or seeing this map, by the aid of a boat, the frame of which was got out in Tucson by mechanics of the quartermasters department and put together at La Libertad, I took soundings in the port, which are marked on the map in red ink in feet. To Mr. J. B. Mills, jr., I am indebted for the triangulation of the bay, and for tracing the result (in red ink) on Robinsons map, time not permitting the making of an original; and as the result of both surveys are so nearly similar I did not consider an original map necessary. Where there is any difference in the soundings I have no hesitation in saying that the result of my own labors, marked in red ink, are as correct as circumstances and time would permit. Having arrived on the 20th, and the 21st, 22d, and part of the 23d of October being taken up in putting the boat together, I could not, considering the quantity of provisions and forage on hand and the absence of grass, remain more than a day and a half longer to make soundings and reconnoiter the vicinity. Of the value of this Ensenada of Libertad as a port no one can doubt. The soundings show a depth of water sufficient for vessels of any tonnage; the holding ground is excellent, the bottom being generally of fine white sand and shell at that part marked on the map as El Puerto de la Libertad, except where the ledges of rock are carefully laid down. These rocks are low, fiat croppings of the bed rock, and visible in the water in fair weather. The bottom in the upper or Cabo de Lobos part of the bay is sandy in parts, gravelly in others, and near the shore composed of cobblestones, gravel, and sand. The shore is generally sandy and gravelly. The banks are low, sandy loam, except the southern part, which consists of high bluffs of sand and shell of about a mile and a quarter in length, broken by ravines and gullies. From Point Kino to Cabo de Lobos the bay extends about five and three-fourths miles and has a depth of about two miles near the center. At Point Robinson a ledge of broken, jagged rocks extends into the sea about 400 yards. The constant ripple at this point indicates the presence of rocks. By extending a mole or breakwater in the direction of these rocks 400 or 500 yards, vessels could ride at anchor in the bay to the south with the greatest security in almost any storm. The soundings on the map will show that the part of the bay between Point Robinson and Cabo de Lobos has deep water and a bold shore where vessels may discharge within a few yards of the bank. The beach is in nearly all its extent admirably adapted to beach vessels for repairs. The rise and fall of the tides I cannot give an exact account of for want of time and instru- ments, but I think it has an average rise and fall of nine to ten feet. There is nothing on the beach to indicate heavy storms or surf or breakers. During my stay there the climate was delightful; the winds commencing very lightly in the morning, about 4 oclock, from the east, changing gradually to the northwest, blowing a pleasant breeze * Omitted Page 26 26 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. from 10 to 13 and then ceasing at sunset. The nights were cool, but not chilly. I should judge, though I do not pretend to any nautical exl)erlence, that vessels may safely anchor in this bay and ride out any storm except from the southwest, and even then, unless it be unusually severe, when there is enough sea room to make sail and leave the bay should it be necessary. What is termed the cordonazos, which take place in September, are the severest storms in the gulf, and then it is said the bay is comparatively smooth. With the exception of San Diego and San Francisco, California has no harbor comparable to La Libertad. The intended town of La Libertad is laid out on the shore, having the center of the principal plaza about 400 yards back from the pozo or well, which latter is about fifty yards from the shore at the rock called Piedra Parada. This part of the bay is the best for landing goods at present. According to the observations of the scientific commission above referred to, the center of the plaza is in latitude 29~ 53 47 48 imorth and the longitude 112~ 32 45 43 west of Greenwich. The port and town are surrounded by sierras of some height, between which and the sea there is an inclined plane devoid of water or grass and of a sterile, rather loose soil, bearing a growth of mesquite, torote, hedion- dilla, sahuaro, sahuesa, pitahaya, ocuatilla, palo verde, and palo fierro. It is true that one of the ridges of sand about four miles and a half to the south near the beach yields some galleta grass, but to no great extent, from the absence of rain, but the dried-up remains of last years growth were all that could be seen this season. Fresh water is obtained in abundance in the well (pozo) near the beach at Piedra Parada at a depth of twelve to fifteen feet. It is clear, pure, but warm. From the Piedra Parada along the beach for about 250 yards fresh water of about a temperature of 98~ Fahrenheit issues from the sandy beach, to which wild animals come to drink at low water. At La Piedra Parada, which is south 3 degrees east from the pozo, and fifty feet long by forty feet wide, and covered at high tides, there is a warm spring in which one can enjoy a luxurious warm bath. The water is fresh enough for drinking and cooking purposes, although it has a slightly mineral taste. There is a house partially fallen down, the only one there, on Point Robinson, which was built by Don Miguel Zepeda, of Altar, for a warehouse. Last year ex-Gov- ernor Cubillos, of Sonora, shipped a quantity of copper ore from this port to England in a vessel of over 1,000 tons burden. The harbor is full of a great variety of fish, such as bass, mullet, sardines, floun- ders, rock-cod, sharks, turtles, crabs, blackfish, and goldfish of a large size. Clams and a species of oyster were also found. Very few shells were found on the beach, an evidence of absence of storms, breakers, and surf. The nearest settlements to the port are Cahorca and Pitiquito. There is a deserted rancho belonging to one Don Fer- nando Cerna about fifty miles from the port, situated about six miles to the south of the road, where there are two inexhaustible wells of water and an excellent grazing range. Until wells are dug or water discovered on the road between Pitiquito and Libertad each wagon should carry a barrel to contain about forty gallons of water, or trains of fifteen wagons have each a water-tank of 600 gallons capacity. This would avoid the necessity of going to the Picti, four or five miles off the road, for water. Several parties are now, however, ready to sink wells, make dams, and settle on the road, provided the supplies for our troops are transported over this route. There is no danger of a scarcity of water in that event. The whole roate from Tucson, wit Page 27 UNION AUTHORITIES. 27 but short intervals excepted, can be settled by rancheros, and grain, hay, and other resonrces will be forthcoming in abundance when the occasion calls for them. The people and authorities along the route are alive to the advantages they can reap should this route be estab- lished. Don Miguel Zepeda, judge of the first instance of the district of Altar, who accompanied me to Libertad, and who has an interest in the advancement, is compromised to obtain a supply of water by either a well or represo at La Angostura, thirty-five miles from La Libertad. Angostura is admirably adapted for a stock ranch, and with water enough much land could be cultivated there and good hay cut. In the way of timber there is nothing near Libertad and none nearer on the route than Busani Rancho, where there is considerable oak, ash, walnut, and cottonwood. The whole of the district of Altar is barren of good timber with the exception of Busaui, I am informed. However, I must except the mesquite, which in some parts grows to quite a respectable size, and nearly all the lumber used in the district is of mesquite. Limestone of a very superior quality is found near La Libertad and at all the settlements and pueblos on the Altar River. The sierras are said to be rich in minerals near the port. Of this I can say nothing of my own knowledge. There can be no agri- culture nearer La Libertad than the Pici Valley and the pass of the Angostura, twenty-four and thirty-five miles distant, respectively, and there only to a limited extent, except in very rainy seasons, or after abundance of water is obtained from wells or artificial lakes. The whole country from Pitiquito to Pic(m in the valleys is good for grazing, and in the Bajio de Aquituni large crops can be raised with- out irrigation, the rains sufficing. I transmit a copy of Ehrenbergs mnap* with the routes to Libertad and Lobos and back via the Altar River traced thereon in red ink. A glance at the map will show that in a geographical point of view La Libertad or Lobos Bay are the nearest ports to the northern districts of Sonora, all of Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas, and Chihuahua, and time will show that the routes are not only favorable in regard to distances, but in respect to superiority of roads, economy of time and means. From La Libertad to El Paso the distance via Tucson, the longest route, is but 505 miles. From Indianola, in Texas, to El Paso, the distance is 789k miles. From Tucson to La Libertad I can say with confidence that I never saw a better natural road or one more favor- able for a railroad, so far as the topographical features of the country are concerned, considering its length. Government surveys have shown the practicability of railroads from this point to La Mesilla, & c. From Los Paredones via Pozo Verde and Fresnal it is said a more level route exists than hence via Arivaca. It is worth exam- ination, for lately many discoveries of silver have been made at Fresnal, and the whole of the Baboquivari range is said to be rich in argentiferous galena ore. The country is covered with excellent grass, and at Fresnal and Pozo Verde water is found in great plenty. There is now a population of 500 Mexicans at Freslial mining for silver. There is great danger of these people ruining valuable leads by their grasping and unprofessional mode of opening and working veins of metal. They yield no revenue to the Government and are under no legal restraints; as foreign miners, it is but just they should at least pay the taxes usual in Californ~a. From the Pima Villages to Altar via Los Paredones there is a good, hard, level road. ~3mitted Page 28 28 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. On the 25th of October I returned from La Libertad, having left the boat near the well in a gully near the beach, partially filled with sand, and arrived at Pitiquito on the 27th of October. On the 28th I went to Cahorca to make inquiries in regard to the port of Lobos and to get a guide. On the 29th, having left all my escort except five men, I took one wagon and started en route for Lobos. The presidente de la munici- palidad of Cahorca and Don Jesus Rivera, of that place, accompanied inc. Don Antonio Ramirez voluntarily offered his services as gnide gratis. To those three gentlemen I am under many obligations for courtesy, kindness, and many favors. Ramirez is one of the best of guides, and to him belongs the honor of first gniding wagons over a practicable route to both La Libertad and Lobos. He it was who guided Don Miguel Zepeda, who opened the Libertad road. I inclose an itinerary * of Aihe route from Cahorca to Lobos, and transmit also a sketch* of the port of Los Lobos. It not being practicable to carry the boat here, no soundings were taken, and as no fresh water is found at Lobos our stay was limited to a few hours, having arrived there on the morning of the 1st of November at 9 oclock and left on our return at 3 p. m. same day. The sketch herewith gives as nearly correct an outline of Lobos as could well be done without an actual survey. The harbor appears to have deeper water than Libertad, except at the cove at the north end near the low spit of land. The southern point is formed by a high mountain ridge called the Sierra del Toloache; the northern by a low spit of land which, though not so good as the southern, still shelters the bay from heavy seas, if not from high winds. The topography of Lobos is not so favorable for a town or settlement as La Libertad, the ground being more desert, more rough, and broken up by ridges and gullies. The shore in the central and southern parts is a high bluff composed of limestone, shell, and sand. Elevation from 75 to 150 feet, broken by deep ravines. Where the jacales are marked on the map, however, the position is favorable for building houses and for landing goods. From the elevated shores I could discover that the water is deep, and near the beach the bottom the same as at La Libertad. The water is deeper near the shore, except at the spit end, where the low tide leaves sev- eral hundred yards bare and some rocks exposed. Except at this part of the bay there appears to be no rocks or shallows. I consider the har- bor or roadstead rather safe and commodious, and would recolinmend that the first time a public vessel comes to Libertad that soundings be taken at Lobos. Water in abundance for shipping can be had at the desemboque (mouth) of the Altar River at a distance by sea not exceeding twelve to fifteen miles, which is at the foot of La Sierra de las Espinas, north 6 degrees west. No agricultural lands are nearer Lobos than the I3ajio Leon, twelve miles and a third distant. The north- ermi point of La Libertad Bay is seen from Lobos, viz, Cabo de Lobos about twenty miles nearly south (south 18 degrees east). The port is like La Libertad, surrounded by a semicircular range or succession of sierras situated as follows: Sierra de la Cascarita, on the gulf north 4 dgreees west; Sierra de las Espinas, at foot of which is the desemboque and fresh water, say fifteen miles, north 5 degrees west; La Sierra del Tanque, north 11 degrees west; Cerro Pinto, a whitish detached hill, north 15 degrees west; Cerro del Copal, north 5 degrees west. The Sierra del Puerto de Lobos extends from north, to east, the greates Page 29 UNION AUTHORITIES. 29 distance from beach being from four to five miles. Las Sierras del Mescal (two detached hills), north 80 degrees east; Sierra del Datil, east. Sierra del Toloache, southern point of bay, south 26 degrees east. Point of low spit of land forming the northern extremity of bay, south 52 degrees west. Knoll near the spit, south 76 degrees west. Large island (probably Tiburon), south 40 degrees west. Isla del Angel de la Guardia, from south to south 20 degrees west, about forty miles distant. The observations were taken a mile north 70 degrees east from the point marked jacales on the map. The growth of wood at Lobos is the same as at Libertad, with the addition of the copal tree, which grows on the Cerro de Copal and neighboring ridges and ravines. In regard to water, I refer to my itinerary of this route. I have n~ doubt abundance can be obtained by artesian boring. Fish in more abundance even than at La Libertad were seen here, and in a small cove to the north were seen about 300 seals on the shore one of which was killed by one of our party. As at La Libertad also we found the earth near the beach nearly covered in parts with pumice stone. Good building stone is abundant in the hills, but no timber; fuel is plentiful. The first known of this bay by the people of Cahorca was in 1840 or 1841, when the Papago Indians discovered a wreck of a vessel, upon advice of which several parties went to the port from Cahorca by way of the Alamo Muerto Rancho and the desemboque by the beach. I have seen no map having anything like a correct repre- sentation of the bay of Lobos, and none previous to Robinsons having Libertad on at all. In the whole district of Altar the most confused and undefined ideas existed in regard to Lobos Bay, and my guide, Antonio Ramirez, was the only person who gave me assurance of finding a practicable wagon route, and he redeemed his promise. I was told by a person who was at Lobos several times that it was impracticable to take an empty wagon. I took a half-loaded wagon, drawn by a very poor team, without the slightest difficulty, without using an ax, a spade, or crowbar, or moving any obstruction in the road, or going over a single sand-hill. I was assured by parties pre- tending to respectability that for sixteen miles the route lay over mountains of shifting sand-hills. Sand-hills are seen, but none but a simpleton would cross them, as 1~hey are no more in a direct route than a good hard road is. I hope I have dispersed an illusion and a delusion widespread in regard to the impracticability of the Lobos and Libertad routes. This delusion was fostered with great care by parties in and out of Sonora, whose love of gain exceeds their love of truth and manly honor. It is proper to say that Lobos is not yet a port of entry, not being, as it is termed in Sonora, habilitado. On the coast above Lobos Bay are two estuaries (esteros) affording safe anchorage for small vessels. The first is between Lobos Bay and El l)esemboque. It is a kind of canal, about 500 yards long by 150 yards wide, having five to six feet of water at low tide; it is two leagues south of the desemboque, and is well sheltered from winds. In case of the neighboring hills being rich in minerals this will be a valuable anchorage. The second estero is at La Salina, where large quantities of salt are found. It is fit for small schooners only. Fresh water is at the distance of 1,500 yards, within five feet of the surface. Guano is got from San Isla Blanco, in the vicinity. Fine white salt is found at La Sierra de la Cascarita and La Sierra del Tanque.~ On the morning of the 2d I arrived on my return at the Pozo Mor- eneiio, described in the itinerary of this route. TherQ are severa Page 30 30 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. gold and silver mines in this neighborhood, in the Sierra del Alamo, viz: Of silver: La Morenelia, a real, one league due north froiu Pozo; El Aqua Nueva, one league northwest from Pozo, besides La Pnrisima, San Francisco, Zepedas, & c. Of gold: The Placer de las Palomas is the principal, being two leagues north 60 degrees west from the Pozo; it yields from 50 cents to $16 per day to the hand. There are seven arrastres at work at the Pozo reducing silver. The Alamo Muerto Rancho is seven leagues distant to the northwest, where there is wood, water, and grass in abundance, and by which the wagon road to the desemboque passes. In the Sierra del Alamo are five aquajes (watering places), viz, .La MoreneiTh, El Agna Nueva, Agua de las Palomas, Chucubabi, and Pozo Morene~o. On the morning of the 3d instant the wagon returned to Cahorca, which is fifty-three miles and two-thirds from the port, and six miles and fifty-four hundredths from Pitiquito. Cahorca is situated on the right bank of the Altar River; has a population of 800 souls, chiefly engaged in agriculture and mining. The land in the river bottom is very fertile, and yields annually about 6,000 fanegas of wheat, 2,000 fanegas of corn, some barley, beans, & c. The land in cultivation is about four miles square in extent, and is but a fraction of what is susceptible of cultivation. The sugar cane, tobacco, and cotton flourish here; all the fruits usual in this latitude grow in abundance. About thirty years ago the river changed its con rse, having formerly gone to the west, or nearly so, when it afforded much more watcr for irrigation. In those days there was sufficient water at Bisane (fifteen miles from Cahorca and one mile and a half to the right of the route to Lobos) to raise large quantities of grain. Now there is no water at that point. It is a very fertile ranch, belonging to Don Dionisio Gonzales. There is a rancheria of about 300 Papago Indians here who cultivate enough to subsist on, and who have to draw their water from La Calera, a dis- tance of nine miles, and drive their cattle to water at the same place. It is very difficult to collect statistics from the Mexicans. Of the amount of wheat raised on the Altar River at the various towns, I got official information from the prefect, and had his statements fully corroborated by the principal merchants. Barley is raised in limited quantities from the fact that there is no demand for it. In the hope, however, that the route from Libertad to Tucson shall be opened, the farmers have sowed much more barley this season than usual. The time of sowing grain, wheat, and barley is in the begin- ning of November. I recommended that barley should be raised in considerable quantities. The prices of wheat and barley are about the same at all the pueblos, viz: Wheat at harvest time, $1.50 per fanega (150 pounds); wheat at seedtime, $3 per fanega (150 pounds); barley at harvest time, $1 per fanega (120 pounds); barley at seedtime, $2.50 to $3 per fanega (1~0 pounds). Beans cost from $3 to $8 per fanega; average, $5; corn the same as wheat, but the fanega weighs about 200 pounds. Beef-cattle and all kinds of stock are scarce. I estimate that about 4,000 head of cattle pertain to Cahorca, and may be 5,000 to 6,000 head are on the Calera Ranch, six niiles from there. Among them- selves they sell steers from $5 to $12. There are no butchers. Ani- mals are generally fattened for slaughter in the towns, and then they sell for about $20. Heavy oxen, fat, from $40 to $60. An abundanc Page 31 UNION AUTHORITIES. 31 of corn fodder is always to be had at the pueblos, as two harvests are raised annually. They have no way of selling it by weight. It is made in bundles (tercios) of from six to twelve pounds, according to the age of the corn, and sold for 6~ cents per tercio at retail. It is an excellent food for animals, as the ears as well as the straw are sold. At this place there are one flour mill (belonging to Don Manuel Carmelo), four stores, two carpenters and wheelwrights, one black- smith, six to eight shoemakers, three or four tailors, and two silver- smiths. From the top of the church, the finest in Sonora, are seen the following mountains: Sierra del Saucito, say five leagues distant, north 15 degrees west; Sierra de la Vasura, six leagues and a half to seven distant, north 40 degrees west; Puerto Blauco, two leagues and a half distant, north 85 degrees west; Sierra de Santa Teresa, forty miles dis- tant, north 60 degrees east; Cerro del Potrero, about one mile dis- tant, south 65 degrees west; Cerro del Alamo Muerto, ten leagues distant, south 87 degrees west; Cerro de Ia Calera, two leagues and a half distant, south 70 degrees west; Sierra de la Mosca (Cordillera), south 45 degrees west; Sierra del Viejo, seven or eight leagues distant, south 30 degrees west; Sierra de Aquituni, eight or nine leagues dis- tant, south 5 degrees west; Cerro de Cailedo (range), east to south 30 degrees east. Puerto del Alamo, five leagues, north 10 degrees east, and Puerto del Chanate, five leagues, north 20 degrees east, are two passes in the mountains through which it is said good direct roads can be found from Cahorca to Los Paredones, which would shorten the road from Libertad to bring it via Cahorca and these passes to Los Paredones. Don Jesus Rivera and Don Miguel Carmelo agreed to examine these passes and the route, to take a cart and test them thoroughly and inform me of the result; they say that water and grass can be found at convenient distances. The Chanate Ranch is en route via the Chanate Pass, where there is good water and grass. I can recommend the following residents of Cahorca as excellent guides, viz: Antonio Ramirez in regard to various routes to the coast; Jose de los Santos and Mariano Molino to Arizona and the various routes to different sections of Sonora. The district of Altar is supplied with salt to a great extent from Cahorca. It is brought from La Salina and Cerro del Tanque. On the 4th I left Cahorca and arrived same day at Pitiquito, a town of 1,200 inhabitants, including the small farmers in the immediate neighborhood. Pitiquito is on the right bank of the Altar River, six and fifty-four hundredths miles east of Cahorca and fourteen miles south 82 degrees west of Altar, and about five miles below the con- fluence of the Altar and Magdalena or San Iguacio rivers. This is the first pueblo in point of agriculture in the district. The soil is very fertile, and the quantit~r under cultivation is limited compared with what can be cultivated. The extent at present under crops is about four miles in length by two along the river banks, all irrigated. Of wheat they raise annually 8,000 fanegas; of corn, say 2,000 fanegas; some barley, beans, sugar-cane, tobacco, the usual fruits, and vegetables are raised in sufficient quantities for home consump- tion. Prices the same as at Cahorca. Some little crystallized sugar and considerable panoche are manufactured here. Tobacco and cotton also flourish. There are probably about 2,000 head of cattle owned in this pueblo, a few sheep, horses, and mules, but very few. There are two flour mills, one owned by Don Pedro Selaya and th Page 32 32 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. other by Don Donisio Gonzales, both horse or mule power, there being no water-power on the river below Oqnitva. There are three arrastres crushing quartz belonging to Don Francisco Gastela. The quartz is brought from El Sancito, four leagues and a half west. Yield of gQld about ~56 per ton. The sierras in this vicinity, as in those of all the pueblos, are mineral. In Pitiquito there are four stores, one blacksmith shop, one millwright (American), one car- penter, and shoemakers, silversmiths, saddle makers, & c. Don Faustino Fehiz is the mayor or presidente de la municipalidad of Pitiquito. To him, Don Salvador Mendez, and Don Francisco Gastela we are indebted for much kindness, and to Rafael Rivera also. These gentlemen are public-spirited and intelligent. They took immediate steps to improve the road to and from their town, and on our return we found two miles of a new road made and the road over the hill toward Altar smooth and level, they having removed loose stones and rocks therefrom. They and the people of this place are to make a new road for six to ten miles toward Libertad, shortening and improving the route considerably. The following sierras are seen from the church top, viz: Sierra Alta de Pitiquito, just at town, north 60 degrees west; Sierra de San llilario, north 30 degrees west; Sierra de Chucurate, three to four leagues, north 20 degrees east; Sierra de la Gamuza, south 45 degrees east; Sierra de Aquituni, eight to nine leagues, south 17 degrees east; Cerro de la Campana south, and the Sierras del Quizuan and del Agua Salado (directions lost). On the morning of the 5th of November left Pitiquito and arrived same day at Altar, the capital of the district of the same name, situ- ated on the right bank of the river. It has a population of 1,050 within the town, and, including the farms and little ranchos in the vicinity, 2,000 in all. The extent of land under cultivation here is limited. Scarcely enough for home consumption is raised. The town is, like the others on the river, built of adobes, the houses being with one exception one story high. The productions are the same as in Piti- quito and Cahorca, with few exceptions. The water of the river (called so by courtesy, I suppose, for it is only an insignificant rivulet) diminishes in volume every year. The rains for many seasons have been very light, and many of the springs and little affluents to the river lose themselves in the sand. Agricultural and other products can be obtained here at same prices as at the other towns. There is no flour mill. There are, however, ten stores, two blacksmiths, two tailors, one wheelwright, six silversmiths, an old church, and the only priest in the district resides here. Here I may say, en passant, that everything in the way of buildings, mills, workshops, mechanical labor, implements, & c., is of the most primitive description. Though the Mexicans have in such great numbers from this district been in California, they appear to have profitea but little by the example of American mechanics and American industry. The district is sparsely settled, more from the fear of the dread Apache than anything else. The country has been laid waste and desolate by these Indians; cattle have been run off from ranches having tens of thousands, and lives sacrificed in numbers to make the recital cause oiie to shudder. There is so little stock left now in Sonora that the Indians are obliged to come to the very corrals in the towns to steal animals. Without the extermination of the Apaches or the settlement of Sonora by a different race, the entire depopulation and ruin of the State is only a question of time. In former years horses, cattle, and sheep wer Page 33 UNION AUTHORITIES. 33 in such numbers over the whole countr.y that the owners had but a vague idea of the numbers they possessed. Horses were sold at $5 to $10; cattle, $2 to $3. Now a good hoi~se of the Sonora stock, small, ugly, but of the most surprising endurance, costs $100. The moun- tains surrounding Altar are Carnero Range, to the east two or three miles distant; through this sierra there is a pass to La Magdalena. Highest point of the Sierra del Chino, thirteen miles, south 20 degrees east; Sierra del Chanate, fifteen to eighteen miles westerly. The prefect, Don Jose Maria Redondo, lives in Altar. He politely gave me letters to the presidents of Pitiquito and Cahorca, instructing them to afford me every facility possible in the performance of my duties, and to furnish guides free of charge. From the principal people of Altar, as well as of the other towns, we received proofs of friendship and hospitality, though their country has been cursed with the presence of straggling bands of vagabond Americans and others speaking the English language, mistaken for Americans, who are not only a disgrace to themselves, but to the Anglo-Saxon race. The prefect had issued instructions to the authorities on the river at Oquitva, El Atil, Tuba- tama, and Saric to repair roads and make new ones where necessary on the route to Tucson by the river. On the morning of the 6th started for Oquitva, a small town of 500 inhabitants, six miles and a fifth, north 25 degrees east f Altar, on the right bank of the river. This is entirely an agricultural popula- tion. The harvest of wheat is 5,000 fanegas, about 2,000 of corn, some barley, and beans. Barley is sown in larger quantities this year. The usual fruits, sugar-cane, tobacco, & c. The river bottom is very fertile, and yields prolific harvests where the soil is irrigated. Here are four flour mills, having each one run of stones. There is a good deal of water power here. It is very favorably situated for manufactories. The town is surrounded by hills, barren, bleak, and said to be mineral. Fuel is abundant, and in the immediate vicinity. Beef-cattle and grazing scarce. There is a church. No stores or mechanics. The presidente de la municipalidad is Basilio Caballero. At 2 p. m. same day arrived at El Atil, a village eleven miles and two-thirds from Oquitva,on the river. It contains about 100 inhabitants (Indians), with the exception of five or six Mexican families. There is considerable good arable land under cultivation here,yielding annu- ally of wheat 7,000 fanegas, 1,000 to 2,000 fanegas of corn, and some barley. Of the latter, as in other pueblos, more than usual has been sown this season, and for the same reason. There is some water power here also, the only flour mill, belonging to Don Miguel Zepeda, being propelled by water. There is an old church here. There are no stores or mechanics; but very few cattle or stock of any kind. Abundance of corn fodder and grain can be had here for trains at the usual prices. Don Manuel Hugues is the juez local, and only author- ity in El Atil.~ The country is more open here. There is considerable grazing also, and fuel at hand. The sierras in the vicinity and view are Santa Teresa, five miles northeast, said to be rich in copper; El Carrisal, a range running east and west, nearest point six to nine miles distant, northerly; El Atil, a small hill half a mile south. On the morning of the 7th started for Tubatama, a town of 800 inhabitants. It is entirely surrounded by hills, and stands upon a knoll seventy-five to eighty-five feet high on the left bank of the Altar River, the bottom lands of which are here extremely fertile and well cultivated, under corn, wheat, sugar-cane, tobacco, beans, some bar- ley, the various vegetables and fruits of this latitude. The annual 3 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 34 34 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. crop of wheat is 4,000 fanegas; corn about 1,500 fanegas. The castor- oil bean grows here in the rankest luxuriance. Corn broom and wild cane attain a growth of fifteen to twenty-five feet high. There is little commerce, only one store, and no mechanical industry, except perhaps one carpenter and blacksmith. Here is a very old church, one bell of which has the date of 1738 stamped on it. The church is hung with life-size portraits of saints and various tableaux of a religious character of no mean style of art. Here the erratic Count Raoussett de Boulbon and his misguided followers made their head- quarters. Tubatama is eight miles north 70 degrees east from El Atil. There are four flour mills here, all driven by water power, of which there is an abundance, considering the volume of water in the river. Many factories could be established here. There is but one store, owned by the presidente, Francisco Ochoa. The sierras in view from the top of the church are: El Carrisal, two leagues northwest; El Sombreretillo, a conical hill, five leagues north; Santa Teresa, two miles, south 40 degrees west; Joan4qui, one mile northeast; San Juan, four miles, north 15 degrees east; Cerro del Chile, nine or ten leagues, north 26 degrees east; Baboc6mori, a low hill, four or five leagues, north 25 degrees east. Encamped this day at Baboc6mori Ranch. Next day, the 8th, passed through the town of Sane, the last on the river. A colony of Chilenos settled here in 18D5, then an old mission. It is situated on the right bank of the Altar River, nestled in a valley entirely surrounded by hills. The population is 500, principally engaged in mining and agriculture. The river bottom in the vicinity is very fertile, with abundance of water for irrigation. Here the harvest of wheat is 2,000 fanegas; of corn say 1,000 fanegas; barley uncertain. For the supply of future demands the barley crops will be munch increased here, as on all the river bottom. The usual vegetables are raised here, but fruit is scarce on account of the recent settlement of the place. The valley is cultivated for one mile below and three miles and a half above the town. In the vicinity of Sane there is a considerable growth of heavy mesquite, ash, cottonwood, walunt, and some oak fit for lumber. There are two flour mills~here, one carpenter and wagonmakers shop; one~ blacksmith shop, three shoemakers, four smelting furnaces (for silver ore); one silversmith, one saddler, and one quartz mill. The president of the municipality is Don Bartolo B~rcelo, who, under instruction from the prefect, has set about repairing and changing the road in the vicinity. Part of this labor was performed when I passed, and the work was to pro- ceed to completion at once. I inclose also an itinerary of this route from Altar to Tucson, in which and in the two others appem~d~d * I have endeavored to give every object of interest a place, and to represent with fidelity the features and resources of the country with respect to the object o.f my mission. Having spent only four days at La Libertad, a few hours at Lobos Bay, and one day going and another returning at Altar, and one day at Pitiquito, and riding on an average twenty-five miles a day during the trip, I hope my efforts may prove satisfactorymore so to the commanding general than they do to myself. My powers of descrip- tion and command of language are but limited, and I am therefore unable to do justice to a subject deserving the labors of an abler pen. The rest of the routes are described in the itineraries. All is crude, undigested, principally for want of talent in this line, and also from * Itineraries omitted Page 35 UNION AUTHORITIES. 35 want of time, as my instructions require that I leave for the Rio Grande the first opportunity, which will be in a day or two. I am in hopes that with some trouble in making the proper reconnaissances, better and shorter routes may be discovered hence to the gulf, and also from this section, say Tubac, to the Rio Grande. I am informed that sixty miles can be saved in distance by taking a route from Tubac to La Mesilla, instead of going via Tucson and the present road, and over a superior road having wood, water, and grass at con- venient distances. To sum upboth routes traveled by me to La Libertad are practicable for heavy freighting. Each possesses advan- tages over the other. The one via Altar possesses the advantage of passing through towns and settlements where all the requisites of water, fuel, forage, & c., are obtained in great abundance at short intervals, but the roads are not so level or so well adapted for very heavy loads as the route via Zazabe and the Paredones; which route, however, has no settlement whatever between the Mina Cob- rada and Zepedas Ranch, fourteen miles from Altar, though, as before stated, the whole country is adapted for stock raising and for ranches, where considerable produce can be raised, should wells be dug and artificial dams be made. The difference in distance is in favor of the latter route, as by avoiding Altar and going direct to Pitiquito from Zepedas Ranch, fourteen miles can be saved, thus reducing the distance on that route to 211.24 miles, while the route via the Altar River is 226.11 miles. It may not be amiss to state here that the rainy season usually commences in this latitude on or about the 24th of June, and continues during July, August, and part of September. About the middle of November the country in Sonora toward the gulf is visited with rains called las equipatas. The winter rains fall in December, January, and February. Snow is not unfrequent in this territory in winter. Trains en route from La Libertad to Tucson will require to be guarded against Apaches. That a military escort will be necessary I do not believe, provided teamsters and herders are armed, under a careful wagon-master, who will exact vigilance and obedience. Mexicans travel safely and herd their animals at night. At Libertad the danger from Indians is but very little. Apaches have been known to visit there only once. The Tepoca and Ceres (or Seris) inhabit the coast to the south of the port. They depredate upon the settlements on the Sonora River generally, and when pur- sued cross to Tiburon Island, in the gulf. It is very unusual for them to come farther north than La Cienega. One man was left in charge of produce stored at Libertad for several months lately; so that if any settlement be formed at the port a military force will not, iii my opinion, be required. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. FERGUSSON, Jilajor, First Cavalry California Volunteers. EXECUTIvE DEPARTMENT, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Columbus, Ohio, February 1, 1868. Secretary of War Referring to my letter of this date by Quartermaster-General Wright, if the necessity for more troops is probable, I have to advise the adoption of a riniformn systewi of drafting. With this Ohio will Page 36 36 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. in my opinion, respond to any further calls made upon her, but with- out it it would be impossible to raise any considerable number. Efforts to fill up the old regiments are still being made, but our success has [been] trifling for the past sixty days. I have to advise, however, that the effort be continued. Respectfully, yours, DAVID TOD, Governor. Statement showing number of men for old regiments furnished by the States, respectively, from August 15, 1862. to January 31, 1863, as reported weekly and daily by telegram. 608 Connecticut 46 Delaware 3,854 Indiana 3,098 flhinois 1,229 Iowa -- Kentucky Kansas Maine 643 Massachusetts 5,151 Maryland 1,226 Michigan 2,194 Missouri 1,252 Minnesota 113 New jersey 446 17,468 New Hampshire~ Ohio 6,544 Pennsylvania 9,812 Rhode Island 1,085 Tennessee Vermont 1,d67 Virginia 1,172 Wisconsin 1,573 Total 59,717 Recruits for old regiments to include November 21, 1862 (previous state ment) 49,990 Increase since November 21,1862 9,727 THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant-General. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, February 2, 1863. BoSTON, February 3, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Congressional bill passed House of Representatives does not prohibit colored officers in colored regiments. Will you withdraw prohibition so far as concerns line officers, assistant surgeons, and chaplain of my proposed colored regiment? It will avoid difficulty. Power would not be used except possibly for few cases of plainly competent persons recommended by the field officers, who shall be gentlemen and soldiers of highest merit and influence. JOHN A. ANDREW Page 37 UNION AUTHORITIES. 37 GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 30. Washington, February 4, 1863. Paragraph 1341, General Regulations, and General Orders, No. 86, of July 23, 1862, para~graph IV, are hereby modified so as to require that applications for payment in cases where certificates of discharge or final statements are lost or destroyed, shall be made to the Second Auditor of the Treasury instead of the Second Comptroller. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, February 9, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: In obedience to your verbal directions I have the honor to submit the following report concerning the Provost-Marshal-Generals Bureau organized by General Orders, No. 140, of 1862. The time which has elapsed since the order was issued has only served to show more conclusively tl~an ever the necessity of some vigorous and effective measures for arresting and returning to the service stragglers and deserters from the Army. Their number is continually increasing, and their influence on the Army and the community is becoming every day more injurious, not only reducing the forces in the field and exciting discontent through- out the country, but tending greatly to bring into contempt the authority of the Government. Desertion is no longer regarded as a crime among the class of men who are guilty of it, but has come to be considered as only an expert method of obtaining money by bounties and hire as substitutes. The system established by General Orders, No. 140, has certainly failed, in a great measure, to effect its intended object. This may be owing to defects in the plan, but I respectfully suggest that it may be otherwise accounted for, and I beg leave here to state some of the causes which appear to me to have produced its failure. The first one is the insufficient number of special provost-marshals. It is supposed that more than 100,000 persons are now absent from the Army who ought to be on duty in it. To arrest and send back ~o large a number us a work of no ordinary magnitude, and the means for accomplishing it should be commuen- surate with its extent. The expense is doubtless an important con- sideration, but when compared with the importance of the work it ought not to be an obstacle. It should be done at any necessary cost. I am still of the opinion that one special provost-marshal to each Congressional district is not too many. It would save the necessity of appointing deputies, and bring the entire system more directly under the control of the office at Washington. The second cause of failure in the plan is the lack of certainty in the compensation of these officers. Their pay should be fixed, and the time and manner of payment should be definitely arranged. With- out this they cannot take that interest in the service which will secure efficiency. The expenses also of arresting and returning deserters, as well as other expenses attending the discharge of duty by these officers, shoul Page 38 38 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. be regulated on some plan that will secure proper responsibility and economy as well as prompt payment upon proper vouchers. But the most important point necessary to the success of the system is the establishment and thorough organizat~ion of the bureau at Washington. The order was not intended as anything more than the basis of the system. Its details must be arranged and adapted to the nature of the service by a mind exclusively devoted to the subject, and which is to be its director and manager. The numerous contin- gencies that must arise from time to time, and which cannot be fore- seen, must be met as they arise, and provided for in a manner that shall harmonize with the general system. Full and complete instruc- tions should be framed for the government of subordinate officers in the discharge of all their duties, so a~ to produce uniformity of adminis- tration and prevent injustice and oppression, as well as produce energy and efficiency in the Department. Proper blanks are to be provided, a system of reports established; information obtained should be filed, tabulated, and arranged for constant use and reference. The inspira- tion of vigor in the entire system must come from its head, who should be in constant and direct communication with the War Depart- ment, and be of sufficient rank and position to sustain and be held to the responsibility incident to so important an office. With these conditions fulfilled, I do not doubt that all the good results expected from the plan contemplated in General Orders, No. 140, will be fully realized. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. P. BUCKINGHAM, Brigadier- General and Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 38. Washington, February 10, 1863. General Orders, No. 154, and paragraph I, of General Orders, No. 162, of 1862, authorizing the enlistment of volunteers in the Regular Army, are hereby rescinded. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. 0., February 10, 1863. Captain SILVEY, Providence, P. 1.: SIR: The Governor of Rhode Island is hereby authorized to raise a colored regiment of infantry or heavy artillery, so called, to be organized according to the rules and regulations of the service and officered by white officers. The U. S. mustering officer will muster them by companies or as presented, for a service of three years or during the war. The proper departments will furnish all supplies of clothing, arms, sub- sistence, and equipments upon proper requisitions. The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, adjutant, quartermaster, surgeon, and chaplain, and all commissioned officers shall be mustered into the U. S. service according to the regulations Page 39 UNION AUTHORITIES. 39 The same authority is hereby granted for the raising of this regi- ment as is granted in the case of white regiments. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAJi DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 40. Washington, February 11, 1863. The following acts of Congress are published for the information and government of all concerned: * * * * * * * II. PUBLICNo. 17. AN ACT to authorize the raising of a volunteer force for the better defense of Kentucky. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Governor of the State of Kentucky, by the consent and under the direction of the President of the United states, shall have power to raise and organize into regiments a volunteer force not exceeding twenty thousand, rank and file, to be raised within the State of Kentucky, to serve for the term of twelve months, to be employed within the limits of Ken- tucky in repelling invasion, suppressing insurrection, and guarding and protect- ing the public property: Provided, That at any time it may be necessary, in the discretion of the President of the United States, these troops may be employed out of the limits of Kentucky against the enemies of the United States. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the regimental and company officers shall be appointed and commissioned by the State of Kentucky, according to the laws thereof: Provided, That the officers of said regiments shall be entitled to pay only when the regiments or companies are filled as now in actual service. required by law, and while SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That the regiments, when raised and officered as aforesaid, shall be mustered into the service of the United States and be sub- ject to the command of the President of the United States. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That the officers and soldiers thus enrolled and mustered into service shall be subject to the Rules and Articles of War, and shall be placed on the same footing as other volunteers in the service of the United States as to pay, subsistence, clothing, and other emoluments, except bounty, for and during the time they may be in actual service. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That a portion of this volunteer corps, not exceeding two regiments, may, when necessary, in the opinion of the President of the United States, be mounted and armed as mounted riflemen. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That the President shall have power to make such other regulations in regard to the organization and service of this force as he shall deem expedient for the interest of the service. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That, by and with the consent of the Presi- dent of the United States, the volunteers authorized to be raised by this act, or any portion of them, may be attached to and become part of the body of the three-years volunteers, according to such rules and regulations as the President of the United States may prescribe. Approved February 7, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. PUBLICNO. 19. AN ACT making appropriations for the support of the Army for the year ending the thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, and for a deficiency for the signal service for the year ending June thirty, eighteen hundred and sixty-three. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following sums be, and the sam Page 40 40 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. are hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appro- priated, for the support of the Army for the year ending the thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-four: For expenses of recruiting, transportation of recruits, and compensation to citizen surgeons for medical attendance, two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. For bounties and premiums for recruits of the Regular Army, three hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars. For bounties for recruits of the volunteer service, five million dollars. For collecting, drilling, and organizing volunteers, and all other necessary expenses, ten million seven hundred thousand dollars. For pay of the Army, nine million five hundred and ninety-six thousand five hundred and thirty-eight dollars. For commutation of officers subsistence, one million six hundred and twenty thousand and forty-eight dollars. For commutation of forage for officers horses, one hundred and four thousand six hundred dollars. For payments to discharged soldiers for clothing not drawn, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. For payments in lieu of clothing for officers servants, seventy-six thousand nine hundred and seventy dollars. For pay of volunteers under acts of twenty-second and twenty-fifth of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, two hundred and sixty-six million four hundred and ten thousand nine hundred and eighty-one dollars and six cents. For subsistence in kind for regulars, volunteers, engineers, Indians, and hos- pital stewards, one hundred and forty million one hundred and thirty-two thousand six hundred and eighty-nine dollars and twenty cents. For the regular supplies of the Quartermasters Department, consisting of fuel for the officers, enlisted men, guard, hospitals, store-houses, and offices; of forage in kind for the horses, mules, and oxen of the Quartermasters Department at the several posts and stations, and with the armies in the field; for the horses of the several regiments of cavalry, the batteries of artillery, and such companies of infantry as may be mounted, and for the authorized number of officers horses when serving in the field and at the outposts, including bedding for the animals; of straw for soldiers bedding, and of stationery, including blank books for the Quartermasters Department, certificates for discharged soldiers, blank forms for the Pay and Quartermasters departments; and for the printing of division and department orders and reports, sixty-seven million two hundred and seventeen thousand seven hundred and ninety-one dollars. For the incidental expenses of the Quartermasters Department, consisting of postage on letters and packets received and sent by officers of the Army on public service; expenses of courts-martial and courts of inquiry, including the addi- tional compensation of judge-advocates, recorders, members~ and witnesses, while on that service, under the act of March sixteenth, eighteen hundred and two; extra pay to soldiers employed, under the direction of the Quartermasters Department, in the erection of barracks, quarters, store-houses, and hospitals; m the construction of roads, and on other constant labor, for periods of not less than ten days, under the acts of March second, eighteen hundred and nineteen, and August fourth, eighteen hundred and fifty-four, including those employed as clerks at division and department headquarters; expenses of expresses to and from the frontier posts and armies in the field; of escorts to paymasters and other disbursing officers, and to trains where military escorts cannot be furnished; expenses of the interment Qf officers killed in action, or who die when on duty in the field, or at posts on the frontiers, or at other posts and places when ordered by the Secretary of War, and of non-commissioned officers and soldiers; author- ized office furniture; hire of laborers in the Quartermasters Department, includ- ing the hire of interpreters, spies, and guides for the Army; compensation of clerks to officers of the Quartermasters Department; compensation of forage and wagon-masters, authorized by the act of July fifth, eighteen hundred and thirty- eight; for the apprehension of deserters, and the expenses incident to their pursuit; and for the following expenditures required for the several regiments of cavalry, the batteries of light artillery, and such companies of infantry as may be mounted, viz: The purchase of traveling forges, blacksmiths and shoeing tools, horse and mule shoes and nails, iron and steel for shoeing, hire of veterinary surgeons, medicines for horses and mules, picket ropes, and for shoeing the horses of the corps named; also, generally, the proper and authorized expenses for the movements and operations of an army not expressly assigned to any other depart- ment, nineteen million one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars Page 41 UNION AUTHORITIES. 41 For the purchase of cavalry and artillery horses, twenty-three million one hun- dred and eighty-nine thousand three hundred and seventy-five dollars. For mileage, or the allowance made to officers of the Army for the transporta- fion of themselves and their baggage when traveling on duty without troops, escorts, or supplies, one million of dollars. For transportation of the Army, including the baggage of the troops when mov- ing, either by land or water; of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, from the depots at Philadelphia and New York and Cincinnati to the several posts and army depots, and from those depots to the troops in the field; and of subsistence from the places of purchase and from the places of delivery under contract to such places as the circumstances of the service may require them to be sent; of ord- nance, ordnance stores, and small-arms from founderies and armories to the arse- 1)1 is, fortifications, frontier posts, and army depots; freights, wharfage, tolls, and ferriages; for the purchase and hire of horses, mules, oxen, and harness, and the purchase and repair of wagons, carts, and drays, and of ships and other seagoing vessels and boats required for the transportation of supplies and for garrison pur- poses; for drayage and cartage at the several posts; hire of teamsters; transporta- tion of funds for the pay and other disbursing departments; the expense of sailing public transports on the various rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic and Pacific; and for procuring water at such posts as, from their situation, require it to be brought from a distance; and for clearing roads, and removing obstructions from roads, harbors, and rivers, to the extent which may be required for the actual operations of the troops in the field, fifty-six million five hundred thousand dollars. For hire or commutation of quarters for officers on military duty; hire of quar- ters for troops; of store-houses for the safe-keeping of military stores; of grounds for summer cantonments, for the construction of temporary huts, hospitals, and stables, and for repairing public buildings at established posts, eight million dollars. For heating and cooking stoves, one hundred and forty thousand dollars. For telegraph for military purposes, and for expenses in operating the same, five hundred thousand dollars. For supplies, transportation, and care of prisoners of war, one million five hun- dred thousand dollars. For contingencies of the Army, six hundred thousand dollars. For clothing for the Army, camp and garrison equipage, and for expenses of offices and arsenals, seventy-six million two hundred and eighty-one thousand nine hundred and eleven dollars and fifty-four cents. For medicines, instruments, dressings, and so forth, for the Regular Army, one hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars. For hospital stores, bedding, and so forth, for the Regular Army, one hundred thousand dollars. For hospital furniture and field equipments, for the Regular Army, thirty thousand dollars. For medical books, stationery, and printing, for the Regular Army, eight thou- sand seven hundred and fifty dollars. For private physicians and medicines furnished by them, for the Regular Ariky, fifty-seven thousand five hundred dollars. For hire of clerks and laborers in purveying depots, for the Regular Army, one thousand six hundred dollars. For continuing meteorological observations and tabulating the same, under the direction of the Surgeon-General, for the Regular Army, five hundred dollars. For contingencies, for the Regular Army, two thousand one hundred and fifty dollars. For compensation of soldiers acting as cooks and nurses, under the acts of August sixteen, eighteen hundred and fifty-six, and March three, eighteen hundred and fifty-seven, for the Regular Army, two thousand dollars. For ice, fruits, and other comforts, under acts of August three, eighteen hun- dred and sixty-one, and July five, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, for the Regular Army, twenty thousand dollars. For citizen nurses, under act of July five, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, for the Regular Army, four thousand dollars. For hospital clothing for the Regular Army, fifteen thousand dollars. For care of sick soldiers in private hospitals, for the Regular Army, eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. For artificial limbs for soldiers for the Regular Army, and seamen, five thousand dollars. For medicines, instruments, dressings, and so forth, for the volunteers, four millions of dollars Page 42 42 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. For hospital stores, bedding, and so forth, for the volunteers, three million five hundred thousand dollars. For hospital furniture and field equipments, for the volunteers, one million dollars. For medical books, stationery, and printing, for the volunteers, one hundred thousand dollars. For private physicians and medicines furnished by them for the volunteers, four hundred thousand dollars. For hire of clerks and laborers in purveying depots for the volunteers, twenty- five thousand dollars. For continuing meteorological observations and tabulating the same, under the direction of the Surgeon-General, for the volunteers, one thousand dollars. For contingencies, for the volunteers, twelve thousand five hundred dollars. For compensation of soldiers acting as cooks and nurses, under the acts of August sixteen, eighteen hundred and fifty-six, and March three, eighteen hun- dred and fifty-seven, for the volunteers, seventy-five thousand dollars. For ice, fruits, and other comforts, under acts of August three, eighteen hun- dred and sixty-one, and July five, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, for the v9lun- teers, one hundred and seventy thousand dollars. For citizen nurses, under act of July five, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, for the volunteers, one hundred thousand dollars. For hospital clothing, for the volunteers, eighty thousand & ollars. For care of sick soldiers in private hospitals, for the volunteers, one hundred and sixteen thousand five hundred dollars. For artificial limbs for volunteer soldiers and seamen, forty-five thousand dollars. For the Army Medical Museum, five thousand dollars. For medicine and medical attendance for negro refugees (commonly called contrabands), fifty thousand dollars. For contingent expenses of the Adjutant-Generals Department at department headquarters, two thousand dollars. For expenses of the Commanding Generals office, ten thousand dollars. For armament of fortifications, two million five hundred thousand dollars. For the current expenses of the ordnance service, nine hundred thousand dollars. For ordnance, ordnance stores, and supplies, including horse equipments for all mounted troops, six million five hundred and forty-five thousand dollars. For the manufacture of arms at the national armory, two million eight hundred and eighty thousand dollars. For repairs and improvements and new machinery at the national armory at Springfield, Mass., one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. For the purchase of gunpowder and lead, two million four hundred and eighty thousand dollars. For additions to and extensions of shop room, machinery, tools, and fixtures at arsenals, five hundred thousand dollars. For purchase and manfacture of arms for volunteers and regulars, and ordnance and ordnance stores, fourteen million nine hundred and sixty thousand dollars. For surveys of military defenses, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. For purchase and repair of instruments, ten thousand dollars. For printing charts of lake surveys, fifteen thousand dollars. For continuing the survey of the northern and northwestern lakes, including Lake Superior, one hundred and six thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine dollars. For the signal service of the United States Army, one hundred and fifteen thou- sand eight hundred and ninety-one dollars. For deficiency for signal service for the United States Army for the year ending June thirty, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, twelve thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars. SEc. 2. And be it further enacted, That no money shall be paid from the Treas- ury of the United States to any person acting or assuming to act as an officer, civil, military, or naval, as salary in any office, which office is not authorized by some previously existing law, unless where such office shall be subsequently sanc- tioned by law, nor shall any money be paid out of the Treasury, as salary, to any person appointed during the recess of the Senate, to fill a vacancy in any existing office, which vacancy existed while the Senate was in session and is by law required to be filled by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, until such appointee shall have been confirmed by the Senate. Approved February 9, 1863 Page 43 UNION AUTHORITIES. 43 V. PUBLICNo. 23. AN ACT to promote the efficiency of the Commissary Department. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there be added to the Subsistence Department of the Army one brigadier-general, to be selected from the Subsist- ence Department, who shall be Commissary-General of Subsistence, and by regu- lar promotion one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, and two majors, the colonels and lieutenant-colonels to be assistant commissaries-general of subsistence; and that vacancies in the above-mentioned grades shall be filled by regular promotion in said department. And the vacancies created by promotions herein authorized may be filled by selections from the officers of the regular or volunteer force. Approved February 9, 1863. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, CENSUS OFFICE, Washington, February 11, 1863. Hon. J. P. USHER, Secretary of the Interior: SIR: Respecting the number of free colored persons in the United States of the arms-bearing age, I have the honor to submit tabular statements, herewith accompanying, which show the number of such persons of eighteen and under forty-five, and hypothetically the propor- tion in the free States which may be supposed available from this popu- lation upon the data furnished by the number of white persons who have entered the military service from the various States and Terri- tories. In my opinion the number of colored persons in the free States physically conditioned to bear arms is less in a given population than the number of whites, from the fact that the free colored population in the North is made to hold its numbers by supply from the South rather than by that natural increase from generation incident to good conditions. This view is sustained by the current reports on mortality, which in many instances prove the number of deaths among the free colored to be greater thami the births. The increase among this population in Massachusetts from 1840 to 1850 was less than 5 per cent., and from 1850 to 1860 less than 6 per cent. In Maine and New Hampshire, Ver- mont and New York they have actually decreased, which fact, taken in connection with the small aggregate increase of 12 per cent., North and South, in ten years from all causes, proves beyond question that the race would not advance in the Northern States but by artificial conditions, and that physically it is under its present circumstances neither equal to the slave nor free population. In my opinion the number of the free colored population has always been overestimated from the fact of their concentration in cities and large towns and their employment in outdoor avocations, whereas if employed in factories and trades and on farms they would escape observation and be almost lost sight of. I am equally convinced that while climate has much to do with their physical condition, their gen- eral mode of life, incident to caste and condition, has probably equal effect upon their vitality. Be the reasons wiziat they may, the fact is evident that the colored population in the Northern and Western States holds an inferior place physically to the whites,,and could hardly be relied upon to supply proportionate numbers of able-bodied men. From the tables presented it appears that the whole number of fre Page 44 44 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. colored men in the United States of the arms-bearing age amounts to less than 91,000, and that they are nearly equally divided between the free and slave-holding States. If, however, we concede the proba- bility of this class of persons enlisting for military duty in numbers proportionate to the white population, they would in all the States and Territories supply 18 regiments of 1,000 men each, while the non-slave- holding States and the District of Columbia would supply nearly 10 regiments. The State of Maine would furnish 50 men, New Hampshire 20, Massachusetts 400, Rhode Island 160, Vermont 30, New York and Pennsylvania could supply 4,000, while in any other State but Ohio it would be impossible to raise a full regiment. I send you also a table giving the number of slaves in the United States of the arms-bearing age, which reaches nearly the figure of 750,000, the condition and cir- cumstances of whom preclude all calculations as to what proportion could be made available as men at arms. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. C. G. KENNEDY, Superintendent. [Inclosure No. 1.] -a CS CS CU a a QQ ,u~ Q ~n CS~CC States. ~ ~ ~ ~-Q-Q -C~QCS C~5 Cu OCS ~ ~ ~ Alabama 99, 967 391 83, 945 Arkansas 65, 231 22 23, 088 California 169, 975 1, 918 Connecticut 94, 411 1, 760 - - -. Delaware 18, 273 3, 597 289 Florida 15, 739 131 12,028 Georgia . 111,005 583 83,819 Illinois 375, 026 1, 622 Indiana 265,295 2,219 Iowa . 139,316 249 Kansas 27, 976 126 Kentucky -. 180,589 1,650 40,285 Louisiana . 83, 456 3, 205 75, 548 Maine 122, 238 272 Maryland 102, 715 15, 149 16, 108 Massachusetts 258, 419 1, 973 Michigan - 164, 007 1,622 Minnesota 41,226 61 Mississippi - 70, 295 130 85, 777 Missouri 232, 781 701 20, 466 2~lew Hampshire 63, 610 103 New Jersey 132, 219 4,866 New York 796,881 10, 208 - - - North Carolina 115, 369 5, 150 55. 020 Ohio 459, 534 7, 161 Oregon 15,781 38 Pennsylvania 555, 172 10, 844 Rhode Island 35, 502 809 South Carolina 55,046 1,522 70, 798 Tennessee 159, 353 1, 162 50, 047 Texas 92, 145 62 36, 140 vermont. 60, 580 140 virginia 196, 587 9, 309 92, 119 wisconsin 159, 335 292 Colorado 29, 377 5 Dakota 835 5 District of Columbia 12, 797 1, 823 Nebraska - 8,920 15 Nevada 5, 344 27 New Mexico 19,003 16 Utah 6,830 5 washington 5, 905 - 17 Total 5, 624,065 90, 955 745, 47 Page 45 UNION AUTHORITIES. 45 [Inclosure No. 2.] Non-slave-holding StatesFree colored males between 18 and 45. 9,8 Q States. - 94 oS ,8F~ 8 a California 1,918 383 1, 760 352 Indiana 1,622 324 2,219 444 Iowa 249 49 Kansas 126 25 Maine 272 54 1, 973 394 Michigan 1,622 324 61 12 New Hampshire 103 20 New Jersey 4, 866 973 New York 10,208 2, 041 Ohio 7,161 1,432 Oregon 38 7 Pennsylvania itt, 844 2,169 Rhode Island 809 162 Vermont 140 28 Wisconsin 292 58 Colorado 1 Dakota 5 1 Nebraska 15 3 Nevada 27 New Mexico 16 3 Utah 1 Washington 17 3 District of Columbia 1, 823 364 Total 48, 191 9,631 a The War Department declines giving the figures to enable me to fill this column officially, but the figures in the column will prove very near true. J. C. G. K. WAR DEPARTMENT, Hon. EDWIN D. MORGAN, Washington City, February 11, 1863. New York: SIR: In answer to a letter handed by you to the Hon C. P. Wolcott, late Assistant Secretary of War, I have the honor to inform you that your resignation as major-general of volunteers Was duly accepted on tile 27th of December, 1862, to take effect on the 1st day of January, 1863, agreeably to your own request. The Secretary instru& ~ts me to say that he has delayed sending you the usual routine notification of acceptance, hoping that the pressure of urgent public business might be so far relaxed as to afford him an opportunity to acknowledge in fitting terms his sense of the hearty co-operation and valuable assistance he uniformly received from you as Governor of New York and as a military officer in the service of the United States. The pressure of public duties has become so great as to deprive him of all hope of being able to write in person, and you therefore merely receive this note of acceptance. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, P. II. WATSON, Assistant 3ecretary of War Page 46 46 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, February 13, 1863. Major-General GRANT: General Grant is authorized to enroll, enlist, organize, and muster into the service of the United States one or more cavalry regiments, one regiment of mounted riflemen, one artillery battery, and any number of infantry to the amount of three regiments. The said force to be armed, equipped, and organized according to the rules and regulations of the service and such regulations as at the instance of General Grant may be prescribed by the President, and be employed as rangers and in such other service as may be prescribed, their term of service to be for three years or during the war, and to be officered by persons appointed by the President upon the recommendation of General Grant. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, February 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. .L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: SIR: In compliance with the instructions contained in the letter from the Adjutant-Generals Office of January 16, 1863, I have the honor to state that the number of persons of African descent enrolled in the military, service in this department is as follows: First Louisiana Native Guards, infantry 955 Second Louisiana Native Guards, infantry 976 Third Louisiana Native Gnards, infantry 996 Company A, Louisiana Native Guards, artillery 129 Fourth Louisiana Native Guards, in process of organization, recruits 195 Total 3,251 The three regiments first named have ten companies each; their field and staff officers are white men, but they have negro company officers, whom I am replacing, as vacancies occur, by white ones, being entirely satisfied that the appointment of colored officers is detrimental to the service. It converts what, with judicious management and good officers, is capable of much usefulness into a source of constant embarrassment and annoyance. It demoralizes both the white troops and the negroes. The officers of the Fourth Regiment will be white men. It is progressing favorably. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., February 13, 1863. Governor ANDREW, Boston: Your suggestion as to officering the colored regiments has been under consideration and remained unanswered until th~ action o Page 47 UNION AUTHORITIES. 47 Congress could be ascertained. It is important there should be no conflict, and opinion seems to be unsettled on this specific point. My own view is to leave it to the discretion of the President, to be exer- cised according to the circumstances of each particular case. In a day or two I may be able to give an answer. EDWIN M. STANTON. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 45. Washington, February 16, 1863. REGULATIONS FOR THE CARE OF THE FIELD-WORKS, AND THJ3~ GOVERN- MENT OF THEIR GARRISONS. 1. It will be the duty of the commanding officer of each work to provide for the care of the armament, and the safety and serviceable condition of the magazii~es, ammunition, implements, and equipments, and, by frequent personal inspections, to secure the observance of the rules prescribed for this purpose. 2. The fixed armament, consisting of the heavy guns, and those whose positions are prescribed, will be numbered in a regular series, commencing with the first gun on the right, as you enter, of the main gate. The ammunition will be kept in the magazines, with the excep- tion of a few stand of grape, canister, and the solid shot, which will be piled near the guns. 3. The gun carriages gill be kept clean; they will be traversed daily, and never be allowed to rest for two successive days on the same part of the traverse circle. If the gun carriage does not move easily on the chassis, the tongue will be occasionally greased. The gun carriage should not rest habitually on one part of the chassis. 4. The elevating screw and its box will be kept clean and well greased. When the guns are not in use the screw will be run down as far as it will go, the breech of the piece being raised until the muzzle is sufficiently depressed to prevent water running into it, and kept in that position by a wooden quoin or block. The tompion to be kept in the muzzle, and the apron over the vent. o. The piece is not to be kept loaded. It will be time to load when the enemy appears, or when special orders to load are given. 6. The commanding officer will see that a shed is constructed for the implements and equipments. For each drill these will be issued to the gunners by the ordnance-sergeant or other non-commissioned officer acting as such, who will receive and put them away after the drill is over, and be at all times responsible to the commanding officer for their safety, and that the supply is adequate. Until sheds are provided, the implements will be kept near the pieces. The equip- ments (haversacks, tube pouch, & c.) may be kept at the entrance of the magazine, where they will be sheltered. Platforms for projectiles will be laid near the guns; for canisters a couple of pieces of scantling for skids will answer. A watershed, made by joining two boards together at the edges, should be placed over them. When the wooden sabots get wet they swell and burst the canisters, so that they can- not be put into the gun. When this happens, dry the canister until the block shrinks sufficiently, and tack the canister edges together. 7. When not furnished by the Engineer Department, materials for constructing the sheds and for skidding will be furnished on requisi- tions made to the chief of artillery Page 48 48 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 8. The magazines must in dry weather be frequently aired. For this purpose the ventilators and doors will be opened after 9 a. in., and must be closed, at latest, two hours before snnset. The ammuni- tion for different classes of guns will be carefully assorted, and the shelves, boxes, or barrels containing each kind plainly marked. When there is more than one magazine the ammunition will be so distributed as to be nearest to the particular guns from which it is to be used. Cartridges must be moved and, if necessary, rolled once a week, to prevent caking of the powder. Friction-primers will be carefully dried in the sun once a week, and always after a days or nights rain. At least two lanyards for each gun will be kept in store. As soon as received, their hooks will be tested, to see if they are sufficiently small to enter the eye of the primer and yet strong enough for use. 9. No person will be allowed to enter the magazines except on duty, and then every precaution against accidents will be taken. Lights must always be in glass lanterns, and carried only by the person in charge of the magazine. Swords, pistols, canes, & c., will not be admitted, no matter what may be the rank of the person carrying them. Socks or moccasins will be worn, if they can be procured. No fire nor smoking will be allowed in the vicinity when the doors or ventilators are open. Too much pains cannot possibly be taken to avoid the chances of an explosion. 10. Companies will be assigned to guns in such proportions as will furnish at least two, preferably three, reliefs in working them, and sufficient men, in addition, for the supply of ammunition from the magazines. From fifteen to twenty men should therefore be assigned to each gun, and instructed in its use. Companies should habitually serve the same guns, each man being assigned a special number at the gun, and thoroughly instructed in all its duties, and, as occasion offers, in the duties of all the numbers. Every night, at retreat or tattoo, the men who are to man the guns in case of a night attack should be paraded at their pieces and inspected, to see that all their equipments, implements, and ammunition are in good order, and the gun in serviceable condition and easy working order. The men so stationed should call off their numbers before being dismissed ,and in case of alarm repair at once to their posts, equip themselves, and await orders. 11. Each gnu shouldbe under charge of a non-commissioned officer, and every two or three guns under a lieutenant, who will be respon- sible to the captain for their serviceable condition at all times. The captain will be responsible to the commanding officer for the condition of the pieces and the instruction of the men of his company. Artil- lery drills will be frequent until all the men are well instructed, and there will never be less than one artillery drill a day when the weather will permit. For action, all the cannoneers not actually serving the guns will be provided with muskets, and will be stationed next the guns to which they belong. 12. Each company should be supplied with three copies of the Tactics for Heavy Artillery, and rigidly adhere to its directions. Tables of ranges will be found in the work. One copy of Instruc- tions for Field Artillery should be supplied each company. They can be obtained on written application to the chief of artillery, who will obtain them from the Adjutant-General of the Army. The books so drawn are the property of the United States for the use of the company; they will be borne on the muster-rolls Page 49 UNION AUTHORITIES. 49 13. The commanding officer will make himself acquainted with the approaches to his work, the distance to each prominejit point com- manded by his guns, the nature of the ground between them and his post, and the most probable points of attack upon it. Tables of ranges or distances for each point, and the corresponding elevations in each case, according to the nature of the projectile, with the proper length or time of the fuse when shell or case-shot are used, will be made out for each gun, and furnished to the officer and non- commissioned officers serving it. As these tables differ for different kinds of gun, the same men should be permanently assigned to the same piece. 14. The projectiles should be used in their proper order. At a dis- tance, solid shot; then shells or case-shot, especially if firing at troops in line. Canister or grape is only for use at short ranges. When columns are approaching, so that they can be taken in direction of their length, or very obliquely, solid shot is generaLly the best project- ile, because of its greater accuracy and penetrating power. If the column consists of cavalry, some shells or case-shot will be useful from the disorder their bursting produces among the horses. As to the absolute distances at which the projectiles must be used, they vary with the description and caliber of the gun, and can only be ascertained by consulting the tables of ranges. The prominent parts on the approaches to the works should be designated, their distances noted, and directions drawn up for the different kinds of ammunition to be used at each gun when the enemy reaches them. During the drills the attention of the chiefs of pieces and gunners should frequently be drawn to this subject. 15. Commanding officers will pay special attention to the police and preservation of the works. All filth will be promptly removed and the drainage be particularly attended to. No one should be allowed to walk on the parapets, nor move or sit upon the gabions, barrels, or sand-bags that may be placed upon them. When injuries occur to the earth-works, they should be repaired as quickly as possible by the garrison of the work. If of a serious nature, they should at once be reported to the engineer officer in charge of the work. All injuries to the magazines or platforms of the guns will be promptly reported as soon as observed. 16. Special written instructions as to the supply of ammunition at the different posts, and the proportion for the different classes of guns, will be furnished by the chief of artillery to the commanders of posts at the earliest period practicable. Instructions will also be furnished as to the special objects of each work. 17. No persons not connected with the garrisons of the field-works will be allowed to enter them except such as visit them on duty, or who have passes signed by competent authority; nor will any person, except commissioned officers, or those whose duty requires them to do so, be allowed to enter the magazine or touch the guns, their imple- ments, or equipments. 18. The garrison can greatly improve the work by sodding the superior (upper) slope of the parapet, and also the exterior or outer slope, or by sowing grass seed on the superior slope, first covering it with surface soil. The grass-covered or sodded portions of the para- pets, traverses, magazines, & c., should be occasionally watered in dry weather and the grass kept closely cut. 19. As a great deal of powder is wasted in unnecessary salutes, 4 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 50 50 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. attention is called to paragraph 268 of the Army Regulations, edition of 1861. Paragraph 268. A general officer will be saluted but once in a year at each post, and only when notice of his intention to visit the post has been given. 20. The practice of building fires on the open parades for cooking and other purposes is prohibited, as it endangers the magazines. 21. The armament of a fort having been once established will not be changed except by authority of the commander of the district, geographical department, or army corps. 22. The machinery of the Whitworth guns will not be used except by special orders from the commanding officer of the post. There shall be at each fort and redoubt at least one drill a day as artillery and one as infantry. 23. Particular care must be taken to keep the bores of the rifled guns free from rust and always well oiled. 24. The forts will be inspected at such times as the chief of artil- lery may direct, and a full report of their condition will be made. Particular attention will be paid to the drill and police of the work in each case, as also to the condition of the armament, ammunition, and magazines. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRING. 1. The firing in action should be deliberate, never more than will admit of accurate pointing. A few shots effectively thrown will pro- duce more effect than a larger number badly directed, although the larger number may have killed the most men. It is not so important to~ kill as to inspire terror. The object of killing a portion is to so frighten the rest as to cause them to run; and to inspire this terror, precision of fire and consequent certainty of execution is of infinitely greater importance than a great noise, rapid firing, and less proportional execution. 2. To secure accuracy of firing, the ground in the neighborhood must be wei examined and the distance to the different prominent points within the field covered by each gun noted. The gunners and cannoneers should be informed of these distances, and in the drills the guns should be accurately pointed at one or the other of them in succession, the gunner designating the spot, calling the distance in yards, and the corresponding elevation in minutes and degrees, until all the distances and corresponding elevations are familiar to the men. When shell or case-shot are used, the time of flight corresponding to the distance must be given to the man who goes for the projectile. He tells the ordnance-sergeant, or person who furnishes the ammuni- tion, and the latter cuts the fuse to burn the required time. 3. The gunner is responsible for the aiming. He must, therefore, know the distance to each prominent point in the field covered by his gun, the elevation required to reach that point, and the time of flight of the shell or case-shot corresponding to each distance or elevation. He must have a table of these ranges taken from the Heavy Artillery Tactics, pages 265 to 269. a For example: The cartridges for the 24-pounder guns all weigh six a The last table on page 269 should read: Eight-inch sea-coast howitzer, on barbctt~ carriage, immstc~i4 of 8-inch sea-coast mortar Page 51 UNION AUTHORITIES. 51 pounds as issued to these works. The table (page 26~5) therefore applies as follows: Twenty-four pounder gun on siege or barbette carriage. bC o 0 -~ d Remarks. a a a a 0 Pounds. 0 Yards. 6 Shot.... 0 0 412 That is, the bore (not line of sight) being level, a range of 400 ~{ ards. 6 do . - -. 1 0 842 1 egree elevation, range about 850 yards. 6 do .... 1 10 953 1~ degrees elevation, range about 950 yards. 6 do.... 2 0 1,147 2 degrees elevation, range about 1,150 yards. 6 do .... 1 0 1,417 3 degrees elevation, range about 1,400 yards. 6 do .... 4 0 1, 666 4 degrees elevation, range about 1,660 yards. 6 do .... 5 0 1,901 5 degrees elevation, range abou* 1,900 yards. the extreme range of 24-pounder round-shot. Thus, if the enemy appears at a point 1,000 yards distant, look at the table950 yards requires 10 30 elevation; 1,150 yards requires 20; therefore, elevate a very little, say 5 to 10 over 1~ 30, or simply give 10 30 full. In the same way, for each 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, make out a table from page 269, noting, however, that only 6 and 8 pound car- tridges being now issued for them, and of late only 8-pound cartridges, it must first be ascertained what the cartridges in your magazine weigh, and then make out the table accordingly. 4. These tables will be promptly prepared under the direction of the commanding officer, and copies furnished for each gun and used habitually in the drills. They will be examined and verified by the chief of artillery. 5. The attention of all officers in charge of artillery in the works is directed to the articles in the Tactics on Pointing guns and howitz- ers, pages 85 to 88. 6. Commanding officers of the works will keep themselves accu- rately informed of the amount and kinds of ammunition in the magazines. The supply should be kept up to 100 rounds pet gun. When it is less than that amount a special report will be made of the fact to the chief of artillery, with requisitions for the amount neces- sary to complete the supplies. They will also see that the necessary equipments are always on hand for the service of all the guns, as follows: For 24 or 32 pounder gnus, the articles named on pages 47 and 48, artlele 97. For 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, the articles named on page 58, article 117; and for other guns, according to the tables as prescribed in the Tactics. NoTE.Two lanyards and at least 150 friction-primers for each gun to be kept on hand; one lanyard and a very few primers to be kept in the tube pouch, the others in the magazine. One globe or dark lantern for every three guns. Two globe lanterns for each magazine. By command of Major-General Halleck: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 52 52 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, February 16, 1863. Hon. HANNIBAL HAMLIN, Vice-President of the United States: SIR: In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 16th ultimo, calling for information as to whether the limitation in the third sec- tion of the act to authorize the State of Missouri to raise 10,000 troops for local defense, approved February 13, 1862, has been exceeded, and if so, by whose authority such excess has been allowed, I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter from the Adjutant-General of the 14th instant, inclosing a report upon this subject of date the 6th instant, from the acting adjutant-general of Missouri. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Inc1o~uro.] WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, February 14, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: In answer to a call of the Senate, of date the 16th ultimo (copy herewith), in relation to troops for local defense in the State of Missouri, and which was referred to this office for report, I have the honor to submit a communication from the adjutant-general of Mis- souri, of date the 6th instant, which supplies ~he information asked for. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Sub-inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS STATE OF MISSOURI, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Saint Louis, February 6, 1863. Col. THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I am directed by His Excellency the Governor, in answer to your communication of the 26th ultimo relative to the excess of troops raised by Missouri for local defense, to reply as follows: Previous to the act of Congress limiting the number of troops to 10,000, Governor Gamble had made an arrangement with the President whereby he was authorized to raise (not being limited to any specific number) a military force to be armed, equipped, clothed, subsisted, transported, and paid by the United States during such time as they should be actually engaged as an embodied military force in service. (See Senate Executive Document No. 6, Thirty-seventh Congress, second session, and General Orders, No. 96, War Department, series 1861.) In accordance with this agreement the organization of this force was commenced in November, 1861 (see copy of General Orders, No. 1, headquarters State Militia, November 25, 1861, herewith inclosed, marked A*), and authority given to parties to recruit for companies * For Gamble~s General Orders, No. 1, and Hallecks General Orders, No. 1 (here omitted), see Series I, Yol. VIII, pp. 378, 389 Page 53 UNION AUTHORITIES. 53 and regiments all over the State, and at the time of the passage of the act of Congress limiting the number to be raised, over 13,000 men were enlisted. Preparations were immediately made by the Governor, on the receipt of the order limiting the number, to muster out the surplus; and this was being done when the following communication was received from the Adjutant-General: ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE His Excellency the GOVERNOR OF MISSOURI, Washington, June 23, 1862. Saint Louis, Mo.: SIR: It having been represented at this office that some three regiments of State militia have been raised in your State in excess of ~he number authorized by Congress, I am instructed to inform you that these extra troops will be received into the general service of the United States, provided such is their wish. If they do not desire to come into the general service they will be disbanded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. An order was immediately issued to the commanding officers of regiments (copy inclosed, marked C) directing a report to be made to these headquarters of those who desired to be mustered into the U. S. service. Through their commanding officers the troops expressed an unwillingness to enter the service as U. S. volunteers. The Governor then ordered that the surplus force be disbanded, but Brig. Gen. J. M. Schofield, then commanding the District of Missouri, protested against it, on the ground of the small force of U. S. troops in his command and the threatening aspect of affairs in the State at that time; and the Governor, at the request of the general command- ing, telegraphed to the War Department informing the authorities of his intention to disband the surplus, and also the reasons urged by General Schofield that it should not be done, and received a reply from the General-in-Chief of the Army, of which the following is a copy: WASHINGTON, D. C., August 15, 1862. His Excellency GOVERNOR GAMBLE: The Secretary of War consents to your retaining in service the surplus militia, at least for the present; that all preparation should be made for the draft, and the question of postponement will be decided hereafter. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. The foregoing is the authority by which the surplus militia was retained in service during the time the necessity existed for it. As soon as the exigencies of the service would admit, orders were issued to reduce the force to the proper number, and by the last con- solidated return (for December), forwarded from this office, the aggre- gate is 10,370. An order will be issued in a few days breaking up four of the regi- ments, and dlstrlbutlng the companies among the other regiments to bring them to the standard of twelve companies each, as required by act of Congress approved July 17, 1862, and General Orders, No. 126, War Department, 1861. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WOOD, Colonel and Aide-dc- Camp, Acting Adjutant- General Page 54 54 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. C. GENERAL ORDERS,) HEADQUARTERS STATE OF MISSOURI, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, No. 29. ) Saint Louis, June 30, 1862. The following communication from the War Department is pub- lished for the information of all concerned :* To enable the Governor to comply with the above requirements, the officer commanding each company of militia now in service will, withont delay, ascertain and report to the adjutant-general of the State, through the commanding officer of his regiment or battalion, the officers and the number of men of his company who are willing to be mustered into the service of the United States as volunteees for three years, or during the war. By order of the commander-in-chief: WM. D. WOOD, Colonel and Acting Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, February 17, 1863. Hon. H. WILSON, U. S. Senate: GENERAL: Allow me to express my thanks for your efforts to get a conscript act through. Something should be done to create a national reserve that can be called out for any occasion. This should be the militia of the country. It is also necessary that the militia should be under the control of the United States. I am try- ing to get along with Federal and State troops both in the field, but my subordinates and the militia themselves fear trouble. The jeal- ousies of neighboring commandersFederal and Statewill con- stantly embarrass and perplex me. Many of my generals speak of it as very dangerous. General Loan, an earnest Union man, thinks the State troops are, many of them, officered by rebels, and I know we have rebels in the State that depend on some of the militia regi- ments as true to the rebel cause. Goveruor Gamble is a pro-slavery Uniou man, and he is so fearful of abolition haste he may be and is deceived in some instances. We feed and forage the militia when it is called out and ultimately, as you know, the United States pays them. To make them true beyond question generals commanding, responsible for the peace of communities, should know their officers. But it is not for Missouri alone I speak; there is great need of an organization in States farther south. The militia of Arkansas should be organized and this would only be safe on some plan which would bring them under direct control of the United States. I hope your bill does this. We will never carry on war safely and success- fully till you get our troops homogeneous. This matter is very important. I know the constitutional and State prejudices that intervene, and have no time or opportunity to propose plans. I have only time to say, the safety, economy, and success of our troops require unity of organization and action, especially in States where war is progressing. I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant, S. R. CURTIS, Mc0 or- General. * Here omitted; see Thomas to Governor of Missouri, June 23, 1862, p. 53 Page 55 UNION AUTHORITIES. 55 WASHINGTON, D. C., Hon. E. M. STANTON, February 18, 1863. Secretary of War: SIR: Within the last few weeks large numbers of applications of officers for leaves of absence have been referred to me by the War Department. These applications are mostly based on sickness in family or urgent private business. Many of them are supported by pressing solicitations of high officers of the Government and promi- nent citizens of their own section of country. I have considered it my duty, on account of the enormous number of absentees from our armies in the field, to approve such applications only in a very few cases, where a refusal would cause great hardships. I beg leave to refer to a few facts in justification of this course. By the latest returns the entire force of the Army of the Potomac is 238,464, of which 2,935 officers and 82,188 enlisted men, or an aggre- gate of 85,123, are reported absent. This does not include those present sick or unfit for duty. The same ratio applied to our entire military force of 790,197 would give 9,692 officers and 272,379 enlisted men, or an aggregate of 282,071, absent from duty. While more than one-third of the officers and men of our armies are absent from their commands, the granting of leaves of absence and furloughs should, in my opinion, be limited to cases of the most urgent necessity, and that all other applications, no matter by whom recommended or urged, should be rejected. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE No. 48. Washington, February 25, 1863. The following regulations are established in regard to musters into and out of the service of the United States of officers and enlisted men of volunteers in the field: I. Only officers of the Regular Army (including additional aides-de- camp appointed by the President, under the act approved August 5, 1861) will be detailed to muster into and out of the service of the United States, and no officer will make these musters unless detailed to do so by competent authority. II. Officers, as aforesaid, will be detailed (under paragraph 1) by the corps or department commander as follows: For each corps or department, one officer, to be called the commis- sary of musters for that corps or department, and two enlisted men for clerks in his office, at corps or department headquarters. All rolls and communications sent to and from the officers detailed on this service in any corps or department will be through the commis- sary of musters for that corps, who will exercise a supervision over the whole subject of musters for the corps or department to which he belongs. For each division, one officer, to be called an assistant commissary of musters for that division, who will make all musters into and out of the service of the United States for his division, and see that all officers of his division are properly mustered into or out of the service of the United States, as the circumstances of the case may require; he will also be prepared to give such information on the subject of mu Page 56 56 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. ter and muster-rolls as may be required by those serving in the divi- sion. He will also provide himself with blanks, by application to the commissary of musters of his corps or department. One enlisted man will be detailed by the division commander as clerk in his office. Commissaries of musters and their assistants will be furnished with such stationery as they may require by the Quartermasters Department, upon their requisitions, approved by the corps, depart- ment, or division commander, as the case may be. So soon as the commissaries and assistants are detailed as herein directed, their names will be reported to the Adjutant-General of the Army. III. Each assistant commissary of miisters will make a daily report to the commissary of musters for his corps or department of all the musters made by him since his last report, forwarding with this report three copies of the muster-in and four of the muster-out rolls, in every case, as vouchers to his report. These rolls and reports will be corrected and consolidated by the commissary of musters, who will also add his own report of such musters as he may have made himself, and forward it, with one copy of the muster-in and muster-out rolls, in each case, direct to the Adju- tant-General, Washington, D. C. The commissary of musters will dispose of the other copies of the rolls as prescribed in the pamphlet of instructions to mustering officers. IV. Commanders of corps or departments will see that each regi- ment, independent company, & c., is assigned to some one of the assistant commissaries of musters under their command. The com- missaries of musters will be responsible to the Adjutant-General of the Army for the correctness of the musters and muster-rolls in their corps, and no officer shall be mustered in, or out, except by a commis- sary or assistant commissary of musters to whom the command to which he belongs has been assigned. V. No officer or enlisted man of volunteers is properly in the service of the United States, or authorized to receive pay, until mustered in by the proper officer; and no officer is properly out of service until discharged in orders, or mustered out by the proper officer. One copy of the rolls or order in each case must be forwarded to this office. VI. Commissaries and assistant commissaries of musters, having been once detailed, will not be relieved from this duty, or transferred to another division, department, or corps without authority from the Adjutant-Generals Office. VII. Departments, commanders of corps and divisions, will exer- cise such supervision over the musters as they may think necessary for a prompt and efficient performance of this service. VIII. The following rules will be observed in all musters in or out: 1. An officer must present his commission, or appointment, from the Governor of the State to which the regiment or organization into which he desires to be mustered belongs. 2. The mustering officer must ascertain from the records of the regiment or organizationsuch as muster-rolls, monthly returns, and morning reportsthat a vacancy exists. 3. If an officer has been commissioned, as above, and a vacancy exists, and he is physically fitted for duty, he may be mustered into the service of the United States, from the date on which the muster- in actually takes place. - 4. No muster-in shall be dated back without authority from the Adjutant-General, except upon proof that it could not have been made at an earlier date, which proof shall consist of the affidavit o Page 57 UNION AIJTHO1UTIES. 57 the officer, accompanied by that of his regimental or detachment commander, setting forth that he has made all proper efforts to have himself mustered in, but without success, before the time at which he now presents himself. These affidavits must be attached to the copy of the muster-in roll intended for the Adjutant-General. 5. No officer shall be mustered in to date back beyond the time that he has actually been performing the duties of the grade into which he desires to be mustered, nor beyond the time at which a vacancy is proved to have existed by the regimental. or company records. If on the muster and pay rolls the applicant appears mus- tered for pay in one grade, he cannot be mustered into the service, to cover the same period, as of aiiy other. Gross errors, on this point, are frequently committed by mustering officers; therefore special attention is invited to it. 6. Musters into and out of service must be made for each new grade of commissioned officers, as well as when enlisted men or citizens are appointed commissioned officers. A discharge in orders, or by order of the proper authority, is in all cases a muster-out of the service of the United States, and no muster-out rolls will be furnished in such cases. 7. Musters in and out must be made on separate rolls, and a sepa- rate roll must be made for each grade. Officers or enlisted men of different companies or regiments must not be mustered in, or out, on the same rolls. 8. Hereafter no person will be taken up on any muster-rolls as an officer of any grade until mustered into the service of the United States as such in that grade, whether he be comiuissioned by the Governor or not, unless he be appointed or commissioned by the President. Paymasters will closely observe and report all violations of this paragraph. 9. A muster once made will in no case be altered, except by authority from the Adjutant-General of the Army, and all applica- tions for alterations must pass through the mustering officer, if possible. 10. Troops organizing in their respective Statesincluding recruits for regiments in the fieldand those organized and not in the field, will be mustered by the duly appointed mustering officers for the States. Said officers have no authority to muster commissioned officers belonging to organizations which have left the State. (See paragraph 4.) The mustering officers for States will closely observe the requirements of paragraph 8. 11. Enlisted men having received commissions or appointments will not be mustered in as commissioned officers until they shall have been discharged as soldiers by the department or corps commander. 12. The directions contained in the pamphlet of instructions to mustering officers will be followed in all cases. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adktant- General. WAit DEPARTMENT Washington, D. 0., February 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, U. S. Volunteers, Oomdg. Dept. of the Oumberland, ]tfurfreesborough, Teun.: GENERAL: You are aware that the President has committed the execution of the provisions of the confiscation act by special orde Page 58 58 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. to the Attorney-General of the United States, who acts through the agency of the U. S. district attorney, marshals, and the courts. Information has reached this Department that some of the military authorities at Nashville, probably through misapprehension, are acting in conflict with the U. S. marshal. The President directs me to request you to issue such orders to your subordinates as will avoid any interference with the civil officers in the performance of their duties under the Attorney-Generals instructions. You will please transmit to this Department an acknowledgment of this communication and a copy of any orders issued under it by you. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 2, 1863. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Su~: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the Executive Order filed in this Department respecting the exportation of arms and munitions of war and contraband articles. * No order has been issued by this Department in respect to the exportation of arms or munitions of war to the Mexican Republic or French army, except the direction referred to in the Executive Order of November 21, 1862, to seize a lot of arms at Rouses Point, which were about to be exported. The principal part of the arms seized have since been purchased by this Government. Since the Executive Order this Department has granted no per- mits, but has refused permission to Russian, French, Spanish, and Mexican governments for the export of arms and munitions of war. Your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON. MILITARY DEPT. OF MICHIGAN, ADJT. GENERALS OFFIcE, Detroit, March 2, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: For the purpose of filling up the old regiments now in the field, I have required all the drafted men to go into them. Many of them, or their substitutes, are volunteering in those regiments for three years. I have promised them the advance bounty of ~25, allowed to volunteers, and the ~4 premium. I hope they may be allowed this, and that Colonel Smith, the mustering officer here, may be directed to pay it without delay, as the men are waiting for it. AUSTIN BLAIR, Governor of Michigan. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 2, 1863. GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN: Your arrangement is approved. Orders will be given to pay the bounty and premium. EDWIN M. STANTON. * See November 21, 1862, Vol. II, this series, p. 849 Page 59 UNION AUTHORITIES. 59 ST. Louis, March 4, 18636 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Six companies infantry organized, 527 men; four companies cavalry organized, 368 men; one company of artillery, 140 men; six guns light artillery. Two hundred recruits just received; will be organ- ized by Friday. The whole force is now coming on the boats. Five boats are here receiving the command. Quartermaster and commis- sarys boat arrive to-morrow. Hospital boat is not yet finished. Respectfully, ALFRED W. ELLET, Brigadier-General. COLUMBUS, OHIO, March 5, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I have to advise that you grant an amnesty to all soldiers who are now absent without leave, on condition that they voluntarily sur- render themselves to the commanding officer of the nearest post within thirty days, with forfeiture of pay during their absence, announcing at the same time your fixed determination to punish all with the extreme penalty of the law who do not thus return. DAVID TOD, Governor. [MARCH 6, 1863.For General Hunters General Orders, No. 17, drafting all unemployed able-bodied male negroes between the ages of eighteen and fifty into the military service of the United States, & c., see Series I, Vol. XIV, p. 1020.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Murfreesborough, March 7, 1863. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIR: In reply to your favor of the 27th ultimo, respecting the laws for the confiscation of rebel and contraband property, stating that interference had occurred in Nashville with the legitimate authorities by persons acting under authority from these headquar- ters, I beg to say: First. No one has been more careful and anxious to give strength and vigor to the regularly constituted authorities than I have been. Second. I know of no instance of collision between officers acting under military authority and the civil authority wherein there was any important principle involved. Third. The only complaints brought to my notice were instances where property held by the U. S. marshal was thought necessary and sought to be used for the public service, to which that officer objected on account of his personal liability for the same. Fourth. The city being at once a camp, a garrison, and a great depot, I found it absolutely necessary to put and keep it under a species of martial law, and to establish a surveillance over its trade Page 60 60 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. such as to limit the quantity and to detect the smuggling, spying, and knavery that was going ~n to a fearful extent. Goods confis- cated for violation of those military orders I have held and con- demned summarily. Fifth. I have been obliged to lay violent hands on Confederate counterfeit notes because they were corruptingthe young men of my army. But I think in none of these instances has there been the slightest attempt to enforce by military means those laws of confisca- tion enacted by Congress. Please send me copies of laws on this subject and of the charges made. W. S. ROSECRANS Major- General, Commanding. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, March 9, 1863. Governor DAVID TOD, Columbus, Ohio: I think your advice, with that of others, would be valuable in the selection of provost-marshals for Ohio. A. LINCOLN. By THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: A PROCLAMATION. Respecting soldiers absent without leave. EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 10, 1863. In pursuance of the twenty-sixth section of the act of Congress, entitled An act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other purposes, approved on the third day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, I, Abraham Lincoln, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, do hereby order and command that all soldiers enlisted or drafted in the service of the United States now absent from their regiments without leave shall forthwith return to their respective regiments. And I do hereby declare and proclaim that all soldiers now absent from their respective regiments without leave, who shall, on or before the first day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, report themselves at any rendezvous designated by the General Orders of the War Department, Number Fifty-eight, hereto annexed, may be restored to their respective regiments without pun- ishment, except the forfeiture of pay and allowances during their absence; and all who do not return within the time above specified shall be arrested as deserters and punished as the law provides. And whereas evil-disposed and disloyal persons at sundry places have enticed and procured soldiers to desert and absent themselves from their regiments, thereby weakening the strength of the armies and prolonging the war, giving aid and comfort to the enemy, and cruelly exposing the gallant and faithful soldiers re~naining in th Page 61 UNION AUTHORITIES. 61 ranks to increased hardships and danger, I do therefore call upon all patriotic and faithful citizens to oppose and resist the aforementioned dangerous and treasonable crimes, and to aid in restoring to their regiments all soldiers absent without leave, and to assist in the execu- tion of the act of Congress for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other purposes, and to support the proper authorities in the prosecution and punishment of offenders against said act, and in suppressing the insurrection and rebellion. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand. Done at the city of Washington this tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-seventh. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 58. Washington, liiliarch 10, 1868. I. The following is the twenty-sixth section of the act For enroll- ing and calling out the nationaj forces, and for other purposes, approved March 3, 1863: SEC. 26. And be it further enacted, That immediately after the passage of this act the President shall issue his proclamation declaring that all soldiers now absent from their regiments without leave may return, within a time specified, to such place or places as he may indicate in his proclamation, and be restored to their respective regiments without punishment, except the forfeiture of their pay and allowances during their absence; and all deserters who shall not return within the time so specified by the President, shall, upon being arrested, be punished as the law provides. II. The following places are designated as rendezvous to which soldiers absent without leave may report themselves to the officers named on or before the 1st day of April next under the proclamation of the President of this date: At Augusta, Me., to Maj. F. N. Clarke, U. S. Army. At Concord, N. H., to Maj. J. H. Whittlesey, U. S. Army. At Burlington, Vt., to Maj. W. Austine, U. S. Army. At Boston, Mass., to Col. H. Day, U. S. Army. At Providence, R. I., to Capt. William Silvey, U. S. Army. At Hartford, Conn., to Lieut. W. Webb, U. S. Army. At Elmira, N. Y., to Capt. L. L. Livingston, U. S. Army. At Buffalo, N. Y., to Lieut. Sheldon Sturgeon, U. S. Army. At Governors Island, N. Y., to Col. G. Loomis, U. S. Army. At Trenton, N. J., to Maj. L. Jones, U. S. Army. At Philadelphia, Pa., to Lient. Col. C. F. Ruff, U. S. Army. At Harrisburg, Pa. to Capt. R. I. Dodge, U. S. Army. At Pittsburg, Pa., to Capt. E. H. Ludington, U. S. Army. At Wilmington, Del., to Maj. H. B. Judd, U. S. Army. At Baltimore, Md., to Maj. H. W. Wharton, U. S. Army. At the city of Washington, D. C., to Maj. Gen. S. P. Heintzelman, U. S. Volunteers. At Wheeling, W. Va., to Maj. B. H. Hill, U. S. Army. At Louisville, Ky., to Col. W. Seawell, U. S. Army. At Nashville, Tenn., to Maj. W. H. Sidell, U. S. Army Page 62 62 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. At Saint Louis (Benton Barracks), Mo., to Col. B. L. E. Bonneville, U. S. Army. At Columbus (Camp Chase), Ohio, to Lieut. Col. II. Brooks, U. S. Army. At Indianapolis, md., to Lieut. Col. J. V. Bomford, U. S. Army. At Springfield, Ill., to Col. P. Morrison, U. S. Army. At Chicago, Ill., to Capt. C. C. Pomeroy, U. S. Army. At Detroit, Mich., to Lieut. Col. J. R. Smith, U. S. Army. At Madison, Wis., to Maj. II. Stausbury, U. S. Army. At Fort Snelling, Minn., to Capt. T. M. Saunders, U. S. Army. At Davenport, Iowa, to Capt. H. B. Hendershott, U. S. Army. At Fort Leavenworth, Kans., to the commanding officer. At San Francisco, Cal., to Brig. Gen. George Wright, U. S. Volun- teers. At Fort Randall, Dak. Ter., to the commanding officer. At Omaha, Nebr. Ter., to Lieut. J. A. Wilcox, U. S. Army. At Denver City, Cob. Ter., to Capt. J. W. Alley, U. S. Army. At Santa F6, N. Mex. Ter., to the commanding officer. At Fort Vancouver, Wash. Ter., to the commanding officer. At Sabt Lake City, Utah Ter., to the commanding officer. III. Commanding officers at the above-named places of rendezvous, or, in the absence of commanding officers, superintendents of recruit- ing service, recruiting officers, and mustering and disbursing officers, will take charge of all soldiers presenting themselves as above directed and cause their names to be enrolled, and copy of said roll will, on or before the 10th day of April, be sent to the Adjutant-General of the Army. The soldiers so reporting themselves will be sent without delay to their several regiments, a list of those sent being furnished to the commanding officer of the regiment, and a duplicate to the Adjutant- General of the Army. The commanding officer of the regiment will immediately report to the Adjutant-General of the Army the receipt of any soldiers so sent to him. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. EXECUTIvE OFFICE, Iowa City, Iowa, March 10, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington City, D. C.: SIR: The condition of affairs in this State is such as to render it, in my judgment, absolutely necessary that I have arms and fixed ammu- nition for distribution among the loyal men of this State. It is a fact that unscrupulous men are organizing and arming for the purpose of resisting a draft under the conscription law, and those under their control will be pushed into acts of hostility to the Government unless there is such a state of preparation as to make it hopeless. I think such preparation as I indicate would have the effect to prevent an outbreak. Can you send me 5,000 stand of arms, accouterments, and ammunition? Very respectfully, SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD Page 63 UNION AUTHORITIES. 63 EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Iowa City, Iowa, March 11; 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington City, D. CL: SIR: I wrote you on yesterday asking you to send me some arms to place in the hands of loyal men as a precaution and preventive of an outbreak among the disloyal of this State. I would further suggest the propriety of your authorizing me to raise two or three regiments as a State guard for the same purpose. If a draft shall be ordered in this State it will be necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD. WAR DEPARTMENT C. A. DANA, Washington City, March 12, 1863. New York: DEAR SIR: I inclose you a copy of your order of appointment and the order fixing your compensation, with a letter to Generals Sumner, Grant, and Rosecrans, and a draft for $1,000. Having explained the purposes of your appointment to you personally, no further instruc- tions will be given unless specially required. Please acknowledge the receipt of this, and proceed as early as possible to your duties. Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Inclosure.] Ordered, That Charles A. Dana, esq., be and he is hereby appointed special commissioner of the War Department, to investigate and report upon the condition of the pay service in the Western armies. All paymasters and assistant paymasters will furnish to the said commissioner for the Secretary of War information upon any matters concerning which he may make inquiry of them as fully, completely, and promptly as if directly called for by the Secretary of War. Railroad agents, quartermasters, and commissaries will give him transportation and subsistence. All officers and persons in the serv- ice will aid him in the performance of his duties, and will afford him assistance, courtesy, and protection. The said commissioner will make a report to this Department as occasion may require. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 12, 1863. Major-General W. S. ROSECRANS: GENERAL: Charles A. Dana has been appointed a special commis- sioner of this Department to investigate and report upon the condition of the pay service in the Western armies. You will please aid him in the performance of his duties, and communicate to him fully your views and wishes in respect to that branch of the s~vic~ in you Page 64 64 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. command, and also give to him such information as yon may deem beneficial to the service. He is specially recommended to your courtesy and protection. Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. (Same to Major-Generals Grant and Sumner.) SARATOGA, N. Y., March 12, 1863. To the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: The memorial of the religious society of Friends of Saratoga County respectfully represent and petition that: In view of the late law of Congress compelling a compliance with military service, by all irrespective of conscientious objections, a law as yet ineffective until signed by the President, we, thy petitioners, respectfully yet earnestly call thy attention to the sufferings which snch a law must necessarily subject a portion of the most loyal and law-abiding citizens of these United States. For we as a society entertain no factious opposition to our laws, but cheerfully comply therewith so far as their religious convictions will allow, but when the laws of our country contravene what they believe to be the laws of God, a quiet si~ibmission to the former and a steadfast obedience to the latter have been the uniform practice of our society from its rise, a period of more than 200 years. As it respects disloyalty it cannot exist in the conduct of any true Friends. They do not allow themselves the use of any carnal weapons, even in self-defense, and cannot therefore use them even in redress of civil wrong. We in common with our fellow-citizens are now suffering the trials inseparable from a state of civil war, and a law requiring us to bear arms would subject us to trials to which our friends in the so-called Confederate States~~ are not subjected, and to which neither they nor we could comply, let the consequences be what they might. For though we love our country, and have no sympathy with rebellion, yet we love our blessed Lord more, and con- sider His commands more binding upon us than any that man can make, and His are, My kingdom is not of this world, else would my servants fight, therefore my servants cannot fight. We would therefore respectfully suggest, why may not our society in the North and South be permitted to pair off, for by so doing would not we aid our country as much as though all fought, admitting that we were equally represented? Thy petitioners would therefore respectfully but earnestly petition that our society be excused from military requisitions, not exclusively our society, but all who are with us restrained from compliance therewith from conscientious rea- sons. And we will continue to pray that whatever may befall us, our suffering and bleeding country may soon be restored to peace and prosperity, and that our beloved President may be endued with wis- dom from heaven in the discharge of his arduous duties. On behalf of the society. JONA. DEVOL. GEO. 13. EDDY Page 65 UNION AUTHORITIES. 65 HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Vicksburg, March 12, 1868. His Excellency Governor TOD, Ohio: SIR: Your favor of March 1 is received. * Young Wallace has gone with his corps up to Millikens Bend, where I will send him word to get the consent of some colonel of an infantry regiment that he (Wal- lace) may be promoted in his regiment. I feel no solicitude for men so young as Wallace, as knowledge and experience will be gained which will surely lead to his promotion and advancement in the end. I believe you will pardon one who rarely travels out of his proper sphere to express an earnest hope that the strength of our people will not again be wasted by the organization of new regiments whilst we have in the field skeleton regiments with officers, non-commissioned, and men, who only need numbers to make a magnificent army. The President of the United States is now clothed with a power that should have been conferred just two years ago, and I feel assured he will use it. He will call for a large mass of men, and they should all be pri- vates and sent so as to make every regiment in the field equal to one thousand men. Time has convinced all reasonable men that war in theory and practice are two distinct things. Many an honest patriot, full of enthusiasm, zeal, and thirst for glory, has in practice found himself unequal to the actual requirements of war and passed to one side, leaving another to his place. And now, after two years, Ohio has in the field 126 regiments, whose officers now are qualified and the men of which would give tone and character to the new recruits. To fill these regiments will require ~O,OOO recruits, which are as many as the State could well raise. I therefore hope and pray that you will use your influence against any more new regiments and consolidation of old ones, but fill up all thc old ones to a full standard. Those who talk about prompt and speedy peace kiiow not what they say. The South to-day is more formidable and arrogant than she was two years ago, and we lose far more by having an insufficient number of men than from any other cause. We are forced to invade; we must keep the war South until they are not only ruined, exhausted, but humbled in pride and spirit. Admitting that our armies to the front are equal to the occasion, which I know is not the case, our lines of communication are ever threatened by their dashes, for which the country, the population, and character of the enemy are all perfectly adapted. The whole male population of the South is armed against us, and we ought to outnum- ber themwe must outnumber them if we want to succeed, and the quicker the better. Since the first hostile shot the people of the North have had no option; they must conquer or be conquered. There can be no [middle] course. I have never been concerned about the copperhead quab- blings. The South spurns and despises this class worse than we do, and would only accept their overtures to substitute them in their levies, in the cotton and corn fields, for the slaves who have escaped. I do not pretend, nor have I ever pretended, to foresee the end of all this, but I do know that we are yet far from the end of war. But I repeat that it is no longer an open question; we must fight it out. * Not found. ~3 R RSERIES Iii, VOL II Page 66 66 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. The moment we relax, down go all our conquests thus far. I know my views on this point have ever been regarded as extreme, even verging on to insanity, but for years I had associated with Bragg, Beauregard, and extreme Southern men, and long before others could realize the fact that Americans would raise their hands against our consecrated Government, I was forced to know it, to witness it. Two years will not have been spent in vain if the North now by another magnificent upheaving of the real people again fill the ranks of your proven and tried reghuents, and assure them that through good report and evil report you will stand by them. If Ohio will do this,and if the great North will do this, then will our army feel that it has a country and a Government worth dying for. As to the poltroons who falter and cry quits, let them dig and raise the food the army needs, but they should never claim a voice in the councils of the nation. With sentiments of great respect, I am, yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 61. Washington, March 13, 1863. It is hereby ordered that all persons appointed additional paymas- ters shall, before being commissioned, present themselves before a board of examiners, to be appointed by the Secretary of War, who shall examine and report upon the physical, mental, and moral fitness of the party to perform the duties of paymasters; that, upon such examination, those reported upon favorably shall be commissioned and assigned to duty, and the appointment of those reported against will be canceled. 2. That all additional paymasters who have been commissioned shall also, upon the order of the Paymaster-General, appear before said board of examiners, and those who are unfit shall be mustered out of service. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Iowa City, Iowa, March 13, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington City, D. C.: SIR: I have to-day received from you the inclosed package of papers from Mr. Hoxie, U. S. marshal of this State. There is no doubt there is a very unfortunate condition of affairs at this time in this State. A secret organization, known popularly as the Knights of the Golden Circle, is widely spread through the State, the object of which, as I am informed and believe, is to embarrass the Government in the prosecution of the war, mainly by encouraging desertions from the Army, protecting deserters from arrest, discouraging enlistments, preparing the public mind for armed resistance to a conscrmption, if ordered and, if possible, to place the State government at the next election in the hands of men who will control it to thwart the policy of the Administration in the conduct of the war. Indeed, with the exception of advising desertions, the purposes above mentioned ar Page 67 UNION AUTHORITIES. 67 openly avowed and advocated by many persons in the State. Lieu- tenant Henry caine to see me in regard to the matter mentioned in his letteE to Marshal Hoxie, and at my instance Captain Hendershott furnished mm a detail of ten armed men to go with him to his place of rendezvous in Madison County and remain with him. I also sent by him forty or fifty muskets and some ammunition to place in the hands of loyal men. I have not heard from him since his return. There is undoubtedly a feverish and excited state of the public mind, and matters must be managed here prudently and firmly, or a collision may ensue. I wrote you a few days since, asking that you send me some arms, and also that you allow me to raise two or three regiments as a Staic Guard, not to leave the State. I regard these measures both as measures of precaution and prevention. Much that is said in regard to resistance of the laws is no doubt mere bluster, and by self- important men of small caliber and small ambition, to give themselves local importance and to secure for themselves petty offices, and who, if an outbreak were to occur, would not be in the way of danger. But I also believe there are engaged in this work men of desperate fortunes, political and otherwise, who would have the courage to lead an outbreak, and who would rejoice in the opportunity. I think it extremely probable there are in this and other Northern States paid agents of the rebels who are organizing the machinery and using the means to effect the purposes hereiim attributed to the Knights of the Golden Circle, and there is real danger that the efforts of these men may so far operate on the minds of these honest but deluded followers in some locality as to cause a collision among our people. If we had arms in the hands of our loyal people, and a State Guard, as I suggest, it might and I think would prevent this. The condition of things is such in my judgment that the Government can only make itself properly respected by convincing those disposed to be troublesome of its determination and ability to preserve the peace and enforce the laws. The dismissal of those arbitrarily arrested, as the phrase goes, has had a bad effect in this, that it has led many to suppose the Government has not the power to punish. Let me impress upon you my conviction that in case of any armed resistance to the laws the punishment be prompt, certain, and sharp, and the action of those who may be resisted of the same character. Anything looking like indecision or timidity would be disastrous. I scarcely know what to advise in regard to these men who are talk- ing treason, huzzaing for Jeff. Davis, organizing the Knights of the Golden Circle, & c. It would be worse than useless to arrest them unless they can be tried, and if found guilty, punished. If arrests could be made, trials and convictions had, and punishment sharply administered, the effect would be excellent. Has the U. S. district attorney of this State had his attention called specially to this matter? It seems to me if it has not it should be done, and he or the marshal furnished with the necessary money to detect and punish some of these active scoundrels who are producing so much mischief. I have already organized and armed a company in each one of the southern tier of counties in this State. These have been placed under the order of Provost-Marshal Heath, at Keokuk, and will be placed under the orders of the new provost-marshal in the Congressional districts as soon as I am advised of their appointment and names. I hope good selections have been made. I am now organizing a company in each of the second tier of counties from the south line, and when organized and armed I will place them all at the disposa Page 68 68 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. of the provost-marshals. If I had arms I would organize companies in all the counties of the State where I think they may be needed. None of these companies would draw any pay or canse any expense only when called on by the proper anthorities, except those in the southern tiera squad of ten men of each of which is on duty. I regard it as a matter of the first and most pressing importance to get a supply of arms and ammunition. I would be glad to know what arrangements will be made in and for this State in case a draft shall be ordered here. In that case I am satisfied the Government must make such show of preparation and strength as will show the hopelessness of resistance. Not to do so would in the present temper of a portion of our people invite, and, in my judgment, produce collision. I would be glad also to understand clearly what part, if any, you will expect the State authorities to take in enforcing the draft. In my judgment, in view of possible future contingencies, it would be well for the General Government to do the entire work. Hoping to hear from you soon and fully, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD. [Inclosure No. 1.] OFFICE OF U. S. MARSHAL, DISTRICT OF IOWA, Des Moines, Iowa, February 21, 1863. Maj. L. C. TURNER, Judge-Advocate, War Department: MAJOR: A Mr. M. M. Gay, a U. S. detective, emplQyed by Lieutenant- Colonel Dick, provost-marshal-general of Missouri, called upon me to-day. He says that he has been traveling in Southern Iowa for the past ten days. That a large amount of cattle, horses, and mules have been run off into this State by rebels in Missouri to keep the same from being seized by U. S. officers for confiscation, & c. My own detectives make the same report. They also all unite in saying that the copperheads are arming themselves and preparing to resist any order that may be made by the Government, either to arrest deserters or persons charged with disloyal practices. I know of my own knowl- edge that they are arming themselves in this locality, and that their leaders intend, if possible, to bring on a collision with the Government authorities. In my opinion, some steps should be taken by the Gov- ernment to stop the sale of powder and other munitions of war and to disarm the copperheads should there be any demonstration on their part. The sale of arms and ammunition should be restricted at once all over the State. I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. M. HOXIE, U. S. Marshal. [inclosure No. 2.] OFFICE OF U. S. MARSHAL, DISTRICT OF IOWA, Des Moines, Iowa, February 24, 1863. [Maj. L. C. TURNER:] MAJOR: I have received a letter from a prominent citizen of Clarke County, Iowa, from which I make the following extracts: The order of the Knights of the Golden Circle, now entitled the Union Relief Society, is thoroughly organized in every township of this Congressional district, and I am informed the entire State. Every four townships forms a sub-district. The secretaries of each of these townships meet monthly to compare notes, an Page 69 UNION AUTHORITIES. 69 they select one of their number to represeut them at the county lodge, which meets in this county at the county seat. At that time they receive instructions for the ensuing month. Each county lodge selects a man to represent them in the district and State lodges. The State lodge is to be held at Des Moines (this place) between the 1st and 10th of April next, unless an emergency should demand a meeting earlier, or policy appoint one later. I will advise you of any change of time. The oath administered is in substance as follows: I solemly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States as it is; that I will resist draft either by State or Federal authorities; that I will resist all orders issued by the present Administration, and that I will do all in my power to unite the States of the Northwest with the Southern Confederacy, & c. The same person says: Their passwords and signs are the same throughout the States North and South. They have a large amount of arms and ammunition at the residence of a Mr. Warner, in Leon, Decatur County, Iowu; also some at the store of Mr. Hurst, in the same place. These arms are procured in Missouri, and a Mr. McClelland, of Decatur County, is now in Missouri after more. I give yon the main features of his letter. He has the signs and passwords, and all the parl~icu1ars from a loyal man whom he per- suaded to join the Union Relief Society. I shall have the new pass- words, signs, & c., in a few days. Shall I take any steps in relation to the arms said to be secreted? I am, major, your obedient servant, H. M. HOXIE, U. S. ]Jlarshal. [Inclosure No. 3.] OFFICE OF U. S. MARSHAL, DISTRiCT OF IOWA, Des Jlifoines, Iowa, February 25, 1863. Maj. L. C. TURNER, Judge-Advocate: MAJOR: I have this day mailed to the Secretary of War a letter with the statements of Lieutenant Henry and a Mr. Williams. I beg you to have immediate action taken on this matter. Danger is immi- nent, and I may have trouble long before this reaches Washington. I have also written to Hon. John A. Kasson, member elect from this district, and asked him to call on you. Mr. K. is well acquainted in Madison and Clarke counties. I am, major, your obedient servant, H. M. HOXIE, U. S. Marshal. [Inclosure No. 4.] OFFICE OF U. S. MARSHAL, DISTRICT OF IOWA, Des Moines, Iowa, February 25, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I inclose herewith a statement made by Lieutenant Henry, of the Fourth Iowa Infantry, a recruiting officer stationed at Winter- set, in Madison County, in this State, touching certain demonstra- tions made by the sympathizers with rebellion in that county. I have seen a statement forwarded to the Governor of this State by about thirty of the most reliable citizens of Winterset, which dis- closes a much worse state of affairs than is shown by the communica- tion of Lieutenant Henry. A meeting was held in Winterset on Saturday last, composed of notorious rebel sympathizers, about 100 of whom, it is said, were heavily armed. The principal speech wa Page 70 70 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. made by the Mr. Brannon referred to by Lieutenant Henry, and con- sisted of seditious and treasonable denunciations. Brannon was once captured in Missouri in arms; was paroled, was recaptured near Corinth while General Halleck was moving upon that place, under circumsta~ices indicating that he was acting as a spy, and was again arrested by my deputy at Muscatine, in this State, last summer, for disloyal practices. He and the other leaders in this demonstration were held as prisoners at Camp McClellan, in this State, until their discharge, some two months since, on your order. I am credibly informed that at this meeting the speakers indulged freely in intima- tions of a Northern revolution; that many in attendance openly hurrahed for Jeff. Davis, and declared in favor of annexing Iowa to the Southern Confederacy by force; that open threats were made to tear down the national flag if Lieutenant Henry should suspend it from his recruiting-office window; that a purpose to drive him from the county was openly avowed; that on the Monday following a com- pany, consisting of about forty persons, came to Winterset, headed by the same lately imprisoned leaders; that they beset Lieutenant Henry in the streets, with the purpose of commencing a disturbance; that they followed him to his office, and were deterred from the com- mission of personal violence only by his threat to shoot the first man who touched or injured his person. I am fully satisfied that the men engaged in these lawless proceedings are thoroughly organized and number several hundred in the county; that a considerable number of them have been drilled by a man who but a few months since was a captain in the rebel army, and that they are tolerably well supplied with arms and ammunition. On the other hand, the Union men of the county are now in the ranks of the Army of the United States, and those that remain at home are unorganized and without arms, and are unprovided with ammunition. When I arrested the officers of the order known as Knights of the Golden Circle in that county last summer I was followed by an armed force, while removing the pris- oners several miles, of 150 or 200 men, and had they overtaken me a bloody collision would have resulted. A determination to resist the conscription law, the collection of the Federal tax, and the arrest of deserters is declared daily in every part of the county. Clarke County, which adjoins it on the south, is in but little better condition. A collision is anticipated when my deputies make a descent on the (leserters harbored there. In view of these facts I respectfully recommend, if the conscription hiw now pending in Congress shall go into immediate operation, that a man of prudence, but with nerve and resolution, be appointed provost-marshal in this Congressional district; that he be furnished with a provost guard of at least 100 cavalry, and with arms sufficient to equip 50 to 100 men in each county. I shall not be surprised at any time to hear of an outbreak in some of the southern counties of Iowa. The border guards on the southern border, or that portion of it in this Congressional district, should be under orders of the provost-marshal. This, I suppose, can be effected only by an arrange- ment between your department and the Governor of this State. If any action is to be taken before the appointment of this provost-marshal (and I know not how soon decisive action may be necessary), I desire to respectfully represent that I have no arms and no force of any kind. If matters go much further in Madison and Clarke Counties, the parties should be disarmed; but it will be folly for me t Page 71 UNION AUTHORITIES. 71 attempt the disarming of several hundred men without an adequate force. I might be able to do it with the border guards. I submit these facts and suggestions for your consideration, and respectfully ask for instructions. The public mind is in a feverish state, and a slight disturbance might lead to important consequences. I also submit a statement received from Clarke County. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. M. HOXIE, U. S. Marshal and Special Provost-Marshal. [Subinclosure No. 1.] FEBRUARY 24, 1863. His Excellency S. J. KJRKWOOD, Governor of Iowa: As a servant in my countrys cause, and as a close observer, I have the honor to represent that for the past three weeks I have been daily publicly insulted by the citizens of Madison County, both by threats and abusive language; that a majority of the citizens of Madison County are known to be members of what is termed the Knights of the Golden Circle. I have been reliably informed that for the past eight weeks they have been holding secret meetings in different places in the county, commencing generally at midnight; that ammunition and materials by which to make ammunition out of has been secretly expressed to this order; that they have secreted in some portion of the county a large supply of arms, sufficient, it is said, to arm at least 200 or 300 persons, and that letters have been received and taken out of the post-office at Winterset by men who are known to be of this character, merely addressed S or B, or some othei letter of the alpha- bet, evidently agreed upon by orders of the same species in other portions of the State. On last Saturday these persons held a public meeting in the town of Winterset, and in a most bold manner adopted all manner of reso- lutions diselaiming the laws of our Government. They also, in a most daring manner, upon the public streets make bold to utter and applaud the actions of Jeff. Davis and the Southern Confederacy, and then, to show their dislike to the Union, dared me to hang out my flag, stating at the same time that if I did they would tear it down. I did so, and with the aid of my arms protected and sustained its purity against this mob of traitors. On last Monday, while peacefully attending to my duties, I was mali- ciously assailed by a portion of this same crowd and threatened in every manner. I was alone, and of course acted upon the defensive, while they, as the attacking party, had not the manliness to carry into effect their threats. Another point (and to use their own language in reference to what has been done, and what the citizens of Wimiterset might expect)I heard, and it was evidently spoken for my own ears, a man say in company with others of the same sort, who goes by the name of Colonel Brandon, or Brannon, and who is considered their leader, that we have made a d d good start, and in four or five days we will be through with Madison County. Feeling a deep interest in the safety of the loyal citizens of Madison County, and believing that immediate action is the only remedy, I submit the above statement to your better judgment. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. A. HENRY, Second Lieut., Company A, Fourth Iowa Vol. Infantry Page 72 72 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. [Sub.iuclosure No. 2.] Mr. H. M. HOXIE, U. S. Marshal, Des Moines, Iowa: DEAR SIR: You may have an imperfect knowledge of the existence and workings of the K nights of the Golden Circle, now entitled Union Relief Society, but a statement of facts that can be proven, if necessary, will but strengthen your present knowledge, and may aid in accomplish- ing great good: A man that has gained membership of the above-nanied order, but that has the good of the country at heart and in view, in becoming a member has given me an insight into their organization, which I will give to you. They are formed, in the usual manner of secret societies, in every township throughout the State. Every four townships makes a sub-district. The secretaries of these four town- ships meet monthly to compare works and select one of their number to represent them at the county seat and report to the head man of the county, and receive instructions for the ensuing month. Each county is represented at a district meeting held at a selected point in this old Congressional district to report and transact business for a State meeting to be held at Des Moines between the 1st and 10th of April next, unless an emergency should demand a meeting sooner, or policy appoint one later. I will advise you of any change of time. The oath required to become a member is, to support the Constitution of the United States and of this State; to resist draft and all acts of the present Administration; to unite the Northwest with the South; to divulge none of the secrets or workings of the order, under penalty of death. Their passwords and signs are the same throughout the United States, Southern States included. They now claim 42,000 members in this State. They have a large quantity of arms at the residence of Mr. Warner, in Leon, Decatur County; also a large amount of ammunition at the same place at the store of a Mr. Hurst. Their ammunition and arms are got in Missouri, and there is at this time a Mr. MeClelland, of Decatur County, after ammunition in Mis- souri. At one of their late meetings there was an order issued for the removal of a colored man in the lower part of Cla~e County to Missouri. If not sent away, they would take him by force. There was a load of arms sent from Decatur County to Madison County last week. There is an ample guard at each of their meetings. They have no regular night of meeting. They meet at such times and places as the surrounding circumstances demand. If any member thinks that by volunteering in the Federal Army he can promote the interests of the order he is at liberty to do so. And if at any time they wish to send a member into the army for the benefit of the order, they select such a one as they think best, and if agreeable to him he is sent. They advocate a defensive position at all times, but claim the right to utter their sentiments at all times and in all places. I will give you future movements as I become in possession of them. Yours, truly, PITTSBIYRG, March 13, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secrela~y of War: Can the colored men here raise a regiment and have their own company officers? WM. A. ADAI Page 73 UNION AUTHORITIES. 73 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 16, 1863. ROBERT DALE OWEN, JAMES MCKAYE, SAMUEL G. HOWE, Commissioners: GENTLEMEN: The order, of which the following is a copy, sets forth in general terms the functions and duties with which you are charged by this Department: Ordered, That Robert Dale Owen, of Indiana; Col. James McKaye, of New York, and Samuel G. Howe, of Boston, Mass., be, and they are hereby appointed com- missioners to investigate the condition of the colored population emancipated by acts of Congress and the Presidents proclamation of January 1, 1863, and to report what measures will best contribute to their protection and improvement, so that they may defend and support themselves; and also, how they can be most usefully employed in the service of the Government for the suppression of the rebellion. The great and constantly increasing colored population thrown upon the care of this Department in the progress of the war, in the absence of any legislative provision for their protection and disposal, renders it highly proper that it should have not [only] the most authentic and accurate information as to their present condition and as to the experiences of other communities in like crises, but that such practical measures for placing them in a state of self-support and self-defense, with the least possible disturbance to the great indus- trial interest of the country and of rendering their services efficient in the present war, should be carefully and maturely considered and reported. With these purposes in view, you will repair to such places as you may deem necessary, in order to obtain on the spot such authentic information as will enable you thoroughly to understand the matters hereby submitted to your investigation. Every aid and facility from Government officials in such places will be secured to you, at your request, by letters addressed to them from the proper Department. You will be allowed a secretary, and, if you should find it necessary, a corresponding secretary and messenger, and such further aid, sten- ographic or other, as you may deem essential to carry out the objects of the commission. You are authorized to procure for the use of the commission such official documents, publications, and other writings (ultimately to be placed in the library of the War Department) as may be necessary in the course of your investigations and in making out your report. Your compensation will be a per diem of ~8, together with quar- ters, fuel, and subsistence at the rates allowed to a colonel of cav- alry; and you will be allowed actual traveling and office expenses on vouchers specifying such expenses, duly certified by the commission. While from the nature of the duties assigned to you a precise limit cannot be affixed for their termination, and while it is very desirable that they should be prosecuted with all proper assiduity and com- pleted at as early a day as is consistent with their due performance, you are expected to continue your labors until you shall be able fully to complete the investigations and researches herewith committed to your charge, and report the same to the Department. You may make to me from time to time, as you see fit, preliminary reports during your progress, and your final report will be acco Page 74 74 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. panied by such official or authentic documents as may best substan- tiate the information and the recommendations it shall contain. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 67. Washington, March 17, 1863. It is hereby ordered, 1. That Col. James B. Fry, assistant adju- tant-general, U. S. Army, be, and he is hereby, detailed as Provost- Marshal-General of the United States, in pursuance of section 5 of the act approved March 3, 1863, for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other purposes. He is accordingly author- ized and required to perform all the duties of Provost-Marshal-General set forth in the said act, and such other duties as may properly pertain to his office. All communications relating to the business of provost- marshals and the provisions of the act of Congress aforesaid will be addressed to him. 2. That all appointments which have been heretofore made of provost-marshals are hereby revoked. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS STATE OF NEW YORK, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Albany, March 17, 1863. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: GENERAL: The First Division, National Guard of the State of New York, comprising 7,000 efficient, well-organized and equipped men, are located in and around the city of New York. Upon this organi- zation the city must mainly depend when threatened by an enemy, and will form a valuable auxiliary force if attacked. To this end it is essential that this body of men should be instructed in the use of sea-coast guns and to the general detail and discipline incident to garrisons and forts. To accomplish so desirable an object, it is pro- posed to place in the forts defending New York Harbor, on the 1st day of May next, 2,000 men, and continuing through the months of May, June, July, August, and September, changing monthly. On the 1st day of May this number can be in readiness, with arms, accouterments, and blankets complete, whose names will be recorded upon muster-rolls in the usual form and then turned over to Major- General Wool, with an understanding that these troops are to serve one month in the fortifications and garrisons as common soldiers. If the usual monthly pay cannot be allowed, let such rations be issued as are furnished to the U. S. troops. Upon the expiration of the month another 2,000 will be in readiness, and so continue until this entire force has gone through a course of instruction. Citizens of large mercantile, commercial, and mechanical interests offer the serv- ices of men in their employ gratuitously to perfect a plan so desirable in making the citizens of New York feel that in time of danger their well-instructed troops and the skillful use of artillery in fortifica- Uons are the protectors of their homes and their property. I a Page 75 UNION AUTHORiTIES. 75 directed by His Excellency Governor Seymour thus briefly to submit the foregoing for the consideration of the Secretary of War. I am ,ge neral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN T. SPRAGUE, Adjutant- General. READING, BERKS COUNTY, PA., L. C. TURNER, Esq., March 17, 1863. Judge-Advocate, Washington, D. C.: DEAR SIR: We have received authentic information from a variety of sources in regard to organizations which have been formed in various parts of this country within the past two weeks, and which are doubtless increasing in number, the object of which, so far as we can learn, is to resist the conscription and to set the laws of the United States at defiance. The niembers pay $1 as an initiation fee, and take an oath, the nature of which is variously stated, but all agree that it has relation to an organized resistance to the draft. At one place we are told that 174 members were sworn in at one time. The parties meet at taverns, private houses, school-houses, and in barns. These combinations, if permitted to exist and increase, may become exceedingly dangerous, especially in this county, where the majority against the Government is so large, and where the people in the rural districts receive their information chiefly from the Reading Eagle, a German newspaper published here, bitterly hostile to the Government. The friends of the Administration here are taking measures to procure accurate information in regard to number and objects of these societies. They should be nipped in the bud. The rank and file are timid and afraid of the law. If a few arrests were made in the proper way it would have the best effect. I do not know what acts of Congress will meet the case, nor would anything be learned froni the Attorney-General at Washington. A letter or two which I sent to his office, in relation to important public business, received the most vague, empty, perfunctory, and circumlocution-office-like replies. Detective W. Y. Lyon thinks it would be well to send Chief Detective Baker to this place, particularly as he speaks German. Very respectfully, yours, JNO. S. RICHARDS. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 19, 1863. C. A. DANA, Esq., Cairo: Report to me fully from Cairo what the real condition of things is at Vicksburg and on the Mississippi; and do the same from Memphis, where you will await orders. EDWIN M. STANTON. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., March 19, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General: Matters assume grave import. Two hundred mounted armed men in Rush County have to-day resisted arrest of deserters. have sen Page 76 76 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 100 infantry by special train to arrest the deserters and ringleaders. Southern Indiana is ripe for revolution. Governor Morton is well enough to travel. Will take the evidence to Washington. The Gov- ernment does not realize the imminent nature of the peril. The sooner the draft comes the better to make the test. Under orders of General Wright, I have stopped the sale of arms in this State. I should have definite and discretionary powers in Indiana at once. The next ten days are of the utmost significance. I know the danger, and speak from actual knowledge of the organization that puts us in peril.* H. B. CARRINGTON, Colonel Eighteenth Infantry. [March 19, 1863.For General Hunters General Orders, No. 24, exempting all able-bodied negroes employed by the Engineer Depart- ment on permanent fortifications from the operation of General Orders, No. 17, & c., see Series I, Vol. XIV, p. 429.] GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 69. Washington, March 20, 1863. Paragraph 10 of General Orders, No. 36, of 1862, which authorizes the chief medical officer in each city to employ as cooks, nurses, and attendants any convalescent, wounded, or feeble men, who caii perform such duties, instead of giving them discharges, is hereby modified as follows: At every U. S. general hospital, the feeble and wounded men, unfit for field duty, but not entirely disabled, instead of being discharged, will be organized and mustered in detachments, under the charge of the officers acting as military commanders, who will assign men to them from time to time, on the reports of the surgeons in charge of hospitals. From these invalid detachments the military commanders will make details for provost, hospital, and other necessary guards; for clerks, hospital attejidants, nurses, cooks, and other extra-duty men. The invalid detachments will be mustered and reported as detach- ments, and will be paid on the detachment rolls; but no extra pay will be allowed in any case. The detachment rolls must show to what company and regiment each man properly belongs, and all assignments to them must be promptly reported to their company commanders. They are not to be dropped from the rolls of those companies, but will be reported on detached service from them. Should any of the men become fit for duty with their regiments, they will be immediately sent to join them. In case of a want of non-commissioned officers to give efficiency to the invalid detachments, lance appointments may be made, but without increase of pay. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. * In this connection see Memorandum of condition of public affairs in Indi- ana, Series U, Vol. V, p. 363 Page 77 UNION AUTHORITIES. 77 WASHINGTON, D. C., March 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Comdg. Dept. of the Cumberland, Mwrfreesborough, Tenn.: GENERAL: Some time since the President appointed General Andrew Johnson military governor of Tennessee, with authority to administer the civil government of that State during the military occupation by the troops of the United States, or until the proper State government could be reorganized. It is understood that there has been some conflict of authority between the military forces in that State and the civil government and its civil officers as organized and appointed by Governor Johnson. This has probably resulted from a misunderstanding in regard to the relative powers and jurisdiction of the military authorities of the United States and of the officers of the civil government now existing in the State of Tennessee. I am therefore directed to communicate the following views and instructions of the War Department in regard to this matter. A State or district of country militarily occupied by the forces of one of the belligerents in a war is subject to the government of the occupying power. The right to govern such territory is not derived from the constitution and laws of the occupying State, nor of the State occupied, but directly and exclusively from the laws of war. Municipal laws may be, but seldom are, enacted for this purpose. The general rules, with regard to governments of military occupation, apply to civil as well as foreign wars, with such modifications only as the particular circumstances of the case may require. The State of Tennessee, or at least those exercising authority in that State, having attempted to secede from the Union, and having waged war against the Federal Government, the military forces of the United. States have occupied a considerable portion of its terri- tory, and the territory so occupied is governed by the general laws of war. To mitigate as much as possible the evils resulting from a govern- ment purely military, and to restore to the loyal people, and to those who are Willing to return to their allegiance, the benefits of a civil government, the President directed Governor Johnson to reestablish the civil authorities, courts, and jurisdictions, so far as the circum- stances of the case might render it practicable. This has been done, and the civil authorities so organized or restored are as much to be respected as those of Kentucky, Missouri, or any other State in which war is waged and military operations carried on. In other words, the military forces of the United States will not interfere with the authority and jurisdiction of the loyal officers of the State govern- ment, except in case of urgent and pressing necessity. To the provisional State government thus organized in Tennessee must therefore be left the trial and adjudication of all civil and criminal cases cognizable under the laws of that State, and to the courts of the United States, reestablished there, must be left all cases which belong to their jurisdiction under the laws of the United States. But military offenses, that is, offenses under the Rules and Articles of War and under the common law and usages of war, are not, as a general rule, cognizable by the civil courts, but must be tried and punished by military tribunals. It is not always easy to accurately define the dividing line between these two classes of jurisdictionsthe civil and militaryfor in Page 78 78 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. country militarily occupied, or in which war is actually waged, this line may vary according to the particular circumstances of the case. Thus, robbery, theft, arson, murder, & c., are ordinarily offenses cog- nizable by the civil courts, but they may also become military offenses, cognizable by military tribunals. It is a well-established principle that a non-combatant inhabitant of a country militarily occupied, who robs military stores and munitions, burns store-houses, bridges, & c., used for military purposes, or, as military insurgent, bears arms and takes life, may be tried and punished by a military court. Again, in a section of country where there are no regularly constituted civil authorities, or where such authorities are suspended for disloyalty, offenses not ordinarily cognizable by military courts must be tried by such tribunals or allowed to go unpunished. The good of society as well as the safety of the Army requires that crimes should not go unpunished, and where they cannot be taken cognizance of by one class of tribunals they must be by another. Starting from these general principles, there will be no serious diffi- culty in assigning each case that may arise to a proper tribunal for adjudication. And if you and Governor Johnson (as I have no doubt you will) act together in harmony, and with an eye single to the gen- eral good, there need be no serious conflict of authority in Tennessee. You are both laboring for no selfish or personal objects, but for the accomplishment of the same great and patriotic purposethe redemp- tion of Tennessee from the oppression of the Confederate oligarchy, and the restoration of her loyal citizens to the rights which they have heretofore enjoyed under the Constitution, and to the protection which is afforded to persons and property by the glorious flag of the Union. A few words upon military courts, and I must close this communication. Courts-martial, as you must be aware, are courts of special and limited jurisdiction under the Rules and Articles of War, both with regard to persons and offenses. They cannot take jurisdiction of persons or cognizance of offenses not specially authorized by those rules and articles. But the laws of the United States, as well as the military usages of other countries, recognize courts of general military jurisdiction under the common law of war. Such tribunals are with us denominated military commissions. They have a gen- eral jurisdiction under the common law of war, and can try and punish all military offenses not cognizable by courts-martial. There are no statutes regulating the constitution of these military tribunals, but it is generally agreed that where possible they should be constituted in the same manner and their proceedings be regulated by the same rules as general courts-martial. I should add that experience has proved that all matters of local police should be left to the civil authorities, and that provost-marshals should be charged only with matters of military police, and that their powers should be confined withiii narrow limits. This is necessary in order to avoid serious abuses of power. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. P. S.Since writing the above the Secretary of War suggests that, as Governor Johnson is a brigadier-general of volunteers, it might be well to place him in command of the troops in Nashville, and thus harmonize the civil and military authorities there. II. W. H Page 79 UNION AUTHORITIES. 79 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 20, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the informa- tion of the War Department copies of General Orders, Nos. 20 and 22, from these headquarters, prohibiting sales of arms and mnnitions of war except nnder certain restrictions. In reference to this subject it may be proper to state that the infor- mation received at these headquarters showed conclusively that a large traffic was being carried in arms, & c., which were designed for disloyal purposes in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, in resisting arrest of deserters, enforcement of the conscript act, and any other resistance to the Government authorities which might be decided npon by the disaffected. As connected with the same matter, I inclose copy of communica- tion to His Honor Mayor Hatch and of his reply thereto, in which he expresses his willingness to co-operate with the military authorities in the enforcement of the order. I have also the honor to report that the arms in the possession of Mayor Hatch were immediately taken possession of as directed in your dispatch of the 14th instant, and that they were promptly delivered over on demand. Other arms belonging to the Government have been collected as their whereabouts could be ascertained ever since I came into the command. They were so irregularly issued that it has been almost impossible to get any trace of the persons receiving them or of those in whose hands they now are. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosuro No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 16, 1863. His Honor GEORGE HATCH, Mayor of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio: Sin: As instructed by the commanding general of this department, I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information a copy of General Orders, No. 20, of the 14th instant from these headquarters prohibiting the sale of arms, powder, lead, and percussion caps in this city except upon periuits granted by the military commander. You are aware of the necessity for such an order, and it is requested that the police authorities of the city will co-operate with the military in the enforcement of the prohibition, that improper sales may be stopped, and any attempt to violate the order properly punished. Will you please furnish for the information of General Wright a statement of such instructions as you may give to the city police in this matter, that it may be perfectly understood to what extent the military commander of the city may, with your approval, instruct the police. Colonel Eastman will be instructed to call and confer with you to the end that the civil and military authorities may co-operate harmoni- ously and successfully. An early answer is respectfully requested. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. H. McLEAN, Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of Staff Page 80 80 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. [Inolosure No. 2.] GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 20. ?Jiucinnati, Ohio, March 14, 1863. Reliable information having been received that arms and aminuni- tion have been purchased in this city for disloyal purposes, all sales of arms, powder, lead, and percussion caps are prohibited till further orders, except upon permits granted by the military commander of Cincinnati. Any violation of this order will be followed by the confiscation of the goods sold and the seizure of the stock of the vendor; and the police authorities of the city are authorized and requested to co- operate with the military in the enforcement of this prohibition. By command of Major-General Wright: N. H. MCLEAN, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 3.] MAYORS OFFICE, March 18, 1863. Maj. N. II. MCLEAN, Assistant Adjutant- General, & c.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the reecipt of yours of the 16th instant, covering copy of General Orders, No. 20, of Major-General Wright, commanding Department of the Ohio, prohibiting the sale of arms and ammunition in this city. As mayor of the city of Cincinnati I beg to submit, through you, to General Wright that the strict line of my duty does not extend to the enforcement of military orders, but is confined to the preservation of the peace, the execution of the laws of the State, and the enforce- ment of ordinances of the city; yet, I assure the general and the military commander of the city that, as head of the civil authority, I shall always cheerfully co-operate with the military authorities in any measure which may be deemed for the interest of the city, the welfare of our country, or necessary for the support of the Govern- ment of the United States. In view of the highly excited state of the public mind throughout the country, leading at times to serious apprehension of disorder, I think it of the utmost importance that a feeling of harmony should exist between the civil and military author- ities, and shall use my greatest efforts to continue the present good feeling, and shall confidently rely upon the co-operation and assist- ance of the military force to sustain the civil power should occasion ever require me to have resort to such for the preservation of the peace of the city, a contingency which I am happy to say I do not now apprehend. I inclose herewith a copy of an order to the policy force of the city in reference to the enforcement of General Orders, No. 20, before referred to, and have the honor to be, with much respect, Your obedient servant, GEORGE HATCH, Mayor Page 81 UNION AUTHORITIES. 81 [Sub.inclosuro.] MAYORS OFFICE, Cincinnati, March 17, 1868. L. M. HAZEN, Esq., Chief of Police: SIR: You will direct the accompanying order to be read at roll-call at each police station. By order of GEORGE HATCH, Mayor. C. S. BETTS, Clerk. MAYORS OFFICE, C~ity of c~incinrtati, March 17, 1868. rfhe attention of th~ police force is directed to the following General Orders, No. 20, from Major-General Wright, commanding Department of the Ohio:* The officers of the police are directed to promptly report to the chief of police any instances of violation, or suspected violation, of the foregoing orders which may come within their notice. By order of the mayor: C. S. BETTS, [Inciosure No. Mayors Clerk. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 22. Cincinnati, Ohio, March 19, 1863. It having been ascertained that a large traffic in arms, powder, lead, and percussion caps is carried on at numerous points within the liin- its of this department for purposes and uses disloyal to the Govern- ment of the United States, the provisions of General Orders, No. 20, of the 14th instant, from these headquarters, prohibiting the sale of arms and munitions of war, are extended to embrace the limits of the department. Permits to purchase may be obtained of the military commander of the city or town where the sale is made; or if there be no such military commander in the place, then of the military commander of the city or town nearest to the place where the sale is made, or of the commanding officer of a district within the department, upon the purchasers giving such security to the officer granting the permit as he shall deem sufficient that they will not sell, barter ,giv e, or convey any such arms or munitions of war to any person disloyal to the Government of the United States, or to any person who will use such articles for purposes disloyal to the Government of the United States, or to any person from whom such articles shall pass into the possession of either of the above-mentioned classes. Persons violating this order will be liable to arrest and trial and the forfeiture to the United States of any and all munitions of war in their possession. The civil authorities and all loyal citizens are invited to aid the military authorities in carrying this order into effect. By command of Major-General Wright: N. H. McLEAN, Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of Staff. * See inclosure No. 2, p. 80. 6 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 82 82 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 70. Washington, March 21, 1863. To answer the freqnent inquiries made by general and other officers as to whom they shall report when newly promoted, it is hereby announced that, unless otherwise specially ordered, they will continue on duty in their respective departments or armies and will be assigned by the commanders thereof. By command of Major-General Halleck: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 21, 1863. WILLIAM A. ADAIR, Pittsburq, Pa.: If a regiment of colored men can be raised in Pittsburg I will authorize them to have their own officers. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Iowa City, Iowa, March 28, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose and ask your attention to a copy of a proclamation this day issued by nie and to a copy of a letter just received from Mr. Everett, collector of the Federal revenue in the Fifth Congressional District of this State. I am almost daily in receipt of letters from persons on the southern border of Iowa giving me information similar to that contained in the letter of Mr. Everett. I do not think it advisable at present to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in this State, or to remove any officials, but I ask that clear and explicit instructions be sent to the U. S. district attorney and U. S. marshal for the State, and to provost-marshals appointed or to be appointed under the conscription law, to be diligent to hunt up all men in this State who have been in the rebel service or otherwise been violating the laws of the United States in Missouri and have fled to this State and are here engaged in a course of conduct dangerous to the peace and good order of the State. I also call your attention to my letters asking arms for the State and authority to organize two or three regiments as a State guard. If these things be done; in my judgment things can be kept quiet here and the conscription enforced if ordered. If not, there is real danger of difficulty, and if a conscription be ordered it must be neces- sary, to insure its execution and quiet in the State, to have one or more of our regiments in the field sent home. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD. (Inolosure No. 1.] PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, IOWA, March 28, 1863. To THE PEOPLE OF IOWA: There is good reason to believe that a very considerable number of men, some of whom have been in the rebel army, and others of who Page 83 UNION AUTHORITIES. 83 have, as gue~rillas, been engaged in plundering and murdering Union men in the State of Missouri, have taken refuge in this State to escape the punishment due to their crimes, and that instead of seeking to merit a pardon for past offenses by living peaceably and quietly among us as becomes good citizens, many of them are endeavoring to array a portion of our people in armed resistance to the laws, and I very deeply regret to say there is reason to believe that some of our people have been found weak enough or wicked enough to aid them in their mischievous designs. These men, by bold and fierce denunciations of certain acts of the President and of the Congress of the United States as unconstitutional, and by industriously teaching that the citizen may lawfully resist with force what he deems an unconstitutional act or law, and in other ways, are ~eeking to array such as may be duped and deceived by their art- ful and wicked machinations into armed resistance to the authority of the General Government and to inaugurate civil war within our limits, thus exposing their dupes to the punishment due to traitors, and our State to the storm of war which has swept as with fire the State of Missouri. These men are endeavoring to induce our soldiers in the field to desert their colors, thus exposing them to the penalty of desertion, which is death; and are endeavoring to induce our citi- zens to violate the law by resisting the arrest of deserters and a con- scription in this State, if ordered, thereby exposing themselves to the punishment due such criminal acts. It is my duty to, and I therefore do, warn these men that their courses are fraught with peril to themselves and to the peace and good order of the State, and if persisted in to the extremity they intend will certainly bring punishment; and I also warn all the good people of the State, as they value peace and good order and would avoid the horrors of civil war, not to be misled by these wicked and designing men who, having nothing to lose, hope for plunder and profit in the license of civil war. The laws of the General Government will be enforced among us at any cost and at all hazards, and the men who array themselves in armed resistance to the laws will certainly be overpowered and punished. As long as those who have sought shelter in Iowa from other States behaved as quiet and peaceable citizens, I have had no disposition to interfere with or molest them, but it cannot be tolerated that these men, who have been compelled to flee from their own State for fear of the punishment of crimes committed against the laws of their State or of the United States, should, while enjoying the protection of our laws, be permitted to bring among our peaceful homes and upon our peace- ful people all the horrors they have brought upon the State from which they fled. We owe it not only to ourselves and our families, but much more to the families of those who have left us to defend on the battle- field the life of our country, that we preserve peace and good order at home. It must be a bitter reflection to our gallant soldiers that while they are enduring the hardships and dangers of a soldiers life in defense of their country bad men at home are plotting to bring upon their unprotected families the dangers of civil war. Moved by these considerations, I have this day notified the proper authorities of the United States and of the State of Missouri that many criminals against their laws are in Iowa engaged, as I believe, in inciting rebellion, and that I shall insist upon their arrest and removal where necessary, and their trial for their crimes, if their conduct shall continue to be such as is dangerous to the peace and safety of the State; and I enjoin upon all good citizens who know that such men are among them that the Page 84 84 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. especially notice their demeanor and conduct, and if it.be seditious and dangerous that they furnish the U. S. district attorney or the U. S. marshal, or either of the Congressional district provost-marshals to be appointed, or myself, with their names and affidavits showing their criminality before coming to this State and their conduct since, to the end that our State may be relieved of the danger of their presence. SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD. [Inclosure No. 2.] CORYDON, IOWA, March 13, 1863. Hon. S. J. KIZRKWOOD, Governor, & c.: DEAR SIR: My official duties having taken me through Warren, Lucas, and Corydon, I am led to communicate such information as may be useful to you and the State. I conversed with all the promi- nent Union men and the impression is universal that the secessionists are actively preparing and organizing resistance to the Government. In these counties they are holding secret meetings, becoming more defiant and bold in their denunciations of the North, and in some localities actually cowing the Union men. The universal desire is for th~e proclamation of martial law over the whole State, the removal by the Provost-Marshal-General of every dis- loyal sheriff, judge, and public officer, and the disarming of all known sympathizers. Unless these measures are adopted, it is my belief, founded upon what I have ascertained in the last two weeks, that Southern Iowa soon will be in as bad condition as ever Missouri was. A large number of bad men, driven out of Missouri by the Union- ists, have taken refuge in the border and second tier of counties, amid are most active in creating discontent. It is a shame that the Gov- ernment should permit these men to come into the State. They are doing great mischief; are the leaders and organizers of most of the secret meetings. They should at once be arrested and made to go south into Mis- souri. They can do us infinitely less mischief in the rebel army than here. My information comes in this county from Mr. Thomas, Mr. Harts- horn, and Captain Esteball true, faithful men. Very respectfully, HORACE EVERETT, Collector, & c. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 72. Washington, March 24, 1863. Commanders of regiments, battalions not included in regiments, independent companies or batteries, and detachments, surgeons in charge of hospitals or detachnients, and all persons in the military service commanding or controlling commissioned officers or enlisted muen on special or detached service, will report upon the last day of each mouth to Col. James B. Fry, Provost-Marshal-General of the United States, at Washington, D. C., the names of all deserters from their respective commands who have deserted since their last report, or who have not previously been reported. These reports will be made in the form of descriptive lists, settimig forth, in case of each deserter, his name, rank, reginment or company, descriptiomi, place o Page 85 UNION AUTHORITIES. 85 birth, residaice, occupation, place of enlistment, date of last payment, amount of bounty due, date and place of desertion, and the place where he can probably be found, with such other remarks as may be pertinent in the matter or may aid in the arrest and punishment of the offender. Where no desertions have taken place during the month, the regular form of descriptive list will be forwarded, and the fact will be noted upon it. The lists will in all cases be made in duplicate; one copy will be forwarded direct to the Provost-Marshal- General, and the other, through the ordinary military channels, to the Adjutant-General, at Washington, who will refer the same to the Provost-Marshal-General. When lists are rendered by surgeons, one copy will be sent direct to the Provost-Marshal-General, and the dupli- cate, through the regular channel, to the Surgeon-General, who will refer the same to the Provost-Marshal-General. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutartt- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 73. Washington, ]liEarch 24, 1863. The following acts and resolutions of Congress are published for the information of all concerned: I. PUBLIC RESOLUTIONNO. 9. JOINT RESOLUTION to revive An act to secure to the officers and men actually employed in the Western Department, or Department of Missouri, their pay, bounty, and pension, and for other purposes. (See General Orders, No. 91, of 1562, p. 26.) Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the provisions of a joint resolution entitled A resolution to suspend all payments under the act approved the twenty-fifth of March, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, entitled An act to secure to the officers and men actually employed in the Western Department, or Department of Mis- souri, their pay, bounty, and pension, and for other purposes, approved July twelfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, be and they are hereby revived, and the commissioners therein provided for shall be allowed six months from tkie passage of this resolution within which to make their report. Approved February 16, 1863. II. PiijnracNo. 43. AN ACT making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Govern- ment for the year ending thirtieth June, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, and for the year eighteen hundred and sixty-three, and for other purposes. * * * * * * * SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That, in addition to the clerical force now authorized by law, the following clerks and employ~s are hereby authorized in the several departments and offices hereinafter specified, to be employed and continue only during the rebellion, and for one year after its close, viz: * * * * * * * In the office of the Secretary of War, six clerks of class four and eight of class one.. In the office of the Chief of Ordnance of the War Department, three clerks of class four and twenty of class one. Jn the office of the Adjutant-General, eight clerks of class two and twenty of class one. In the office of the Commissary-General, twelve clerks of class one and one laborer at a salary of six hundred dollars per annum. In the office of the Surgeon-General, one clerk of class four, one of class three, two of class two, and twenty-one of class one. In the office of the Paymaster-General, four clerks of class three and sixteen of class one; and in the office of the Chief of Engineers, two clerks of class one Page 86 86 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. And the several clerks and other employ6s authorized by this section shall be appointed by the heads of the several departments to which they are severally attached, and the amount necessary to pay their salaries from the time of their appointment, for the fiscal year ending June thirty, eighteen hundred and sixty- three, and for the fiscal year ending June thirty, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, is hereby appropriated therefor. * * * * * * * Approved February 25, 1863. IJI. PUBLIcNO. 45. AN ACT to amend an act entitled An act to prevent members of Congress and officers of the Government of the United States from taking considerations for procuring contracts, office, or place from the United States, and for other purposes.(See General Orders, No. 91, of 1862, p. 7.) Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the provisions of said act shall be so construed as to embrace any agent of the Government of the United States. Approved February 25, 1863. IV. PUBLIcNo. 46. AN ACT to prevent and punish frauds upon the Government of the United States. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That any person in the land or naval forces of the United States, or in the militia in actual service of the United States, in time of war, who shall make or cause to be made, or present or cause to be presented for payment or approval to or by any person or officer in the civil or military service of the United States, any claim upon or against the Government of the United States, or any department or officer thereof, knowing such claim to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent; any person in such forces or service who shall, for the purpose of obtaining, or aiding in obtaining, the approval or pay- ment of such claim, make, use, or cause to be made or used, any false bill, receipt, voucher, entry, roll, account, claim, statement, certificate, affidavit, or deposition, knowing the same to contain any false or fraudulent statement or entry; any person in said forces or service who shall make or procure to be made, or know- ingly advise the making of any false oath to any fact, statement, or certificate, voucher or entry, for the purpose of obtaining, or of aiding to obtain, any approval or payment of any claim against the United States, or any department or officer thereof; any person in said forces or service who, for the purpose of obtaining or enabling any other person to obtain from the Government of the United States, or any department or officer thereof, any payment or allowance, or the approval or signature of any person in the military, naval, or civil service of the United States, of or to any false, fraudulent, or fictitious claim, shall forge or counterfeit, or cause or procure to be forged or counterfeited, any signature upon any bill, receipt, voucher, account, claim, roll, statement, affidavit, or deposition; and any person in said forces or service who shall utter or use the same as true or genuine, knowing the same to have been forged or counterfeited; any person in said forces or service who shall enter into any agreement, combination, or con- spiracy to cheat or defraud the Government of the United States, or any depart- ment or officer thereof, by obtaining, or aiding and assisting to obtain, the payment or allowance of any false or fraudulent claim; any person in said forces or service who shall steal, embezzle, or knowingly and wilfully misappropriate or apply to his own use or benefit, or who shall wrongfully and knowingly sell, con- vey, or dispose of any ordnance, arms, ammunition, clothing, subsistence stores, money, or other property of the United States, furnished or to be used for the military or-naval service of the United States; any contractor, agent, paymaster, quartermaster, or other person whatsoever in said forces or service having charge, possession, custody, or control of anymoney or other public property, used or to be used in the military or naval service of the United States, who shall, with intent to defraud the United States, or wilfully to conceal such money or other property, deliver or cause to be delivered to any other person having authority to receive the same any amount of such money or other public property less than that for which he shall receive certificate or receipt; any person in said forces or service who is or shall be authorized to make or deliver any certificate, voucher, or receipt, or other paper certifying the receipt of arms, ammunition, provisions, clothing, or other public property so used or to be used, who shall make. or deliver the same to an Page 87 UNION AUTHORITIES. 87 person without having full knowledge of the truth of the facts stated therein, and with intent to cheat, defraud, or injure the United States; any person in said forces or service who shall knowingly purchase or receive, in pledge for any obli- gation or indebtedness, from any soldier, officer, or other person called into or employed in said forces or service, any arms, equipments, ammunition, clothes, or military stores, or other public property, such soldier, officer, or other person not having the lawful right to pledge or sell the same, shall be deemed guilty of a criminal offence, and shall be subject to the rules and regulations made for the government of the military and naval forces of the United States, and of the militia when called into and employed in the actual service of the United States in time of war, and to the provisions of this act. And every person so offending may be arrested and held for trial by a court-martial, and if found guilty shall be punished by fine and imprisonment, or such other punishment as the court-martial may adjudge, save the punishment of death. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That any person heretofore called or hereafter to be called into or employed in such forces or service, who shall commit any violation of this act and shall afterwards receive his discharge. or be dismissed from the service, shall, notwithstanding such discharge or dismissal, continue to be liable to be arrested and held for trial and sentenced by a court-martial, in the same manner and to the same extent as if he had not received such discharge or been dismissed SEc. 8. And be it further enacted, That any person not in the military or naval forces of the United States, nor in the militia called into or actually employect in the service of the United States, who shall do or commit any of the acts pro- hibited by any of the foregoing provisions of this act, he shall forfeit and pay to the United States the sum of two thousand dollars) and, in addition, double the amount of damages which the United States may have sustained by reason of the doing or committing such act, together with the costs of suit; and such forfeiture and damages shall be sued for in the same suit, and every such person shall in addition thereto, on conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction, be punished by imprisonment not less than one nor more than five years, or by fine of not less than one thousand dollars, and not more than five thousand dollars. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That the several district courts of the United States, the circuit court of the District of Coiumbia, or any court therein to be established having general jurisdiction in civil cases, the several district courts of the Territories of the United States within whose jurisdictional limits the person doing or committing such act shall be found, shall, wheresoever such act may have been done or committed, have full power and jurisdiction to hear, try, and determine such suit. Such suit may be brought and carried on by any person, as well for himself as for the United States; the same shall b~ at the sole cost and charge of such person, and shall be in the name of the United States, but shall not be withdrawn or discontinued without the consent, in writing, of the judge of the court and the district attorney, first filed in the case, setting forth their reasons for such consent. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the several district attorneys of the United States for the respective district[s] for the District of Columbia, and for the several Territories, to be diligent in inquiring into any viola- tion of the provisions of this act by persons liable to such suit, and found within their respective districts or Territories, and to cause him or her to be proceeded against in due form of law for the recovery of such forfeiture and damages. And such person may be arrested and held to bail in such sum as the district judge may order, not exceeding the said sum of two thousand dollars, and twice the amount of the damages sworn to in the affidavit of the person bringing the suit. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That the person bringing said suit and prose- cutingit to final judgment shall be entitled to receive one-half the amount of such forfeiture, as well as one-half the amount of the damages he shall recover and col- lect; and the other half thereof shall belong to and be paid over to the United States; and such person shall be entitled to receive to his own use all costs the court ~nay award against the defendant, to be allowed and taxed according to any provisions of law or rule of court in force, or that shall be in force in suits between private parties in said court: Provided, That such person shall bb liable for all costs incurred by himself in the case, and shall have no claim therefor on the United States. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That every such suit shall be commenced within six years from the doing or committing the act, and not afterwards. SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That no officer or agent of any banking or other commercial corporation, and no member of any mercantile or trading firm, or person directly or indirectly interested in the pecuniary profits or contracts o Page 88 88 CORRESPONDEI~CE, ETC. such corporation or firm, shall be employed or shall act as an officer or agent of the United States for the transaction of business with such corporation or firm; and every such such officer, agent, or member, or person, so interested, who shall so act, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars nor less than five hundred dollars, and by imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. SEC. 9. And be it further enacted, That all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with or repugnant to any of the provisions of this act are hereby repealed, saving, however, and excepting any and all suits or prosecutions now commenced pend- ing, and all rights of suit or prosecution under any prior act of Congress, on account of the doing or committing of any act hereby prohibited; and all rights and claims which the United States, or any person or persons, now have, growing out of such prior act; all which.pending suits and prosecutions shall proceed and be determined, and all which rights and claims shall remain and be as valid and effectual as if this present act had not been passed; nor shall this act beso colt-. strued as in any way to impair or affect the obligation, duty, or liability of any person who now is or shall hereafter become the surety of any person contracting with the United States, or any officer or agent thereof; but every such surety shall be liable and answerable for the default of his principal in the same manner as if this act had not been passed, save to the extent to which his principal has per- formed the contract, or, if damages have been so recovered, to the extent of one- half of the damages so recovered and paid; which last amount may be shown in reduction of damages in any suit brought against the principal and surety, or principals and sureties, on their contract. Approved March 2, 1863. V. PunLIcNo. 47. AN ACT to authorize an increase in the nnmber of major-generals and brigadier-generals for forces in the service of the United States. Be it enacted by ihe Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, in addition to the four major-generals and nine brigadier-generals for the Regular Army, and the forty major-generals and two hundred brigadier-generals for the volunteer service, authorized by the exist- ing laws, there may be appointed thirty major-generals and seventy-five brigadier- generals for forces in the service of the United States other than the Regular Army: Provided, That the officers to be appointed under this act shall be selected from those who have been conspicuous for gallant or meritorious conduct in the line of duty. Approved March 2, 1863. Vi. PunLicNo. 54. AN ACT for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other pnrposes. Whereas there now exists in the United States an insurrection and rebellion against the authority thereof, and it is, under the Constitution of the United States, the duty of the Government to suppress insurrection and rebellion, to guarantee to each State a republican form of government, and to preserve the public tranquillity; and whereas, for these high purposes a military force is indis- pensable, to raise and support which all persons ought willingly to contribute; and whereas no service can be more praiseworthy and honorable than that which is rendered for the maintenance of the Constitution and Union, and the consequent preservation of free government: Therefore, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That all able-bodied male citizens of the United States, and persons of foreign birth who shall have declared on oath their inte~~- tion to become citizens under and in pursuance of the laws thereof, between the ages of twenty and forty-five years, except as hereinafter excepted, are hereby declared to constitute the national forces, and shall be liable to perform military duty in the service of the United States when called out by the President for that purpose. SEc. 2. And be it further enacted, That the following persons be, and they are hereby, excepted and exempt from the provisions of this act, and shall not be liable to military duty under the same, to wit: Such as are rejected as physically or mentally unfit for the service; also, first, the Vice-President of the United States, the judges of the various courts of the United States, the heads of the various executive departments of the Government, and the governor Page 89 UNION AUTHORITIES. 89 of the several States. Second, the only son liable to military duty of a widow dependent npon his labor for support. Third, the only son of aged or infirm parent or parents dependent upon his labor for support. Fourth, where there are two or more sons of aged or infirm parents subject to draft, the father, or, if he be dead, the mother may elect which son shall be exempt. Fifth, the only brother of children not twelve years old, having neither father nor mother, depend- ent upon his labor for support. Sixth, the father of motherless children under twelve years of age dependent upon his labor for support. Seventh, where there are a father and sons hi the same family and household, and two of them are in the military service of the United States as non-commissioned officers, musicians, or privates, the residue of such family and household not exceeding two shall be exempt. And no persons but such as are herein excepted shall be exempt: Pro- vided, however, That no person who has been convicted of any felony shall be enrolled or permitted to serve in said forces. SEc. 3. And be it further enacted, That the national forces of the United States not now in the military service, enrolled under this act, shall be divided into two classes: the first of which shall comprise all persons subject to do military duty between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years, and all unmarried persons sub- ject to do military duty above the age of thirty-five and under the age of forty- five; the second class shall comprise all other persons subject to do military duty; ~and they shall not, in any district, be called into the service of the United States until those of the first class shall have been called. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted. That for greater convenience in enrolling, calling out, and organizing the national forces, and for the arrest of deserters and spies of the enemy, the United States shall be divided into districts of which the District of Columbia shall constitute one, each Territory of the United States shall constitute one or more, as the President shall direct, and each Congressional district of the respective States, as fixed by a law of the State next preceding the enrollment, shall constitute one: Provided, That in States which have not by their laws been divided into two or more Congressional districts the President of the United States shall divide the same into so many enrollment districts as he may deem fit and convenient. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That for each of said districts there shall be appointed by the President a provost-marshal, with the rank, pay, and emolu- ments of a captain of cavalry, or an officer of said rank shall be detailed by the President, who shall be under the direction and subject to the orders of a provost- marshal-general, appoin1~ed or detailed by the President of the United States, whose office shall be at the seat of government, forming a separate bureau of the War Department, and whose rank, pay, and emoluments shall be those of a col- onel of cavalry. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the Provost- Marshal-General, with the approval of the Secretary of War, to make rules and regulations for the government of his subordinates; to furnish them with the names and residences of all deserters from the army, or any of the land forces in the service of the United States, including the militia, when reported to him by the commanding officers; to communicate to them all orders of the President in reference to calling out the national forces; to furnish proper blanks and instructions for enrolling and drafting; to file and preserve copies of all enroll- ment lists; to req~iire stated reports of all proceedings on the part of his subordi- nates; to audit all accounts connected with the service under his direction; and to perform such other duties as the President may prescribe in carrying out the provisions of this act. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the provost- marshals to arrest all deserters, whether regulars, volunteers, militiamen, or per- sons called into the service under this or any other act of Congress, wherever they may be tound, and to send them to the nearest military commander or military post; to detect, seize, and confine spies of the enemy, who shall, without unreason- able delay, be delivered to the custody of the general commanding the department in which they may be arrested, to be tried as soon as the exigencies of the service permit; to obey all lawful orders and regulations of the Provost-Marshal-General, and such as may be prescribed by law, concerning the enrollment and calling into service of the national forces. SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That in each of said districts there shall be a board of enrollment, to be composed of the provost-marshal, as president, and two other persons, to be appointed by the President of the United States, one of whom shall be a licensed and practicing physician and surgeon. SEc. 9. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the said board to divide the district into sub-districts of convenient size, if they shall deem i Page 90 90 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. necessary, not exceeding two, without the direction of the Secretary of War, and to appoint, on or before the tenth day of March next, and in each alternate year thereafter, an enrolling officer for each sub-district, and to furnish him with proper blanks and instructions; and he shall immediately proceed to enroll all per- sons subject to military duty, noting their respective places of residence, ages on the first day of July following, and their occupation, and shall, on or before the first day of April, report the same to the board of enrollment, to be consolidated into one list, a copy of which shall be transmitted to the Provost-Marshal-General on or before the first day of May succeeding the enrollment: Provided, nevertheless, That if, from any cause, the duties prescribed by this section cannot be per- formed within the time specified, then the same shall be performed as soon there- after as practicable. SEC. 10. And be it further enacted, That the enrollment of each class shall be made separately, and shall only embrace those whose ages shall be on the first day of July thereafter between twenty and forty-five years. SEC. 11. And be it further enacted, That all persons thus enrolled shall be subject, for two years after the first day of July succeeding the enrollment, to be called into the military service of the United States, and to continue in service during the present rebellion, not, however, exceeding the term of three years; and when called into service shall be placed on the same footing, in all respects, as volunteers for three years, or during the war, including advance pay an~ bounty as now provided by law. SEc. 12. And be it further enacted, That whenever it may be necessary to call out the national forces for military service, the President is hereby authorized to assign to each district the number of men to be furnished by said district; and thereupon the enrolling board shall, under the direction of the President, make a draft of the required number, and fifty per cent. in addition, and shall make an exact and complete roll of the names of the persons so drawn, and of the order in which they were drawn, so that the first drawn may stand first upon the said roll, and the second may stand second, and so on. And the person so drawn shall be notified of the same within ten days thereafter by a written or printed notice, to be served personally or by leaving a copy at the last place of residence, requiring them to appear at a designated rendezvous to report for duty. In assigning to the districts the number of men to be furnished therefrom, the President shall take into consideration the nnmber of volunteers and militia furnished by and from the several States in which said districts are situated, and the period of their service since the commencement of the present rebellion, and shall so make said assignment as to equalize the numbers among the districts of the several States, considering and allowing for the numbers already furnished as aforesaid and the time of their service. SEC. 13. And be it further enacted, That any person drafted and notified to appear as aforesaid may, on or before the day fixed for his appearance, furnish an acceptable substitute to take his place in the draft, or he may pay to such person as the Secretary of War may authorize to receive it, such sum, not exceeding three hundred dollars, as the Secretary may determine, for the procuration of such substitute, which sum shall be fixed at a uniform rate by a general order made at the time of ordering a draft for any State or Territory; and thereupon such person so furnishing the substitute, or paying the money, shall be discharged from further liability under that draft. And any person failing to report after due service of notice as herein prescribed, without furnishing a substitute, or pay- ing the required sum therefor, shall be deemed a deserter, and shall be arrested by the provost-marshal and sent to the nearest military post for trial by court- martial, unless, upon proper showing that he is not liable to do military duty, the board of enrollment shall relieye him from the draft. SEC. 14. And be it further enacted, That all drafted persons shall, on arriving at the rendezvous, be carefully inspected by the surgeon of the Board, who shall truly report to the Board the physical condition of each one; and all persons drafted and claiming exemption from military duty on account of disability, or any other cause, shall present their claims to be exempted to the Board, whose decision shall be final. SEC. 15. And be it further enacted, That any surgeon charged with the duty of such inspection who shall receive from any person whomsoever any money or other valuable thing, or agree, directly or indirectly, to receive the same to his own or anothers use, for making an imperfect inspection or a false or incorrect report, or who shall wilfully neglect to make a faithful inspection and true report, shall be tried by a court-martial, and, on conviction thereof, be punished by fine not exceeding five hundred dollars nor less thati two hundred, and be imprisoned at the discretion of the court, and be cashiered and dismissed from the service Page 91 UNION AUTHORITIES. 91 SEC. 16. And be it further enacted, That as soon as the required number of able-bodied men liable to do military duty shall be obtained from the list of those drafted, the remainder shall be discharged. And all drafted persons reporting at the place of rendezvous shall be allowed travelling pay from their places of residence; and all persons discharged at the place of rendezvous shall be allowed travelling pay to their places of residence; and all expenses connected with the enrollment and draft, including subsistence while at the rendezvous, shall be paid from the appropriation for enrolling and drafting~ under such regu- lations as the President ot the United States shall prescribe; and all expenses connected with the arrest and return of deserters to their regiments, or such other duties as the provost-marshals shall be called upon to perform, shall be paid from the appropriation for arresting deserters, under such regulations as the President of the United States shall prescribe: Provided, The provost-mar- shals shall in no case receive commutation for transportation or for fuel and quarters but only for forage, when not furnished by the Government, together with actual expenses of postage, stationery, and clerk hire authorized by the Provost-Marshal-General. SEC. 17. And be it further enacted, That any person enrolled and drafted according to the provisions of this act who shall furnish an acceptable substitute, shall thereupon receive from the board of enrollment a certificate of discharge from such draft, which shall exempt him from military duty during the time for which he was drafted; and such substitute shall be entitled to the same pay and allowances provided by law as if he had been originally drafted into the service of the United States. SEC. 18. And be it further enacted, That such of the volunteers and militia now in the service of the United States as may re-enlist to serve one year,unless sooner discharged, after the expiration of their present term or service, shall be entitled to a bounty of fifty dollars, one-half of which to be paid upon such re-enlistment, and the balance at the expiration of the term of re-enlistment. And such as may re-enlist to serve for two years, unless sooner discharged, after the expiration of their present term of enlistment, shall receive, upon such re-enlistment, twenty-five dollars of the one hundred dollars bounty for enlist- ment provided by the fifth section of the act approved twenty-second of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, entitled An act to authorize the employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing the laws and protecting public property. SEC. 19. And be it further enacted, That whenever a regiment of volunteers of the same arm, from the same State, is reduced to one-half the maximum number prescribed by law, the President may direct the consolidation of the companies of such regiment: Provided, That no company so formed shall exceed the maxi- mum number prescribed by law. When such consolidation is made the regi- mental officers shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in the number of companies. SEC. 20. And be it further enacted, That whenever a regiment is reduced below the minimum number allowed by law, no officers shall be appointed in such regi- inent beyond those necessary for the command of such reduced number. SEC. 21. And be it further enacted, That so much of the fifth section of the act approved seventeenth July, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, entitled An act to amend an act calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, and so forth, as requires the approval of the President to carry into execution the sentence of a court-martial, be and the same is hereby repealed, as far as relates to carrying into execution the sentence of any court-martial against any person convicted as a spy or deserter, or of mutiny or murder; and hereafter sentences in punishment of these offenses may be carried into execution upon the approval of the commanding general in the field. SEc. 22. And be it further enacted, That courts-martial shall have power to sentence officers who shall absent themselves from their commands without leave to be reduced to the ranks, to serve three years or during the war. SEC. 23. And be it further enacted. That the clothes, arms, military outfits, and accouterments furnished by the United States to any soldier shall not be sold, bartered, exchanged, pledged, loaned, or given away; and no person not a soldier or duly authorized officer of the United States, who has possession of any such clothes, arms, military outfits, or accouterments, furnished as aforesaid, and which have been the subject of any such sale, barter, exchange, pledge, loan, or gift, shall have any right, title, or interest therein; but the same may be seized and taken wherever found by any officer of the United States, civil or military, and shall thereupon be delivered to any quartermaster or other officer authorized to receive the same; and the possession of any such clothes, arms, military out- fits, or accouterments byany person not a soldier or officer of the United State Page 92 92 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. shall be prima facie evidence of such a sale, barter, exchange, pledge, loan, or gift, as aforesaid. SEc. 24. And be it further enacted. That every person not subject to the Rules and Articles of War who shall procure or entice, or attempt to procure or entice, a soldier in the service of the United States to desert; or who shall harbor, con- ceal, or give employment to a deserter, or carry him away, or aid in carrying him away, knowing him to be such; or who shall purchase from any soldier his arms, equipments, ammunition, uniform, clothing, or any part thereof; and any cap- tain or commanding officer of any ship or vessel, or any superintendent or con- ductor of any railroad, or any other public conveyance, carrying away any such soldier as one of his crew or otherwise, knowing him to have deserted, or shall refuse to deliver him up to the orders of his commanding officer, shall, upon legal conviction, be fined, at the discretion of any court having cognizance of the same, in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, and he shall be imprisoned not exceeding two years nor less than six months. SEc. 25. And be it further enacted, That if any person shall resist any draft of men enrolled under this act into the service of the United States, or shall counsel or aid any person to resist any such draft; or shall assault or obstruct any officer in making such draft, or in the performance of any service in relation thereto; or shall counsel any person to assault or obstruct any such officer, or shall coun sel any drafted men not to appear at the place of rendezvous, or willfully dissuade them from the performance of military duty as required by law, such person shall be subject to summary arrest by the provost-marshal, and he shall be forth- with delivered to the civil authorities, and, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding two years, or by both of said punishments. SEC. 26. And be it further enacted, That immediately after the passage of this act, the President shall issue his proclamation declaring that all soldiers now absent from their regiment without leave may return within a time specified to such place or places as he may indicate in his proclamation and be restored to their respective regiments without punishment, except the forfeiture of their pay and allowances during their absence; and all deserters who shall not return within the time so specified by the President shall, upon being arrested, be pun- ished as the law provides. SEC. 27. And be it further enacted, That depositions of witnesses residing beyond the limits of the State, Territory, or district in which military courts shall be ordered to sit may be taken in cases not capital by either party and read in evi- deuce; provided the same shall be taken upon reasonable notice to the opposite party and duly authenticated. SEC. 28. And be it further enacted, That the. judge-advocate shall have power to appoint a reporter, whose duty it shall be to record the proceedings of and testimony taken before military courts instead of the judge-advocate; and such reporter may take down such proceedings and testimony in the first instance in shorthand. The reporter shall be sworn or affirmed faithfully to perform his duty before entering upon it. SEC. 29. And be it further enacted, That the court shall, for reasonable cause, grant a continuance to either party for such time and as often as shall appear to be just: Provided, That if the prisoner be in close confinement, the trial shall not be delayed for a period longer than sixty days. SEC. 30. And be it further enacted, That in time of war, insurrection, or rebel- lion, murder, assault and battery with an intent to kill, manslaughter, mayhem, wounding by shooting or stabbing with an intent to commit murder, robbery, arson, burglary, rape, assault and battery with an intent to commit rape, and larceny shall be punishable by the sentence of a general court-martial or military commission, when committed by persons who are in the military service of the United States, and subject to the Articles of War; and the punishments for such offenses shall never be less than those inflicted by the laws of the State, Territory, or district in which they may have been committed. SEC. 31. And be it further enacted, That any officer absent from duty with leave, except for sickness or wounds, shall, during his absence, receive half of the pay and allowances prescribed by law, and no more ; and any officer absent without leave shall, in addition to the penalties prescribed by law or a court- martial forfeit all pay or allowances during such absence. SEC. 32. And be it further enacted, That the commanders of regiments and of batteries in the field are hereby authorized and empowered to grant furloughs for a period not exceeding thirty days at any one time to five per centum of the non- commissioned officers and privates, for good conduct in the line of duty and subject to the approval of the commander of the fordes of which such non-coin- missioned officers and privates form a part Page 93 UNION AUTHORITIES. 93 SEC. 33. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States is hereby authorized and empowered, during the present rebellion, to call forth the national forces, by draft, in the manner provided for in this act. SEC. 34. And be it further enacted, That all persons drafted under the provisions of this act shall be assigned by the President to military duty in such corps, regi- ments, or other branches of the service as the exigencies of the service may require. SEC. 35. And be it further enacted, That hereafter details to special service shall only be made with the consent of the commanding officer of forces in the field; and enlisted men, now or hereafter detailed to special service, shall not receive any extra pay for such services beyond that allowed to other enlisted men. SEC. 36. And be it further enacted, That general orders of the War Department, numbered one hundred and fifty-four and one hundred and sixty-two, in reference to enlistments from the volunteers into the regular service, be, and the same are hereby, rescinded; and hereafter no such enlistments shall be allowed. SEC. 37. And be it further enacted, That the grades created in the cavalry forces of the United States by section eleven of the act approved seventeenth July, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and for which no rate of compensation has been provided, shall be paid as follows, to wit: Regimental commissary the same as regimental quartermaster; chief trumpeter the same as chief bugler; saddler sergeant the same as regimental commissary-sergeant; company commissary-ser- geant the same as company quartermasters sergeant: Provided, That the grade of supernumerary second lieutenant, and two teamsters for each company, and one chief farrier and blacksmith for each regiment, as allowed by said section of that act, be. and they are hereby, abolished; and each cavalry company may have two trumpeters, to be paid as buglers; and each regiment shall have one veteri- nary surgeon, with the rank of a regimental sergeant-major, whose compensation shall be seventy-five dollars per month. SEC. 38. And be it further enacted, That all persons who, in time of war or of rebellion against the supreme authority of the United States, shall be found lurk- ing or acting as spies in or about any of the fortifications, posts, quarters, or encampments of any of the armies of the United States, or elsewhere, shall be triable by a general court-martial or military commission, and shall, upon con- viction, suffer death. Approved March 3,1863. VII. PunLicNo. 57. AN ACT to promote the efficiency of the Corps of Engineers and of the Ordnance Department, and for other porposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Corps of Topographical Engineers, as a distinct branch of the Army, is hereby abolished, and from and after the pas- sage of this act is merged into the Corps of Engineers, which shall have the fol- lowing organization, viz: One chief engineer, with the rank, pay, and emoluments of a brigadier-general;, four colonels; ten lieutenant-colonels; twenty majors; thirty captains; thirty first lieutenants, and ten second lieutenants. SEC 2. And be it further enacted, That the general officer provided by the first section of this act shall be selected from the Corps of Engineers as therein established; and that officers of all lower grades shall take rank according to their respective dates of commission in the existing Corps of Engineers or Corps of Topographical Engineers. SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That no officer of the Corps of Engineers below the rank of a field officer shall hereafter be promoted to a higher grade before having passed a satisfactory examination before a board of three engineers senior to him in rank; and should the officer fail at said examination, shall be suspended from [for] one year, when he shall be re-examined, and upon a second failure shall be dropped by the President from the Army. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That there shall be added to the Ordnance Department one lieutenant-colonel, two majors, eight captains, eight first lieu- tenants; the additional officers herein authorized to be appointed by promotion, so far as the present officers of the Ordnance Corps will permit, and the residue to be appointed by transfers from other regiments or corps of the Army: Provided, That no officer of the Ordnance Department below the rank of a field officer shall be promoted or commissioned to a higher grade, nor s~1all any officer of the Army be commissioned as an ordnance officer, until he shall have passed a satisfactory examination before a board of not less than three ordnance officers senior to him in rank; and should such officer fail on such examination, he shall be suspended from promotion or appointment for one year, when he may be re-examined befor Page 94 94 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. a like board; and if upon such second examination an ordnance officer fail, he shall be dismissed from the service, and if an officer of the Army he shall not be commissioned. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That section two of the act approved March three ,eighteen hundred and forty-nine, entitled An act to provide J~or the pay- ment of horses and other property lost or destroyed in the military service of the United States, shall be construed to include the steam-boats and other vessels. and railroad engines and cars, in the property to be allowed and paid for when destroyed or lost under the circumstances provided for in said act. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That all payments of advance bounty made to enlisted men who have been discharged before serving out the term required by law for its payment in full, shall be allowed in the settlement of the accounts of paymasters at the Treasury, but hereafter, in all such cases, the amount so advanced shall be charged against the enlisted men, unless the discharge be upon surgeons certificate for wounds received or sickness incurred since their last enlistment. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That upon any requisition hereafter being made by the President of the United States for militia, any person who shall have volunteered or been drafted for the service of the United States for the term of nine months, or a shorter period, may enlist into a regiment from the same State to serve for the term of one year, and any person so enlisting shall be entitled to and receive a bounty of fifty dollars, to be paid in time and manner provided by the act of July twenty-second, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, for the payment of the bounty provided for by that act. SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That the officers of the Medical Department shall unite with the line officers of the Army under such rules and regulations as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of War in supervising the cooking within the same, as an important sanitary measure, and that said Medical Department shall promulgate to its officers such regulations and instructions as may tend to insure the proper preparation of the ration of the soldier. SEC. 9. And be it further enacted, That cooks shall be detailed, in turn, from the privates of each company of troops in the service of the United States, at the rate of one cook for each company numbering less than thirty men, and two cooks for each company numbering over thirty men, who shall serve ten days each. SEC. to. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to causu to be enlisted, for each cook, two under cooks of African descent, who shall receive for their full compensation ten dol- lars per month and one ration per daythree dollars of said monthly pay may be in clothing SEC. 11. And be it further enacted, That the army ration shall hereafter include pepper, in the proportion of four ounces to every hundred rations. SEC. 12. And be it further enacted, That the increase of rank of officers, and in the number of officers provided for in this act, shall continue only during the exis~ence of the present rebellion; and thereafter the several officers promoted under this act shall have the respective rank they would have had if this act had not passed, and the number shall be reduced by the President to the number authorized by law prior to the passage of this act. Approved March 3, 1863. VIII. PunLIcNo. 58. AN ACT making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the year ending June thirty, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, and for the year ending the thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, and for ot1~r purpose~. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following sums be, and the same are hereby, appropriated, for the objects hereinafter expressed, for the fiscal yer ending the thirtieth June, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, viz: * * * * * * * SEC. 17. And be it further enacted, That the Signal Corps of the Army shall, during the present rebellion, be organized as follows: There shall be one chief signal officer, a colonel, who shall be signal officer of the Army; one lieutenant- colonel; two majors, who shall be inspectors; and for each army corps or military department there shall be one captain, and as many lieutenants, not exceeding eight, as the President may deem necessary, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall receive the pay and emoluments of cavalry officers of similar grades; and for each officer of the Signa Page 95 UNION AUTHORITIES. 95 Corps there may be enlisted or detailed one sergeant and six privates, who shall receive the pay of similar grades of engineer soldiers: Provided, That no officer or enlisted man shall be allowed to serve in the Signal Corps until he shall have been examined and approved by a military board, to be convened for that purpose by the Secretary of War. SEC. 18. And be it further enacted, That the officers and enlisted men herein provided for shall be subject to the Rules and Articles of War. They may be mounted upon horses, the property of the United States, and shall serve in any military department, or with any forces to which they may be ordered. And officers of the Army who may be appointed in this corps may, after the rebellion, be restored to their respective regiments or corps, and receive the same rank and promotion as if they had continued to serve therein. SEC. 19. And be it further enacted, That there shall be appointed in the office of the signal officer two clerks of class two. And in selecting officers and men for the organization of the Signal Corps, as herein provided, preference shall be given to such as have served faithfully, or as ar@ now serving in the acting signal corps of the army. SEc. 20. And be it further enacted, That, in order to allow time for their thor- ough examination, the President may appoint the officers authorized by this act during the recess of Congress; which appointments shall be submitted to the Senate at their next session for their advice and consent. * * * * * * * SEC. 25. And be it further enacted, That every judge-advocate of a court-martial or court of inquiry, hereafter to be constituted, shall have power to issue the like process to compel witnesses to appear and testify, which courts of criminal juris- diction within the State, Territory, or district where such military courts shall be ordered to sit may lawfully issue. Approved March 3, 1863. IX. PUBLIc RESOLUTIONNo. 14. A RESOLUTION to facilitate the payment of sick and wounded soldiers in the hospitals and conva lescent camps. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Paymaster-General be, and he hereby is, authorized and directed to take immediate measures for the prompt payment of the sick and wounded soldiers in the convalescent camps, hospitals, and else- where, so that they may be fully paid within sixty days from and after the passage hereof. Approved March 3,1863. * * * * * * * XI. PUBLICNO. 60. AN ACT relating to habeas corpus, and regulating judicial proceedings in certain cases. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, during the present rebellion, the President of the United States, whenever, in his judgment, the public safety may require it, is authorized to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in any case throughout the United States, or any part thereof. And whenever and wherever the said privilege shall be suspended, as aforesaid, no military or other office -. shall be compelled, in answer to any writ of habeas corpus, to return the body of any person or persons detained by him by authority of the President; but upon the 2ertificate, under oath, of the officer having charge of any one so detained, that such person is detained by him as a prisoner, under authority of the Presi- dent, further proceedings under the writ of habeas corpus shall be suspended by the judge or court having issued the said writ so long as said suspension by the President shall remain in force and said rebellion continue. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of State and the Secretary of War be, and they are hereby, directed, as soon as may be practicable, to furnish to the judges of the circuit and district courts of the United States and of the District of Columbia a list of the names of all persons, citizens of States in which the administration of the laws has continued unimpaired in the said Federal courts, who are now or may hereafter be, held as prisoners of the United States, by order or authority of the President of the United States, or either of said Secretaries, in any fort, arsenal, or other place, as State or political prisoners, or otherwise tha Page 96 96 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. as prisoners of war; the said list to contain the names of all those who reside in the respective jurisdictions of said judges, or who may be deemed by the said Secretaries, or either of them, to have violated any law of the United States in any of said jurisdictions, and also the date of each arrest; the Secretary of State to furnish a list of such persons as are imprisoned by the order or authority of the President, acting through the State Department, and the Secretary of War a list of such as are imprisoned by the order or authority of the President, acting through the Department of War. And in all cases where a grand jury, having attended any of said courts having jurisdiction in the premises, after the passage of this act, and after the furnishing of said list, as aforesaid, has terminated its session without finding an indictment, or presentment, or other proceeding against any such person, it shall be the duty of the judge of said court forthwith to make an order that any such prisoner desiring a discharge from said imprisonment be brought before him to be discharged; and every officer of the United States having custody of such prisouer is hereby directed immediately to obey and execute said judges order; and in.case he shall delay or refuse so to do, he shall be subject to indictment for a misdemeanor, and be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars and imprisonment in the common jail for a period not less than six months, in the discretion of the court: Provided, however, That no person shall be discharged by ~virtue of the provisions of this act until after he or she shall have taken an oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States, and to support the Constitution thereof; and that he or she will not hereafter in any way encourage or give aid and comfort to the present rebellion or the supporters thereof: And provided, also, That the judge or court before whom such person may be brought, before discharging him or her from imprisonment, shall have power, on examination of the case, and, if the public safety shall require it, shall be required to cause him or her to enter into recognizance, with or with- out surety; in a sum to be fixed by said judge or court, to keep the peace and be of good behavior toward the United States and its citizens, and from time to time, and at such times as such judge or court may direct, appear before said judge or court to be further dealt with, according to law, as the circumstances may require. And it shall be the duty of the district attorney of the United States to attend to such examination before the judge. SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That in case any of such prisoners shall be under indictment or presentment for any offense against the laws of the United States, and by existing laws bail or a recognizance may be taken for the appearance for trial of such person, it shall be the duty of said judge at once to discharge such person upon bail or recognizance for trial as aforesaid. And in case the said Secretaries of State and War shall for any reason refuse or omit to furnish the said list of persons held as prisoners as aforesaid at the time of the passage of this act within twenty days thereafter, and of such persons as hereafter may be arrested within twenty days from the time of the arrest, any citizen may, after a grand jury shall have terminated its session without fiufding an indictment or presentment, as provided in the second section of this act, by a petition alleging the facts aforesaid touching any of the persons so as aforesaid imprisoned, supported by the oath of such petitioner or any other credible person, obtain and be entitled to have the said judges order to discharge such prisoner on the same terms and conditions prescribed in the second section of this act: Provided, however, That the said judge shall be satisfied such allegations are true. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That any order of the President, or under his authority, made at any thue during the existence of the present rebellion, shall be a defense in all courts to any action or prosecution, civil or criminal, pending, or to be commenced, for any search, seizure, arrest, or imprisonment, made, done, or committed, or acts omitted to be done, under and by virtue of such order, or under color of any law of Congress; and such defense may be made by special plea, or under the general issue. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That if any suit or prosecution, civil or criminal, has been or shall be commenced in any State court against any officer civil or military, or against any other person, for any arrest or imprisonment made, or other trespasses or wrongs done or committed, or any act omitted to be done, at any time during the present rebellion, by virtue or under color of any authority derived from or exercised by or under the President of the United States, or any act of Congress, and the defendant shall, at the time of entering his appear- ance in such court, or if such appearance shall have been entered before the pas- sage of this act, then at the next session of the court in which such suit or prosecution is pending, file a petition, stating the facts and verified by affidavit, for the removal of the cause for trial at the next circuit court of the United States to be holden in the district where the suit is pending. and offer good and sufficient surety for his filing in such court, on the first day of its session, copies of such process and othe Page 97 UNION AUTHORITIES. 97 proceedings against him, and also for his appearing in such court and entering special bail in the cause, if special bail was originally required therein, it shall then be the duty of the State court to accept the surety and proceed no further in the cause or prosecution, and the bail that shall have been originally taken shall be discharged. And such copies being filed as aforesaid in such court of the United States, the cause shall proceed therein in the same manner as if it had been brought in said court by original process, whatever may be the amount in dispute or the damages claimed, or whatever the citizenship of the parties, any former law to the contrary notwithstanding. And any attachment of the goods or estate of the defendant by the original process shall hold the goods or estate so attached to answer the final judgment in the same manner as by the laws of such State they would have been holden to answer final judgment had it been rendered in the court in which the suit or prosecution was commenced. And it shall be lawful in any such action or prosecution which may be now pending, or hereafter commenced, before any State court whatever, for any cause aforesaid, after final judgment, for either party to remove and transfer, by appeal, such case during the session or term of said court at which the same shall have taken place, from such court to the next circuit court of the United States to be held in the district in which such appeal shall be taken, in manner aforesaid. And it shall be the duty of the person taking such appeal to produce and file in the said circuit court attested copies of the process, proceedings, and judgment in such cause; and it shall also be competent for either party, within six months after the rendition of a judgment in any such cause, by writ of error or other process, to remove the same to the circuit court of the United States of that district in which such judgment shall have been rendered; and the said circuit court shall thereupon proceed to try and determine the facts and the law in such action, in the same manner as if the same had been there originally commenced, the judg- ment in such case notwithstanding. And any bail which may have been taken, or property attached, shall be holden on the final judgment of the said circuit court in such action, in the same manner as if no such removal and transfer had been made, as aforesaid. And the State court, from which any such action, civil or criminal, may be removed and transferred as aforesaid, upon the parties giving good and sufficient security for the prosecution thereof, shall allow the same to be removed and transferred, and proceed no further in the case: Provided, how- ever, That if the party aforesaid shall fail duly to enter the removal and transfer, as aforesaid, in the circuit court of the United States, agreeably to this act, the State court, by which judgment shall have been rendered, and from which the transfer and removal shall have been made, as aforesaid, shall be authorized, on motion for that purpose, to issue execution, and to carry into effect any such judgment, the same as if no such removal and transfer had been made. Aud pro- vided also, That no such appeal or writ of error shall be allowed in any criminal action or prosecution where final judgment shall have been rendered in favor of the defendant or respondent by the State court. And if in any suit hereafter commenced, the plaintiff is nonsuited or judgment pass against him, the defend- ant shall recover double costs. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, ~That any suit or prosecution described in this act, in which final judgment may be rendered in the circuit court, may be car- ried by writ of error to the Supreme Court, whatever may be the amount of said judgment. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That no suit or prosecution, civil or criminal, shall be maintained for any arrest or imprisonment made, or other trespasses or wrongs done or committed, or act omitted to be done, at any time during the present rebellion, by virtue or under color of any authority derived from or exer- cised by or under the President of the United States, or by or under any act of Congress, unless the same shall have been commenced within two years next after such arrest, imprisonment, trespass, or wrong may have been done or com- mitted, or act may have been omitted to be done: Provided, That in no case shall the limitation herein provided commence to run until the passage of this act, so that no party shall, by virtue of this act, be debarred of his remedy by suit or prosecution until two years from and after the passage of this act. Approved March 3, 1863. XII. PUBLICNO. 61. AN ACT to authorize the hrevetting of volunteer and other officers in the United States service. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, authorized, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to 7 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 98 98 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. confer brevet rank upon such commissioned officers of the volunteer and other forces in the United States service as have been, or may hereafter be, dis- tinguished by gallant actions or meritorious conduct; which rank shall not entitle them to any increase of pay or emoluments. Approved March 3, 1863. XIII. PuBLIcNo. 62. AN ACT for the relief of certain persons who have performed the duties of assistant surgeons in regiments of cavalry. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That physicians and surgeons who have since the second day of July last been duly appointed and commissioned as second assistant surgeons in volunteer regiments of cavalry, and as such have been duly mustered into the military service of the United States, and actually performed the duties appertaining to that office, shall be paid therefor in like manner and upon like proof as other assistant surgeons of cavalry: Provided, That not more than two assistant surgeons to each regiment shall be allowed and paid for serv- ices performed at one and the same time. Approved March 3, 1863. XIV. PunLicNo. 63. AN ACT to amend an act entitled An act to authorize the employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing the laws and protecting puhlic property, approved July twenty.two, eighteen hundred and sixty-one.(See Genere~ Orders, No. 49, ef 1561.) Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That every non-commissioned officer, private, or other person, who has been or shall hereafter be discharged from the Army of the United States within two years from the date of their enlistment, by reason of wounds received in battle, shall be entitled to receive the same bounty as is granted or may be granted to the same classes of persons who are discharged after a service of two years, and all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this are hereby repealed. Approved March 3, 1863. XV. PUBLIcNo. 99. A N ACT to provide for the collection of ahandoned property and for the prevention of frauds in insurrectionary districts within the United States. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That it shall be lawful for the Secretary of the Treasury, from and after the passage of this act, as he shall from time to time see fit, to appoint a special agent or agents to receive and collect all abandoned or captured property in any State or Territory, or any portion of any State or Tern- tory of the United States, designated as in insurrection against the lawful Gov- ernment of the United States by the proclamation of the President of July first, eighteen hundred and sixty-two: Provided, That such property shall not include any kind or description which has been used, or which was intended to be used for waging or carrying on war against the United States, such as arms, ordnance, ships, steamboats, or other water craft, and the furniture, forage, military sup- plies, or munitions of war. SEc. 2. And be it further enacted, That any part of the goods or property received or collected by such agent or agents may be appropriated to public use on due appraisement and certificate thereof, or forwarded to any place of sale within the loyal States, as the public interests may require; and all sales of such prop- erty shall be at auction to the highest bidder, and the proceeds thereof shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States. SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Treasury may require the special agents appointed under this act to give a bond, with such securities and in such amount as he shall deem necessary, and to require the increase of said amounts, and the strengthening of said security, as circumstances may demand; and he shall also cause a book or books of account to be kept, showing from whom such property was received, the cost of transportation, and proceeds of the sale thereof. And any person claiming to have been the owner of any such abandoned or captured property may, at any time within two years after the suppression of the rebellion, prefer his claim to the proceeds thereof in the Court of Claims; and on proof to the satisfaction of said court of his owner- ship of said property, of his right to the proceeds thereof, and that he has neve Page 99 UNION AUTHORITIES. 99 given any aid or comfort to the present rebellion, to receive the residue of such proceeds, after the deduction of any purchase money which may have been paid, together with the expense of transp-rtation and sale of said property, and any other lawful expenses attending the disposition thereof. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That all property coming into any of the United States not declared in insurrection as aforesaid, from within any of the States declared in insurrection, through or by any other person than any agent duly appointed under the provisions of this act, or under a lawful clearance by the proper officer of the Treasury Department, shall be confiscated to the use of the Government of the United States. And the proceedings for the condemna- tion and sale of any such property shall be instituted and conducted, under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, in the mode prescribed by the eighty- ninth and ninetieth sections of the act of March second, seventeen hundred and ninety-nine, entitled An act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage. And any agent or agents, person or persons, by or through whom such property shall come within the lines of the United States unlawfully, as afore- said, shall be judged guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding one thousand dollars, or imprisoned for any time not exceeding one year, or both, at the discretion of the court. And the fines, penalties, and forfeitures accruing under this act may be mitigated or remitted in the mode prescribed by the act of March three, seventeen hundred and ninety-seven, or in such manner, in special cases, as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That the fifth section of the Act to further provide for the collection of the revenue upon the northern, northeastern, and northwestern frontier, and for other purposes, approved July fourteen, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, shall be so construed as to allow the temporary officers which have been or may be appointed at ports which have been or may be opened or established in States declared to be in insurrection by the proclamation of the President on the first of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, the same compensation which by law is allowed to permanent officers of the same position, or the ordinary compensation of special agents, as the Secretary of the Treasury may determine. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of every officer or private of the regular or volunteer forces of the United States, or any officer, sailor, or marine in the naval service of the United States upon the inland waters of the United States, who may take or receive any such abandoned property, or cotton, sugar, rice, or tobacco, from persons in such insurrectionary districts, or have it under his control, to turn the same over to an agent appointed as afore- said, who shall give a receipt therefor; and in case he shall refuse or neglect so to do, he shall be tried by a court-martial and shall be dismissed from the service, or, if an officer, reduced to the ranks, or suffer such other punishment as said court shall order, with the approval of the President of the United States. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That none of the provisions of this act shall apply to any lawful maritime prize by the naval forces of the United States. Approved March 12, 1863. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., Alarch 24, 1863. Brigadier-General ULLMANN, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: By direction of the Secretary of War you are hereby authorized to raise a battalion (six companies) of Louisiana volunteer infantry, to be used for scouting purposes; to be recruited in that State, and to serve for three years or during the war. The said force will be organized as prescribed in paragraph 83, Mustering Regu- lations. The recruitment will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the service and the orders of the War Department, and by the said Department all appointments of officers will be made. Al Page 100 100 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. musters will be made in accordance with the orders given in refer- ence to the troops authorized by the instructions from this office of January 13, 1863. I am, general, & c., THOS. M. VINCENT, Assistant A6jutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: GENERAL: The exigencies of the service require that an inspection should be made of the armies, military posts, and military operations in the West. You will therefore make arrangements immediately to perform that service. Without entering into any minute details I beg to direct your attention to the following subjects of investigation: First. On arriving at Cairo you will make a careful examination of the military condition of that post in the various branches of serv- ice, and report to this Department the result of your investigation, suggesting whatever in your opinion the service may require. You will observe particularly the condition of that class of population known as contrabandsthe manner in which they are received, pro- vided for, and treated by the military authoritiesand give such directions to the commissary and quartermasters departments, and to the officers commanding, as shall in your judgment be necessary to secure to them humane and proper treatment in respect to food, clothing, compensation for their service, and whatever is necessary to enable them to support themselves and to furnish useful service in any capacity to the Government. Second. You will make similar observation at Columbus, Memphis, and other posts in your progress to the headquarters of General Grants army. Third. The President desires that you should confer freely with Major-General Grant and the officers with whom you may have com- munication and explain to them the importance attached by the Government to the use of the colored population emancipated by the Presidents proclamation, and particularly for the organization of their labor and military strength. You will cause it to be understood that no officer in the U. S. service is regarded as in the discharge of his duties under the acts of Congress, the Presidents proclamation, and the orders of this Department, who fails to employ to the utmost extent the aid and co-operation of the loyal colored population in performing the labor incident to military operations, and also in per- forming the duties of soldiers under proper organization, and that any obstacle thrown in the way of these ends is regarded by the President as a violation of the acts of Congress and the declared purposes of the Government in using every means to bring the war to an end. Fourth. You will ascertain what military officers are willing to take command of colored troops; ascertain their qualifications for that purpose, and if troops can be raised and organized you will, so far as can be done without prejudice to the service,, relieve officers and privates from the service in which they are engaged, to receive com -missions such as they may be qualified to exercise in the organizatio Page 101 UNiON AUTHORITIES. 101 of brigades, regiments, and companies of colored troops. You are authorized in this connection to issue in the name of this Department letters of appointment for field and company officers, and to organize such troops for military service to the utmost extent to which they can be obtained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the service. You will see, moreover, and expressly enjoin upon the various staff departments of the service, that such troops are to be provided with supplies upon the requisition of the proper officers, and in the same manner as other troops in the service. Fifth. You will communicate as frequently as possible by mail and telegraph with this Department in detail (in cipher when necessary) the existing state of things that you may find at the time of yonr arrival there, with such information as you may deem proper to be communicated by such channels, having due regard to the paramount necessity of avoiding premature disclosure of military operations to which such communications are incident. Sixth. This Department has been informed that the practice has prevailed to a considerable extent of using transports for the quarters of officers and soldiers, so that the transport service is at this moment reported to be seriously embarrassed and crippled from this cause. You will immediately take measures to have this abuse at once cor- rected. You will require immediately every transport to be relieved from any such incumbrance, and devoted exclusively in future to the transport service. You will report to this Department any cases of delinquency which in your judgment require the action of the Depart- ment. Seventh. Any information you may obtain in respect to the dealing or traffic by officers of the service, or under their authority, in cotton or other articles of commerce or merchandise, you will report to the Department, and also to the Court of Inquiry at Saint Louis, of which General McDowell is president, and also in reference to the use of any transports either by railroads, boats, or wagons, or otherwise, belonging to the Government, for private purposes, and also cause such orders to be given by the commanding general as shall put an end to such abuse. Eighth. Besides the points enumerated, you are authorized to direct your investigation to any other subjects material to the service. Ninth.. Any power not embraced in the foregoing points you will apply for to the Department, in order to enable you in the fullest manner to perform the important duty now intrusted to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., March 25, 1868. INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJ. GEN. N. P. BANKS. It is the desire of the Department that a large military force from the colored population of Louisiana should be raised immediately, and General Ullmann has been intrusted with authority for that pur- pose and directed to report to you. You will afford him every facility the circumstances will admit for that purpose, the forces raised by him to be under your command. Volunteers are to be allowed to come in from the plantations and from whatever source who may b Page 102 102 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. fit for service, and any orders conflicting with this are to be revoked. The force thus raised will be furnished with quartermasters, commis- sary, and ordnance supplies, as is the case with volunteers. A copy of the authority given by General Ullmann is hereby annexed. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Inclosurel WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., March 26, 1863. INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL ULLMANN. First. You will with all dispatch complete your preparation, and so soon as transportation is provided to New Orleans, and report to General Banks. Second. You will establish, subject to the approval of the com- manding general, your headquarters at Baton Rouge, and proceed to fill up your command with colored troops as rapidly as possible, reporting to this Department by every steamer the progress that you are making. It is expect3d that within thirty days after your arrival at New Orleans you will have your brigade filled up. Third. When prepared, you will report for duty to Major-General Banks, under whose command you will perform such duties as may be assigned to you. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, March 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, New Orleans: GENERAL: I inclose herewith a copy of instructions given this day to Brigadier-General Ullmaun, to organize a brigade of colored troops in Louisiana. I am directed by the Secretary of War to say that it is the desire of the War Department that you will afford Brigadier-General Ullmann and his officers every facility the circumstances will admit for immedi- ately filling up his brigade. Volunteers will be allowed to come in from the plantations, and from every other source, who are fit for service, and any orders conflicting with this will be revoked. The troops thus raised will be supplied with quartermasters, commissary, and ordnance stores, the same as other volunteers. And you will assign these troops to such duty as you may deem them best suited to perform. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. [Inclosure.] WASHINGTON, March 25, 1863. Brigadier-General ULLMANN, Washington: GENERAL: I am directed by the Secretary of War to give you the following instructions: First. As soon as transportation is furnished, you will immediately proceed with the persons under your command to New Orleans an Page 103 UNION AUTHORITIES. 103 report to Major-General Banks or the general commanding the Department of the Gulf. Second. The headquarters of your brigade will be established at Baton Rouge or snch other point as General Banks may designate, and recruiting depots at other places, so as to fill up the brigade with colored troops as rapidly as possible. It is hoped that within thirty days from your arrival at New Orleans you will have yonr brigade filled up and ready for such duty as General Banks may direct. Third. You will report to the Adjutant-General of the Army by every steamer the progress made in filling up your brigade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. MADISON, Wis., March 25, 186312 m. (Received 5.45 p. in.) Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON: The supreme court has just decided unanimously the draft of last fall to be valid, and has denied the writ of habeas corpus. T. 0. HOWE. PRIVATE.] EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, March 26, 1863. lIon. ANDREW JOHNSON: Mv DEAR SIR: I am told you have at least thought of raising a negro military force. In my opinion the country now needs no spe- cific thing so mnch as some man of your ability and position to go to this work. When I speak of your position, I mean that of an eminent citizen of a slave State, and himself a slave-holder. The colored population is the great available, and yet unavailed of, force for restoring the Union. The bare sight of 50,000 armed and drilled black soldiers upon the banks of the Mississippi would end the rebel- lion at once. And who doubts that we can present that sight if we but take hold in earnest? If you have been thinking of it, please do not dismiss the thought. Yours, very truly, A. LINCOLN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 26, 1863. Hon. T. 0. HowE, U. S. Senate, Madison, Wis.: I thank you with exceeding great joy for your telegram of the 25th, just received. It will do much to correct the evil occasioned by the action of your supreme court last fall. Accounts from all parts of the country show that the national spirit is growing stronger and stronger. EDWIN M. STANTON Page 104 104 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, TYashirtgtort, Ilarch 28, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to ask your attention to the following sug- gestions in reference to the enrollment act of March 3, 1863: First. After establishing a good general basis upon which to found a complete system of enrollment and draft and to apprehend deserters and spies, the force to carry it out is not provided, nor is there specific authority conferred on the Provost-Marshal-General to provide the means. Second. There is no money specially appropriated for the purposes of the act. In regard to the first point, it is recommended that a selected old regiment be ordered to the State capital, or sonic more central point, in each State in which there is not now a reliable military force avail- able, and that these regiments be nuder the control of the Provost- Marshal-General. It is also recommended that a gradual system be adopted and commenced at once of supplying the provost-marshals with detachments of that class of soldiers who, being unfit for the field, though fit for light duty, are now discharged from the service. It is absolutely necessary for the provost-marshals to have deputies, clerks, agents, and other employ6s, and it is recommended that the Provost-Marshal-General be empowered to appoint, or authorize the appointment of such of these persons as may be deemed necessary in each case and to fix the rate of their compensation. In regard to the second point above, that there is no money especially appropriated, it is recommended that the appropriation of ten millions for collecting, drilling, and organizing volunteers be transferred in whole or part to the Provost-Marshal-Generals Department. This transfer it is thought would be entirely proper, as the enrollment and draft will in all probability take the place of collecting volunteers, and the object getting new troops into the fieldis the same in both cases. There is still a million of dollars left of the old appropriation for collecting and drilling volunteers, which will probably be enough to wind up that business. Section 16 provides that all expenses connected with the arrest and return of deserters to their regiments, or such other duties as the provost-marshal shall be called upon to perform, shall be paid from the appropriation for arresting deserters, under such regulations as the President of the United States shall prescribe. Part of these expenses will be incurred under the direction of the Provost-Marshal- General, and for the convenience of the Quartermasters Department as well as of this Bureau, it is recommended that sums from this appropriation, as hereafter to be stated in special requisitions, be placed to the credit of the officer assigned to the duty of disburse- ment in this Bureau. The law provides for the Provost-Marshal-General a separate bureau of the War Department. The organization of this Bureau has already been commenced, and it is recommended that the Provost- Marshal-General be authorized to employ as many clerks as may be found absolutely necessary and allow them the same rates of pay as allowed in the Adjutant-Generals Department. By section 9 of the act, the board of enrollment is authorized to divide the district into sub-districts, not exceeding two, without the direction of the Secretar Page 105 UNION AUTHOIUTI1~S. 105 of War. To effect the enrollment promptly and correctly, it is recom- mended that each ward in a city and each township (or certainly each county) form an enrolling snb-district. No rate of pay is fixed by law for the enrolling officers of snb-districts; it is recommended that they be allowed for the time actually employed a per diem not to exceed $4. Section 13 provides that any drafted person may be discharged on payment of a sum to be fixed by the Secretary of War not to exceed $300. It is recommended that $300 be the snm fixed. The person to whom this money is to be paid must be named by the Secretary of War. The law, however, requires that this sum shall be fixed at a uniform rate by a general order made at the time of ordering a draft for any State or Territory; it cannot, therefore, be announced now. The blank forms necessary in carrying out the enrollment act should be printed at once. There will be a great many required, and it will take the Public Printer too long to do the work. It is there- fore recommended that they be printed elsewhere, under the direction of the Provost-Marshal-General. It is suggested that the Quarter- master-General be instructed to order the disbursing officers of his department to pay promptly the accounts for the apprehension of deserters, when presented in form and certified to by provost-mar- shals. Many men, particularly in large cities, will devote themselves to the arrest of deserters if the reward is prompt and certain. By section 32, commanders in the field are authorized to grant furloughs to five per centum of their men at a time. A general order should be published cautioning soldiers to preserve carefully about their per- sons the evidence that they are absent by authority, or they will be liable to arrest as deserters. It is important that the War Department should have some control over the adjutants-general of the different States. It is therefore recommended that the adjutant-general of each State be ap.pointed either provost-marshal or a member of the board for the district con- taining the State capital. A partial code of rules for the government of provost-marshals and boards of enrollments has been drawn up and will be ready to submit to the Secretary as soon as his action is known on the point herein presented. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. [Indorseinent.] Approved by the Secretary of War, March 28, 1863, with the excep- tion of the paragraph in regard to printing the blanks by private contract. Provost-Marshal- General. WAR DEPARTMENT 14 ashingion City, March 28, 18G3. A. JOHNSON, Governor: Ordered, That Brig. Gen. Andrew Johnson, Military Governor of Tennessee, be, and he is hereby, authorized to raise troops for th Page 106 106 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. United States service, to rendezvous at such place or places in Ten- nessee as may be designated by him or the Secretary of War, infan- try, cavalry, and artillery to be organized according to the rules and regulations of the service; the number to be ten regiments of infantry, ten of cavalry, and ten batteries of artillery. Second. Governor Johnson will nominate the officers, who will be commissioned by the Department. They will be mustered into the service of the United States by Governor Johnson. The troops will be enlisted for the term of three years or during the war. Third. Quartermasters and commissaries will issue supplies to the troops so raised upon the requisition of General Johnson and wher- ever required by him. Fourth. That Governor Johnson be also authorized to raise and muster into the service of the United States such force as he may deem adequate, not exceeding one brigade, for the purpose of a Gov- ernors Guard, which force shall be under his exclusive orders, and not to be withdrawn from his service or otherwise employed without his consent. EDWIN N. STANTON, Secretary of War. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation; And whereas, it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that gen- uine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures, and proven by all his- tory, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord~ And insomuch as we know that by His divine law nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self- sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace too proud to pray to the God that made us. It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. Now, therefore, in compliance with the request and fully concur- ring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, desi Page 107 UNION AUTHORITIES. 107 nate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request all the people to abstain on that day from their ordinary secular pur- suits, and to unite at their several places of public worship and their respective homes in keeping the day holy to the Lord and devoted to the humble discharge of the religions dnties proper to that solemn occasrnn. All this being done in sincerity and trnth, let us then rest humbly iu the hope anthorized by the divine teachings, that the united cry of the nation will be heard on high and answered with blessings no less than the pardon of our national sins and the restoratiou of our now divided and suffering country to its former happy conditioii of unity and peace. In witness whereof I have herennto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this 30th day of March, in the year of onr Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-seventh. [L. s.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 80. Washington, March 31, 1863. It is hereby ordered that all surgeons and assistant surgeons belonging to regiments, who are absent on any other than regimental duty, shall without delay rejoin their regiments. Medical officers of regiments will not hereafter be detached upon other service, except temporarily in cases of necessity, or where the surgeon and two assistant surgeons are present, when one of the assistants may be detached to hospital duty. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, March 31, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: In compliance with the acts of April 21, 1808, and March 3, 1809, I have the honor to transmit herewith statements of the con- tracts and purchases made by this office during the year 1862. Respectfully, & c., JAS. W. RIPLEY, Brigadier- General, Chief of Ordnance Page 108 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. RECAPJTULATJON. Purchases made by the Ordnance Department during the year 18652. Ordnance, & c. Number. Weight. Amount. Cast-iron cannon and mortars Parrott rifled cannon Bronze cannon and howitzers Wrought-iron and steel cannon Cannon of all kinds Cannon-balls and shells for smooth-bore ordnance Parrott projectiles for rifle cannon Hotchkiss projectiles for rifle cannon Schenki projectiles for rifle cannon Other kinds of projectiles for rifle cannon Projectiles of all kinds Field artillery carriages Iron sea-coast carriages Mortar heds and boat carriages Wrought-iron chassis rails Mnskets and rifles Carbines Pistols Swords and sabers Small-arms of all kinds - Sets of infantry accouterments Sets of cavalry accouterments Sets of horse equipments Sets of artillery harness for one horse Sets of accouterments, equipments, and harness... Pounds of gunpowder Pounds of saltpeter Pounds of pig-lead Pounds of lead bullets Cartridges for small-arms Percussion caps Rounds of artillery ammunition Yards of cartridge cloth Pounds of cartridge paper Signal rockets and lights Miscellaneous articles and services Total amount 247 344 832 584 2,490,688 1, 553, 668 856, 396 417, 212 $200, 162. 87 210, 073. 75 404, 562. 63 246,852.40 2,007 5,317,964 1,061,651.65 541, 214 23, 229,441 764, 752. 21 270, 699 4, 670, 723 436, 263. 03 203, 888 2, 115, 962 282,245. 69 108. 115 1, 234, 619 265, 313. 86 242, 297 4. 161, 159 360, 758. 57 1, 366, 233 35, 411, 904 2, 109, 333. 36 2,210 867,148.87 39 22, 435. 20 89 .::::: 55, 288. 46 800 41,761.06 986,633.59 734. 596 10, 626, 121. 60 47, 863 1, 332, 441.54 120, 761 2, 143, 102. 00 195; 958 1,084,978.54 1, 099, 178 15, 186, 643. 68 649,059 114,045 73, 202 9,782 846, 088 6, 105, 353. 30 6, 765, 395 5, 990, 052 I 38, 351, 685 9, 993, 034 48, 856, 530 I 559, 981, 980 95,215 461, 516 482, 671 ........ J. 5,800 6, 505, 809. 53 297, 524. 29 73, 451.82 32, 326,401.22 EXPLANATORY NOTEThe prices stated are for the articles alone; but the amount paid includes the cost of packing-boxes, drayage, and other incidental expenses. In cases where the amount paid appears to be less than would be due for the number of articles at the prices stated, deductions were made for component parts which had been supplied from the arsenals, or for overpayments previously made at higher prices than were finally allowed on settlement. ORDNANCE OFFICE, March 31, 1863. [MARCH 31, 1863.For Halleck to Grant, relating to policy of the Government in regard to negroes, & e., see Series I, Vol. XXIV, Part III, p. 156.] 10 Page 109 UNION AUTHORITIES. 109 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., ]Jifarch 31, 1863. Capt. J. A. POTTER, Assistant Quartermaster, Chicago, Ill.: The authority to raise four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry as State or home guards in Illinois countermanded. By order of the Secretary of War: W. SCOTT KETCHUM, Brigadier- General and Assistant Inspector- General. (Same to Lient. G. W. Hill, Springfield, Ill.) GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 82. Washington, April 1, 1863. There will be made on the 10th of April, or as soon thereafter as practicable, a general muster of all the troops in the service of the United States, wheresoever they may be. The muster-rolls will be immediately sent to the Adjutant-General of the Army, for the use of the Provost-Marshal-General in making drafts to fill up regiments and batteries to the proper complements. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., April 1, 1863. lion. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: If credit is given Illinois for excess furnished under all calls our quota under new calls to be filled by conscription would be com- paratively small. There are now no available troops in the State. All those to be relieved from guarding prisoners of war are required by General Buruside in Kentucky, and I insist that there is greater need for a force in the State for purposes contemplated by your order of 9th of February than at any time since commencement of the rebel- lion. Three regiments, one of cavalry and two of infantry, are now nearly full and ready for organizatioii. I believe the authority of the Government cannot be enforced in arresting deserters and keeping down insurrection without force of this character, and urge you to continue the order at least as to those three regiments now nearly raised. Respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD YATES, Governor. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, lloii. EDWIN M. STANTON, Boston, April 1, 1863. Secretary of War, Washington, D. U.: SIR: I avail myself of the visit of my secretary, Lieutenant-Colonel Browne, to suggest the idea of the detailment of some able, brave Page 110 110 CORRESPONDENCE~ ETC. tried, and believing man as a brigadier to undertake in North Caro- lina the organization of the colored troops, selecting officers therefor as did General Ullmann for Louisiana. I have information leading me to the belief that with the proper man to lead the movement good troops can be raised in North Carolina in numbers from 2,500 to 5,000 now within General Fosters lines. But it needs a man always for the soul of any movementeven to trundle a wheelbarrowand the right man is the main point. My own undertaking to raise a colored regiment in Massachusetts was begun upon talking with you about North Carolina and the difficulty of attracting negroes to join white troops, while it would be comparatively easy to gain large numbers to join an army in part already composed of black troops. I suggest that if you could send some colored troops down there the result would shortly be a general attraction of the blacks to our Army unless the business of dealing with those people should be badly managed; and, if you are prepared to have it done, I believe the work is already ripe. When our regiment gets there it will be the nest egg of a brigade. The officers of the Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Massachusetts, now there, will render every aid in their power. So will many others. I learn that Genera.l Foster is now looking with a kind eye on black troops. In truth, I believe within four months the idea of thus organizing colored men will be most popular throughout the North. Meanwhile, I am desirous of doing what I can to bring it before the public mind by doing the thing which men are (liscussing. There is little chance of opposition after a thing is accomplished and seems to be good. I wish to assure you, though I cant think it necessary, that I am influenced by no merely State policythat is, in a local sensein raising colored regiments here. The truth is that unless we do it in Massachusetts it cannot be expected elsewhere, while if we do it others will ultimately and indeed soon follow. Thus, then, Massachusetts can help by deed and example the ripening of Northern public senti- ment and at the same time can help the Department to some black troops thoroughly organized for others to rally around. If nobody else will take black men I will~ with your consent; and if the United States Government is not prepared to organize a brigade in North Carolina I would gladly take those black men who may choose to come here, receive our State bounty, and be mustered in. But I prefer to see the work gQing on in the South itself, if the Department will order the work to be done and direct its organization. Brig. Gen. Frank Barlow, of New York, would be a very good officer to detail for such a purpose in North Carolina, or if the President would permit me to name an officer I could find a colonel by selecting one of several whom I know, to whom a vacant brigadiership might be assigned, better fitted for such an enterprisehaving regard to the proper combination of intellectual and moral qualities with military experiencethan any brigadier with whom I am personally familiar now in the service. I have the honor to be, faithfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor of ililiassachu.setts. P. 5.however, our Fifty-fourth is being raised and officered for active not for fatigue duty, and unless active operations of a bril- liant sort are contemplated in North Carolina, in which they, as a portion of the troops in that command, could be allowed to engage, then I pray you to send the Fifty-fourth to South Carolina, where, nuder General Hunter, negro troops will be appreciated and allowed a place in onward and honorable movements of active war Page 111 UNION AUTHORITIES. 111 The officers and men are both very carefully picked. We have aimed at getting officers of high character, making careful selections out of many candidates. The men are selected just as regulars would be chosen by the most careful recruiting officer. Out of 45C now in camp there are but two in hospital. One hundred more men are awaiting inspection by the surgeon, when they also will go to camp. Captain Collins, Fourth U. S. Infantry, who is chief mustering and disbursing officer in Massachusetts, remarked this morning that these black troops are the best lot of ineii whom he has seen in any regiment during his nine months experience in Massachusetts. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, in pursuance of the act of Congress, approved July 13, 1861, I did, by proclamation dated August 16, 1861, declare that the inhabit4nts of the States of Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missis- sippi, and Florida (except the inhabitants of that part of Virginia lying west of the Alleghany Mountains and of such other parts of that State and the other States hereinbefore named as might maintain a legal adhesion to the Union and the Constitution, or might be from time to time occupied and controlled by forces of the United States engaged in the dispersion of said insurgents) were in a state of insur- rection against the United States, and that all commercial intercourse between the same and the inhabitants thereof, with the exceptions aforesaid, and the citizens of other States and other parts of the United States was unlawful, and would remain unlawful until such insurrection should cease or be suppressed, and that all goods and chattels, wares, and merchandise coming from any of said States, with the exceptions aforesaid, into other parts of the United States with- out the license and permission of the President through the Secretary of the Treasury, or proceeding to any of said States, with the eicep- tions aforesaid, by laud or water, together with the vessel or vehicle conveying the same to or from said States, with the exceptions afore- said, would be forfeited to the United States; And whereas, experience has shown that the exceptions made in and by said proclamation embarrass the due enforcement of said act of July 13, 1861, and the proper regulation of the commercial intercourse authorized by said act with the loyal citizens of said States; Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby revoke the said exceptions, and declare that the inhabitants of the States of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida, and Vir- ginia (except the forty-eight counties of Virginia designated as West Virginia, and except, also, the ports of New Orleans, Key West, Port Royal, and Beaufort in North Carolina) are in a state of insurrection against the United States, and that all commercial intercourse not licensed and conducted as provided in said act between the said States and the inhabitants thereof, with the exceptions aforesaid, and the citizens of other States and other parts of the United States, is unlaw- ful, and will remain unlawful until such insurrection shall cease or has been suppressed and notice thereof has been duly given by proc- lamation; and all cotton, tobacco, and other products, and all other goods and chattels, wares and merchandise, coming from any of sai Page 112 112 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. States, with the exceptions aforesaid, into other parts of the United States, or proceeding to any of said States, with the exceptions afore- said, without the license and permission of the President, through the Secretary of the Treasury, will, together with the vessel or vehicle conveying the same, b* forfeited to the United States. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this 2d day of April, A. D. 1863, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty- seventh. [L. s.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 85. Washington, April 2) 1863. The following is an extract from the AcJ~ for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other purposes, approved March 3, 1863.* In addition to the benefits as set forth in the foregoing, it is hereby ordered that each soldier now in service who may re-enlist as therein provided shall be allowed a furlough for thirty days, the same to be granted immediately after his re-enlistment. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant A6~jutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 86. Washington, April 2, 1863. I. Under the authority contained in sections 19 and 20 of the act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other pur- poses, approved March 3, 1863, it is ordered that for each and every regiment of the volunteer army now reduced, or that may be reduced hereafter, as set forth in said sections, consolidation shall be made in accordance with the following rules: INFANTRY. 1. Each regiment will be consolidated into five or a less number of companies, and the colonel, major, and one assistant surgeon mus- tered out. CAVALRY. 2. Each regiment will be consolidated into six or a less number of companies, and the colonel, two majors, and one assistant surgeon mustered out. ARTILLERY. 3. Each regiment will be consolidated into six or a less number of batteries, and the colonel, two majors, and one assistant surgeon mustered out. *See Sec. 18, published in General Orders, No. 73, March 24, p. 91 Page 113 UNION AUTHORITIES. 113 4. The companies and batteries formed by consolidation will be of the maximum strength, and will be organized as now directed by law and regulation. The first letters of the alphabet will be used to designate the companies. 5. The company officerscommissioned and non-commissioned rendered supernumerary, with those enumerated in the foregoing, will be mustered out of service at the date of consolidation. All other officers and non-commissioned officers will be retained. 6. The officers to be retained will be selected by the division and corps commanders, under the instructions of the commanding general of the army or department, from among the most efficient officers of the respective regiments. 11. After the consolidations, as herein directed, the reduced pro- portion of officers will be maintained, and no appointments to vacan- cies will be made, except upon notification from the Adjutant-General of the Army. To this end, commanders of armies and departments will report, weekly, to the Adjutant-General, the vacancies to be filled. rrhe said reports will be separate for each State, and must embrace the name, rank, and regiment of the party creating the vacancy, with date and cause thereof. If an order has issued in the case, its num- ber, date, amid source must be given. Commissaries and assistant commissaries of musters will closely observe this paragraph, and make no musters in excess of the propor- tion herein fixed. III. The following are the sections of the act referred to, and under which the foregoing is ordered: SEC. 19. And be it further enacted, That whenever a regiment of volunteers of the same arm, from the same State, is reduced to one-half the maximum number prescribed by law, the President may direct the consolidation of the companies of such regiment: Provided, That no company so formed shall exceed the maxi- mum number prescribed by law. When such consolidation is made the regi- mental officers shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in the number of companies. SEC. 20. And be it further enacted, That whenever a regiment is reduced below the minimum number allowed by law, no officers shall be appointed in such regi- ment beyond those necessary for the command of such reduced number. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, lion. E. M. STANTON, Washington, April 2, 1863. Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following recommendations, viz: First. That a field officer, from those now in service, be detailed to act as assistant provost-marshal-general for each of the large States, and that he be stationed at the State capital and authorized to act in all ordinary affairs for and in the name of the Provost-Marshal-General. There are several reasons why this is necessary, but I will not take the Secretarys time in presenting them unless he desires it. Each of these assistant provost-marshals-general should have two or three inspectors detailed from the list of officers disabled for active field service. S R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 114 114 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Second. That Siineon Draper, esq., be assigned as assistant provost- marshal-general for the district in and immediately adjoining the city of New York; that he may have the necessary rank to control the district provost-marshals (who will be captains), it may be neces- sary (if he will accept it for the purpose) to appoint him assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, with the rank of major. Third. I propose the following organization of my Bureau, and request that as many more officers as are necessary to complete it may be detailed on my application in each case if they can be spared from other less important duties. ORGANIZATION. First. Provost-Marshal-General. Second. Assistant provost-marshal-general. Third. Assistant provost-marshal-general (in charge of the office). Fourth. Four branches of the Bureau: First branch, miscellaneous and general business, 1 officer; second branch, disbursements and accounts, 3 officers; third branch, enrollment lists, records, & c., 1 officer; fourth branch, deserters and their rolls, & c., 1 officer. Total number of officers required, 9; now on duty in the Bureau, 4; to be yet procured, 5. The records will be voluminous, and I dont think there is room enough at my disposal in the War Depar& ment. If the Secretary approves, I think it would be better to get a house near the War Department for my purpose. When a draft is ordered, I think it will be impossible for the surgeon of the enrolling board in populous districts to perform alone the duty required of him in any reasonable time. The difficulty may be somewhat relieved by detailing some medical officers from the Surgeon-Generals Department for this duty tem- porarily. It would only take them a few weeks. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. NOTE.The foregoing approved by the Secretary of War, except as to renting a building near the War Department for an office amid the titles suggested for assistants to the Provost-Marshal-General, paragraphs Second and Third under Organization. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., April 3, 1863. Governor S. J. KIRKWOOD, Iowa City, Iowa: SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th ultimo, with inclosures, requesting authority to consolidate certain fragments of regiments and to raise and organ- ize new recruits sufficient to constitute one regiment of cavalry for service against the Indians on the northwestern frontier of your State, and in reply to inform you that your suggestion having been referre Page 115 UNION AUTHORITIES. 115 to the General-in-Chief, he concurs in the views you have expressed, and that the Secretary of War, also concurring, has directed that the requisite orders be issued from the office of the Adjutant-General to enable you to effect your object, which orders will be promptly trans- mitted to you as soon as they are prepared. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT Brig. Gen. A. JOHNSON, Washington City, April 2, 1863. Military Governor of Tennessee: GOVERNOR: Under your authority and commission as military gov- ernor, you are authorized, in your discretion, to exercise among others the following powers: First. To impose taxes for the support of the poor, for police pur- poses, and purposes of his government generally. Second. To impose exactions upon all disloyal persons for the sup- port of the wives and children of those who may have been expelled from the country or who may be in the rebel service. Third. To impose exactions upon all who have contributed to the rebel service by money, by property, or by the use of their slaves, the amount of exaction to be determined by the discretion of the Governor, or by a board whom he may appoint for that purpos& Fourth. The power also to extend to the taking possession of prop- erty and collecting rents for property or hire of slaves owned by persons who are within the rebel lines. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT.; ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 87. Washington, April 8, 1863. I. Transportation for sanitary supplies will be furnished only on the requisition of a medical director, and, when sent to another department, the supplies must be assigned to the medical director of that department. II. The assistant surgeon-general, medical inspector-general, and medical inspectors will be allowed the same number of rooms as offices, and fuel and furniture therefor, as are allowed by regulations to officers of the Quartermasters Department who perform similar duties. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. [APRIL 3, 1863.For General Orders, No. 88, War Department, Adjutant-Generals Office, relating to trade and intercourse with the insurrectionary States, see Series I, Vol. XVIII, p. 580. Page 116 116 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., April 3, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: An extensive and dangerous traffic in arms and ammunition is going on in this State. Order No. 22, Department of the Ohio, seems to have no effect. There are no military commanders in towns through the State, and permits are not obtained of the two post commandants of Camps Butler and Douglas. The penalty of Order No. 22 is insufficient, and there is no force in the State to compel its observance. The most extensive preparations for resistance to the Government are evidently being made. The order revoking the new regiments was most unfortunate, and may prove fatal. RICilD. YATES. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 4, 1863 (Via Cairo, Ill., 6th.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: I arrived here last night, and explained this morning to General Hurlbut the policy of the Administration respecting the contrabauds. He says his corps will give it their support, especially those regiments which have been in battle. He desires 600 as artillerists, to man the heavy guns in position, which he says can readily be raised from the contrabands within his lines. I have authorized him to raise six companies, and select the officers. He knows intelligent sergeants who will make good captains. The experience of the Navy is that blacks handle heavy guns well. General Huribut is embarrassed with the runaways from their Tennessee masters. They come here in a state of destitution, especially the women and children. He cannot send them back, and I advise their employment as far as possible by the quartermaster, and the general is authorized by General Grant to hire them to citizens who will give proper bonds. Goods shipped here have been on entirely too extensive a scale, especially clothing and other articles needed by the rebels. At least 2,500 pairs of cav- alry boots are here. Smuggling from this place and on the river below has been carried on extensively. The trade should be restricted. I am assured that no officers of the command have anything to do with cotton. It is ostensibly boftght here, but the dealers in it have their agents, who buy through the country before it reaches this point. It should be brought or shipped here by owners, delivered to the Government agents, weighed, and then sold to the highest bidder, the Government cotton to be sold here in the same way, this being a better market than Saint Louis. After to-day I shall take the first boat for Helena. Nothing of importance from below. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. BEAUFORT, S. C., April 4, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to report the return of the First and Second Regiments of South Carolina Volunteers from Florida. The expedi- tion was in every way successful, and had it not been withdrawn would in a short time have cleared the State of Florida of the rebel troops and secured large amounts of cotton and other valuables to the Government. We had complete and undisputed possession o Page 117 UNION AUTHORITIES. 117 Jacksonville and Palatka, and Colonel Montgomery was moving into the interior when the order of recall from General Hunter was received. This was deemed necessary by him in view of his operations in the vicinity of Charleston. As might be expected, the moral effect of the presence of these colored soldiers under arms was very great, and caused a perfect panic among the rebels throughout the State. The colored soldiers behaved bravely in all their various actions with the enemy, and in no case did they display any inferiority in point of courage to other soldiers. I am glad to report that the hostility which at one time existed among the white troops in this department against the employment of colored troops has passed away, and they are now perfectly willing to go into action with them. I shall urge upon the commanding officer of this department the importance of reocdupying Florida as soon as the Charleston expedi- tioii is over. It may require a somewhat larger force at first to regain that we have abandoned. Should the Charleston expedition be suc- cessful such force can be recruited there. With the Saint Johns River for a base of operations the entire State can be readily occupied by our forces and restored to the Union. Had the expedition been allowed to remain in Florida I am confident that its success would have fully equaled your expectations. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General. HELENA, ARK., April 6, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, (Received 12.20 ~. m. 10th.) Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: I addressed some 7,000 troops to-day, and the policy respecting arming the blacks was most enthusiastically received. Generals Prentiss, Washburn, and Hovey made speeches in high couimenda- tion of it. Other officers, also the Honorable Mr. Mitchell, addressed the troops. It has infused new life into the troops and they say now they see that the rebellion will be crushed. I am strongly appealed to by all officers of rank to stop all trade below Cairo and let nothing come down but supplies for the troops. It is the boast of the rebel prisoners that the capture of Memphis has been of great service to them, as they now obtain abundant supplies. Here all trade with the rebels is interdicted, but at Memphis the board of trade freely gives passes to individuals to take goods, many of them contraband, beyond the lines. Goods costing millions of money have gone from Memphis beyond the lines and into Arkansas. Trains of wagons have entered Little Rock with goods smuggled from that place. I shall leave here to-morrow. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON: BOSTON, April 6, 1863. Will see Wild to-morrow. He will need little time here to select portion of officers if he accepts. If you will allow some discretion to arrange details subject to your revision you will be satisfied wit Page 118 118 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. result. There will be no delays. Colonel Shaw and officers will fear effect on Fifty-fourth Regiment of any division of it, especially while so green. Will write fully to-morrow. JNO. A. ANDREW. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 6, 1863. Governor ANDREW, Boston, Mass.: I agree that there should be no undue haste, and especially not to interfere with the regiment now in progress. Nothing should inter- fere with its completion. I explained to your adjutant my view that the work would go on faster by raising and equipping independent companies, and give them afterward a regimental organization, but sending the companies at once to such duty at different places as they can perform, so that results could be speedily and readily wit- nessed at once. I have every confidence in your discretion, and shall not be captious at its proper exercise. EDWIN M. STANTON. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 90. Washington, April 7, 1863. To facilitate the payment, in individual cases and to discharged soldiers, of the advance bounty authorized to volunteers by act of Congress, approved July 5, 1862, and the premium authorized by General Orders, No. 74, War Department, Adjutant-Generals Office, July 7, 1862, the following regulations will be observed: 1. The advance bounty and premium should be paid by the United States mustering and disbursing officer at the time of muster into service. If not paid then, the amounts will be entered upon the muster-in rolls, and will be so continued upon every subsequent muster and pay roll until the soldier is paid by a paymaster. 2. When not paid before discharge, the amounts due for premium and bounty will be entered upon the duplicate certificates for pay, and the discharged soldier will be paid by a paymaster. Company commanders will be careful to enter these amounts upon the soldiers certificates. 3. Mustering and disbursing officers have nothing to do with pay- ments to discharged soldiers. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, OFFICE MILITARY DIRECTOR AND SUPERINTENDENT RAILROADS OF UNITED STATES, Washington, April 7, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following statement: Portions of the railroads hereafter designated are now being oper- ated by the Quartermasters Department in Virginia, viz, Orange an Page 119 UNION AUTHORITIES. 119 Alexandria; Loudoun and Hampshire; Washington, Alexandria and Georgetown; Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac; Seaboard and Roanoke, and Norfolk and Petersburg. The construction and operating expenses from Augnst 13, 1861, to January 1, 1863, was $1,171,420.16; total expenses, including locomo- tives and cars, was $2,499,890.06. Herewith please find statement exhibiting the number of locomo- tives and cars purchased and cost of the same, the number of each lost and destroyed, and value of the same, the number of each on hand, where in use, and cost of the same. The Washington, Alexandria and Georgetown, Orange and Alex- andria, and Loudoun and Hampshire 1?ailroads.There have been moved upon these lines since March 1, 1862, an average of 170 loaded cars daily, and from January 1, 1863, to March 1, 1863, the average movement of loaded cars has been 178 daily, the distance hauled varying with the demands of the service. A large portion of these were loaded with fire-wood for Lieutenant-Colonel Greene, chief quartermaster Defenses of Washington, and for Capt. C. B. Ferguson, assistant quartermaster, Alexandria. Supplies from the North are received at the Baltimore and Ohio station and in the same cars the quartermasters and commissary stores are taken to the Sixth Street wharf. Forage for Captain Stoddard is taken to Buzzards Point, and all material for Colonel Ramsay is taken to the arsenal; and at all these points cars are loaded and forwarded to Alexandria, Vienna, Fairfax, and Union Mills, and to Fredericksburg, via Aquia Creek, direct without breaking bulk. Loaded cars are shipped on barges either at Washington or Alexandria, are towed to Aquia; there they are transferred to the rail and are run out to Falmouth, and from thence are returned empty to Alexandria. A train of sixteen cars thus handled saves wharf room, transports, crews, and laborers at two points, the trip being made in about twelve hours between Washing- ton and Falmouth. Without buildings to shelter our rolling-stock along these lines, and with their termini constantly changing, and generally rushed and crowded, our engines and cars require constant and extensive repairs. Three new locomotives, and three others not new, but in good condi- tion, have required almost entire rebuilding from falling into the hands of the rebels or by being thrown down embankments in their raids. The falling of the roof of engine house at Alexandria rendered its renewal indispensable. The turn-table has also been rebuilt, and several erections of a temporary character have been built as were absolutely necessary. By special order the shops at Alexandria have been used in the repairs of boilers and machinery of Government transports and in manufacturing iron-work for military suspension bridges. The Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad.On the 17th of November last this line was again taken possession of by the Government. The old wharf having been destroyed, a new one 1,000 feet long and sixteen feet wide was immediately rebuilt and the first locomotive was landed on the 24th of November. On this day we commenced running trains to Potomac Creek, and on the 28th of November the high bridge over that stream was completed and trains were run to Falmouth. All the buildings at Aquia had been burned and the main tracks and sidings immediately around the station were so much injured b Page 120 120 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. the fire that they had to be relaid. The heavy business about to be thrown upon this line rendered a large increase of sidings necessary, both at Aquia and at points along the line. The total length of main track and sidings laid is about three miles. It was soon ascertained that a single wharf on the site of the old one, even with the large addition projected and since built, would not be sufficient to meet the demands of the service; therefore it was deter- mined to build a branch railroad to Yuba Dam one mile and a half in length, where a wharf has been built of sufficient capacity to hold twenty-four cars. Vessels drawing ten feet and a half of water can come up to it at low tide. By this arrangement the capacity of the railroad has been increased nearly one-half, and for a sudden move- ment of troops it will prove invaluable. By direction of Brigadier-General Haupt the buildings upon the wharf and most of the buildings on shore were erected by the railroad force, a large amount of suitable material having been prepared before- hand; and while in doing this much has been added to our expendi- tures, the expenses of the post quartermaster have been correspond- ingly reduced. From November 25, 1862, to March 1, 1863, there have been trans- ported over this road, exclusive of construction materials and special trains: Cars loaded with Quartermasters stores 915 Commissary stores 2,346 Forage - 4,663 Railroad supplies 112 Ordnance, ammunition, & c 132 Mails and passengers - - 644 Total 8,812 Estimating ten tons per car, we have 88,120 tons carried, or an aver- age of 800 tons per day. Our daily business now averages 140 cars. The Seaboard and Roanoke and Norfolk and Petersburg Railroads. These lines were taken possession of August 10, 1862. A connection was made between them at Suffolk, to which point they are now operated. There have been transported over the Norfolk and Petersburg Rail- road from above date until March 1, 1863, 59,000 passengers and 56,800 tons of freight between Norfolk and Suffolk, a distance of twenty- three miles. The Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad is used daily, but to a small extent. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. McCALLUM, Gol. and 31i1. Dir. and Supt. Railroads of United States. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 92. Washington, April 8, 1863. Authority is hereby given to retain in service officers and men now on signal duty whose term of service will expire before they can be examined by a board to be appointed for that purpose under the act approved March 3, 1863, provided their conduct and qualifications are such as to make it advantageous to the service to retain them. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant A~jutant- General Page 121 UNION AUTHORITIES. 121 LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., April 9, 1863. (Received 7.40 p. m. 15th.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: I arrived at this place early yesterday morning and made arrange- ments for addressing Generals McArthurs and Logans divisions, of General McPhersons army corps. I announced to the former division in the morning, 4,000 being present, the policy of the G9verument respecting the black race, and in the afternoon to General Logans division, some seven thousand. The troops received it with great enthusiasm, and many speeches were made by officers of different rank, fully indorsing the policy. I must refer to the eloquent remarks of General Logan, who not only fully indorsed my own remarks, but went far beyond them, stating most emphatically that he would never return to his home, from which his wife and child had been driven by an unnatural father, until this wicked rebellion shall be utterly crushed. I asked, from each of these divisions, officers to raise two negro regiments, but the difficulty will be to restrict them to that number, for at least ten regiments can be obtained. My first arrangements are for ten regiments, and after these shall have been raised further arrangements will be made for others. Ten thousand pair of negro shoes of large size should at once be forwarded to Mem- phis. Also arms for that number, including those which may be in the depot at that place. I shall write to Captain Eddy to make requi- sition for clothing for ten thousand men. I have overtaxed my strength and am far from well, but hope a day or two rest may recruit my energies. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. MILLIKENS BEND, April 12, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, (Received 9 p. m. 16th.) Secretary of War: I arrived here, the headquarters of General Grant, yesterday, but am too weak to leave the steamer. To-morrow I hope to address the troops. The policy respecting the negroes having been adopted, com- manding officers are perfectly willing and ready to afford every aid in carrying it out to a successful issue. The west bank of the Mis- sissippi being under our control, General Grant will send forage parties to the east bank to collect the blacks, mules, & c., for military and agricultural purposes. We shall obtain all that we require. I shall find no difficulty in organizing negro troops to the extent of 20,000, if necessary. The prejudice in this army respecting arming the negroes is fast dying out. The transports are not used for quartering troops or officers. General Grant has only used a steamer, which was necessary. A quartermasters and commissary boat loaded with supplies is with each division, and the proper staff officers are with their supplies on these boats. I am engaged in ferreting out some cotton speculations. Most of the rascalities in this respect took place early in the season and are now beyond my reach. I send by mail the plan for occupying the abandoned plantations. To have fully effected this I should have been here weeks since. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General Page 122 122 CORRESPONDENCE, Eric. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, April 13, 1863. Col. EDWARD A. WILD, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers: (Under cover to the Governor of Massachusetts.) SIR: By direction of the Secretary of War you are hereby author- ized to raise a brigade (of four regiments) of North Carolina volun- teer infantry, to be recruited in that State, and to serve for three years or during the war. Each regiment of the said brigade will be organized as prescribed in General Orders, No. 126, series of 1862, from this office. All appointments of officers will be made by the War Department. The recruitment will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the service and the orders of the Secretary of War. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 45. Memphis, Tenn., April 15, 1863. I. Pursuant to orders from the Secretary of War (Brig. Gen. L. Thomas, Adjutant-General U. S. Army) there will be recruited and mustered into the service of the United States eight companies of colored men for service as heavy artillery at Fort Pickering. II. The recruiting, organization, and examination of recruits will be as directed by regulations. III. Each company will have one captain, two lieutenants, and an orderly-sergeant, who will be white; the other non-commissioned officers will be from the colored recruits. IV. The commissioned and non-commissioned staff of the battalion will also be white. V. Licut. I. G. Kappner is hereby appointed recruiting officer to raise this battalion, and will establish his office in Fort Pickering for that purpose. All necessary requisitions to carry out this order will be made by him and approved by Brigadier-General Veatch, to whom also regu- lar reports will be made. VI. Officers commanding divisions who have within their limits men competent for service and desirous of enlisting will report them to Lieutenant Kappner. VII. Pay and allowances will be the same as in other artillery organizations in the U. S. service. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 18, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. JOHNSON, Military Governor of Tennessee: GENERAL: First. You will establish your headquarters as Military Governor of the State of Tennessee at the city of Nashville, and a Page 123 UNION AUTHORITIES. 123 such officer will take possession of all the public buildings belonging to the State of Tennessee and hold them in your charge and under your control for the public purposes for which they were designed or in which you may have occasion to employ them. Second. You will appropriate such of the buildings to the civil officers, executive, legislative, and judicial, as may be required for the performance of their respective functions, employing such force of military or civil police as you may deem necessary for the security and proper care of such buildings and all other public property in the city of Nashville. Third. All the public commons and public property in the city of Nashville and elsewhere in the State will be in your charge as mili- tary governor, and, so far as possible, you will exercise control over them, your authority and jurisdiction over all such public property being as exclusive and absolute as was exercised by the State of Tennessee, subject only to such military occupation and use as may in the course of the war be authorized and directed by the general commanding the department. Fourth. You will also take possession of and occupy all vacant and abandoned buildings and property within the city of Nashville pos- sessed or owned by persons engaged in the rebellion, and may apply them to such uses as you may deem proper. You will exercise also the same powers throughout the State of Tennessee. Fifth. You wili also take possession of all abandoned lands and plan- tations that may come within your power, and lease them for occupa- tion and cultivation upon such terms as you deem proper, keeping an account of the products and registering the name of the former proprietor, and the person and terms upon which they are leased, reporting the same to this Department. Sixth. You will take in charge all abandoned slaves or colored per- sons who have been held in bondage, and whose masters have been, or are now, engaged in rebellion, and provide for their useful employ- ment and subsistence in such manner as may be best adapted to their necessities and the circumstances in which you find them, having ref- erence to the provisions of the act of Congress relating to this class of persons and being governed by their provisions. Seventh. You will cause all such persons to be enrolled upon a descriptive roll setting forth their names, their sex, their age, with any other remarks that may be useful in defining their capacity for usefulness, or as descriptive of their persons, and transmit a copy of them to this Department. Such of them as are able-bodied and can be usefully employed upon the fortifications or other public works you will so employ, securing and causing to be paid to them reasonable wages for their labor. Eighth. You will also take measures to secure employment and rea- sonable compensation for the labor of all others of whatever age or sex, making from time to time report to this Department. Such as may be sick or helpless from age or infirmity you will have provided with suitable hospital care and attendance. Ninth. You will also furnish from the quartermasters and commis- sary stores such clothing and subsistence as may be necessary for the decent clothing and support of those who are poor or destitute, keeping a distinct account of all such appropriations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 124 124 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. [APRIL 19, 1863.For Grant to Halleck, in regard to the policy of arming negroes, & c., see Series I, Vol. XXIV, Part I, p. 30.] A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, by the act of Congress approved the thirty-first day of December last the State of West Virginia was declared to be one of the United States of America, and was admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the original States in all respects whatever, upon the condition that certain changes should be duly made in the proposed constitution for that State; And whereas, proof of a compliance with that condition, as required by the second section of the act aforesaid, has been submitted to me: Now, therefore, be it known, that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby, in pursuance of the act of Congress aforesaid, declare and proclaim that the said act shall take effect and be in force from and after sixty days from the date hereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred ~and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-seventh. [L. s.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. INDIANAPOLIS, April 20, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: In view of my peculiar position and the difficulties by which I am surrounded, I think my recommendations for provost-marshals should have some weight. If not entitled to consideration in this case, they are not in any. I understand from Governor Tod that he has assur- ances that his recommendation will be followed. In one or two cases the men selected by members of Congress are hostile to me. I have sustained the Administration politically and personally and believe it should sustain me. I have more interest in making good appoint- ments for provost-marshals than any member of Congress, or all put together. 0. P. MORTON. BURLINGTON, IowA, April 20, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: DEAR SIR: A little more than a week ago I wrote a private letter to Mr. Watson with a request to show it to you and General Halleck, in Which I stated my conviction that there was a secret armed organiza- tion in this State intended to resist the execution of the laws, and at the proper time, in their estimation, to effect a rising, and making some suggestions in relation thereto. The testimony to establish the truth of my statements then made has been accumulating ever sinc Page 125 UNION AUTHORITIES. 125 I wrote. I have the facts from so many and- diverging sources tend- ing to prove precisely the same facts that I cannot longer doubt their accuracy. There is an order called the Sons of 76, of which Sterling Price is chief. The principal oaths are to resist the so-called Union party, to support the Constitution of the United States, to prevent enlist- ments, & c., to prevent the arrest of a brother member, to rise and take the field at a given signal, to buy all the arms and ammunition possible, and especially to secure them from Union men. I am satis- fied that I know their oaths, passwords, grips, & c., and that they intend mischief in a very few weeks. They are bold and defiant and declare that deserters shall not be arrested. There are three parties in this county who deserted from one of our regiments, who, when in town on their way to return, were advised by a lawyer to go back to their farms and go to work. You may rely upon it that this is not an ordinary or an extraordi- nary political secret organization. It means mischief. It is organ- ized for insurrection and nothing else. I have felt it to be my duty to call your attention to the subject, and subscribe myself, Very truly, your obedient servant, J. W. GRIMES. CINCINNATI, OHIO, April 20, 186812.30 p. rn. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, (Received 1.40 ~. in.) General-in- Chief: Have any orders been issued as to raising the 20,000 troops in Ken- tucky? If so, can the work be commenced at once? A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington, April 21, 1868. The following regulations for the government of the Burean of the Provost-Marshal-General of the United States having been approved by the President of the United States, he commands that they be published for the government of all concerned, and that they be strictly observed. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Regulations for the government of the Bureau of the Provost-Marshal- General of the United States. * OFFICERS DETAILED AS ACTING ASSISTANT PROVOST-MARSHALS-GENERAL FOR STATES. 1. The officer detailed in each State to aid the War Department in securing uniformity in the execution of the enrollment act shall keep himself well informed as to the condition of the department through- out the State. He shall, under the Provost-Marshal-General of the * See General Orders, No. 73, Adjutant-Generals Office, March 24, 1863 (p. 88), f or act of Congress, entitled An act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other purposes, published with these regulations, but here oudtted Page 126 126 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. United States, exercise supervision over the provost-marshals and their subordinates for the Congressional districts of that State. He shall communicate to them the orders and instructions of the Provost- Marshal-General and see that they are promptly and efficiently exe- cuted. He shall from time to time give or transmit such instructions in accordance with these regulations, as hereinafter prescribed, as may be required to facilitate and enforce obedience to them. 2. He shall forward to the Provost - Marshal - General, with his remarks, all communications transmitted through his office. 3. He will communicate freely with the Governor, and other State, town, county, or city officers, and, with their sanction, will extract such information from their records as may facilitate the business of provost-marshals and boards of enrollment. He shall communicate this and all other useful information to the provost-marshals or boards of enrollment, and shall obtain from them copies of such reports and rolls as may be required for the records of the State authorities. 4. He shall make full and frequent reports to the Provost-Marshal- General on the condition and wants of the service in the State, and shall apply to him for instructions regarding all doubtful points in the discharge of his duty. PROVOST-MARSHALS DISTRICTS. 5. The following is from section 4 of the act for enrolling and call- ing out the national forces, & c., approved March 3, 1863: That for greater convenience in enrolling, calling out, and organizing the national forces, and for the arrest of deserters and spies of the enemy, the United States shall be divided into districts, of which the District of Columbia shall constitute one, each Territory of the United States shall constitute one or more, as the President shall direct, and each Congressional district of the respective States, as fixed by alaw of the State next preceding the enrollment, shall constitute one: Provided, That in States which have not by their laws been divided into two or more Congressional districts the President of the United States shall divide the same into so many enrollment districts as he may deem fit and convenient. PROVOST-MARSHALS. 6. The following is from section 5 of the act for enrolling and call- ing out the national forces, & c., approved March 3, 1863: That for each of said districts there shall be appointed by the President a pro- vost-marshal, with the rank, pay, and emoluments of a captain of cavalry or an officer of said rank shall be detailed by the President, who shull be under the direction and subject to the orders of a provost-marshal-general, appointed or detailed by the President of the United States, whose office shall be at the seat of government, forming a separate bureau of the War Department, and whose rank, pay, and emoluments shall be those of a colonel of cavalry. DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS. 7. The headquarters of each district shall be fixed and announced by the Provost-Marshal-General. 8. Each provost-marshal shall take post at the headquarters of his district. 9. Each provost-marshal on taking post shall, if there be no Gov- ernment building suitable for the purpose, make, subject to approval, written agreement for the rent of an office upon the most reasonable terms possible; and two copies of this contract shall be forwarded immediately to the Provost-Marshal-General. This office will consist of not more than three rooms, one of which shall be used by th Page 127 UNION AUTHORITIES. 127 Board of Enrollment during its sessions, and may be devoted at other times to the wants of the service. The rent will be paid as herein- after provided for other accounts. 10. Each provost-marshal may employ two clerks, subject to the approval of the Provost-Marshal-General, and at a rate of compensa- tion to be fixed by him. One of these clerks shall, in additiou to his other duties, act as recorder of the Board of Enrollment, and both may be appointed deputy provost-marshals for local purposes, but shall not be entitled to additional compensation therefor. Provost-mar- shals in reporting the appointments of their clerks will send to the Provost-Marshal-General a specimen of the handwriting of each one appointed, and shall recommend the amount of compensation proper to be allowed him. DEPUTY PROVOST-MARSHALS AND AGENTS. 11. Two deputy provost-marshals for each district composed of more than one county may be appointed, subject to the approval of the Provost-Marshal-General; and if more are thought to be necessary, the number required, the places where, and the reasons why, with all the facts, will be reported through the acting assistant provost- marshal-general for the State, with such recommendations in each case as may be deemed pertinent. The pay of a deputy provost- marshal shall not be more than $100 per month. 12. Special officers or agents for detecting and arresting deserters and spies may be employed when necessary, but not more than four shall be employed in a district without the approval of the Provost- Marshal-General. They may be paid at the rate of $40 to $65 per month, depending ~n their usefulness. DUTIES OF PROVOST-MARSHALS. 13. Immediately upon entering upon his duties each provost-marshal shall report by letter to the Provost-Marshal-General of the United States and the acting assistant provost-marshal-general for his State. In case no such acting assistant provost-marshal-general has been assigned, he will place himself at once in communication with the Governor of the State. 14. He will place himself in communication with the principal executive officers of the civil service within his district and all officers commanding organized military forces therein. He shall also acquaint himself with the approximate strength of these forces and the regular stations occupied by them. 15. He shall see to securing and rendering the vouchers and accounts incident to all services pertaining to his office. 16. Section 7, act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, approved March 3, 1863, is as follows: And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the provost-marshals to arrest all deserters, whether regulars, volunteers, militiamen, or persons called into the service under this or any other act of Congress, wherever they may be found, and to send them to the nearest military commander or military post; to detect, seize, and confine spies of the enemy, who shall, without unreasonable delay, be delivered to the custody of the general commanding the department in which they may be arrested, to be tried as soon as the exigencies of the service permit; to obey all lawful orders and regulations of the Provost-Marshal-General, and such as may be prescribed by law, concerning the enrollment and calling into service of the national forces Page 128 128 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 17. When transportation is required by the provost-marshal for deserters after their arrest, or for the military gnards in charge of them, he shall make requisition for it on the U. S. quartermaster, if there be one accessible; if not, he shall procure transportation and take vouchers as hereinafter provided. 18. It shall be the duty of the provost-marshal in each district to call together, whenever required, the Board of Enrollment; to preside at its sessions, announce such of its decisions or directions as it may be necessary to make public, enforce its orders, see that a fair record is made of its proceedings in a book kept for that purpose by the recorder, and to transmit to the Provost-Marshal-General the enroll- ment lists as consolidated by the Board, and such other communi- cations as the Board may deem it necessary to lay before the Provost- Marshal-General. 19. The provost-marshal shall himself, or through his deputies, carry out that part of section 12 of the enrollment act which requires that the persons drawn in the draft shall be notified of the same within ten days thereafter, by a written or printed notice, to be served personally, or by leaving a copy, at the last place of residence,requir- ing them to appear at a designated rendezvous to report for duty. And all persons so drawn in the draft shall report at the place of rendezvous on the day required by said notice, which shall be within ten days after such notice has been thus served upon them. 20. He shall file with the district attorney of the United States, for the district in which the offense shall have been committed, written information, containing a report of the facts against any and all per- sons within his district who shall have violated section 24 of the enrollment act, or any part of the same, which section is in the follow- ing terms, to wit: SEC. 24. And be it further enacted, That every person not subject to the Rules and Articles of War who shall procure or entice, or attempt to procure or entice, a soldier in the service of theUnited States to desert; or who shall harbor, conceal, or give employment to a deserter, or carry him away, or aid in carrying him away, knowing him to be such; or who shall purchase from any soldier his arms, equip- ments, ammunition, uniform, clothing, or any part thereof; and any captain or commanding officer of any ship or vessel, or any superintendent or conductor of any railroad, or any other public conveyance, carrying away any such soldier as one of his crew or otherwise, knowing him to have deserted, or shall refuse to deliver him up to the orders or his commanding officer, shall, upon legal conviction, be fined, at the discretion of any court having cognizance of the same, in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, and he shall be imprisoned not exceeding two years nor less than six months. 21. He shall arrest and forthwith deliver to the proper civil author- ities, to wit, the marshal of the United States within and for the district in which the arrest is made, with written charges in the case, any and all persons who shall have violated section 2~5 of the enroll- ment act, or any part of the same, which section is in the following terms, to wit: SEC. 25. And be it further enacted, That if any person shall resist any draft of men enrolled under this act into the service of the United States, or shall counsel or aid any person to resist any such draft; or shall assault or obstruct any officer in making such draft, or in the performance of any service in relation thereto; or shall counsel any person to assault or obstruct any such officer, or shall counsel any drafted men not to appear at the place of rendezvous, or willfully dissuade them from the performance of military duty as required by law, such person shall be subject to summary arrest by the provost-marshal, and shall be forthwith delivered to the civil authorities, and, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding two years, or by both of said punishments Page 129 UNION AUTHORITiES. 129 Provost-marshals are required to execute this duty with firmness, but with prudence and good judgment, and without unnecessary harshness. 22. It shall be the duty of the provost-marshal to prepare and for- ward, through the assistant provost-marshal-general for his State, to the Provost-Marshal-General, charges and specifications in due form against the surgeon of the Board of Enrollment in his district, if said surgeon omits any of the duties, or renders himself liable to any of the penalties set forth in sections 14 and 15 of the enrollment act, which are in the following terms, to wit: SEC. 14. And be it further enacted, That all drafted persons shall, on arriving at the rendezvous, be carefully inspected by the surgeon of the Board, who shall truly report to the Board the physical condition of each one; and all persons drafted and claiming exemption from military duty on account of disability, or any other cause, shall present their claims to be exempted to the Board, whose decision shall be final. Szc. 15. And be it further enacted, That any surgeon charged with the duty of such inspection who shall receive from any person whomsoever any money or other valuable thing, or agree, directly or indirectly, to receive the same to his own or anothers use, for making an imperfect inspection or a false or incorrect report, or who shall willfully neglect to make a faithful inspection and true report, shall be tried by a court-martial, and, on conviction thereof, be punished by fine not exceeding five hundred dollars nor less tban two hundred, and be imprisoned at the discretion of the court, and be cashiered and dismissed from the service. 23. The provost-marshal shall, so far as it may be in his power, make the seizures provided for in section 23 of the enrollment act, which section is in the following terms, to wit: SEC. 23. And be it further enacted, That the clothes, arms, military outfits, and accouterments furnished by the United States to any soldier shall not be sold, bar- tered, exchanged, pledged, loaned, or given away; and no person not a soldier or duly authorized officer of the United States, who has possession of any such clothes, arms, military outfits, or accouterments, furnished as aforesaid and which have been the subject of any such sale, barter, exchange, pledge, loan, or gift, shall have any right, title, or interest therein; but the same may be seized and taken wherever found by any officer of the United States, civil or military, and shall thereupon be delivered to any quartermaster or other officer authorized to receive the same; and the possession of any such clothes, arms, military outfits, or accou- terments, by any person not a soldier or officer of the United States, shall be prima facie evidence of such a sale, barter, exchange, pledge, loan, or gift, as afores.Ad. 24. Provost-marshals are expected and required to complete all bus- iness which may originate in or properly belong to their respective districts, though in dong so they or their deputies or agents may for the time be carried within the geographical limits of other districts. 25. To enable provost-marshals to discharge their duties efficiently they are authorized to call upon the nearest available military force, or on citizens as a posse comitatus, or on U. S. marshals and deputy marshals; and these and all other persons are hereby enjoined to aid the provost-marshal in the execution of his lawful duties when called on so to do. 26. Provost-marshals will report from time to time as to what they deem necessary to secure an efficient performance of the duties required of them, and a complete execution of the law under which they act, giving the names and object of employ6s proposed. 27. Each provost-marshal shall conform to the special instructions hereinafter set forth, and communicate promptly and fully, through the acting assistant provost-marshal-general for his State, such infoi~- mation and suggestions as he may deem of iinportallce. 9 B BSERIES III, VOL II Page 130 130 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. APPREHENSION AND DELIVERY OF DESERTERS. 28. Every possible effort must be made by the provost-marshal to secure the arrest of all deserters withiu his district; he shall see that they are properly held after arrest, aud that all deserters arrested by other parties and presented to him, or at his headquarters, are promptly received and held in secure custody until delivered at the nearest military station. 29. The five dollars reward authorized by law for the delivery of a deserter is, of course, only due in case the man presented is actually a deserter. It is, however, ordered that the provost-marshal shall decide whether the reward shall be paid or withheld; and he is directed to permit as little delay as possible in making this decision, in order that persons who bring deserters may receive the reward surely and promptly. 30. Provost-marshals or deputy provost-marshals are not entitled to receive the reward for the apprehension of deserters. 31. Provost-marshals shall keep books in which they shall enter the description of all deserters and other persons received as prisoners by them, with such dates and remarks as may be proper to complete, as far as practicable, the history of the arrest and of the man. They shall also keep such other books as may be necessary to preserve a complete history of their correspondence and business. 32. Where there is a military station in the immediate vicinity of the headquarters of the district, the provost-marshal will send the deserters to it on the day of, or day following their arrest by, or delivery to, him. Where, however, the district headquarters are remote from all military stations, the deserters will be sent tn-monthly, or oftener if there be more than five on hand at any intermediate period. 33. When it is necessary to conduct and guard deserters from dis- trict headquarters to a military station, and there be no military force available for this service, the provost-marshal may employ a suitable special guard, under a deputy, to accompany the prisoners. The members of the guard may be allowed, for the time actually and necessarily employed in the trip, a per diem of not more than $~1, besides their actual expenses, provided they accomplish the duty assigned them. 34. The provost-marshal shall see that the guards sent from his dis- trict to the military station in charge of deserters are armed and instructed to prevent the escape of those in their custody. 35. The district provost-marshal skall see that descriptive lists in duplicate are made of every deserter or party of deserters sent off by him. These lists will be taken by the provost-marshal or deputy in charge of the deserters to the officer to whom the deserters are turned over; this latter officer will retain one and return the other, giving a receipt for the deserters by name on the back of it. This copy of the descriptiye list will accompany the provost-marshals monthly report to the Provost-Marshal-General of persons arrested. The expenses incurred in the apprehension of deserters and the five dollars paid as reward, if this sum has been justly claimed and a voucher given by the provost-marshal for it, will be stated opposite each man~s name on the descriptive lists. None of the expenses, however, incurred on the deserters account after he has been received by the provost-marshal shall be charged against him. 36. By section 13 of the enrollment act any person failing to report after due service of notice, as prescribed in the act, without furnish Page 131 UNION AUTHORITIES. 131 ing a substitute or paying the requisite sum therefor, shall be deemed a deserter, and shall be arrested by the provost-marshal and sent to the nearest military post for trial by court-martial, unless upon proper showing that he is not liable to do military duty, the Board of Enroll- ment shall relieve him from draft. In case of such arrests the provost- marshal shall send with each deserter to the military post written charges against him. 37. Provost-marshals, while enjoined to a strict and inflexible per- formance of duty, are warned against improper arrests. It may hap- pen that discharged soldiers may be imposed upon and deprived of their papers, and then delivered for reward to the provost-marshal as deserters. Sagacity and prompt and close scrutiny of every case on the part of provost-marshals niust be exercised to prevent abuse or hardship of this nature. SPIES. 38. It is the duty of provost-marshals to detect, seize, and confine spies of the enemy, who shall, without unreasonable delay, be deliv- ered to the custody of the general commanding the department in which they may be arrested. 39. Spies when arrested must be securely guarded and conducted to the custody of the general commanding the department by military or special guards in a manner similar to that heretofore provided for deserters. 40. The accounts for all expenses in regard to the arrest, confine- ment, transportation, and subsistence of spies will be similar to those prescribed for deserters. The fact of their being rendered in relation to a spy, and not to a deserter, must be stated. RESTS.QUARTERING AND SUBSISTING PROVOST-MARSHALS PARTIES. 41. Written agreements will be made b~T provost-marshals for the rent of rests, upon the most reasonable terms possible, subject to approval, and two copies of this contract forwarded immediately to the Provost-Marshal-General. The rent will be paid as hereinafter directed for other accounts. 42. Where district headquarters are in cities, or elsewhere, within reach of any of the regular posts~ encampments, soldiers rests, or other places of accommodation provided by the Government or by the public for soldiers, the provost-marshal shall make it his duty to avail himself of them in providing for deserters, stragglers, & c.; and when moving deserters or other men nuder his control from one point to another he shall seek and avail himself of these places of accom- modation. If there be no such places of accommodation within con- venient reach of district headquarters the provost-marshal shall at once establish a rest, by written agreement with some responsible party, to provide cooked rations, on demand, for as many soldiers as he may from time to time present, and at a rate not to exceed 30 cents a day for each person actually subsisted. 43. After deserters are received by the provost-marshal they and the guards in charge of them must be subsisted at the rest or sta- tion as heretofore provided. 44. When subsistence cannot be issued by the commissariat to the provost-marshals parties, it will be procured by the provost-marshal on written contracts when practicable, for complete rations. If the ration cannot be procured thus, then a contract will be made fo Page 132 132 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. board and lodging. The aggregate cost of board and lodging should never exceed 40 cents per diem; as a general rule, experience has indi- cated that it should be much less. 45. Acconnts for subsistence of persons in the military service will be kept distinct from those for citizens, such as citizen employ6s of the provost-marshals department, spies, or others not officers or soldiers in the U. S. service. 46. The contractor will send for payment monthly or quarterly, at his option, his accounts for rations issued to persons in military service, to the Commissary-General; and for citizens and drafted men while at the rendezvous, to the Provost-Marshal-General. 47. When convenience and economy require that the contract shall be for board and lodging, the contract shall state the amount for each separately. The contractor will be paid for board as prescribed in the preceding paragraph, and for lodging from the Provost-Marshal- Generals funds as hereinafter directed. 48. When a contract cannot be made the provost-marshal may make arrangements for the payment of the necessary expenses of snbsisting and boarding his party. 49. When issues of rations are made in kind it will be done on the usual provision returns. Board will be furnished on a return, show- ing the number of the party, the days, and dates. 50. Lodging will be furnished on a return, showing the number of nien, days, and dates for each. From these returns the abstract is made up. (Form 19.) 51. Where rests have not been established, and no place of security is at hand, prisoners in charge of provost-marshals parties may be quartered in jails. In such cases the ordinary jail-fees will be paid in lieu of board and lodging. (See paragraph 118.) 52. When prisoners are to be sent from a station to their destina- tion, as provided in section 7 of the enrollment act of March 3, 1863, they and their guards will be supplied, before leaving the station, with cooked provisions for the trip. 53. Upon their return, or when traveling on duty, the guards must, when practicable, avail themselves of the rests or stations on the route. BOARDS OF ENROLLMENT. 54. Section 8 of act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, & c., approved March 3, 1863, provides: That in each of said districts there shall be a board of enrollment, to be com- posed of the provost-marshal, as president, and two other persons, to be appointed by the President of the United States, one of whom shall be a licensed and practicing physician and surgeon. 55. Section 5 of act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1864, and for the year ending June 30, 1863, and for other purposes, approved March 3, 1863, provides: That the surgeon and the citizen at large, who are, with the provost-marshal, to form the enrolling board of each Congressional district, shall receive the compen- sation of an assistant surgeon of the Army, excluding commutation for fuel and quarters for the time actually employed, and that the same may be paid by the Secretary of War out of appropriations already made for the services of that Department. Payment shall be made to them and to the provost-marshal by the pay department Page 133 UNION AUTHORITIES. 133 DUTIES OF BOARDS OF ENROLLMENT. ~6. Section 9 of act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, & c., approved March 3, 1863, provides: That it shall be the duty of the said board to divide the district into sub-districts of convenient size, if they shall deem it necessary, not exceeding two, without the direction of the Secretary of War, and to appoint, on or before the tenth day of March next, and in each alternate year thereafter, an enrolling officer for each sub-district, and to furnish him with proper blanks and instructions; and he shall immediately proceed to enroll all persons subject to military duty, noting their respective places of residence, ages on the first day of July following, and their occupation, and shall, on or before the first day of April, report the same to the Board of Enrollment, to be consolidated into one list, a copy of which shall be transmitted to the Provost-Marshal-General, on or before the first day of May succeeding the enrollment: Provided, nevertheless, That if, from any cause, the duties prescribed by this section cannot be performed within the time specified, then the same shall be performed as soon thereafter as practicable. 57. To carry out the provisions of the foregoing act, and for the purpose of enrollment, the Board in each district is hereby directed by the Secretary of War to divide each district, whenever the Board shall deem it expedient, into sub-districts at the rate of one for each ward of a city; and if the Board deem it best, one or more townships of a county may constitute a sub-district, where the popu- lation is dense, or a county may be made a sub-district in sparsely- settled regions. The object to be kept in view by the board shall be to make such subdivisions as to insure the completion of the enrollment at the earliest date practicable. 58. The Board shall, by its majority, appoint, with the least prac- ticable delay, an enrolling officer for each sub-district, and shall take pains to see that fit and proper persons are selected for this duty. Assessors, if otherwise suitable, are preferable for this position. The enrolling officers may be paid not to exceed $3 per diem for the time actually employed. 59. The Board will give the enrolling officers all necessary instruc- tions, as they act under its direction. 60. The Board shall require of each enrolling officer, before he enters on his duties, an oath duly administered and witnessed, that he will perform faithfully, and without partiality, favor, or affection, all the duties of his office as enrolling officer of the sub-district to which he is appointed, and that lie will obey all lawful instructions of the Board of Enrollment. 61. The enrolling officer for each district or sub-district shall, Prime- diately upon his appointment, proceed to enroll all persons subject to military (luty under the provisions of the act for enrolling and calling out the national forces. He shall note their respective places of resi- dence, their ages, as they will be upon the 1st day of July, 1863, their color, whether white or black, and their occupations, respectively. 62. This enrollment must include: (1) All able-bodied male citizens of the United States, between the ages of twenty and forty-five years, not exempt from military service by law. (2) All persons of foreign birth, not so exempted, who shall have declared, on oath, their intention to become citizens of the United States under and in pursuance of the laws thereof. 63. Section 3 of act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, & c., approved March 3, 1863, provides: That the national forces of the United States not now in the military service, enrolled under this act, shall be divided into two classes: the first of which shal Page 134 134 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. comprise all persons subject to do military duty between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years, and all unmarried persons subject to do military duty above the age of thirty-five and under the age of forty-five; the second class shall comprise all other persons subject to do military duty; and they shall not, in any district, be called into the service of the United States until those of the first class shall have been called. 64. The enrollment of each class shall be made separately, on sheets by itself (Forms 35 and 36), but the enrollment of both classes shall be carried on at the same time. 65. Persons having their legal domicile within any district are not exempt from enrollment therein by reason of temporary absence there- from. Students in colleges or schools, teachers, apprentices, sailors, travelers, traveling merchants, and similar classes of citizens must be enrolled in the districts in which they have their respective domiciles. 66. The Board shall require the enrolling officers to judge of the ages of individuals by the best information they can obtain in each case, but always to make a decision as to whether the person in ques- tion is subject to enrollment, and if so, in which class, and to enroll him accordingly. The Board will decide questions of exemption on account of age, when brought before it, under the law, by the persons enrolled. 67. In city districts the Board shall require the enrolling officers to submit their lists, as far as completed, daily or every other day; and if the district is composed of a county the lists shall be required twice a week, or weekly, if the Board deem it best. As soon as these partial lists are received by the Board, they must be entered on the copy for the Provost-Marshal-General, alphabetically arranged. 68. As soon as the enrollment is completed in each district, the con- solidated list for the Provost-Marshal-General, with the names alpha- betically arranged, must be completed and forwarded direct to him with the least possible delay. 69. The Board shall preserve the rolls of the enrollment sub- districts; and on the consolidated lists for the Provost-Marshal- General a recapitulation shall be made in figured (according to form), showing the number of men, whether white or colored, of each class enrolled in each ward or township, and the total number of each class enrolled in the district. 70. Where complete enrollments have been lately made by State authority copies thereof will be obtained, if practicable, and used in making or verifying the new enrollments. 71. Whenever any part of the national forces in a district is to be called out, the number of men to come from each district will be announced to the Board, through the Provost-Marshal-General, with specific instructions as to the subdivisions to be considered for the district with a view to making the apportionment. 72. The Board shall make the apportionment according to the sub- districts to be considered, and shall then make the draft for each sub- district of the number of men required, and 50 per cent. in addition. 73. The Board shall make an exact and complete roll of the names of the persons drafted, and of the order in which they were drawn, so that the first drawn may stand first on the said roll, and the second may stand second, and so on. The draft shall take place at the head- quarters of the district. It shall be public and under the direction of the Board of Enrollment. The name of each person enrolled shall be placed in a box to be provided for the purpose, and the provost Page 135 UNION AUTHORITIE8. 135 marshal, or some person designated by him (the (1 rawer to be blind- folded), shall draw therefrom one name at a time until the required nnmber is obtained. 74. The exact and complete roll of the names of persons drawn in the draft shall be entered by the Board in a book to be kept for that purpose, ruled and headed to correspond with the descriptive roll of drafted men. (Form 34.) 75. The number required to fill the call will be taken from this roll by commencing at the first name and taking in order, until the required number is obtained, all who are not, by the Board, decided to be excepted and exempt under the provisions of the enrollment act. 76. The names of the men thus called into service will be entered on descriptive rolls (in triplicate), signed by the Board. One copy of this roll will be sent to the Provost-Marshal-General direct, one copy to the acting assistant provost-marshal-general of the State, and one will be retained by the provost-marshal. 77. Certified extracts from this descriptive roll shall be made in duplicate by the provost-marshal for every party of drafted men sent off, and sent with the party to the officer to whom the party is to be delivered. One copy is to be retained by this officer, and the other is to be returned, with a receipt for the party as delivered to him on the back. The returned copy will accompany the provost-marshals monthly report to the Provost-Marshal-General. 78. The Board shall note on the roll book of drafted men in the column of remarks opposite each mans name, the disposition made of himwhether called into service and sent to the rendezvous, exempted by the Board, replaced by a substitute, commuted for, deserted, or discharged as not being required. 79. The substitute whom any drafted person is authorized, by sec- tion 13 of the enrollment act, to furnish must be presented to the Board of Enrollment; and it shall be the duty of the Board to examine him and, if accepted, to place his name on the book of persons drafted, with explanatory remarks. His name will then be transcribed on the descriptive rolls of men called into service. 80. Certificates of exemption from the draft, by reason of having provided a substitute, or having paid commutation money, shall be furnished by the Board of Enrollment according to Form 31. A dis- charge from one draft furnishes no exemption from any subsequent draft, except that when the person drafted has furnished an accept- able substitute, and has received a certificate of discharge from a preceding draft, he shall be held exempt from military duty during the time for which he was drafted and for which such substitute was furnished. 81. The Board shall furnish a discharge (Form 31) from further liabilities under the particular draft to any drafted person who pre- sents a bona fide receipt, for the sum announced in orders for the procuration of substitutes, from the person authorized by the Secre- tary of War to receive it. 82. All persons exempted from the draft by the Board (section 14, enrollment act) shall be furnished with certificate of the fact (Form 32), and all persons discharged~ after therequired number of able- bodied men shall have been obtained shall be furnished by the Board with a certificate (Form 33). 83. The character and amount of evidence requisite to decide the question of disqualification on account of age must be determined by the Board of Enrollment. Such disqualification should be clearly an Page 136 136 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. fully proved to .the Board before exemption is granted under this plea. The following rules should be carefully regarded, viz: The affidavit of the person claiming exemption must in all cases be required, supported by as much of the following testimony as can be obtained or may be deemed requisite: (1) By an authenticated extract from the legal registry of births, if there be any such registry. (2) By any other authenticated documentary evidence tending to establish the fact of age. (3) By the affidavit of the parents. (4) By the affidavits of such other respectable persons (not less than two) heads of families as are most likely to be informed on the subject. The amount of evidence herein required to establish a claim to exemption is the least which the Board should accept; and if in any case the Board has reason to doubt the character or sufficiency of the evidence presented it should decline granting the exemption, unless such additional proof as it may require be produced in time to be considered, without delaying the business of the draft. EXEMPTIONS AND RULES OF EVIDENCE BY WHICH THEY ARE TO BE DETERMINED. 84. Section 2, act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, & c., approved March 3, 1863, provides as fellows: That the following persons be, and they are hereby, excepted and exempt from the provisions of this act, and shall not be liable to military duty under the same, to wit: Such as are rejected as physically or mentally unfit for the service; also, first, the Vice-President of the United States, the judges of the various courts of the United States, the heads of the various executive departments of the Gov- ernment, and the governors of the several States. Second, the only son liable to military duty of a widow dependent upon his labor for support. Third, the only son of aged or infirm parent or parents dependent upon his labor for support. Fourth, where there are two or more sons of aged or infirm parents subject to draft, the father, or, if he be dead, the mother may elect which son shall be exempt. Fifth, the only brother of children not twelve years old, having neither father nor mother, dependent upon his labor for support. Sixth, the father of motherless children under twelve years of age dependent upon his labor for sup- port. Seventh, where there are a father and sons in the same family and household, and two of them are in the military service of the United States as non-commis- sioned o~icers, musicians, or privates, the residue of such family and household, not exceeding two, shall be exempt. And no persons but such as are herein excepted shall be exempt Provided, however, That no person who has been con- victed of any felony shall be enrolled or permitted to serve in said forces. 85. The following diseases and infirmities are those which dis- qualify for military service, and for which only drafted men are to be rejected as physically or mentally unfit for the service, viz: (1) Manifest imbecility or insanity. (2) Epilepsy. For this disability the statement of the drafted man is insufficient, and the fact must be established by the duly attested affidavit of a physician of good standing who has attended him in a convulsion. (3) Paralysis, general or of one limb, or chorea; their existence to be adequately determined. (4) Acute or organic diseases of the brain or spinal chord; of the heart or lungs; of the stomach or intestines; of the liver or spleen; of the kidneys or bladder, sufficient to have impaired the general health, or so well marked as to leave no reasonable doubt of the mans incapacity for military service Page 137 UNION AUTHORITIES. 137 5) Confirmed consumption; cancer; aneurism of the large arteries. 6) Inveterate and extensive disease of the skin, which will neces- sarily impair his efficiency as a soldier. (7) Decided feebleness of constitution, whether natural or acquired. (8) Scrofula or constitutional syphilis, which has resisted treat- ment and seriously impaired his general health. (9) Habitual and confirmed intemperance or solitary vice, in degree sufficient to have materially enfeebled the constitution. (10) Chronic rheumatism, unless manifested by positive change of structure, wasting of the affected limb, or puffiness or distortion of the joints, does not exempt. Impaired motion of joints and contrac- tion of the limbs alleged to arise from rheumatism, and in which the nutrition of the limb is not manifestly impaired, are to be proved by examination while in a state of anaisthesia induced by ether only. (11) Pain, whether simulating headache, neuralgia in any of its forms, rheumatism, lumbago, or affections of the muscles, bones, or joints, is a symptom of disease so easily pretended that it is not to be admitted as a cause for exemption unless accompanied with manifest derangement of the general health, wasting of a limb, or other positive sign of disqualifying local disease. (12) Great injuries or diseases of the skull, occasioning impairment of the intellectual faculties, epilepsy, or other manifest nervous or spasmodic symptoms. (13) Total loss of sight; loss of sight of right eye; cataract; loss of crystalline lens of right eye. (14) Other serious diseases of the eye affecting its integrity and use, e. g., chronic ophthalmia, fistula lachrymalis, ptosis (if real), ectro- pion, entropion, & c. Myopia, unless very decided or depending upon some structural change in the eye, is not a cause for exemption. (15) Loss of nose; deformity of nose so great as seriously to obstruct respiration; ozena, dependent upon caries in progress. (16) Complete deafness. This disability must not be admitted on the mere statement of the drafted man, but muust be proved by the existence of positive disease, or by other satisfactory evidence. Puru- lent otorrhcea. (17) Caries of the superior or inferior maxilla, of the nasal or palate bones, if in progress; cleft palate (bony); extensive loss of substance of the cheeks, or salivary fistula. (18) Dumbness; permanent loss of voice; not to be admitted with- out clear and satisfactory proof. (19) Total loss of tongue; mutilation or partial loss of tongue, pro- vided the mutilation be extensive enough to interfere with the neces- sary use of the organ. (20) llypertrophy or atrophy of the tongue, sufficient in degree to impair speech or deglutition; obstinate chronic ulceration of the tongue. (21) Stammering, if excessive and confirmed, to be established by satisfactory evidence under oath. (22) Loss of a sufficient number of teeth to prevent proper mastica- tion of food and tearing the cartridge. (23) Incurable deformities or loss of part of either jaw, hindering biting of the cartridge or proper mastication, or greatly injuring speech; anchylosis of lower jaw. (24) Tumors of the neck, impeding respiration or deglutition; fistula of larynx or trachea; torticollis, if of long standing and well marked Page 138 138 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. (25) Deformity of the chest sufficient to impede respiration, or to prevent the carrying of arms and military equipments; caries of the ribs. (26) Deficient amplitude and power of expansion of chest. A man five feet three inches (minimum standard height for the Regular Army) should not measure less than thirty inches in circumference immedi- ately above the nipples and have an expansive mobility of not less than two inches. (27) Abdomen grossly protuberant; excessive obesity; hernia, either inguinal or femoral. (28) Artificial anus; stricture of the rectum; prolapsus ani. Fistula in ano is not a positive disqualification, but may be so, if extensive or complicated with visceral disease. (29) Old and ulcerated internal hemorrhoids, if in degree sufficient to impair the mans efficiency. External hemorrhoids are no cause for exemption. (30) Total loss or nearly total loss of penis; epispadia or hypospa- dia at the middle or near the root of the penis. (31) Incurable permanent organic stricture of the urethra, in which the urine is passed drop by drop, or which is complicated by disease of the bladder; urinary fistula. Recent or spasmodic stricture of the urethra does not exempt. (32) Incontinence of urine, being a disease frequently feigned and of rare occurrence, is not of itself a cause for exemption. Stone in the bladder, ascertained by the introduction of the metallic catheter, is a positive disqualification. (33) Loss or complete atrophy of both testicles from any cause; permanent retention of one or both testicles within the inguinal canal; but voluntary retraction does not exempt. (34) Confirmed or malignant sarcocele; hydrocele, if complicated with organic disease of the testicle. Varicocele and cirsocele are not in themselves disqualifying. (35) Excessive anterior or posterior curvature of the spine; caries of the spine. ~ 36) Loss of an arm, forearm, hand, thigh, leg, or foot. 37) Wounds, fractures, tumors, atrophy of a limb, or chronic diseases of the joints or bones, that would impede marching or pre- vent continuous muscular exertion. (38) Anchylosis or irreducible dislocation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle joint. (39) Muscular or cutaneous contractions from wounds or burns in degree sufficient to prevent useful motion of a limb. (40) Total loss of a thumb; loss of ungual phalanx of right thumb. ~ 41) Total loss of any two fingers of same hand. 42) Total ross of index finger of right hand. 43) Loss of the first and second phalanges of the fingers of right hand. (44) Permanent extension or permanent contraction of any finger except the little finger; all the fingers adherent or united. (45) Total loss of either great toe; loss of any three toes on the same foot; all the toes joined together. (46) The great toe crossing the other toes with great prominence of the articulation of the metatarsal bone and first phalanx of the great toe. (47) Overriding or superposition of all the toes Page 139 UNION AUTHORITIES. 139 (48) Permanent retraction of the last phalanx of one of the toes, so that the free border of the nail bears upon the ground; or fiexion at a right angle of the first phalanx of a toe upon a second, with anchylosis of this articulation. (49) Club feet; splay feet, where the arch is so far effaced that the tuberosity of the scaphoid bone touches the ground and the line of station runs along the whole internal border of the foot, with great l)rominence of the inner ankle; but ordinary large, ill-shaped, or flat feet do not exempt. (50) Varicose veins of inferior extremities, if large and numerous, having clusters of knots and accompanied with chronic swellings or ulcerations. (51) Chronic ulcers; extensive, deep, and adherent cicatrices of lower extremities. 86. No certificate of a physician or surgeon is to be received in sup- port of any point in the claim of drafted men for exemption from military service unless the facts and statements therein set forth are affirmed or sworn to before a civil magistrate competent to administer oaths. 87. The exempts under the first provision of section 2 of the act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, & c., will generally be sufficiently well known to the Board to obviate the necessity of evi- dence with regard to them. Should, however, the Board consider it necessary in any case, the commission or certificate of office of any person claiming exemption under the provision mentioned may be required to be shown. 88. To establish exemption under the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth provisions of section 2 of the act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, & c., the Board shall require the affidavits of the person seeking to be exempt and of two respectable men (heads of families) residing in the district, that the man in question is the only son liable to military duty of a widow dependent on his labor for support, the only son of aged or infirm parent or parents dependent on his labor for support, or otherwise, according to the particular provision of the section under which the exemption is claimed. These affidavits will be made according to the forms hereinafter prescribed, and must in all cases be taken before a civil magistrate duly author- ized to administer oaths. These forms of affidavits shall be published by the Board of Enrollment in the newspapers of the district, for the information of the public, when a draft4s ordered. 89. When a claim for exemption is made under the seventh pro- vision of section 2 of the act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, & c., the Board shall apply to the Provost-Marshal General for the necessary extracts from the official rolls in the War Department, upon which it shall decide the case. 90. Persons claiming exemption from enrollment must furnish clear proof of their right to such exemption. They will be enrolled where the proof of their exemption is not clear and conclusive. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF DRAFTED MEN AND SUBSTITUTES. 91. The duty of inspecting men, and of determining whether they are fit or unfit for the military service of the country, requires the utmost impartiality, skill, and circumspection on the part of the examining surgeon and Board of Enrollment; for upon the manner in which thi Page 140 140 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. duty is performed will depend, in a very great degree, the efficiency of the Army. 92. In the examination the examining surgeons will bear in mind that the object of the Government is to secure the services of men who are effective, able-bodied, sober, and free from disqualifying diseases. 93. The examining surgeons will also remember that the object of the drafted men in claiming exemption may be to escape from serv- ice by pretended, simulated, or factitious diseases, or by exaggerating or aggravating those that really exist, and that the design of substi- tutes frequently is to conceal disqualifying infirmities. 94. The examination by the examining surgeon is to be conducted in the daytime, in the presence of the Board of Enrollment, and in a room well lighted and sufficiently large for the drafted man to walk about and exercise his limbs, which he must be required to do briskly. 95. The man is to be examined stripped. 96. The surgeon will habitually conduct his examination of a man in the following order, to ascertain (1) Whether his limbs are well formed and sufficiently muscular; whether they are ulcerated or extensively cicatrized; whether he has free motion of all his joints, and whether there are any 4aricose veins, tumors, wounds, fractures, dislocations, or sprains that would impede his marching or prevent continuous muscular exertion. (2) Whether the thumbs and fingers are complete in number, are well formed, and their motion unimpaired. (3) Whether the feet are sufficiently arched to prevent the tuber- osity of the scaphoid bone from touching the ground; whether the toes are complete in number, do not overlap, are not joined together, and whether the great toes are free from bunions. - (4) Whether he has any inveterate and extensive disease of the skin. (5) Whether he is sufficiently intelligent; is not subject to convul- sions, and whether he has received any contusion or wound of the head that may impair his faculties. (6) Whether his hearing, vision, and speech are good, and whether the eye and its appendages are free from disqualifying diseases. (7) Whether he has a sufficient number of teeth in good condition to masticate his food properly, and to tear his cartridge quickly and with ease. The cartridge is torn with the incisor, canine, or bicuspid teeth. (8) Whether his chest is ample and well formed, in due proportion to his height, and with power of full expansion. (9) Whether there is any structural or serious functional disease of the heart. (10) Whether the abdomen is well formed and not too protuberant; whether either the liver or spleen is considerably enlarged, amid whether the rectum and anus are free from disqualifying diseases. (11) Whether the spermatic chords and testes are free from diseases which would impair his efficiency; whether the testes are within the scrotum, and whether he has any rupture. (12) Whether there is any organic disease of the kidney or bladder, or permanent stricture of the urethra. (13) Whether his physical development is good, and constitution neither naturally feeble nor impaired by disease, habitual intemper- ance, or solitary vice; whether he is free from phthisis, scrofula, and constitutional syphilis, and whether he is epileptic, imbecile, or insane Page 141 UNION AUTHORITIES. 141 Many of the physical defects above mentioned are insufficient in themselves to disqualify for military service. In determining whether the man is fit or unfit for service the Board must be governed by the list of diseases and infirmities enumerated in paragraph 85. ACCOUNTS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS. 97. The following are the accounts, reports, and returns to be ren- dered by provost-marshals to the Provost-Marshal-General: (1) Tn-monthly reports of persons arrested, showing the disposi- tion made of them. (Form 1.) A copy of this report will be sent to the acting assistant provost-marshal-general of the State. (2) Tn-monthly reports of deserters arrested, stating how disposed of. (Form 2.) A copy to be sent to the acting assistant provost- marshal-general of the State. (3) Tn-monthly reports of their business and general transactions in the form of a letter, subdivided into subjects. (Triplicates.) A copy to be sent to the actiiig assistant provost-marshal-general of the State. (4) Monthly abstract of indebtedness incurred (Form 3), with sepa- rate vouchers for each account. (5) Monthly reports of persons and articles hired and employed. (Form 4.) A copy to be sent to the acting assistant provost-marshal- general of the State. (6) Monthly reports of persons arrested, being a consolidation of the tn-monthly reports on the same subject. (Form 5.) A copy to be sent to the acting assistant provost-marshal-general of the State. (7) Monthly returns of provost-marshals parties and deserters. (Form 6.) A copy to be sent to the acting assistant provost-marshal- general of the State. (8) Monthly returns of public property. (Form 7.) An abstract (Form 8) will be made of all the articles purchased during the month. Articles expended, lost, destroyed, & c., to be accounted for on an abstract (Form 9) with vouchers. (Form 10.) 98. One cupy of monthly reports, returns, & c., must be transmitted to the Provost-Marshal-Generals Office within five days after the end of the month to which they relate; and one copy thereof will be kept on file by each provost-marshal. 99. Officers in signing accounts and papers must give their rank and regiment or corps. Provost-marshals must append their title to their names. 100. No expenditure must be charo support it. bed without a proper voucher to Each voucher must be separately entered on the abstract of indebtedness incurred. 102. Each voucher should be complete in itself, being accompanied by all orders and explanations necessary to make it fully understood. 103. Vouchers for purchases must specify the date and place of purchase, the items and amount, and the name of the person or per- sons in whose favor the account is made. 104. Vouchers for other expenditures must specify when, where, to whom, and for what purpose the expenditure was made; the number and names of the persons for whom the expense was incurredif for officers or enlisted men, the company and regiment to which they belong. When the names are numerous a separate list of them should accompany the voucher Page 142 142 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 105. Vouchers must in all cases be accompanied by the receipt of the party to whom payment is made, and by the certificate of an officer of the Army or provost-marshal, that the amount charged is accurate and just, and that it was necessary for the public service. 106. When a voucher is not supported by a certificate of an officer or provost-marshal it must be accompanied by the affidavit of the person incurring the expense, setting forth that it was actually and necessarily incurred in the public service. 107. The receipt to a voucher must be signed, when practicable, by a principal. When this is not practicable the provost-marshal will add to his own certificate a statement that the agent is duly author- ized to sign the receipt. 108. When an individual makes his mark, instead .of signing his name to the receipt, it must be witnessed by a third person. 109. If medical attendance be necessary, and there be no army surgeon available, the provost-marshal may engage the services of a physician, by contract, on reasonable terms, by the visit or by the month. 110. In vouchers for medical attendance and medicines the name of each patient, date of, and charge for each visit, and for medicines furnished must be given, and the certificate of the physician added that the rates charged are the usual rates of the place. 111. To each voucher for notices inserted in newspapers or posters a copy of the notice or poster will be appended. 112. Vouchers to accounts which are to be paid by a disbursing officer of the Quartermasters or the Subsistence Departments must be made out in quadruplicatethree for the use of the departments, the other for the Provost-Marshal-General. 113. Vouchers to accounts which are to be paid by the Provost- Marshal-Generals Department will be made out in duplicate. 114. Expenditures must be confined to items stated in these regula- tions. In an unforeseen emergency, requiring a deviation from this rule, a full explanation must be appended to the voucher for the expenditure; and if this be not satisfactory the account will be charged against the provost-marshal. 115. Among expenses proper to be incurred for the provost-marshals department may be enumerated (1) Rent of office for district provost-marshals. (2) Purchase of necessary fuel for office of district provost-marshals. (3) Subsistence of drafted men while at rendezvous; not to exceed 30 cents per diem, in case subsistence cannot be furnished by Sub- sistence Department. (4) Necessary transportation of drafted men to rendezvous, and to their homes in case of discharge, at the rate of (not to exceed) 2 cents per mile for railroad travel, and at the current rates for stage and steam-boat fare. (5) Knives, forks, spoons, tin cups, and tin plates for drafted men. (6) Necessary medicines and medical attendance, as provided for in the Regulations. (7) Actual necessary expenses incurred in arrest of spies, deserters, & c., by authorized agents of provost-marshals. (8) Advertising in (not to exceed two) newspapers, in the city or district, the necessary notices, & c., concerning the draft. (9) Such other necessary expenses, not herein, provided for, as may be deemed necessary to the efficient execution of the duties of provost- marshal, subject to the decision of the Provost-Marshal-General Page 143 UNION AUTHORITIES. 143 116. Accounts, returns, and reports, except tri-monthly reports, must be accompanied by a letter of transmittal, enumerating them, and referring to no other subject. 117. All copies of papers to accompany letters or accounts should be certified by an officer as true copies.~~ 118. All accounts for jail fees and lodging of deserters, or for the transportation of the guards or parties in charge of them, shall be rendered to the provost-marshal, and shall be examined by him; if found correct and reasonable he shall make out separate vouchers (Forms 12, 15) for each account and sign the certificate thereon. 119. One copy of the voucher will be transmitted, through the provost-marshal, to the Provost-Marshal-General foP payment. The other copy will be retained by the provost-marshal to be forwarded at the end of the month, with his abstract of indebtedness, to the Provost-Marshal-General. To insure prompt payment on vouchers which are not presented in person by the party to whom the account is due, the receipt on the vouchers should be signed by him before the vouchers are forwarded. 120. Accounts for the $5 reward authorized for the apprehension of a deserter and for the reasonable expenses incurred in his delivery to the nearest provost-marshal shall be rendered and made out and one voucher retained and disposed of, as prescribed for the accounts in the preceding paragraph. 121. Triplicates of these vouchers will be given to the person to whom the account is due for presentation to the nearest disbursing officer of the Quartermasters Department for payment, or if he choose he may have the vouchers forwarded to the Provost-Marshal-General, as already prescribed for other accounts. 122. When it becomes absolutely necessary to purchase subsistence for prisoners, deserters, or guards en route from a station to the place of destination, or whilst traveling on duty, the bills must be paid and receipts obtained for the amounts by the district provost-marshal or by the special provost-marshal in charge of the party, to whom. the amounts will be reimbursed on presenting their accounts made out on proper vouchers. (Form 15.) 123. The original bills (Form 16) for subsistence furnished en route must be kept as sub-vouchers to the account for reimbursement, must be made out in quadruplicate, and must specify the place and date of expenditure, the items and amounts, the number and names of the party subsisted, and if enlisted men, their company and regiment; must be accompanied by the receipt of the person to whom payment was made, and by the affidavit of the person incurring the expense that it was actually and necessarily incurred in the public service. 124. Vouchers to accounts for reimbursement (Form 15) will be made out and certified by the district provost-marshal, and must specify the place and date of expenditure, the number and names of the prisoners, deserters, and guards, and the period for which the expense was incurred. 125. When the expenditures have been incurred for enlisted men, triplicates of the above vouchers with their corresponding sub-vouchers will be given to the person claiming reimbursement, to be presented or sent to the nearest disbursing officer of the Subsistence Department for payment. The fourth voucher and sub-voucher will be retained and disposed of as provided in paragraph 119 Page 144 144 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 126. When the expense has been incurred for civilians the vouchers and sub-vouchers will be sent for payment direct to the Provost- Marshal-General. 127. The vouchers (Form 18) in quadruplicate will be made out and certified by the provost-marshal, and will be disposed of as indicated for other accounts. 128. Vouchers for office rent and for the rent of rendezvous (Form 18), for the purchase of office furuiture, fuel, and stationery (Form 13), for postage (Form 14), and for traveling pay to drafted persons (Form 11), and for the payment of persons employed (Form 17), to be sent monthly, after being properly made out, certified, and receipted, will be forwarded for payment direct to the Provost-Marshal-General. One copy of these vouchers to be retained, except 17, and disposed of as provided in paragraph 119. 129. All accounts for per diem to special provost-marshals, special guards, and to all other persons for services rendered, and not herein otherwise specially provided for, will be made out and certified by the provost-marshal, and shall be disposed of as provided in para- graph 119. 130. The expenses incurred for drafted persons prior to their report- ing for duty, and for deserters previous to their delivery at a provost- marshals rendezvous, including subsistence while at the rendezvous, must be paid by the Provost-Marshal-General from the appropriations at his disposal; but after leaving the rendezvous to join their regi- ments or any general rendezvous established by the War Department, all expenses for the subsistence and transportation of drafted persons and deserters shall be paid by the Subsistence and Quartermasters Departments respectively. 131. All questions relating to the payment of expenses connected with the enrollment and draft, the arrest and return of deserters to their regiments, or such other duties as provost-marshals shall be called upon to perform, shall be referred to the Provost-Marshal- General, whose decision thereon shall, so far as the War Department is concerned, be final. Extracts from General Regulations of the Army. ARTICLE XLI. PUBLIC PROPERTY, MONEY, ACCOUNTS, AND CONTRACTS. 996. Any officer who shall directly or indirectly sell or dispose of, for a premium, any Treasury note, draft, warrant, or other public security in his hands for disbursement, or sell or dispose of the pro- ceeds or avails thereof without making returns of such premium and accounting therefor by charging it in his accounts to the credit of the United States, will forthwith be dismissed by the President. (Act August 6, 1846.) 996. If any disbursing officer shall bet at cards or any game of hazard, his commanding officer shall suspend his functions and require him to turn over all the public funds in his keeping, and shall imme- diately report the case to the proper bureau of the War Department. 997. All officers are forbid to give or take any receipt in blank for public money or property; but in all cases the voucher shall be made out in full, and the true date, place, and exact amount of money, in words, shall be written out in the receipt before it is signed. 1000. No officer disbursing or directing the disbursement of money for the military service shall be concerned, directly or indirectly, in the purchase or sale, for commercial purposes, of any article intended Page 145 UNION AUTHORITIES. 145 for, making a part of, or appertaining to the department of the public service in which he is engaged, nor shall take, receive, or apply to his own use any gain or emolument, under the guise of presents or other- wise, for negotiating or transacting any public business, other than what is or may be allowed by law. 1002. No officer or agent in the military service shall purchase from any other person in the military service, or make any contract with any such person to furnish supplies or services, or make any pur- chase or contract in which such person shall be admitted to any share or part, or to any benefit to arise therefrom. 1003. No person in the military service whose salary, pay, or emoluments is or are fixed by law or regulations, shall receive any additional pay, extra allowance, or compensation, in any form what- ever, for the disbursement of public money, or any other service or duty whatsoever, unless the same shall be authorized by law and explicitly set out in the appropriation. 1004. All accounts of expenditures shall set out a sufficient expla- nation of the object, necessity, and propriety of the expenditure. 1005. The facts on which an account depends must be stated and vouched by the certificate of an officer, or other sufficient evidence. 1006. If any account paid on the certificate of an officer to the facts is afterward disallowed for error of fact in the certificate, it shall pass to the credit of the disbursing officer, and be charged to the officer who gave the certificate. 1007. An officer shall have credit for an expenditure of money or property made in obedience to the order of his commanding officer. If the expenditure is disallowed, it shall be charged to the officer who ordered it. 1009. When a disbursing officer is relieved he shall certify the outstanding debts to his successor, and transmit an account of the same to the head of the bureau, and turn over his public money and property appertaining to the service from which he is relieved, to his successor, unless otherwise ordered. 1014. No officer has authority to insure public property or money. 1015. Disbursing officers are not authorized to settle with heirs, executors, or administrators, except by instructions from the proper bureau of the War Department upon accounts duly audited and cer- tified by the proper accounting officers of the Treasury. 1017. No public property shall be used, nor labor hired for the public be employed, for any private use whatsoever not authorized by the regulations of the service. 1027. If any article of public property be lost or damaged by neglect or fault of any officer or soldier, he shall pay the value of such article, or amount of damage, or cost of repairs, at such rates as a board of survey, with the approval of the commanding officer, may assess, according to the place and circumstances of the loss or damage. And he shall, moreover, be proceeded against as the Arti- cles of War provide, if he demand a trial by court-martial, or the circumstances should require it. 1029. If any article of public property be embezzled, or by neglect lost or damaged, by any person hired in the public service, the value or damage, as ascertained, if necessary, by a board of survey, shall be charged to him, and set against any pay or money due him. 1030. Public property lost or destroyed in the military service must be accounted for by affidavit, or the certificate of a commissioned officer, or other satisfactory evidence. 10 n RSERIES III, vOL II Page 146 146 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 1031. Affidavits or depositions may be taken before any officer in the list, as follows, when recourse cannot be had to any before named on said list, which fact shall be certified by the officer offering the evidence: First, a civil magistrate competent to administer oaths; second, a judge-advocate; third, the recorder of a garrison or regi- mental court-martial; fourth, the adjutant of a regiment; fifth, a commissioned officer. 1033. No officer making returns of property shall drop from his return any public property as worn out or unserviceable until it has been condemned, after proper inspection, and ordered to be so dropped. 1053. It is the duty of every commanding officer to enforce a rigid economy in the public expenses. LIST OF FORMS. * No. 1.Tn-monthly report of persons arrested. No. 2.Tn-monthly report of deserters arrested. No. 3.Monthly abstract of indebtedness. No. 4.Monthly report of persons and articles employed. No. 5.Monthly report of persons arrested. No. 6.Monthly returns of provost-marshals parties and deserters. No. 7.Monthly return of public property. No. 8.Abstract of articles purchased. No. 9.Abstract of articles expended, & c. No. 10.List of articles expended, lost, & c. No. 11.Traveling pay to drafted persons. No. 12.Transportation of deserters, & c. No. 13.Purchases. No. 14.Postage, & c. No. 15.Reimbursements of expenses paid. No. 16.Sub-voucher to claim for reimbursement. No. 17.Receipt roll of persons employed. No. 18.General voucher. No. 19.Abstract of lodgings. No. 20.Contract for subsistence. No. 21.Voucher for purchase of rations. No. 22.Abstracts of rations issued. No. 23.Return of lodgings. No. 24.Return of rations. No. 25.Exemption for son of widow, or aged or infirm parents. No. 26.Exemption for one of two sons of aged or infirm parents. No. 27.Exemption for only brother of dependent child or children. No. 28.Exemption on account of two members of family being in military service. No. 29.Exemption for father of dependent motherless children. No. 30.Exemption for unsuitableness of age. No. 31.Certificate of non-liability to military duty. No. 32.Certificate of disability. No. 33.Certificate of discharge. No. 34.Descriptive roll of drafted men. No. 35.Enrollment list, Class I. No. 36.Consolidated enrollment list, Class I. No. 37.Enrollment list, Class II. No. 38.Consolidated enrollment list, Class II. Yo. 39.Notification to persons of their having been drafted. * All forms omitted Page 147 UNION AUTHORITIES. 147 GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 25. f liiEillilcens Bend, La., April 22, 1863. I. Corps, division, and post commanders will afford all facilities for the completion of the negro regiments now organizing in this depart- inent. Commissaries will issne supplies, and qnartermasters will furnish stores, on the same requisitions and returns as are req aired from other troops. It is expected that all commanders will especially exert themselves in carrying out the policy of the Administration, not only in organizing colored regiments and rendering them effi- cient, but also in removing prejudice against them. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. Major-General BUENSIDE, WASHINGTON, D. C., April 23, 1863. Cincinnati, Ohio: The Secretary of War has refused three applications to make the troops in Kentucky a distinct army corps, for the reason that they are not combined into a single corps, but act by detachments. Should these troops gain some important victory he may make them a distinct corps as a reward. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. Hon. E. M. STANTON, CINCINNATI, April 23, 1863. Secretary of War, Washington: I am very anxious to know if the order authorizing the organization of the 20,000 troops has been issued. I feel that it is important that it should be done at once. Colonel Bramlette, whose initials you have in a paper left by General Boyle, would make a most excellent briga- dier-general to assist in organizing these troops, and I sincerely hope he will be appointed at once by telegraph and ordered to report to me. There is likely to be some trouble in this department, but I think it can be quieted. Should I be compelled to assume a little more respon- sibility than attaches to my position, I feel sure you will sustain me. I shall try to do nothing indiscreet. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 99. Washington, April 24, 1863. Volunteer regiments about to be discharged will, at the expiration of their term of service, be returned to the States in which they were raised and there promptly paid and mustered out. They will turn over their arms and equipments before leaving the army in which they are serving. The Quartermasters Department will furnish transpor- tation, and the Subsistence Department will furnish subsistence up t Page 148 148 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. the time of the final payment of the troops. The Paymaster-General will canse them to be paid immediately on their arrival in their respective States and before they disperse. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 100. Washington, April 34, 1863. The following Instructions for the Government of Armies of the United States in the Field, prepared by Francis Lieber, LL.D., and revised by a board of officers, of which Maj. Gen. E. A. Hitchcock is president, having been approved by the President of the United States, he commands that they be published for the information of all concerned. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES IN THE FIELD. SECTION 1.Martial lawMilitary jurisdictionMilitary necessity Retaliation. 1. A place, district, or conntry occupied by an enemy stands, in conseqnence of the occupation, under the martial law of the invading or occupying army, whether any proclamation declaring martial law, or any public warning to the inhabitants, has been issued or not. Martial law is the immediate and direct effect and consequence of occupation or conqnest. The presence of a hostile army proclaims its martial law. 2. Martial law does not cease during the hostile occupation, except by special proclamation, ordered by the commander-in-chief, or by special mention in the treaty of peace concluding the war, when the occnpation of a place or territory continnes beyond the conclusion of peace a~ one of the conditions of the same. 3. Martial law in a hostile country consists in the suspension by the occnpying military anthority of the criminal and civil law, and of the domestic administration and government in the occnpied place or territory, and in the substitution of military rule and force for the same, as well as in the dictation of general laws, as far as military necessity requires this suspension, substitution, or dictation. The commander of the forces may proclaim that the administration of all civil and penal law shall continue either wholly or in part, as in times of peace, unless otherwise ordered by the military authority. 4. Martial law is simply military authority exercised in accordance with the laws and usages of war. Military oppression is not martial law; it is the abuse of the power which that law confers. As martial law is executed by military force, it is incumbent upon those who administeritto be strictly guided by the principles of justice, honor, and humanityvirtues adorning a soldier even more than other men, for the very reason that he possesses the power of his arms against the unarmed. 5. Martial law should be less stringent in places and countries fully occupied and fairly conquered. Much greater severity may be exer Page 149 UNION AUTHORITIES. 149 cised in places or regions where actual hostilities exist or are expected and must be prepared for. Its most complete sway is allowedeven in the commanders own countrywhen face to face with the enemy, because of the absolute necessities of the case, and of the paramount duty to defend the country against invasion. To save the country is paramount to all other considerations. 6. All civil and penal law shall continue to take its usual course in the enemys places and territories under martial law, unless inter- rupted or stopped by order of the occupying military power; but all the functions of the hostile governmentlegislative, executive, or administrativewhether of a general, provincial, or local character, cease under martial law, or continue only with the sanction, or, if deemed necessary, the participation of the occupier or invader. 7. Martial law extends to property, and to persons, whether they are subjects of the enemy or aliens to that government. 8. Consuls, among American and European nations, are not diplo- matic agents. Nevertheless, their offices and persons will be subjected to martial law in cases of urgent necessity only; their property and business are not exempted. Any delinquency they commit against the established military rule may be punished as in the case of any other inhabitant, and such punishment furnishes no reasonable ground for international complaint. 9. The functions of ambassadors, ministers, or other diplomatic agents, accredited by neutral powers to the hostile government, cease, so far as regards the displaced government; but the conquering or occupying power usually recognizes them as temporarily accredited to itself. 10. Martial law affects chiefly the police and collection of public revenue and taxes, whether imposed by the expelled government or by the invader, and refers mainly to the support and efficiency of the Army, its safety, and the safety of its operations. 11. The law of war does not only disclaim all cruelty and bad faith concerning engagements concluded with the enemy during the war, but also tl~ie breaking of stipulations solemnly contracted by the belligerents in time of peace, and avowedly intended to remain in force in case of war between the contracting powers. It disclaims all extortions and other transactions for individual gain; all acts of private revenge, or connivance at such acts. Offenses to the contrary shall be severely punished, and especially so if committed by officers. 12. Whenever feasible, martial law is carried out in cases of indi- vidual offenders by military courts; but sentences of death shall be executed only with the approval of the chief executive, provided the urgency of the case does not require a speedier execution, and then only with the approval of the chief commander. 13. Military jurisdiction is of two kinds: First, that which is con- ferred and defined by statute; second, that which is derived from the common law of war. Military offenses under the statute law must be tried in the manner therein directed; but military offenses which do not come within the statute must be tried and punished under the common law of war. The character of the courts which exercise these jurisdictions depends upon the local laws of each particular country. In the armies of the United States the first is exercised by courts- martial; while cases which do not come within the Rules and Articles of War, or the jurisdiction conferred by statute on courts-martial, are tried by military commissions Page 150 150 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 14. Military necessity, as understood by modern civilized nations, consists in the necessity of those measures which are indispensable for securing the ends of the war, and which are lawful according to the modern law and usages of war. 15. Military necessity admits of all direct destruction of life or limb of armed enemies, and of other persons whose destruction is incidentally unavoidable in the armed contests of the war; it allows of the capturing of every armed enemy, and every enemy of impor- tance to the hostile government, or of peculiar danger to the captor; it allows of all destruction of property, and obstruction of the ways and channels of traffic, travel, or communication, and of all with- holding of sustenance or mean~i of life from the enemy; of the appro- priation of whatever an enemy~ s country affords necessary for the subsistence and safety of the Army, and of such deception as does not involve the breaking of good faith either positively pledged, regarding agreements entered into during the war, or supposed by the modern law of war to exist. Men who take up arms against one another in public war do not cease on this account to be moral beings, responsible to one another and to God. 16. Military necessity does not admit of crueltythat is, the infliction of suffering for the sake of suffering or for revenge, nor of maiming or wounding except in fight, nor of torture to extort con- fessions. It does not admit of the use of poison in any way, nor of the wanton devastatioii of a district. It admits of deception, but disclaims acts of perfidy; and, in general, military necessity does not include any act of hostility which makes the return to peace unneces- sarily difficult. 17. War is not carried on by arms alone. It is lawful to starve the hostile belligerent, armed or unarmed, so that it leads to the speedier subjection of the enemy. 18. When a commander of a besieged place expels the non-combat- ants, in order to lessen the number of those who consume his stock of provisions, it is lawful, though an extreme measure, to drive them back, so as to hasten on the surrender. 19. Commanders, whenever admissible, inform the enemy of their intention to bombard a place, so that the non-combatants, and es- pecially the women and children, may be removed before the bom- bardment commences. But it is no infraction of the common law of war to omit thus to inform the enemy. Surprise may be a necessity. 20. Public war is a state of armed hostility between sovereign nations or governments. It is a law and requisite of civilized exist- ence that men live in political, continuous societies, forming organ- ized units, called states or nations, whose constituents bear, enjoy, and suffer, advance and retrograde together, in peace and in war. 21. The citizen or native of a hostile country is thus an enemy, as one of the constituents of the hostile state or nation, and as such is subjected to the hardships of the war. 22. Nevertheless, as civilization has advanced during the last cen- turies, so has likewise steadily advanced, especially in war on land, the distinction between the private individual belonging to a hostile country and the hostile country itself, with its men in arms. The principle has been more and more acknowledged that the unarmed citizen is to be spared in person, property, and honor as much as the exigencies of war will admit. 23. Private citizens are no longer murdered, enslaved, or carried off to distant parts, and the inoffensive individual is as little disturbe Page 151 UNION AUTHORITIES. 151 in his private relations as the commander of the hostile troops can afford to grant in the overruling demands of a vigorous war. 24. The almost universal rule in remote times was, and continues to be with barbarous armies, that the private individual of the hostile country is destined to suffer every privation of liberty and protection and every disruption of family ties. Protection was, and still is with uncivilized people, the exception. 25. In moderu regular wars of the Europeans and their descendants in other portions of the globe, protection of the inoffensive citizen of the hostile country is the rule; privation and disturbance of private relations are the exceptions. 26. Commanding generals may canse the magistrates and civil offi- cers of the hostile country to take the oath of temporary allegiance or an oath of fidelity to their own victorious government or rulers, and they may expel every one who declines to do so. But whether they do so or not, the people and their civil officers owe strict obedience to them as long as they hold sway over the district or country, at the peril of their lives. 27. The law of war can no more wholly dispense with retaliation than can the law of nations, of which it is a branch. Yet civilized nations acknowledge retaliation as the sternest featnre of war. A reckless enemy often leaves to his opponent no other means of secur- ing himself against the repetition of barbarous outrage. 28. Retaliation will therefore never be resorted to as a measure of mere revenge, but only as a means of protective retribution, and more- over cautiously and unavoidablythat is to say, retaliation shall only be resorted to after careful inqniry into the real occurrence and the character of the misdeeds that may demand retribution. Unjnst or inconsiderate retaliation removes the belligerents farther and farther from the mitigating rules of regular war, and by rapid steps leads them nearer to the internecine wars of savages. 29. Modern times are distinguished from earlier ages by the exist- ence at one and the same time of many nations and great governments related to one another in close intercourse. Peace is their normal condition; war is the exception. The ultimate object of all modern war is a renewed state of peace. The more vigorously wars are pursued the better it is for hnmanity. Sharp wars are brief. 30. Ever since the formation and coexistence of modern nations, and ever since wars have become great national wars, war has come to be acknowledged not to be its own end, but the means to obtain great ends of state, or to consist in defense against wrong; and no conven- tional restriction of the modes adopted to injure the enemy is any longer admitted; but the law of war imposes many limitations and restrictions on principles of justice, faith, and honor. SECTION 11.Public and private property of the enemyProtection of persons, and especially of women; of religion, the arts and sciences Punishment of crimes against the inhabitants of hostile countries. 31. A victorious army appropriates all public money, seizes all public movable property until further direction by its government, and sequesters for its own benefit or of that of its government all the revenues of real property belonging to the hostile government or nation. The title to such real property remains in abeyance during military occupation, and until the conquest is made complete Page 152 152 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 32. A victorious army, by the martial power inherent in the same, may suspend, change, or abolish, as far as the martial power extends, the relations which arise from the services due, according to the exist- ing laws of the invaded country, from one citizen, subject, or native of the same to another. The commander of the army must leave it to the ultimate treaty of peace to settle the permanency of this change. 33. It is no longer considered lawfulon the contrary, it is held to be a serious breach of the law of warto force the subjects of the enemy into the service of the victorious government, except the latter should proclaim, after a fair and complete conquest of the hostile country or district, that it is resolved to keep the country, district, or place permanently as its own and make it a portion of its own country. 34. As a general rule, the property belonging to churches, to hos- pitals, or other establishments of an exclusively charitable character, to establishments of education, or foundations for the promotion of knowledge, whether public schools, universities, academies of learn- ing or observatories, museums of the fine arts, or of a scientific char- actersuch property is not to be considered public property in thc sense of paragraph 31; but it may be taxed or used when the public service may require it. 35. Classical works of art, libraries, scientific collections, or pre- cious instruments, such as astronomical telescopes, as well as hospitals, must be secured against all avoidable injury, even when they are contained in fortified places whilst besieged or bombarded. 36. If such works of art, libraries, collections, or instruments belonging to a hostile nation or government, can be removed without injury, the ruler of the conquering state or nation may order them to be seized and removed for the benefit of the said nation. The ulti- mate ownership is to be settled by the ensuing treaty of peace. In no case shall they be sold or given away, if captured by the armies of the United States, nor shall they ever be privately appro- priated, or wantonly destroyed or injured. 37. The United States acknowledge and protect, in hostile countries occupied by them, religion and morality; strictly private property; the persons of the inhabitants, especially those of women; and the sacredness of domestic relations. Offenses to the contrary shall be rigorously punished. This rule does not interfere with the right of the victorious invader to tax the people or their property, to levy forced loans, to billet sob diers, or to appropriate property, especially houses, lands, boats or ships, and the churches, for temporary and military uses. 38. Private property, unless forfeited by crimes or by offenses of the owner, can be seized only by way of military necessity, for the support or other benefit of the Army or of the United States. If the owner has not fled, the commanding officer will cause receipts to be given, which may serve the spoliated owner to obtain indemnity. 39. The salaries of civil officers of the hostile government who remain in the invaded territory, and continue the work of their office, and can continue it according to the circumstances arising out of the warsuch as judges, administrative or political officers, officers of city or communal governmentsare paid from the public revenue of the invaded territory until the military government has reason wholly or partially to discontinue it. Salaries or incomes connected with purely honorary titles are always stopped Page 153 UNION AUTHORITIES. 153 40. There exists no law or body of authoritative rules of action between hostile armies, except that branch of the law of nature and nations which is called the law and usages of war on land. 41. All municipal law of the ground on which the armies stand, or of the countries to which they belong, is silent and of no effect between armies in the field. 42. Slavery, complicating and confounding the ideas of property (that is, of a thing), and of personality (that is, of humanity), exists according to municipal or local law only. The law of nature and nations has never acknowledged it. The digest of the Roman law enacts the early dictum of the pagan jurist, that so far as the law of nature is concerned, all men are equal. Fugitives escaping from a country in which they were slaves, villains, or serfs, into another country, have, for centuries past, been held free and acknowledged free by judicial decisions of European countries, even though the municipal law of the country in which the slave had taken refuge acknowledged slavery within its own dominions. 43. Therefore, in a war between the United States and a belligerent which admits of slavery, if a person held in bondage by that belliger- ent be captured by or come as a fugitive under the protection of the military forces of the United States, such person is immediately entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman. To return such person into slavery would amount to enslaving a free person, and neither the United States nor any officer under their authority can enslave any human being. Moreover, a person so made free by the law of war is under the shield of the law of nations, and the former owner or State can have, by the law of postliminy, no belligerent lien or claim of service. 44. All wanton violence committed against persons in the invaded country, all destruction of property not commanded by the author- ized officer, all robbery, all pillage or sacking, even after taking a place by main force, all rape, wounding, maiming, or killing of such inhabitants, are prohibited under the penalty of death, or such other severe punishment as may seem adequate for the gravity of the offense. A soldier, officer, or private, in the act of committing such violence, and disobeying a superior ordering him to abstain from it, may be lawfully killed on the spot by such superior. 45. All captures and booty belong, according to the modern law of war, primarily to the government of the captor. Prize money, whether on sea or land, can now only be claimed under local law. 46. Neither officers nor soldiers are allowed to make use of their position or power in the hostile country for private gain, not even for commercial transactions otherwise legitimate. Offenses to the con- trary committed by commissioned officers will be punished with cash- iering or such other punishment as the nature of the offense may require; if by soldiers, they shall be punished according to the nature of the offense. 47. Crimes punishable by all penal codes, such as arson, murder, maiming, assaults, highway robbery, theft, burglary, fraud, forgery, and rape, if committed by an American soldier in a hostile country against its inhabitants, are not only punishable as at home, but in all cases in which death is not inflicted the severer punishment shall be preferred Page 154 154 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. SECTION 111.DesertersPrisoners of warHostagesBooty on the battle-field. 48. Deserters from the American Army, having entered the service of the enemy, suffer death if they fall again into the hands of the United States, whether by capture or being delivered up to the American Army; and if a deserter from the enemy, having taken serv- ice in the Army of the United States, is captured by the enemy, and punished by them with death or otherwise, it is not a breach against the law and usages of war, requiring redress or retaliation. 49. A prisoner of war is a public enemy armed or attached to the hostile army for active aid, who has fallen into the hands of the captor, either fighting or wounded, on the field or in the hospital, by indi- vidual surrender or by capitulation. All soldiers, of whatever species of arms; all men who belong to the rising en masse of the hostile country; all those who are attached to the Army for its efficiency and promote directly the object of the war, except such as are hereinafter provided for; all disabled men or officers on the field or elsewhere, if captured; all enemies who have thrown away their arms and ask for quarter, are prisoners of war, and as such exposed to the inconveniences as well as entitled to the privileges of a prisoner of war. 50. Moreover, citizens who accompany an army for whatever pur- pose, such as sutlers, editors, or reporters of journals, or contractors, if captured, may be made prisoners of war and be detained as such. The monarch and members of the hostile reigning family, male or female, the chief, and chief officers of the hostile government, its diplomatic agents, and all persons who are of particular and singular use and benefit to the hostile army or its government, are, if captured on belligerent ground, and.if unprovided with a safe-conduct granted by the captors government, prisoners of war. 51. If the people of that portion of an invaded country which is not yet occupied by the enemy, or of the whole country, at the approach of a hostile army, rise, under a duly authorized levy, en masse to resist the invader, they are now treated as public enemies, and, if captured, are prisoners of war. 52. No belligerent has the right to declare that he will treat every captured man in arms of a levy en masse as a brigand or bandit. If, however, the people of a country, or any portion of the same, already occupied by an army, rise against it, they are violators of the laws of war and are not entitled to their protection. 53. The enemys chaplains, officers of the medical staff, apothe- caries, hospital nurses, and servants, if they fall into the hands of the American Army, are not prisoners of war, unless the commander has reasons to retain them. In this latter case, or if, at their own desire, they are allowed to remain with their captured companions, they are treated as prisoners of war, and may be exchanged if the commander sees fit. 54. A hostage is a person accepted as a pledge for the fulfillment of an agreement concluded between belligerents during the war, or in consequence of a war. Hostages are rare in the present age. 55. If a hostage is accepted, he is treated like a prisoner of war, according to rank and condition, as circumstances may admit. 56. A prisoner of war is subject to no punishment for being a pub- lic enemy, nor is any revenge wreaked upon him by the intentional infliction of any suffering, or disgrace, by cruel imprisonment, want of food, by mutilation, death, or any other barbarity Page 155 UNION AUTHORITIES. 155 57. So soon as a man is armed by a sovereign government and takes the soldiers oath of fidelity he is a belligerent; his killing, wounding, or other warlike acts are no individual crimes or offenses. No bel- ligerent has a right to declare that enemies of a certain class, color, or condition, when properly organized as soldiers, will not be treated by him as public enemies. 58. The law of nations knows of no distinction of color and if an enemy of the United States should enslave and sell any captured per- sons of their Army, it would be a case for the severest retaliation, if not redressed upon complaint. The United States cannot retaliate by enslavement; therefore death must be the retaliation for this crime against the law of nations. 59. A prisoner of war remains answerable for his crimes committed against the captors army or people, committed before he was cap- tured, and for which he has not been punished by his own authorities. All prisoners of war are liable to the infliction of retaliatory meas- ures. 60. It is against the usage of modern war to resolve, in hatred and revenge, to give no quarter. No body of troops has the right to declare that it will not give, and therefore will not expect, quarter; but a commander is permitted to direct his troops to give no quarter, in great straits, when his own salvation makes it impossible to cumber himself with prisoners. 61. Troops that give no quarter have no right to kill enemies already disabled on the ground, or prisoners captured by other troops. 62. All troops of the enemy known or discovered to give no quar- ter in general, or to any portion of the Army, receive none. 63. Troops who fight in the uniform of their enemies, without any plain, striking, and uniform mark of distinction of their own, can expect no quarter. 64. If American troops capture a train containing uniforms of the enemy, and the commander considers it advisable to distribute them for use among his men, some striking mark or sign must be adopted to distinguish the American soldier from the enemy. 65. The use of the enemys national standard, flag, or other emblem of nationality, for the purpose of deceiving the enemy in battle, is an act of perfidy by which they lose all claim to the protection of the laws of war. 66. Quarter having been given to an enemy by American troops, under a misapprehension of his true character, he may, nevertheless, be ordered to suffer death if, within three days after the battle, it be discovered that he belongs to a corps which gives no quarter. 67. The law of nations allows every sovereign government to make war upon another sovereign State, and, therefore, admits of no rules or laws different from those of regular warfare, regarding the treat- ment of prisoners of war, although they may belong to the army of a government which the captor may consider as a wanton and unjust assailant. 68. Modern wars are not internecine wars, in which the killing of the enemy is the object. The destruction of the enemy in modern war, and, indeed, modern war itself, are means to obtain that object of the belligerent which lies beyond the war. Unnecessary or revengeful destruction of life is not lawful. 69. Outposts, sentinels, or pickets are not to be fired upon, except to drive them in, or when a positive order, special or general, has been issued to that effect Page 156 156 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 70. The use of poison in any manner, be it to poison wells, or food, or arms, is wholly excluded from modern warfare. He that uses it puts himself out of the pale of the law and usages of war. 71. Whoever intentionally inflicts additional wounds on an enemy already wholly disabled, or kills such an enemy, or who orders or encourages soldiers to do so, shall suffer death, if duly convicted, whether lie belongs to the Army of the United States, or is an enemy captured after having committed his misdeed. 72. Money and other valuables on the person of a prisoner, such as watches or jewelry, as well as extra clothing, are regarded by the American Army as the private property of the prisoner, and the appropriation of such valuables or money is considered dishonorable, and is prohibited. Nevertheless, if large sums are found upon the persons of prisoners, or in theii possession, they shall be taken from them, and the sur- plus, after providing for their own support, appropriated for the use of the Army, under the direction of the commander, unless otherwise ordered by the Government. Nor can prisoners claim, as private property, large sums found and captured in their train, although they have been placed in the private luggage of the prisoners. 73. All officers, when captured, must surrender their side-arms to the captor. They may be restored to the prisoner in marked cases, by the conimander, to signalize admiration of his distinguished brav- ery, or approbation of his humane treatment of prisoners before his capture. The captured officer to whom they may be restored cannot wear them during captivity. 74. A prisoner of war, being a public enemy, is the prisoner of the Government and not of the captor. No ransom can be paid by a prisoner of war to his individual captor, or to any officer in com- mand. The Government alone releases captives, according to rules prescribed by itself. 75. Prisoners of war are subject to confinement or imprisonment such as may be deemed necessary on account of safety, but they are to be subjected to no other intentional suffering or indignity. The confinement and mode of treating a prisoner may be varied during his captivity according to the demands of safety. 76. Prisoners of war shall be fed upon plain and wholesome food, whenever practicable, and treated with humanity. They may be required to work for the benefit of the captors gov- ernment, according to their rank and condition. 77. A prisoner of war who escapes may be shot, or otherwise killed, in his flight; but neither death nor any other punishment shall be inflicted upon him simply for his attempt to escape, which the law of war does not consider a crime. Stricter means of security shall be used after an unsuccessful attempt at escape. If, however, a conspiracy is discovered, the purpose of which is a united or general escape, the conspirators may be rigorously punished, even with death; and capital punishment may also be inflicted upon prisoners of war discovered to have plotted rebellion against the authorities of the captors. whether in union with fellow-prisoners or other persons. 78. If prisoners of war, having given no pledge nor made any promise on their honor, forcibly or otherwise escape, and are cap- tured again in battle, after having rejoined their own army, they shall not be punished for their escape, but shall be treated as simple prisoners of war, although they will be subjected to stricter confine- inent Page 157 UNION AUTHORITIES. 157 79. Every captured wounded enemy shall be medically treated, according to the ability of the medical staff. 80. Honorable men, when captured, will abstain from giving to the enemy information concerning their own army, and the modern law of war permits no longer the use of any violence against prisoners in order to extort the desired information, or to punish them for having given false information. SECTION 1WPartisansArmed enemies not belonging to the hostile armyScoutsArmed prowlers War-rebels. 81. Partisans are soldiers armed and wearing the uniform of their army, but belonging to a corps which acts detached from the main body for the purpose of making inroads into the territory occupied by the enemy. If captured they are entitled to all the privileges of the prisoner of war. 82. Men, or squads of men, who commit hostilities, whether by fighting, or inroads for destruction or plunder, or by raids of any kind, without commission, without being part and portion of the organized hostile army, and without sharing continuously in the war, but who do so with intermitting returns to their homes and avoca- tions, or with the occasional assumption of the semblance of peaceful pursuits, divesting themselves of the character or appearance of soldierssuch men, or squads of men, are not public enemies, and therefore, if captured, are not entitled to the privileges of prisoners of war, but shall be treated summarily as highway robbers or pirates. 83. Scouts or single soldiers, if disguised in the dress of the country, or in the uniform of the army hostile to their own, employed in obtaining information, if found within or lurking about the lines of the captor, are treated as spies, and suffer death. 84. Armed prowlers, by whatever names they may be called, or persons of the enemys territory, who steal within the lines of the hostile army for the purpose of robbing, killing, or of destroying bridges, roads, or canals, or of robbing or destroying the mail, or of cutting the telegraph wires, are not entitled to the privileges of the prisoner of war. 85. War-rebels are persons within an occupied territory who rise in i~rms against the occupying or conquering army, or against the authorities established by the same. If captured, they may suffer death, whether they rise singly, in small or large bands, and whether called upon to do so by their own, but expelled, government or not. They are not prisoners of war; nor are they if discovered and secured before their conspiracy has matured to an actual rising or to armed violence. SECTION V.Safe-conductSpies War-traitorsCaptured messen- gersAbuse of the flag of truce. 86. All intercourse between the territories occupied by belligerent armies, whether by traffic, by letter, by travel, or in any other way, ceases. This is the general rule, to be observed without special proclamation. Exceptions to this rule, whether by safe-conduct or permission to trade on a small or large scale, or by exchanging mails, or by travel from one territory into the other, can take place only according to agreement approved by the Government or by the highest military authority. Contraventions of this rule are highly punishable Page 158 158 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 87. Ambassadors, and all other diplomatic agents of neutral powers accredited to the enemy may receive safe-conducts through the terri- tories occupied by the belligerents, nuless there are military reasous to the contrary, and nnless they may reach the place of their destina- tion conveniently by another route. It implies no international affront if the safe-conduct is declined. Such passes are usually given by the supreme authority of the st~te and not by subordinate officers. 88. A spy is a person who secretly, in disguise or under false pre- tense, seeks information with the intention of communicating it to the enemy. The spy is punishable with death by hanging by the neck, whether or not he succeed in obtaining the information or in conveying it to the enemy. 89. If a citizen of the United States obtains information in a legiti- mate manner and betrays it to the enemy, be he a military or civil officer, or a private citizen, he shall suffer death. 90. A traitor under the law of war, or a war-traitor, is a person in a place or district under martial law who, unauthorized by the mili- tary commander, gives information of any kind to the enemy, or holds intercourse with him. 91. The war-traitor is always severely punished. If his offense consists in betraying to the enemy anything concerning the condition, safety, operations, or plans of the troops holding or occupying the place or district, his punishment is death. 92. If the citizen or subject of a country or place invaded or con- quered gives information to his own government, from which he is separated by the hostile army, or to the army of his. government, he is a war-traitor, and death is the penalty of his offense. 93. All armies in the field stand in need of guides, and impress them if they cannot obtain them otherwise. 94. No person having been forced by the enemy, to serve as guide is punishable for having done so. 95. If a citizen of a hostile and invaded district voluntarily serves as a guide to the enemy, or offers to do so, he is deemed a war-traitor and shall suffer death. 96. A citizen serving voluntarily as a guide against his own country commits treason, and will be dealt with according to the law of his country. 97. Guides, when it is clearly proved that they have misled inten- tionally, may be put to death. 98. All unauthorized or secret communication with the enemy is considered treasonable by the law of war. Foreign residents in an invaded or occupied territory or foreign visitors in the same can claim no immunity from this law. They may communicate with foreign parts or with the inhabitants of the hostile country, so far as the military authority permits, but no further. Instant expulsion from the occupied territory would be the very least punishment for the infraction of this rule. 99. A messenger carrying written dispatches or verbal messages from one portion of the army or from a besieged place to another portion of the same army or its government, if armed, and in the uniform of his army, and if captured while doing so in the territory occupied by the enemy, is treated by the captor as a prisoner of war. If not in uniform nor a soldier, the circumstances connected with his capture must determine the disposition that shall be made of him. 100. A messenger or agent who attemnpts to steal through the tern- tory occupied by the enemy to further in any manner the interests o Page 159 UNION AUTHORITIES. 159 the enemy, if captured, is not entitled to the privileges of the pris- oner of war, and may be dealt with according to the circumstances of the case. 101. While deception in war is admitted as a just and necessary means of hostility, and is consistent with honorable warfare, the common law of war allows even capital punishment for clandestine or treacherous attempts to injure an enemy, because they are so danger- ous, and it is so difficult to guard against them. 102. The law of war, like the criminal law regarding other offenses, makes no difference on account of the difference of sexes, concerning the spy, the war-traitor, or the war-rebel. 103. Spies, war-traitors, and war-rebels are not exchanged accord- ing to tlie common law of war. The exchange of such persons would require a special cartel, authorized by the Goverunient, or, at a great distance from it, by the chief commander of the army in the field. 104. A successful spy or war-traitor, safely returned to his own army, and afterward captured as an enemy, is not subject to punish- ment for his acts as a spy or war-traitor, but he may be held in closer custody as a person individually dangerous. SECTION VI.Exchange of prisonersFlags of truceFlags of protection. 10~. Exchanges of prisoners take placenumber for numberrank for rankwounded for woundedwith added condition for added conditionsuch, for instance, as not to serve for a certain period. 106. In exchanging prisoners of war, such numbers of persons of inferior rank may be substituted as an equivalent for one of superior rank as may be agreed upon by cartel, which requires the sanction of the Government, or of the commander of the army in the field. 107. A prisoner of war is in honor bound truly to state to the captor his rank; and he is not to assume a lower rank than belongs to him, in order to cause a more advantageous exchange, nor a higher rank, for the purpose of obtaining better treatment. Offenses to the contrary have been justly punished by the com- manders of released prisoners, and may be good cause for refusing to release such prisoners. 108. The surplus number of prisoners of war remaining after an exchange has taken place is sometimes released either for the pay- ment of a stipulated sum of ~noney, or, in urgent cases, of provision, clothing, or other necessaries. Such arrangement, however, requires the sanction of the highest authority. 109. The exchange of prisoners of war is an act of convenience to both belligerents. If no general cartel has been concluded, it cannot be demanded by either of them. No belligerent is obliged to exchange prisoners of war. A cartel is voidable as soon as either party has violated it. 110. No exchange of prisoners shall be made except after complete capture, and after an accurate account of them, and a list of the cap- tured officers, has been taken. 111. The bearer of a flag of truce cannot insist upon being admitted. He must always be admitted with great caution. Unnecessary fre- quency is carefully to be avoided. 112. If the bearer of a flag of truce offer himself duritig an engage- inent, he can be admitted as a very rare exception only. It is no breach of good faith to retain such flag of truce, if admitted durin Page 160 160 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. the engagement. Firing is not required to cease on the appearance of a flag of truce in battle. 113. If the bearer of a flag of truce, presenting himself during an engagement, is killed or wounded, it furnishes no ground of complaint whatever. 114. If it be discovered, and fairly p~uved, that a flag of truce has been abused for surreptitiously obtaining military knowledge, the bearer of the flag thus abusing his sacred character is deemed a spy. So sacred is the character of a flag of truce, and so necessary is its sacredness, that while its abuse is an especially heinous offense, great caution is requisite, on the other hand, iu convicting the bearer of a flag of truce as a spy. 115. It is customary to designate by certain flags (usually yellow) the hospitals in places which are shelled, so that the besieging enemy may avoid firing on them. The same has been done in battles when hospitals are situated within the field of the engagement. 116. Honorable belligerents often request that the hospitals within the territory of the enemy may be designated, so that they may be spared. An honorable belligerent allows himself to be guided by flags or signals of protection as much as the contingencies and the necessities of the fight will permit. 117. It is justly considered an act of bad faith, of infamy or fiendish- ness, to deceive the enemy by flags of protection. Such act of bad faith may be good cause for refusing to respect such flags. 118. The besieging belligerent has sometimes requested the besieged to designate the buildings containing collections of works of art, scientific museums, astronomical observatories, or precious libraries, so that their destruction may be avoided as much as possible. SEcTIoN VII.The parole. 119. Prisoners of war may be released from captivity by exchange, and, under certain circumstances, also by parole. 120. The term parole designates the pledge of individual good faith and honor to do, or to omit doing, certain acts after he who gives his parole shall have been dismissed, wholly or partially, from the power of the captor. 121. The pledge of the parole is always an individual, but not a private act. 122. The parole applies chiefly to prisoners of war whom the captor allows to return to their country, or to live in greater freedom within the captors country or territory, on conditions stated in the parole. 123. Release of prisoners of war by exchange is the general rule; release by parole is the exception. 124. Breaking the parole is punished with death when the person breaking the parole is captured again. Accurate lists, therefore, of the paroled persons must be kept by the belligerents. 125. When paroles are given and received there must be an exchange of two written documents, in which the name and rank of the paroled individuals are accurately and truthfully stated. 126. Commissioned officers only are allowed to give their parole, and they can give it only with the permission of their superior, as long as a superior in rank is within reach. 127. No non-commissioned officer or private can give his parole except through an oflicor. Individual paroles not given through a Page 161 UNION AUTHORITIES. 1~i officer are not only void, but subject the iiidividuals giving them to the punishment of death as deserters. The only admissible exception is where individuals, properly separated from their commands, have suffered lon~ confinement without the possibility of being paroled through an officer. 128. No paroling on the battle-field; no paroling of entire bodies of troops after a battle; and no dismissal of large numbers of prisoners, with a general declaration that they are paroled, is permitted, or of any value. 129. In capitulations for the surrender of strong places or fortified camps the commanding officer, in cases of urgent necessity, may agree that the troops under his command shall not fight again during the war unless exchanged. 130. The usual pledge given in the parole is not to serve during the existing war unless exchanged. This pledge refers only to the active service in th~ field against the paroling belligerent or his allies actively engaged in the same war. These cases of breaking the parole are patent acts, and can be visited with the punishment of death; but the pledge does not refer to internal service, such as recruiting or drilling the recruits, fortifying places not besieged, quelling civil commotions, fighting against belligerents nnconnected with the paroling belligerents, or to civil or diplomatic service for which the paroled officer may be employed. 131. If the government does not approve of the parole, the paroled officer must return into captivity, and should the enemy refuse to receive him he is free of his parole. 132. A belligerent government may declare, by a general order, whether it will allow paroling and on what conditions it will allow it. Such order is communicated to the enemy. 133. No prisoner of war can be forced by the hostile government to parole himself, and no government is obliged to parole prisoners of war or to parole all captured officers, if it paroles any. As the pledging of the parole is an individual act, so is paroling, on the other hand, an act of choice on the part of the belligerent. 134. The commander of an occupying army may require of the civil officers of the enemy, and of its citizens, any pledge he may consider necessary for the safety or security of his army, and upon their failure to give it he may arrest, confine, or detain them. SECTION VIII.ArmisliceCapilulation. 13~I. An armistice is the cessation of active hostilities for a period agreed between belligerents. It must be agreed upon in writing and duly ratified by the highest authorities of the contending parties. 136. If an armistice be declared without conditions it extends no further than to require a total cessation of hostilities along the front of both belligerents. If conditions be agreed upon, they should be clearly expressed, and must be rigidly adhered to by both parties. If either party violates any express condition, the armistice may be declared null and void by the other. 137. An armistice may be general, and valid for all points and lines of the belligerents; or specialthat is, referring to certain troops or certain localities only. 11 B BSERIES III, ~OL II Page 162 162 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. An armistice may be concluded for a definite time; or for an indefi- nite time, during whicli either belligerent may resume hostilities on giving the notice agreed upon to the other. 138. The motives which induce the one or the other belligerent to conclude an armistice, whether it be expected to be preliminary to a treaty of peace, or to prepare during the armistice for a more vigor- ous prosecution of the war, does in no way affect the character of the armistice itself. 139. An armistice is binding upon the belligerents from the day of the agreed commencement; but the officers of the armies are respon- sible from the day only when they receive official information of its existence. 140. Commanding officers have the right to conclude armistices binding on the district over which their command extends, but such armistice is subject to the ratification of the superior authority, and ceases so soon as it is made known to the enemy that the armistice is not ratified, even if a certain time for the elapsing between giving notice of cessation and the resumption of hostilities should have been stipulated for. 141. It is incumbent upon the contracting parties of an armistice to stipulate what intercourse of persons or traffic between the inhab- itants of the territories occupied by the hostile armies shall be allowed, if any. If nothing is stipulated the intercourse remains suspended, as during actual hostilities. 142. An armistice is not a partial or a temporary peace; it is only the suspension of military operations to the extent agreed upon by the parties. 143. When an armistice is concluded between a fortified place and the army besieging it, it is agreed by all the authorities on this subject that the besieger must cease all extension, perfection, or advance of his attacking works as much so as from attacks by main force. But as there is a difference of opinion among martial jurists whether the besieged have a right to repair breaches or to erect new works of defense within the place during an armistice, this point should be determined by express agreement between the parties. 144. So soon as a capitulation is signed the capitulator has no right to demolish, destroy, or injure the works, arms, stores, or ammuni- tion in his possession, during the time which elapses between the signing and the execution of the capitulation, unless otherwise stipu- lated in the same. 145. When an armistice is clearly broken by one of the parties the other party is released from all obligation to observe it. 146. Prisoners taken in the act of breaking an armistice must be treated as prisoners of war, the officer alone being responsible who gives the order for such a violation of an armistice. The highest authority of the belligerent aggrieved may demand redress for the infraction of an armistice. 147. Belligerents sometimes conclude an armistice while their ph~n- ipotentiaries are met to discuss the conditions of a treaty of peace; but plenipotentiaries may meet without a preliminary armistice; in the latter case the war is carried on without any abatement. SECTION IX.Assassrnation. 148. The law of war does not allow proclaiming either an individual belonging to the hostile army, or a citizen, or a subject of the hostil Page 163 UNION AUTHORITIES. 163 government all outlaw, who may be slain without trial b~ any captor, any more than the modern law of peace allows such international out- lawry; on the contrary, it abhors such outrage. The sternest retalia- tion should follow the murder committed in consequence of such proclamation, made by whatever authority. Civilized nations look with horror upon offers of rewards for the assassination of enemies as relapses into barbarism. SECTION X.Insurreciion Civil warRebellion. 149. Insurrection is the rising of people in arms against their gov- ernment, or a portion of it, or against one or more of its laws, or against an officer or officers of the government. It may be confined to mere armed resistance, or it may have greater ends in view. 150. Civil war is war between two or more portions of a country or state, each contending for the mastery of the whole, and each claim- ing to be the legitimate government. The term is also sometimes applied to war of rebellion, when the rebellious provinces or portions of the state are contiguous to those containing the seat of government. 151. The term rebellion is applied to an insurrection of large extent, and is usually a war between the legitimate government of a country and portions of provinces of the same who seek to throw off their allegiance to it and set up a government of their own. 152. When humanity induces the adoption of the rules of regular war toward rebels, whether the adoption is partial or entire, it does in nd way whatever imply a partial or complete acknowledgment of their government, if they have set up one, or of them, as an independent or sovereign power. Neutrals have no right to make the adoption of the rules of war by the assailed government toward rebels the ground of their own acknowledgment of the revolted people as an independ- ent power. 153. Treating captured rebels as prisoners of war, exchanging them, concluding of cartels, capitulations, or other warlike agreements with them; addressing officers of a rebel army by the rank they may have in the same; accepting flags of truce; or, on the other hand, proclaim- ing martial law in their territory, or levying war taxes or forced loans, or doing any other act sanctioned or demanded by the law and usages of public war between sovereign belligerents, neither proves nor establishes an acknowledgment of the rebellious people, or of the government which they may have erected, as a public or sovereign power. Nor does the adoption of the rules of war toward rebels imply an engagement with them extending beyond the limits of these rules. It is victory in the field that ends the strife and settles the future relations between the contending parties. 154. Treating in the field the rebellious enemy according to the law and usages of war has never prevented the legitimate government from trying the leaders of the rebellion or chief rebels for high trea- son, and from treating them accordingly, unless they are included in a general amnesty. 155. All enemies in regular war are divided into two general classes that is to say, into combatants and non-combatants, or unarmed citi- zens of the hostile government. The military commander of the legitimate government, in a war of rebellion, distinguishes between the loyal citizen in the revolted por- tion of the country and the disloyal citizen. The disloyal citizens may further be classified into those citizens known to sympathize wit Page 164 164 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. the rebellion without positively aiding it, and those who, without taking up arms, give positive aid and comfort to the rebellions enemy without being bodily forced thereto. 156. Common justice and plain expediency require that the military commander protect the manifestly loyal citizens in revolted territo- ries against the hardships of the war as much as the common mis- fortune of all war admits. The commander will throw the burden of the war, as much as lies within his power, on the disloyal citizens, of the revolted portion or province, subjecting them to a stricter police than the non-combatant enemies have to suffer in regular war; and if he deems it appropriate, or if his government demands of him that every citizen shall, by an oath of allegiance, or by some other manifest act, declare his fidelity to the legitimate government, he may expel, transfer, imprison, or fine the revolted citizens who refuse to pledge themselves anew as citizens obedient to the law and loyal to the government. Whether it is expedient to do so, and whether reliance can be placed upon such oaths, the commander or his government have the right to decide. 157. Armed or unarmed resistance by citizens of the United States against the lawful movements of their troops is levying war against the United States, and is therefore treason. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. A. E. BURNSIDE, Commanding Department of the Ohio, C~incinnati: Your dispatch in relation to the organization of a new corps has been received, and directions given to issue the order immediately according to your request. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Viclcsburg, April 24, 1863. General L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Millileens Bend: SIR: If my judgment do not err, you have the power to save this army from a disintegration more fatal than defeat. General Orders, No. 86,. of this year, from the War Department, if literally enforced, will do more to destroy this army than any single act of war. You will pardon so strong an expression, when I illustrate my meaning, and if I am in error, shall rejoice to know it. The authority to consolidate reduced regiments was conferred on the President by section 19 of the act approved March 3, 1863, but was discretionary, admitting of general and exceptional application. That act of Congress known as the conscript bill, though con- taining many other provisions, was chiefly designed to organize the entire available military strength of the nation, and provide for its being called out to the assistance of the armies now in the field Page 165 UNION AUTHORITIES. 165 These armies are composed in great part of regiments which, by death in battle, by disease, and discharged for original or developed canses, have fallen far below the minimum standard of law, and many even below one-half the maximum strength. Yet all these regiments, as a general rule, have nndergone a necessary and salutary pnrgation. Field officers have acquired a knowledge which they did not pos- sess when first called to arms by the sudden breaking out of war; they have learned how to drill, to organize, to provide for, and con- duct their regiments. Captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and corpo- rals have all been educated in the dear, but necessary, school of experience, and begin to have a knowledge which would enable them to make good companies had they the proper number of privates. We had all supposed the conscript law would furnish these privates, and that at last we would have an army with a due proportion of all grades. The receipt of General Orders, No. 86, dispels this illusion, and we must now absolutely discharge the colonels and majors and assistant surgeons of all regiments below the standard of one-half the maxi- mum. This will at once take the very life out of our army. The colonels and majors of our reduced regiments are generally the best men, and are the fruit of two years hard and constant labor. Then the ten companies must be reduced to five, and of course there will be discharged in each regimentfield and staff, 3; captains, 5; lieutenants, 10; sergeants, 20; corporals, 40; aggregate, 78; so that each regiment will be reduced in strength by seventy-eight of its chosen and best men. Extend this to the whole army, for all the army is now, or must soon fall below the standard, and the result will be a very heavy loss, and that confined to the best men. Then after regiments are made battalions, and again arc restored to their regimental organization, will come in a new set of colonels, majors, captains, & c., and what guarantee have we but that the same old process of costly elimination will be gone over? We know from the mammoth size of the army that the appointing power must be given to Governors of States, who, however patriotic, rarely appreciate the fact that to handle and discipline troops in the field requires a knowledge of the principles of war different from those that manage county canvasses. A new set of colonels and majors, and a strong infusion of new captains and lieutenants, will paralyze the new organization and will lose to us other years of war. This army is now in about the right condition to be re-enforced by recruitsprivates; but if this consolidation is effected, I have no hesitation in saying that my army corps is and will be paralyzed by the change. It will be all loss and no gain. Regiments will lose their identity, their pride, their esprit. If there be no intention to enlarge the present volunteer army, I admit that consolidation is economy and right, but when we all feel tl~at the armies must be filled up, it does seem strange we should begin by taking out of our small but tried regiments some of the very best material in them, especially their colonels. I do hope General Thomas will manage to postpone the enforce- ment of this order till its effect can be better understood. With great respect, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Gommanding Page 166 166 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. PROVOSTMARSHALGENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. 0., April 24, 1863. To His Excellency Governor HORATIO SEYMOUR, Governor of New York: SIR: With a view to uniform and harmonious execution of the enrollment act, it has been deemed best to assign an officer of this department of rank to duty at the capital of New York. He will be instructed to confer with Your Excellency, to superintend the opera- tions of the provost-marshals and boards of enrollment in the several districts of the State, excepting the first nine to secure from the provost-marshals and boards and submit to the State executive such rolls and reports as may be deemed necessary for the files of the State, and to prepare from the State records and transmit to the provost- marshals and boards of enrollment such information placed at his disposal by the State authorities as may be necessary or useful to them in the performance of the duties assigned them. With similar views and for a like purpose it has been decided to assign an officer to the. city of New York to exercise the same functions for the first nine Congressional districts of your State. In accordance with the foregoing, Maj. Frederick Townsend, Eight- eenth U. S. Infantry, has been directed to take post at Albany, and Col. Robert Nugent, Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, at New York City. These are officers of superior ability and gentlemen of attainments, and it is hoped their assignment will prove agreeable to Your Excel- lency. The War Department will be pleased if Your Excellency will com- municate fully with them and secure as far as possible for all officers appointed under the enrollment act the co-operation of the civil offi- cers of your State. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. 0., April 24, 1863. To His Excellency Governor A. G. CURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvania: SIR: With a view to uniform and harmonious execution of the enrollment act, it has been deemed best to assign an officer of this department of rank to duty at the capital of each State. He will be instructed to confer with the Governor, to superintend the operations of the provost-marshals and boards of enrollment in the several dis- tricts of the State, to secure from the provost-marshals and boards and submit to the State executive such rolls and reports as may be deemed necessary for the files of the State, and to prepare from the State rec- ords and transmit to the provost-marshals and boards of enrollment such information placed at his disposal by the State authorities as may be necessary or useful to provost-marshals or boards of enrollment in the performance of the duties assigned them. In accordance with the foregoing, Licut. Col. Charles F. Ruff, Third U. S. Cavalry, has been directed to take post at Harrisburg. He is an officer of superior ability and a gentleman of attainments, and it is hoped his assignment will prove agreeable to Your Excellency Page 167 UNION AUTHORITIES. 167 The War Department will be pleased if Your Excellency will com- municate freely with him and secure, as far as possible, for all officers appointed under the enrollment act the co-operation of the civil officers of your State. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. MEMoRANDUM.Letters of advice similar to foregoing sent to Gov- ernors of other States. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 102. * Washington, April 25, 1863. * * * * * * II. When transportation has been furnished under General Orders, No. 121, of 1862, the accounts therefor will be settled, no matter whether the mode of transportation be by railroad, steam-boat, stage, wagon, or otherwise. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, April 25, 1863. Col. EDWARD A. WILD, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Vol~rnteers: (Under cover to His Excellency the Governor of Massachusetts.) SIR: I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform you that your authority of date the 14th [13th] instant, to raise a brigade of volunteer infantry, is under the condition that the organization shall be conducted by successive regimentsthat is, the first regiment must be complete in all respects before the second one is commenced, and thus on until the recruitment is finished. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. 0., April 25, 1863. Maj. FREDERICK TOWNSEND, Eighteenth U. S. Infantry, Albany, N. Y.: MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose herewith an order assigning you to duty as acting assistant provost-marshal-general for the State of New York, excepting the first nine Congressional districts; also a copy of a letter addressed to His Excellency Governor Seymour. * Copies of the Regulations for the Government of the Provost-Marshal- Generals Department will be forwarded within a few days. You are assigned to duty by virtue of your commission as major in the Eighteenth Regiment of Infantry, in the service of the United States, and have the power belonging to it; but as there is no law creating the position of provost-marshals for States, you will act for the districts mentioned in the State of New York in the name of the * See April 24, p. 166 Page 168 168 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Provost-Marshal-General and as his assistant. You will be exclusively under the orders of this department; yet, while the Governor of New York has no control over you, you will be required to acquaint your- self with his views and wishes, and give them due weight in determin- ing as to the best interests of the General Government, of which you are the representative. To this end you will use all proper means to gain and to retain the confidence and good will of the Governor and his State officers. You will endeavor by all means in your power to secure for the execution of the enrollment act the aid and hearty co-operation of His Excellency the Governor and of the civil officers in his State, as also of the people. Instructions in detail will be sent to you from time to time as the requirements of the service of the Pro- vost-Matshal-Generals Department may develop themselves. You are authorized to establish a suitable office and employ such clerical assistance as may be absolutely necessary, conforming in principle with the rules governing provost-marshals in like cases. You will make it your first duty to present for the consideration of the Provost-Marshal-General all important questions arising within your jurisdiction, with such remarks as will serve fully to explain them, and with such recommendations as you may consider best cal- culated for the benefit of the service. The State of New York has failed to furnish her full quota of men under the Presidents calls of July 2 and August 4, 1862, for 600,000 men. You will at once calcu- late, by reference to the State records, what proportton of the defici- ency is due to each district under your charge in the State and inform the department of the result at the earliest day practicable. The actual deficiency from the districts is not sought, but the proportion of it from each district is required, taking for the calculation such information in regard to the actual deficiency as the State records may give you. The enrollment lately made by the State will probably be useful to the boards in the different districts under your control, and you are therefore desired to have prepared at once and transmitted to them, respectively, such extracts from the State enrollment lists as will facilitate their business. You will also inform yourself, as far as practicable, of the localities, numbers, and strength of the enemies of the Government, if there be any, in the districts under your charge in the State, and you will ascertain the location and strength of the military forces and of all enrolled, organized, or partially organized parties friendly to the Government within the same limits. You will communicate fully and frequently upon the condition of affairs in the different districts under your superintendence, and you will take especial care to ascertain and report to this office all cases wherein provost-marshals, surgeons, commissioners, enrolling officers,, or other emuploy6s of this department, shall have proved themselves unworthy or incompetent to fill the positions to which they have been appointed. The information necessary to this end will be obtained both by your own personal examination and by the assistance of officers to be detailed under your orders as inspectors for this department in your portion of the State. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. (Similar letter to Lieut. Col. C. F. Ruff, for Pennsylvania. Page 169 UNION AUTHORITIES. 169 MEMORANDUM.The following-named parties received similar let- ters to the above, with the letter of advice to the Governors of the States to which they were designated, viz: Maj. Thomas Duncan, State of Iowa, with copy of letter to Governor S. J. Kirkwood; Maj. Bennett H. lull, Wheeling, Va., State of Michigan, with copy of letter to Gov- ernor Austin Blair; Maj. Francis N. Clarke, Boston, State of Massa- chusetts, with copy of letter to Governor John A. Andrew; Maj. John W. T. Gardiner, State of Maine, with copy of letter to Governor Abner Coburn; Capt. Anderson D. Nelson, Saint Paul, Minn., with copy of letter to Governor Alexander Ramsey; Maj. Joseph Darr, Wheeling, Va., with copy of letter to Governor Francis H. Peir- point; Lieut. Col. Charles S. Lovell, Madison, Wis., with copy of letter to Governor Edward Salomon; Capt. William Silvey, Providence, R. I., with copy of letter to Governor ; Lieut. Col. Robert C. Buch- anan, Trenton, N. J., with copy of letter to Governor Joel Parker; Lient. Col. James Oakes, Detroit, Mich., with copy of letter to Gov- ernor R. Yates, of Illinois; Col. Edwin A. Parrott, Columbus, Ohio, with copy of letter to Governor David Tod; Col. Conrad Baker, Indianapolis, md., with copy of letter to Governor 0. P. MorLon. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., April 25, 1863. His Honor GEORGE OPDYKE, Mayor of the City of New York: SIR: With a view to uniform and harmonious execution of the enrollment act, it has been deemed best to assign an officer of this department of rank to duty at the city of New York. He will be instructed to confer with the Governor and yourself; to superintend the operations of the provost-marshals in the first nine districts of t~e State; to secure from the provost-marshals and boards in these dis- tricts and submit to the State Executive such rolls and reports as may be deemed necessary for the files of the State, and to prepare from the State records and transmit to the provost-marshals and boards of enrollment in these districts such information placed at his disposal by the State authorities as may be necessary or useful to them in the performance of the duties assigned them. In accordance with the foregoing, Col. Robert Nugent, Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, has been directed to take post at New York City. He is an officer of supe- rior ability and a gentleman of attainments, and it is hoped his assign- ment will prove agreeable to Your Honor. The War Department will be pleased if Your Honor will communi- cate freely with him and secure as far as possible for all officers appointed under the enrollment act in these districts the co-operation of the civil officers of your city. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., April 27, 1863. SIMEON DRAPER, Esq., New York City, N. Y.: SIR: The necessities of the service require that an officer of rank in the line of the Army should be detailed as acting assistant provost- marshal-general to perform the duties of that office and superinten Page 170 170 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. the enrollment in the first nine Congressional districts of New York. The Secretary of War has detailed Col. Robert Nugent, of the Sixty- ninth Regiment of New York Volnnteers, for this pnrpose. Colonel Nngent will repair to New York and take post within a few days. He will call npon you on his arrival, and I will thank yon to give him such information as your records may contain, and to offer him such suggestions as your experience may prompt. In relieving you from the onerous and responsible duties which you have been so long performing, the Secretary desires me to express his apureciation of the zeal and ability displayed by you in their execu- tion, and to assure you of the confidence which your official intercourse with the War Department has inspired. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. FRY, Provost -Mars hal- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 105. Washington, April 28, 1863. The organization of an invalid corps is hereby authorized. This corps shall consist of companies, and if it shall hereafter be thought best, of battalions. The companies shall be made up from the following sources, viz: First. By taking those officers and enlisted men of commands now in the field (whether actually present or temporarily absent) who, from wounds received in action or disease contracted in the line of duty, are unfit for field service, but are still capable of effective garrison duty, or such other light duty as may be required of an invalid corps. Regimental commanders shall at once make out, from information i~ceived from their medical and company officers, and from their own knowledge, rolls (according to the form furnished) of the names of all the officers and enlisted men under their commands who fulfill the following conditions, viz: 1. That they are unfit for active field service on account of wounds or disease contracted in the line of duty; this fact being certified by a medical officer in the service, after personal examination. 2. That they are fit for garrison duty; this fact being likewise certified by the medical officer, as above, after personal examination. 3. That they are, in the opinion of their commanding officers, meritorious and deserving. These rolls shall be certified by the examining surgeon and regi- mental commander, and transmitted, through the regular channels of military correspondence, to the Provost-Marshal-General of the United States. The regimental commander shall enter in the column of remarks, opposite each officers name on the roll, a statement as to the general character of the officer for intelligence, industry, sobriety, and atten- tion to duty; and all intermediate commanders shall indorse thereon such facts as they may possess in the case, or if they have none, they shall state how far they are willing to indorse the opinion of the officer or officers making the recommendation. Similar rolls shall be for- warded from time to time, whenever the number of men fulfilling the conditions enumerated or the exigencies of the service may render it expedient. Second. By taking those officers and enlisted men still in service and borne on the rolls, but who are absent from duty, in hospitals o Page 171 UNION AUTHORITIES. 171 convalescent camps, or are otherwise under the control of medical officers. In these cases the medical officer in attendance shall prepare the rolls according to form, entering the names of officers and men from the same regiment on a roll by themselves, and send them, with the certificate of the surgeon, duly signed, to the proper regimental commander, who will forward them, as heretofore specified, subject to the same conditions and requirements. If, in any case, the regi- mental commander shall think an officer unfit, in point of character, to continue in the service of the Invalid Corps, though disabled and certified by the surgeon, he will state his objection in the column of remarks, and note the exception before signing the certificate. If any officer or enlisted man now in the service, but absent and beyond the reach of a medical officer in charge of a hospital or convalescent camp, desires to enter this corps, he will take the course indicated below for those who have been honorably discharged the service. Third. By accepting those officers and enlisted men who have been honorably discharged on account of wounds or disease contracted in the line of duty, and who desire to re-enter the service. In the case of an officer, application for appointment must be made to the Provost- Marshal-General of the United States through the officer detailed as acting assistant provost-marshal-general of the State. No application of this kind will be considered unless the following conditions are completely fulfilled: 1. That the applicant produce the certificate of the surgeon of the Board of Enrollment for the district in which he resides, that he is unfit for active field duty on account of wounds or disease, and is not liable to draft, but is fit for garrison duty. 2. That he furnish evidence of honorable discharge on account of wounds or disability contracted in the line of duty. 3. That he produce recommendations from the regimental, brigade, and division commanders under whom he formerly served that he is worthy of being thus provided for and capable of returning adequate service to the Government. In case it shall be impracticable to get this last evidence, he may, having established the first two points above, satisfy the Board of Enrollment that he is deserving, and pre- sent its certificate of the fact. This evidence must all be obtained by the applicant, and must be transmitted with his application for appointment. If there be no acting assistant provost-marshal-general for the State, the application may be forwarded through the adjutant-general of the State, who is desired to indorse thereon such facts in the mili- tary history of the applicant as he may know, or as are afforded by his records, and forward the same to the Provost-Marshal-General of the United States. Enlisted men, honorably discharged on account of disability, desiring to re-enlist in this corps, will present themselves to the Board of Enrollment for the district in which they reside, for examination by the surgeon thereof, who shall examine them and report the result to the Board of Enrollment. The Board shall then consider each case, and if the applicant is found to fulfill the conditions specified below the Board shall give him a certificate to that effect, viz: 1. That he is unfit for service in the field. 2. That he is fit for garrison duty. 3. That he is meritorious and deserving. 4. That he was honorably discharged from the service Page 172 172 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. The provost-marshal for the district shall then send the application, with this certificate of the Board, to the acting assistant provost- marshal-general of the State, who shall procure such evidence of serv- ice and character as the records of the company to which he be- longed, on file at the headquarters of the State, may show, and if satis- fied that it is a meritorious case, and that the man is deserving, he will enlist him in accordance with such special rules as the Provost- Marshal-General may establish. Medical inspectors, snrgeons in charge of hospitals, military com- manders, and all others having authority to discharge, under existing laws and regulations, are forbidden to grant discharges to any men under their control who may be fit for service in the Invalid Corps. The Provost-Marshal-General is charged with the execution of this order, and the troops organized under it will be under the control of his bureau. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 106. Washington, April 28, 1863. 1. A board of five officers (the signal officer and a medical officer of the Army being members) will be assembled in this city for the exam- ination of officers now on signal duty in the Army of the Potomac, the Middle Department, and the Departments of Washington and Vir- ginia; and thereafter such persons as may be authorized by the Secretary of War to report to the Board for examination as candidates for commissions in this corps. The same board will examine enlisted men of the signal parties on duty in the Department of Washington, and such other candidates for enlistment in, or transfer to, the corps, as may be brought before it. 2. As soon as practicable the colonel and the two majors authorized by the act of March 3, 1863, shall be appointed. 3. Immediately after the appointment of the majors of the Signal Corps, auxiliary examining boardsin each of which one of the majors and a medical officer of the Army shall be memberswill be appointed for the examination of the officers now on signal duty in the army corps and departments of the South and West; and, thereafter, such other persons as may be authorized by the Secretary of War to report for examination as candidates for commission. 4. The commander of each army corps or department in which the employment of signal parties is now or may be authorized will immediately appoint a board of three officers, two of whom shall be officers now on signal duty and the third a medical officer, for the examination of enlisted men now on signal duty who are candidates for transfer to or enlistment in the Signal Corps, and, if necessary to complete the organization of the signal parties in their command, such other persons as they may authorize to report for examination as candidates for enlistment. If the army corps forms a part of an army, then orders will be subject to the approval of the commanding general of that army. 5. The Board instituted by the first section will hold its sessions in the city of Washington, will adjourn from time to time according to the business before it, and be reassembled by the order of its president. It will call before it the officers to be examined by requisitions upo Page 173 UNION AUTHORITIES. 173 the commanding generals of the armies or departments in which they are serving; but in order that no inconvenience to the service shall result these requisitions shall be subject to the discretion of the com- manding general as to the time and order in which the officers called for shall report, care being taken that the offic~rs to be withdrawn shall be replaced in advance as far as practicable by others who have passed satisfactory examinations. 6. The boards instituted by section 3 will report in succession at the headquarters of the army, army corps, or departments in the districts to which they may be assigned, and will be subject to the discretion of the commanding generals as to the time and place of meeting and the order in which candidates are to be examined. 7. Examining boards will be governed by the following rules: First. Candidates for commissions shall be examined upon reading, writing, composition, and arithmetic; elementary chemistry and the elementary branches of natural philosophy, surveying, and topog- raphy; the use and management of field signals and field telegraphs; and those who have served in the acting corps, upon the mode of conducting signal parties in the field and in the presence of the enemy, and upon rendering the proper papers and reports. Second. Candidates for warrants shall be examined upon reading, writing, geography, and arithmetic. Third. No person shall be recommended for appointment or enlist- ment in the Signal Corps who is not of good moral character and physically competent for the duties. Fourth. The several examining boards will adopt such forms of proceeding in questions upon the different branches of education enumerated above, or employ such other methods of ascertaining the merits of the different candidates as may seem expedient, having due reference to their mental and physical qualifications. S. The principal and auxiliary examining boards will make to the Secretary of War, through the signal officer, weekly reports of the examinations made by them, designating by name, regiment, age, nativity, & c., of the persons examined, the grade for which they are recommended, and their recent standing, as determined by the exam- ination and by their record of service. In the case of the auxiliary boards directed by sections 3 and 4, these reports will be transmitted through the commanding generals of the army or department in which the examinations were made. 9. As soon as the examinations of the auxiliary boards have been completed, a revising board, constituted as directed in the first sec- tion, with the addition of the majors who were members of the boards directed by the third section, will assemble in this city forthe purpose of reviewing the action of the several examining boards; determining the relative standing of the officers of each grade; the rules to be observed in the appointments to the grade of first and second lieutenants; the classification of enlisted men, and making such other recommenda- tions as may have been suggested by observation and experience as essential to a perfect organization of the corps. 10. Until the reports of the revising board have been approved by the Secretary of War, the appointments in the Signal Corps will be limited to the colonel and the two majors, one captain, two first lieu- tenants, and four second lieutenants for each army corps or depart- ment in which signal parties have been or may be authorized, and the enlistments or transfers to one sergeant, two privates of the first class, and four privates of the second classthe appointments thus made to be temporary, and the permanent standing of the officers t Page 174 174 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. be determined by the action of the President, npon the recommenda- tions of the reviewing board. 11. In order to facilitate as mnch as possible the organization of the corps, the commanders of army corps and departments are anthorized to transfer enlisted nien, now employed on signal dnty who have passed satisfactory examinations, to the Signal Corps, copies of the mnster and descriptive rolls of the men so transferred being sent to the head- quarters of the corps in this city, and the chief signal officers in each army corps or department are anthorized to complete the signal parties nnder their charge by the enlistment of a snfficient nnmber of approved candidates: Provided, That all officers and men now on signal dnty who may fail to pass satisfactory examinations shall be retnrned to their regiments, and any officers and men retained in the service nnder the provisions of War Department General Orders, No. 92, who, in like manner, fail to pass satisfactory examinations, shall at once be discharged from the service of the United States by the commander of the army or department in which they are serving. 12. The chief signal officer in an army corps or department is anthor- ized to appoint, npon the recommendation of the examining board and snbject to the approval of the colonel of the corps, the sergeants anthorized for the parties nnder his charge, and, npon a like recom- mendation and approval, to designate the privates of the first and second classes. 13. Recruiting for the Signal Corps will be eondncted nnder the rnles prescribed for the regimental recrniting service. Enlistments Will be made for the period of three years or dnring the war; bnt enlisted men now on duty in the Signal Corps may re-enlist for the period of one or two years, and will be entitled to the benefits provided by the eighteenth section of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1863. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 108. Washington, April 28, 1863. I. Whenever volunteer troops are mustered out of service the entire regiment or other organization will be considered as mustered out at one time and place, except prisoners of war, who will be considered as in service until their arrival in a loyal State, with an allowance of time necessary for them to return to their respective places of enroll- ment. With officers and men of this class, commanding officers of regiments and companies will exercise great care in stating in the remarks, on the muster-out rolls, the dates and places of capture, thus: Prisoner of War. Captured at ,December , 18. II. Officers and men absent from their commands on detached serv- ice, sick in hospital, or paroled will be furnished with transportation by tIme Quartermasters Department to the place where the regiment is to be mustered out, in time to be present at the said muster. If from sickness, or other proper cause, they cannot be sent in time, as above directed, they will be sent to the point indicated as soon there- after as practicable. The transportation will be furnished upon the requisition of the commanding officer nuder whom the officer or soldier may be serving, or of the surgeon in charge of the hospital where he may be sick. The descriptive lists of the men will accompany them, and be turned over to the officer who may be charged with musterin Page 175 UNION AUTHORITIES. 175 out the force, by whom (after the data therefrom has been entered on the muster-out rolls) they will be forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 110. Washington, April 39, 1863. I. The following is the organization of regiments and companies of the Volunteer Army of the United States under existing laws: 1. Regiment of infantry (ten companies).One colonel, 1 lieutenant- colonel, 1 major, 1 adjutant (an extra lieutenant), 1 quartermaster (an extra lieutenant), 1 surgeon, 2 assistant surgeons, 1 chaplain, 1 sergeant- major, 1 regimental quartermaster-sergeant, 1 regimental commissary- sergeant, 1 hospital steward, 2 principal musicians. Company of infantry.One captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 1 first sergeant, 4 sergeants, 8 corporals, 2 musicians, 1 wagoner, and 64 privates, minimum; 82 privates, maximum. 2. Regiment of cavalry (twelve companies or troops).One colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 majors, 1 surgeon, 2 assistant surgeons, 1 regi- mental adjutant (an extra lieutenant), 1 regimental quartermaster (an extra lieutenant), 1 regimental commissary (an extra lieutenant), 1 chaplain, 1 veterinary surgeon, 1 sergeant-major, 1 quartermaster- sergeant, 1 commissary-sergeant, 2 hospital stewards, 1 saddler ser- geant, 1 chief trumpeter. Company or troop of cavalry.One captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 1 first sergeant, 1 quartermaster-sergeant, 1 commissary-sergeant, 5 sergeants, 8 corporals, 2 trumpeters, 2 farriers or blacksmiths, 1 saddler, 1 wagoner, and 60 privates, minimum; 78 privates, maximum. 3. Regiment of artillery (twelve batteries).One colonel, 1 lieutenant- colonel, 1 major for every four batteries, 1 adjutant (not an extra lieutenant), 1 quartermaster (not an extra lieutenant), 1 chaplain, 1 sergeant-major, 1 quartermaster-sergeant, 1 commissary-sergeant, 1 hospital steward, 2 principal musicians. Battery of artillery.One captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieu- tenant, 1 first sergeant, 1 quartermaster-sergeant, 4 sergeants, 8 cor- porals, 2 musicians, 2 artificers, 1 wagoner, and 122 privates. To the above organization of a battery one first and one second lieu- ten ant, two sergeants, and four corporals may be added, at the Presi- dents discretion. The field officers, chaplain, and regimental staffcommissioned and non-commissionedwill not be mustered or received into service with- out special authority from the War Department. As a general rule, artillery will be called for and received by batteries, thus rendering tlie field and staff unnecessary. II. Chaplains must meet the requirements of section 8 of the act of July 17, 1862 (G. 0., 91, A. G. 0., 1862, pp. 17 and 18), as follows: No person shall be appointed a chaplain in the United States Army who is not a regularly ordained minister of some religious denomination, and who does not present testimonials of his present good standing as such minister, with a recoin- mendation for his appointment as an army chaplain from some authorized eccle- siastical body, or not less than five accredited ministers belonging to said religious denomination Page 176 176 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. After chaplains are appointed, under section 9 of the act of July 22, 1861 .(G. 0., 49, A. G. 0., 1861, p. 4), they must be mustered into serv- ice by an officer of the Regular Army and thereafter borne on the field and staff roll of the regiment. Mustering officers before mustering chaplains into service will re- quire from them a copy of the proceedings on which the appointment is based. The said copy, if found conformable to the requirements of the law, will be indorsed by the mustering officer and by him for- warded to the Adjutant-Generals Office for file with the muster-in roll. III. Except where consolidations have been made or are to be made, under General Orders, No. 86, from this office, the foregoing organiza- tions will be strictly adhered to by all concerned. No commissioned officer or enlisted man of any grade in excess of the legal organization will be recognized. Any commander who may acknowledge or receive, as in service, any such officer or enlisted man, will be brought to trial for neglect of duty and disobedience of orders. No person acting in the capacity of a supernumerary will, under any circumstances, be permitted to receive pay and allowances from the Government; and paymasters making payment to such supernumera- ries will be held individually accountable for amounts so paid. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. 0., April 29, 1863. To Provost-Marshal District of SIR: The organization of the Board of Enrollment for your district is completed by the appointment of , of as examining surgeon, and , of , as commissioner. You will immediately convene the Board for the performance of the duties required of it by the Regulations for the Government of the Provost-Marshal-Generals Bureau. You will state to the Board that the enrolling officers must be appointed and the enrollment com- menced at once. The regulations may not, perhaps, provide for the employment of sufficient force of agents, assistants, and clerks to execute a prompt enrollment. Should this prove to be the case, you will at once report to this office the number of additional employ~s required, specifying the duties to be performed by each. The object to be attained is a complete enrollment of the forces in your district at the earliest day practicable. The duties required of you as provost-marshal, by the regulations, will be performed during the session of the Board in the same manner as during its recess. Should questions arise not provided for in the regulations, you will report at once to this office, through the acting assistant provost- marshal-general of your State, for specific instructions. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General Page 177 UNION AUTHORITIES. 177 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. U, April 30, 1863. lion. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington: DEAR SIR: With opportunities of observation larger and perhaps more closely improved than have fallen to the lot of any other general officer in the service, I am happy to be able to announce to you my complete and eminent satisfaction with the results of the organization of negro regiments in this department. We have now three regiments in operation, of which two have been in active service against the enemy, and two additional regiments, five in all, will be raised by the enrollment, under general orders, of all the surplus laborers in the Quartermasters, Commissary, Ordnaiice, and Medical Departments, together with those employed as servants or laborers by the specula- tors and traders at the various posts. In the field these regiments, so far as tried, have proved brave, active, docile, and energetic, frequently outrunning by their zeal and familiarity with the Southern country the restrictions deemed pru- dent by certain of their officers and never disgracing their uniform by pillage or cruelty; and so conducting themselves, upon the whole, that even our enemies, though more anxious to find fault with these than with any other portion of our troops, have not yet been able to allege against them a single violation of any of the rules of civilized warfare. I find the colored regiments hardy, generous, temperate, strictly obedient, possessing remarkable aptitude for military training, and (leeply imbued with that religious sentiment (call it fanaticism, such as like) which made the soldiers of Oliver Cromwell invincible. They are imbued with a burning faith that now is the time appointed by God, in His All-wise Providence, for the deliverance of their race; and under the heroic incitement of this faith I believe them capable of courage and persistency of purpose which must in the end extort both victory and admiration. Their faith is childlike in its purity, fervor, and pathos. They accept with patience the slights and sneers occasionally thrown upon them by thoughtless or malignant hands, assured that in the day of trial or conflict they possess and stand ready to evince those qualities of true manhood and soldiership which must redeem in the eyes of all just and generous men, however prejudiced, the misfortune of their darker skins and that condition of utter degradation out of which they feel themselves but now emerging. And in this connection I am also happy to announce to you that the prejudices of certain of our white soldiers against these indispensable allies are rapidly softening or fading out, General Orders, No. 17, of this department (of which copy is inclosed*) having done much to allay the irrational bitterness of feeling fomented by pro-slavery, semi- secession sympathizing officers. Under that order vast numbers of non-commissioned officers and deserving privates of our white regi- ments were recommended by their company, field, brigade, and divis- ion commanders for promotion as commissioned officers of the colored troops, and with every appointment thus made an increased respect for and interest in the organization and fortunes of the colored brigade became perceptible. * See Series I, Vol. XIV, p. 1020. 12 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 178 178 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Nay, more. I have now on file applications from very many first- class officers, line and field, to be exchanged into the colored regiments; some asking promotion in their transfer on the ground of their expe- rience and services in a dozen battles; others, and these of the best kind, asking simple transfer in obedience to conscientious convictions, and positively declining to receive promotion in their new branch of service lest their true motives might be misunderstood. It is not an uncommon thing to receive a recommendation of some deserving soldier signed by from ten to twenty officers, representing all the grades; the recommendation expressing the utmost faith and interest in the colored regiments and favoring the particular nominee for promotion on the ground that he possesses, in addition to military fitness, a high moral character and earnest convictions on religious subjects, and that for these reasons he will prove a desirable exem- plar to be placed before the docile but untutored men of his command. With such facts before us, and with public sentiment throughout the country strongly tending toward an universal acceptance of the Presidents policy of arming the slaves, it is for the Government to press forward this business with all its energy, calmly disregarding the abuse or venomous vituperation of the copperhead North and their more manly and respectable allies, the rebels South; such opposi- tion in itself being the strongest argument possible for the wisdom and necessity of the step that so arouses and exacerbates the malice of our enemies. The rebels South are not fools, nor are their Northern allies. If arming the negroes were the silly and useless thing they claim it to be, all their energies would then be devoted to urging the Government forward in an unresulting expenditure of its resources. The lie, however, is only on their lips, while in their heart of hearts they believe and tremble. That more able-bodied negroes have not been brought within our lines is due to circumstances which you can well appreciate. With the limited force at my command, and with that force taxed to its uttermost to hold posts that must be held at any cost, and to furnish men for the expeditions conducted conjointly with the navy, I have not yet been in a position to carry out my plans (already fully matured) of coastwise expeditions of mixed troops to penetrate those regions where slaves are densest, and therein establish posts to which all fugitives may flock, assured of welcome, protection, and employment. These things are held in abeyance, however, not abandoned. All information of importance to the slaves spreads among them with a rapidity of vocal telegraphing not much surpassed by the issues of the New York press; and although this very facility of communica- tion has heretofore somewhat acted against us, owing to the manner in which these bondsmen, seeking liberty, were too often repulsed from our lines in the earlier stages of this war, I am now happy to believe from my spies on the mainland and from other sources of information that the whole slave population of the South is thoroughly alive to the Presidents proclamation of the 1st of January, and that thousands of anxious chattels are feverishly longing for the advent of the coastwise expeditions which they have been promised, and which will be sent the moment I am at liberty, and with the requisite authority asked for in my letters by last mail. I have the honor to be, with the highest esteem, sir, your very obedient servant, D. HUNTER, hi cijor- General, Commanding Page 179 UNiON AUTHORITIES. 179 Abstract from returns of the U. S. Army, April 30, 1863. I. +~ 0 ;-, ,-~0 04 0~ Command. 00 ~ HS ~ ii bC bil bOa as __ -~ .~ Department of the Gulf (Banks) 35, 670 44,832 55,229 Department of Virginia (Dix) 32, 705 36, 589 43, 025 Department of North Carolina (Foster) 14, 000 16, 785 34,514 Department of the Missouri (Curtis) 31, 670 40, 426 52, 806 Department of the Cumberland (Roseerau~) 82, 724 99, 360 137, 150 Department of the Ohio (Burnside) 33, 752 40, 700 57, 740 Department of the Tennessee (Grant) 97, 344 116, 483 149, 769 Army of the Potomac (Hooker) 138, 378 157, 990 206, 628 Department of Washington (Heintzelmau) 34, 925 44, 223 53, 344 Middle Department (Sc~enck) 33,531 39, 507 49, 515 Department of the East (Wool) 2, 712 3, 285 3, 757 Department of New Mexico (Carleton) 2, 219 2, 931 3,427 Depaytment of the Northwest (Pope) 6,548 7, 266 8,491 Department of the Pacific (Wright) 3,347 4,425 5, 191 Department of the South (Hunter) 18, 326 21, 102 24,827 Total 567,851 675, 904 885,413 GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE No. 111. Washington, May 1, 1868. I. From and after the 1st day of May all enlistments of Volun- teers shall be under the special charge and direction of the Provost- Marshal-General, tinder the rules and regulations heretofore made, Which are hereby continued in force, and such other rules of the department as may from time to time be made. All disbursing officers, and all other officers connected With the enlistment of volun- teers, Will report to him. II. Officers of regiments going out of service by reason of the expiration of their term may, With the consent of their respective Governors, re-enlist their regiments, Within thirty days from the expiration of the original service, for a term of three years, unless sooner discharged; and upon the regiment being filled up within the thirty days aforesaid, the officers shall be restored to their rank as from the date of their original commissions. This, however, Will give no claim to pay for the time between muster out and re-entry into service. III. The law provides that a man who enlists for three years, unless sooner discharged, is entitled to one months pay in advance upon the mustering of his company into the service of the United States, or after he shall have been mustered into and joined a regiment already in the service, and to a bounty of $100, $2~ of which is to be paid in advance when his company is organized, muster-in rolls made out, and the mustering officers certificate given thereto, or after he shall have been mustered into and joined a regiment already in the service. IV. Hereafter regiments of volunteers leaving the field on account of expiration of term of service will be permitted, on the application of their officers, who shall undertake to hold themselves responsible for their safe delivery, to take their arms and accouterments to the place of discharge, to be delivered to the Governor of the State, or to officers appointed by him to receive them. The arms and accouter Page 180 180 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. ments will be held subject to reissue to the men on re-enlistment in their former companies and regiments. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 112. TYashington, May 1, 1863. Under the enrollment act drafted men will be actually in the U. S. service as soldiers from the fact of being drafted. It is therefore ordered that they be put in uniform, and provided with knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, tin cups, spoons, & c., as soon as they report to the district provost-marshals. The Quartermaster-General will fill the requisitions of the Provost- Marshal-General for clothing, & c., for this purpose, to be delivered at such points as the latter may designate. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washingtort, D. C., May , 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I respectfully suggest the following course of action under the enrollment act, viz: First. That the first call for troops made by the President be for the deficiency on former calls. Second. That as soon as the enrollment of any one State now defi- cient is completed the districts in it be drafted for their respective quotas of the State deficiency whether the enrollment in other States be completed or not, and that this course be pursued in other States as fast as the enrollment is completed in them. Third. As soon as the draft to make up the deficiencies is fairly under way, let a regular draft be made on other States. Fourth. That the forces be called out by several successive drafts instead of calling for the whole number at one timethe second call being made when the troops under the first call shall be under way to their regiments. This will keep a steady stream of recruits pouring into the Army instead of having an unmanageable flood of them at one time. Fifth. The regular draft should commence in the districts of the first State which is enrolled without waiting to complete the enroll- ment in all the States, which may take many months. That this may be fairly accomplished it will be necessary that no fixed total number of troops be called for by the President. If he calls for a fixed num- ber the exact proportion of that number for each district cannot be determined until the enrollment is completed in every district of the United States, including California and Oregon. Instead of this method, therefore, it is proposed that after the call for deficiencies a call be made on the districts of any State, which may be enrolled, for their share of an approximate or assumed State quota. Having fairly levied this assumed quota, it can be seen what proportiou of th Page 181 UNION AUTHORITIES. 181 enrolled men of the first class this brings out, and we can then call out the same proportion of the enrolled men of the first class in each one of the other States as soon as its enrollment is completed. The call, whether large or small, would thus be equalized among the States. States which have furnished an excess heretofore would of course be credited with it. A regular account will be kept with each district. Sixth. That in each case where the President orders a draft he make a separate order for the number of men to come from each district, and file this order in the office of the Provost-Marshal-Gen- eral, to be communicated to the Board of Enrollment in the district with special instructions as to the manner of conducting the draft and the disposition of the men. Seventh. That drafted men be assigned to regiments (regulars and volunteers) now in service. By filling up and keeping full all the old regiments I think the Army will be large enough without forming new regiments. Eighth. As suggested in a former report, the drafted men will be put in uniform and furnished with knapsack, haversack, canteen, and blanket at the district headquarters. As soon as they are thus equipped they should be sent to such general rendezvous as the Adjutant-General may have in readiness for them. They should be received at these rendezvous by the officers of the regiment to which they are to belong and conducted to the regiment just as soon as the quota for the regiment arrives at the rendezvous. Ninth.. The want of a corps of guides and orderlies is felt through- out the Army. The cavalry arm is crippled by the demand made upon it to supply the place of such a corps. It might be well when the draft is under way to organize a corps of this kind. An officer of the Inspector-Generals Department put on duty in the office of the Adjutant-General of the Army might effect the organization and super- intend the bureau business connected with .~uch a corps. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Alarshal- General. [MAY 1, 1863.For Banks General Orders, No. 40, authorizing the organization of the Corps dAfrique, see Series I, Vol. XV, p. 716.] GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 113. Washington, JIfay 2, 18G8. The following rules in relation to claims for property lost in the military service of the United States are published for the informa- tion of all concerned: I. Rules in relation to claims for the payment of horses and equipage lost or destroyed in the military service of the United States, under act of March 3, 1849. By the first section of the law it is enacted: That any field or staff, or other officer, mounted militiaman, volunteer, ranger, or cavalry, engaged in the military service of the United States since the 18th of June, 1812, or who shall hereafter be in said service, and has sustained or shall sustain damage, without any fault or negligen.e on his part, while in said service 1. By the loss of a horse in battle; 2. By the loss of a horse wounded in battle, and which has died or shall die of said wound, or, being so wounded, shall be abandoned by order of his officer and lost Page 182 182 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 3. By the loss of a horse by death or abandonment, because of the unavoidable dangers of the sea, when on board a U. S. transport vessel; Because the United States failed to supply transportation for the horse, and the owner was compelled, by order of his commanding officer, to embark and leave him; In consequence of the United States failing to supply sufficient forage; Because the rider was dismounted and separated from his horse, and ordered to do duty on foot at a station detached from his horse; When the officer in the immediate command ordered or shall order the horse turned out to graze in the woods, prairies, or commons because the United States failed or shall fail to supply sufficient forage, and the loss was or shall be consequent thereof; 4. By the loss of necessary equipage in consequence of the loss of his horse, as aforesaid; Shall be allowed and paid the value thereof, not to exceed $200. Provided, That if any payment has been or shall be made to any one aforesaid for the use and risk, or for forage, after the death, loss, or abandonment of his horse, said payment shall be deducted from the value thereof, unless he satisfied or shall satisfy the paymaster at the time he made or shall make the payment, or thereafter show by proof that he was remounted, in which case the deduodons shall only extend to the time he was on foot: And provided also, If any payment shall have been or shall hereafter be made to any person above mentioned on account of clothing to which he was not entitled by law, such payment shall be deducted from the value of his horse or accouterments. RULES OF EVIDENCE. To establish a claim under either of the foregoing provisions, the claimant must furnish the evidence of the officer under whose com- mand he was serving when the loss occurred, if alive, or if dead, then the next surviving officer, describing the property, the value thereof at the time of entering the service, the time when, place where, and manner in which the loss occurred, and whether or not it was without any fault or negligence on the part of the claimant. The claimant must himself state the facts above required, and also whether or not he has received from any officer or agent of the Government a horse or equipage in lieu of that lost by him, or any compensation for the same; also whether the horse or equipage lost had not been furnished by the United States or purchased from some quartermaster; and if so, the name of the officer from whom purchased and the price paid therefor. If the property was appraised at the time the same was taken into the U. S. service, the original valuation list or certified statement of the value as appraised should be furnished. In cases where the loss is alleged to have occurred because the United States failed to supply transportation for the horse, and the owner was compelled, by the order of his commanding officer, to embark and leave him, the affidavit of the claimant must, in addition to the declaration above mentioned, declare that he did, in obedi- ence to the order of his commanding officer, leave said horse and equipage, and that he never sold or otherwise disposed of said horse or equipage, and never received any compensation for either from any person whatever; and this must be corroborated by the officer who gave the order. In all cases where the claim extends to equipage, the several articles of which the same consisted, and separate value of each, must be specified. In no case can the foregoing evidence be dispensed with, unless the impracticability of producing it be clearly proved; and then the nearest and best other evidence of which the case is susceptible must be fur- nished in lieu thereof Page 183 UNION AUTHORITIES. 183 All evidence other than the certificates on honor of officers who, at the time of giving them, were in the military service of the United States, must be sworn to before some jndge, justice of the peace, or other person duly authorized to administer oaths, and of which author- ity proof should accompany the evidence. All claims under the provisions of this act must be presented to the Office of the Third Auditor of the Treasury Department. II. Rules in relation to claims for the payment of horses, mules, oxen, & c., in the military service of the United States by impressment or contract, the risk of which was assumed by the United States, and which shall have been lost or destroyed, as specified. The second section of the law relates to property in the military service of the United States by impressment or contract, and is as follows: That any person who has sustained or shall sustain damage, by the capture or destruction by an enemy, or by the abandonment or destruction, by the order of the commanding general, the commanding officer, or quartermaster, of any horse, mule, ox, wagon, cart, boat, sleigh, or harness, while such property was in the service of the United States, either by impressment or contract, except in cases where the risk to which the property would be exposed was agreed to be incurred by the owner; and any person who has sustained or shall sustain damage by the death or abandonment and loss of any such horse, mule, or ox, while in the service aforesaid, in consequence of the failure on the part of the United States to furnish the same with sufficient forage; and any person who has lost, or shall lose, or has had, or shall have destroyed by unavoidable accident, any horse, mule, ox, wagon, cart, boat, sleigh, or harness, while such property was in the service aforesaid, shall be allowed and paid the value thereof at the time he entered the service: Provided, It shall appear that such loss, capture, abandonment, destruction, or death was without any fault or negligence on the part of the owner of the prop- erty, and while it was actually employed in the service of the United States. To establish a claim under this provision, it is necessary to produce the testimony of the officer or agent of the United States who impressed or contracted for the service of the property mentioned in such claim, describing the property, showing when and in what manner it was taken into the service, the reasons and necessity therefor, the manner in which it was employed, and the value thereof when taken into the service. The officer in whose charge the property was at the time of loss must also state the time, place, and manner in which the loss happened, and whether or not it was sustained without any fault or negligence on the part of the owner. In cases where the property was in the service by contract, the rate of compensation to be allowed must appear, and also whether or not the risk to which it would be exposed was agreed to be incurred by the owner; and in cases of horses, mules, or oxen, lost for want of forage, whether the same was to be furnished by the owner or by the United States. Each claim must be accompanied by a deposition of the claimant, declaring that he has not received from any officer or agent of the United States any horse, mule, wagon, cart, & c. (as the case may be), in lieu of the property lost, nor any compensation for the same, nor any certificate of indebtedness or certified voucher therefor on which payment has or might be made. The claim must be supported by the original valuation list if the property was appraised at the time of being taken into the U. S. service; if no appraisement was made, the best attainable evidence as to the value thereof may be received. All evidence other than the certificates of officers who, at the time of giving them, were in the military service of the United States, must be sworn to before some judge, justice of the peace, or other person duly authorized to administer oaths, and of which authority proof should acconipany the evidence Page 184 184 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. In no case can the production of the evidence above described be dispensed with, unless the impracticability of producing it be clearly proved; and then the nearest and best other evidence of which the case is susceptible mnst be furnished in lien thereof. III. Rules in relation to claims for steam-boats, and other vessels, and railroad engines and cars, lost or destroyed while in the service of the United States by impressment or contract. By the second section of An act to provide for the payment of horses and other property lost or destroyed in the military service of the United States, approved March 3, 1849, it is enacted as follows: That any person who has sustained or shall sustain damage, by the capture or destruction by an enemy, or by the abandonment or destruction, by the order of the commanding general, the commanding officer, or quartermaster, of any horse, mule, ox, wagon, cart, boat, sleigh, or harness, while such property was in the military service of the United States, eithi~r by impressment or contract, except in cases where the risk to which the property would be exposed was agreed to be incurred by the owner; and any person who has sustained or shall sustain damage by the death or abandanment and loss of any such horse, mule, or ox, while in the service aforesaid, in consequence of the failure on the part of the United States to furnish the same with sufficient forage; and any person who has lost, or shall lose, or has had, or shall have destroyed by unavoidable accident, any horse, mule, ox, wagon, cart, boat, sleigh, or harness, while such property was in the service aforesaid, shall be allowed and paid the value thereof at the time he entered the service: Provided, It shall appear that such loss, capture, abandonment, destruction, or death was without any fault or negligence on the part of the owner of the property, and while it was actually employed in the service of the United States. By the fifth section of An act to promote the efficiency of the Corps of Engineers, and of the Ordnance Department, and for other purposes, approved March 3, 1863, it is enacted: SEc. 5. And be it further enacted, That section two of the act approved March three, eighteen hundred and forty-nine, entitled An act to provide for the pay- ment of horses and other property lost or destroyed in the military service of the United States, shall be construed to include the steam-boats and other vessels, and railroad engines and cars, in the property to be allowed and paid for when destroyed or lost under the circumstances provided for in said act. To establish a claim for a steam-boat or other vessel under the above provision, it will be necessary to produce the following testimony: If the steam-boat, or vessel, was in the service of the United States by contract, the charter-party, or a certified copy thereof, must be filed with the evidence in support of the claim. It must be shown in what particular branch of the military service the boat was engagedwhether transporting troops, freight, or other- wise; and whether or not the risk to which it would be exposed was agreed to be incurred by the owner. If in the service by impressment, the evidence of the officer by whom the impressment was made must be furnished, showing when and where such impressment was made; by what authority or under whose order; the reasons therefor; and whether such boat was, at the time of loss, actually employed in the transportation of troops, supplies, or otherwise in the military service of the United States. Complete evidence of ownership must be furnished. The owners must state when, where, and from whom the boat was purchased, and the price paid. The names and residences of all the owners must appear, together with their separate interests therein. The bills of sale, or certified copy thereof, must accompany the papers. A complete description of the boat must be given, showing when and where the same was built; the trade in which she was employe Page 185 UNION AUTHORITIES. 185 previous to being taken into the U. S. service; her capacity for freight and passengers; the number, description, and power of engines; the number and size of boilers; extreme length and width, number of decks, depth of draft; whether side or stern wheels; and the last certificate of inspection, or a certified copy thereof, must also be furnished. Evidence must be furnished showing the particular circumstances attending the loss, when and where it occurred; also whether the loss was total or only partial; and if the latter, the extent of damage done. A statement must be furnished showing the respective payments made, by officers or agents of the United States, for or on account of the services of said vessel, or steam-boat, during the time she was employed in the service prior to the loss thereof. The owners in each case must make affidavit that they have not, by themselves or agents, received from any officer or agent of the United States any property in lieu of that lost or destroyed, nor any compensation for the same, nor any certificate of indebtedness or cer- tified voucher therefor on which payment has been or might be made. The owners must also state what insurance, if any, was had on such vessel or boat; the names of the companies in which insured; the amounts thereof, and the payments received therefrom. Each witness must state his place of residence and business, and his opportunities for knowing the facts concerning which he testifies. All evidence must be sworn to before some officer authorized to administer oaths, and duly authenticated. RAILROAD ENGINES AND CARS. The evidence to substantiate claims of this description should be, as far as applicable, the same as is required in the cases of steam- boats and other vessels. Claims for losses occurring from casualties while engaged in the transportation of troops, supplies, & c., and where the roads, machinery, & c., are in the possession and manage- ment of the agents of the railroad, are not embraced in this class of cases. In no case can the foregoing evidence be dispensed with unless the impracticability of producing it be clearly proved; and then the nearest and best other evidence of which the case is susceptible must be furnished in lieu thereof. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., May 2, 1868. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to make the following suggestions: First. That the first draft ordered under the enrollment act be for the deficiency under the Presidents calls for troops as heretofore made. It will require 87,103 men to make up the deficiency, and it should be allotted among the States as follows, to wit: Deficiency. Connecticut 2,231 Delaware 1,486 Maine 8,90 Page 186 186 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Deficiency. Maryland 11,686 Massachusetts 15,248 Michigan 4,288 NewHampshire 2,613 NewJersey Pennsylvania 14,619 24,443 Vermont 1,145 Wisconsin 438 Total 87,103 The following-named States having furnished more than their respective quotas, must not be called upon for the first draft, to wit: In excess. Illinois 40,890 Indiana 22,785 Iowa 3,485 Minnesota 8,652 New York 3,666 Ohio 3,902 RhodeIsland 679 Virginia 596 Total 79,655 The States of Kansas 2,647 Kentucky. Missoun 10,664 Tennessee 7,652 20,990 were not called upon to furnish troops, though the first three named actually furnished the number of men set opposite them above. Con- sidering these the total number of men furnished in excess of the quota up to June 1, 1862, from the States named would be 100,645. The deficiency from other States, as previously stated, being 87,103, it appears that the Presidents calls have been exceeded by 13,542. In determining the above numbers all men heretofore furnished have been reduced to the standard of three-years men; one three- years man being considered equal to four nine-months men. This fact accounts for the difference between this statement and those heretofore submitted on this subject. Illinois and other States not only furnished an excess under the Presidents call for 300,000 nine- months men, but furnished that excess in three-years men, for which fact they should have credit. I would suggest Second. That no draft be announced by proclamation, but that the War Department communicate its orders for the number of men required through the Provost-Marshal-General alone. The number to come from each district will be communicated to the Board of Enrollment in that district with orders to make draft accordingly. If the whole number be called out by proclamation, every man who knows how to cipher proves for his friends that the quota for his State, district, and county are not correct, and thus creates a bad feeling. However soon the second draft may follow the first, I think there will be decided advantage in making the first as proposed in States at this time deficient. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General Page 187 UNION AUTHORITIES. 187 [Indorsement.] Approved: E. M. STANTON. WASHINGTON, D. C., May 2, 1863. Major-General BURNSIDE, Cincinnati, Ohio: The Secretary of War authorizes you to commence the organization of Kentucky troops. You are also authorized to organize two artil- lery regiments, reporting to Adjutant-General the organization for the proper orders. Operations here are becoming interesting. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. READING, BERKS COUNTY, PA., May 2, 1863. Hon. L. C. TURNER, Judge-Advocate: SIR: Parties are actively engaged in organizing treasonable lodges in the eastern part of this county. In the western part the leaders are intimidated. I have had four of them arrested and they will have a hearing at Philadelphia on Monday. We need a provost-marshal immediately. I have recommended Jacob C. Hoff as the man for the place, and I think I know what we need. I beg you, if you can, to aid in securing his appointment. I trust effectually to break up these treasonable societies and need the right kind of man to aid me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. RICHARDS. WASHINGTON, May 2, 1863. General SPRAGUE, Ac~jut ant- General of New York, Albany: The general order which we discussed has been changed so as to admit only three-years volunteers, and not two-years as we thought when you left. The order will be so published. J. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- Ueneral. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Opelonsas, La., May 4, 1863. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State: SIR: The army moves to-day for Alexandria. The fortifications at Butte-a-la-Rose were carried on April 20. By some unexplained and unaccountable delay the navy failed to open communication with Admiral Farragut until the 2d of this month, when it was accom- plished chiefly by the energy and activity of my own officers. The Atchafalaya to the Red River is perfectly free and intercourse with the admiral unrestrained. Small transport steamers communicate with him every day, and he is waiting anxiously for boats that have passed the batteries at Yicksburg, but is uncertain whether he wil Page 188 188 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. obtain them. If so, or if not, he will join ns in the movement against Alexandria and take what chance may offer. Had I a force of 10,000 men in addition to my own the whole of this country would be per- manently in onr possession. As it is, our success must depend npon the concentration of the enemys forces at Alexandria or Shreveport within the time that it requires us to reach one or the other of these places. The inaction of ten days has been to us a calamity, but it was unavoidable. It gives me pleasure to say to you that the sentiments of the people are unexpectedly and almost universally friendly to the restoration of the Union. Nothing is required but a sufficient force to hold the territory to secure its immediate return to the Union. Large quanti- ties of cotton would in this event be obtained for the Government. I have sent already ~5,000 bales to New Orleans. My hope is that, unless untoward changes occur to us, we may obtain from ~50,000 to 100,000 bales while in the occupation of this State. This is possible, if not probable. I have read Lord Lyons letter to Earl Russell upon the subject of granting to British merchants the privilege of purchasing cotton in the Southern States for the use of British manufacturers. There is one fundamental objection to this proposition which will make the consent of the United States impossible. There is no guarantee, and there can be none on the part of Great Britain, that any cotton that is purchased by English subjects, to send to England for sale or manufacture, will not be paid for by steamers to be used against the commerce of the United States after the manner of the Alabama. If the merchants choose to sell to parties that may or may not be professedly connected with the Confederate States and agents of the rebellion, every bale of cotton that goes from New Orleans in the interest of British subjects, or which is permitted to pass the blockade by consent of the Govern- ment of the United States, may be appropriated to the payment for such vessels; and there is no security which can be obtained by the Government of the United States for the possible wrong of such transaction. This idea is forcibly suggested by a communication addressed to me by General Pemberton, commanding the rebel forces at Vicksburg. Some weeks since a detachment of my command, under direction of General Sherman, captured a schooner loaded with cotton on the Amite River and brought it to New Orleans. It was immediately claimed as the property of a gentleman assuming to be a British subject, whose claim was sustained by Mr. Coppell, the Brit- ish consul at New Orleans. I declined to deliver it to them. Subse- quently I received a letter from General Pemberton, which, I am sorry to say, in my rapid movement, is at this moment mislaid, in which he states distinctly that he had given official permission to transport this cotton to New Orleans, upon condition that it should be sent directly to England, and in nowise to be used directly or indirectly for the Government of the United States. Had I allowed this cotton to go to the order of the consul or the claimant, it is utterly impossi- ble for any man, in the interest of the United States, to say in what manner or what form the recipients of the cotton in England could have made compensation therefor. At first opportunity I will trans- mit to you this letter of General Pembertons. In the meantime I beg to say that I have correctly stated its substance. In the march of my army to this point, and in its expected progress to other and more important points, we have felt the influence of the policy pursued in the city of New Orleans for the last three months Page 189 UNION AUTHORITIES. 189 Thousands of people have signified their readiness to take the oath of allegiance, and ask the privileges and protection that have been secured to the people in that portion of the State. The insufficiency of my force for permanent military possession, and my inability to secure to them the protection to which they would be entitled under such circumstances, has led me to suspend my assent to their request upon the ground that I could not afford them the protection which has been secured to the people elsewhere; but I have said to them, reestablish the Government of the United States and the prosperity and peace you have enjoyed heretofore will return. I can truly say that it is their wish. They have manifested it in many ways. They have brought forward their cotton instead of destroying it. They have given information as far as in their power, and we have had in our progress the prayers of the religious societies in that portion of the country through which we have passed. I have ventured to give to Mr. Maillot, a French gentleman of great intelligence, formerly a resident in Canada, a large land-holder in Illinois, and a planter in Louisiana, a letter of introduction to you. He can give you more information as to the sentiments of the people and of affairs in this quarter than any man within the circle of my acquaintance. I beg to commend him to your consideration. The post-office has given us a letter from a gentleman in England, understood to be a member of the rebel Legislature, addressed to Gov- ernor Moore, in which the course of English capitalists in regard to the rebellion and the essential means of supporting it are very strongly and, no doubt, truthfully stated. It may serve as an explanation to the facilities which General Pemberton has given to the English sub- jects in this country for the transportation of their cotton from the Confederacy to New Orleans; and it may be well to consider this letter in connection with the views expressed to Lord Lyons by Earl Russell. There are many difficulties connected with the disposition of the products of the country; but whatever results or consequences may ensue, there is but one course for the Government to pursue, and that is so to dispose of cotton and sugar (the sources of wealth,of politi- cal and of military power) that the rebel Government cannot sustain by it their arms. In pursuance of this idea I have directed, as far as in our power, the seizure of these products for the Government of the United States; and also all horses, mules, and cattle, which have hitherto been used for the support and maintenance of their arms. Many protests have been presented by persons claiming to be French or English subjects against this seizure; but it will be found, upon full consideration, to be not only the right, but the duty, of the Government to appropriate this property in this manner. I have publicly informed the people that all well-disposed persons, entitled to the favor of the Government, would be compensated for this property at the values to which it is entitled in this part of the country at this time, some- thing like the value fixed to it by the rebel Government. Every dollar of this property taken in this campaign is appropriated scrupulously to the Government. There is not a speculator nor a plunderer in the trail of this army. If we advance to other important points, and more extended mili- tary operations are commenced, I have made up my mind to pursue a different policy, which I should like to present to the Government, and which, as it affects the relations of this country to foreign nations, might properly be stated to you. I propose to give notice to the people that the Government of the United States will levy a contri- bution of 50 per cent. upon all the staple products remaining in th Page 190 190 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. country, and that, subject to this contribution, they will be permitted to send cotton, sngar, and tobacco to the markets of New Orleans, to be sold under the supervision of the Government of the United States, for its own currency, and the balance retained by the proprietors or thefr agents. This may, at first glance, seem to be in conflict with the act of confiscation, but, upon full consideration, I am satisfied it is the best policy for the United States to pursue. It relates only to perishable property, which the owners or other persons may destroy, and which it is impossible for us to possess except by their consent and active co-operation. If all interest in this property be denied to them it will be destroyed. If a partial interest be secured to them, subject to the future recognition by the Government, it will not only be preserved, but will be transported by the people to the markets, and thus the whole world will secure the staple raw materials for its manufactures and the Government of the United States receive a revenue far greater than any other which it has derived from the resources of the enemy during the war. These two consider- ationsthe satisfaction of the demands of foreign as well as domestic manufactures, and the financial contribution to the expenses of the warcannot be secured except by giving to the people an interest to some extent in this property. In approaching Alexandria I shall send, if possible, agents to make known to all persons and owners and managers of steamers that, irrespective of any question of the past, I will be glad to pay a fair value for these steamers rather than to have them destroyed. Cotton, tobacco, and sugar must be treated in the same manner for the same reasons, for it cannot otherwise be controlled for the benefit of the Government. I inclose to you the rough draft of a proclamation upon this sub- ject, * which I propose to issue, and shall be glad to receive instruc- tions from the Government upon this subject. I transmit this letter to General Halleck, as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, with the request that it may be forwarded to your Department. I have the honor to remain, with great respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., May 4, 18G3. His Excellency the GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, Boston, Mass.: GOVERNOR: Understanding that several regiments of colored sol- diers are being raised under your authority, I would respectfully request, if consistent with your views, that application should be made by you to the Secretary of War to have such regiments on their com- pletion sent to this department for service. I am happy to be able to announce to you my complete and eminent satisfaction with the results of the organization of negro regiments in this department. In the field, so far as tried, they have proved brave, active, enduring, and energetic, frequently outrunning by their zeal and familiarity with the Southern country the restrictions Not found Page 191 UNION AUTHORiTiES. 191 deemed prudent by certain of their officers. They have never dis- graced their uniform by pillage or cruelty, Lut have so conducted themselves upon the whole that even our enemies, though more anxious to find fault with these than with any other portion of our troops, have not yet been able to allege against them a single violation of any of the rules of civilized warfare. These regiments are hardy, generous, temperate, patient, strictly obedient, possessing great natural aptitude for arms, and deeply imbued with that religious sentiment (call it fanaticism, such as like) which made the soldiers of Cromwell invincible. They believe that now is the time appointed by God for their deliverance, and under the heroic incitement of this faith I believe them capable of showing a courage and persistency of purpose which must in the end extort both victory and admiration. In this connection I am also happy to announce to you that the prejudices of certain of our white soldiers and officers against these indispensable allies are rapidly softening or fading out, and that we have now opening before us in this department, which was the first in the present war to inaugurate the experiment of employing colored troops, large opportunities of putting them to a distinguished and profitable use. With a brigade of liberated slaves already in the field, a few more regiments of intelligent colored men from the North would soon place this force in a condition to make extensive incursions upon the mainland, through the most densely populated slave regions, and from expeditions of this character I make no doubt the most bene- ficial results would accrue. I have the honor to be, governor, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, D. HUNTER, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, May 5, 1868. Col. LAFAYETTE C. BAKER, Washington, D. C.: SIR: You are hereby authorized by the Secretary of War to raise a battalion of four companies of cavalry for special service, the same to be recruited in the District of Columbia, and to serve for three years or during the war. Each company will be organized as pre- scribed in General Orders, No. 126, series of 1862, from this office, except for the two teamsters therein named two trumpeters will be received, and the privates will number sixty minimum and seventy- eight maximum. All officers will be selected and appointed by you, subject to the approval of the War Department. The staff, commis- sioned and non-commissioned, will be detailed from the companies. All musters into service will be made in accordance with the mustering regulations, and by the special mustering officer who may be acting under the orders of this office. When the force is organized you will be appointed to its command with the rank of colonel. I am, sir, & c., E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 192 192 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, New Berne, N. C., iWay 6, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIR: A letter from Governor Andrew, of date of April 1, is referred to me by the War Department under date of April 27. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the same, and in reply beg leave to say: If it be the policy of the Government and the orders of the proper authorities, I will carry out with my best effort the idea of raising colored troops in this department, but would suggest as my opinion, based on experience, that not more than one regiment, if even that, could be raised in this department by voluntary enlistment, and forced enlistments would of course alienate the negroes, the very object the Governor of Massachusetts wishes to avoid. I will briefly state the times and circumstances under which I have armed and used negroes in this department. Besides the arming of spies and scouts, which was abandoned, we armed them at Elizabeth City during the time that post was threatened by guerrillas; we obtained about eighty, and they did their duty well enough, but we found they could not be trusted in any outward movement or raid, probably owing to their lack of discipline. During the late attack on Washington the negroes applied to me for arms, and to strengthen my lines I armed about 120, all I had arms for. They did their duty well and seemed willing to fightthe test was not applied, of course. They seemed to realize that the time was one of emergency and self-preservation, and that they must help; but the emergency having passed, they did not and do not seem willing to enlist. They wish to work for the Government, but to live with their families. Again, here at this post, I received a petition signed by about 120 negroes for arms and organization in the U. S. service. I replied that if names or promises could be received from enough to constitute the nucleus of a regiment, I would consider the matter and be prepared to take action on it. Since then officially I have heard nothing, but unofficially hear that not more than about 300 men or names were obtained. I wish, however, to state the wishes of the Government, if ordered, will be carried out, not only with obedience (my duty as a soldier), but with zeal, and in such a way as to endeavor to make it popular rather than antagonistic to the feelings of the white troops. Referring to the postscript of Governor Andrews letter, I beg leave to say, my orders are to act on the defensive, and that therefore the Fifty-fourth would not be able to participate in active operations of a brilliant sort; and, moreover, that white troops can stand the climate of North Carolina very well, but that in South Carolina white troops are very liable to the malarions influences of the climate, which of course negro troops can stand. If, therefore, the Fifty-fourth and other negro regiments could relieve white regiments in that depart- ment, the interests of the service would, in my opinion, be doubly served. I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding Page 193 UNION AUTHORITIES. 193 EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Iowa Gity, Iowa, May 5, 1863. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington City, D. C.: SIR: Yours of the 27th ultimo, advising me of the appointment of Maj. Thomas Duncan to superintend the operations of the provost- marshal of this State, & c., has reached me. I am much pleased with the arrangement and will render the major all the aid in my power. N. B. Baker, adjutant-general of this State, has sent me a copy of your letter of the 25th ultimo in regard to the quota of men called for from this State, and of his reply, dated May 1. I concur with him in opinion that Iowa has furnished more than her quota of all calls made by the President, and respectfully trust that you will make further examination of this point. Should your further examination not change your opinion, please send me a statement of the calcula- tion by which you arrive at the result. It should be remembered that all the troops furnished by this State under the Presidents call for 600,000 in 1862 were three-years men. We have sent no troops from this State for less than three years, except the First Iowa Infantry, which, like all the men first called for, were three-months men. This fact should be considered, and I think by the terms of the conscript law must be considered, in estimating the number of men furnished by a State. Many of the States in 1862 furnished nine-mouths men, perhaps some for a shorter term, and it is unfair that Iowas three-years men should stand man for man for nine months more than any other State. I wish to be properly understood. This State will furnish all the men the Government calls for, but it is right and much more satisfactory to have this matter made equal and properly understood. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD. P. S.If possible, I desire in case a draft must be made in this State that it be so arranged as to equalize the matter among less dis- tricts than Congressional districts. In some Congressional districts some counties are nearly drained of their fighting material, while other counties are to a great extent strong in that material, and the same is true as to some townships in some counties. When preparations were made by the State authorities for a draft last year, arrangements were made to equalize the matter not only among counties, but among townships, and this arrangement gave very general satisfaction. S. J. K. PHILADELPHIA, May 5, 1863. his Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States: The memorial of the undersigned, a special committee of members of the Union League of Philadelphia, appointed to correspond with the Government on the subject of providing employment for soldiers and seamen who have been honorably discharged from the service of the United States by reason of disabilities incurred while in discharge of their duty, respectfully represent: That large numbers of meritorious men of this description are now seeking employment or means of supporting their families, and this 13 R HSERIES III, VOL II Page 194 194 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. class must be constantly increasing from the exposures and casual- ties of war. European experience indicates that a large proportion of these men might be usefully employed in the lighter military and civil duties connected with the provost guard, the arsenals of con- struction connected with the Ordnance Department and the depots of the Quartermasters and Subsistence Departments; the hospital departments, as well as the garrison duties of the forts of the sea-board and the Northern and Western frontiers. Connected with European armies, we find that corps of invalids have been successfully estab- lished and have proved useful to the public service. We respectfully submit herewith a project upon a small scale for the establishment of such a corps of National Invalids, and we ask for it a favorable consideration. It is adapted to absorb 12,200 men, and it might be indefinitely extended according to the exigencies of the service. But in the meantime we beg leave respectfully to urge upon Your Excel- lency that such orders should be given by the various heads of the Government, civil as well as military (namely, the Department of State, the War and Navy Departments, the Departments of the Treasury and of the Interior, and the Post-Office), as shall secure the employment, so far as practicable, of the most competent and deserving men of this class of our citizens, who have a paramount claim upon the justice, the honor, and gratitude of our country. We confidently believe such measures would meet with the warm approval of all good citizens of every shade of political opinion throughout the land. G. N. TATHAM, Chairman. G. H. CROSMAN, U. S. A. JOHN H. TOWNE. WM. WELSH. T. W. KIMBLE, JR. JAS. POLLOCK. CHAS. WHEELER, Secretary. We, the undersigned officers and members of the Union League of Philadelphia, cordially unite in the foregoing memorial. WM. D. LEWIS, GEO. 0. EVANS, ABRAHAM RITTER, JOHN GIBSON, G. EMERSON, [AND 110 OTHERS.] [Indorsement.] MAY 12, 1863. The within is presented with a very praiseworthy object and is sub- mitted to the War Department, asking the best attention that can be consistently given to it. A. LINCOLN. [Inclosuie.] PROJECT FOR A CORPS OF NATIONAL INVALIDS. It is proposed to organize a corps of National Invalids, to be com- posed of officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, marines and seamen of the Army and Navy of the United States, o Page 195 UNION AUTHORITiEs. 195 which the officers have been regularly retired from active service according to law, and the enlisted men hoiiorably discharged for dis- abilities actually incurred in the public service, and who may still be able to bear arms, to be assigned to such military duties not in the field as they are capable of performing, snch as provost guards in the several cities where such guards are required; guards for the several ordnance arsenals, and depots of the Quartermasters and Sub- sistence Departments, and the garrison duties for the forts of the sea- board and Northern and Western frontiers. It is respectfully suggested that this invalid corps should consist of five regiments of twenty-four companies each, and that each com- pany should consist of an aggregate maximum strength of 97 enlisted men and 3 commissioned officers, which would give 100 as the total of each company, and 2,440 as the aggregate strength of each regiment. The five regiments would then consist of a grand total of 12,200 men forming the corps of National Invalids. Each regiment should be divided into three battalions of eight com- panies each, to be commanded by a major when detached, the whole corps to be a,rmed with muskets, but four companies of each of the battalions, or one-half of the whole corps, to be drilled and instructed also in the use of light and heavy artillery. The field and staff and company officers to be selected and appointed by the President of the United States from those of the Regular Army, the Navy, or Volunteer Army who have been disabled and honorably retired or discharged from the public service, and who have most distinguished themselves by long, faithful, or meritorious services. The pay to be one-half, and all other allowances of all kinds for this corps to be the same as now prescribed by law and regulations for the infantry of the U. S. Army, and all promotions in it to be regulated as for other corps and regi- ments of the Army, giving to all the enlisted men a fair opportunity for promotion according to merit, ascertained by the examination and report of a board of officers convened for that purpose by proper authority in accordance with existing regulations on this subject. The following is the proposed organization of one regiment and one company of National Invalids: One colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 majors, 24 captains, 24 first lieutenants, 3 battalion adjutants, 1 regimental quartermaster, 3 battalion quartermaster~sergeants, 3 bat- talion commissary-sergeants, 48 musicians, 24 first sergeants, 96 ser- geants, 192 corporals, 1,793 privates; total aggregate of maximum, 2,440. Company organization: One captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 1 first sergeant, 4 sergeants, 8 corporals, 2 musicians, 82 privates; total aggregate of maximum strength ,100. WAR DEPARTMENT, Hon. WILLIAM II. SEWARD Washington Gity, May 7, 1863. Secretary of State: SIR: In reply to the offer made by certain Swedish and Danish officers of their services in the Army of the United States, communi- cated in the note of the minister resident of Sweden and Norway of the 18th ultimo, a translation of which accompanied your note of the 20th, same month, the Secretary of War directs me to say that while this Government fully estimates and cordially recognizes the eminent services rendered to our cause by officers and soldiers of foreign birth Page 196 196 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. yet considerations of public policy, connected with our external rela- tions, have dictated the adoption of the general rule to decline the acceptance of the services of officers of foreign allegiance, however distinguished. I have the honor to be, sir, yonr obedient servant, P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of TVar. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 59. Ginciurtati, Ohio, May 7, 1863. I. The President of the United States having determined to raise and organize the volunteer force in the State of Kentucky, author- ized by an act of Congress, entitled An act to authorize the raising of a volunteer force for the better defense of Kentucky, approved February 7, 1863, Brig. Gen. J. T. Boyle, of Kentucky, is ordered to co-operate with His Excellency the Governor of Kentucky in raising, organizing, and equipping said volunteer force according to the pro- visions of the act named, and in conformity to general orders of the War Department. II. For the purpose of facilitating the speedy enrollment and organ- ization of the forces in Kentucky, post quartermasters and commis- saries in this department are directed to supply, on the requisition of authorized recruiting officers, approved by the Governor of Ken- tucky or General J. T. Boyle, such quartermasters and commissary stores as may be necessary for the equipment and subsistence of these forces while in process of organization. General Boyle is directed to establish such depots for quartermasters and commissary stores as may be deemed necessary to the prompt execution of this order, and to make all proper orders for the safety and protection of such depots, subject to the approval of the general commanding this department. III. Requisitions for ordnance stores will be made by the Governor of Kentucky or General Boyle directly upon these headquarters. By command of Major-General Burnside: LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Acljutartt- General. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., May 7, 1863. SECRETARY OF WAR: I recommend that the conscription be put through with the utmost dispatch (make it large), and that all available force, both land and naval, be at once concentrated to open the Mississippi. That is the vital point. 0. P. MORTON. STATE OF VERMONT, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Brattleborough, May 7, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington, D. C.: SIR: The adjutant-general of Vermont has sent me the accompany- ing papers, and also a copy of your letter to him of April 25, notify- ing him that Vermont has not furnished her fullquota of men under the calls of the President of July and August last Page 197 UNION AUTHORITIES. 197 I have always been determined to send the Government every man called for, and have felt sure that it had been done, and more, too. The accompanying statement by the adjutant-general, taken from the State records, indicates that an excess of men has been furnished. I am, with high regard, your obedient servant, FREDERICK HOLBROOK, Governor of Vermont. [Indorsement.] Major VINCENT: Will you please look into this and be sure we are right. Massa- chusetts also claims to have furnished her quota; look over that again. They say they furnished many recruits to old regiments before Antie- tam, and I see they claim that all their regiments (nearly) went in over a thousand strong. Return. J.B.F. [Inclosure.] STATE OF VERMONT, ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Woodstock, ]JIay 6, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington, D. C.: SIR: Yours of the 25th instant, giving notice that Vermont has not furnished her full quota of men under the Presidents calls of July 2 and August 4, 1862, and asking that the deficiency may be appor- tioned upon the Congressional districts in the State, has been received and has surprised me beyond measure. The State of Vermont has not only furnished all the troops required under the three calls, but an excess over all of 537 men, as you will perceive by the accompany- ing statement, prepared from the muster-rolls and regimental returns on file in this office, and duplicates of which will be found in the office of the Adjutant-General of the Army. The State has, as you will perceive, furnished an excess of three-years men above her quota under the first call of 500,000 and the second call of 300,000 of 612 men, and is deficient but 75 in nine-months men, leaving a net excess beyond all quotas of 537 men. It has been the pride and the boast of the State that she has fur- nished every man required from her by the General Government, and with a degree of promptness not excelled by any one. I can only express my surprise that the records of the War Depart- ment either do not show the number of men actually furnished by her, or else that the excess of men furnished by her beyond her quota under the first call has been entirely overlooked. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, PETER T. WASHBURN, Adjutant and Inspector General. (Snb.inclosnre.J Quota of Vermont under the first call of the President for 500,000 men for three years 8,160 Quota under the second call for 300,000 men for three years 4,898 Quota under call for 300,000 men for nine months 4,898 Total 17,95 Page 198 198 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Number of troops furnished by Vermont under the calls above stated.* Total troops raised in Vermont, three-years service, and mustered into U. S. service - 13,670 Excess of troops raised in Vermont for three-years service above the quota of the State under both calls 612 Number of nine-months men 4,823 Number of three-years men 13,670 Total number of men mustered 18,493, Excess of troops raised in Vermont and mustered into the U. S. service above the quota of said State under all the calls 537 [MAY 7, 1863.For Peirpoint to Lincoln, asking that the Governors of Pennsylvania and Ohio be called upon for 4,000 militia each, & c., see Series I, Vol. XXV, Part II, p. 447.] A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, the Congress of the United States at its last session enacted a law entitled An act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other purposes, which was approved on the 3d day of March last; and Whereas, it is recited in the said act that there now exists in the United States an insurrection and rebellion against the authority thereof, and it is, under the Constitution of the United States, the duty of the Government to suppress insurrection and rebellion, to guarantee to each State a republican form of government, and to preserve the public tranquillity; and Whereas, for these high purposes a military force is indispensable, to raise and support which all persons ought willingly to contribute; and Whereas, no service can be more praiseworthy and honorable than that which is rendered for the maintenance of the Constitution and Union, and the consequent preservation of free government; and Whereas, for the reasons thus recited, it was enacted by the said statute that all able-bodied male citizens of the United States and persons of foreign birth who have declared on oath their intention to become citizens under and in pursuance of the laws thereof, between the ages of twenty and forty-five years (with certain exceptions not necessary to be here mentioned), are declared to constitute the national forces, and shall be liable to perform military duty in the service of the United States when called out by the President for that purpose; and Whereas, it is claimed by and in behalf of persons of foreign birth within the ages specified in said act who have heretofore declared on oath their intentions to become citizens under and in pursuance of the laws of the United States, and who have not exercised the right of suffrage or any other political franchise under the laws of the United States, or of any of the States thereof, that they are not absolutely concluded by their aforesaid declaration of intention from renouncing their purpose to become citizens, and that, on the contrary, such persons under treaties or the law of nations retai47i a right to renounce that purpose and to forego the privileges of citizenship and residence * Details of company and regimental organizations omitted Page 199 UNION AUTHORITIES. 199 within the United States under the obligations imposed by the afore- said act of Congress: Now, therefore, to avoid all misapprehensions concerning the lia- bility of persons concerned to perform the service required by such enactment, and to give it full effect, I do hereby order and proclaim that no plea of alienage will be received or allowed to exempt from the obligations imposed by the aforesaid act of Congress any person of foreign birth who shall have declared on oath his intention to become a citizen of the United States under the laws thereof, and who shall be found within the United States at any time during the continuance of the present insurrection and rebellion, at or after the expiration of the period of sixty-five days from the date of this proc- lamation; nor shall any such plea of alienage be allowed in favor ~f any such person who has so, as aforesaid, declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and shall have exercised at any time the right of suffrage or any other political franchise within the United States, under the laws thereof, or under the laws of any of the several States. In witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independ- ence of the United States the eighty-seventh [L. s.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. HARTFORD, CONN., May 8, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have to inform you that yesterday morning I had a highly satisfactory interview with His Excellency Governor Buckiugham, in which he took especial care to pledge me for himself and his State officers every possible assistance in the performance of the duty assigned me in this State. His Excellency regretted to observe that a loyal newspaper, together with many patriotic and well-meaning persons throughout the State, had given out the impression that Connecticut had more than filled her quota, and would not therefore be subject to draft until certain other States had furnished their arrears. Doubtless gradual steps will be taken to dispel this error in order that a draft may be anticipated at any time. It is munch better that the public mind should be prepared for the discharge of an imperative duty than to be suddenly overtaken with what it may conceive to be an injustice. In my conversation with His Excellency I remarked that from my observation thus far I judged there would be no difficulty in complet- ing the draft for this State when ordered. He replied that he hoped not, but if there was to be resistance at all, it might as well be here as anywhere. I mention this to show you the temper of Governor Buckiugham s mind iti regard to supporting the Government without if or ands. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. D. PERKII~S, Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal- General Page 200 200 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 118. Washington, May 9, 1863. Paragraph 1, of General Orders, No. 81, War Department, September 19, 1861, 50 far as it sets forth that the actual traveling expenses of volunteers sent out to recruit for their regiments, when not fur- nished transportation in kind, shall be paid ont of the fund for recruiting and equipping volunteers, is not intended to apply to the transportation of officers and enlisted men when first proceeding to join the recruiting service, or when returning to their regiments, after having been relieved from the recruiting service. Such transportation is a proper charge against the appropriation for the Quartermasters Department. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND. Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington Gity, May 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. Dix, Oomdg. Dept. of Virginia, Fortress Monroe, Va.: GENERAL: The Secretary of War directs me to transmit for your information the inclosed copies of two letters, with his indorsements thereon, relating to correspondence with the rebel States. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. [Inclosure No. 1.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, May 9, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I inclose herewith a transcript of a letter of yesterdays date, from Mr. Dresel, consul at Wiirttemberg, & c., at Baltimore, and will thank you to inform me whether the correspondence he refers to can be transmitted through the War Department. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM II. SEWARD. [Indor8ement.J MAY 9, 1863. The War Department has not and will not authorize the transmis- sion of any correspondence beyond the military lines of the United States. EDWIN M. STANTON. [Inclosure No. 2.] POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT, FINANCE OFFICE, Washington,~ May 7, 1863. P. II. WATSON, Esq., Assistant Secretary of War: SIR: By letter from Major-General Dix, of date 2d April last, this Department was informed that no letters would be sent by flag of truce from Fort Monroe unless accompanied by a permit from the War Department Page 201 UNION AUTHORITIES. 201 I now notice in the National Intelligencer what purports to be regu- lations in regard to letters to be sent beyond the Federal lines, in which the permission above noticed is not made a requisite. I have the honor to request that this Department may be advised of the rules established by the War Department relative to this class of letters. Very respectfully, yours, A. N. ZEVELY, Third Assistant Postmaster- General. Per L. M. [Judorsement.] No rules have been established by the War Department on the subject, and we have no official information of General Dixs regula- tions which appear in the papers. E. M. STANTON. CIRCULAR.] WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., May 11, 1863. Provost-Marshal District of SIR: The Secretary of War authorizes the boards of enrollment to divide their districts in such number of sub-districts as will enable them to complete the enrollment within twenty or thirty days from its initiation. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington, D. C., May 13, 1868. Information has been received by this Department that sundry per- sons are purchasing horses and mules within the United States for exportation, contrary to the Executive order of November 21, 1862. To the end that during the present war the military resources of this Government should not be withdrawn from the country, the com- mandants of departments are directed to prohibit the purchase and sale of all horses and mules within the limits of their respective com- mands to be exported from the United States, and to take and appro- priate to the use of the Government any horses, mules, and live stock designed for exportation, causing the value thereof to be appraised and reported to the Quartermaster-General, and they are enjoined vigilantly to enforce the Executive order of November 21, 1862, pro- hibiting the exportation of arms, ammunition, or munitions of war. Claims for property taken under this order will be presented to the Quartermaster-General for adjustment. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HON. E. M. STANTON, MEMPHIS, TENN., May 13, 1868. Secretary of War: IarrivedherelasteveningandshallproceedtoCorinthto~morrow; return on the 16th, and after transacting necessary business her Page 202 202 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. go to General Rosecrans army. The First Arkansas Regiment, 1,000 strong, left Helena five days since for Lake Providence to act against the gnerrillas. It is well equipped and in a respectable state of dis- cipline. I shall raise several regiments in these regions. Nothing of importance from General Grants army. Troops are to-day moving from this place to re-enforce the army below. L. THOMAS, Adjut ant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 122. Washington, iVilay 14, 1863. General Orders, No. 48, of 1862, paragraph II, is modified as fol- lows: Transportation for private physicians and nurses to attend sick and wounded soldiers will be provided by the Quartermasters Depart- ment npon the special order of the general commanding a military department or an army in the field. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 123. Washington, May 14, 1863. The acting chief signal officers of departments or armies are author- ized, the consent of the generals commanding being first obtained, to appear before the examining board now in session at Washington, D.C. These officers will, at the discretion of the commanding generals, be temporarily relieved from duty and ordered to Washington for this purpose, and each will return to his station as soon as his examination is completed. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. Exhibit showing the quotas and the number of troops furnished by the State of Connecticut to include May 14, 1863. THREE YEARS. Due: Quota under calls of 1861 13,057 Quota of 300,000 volunteers, July 2, 1862 7,145 20,202 Furnished: Under calls of 1861 1 squadron of cavalry, 1 battery, 1 regiment of artillery (formerly 4th Regiment of Infantry), 9 regiments of infantry (5th to 13th inclusive) 10,314 Under call July 2, 1862 8 regiments of infantry, 1 battery 7,822 Recruits for three-years regiments 704 Deficiency 1,362 20,20 Page 203 UNION AUTHORITIES. 203 NINE MONTHS. Due: Quota of 300,000, nine months 7,145 Furnished: 7regimentsof infantry (22dto2Sth) 5,602 Deficiency 1,543 7,145 Statement as made from the muster-in rolls on file up to this date. THREE YEARS. Artillery. Arm of service. -~ ~ ci __________________ ~ 0 ~ H 1861. 1 squadron 324 324 1 light battery 154 154 1st Regiment 1, 271 1, 271 5th Regiment 936 6th Regiment 975 7th Regiment . 976 8th Regiment 995 9th Regiment 784 10th Regiment 982 11th Regiment 920 l2thRegiment 1,007 13th Regiment 990 1862 (July). 14th Regiment 968 15th Regiment 988 16th Regiment 999 17th Regiment 977 18th Regiment 997 19th Regiment 828 20th Regiment 973 21st Regiment 939 16, 234 2d Battery 153 153 Total 18, 136 NINE MONTHS. Infantry. Total. 22d Regiment 928 23(1 Regiment 848 24th Regiment 661 25th Regiment 846 26th Regiment 814 27th Regiment 827 28th Regiment 678 Total 5,602 THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Ma~y 14, 1863 Page 204 204 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Exhibit showing the quotas and the number of troops furnished by the State of Vermont to include May 14, 1863. THREE YEARS. Due: Under quota of volunteers called for in 1861 8,950 Under quota of volunteers called for July 2, 1862 4,898 13,848 Furnished: Under calls of 1861 - 7 regiments of infantry, 1 regiment of cavalry, 2 batteries of artil- lery, and 3 companies of sharpshooters- 8,363 Under call July 2, 1862, for 300,000 volunteers 3regimentsof infantry 2,960 Recruits for regiments prior to August, 1862 551 Recruits for regiments subsequent to August, 1862 1,373 Deficiency 601 Total 13,848 NINE MONTHS. Due: Under quota, militia, nine-months, General Orders, No. 94,1862 4,898 Furnished: Under call for 300,000 militia: 5 regiments of infantry 4,781 Deficiency 117 4,898 The above numbers are taken from the muster-in rolls on file in this office up to date. THREE YEARS. Q ~ o 3 ~ 0 ~ 8 Arm of service. ~ a a ~ e o ~ H 1861. 2d Regiment 868 . 3d Regiment 555 . 4th Regiment 1,042 - -. 5th Regiment 988 6th Regiment 7th Regiment (February) 941 8th Regiment 998 6, 716 1st Regiment 1, 089 1, 089 1862. 1st Battery (February) 147 1861. 2d Battery - - - . J04 251 1st Company 116 2d Company 91 3d Company 100 307 1862. 9th Regiment (July) 921 10th Regiment - 1,017 11th Regiment 1, 02~ 2, 960 Total 9,676 1,089 251 307 11, 32 Page 205 UNION AUTHORITIES. 205 NINE MONTHS. Infantry. Total number. 12th Regiment 987 13th Regiment 954 14th Regiment 957 15th Regiment 934 16th Regiment 949 Total 4,781 THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant-General. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, May 14, 1863. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 124. Washington, May 15, 1863. The following uniform has been adopted for the Invalid Corps: Jacket: Of sky-blue kersey, with dark-blue trimmings, cut like the jacket for U. S. cavalry, to come well down on the loins and abdomen. Trousers: Present regulation, sky-blue. Forage cap: Present regulation. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 130. Washington, May 15, 1868. In executing the provisions of General Orders, No. 10~5, from this Department, in regard to the selection of men for the Invalid Corps, medical inspectors, surgeons in charge of hospitals, camps, regiments, or of boards of enrollment, military commanders, and all others required to make the physical examination of men for the Invalid Corps, will be governed in their decisions by the following list of quali- fications and disqualifications for admission into this corps: Physical inftrm~ties that do not disqualify enlisted men for service in the Invalid Corps. 1. Paralysis, if confined to the left upper extremity, and the mans previous occupation fit him for the duty of clerk, orderly, & c. 2. Simple hypertrophy of the heart unaccompanied by valvular lesion; functional derangement of the stomach (dyspepsia); mild chronic diarrhea; simple enlargement of the liver or spleen; a tempo- rary ailment of the kidneys or bladder. 3. Chronic rheumatism, unless manifested by positive change of structure, wasting of the affected limb or puffiness or distortion of the joints. 4. Pain, unless accompanied with manifest derangement of the general health, wasting of a limb, or other positive sign of disease. 5. Myopia, unless very decided or depending upon structural change of the eye Page 206 206 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 6. Stammering, unless excessive and confirmed. 7. Loss of teeth or unsound teeth. 8. Porticollis. 9. Reducible hernia. 10. Hemorrhoids. 11. Stricture of the nrethra. 12. Incontinence of urine. 13. Loss or complete atrophy of both testicles from any cause; per- manent retention of one or both testicles within the inguinal canal. 14. Varicocele and cirsocele. 15. Loss of left arm, left forearm or left hand, if the man be qualified for duty of clerk or orderly. 16. Loss of leg or foot, provided the man have the inclination and aptitude for service in a general hospital, and is recommended for that duty by a medical officer, or if qualified for the duty of clerk or orderly. 17. Old and irreducible dislocation of shoulder and elbow in which the bones have accommodated themselves to their new relations. 18. Muscular and cutaneous contraction of left arm, provided the man may be employed as clerk, orderly, or messenger. 19. Loss of left thumb; partial loss of either thumb. 20. Loss of first and second phalanges of all the fingers of the left hand. 21. Total loss of any two fingers of the same hand. 22. Total loss of index finger of right hand. 23. Permanent extension of any finger of the right hand; perma- nent extension or contraction of any finger of the left hand. 24. Adherent or united fingers. 25. Loss of any toe or toes except the great toe; all the toes joined together. 26. Deformities of the toes, if not sufficient to prevent walking. 27. Large, flat, ill-shaped feet that do not come within the designa- tion of talipes valgus. 28. Varicose veins not accompanied with ulcerations. 29. Gunshot wounds or injuries not involving loss of function. 30. None of the foregoing infirmities disqualify officers for service in the Invalid Corps. In all cases where the physical infirmities of officers or enlisted men come within the provisions of the above list they will be recommended for transfer to, or enlistment in, the Invalid Corps; but no one will be admitted into this corps whose previous record does not show that he is meritorious and deserving, and that he has complied with the pro- visions of General Orders, No. 105, War Department, Adjutant-Gen- erals Office, 1863, authorizing an Invalid Corps. Physical infirmities that disqualify enlisted men for service in the Invalid Corps. 1. Manifest imbecility or insanity. 2. Epilepsy, if the seizures occur more frequently than once a month, and have obviously impaired the mental faculties. 3. Paralysis or chorea. 4. Acute or organic diseases of the brain or spinal cord, of the heart or lungs, of the stomach or intestines, of the liver or spleen, of the kidneys or bladder, sufficient to have impaired the general health or so well marked as to leave no reasonable doubt of the mans inca- pacity for military service Page 207 UNION AUTHORITIES. 207 5. Confirmed consumption, cancer, aneurism of important arteries. 6. Inveterate and extensive disease of the skin. 7. Scrofula or constitutional syphilis which has resisted treatment and seriously impaired the general health. 8. Habitual or confirmed intemperance or solitary vice sufficient in degree to have materially enfeebled the constitution. 9. Great injuries or diseases of the skull, occasioning impairment of the intellectual faculties, epilepsy, or other serious nervous or spasmodic symptoms. 10. Total loss of sight or other serious diseases of the eye, affecting its integrity and use. 11. Loss of nose or deformity of nose, if sufficient seriously to obstruct respiration; ozena, if dependent upon caries. 12. Deafness. 13. Dumbness; permanent loss of voice. 14. Total loss of tongue; partial loss and hypertrophy or atrophy of tongue, if sufficient to make the speech unintelligible and prevent mastication or deglutition. 15. Incurable deforniities of either jaw, whether congenital or pro- duced by accident, which would prevent mastication or greatly injure the speech. 16. Tumors of the neck impeding respiration or deglutition; fistula of larynx or trachea. 17. Deformity of the chest sufficient to impede respiration or to prevent the carrying of arms and military equipments; caries of the ribs; gunshot wound of the lung, if complicated with fracture of a rib. 18. Artificial anus; severe stricture of the rectum. 19. Total loss or nearly total loss of penis; epispadia or hypospadia at the middle or nearer the root of penis; stone in the bladder. 20. Confirmed or malignant sarcocele; hydrocele, if complicated with organic disease of the testes. 21. Excessive anterior or posterior curvature of spine; caries of the spine; lumbar abscess. 22. Loss of a thigh. 23. Wounds, fractures, tumors, atrophy of a limb, or chronic dis- eases of the joints or bone that would prevent marchino siderable muscular exertion ~ or any con 24. Anchylosis or irreducible dislocation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle joint. 25. Muscular or cutaneous contractions from wounds or burns in degree sufficient to prevent useful motion of the right arm or of the lower extremities. 26. With the exception of those paragraphs which refer to the total or partial loss of an extremity, the foregoing disabilities disqualify officers as well as enlisted men for service in the Invalid Corps. In all cases where the physical infirmities of an officer or enlisted man come within the provisions of this list, or where his previous rec- ord shows that he is not entitled to be received into the Invalid Corps, lie will, if in service, be discharged, and if an applicant to re-enter, his application will be disapproved. Whilst the Government is most anxious to provide for and employ to the best of their abilities those faithful soldiers who, from wounds or the hardships of war, are no longer able to perform active duty in the field, yet it can upon no account permit men undeserving or totally disabled to re-enter its service Page 208 208 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Those faithful soldiers whose physical infirmities are too great to admit of their being of any use in the Invalid Corps will, neverthe- less, receive the pensions and bounties provided by law. It is further announced that no officer or enlisted man shall be entitled to or receive any pension, premium, or bounty for enlistment, re-enlistment, or service in the Invalid Corps. They will receive all other pay and allowances now authorized by law for the U. S. infan- try, except the increased pay for re-enlistment. Claims for pensions or bounties which may be due for previous service will not be invali- dated by enlistment in the Invalid Corps. But no pensions can be drawn or accrue to the benefit of any man during his service in said corps. The officers and men will be organized into companies of infantry of the same strength as is now authorized by law for the U. S. infantry. No organized brigades, regiments, companies, or parts of companies will be accepted as such. Enlistments in this corps will be for three years, unless sooner discharged. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PROY. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 1. Washington, D. C., May 15, 1863. To Provost Marshal, District of SIR: You will please ascertain and report to this office as soon as possible what regiments, parts of regiments, and batteries have been raised in the district of which you are provost marshal. Very respectfully, JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PROY. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 2. ~ Washington, D. C., May 15, 1863. The provost-marshals of the different districts will see that the provisions of General Orders, No. 1O~5,* current series, from the Adju- tant-Generals Office, are carried into effect imiiiediately as far as they and the boards of enrollment are required to act under its provisions. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., May 15, 1863. General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Corinth: Your telegram dated at Memphis the 13th instant has just been received. The diligence and success of your labors have given me great pleasure. Please report the number of regiments you have organized, where, and to what extent recruits have been obtained. Please acknowledge receipt of this. EDWIN M. STANTON. See p. 170 Page 209 UNION AUTHORITIES. 209 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 15, 1863. Governor ANDREW, Boston: General Thomas reports that one regiment of colored troops organ- ized by him are now in the field 1,000 strong. Please report what number of recruits you now have. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BOSTON, May 15, 186311.50 a. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Fifty-fourth Regiment is full and will be ready to march on 20th. Please order destination and transportation. Fifty-fifth is begun and rapidly progressing. JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor of Massachusetts. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KENTUCKY Hon. J. F. ROBINSON, Lexington, Ky., May 16, 1863. Governor of Kentucky, Frankfort: GOVERNOR: I have received your letter kindly offering to co-operate with me in raising a force for special service in the counties infested by the guerrillas. The plan is also approved by General Burnside. It is intended to bring this force under the provisions of the 20,000 bill, but I think that when a company is willing to enlist for the war it should by all means be allowed. This will serve to organize and arm the Union men now hunted and persecuted by the guerrillas, and settle the peace and security of the interior portion of the State. Under General Orders, No. ~59, Department of the Ohio, General Buruside directs General Boyle to co-operate with Your Excellency, but by special authority I am clothed with sufficient power for this particular purpose. If you will permit me to designate two or three recruiting officers, on their raising the men they can be commissioned and I will have them mustered into service. I am anxious to lose no time. I remain, Your Excellencys most obedient servant, 0. B. WILLCOX. Hon. E. M. STANTON: BOSTON, May 16, 1863. I earnestly desire that the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment may be assigned to General Hunter. This is the wish of its officers JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor of Massachusetts. 14 R R-SERIES III, VOL II Page 210 210 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 16, 1863. Governor ANDREW, Boston: The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts is assigned to General Hunters command. You may make requisition upon the Quartermasters Department for transportation and send them forward at once. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. OFFICE ACTG. ASST. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT, New York, May 16, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: The necessity of organizing and systematizing my own office and directing the organization of those of the district provost- marshals prevented me from waiting on the Governor of the State of New York with the promptness I desired. The several offices, however, having been arranged in working order, I was enabled on Thursday to prdceed to Albany and have an interview with His Excellency Governor Seymour. That interview was in most respects satisfactory. I consider from the tone of his remarks that he will throw no obstacle in the way of the U. S. authorities carrying out the provisions of the act for enrolling and calling out the national forces. He feels 4uite sanguine that a large proportion of the two-years men lately mustered out of the service will rejoin the Army, and he intimated that measures had already been taken to induce them and others to enlist by offering respectable bounties, the State Legislature at its late session having appropriated $3,000,000 for that purpose. The Gov- ernor alluded to a telegram from you to the effect that you estimated one regiment for three years equal to four regiments for nine months, and reasoning from this he thought that the State of New York had furnished more than the number of men by some thousands than was called for by the proclamation of the President, and further, that the State had sent off a greater nunxber of three-years regiments in pro- portion to her population than any other State in the Union. In all probability the Governor will claim, on behalf of the State, credit for all the men who appear on the rolls filed in the office of the adjutant- general of the State. It is well known that a large proportion of these men deserted before the regiments left the State and before they were mustered into the U. S. service. I would urgently recommend that if there is any difference of opinion on this subject between the State and General Government that it be definitely, and, if possible, amicably adjusted as speedily as possible. Until this question is settled it is impossible to determine what proportion of the deficiency is due to each district under my charge. I informed you in a recent communication that I had received from Mr. Cisco the lists of the State enrollment for eight of the districts under my control; that for the first district not being in Mr. C. s possession, the Governor has promised to have a copy made of it from the rolls in the State offices immediately and forwarded to me. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT NUGENT, Colonel Sixty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers and Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal- General Page 211 UNION AUTHORITIES. 211 GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 137. Washington, May 18, 1863. I. Whenever enlisted men are discharged, after two years service, nnder circumstances that entitle them to the bounty provided by the sixth section of the act of Congress approved July 22, and the fifth section of the act approved July 27, 1861, the bounty due and remain- ing unpaid shall be credited upon their final statements, and be paid, like other arrearages, by the Pay 1)epartment. II. The exercise of the powers given the medical inspectors of the Army to discharge soldiers for disability is suspended until their duties in this respect are defiuied by regulations to be published here- after. III. Paragraph II, General Orders, No. 87, of 1863, is hereby modi- fied so as to allow the assistant surgeon-general, medical inspector- general, and medical inspectors the same number of rooms as offices, and fuel and furniture therefor, as are allowed by regulations to officers of the Quartermasters Department who have the same rank. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 139. Washington, May 18, 1863. 1. The duties of signal officers will be performed by officers of the Signal Corps, or by such competent and instructed officers as may be specially detailed for that purpose. Any superior commander may, in view of probable necessities, detail a limited number of officers and men for instruction; but no details for service will be made until the officers and men to be detailed have passed a satisfactory examination by a board, of which at least two signal officers shall be members, and no incompetent or inexperienced officer will be permitted, by any authority, to transmit signal me~sages. 2. Signal officers, when on duty, will report to their immediate com- inander and to the chief signal officer of the army with which they may be serving, for the information of the general commanding, all move- ments of the enemy or other facts relating to the general interest of the service coming within their knowledge. 3. Communications transmitted by signals are always confidential; they will not be revealed by officers on stations to others than those officially entitled to receive them. 4. The senior officer of any command will be the chief of the signal parties serving in that command. Orders or instructions affecting their duties will be transmitted through him, and he will be held responsible that the officers and men under his charge are fully instructed and properly perform the duties assigned them. He will have charge of all signal duty and will keep himself well informed of the position of the army and of the enemy; and will, under the instruction of the general commanding, so establish his stations that they may be most advantageously posted. He will take care, by mnspections and timely requisitions, that his party is well supplied with all equipments necessary to render it effective. He will make, from time to time, the proper reports of his operations in the field to the general commanding, and will, with the assent of the general, forward certified copies of these reports to the office of the Signal Offi- cer. He will make the usual returns and semi-monthly statements Page 212 212 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. and at the end of each month a report to the Signal Officer of the Army as to the condition of his party and of such matters as pertain to its particular duties. 5. The examining boards prescribed above may be appointed by the commander of any army, army corps, or department in which signal parties have been or may be authorized. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 18, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Telegram of the 15th received. Returned from Corinth after address- ing the troops at twelve different places. The policy with regard to the blacks enthusiastically received. Have authorized the following regiments: Two at Helenaone full, the other will be completed by the end of the month; five in Louisiana, organizing, from Lake Provi- dence to Youngs Point; two in Mississippi. But for the movement of Grant these regiments would have been filled. The plan was to send armed parties across the river and gather in the blacks, but the force left in Louisiana is too small to do much in that way. A num- ber of recruiting officers are with General Grants army, and I hope by the end of the month all will be filled. In General Hurlbuts corps will be raised one regiment at Columbus, Ky.; one of heavy artillery, .1,200, at Memphis; four at Corinth, Jackson, and on the railroad route to Memphis. Five thousand will be raised in these regions in two weeks. My aim has been to raise 20,000, and I see nothing to prevent it. I am not well, but a little rest will bring me up. My purpose is to proceed to General Rosecrans army and then return down the Mississippi to see how my plans and orders have been carried out. I find the troops in good condition and in fine health. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 4. Washington, May 18, 1863. Provost-marshals will inform commissioners and surgeons of the Board of Enrollment that the construction put by the War Depart- ment upon section 5 of the enrollment act, as given in paragraph 55 of the Regulations, is that the pay of these officers is to be continuous from the time each commissioner and surgeon reports for duty until he is relieved by orders from the War Department. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PROV. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 5. Washington, D. U, May 18, 1863. All official communications relating to the business of this Bureau are to be addressed direct to the Provost-Marshal-General, and not to any of the subordinate officers of his department Page 213 UNION AUTHORITIES. 213 The dress of the provost-marshals when engaged in the duties of their office shall be that of a captain of the general staff, as prescribed in Army Regulations. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington City, May 19, 1863. Brigadier-General THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Memphis, Tenn.: Your telegram received. I congratulate you upon the energy, ability, and success of your operations, and hope your health may enable you to keep at work until you have all the force expected in the field. If any supplies are wanted let me know. Nothing new here. All quiet on the Potomac.~~ EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Washington, May 19, 1868. Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a dispatch of the 1st instant, No. 403, from Mr. Adams, our minister to Great Britain, relative to preparations in Europe for smuggling goods into Texas by the way of the Rio Grande. I have th~ honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, WiLLIAM H. SEWARD. [Inclosure.] No. 403.] LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, London, May 1, 1863. Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.: SIR: In the House of Lords last evening Lord Russell is reported as annouficing that the Peterhoff has been sent into the prize court. The effect of this news here will be to prolong the delay in reorganizing the scheme of smuggling by way of the Rio Grande. Seven steamers are now awaiting orders. But I feel it my duty to call your attention to the necessity of taking advantage of it so far as, if possible, to provide in season against the resumption of operations in that quarter. No equally subtle and dangerous expedient to annul the blockade has yet been devised. The plan has been entered into very deeply by wealthy and influential merchants and capitalists in this city, and it has an intimate connection with the base of the Confederate loan. The interests thus consolidated will press with great force on this feeble ministry if the smallest opening be afforded to complain of any violation of a neutral trade. I know not whether anything short of the possession of the eastern bank of the river will avail to defeat these machinations. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS Page 214 214 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 20, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Thanks for your telegram of yesterday. To-day I organized the Third Mississippi, over 1,000 negroes for it being now at Grand Gulf. I take the clothing of the army for them, but I think a distinctive dress of less cost would be bettersomething a little more gay. Cant the Quartermaster-General provide one? I am better and can do full work within doors, but have to avoid the hot sun. General Hawkins passed up yesterday to Louisville, having been prostrated by fever. Even the trip thus far has been of service to him. He has greatly aided me. Colonel Shepard, First Mississippi, should be the next brigadier for blacks. He is one of the oldest colonels, and left the head of a fine regiment because his heart was in the work. He richly deserves promotion and can essentially aid me. Our latest informa- tion is that General Grant defeated Johnston, and occupied Jackson. L. ThOMAS, Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 6. Washington, D. C., May 20, 1863. All provost-marshals who have not already done so, will immedi- ately report to this office the organization of the boards of enrollment for their respective districts, and the steps taken to complete the enrollment with the least possible delay. They will also forward at once the regular tn-monthly report required by paragraph 3, section 97, of the Regulations, and, as far as possible, all the reports and returns specified on page 19 of the Regulations. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. STATE OF NEW YORK, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Albany, May 20, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I will visit Washington at an early day. At this time I am confined to the State capital by the urgent duties growing out of the act of the Legislature of New York for encouraging enlistments. Very liberal bounties will be given to those who will engage in the national service. I am now employed with the members of my staff in organ- izing a vigorous system for recruiting, which I hope will do away with the necessity for making any draft in New York. When this is accomplished I will see you in Washington. Truly HORATIO SEYMOUR. MUREREESBOROUGH, TENN., May 21, 18631.15 p. m. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The Reverend Doctor Jaquess, colonel of Seventy-third Illinois, a man of high character and great influence in the Methodist Church Page 215 tJNiO~ AtYTlIO1UTIE~. 215 has proposed a mission to the South, which, in my judgment, is worthy of being laid before you. Will you authorize me to send him to Washington for that purpose? W. S. ROSECRANS, lIIctjor- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 21, 1868. Major-General ROSECRANS, Murfreesboromgh, Tertn.: For certain reasons it is thought best for Reverend Doctor Jaquess not to come here. Present my respects to him and ask him to write me fully on the subject he has in contemplation. A. LINCOLN. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 143. Washington, May 22, 1863. I. A bureau is established in the Adjutant-Generals Office for the record of all matters relating to the organization of colored troops. An officer will be assigned to the charge of the Bureau, with such number of clerks as may be designated by the Adjutant-General. II. Three or more field officers will be detailed a~ inspectors to supervise the organization of colored troops at such points as may be indicated by the War Department in the Northern and Western States. III. Boards will be convened at such posts as may be decided upon by the War Department to examine applicants for commissions to command colored troops, who, on application to the Adjutant-General, may receive authority to present themselves to the Board for examination. IV. No persons shall be allowed to recruit for colored troops except specially authorized by the War Department; and no such authority will be given to persons who have not been examined and passed by a board; nor will such authority be given any one person to raise more than one regiment. V. The reports of boards will specify the grade of commission for which each candidate is fit, and authority to recruit will be given in accordance. Commissions will be issued from the Adjutant-Generals Office when the prescribed number of men is ready for muster into service. VI. Colored troops may be accepted by companies, to be afterward consolidated in battalions and regiments by the Adjutant-General. The regiments will be numbered seriatim, in the order in which they are raised, the numbers to be determined by the Adjutant-General. They will be designated: Regiment of U. S. Colored Troops. VII. Recruiting stations and depots will be established by the Adjutant-General as circumstances shall require, and officers will be detailed to muster and inspect the troops. VIII. The non-commissioned officers of colored troops may be selected and appointed from the best men of their number in thc usual mode of appointing non-commissioned officers. Meritorious commissioned officers will be entitled to promotion to higher rank if they prove themselves equal to it. IX. All personal applications for appointments in colored regi- ments, or for information concerning them, must be made to th Page 216 216 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Chief of the Bureau; all written communications should be addressed to the Chief of the Bureau, to the care of the Adjutant-General. By order of the Secretary of War: / E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 144. Washington, May 22, 1863. The following rules are prescribed for the guidance of boards in examining applicants for commissions in regiments of colored troops: 1. The Board will sit every day, except Sunday, from 9 oclock a. m. to 5 oclock p. m. The place of sitting to be provided by the Quartermasters Department, and public notice given. 2. The Board will make to the Adjutant-General, for record in the Bureau for Colored Troops, reports of all persons examined, whether approved or rejected; the reports will be made weekly, or oftener when specially called for. 3. Each applicant must exhibit to the Board authority from the Adjutant-General to appear before it. Such authority will be given upon satisfactory recommendations of good moral character and standing in the community in which the applicant resided, or, if in the military service, on testimonials from his commanding officers. All such recommendations will be filed in the Bureau for Colored Troops. 4. Each applicant shall be subjected to a fair but rigorous examina- tion as to physical, mental, and moral fitness to command troops. 5. The Board shall specifyfor what grade of commission the several applicants are fit, and shall also classify and number them according to merit or proficiency. 6. Appointments to each grade shall only be made from the candi- dates approved by the Board, and in the order of merit recommended by it. 7. The report of the Board, if adverse, shall be conclusive, and no person rejected by it shall be re-examined. S. Other instructions will be communicated to boards if required. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 7. Washington, D. C., ]lfay 22, 1863. All men who desire to join any particular regiment of cavalry now in the field are hereby authorized to present themselves at any time during the next thirty days to the Board of Enrollment in their respect- ive districts. The Board shall examine them and determine upon their fitness for the service, and if found to be fit the provost-marshal of the district shall give them transportation tickets to the general rendezvous at the headquarters of the acting assistant provost-marshal- general of the State. As soon as they present themselves at this gen- eral rendezvous they shall be duly mustered by a mustering and dis- bursing officer and paid by him the bounty allowed by law. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General Page 217 UNION AUTHORITIES. 217 CIRCULAR ~ WAR DEPT., PROV. IMAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No.8. Washington, D. C., May 22, 1863. The attention of all officers who have been honorably discharged on account of wounds or disability, and who desire to re-enter the serv- ice in the Invalid Corps, is called to the provisions of General Orders, No. 105, of 1863, from the War Department, published in the papers throughont the conntry. Such officers arts requested to comply promptly with the provisions of that order, and to send their written applications, as therein provided, for positions in the Invalid Corps (stating the character of their disability), with as little delaysas possi- ble, to the acting assistant provost-marshal-general of the State in which he may be. Such acting assistant provost-marshal-general will at once forward the applications, with his indorsement, to the Provost- Marshal-General at Washington. Officers for the Invalid Corps will be appointed immediately upon furnishing the papers required by General Orders, No. 105, of 1863, from the War Department. Their pay and emoluments will com- mence from date of acceptance of such appointments, and not from date of organization of the respective commands to which they may be assigned. JAMES 13. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., May 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Murfreesborough, Teun.: GENERAL: The French minister has communicated to the Secretary of State the complaints of French citizens residing in Nashville against an order of Brig. Gen. R. B. Mitchell, which requires them to take an oath of allegiance to the United States or to give a parole and bond in the sum of $5,000; failing to do this, they are to be forci- bly placed within the rebel lines. This order, it is said, is general, and is applied to all inhabitants, citizens as well as foreign residents, and to quiet non-combatants, as well as persons suspected of hostile intentions. Such an order is deemed unnecessarily rigorous in regard to foreign- ers who quietly pursue their ordinary avocations and tal~e no part in the war. It will, therefore, be so modified as to give no cause of offense to friendly powers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. XV. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. ELMIRA, May 22, 1868. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General: COLONEL: I have just returned from Albany, where I had a pro- tracted audience with Governor Seymour. My attentionas yours must have beenhad been attracted to his remarkable letter to the meeting at the capitol the preceding evening, denouncing the pro- ceeding against Vallandigham. This letter was of course he subject of conversation. My personal relations with the Governor having always been friendly, and much of the conversation having been con- fidential in its character, I hardly know how to communicate to yo Page 218 ~18 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. regarding it. I feel authorized, however, to say that the Governor will co-operate with the General Government in such measures as may be adopted for raising armies and carrying on the war. He thinks the question of constitutionality of the law will be raised, but says that is a question for the courts. He wanted me to understand and to communicate to the President that he was exceedingly tenacious in relation to the question of arbitrary arrests. I referred him to the law of Congress upon this subject, as contained in the act authorizing the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the act relating to the draft. I understood him to be content if arrests were made in compliance with those provisions, and if my advice were of any value I would suggest that these laws be respected, as they were framed after a great deal of consideration and had the support of the best minds in Congress. I am in receipt of telegrams from marshals inquiring for blanks, also for instructions. I suppose I will soon be instructed by you and supplied with whatever the marshals are to receive through me. I think it very important that the draft be forwarded with all possible dispatch. In reference to its executionwhen the law was first enacted every one expected it would be enforced; now a great many are hoping that it may be avoided. I think it quite important that a military post be established here if there is not already one. The returning troops to be mustered out and paid here are but little controlled by their officers, and the civil authorities are timid about punishing the offenses of soldiers. This will be no better when the drafted men are being organized. The State provided barracks here for some 10,000 men, and I think the General Government paid the State their cost and now own the barracks. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant A. S. DIVEN, Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal- General. P. S.I would thank you to show the Secretary of War so much ot this letter at least as relates to my interview with Governor Seymour. HARRISBURG, PA., May 22, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I learn an order has been made to stop payment of the officers of the regiments now here and being paid until accounts of ordnance stores are settled at Washington. This order is creating much trouble, and operates oppressively on the officers. I earnestly advise and ask that the order be revoked or modified, or that some arrange- ment be made to settle the accounts here. Many of the officers are without money, and to retain their hard-earned pay will be hard, if not unjust. A good feeling prevails here, which may be marred if the order is suffered to prevail. In future payment of regiments you will see the propriety of maintaining the feeling of the present, and, if possible, have all the troops return home satisfied. Five regiments were paid off, yours included, before the order arrived. Please answer soon. A. G. CURTIN, Governor Page 219 UNION AUTHORITIES. 219 STATE OF VERMONT, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Brattleborough, JtJiay 22, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I have been thinking for some time past that I would write you briefly expressing my individual conviction that it will be better for the Government to fill the 01(1 or three-years Vermont regiments than to consolidate them. I believe that none of our old regiments are yet reduced in numbers to the point for consolidation; but they are liable to be so reduced before long. I have an impression that, as a general rule, it will be better to fill all old and well-proved regi- ments in the U. S. service than to consolidate them. Consolidation will dismiss in a somewhat rough and summary man- ne~ many valuable officers, at a time, too, when the Government needs the aid of all good men, and especially of all good military officers; and it will also create a great deal of unpleasant feeling in the Army. The volunteers who early enlisted for three years or the war are, as a whole, characterized by more active and ardent patriotism than the same number of persons at home who could go but have not yet gone into the service. The veteran regiments are worth more to the Government to-day, even when simmered down to not more than 300 well disciplined, able-bodied men, than any new and green regiments of 1,000 men each that the Government can procure. The veteran regiments have borne the heat and burden of the war, all its trials, reverses, disappointments and discouragements; they still stand up firmly and nobly to their duties, desire to fight the war through to a successful termination, and should be permitted to preserve their organization and a continuous record during the war, or their period of service. I know that the old Vermont regiments are worthy of all I now say. Their conduct and services in the recent battles at Fred- ericksburg prove it. True, unworthy officers and worthless soldiers found their way more or less into all the old regiments at the outset; but all such characters have been pretty generally sifted out, so that the remainder is now choice and reliable. Filling up the old regiments, therefore, rather than consolidating them will, as it appears to me, be as politic as it will be just and gen- erous on the part of the Government. Excuse me, sir, for thus volunteering my opinions. I do it with due respect for the decisions of the Government, and with no thought but to co-operate energetically in such measures as the Government shall judge best to be adopted. I am, with high regard, your obedient servant, FREDERICK HOLBROOK, Governor of Vermont. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PROY. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No.9. ~ Washington, D. C., May 23, 1863. I. The following rules, in connection with the circular from this office of the 22d instant, concerning cavalry recruits, are furnished for the guidance of provost-marshals, and must be strictly adhered to: 1. The recruits having been examined by the Board of Enrollment and found fitted for the duty of soldiers,, will, previous to being sent to the general rendezvous, be enlisted by the provost-marshal of the district Page 220 220 CORRESPONDENCE, ETO, 2. As soon as enlisted the recruit will be furnished with transpor- tation tickets to the headquarters of the acting assistant provost- marshal-general of the State. 3. The enlistments will be upon the usual printed forms and in duplicate. These duplicate enlistments, with a descriptive list of each recruit, will be sent to the acting assistant provost-marshal- general of the State, who will cause the descriptive list to be examined, and if found correct, filed with the records of the rendezvous. The duplicate enlistments will be given to the mustering and disbursing officer at the general rendezvous to assist him in the verification of his accounts and in making the necessary musters into service. A supply of blank enlistments, transportation tickets, and descrip- tive lists will be furnished immediately from this office. II. Provost-marshals will take pains, by means of posters and local advertisements, to give as wide a circulation as possible to the circ~ular of the 22d instant. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PROY. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 10. ~ Washington, D. C., May 23, 1863. The following-named officers are announced as on duty in this office, and are empowered to conduct, under direction of the Provost- Marshal-General, the ordinary correspondence connected with their respective branches of business, viz: General and miscellaneous business.Col. George D. Ruggles, additional aide-de-camp and assistant adjutant-general; Capt. Henry Stone, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers. Disbursements, accounts, returns, & c., under the enrollment act. Capt. S. F. Chalfin, Fifth Artillery, in charge; Capt. II. B. Hen- dershott, Second Artillery, disbursing officer; Capt. H. C. Wood, Eleventh Infantry, disbursing officer; Capt. James Curtis, Fifteenth Infantry, disbursing officer; Capt. F. H. Barroll, Second Infantry, disbursing officer. Enrollment, & c.Capt. Henry E. Maynadier, Tenth Infantry. Deserters, descriptive lists, & c.Maj. Chauncey McKeever, assist- ant adjutant-general. Invalid Corps.Col. Richard H. Rush, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Accounts of disbursing officers under appropriation for collecting, drilling and organizing volunteers.Maj. 0. D. Greene, assistant adjutant-general. All official communications for this Bureau must be addressed to the Provost-Marshal-General. The envelopes should be marked Official business, and should show to which branch the communi- cation relates, by being marked Disbursements under enrollment act, Enrollment, Deserters, Invalid Corps, or otherwise, as the case may be. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 11. ~ Washington, D.~ C., May 23, 1863. 1. Supplies of clothing will be forwarded to each district provost- marshal, who will furnish triplicate receipts for the same, and con Page 221 UNION AUTHORITIES. 221 form in other respects to the provisions of paragraph 1147, Regulations for the Quartermasters Department. All clothing received by them wiWbe accounted for as prescribed in paragraph 1158 (see Form 51), same regulations. Provost-marshals are held strictly responsible at the Treasury of the United States for any and all public property which they receive. 2. A secure and dry clothing store-room must be selected, and proper care taken of the clothing at all times. 3. All issues of clothing must be made as prescribed in paragraphs 1151 and 1159 (see Form 52), Quartermasters Regulations. Particu- lar attention is called to paragraphs 1161, 1162, and 1163, as a strict compliance with them will be enforced. 4. When a drafted man presents himself at the district headquar- ters he must at once be put in uniform and supplied with one knap- sack, haversack, canteen, and blanket. His citizens dress must be disposed of by himself. He must also be furnished with one knife, fork, spoon, tin cup, and tin plate (see paragraph 115, Regulations for the government of Provost-Marshal-Generals Bureau). These latter articles will be purchased by the pr& vost-marshal, in accordance with Regulations for the government of the Provost-Marshal-Generals Bureau. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 12. Washington, D. C., May 23, 1863. I. The acting assistant provost-marshals-general of the several States will at once, by personal inspection themselves or their inspect- ors, see that boards of enrollment of the different districts in their respective States are progressing as rapidly as possible in their duties, and that the work of enrollment is commenced and pushed t6comple- tion with the least possible delay. The result of the inspection of each district will be immediately reported to the Provost-Marshal-General. II. Acting assistant provost-marshals-general of States, when travel- ing on duty in their States, will be paid the actual cost of transporta- tion and porterage, as allowed for officers of the recruiting service when visiting branch rendezvous. Officers detailed as inspectors for acting assistant provost-marshals-general; traveling in those States under orders of the acting assistant provost-marshals-general, and proVost-marshals of districts, when traveling on duty in their dis- tricts, will be paid in like manner. Accounts of this nature, of officers detailed as inspectors, must be accompanied by a copy of the order under which the journey was performed, and all accounts referred to in this circular will be paid by the disbursing officer of the Provost- Marshal-Generals Bureau in this city. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 13. Washington, D. C., .Miay 25, 1863. The acting assistant provost-marshal-general of each State will at once open a recruiting rendezvous for the Invalid Corps at or in the immediate vicinity of his headquarters. He will select suitable off Page 222 222 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. cers from those under his immediate orders, to perform, under his directions, the duties of recruiting officers. Suitable enlisted men to serve as recruiting sergeants under these officers will be selected from among those enlisted for the Invalid Corps. The acting assistant provost-marshal-general in each State will at once take steps to establish, under command of competent officers, a camp of rendezvous for the Invalid Corps in his State. Provision shall be made at this camp for the reception and accommodation of such soldiers as may be transferred to the Invalid Corps from hospi- tals, convalescent camps, or active regiments, as well as of such men as may be sent to it for enlistment in the corps from the various dis- tricts of the State. Men sent for enlistment from districts will report to the commanding officer at the camp immediately upon their arrival thereat, and will present to him at the same time their certificates from the Board of Enrollment by which they were sent. They shall be examined as soon as practicable thereafter by the recruiting officer, and if deemed by him suitable for soldiers in the Invalid Corps they shall be at once enlisted; if not, they shall be rejected, and furnished with a transportation ticket to the headquarters of the district whence they came. Quarters and subsistence shall be provided for them till enlisted or returned to district headquarters, as herein provided for. In cases where neither camps nor barracks, already hired by or belonging to the Government, can be secured for camps of rendez- vous, contracts for the hire of suitable grounds for such purposes for a period not to exceed three months shall at once be made by the respective acting assistant provost-marshals-general, subject to the approval of the Provost-Marshal-General. The acting assistant provost-marshal-general in each State shall make requisitions on the proper departments for such clothing, camp and garrison equipage, subsistence stores, and other public property as may be required for use at the camps of rendezvous for their respective States. They shall also recommend to the Provost-Marshal- General suitable officers to be detailed for duty at such camps. Estimates for the camps of rendezvous in the respective States shall be made for companies, as follows, viz: Maine, 4 companies; New Hampshire, 4 companies; Vermont, 4 com- panies; Massachusetts, 10 companies; Rhode Island, 3 companies; Connecticut, S companies; New York (each assistant provost-marshal- general), 10 companies; New Jersey, 8 companies; Pennsylvania, 15 companies; Delaware, 2 companies; Maryland, S companies; Ken- tucky, 6 companies; Ohio, 15 companies; Michigan, 6 companies; Indiana, 10 companies; Illinois, 10 companies; Missouri, 8 compa- nies; Iowa, S companies; Wisconsin, 8 companies; Minnesota, 5 com- panies; Kansas, 2 companies; District of Columbia, 10 companies. Companies shall be uniformed, armed, and equipped at the camp of rendezvous as soon as organized, aud be sent to such stations as may be designated by the Provost-Marshal-General. The rent of the camps and recruiting rendezvous herein provided for, expenses of stationery, office furniture, and of other expenses properly belonging to the recruiting service, will be paid upon the prescribed vouchers by the disbursing officer of the Provost-Marshal- Generals Department in this city. Further instructions in detail will be issued by the time the prepa- rations therein required are completed. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General Page 223 UNION AUTHORITIES. 223 OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL, Columbus, Ohio, May 25, 1863. Hon. P. H. WATSON, Assistartt Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIR: Under a law passed by the last session of the Ohio Legislature the militia of the State is being rapidly reorganized, and the proba- bility is that within a few weeks we shall have from 8,000 to 10,000 men, uniformed and under drill, who may be depended upon for the preservation of order within the State and for the defense of its border. The Legislature made no provision for arming the militia, under the presumption that the General Government would supply arms and accouterments. By direction of the Governor, I have now the honor to request authority from the War Department to issue to the militia as many of the Prussian smooth-bore muskets, with the necessary accouterments, now in my hands, as may be required, taking receipts from captains of companies. The number of these muskets on hand is about 7,000, of which number about 4,000 are in condition for issue. They are not arms that can be made serviceable in the field, but in the hands of the militia would answer the purpose of a better gun. I beg the favorable consideration of the War Department to this request and an early reply. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. WRIGHT, Quartermaster- General of Ohio. HARRISBURG, May 25, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I have no answer to my dispatch asking that some arrangement be made to relieve the order that stopped the payment of officers until ordnance accounts are settled. It excites much feeling here, and many of the officers are really in great need of their pay. I need not mention to you the good effect the return of all these men satisfied will have on the body of our people. May I not expect an answer this morning? A. G. CURTIN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 25, 1863. His Excellency A. G. CURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa.: SIR: I am instructed by the Secretary of War to say that your tele- grams in relation to the stoppage of the pay of officers until their ordnance accounts are rendered have been under consideration by the Department, and it is found that the enforcement of the regula- tion is indispensable to the service and the Government and cannot be relaxed. ED. R. S. CANBY, Brigadier- General and Assistant A6~jutant- General Page 224 224 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 26, 1863. His Excellency A. G. CURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa.: Since the telegram to you was sent Lieutenant7Colonel McCartney has called at the Department, and from his statement there appears to be some misunderstanding by the paymasters of the regulations respecting accounts to be rendered by officers. They are required by regulations, based upon law, to render an account of all ordnance and quarterm asters property receipted for by them before they can be paid off. Rendering the account is a compliance with the regula- tions, but the pay is not to be stopped until the account is settled at the Treasury. If the account is found to be false, the officer may hereafter be punished by indictment, but he is entitled to his pay on the account being rendered. This has always been the regulation, and it cannot be changed without injury to the service. Lieutenant- Colonel McCartney states that the officers can render their accounts, and instructions will be given the paymasters to correct any misap- prehensions they may have as to the regulations. By order of the Secretary of War: ED. R. S. CANBY, Brigadier- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., May 25, 1863. His Excellency FREDERICK HOLBROOK, Governor of Vermont, Brattleborough: DEAR SIR: I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22d instant. It is not the desire of this Department to consolidate the regiments except where it may be absolutely necessary. The design is to fill up the old regiments by drafted men under the enrollment act. In regard to the importance of keeping up the old organiza- tions, and thus retaining the services of experienced officers, I concur entfrely in your opinion. I shall be very glad always to have your opinion upon any subject relative to the service, and will be ready promptly to accept any suggestions that may occur to you. It will probably be found that not much difference of opinion will exist between us. Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. ACTG. ASST. PROvOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Wheeling, Va., May 25, 1863. Col. J. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal-General: SIR: The officers of the present State government, including Gov- ernor Peirpoint and the prospective Governor of the State of West Virginia, Hon. A. 1. Boreman, of Parkersburg, Va., having pro tested against any steps to be taken for some time in West Virginia to enforce the enrollment act, I purpose in a few days, on the retur Page 225 UNION AUTHORITIES. 2~25 of Governor Peirpoint from Eastern Virginia, to present to you as fully as possible the reasons urged by them in making this protest. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH DARR, JR.~, Major and Actg. Asst. Provost-Marshal-General. WHEELING, VA., May 25, 1863. Hon. SAMUEL CRANE, Auditor of State: SIR: I have the honor to request your opinion (in writing) whether it is advisable or expedient for some time to take any steps to enforce the Act for calling out and enrolling the national forces in the State of West Virginia. If your opinion should be in the negative I request that you will set down such reasons as lead you to that conclusion. I address a similar letter to this to other officers of the State government, as I understand there is a general objection to enforcing the act on the part of those having custody of the public interest in this State. Very respectfully, JOS. DARR, JR., Major and Actg. Asst. Provost-Marshal- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 14. Washington, D. C., May 26, 1863. The following regulations and instructions for the recruiting service of the Invalid Corps are published for the information and guidance of all concerned: SECTION 1.General regulations for the recruiting service of the Invalid Corps. 1. The recruiting service in the various States for the Invalid Corps is placed under charge of the assistant provost-marshals-gen- eral as general superintendents for those States, respectively, who will be governed by the following rules and regulations: 2. The superintendents will establish the rendezvous, and so arrange for the rent, subsistence of recruits, and other expenses that the charges may be reasonable, and that the bills therefor may be certi- fied by the recruiting officers in charge and presented for payment to the disbursing officers of the State. 3. Superintendents will see that their depots are kept supplied with sufficient clothing for issues to recruits, and with the arms, & c., necessary for their instruction and full equipment. 4. Camps of rendezvous and instruction will be established at or in the vicinity of the stations of the assistant provost-marshals-gen- eral of the several States, under charge of officers of the Invalid Corps, or officers temporarily disabled from active service, and detailed for this duty. ti. Enlisted men honorably discharged on account of disability, desiring to re-enlist in this corps~ will present themselves to the Board of Enrollment for the district in which they reside, for examination 15 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 226 226 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. by the surgeon thereof, who shall make a personal examination of them, and report the result to the Board of Enrollment. 6. The Board shall then consider each case, and if the applicant is found to fulfill the conditions specified below, the Board shall give him a certificate (according to the form furnished) to that effect, viz: First. That he is unfit for service in the field. Second. That he is fit for garrison duty, according to the rules laid down in General Orders, No. 130, War Department, 1863. Third. That he is meritorious and deserving. Fourth. That he was honorably discharged from the service on account of disability. 7. The provost-marshal for the district shall furnish the applicant with a ticket of transportation, by the shortest practicable route, to the nearest acting assistant provost-marshal-general of a State (no matter if he be not in the same State), who shall procure such evi- dence of service and good character as he may deem sufficient; and if satisfied that it is a meritorious case, and that the man is not intein- perate, and is deserving, he will enlist him. 8. In case the applicant is rejected for any cause by the acting assistant provost-marshal-general, he will be furnished with a ticket to return to the district whence he came. 9. The term of enlistment in the Invalid Corps shall be three years or during the war. Enlistments shall be made upon printed forms to be furnished for the purpose. They will in all cases be made in duplicate. 10. One copy of each enlistment will be delivered to the disbursing officer, to assist him in the examination and verification of accounts, and will be sent with those accounts, at the end of each quarter, to the Provost-Marshal-General at Washington; and the other copy will be sent by the superintendent to the Provost-Marshal-General, with a consolidated return of the recruiting parties for the month, on the first day of the succeeding month, or as soon thereafter as practicable. 11. Recruiting officers will send to the superintendents a return of their recruiting parties for each month on the first day of the suc- ceeding month. They will also make tn-monthly reports of the state of the recruiting service to. the superintendent, which shall be for- warded to the Provost-Marshal-General. 12. Detachments of recruits will be furnished with at least two days cooked rations before starting from one depot for another. If delayed in any city en route a detachment will be marched to the soldiers rest, where additional cooked rations will be issued to the men sufficient to last till their arrival at the next rest, or at the destination of the detachment, according to circumstances. Superin- tendents of the recruiting service for State or district provost-mar- shals will see that this order is executed. 13. If possible, subsistence will be issued in kind, as required in the regular servi6e. If subsistence cannot be furnished in kind, and board be necessary, it will be furnished at a rate not to exceed 30 cents per diem. 14. Commutation in lieu of rations in kind will not be paid to recruiting parties while at their stations. 15. The officers or non-commissioned officers in charge of detach- ments en route are responsible that the rations are not wasted; also, that such as are required are obtained at the rests. Purchases of ~vr~c1es of food on public account ar~ not authorized Page 227 UNION AUTHORITIES. 227 16. All other details will be conducted in the manner prescribed in the Regulations for the Recruiting Service in the Regular Army. 17. The premiums for accepted recruits as laid down in paragraph 1315 General Regulations, will not, however, be allowed in the Invalid Corps service. SECTION 2.Detailed instructions. 1. Companies will be organized of the minimum strength authorized by law for infantry. A fair proportion of non-commissioned officers, & c., will be assigned or appointed to each company. Invalid officers capable of performing the duty may be temporarily assigned as com- pany officers, who will take immediate charge of the companies. They may afterward be appointed in the Invalid Corps when the require- ments of General Orders, No. 105, are complied with. Each company will, as far as practicable, be formed of men of different States. 2. Duplicate muster and descriptive, rolls will be made out, one to be retained by the company commander and one sent to the Provost- Marshal-General. 3. If any men are transferred from active regiments and assigned to companies of the Invalid Corps, the rolls must show the company, the regiment, and the State to which such men belong. The heading and indorsement of these rolls will be altered so as to read * * * First (or Fourth, or Sixteenth) Company, First (or Second, or Third) Battalion Invalid Corps, organized at . These rolls will be signed by the officers making the inspection and assignment, and will be filled~up with descriptive lists, clothing account, & c., as far as the records will permit. 4. Men enlisted in or transferred to the Invalid Corps will be re- quired to perform all duties within the limits of their physical capac- ity, as laid down in the rules and regulations for that corps, but for the convenience of service they will be selected for three grades of duty. Those who are most efficient and able-bodied, and capable of using the musket, and performing guard duty, light marches, & c., will be assigned to companies of the First Battalion. Those of the next degree of physical efficiency, including all who have lost a hand or an arm, to the companies of the Second Battalion. Those who are least effective, and including all who have lost a foot or leg, to the companies of the Third Battalion. 5. For present convenience, the companies of each battalion will be numbered from one np, according to the number organized at any one place. The battalions will be numbered first, second, and third, according to the grade of efficiency of the men; but care will be observed to designate the place where the company is organized, as First Company, First Battalion, Invalid Corps, organized at Conva- lescent Camp, Alexandria, Ya.; Fifth Company, Second Battalion, Invalid Corps, organized at Depot Camp, at Harrisburg, Pa.; First Company, Third Battalion, Invalid Corps, organized at Portsmouth Grove Hospital. When these rolls are received at the Provost-Marshal-Generals Office at Washington, and the invalid officers are appointed, they will be assigned to companies, and the companies will be lettered as A, B, C, & c., and battalions assigned to regiments and numbered. Men of every State will, as far as practicable, be assigned to the same company, and no companies will be formed of men all from one State. JAMES B. FRY, Provost -YEars hal- General Page 228 228 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HARRISBURG, PA., May 26, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: The delays and want of certaintyit may be unavoidablehave produced a state of feeling liere much to be regretted. The men are leaving, restless, and serious riots have occurred, and are threatened. The paymasters have not commenced to pay. On the principle stated by General Canby, men are mustered out and not paid, and as the rations are stopped the men are dissatisfied. I do not wish to trouble the Government with complaints, but feel it my duty to it and the men to earnestly ask you to direct that more dispatch be used by the officials here. A. G. CURTIN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington Gity, May 26, 1863. His Excellency A. G. CURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa.: Instructions to pay were given to the Paymaster-General this morning. He will communicate them by telegraph to the paymaster at Harrisburg. ED. R. S. CANBY, Brigadier- General and Assistant Adjutant- General. HARRISBURG, PA., lIifay 26, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The following order from Paymaster-General Andrews has been received by paymasters here, viz: You will pay all discharged officers of volunteer regiments upon rendition of their accounts, certified by the mustering officer. It affords no relief, the mustering officer refusing to certify the accounts. This is not my business, but I would respectfully, but earnestly, advise that something be done to enable officers to get their pay. The mustering officers say that the order relieves the paymaster, but imposes all responsibility on them. A. G. CURTIN, Governor. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 15. Washington, D. C., May 27, 1863. I. Provost-marshals are informed that blanks of all kinds will be furnished from this office. The necessary books of record are to be purchased by the provost-marshals, and the bills therefor, properly vonched, forwarded for payment by this Bureau. II. Hereafter but a single copy of the tn-monthly reports of busi- ness and general transactions will be required at this office, and section 3, paragraph 97, page 19, of the Regulations is amended accordingly. These reports must be promptly rendered on the 10th, 20th, and last days of each month. All the accounts, reports, and returns called for on page 97, Regulations, must be made promptly whether any transactions have taken place or not Page 229 UNION AUTHORITIES. 229 III. The Provost-Marshal-General is authorized to frank and receive letters by post, free of postage. They should hereafter be left nnpaid. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. LoUIsvILLE, Ky., May 27, 1868. Hon. E. M. STANTON: In order to organize the force of 20,000 men in Kentucky as rapidly as possible, it is necessary that $250,000, at least, should be advanced to the State of Kentucky on account of the Government indebtedness to her, mainly to be used in giving the soldiers the advanced pay for one month. I hope I may be authorized to assure the Governor at once that this will be done. I have already sent a paper to this effect, and have also telegraphed on the same matter. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major- General. COLUMBUS, OHIO, May 27, 1868. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I have read your Order No. 143 and like it much. Think a colored regiment can be promptly raised in Ohio. A camp of rendezvous shouki be at Dennison. The board for examination of applicants for recruiting commissions should meet at this place. I have encouraged recruiting for the Massachusetts regiment, which I wish to stop if an effort is to be made to get up a regiment in this State. Please answer. DAVID TOD, Governor. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 27, 1868. Governor TOD, Columbus, Ohio: I am glad you approve General Orders, No. 143. It is the design of the Department to raise colored troops wherever it can be done, but I think it would be well to let Governor Andrew go on and raise what he can to fill up his regiment. He has devoted so much time and attention to the subject that his experience will be of much service in guiding you and the Department in the details, and if it proves a success there will be enough left to give you a regiment or more in Ohio. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, May 28, 1868. Hon. E. M. STANTON: SIR: I have carefully considered the communication of Major-Gen- eral Banks to Major-General Halleck placed by you in my hands yesterday. * He asks instructions as to the disposition of staple products and other movable property found in his department, and particularly *See May 4, Series I. Vol XV, p. 309 Page 230 230 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. during his recent advance, and recommends that all persons within his lines be permitted to bring their products to New Orleans for sale, paying to tbe Government 50 per cent. of the proceeds. There are four classes of property in the insurrectionary districts confiscated, abandoned, captured, and purchased property. Confis- cated property is that which belongs to certain classes of persons and is liable to seizure and condemnation by judicial proceedings. Aban- doned property is that which has been deserted by its owners and is voluntarily abandoned by them to the civil or military officers of the Federal Government. Captured property is understood to be that which is seized or taken from hostile possession by the military or naval forces of the United States. Under the head of purchased property may be included that which is the subject of sale and pur- chase under the license of the President, through permits granted by officers of the Treasury Department. The first of these classes of property includes much that may be also regarded, until confiscation is enforced through judicial pro- ceedings, as belonging to one or mare of the other classes. The property seized by General Banks belongs to the second class, and its disposition is already determined by law and the orders of the War Department. So far as the property is useful to the army, it is to be turned over to the qua~ermasters or commissaries; so far as it is not so required, it is to be ~urned over to the agents of the Treasury Department. The State of Louisiana having been declared, by proclamation of the President, in a state of insurrection, and the port of New Orleans being excepted from the effects of that proclamation, all trade between that place and other portions of the State of Louisiana, except in accordance with the regulations and orders referred to, is illegal. But, with a view to the same end as that contemplated by Major-General Banks, the Hon. B. F. Flanders has been appointed supervising special agent for the States included in the Department of the Gulf, to take charge and dispose of all captured or abandoned property, and also to supervise all permitted tra~le. The collector of the port of New Orleans has been authorized, under the directions of the supervising special agent, to grant permits, 011 certain terms, for the purchase of cotton and other staples within the lines occupied by the army. This will enable parties whose property may not be con- sidered fit subject for capture, and who may desire to sell it, to dis- pose of it to the best advantage, subject to a proper contribution to the Government, and will enable them also to obtain such supplies as may be permitted without too much risk of their being carried to the rebels. Mr. Flanders has been instructed to confer fully with Major- General Banks and to act in concert with him. The communication of Major-General Banks is herewith returned. Yours, very respectfully, S. ~. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury. [Thdorsement.] MAY 29, 1863. Referred to the General-in-Chief for answer to the communication of General Banks of the 4th of May. The Department does not deem it necessary to give any other or further instructions except a reference to the act of Congress and trade regulations of the Treas- ury Department, whicli are doubtless well known to Major-Genera Page 231 UNION AUTHORITIES. 231 Banks. It is desirable that there should be no unnecessary interfer- ence by the military authorities with commercial transactions. EDWIN M. STANTON; Secretary of War. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, New Orleans, La., May 28, 1863. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you, with the request that it may, if deemed advisable by you, be also submitted to the President of the United States, a copy of correspondence between the committee representing nearly all the loyal citizens in New Orleans and Jefferson and this department. As the State of Louisiana will probably be the first of the seceded States to re-establish a State government under the Constitution of the United States, the question as to the mode of accomplishment of this result becomes one of great importance. I have not thought it proper to take any definite action upon the subject of the call of a convention before laying before the Secretary of War and President the plan submitted to me. The constitution of Louisiana as it existed prior to the passage of the ordinance of secession made the whole population, free and slave, the basis of representation. A comparison of the parishes of Jeffer- son and Tensas will show the inequality of this representation. Ten- sas under the constitution of 1852, with a white population of 1,479 and an aggregate of white and black, 16,078, would be entitled to a representation equal to that of Jefferson with a white population of 9,965 and an aggregate population of 15,372. One of the purposes of those who desire a convention is to have the basis of representation equal. They would also probably make the new or amended constitution more conformable to the spirit of the age and the policy of the Gov- ernment in relation to the institution of slavery. I respectfully submit these questions for your consideration, and ask for such suggestions and instructions with reference to my own action as you may deem advisable. With great respect, I have the honor be, your obedient servant, G. F. SHEPLEY, Military Governor of Louisiana. [Inclosure No. 1.] NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. GEORGE F. SHEPLEY, Military Governor of Louisiana: GENERAL: At a meeting held on Thursday, the 21st of May, of delegates from the various Union associations of New Orleans and Jefferson, said delegates constituting a general committee from said associations, and appointed to take into consideration and prepare a plan, to be proposed for your sanction and co-operation, for calling a convention of the loyal people of Louisiana to frame a new State con- stitution, the undersigned, president and secretary of said general committee, were instructed to present to you the accompanying report as the result of the committees deliberations Page 232 232 CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC. In executing this duty the undersigned avail themselves of the occasion to say that the general committee of which they are the organ represents all of the active and unconditional Union men of the cities of New Orleans and Jefferson, and That the conclusions arrived at in this report are the results of long and thorough deliberation. We respectfully solicit your aid and assistance to cairy out the wishes of the Union men we represent, and the benefit of your wis- dom and counsel in the nndertaking. We also avail ourselves of the occasion to express to you the high sense entertained by the Union associations we represent, and by our- selves individually, for the patriotic and useful labors you have per- formed for Louisiana and our beloved country at large, and we have the honor to be, Your most obedient servants, THOMAS J. DURANT, President of the General Committee. JAMES GRAHAM, Secretary. [Sub-inclosure No. 1.] A plan of proceedings for the calling of a convention of the loyal citizens of Louisiana, to the end of framing anew State constitution and of re-establishing civil government under the Constitntion of the United States, said plan having been adopted by a meeting of delegates from the various Union societies of this city and the parish of Jefferson, at their sitting of the 21st May, 1863, with directions to have the same signed by the president and secretary of said meeting, and presented to Governor George F. Shepley for his consideration, viz: I. That the loyal people of Louisiana desire that there be framed a new constitution adapted to the change of circumstances and con- ditions produced by the rebellion. II. That to frame a new constitution it is necessary that a State convention be called, representing the loyal people of Louisiana. III. That the convention so called should hold their sessions at the Municipal Hall in the city of New Orleans. IV. That every loyal free white male citizen of the United States, and those who have declared or may declare their intentions to become citizens of the United States, over the age of twenty-one years, who have resided six months in the State and one month in the parish, and who shall comply with the additional requirements hereinafter pre- scribed, shall have the right to vote for delegates to the said con- vention. V. That the delegates to the said convention shall be elected on a basis of one delegate for every 2,500 of the free white people of each parish as shown by the census of the United States for 1860, giving one delegate for every fraction of said people in each parish over 1,250, and also giving each parish at least one delegate. The appor- tionment proposed is illustrated in the annexed table, marked A. * VI. To secure the election against illegal or disloyal votes, a regis- try of all loyal voters should be taken in every parish in the State by comnmissioners, loyal citizens of the United States, especially appointed to make such registers. No one should be admitted to any such reg- istry who does not first come forward and subscribe his name to tIme * Not found Page 233 UNION AUTHORITIES. 233 following oath or affirmation, which shall also be taken and subscribed by the said commissioners. OATH OR AFFIRMATION. I, (A. B.), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States (or, I have declared my intentions to become a citizen of the United States); that I have resided six months in this State and one month in this parish; that I am of the age of twenty-one years and upward; that I will bear true allegiance to the Government of the ITnited States, and that I solemnly repudiate any and all allegiance to and connection with any other government or pretended govern- mnent, and especially the so-called government of the Confederate States; that I now register mw ~self as a voter, freely and voluntarily, for the purpose of organizing a State government in Louisiana loyal to the Government of the United States. VII. Those not registered will not be permitted to vote. VIII. That to carry into effect the foregoing suggestions the ap-. proval and co-operation of the Governor, General George F. Shepley, be solicited, and that he be respectfully requested: 1. To order the said registration of loyal voters of the State, and to that effect to appoint one or more loyal citizens of the United States as commissioners of registration in each parish, with directions to reg- ister the names of all citizens of such parish who shall have taken and subscribed the said oath. 2. On the completion of such registries, or at the expiration of the time during which they will be kept open, to order an election to be held on a day fixed, not less than thirty days from the date of the proclamation of such elections for delegates to the said convention. 3. To order the delegates so elected to meet in convention in New Orleans on a day to be fixed, not less than twenty days after the elec- tion of delegates. THOMAS J. DURANT, President of the General Committee. JAS. GRAHAM, Secretary. [Subinclosure No. 2.] Resolutions adopted by the meeting of delegates from the various Union associations of the city of New Orleans and the parish of Jefferson, held on the evemming of the 21st May, 1863, with direc- tions to have the same submitted to General George F. Shepley, Governor of the State of Louisiana. Resolved, That to effect the object of the report in the most efficient manner this central committee will undertake such organization and preparations and continue their efforts until said object is effected; that this committee will be increased by the admission of delegates from other unconditional Union associations from time to time as they present themselves for admission. Resolved, That for more promptly and efficiently conducting opera- tions a sub-committee be appointed, who shall receive instructions from and report to this general committee. They will confer with and solicit the co-operation of the authorities, military, State, and municipal; open correspondence by writing or otherwise with the country parishes; raise means to defray the expenses of the measures that may be found needful and proper, & c. Said sub-committee t Page 234 234 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. consist at first of eleven members, to be increased hereafter to thirteen members, at the pleasure of this committee, and they shall keep full records of their proceedings. They shall secure a suitable room for their use and that of this committee, which shall be open during business hours to the members of this committee, but closed to the public. Resolved. That the respective associations may withdraw or change their delegates to this committee at their pleasure, the committee having the right to judge of the qualifications of the delegates, and the members of the sub-committee will be subject to removal there- from by a vote of a majority of this committee, at a regular meeting upon a motion made at a previous meeting. Resolved, That the proceedings of this committee and of the sub- committee shall be conducted according to the rules of the United States House of Representatives. THOMAS J. DURANT, President of the General Committee. JAS. GRAHAM, Secre~tary. [Inclosure No. 2.] STATE OF LOUISIANA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, New Orleans, May 25, 1863. THOMAS J. DURANT, Esq., President, JAMES GRAHAM, Esq., Secre- tary, of the General Committee of the Union Associations of New Orleans and Jefferson: GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 23d instant, submitting to me, in behalf of the various Union associations of the parishes of Orleans and Jefferson, a plan of proceedings for the calling of a convention of the loyal citi- zens of Louisiana to the end of framing a new State Constitution and of re-establishing civil government under the Constitution of the United States. I cannot but feel that the suggestions yon make are deserving of the highest consideration as the conclusions to which the members of these associations have arrived after long and thorough deliberations, fully conscious, as I am, that in the ranks of these associations are numbered a very large majority of the loyal and patriotic citizens of these two parishes, who are laboring to re-establish in Louisiaima a civil government under a State constitution, republican in form, and under the Constitution of the United States. The ordinance of secession was adopted in a convention of dele- gates purporting to represent the people of Louisiana. Had the basis of representation been such as to have given a fair and equal repre- sentation to all the voters of the State, it is well known that the secession ordinance could never have been passed, and this State would have been spared the horrors and calamities of a civil war. It is certainly most fitting, if not indispensable, that the act of renewal of allegiance to the Union by the State should be, as the act of disruption of allegiance purported to be, the expression of the will of a convention of delegates fresh from the people. What the basis of representation to that convention should be is a question more properly to be decided by the people themselves than by me or any other military authority. The more directly this movement emanates from the people them- selves the more free it is from all extraneous influences, the mor Page 235 UNION AUTHORITIES. 235 surely will the action of this convention command the acquiescence and secure the ratification of the people of Louisiana. No shadow of suspicion of military dictation should darken the future page of the brilliant record of returning loyalty and renewed devotion to the Union and the Constitution. Whatever, therefore, I may do in furtherance of your views in relation to the call of a convention must be rather in aid of the expression of the popular sentiment than as originating, much less dictating, any form of expression or mode of action. The only immediate action you desire on my part is, that I should order a registration of the loyal voters of the State and appoiiit one or more loyal citizens of the United States as commissioners of regis- tration in each parish, with directions to register the names of all citizens of such parish who shall have taken amid subscribed an oath of allegiance to the United States, and repudiation of any allegiance to the so-styled Confederate States. This registration I shall immediately order to be made of those voters who voluntarily come forward to register themselves. I invite the co-operation and assistance of your committee and of the associations they represent, not only by recommending suitable persons for commissioners in the various parishes, but in every legiti- mate and homiest effort to secure a full registration of all loyal voters. I defer any action upon the second and third propositions in the concluding clause of the plan submitted to inc until I shall have had an opportunity to receive definite instructions on the subject, and also to afford an opportunity for the expressions of the sentiments of the people in the other parishes in the State. I cannot close this communication without expressing to you indi- vidually and to the associations you represent my heartfelt gratitude for the generous manner in which you have alluded to my public labors iii Louisiana. From my first advent in Louisiana my most earnest desire has been to see the State restored to its pristine pros- perity in the Union and its pristine loyalty to the Constitution. No citizen of Louisiana desires more earnestly than I do to see a civil government re-established on that basis. With the assistance of your associations in dispelling the delusions of treason from the minds of the people, with the aid of our gallant and victorious army, which will soon drive the last armed rebel from the soil of Louisiana, and with the blessing of that Providence which has ever presided over the destinies of the Union, I expect soon to witness its accomplishment. To that end I pledge you my unceasing efforts. With the assurance of my full appreciation of the patriotism and loyalty of the members of the Union associations and the high respect and simicere regard I entertain for yourselves individually, I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, G. F. SHEPLEY, Military Governor of Louisiana. ACTG. ASST. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Wheeling, Va., May ~8, 1863. Col. J. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General: SIR: I have the honor to inclose letters of H. J. Samuels, adjutant- general State of Virginia, and Samuel Crane, auditor of State Page 236 236 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. referring to the present inexpediency of enforcing in West Virginia the enrollment act. I am promised others on the subject which will be duly forwarded when received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. DARR, JR., Major and Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal- General. [Indorsement.] Tell Major D. that I do not think his action wise in inviting this discussion. The organization of the State under the enrollment act and the enrollment (which is taking the census of the fighting men) does not prove that a draft will be made. It is procuring information necessary to the Government for future military purposes, and a draft may or may not follow it. It is certain no draft will be made without giving every State due credit for all the men it has furnished. Tell him to secure recommendations from the leading men in each district for a provost-marshal, commissioner, and surgeon in each, with a view to organizing boards of enrollment nuder the law. J. B. F. [Inclosure No. I THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, EXECUTIVE DEPT., Wheel2ng, May 28, 1862. JOSEPH DARR, Jr., Major and Military Commandant, Wheeling, Va.: Yours of the 26th instant did not reach me until this morning by reason of a mistake of the messenger. You ask my opinion as to the expediency of enforcing the Act for calling out and eurolling the national forces~~ in West Virginia. I am of opinion the public interests would be subserved by a non- enforcement of the act aforesaid for the following reasons: First. West Virginia has contributed some four or five regimeuts more than her quota under the previous calls of the President. Second. This contribution has been heavier on her loyal men because of the disloyal element therein, all of whom were included in the basis estimate upon which the calls were made. Third. Full 50 per cent. of her fighting men are now in defense of the Government either as U. S. volunteers or State companies. Fourth. A conscription would result in adding to the Confederate forces as many persons as our Army would gain in West Virginia. Fifth. The male population of West Virginia if further withdrawn from agricultural pursuits, will prevent subsistence from being raised therein for the inhabitants, the production having already reached the minimum necessary for that purpose. Sixth. The roving bands of guerrillas, thieves, and plunderers would be able to carry on their business more successfully in the same ratio that the owners of property are withdrawn from its pro- tection. Seventh. The share of West Virginia can be raised by volunteers if they are permitted by the terms of their enlistment to remain in the State while the war is waged therein. I am, sir, your obedient servant, H. J~ SAMUELS, A~jutant- General Virginia Page 237 UNION AUTHORI~TIES. 237 [Inclosure No. 2.] AUDITORS OFFICE, Wheeling, lIiEay 27, 1862. Maj. JOSEPH DARR: DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 25th instant, requesting my opinion (in writing) upon the propriety of enforcing the late act of Congress providing for the calling into active service as much of the militia of the several States of the Union as in the opinion of the President the public exigency may require, is before me. In reply I would most respectfully suggest that such a thing at this time would tend greatly to injure the Union cause in West Virginia. There is throughout the State an almost universal opinion that West Virginia has up to this time furnished more than her just proportion of the Union soldiers now in the field, and until the impression is removed (if false) the people of the State would not willingly respond to a call for more of her men. But if the fact stated be not true, and the people conld be made to so understand it, it would be unneces- sary for the Government to do more than to make the fact known and the loyal men of West Virginia would see that the State did her whole duty to the Union. When all the loyal States of the Union are placed upon the same footing in this respect and more men are needed to put down the rebellion, West Virginia will, without legal process, furnish the Gov- ernment her just proportion of all the men required. West Virginia has no nine-months or one-years soldiers in the field. All of her sons entered for three years or during the war, and if more is required of her, she will give them also for the end of the war, but I know her proud sons will never submit to the disgrace of conscription. Another fact not generally known is that in almost every county in the State there are volunteer companies raised and equipped by the State to defend themselves against the attack of guerrilla parties who constantly infest our borders, and these men could not be spared from their counties without depopulating the whole country. The Western and Northern States are free from this pestilencetheir citizens when called into the service of the United States can leave their families and homes free from this danger. Under the impression that she has furnished more than her just quota of Federal soldiers, and for the reason that to call them into the service away from home would endanger the safety of their fami- lies and property, I am of the opinion that any attempt arbitrarily to force the men of the State into the service at this time would be regarded by the people generally as highly injurious. Many I know who would if necessary go voluntarily would not submit to be drafted or conscripted. We have also lately been raided upon by a large force of rebels and the Union men have been compelled to fly for safety to the Fed- eral Army, leaving their families to the mnercy of the rebels, and the Union sentiment is somewhat demoralized by this circumstance. 1 am, therefore, of the opinion that no attempt at this time should be made to execute this law in West Virginia. Yours, & c., SAMUEL CRANE Page 238 238 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. ACTG. AssT. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Madison, TYis., May 28, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington, D. U: COLONEL: The provost-marshal of the First District established his office at Milwaukee the 18th instant, and immediately commenced the enrollment. Sometime in the afternoon of that day one of the enrolling officers was attacked by an Irishman with a spade and received a severe cut in the face. The Irishman was assisted by several women, who pelted the enrolling officer with stones, & c. This was reported to me verbally while I was at Milwaukee. On the 23d the deputy provost-marshal at Milwaukee, Mr. J. Hood, came to see me, and represented that in his opinion it would be impos- sible for the enrolling officers to perform their duty without the pres- ence of an organized military force. I therefore requested that the commanding general of the Department of the Northwest would cause two companies of infantry to be stationed there. To this General Pope wrote me the 25th instant that there was little to be apprehended anywhere else in Wisconsin in actual resist- ance to the conscription law, nor did he think there would be difficulty at Milwaukee if things were managed prudently. That he knew noth- ing of the assistant there personally nor of the reason which prompted his application for troops, but he knew he expressed the sentiments of the most loyal citizens in saying there would be no resistance to the operations of the provost-marshal if he was a man of discretion, and that he would with pleasure aid me in every way in his power; that he would leave for Saint Paul that morning and return Saturday. On the 26th the provost-marshal, Captain Tillapaugh, wrote me that it would be impossible to enroll any more in that city without a military force to protect the enrolling officers; that the Irish and Dutch were determined to resist; asked for a sufficient force to keep the peace; said it was a city of mobs and nothing could prevent a mob at this time except armed soldiers. I telegraphed the circumstances to General Pope at Saint Paul, and was advised by him in reply to go down to Milwaukee myself, and how important it was to avoid any outbreak, & c. I had previously ordered Lieutenant Markley on a tour of inspection to the First, Second, Fourth, and Fifth Districts, and as he is an officer of good judgment in such matters, did not consider it necessary to change the order, but gave him directions to telegraph me at once in case anything important occurred, and if necessary to suspend the enrollment until the return of General Pope Saturday. He left on the 9.30 p. in. train, and as no dispatch has come from him yet (5.30 p. m. ),it is fair to presume that no serious difficulty is to be apprehended. I have been minute because I thought you would like to know all the circumstances. Captain Phillips, Fourth District, writes the 26th that he had received a letter from I)r. L. H. Carey, dated Memphis, 16th instant, signifying his acceptance of the appointment as surgeon of the Board. Captain Clark, Third District, informed me that there are vacant buildings at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien, but understands they are to be converted into a Government hospital. As he does not know how soon, I directed him to establish his office in them for the present Page 239 UNION AUTHORITIES. 239 All the provost-marshals think there will be no certainty in the security of apprehended deserters on the routes to military stations unless they are sent under a guard of soldiers, and ask how they are to procure the arms mentioned in paragraph 34, Provost-Marshal- Generals Regulations. I presume that blanks will be provided to the provost-marshals, and would suggest that some descriptive rolls be sent. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. S. LOVELL, Lieut. Got. Eighteenth Infty., Actg. Asst. Prov. Afar. Gen. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 158. Washington, May 29, 1863. The following uniform has been adopted for officers of the Invalid Corps: Frock coat: Of sky-blue cloth, with dark-blue velvet collar and cuffs; in all other respects according to the present pattern for offi- cers of infantry. Shoulder straps: According to present regulations, but worked on dark-blue velvet. Pantaloons: Of sky-blue cloth, with double stripe of dark-blue cloth down the outer seam, each stripe one-half inch wide, with space between of three-eighths of an inch. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRO V. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 16. Washington, D. C., May 29, 1863. I. Officers and employ6s acting under this Bureau are forbidden to make public the information, official communications, or opinions connected with it, except when authorized or directed to do so from this office. The records of every officer under this Bureau must be in readiness at all times for proper official scrutiny, but it is not desirable to make publications or invite discussions in regard to the current business, which must be regarded generally as confidential. II. Acting assistant provost-marshals-general will see that all pos- sible means are taken by the provost-marshals under their control to arrest deserters within the limits of their district, and will promptly report to this department any provost-marshal who gives evidence of want of zeal or ability to execute the duties of his office. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 29, 1863. Major-General BURNSIDE: The Comptroller of the Treasury reports that not more than *dOO,OOO can at present be advanced on the claims of the State of Kentucky. I have ordered that amount to be forwarded immediately, and it will probably go forward to-morrow. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 240 240 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WAR DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL, TYashington, D. C., May 29, 1863. His Excellency the GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA, Harrisburg, Pa.: SIR: I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform you that the Department will accept from your State additional Volunteers, infan- try and cavalry, to serve for three years or during the war. All regiments you may offer will be accepted thus, under the con- dition that not more than ten regiments of infantry and five regiments of cavalry are to be under recruitment at one time. In conducting the recruitment the requirements of General Orders, No. 75, series of 1862, from the War Department, in connection with paragraph 86 of the Revised Mustering Regulations, will be observed. rrhe organization of the respective regiments will be governed by General Orders, No. 110, current series, from the Adjutant-Generals Office. In addition to the foregoing, and to the end that the Department may be at all times fully advised as to the state of the service, it is desired that the names of all persons you may authorize to recruit (under General Order 75) may be reported to this office so soon as the appointments are issued, and that you will report at least once a month the localities where the officers are recruiting, the number of men recruited for each regiment, and the probable time when any one regiment will be completed and in readiness for the formal muster into service of the United States by the U. S. mustering officer for the State. All men mustered into the service under this authority will be duly credited to your State in case of a draft being ordered. I am, sir, very respectfully, yiur obedient servant, JAS. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. ORDNANCE OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 30, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have to acknowledge the reference to this office for report of Quartermaster-General George B. Wrights letter of the 25th instant, and to return the same with the following report: There is no authority for issuing U. S. arms, equipments, or ammu- nition to any other troops than those which have been mustered into the U. S. service under competent authority. In cases where such ordnance supplies have been furnished to States for the use of troops not so mustered it was confined to such articles as were not fit for issue to troops in active service, and was done by special order in each case. There seems now to be cause to apprehend that such indulgences may be drawn into precedents to establish a similar general practice liable to lead to embarrassment in supplying future wants of the General Government. The estimates and appropriations for procuring arnis, equipments, and ammunition did not anticipate or include such supplies for State militia. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. W. RIPLEY, Brigadier- General and Chief .of Ordnance Page 241 UNION AUTHORITIES. 241 NEW YORK, May 30, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General: Several persons were arrested this afternoon for refusing to give their names to the enrolling officers and giving false names. They were sent to the U. S. district attorney, who declines to prosecute on the ground that such refusal and false statement are not offenses under section 25 of the conscription act. What course shall I take in such cases? Please answer by telegraph. ROBERT NUGENT, Colonel Sixty-ninth RegI. N. Y. Vols. and A. A. P. M. G. [Indorsement.] Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War for instructions: Section 25 of the enrollment act says that if any person shall resist any draft of men enrolled under this act into the service of the United States, or shall counsel or aid any person to resist such draft; or shall assault or obstruct any officers in making such uraft, or in the per- formance of any service in relation thereto, * * * such persons shall be subject to summary arrest by the provost-marshal and shall be forthwith delivered to the civil authorities, and upon conviction thereof be pun ~ ye hundred dollars or by~ ished by a fine not exceeding fi imprisonment not exceeding two years, or by both of said punish- ments. The law authorizes the draft of the national forces as enrolled. If the enrolling officer is resisted this section of the law is violated because it is resisting a lawful agent in the performance of service in relation to the draft. Such resistance is also in violation of the general provisions of the enrollment act. The act provides that the national forces, as designated, are liable to military duty in the service of the United States when called out by the President for that pur- pose, aiid it provides further that with a view to such military duty the men coiistituting these forces must be enrolled. An enrolling officer is required by the law to go to the citizen and take his name, age, & c. By this law the citizen is under the same obligation to give his name, age, & c., when called upon by the enrolling officer as he would have been to comply with a provision of the law requiring him to go to the enrolling officer, or county clerks office, and record his name, age, & c., if such a provision had been passed. If, however, it is the opinion of the Government that parties tried for the offense set forth cannot be convicted, it will be necessary to direct the provost-marshal to discharge the men now in arrest as quietly as possible. The effect of this will be bad, but not so bad as to fail in case of trial. It is of the greatest importance to secure conviction in the first case tried under the enrollment act. I think the course of the district attoritey in this case as presented by Colonel Nugent is injurious to the operations of this Bureau. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. 16 R RSERIEs III, VOL II Page 242 242 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington Gity, May 31, 1863. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Albany: Advices to the 26th report everything progressing favorably at Vicksburg. If you are still at Albany let me know. The district attorney in New York has assumed a position that will require your interference promptly, and I wish to report the matter to you. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, lliEay 31, 1863. Col. R. NUGENT, AcIg. Asst. Provost-Marshal- General, New York Gily: Hon. William Whiting, Solicitor of War Department, is in New York, probably at Metropolitan or Fifth Avenue Hotel. If not there you will find him by calling on Francis B. Cutting, esq. Call on Mr. Whiting and explain to him the case of the arrest of men refusing to give their names, and say the Secretary desires him to see that proper disposition is made of it. J. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GE~ERALS OFFICE, No. 244. Washington, June 1, 1863. * * * * * * * 22. By direction of the President, Col. Gustavus Loomis, U. S. Army, is hereby appointed superintendent of the general recruiting service until further orders. * .~. * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPT., PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, June 1, 1863. Major-General BURNSIDE, Commanding Department of the Ohio, Cincinnati: GENERAL: I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform you that the recruitment of troops and the disbursements connected there- with are now under the general control of this Bnreau~. It is neces- sary that I should have a definite understanding with you in reference to the raising of the volunteer force for the defense of Kentucky authorized by the act approved February 7, 1863. (General Orders, No. 40, Adjutant-Generals Office, 1863.) It is my opinion that the public interest demands that not more than ten regiments of the autiforized force should be under recruitment at one time. This will promote economy, and will prevent too many fragmentary regiments from being scattered over the State, thus assisting the organization Page 243 UNION AUTHORITIES. 243 experience having indicated that where many regiments are organiz- ing at one time recruiting is retarded. You have already been advised that in organizing the regiments the requirements of General Orders, No. 75, series of 1862, from the Adjutant-Generals Office, will be observed. That order should be taken in connection with para- graph 86 of the Revised Mustering Regulations. In addition to the foregoing, it is proposed that the names of all persons authorized by the Governor to recruit, under General Orders, No. 75, shall be reported to this office so soon as the appointments are .issued, and that the Governor shall report at least once a month time localities where the officers are recruiting, the number of men recruited for each regiment, and the probable time at which any one regiment will be completed, and in readiness for the formal muster into the U. S. service by the U. S. mustering officer for the State. From my experience in Kentucky I am convinced the public interest will be best secured by conducting the recruiting service there with as much system as possible. If you see no objection to what is herein set forth I will advise the Governor accordingly. Please communicate your views at an early date, reporting fully how the service now stands, as ordered by yon. I have the honor, & c., JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON: AUBURN, June 1, 1868. Yours of May 31st received. I shall be at Astor House, New York, to-morrow morning and wait there your report and wishes by tele- graph. WM. H. SEWARD. WAR DEPARTMENT Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Washington City, June 1, 1863. Astor House, N. Y.: The provost-marshal of New York reports that persons arrested by the provost-marshal for resisting the enrollment act by refusing to give their names to the enrolling officers, and giving false names, were Saturday taken to the U. S. district attorney, who declined to prosecute on the ground that such refusal and false statements are not offenses against the act. This extraordinary conduct on his part if persisted in must lead to consequences which you can understand. I send you by mail the telegram of the provost-marshal, and also his view of the act referred to. There never has been any assistance rendered by civil officers to the Government in this war where they could get any colorable pretext for withholding it, and as the provi- sions of the act require offenders against it to be turned over to the civil authorities, it is necessary that you should see the officer referred to and have him at once refrain from such conduct and lend the aid of his office in enforcing the law. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 244 244 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. OFFICE ACTG. ASST. PROY. MAR. GEN. OF WAR DEPT., New York, June 1, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General: COLONEL: I saw Mr. Whiting, Solicitor of the War Department, at 1 oclock to-day; he told me, after being informed of the facts in rela- tion to the seven men arrested on Satnrday for refusing to give their names to the enrolling officer, that in his opinion section 25 of the conscription act does not authorize the arrest of any person who refuses his name or otherwise embarrasses the enrolling officer; that the pen- alties provided apply only to the cases of men who resist the draft, and that the enrollment is not a service relating thereto, i. e., to the draft. Mr. Whiting advised that detectives in sufficient number be appointed to follow the enrolling officers and ascertain by inquiries privately made the names of parties who have refused information to the enrolling officer. On Saturday afternoon after I telegraphed to you a writ of habeas corpus was issued by Judge McCunn, of this city, requiring me to produce the men before him forthwith. The writ was defective in form. Mr. Glassey attended before the judge and procured the dismissal of the writ. I paroled the men until to-day, and under advice of Mr. Whiting discharged them upon their furnishing the information required by the enrolling officer. I shall be pleased to receive any instructions you may send on this subject. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT NIYGENT, Golonel Sixty-ninth Regiment, Act. Asst. Pror. Mar. Gen. PROVOST-MARSHALs OFFICE, Lancaster, Pa., June 1, 1863. Col. JAMES B. FRY, General United States, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu- nication of the 30th ultimo in relation to arrest of men who were drafted last fall, and would respectfully report: That the greatest dissatisfaction exists in this district on account of the non-arrest of those men who were drafted and never reported for duty, and in pursuance of section 7 of the act for enrolling, & c., I con- sidered it my duty to arrest all persons called into service under this or any other act of Congress, and accordingly authorized several per- sons to make arrests of drafted men and deserters in various parts of the district and expect a number to be in to-day. On the receipt of your communication I immediately sent notice to those authorized to make no more arrests and to report to me at once. I most respectfully submit that I consider it important for the good of the service that those men be arrested before another draft is made, as their being left at liberty is one of the most odious features of the former draft, and creates in the public mind a feeling of disregard for the laws in regard to drafting. I, therefore, would most respectfully request to be instructed to arrest such persons, and to make such disposition of them as to you may seem proper, believing, as I do, that it will materially decrease the difficulties which will attend the new draft Page 245 UNION AUTHORITIES. 245 In regard to the case alluded to in my communication of tue 19th of May, I find, on investigation of the facts, that a drafted man was arrested by Captain Boynton, Ninety-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, former recruiting officer at this station, and brought before his honor, Henry G. Long, presiding judge of the Second Judicial Dis- trict, comprising this county, on a writ of habeas corpus, and on a hearing of the case Captain Boynton made the following return: LANCASTER, May 4, 1863. The undersigned respectfully makes the following return: That he arrested the within-named John Shank as a deserter of the One Hundred and seventy- eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia, and find no evidence of being mustered in the service of the United States. D. J. BOYNTON, Gapt., Ninety-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Recruiting Officer. Upon which the following indorsement was made upon the writ: MAY 4, 1863. On the hearing of the case it appearing that John Shank, by the return of the respondent, was not mustered into service, and consequently not a deserter, he is discharged from custody. H. G. LONG. The fact of the man having been drafted does not appear upon the record as brought before the judge. I therefore ordered his rearrest in order to have the facts fully brought up. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. W. BOLENIUS, Capt. and Provost-Marshal, Ninth District of Pennsylvania. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PROV. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No.17. ~ Washington, D. 0., June 2, 1863. To prevent misapprehension, boards of enrollment will at once instruct their enrolling officers that they are to enroll all male citizens of the United States, and persons of foreign birth who have declared on oath their intention to become citizens, under and in pursuance of the laws thereof, between the ages of twenty and forty-five years. This enrollment is, therefore, simply a census of all male citizens, and persons of foreign birth who have declared on oath theii intentions to become citizens as above cited, between the ages of twenty and forty- five years. Neither the enrolling officers nor the boards of enrollment shall make exemptions from enrollment. The question of exemption is to be considered by the boards of enrollment alone, and only with regard to draft. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON: ALBANY, June 2, 1868. Governor Seymour desires to be informed to-day, if possible, if one or two batteries of light artillery, composed of returned two-years volunteers, will be accepted if completed in a short time. J. B. STONEHOUSE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 246 246 CORRESPONDENCE1 ETC. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. 0., June 2, 1863. J. B. STONEJIOUSE, Actg. Assistant Adjutant- General, Albany, N. Y.: The Department will accept the batteries mentioned in your tele- gram just received. The enlistments to be for three years or during the war. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., June 2, 1863. Maj. A. S. DIVEN, Actg. Asst. Pro. ]Ifar. Gen., Western New York, Elmira, N. Y.: SIR: I am directed by the Provost-Marshal-General to say, in reply to your communication of the 22d ultimo, that he has read your letter giving him the account of your interview with His Excellency Gov- ernor Seymour, and that a camp will probably be established at Elmira. It is, however, the intention to send drafted men forward as rap- idly as possible. You will see from the circulars and regulations issued from this office the scope of your duties. The importance of completing the enrollment is fully appreciated, and the Provost-Marshal-General looks to you to have it completed with all possible dispatch in the districts under your control. The necessary blanks are sent direct to district provost-marshals. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY STONE, Assistant Adjutant- General. OFFICE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF UNITED STATES FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, New York, June 2, 1863. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State: SIR: In reply to the inquiries put to me in my interview with you to-day I have the pleasure to state that the report made by the pro- vost-marshal to the Honorable Secretary of War in relation to the attitude of my office toward the enrolling act is founded upon an entire misapprehension. The records of my office and those of the U. S. commissioner already attest the spirit with which cases of violating this just and necessary law are attended to by me. It is true that on Saturday last, being interrogated by one of the provost-marshals without reference to any particular case, I gave an abstract and individual opinion tha~t section 25 of the act (being strictly construed under the rule applying to criminal laws) would not reach a mere case of refusing a name, without any misrepresen- tion and unaccompanied by any word or act. I was not asked and I said nothing as to the consequences of giving false names or other affirmative act. I still think that such a naked refusal would not enable me to obtain a conviction before the courts and juries of New York. As cases are arising where something more can b Page 247 UNION AUTHORITIES. 247 proved, I think it policy to choose some clear complaints to first pur- sue to judgment. But nothing has been further from my views than to omit applying for a warrant of arrest in any case nuder this law where an affidavit can be made sufficiently strong to induce a com- missioner to issue it. And even in a case of a mere refusal to give a name, I should press it upon the commissioner and court whenever the enrolling officer should regard the evil as requiring such action. I am satisfied that this abstract doubt of the breadth of the 25th section has been placed in connection with a case brought before one of my assistants on Saturday, and has thus led to a misunderstand- ing. In that case there was an absence of testimony of any offense, and both the deputy provost-marshal and my assistant agreed that it would be unwise to prosecute. That there may be no misunderstanding hereafter, I have instructed my assistants to refuse action in no case under this act without a per- sonal reference to me, and I am always in my office unless actually engaged in court. That the courts of the country have not always done their duty in this war is true. But the Honorable Secretary of War has furnished me, in a letter which I value, with evidence that he does not regard me as a civil officer who has done nothing to aid him. He will remem- ber my extra-judicial action in the matter of prize munitions of war, for which he gave me a marked testimonial of thanks, and my prose- cutions against those aiding desertion and other acts affecting the efficiency of the military and naval service, to say nothing of pro- ceedings for frauds upon the departments, have been instituted and pursued with pertinacity, even under discouraging circumstances. Cases of this character have been pressed by me often far beyond what the commissioners have regarded as warranted by the testimony. I hope the Secretary will refer the Provost-Marshal-General and his subordinates to me personally, with my assurance of the mistake under which they have fallen with respect to my action. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, E. DELAFIELD SMITH, U. S. District Attorney. [Indorsement.] My Dear SECRETARY: I send you the letter of the district attorney of New York, which makes all right. I saw the marshal also. Faithfully, yours, WM. H. SEWARD. ACTG. AssT. PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERALS OFFICE, Madison, Wis., June 2, 1868. Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington. D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I returned this morning from Milwaukee. Yesterday and the evening before I had a conference with General Pope, his honor the mayor of the city, and a number of the most prominent citizens of the place in relation to the resistance threatened by the lower classes toward the enrolling agents while in the perform- ance of their duties. The mayor seems confident that he can maintain the peace with his police force, and he, as well as all the gentlemen I conversed with Page 248 248 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. would regret the necessity of an array of the military. But I think they all doubt the probability of enforcing a draft without resorting to military force. I learn from Captain Tillapaugh, the provost-marshal of the district, that his headquarters will be removed to Racine. I trust that it will not be done for the present, as to do so now would, I think, be con- strued by the evil-disposed as having been effected through their opposition to the enrolling agents. Nearly all the trouble thus far has been brought~ about by women and children, the former threat- ening to make use of hot water, and the latter throwing stones, & c., instigated, no doubt, by men who were careful to conceal their par- ticipation from view. I have not seen enough of Captain Tillapaugh to be able to judge of his ability in every respect to perform the duties of provost- marshal. That there is a feeling against him is quite evident, from the fact, possibly, that he is not a resident of the city. From my intercourse with the two men I am satisfied that the deputy, Joel Hood, esq., is the best qualified for the position of provost-marshal, and I think would have been m6re acceptable to the citizens gen- erally. General Pope thinks the interests of the service would be better subserved by having my headquarters at Milwaukee. It is a matter of perfect indifference to me. I am only desirous of rendering all the service in my power when not in a condition to do duty in the field. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. S. LOVELL, Lieut. Col. Eighteenth Infly., Actg. Asst. Prov. iJiliar. Gen. PROVOST-MARSHALS OFFICE, FIRST DIST. OF WISCONSIN, Racine, June 2, 1862. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the enrollment of this district is progressing rapidly, with the exception of the city of Milwaukee. In no other place in this district is there danger of resistance to the enrollment or draft, except in this disloyal place. From the time the enrolling officers entered upon their duties in that place until now they have been assailed in the most violent manner by the Germans and Irish. Two days since an enrolling officer was assailed by these infuriated rebels, knocked down and mangled in a shocking manner, and when I am asked for help I have none to give these men. Milwaukee is thoroughly disloyal, and is controlled by mobs and has been for years. Thus far I have removed my papers from my office at night to the post-office for safe-keeping. I have good reason to believe these rebels intend to resist the enrollment, resist the draft, and to destroy the roll before the draft, if they can get it. Milwaukee is a city of ~5~5,OOO people; over 40,000 of this people are German and Irish of the most desperate character. There has been seven mobs and riots in this city in the last twelve years, and in every instance the mob has been victorious. I have called on General Pope for military force to protect officers in the discharge of their duties, but he refused to pay the least attention t Page 249 UNION AUTHORiTIES. 249 my request. I have made requisition on Col. Charles S. Lovell, but he has no force to give me, and now I would respectfully refer the matter to you for orders. J. M. TILLAPAUGH, Provost-Miarshal. IIDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, FIRST DIvIsION, ]Iillurfreesborough, June 3, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: The movement of arming the blacks of the rebellious States organized by you has long occupied my attention. All my experience during more than twenty inonths~ service in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama has tended to impress me with both the wisdom and necessity of fighting the rebellion with its own weapons and knocking away its main support by destroying slavery. This sincere conviction, together with a firm belief, founded upon extensive and careful observations, in the aptitude of the negroes for military service, induces me to address you a respectful but unofficial inquiry as to how an application to raise a mounted force of blacks would be received by the Department. As far as my information goes the effort to organize colored troops has been confined up to the present time to the infantry arm. What I have seen of the blacks in the above-mentioned States, and I believe I have seen as much of them as any officer in the Western armies, has satisfied me that they will be found peculiarly qualified for the mounted service. They sire almost without exception good riders and accustomed to the care of animals. Their excellent facilities of imitation and habits of obedience render them readily susceptible of drill and discipline. Their simple wants and fine physical development, produced by hard and continuous labor, fit them well for the endurance of the hardships incidental to the arduous duties of the cavalry in this war. Their keen sense of locality and familiarity with their native regions make them invaluable as scouts and for flying expeditions into the interior of the enemys country. With a few regiments of picked, well-mounted, even though in- differently drilled, men, I am persuaded I could penetrate farther into the rebel country, and, with the aid of the active sympathies the appearance of black troops would naturally excite among the pre- ponderating slave population, do much more toward upsetting the -abnormal fabric of the rebellion than any white troops have as yet attempted or accomplished. What I would wish is your impression as to the propriety or feasi- bility of recruiting, from the contrabands now being and likely to be within our lines, select men enough to form a brigade of cavalry. I am aware that the scarcity of material in this department at this tinie renders the immediate realization of the plan all but impracticable. It will, however, undoubtedly become feasible before long by an advance of our lines farther south. I would propose to mount the men, if possible, at the expense of the enemy. In this event arms and uniforms will be all I should, ask of the Government. As you perhaps know, I have been in command of a brigade of cavalry for nearly a year. I can confidently refer to my former an Page 250 250 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - present superiors as to the services rendered and experience acqnired in that position. Col. James B. Fry, Provost-Marshal-General, now in Washington, was General Buells chief of staff at the time I com- manded the First Cavalry Brigade, Army of the Cumberland. I have a fine brigade at present, one that 1 would be reluctant to relinquish; but I submit this project to you, believing that its successful accom- plishment would be of incalculable service to the country. In case of an encouraging reply from you I would address in due time a formal application, with the details of my plan of organization, to the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD M. MCCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 163. Washington, June 4, 1863. I. The following revised order, in relation to advance pay, bounties, and premiums, as paid by the United States, is published for the information of all concerned, and will govern in lieu of all other orders on the subject: A RESOLUTION to encourage enlistments in the Regular Army and volunteer forces. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That so much of the ninth section of the act approved August third, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, entitled An act for the better organization of the military establishment, as abolishes the premium paid for bringing accepted recruits to the rendezvous, be, and the same is hereby, repealed, and hereafter a premium of ~wo dollars. shall be paid to any citizen, non-commissioned officer, or soldier for such accepted recruit for the Regular Army [as] he may bring to the rendezvous. And every soldier who hereafter enlists, either in the Regular Army or the Volunteers, for three years, or during the war, may receive his first months pay in advance, upon the mustering of his com- pany into the service of the United States, or after he shall have been mustered into and joined a regiment already in the service. Approved, June 21, 1862. REGULAR ARMY. 1. For the $2 premium, regular service, the form of the receipt roll annexed* will be used as a consolidated voucher for the payments. The payments will be made so soon as the recruit is accepted by the recruiting officer, and from the recruiting fund for the Regular Army. VOLUNTEER SERVICE. 2. All accepted recruits for volunteer organizations will be paid a premium of $2. Tne premium may be paid to any citizen, non- commissioned officer, or soldier for every accepted recruit who may enlist, or to the recruit in person, in case he presents himself. These payments will be made so soon as the recruit has been inspected by the surgeon and mustered into service. The amounts will be entered on the muster-in roll, opposite the names of the recruits so paid, and charged to the fund for collecting, drilling, and organizing volunteers. For a voucher, a modified form of that used in the regular service will be used. * Omitted Page 251 UNION AUTHORITIES. 251 REGULAR AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE. :3. The months pay in advance for accepted regular and Volunteer recruits will be paid under such regulations as may be established by the Paymaster-General. II. During the continuance of the existing war, and under section 6 of the act approved July 5, 1862 (General Orders, 77, Adjutant- Generals Office, 1862, p. 7), $25 of the $100 bounty will be paid to every accepted recruit of the regular and volunteer forces. These payments will be made as follows, viz: 1. To recruits for volunteer organizations in the field when the said recruits are inspected and mustered into the service, and to those of the new organizations when their companies are organized, muster-in rolls made out, and the mustering officers certificate given thereto. The amounts will be entered on the muster-in rolls, opposite the names of the recruits, respectively. They will be accounted for under the head of BountyVolunteer recruiting service. To this end an account current separate from that for the fund for collecting, drill- ing, and organizing volunteers will be used, but the bounty fund will be disbursed by the regularly appointed mustering and disburs- ing officers. 2. To recruits for the regular service when the recruit has been passed by the board of inspectors at the regimental or general service depot, as the case may be. The amounts under this head will be paid from the recruiting funds for the Regular, Army, and entered on the recruiting account current, opposite the names of the recruits, respectively; and also on the first descriptive list of the soldier; when- ever this list is given before bounty has been paid, an entry$25 bounty due for enlistment will be made thereon. In case of re-enlisted soldiers in the Regular Army, the entry as to payment or non-payment will be made on the first muster-roll, and the superintendent of the recruiting service will be notified of the fact. 3. Vouchers for payment will be in the form of consolidated receipt rolls. III. Volunteer soldiers who, after the expiration of their term, re-enter the service for three years or during the war, receive the same bounties, advanced pay and premiums, and are paid in the same manner, as men enlisted from civil life. IV. To facilitate the payment of the $25 advanced bounty and $2 premium in individual cases of enlistment and to discharged soldiers, when these amounts have not been paid at the time of muster into serv- ice, the following rules will govern: 1. The amounts will be entered on the muster-in roll, and will be entered and continued on every subsequent muster and pay roll until the soldier is paid by the paymaster. 2. When not paid before discharge, the amounts due for premium and bounty will be entered upon the duplicate certificates (final state- ments) for pay, and the discharged soldier will be paid by the pay- master. Company commanders will be careful to enter these amounts on the soldiers final certificates. V. The following is an act to amend an act entitled An act to authorize the employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing the laws and protecting public property, approved July 22, 1861. (See Gen- eral Orders, No.49, Adjutant-Generals Office, of 1861, p. 3.) Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That every non-commissioned officer, private Page 252 252 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. or other person, who has been or shall hereafter be discharged from the Army of the United States within two years from the date of their enlistment, by reason of wounds received in battle, shall be entitled to receive the same bounty as is granted or may be granted to the same classes of persons who are discharged after a serv- ice of two years, and all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this are hereby repealed. Approved March 3,1863. VI. Persons of African descent who enlist nnder the act approved July 17, 1862 (General Orders, 91, Adjutant-Generals Office, 1862, p. 25), are entitled to ten dollars per month and one ration; three dollars of which monthly pay may bein clothing. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, June 4, 1863. Major-General BURNSIDE, U. S. Volunteers, Cincinnati, Ohio: A note, of which the following is a copy, has jnst been receivedby this Department from the President: EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, June 4, 1863. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR: Mv DEAR SIR: I have received additional dispatches which, with former ones. induce me to believe we should revoke or suspend the order suspending the Chicago Times, and if you concur in opinion, please have it done. Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN. In conformity with the views of the President, you will revoke the order suspending the publication of the Chicago Times. * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., June 4, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit a report of all my opera- tions from the commencement of the war to the present time, and in the hope that it may be found to contain valuable information and to establish beyond doubt the advantages of tl~te aeronautic service to the Government. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, - 4eronaut. [Inclosurel WASHINGTON, D. C., May 26, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: In accordance with your request I have the honor to submit the following report of my operations in the department of aeronautics, as connected with the military service of the Government: Balloons have been employed for many years for the purposes of * See Burnsides order, Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 386; also Trumbull and Arnold to Lincoln, ibid., p. 385 Page 253 UNION AUTHORITIES. 253 amusement or experiment, but they have never been constructed of durable materials, nor combined those qualities essential for frequent or long-continued observations, or for transportation from place to place, until the present war. The French were the first and only nation to make any use of this important means of securing informa- tion of the position and movements of an enemy, and even the iinper- fect apparatus they employed secured great advantages to them on two occasions. One of these was in June, 1794, when they were used for reconnoitering the position of the Austrians at the battle of Fleurus; the other was at the battle of Solferino, in 1859. For nearly ten years my attention has been given to the subject of aeronautics, and I have made large expenditures in practical experi- ments to perfect and develop the system. Notwithstanding the fact that balloons were first invented in 1782, but little had been subse- quently done to improve them. Various inventions of air ships had come into notice and proved to be impracticable, although the possi- bility of devising a means of navigating the air with safety was believed by many. Fully convinced of this myself, and that science and skill would produce the long-desired invention, I constructed a large balloon in 1859 for experiments, preliminary to an attempt to cross the Atlantic. This balloon when filled with gas would lift more than twenty tons in weight. The envelope alone weighed two and a quarter tons. Though treated as a visionary by the unthinking and by the timid, I received substantial aid and support from some of the most eminent scientific men of the country, and was thus encouraged to labor on in improving and perfecting every part of my apparatus, so that no reasonable ground of doubt should exist as to the ultimate success of the experiment. In December, 1860, I presented the following memorial to the Smith- sonian Institution, which I take the liberty of including in this report as an evidence of the favor with which my enterprise was looked upon by the distinguished men whose names are subscribed to it: PHILADELPHIA, December , 1860. Prof. JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C.: The undersigned, citizens of Philadelphia, have taken a deep interest in the attempt of Mr. T. S. C. Lowe to cross the Atlantic by aeronautic machinery, and have confidence that his extensive preparations to effect that object will add greatly to scientific knowledge. Mr. Lowe has individually spent much time and money in the enterprise, and in addition the citizens of Philadelphia have con- tributed several thousand dollars to further his efforts in demonstrating the feasibility of trans-Atlantic air navigation. With reliance upon Mr. Lowe and his plans, we cheerfully recommend him to the favorable consideration of the Smithsonian Institution, and trust such aid and advice will be furnished him by that distinguished body as may assist in the success of the attempt, in which we take a deep interest. JNO. C. CRESSON. WILLIAM HAMILTON. W. H. HARRISON. [AND THIRTEEN OTHERS.] The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, to whom the memo- rial was referred, gave it a careful consideration, and although he did not recommend the appropriation of any of the funds of the Institu- tion to assist me in constructing the balloon, stated the following as the result of his investigations: It has been fully established by continuous observations collected at this Insti- tution for ten years, from every part of the United States, that, as a general rule, all the meteorological phenomena advance from west to cast, and that th Page 254 254 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. higher clouds always move eastwardly. We are, therefore, from abundant obser- vation, as well as from theoretical considerations, enabled to state with confi- dence that on a given day, whatever may be the direction of the wind at the surface of the earth, a balloon elevated sufficiently high would be carried east- erly by the prevailing current in the upper or rather middle region of the atmosphere. I do not hesitate, therefore, to say that, provided a balloon can be constructed of sufficient size and of sufficient impermeability to gas, in order that it may maintain a high elevation for a sufficient length of time, it would be wafted across the Atlantic. I would not, however, advise that the first experiment of this character be made across the ocean, but that the feasibility of the project should be thoroughly tested and experience accumulated by voyages over the interior of our continent. In accordance with the last suggestion made by Professor Hen~ry, and to remove all doubts from the minds of those who considered the risk of the ocean voyage too great, I made ascensions from points, in the West, and had demonstrated the truth of my propositions, when the breaking out of the rebellion turned the thoughts of all loyal Amer- icans to the state of the country. Feeling assured that I could ren- der essential service to the Government in its time of need, and that my inventions would be appreciated by those who were in authority, I left Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1861, for Washington, taking with me a new balloon with which I had made a voyage on the 20th of April of the same year from Cincinnati, Ohio, to the coast of South Carolina, from 4 a. m. to 1 p. in. of the same day, a distance of over 900 miles, in nine hours. On arriving in Washington I immediately called on Professor Henry, who at once perceived the importance and value of my proposed operations. He had repeated interviews with the President of the United States, the Secretary of War (Mr. Cameron), and the officers of the Topographical Engineer Corps, and strongly urged the trial of experiments with my balloon to test its adaptation to the great work in which we were engaged. Discouragement and difficulty attended every effort, however, to secure attention; but finally, through the influence of Professor Henry, to whose disinterested and persevering support is in a great measure due the introduction of aeronautics into the military service of the United States, I was enabled to make pre- liminary experiments with the balloon I had brought to Washington. The balloon was inflated from one of the gas mains in the Armory grounds, and repeated ascensions were made from that place, from the Smithsonian grounds, and from the front of the Executive Man sion. For the first time telegraphic communication was established between a balloon and the earth, and a message was sent to the Pres- ident of the United States and others while at an elevation of a thousand feet. For a detailed account of these experiments I have the honor to refer to the following report from Professor Henry, under whose supervision they were made: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, June 21, 1861. Hon. SIMON CAMERON: DEAR SIR: In accordance with your request made to me orally on the morning of the 6th of June, I have examine~the apparatus and witnessed the balloon experiments of Mr. Lowe, and have come to the following conclusions: 1st. The balloon prepared by Mr. Lowe, inflated with ordinary street gas, will retain its charge for several days. 2d. In an inflated condition it can be towed by a few men along an ordinary road, or over fields, in ordinarily calm weather, from the places where it is filled to another, twenty or more miles distant Page 255 UNION AUTHORITIES. 255 3d. It can be let up into the air by means of a rope in a calm day to a height sufficient to observe the country for twenty miles around and more, according to the degree of clearness of the atmosphere. The ascent may also be made at night and the camp lights of the enemy observed. 4th. From experiments made here for the first time it is conclusively proved that telegrams can be sent with ease and certainty between the balloon and the quarters of the commanding officer. 5th. I feel assured, although I have not witnessed t?ie experiment, that when the surface wind is from the east, as it was for several days last week, an observer in the balloon can be made to float nearly to the enemys camp (as it is now situated to the west of us), or even to float over it, and then return eastward by rising to a higher elevation. This assumption is based on the fact that the upper strata of wind in this latitude is always flowing eastward. Mr. Lowe informs me, and I do not doubt his statement, that he will on any day which is favorable make an excursion of the kind above mentioned. 6th. From all the facts I have observed and the information I have gathered I am sure that important information may be obtained in regard to the topog- raphy of the country and to the position and movements of an enemy by means of the balloon now, and that Mr. Lowe is well qualified to render service in this way by the balloon now in his possession. 7th. The balloon which Mr. Lowe now has ii~ Washington can only be inflated in a city where street gas is to be obtained. If an exploration is required at a point too distant for the transportation of the inflated balloon, an additional apparatus for the generation of hydrogen gas will be required. The necessity of generating the gas renders the use of the balloon more expensive, but this, where important results are required, is of ~~mparatively small importance. For these preliminary experimentb, as you may recollect, a sum not to exceed $200 or $250 was to be appropriated, and in accordance with this Mr. Lowe has presented me with the inclosed statement of items, which I think are reasonable, since nothing is charged for labor and time of the aeronaut. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary Smithsonian Institution. On the evening of the 21st of June I received a telegram from Captain Whipple, of the Topographical Engineers, directing me to fill the balloon and to bring it, with the telegraphic apparatus, & c., to Arlington. The gas could not be obtained from the Washington Gas Company until the following afternoon, when the balloon was inflate~l and taken across the Long Bridge to Arlington House, where, by order of Captain Whipple, it remained until the next morning at 4 oclock, when I was ordered to take it to Falls Church. On arriving at the Alexandria and Loudoun Railroad I learned from the guards that there were no pickets out in the direction we were going. There being no other route by which the balloon could be towed, on account of the woods, and knowing the importance of observations from Falls Church, the balloon was let up by ropes to a sufficient height to ascei~- tam that it was safe to proceed. We then advanced two miles farther, to Baileys Cross-Roads, where I was informed by the residents that a rebel scouting party had just left, having seen the balloon, and suppos- ing that a large force accompanied it. After stopping a few minutes we proceeded to Falls Church, where the balloon was kept in constant use for two days more, during which time General Tyler sent up an officer who sketched a fine map of the surrounding country and observed the movements of the enemy. Captain Whipple and other officers also made several ascensions. On the 26th of June I was informed by Captain Whipple that the Bureau of Topographical Engineers had concluded to adopt the bal- loon for miliPiry purposes, and desired me to furnish a full account of the method of operating the balloons in the field, and to make estimates for their construction, & c. The information I gave h Page 256 256 COliRESPONDENCE, ETC. noted down. The next day, upon calling on the captain to know what conclusion he had arrived at, I was informed that he had decided to give an order to Mr. Wise to construct a balloon, as his estimate was *100 or *200 less than mine, but that it was possible I might be em- ployed to operate the balloon after it was made. To the latter part of his remarks I replied that I would not be willing to expose my life and reputation by using s6 delicate a machine, where the utmost care in construction was required, which should be made by a person in whom I had no confidence. I assured him that I had greater experi- ence in this business than any other aeronaut, and that I would guarantee the success of the enterprise if intrusted entirely to my (lirecti ons. Feeling confident of the ultimate result, and not being willing to abandon my cherished plans for the benefit of the Government after so much expenditure of time and my own means, I instituted a series of experiments, on my own account, in the Smithsonian grounds, which brought together many officers and scientific men, who strongly recommended the adoption of my system of aeronautics. Among others who witnessed these experiments was Captain Whipple, who, finding that the balloon ordered from Mr. Wise had not arrived at the time promised, desired me to transport niy balloon, then inflated, with the army which was moving toward Manassas. My operations at this time are described in the following communication addressed to Major Bache, of the Topographical Engineers, to which I would call par- ticular attention: WASHINGTON, D. C., July ~9, 1861. Major BAdE, Bureau Topographical Engineers: SIR: Having spent two months in Washington for the purpose of demonstrating the utility of balloon observations for war purposes, and thus fai without any rec~ ompense, I feel it my duty before retiring from the seat of war to make a statement of what I have done and what might and can be accomplished, provided the Gov- ernment would furnish the necessary means, which at most is very small compared with the results that can be attained. In the first place, the balloon which I have been compelled to use (for want of a more suitable one) was intended for making free voyages, in which compara- tively but little strength is required, and not for the purpose of ascension with ropes. On the 18th of June 1 inflated the balloon, and, with a telegraph apparatus attached, ascended with three persons and demonstrated the feasibility of com- mnunicating with the earth, which at times can be rendered very useful. This inflation lasted four days, although subjected to the pressure of several very heavy winds. Two days afterward the balloon was again inflated and transferred fourteen miles from the place of filling, and retained its charge for several days, during which time it was let up repeatedly, and on one occasion 1.000 feet with an officer, who sketched a map of roads and of the enemys camnps at Fairfax Court- House. Much greater results could have been obtained by making a free voyage at an altitude of a mile or two and returning in the upper current toward Wash- ington. I then gave it another coat of varnish, which much increased its retentive power, and demonstrated the utility of the balloon for the purpose of reconnais- sance to a number of gentlemen of this city on the Smithsonian grounds. After this I was suddenly required by Captain Whipple to fill my balloon and transport it into the interior of Virginia. Although this balloon was not intended for war purposes, and although I had cherished the hope of being directed to construct another, I concluded to do the best I could, and accordingly set about making the necessary preparations for the voyage; but when these were completed and I was ready to start, I was unable, on account of the absence of Captain Whipple, to pro. cure the men and mueans for the inflation and transportation. Not being able to obtain assistance from Captain Whipple. who was then on duty, I concluded, on the advice of my friends, to inflate the balloon and procure men for its transporta- tion on my own account, not doubting that my services would be properly appre- ciated; but to my disappointment I was informed by the director of the gas company that another balloon had arrived and was to be used instead of umine. On the receipt of this intelligence I removed my balloon from the inflating pipes Page 257 UNION AUTHORITIES. 257 to give place to the other balloon, and ceased all further efforts until Iwas informed, on Sunday, that the competing balloon had proved a failure, and then being urged by several patriotic individuals, and hoping still to render some service to the army at Centerville or Manassas, I commenced on Sunday morning to make prepara- tions for inflating and transporting my balloon, and on the evening of the same day started with it for Virginia. In this enterprise I was aided by the liberality of Colonel Small, who furnished me with twenty men from his command for the purpose. Unfortunately, when we arrived at Falls Church I was informed of the retreat of the army, and thinking it useless to attempt to go farther, I concluded to remain there, even after all the troops had passed by and in the midst of a drench- ing rain, with the hope that I might be of service in giving information as to the approach of the enemy; but as the pickets were withdrawn, I started again at 4.30 on Monday afternoon to return to Arlington, the rain continuing to fall in tor- rents, the wind against us, and arrived at Fort Corcoran at 8 oclock the same evening with the balloon fully inflated, after having been transported against a wind of considerable force, through a distance in all of about twenty miles, the latter half of which was in a violent rain-storm. I remained with the balloon at Fort Corcoran until Wednesday morning, and then, taking advantage of the favor- able weather, I ascended at 7.30 oclock with an ascensional power of 500 pounds beyond the weight of the balloon itself. I obtained an altitude of about three and one-half miles and had a distinct view of the encampments of the enemy, and observed them in motion between Manassas Junction and Fairfax. From the facts I have stated it must be evident to every one that the balloon can be rendered of essential service in the art of war, and that I have accom- plished all I have undertaken without a single failure, with very imperfect means and with scarcely any aid from the Government. Having thus given an account of what has been accomplished, I now proceed to furnish a statement of what might or can be done if proper facilities are afforded: First. It is very probable that balloons will be wanted for some time to come in the vicinity of Washington and Alexandria to watch the movements of the enemy and prevent a surprise. For this purpose the balloon now in my posses- sion will answer very well until another can be procured. With it, almost every day or two, ascents can be made to a great altitude, affording an opportunity for several officers at the same time to observe, with good glasses, the position and movements of the enemy in perfect security, without risk of life or property. Second. While the army is making preparation for another movement a lighter balloon, with portable apparatus, can be constructed in time to move with the troops, and be ready before and during an engagement to furnish the means of observations of the greatest importance Having made the necessary inquiries, I find that the required apparatus can be constructed by mechanics now in the Government employ in Washington; that the whole weight of material to inflate the balloon for several days use will not exceed four tons, and can be carried in two or three wagons, and that the whole expense for inflating, aside from the apparatus, will not exceed $300, including transportation. a it will not be necessary to use this method of inflation, excepting at a distance from gas works too great to move an inflated balloon. The same apparatus can also be used on the rivers, and ere long will probably be much wanted at Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, and Richmond, and many other places. Should the Government conclude to adopt the above methods, and desire my services, I will give my plans in detail, and shall be pleased to carry them out. I can truly say that I have not, in my endeavor to introduce balloon observations into use in our Army, been governed by a desire for pecuniary gain, but I have been actuated by a wish to increase my reputation and advance the art to which I have devoted my life, by demonstrating its importance to the country in its present critical condition. Hoping that if my services are further required, I may receive as early a notice as possible, I remain, very truly, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. a NoTE.Since the portable gas generators have been introduced, the whole cost of materials for inflation does not exceed $75. The gas can be generated wherever it is wanted, much less time is required for inflation, ~ir~d the balloot~ can be kept inflated for a month or much longer. 17 B BSERIES III, VOL II Page 258 258 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. The ascension of the 24th of July, alluded to in the foregoing letter, was made in consequence of a report being circulated that the enemy was marching in force on Washington, which caused much excite- ment. The result of my observations, published the next day, showed this report to be untrue and restored confidence. In this voyage I started soon after sunrise, while the atmosphere was clear, and sailed directly over the country occupied by the enemy, as the lower current was blowing toward the west. Having seen what I desired, I rose to the npper current and commenced moving toward the east again, until over the Potomac, when I commenced to descend, thinking that the under current would take me back far enough to land near Arlington House. When within a mile of the earth our troops commenced firing at the balloon, supposing it to belong to the rebels. I descended near enough to hear the whistling of the bullets and the shouts of the soldiers to show my colors. As I had, unfortunately, no national flag with me, and knowing that if I attempted to effect a landing there my balloonand very likely myselfwould be riddled, I concluded to sail on and to risk descend- ing outside of our lines. This I accomplished, and landed on Masons plantation, five miles and a half from Alexandria and two miles and a half ontside of our pickets. A detailed account of my escape would be interesting, but it is sufficient to say that I was kindly assisted in returning by the Thirty-first Regiment New York Volunteers, and brought back the balloon, though somewhat damaged, owing to my having been obliged to land among trees. The balloon was generally supposed to be one of the enemys, and the authorities in Washington were telegraphed from Arlington to this effect. On the 29th of July I received the following dispatch from Captain Whipple: ARLINGTON, July 29, 1861. T. S. C. LOWE: If YOU will at once repair your balloon, and will superintend its transportation to this side of the Potomac, the United States will employ you temporarily as follows: The United States will pay for the gas used for the inflation, will fur- nish twenty men to manage the balloon, will pay you $30 per day for each day the balloon is in use for reconnaissance on the Virginia side of the Potomac. The balloon to be ready for use within twenty-four hours. A. W. WHIPPLE, Captain, Topographical Engineers. In answer to this I informed Captain Whipple that I could not enter upon such an arrangement, but that if the Government would direct me to construct a balloon such as I deemed suitable for mili- tary purposes I would only charge $10 a day for my services, instead of $30, and would guarantee entire success. I also stated the cost of the new apparatus and the time required for its construction. I, however, repaired the balloon, as desired by Captain Whipple, but while transporting it with inexperienced men a distance of ten miles over a rough road, where there were many obstructions, we were overtaken by a heavy storm and I was obliged to discharge the gas. In relation to this occurrence I beg leave to refer to the following let- ter from Professor Henry: SMITIISONIANKINSTITUTION, August 2, 1861. Capt. A. W. WIIIPPLE, U. S. Army: DEAR SIR: I regret very much to learn from Mr. Lowe that you think of giving up the balloon operations, and I write to express the hope that you will make further attempts. A single successful observation will fully repay all that you have yet expended Page 259 UNION AUTHORiTIES. 259 The experiment of Wednesday was rendered abortive by the accidental occur- rence of a thunder-storm which could not be foreseen. At this season of the year thunder-storms occur generally in the after part of the day or night, and I would therefore advise that the balloon be filled immediately after the clearing off of the sky, and then used as soon as possible after daylight the next day. Mr. Lowe came to this city with the implied understanding that, if the experi- ments he exhibited to me were successful, he would be employed. He has labored under great disadvantages, and has been obliged to do all that he has done, after the first experiment, without money. From the first he has said that the balloon he now has was not sufficiently strong to bear the pressure of a hard wind, although it might be used with success in favorable situations and in per- fectly calm weather. I hope that you will not yet give up the experiments, and that you will be enabled with even this balloou ~o do enough to prove the impor- tance of this method of observation, and to warrant the construction of a balloon better adapted to the purpose. I remain, very truly, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HENRY. Up to this time I had used my own machinery, and had a party of persons constantly employed at my own expense to assist in the man- agement of the balloon and to keep it in order. On the 2d of August I called on Maj. Hartman Bache and gave him a detailed account of what I had accomplished, also setting forth the advantages of using balloons, provided proper facilities were afforded. Upon this Major Bache gave me a letter to Captain Whipple, author- izing him to direct me to construct such a balloon as I desired; upon the receipt of which the latter gave me the following order and instructions: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTHEASTERN VIRGINIA, Arlington, August 2, 1861. Mr. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut: SIR: You are hereby employed to construct a balloon for military purposes capable of containing at least 25,000 cubic feet of gas, to be made of the best India silk, not inferior to the sample which is divided between us, you retaining a part, with best linen network, and three guys of manilla cordage from 1,200 to 1,500 feet in length. The materials you will purchase immediately, the best the markets afford and at prices not exceeding ordinary rates; and the bills you will forward to me through Maj. Hartman Bache, chief of the Corps of Topographical Engi- neers. When these materials shall have been collected at Philadelphia, where the balloon is to be constructed, you will report to me, that I may send an officer of the corps to inspect them. You need not, however, wait for the inspecting officer, but go on rapidly with the work, with the understanding that it may be suspended, provided that upon examination the materials or work prove unsatisfactory. Your compensation from the day of collecting the materials and during the time of making the balloon shall be $5 per day, provided that a reasonable time be allowed for the collection and ten days for making. From and after the day that the balloon shall be ready for inflation at Washington, D. C., your compensation will be $10 per day as long as the Government may require your services. Inclosed herewith is an order authorizing the purchase of materials necessary for the operation with which you are charged. Very respectfully, A. W. WHIPPLE, Captain, Topographical Engineers. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTHEASTERN VIRGINIA. Mr. T. S. C. Lowe, aeronaut, is hereby authorized to purchase 1,200 yards of best India silk and sufficient linen thread, cordage, & c., for the construction of a bal- loon, and all reasonable bills for the same, when presented to me through th@ Bureau of Topographical Engineers, will be paid. A. W. WHIPPLE, Gaptain, Topographical Engineers Page 260 260 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. From this time until the 28th of August was consumed in the con- struction of the first substantial war balloon ever built. The main obstacle to the successful use of balloons still had to be overcome, namely, a portable apparatus for generating the gas in the field. I had already devised a plan for this purpose, but, as I could not then obtain an order to construct the apparatus, I was obliged to inflate the balloon as formerly in Washington, and to confine its opera- tions to that locality. At this time I received the following orders from Major Woodruff and Captain Whipple: WASHINGTON, D. C., Augi~tst 88, 1861. Mr. LOWE, Balloonist, Washington, D. C.: SIR: Get the silk balloon in readiness for inflation immediately. A detail of thirty men will repair to the Columbian Armory to aid you in the inflation and transportation of the balloon. Respectfully, yours, J. C. WOODRUFF, Major, Topographical Engineers. Inclosed is an order for gas. I. C. W. FORT CORCORAN, August 89, 1861. Prof. T. S.C. LOWE: The general desires you to be here at 3 a. m. to-morrow morning to make an ascension before daybreak to examine camp-fires, and ascend again as soon as it may be light enough to watch for movements of any bodies of men. Should I not be present please write the observations and send them to me by express at Arlington. A. W. WHIPPLE, Captain, Topographical Engineers. These orders were complied with, and during my observations I discovered the enemy for the first time building earth-works on Mun- sons Hill and Clarks Hill, and also saw their movements along the entire line. In the afternoon I moved the balloon to Balls Cross- Roads and there took several observations, during which the enemy opened their batteries on the balloon and several shots passed by it and struck the ground beyond. These shots were the nearest to the U. S. capital that had been fired by the enemy, or have yet been, during the war. From this time the balloon was kept in constant use and daily reports made to the commanding officers. I regret that I kept copies of but few of these, as at the time I did not consider that they would be required. Confidence in this new means of observation soon began to be manifested, and many officers made ascensions, among whom were Generals McDowell, Porter, and Martindale. On the 7th of Sep- tember Major-General McClellan ascended and made an exalnination of the enemys works on Munsons Hill and other points, a view of which it was impossible to obtain by any other means. From this time to the 27th of September many alarms were given, and the troops called out in line of battle, and in every instance after an examination had been made by means of the balloon the troops were sent back to their quarters and allowed to rest without danger of being surprised. Having only one balloon, I was necessarily compelled to lose some time to go to Washington for gas, which I invariably did, however, at night Page 261 UNION AUTHORITIES. 261 The following papers will indicate my operations to the 27th of September: HEADQUARTERS PORTER~S DIVISION, Fort (Joreoran, Va., September 7, 1861. Professor LOwE: SIR: General Porter desires you to make a reconnaissance in your balloon as early as possible to-morrow morning. Be kind enough to send the result of your observations to General Porter, whether you discover anything of interest or not. Very respectfully, J. F. MOQUESTEN. BALLOON HEADQUARTERS, September 8, 1861. Brigadier-General PORTER, Commanding Division, Fort Corcoran: DEAR SIR: According to your request I made two reconnaissances with the balloon this morning. The first a little after 4 oclock. At that time no lights were visible in the west. At 5 oclock one light to the right of Munsons Hill and one at Taylors Corners appeared, which were all that could be seen. I ascended again at 6 oclock and had a clear view of the works on Munsons Hill, also Uptons, but observed nothing unusual, the strong wind preventing me from attaining an altitude to observe with distinctness anything beyond these points. I will ascend again during the day and report to you. Your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. HEADQUARTERS PORTERS DIvISION, Fort Corcoran, Va., September 9, 1861. Professor LOWE, Fort Corcoran: PRorEsson: General McClellan desires you to transfer your balloon to the Chain Bridge early to-morrow to take observations. I have informed him you will inflate as early as practicable and move up to Chain Bridge. I am desirous to see you prosper, and I thlnk you are now on the road. I have recommended an increase of two balloons and movable inflating apparatus, and as soon as the utility of the science is made apparent (which will depend on your energy) I have no doubt of success. Strike now while the iron is hot. I suggested your balloon should be sent up to Chain Bridge or its vicinity, and I doubt not General McClellan will be there, or others, who will work for you if they are satisfied of its utility. General Smith is in command, and I promise a good reception for you If I can aid you in any manner, dont hesitate to call. I will be pleased to see you before you go over in the morning, and the result of your morning observa- tion, which I beg of you to take. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTER. BALLOON HEADQUARTERS, September 92.30 p. m. General PORTER: I have just concluded another observation with the balloon and had a distinct view of Falls Church. In answer to your inquiry, I can say that there is no appearance of the enemy in or about Falls Church other than has been reported before. Munsons Hill and other places remain the same. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. FORT CORcORAN, September 11, 1861. Professor LowE: I have nothing special. As your balloon is near Chain Bridge, I suggest you ask General Smith if he has anything. I presume if you can rise in the morning he would like it. You are of value now. F. J. PORTER Page 262 262 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. ARLINGTON, VA., September 16, 1861. Brig. Gen. F. J. PORTER, Commanding Division at Fort Corcoran: SIR: In accordance with your request I herewith send a statement of what I should advise and deem necessary in addition to the means now at hand for the purpose of facilitating and making more frequent reconnaissances with balloons, and from various points at the same time, also for the purpose of being ready to accompany the army whenever a movement is made. First. An addition of two balloons would be required, with capacities as fol- lows: One of 30,000 cubic feet and one of 20,000, built of the best India silk and linen cordage, with all my late improvements and appliances. The cost of these air vessels complete will be, for the largest, $1,500; the smallest, $1,200. Secondly. A portable inflating apparatus would be required for the purpose of inflating a balloon at any point where common gas cannot be obtained, and also for the purpose of replenishing the balloons when the gas is partially expended. This would save the expense of an entire reinfiation, and also keep the balloon ready for observation at all times; besides, the hydrogen being more buoyant than coal gas, a greater altitude can be obtained. The whole cost of this apparatus ought not to exceed $500, and can be built by ship carpenters and coppersmiths now in the employ of the Government at Wash- ington. The time required for getting up these balloons and apparatus will be about two weeks, perhaps less, should the weather prove fine while coating the material. By being supplied with the above additional equipments I feel confident in being able to keep the Government constantly informed of the movements and position of the enemy, as well as the topography of the country. Wherever occa- sion requires, the balloons can also be used for letting up various colored signal lights at night, which can be made to burn for a long time, and consequently will be seen with more certainty than by any other means. Very respectfully, yours, T. S. C. LOWE. BALLOON HEADQUARTERS, September 20, 1861. Brig. Gen. F. J. PORTER, Commanding Division, Fort Coreoran: DEAR SIR: I have just taken an observation from an altitude of 1,000 feet, and find the atmosphere uncommonly clear in the west. I shall move to the place where you first ascended, and would be pleased if you can come and go up with me. We may be able to discover something of interest. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. BALLOON HEADQUARTERS, September 22, 1861. Brigadier-General PORTER, Commanding Division, Fort Corcoran: During my observations this evening I noticed a pretty heavy picket force on Uptons Hill and several camp smokes at Taylors Corners. On the west slope of Munsons Hill there appeared to be a full regiment with a set of colors, their bay- onets glistening in the sun as if on parade. I could see nothing of the horses you spoke of, but as soon as I can get the balloon inflated again I will go nearer and examijie the woods. Very respectfully, yours, T. S. C. LOWE. CAMP ADVANCE, September 23, 1861. General F. J. PORTER: At about 8.30 to-morrow morning I wish to fire from here at Falls Church. Will you please send the balloon up from Fort Corcoran and have note taken of the position reached by the shell, and telegraph each observation at once. W. F. SMITH. HEADQUARTERS PORTERS DIVISION, Fort Corcoran, Va., September 24, 1861. Professor LOWE: SIR: By direction of General Porter I herewith inclose a telegram from Gen- eral Smith. It explains itself. Two mounted orderlies will be sent you so that you can, with the assistance of your officer, report and send to these headquarters Page 263 UNION AUTHORITIES. 263 During the time of fire it is very important to know how much the shot or shell fall short, if any at all. Very respectfully, yours, [Inclosure.] J. F. McQUESTEN, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. SEPTEMBER 24, 1861. General F. J. PORTER: If we fire to the right of Falls Church, let a white flag be raised in the balloon; if to the left, let it be lowered; if over, let it be shown stationary; if under, let it be waved occasionally. W. F. SMITH. HEADQUARTERS OF BALLOON, Arlington, September 24, 1861. Brig. Gen. F. J. PORTER, Commanding Division, Fort Coreoran: Sin: This evening I took the balloon out near Balls Cross-Roads and remained up nearly two hours. I had a distinct view of the works on a hill about one mile and a half beyond Munsons Hill. There seems to be heavy guns mounted and a pretty heavy force near by. Several tents were visible about there and a number of bodies of men on parade. To the left of a high bluff, and about ten miles distant to the left, or nearly in a line with Baileys Cross-Roads, there appeared to be a long line of smoke, as if there were several camps. The smokes of the enemys pickets are quite numer- ous, and a large body of men were on Uptons Hill, and also what appeared to be a field piece. The whole distance from Chain Bridge to Falls Church is shown plainly from my new point of observation, and I think a shell could not be fired without seeing where it strikes. Should it be convenient for you to come and go up in the morning the first thing, I think you will gain some valuable information. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. CHAIN BRIDGE, September 24, 1861. General PORTER: I am going to Lewinsville to-morrow (Wednesday). Will you let Professor Lowe go up at 11, or little before, to watch the road from Falls Church and round to Lewinsville? Cant practice at fort to-morrow. W. F. SMITH. CHAIN BRIDGE, September 25, 1861. Professor LowE: General Smith desires you to go up in the balloon this morning to observe the movements of troops, although we will not fire from the fort. The general is going out with the command, and firing will only be done in case the enemy is met. C. MUNDEE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SEPTEMBER 25, 1861. PROFESSOR: Look out for a battle at Lewinsville, and movements between us and that point. F. J. PORTER. Send me word of anything important. SEPTEMBER 25, 1861. PROFESSOR: I am anxious about the movement from Chain Bridge. The enemy has moved north and has all his force between General Smith and Lewinsyille, evidently to intercept his return. I wish to get as much information of his movements, or what is transpiring, as possible before sundown. I expect the return of the enemy, and if much dust be visible wish to know it, that I may send out a force. F. J. PORTER. If you can get up against this wind, will be glad. An important move is on foot Page 264 264 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS OF BALLOON, September 25, 1861. Brigadier-General PORTER Gommanding Division, Fort Uorcoran: SIR: Soon after you departed I heard the report of three guns toward Chain Bridge. I ascended and remained up until 12 oclock, during which time no more guns were fired. About three miles in advance of Chain Bridge I could distin- guish the glistening of bayonets and quite a large body of men in motion, but as they were going from the bridge I concluded they were General Smiths forces. The parade at the Seminary made a grand display, while on Munsons Hill quite a large crowd were gathered. After descending I heard two more guns in the direction of the Chain Bridge, but the wind has arisen and prevents me from taking any observations at present. I am confident that there is no great Inove- ment on the part of the enemy, or I should have seen something of it, although the distance and heavy smoke are great obstacles to-day in that direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington City, September 25, 1861. Prof. T. S. C. LowE: (In care Maj. S. Van Vliet, senior quartermaster, Army of the Potomac, Wash- ington.) SIR: Upon the recommendation of Major-General McClellan the Secretary of War has directed that four additional balloons be at once constructed under your direction, together with such inflating apparatus as may be necessary for them and the one now in use. It is desirable that they be completed with the least possible delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General. On the 30th of September the balloon was taken to Uptons Hill and nsed constantly, General McDowell, the Count de Paris, and other officers ascending with me and gaining much valnable information greatly needed at the time, as there was no other means of learning the position and movements of the enemy, and where an attack was expected. I received many complimentary remarks dnring the day from the officers, who were satisfied of the value of the balloon for reconnaissances. From the 1st to the 12th of October the balloon was left in charge of an assistant while I was engaged in the constrnction of the bal- loons and gas generators ordered by the Secretary of War. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington C~ity, October 1, 1861. Lieut. Col. G. H. CROSMAN, Deputy Quartermaster-General, Philadelphia, Pa.: COLONEL: The Secretary of War having authorized Professor Lowe to construct four balloons for military purposes, you will pay for them, and such bills as may be made by him in their construction, the whole amount to be paid being about the sum he names as their cost, viz, for the two largest $1,500 each, and for the smallest $1,200 each. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, By order: E. SIBLEY, Brevet Colonel, U. S. Army. Deputy Quartermasler-General. GENERAL MCCLELLANS HEADQUARTERS, Washington, October 12, 1861. Professor LowE: General McClellan directs that you report yourself to General Smith at John- sons Hill. Be there sure to-morrow, Sunday night. A. V. COLBURN. In accordance with the above order I inflated the balloon the same evening and started at 9 p. m. Our progress was slow, the nigh Page 265 UNION AUTHORITIES. 265 being very dark, and we were constantly apprehensive of running the balloon against trees or other obstacles. After passing through Washington and Georgetown, crossing numerous flag ropes and tele- graph wires stretched across the streets, we reached the road to the Chain Bridge. This was lined with trees and we were compelled to go across the fields, as the wind was too high to tow the balloon when elevated, and it soon became cloudy and so dark that it was with the utmost difficulty we advanced. At several points trees had to be felled to allow a passage for the balloon. We arrived at the Chain Bridge about 3 oclock the next (Sunday) morning, and found it filled with artillery and cavalry going to Virginia. In order to take the balloon over my men were obliged to mount the trestle-work and walk upon the stringers, only eighteen inches wide and nearly 100 feet above the bed of the river. Thus, with the balloon above their heads, myself in the car directing the management of the ropes, the men getting on and off the trestle-work, with a column of artillery moving below, and 100 feet still lower, the deep and strong current rushimig over the rocks, while the sky was dark above, the scene was novel, exciting, and not a little dangerous. At daybreak we arrived near Lewinsville, nearly exhausted by the excessive fatigue of the trip. Here a strong wind sprung up suddenly and I was obliged to lash the balloon with strong ropes to stumps in a field. In a few minutes the wind increased to a terrific gale, which continued for an hour, tearing up trees by the roots close to where the balloon was anchored. When the storm reached its height the cordage gave way and the balloon escaped. It ascended to a great height, and in less than an hour landed to the eastward on the coast of Delaware, a dis- tance of about 100 miles, wh re I afterward obtained it. This gale proved the great strength of the balloon silk, and that the cordage was insufficient in comparison, although it was capable of bearing a strain of ten tons. I immediately ordered all the rest of the cordage used for my balloons to be made strong enough to resist a strain of twenty-five tons, which has proved sufficient to resist any gale thus far. From this time to the 10th of November I was occupied in superin- tending the construction of balloons and gas generators. From the latter date to the end of the year the following reports and communi- cations (to which I would call attention) embrace the principal opera- tions in which I was engaged. BALLOON EXPEDITION ON BOARD U. S. STEAM TUG Colun DE LION, Mouth of Mattawoman Creek, Sunday Evening, November 10, 1861. Major-General HOOKER: SIR: In obedience to orders of Major-General McClellan I have come to this place for the purpose of making an aeronautic observation of the forces of the enemy. The balloon will be inflated immediately, so as to be ready for use early to-morrow morning. Will you have the kindness to detail an officer to confer with me, so that I may make such dispositions and arrangements as will best enable me to accomplish the object for which I have been sent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, U. S. Army. NAVY-YARD. Washington, D. C., November 12, 1861. Lieutenant-Colonel COLBURN: DEAR SIR: I have the pleasure of reporting the complete success of the first balloon expedition by water ever attempted. I left the navy-yard early Sunda Page 266 266 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. morning, the 10th instant, with a lighter (formerly the G. W. P. Custis) towed out by the steamer Oceur de Lion, having on board competent assistant aero- nauts, together with my new gas generating apparatus, which, though used for the first time, worked admirably. We located at the mouth of Mattawoman Creek, about three miles from the opposite or Virginia shore. Yesterday I pro- ceeded to make observations, accompanied in my ascensions by General Sickles and others. We had a fine view of the enemys camp-fires during the evening, and saw the rebels constructing new batteries at Freestone Point. I was under the necessity of returning for some necessary articles this morning, and will go back immediately to continue in person the reconnaissances. After making all necessary arrangements below, and leaving a competent aero- naut and assistants in charge, I shall return and place the other balloons wher- ever the general desires them. I have now a competent aeronaut for each of the new balloons, and in the course of a few days they can all be in active operation. I will call and see you on my return. Your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, November 16, 1861. Professor LowE: General McClellan desires me to say that he desireb to have the first balloon kept ready to be sent to Port Royal; the second one he desires to have sent to Brigadier-General Stone, at Poolesville, as soon as it is ready. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, November 16, 1861. Professor LowE: General McClellan desires that you have a balloon ready to be taken to Port Royal by the first opportunity. It is impossible to tell exactly when it can be sent, but I will try to give you three or four days notice. Very respectfully, A. ~. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General. A report was circulated that the enemy were advancing their forces, and I was ordered to make a reconnaissance, of which the following was the result: NATIONAL HOTEL, Washington, November 21, 1861. Lient. Col. A. V. CoLnuliN: DEAR Sin: Yesterday I inflated one of the balloons, the Intrepid, and moved it to Minors Hill. It being too late for taking observations last night, I ascended at daybreak this morning, and remained up until 8 oclock, which was sufficient to ascertain that the enemy is not in force this side of Centerville. Judging from our own camp-fires and smokes, I should say there may be three or four regiments at Fairfax Court-House; twice that number at Centerville and more at Manassas, but nothing like the amount of smokes from our own camps in General Porters division. Their line of picket smokes near the line of the Leesburg turnpike was quite regular, and occasionally pickets could be seen in the roads and clearings, but owing to the haziness of the atmosphere no moving bodies of troops or their tents were visible. The balloon for the South is all ready. Can you tell me from what place I shall ship the materials for making gas? If from here I must have them sent from Philadelphia to this city, that they may be ready. I intend going down the river to-morrow to reinfiate the balloon at Budds Ferry. By that time the apparatus for Poolesville will be ready, and I will sta- tion one there also. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE Page 267 UNION AUTHORITIES. 267 HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, November 22. 1861. Prof. T. S. C. LOWE: General McClellan desires that you send a balloon to Fort Monroe this evening or at latest by to-morrow evenings boat to go to Port Royal. The transports will leave Fort Monroe day after to-morrow. A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General. If Captain Craven can spare the Cocur de Lion, and Captain Dahlgren also, the Department agrees to allow her to take Professor Lowe to Old Point. G. V. FOX, Assistant Secretary. WASHINGTON, November 23, 1861. Major-General HOOKER, Budds Ferry, Md.: I start for Fortress Monroe to-morrow afternoon. Will take the balloon-boat down with me. Please inform me at what point I can anchor where it will be safe, and will be of the most service to you. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, U. S. Army. BUDDs FERRY, November 24, 1861. Professor LowE: The safest and most convenient place for anchoring your steamer will be about one mile below your former anchorage. The balloon is now near the Posey house, and it is from that point I desire to make the next ascension if agreeable to yourself. JOSEPH HOOKER, Brigadier-General. OLD POINT, VA., November 27, 1861. Brig. Gen. T. W. SHERMAN, Commanding Forces at Port Royal, S. C.: SIR: By direction of General McClellan I send to your command a balloon and aeronautic apparatus in charge of Mr. J. B. Starkxveather, aeronaut, who will report to you for service. For the purpose of aiding in these operations Mr. Stark- weather will require thirty men and a good officer. Should it be necessary to take observations at various points, there will be required two ordinary army wagons to convey the gas generators and materials. Anything further that will be required will be made known by the aeronaut. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, U. S. Army. HALLS HILL, November 30, 1861. Professor LowE: Promise of a fair day to-morrow. Your balloon is wanted, and it is of the highest importance that it should be here to take advantage of the first calm. Can it be here early in the morning? I will send in men now if you will send it. F. J. PORTER. WASHINGTON, November 30, 186111.43 p. m. Brig. Gen. F. J. PORTER, Halls Hill, Va.: Please send in the men and I will do my best to get the balloon there. The inflating apparatus, as fast as finished so far, has been ordered to other points, or I would make the gas on the ground; but for this time I must tow it, as soon as the men get here. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. NOVEMBER 30, 1861. General HOOKER: General McClellan desires me to get a map of the enemys position opposite your command. Can you accommodate me by sending up a draughtsman, and forwarding the result to the general Page 268 268 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. This fine weather will not last long. Please have the aeronaut improve every opportunity. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. WASHINGTON, December 1, 1861. WILLIAM PAULLIN, In Charge of Balloon, Budds Ferry: Do not reinflate the balloon until it has another coat of varnish, unless it is perfectly tight. I will send you an assistant with all the necessary articles to- morrow. Improve every calm hour from daybreak until dark. Examine the shore opposite Mattawoman Creek, and keep me constantly informed. T. S. C. LOWE. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 8, 1861. Lient. Col. A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General: DEAR Sin: I have the honor to communicate to you the disposition thus Pir of the new balloons in my charge. The balloon Constitution is at Budds Ferry General Hookers division. The Washington, with gas generating apparatus and materials, is en route for Port Royal, S. C. The Intrepid, of larger dimensions, is at General Porters division, Halls Hill. The Union, same size, is intended for Poolesville, and is now ready, but has been delayed at the navy-yard for work on gas-generating apparatus that was promised me three weeks ago. It was supposed to be a matter of economy to have this apparatus constructed at the navy-yard. This season of the year is not the most propitious for continued reconnaissances, but when all the work now under my supervision is completed, no favorable opportunity for observations, night or day, will be allowed to pass unimproved. I have thus far exercised, and in the future shall continue to exercise, the most untiring diligence in the prosecution of the important labors intrusted to me; but, in my judgment, the interests of this branch of service require the immediate construction of two small balloons, for the following, among other reasons, which I herewith respectfully commend to your favorable consideration: When Gen- eral McClellan recommended, and the Secretary of War ordered, the addition of four balloons, the possibility or probability of using either of them at the South was not considered; therefore, as the ample supply of coal gas at Washington justified me in doing, I made two of them of larger dimensions, so that being filled with coal gas they would economically accomplish the equivalent of the work expected from a smaller envelope filled with hydrogen, notwithstanding the difference in levity of the two gases. These two small hydrogen balloons, as compared with the larger ones, will be particularly serviceable at the present time, as they will require one wagon less each for moving generators, while the dimin- ished amount of material required will also tax our transportation facilities to a much less extent. Lastly, the most important advantage gained will be that a light balloon, of small dimensions, well filled with hydrogen, presents so much less surface to the wind, and can consequently be used in the heavier weather. These qualities are embraced in the balloons Washington and Constitution. Hoping the general will allow me to construct the two small balloons, while the larger ones are held in reserve as future contingencies may determine, I remain, dear sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 10, 1861. Lieut. Col. A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General: DEAR SIR: One of my assistants arrived this morning from General Hookers headquarters and reports that the balloon has been constantly used for the past week making observations of the enemys movements and position. A large num- ber of ascensions have been made, the aeronaut being accompanied by Colonel Cowdin, Colonel Small, and others. Colonel Small while up with the balloon made a very fine map of the enemys works and surrounding country, a copy of which is being prepared, and will be forwarded to headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut Page 269 UNION AUTHORITIES. 269 WASHINGTON, D. C., December 16, 1861. Lieut. Col. A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General: DEAR SIR: I returned yesterday from Poolesyille, after stationing a balloon and necessary inflating apparatus with General Stones division. This is the third of the new inflating apparatus which has been sent out, and three more are now ready to go as soon as the other two balloons are finished. I commenced inflation at Edwards Ferry on Friday at 4 p. in., and in three hours generated gas sufficient to lift 1,200 pounds. On Saturday luorning I ascended quite early and took an observation of the enemys country. Very few troops were visible, and these were scattered both up and down the river. We could see into nearly every street of Leesburg, but scarcely any troops were visible. The main body appears to be between Leesburg and CentervilleI should judge fifteen or twenty miles below the formeras camps and heavy smokes were quite visible in that direction. Later in the day I ascended again, and a nulnber of their tents which were visi- ble in the morning inside of their earth-works between Edwards Ferry and Lees- burg were taken down, and teams were observed moving toward the village of Leesburg. In the afternoon I was accompanied in my ascension by General Stone, who added several points to his map. The balloon still remains inflated, and will be ready for use at all times, in charge of a competent assistant aeronaut. The bal- loon now located at Budds Ferry has been inflated over two weeks without any replenishing. The communication of W. G. Fullerton, of December 2, in reference to photo- graphic pictures taken from the balloon which was referred to me, has been examined, and I would say that the author advances no new ideas. As soon as other matters connected with the balloons are accomplished I shall give the photographic matter a thorough and practical test. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. During the months of January and February balloons were kept in constant use at Budds Ferry, Md., under the orders of General Hooker; at Poolesyille, Md., General Stones command; at Port Royal, S. C., General Shermans command, and there was one also sent to Cairo, Ill. The one last mentioned was used by Commodore Foote at the attack on Island No. 10. During the bombardment an officer of the Navy ascended and discovered that our shot and shell went beyond the enemy, and by altering the range our forces were soon able to colupel the enemy to evacuate. Up to the 1st of March I was principally occupied in visiting the different balloon stations and keeping everything in order. As the reports were made directly to the officers in comluand of the posts where the balloons were stationed, I can only furnish the following communicatlons: Professor LOWE, PooLESvILLE, January 20, 1862. National Hotel, Washington: Please send up the small balloon immediately. The large one has suffered in its varnish from the excessively bad weather. C. P. STONE, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. PooLESvILLE, January 25, 1862. Professor LOWE, National Hotel, Washington: The balloon Intrepid got an inch of ice on it last night and is reported much injured. Hurry up the smaller one. C. P. STONE, Brigadier-General Page 270 270 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. On the 10th of February I transmitted the following report of observations made by one of my assistants on Monday afternoon, 3 p. in., near Edwards Ferty: Since my last observation I have discovered an increase of encampments in and about Leesburg, Va. They have commenced throwing up earth-works on the south side of Goose Creek and one mile and a half from the river. No additional improvement has been made upon the old work that commands the ferry, and I think it is still unfinished. The large fort west of Leesburg has been improved. It also appears that they have mounted some heavy guns. I could see no change about the works south of Leesburg. (I should judge that these were intrenchments.) There are two large encampments (new) on the road running to the west from Leesburg, near the large stone house, which is, I think, one mile from town; also an encampment in the woods south of the large fort and west of the two encampments near the stone bridge. On the north and south side of Leesburg I noticed an increase of encampments close to the town. In and around the large fort west of Leesburg there is, I think, a regiment. On Goose Creek, about three miles from the river, there are some encampments. I could not tell how many there were, as they are partly concealed by the woods. About five miles to the southeast of Goose Creek and one mile from the river I observed large quantities of smoke rising from the woods. To the rear of Balls Bluff I observed a small camp (two or three companies). Judging from the size and number of encampments, I should think there were from 10,000 to 12,000 troops opposite. PooLESvILLE, February 21, 1862. T. S.C. LOWE: I should like the balloon to be put in readiness to make an ascension as early as possible. JNO. SEDGWICK, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. On the 1st of March, by request of General lleintzelman, I was ordered to take a balloon to Pohick Church, on the Occoquan River, and the following are some of the reports made at that time: PoHIcK CHURCH, March ~5, 1862. Captain MosEs, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Lyon, Va.: Have just made two ascensions with the balloon. It is fully inflated, and will take up two persons with all the ropes. If to-morrow is a fine day it would be a good time for the general to go up. I can see camp-fires on the Occoquan. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, U. S. Army. M& itcn 6, 186211 a. m. Brigadier-General MARCY, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: I made two ascensions last evening. Saw fires at Fairfax Station; some on the road near the Occoquan. This morning cavalry scouts are visible on this side of the Occoquan below Sandy Run. There are five large smokes on the other side of the Occoquan, commencing at the ford below Wolf Creek and extending to the Potomac. Judging from appearances, compared with General Hookers divi- sion I should think their force inferior to his. The balloon at Budds Ferry has been up, all the morning at the same time with me. If the force here could be advanced across Pohick Creek on the heights, I should have no difficulty in get- ting very near the exact number of the enemy, as well as all of their fortified places. We could also signal from one balloon to the other, which would be of impor- tance to me. I have sent for the balloon at Poolesville. Please inform me where to station it. Your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut Page 271 UNION AUTHORITIES. 271 PoHIcK CHURCH, March 6, 1868. Brig. Gen. R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I ascended at 5 this p. m. and remained up until 6 oclock. It was calm and clear, and many of the enemys camps were visible, and the smoke ascending straight gave a good idea of the enemys position. There are more smokes than usual at Fairfax Station, and a line of picket smokes extending southeast from there and nearly forming a junction with our lines running toward Springfield Station. Heavy smokes (besides those seen in the morning) at Dumfries, Brentsville, Bradleys, and Manassas. General Heintzelman was here at 2 oclock and went up twice. I am greatly in need of that map that I spoke about yesterday to enable me to name places and distances more correctly. The one I have is small and inaccurate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. POHICK CHURCH, March 6, 1862. Capt. E. SEAVER, In Charge of Balloon, Budds Ferry, Md.: I saw your balloon up this morning, but not this p. m. If to-morrow morning is calm I shall ascend at 7 oclock, or the first favorable spell. Do the same at your place, with one of your signal officers, that I may see if signals may be used at this distance. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. On the 7th General Berry, of General lleintzelmans command, ascended several times and discovered the evacuation of the Occoquan, which he reported to the latter officer. This was the first indication of the retirement of the enemy from Manassas. I was personally absent in Washington, preparing a balloon to be taken to a point near Fairfax Court-House to watch for the evacuation, as it was somewhat expected, but for want of transportation I was unable to reach Fairfax until the 10th. To show with what esteem the commanding general held the operations of the aeronautic depart- ment, the following orders are submitted, which embrace all the items of interest up to the 1st of April, and it is believed that they indicate an appreciation of my services after an experience of the previous seven months: WASHINGTON, D. C., March 12, 1862. Mr. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac: SIR: You will make arrangements without delay to send to Fortress Monroe, Va., a balloon with all the requisite apparatus and materials for inflating it and making ascensions, and an aeronaut to manage the same. By order of Major-General McClellan: J. N. MACOMB, Lieutenant-G1olonel, Aide-dc-Camp, in Charge of Balloons. HALLS HILL, March 8, 1862. Professor LowE, National Hotel, Washington: I am authorized by General McClellan to call upon you for the balloon and inflating apparatus from Poolesville, and will be glad to have it here at as early an hour as possible, to take an observation a short distance in advance, where it will be well protected. Please reply what hour you will send it, as I desire to take an advantage of clear and calm weather. I wish the balloon but a few Jlours. F. J. PORTER, Brigadier-General Page 272 272 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HALLS HILL, March 9, 1863. Professor LOWE: Have your balloon out to Fairfax Court-House at as early an hour to-morrow as possible. Major Stone will give you all the facilities you desire. Show this to him. By command of General F. J. Porter: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. E. WOOL, Commanding Department of Virginia, Fortress Monroe, Va.: GENERAL: By order of Major-General McClellan I send to you an aeronaut, Mr. E. Seaver, with a balloon and all necessary apparatus ~for making ascensions, who is instructed to report to you without delay. I would very respectfully request that the aeronaut be furnished with such aid as may be required to manage the balloon to the best advantage, and trusting that by its means you will be able at all times to ascertain the position and movements of the enemy, I remain, with respect, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 15, 1862. Lient. Col. J. N. MACOMB, Aide-de-Camp and Major of Topographical Engineers: COLONEL: In accordance with orders, I proceeded yesterday from the Washing- ton Navy-Yard to Budds Ferry, and shipped the balloon and apparatus on board the steamer Hugh Jenkins, for Fortress Monroe, Va. The dispatch which I had sent to Mr. Seaver to get the apparatus in his charge ready to move had not been received, and I found the balloon on the Virginia side of the river inflated, where it had been in use, and consequently my time was occupied during the entire night in getting the things together and shipping the same, in order that they might be on the way this morning, which I accomplished. On examination it was found impossible to turn the balloon barge until some repairs have been made to her rudder post, which got damaged during the late storm. I therefore sent the generator mounted upon wheels. I sent Mr. Seaver to operate the balloon at Fort Monroe, with credentials, as Mr. Mason and Mr. C. Lowe did not arrive in time, they being occupied at Fairfax Court-House and Pohick Church, arranging apparatus for moving. I will send one of them to assist Mr. Seaver to-morrow or next day. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. SEMINARY, March 20, 1862. Professor LOWE, National Hotel, Washington: I wish your balloon to embark with me at 9 to-morrow. F. J. PORTER, Brigadier-General, Headquarters near Semtnary. HEADQUARTERS PORTERS DIVISION, March 21, 1862. OFFICER IN CHARGE OF BALLOON PARTY: SIR: You will prepare to embark this morning with this division. You will take three days cooked provisions and three days uncooked. You will be ready to march by 9 oclock this morning. By command of Brig. Gen. F. J. Porter: FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Alexandria Seminary, Va., March 22, 1862. Mr. LOWE, National Hotel, Washington, D. C.: SIR: The commanding general directs that you make your arrangements to proceed to Fort Monroe with your balloons the same time that he moves, probably in the course of the following week Page 273 UNION AUTHORITIES. 273 The general will probably establish his headquarters on the steamer Commo- dore in a day or two. I inclose your accounts approved, and with an order for its payment by Lieu- tenant-Colonel Macomb indorsed thereon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 23, 1862. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, National Hotel, Washington: The commanding general directs that you proceed with your balloons and apparatus to Fort Monroe, Va., and there await his further orders. It is understood that you have left a balloon with General Wadsworth, and that General F. J. Porter has one with him. Is this so? Please answer. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAc, March 23, 1862. Prof. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, National Hotel: The commanding general directs that on arriving at Fort Monroe you land all your balloons save one, which you will keep on board subject to his future directions. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. On the 3d of April I received an order from General McClellan to accompany General Porter in his advance to Yorktown. On the fol- lowing morning at 5 oclock the division left Hampton and advanced as far as Cockletown, and on the 5th arrived in front of Yorktown. The aeronantic train, consisting of fonr army wagons and two gas generators, having to move in the rear, arrived a little after noon and were put in position for inflating the balloon. Our operations were impeded for an honr or more by onr position being shelled by the enemy, bnt notwithstanding this the balloon was ready at 5.30 oclock, and an observation was taken by an officer of the generals staff. At 3 oclock the next morning I ascended and remained up until after daylight, observing the camp-fires and noting the movements of the enemy. On descending a messenger handed me the following order: APRIL 6, 1862. Professor LOWE: The commanding general desires you to mak~~ an ascension as soon as you can. Look for the movement of wagons and teams; also where the largest number of men are. Send word what is passing as soon as you can. Very respectfully, FRED. T. LOCKE. Assistant Adjutanl-Gen2ral. These observations being of great importance, I went to General Porters tent and made my report, and requested that he should ascend that he might judge for himself of the number of the enemy and strength of their works. This he did, and remained up one hour and forty-five minutes at an elevation of 1,000 feet, and within a mile of the enemys works. On descending, all the generals were called together and a council held. During the day several draughtsmen were sent up who sketched maps of the positions of the enemy, & c. In the afternoon the Count de Paris ascended with General Porter, and near sundown General Butterfield ascended to a height of 1,000 feet. 18 H HSERIES III, VOL II Page 274 274 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. The observations and maps thus made were of the greatest impor- tance, and readily enabled the commanding officer to decide what course he would pursue. In the evening of the same day I received the following order from General McClellan: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 6, 1862. Professor LowE: General McClellan directs that YOU send a halloon to General Keyes head- quarters at Warwick Court-House as soon as possible. By command of Major-General McClellan: A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General. In compliance with this order I proceeded to Fortress Monroe to move another balloon to General Keyes comniand, and left the one then inflated and in nse before Yorktown in charge of the only assist- ant aeronaut I was then allowed, excepting one in charge of the balloon- boat at Fortress Monroe. After stationing the balloon at Warwick Court-House (the train having to move over the worst roads I ever saw) I started on the night of the 10th for Yorktown. Our lines having been changed dur- ing my absence, I found myself, about 9 oclock p. in., within the enemys lines. I was not sensible of the danger I was in until I heard signals given by a low whistle, which I at once knew to be those of the rebels, and accordingly cautiously retraced my steps and spent the night at the camp of one of our advanced regiments. The next morning at daybreak I took the road to Yorktown, and at 6.30 I was surprised by the descent of a balloon very near me. On reach- ing the spot I found it to be the one I had left in charge of my assist- ant at Yorktown, and General Fitz John Porter the occupant. The gas had entirely escaped when the balloon reached the earth, from the fact that the general in his eagerness to come to the ground (on finding that the rope by which the balloon was let up had parted) had opened the valve until all the gas had escaped, and as the balloon was constantly falling the silk was kept extended, and presented so large a surface to the atmosphere that it served the purpose of a par- achute, and consequently the descent was not rapid enough to be dangerous. I would here remark that a balloon suddenly relieved of its gas will always form a half sphere, provided it has a sufficient distance to fall in to condense a column of air under it. A thousand feet would, I presume, be sufficiently high to effect this and to make the descent in safety. On inquiring into the cause of the accident I found that Mr. Allen, the assistant in charge of the balloon, had used but one rope, as had been his idea of topical ascents, instead of three and sometimes four, as I always did, and that rope had been partially injured by acid which had accidentally got on it. I found it difficult for a time to restore confidence among the officers as to the safety of this means of observation on account of this acci- dent, but the explanations and the personal ascensions I made grad- ually secured a return of their favor, and on the 13th of April I received the following communication: APRIL 13, 1862. PROFESSOR: General Barnard is General McClellans chief engineer, and is located in his camp. General McClellan is very anxious for him to have an ascension early in the morning, and General B. will be prepared to accompany your messenger, whom I beg of you to direct to wait to take General Barnard t Page 275 UNION AUTHORITIES. 275 the location of the balloon. I would ascend myself did not General B. wish and General McClellan wish him to go. General McClellans camp is along the tele- graph wire. Send the messenger to me if you do not know. I beg of you to give him a good and safe ascension. Yours, truly, F. J. PORTER. P. S.Send one of our men to rouse General B. at daylight, and watt to take him to your balloon. I think the best place is down the hollow where you were camped. On the following morning I called in person on General Barnard at daybreak and accompanied him to the balloon, when he ascended to an elevation of 1,000 feet and remained two hours. After break- fast he made two more ascents at different points, and expressed him- self highly gratified with the information thus gained. From this time until the evacuation of Yorktown the balloons were kept in con- stant use, and reports were made by myself and many officers who ascended daily. I regret that I have not more copies of reports, but as I had my camp at headquarters I usually made my reports verbally, assisted in my explanations by references to maps. Almost daily whenever the balloon ascended the enemy opened upon it with their heavy siege guns or rifled field pieces, until it had attained an altitude to be out of reach, and repeated this fire when the balloon descended, until it was concealed by the woods. PORTERS HEADQUARTERS, April 29, 1862. Captain McKEEVER: Please say to Professor Lowe, or his assistant, I would like to make an ascension as soon as the weather will permit, if they will notify me. F. J. PORTER, Brigadier-General. CAMP WINFIELD SCOTT, Near Yorktown, Va., April 29, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. VAN VLIET, Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you cause to be issued to Professor Lowe, chief of balloon department of this army, such means of trans- portation and quartermasters supplies as may be necessary to enable him to perform the duties with which he is charged. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. On the 3d of May I made a reconnaissance near Warwick Court- House and again before sundown before Yorktown, General McClellan and staff being on the spot; General Porter and myself ascended. No sooner had the balloon risen above the tops of the trees than the enemy opened all of their batteries commanding it, and the whole atmosphere was literally filled with bursting shell and shot, one, passing through the cordage that connects the car with the balloon, struck near to the place where General McClellan stood. Another 64-pounder struck between two soldiers lying in a tent, but without injury. Fearing that by keeping the balloon up the enemys shots would do injury to the troops that were thickly camped there, General Porter ordered the balloon down. While making preparations to ascend again I received the following order: YORKTOWN, May 3, 1862. Professor LowE: The general says the balloon must not ascend from the place it now is any more. Q. NONTEITH Page 276 276 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. At about midnight, however, I was aroused by Captain Moses, of General Heintzelmans staff, who informed me that the general was apprehensive that the enemy were evacuating, from the fact of the constant cannonading, and that a heavy fire was also raging in York- town. I immediately ascended and saw that the fire was confined to one building or vessel near the wharf, and therefore I did not consider it a suffi~ient indication that they were evacuating, for if destruction of property was intended, they would burn their barracks, tents, wharves, store-houses, & c. I therefore considered the fire to be accidental. I did not sleep any more, however, that night, and got the balloon ready for another ascension, which I made before daylight; but, as formerly, at this time in the morning I could see no camp-fires. As soon as it became a little lighter I discovered that the enemy had gone. This I immediately communicated to General Heintzelman, who on learning it ascended with me, satisfied himself of the fact, and reported it by telegraph to General McClellan, sending the message down from the balloon without descending. We then remained up and saw our troops advance toward the empty works, throwing out their skirmishers, and feeling their way as if expecting to meet an enemy. Of course we had no means of communicating to let our advance guard know where the enemy were, which we could see, as their rear guard was not more than one mile from Yorktown. From the above facts it is fair to presume that the first reliable information given of the evacuatIon of Yorktown was that transmitted from the balloon to General McClellan by General Heintzelman and myself. Further proof of this, if necessary, will be found in General Heintzelmans report of the battle of Williamsburg, which I regret I have not at hand to quote from.* I would also refer to the pamphlet written by Prince de Joinville, where in speaking of the evacuation of Yorktown and in other places he alludes to the ascensions of the balloon as an everyday occurrence in the Army of the Potomac for reconnaissances, and of their being frequently fired at by the enemy. At about 7 oclock the balloon was taken into Yorktown and obser- vations made of the river for thirty miles. From the reports made that a number of vessels were in sight, our gun-boats were enabled to capture some and cause the destruction of many more. To show how suddenly the enemy withdrew from Yorktown, I insert the following report to General Keyes, made verbally at the time and subsequently in writing: ROPERS MEETING-HOUSE, May 11, 1862. Brig. Gen. E. D. KEYES, Commanding Fourth Corps, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In accordance with your request that I should give you a statement of the results of my observations from the balloon stationed at General Smiths division, near Warwick Court-House, on Saturday, May 8, I give the following: I ascended at noon, and remained at an elevation of nearly a thousand feet for one hour. Could see the rebel line of works and camps from York to James Rivers. At a point which I took to be Lees Mill there seemed to be a large camp and earth-works as well as many others to the right and left. In several places there seemed to be gangs of men apparently throwing up earth-works. In addi- tion to their barracks, many tents were visible, and, in fact, signs of evacuation were not visible. I reported the result of my observation to General McClellan on the same evening, and also to you at Brigadier-General Smiths headquarters at about 4 p. m. the 3d instant. On the following morning I ascended at a point *But see Series I, Vol. XI, Part I, p. 456 Page 277 UNION AUTHORITIES. 277 near Yorktown and discovered that the enemy had left, and at 6 oclock a portion of them were visible about two miles from Yorktown on the road to Williamsburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. It was known by all who had an opportunity of knowing that the enemy continued their works and kept up appearances until the night of the evacuation, and even kept their batteries firing until after midnight. Their barracks and tents, niany of them new, were all left standing. Medical stores and ammunition (some destroyed and thrown into the river) were left, which it would seem would not have been the case if the evacuation had been long premeditated. It is true army wagons were daily seen plying between Yorktown and Williamsburg, and so reported, but it was impossible to say which way they were loaded. On the afternoon of the 4th I received orders to move everything pertaining to my department by water, with General Franklins com- mand. Judging from my orders, it would seem that the battle of Williamsburg was not expected. The balloons were accordingly taken to West Point, and one was inflated on the balloon boat and used by General Franklin during his stay at that place, where reports were made to him of the position and movements of the enemy. After this we moved by water to White House Landing, the balloon boat being the first to land, and was even some distance ahead of the gun-boats, while the first night the balloon guard was the advance picket on the river bottom. On the 18th of May I received orders to accompany General Stone- man, who was then some distance in the advance. We arrived near the Chickahominy on the morning of the 20th, and on the following morning, accompanied by General Stoneman, I ascended, and there had a distant view of Richmond, the general being the first to point out the city as we were rising. After ascertaining the location of the enemy, General Stoneman advanced his forces to Gaines Hill, and there rested until the main portion of the enemy, which was still some distance in the rear, came up, while in the meantime the balloon was kept in constant use, and all the movements of the enemy were reported. On the 25th of May the balloon proved of great advantage, and I copy the following memorandum from my notebook respecting the observations made: GAINES HILL, May ~5, 186g. This has been a fine and important day. General Stoneman ascended with me to an elevation of a thousand feet; had a splendid view of the enemys coun- try; discovered a force of the enemy near New Bridge, concealed to watch ~ur movements. The general then took two batteries and placed them to the right and left of Doctor Gaines house, and caused the enemy to retreat for at least a mile and a half, while he remained in the balloon with me, directing the commanders of the batteries where to fire, as they could not see the objects fired at. The gen- eral then went to Mechanicsville and drove the enemy from that position, while I remained up in the balloon to keep up appearances and to see if a larger force opposed him. After descending, General Stoneman was heard to say, in the presence of several gentlemen, that he had seen enough to be worth millions of dollars to the Gov- eminent. It is certain that he is too keen an observer and too able an officer to be insensi- ble of the advantages of so superior and accurate means of observation as that afforded by the balloon. One of the principal objects of General Stoneman in driving the rebels from the banks of the Chickahominy was to enable him to move to Mechanicsvili Page 278 278 COI~RESPONDENCE, ETC. unnoticed, whereby he might surprise the enemy at that point, which he effectu- ally accomplished by the aid of the balloon. He often availed himself of it by ascending personally, instead of trusting to some inferior officer who had no interest or reputation at stake. I had always noticed, moreover, that the general invariably pitched his tent where he could see the enemy himself. On the occasion above alluded to the enemy were so concealed behind woods and hills that it was impossible to ascertain their positions in any other way than by ascending to a great elevation, and the artillery might have been fired a whole day without doing any injury, unless the proper range had been obtained. A Richmond paper of May 26 contained the following item: The enemy are fast making their appearance on the banks of the Chickahominy. Yesterday they had a balloon in the air the whole day, it being witnessed by many of our citizens from the streets and house tops. They evidently discovered something of importance to them, for at about zip. m. a brisk cannonading was heard at Mechanicsville and the Yankees now occupy that place. On several other occasions the Richmond papers correctly described. the various ornaments painted on the balloons, as seen with tele- scopes from the city. On the 26th and 27th I received the following orders: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, INSPEcTOR-GENERALS DEPARTMENT, May 26, 1862. Professor LowE: SIR: I am instructed by Brigadier-General Marcy, chief of staff, to direct you to move your balloon, & c., with as little delay as possible, to Brigadier-General Stonemans headquarters, at Mechanicsville. You are directed after each ascent to make a written report to the headquarters of the result of your observations. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. B. SACKET, Inspector-General, U. S. Army. HDQRS. TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 26, 1862. Prof. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac: SIR: The balloon department has been placed under my direction by Special Orders, No. 157, May 25. Understanding that there are several balloons in your charge, you will immediately establish them in the following positions, viz, near Mechanicsville, General Stoneman commanding; near the Seven Pines, on the road from Bottoms Bridge to Richmond, about six miles from the bridge, General Keyes commanding, and in the vicinity of New Bridge, near the general headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHREYS, Brig. Gen. and Chief Topographical Engineers. HDQRS. TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 27, 1862. Prof. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac: DEAR SIR: The general commanding desires, first, that balloon ascensions be made as frequently as is practicable at each balloon station and that full reports of the results of the observations be transmitted at once to these headquarters; second, that no persons be permitted to ascend in the balloon with the exception of the general in command at the position which the balloon occupies, and those authorized by him; third, that newspaper correspondents and reporters be in no case permitted to ascend. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHREYS, Brig. Gen., Chief of Topographical Engineers, Army of the Potomac. It will be seen from the following dispatches that the enemy improved every opportunity to fire at the balloon. On this occasio Page 279 UNION AUTHORITIES. 279 I ascended to a high altitude, and before I descended Iliad the balloon moved considerably to one side, so that the snbseqnent firing was ont of range, and thns, by changing my location, prevented the enemy from having a good mark to fire at. MAY 27, 1862. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS: Ascended at 4.45 p. m. one mile from Mechanicsville and, I shouki judge, four miles from Richmond, in an air line. At 5 oclock three batteries opened upon me, firing many shots, some falling short and some passing beyond the balloon and one over it, while it was at an elevation of 300 to 400 feet. A battle is going on about four miles distant; heavy cannonading and musketry. I will go up again and report. T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 27, 1862. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Topographical Engineers: GENERAL: I made my second ascent at 5.30 p. in., and remained up until 6.45 p. m. Richmond and vicinity are much more distinct from this point, and I was able to discover with ease the exact position of the enemy. The heaviest camps seem to be near the banks this side of James River and a little to the left of Richmond. The next heaviest are to the right of Richmond on the road from Mechanicsville. There are also several smaller on the first heights opposite Mechanicsville, and several batteries stationed there, some of which I saw put in position while in the balloon, besides those that fired at me. The heights opposite New Bridge for two miles each way seem to be entirely unoccupied, except by the enemys pickets. No earth-works of any description are visible, although the country is tolerably clear from woods on the Mechanicsville road, and if there are earth-works on this side they are very near the city and behind the last line of woods. In the northwest from where the balloon is, and about ten miles distant, there was heavy smoke. To the north, near the Pamunkey River, was the heavy cannonading and musketry, but the distance and heavy woods prevented me from seeing the detail movements. The enemy in and around Richmond are apparently very strong in numbers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. BALLOON CAMP, Near Mechanicsville, May 29, 18629.30 a. m. Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPTIREYS, Chief of Topographical Engineers, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I ascended at 7.30 oclock this a. in., near New Bridge; could discover no change in the position of the enemy in that vicinity. I then came to this point to get another view, which I have just obtained, and find the enemy quite opposite Mechanicsville. A battery consisting of seyeral guns is in position near the road on the opposite heights. There are troops lying in the shade of the woods along the whole line from below New Bridge to some distance above this point, the greatest number, however, opposite this point. I have now on hand material sufficient to keep the two balloons in operation for about one week only. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. From 11 oclock nutil dark on the 29th of May the enemy coin- menced to concentrate their forces in front of Fair Oaks, moving on roads entirely out of sight of our pickets, and concealing themselves as much as possible in and behind woods, where none of their move Page 280 280 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. ments could be seen, except from the balloon. The following is one of my reports on that day: BALLOON CAMP, Near New Bridge, May ~9, 186k?. Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Topographical Engineers: GENERAL: My last ascent was made at sundown, which discloses the fact that the enemy have this afternoon established another camp in front of this point in the edge of the woods to the left of the New Bridge road and on a line with the permanent camp about one mile and a half to two miles from the opposite heights. They seem to be strengthening on our left, opposite this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. P. S.My last dispatch dated 1.30 oc stopped. lock ought to have been 3. My watch had LOWE. On that night or the following morning General McClellan ordered the reserves to be moved up to support General lleintzelnian in case of an attack, which took place just as this was accomplished. Had not our forces been concentrated it is very evident that our left, or that portion of our army beyond the Chickahominy, would have been driven back, and in consequence the whole army routed. I think that I have reason to presume that the cause of this favor- able movement of our troops was mainly due to my report that the enemy were moving down and strengthening in front of Fair Oaks. On the 31st .of May, at noon, I ascended at Mechanicsville and discovered bodies of the enemy and trains of wagons moving from Richmond toward Fair Oaks. I remained in the air watching their movements until nearly 2 oclock, when I saw the enemy form in line of battle, and cannonading immediately commenced. Not having any telegraphic communication here, I dispatched one of my assistants with a verbal message, and, to make the matter doubly sure, I sent the following written dispatch after reaching Doctor Gaines house forty- five minutes later, and still another at 4.30 p. in.: DocToR GAINEs HousE, Mat 31, 1863. General MCCLELLAN: I descended at 2 oclock from near Mechanicsville. The position of the engage- ment is about four or five miles from New Bridge in a southerly direction. Could see troops moving toward the firing from our left of Richmond, and a long wagon train also moving in that direction. The enemy on our right seem to remain quiet. Quite a large reserve are in the edge of the woods about one mile and a half from the heights on the road from New Bridge. I will ascend from this point as soon as the wind lulls. Your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 31, 18624.30 p. m. Brigadier-General MARCY, Chief of Staff: There are large bodies of troops in the open field beyond the opposite heights on the New Bridge road. White-covered wagons are rapidly moving toward the point of the engagement with artillery in the advance. The firing on our left has ceased. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. On receipt of the above information General McClellan sent express orders to General Sumner to have the bridge across the Chickahominy completed as soon as possible, and to cross with his corps at th Page 281 UNION AUTHORITIES. 281 earliest possible moment anJ support General Heintzelman. This was accomplished just in time, for it is asserted upon good authority that if General Sumner had been one or two hours later the day would have been lost. Is it not probable, to say the least, that my reports from the bal- loons caused the completion of this bridge two hours sooner than it would otherwise have been done? In reference to this point I would refer to the Prince de Joinvilles narrative of the Peninsular Cam- paign, where in speaking of the battle of Fair Oaks he says that there was some doubt whether the enemy were making a real attack, or whether it was merely a feint; but this doubt was soon removed by reports from the aeronauts, who could see heavy columns of the enemy moving in that direction. a On the following morning I ascended at 4 a. in., but owing to fog I was unable to see anything until after 6 oclock, and at 7 oclock I sent the following dispatch by telegraph from the balloon. Many dispatches were sent in this way, copies of which were not preserved: NEAR DOCTOR GAINES HOUSE, June 1, 18627 a. rn. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY Chief of Staff: I have just obtained a splendid observation from the balloon. I find the enemy in large forCo on the New Bridge road, about three miles this side of RiChmond. In fact, all of the roads that are visible are filled with infantry and Cavalry moving toward Fair Oaks Station. There is also a large force opposite here, and in the same position that they were yesterday, but not in motion. I can see smoke in the woods where the firing ceased last night. I hear no firing at the present. In the immediate vicinity of the heights opposite here there are nothing but pickets visible. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. I am satisfied from what I heard on the previous evening that an attack by the enemy on the next morning was not expected. The above dispatch, therefore, giving timely notice that the enemy did really intend making a more severe attack than even that of the pre- vious day, must certainly have been of the greatest importance, and gave our forces an opportunity of preparing for a vigorous defense. I would here remark that of all the battles I have witnessed, that of Fair Oaks was the most closely contested and most severe, and the victory, in my opinion, was due to the valor and skill of General Heintzehnan, who nobly sustained himself against great odds in favor of the enemy. To the following reports I would call especial attention, as they speak for themselves. The following order from General Humphreys was received one hour after my first report: JUNE 1, 18626.45 a. m. Professor LowE: Have you been able to ascend this morning? Your balloon should be in con- nection by telegraph, and messages should be sent constantlyat least every fifteen minutes. The balloon must be up all day. The balloon at Mechanicsville should likewise be sent up at once, and remain up all day. Same reports must be made from it as from the balloon at Doctor Gaines. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Brigadier-General. a NoTE.These words are quoted from memory Page 282 282 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. BALLOON CAMP, Doctor Gaines House, June 1, 186g. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: The reserve of the enemy are considerably strengthened on the New Bridge road, and troops are still moving that way from Richmond; they do not seem to be gathering in any great numbers on the immediate heights along the Chicka- hominy. Our supports, with army wagons, are in a southeast direction from here, advancing, and about three miles from the fire of yesterday. Musketry is in constant operation in the same direction as yesterday. The banks of the Chickahominy are overflowed as far as can be seen. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. ~. ~. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. BALLOON CAMP, Near Doctor Gaines~ House, June 1, 186~11 a. rn. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff: My ascent and observations just completed show the firing of the enemy to be in the same position. The road in the rear of the firing is filled with wagons and troops. About two miles still farther to the rear of Fair Oaks Station, and on the Williamsburg stage road, Charles City road, and Central road, are also large bodies of troops; in fact, I am astonished at their numbers compared with ours, although they are more concentrated than we are. Their whole force seem to be paying attention to their right. A regiment has just marched to the front, where we are preparing a crossing. Their large barracks to the left of Richmond is entirely free from smoke, and, in fact, the whole city and surroundings are nearly free from smoke, which enables me to see with distinctness the enemys earth-works. Quite a large body of troops are on the other side of the river, about two miles from here, to our left. The weather is now calm, and an excellent opportunity is offered for an engi- neer officer to accompany me. The balloon at Mechanicsville is constantly up. T. ~. C. LOWE. Your very obedient servant, JUNE 1, 1862. Professor LowE: Direct your attention to a force said to be approaching toward our left, appar- ently to attack the working parties at the bridge below New Bridge. It is said a gun is planted to strike the bridge. Send me intelligence by bearer and at once communicate to me or General , when present, what is passing. J. H. MARTINDALE, Brigadier-General, in Charge of Porters Division. JUNE 1, 186212.15 p. m. General MARTINDALE: About one hour ago a full regiment moved up into the woods toward where our left crossing is being made. I have seen no artillery moved up, nor can I see any from here. I think, however, there is artillery in the woods. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL MCCLELLAN, June 1, 186i?. Professor LowE: The enemy has been repulsed wherever he attacked. Watch the motions of the enemy and his wagons and see where goes the force before Mechanicsville. R. B. MARCY. Professor LowE: Can you see General Sumners corps near the line of railroad about four miles from the Chickahominy? Was the train of our wagons you saw going toward Richmond or toward James River? Can you see the gun-boats on James River? Which direction does the smoke run? R. B. MARCY Chief of Staff Page 283 UNION AUTHORITIES. 283 JUNE 1, 1862. At 11 oclock could see what I understood was General Sumners corps near the line of railroad, but not more than two miles from the Chickahominy. The wagons I saw were moving toward James River. They had not reached the road to Richmond. I cannot see the gun-boats, but can see heavy smoke arising from the valley at two points, and hear heavy reports from cannon. The enemys reserves seem to be stationed at present in all the roads. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. The following were answers to questions asked by General Porter: JUNE 1, 18623 p. m. Brig. Gen. F. J. PORTER: The enemy remains quiet opposite New Bridge. There are infantry and a bat- tery of artillery near the river, where our left column is preparing to cross. The wind is now too high to get a view opposite Mechanicsville, and I am not in immediate communication with the balloon there. By the appearance of the smoke when up 1 would say that we hold our ground, and more too. The Chick- ahominy is fast rising; in front of this point the whole fields resemble a lake. The enemys wagons also seem to be stationary opposite here. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. BALLOON IN AIR, June 1, 186~6.3O p. m. R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff: Last firing is two miles nearer Richmond than this morning. Camp-fires around Richmond as usual, showing that the enemy are back. General Humphreys and staff are now up, and will endeavor to ascertain fully and answer all your ques- tions. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. JUNE 1,18627 p. m. Brigadier-General MARCY, Chief of Staff: General Humphreys and self have just descended. The enemy is still in the field opposite here, and their works are visible all along the Williamsburg and New Bridge roads to Richmond. Their barracks, which were this morning deserted, are now occupied. I can see no wagons moving in any direction. Brig- adier-General Humphreys will give you a full account of the last observation. I will ascend again at daybreak to-morrow. Your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. BALLOON CAMP, NEAR MECHANIC5VILLE, Sunday Morning, June 1, 186928.20 a. m. Large force in front of New Bridge. Do not think there is a very large force in front of Mechanicsville. The rebels have struck their tents in front of the above- named place (Mechanicsville). 10.45 a. m.The rebels are moving a brigade out of Richmond in the direction of New Bridge. 11.10 a. m.The brigade that I saw moving out of Richmond at 10.45 a. m. seems to be a very large one. They are followed by a train, consisting of twenty- four wagons, and have just entered the woods, which carries them out of my sight. Think they are going in the direction of New Bridge. The troops that were in front of New Bridge have fallen back under cover of the woods. (The above are copies of Major Webbs dispatches to General Marcy, as far as I can remember.) Major Webb was up in the balloon from 8 a. m. till 11.20 a. m. JAMES ALLEN, Assistant Aeronaut Page 284 284 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. JUNE 2, 18625.25 a. m. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: I ascended at 4.45 this a. m. Found the enemy in full force opposite this point, with their horses harnessed to their artillery. I observed their movements for half an hour; saw mounted pickets to the extreme left of the large field opposite the point where we are preparing a crossing. To the right, opposite Mechanics- yule, the enemy have two large camps, and all along their line there are appear- ances of lively movements. In fifteen minutes from the time of my ascent a battery of six guns left the far- ther side of the field, on the New Bridge road, and came to the heights opposite here and covered themselves in the woods, just one mile and three-quarters from this point. I am confident from the present movements that they intend to inter- cept our crossing the river. The weather at present is calm, and a good oppor- tunity for some officer to ascend in the Mechanicsville balloon before the storm, which I think is near at hand. I would suggest Major Webb, as he is accustomed to the balloon Your very obedient servant, T. ~. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. JUNE 2, 186210.15 a. in. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: The enemy remain quiet and in the same position as reported at 8.15. Large numbers are at work throwing up earth, as before, opposite General Smiths headquarters. Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer could not stand an ascension, owing to vertigo. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. MCCLELLANS HEADQUARTERS, June 3, 1863. Professor LOWE: It is reported that the enemy in force is advancing on our troops to the left, in front of Sumner and Heintzelman. Please make an ascension as soon as prac- ticable and inform me what you discover in that direction, and make frequent ascensions afterward. R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff. DOCTOR GAINES HOuSE, June 32.45 p. m. Brigadier-General MARCY Chief of Staff: Just as I received your dispatch General Barnard arrived and remained up about twenty minutes. I have just descended myself. I could see no additional troops at the point you inquire about. There have been troops for the past three or four days on the New Bridge road about one mile beyond Doctor Garnett s house, or red brick house opposite here, and daily moving about in regiments forward and back as a picket force. I can discover no new movements of the enemy to-day. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. General Barnard made very froquent ascensions during the whole time our army lay before Richmond, and from observations thus taken he was better enabled to locate earth-works, & c., of which many were constructed The following are dispatches without dates, which I take the liberty of adding, as they were accidentally omitted from the copies I retained. Before the battle of Fair Oaks: Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Topographical Engineers: GENERAL: I ascended at sunrise this morning. The enemys line of pickets in front of this point (Doctor Gaines house) remains, as usual, from one-half t Page 285 UNION AUTHORITIES. 285 three-quarters of a mile from the Chickahominy, about one mile and a half from the heights opposite this point, and on the road from New Bridge still remains the camp noticed in my first ascent, some days since, apparently without any increase. Directly south of this point, about five miles, is a tolerable-sized camp smoke, and I should judge about three miles and a half in advance of the main camp of General Keyes. The city of Richmond was entirely enveloped in smoke. The balloon at Mechanicsville was also up at the same time with me. I will make an ascent from Mechanicsville as soon as the atmosphere clears. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. The three following reports were made after the battle of Fair Oaks: Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS: GENERAL: I have just completed another observation from the balloon. About three-quarters of a mile from the heights opposite here, and about two miles and a half from this point, are about six regiments of infantry. Trees have been felled beyond them, so that I can now see another small field beyond where trees were standing this morning. There is heavy smoke now rising, as though under- brush were burning. I will watch their operations and report. T. S. C. LOWE. 7.15 A. M. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff: The enemy remain the same opposite this point. I can see through a small open space in the woods, on what I think is the Williamsburg road, troops moving toward the late scene of action, but not in great numbers, however. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. 8.15 A. M. Brigadier-General HIJMPHREYS, or General R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff: The atmosphere is now quite clear. The troops still remain quiet opposite here. On the heights opposite General Smiths headquarters and on the left-hand side of the New Bridge road, going to Richmond, the enemy are throwing up earth. Many army wagons are remaining stationary in that direction and horses grazing. Respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. CAMP NEAR DOCTOR GAINES HOUSE, June 3, 18625 a. im. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS: I ascended this morning at an altitude of 900 feet just before 5 oclock, but found the atmosphere so thick with mingled smoke and fog that only a few places were visible. The enemy opposite this point remain the same as yesterday, and along the heights for two miles up nothing is moving on the roads. - T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 7, 1862. Professor LOWE: You will please allow Mr. Babcock to make ascensions in your balloon when- ever it is convenient. He is making maps and desires to make observations. R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff Page 286 286 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. BALLOON CAMP, Doctor Gaines House, June 7, 1862. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: I ascended at 6 oclock and remained up in all about one hour. The enemy appears to be in larger force on our left than at any other point. Our advance and the enemys artillery are less than one mile from each other. The artillery that I refer to is about half a mile to the left of the New Bridge road, in the field and behind the woods on the opposite heights, with horses attached; there is more in the rear, with horses picketed. Their picket-line is not so far advanced as formerly. Several squads of cavalry were visible along the opposite heights. There are large camp smokes opposite Mechanicsville and beyond, but the dense haze prevents me at this time from observing details. The Intrepid will lift three persons and ropes, and there will be an excellent opportunity for engineers to ascend. I will go up early in the morning again. Your very obedient servant, T. ~. ~. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. BALLOON CAMP, Doctor Gaines House, June 9, 1862. Brigadier-General IIUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: I ascended at sundown this p. m. and find the enemys camps located about the same as they have been for the past four or five days. Two sections of a battery, of three guns each, are stationed in the field (with horses attached) about three-quarters of a mile southeast from Doctor Garnetts house. Two other batteries are stationed near Old Tavern. Very heavy camps are still beyond and to the right toward Richmond. There are also three distinct camps extending from Widow Prices to Doctor Friends, on a road this side of the New Bridge road. Pickets are visible near General Smiths advance, but no fires are built. The enemys smokes immediately in front of the late battle-grounds are very light. Owing to the lateness of the hour before I could ascend, in consequence of the heavy winds, I was unable to finish my observation to the right, but will ascend as often as possible. Your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON CAMP, Doctor Gaines House, June 10, 18624.30 p. m. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Topographical Engineers: GENERAL: I ascended at 3.45 this p. in., but have nothing new to report. The enemy remain about as usual. It would be a good time for some one to ascend at Mechanicsville, but I am not able to ride there myself, and Mr. Allen is quite ill. The atmosphere is quite clear, but the earth is heavily shaded by clouds. Your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY Conps, June 11, 1862. Professor LOWE: SIR: The commanding general desires you to make an ascension this evening, if but for a few moments, to try if you can see anything of a large body of the enemy, said to be in the vicinity of Old Tavern, near Mrs. Prices house. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. T. LOCKE, Assistdnt Adjutant-General Page 287 UNION AUTHORITIES. 287 BALLOON CAMP, Near Doctor Gaines House, June 12, 1862. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY Chief of Staff: I ascended at about sundown this p.m. The atmosphere very hazy beyond a distance of three miles. Could see no movements of the enemy. Their camps and camp-fires remain the same as usual. Your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut. GENERAL MCCLELLANS HEADQUARTER5, June 13, 1862. General F. J. PORTER: Order Lowe to make frequent ascensions and report everything R. B. MARCY, C~hief of Staff. The general wants you to look both waysup and down the river and toward Mechanicsville. I send you two orderlies. Keep them till dark. Yours, F. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. BALLOON CAMP, Near Doctor Gaines House, June 13, 18626.15 a. rn. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY Chief of Staff: I ascended at 5.15 this a. m. and remained up one hour. The cannonading during the time I was up was from James Garnetts house (according to Allens map), and directed to one of our camps to the left of General Smiths. Owing to the dense tog and smoke a view of all the roads could not be obtained, but on those that were visible I could see no movements whatever. I will ascend again as soon as the fog clears a little. Respectfully, T. S. C.~ LOWE. NEAR DOCTOR GAINES HousE, June 13, 18628 a. in. Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: I have just completed another observation from the balloon. The enemys artillery remains at the same point (James Garnetts), and, with the exception of two or three squadrons of cavalry and the usual picket, there are no other troops in position or on the visible roads. During the time of my observation the most of the enemys shots fell short. There was no response from our side during the time. Respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, June 13, 1862. Professor LowE, Balloon Corps: Large bodies of the enemy are reported to be moving with baggage wagons and ambulances toward our left. The commanding general desires you will make ascensions as often as practicable, observe their movements, and send up the information to him A dispatch sent to General Morell will be forwarded by him to these headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 288 288 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Every few days after the battle of Fair Oaks alarming reports were circulated that the enemy in large force was moving to different points to make an attack, as will be seen by the above and previous orders, although many more were sent verbally. The balloon was always called into requisition to ascertain the truth of these reports, and in almost every instance our troops, who would otherwise have been com- pelled to lie upon their arms for hours and perhaps days, in addition to other exposure consequent upon building earth-works, roads, bridges, & c., were allowed to return to their quarters on receiving a report from the balloon that the enemy was quiet. It often seemed to me that these false reports were circulated expressly to annoy and weary our forces, and so reliable did they sometimes appear that on several occasions I was required to take up a staff officer and point out to him the location of the enemy before our generals could be satisfied. JUNE 13, 18628.15 p. m. Brigadier-General MARCY, Chief of Staff: My assistant at Mechanicsville reports that he has taken several observations this afternoon, and from appearances of smoke and troops he is of the opinion that the force opposite Mechanicsville is considerably strengthened. I ascended from this point since my last dispatch and remained up until dark, but have nothing new to report. Respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE. The following reports of June 14 were of the greatest importance, and gave the commanding general timely notice of the intentioiis of the enemy and enabled him to use his facilities to the best advantage. Knowing that the enemy could, after a few days work, fortify them- selves sufficiently to hold our forces in check with a portion of their army, until the remainder would be at liberty to operate in another direction, General McClellan could make his final attack then before the enemy were any stronger, or he could fortify himself, or prepare for a retreat, or change of base, just as his facilities would permit. At all events, about two weeks later it proved that the enemy was so fortified that they held their position with but a small portion of their force, while the main body of their army was thrown against our right, which they overpowered and compelled the retreat to James River. BALLOON CAMP, Near Gaines House, June 14, 18629.30 a. m. Brigadier General MARcY, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I ascended at 8 and remained nearly one hour at an elevation of 1,000 feet. It was perfectly calm and many fields and camps were visible that I have not been able to see for a number of days past. In almost every field and on all available hills the enemy have large working parties throwing up earth-works and digging rifle-pits. The campsand tents about Richmond seem to be much increased since my last good view beyond the woods. I can now count ten distinct earth-works around Richmond and can see embrasures in most of them, but cannot distinguish whether they have guns mounted in them or not. I am now marking upon the map the positions as near as possible of the earth-works now building, and will send it in to-day. Your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut Page 289 UNION AUTHORITIES. 289 BALLOON CAMP, June 14, 1862. Brigadier-General MARCY, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Accompanying this note is a map with some of the most important earth-works represented, and in the right place, as near as I can get them accord- ing to the map. There are other places where earth has been thrown up, but I shall have to ascend again to a high altitude in order to locate them. The work that commences at Widow Prices house runs to the woods a little to the right of Old Tavern, and on the farther end I should judge that 500 or more persons were at work this morning. There is also a small work to the right of the house, running into the woods. The numbers upon the map are for the purpose of explaining the various points better when telegraphing from the balloon. Please preserve it for that purpose. I am greatly in need of a good field glass for the Mechanicsville balloon. If one can be obtained will you please send it by the orderly, and greatly oblige, Your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON CAMP, Near Doctor Gaines House, June 14, 18626.15 a. m. Brigadier-General MARCY, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I remained in the air from 5 to 6 oclock this morning. There appears to be no movements of the enemy upon any of the roads at this time. Many camp-fires were built during the time I was up, showing the enemy in the same position as yesterday. The artillery that was at James Garnetts house yesterday is not in sight this morning. Your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. BALLOO~ CAMP, Near Doctor Gaines House, June 16, 1862. Brig. Gen. R. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The first ascension that I was able to make to-day was at 3.30 p. m. The enemy are still hard at work on their intrenchments all along their line. The work in front of Widow Prices extends farther along to the right than I at first supposed, as I can see by breaks in the woods when at a high altitude. It also runs some distance to the left and masked by bushes. After remaining up nearly one hour Colonel Alexander ascended. I then went to Mechanicsville and had a fine view from that point. The enemy there appeared to be more in force immediately opposite Meadow Bridge than between Mechan- icsville and Richmond. There are two works in sight from the upper balloonone near Caxtons, or No. 16, and another at 21, as marked on the map that I sent you. Much the largest force, however, and the most work going on, is in front of our left. While up at Mechanicsville I saw what appeared to be two regiments moving on the New Bridge roadfrom figure 7 toward Thorns, with thirteen covered wagons in the rear. I then came to this point and saw them come in near Old Tavern. There are several pieces of artillery visible near James Garnetts house. I will have a balloon in operation as soon as possible near headquarters. Your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON CAMP, Near Doctor Gaines House, June 17, 1862. Brig. Gen. R. B. MARCY: GENERAL: I took aii observation this morning at 7 oclock. Found the enemy still busy at work on their trenches. The work in front of Mrs. Prices seems to have been enlarged during the night. No other movements of the enemy are visible at this time. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. 19 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 290 290 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. BALLOON CAMP, Near Doctor Gaines, June 19, 18625.30 a. m. Brigadier-General MARCY, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I ascended at 4.30 oclock this a. m. and remained up until after 5 oclock, when the enemys smokes became so numerous on our left that small objects, earth-works, & c., could no longer be defined. The enemy still have artil- lery near James Garnetts house, and their pickets on the side of the field toward Fair Oaks extend along the edge of the field near the woods. The enemy appears not to be half so numerous on our right, and at this hour there are no movements of troops or wagons (save a few scattering ones) upon any of the visible roads. T. S. C. LOWE. P. S.Preparations are going on to inflate a balloon near headquarters, which I hope to have ready to-day. LOWE. The principal observations being taken near headqnarters, verbal reports were generally made, and I have no copies of any from the 19th to the 27th of Jnne. On the 26th I reported verbally to General Hnmphreys that the enemy had crossed the Chickahominy in large force, and was engag- ing onr right wing at Mechanicsville. At daybreak next morning I received the following order: FRIDAY, June 22, 1862. Professor LOWE: DEAR Sin: Ascensions must be made throughout the day, if practicable, at short intervals and reports made of what is seen. A. A. HUMPHREYS. JUNE 27, 18628.15 a. in. The heaviest cannonading at this time is near where the last headquarters were, between Doctor Gaines house and Mechanicsville. We have large reserves across the river; our forces are in line of battle. On our left the enemy appear to be in large force in and about their intrenchments on this side of the river in the vicin- ity of Doctor Friends, and on this side very large. The dense smoke prevents me from seeing to Richmond. I am very unwell, and think it advisable for some good person to be constantly up. Respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE. JuNE 27, 18629.20 a. m. ]~rigadier-General IIUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: Although I reported myself ill on this occasion I will remain constantly in the balloon, and if yo~t will send me two orderlies I will keep headquarters con- stantly informed of what can be seen from the balloon. My assistants that you speak of are trying to save the property in their charge. In an exact north direction from here, and about two miles and a half from the river, in an open field, there are large bodies of troops, but I should judge they were too far down on our right to be the enemy. On a hill this side of Doctor Gaines house there is a long line of skirmishers stationary. On the field near where General Morell was camped everything is on fire. About four miles to the west from here the enemy have a balloon about 300 feet in the air. By appearances I should judge that the enemy might make an attack on our left at any moment. We are firing occasional shots on our left. T. S. C~ LOWE. JUNE 27, 186211 a. m. Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or General MARCY, Chief of Staff: There is no firing on either side at this time. in a northerly direction, and about three or four miles from Woodburys Bridge, there is a long line of dus Page 291 UNION AUTHORITIES. 291 rnnning toward the York River Railroad. Quite a large body of the enemy are visible in the field where General Smith was camped, near the old headquarters. The rebel balloon snddenly disappeared about one hour since. The enemy in front of here remain silent in and around their earth-works and rifle-pits. T. S. C. LOWE. P. S.Can Major Webb come over and ascend? T. S.C. L. Other reports were made at short intervals during the rest of the day, and at 6 oclock I reported that the enemy on Gaines Hill were making a desperate advance, while a large column was moving to outflank our forces on the extreme right, and evidently intended to intercept our crossing at Woodburys Bridge. Soon after this report was made our reserves were sent to protect the crossing and to relieve those troops who had been engaged for two days. I have no doubt that the information given in the above reports (from what I saw myself and have since learned) saved a large por- tion of our troops then engaged from being taken prisoners, and also caused a strong guard to be placed at Bottoms Bridge and other crossings below, which prevented the enemy from getting into our rear. On the evening of the 28th I received orders to pack up everything pertaining to the aeronautic department and to be ready to move. Owing to the want of transportation to carry material for gas, the balloons were not put in use again until we reached Harrisons Land- ing. Here I was taken very ill with fever, which had been gradually coming on me for two or three weeks, and I was compelled to leave the army, placing the management of the aeronautic operations in charge of Mr. C. Lowe, who kept the balloon in use during the time the army remained at that place. On one occasion Commodore Wilkes had the balloon taken on the river, and while at an elevation of 1,000 feet was towed by a steamer, while the banks and country for miles back were examined. The following order was received from General Humphreys relative to moving from 1-larrisons Landing: AUGUST 13, 1862. Mr. LOWE: DEAR Sin: The balloon department will, as far as possible, go by water in the Rotary. The barge or flat will be taken also. They will keep near or accompany the steamer carrying the surplus baggage to headquarters. Colonel Ingalls will inform you which that is. The details for the balloon department will march under the orders of the officer commanding them. They will take not less than six days rations. The wagons, teams, & c., will be turned over to the quarter- master~s department. Perhaps one wagon may be retained to accompany the detachment of enlisted men. A. A. HUMPHREYS. All transportation, & c., now being in the hands of the quarter- masters department, it was necessary for me to have an order from the commanding general before I could reorganize the aeronautic department. On the arrival of the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula I therefore addressed the following note to Colonel Col- burn, assistant adjutant-general: NATIONAL HOTEL, Col. A. V. COLBURN, Washington, D. 0., September 5, 1862. Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Having recovered from my late illness, I came to Washington sev- eral days since hoping that I might be of service on the present occasion. I be Page 292 292 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. of you to remind the general that I am anxiously awaiting orders, and, as ever, ready and willing to serve him. Some balloon observations at this time might be of great advantage. I have everything ready to operate at a moments notice. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. I was answered by Colonel Colburn that my services would prob- ably soon be required, but to remain in Washington until I received orders, as the general did not yet know when he would want to use the balloons. I received no orders until the morning after the battle of Antietam, when a dispatch came from General Marcy to come to Sharpsburg with the balloons without delay. I started immediately, and on the third day from Washington I arrived with the train at Sharpsburg. The delay was occasioned by General A. A. Humphreys being ordered to take command of a division, and the aeronautic department hav- ing been left without the proper authority being vested in me to act independently, I was unable to accompany the army as formerly. During the battle of Antietam General McClellan remarked on sev- eral occasions that the balloon would be invaluable to him, and he repeated this to me when I arrived, assuring me that better facilities should be afforded me in future. It was evident that he was extremely anxious to obtain information of movements at certain points which could be furnished only by the aeronaut, which if he had obtained might have resulted in the complete defeat and utter rout of the enemy while trying to effect his escape across the Potomac. On this occasion he greatly felt the need of reports from the balloons, which, having been on so many previous occasions furnished without even being called for, were perhaps not sufficiently valued. On the night of my arrival the balloons were made ready, and the next morning I pointed out the enemy, who were in force near Martins- burg, Va. The balloons were kept in use at this point until the rebel army left for Winchester, and one was also employed at Bolivar Heights. The observations made here in the vicinity of mountains 1,200 feet high, were mainly of use in enabling us to change our position and approach nearer to the enemy. When the army took up its march into Virginia it moved in roads commanded by the umountains, and as it was not thought that balloon observations along this route were needed, I was ordered to proceed to Washington, to move out on the railroad, where better facilities for transportation, & c., could be had. On the 1st of November I received the following: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAc, November 1, 1862. Professor LOWE: Under all the circumstances General McClellan thinks it best that you should return to Washington with everything pertaining to the balloon department, and hold that department in readiness to take the field at any very short notice. Acknowledge this. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. There seemed to be no further use for balloons now until the army reached Fredericksburg. In order that the new commander of the Army of the Potomac Page 293 UNION AUTHORITIES. 293 General Burnside, might know that I was ready for duty, I addressed the following communication to his chief of staff: HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS, Washington, November ~O, 186g. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Staff, & c.: GENERAL: Considering it necessary that the commanding general should be informed in relation to my operations, and the service that I am prepared to render, I would respectfully submit the following succinct statement: First. The U. S. aeronautic department under my direction is in excellent condition, with all the improvements just added that over a years continual operations and experience could suggest. I have at this time six superior silk balloons with portable gas-generating apparatus, which enables me to inflate a balloon at any point in three hours sufficiently to raise two men and ropes to an elevation of 1,000 feet or more. The balloons can be used with nearly, if not quite, as good success in winter as in summer. Second. In order to facilitate my operations and making prompt reports, I was permitted by General McClellan to add for my use a telegraph train, with five miles of insulated wire, which will enable me to make reports directly from the car of the balloon while viewing the enemys position. The line can be otherwise useful for transmitting other messages not connected with my department. Third. It being often necessary t6 inflate a balloon at night, and having many times performed the same under difficulties, owing to the want of light, I have introduced a powerful oxyhydrogen or calcium light for that purpose. Aside from the benefits of this light for the above purpose, it can be used to great advantage for many other purposes where night-work is to be performed, such as felling timber, building bridges, crossing streams, building earth-works, & c. One of these lights would be sufficient for at least 2,000 persons to work by with as much convenience as by daylight, and the rays can be entirely hidden from any point where it is not desirable to show them. With this apparatus light can be thrown two miles distant sufficiently powerful to work by. The cost is trifling. Fourth. I also have with me a set of powerful magnifying lenses with which a photograph of three inches square can be magnified to the size of twenty feet square. Thus it will be seen that a view taken at a distance too far for the objects to be discernible with the naked eye, could be easily distinguished with the magnifier. A map photographed and thus magnified would be found much easier to consult. Fifth. I keep with my corps a large number of small signal balloons which can be used day or night. Fires of red, white, blue, or green can be attached, which will burn more than ten times as long as a rocket, and with much greater bril- liancy, and therefore can be seen with more certainty, and costs no more for them than for rockets. Having reduced all of the above-mentioned branches to a practical everyday working, I can be called upon for any or all of them at any time without incon- venience to the main balloon operations, and with but little expense, as the same portable gas-works can be used for them all. Not considering it necessary to give a detailed account of what may be done, but hoping soon to be called into active service again, I remain, with great respect, your very obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, & c. On receipt of the above communication the following order was returned: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC Opposite Fredericksburg, November 24, 1862. Professor LowE: The commanding general desiies that you proceed to Washington and bring up the apparatus and material, so that an ascension can be made at this point as early as possible. He desires that the Quartermasters Department furnish you such aid and assistance in Washington and en route that you may require. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff Page 294 294 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. The next day everything was moved down to the army, but as G en- eral Burnside had deferred his operations, he desired the balloon should not be shown to the enemy till he was ready to cross the river. On the 12th of December I received orders to get the balloon ready, and the following morning (being the day of the battle of Fredericks- burg) ascensions were commenced, and during the day many staff officers ascended, and much valuable information was furnished the commanding general, whose headquarters being directly under the balloon, verbal communications only were given, and no written reports are therefore inserted. Several shots were fired at the balloon during the day, one striking about two miles beyond the balloon, passing close to it, and going in all about three miles and three-quarters from where it was fired. Nearly all of my reports during the following month were given verbally. The following report was forwarded on December 22, which shows the duty that the balloon was required to do while the army was lying still: HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CoRps, December 23, 1862. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: By observations taken from the balloon to-day the enemys position was very clearly defined. Their main camps are opposite to our left, and extend down the river from four to six miles, and three miles back. Earth-works appear to be thrown up on the next range of hills beyond the, first line of woods, but nothing definite could be ascertained concerning them owing to the heavy smokes. By moving a balloon farther down the river more information can be obtained. They do not appear to have withdrawn any of their forces. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE. CAMP NEAR HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 13, 1863. Major-General PARKE, Chief of Staff, & c.: GENERAL: Please find inclosed a copy of a lithograph representing the balloon signals. Should these signals meet with the further approval of the general com- manding I would respectfully ask that I may be notified as early as possible that I may have prepared a sufficient number to operate successfully. I would recom- mend about thirty of each denomination. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, & c. The signals above alluded to are not intended to take the place of anything now in use, but are simply an addition to be used in case of emergency, where it was necessary to communicate a long distance. Further mention of this will be made hereafter. The following orders and reports up to March 21 will be sufficient to show the principal duties performed by the aeronautic department: HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, General BUTTERFIELD, - February 4, 1863. - Chief of Staff: SIR: From an observation taken this afternoon the enemy appear still in camp about three miles west of Fredericksburg; also a large camp south by west, about eight miles. The largest camp noticed appears to be south from the city about fifteen miles; also a smaller camp east by south Page 295 UNION AUTHORITIES. 295 The balloons are constantly in readiness, and observations can be taken at any time when the weather will permit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT General BUTTERFIELD, Camp near Falmouth, February 7, 1863. Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: SIR: According to your order I have taken advantage of all suitable weather for several days past to reconnoiter the enemys position from the balloon. ices- terday in the afternoon the atmosphere was very clear, and from observations taken then and again to-day the various positions of the enemy could be deter- mined by their camps and smokes. The line of hills opposite Fredericksburg and above and below the city appear to be occupied by a small force, divided into small squads, while the heaviest camp appears to be at or near Bowling Green. Still farther beyond, say twenty-five miles from Fredericksburg, are heavy camp smokes, which I should judge was at the junction of the Virginia Central and Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroads. Off to the right of the city, about ten or twelve miles, and some distance back from the river, are quite large camp smokes (I should think that this camp was at Spotsylvania Court-House), while in a direct line from these and near the river appears to be a camp of much smaller size. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. FEBRUARY 7,1863. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, & c.: Your interesting report just received. What do you consider a large camp as mentioned in your report, and what a small one? About how many men? Keep your balloon up all you can, and confine the knowledge gained to your reports to these headquarters. Should like to have you locate camps on maps which General Warren will furnish you for the purpose. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, February 13, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: SIR: I ascended with the balloon this p. in., but was unable to discover any change in the position of the enemy as far as I could see. To the south and southeast the atmosphere was too smoky to enable me to see anything in relation to their camp. I will ascend again as soon as the atmos- phere becomes clear and furnish you with a fuller report. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 24, 1863. Professor LOWE: SIR: The balloon ascension to be made between daylight and sunrise to-muorrow a. m. should be made with a view to giving us most careful and accurate information as to the number of the enemy and their camps. Rumors that a large portion of their force had gone make it very desirable. You may be able to gain much credit for your branch of science by the care and accuracy and promptness of your report. Cant you take Lieutenant Comstock up with you? Yours, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General and Chief of Staff Page 296 296 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 27, 1863. Professor LOWE, Balloon Corps: SIR: I am requested by Major-General Butterfield to direct that you place a balloon at the disposal of Lieutenant Comstock, chief engineer. Very respectfully, WM. L. CANDLER, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 1, 1863. COMMANDING OFFICER SIxTH CORPS: SIR: The commanding general directs that upon the application of Professor Lowe, balloonist, you furnish him with a detail of one officer, one sergeant, and thirty-five men to assist him in making an ascension near White Oak Church. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 12, 1863. Professor LOWE, Chief of Balloon Corps: PROFESSOR: The commanding general directs that you make frequent asCen- sions during the day, moving your balloon from right to left near the river. He desires that you make very close observations of the enemy, noticing any move- ments or work going on or changes made. Watch and note very carefully the fords and all along the river bank. Report promptly anything you may see. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS, March 12, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I have just received an order from the0general-in-chief, through General Williams, directing me to make frequent ascensions, & C., which I have made preparation to do at every favorable moment. I ascended early this morning from a point near Falmouth, but was unable to discover any movements of the enemy on the roads or near any of the visible fords. All the camps around Fredericksburg remain quiet as usual. At about 8 oclock I discerned working parties throwing up earth a short dis- tance to the right of the city on the low land; also in the woods on the first ridge. I then moved the balloon some three miles up the river, where I can get a fine view as soon as the high wind now prevailing ceases. I have just received a report from one of my assistants, who ascended with the balloon down the river at 6 oclocR this morning (by my. direction). Up to 8 oclock all was quiet on the left, or as far down as the aeronaut could see, and all the camps remained as usual. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, Near Falmouth, March 13, 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of th~ Potomac: GENERAL: Between 5 and 6.30 oclock this morning both balloons ascended, one near White Oak Church and the other about three miles up the river. No move- ment of the enemy was visible at that time, but all appeared to be quietly in camp, as the smoke ascended from them all. The camp smokes at Bowling Green were distinctly seen, as also one near Scotts Dam, on Golin Run, of considerable size. There is also a camp and quite a number of tents opposite Taylors Dam. The enemy are still throwing up earth a short distance to the right of Freder- icksburg with embrasures for field pieces Page 297 UNION AUTHORITIES. 297 Since early this morning the weather has been too squally to admit of ascending with the balloon. Every opportunity, however, shall be improved and reports made. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 17, 1863. Professor LOWE Balloon Department: PROFESSOR: The major-general commanding directs that you make an ascension, if your balloon is in readiness, immediately after dusk, ot as soon as rockets with their colors and fires are visible; that you report the color, & c., of rocketsif any can be seenin a iorthwesterly or westerly direction. The colors expected are to represent signals as follows: One signal, green; one signal, green and red; one signal, red and white; one sig- nal, red and green; one signal, white and red. Answering signal from interme- diate stations, green. Knowing what signals are expected, you caji, perhaps, more readily and surely discern them. Report with care. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, PAUL A. OLIVER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March IL), 1863. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: Professor Lowe has an arrangement for transmitting information from distant points by signal balloons, which I think might be made available and valuable with cavalry operating in the field. I have thought the subject over a good deal, and if the professor can get authority to procure the necessary apparatus I will take measures to test and, if possible, put his plan in practice. Very respectfully, & c., GEORGE STONEMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Corps. [Thdor8ement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 19, 1863. Respectfully referred to Professor Lowe, with the request that he will please state in substance the preparations the proposed plan will require and the prob- able expense of the same. By command of Major-General Hooker S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS, Brig. Gen. ~. WILLIAMS, Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 20, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In answer to your inquiry concerning the preparation and probable expense of testing my plan for signals by balloons, I would respectfully state that the preparation will consist in getting the balloons made of the proper material and sizes with proper attachments; constructing a variety of characters to be attached to the balloons for day signals; arranging a variety of different colored lights of great power and brilliancy in order that they may be seen a great dis- tance. The time required to get everything ready, I think, would be about one week. The arrangement once completed, any person of ordinary intelligence can use the signals. The cost of thoroughly testing will not exceed $300. after which, if brought into use, the cost of each balloon for conveying signals will not exceed, $6, where a quantity is ordered at one time. I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac Page 298 298 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 1863. Respectfully returned. It was inferred the tests made proved the expediency and capacity of the plan. Has not Professor Lowe balloons and signals enough on hand of the kind proposed to show t3ieir merits for this purpose? If he has, a board will be ordered immedi- ately to report upon them. Return these papers without delay. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS, Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 21, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In answer to your indorsement upon my communication of yester- day, I would respectfully say that I have not on hand any signal balloons of the size or quality ~ifficient to show the merit, or to carry up sufficient weight of material for which they are designed. I have some few balloons left of those ordered by Major-General Bulnside, for experiments, but were gotten up in a hurry, and made of very poor material, but the best that could be obtained at the time. They will do very well4o use forinstruc- tion. I have on hand a quantity of colored fires, but will require to be arranged dif- ferently, with some addition, in order to give the full effect and brilliancy desired. I have not any of the proper material on hand for the flags. My extreme estimate of the expense of these experiments was based upon the supposition that a large number of the signals would require to be sent up, embracing every variety of lights, flags, and characters upon the balloons, in order to choose the most desirable. I am, general, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 1863. Respectfully returned. Under the circumstances not favorably considered. General Stoneman to be informed by Professor Lowe. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. By the decision in this matter General Stoneman was deprived of a very valnable means of commnnicating with the commanding general while operating in the interior of the enemys conntry. With the signal balloons alinded to General Stoneman could have been heard from every night, and answered from Fredericksburg, which certainly in his last famons raid would have been of great valne both to him and to General Hooker. These intense lights by the aid of balloons, varying in size from ten to twenty feet in diameter, can be sent from 3,000 feet to three miles in the air, and can be seen from 15 to 100 miles, according to the size of the lights. At any rate I wonld not hesitate on any clear night (with the proper facilities) to guarantee to signal even to a greater distance. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 1863. Prof. T. S. C. LOWE, & c.: By direction of the General-in-Chief, you will report on Monday morning next to the Committee of Congress on the Conduct of the War, now sitting in the Capitol. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 299 UNION AUTHORITIES. 299 BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, Va., March 22, 1863. Professor LowE: SIR: Lieutenant Comstock went up to-day in the Washington. It was very calm, and I let the balloon ascend to an elevation of 2,000 feet, where he remained one hour and a half in full view of the enemys camps and works for twenty miles distant. The balloon was then towed, at an elevation of 1,000 feet, three miles on our left, with him in the car of the balloon. He expressed himself grati- fied with the knowledge thus obtained. Respectfully, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut, in Gharge of Balloon Washington. BALLOON CAMP, Near Phillips House, March 26, 1863. Prof. T. S. C. LowE: Sin: Made an ascension this 12 m. The largest camps of the enemy that could be seen were south and southwest from Fredericksburg. One very extensive camp about eight miles south from the city. I also discovered what I judge to be earth-works (new) from four to six miles west of the city. If earth-works, they are extensive. Could discover nothing of note up the river. Yours, respectfully, E. S. ALLEN, Aeronaut. MARCH 27, 1863. Hon. B. F. WADE, Chairman of Committee on C1onduct of the War: Sin: Please find accompanying this note fifty-one reports of observations taken by me from the balloons during the latter part of May and the month of June, 1862, and forwarded to headquarters Army of the Potomac. They embrace but a small portion of the observations taken, but are all of the copies that I can now readily reach. It will be found that some few of these reports are without date, which is accounted for from the fact that they were sometimes written while in the balloon car and sent down to be copied and forwarded, and the persons who did this neglected to place dates upon the copies retained, as they were not con- sidered of further value. I remain, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics. BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, Va., March 27, 1863. Professor LowE: Sin: To-day the balloon Washington was taken six miles to the left, and Lieu- tenant Comstock, Colonel Upton, and Major , ascended separately, all of whom spoke in the highest terms of the advantage of this movable observatory, after which she was taken to her moorings. Respectfully, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut, in Charge of Balloon Washington. HDQRS. AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 1863. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I herewith respectfully report myself returned for duty to the Army of the Potomac, having been relieved for the present from the duties for which I was ordered to report there on the 23d instant. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. The following report contains many interesting facts concerning the sytem of aeronautics now employed and others proposed, to which Page 300 300 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. would call special attention; also to a letter following of April 1 from the present aeronauts in the Army of the Potomac: HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 30, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: On the 21st of this month I received from you an article setting forth a new plan for operating balloons for military purposes, proposed by a Mr. B. Englend, and referred to me for an expression of opinion and report. In conse- quence, however, of my time being occupied during the past week in Washing- ton before the Commitee of Congress on the Conduct of the War, I have not been able to make a report until now. In examining the papers I find many misstatements concerning the present balloon operations, which, in justice to myself and those connected with this department, I feel in duty bound to set right. First, then, in comparing the two methods, he states that the time required to inflate a balloon by the present mode is fifteen hours, when in fact it never required over three hours and fifteen minutes, and since adding my last improve- ments Mr. Allen, one of my assistants, informs me that the gas now makes in two hours and thirty minutes instead of fifteen hours as represented. Second. He states that the cost of inflating now for a simple inflation is $400, when the actual cost is only about $60 now; and when the iron (which we now obtain free of cost at the Washington Navy-Yard) had to be purchased, the cost was then in the neighborhood of $75, which, when divided into fourteen (the number of days the balloons will retain t~heir power, on the average), the cost per day for gas will be about $5.30. Of course this does not include contingent expenses. Third. Mr. Englend states that it now requires 12,000 pounds of acid and iron for a single inflation, when, in fact, that amount will keep two balloons inflated from three to four weeks. Fourth. He states that it now requires twelve or fourteen wagons, when the facts are that it never did require over seven wagons to haul four balloons and appendages and material to keep them inflated, and all camp and garrison equi- page for the whole aeronautic corps. Now that I have made the above corrections, I will give my opinion (as I am ordered to do so) of the relative advantages between the method proposed and the one now employed. First. According to the statement of Mr. Englend, it requires a bulk of 68,000 cubic feet to lift the same weight that now requires 15,000 cubic feet, much less than a quarter of the capacity of the balloon which he proposes. After figuring the weight of the appendages, which he puts down at 750 pounds, he then has left 250 pounds ascensive power. Now, considering that nine-tenths of the ascen- sions now made require an ascensive power of 400 to 600 pounds in order to coun- teract the force of the wind against the side of a balloon, it is certain that with a bulk more than four times as large and weight and with less than a quarter of the power, it could not ascend at all; or, in other words, when the balloon of 15,000 cubic feet capacity lifting 1,000 pounds, with weight of apparatus and two persons, between 400 and 500 pounds, can ascend from 1,000 to 2,000 feet, the balloon of 68,000 feet capacity and weighing 750 pounds, with a lifting power of 1,000, could not be held by fifty men against the wind, and would be blown to the earth. Second. I should say that it would be impossible to tow from place to place a balloon of the kind last mentioned; therefore should two ascensions be required at different points in one day (as is often the case, in order to make a full and cor- rect report), the balloon would have to be inflated at each point, which would be another impossibility, and would involve the expense of $250, according to the cost set down for each inflation. Besides, the constant handling of the machinery must necessarily soon wear it out. I would here take occasion to say that the balloons now in service have been in use for nearly two years; have been inflated from one to two months without changing the gas; have stood the storms of two winters, and are kept constantly ready to ascend at five minutes notice (whenever the weather will admit), and ascend four times higher than ever was done (by ropes) before. These are cir- cumstances which history affords no parallel in any country. Notwithstanding all this, I would respectfully recommend that Mr. Englend be permitted to try his experiments in the field beside the present balloon operations, in order to corn Page 301 UNION AUTHORITIES. 301 pare fairly the relative advantages of the two upon precisely the same grounds that I was allowed to try my first experiments, namely, with his own balloon and apparatus and at his own expense. In conclusion, I would beg to state that the knowledge I have acquired in the aeronautic art has cost me much means and expense and many years of hard labor; therefore I would most respectfully ask that this report will not be fur- nisked to Mr. Englend or his associates, as I desire not to instruct any persons except in the U. S. service. I remain, general, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, Va., April 1, 1863. Prof. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac: Sin: In accordance with your request that I should furnish you with a report of my operations previous to my employment under your direction and my opin- ion of your system of aeronautics, that you may avail yourself of it in your report to the Secretary of War, I would most respectfully submit the following: For a number of years previous to the breaking out of this war I followed the profession of an aeronaut, as then practiced by the leaders in that art. At the commencement of the rebellion I was induced by my friends to offer my services to the Government. I did so, and for the purpose of demonstrating what I could do I brought on two balloons in July, 1861. Some experiments were made before an officer of the Topographical Engineers, appointed for that purpose, After witnessing my operations he pronounced them unsatisfactory. although I had, as a general thing, been as successful as other aeronauts had previously been. After ascertaining what was expected of balloons, and under what circumstances they would have to be operated, in order to meet the requirements of those not acquainted with the art, I came to the conclusion that balloons could not be intro- duced into the U. S. service without an entire different arrangement. Not only must decided improvements be made in the balloon and paraphernalia, but the balloon must be inflated at short notice, and at different points in the field, and for that purpose there was no apparatus yet invented. After thus summing up the matter I returned to my home in Providence and subsequently watched with much interest the report of your progress in aeronautics for war purposes, until in the spring of 1862 you invited me to join your corps, since which time I have received much valuable information and instruction from you in the use of your inventions, which now enables me to operate with entire success, and, I believe, satisfactory to you, as I have often had evidence. In conclusion, I can conscientiously say that the Government is indebted to you alone for the introduction of this useful branch of the public service, and were it not for your improvements in the construction of balloons and invention of porta- ble gas generators, your untiring perseverance, hard labor, and exposure, against great obstacles, aeronauts could never have been of service to our Army. Balloons, as usually constructed, could not be kept inflated in heavy winds, and at best could not hold their power but a few hours, whereas now the balloons are kept constantly ready to go up. day or night. From their manner of construction and great strength they are able to withstand any storm, and enables the aeronaut to ascend in nearly all weathers, and are so impervious that they can be kept inflated for months with but little replenishing, and consequently trifling expense. These are qualities heretofore unknown in the history of aeronautics, and are merits that deserve the highest commendation. I remain, professor, with great respect, your most obedient servant, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut. I cordially concur in the foregoing as regards the superiority of Professor Lowes system of aeronautics over former attempts. I have been engaged in ballooning for a number of years past and have been employed under the direction of Professor Lowe for the past five months. I have received .much valuable instruction from him in the use of his new system of aeronautics for army pur- poses, without which balloons could not be used to any advantage in the field. E. S. ALLEN, Aeronaut Page 302 302 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 95. ~ Camp near Ealmouth, April 7, 1863. * * * * * * * 12. Capt. C. B. Comstock, Corps of Engineers, is assigned to the immediate charge of the balloon establishment, and hereafter no issues or expenditure will be made on account of the same, except upon requisitions and accounts approved by that officer. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. Professor LOWE. ARMY OF TILE POTOMAC, Near Falmouth, April 9, 1863. Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK, Corps of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: I am notified by a copy of Special Orders, No. 95, of April 7, 1863, that the balloon establishment is placed in your charge. Will you therefore please inform me of what duties I am expected to perform under your direction, that I may know how to proceed without conflicting with your arrangements. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 10, 1863. Hon. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War: SIR: In view of the present situation of our forces in the vicinity of Charleston and Baton Rouge, I would respectfully beg leave to submit the following state- ment: I have a faithful person (aeronaut) who has been operating under my direction in this department for over a year; therefore, inasmuch as I have another assistant and some soldiers whom I have instructed sufficiently to help manage the balloon here, Mr. Allenthe person alluded tocould be spared for one of the other places. A complete set of apparatus is ready and can be shipped at short notice lf required. The balloons here are constantly ready, and are used nearly every day more or less, and I have made preparation to render the utmost service at the next battle. The report that you requested from me is in progress and will soon be completed. It required more time than I at first supposed. I remain, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 12, 1863. Capt. C. B. CoMsTocK, Corps of Engineers: CAPTAIN: Between 5 and 7 oclock this p. m. I made two ascents with the bal- loon near White Oak Church, and obtained a very good view of the enemys camps for a distance of about five miles. Beyond that distance the atmosphere was quite smoky. Along the ridge for a distance of about seven miles the enemys camps are quite numerous, the heaviest being southwest, south, and southeast from where the balloon is anchored. From appearances I should judge they are fully as strong as ever. A clearer atmosphere, however, will enable me to form a better idea of their relative strength, & c. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE. On the 12th of April I received the following order and instructions, which, considering the services I had rendered for two years and the experience I had acquired, I respectfully submit to the llouorable Sec- retary were as unnecessary as they were unexpected. I would call especial attention to the following communications up to May 7, 1~363 (at which time I left the Army of the Potomac), that the Honorabl Page 303 UNION AUTHORITIES. 303 Secretary may judge of my conduct under very embarrassing circum- stances: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Mr. T. S. C. LowE, & c.: April 13, 1863. As I informed YOU yesterday, I do not think the interests of the public service require the employment of C. Lowe, your father, or of John ODonnell. Please inform me whether you have, as desired, notified them of the fact. I also stated to you that it might be necessary for the public interest to reduce your pay from $10 to $6 per day. I also mentioned some general rules to be observed by all civil employ6s connected with the balloons. Some of them are repeated here, and you will please notify your subordinates of them: No absences from duty without my permission will be allowed, and pay will be stopped for the time of absence. In camp, when the wind is still, ascensions should be made at morning, noon, and night, the labor being equally divided among the aeronauts, and reports made to me in writing of all that is observed during the day. If anything important was observed it should be reported at once. These reports should give the bear- ings of the important camps observed, and the camps should be numbered from right to left, No. 1 being on the right. You, as having larger experience, are expected to make these ascensions frequently, and to be responsible that no camp disappears and no new one appears without its being reported at once. You will also be held responsible that the apparatus is kept in good order; that the aero- nauts attend to their duty; that the necessary requisitions are sent in for sup- plies, and generally for the efficiency and usefulness of the establishment, as well as its economical management. Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Gaptain of Engineers and Ohief Engineer Army of the Potomac. 1 asked you yesterday for an inventory of all public property under your charge. Please send it to me to-morrow. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: From a copy of Special Orders, No. 95, April 7, 1863, I am informed that the balloon establishment is placed in charge of Capt. C. B. Comstock, Corps of Engineers, to whom I reported immediately on receipt of the above order. In conversation with him yesterday I learned that different arrangements were to be made, and among other things he informed me that my compensation for serv- ices were reduced from $10 per day to $6. This Captain Comstock does, I have no doubt, in good faith, and from the view which he takes of this department as it now stands. Now, in justice to myself and the service in which I am engaged, I beg to sub- mit the following succinct statement: At the breaking out of the rebellion I was urged to offer my services to the Government as an aeronaut. I did so, at the sacrifice of my long-cherished enter- prise in which I had expended large sums of money and many years hard labor, and which, if successful, would compensate me for my expenditure and place aeronautics among the first branches of useful science. (The enterprise above alluded to could not now be revived, except under the most favorable circumstances.) During my first operations for the Government I had three competitors in the field and many more applicants. I used my own machinery and expended con- siderable private means, and two months labor, for all of which I have never received pay. My system of aeronautics was selected, and I was offered $30 per day for each day I would keep one balloon inflated in the field ready for officers to ascend. (This was when it was supposed balloons could not be kept constantly inflated, as is now the case.) I declined this offer and offered my services for $10 per day, as I desired to confinue during the war and add to my reputation; besides, that amount would be sufficient to support my family. Ever since then I have labored incessantly for the interest of the Government, and I have never shrunk from duty or danger whenever it was necessary to gain information for the command- ing general Page 304 304 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. For nearly two years, aside from doing all the business of this department, I have made frequent personal reconnaissances and have attended to the manage- ment of several balloons for different officers to ascend until within the past two or three weeks, during which fime I have been occupied by order of the Secretary of War in preparing a history of this branch of the service, & c., at the same time keeping an eye to the proper management of the balloons, which have been kept in constant use, attended by my assistants. General, I feel aggrieved that my services should not have been better appre- ciated. As it is, I cannot honorably serve for the sum named by Captain Coin- stock without first refunding to the Government the excess of that amount which I have been receiving ever since I have been in the service. This my very limited means will not allow, for it requires full the salary I have received to support myself in the field and my family at home; therefore, out of respect to myself and the duty I owe my family, it will be impossible for me to serve upon any other conditions than those with which I entered the service. Notwithstanding, as I have promised the commanding general that nothing should be lacking on my part to render the greatest possible service during the next battle, and as I consider that all should be done that genius can devise to make the first move successful, I will offer my services until that time free of charge to the Government. I remain, general, with great respect, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. The following are five [four] indorsements made upon the fore- going document: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 13, 1863. Respectfully returned to Professor Lowe, to be forwarded through the proper channel to Captain Comstock, chief of engineers. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. F. BARSTOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 13, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Capt. C. B. Comstock, chief engineer, Army of the Potomac. It was supposed that this was properly addressed, and I take pleasure in recti- fying the mistake. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. Respectfully forwarded. It is believed that during the two years Mr. Lowe has been receiving $10 per day for his services he has been compensated for the sacrifices made, and that $6 per day is ample payment for the duties he has to perform at present. C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 15, 1863. Respectfully returned. See indorsement of Captain Comstock, Engineer Department, in charge of balloons. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 13, 1863. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Headquarters Army of the Fotomac: SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant stating that you can spare an experienced aeronaut, should his services be required in the vicinity of Charleston or Baton Rouge, and that a complete set of balloon apparatus is ready and can be shipped at short notice Page 305 UNION AUTHORITIES. 305 In reply the Secretary directs me to instruct you to have all necessary prepara- tions completed as soon as possible. You will advise this Department of the weight and bulk of the apparatus and supplies, and also when and from what point the aeronaut you recommend will be ready to start. Very ri~spectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 19, 1863. Respectfully referred to Gen. S. Williams, assistant adjutant-general. The within has been complied with, and Mr. James Allen named as the person that could be spared, inasmuch as I have another person to take his place here, and he would be best suited for another point. In my judgment the above arrangement will not in the least interfere with the successful operations of the balloons in this army. Therefore I would respect- fully recommend that Mr. Allen be ordered to report for the above duty at once. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 19, 1863. The accompanying communication is respectfully returned to Professor Lowe, to be forwarded through Captain Comstock, engineer, who is in charge of the balloon department. The commanding general desires to be informed why the letter to the Secretary of War, to which the answer is in reply, was not trans- mitted through headquarters. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, April 30, 1863. Capt. C. B. CoMsTocK, Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: According to your directions, I referred the inclosed letter from the Assistant Secretary of War to General Williams, who has returned it with the accompanying note. In answer to the commanding general, why my letter to the Assistant Secretary of War was not transmitted through headquarters, I would respectfully state that I was not aware that it was customary to do so, and if in my zeal to render service to the Government I have overstepped the bounds prescribed by military law I can only say that it was unintentional. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 20, 1863. Respectfully forwarded, and indorsement of T. S. C. Lowe not approved. C. B. COMSTOCK~ Captain of Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 20, 1863. On the 19th instant Mr. T. S. C. Lowe, aeronaut, informed me that he had been directed by the Honorable Secretary of War to send a balloon and aeronaut to Charleston, and that he had selected Mr. J. Allen. At my request he showed me the accompanying letter from the Assistant Secretary of War. I informed him that such orders should come to me from the adjutant-general of this army, and not from himself; that he, not being in charge of the balloon establishment, had not the power to change it; and that I did not think it con- sistent with the interests of this army to detach Mr. J. Allen from it at present. A balloon can be spared without detriment. Respectfully forwarded to adjutant-general, Army of the Potomac. C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac. 20 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 306 306 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 21, 1863. Respectfully returned. Captain Comstock will make the necessary arrangements for the balloon to be placed at the disposal of the War Department and advise the Assistant Secretary of War, as herein directed. If it is possible for him to spare an aeronaut he will name the one selected in his communication concerning the balloons. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 15, 1863. Hon. P. H. WATSON Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIn: Your letter of the 13th instant is received, and in answer would respect- fully state that the weight and bulk of the apparatus and supplies necessary for the balloon to be sent South or West are as follows Two balloons and appendages, about 500 pounds, in a basket three feet by five and two feet deep. One set of gas generators to go in two army-wagon running gears, same dimen- sion as wagon body and five feet high, weighing about 1,000 pounds each. Mate- rial to keep one balloon inflated day and night for two months will consist of 100 carboys of sulphuric acid, weighing about 16,000 pounds, and twenty barrels of iron turnings, weighing about 10,000 pounds. The cost of the above amount of gas material, as now purchased, is about $350less than $6 dollars per day. The acid can be obtained from Messrs. Savage & Stewart, No. 18 North Front street, Philadelphia, Pa.; the iron at the Washington Navy-Yard. The aeronaut, Mr. James Allen, will be in Washington on Mondaynext, with everything complete and ready to start from that point, provided the quartermaster procures the acid and iron above mentioned. The salary required by Mr. Allen is $5 per day with rations, or $5.75 per day without rations, and all necessary transportation. I remain, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, April 14, 1863. Professor LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics: An extensive camp seven miles southwest of Sherwoods forest; one extensive camp southeast of Sherwoods forest, about five miles; one southwest of the left of our picket line, about four mile~from the river; one extensive camp eight miles from the left of our picket line in a south-southwesterly direction. About ten miles from Sherwoods forest in a westerly direction I saw a large column moving to our right, or the left of the enemy. I am, sir, yours, respectfully, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut. F HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 14, 1863. Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: On hearing that Mr. Allen saw a column (while in the balloon near White Oak Church) moving to the right, I immediately went up in the balloon near Falmouth Station to observe if any extra camp smoke or fires could be seen to the west, but was unable to notice any change, except a few camp-fires not noticed before, on the road from Fredericksburg toward Chancellorsville, I should judge about six miles. All the rest of the camps remain the same as usual. This p. m. three regiments were drilling on the flats, two to the south and one to the right of Fredericksburg. The following are the compass bearings of the various camps, as seen by Mr. E. S. Allen from balloon near Falmouth Station. Extreme right to extreme left: No. 1, 3 to 4 miles west; No. 2, 2 miles west by south; No. 3, 2 miles southwest by west; No. 4, 2 to 3 miles southwest; No. 5, 2 to 3 miles southwest by south; No. 6, 2 miles south; No. 7, 4 to 5 miles south: No. 8, 8 to 10 miles south Page 307 UNION AUTHORITIES. 307 The usual amount of smoke arose from all the above camps this evening. It is evident, from all appearances, that the enemy have not made any consider- able move as yet. The balloons will be up at daybreak if the weather will admit. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 17, 1863. Capt. C. B. COMSTOcK, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: During my observations to-day I was unable to discover any changes in the position of the enemy. The following is tlie compass bearing, taken of the enemys position by Mr. Allen, from the Phillips house, which I find to be as near correct as is possible to get from that point. Position of the enemys camps as observed from balloon Eagle, April 17, 1863, beginning with the most distant one, west from Phillips house, Va.: No. 1, west 5 miles (large camp); No. 2, west by south 3 miles; No. 3, west by south 6 to 8 miles; No. 4, southwest by west 2 miles (large camp); No. 5, south- west by west 12 to 15 miles (large camp); iNo. 6, southwest 8 miles; No. 7, south- west by south 3 miles; No. 8, southwest by south 10 to 12 miles (large camp); No. 9, south 2 miles (large camp); No. 10, south 3 to 4 miles; No. 11, south 8 to 10 miles (large camp). Three or four small camps near the river bank, south by east. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 18, 1863. Capt. C. B. COMSTOOK, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: Inclosed is Mr. Allens report of observations taken to-day. I ascended this p. m. (the atmosphere being clearer in the west) and could see no change. The camp smoke arose from the usual places as far as I could see. I could not get very high, however, in consequence of the strong breeze blow- ing at the time. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, T. S. C. LOWE, April 19, 1863. Chief Aeronaut: Please inform me what has been the custom when on the march. Have the balloon guard moved with the balloon trains? And are two escorts, namely, the two details we now have needed, or only one, or none, in case of a movement? Please let me know what material you think should go when we move. These things should all be thought of and arranged, my approval only being needed. Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 19, 1863. Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK, Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: In answer to yours of this date asking what has been the custom when on the march, and whether the present escort are needed or not, I would state that it has beefi customary for the men detached on the balloon service to accompany the aeronautic train in order that balloon observations may be taken along the route when required. I would recommend that the details for both balloons be retained, inasmuch as considerable pains have been taken to instruct them in the requirements of the department. This will enable us to tow the balloons along as the army advances and take observations whenever required; and should bad weather compel us to discharge the gas, sufficient material should be taken along to reinfiate, which can be done in the night, an& observations taken of the enemys position and the road Page 308 308 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. they take at daylight in the morning. I anticipate that the balloon can be of more service when moving than at any other time, provided we are following the enemy. I informed Captain Howard, assistant qaartermaster, what transpor- tation would be necessary for this department, and he informs me that he has set the same aside for our use, namely, seven wagons. Very respectfully, yours, & c., T. ~. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 20, 1863. Mr. T. S. C. LOWE Aeronaut: Please send me the names of three or four persons whom you deem best quali- fied to take charge of an independent balloon, with their addresses, not including those aeronauts with this army. Respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain, & c. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, April 20, 1863. Capt. C. B. CoMsTocK, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: In answer to yours of this date asking for the names of three or four persons whom I deem best qualified to take charge of a balloon, I would respect- fully say that I cannot name but two persons whom I could recommend for the Government service, aside from those already employed, although if occasion requires it I might select several who could be instructed in the use of army balloons. The names of the two persons above alluded to are Mr. W. S. Morgan, No. 293 Second street, Jersey City, N. J., and Mr. J. B. Starkweather, Boston, Mass. Both of these parties, placed under an experienced army aeronaut, would render good service. Very respectfully, & c., T. ~. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 21, 1863. Captain CoMsTocK: I ascended at about sundown this evening, but the atmosphere was too hazy to admit of a detailed examination of the enemys position. All the principal camps, however, were visible and appear unchanged. I have taken a large balloon (capable of taking up two persons) to the left this p. m. Respectfully, & c., T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 21, 1863. Mr. T. S. C. LowE, Aeronaut: Please have a balloon put in condition, so far as is practicable here, to be placed at the disposal of the Honorable Secretary of War at once. Please also inform me when it and machinery will be ready to be turned over to the quartermaster for transportation, and if there are any repairs needed which cannot be done here or anything needed to its efficiency not to be obtained here, please furnish me with a statement of such things in full. Also make out a list of everything needed to go with it. Also please inform me which of the two persons recom- mended by you as aeronauts a few days ago you deem best qualified to accompany the balloon. Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers Page 309 UNION AUTHORITIES. 309 Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK, CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April ~1, 1868. Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: In answer to yours of this date I would respectfully say that all of the balloons, with the exception of the two now in use (needing repairs that could not readily be done in the field), were sent to Washington on the 17th with the balloon barge and old generators, which also need repairs. The balloons were sent to the Columbian Armory, where they have always been tak3n for repairs or storage, there being a large room for that purpose. I intended four balloons to be kept in readiness for this army, and that two should be sent with the aeronaut that goes South, in order that he may operate with economy and to advantage. As to repairs to the balloons, it will be impossi- ble to state exactly what they are until they are thoroughly examined. The prin- cipal things, however, for the two that I intended for the South are turning inside out, recoating, and inserting new top and valve in one of them. As to the two aeronauts, of whom you desire me to name the one best qualified to be placed at the disposal of the War Department, ii would state that, in my opinion, for that service neither of them would answer, unless directed by an experienced army aeronaut who has had experience in the management of bal- loons for war purposes, which is quite different from the art practiced in the ordinary way. Therefore if you do not desire to send the aeronaut first named by me, under all the circumstances I would most respectfully ask to be ordered to report to the Secretary of War in his stead. With this arrangement the wishes of the Honorable Secretary could be complied with, and at the same time all machinery could be kept in order for all points where balloons are used. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April ~, 1863. Capt. C. B. COMSTOcK, Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: I examined the enemys position more closely this p. in., between 4 and 6 oclock, than I have had an opportunity of doin~for a number of days past. If I might be permitted to venture an opinion as to t e relative strength of the enemy, I should say that they are about three to our four. I should estimate their supports to the batteries immediately back of the city of Fredericksburg to be about 10,000. Immediately opposite where General Franklin crossed, say from two to three miles from the river, and from the railroad station along the height about one mile and a half, I should say that there were 25,000 troops camped. Still farther to the left and south of the railroad there are also several large camps. During the time I was up I noticed many regiments on parade, near the various camps, and at one place there were three, while still farther back, I should judge four miles from the river and one mile to the left of the railroad, I saw a column of infantry moving to the right which required about twenty min- utes to pass a given point, after I discovered them, and I counted what I took to be seven regiments. They had no colors flying as those did that were on parade. Should the morning be fine I should be gratified to ascend with you, and could then better explain the points referred to. I am inclined to believe that the enemy are either strengthening their army or bringing up their troops from Bow- ling Green and the Junction. The latter is the most probable, as there is not as much smoke visible in that direction as heretofore. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics. On the 27th General Butterfield ordered me to make frequent ascensions, and to report to him and to General Sedgwick. Captain Comstock was then absent, and I did not see him until the 6th of May. The following orders and reports relative to observations during the seven-days battle I think worthy of special attention, as they show what can be done by the balloons when required, and the Page 310 310 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. demonstrate their value as a means of observation, although there might be occasions when even more service could be rendered: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 28, 1863. Professor LOWE, Chief of Balloon Department: PROFESSOR: The general commanding desires you to have your balloon up to-night, to ~ee where the enemys camp-fires are. Some one acquainted with the position and location of the ground and the enemys forces should go up. Very respectfully, PAUL A. OLIVER. Lieuteuant and Aide-de-Camp. BALLOON IN THE Am, April 29, 186310 a. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: The enemys line of battle is formed in the edge of the woods at the foot of the heights from opposite Fredericksburg to some distance to the left of our lower crossing. Their line appears quite thin compared with our force. Their tents all remain as heretofore, as far as can be seen. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. 12 i~i. The enemys infantry are moving to our right about four miles below our crossing on a road just beyond the heights. The enemy do not appear to advance. T. S. C. LOWE. 1.30 P. M. The enemy are moving wagon trains to their rear. Their force, which is in position opposite our crossing, is very light. I should judge not more than we now have across the river. T. S. C. LOWE. 2.45 P. M. About two regiments of the enemys infantry have just moved forward from the heights and entered the rifle-pits opposite our lower crossing. Heavy smokes are visible about six miles up the river on the opposite side in the woods. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 29, 1863. Professor LOWE, & c.: The major-general commanding directs that one of your balloons proceeds to-night or before daybreak to-morrow to Banks Ford, or vicinity, and takes posi- tion to ascertain with regard to the force of the enemy between Fredericksburg, Bowling Green, and Banks Ford. A signal telegraph is working between here and Banks Ford, by which information can be communicated. It is especially desired to know the comparative strength of the enemys force at Franklins Crossing, and in the vicinity of Banks Ford, and above to the west of Fredericksburg. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. SEDOwIcK, Commanding Sixth Corps: GENERAL: The commanding general desires that you will please have the accompanying communication sent at once to Professor Lowe, who is supposed to be in your vicinity. Very respectfully, & c., ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 311 UNION AUTHORITIES. 311 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 29, 1863. Professor LOWE, & c.: The major-general Commanding directs that your balloon on service near Sedg- wiCks Command be sent up at a very early hour in the morning before sunrise, and that you get a Communication with the signal telegraph to forward to these headquarters the earliest information with regard to the numbers, strength, and position of the enemy. This is not to interfere with the service of the balloon at Banks Ford. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 29, 1863. JAMES ALLEN In Charge of Balloon Washington: You will have your men prepare one or two days rations to-night, and in the morning have the men all ready to cross the river by daybreak. I will meet you where the balloon is now anchored. Very respectfully, & c., T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC Conps, Mr. E. S. ALLEN, April 29, 1863. In Charge of Balloon Eagle: General Hooker desires a reconnaissance made after dark to observe the location of the enemys camp-fires. Also in the morning immediately before daybreak. Great care should be taken to gain all the information you can. Please make a careful report after 9 oclock to-night and soon after daylight in the morning. A high altitude should be attained in order to accomplish the object desired. Be careful you observe the points of the compass correctly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN SEDGWICK: GENERAL: I shall be absent to-morrow morning at Banks Ford and vicinity, and if I may venture an opinion, I thinkit advisable that some engineer or other competent officer be instructed to ascend in balloon Washington from time to time until my return, for the purpose of reconnoitering from Fredericksburg as low down as the commanding general deems necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 29, 186310 p. m. Mr. E. S. ALLEN: The commanding general directs that your balloon be taken to Banks Ford in order to take very important observations before and after daybreak. I will be there at daybreak, but you can commence to take observations should I not be there in time. The best way to go is to follow the signal telegraph. Look out for obstructions, & c., and dont fail, for now is your time to gain a position. Respectfully, & c., T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aer?cmautics, Army of the Potomac. BANKS FORD, April 30, 186310./~5 a. m. Maj. Gen. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, & c.: The balloon arrived at 3 a. in., but since that time have not been able to get an observation until now. The enemy opposite here are apparently not near as stron Page 312 312 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. as they are opposite Franklins Crossing, while opposite United States Ford there appears to be only one camp. I cannot yet see to Bowling Green, owing to the low clouds. The enemys smokes are more numerous than usual in the rear of the heights opposite Franklins Crossing below Fredericksburg. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. BANKS FORD, April 30, 18631.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. BUTTERFIELD, & c.: The enemy opposite this ford occupy three positions from a half to one mile from the river, also opposite what I take to be United States Ford. About five miles up there is a small force. To the left of Banks Ford, commanding the road, the enemy have a battery in position. It is hard to estimate their force, for they are partially concealed in the pine woods, but they are certainly not near as strong as below Fredericksburg. Respectfully, & c., T. S. C. LOWE. 4.45 ~. M. The enemy opposite this place remain the same as last reported. Numerous camp smokes are now arising from the woods, about ten or twelve miles in a south- west by westerly direction. T. S. C. LOWE. HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS, Camp near Falmouth, April 30, 18638.30 p. m. Major General BUTTERFIELD Chief of Staff: GENERAL: After my report at 4.45 this p. m. I came down to General Sedgwicks headquarters and ascended at 7 oclock, remaining up until after dark in order to see the location of the enemys camp-fires. I find them most numerous in a ravine about one mile beyond the heights opposite General Sedgwicks forces, extending from opposite the lower crossing to a little above the upper crossing. There are also many additional fires in the rear of Fredericksburg. From appear- ances I should judge that full three-fourths of the enemys force is immediately back and below Fredericksburg. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. This last report was of much importance, as it gave the command- ing general correct information as to the position of the enemy, and he was enabled to regulate his orerations at Banks and United States Fords accordingly. I was confident that the enemy had brought up reserves from Bowling Green and the Junction, and this induced me to hasten to Franklins Crossing to take an observation there the same evening, although I was considerably exhausted from having been up all the previous day and night. I also concluded from General Hook- ers movements that the enemy would learn them, and probably move up the river the next morning. I accordingly sent the following order to an assistant in charge of the balloon at Banks Ford, and to this and the reports I made on the following morning I would call attention. APRIL 30, 1863. Mr. E. S. ALLEN in Charge of Balloon Eagle, Banks Ford: Commence observations at daylight to-morrow morning, and look out for the enemy moving on the roads, either up or down, and report by telegraph, having your dispatch sent to General ~I{ooker at United 3tates Ford, and to General Sedgwick, Franklins Crossing. Be sure of the correctness of your reports, and report promptly. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. The following eight dispatches were of the greatest importance, and especially when it is considered that all of these movements were ou Page 313 UNION AUTHORITIES. 313 of sight of all but th~ observer in the balloon, and the information could not have been obtained in any other way: BALLOON IN THE AIR, Major-General SEDOWICK, May 1, 18639.15 a. m. Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Heavy columns of the enemys infantry and artillery are now mov- ing up the river accompanied by many army wagons, the foremost column being about opposite Falmouth and three miles from the river. There is also a heavy reserve on the heights opposite the upper crossing, and all the rifle-pits are well filled. T. S. C. LOWE. 9.80 A. M. Still another column has just started from opposite the upper crossing, but not those mentioned as reserved in my last dispatch. They are moving with great rapidity. T. S. C. LOWE. 10A.M. A column of the enemy are now crossing a small run that empties into the Rappahannock at Banks Ford. One of the columns that left from opposite here required thirty minutes to pass a given point. The balloon at Banks Ford is continually up. Long trains of wagons are still moving to the right. T. S. C. LOWE. 11 A. M. I can see no earth-works on the Bowling Green road. I should judge that the guns had been taken from the earth-works to the right of Fredericksburg. Another train of wagons is moving to the right on a road about one mile from beyond the heights opposite Franklins Crossing. The enemys barracks opposite Banks Ford are entirely deserted. The largest column of the enemy is moving on the road toward Chancellorsville. The enemy on th opposite heights I judge considerably diminished. Can see no change under the heights and in the rifle- pits. I can see no diminution in the enemys tents. T. S. C. LOWE. 12.30 i. ~. In a west-northwest direction, about twelve miles, an engagement is going on. Can see heavy smoke and hear artillery. In a west-southwest direction, about four miles, artillery is moving toward the engagement. A large force of the enemy are now digging rifle-pits-extending from Deep Run to down beyond the lower crossing just by the edge of woods at the foot of the opposite heights. There are but few troops in sight now except those manning batteries and in the rifle-pits. There appears to be a strong force in the rifle-pits. T. S. C. LOWE. 2.15 P. M. The enemy opposite here remain the same as last reported. Immense volumes of smoke are arising where the battle is going on opposite United States Ford. A large force must be engaged on both sides. This would be a good time for some staff officer to ascend, if it is desirable to you. T. S. C. LOWE. 2.45 r. 31. The enemy are throwing up earth-works for artillery on a little rise of ground at the foot of the height about 300 yards from Deep Run. T. S.C. LOWE. 3.45 r. 31. The smoke from the battle appears to be in the same position, but in much lighter volumes. Everything opposite here remains the same. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac Page 314 314 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 2, 18635.15 a. m. Professor LowE: Please get up your balloon at once and let me know the position of the enemys troops. DANL. BUTTERFIELD Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 1, 1863. Professor LOWE: Add to former dispatch and notice any movements toward Sedgwicks. D. BUTTERFIELD Major-General. GENERAL SEDGWICKS COMMAND, May 2, 18636.15 a. m. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, & c.: The troops opposite this place remain in the same position as last evening. Owing to the high wind now prevailing I am unable to use a glass sufficiently to see whether there is any movement on the roads between here and the battle- ground of yesterday or not. I will examine them the first opportunity and report. Respectfully, & c., T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 2, 18637.30 A. M. I have just obtained a tolerably good view of all the main roads beyond the heights and toward Chancellorsville, but could see no troops or wagon trains on them. The enemy opposite remain in the same positions, apparently without any increase. Respectfully, & c., T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 2, 18637.45 A. M. General BUTTERFIELD, & c.: Heavy cannonading has just commenced in a westerly direction about twelve miles. The enemy are shelling our troops opposite here. T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 2, 18638.15 A. M. Professor LOWE: Has the enemys force decreased any? DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General and Chief of Staff. 8.30 A. M. I cannot say that the enemy have decreased, but they do not show themselves quite as much this morning, and I can see no reserves on the opposite heights. T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 2, 186312 M. Professor LOWE: Why is not the balloon up, and why do we not hear from it? DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General. 12.30 P. M. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, & c.: GENERAL: I have made several efforts to ascend, but found the wind too high and could not use the glass. It is getting calmer now, and I will try again. T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 2, 18631.05 ~. M. The enemy remain the same opposite this point, and no movement is visible on ~ny of the roads seen from the balloon. The wind continues so fiawy that the balloon was blown from a thousand feet elevation to near the earth. T. S. C. LOWE Page 315 UNION AUTHORITIES. 315 3.15 p M. A brigade of the enemy left from opposite the upper crossing fifteen minutes since, and crossed Deep Run, and is now moving to the right toward Banks Ford. They have also disappeared from opposite our extreme left, below the lower crossing. T. S. C. LOWE. 3.45 P. M. The enemys troops that I saw moving to the right took the Plank road in the rear of Fredericksburg. T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 2, 18634.15 p~ M. The enemy have entirely withdrawn their advanced line, with the exception of a small picket force. T. S. C. LOWE. 5.30 P. M. Nearly all of the enemys force have been withdrawn from the opposite side. I can only see a small force in the neighborhood of their earth-works. I cannot at this time get a sufficient elevation to tell what roads they take, but should judge by the appearance of army wagons moving to the right that the troops are moving that way also. T. S. C. LOWE. SIGNAL STATION, May 3, 1863. Professor LowE: I am directed to inform you that your reports can be forwarded to headquarters Army of Potomac by telegraph. The station is where it was yesterday. Your reports to General Sedgwick can be forwarded by flag signals from station on bluff, immediately in front. With great respect, your obedient servant, F. WILSON, First Lieutenant, in Charge Telegraph Station. At 6 a. m. I was called upon by an aide, who said the general desired me to make a close examination of the enemys position, and to point out his strongest and weakest points along the line of earth- works about Fredericksburg. The following was my report: MAY 3, 18635.15 A. M. Major-General SEDGwIcK, and General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: The enemy have apparently increased their force during the night, and appear again at the foot of the opposite heights. There does not appear to be as many, however, as yesterday morning. T. S. C. LOWE. 7.15 A. N. Major-General SEDGwIcK, and General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: The enemys infantry is very light along the whole line opposite here, and especially immediately in the rear of Fredericksburg. I can see no troops moving this way on any of the roads. Heavy cannonading has just commenced on the right toward Chancellorsville. T. S. C. LOWE. Our troops were immediately concentrated in front, and at 11 oclock the point reported by me to be the weakest was charged and very handsomely taken. I do not believe that any other point could have been taken by the same number of men Page 316 316 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 4, 1863192.20 p. m. Professor LOWE, & c.: The commanding general wishes to have one balloon sent to United States Ford, inflated if possible. What answer shall I make to the general? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. In answer to the above dispatch I informed the general that I had but two balloons fit for use, cue at Banks Ford and the other at Fredericksburg, and that I would move whichever one to United States Ford he should direct. As it was necessary to know what movements the enemy were making in their rear, and the two places mentioned being the best for observations for that purpose, the general returned the following order: UNITED STATES FORD, May 4, 1863. General WILLIAMS: Leave the balloons for the present where they areFredericksburg and Banks Ford. J. HOOKER, Major-General. MAY 4, 186312 M. Generals SEDGwIcK and BUTTERFIELD: The enemy that entered the earth-works in the rear of Fredericksburg still remains. They also have considerable infantry and some wagons with their artillery on the heights to the left of Hazel Run. A portion of General Sedg- wicks command occupies a position to the right commanding the enemy. I should estimate the enemy to be now in sight at least 15,000 strong. T. S. C. LOWE. 6.15 P. M. Generals HOOKER and SEDGWICK: The enemy are advancing in large force to attack o1ir forces on the right of Fredericksburg. 6.50 P. M. The enemy are engaged in full force and driving our forces badly. MAY 4, 18637.30 P. M. The enemy have driven our left with a large force and have possession of the river opposite Falmouth. T. S. C. LOWE. MAY 5, 186310.45 A. M. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: I am unable at this time to see any movements of the enemy except some wagons moving up and some down the river. The enemy in force appear to hold all the ground they gained yesterday. T. S. C. LOWE. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 7, 1863. Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK. Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: The heavy storm of the 5th and 6th instant caused the loss of the entire gas from one balloon, partially from the other; also destroyed ten carboys of acid and four barrels of iron trimmings. I would therefore respectfully recommend that 100 carboys of acid and twenty barrels of iron be at once ordered by telegraph. I remain, very respectfully, & c. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac. Shortly after sending the above to Captain Comstock I called on him personally, relative to putting in order several balloons whic Page 317 UNION AUTHORiTIES. 317 needed repairs, and also to learn what decision had been made rela- tive to my communication of April 12, 1863. Captain Comstock informed me that he would select the person to superintend that busi- ness(the delicate one of putting balloons in order.) He also informed me that the terms were indicated in his indorsement on lily communication. I informed him that was not satisfactory, and inas- much as I had given notice on the 12th of April that I could not serve on the terms he named, and as the battle was now over, I wished to be relieved, provided it was a suitable time; to which Captain Comstock replied that if I was going I could probably be spared bet- ter then than any other time. I received pay up to April 7 inclusive, and came to Washington. On the 8th I received the following dispatch, which is an indication that General Hooker was not informed of the change that had been made in the aeronautic department. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TH~E POTOMAC, May 8, 1863. General Hooker sent one of his aides over at 10 a. m. to tell you to have two balloons up, and to keep them up all the time. I informed the aide that you had left the Army of the Potomac. Will you not write Hooker? J. F. GIBSON. CONCLUSION. I have endeavored in this report not only to furnish a complete account of my own operations in connection with the military service, but to present all the essential facts for the use of the historian of this war relative to the introduction, use, and results of aeronautic observations. I feel assured that whatever may be the estimate of my own services, it will redound to the honor and credit of President Lincoln and his Administration that they have availed themselves of every means to crush this rebellion which loyal minds could devise or loyal men be willing to execute. The details I have presented all have their significance when taken in connection with other facts relative to the conduct of the war known to the military authorities; and I have on this account, as well as from the entire novelty of the history, not thought it advis- able to condense or abridge this report to a greater extent. In conclusion, I would briefly state a few of the most important matters which deserve consideration. First. The Government decided to introduce my system of aeronaut- ics into the serviceonly after satisfactory experiments and practical tests had proved its importanceand it has been continued in con- stant use for two years under various generals, which would not have been the case had not experience demonstrated its utility, and the truth of all I originally claimed for it. Second. Without wishing to disparage others, I may safely claim that my improved balloons and apparatus, including the portable gas generator (which are entirely my invention), are the only ones which are found to be adapted to the wants of the army service, and that I have done more to perfect the system, and to render it efficient and reliable than all who have been engaged in the art since the experi- ments of Guy Lussac in 1784. To gain this knowledge has cost me many years hard labor and nearly $30,000 in money, and for which the United States Govern- ment alone is daily reaping the benefits Page 318 318 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Third. During the whole period of my employment I have devoted all my mental and physical energies to secure the success of the enterprise. I have never shrunk from the discharge of my duty, however hazardous, and holding no commission, I have often beeii perplexed and put to inconvenience in doing the business of the aeronautic department, which properly belonged to a commissioned officer, but for want of one acquainted with the business was coin- pelled to do it myself. I have also been at all times exposed to the danger of being treated as a spy had I fallen into the hands of the enemy. Fourth. For the first large balloon and apparatus brought to Wash- ington and used in the preliminary experiments for the Secretary of War, and afterward at Falls Church, Fort Corcoran, and other places, I have never received compensation, nor for my labor and time, and expense of keeping a party of men employed for making the aforesaid ex1~eriments. Fifth. It must be evident, without attempt at demonstration, that so novel and peculiar an apparatus as a balloon requires the most careful and trustworthy management and the most skilled and experienced observers. Having had more practical knowledge and greater experience in this business than any one else, I respectfully submit that the compensation I have asked and received has been small in comparison with the services performed. Sixth. The plans I have proposed are calculated to be of great value to the Army, and if proper facilities were afforded most important results could be obtained. Instead therefore of any curtailment of the aeronautic department I would most respectfully recommend its being permanently adopted as an arm of the military service, with established positions. and regulations for those connected with its management. The persons to be selected for this service should be those tested in the field, and found to be the most reliable and experi- enced, who can instruct others when required. For want of proper facilities and persons capable for the service I have been unable to propose an extension of the balloon service to all parts of this army. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut. P. S.Since completing this report I have obtained a copy of the Prince de Joinvilles narrative of the Peninsular Campaign, from which I extract the following: Page 47: The shells from the rifled guns flew in all directions with a length of range which had not before been suspected. The accuracy of their fire forced us to abandon all the signal posts we had established in the tops of the tallest trees. The balloon itself, whenever it rose in the air, was saluted with an iron hail of missiles which were, however, perfectly harmless. Page 67: Could the Federals meet, with a powerful concentration of troops, that concen- tration which the enemy had effected, and to the reality of which the observa- tions of our aeronauts, as well as the statements of deserters, daily bore witness? Page 72: It bad been built by General Sumner, about half-way between Bottoms Bridge and the most advanced point of the Federal lines, It saved that day the whole Federal army from destruction. NOTE.I have the best of reasons to believe that Sumners Bridge was completed a day sooner than it otherwise would have been by m Page 319 UNION AUTHORITIES. 319 frequent reports that the enemy were moving to the left. (See my dispatches to General McClellan of June 29, 1862, and following with comments.) Page 75: Some time had been lost under the impression that the attack on the right bank might be a feint. An end was soon put to all doubts on the subject by the vehemence of the attack, and by the aeronauts who reported the whole Confeder- ate army moving to the scene of action. It was then that Sumner received the order to pass the river with his divisions. NOTE.See my dispatches of May 31 and June 1 with comments. Page 86: The presence of Jackson at Hanover Court-House proved that he intended to attack our communications, and cut them off by seizing the York River Railway. The maneuver was soon put beyond a doubt. A considerable body of troops were seen to leave Richmond, move in the direction of Jackson, and execute that movement to turn us, the danger of which we have already pointed out. NOTE.The above information was given in my reports of the 26th and 27th of June, 1862. T. S. C. LOWE. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 165. Washington, June 5, 1863. Under the law of 17th July, 1862, and Regulations of the Treasury Department in conformity therewith, the following rules for the ren- dition of accounts of the Quartermasters Department are established, and all regulations inconsistent therewith are revoked. 1. All officers of the Quartermasters Department who receive public money which they are not authorized to retain as salary, pay, or emolumuent, shall render their money accounts monthly, mailing or forwarding them addressed direct to the Third Auditor of the Treasury, at Washington, within ten days after the expiration of each successive month. The accounts and vouchers to be thus rendered are: Forms Nos. 10 to 22 inclusive, and Nos. 48 to 50, of the Revised Regulations of the Army. These accounts and vouchers are to be made up in duplicate; one copy of each to be retained by the officer for his own protection, the other copy to be forwarded, as above required, direct to the Third Auditor, and not to the Quartermaster-General. 2. Whenever an officer ceases, from any reason, to be a disbursing officer, he will immediately render his final accounts, with vouchers, to the Third Auditor. 3. Monthly reports and property returns will be forwarded not to the Treasury, but direct to the Quartermaster-General. They will all be rendered monthly instead of quarterly, and will be mailed or otherwise forwarded within ten days after the expiration of each successive month. The returns to be thus rendered are: Forms Nos. I to 9, INos. 23 to 46, and Nos. 51 to 52, Revised Regulations. The returns Forms Nos. 23 and 51, should always be made out in triplicate; all the other papers in duplicate only. One complete set of these returns, with vouchers, should be retained by the officer for his own protection; the rest to be sent to the Quartermaster-General. It will be observed that two copies of the returns, Forms 23 and 51, will thus be forwarded to the Quartermaster-General, of which one only will be accompanied by abstracts and vouchers Page 320 320 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 4. Officers who are not doing duty as quartermasters, who are not disbursing money, but who are responsible for public property received from the Quartermasters Department, such as horses, clothing, camp and garrison equipage, & c., will only forward to the Quartermaster- General the monthly returns of the property for which they are accountable, accompanied by vouchers. This includes company commanders, who should hereafter transmit their returns of clothing and other quartermasters property to the Quartermaster-General monthly, instead of quarterly. 5. All officers doing duty in the Quartermasters Department arc also required to make out and forward to the Quartermaster-General on the first day of each month a personal report, giving their post- office address and a statement of the duty upon which they have been employed since their last report. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] WAR. DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, June 6, 1863. On the application of a provost-marshal for military aid in the per- formance of the duties imposed on him by law, the commanding officer of a military department will furnish such force as he may deem nec- essary. If he cannot supply the force asked for, or does not deem it necessary, he will immediately so inform the provost-marshal in order that the latter may properly advise the Provost-Marshal-General. By command of Major-General Halleck: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 1~56. Washington, June 6, 1863. The allotment commissioners appointed by His Excellency horatio Seymour, Governor of New York, under the act of the Legislature of the State of New York to promote enlistments, passed the 17th of April, 1863, are hereby recognized by the War Department as on equal footing with the allotment commissioners of the United States in all armies, detachments, and posts; and all commanders, paymas- ters, and officers in the service are directed to respect and treat them accordingly. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., Pnov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 18. Washington, D. 0., June 6, 1863. 1. All requisitions for clothing, camp and garrison equipage, arms, & c., for the companies of the Invalid Corps must be made on the usual printed forms of the departments, and will state, both on the indorsement and on the inside, that they are for the use of the Invali Page 321 UNION AUTHORITIES. 321 Corps, and will include the necessary company books, blanks, records, & c., required by the General Regulations of the United States Army for companies of infantry. 2. The acting assistant provost-marshals-general of States will immediately make their requisitions for a first supply in quantity equal to the number of companies assigned them in Circular No. 13 from this office, and will make requisitions from time to time on the proper bureau to meet further wants. 3. The companies of the First Battalion will be armed with muskets, according to the pattern furnished by the Ordnance Department. The requisitions will therefore cover the necessary equipments and ammunition, at eighty rounds per man, for a company of infantry of eighty rank and file, the sergeants to have swords. It is assumed that the First Battalion will equal in strength the Second and Third Battalions together. 4. The Second and Third Battalions will be armed with swords. Requisitions for these companies will therefore be made for swords and belts, according to pattern to be furnished by the Ordnance Department. JAMES B. FRY, Provost -Il ifarshal- General. HEADQUARTERS PROVOST-MARSHAL, TWENTY-FOURTH DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA New Brighton, June 6, 1868. Col. J. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General, Washington, D. U: SIR: I have the honor herewith to inclose you a copy of a letter yesterday received from W. G. W. Day, a gentleman left in charge of the enrollment in Greene County. You will observe that a combined resistance to the enrollment has occurred in one of the townships of that county, and I fear the trouble is of some magnitude. Yesterday (on receipt of Mr. Days letter) Captain Cuthbertson, the provost-marshal for this district, proceeded to Greene County, taking with him from Pittsburg twenty-five men of the provost guard. The intention of Captain Cuthbertson is to promptly arrest the persons engaged in this combined resistance, and we think that by prompt and efficient action further trouble may be avoided. Hoping the steps taken by Captain Cuthbertson will meet with your approval, I am, very respectfully, G. S. BARKER, Deputy Prov. Mar., Twenty-fourth Dist. of Pennsylvania. [Inclosure.] WAYNESBURG, June 2, 1863. BOARD OF ENROLLMENT, 24TH DIST. OF PENNSYLVANIA: GENTLEMEN: I am sorry to inform you that the enrollment is not going on pleasantly in Greene County. In Dunkard Township, the hotbed of copperheadism, there is trouble. Mr. Alexander, the enrol- ling officer of that township (who, by the way, is a very good man, shrewd, calm, and resolute, and a business man withal), has been forced to abandon the township. I could not get a man in the township to undertake the enrolling. 21 R RSERIES III, VOL II Page 322 322 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. Mr. Alexander had taken it under the first arrangement and got through one township without any difficulty. But yesterday he was in Dunkard and they raised a company and defied him and made him leave; just blocked him up so that he could not do anything, and there is trouble brewing in other townships. Their plea in Dunkard is that there was a draft made and never enforced. There are seven men there now who have skulked the draft. I am satisfied, and so are the best citizens, that force mnst be used. There are about three townships which will be troublesome. Something must be done soon or they will have the thing all in their own hands. Yonrs, W. (4. W. DAY. WHEELING, VA., June 7, 1863. Col. J. B. FRY, Provost-Marshal- General: SIR: I have the honor to state that the discussion of the expedi- ency of enforcing the enrollment act in Western Virginia was not provoked by me. The letters upon the subject obtained and for- warded were procured at the especial request of State officials. I will at once take steps to procure from leading men in each district rec- ommendations for members of the boards of enrollment, as directed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. DARR, JR., Major and Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 235. ~ Washington, June 8, 1863. * * * * * * * 38. The order by letter from the War Department of July 22, 1862, under which Hon. J. H. Lane was appointed commissioner for recruit- ing, Department of Kansas, with power to raise troops, is, at his request, hereby vacated and annulled. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., PRov. MAR. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 19. Washington, D. U., June 8, 1863. I. Paragraph 11, page 3, Regulations for the Government of the Bureau of the Provost-Marshal-General of the United States, is hereby amended so as to read as follows: Provost-marshals are directed to appoint a deputy provost-marshal for every county in their district, except for the county in which the district headquarters are located. These deputies should be selected with care, and should be men suited for the performance of the duties which will devolve upon them. They should acquaint themselves thoroughly with the county and the people in it, and should be able to secure the arrest of all deserters now in their counties, as well o Page 323 UNION AUTHORiTIES. 323 those men who may become deserters by failing to answer the sum- mons of the provost-marshal in case of draft. The pay of a deputy provost-marshal shall not exceed $100 per month. II. Paragraph 12, page 3, of same Regulations, is so amended as to read as follows: Special officers or agents for detecting and arresting deserters or spies may be employed when necessary; but not more than four shall be employed in a district without the approval of the Provost-Marshal- General. Their names must be reported and the amount of compen- sation proper to be allowed must be recommended. They may be paid, & c. * * * III. Returns required by Forms Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10 will hereafter be made quarterly instead of monthly. A careful study of these and all other forms is recommended as all returns and papers must be in strict accordance therewith. Any failure, even in a slight degree, to conform to them will result in a return for correction of such papers. IV. Provost-marshals are reminded that parties themselves must sign all receipts, the Government not recognizing the signature of one party for another, unless a power of attorney in each case accompany such signature. Where employ~s are not present at the headquarters of a district to sign the receipt rolls (Form 17) their accounts may be made on separate vouchers (Form 18), but no accounts will be paid unless the name of the person be borne on Form No