watered Governnwmt sswnrttlw bwrta* ,u Mr coni. BODHTIES FOB DESTRUCTION OF ENBMIKS 1 VES- Vha 4th section of the “Act fnr He bailor KOTsrnmeal of the navy,” approved July 17 1853. provides 44 that a bounty shall be paid by the United States for each per son on board any ship or vessel-of-war belonging to ail enemy at the commencement of an engage me at, whloh *ball be,sunk or otherwise destroyed in. such engage ment by sny ship or vessel belonging to the United States, or which it may be necessary to destroy In con sequence of injorje* sustained in action, of onehundred dollars. If the enemy’s vessel waSof inferior force; and of two hnnlred dollars, if ofequal or superior force; to be divided among the officers and crew in tne same manner .hs pri/.e money. * Since me enactment of this law there have been re peated cases in whloh the right to the bounty has ac •crued to the officers and crews of vessels 01 the navy, paiticularly on the Western waters; but there beiug no appropriations to which tbe expenditure could prooerly be charged, the claims to tbe bounty have remained un settled. and the just expectations ofthbse entitled to the lev?aid have been disappointed. The amouut nece-sary to pay tbe claims which Kaye accrued would probably not exreed $260,000; and it Is desirable that au early pro vision be made for the payment of this just debt. In the event of an appropriation fir the purpose, a board will bo appointed by the Department for tbe examination of tie claim*, or they may be ascertained In any other manner which Congress may be pleased to direct. PRIZE LAW. Tbe interest of tbe naval servioe in tho distribution of prize money, and tbe duties imposed by law upjuthis Department iii that connection, nave necessarily drawn its * ttentlon to the present nata of our legislation upon the whole sulmct It is not doubtful, in my judgment, that acme modification of existing laws, and roms ad ditional Irgiruation in jelattou to prize proceedings, and the distribution of the proceeds of prizes, are necessary. The sovsi a l statutes now in force upon the subject ap pear to have been, in some of, their provisions, hastily dTAvn, and they certainly fail to embody and carry Into effect, with due promptness and convenience, a con sistent l.nd well-defined Public policy. It .is my pur pose, at an early day, to communicate to Congress, through its appropriate committee, the views which I tutejt&in as to tbe defects of our present laws in relation to prizes, and to suggest snob remedy in legislation as the interests of the pablic service soetn to require. FLEET ENGINEERS AND I 1 A - *'MASTERS. The large increase of our naval force, and the organi sation and size of squadrons, have made it necessary to detail certain officers to duty for which no legal pro* ■vision! asbteu made Bythe act of 1828. theappolnt cneut of ft surgeon of a fleet was authorized. At that time there was not a steam vessel In the navy, whereas, we have now few others, Under this change the neces sity of a fla** engineer is, to iay the least, quite As urgent he that of fleet surgeon. A fleet paymaster Is also re quired for each of the > quadrone, and will contribute to true economy, aud the correct management of the finan cial and property accounts of the squadrons. As the ex- Srees legal authorization of these officers, who are now ©tailed by regulation of the Department, will cause no increase of salary, 1 would invite the required legislation to sanction the appointment of a fleet engineer and fleet paymaster for the respective squadrons. The appointments of notice assistant paymasters pro vide for an existing necessity; but It will be advisable to increase the corps of regular paymasters above the present limited number, either now or ou the general reorganization which must take place at the close of hostilities. MARINE CORPS. Difficulty has been experienced in keeping tip a fall complement of marines in consequence of the hitch, bounties paid for army recruits Manv whose time has expired, though, preferring to remain with their old corps* have been induced, by extraordinsry bounties, to enter the army. It has not been the policy of this De partment to resort to the system of bounties, for either the marine or naval service, but circumstances may render it necessary. The Colonel Commandant recommends that the corps, which, when full, consists of three thousand nuu, should be increased--to-« iK ~~^ttwnreund. live hundred. rrouia not be an undue proportion to the ■' naval increaae; but a large portion of the vessels now in commission are of a description that do not require a marine guard. If, therefore, the corps were full, the present number would probably fee sufficient for present requirements. On a few important occasions a battalion has been detailed for army duty; bat the want of equip- JEQntS and Other causes render tbeir employment in a service to which they are not drilled, and to which they do not belong, a question of doubtful expediency. It is a question, indeed, whether it would not be better in every rospect to attach the corps permanently to the navy or the army, and make it exclusively subject to the control of one or the other branches of service, Ihstead of occupying an equivocal position as regards both The discipline of the corps la excellent, and among its officers are some who would do credit to any servioe. It is earnestly recommended by the Colonel Commandant that justice to the corps requires that its chief should hold corresponding rank with other officers who have like command. I have, heretofore, respectfully sub inltted this subject to the consideration of Congress. coast Susy**. It is due to the officers connected with the Coast Survey that the assistance which they have girea. to our squad rons should be acknowledged The value of the in formation which they have famished our blockading /orcee throughout the war cannot be overestimated. Not only on the coast, hut on the great interior rivers, they •have aided the service, and promoted its efficiency aud its inteliigei.t action. Rear Admiral Porter expresses his great obligation to a small coast-Burvey party that accompanied the Mississippi squadron, for the maps and sketches which were used by him, aod consulted by the army officers iu guiding ther operations. They were constantly employed in delineating the face of the country, gaining topographical and hydrographical knowledge, compillig maps, and sketching when the maps were found to be erroneous. The squadron would been sometimes embarrassed without them. War oinnot be successfully carried on without good maps, anfcthe general or admiral who has the best charts will havetai Advantage which will go far to Insure success. LIGHTS AND SIGNALS AT SEA. With fllavletrof preventing collisions*atsea, some iillm nl 1 11 nn ll«n*j|iliTir[ii ii i mm n(i nave been made in the description of lights and signals to be used, and also in the rules and regulations to he observed by sea-going vessels when approaching each other. Heretofore, there hastnotbeen uniformity in these respects, aud dis asters have been the consequence. In order that the law and practice may be universal among maritime na tions. the G overnments of Great Britain and France pre pared a set of rules and regulations, which have been submitted to the various maritime Powers, and to which the attention of&his Government was invited the early part of Ihe present year. These rules, being very nearly thete which had governed the usage of sea-service, in sanctions were Issued to our naval officers to conform to them. But these instructions are mere departmental re gulations. and do not extend to vessels in the merchant service. In order to carry them into effect, and give them the force of International maritime law some le gislative tar ction seems to be necessary. It is alio de sirable these rules should apply to vessels in the mer chant service, and all vessels on our rivers and inland waters sh . uld be-required to conform to them. DEFENCE OF PORTSMOUTH NAYT YARD. The exposed condition of the navy-yard* and public property at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, requiring pro tectlon, andtheiehaving been no garrison for tha de fence of that place, additional measures to insure its .safety became necessary. Eleven eight-inch guns were actordintJy mounted on the old breastworks on Seavey’s island, inlftrontof thenavy yard, and five guns of the same calibre in the yard itself; and, as there were no marines ot soldien to man them, one hundred contra bands were enlisted at Fortress Monroe, and sent North for that purpose. They are in charge of naval officers, and are being drilled in the use of heavy ordnance. THE BAINBBIDGB. Followir g tbe practice in similar cases heretofore, and with a view to such action as Congress may deem pro per, I take this occasion of bringing to your notice, and that ol the country, the loss of the United States brig Bainbiidge. This brig, under command of Acting Master T. J. Dwyer, sailed from Hew: York on the 14th of Au gust,.for Port Royal, South Carolina, and from the state ment of one of her crew, who was picked up at sea, and oiumed to be the only survivor, 1 the unfortunate vessel capsized in a gale off Cape Hatteras, on the 21st of Au gust. No farther tidingß of the brig, or those who were onboard of her. having been received, and in view of the time that has elapsed, there stems to be no doubt of herloes with all on board, except the seaman referred to. It rests with Congress to fix a day upon which the vessel shall be regarded as having been lost, iu order that the accounts of those who perished may be properly adjusted, and to make proper provision for the families of those who shared the fate ef the Bainbridge. CONTRACTS. The system 0/making annual contracts under existing lavs, by advertisement sud award to the lowest bidder, is attended with many difficulties and embarrassments, and often with lots to the Government. To a g»eat ex tent the fair aid honest dealer is excluded, or deterred from competition, by the devices of the less scrupulous, who resort to contrivances to evade the law* and secure to themselves the contracts. It is the object of the Go vernment to obtain good articles, at a fair price, and the 1&W8 were it tended to secure this result; but bycombi nations, fictitious bids* proposals from irresponsible per - sous, and various artful schemes, the object of the laws is defeated,and the means which were intended by Con gress to guard the rights of the fair dealer and the public interest are perverted, to the injury of both When proposals are made to furnish the Government with supplies at prices below the market value, as is done in many cases, tie transaction indicates fraud. Contractors do net intend to make losing contracts with the Government, and fair and responsible dealers do not make such proposals. Such men are driven from compe tition by these improper practices. The law. however, permits no alternative bit the acceptance of the lowest offer, regardless of the character of the individual who makes it, or the devices he practites .Were the subject of purchase confided to the respective bureaus, under the sanction of the department, the Go vernment weald. I am confident, be generally.and more economically served. A degree of discretion can be en trusted to those officers, who are men 0! integrity and responsible to the Government, to discharge this duty with fidelity, ADVANCE IN WAGES, Tb e enhanced prices in-every department of business, 2nd even in the necessaries of life, operate with peculiar hardship on many who are in the Government service. In some instances, where theie is a fixed leial compen sation, thecimußstances of thetimsß have so changed values that the remuneration received is scarcely suffi cient for tbe subsistence of those who are in the employ of the Government. The subject ie one that peculiarly address itself to Congress, and it may-be worthy of consideration whetheran advance of twenty-fire per cent, upon their present compensation ought not in these cases to be made, to continue , until one year after the close of the war. In the navy yards, and public and pri vate establishments generally, as large ,or larger ad vance has been made to the mechanics and other em ployees EXPENSES AND ESTIMATES. Tie appreciations made for the fiscal year ending June 80, 16b3, were...... $71,587,052 OS Expenses of tie Department during tie same tide '63,211,105 2? leaving an unexpended balance 0f..58,475,916 82 Tils amount will, howeTer.be absorbed In completion and armament of the -vessels under contract and tie pay. meat of other liabilities incurred prior to the close of the lUcalvear. • .The expenditures hay® embraced, besides the ordinary disbursements for the naval establishment, the conatrac tion in whole or in part, and the repair, of seventy-one iron* clad vessels on the Atlanticiand Western waters, the purchasing, repairs, and alterations of three han dled and sixty vessels, as well as the charter money for the ordinary service, and for the search after piratical vessels on the coast. The estimates submitted for the fiscal year ending June SO, 1665, are as follow*: Pay or the, nayy. 919,453,311 00 Construction and repair of steam, xna chine ry. 39.383.000 00 Construction and repair or vessels ........ 32.576,000 00 Construction of armor-plated sea steamers. 19.600,000 00 ~ laance and magazines.. ■ 8.003,946 00 ' jment of vessels.... 7.540 COO 00 &915,60i3 00 Dim & 389,500 00 Navy yards ax aisrint-corps.. Snrseor&’ neceafiarleß and hospitals TaMeeofnaWg£uion,Bauticalinstttimenta »nd ft a val Academy . 366,873 3! These.estimates aie law, but they are inataeSlS&i% war basis; ana the presint extraordinary coßt of mate rial and labor renders a corresponding increase of esti mates necessary. On the assumption that the war will continue—and no other rule is a safe one—large additions aT ? J t< l bB . ,QHdoto our nayal force, and the hard service to which all our squadrons are suhiectod makes the repair and refitment expensive, ■ HA considerable portion of this expenditure will be an - investment forvaiue received, and the vessels and nro ' perty will remain on hand when the rebellion Khali be suppieseed.. The efficient naval vessels will continue to constitute the armed naval power that will be used to vlndicEte and defend our national rights or may be con sidered an economical investment to insure peace Suoh vessels may not be adapted to naval ocean service can be be Bold to the merchant marine, from which many of them Were procured. Whatever sums may bo expended for docks, yards. buildings, machinery, Ac., will be per manent inyeslmtnU for the country. v M&QWSIO2r 41 Xn concluding, this it is With sincere gratiflca lion that i acknowledge fhe able and efficient aid which i have received in the performance of my official duties.. irom the gentlemen who. in their several grades, hare jo with me In this Department. I hare, on I .?i cc asl o u s. expressed my high appreciation of the f'Vikf2 e lp O Ti be Assistant Secretary and of the. several ot aj^ ll '’.^ lloBo interesting reports are ap -s?s?hio ltlonal experience only confirms this fa -1 commend, also, the faithful and sa xal labors?f a Sm e nm w ! lich th , e largely augmented cieri -liaVff.i?An ti Diriment have been performed. It durinx a ne?i?d nf n i duct i he ftffairs of this Department which f. St ISSi # ‘ r sacrifice, in the course of SKiiFaH™ of thn Z'.M a ? Which challenges the nSwer hot h»B miJE?.’„ h “ not only created a naval Biost ard^ona^a^aflriWn 3 ! applle d that power in the under such circumstance b v oti n v ’all the duties of my position, ancl meetfifp-ali albUiiies to the best of my ahUitv T * rave *6Bpon cheered and SredlJß,teBS2 B #?Srti y navy of the United States haß achieved 0 the hißtorical renown; that it has expanded Sa VoexnamT ing in a measure commensurate with i the country and of the times; that it hasHi* 1 q doing heroic aervice in a great and sa“eil cause and that its force is wielded by a body of offleUnE.VT, Secretary oftho^avV SECBETABY OF WAB’S REPORT. War Department, Dec. fl, 1863 Mr. .President: A general summary of the military of the past year is furnished, by the General ' ln-Chief, herewith submitted. A list of the detailed official reports that have been re turned to this Department by the geaeraU commanding also accompanies this report. The influence of these operations in suppressing the rebellion, and restoring r the authority of the General Government, cannot be ■ overestimated. The victories of Sroae river and of Get t the operations before Vicksburg and Port Had . son, the occupation of East Tennessee, the battle of •Ghlokamansai and recent splendid successes before Chat tanooga, and other engagements of less note, are events 'that evines skill, courage, and loyal patriotism, and a brilliancy of military achievement by the forces of the United States unsurpassed in any age, while the Use fortunate battles of Fredericksburg and ChancelloryUle„ manifested the spirit and fortitude of onr troops in a do jiree worthy of the highest admiration. By the reduction of Tlcksburg and Port Hudson, the navigation of the Mississippi river has been opened, and the national commerce is rapidly and securely returning to that great highway of the continent. The rebel terri tory has been cut in twain; the States west or the Mtßais alppl no longer furnish their ample supplies to the ro bale, while tne people of those States are showing such signs of returning loyalty, that a speedy, restoration of civil government may confidently be anticipated, f D this view the reduction of stronghold*, the capture of prisoners by thousands, and the anqaisitionof im* cnense stores of munitions of war. are not more imp irt not than the political of tbe great military Acbiovements. The occupation of East Tennessee by the forces under General Burnside, and the operations result ing in the occupation of Chattanooga, and defeat’ of Brag* a army by the forces under General Grant, not only shed lu*tre upon our arms,hut, by affording pro tection to a loyal population, they cannot hut fall greatly • to weaken the rebel strength, and operate strongly In re storing the authority of the Federal Government. The combined operations against Charleston have not yet accomplished all that was expected from them, but the seizure and occupation of Morris Island, br the forces under the command of Gen Gilmore, the redac tion of Forts Wagner end Sumpter, ara exploits in which the skill and gallantry of the offioerS, and the valor of our troops, have been exhibited in a degree of Which the country is justly proud. In the State of Texas the flag of the Union has, daring the whole war. beon upheld by a small force at Frank lin, so the rebels have never succeeded in wholly ex cluding the Federal authority from that State. The large force unoer Gen. Banks, now operating in Texai, will afford protection to the loyal peculation, who have long been anxiously looking for sufficient military power to enable them to re-establish the civil government. That . period appears now at hand. the occupation of that state the chief avenue for the rebols for foreign com-- merce and foreign aid is cut off • . , In the Eftit the position, of military affairs has not un dergone material change. In June, the long chorished design of the rebel leaders, to transfer the seat of war from their own territory to the loyal States, was under taken by their favorite commander and their principal army; but the defeat of General Lee by the foroos'unaer the command of General Meade, at Gettysburg, destroyed their expectations, and drove back the enemy to his ac customed shelter in the mountains of Virginia. . The armies of General Moade and General Lee now occupy, relatively, nearly the same position as at the date of my last formal report. The numerous combats and engagements between detachments of these armies have been attended with, perhaps, equal losb on both sides, nnd without material advantage to either. Western Virginia is reported, by the commander of that department, to be now clear of any rebel-force, and the people or that newly organized State are enjoy ing. in comparative peace, the blessings of a civil go vernment. The military operations in toe northwestern department have routed, and, in a great measure, de stroyed the hostile Indians, and now afford protection 10 the peo .do in that region from Indian barbarities. In the department of Missouri the rebel forces have been driven beyond the Arkansas line. *No military opera tors of anv magnitude hav* taken place in the depart ments of Virginia and North Carolina. A threatened siege of Norfolk and Suffolk, by the rebel General Long street, was thwarted by the vigilant energy of General Dix, and a siege of Washington, in North Carolina, by the rebel General mil. proved abortive. The Federal force*is pow tirjnly plr.ntsd in sTcry r*u*l Stato, and there is eviryicdson to hope that, under its protection, the loyal people of those States will soon cast off the yoke of their leaders, and seek, within the Union, that peace and security for life, liberty, and property, which, in blind madness, were recklessly thrown away. The success of our arms, daring the last year, has en abled the Department to make a reduction of over two hundred millions of dollars in the war estimates for-the ensuing fiscal year. In the operations that have been alluded to. prisoners of war to tbe number of about 18,000 have fallen into the hands of the enemy, and are now held by them. From the commencement of the rebellion until the War De partment came into my charge, there .was no cartel or formal exchange of prisoners, but at an early pariod afterwards, a just ana reasonable cartel was made ba tween Major General Dix and the rebel General Hill, which, until recently, was faithfully acted upon by both parties. Exchanges Tinder that cartel are now stopped, mainly for the following reasons: First. At Vicksburg over thirty thousand rebel nriso nere fell into oar hands, and over five thousand more at Fort Hudson.'These prisoners were paroled and suffered to return to their homes until exchanged, pursuant to the terms of the cartel But the rebel agent, in violation of .< the cartel, declared the Vlcksbnrgprisoners exchanged, and without being exchanged. The Port Hudson priso ners, he, without just cause, and in open violation of tho cartel, doctored released from their parole. These • prisoners were returned to their ranks, and a portion of them were found fighting at Chattanooga, and again cap tured. For thisbreach of frith, unexampled in civilized Warfare, the only apology or excuse is that au equal number had been captured by the enemy. But on call ing for specifications in regard to those alleged prisoners, it was found that a considerable number represented as prisoners, were not soldiers, but non-combatants, citi zens of towns and villages, farmeis, travellers, and oth ers in civil lifo, not captured in battle, but taken at their homes, on their fauna, or on the highway, by John Morgan and other rebel raiders, who put them under a sham parole. To balance these men against rebel sol diers, taken on the field, would be relieving the enemy from the pressure of war, and enable Mm to protract the contest to indefinite duration. Second. When the Government commenced organizing colored troops, the rebel leader, Davis, by solemn and official proclamation, announced that colored troops and their white officers, if captured, would not be recognized as prisoners of war, but would be given up for punish ment to the State authorities. These proceedings of the rtbel authorities were met by the earnest remonstrance and protest of this Government without effect. The offers by our commissioner to exchange man for min ana officer for officer, or to receive and provide for our own soldiers, under the solemn guarantee that they should not go into tlio field until duly exchanged, were rejected. in the meantime, well-authenticated statements show that our troops, held as prisoners, were deprived of shelter, clothing, and food, and some have perished from exposure and famine. This savage barbarity'could only have been practiced in the hope that this Govern ment would he compelled by sympathy for the suffering endured by our troops to yield to the proposition of ex changing all the prisoners of war on both sides, and pa roling the excess not actually exchanged. The effect of which operation would be to enable the rebels to put. into thefield anew army of forty thousand strong, pat ting tbe paroled prisoners into the ranks without ex change, as was done with those paroled at Vicksburg and Fort Hudson, and also to leave in the hands of the rebels the colored soldiers and officers, who are not re garded by them as prisoners of war. and. therefore, not entitled to benefit by the proposed exchange. The facts and correspondence relating to this subject are detailed in the accompanying report of Major General Hitchcock, Commissioner of Exchanges. As the matter now stands we have over forty thousand prisoners of war ready at any moment to.be exchanged, man for man and officer for officer, to the number held by the rebels. These number about thirteen thousand, who are now supplied with nod and raiment by this Government and by our benevolent and charitable associations and individuals Two pri» oners. Captains Sawyer and Flynn, held by the rebels, are sentenced to death, by way of a pretended retaliation for two prisoners tried and shot as spies by command of Major General Burnside. Two rebel offi cers have been designated and are held as hostages for them. The rebel prisoners of war In our possession have heretofore been treated with the utmost humanity and tenderness consistent wit a security. They have had good quarters,full rations, clothing when needed, and the same hospital treatment; received by our soldiers. The indulgence of frieidly visits and supplies was for merly permitted, hut they have been cut off since the fbarbarlty practiced against our prisoners became known to the Government. Hit should become necessary for the protection of our men, strict retaliation will he resorted to. Bat while the rebel authorities suffer this Government to feed and clothe our troops held as prisoners, we shall he content to continue to their prisoners in our bauds the humane treatment they have uniformly enjoyed. • The operation of an act of Congress for enrolling and calling out the national forces is exhibited in the accom panylng report of the Provost Marshal General. At the time that the law was enacted it was known to be very imperfect, many intelligent persons considering its execution as wholly impracticable, while but few dared to hope for any important benefit. The law has been enf< iced in twelve States, and it has brought from these States fifty thousand toldiers, and has raised a fund of over ten millions for procuring substitutes. With all its imperfections, it is demonstrated that the act can be made an efficient means for recruiting'our armies and calling out the national forces., 1 he principal imperfections and the required amend ments will be submitted to Congress through the appro priate committee. The most important thing to he con sidered is what is called the 9800 commutation. This feature of "the act has been discussed, and opposing opi nions are nearly balanced as to the operations ana effect of this provision. While some claim that it Is oppres sive upon poor men and favors the rich, others contend that it places the rich and poor on an equal footing, and enables the poor man.to obtain exemption from military duty for a sum within the reach of every one. Without, undertaking to reconcile or decide between • these conflicting opinions, it is certain that this clause of exemption, as it stands, occasions delay in calling out the military force. The drafted man is exempted at the end of a long proceeding by the payment of a sum of money. Supposing that sum to be adequate for procuring a sub stitute, considerable time unavoidably elapses before a competent substitute can be procured. The question whether this clause shall remain or be stricken out re quires the early attention of Congress. The fund of $lO, COO, 000 raised by the act, as commu tation money, is deposited with the United States As sistant Ureasurers, and is being applied to_.irocuring substitutes by the payment of bounties and premiums. Yolunteerir g is going on in some States with much spi rit. The prime importance of filling up the old regi ments, ana the superiority of such force over the new regiments, is'a point on which all military experience and opinions agree The‘bounty paid by the Govern ment is, therefore, limited to volunteers who go into old regiments, or to veteran reglm ents that renew their term of service. To veteran volunteers going into old regi ments the maximum bounty of the Government is paid. The reporii from the armies indicate that a large pro portion of the. troops whose term expires next year will re enlist, it being stipulated by the Government that they shall have at least one month’s furlough before their present term expires. The indications are that the force required will, in a great measure, he raised by volunteering, without draft It is proper to add that the commanding generals bear testimony that the draft ed men who have gone into the ranks against them selves will make good soldiers.. An immediate appro priation for bounties should be made. An Invalid Corps has been organized under the direc tion of Ihe Provost Marshal General In the sanguinary battles and engagements of this war and by camp disease, many officers and soldiers have been disabled for active service, who are yet able to perform duty in garrison, orasdOpbt and prison guards, military police, and in the arrest of skulkers and deserters. To give honorable employment to this meritorious class, who have suffered in the service of their country, and to liberate able-bodied soldiers from duty that can well be performed by invalids, was the purpose in orga nizing this lc now numbers over 20.000 officers and privates, who are fully employed, and this service has increased the strength of the armies in the field,, while by their vigilance desertion from the army has, in a great measure, been checked. The heheflcml re sults anticipated from this organization have been more than realized. For the details in lespect to this orga nization, reference is made to the report of the Provost Maißhal General which is also referred to for details in respect t o the operation of the act enrolling and call ing out the .national forces, and the required amend - meats, • • ■ ■ • Immediately after the President’s emancipation pro clamation, diligent efforts were commenced. and have continued until the present time, for raising colored troops. The Adjutant General was sent to the Mississip pi valley to organize the system there- A bureau to have in charge all matters belonging to such troops was or ganized in the War Department. The report of its chief shows what progress has been made. Over 50,000 men are now organized and in the ranks, and thenumber will rapidly increase £8 our army ad vances into the rebel States.. of these troops baa been retarded fiist by the military operations in pro gress, and second by the removal of the slaves into the interior beyond reach of our recruiting agents. - This obstacle, it is hoped t will soon be entirely overcome Many persons believed, or pretended to believe, and .confidently asserted that treed Blares would, not make good soldiers, that they would lack courage/ and could not he subjected to military discipline; - Facts have shown how groundless were these apprehensions The slave has proved his n an hood and his capacity as an infantry soldier at Hilliken’s Bend, at the assault \ioon Fort Hudson, aqd the storming of Fort Wagner. The apt qualifications of the colored man for artillery service has tong been known and recognized by. the naval ser vice, and the subjoined extract from ah official report - ..shows what he can do in cavalry service. • thirty men of Company A. Ist he Ist Bailalton.' < 4nr2rilS u co nn Bction with fifty a scout up the Yazoo •Vallnv-^Vr° wo ‘* rr '^y-while on !d f T&.2 n ?, lmn , dled Md fifty Sckea n ?nm! 10 J’S7 onoP6 have been aHowed no bounty,and, 1 \ obstruction given by the Department, they can only by the existing law receive the pay of ten dol soldiers being paid thirteen per ‘ y itll c V?Ptlng and a daily ration, there seem in this distinction, and an amendment, authorizing the same pay and bounty S? n,%„ t^ op i l e t c - eiTO » recommended. As soldiers P-Li hfhtmg under its banners and exposing their lives in hattle to uphold,the Government, colored treopsare entitled to enjoy its justice and beneficence The fortunes of war have brought within our lines a large number of colored women, children, and some aged and infirm persons. Their care, support, and pro tection rest a solemn trust upon the Government. Their necessities have, to some extent, been supplied by the order of this department, but a general and per manent system for their protection and support should be speedily adopted by Congress. Even if they are to be regarded ai In some degree a burden upon the Govern ment, theyare a greater loss to the enemy. Every wo man and child, from niae years old to sixty, has to {the rebel planter a high market value. Their labor in the cotton field is a source of profit to him Is it not better that we should reed them, than that they should support . the rebel master who is in ai ms against us ? ~/The reportsofthe several Chiefs of Bureaus in this Department exhibit fully their respective operations during the last year. The Adjutant General reports that the business of his office has greatly increased during the past year by the creation of the Provost Mar shal General’s Bureau, and the Bureau for the organiza tion of colored troops. He recommends—First, tnat the term of enlistment in the regular service be fixed at three year?, instead of five, in accordance with the act of July 29th, 1861, which expired by limitation on the Ist of January, 1£63; Second, that the law regal&ting the payment of chaplains be amended, so as to allow half-pay and rations during absence on leave occasioned by other cause than wounds or sickness, and to fall pay without rations when absent for those causes. A serious evil, arising from the absence of officers from dniy, las, in the past year, been in great part remedied. Two hoards are in session—one at Annapolis and the other at Cincinnati—before one of which all officers who have left their commands, in consequence of ill health, are ordered to appear as soon as they are able to travel. They are to undergo an examination by tbe Board, and are recommended, according to their condition, for light duty, for further leave of absence, or for medical treat ment in a general hospital of the city where the Board is in-session; but if found’fit for duty, the President of the Boasd orders them forthwith to their regiments. The reports of the Boards are a guide to the Adju tant General, in making details for mustering, re cruiting, or other light duty, and in recommenda tions for leave of absence or discharge, where frhe nature of the disability requires, the reports of the boards, when taken in connection with the regimental reports of absent officers, and the surgeons’ certificates from such officers, form, a complete system of accountability for absence from duty. Thespecifled duty of the Ordnance : department is to supply anas and' munitions of war for sea-ccast and frontier fortifications, and for the forces in fwl? e ¥i dkpenditero* for these purposes,, daring . the lafrt fiscal year, amounted to forty-two millions three thirteen thousaud six hundred ana thirty dollars and twenty-one cents (<42.313,630 21 )> .me cannon, small arms, accoutrements, and eauip ments. for men, and horses and ammunition obtained during tie last hecal yeor, by purchase and raanufac ture, wore as follows: One thousand five hundred aud seventy-seven field, siege, and sea-coast cannon, with carriages, caissons, and other implements; one mil lion eighty-two thousand eight hundred and forty one muskets and.rifles for loot soldiers; two hundred and efghtyrtwo thouitand three hundred and eighty* nine (282,389) and pistols for mounted. tTOops; one million one hundred and fifty-one thou sand nine hundred and ninety-five (1,251,995) can nonballs and shells: forty-eight millions seven hun dred and nineteen thomand eight hundred and sixty pounds of lead .and lead, bullets; one million four hundred and thirty-five thousand and- foriy-alx cartridges for artillery; two hundred and fifty.nine millions twenty-two thousand two hundred and sixteen (3f'9.022.2iC») cartridges for sjnaU arms; three hundred and forty-seven millions two hundred and seventy-six thousand four hundred percussion cape; three millions nine hundred and twenty-five thousand three handrad and Bixty-nlne friction primers: fire millions seven hundred and sixtv-fnar thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight pounds of gunpowder: nine hundred and nineteen thousand six hundred ana seventy*six sets of accoutrements for men; ninety-four thousand six hun dred and tbirty-nlns Bets of equipments for cavalry horses, ani three thousand two hundred and eighty one set* of artillery harness—each set for two horses. An immense amount of material has been prepared at the different arsenals nnd works, in metals, woodland leather, in large quantities, aud is advanced towards completion, for the manufacture and repairs of all the various machines aud Implements of war in use In the service, .r The quantities of the principal articles of ordnance ma terials in the control of the Department, at the begin ning of the war, and the quantities of those articles t 'rat have lines been purchased, and tbe quantities of those articles on hand on June 30th, 1863, aro shown in the following table, viz: gSg? p »8 ft'o*: ® ■ go. S^SS' 3 -"gg&3-i« - : SSS|-' t»o*g; gg- o S|ssg|r;l2.&g-:|s“;s !&sE>gj s &3e.g: S-: : gdlc: : : : S fg"?3! ; - : -S , h . 7*o: : : : : y : I; ::: : :: :g:: :: : : : : : • : : : • : • S- : • • i • : Bj» Jr* BSBi£sa§gisaißBBSi £-i tn S tO Mb 3 M I>ro4ttrod ,? l “ c a«m> • . - ’ m g«ga3oicj)td§£}-> h* . .ti)-*® ooq'oiVso-4 tacetn kg&is: UCWO ■ MOiait.osfe*JQ(»r*sl ' 3 I 1 On hand for issue June tipi ojcx t 3 ju otcto 5 I . 30th 1863 I * * The resources of this country for the production of arms and munitions of war have only commenced their de velopment; yet their extent may be inferred from the enormous quantity of supplies shown by the foregoing tabular abstract to have been furnished during the last two years. At the beginning of the war we were com pelled to rely upon foreign countries for the supply of nearly all oar arms aud munitions. Now. alt these thiugs are manufactured at home, and we ara Independ ent of foreign countries, mt only for the manufacture, but also for the material of which they are composed. The excellence of the arms aud ammunition of American manufacture, which have been supplied by the ordnance dopbt to the army, has been so obvious that onr soldiers are no longer willing to use those which have been im ported from other countries. The efforts made during the war to extend and improve the manufacture of arms and munitions have resulted In discoveries of great importance to the country in peace as well as in war. Among the arts thus Improved is the manufacture of wrought iron, now rivaling the qualities of Sweden, Norv. ay, and England, This coun try, until the present year, has relied upon those coun tries for the materia} to make gun barrels, bridle bits, car-wheel tires, and other articles requiring iron of fine quality. The iron of our own production is now supe rior to that obtained abroad A law of 180 S made provision for an annual expenditure of $200,(00 for arming the militia of the States. That sum is insufficient for the wants of the increased popula tion of the country- Two millions should be annually appropriated for that purpose until all the States are sup plied in proportion to their population, with, the same number of arms that have been distributed in some of the States to meet the exigencies of war. From the report of the Chief of Engineers, it appear that the grants made by Congress for fortifications, at its last session, amounted to $5,250,000 for permanent works, and $700,000 for temporary works. These liberal provisions: allowed of very material progress being made upon the Important class of fortifications now un der construction, and of essential modifications being effected in old works,and existing batteries, to obtain largely increased efficiency, by preparing them to re ceive ordnance of greatly increased calibres.: and to store greater bulks of ammunition, with additional se curity Bffordtd therefor. These important objectfl haye been very generally re alized. The difficulties existing iastyearm the procure ment and transportation of materials, and in obtaining the requisite amount of skilled and ordinary labor, hare increased; but these oifficuXties have been surmounted or avoided to such a degree that the general result is very favorable, and our seaboard and border fortifica tions are now in condition to afford a formidable defence decidedly stranger than lastyear. The report of ihe annual Board of Visitors of the Mili tary Academy is herewith submitted. There being no representation from the rebel States in the Academy since the war commenced, there existed accommodation for a considerable number of cadets beyond those fur niehed from the loyal States. There seemed, to be no good reason why the advantages of the Academy should not be enjoyed to the fullest capaoity, and, accordingly, the vacancies were this session filled up by appointments from loyal States, the generals commanding armies being invited to furnish the names of deserving young men from their respective commands, aud in this way the number of cadets allowed by law have been admitted to the advantages of military education m the Academy at West Point. The usual statement, showing ths condi tion in life of the cadets for a number of years past, and a list of the present officers and cadets of the Academy, - accompany the report of the Chief Engineer. ' The operations connected with the survey of the Northern and Northwestern lakes have been actively continued, and during the past season have consisted in a survey of Portage entry, on Lade Superior, and in resuming the survey of Green Bay and its entrance from Lake Michigan; also, of the periodical examination of the channels of tne St. Ol&ir ‘fiats, and of Lake George f or St. Mary’s river. Observations for the determination of geographical positions, of the fluctuations of the ele vation of thesurfacesof the lakes, and of the meteoro logical phenomena are embraced In the operations of the survey The number of lake charts distributed to navi gators to the first of October, 1863, exceeds 24,000, of which over 4. Oft) were distributed the past year. By the direction of this Department, an experienced and Bkuful officer has been detailed to examine and re port wnafc temporary works are required to guard the lake shores from rebel and piratical raids.; The department charged witn tbe disbursement of the funds foranrveys for military defences has, in addition to its current duties, prepared for military purposes (to which their distribution is necessarily restricted) an ag gregate ofS,B4liuftpe. ofwhich6,927 were engraved and lithographed, and 1,914 were photographed. The clothing and equipment of troops, their shelter and transportation, the purchase of wagons, horses, and mules, the suoply of forage, construction, repair, and 1 wvrking of-military roads, and supply of boats for transportation by water, constitute an important part of the duties of the Quartermaster General’s department. _ The detail of these operations, so far as proper for pub lic information, is contained in the Acting Quartermas ter General’s report, and need not here be recapitulated. An adequate supply of mules and horses, aud their sub sistence, are among the most arduous duties of the ser vice. * To systematize this branch with adequate 'supervision and proper economy, so far as practicable, a cavalry bn* reauwas established a few months ago, and is now in operation at Gieseboro. It is believed th&tby this means much improvement may be made with proper dill* gence and fidelity on the part of the officers entrusted with this important duty. The Quartermaster General has for some months been mating a careful personal inspection of his branch of the service in the different military departments, bnt his report has not .yet been received The report of the Commissary General of Subsistence shows that the subsistence Jor the army, with the ex ception of fresh beef and flour, has, in a great part, been procured by advertising for bids.and seiectlngthe low est for suitable articles, in Boston, New York,“Philadel phia, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Louisville, and St. Louis. Flour has. when possible, been procured in the same manner, at points nearer to our armies. Fresh beef has bees obtained in general by contract— sometimes on the hoof ana at other times from the block. On the coast of the and the Gulf, and, for a large portion of the yearrat New Orleans, beef has been frn warded on the hoof from New York. It is believed that at every point the troops have been supplied with an abundance of good, wholesome food, and that if in the movement of the armies a temporary want has been felt, it has not been due to any cause.over which the officers of this department had oontrol.. In addition to the troops, subsistence has .been fur niahed to all prisoners, whether political ;or 'war, and to a large number of contrabands, and to the suffering Union families found by our armies in the rebel States. A great improvement has taken place in the rendering of accounts by officers, although cases of neglect still exiat. The Paymaster General reports that»except when pay ments have been postponed by commanding generals on account of pending operations, the various armies in the field are-substantially paid to the first of October, •1563. the latest period allowable by law and regulation. Funds have been provided and placed in the proper hands for the fall payment of all the troops in the ser vice up to the date mentioned. \ By the report of the acting Surgeon General the De partment is informed that the latest reports received give one hundred and . eighty-two general hospitals, with a capacity of 84,472 beds. . The number of patients remain ing in general hospitals on June 30,1863, was 9.1 per. cent., and in the field 4.4 per cent., of the entire strength of thearmy, of whom 11 per cent, were sick, and 2.5 per cent, wounded. A corps of medical inspectors, and a system of-inspections established, had added materially to the efficiency of medical and hospital service, and marked improvement in all matters of sanitary precau tion and policy are exhibited. Companies of 2d-Battalion Invalid Corps have, in many instances, been advantageously substituted for contract nurses, attendants, and cooks, In the general hospitals, Appropriations are ashed for the payment of washing in those jiOspitals and on transports, as a sufficient num ber of matrons cannot be employed; for the collection and preservation of pathological fpecimenß in the army medical museum, and for the preparation and examina fcionof drugs in connection with the purveying depots. The health of the troops has been good, and the mor tality lees than the preceding year. The Signal Corps was organized under an act of last Congress. The average number of officers on duty is re ported at one hundred and ninety -eight. The full capa city of this branch of the service has not yet been de veloped, and different opinions as to its value seems to bo entertained by the commanding officers. In the com bined land and naval operations it has been eonsidered rueful, and the commanding officers of the Western ar mies have commended it with great favor, The continu ance of the corps is recommended by this Department, with the proper restrictions upon the number of officers, and limiting them to their proper scope of duties . The military telegraph, under the general direction of Colonel Stager and Major Eckert, has been of inestima . ble value to the service, and uo corps has surpassed, and few have equalled, the telegraph operators in dili gence and devotion to their duties. v’: From the superintendent’s report, it appeirs that the mi litary telegraph linos required by the Government have been constructed over au extensive and scattered terri tory, embracing the District of Colombia, parts of Penn sylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, Mrginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi. Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee. Kentucky, and the Indian Territories. UnderWhe immediate direction of Major Eckert, the assistant superintendent of the Department of the Poto - mac, .three hundred miles have been constructed during l the year. ■'Under the -direction of Capt, Smith, the as j sißtant superintendent of the Department of Missouri, 648 miles have been constructed during the year, one mile I of-which is submarine. Under the direction of Capt. ; Bruck, the assistant superintendent of the Departments of the Ohio, Cumberland, and Mississippi, 510 miles have , Of Western Virginia, 97 miles have been constructed s during the same period. Under the direction of Capt. 1 v} e £.l 618 k &n k superintendent of the Department pfthe Gulf, 300 miles have been built, one mile of which ls submarlne. On thelst day of July, 1863, there were 3,571 miles of land and submarine lines in working order During the fiscal year, .1,755 miles of land and sub marine line were constructed, making the total number of miles of land and submarine military telegraph lines in.operation during the year 5.326, being the length of almesnmcienttogirdle more than one-fifth of theclr cumference of the globe. By a close estimate it appears that at least 1.200,000 telegrams have been sent aua re ceived over the military lines in operation during the fiscal year ending June SOth, 1863, being at the rate of about 8,-300 per. diem. The messages are m length from ten to a thousand words and upwards, and generally they were of an urgent or important character. Parsuant to an act of Congress, passed February 16th. 1863, and July 12th, 1862. three commissioners were appointed to examine and report upon all claims arising, under the act of March 26th, 1863, entitled * k An act to secure to officer* and men actually employed in the Western Department, or Department of MißSOuri; their pay, bounty, and pen sion." The sum of one hundred thousand dollars,, or so much as should he necessary, was appropriated bran act passed May 14th, 1882, to pay the claims awarded. The commissioners reported in favor of the claims, amounting to eight hundred thousandsix hundred and twelve, dollars. No power of apportionment being vested in tht Department, further legislation, or a larger appropriation, will be required tg-] carry these actsinto Many claims ere presented to the Department for the - use,of land occupied by the Government as forts, camp ing grounds,: and other public works, for forage and . other property used or injured by the troops. Some of these claims are lust, while others are doubtful, and many are exorbitant or fraudulent. The Department has so mode of investigating them, and no appro priation to pay them. It is submitted that provision should be made by as act of Congress for their speedy adjustmentand payment. Diligent effort has been made for the enforcement of disclpllno, and for the detection of frauds, ana their prevention-and punishment by a summary dismissal, or by the conviction and sen tence of the guilty parties by a court martial and military commission. In this respect much has been accomplished by tbe Judge Advocate General and hie assistants. From- bis report it appears that since the commencement of the rebellion,. vast as has been tbe increase of the duties and labors of his office, there has been no legislative provision enlarging the in strumentalities for their performance. The machinery of the office remains ae when the army consisted but of the ame thirteen t thousand men. This conittion of things is more striking; when it is remembered that in every orhor branch of the military service legislation has kept pace with the wants created by the emergencies of war., It is essential that the force of this o flics should be increased to meet the € merseucies of the service Tz e following is a summary of the business which has been dispatched in the Judge Advocate Generali office from the Ist of September. 1862, to the Ist of November. 1863. a period of fourteen months; The number of records of trials by the general oonns-rnarttal,And which theraili . tary coiatuisbions reviewed, is 17,367; the number of re ports mu and quickly the brig General BasJey caught fire and was destroyed. The flames then crossed to the next piesrwith una bated fury. setting the shipping there an fire, to gether with the stationary barges at the docks, which were loaded with hay. The force of firemen on band, llndiog that they could not check the flames a fresh force arrived upon the ground. Despite- their efforts, the fire keot sweeping on in its devastating-progress. In half an hour all thfi vessels between Perry and Christopher streets (four blocks) wen© on fire. So fierce at one time was the conflagration that tee .houses on WesVitroet, opposite the fire, were threatened with destruction. A number of them were on fire several timsa, but fortunately the fire men succeeded in putting out the names, and tluas saving them. 5 • The fire k still burning. readvde^fo n ye y d Veßßt4B ' ° f dß “ rl l>tt°“«. «e al- The loss cannot faM short of SSOO,QOO. -Labor Positives Shin oh. Dot Gooes, Fcss, Ac'—The early particular attention of dealers is re quested to the attractive and extensive assortment of British, French, Gorman, and American dry Ijbods, furs, Ac., embracing about 800 packages and lots of seasonable, stable, and fancy artlolesi In sot tons, woolens, worsteds, linens, and silks, to bo pa remptorUy sold by catalogue, on four montha 1 oredit, and for cash, commencing this morning at 10 o’olook precisely, to be continued all day and part of this evening, without Intermission, by John B. Myers fc Go., auotIOMSH, Nos, 552»u4 m Market street. ' Pendleton, Perry, Randall S J, Robinson. Rogers, Scott, Stiles.' Strousa, Sweat,* Voorhees. Wadsworth, White O A. White J W, Wood F—lo. NEW YORK. CITY ITEMS. “Get the Beat.” HJCAKINB THEM ALL—OOKFABISOK THB 03J&T TEST. Tho Florknob Sewing Machine Omcfast (General Agency and Salewocms Ifo» .630 Chestnut street) are now offering their celebrated Reversible Feed*Lock and KnobStltch Maohinee to the public as being the meet perfect,' and adapted to more different kinds of work, than anj other Sewing IH»* chine now in nae. Years have been spent in their perfection, as the company were determined not to pat the Machines into market until theycouid BUBtata the assertion which they now make, that they are THE BEST IN THE WORLIfc An intelligent examination of their merits will show that they have accomplished their object. We take the liberty, In this connection, for tho direction of our readers; to append below THE VALUABLE FEATURES OF THE “FLORENCE” OVER ALL OTHER MACHINES, Ist. Its reversible feed, feeding either to the right orleft; its perfect reliability, never skipping stitches,* and the making of four different stitches, for the va lions kinds of work. ' 2d, It 1b almost noiseless; runs very fast % t the change of the feed and* stitch are made whilst the machine is in motion. 3d. It makes the loci* atitoh, which Iras been con sidered heretofore, by an almost universal; verdict, as the only reliable one made. We add-'to that the double lock, which makes it doubly sure y the half and full knot stitches, being a perfect knot to every stitch, whioh is more durable than oan be made by any other machine, or by hand, and in all oases leav ing the stitches on both sides of the wosk alike. The feed may be reversed- at any point desired •urtth&ut slopping the machine. Changes for the various kinds of sutebss-aremade while the machine is in motion. Its stitches are the wonder to all. The beauty of it is unsurpassed. No other covers so large a range of work. Sews light and heavy fabrics with equal? facility, and without change or alteration of tension. The work will feed either to the right or- left. Runs quietly, sews rapidly. . No difficulty experienced in sewing access thick seams. Needle more readily adjusted than im any other maohine. Tailors and Shirt Makers oannot afford, to do with out them. Every family should have a “Florence,” Its motions are all positive. Will last a lifetime. No springs to get eut of order. Is thoroughly practical. The bemmer the most practical in use. Turns wide and narrow hems, and fella beauti fully. It braids neatly and handsomely, without the slightest alteration. The inexperienced find no difficulty in using it. Oils no dresses, all its machinery being on the top of the table. Every machine warranted to substantiate all we claim for it. Baraum’s Self-Sewer, which guides the work it self, furnished with each one of our machines, free of charge. Samples of sewing and descriptive circulars will be sent to any address,' on receipt of stamp. Address Florence Sewing Machine Comp ant, Salerooms, 630 Chestnut street. N. B.—All persons having Sewing Machines, as well as those-who contemplate purchasing, and me chanics especially, are invited to call and examine the merits of the “ Florence,” at our New Store, 630 Chestnut street. Go and See Them in "Operation.—We have heard of a number of cases recently where par ties, before buying Sewing Machines, have visited the different establishments here and witnessed the various machines in operation, which has invariably resulted in a preference for the celebrated Wheeler & Wilson instrument, sold at No. 70i Chestnut street. The plan is a good one, and should be gene rally adopted. The elegant work done by these machines, the ease with which they'are operated, and the simplicity of their mechanical construction, Strike everyone favorably at a glance. Those wish ing to purohase machines for presents should get the Wheeler & Wilson by all means. Go to 704 Chest nut street and see them in operation. We may state in this connection, that the Wheeler & Wilson agency send obliging and competent ladies to teach at the■ residences of purchasers without charge; neither is any charge made by them for keeping the machines they Bell in perfect repair. Ladies’ ami Children’s Furnishing Goods are cut and made In the most fashionable manner, at the shortest notice, at the Wheeler “Sewing Department,” No. 704 Chestnut street. The Great Rush to Obtain Wen deeoth & Taylor's Pictfrbs. Now that the holidays are approaching, the rußh to obtain pictures from Messrs. Wenderoth & Taylor, (for merly Broadbent & C 0.,) the eminent Photogra phers, Nos. 912, 914, and 916 Chestnut Street, is very great; and yet, so perfect are their arrange ments, few, if any, are obliged-to leave disap. pointed. To obtain One pictures at the shortest notice, this is unquestionably the place, for the rea sons, first, that their facilities are more perfect in ail respects for taking pictures promptly, and, se condly, because their plain, untouched Photographs, possess a degree of softness and life-like expression equal to some of the most expensively manipulated pictures. - “The Unionist.”—This is the appro priate title of an elegant new style pffßlick.Feit llavjusr njtruULiceu :;y mr. —vrarnurton, No. 430 Chestnut street, next door to the Post Office, and which, from its grace, convenience; and comfort, no less than its identity, in a modified form, to hiß pa tent Army Folding Hat, which has obtained such a universal popularity among military men, bids fair to become as great a favorite in America as the “Hepublican Hat,” ”Liberty Cap,” and “Kossuth Hat” have at various times been among the nation alities of Europe. “ The Unionist ” has everything to recommend it to gentlemen of taste, and has withal an individuality about it at once significant of the capital name It hears, and 4b every way wor thy of being the National Hat—the civic badge of loyalty—as we believe it is soon destined to become. We may state, m conclusion, that the slightly varied styles adopted by Mr. Warburton in trimming “ The Unionist,” will contribute materially to its popu larity with the civic public. Mb. R. C. "Walborn, Nos. 5 arid 7 North Sixth street, offers as usual the most complete and varied stock of Gentlemen’s Furnishing Goods’in this city, suitable for Holiday Presents. His assort ment of Gentlemen’s Wrappers is particularly ele gant, embracing the richest materials, and made up in his usual-inimitable style. For Presents for Gentlemen this is the place to go to. Ladies will please bear this in mind. Gentlemen’s 'Wrappers, Mufflers, Gloves, Hosiery, and Furnishing Goods, of every description, made in the most approved style, and offered at moderate prices, by G. A. Hoffman, No. 606 Arch street. Present-purchasers should hear this in mind. Messrs. Wood & Cart, No. 725 Chest nut street, have made a large reduction in the prices of all their splendid Bonnets, in anticipation of the close of the Beason. Raisins.—A splendid lot of the celebrated “Crown” brand, just received by Davis A Rich ards, Arch and Tenth streets. An elegant line of Ladies’, Misses’, and Children’s Walking Hats, just opened by Wood & Cary, 726 Chestnut street. -Fbtjits and Vegetables, of the finest quality and in great variety, put up to their own order, for sale by Davis & Richards, Aroh and Tenth streets. A Beautiful Present for Christmas. —The improved Stoat Elliptic Family Sewing Ma chine. Salesroom 721 Chestnut street- deto ist Wili.cox & Gibbs’ Sewing Machines* For Holiday Presents. Faibbanes & Ewing, de9*tf 715 Chestnut streets Fresh Maryland Tomatoes, open and BelliDg by measure, onSmcl after the 12th inrt. Fa milieu, Hotels, and Reataurant, supplied. Thomas Waring, 117 Franklin Market House, Tenth street, below Market. 2i* Housekeepers, and those about going to housekeeping, can Bare from 10 to 15 per cent., bf purchasing their housekeeping artioles at E. S, Faraon & Co.’s Kitchen Furnishing Booms, No. 28 Dock street, below Walnut. 0023-thsm-M. Window Shakes. —W. Henry Patten, the manufacturer, Khades, wholo&e and retail, 1403 Chestnut Btreet. de®-3t Cabinet pBGAn Holiday (lilts. ~ J. E. Oouli), Seventh and Chestnut. Soft Hats, Oaltford’s, Contiaental. Willcox & Ginns’ Sewing Machines, For Holiday Presents. FAIBBANKB-& EWINO, ■dee-tf : 715-Chestnut street. Mbs. Cjasa ft. Landis, M D.‘, ; treats all diseases successfully at the Eleotrc-Hygienlc and Water-Cure Institute, 2207 Gallowhiil street. Dr. Xsndis’ celebrated Eleotro.Magnetic Hot Air Baths are commencing to be appreciated by, all delicate, chilly, and sick persons. Patients rooeived in the house, and offloe practice attended to. The Areh- Btreet ears pass our door. Bev. S. Mi Landis, M, D., consulting physician and surgeon. Geo. Steck & Co.’s Pianos For Holiday Presents. Oakfobds’ Continental Hat Empo rium; Willcox «fe Gibbs’- ' Sewing Maohinhs,. For Holiday presents. Fairbanks Shewing, deMf 715 Chestnut street. Willcox & Giebs’ Sewing Machines, For Holiday Presents. Faiebanbs & Ewing, deS-tf "15. Chestnut street; Cabinet Organs fob Holiday Gifts. J. E. Gounu, Seventh and Chestnut. Oakfokdh’ Hats, Continentai, Hotel. A traveller, "waiting- from Illinois, states that in getting to the place of his destination, he ex peiienced all kinds of goaheaditiveness. In the first place, he took,a steamboat jin the aeeond) the rail road In the third, a maU-eoaeh; the Isuhth, rode OB horseback; the firth, went six miles on foot, to Terre Haute, and was finally rode out ef the village on a rail. Hesays he don’t know whieh to prefer, out of the six, but thinks the latter-method p un questionably the Cheapest, though Sts accommoda tions are most wretched. He -finals brought up at the palatial Clothing emporium 05 Gran villa S token, No. 609 Chestnut street, where hrreplaoed his wo«f out and tattered garments. Geo. BTEC9y& Co.’s Pianos For Holiday Presents. PUBS AT ©AXFOHB3,’ CONTINEtITAX!, The Tontine,—-This oplendid new 8&- . loon, in Seventh street, aboye Chestnut, is enjoying the best favor of the holidays. All are invited to partake of its generous lunch es, fine wines, and appetizing dishes. But lately opened, it has all tho novelty and promise of youth, and' as a firat-oIMS establishment, has few equals of .'he kind. Tho best of oooks and the best of cooking, the choicest importations of wines and cigars, the nearest sensa tions' in the world of refreshment, the treat atteu* tiqnn and the handsomest accommodations; reader it worthy in every way of envy sad patronage. £ lunch, a glass of wine, or a dlnnflr there, Is suffl oient to fix its reputation among all the appre ciative, Messrs. Woodworth & Walton deserve peaise for the liberal basis epon whictothey have es tablished this attraction. AN ANTITHESIS! E ,\T ij AIN F. T>, —-it appfiftfS the British iran.plat&S steamer Warrior io not sea worthy, rolling and leaking so badly I'Zrouzh the ports that she is considered unsafe. It in strango that a vessel burlt expressly to seize ships should do nothing but ship seas. IVc understand that the sewing machine? most sought otter by the young ladies are the kind that have 11 fellers” attached to them; and seurit'seems. To suit your daughter, you give her the cashmere.- to stiff your son, the mere cash, and send him to Charles Stokeß & Co.'s one-price, under the ” Conti nental.” Bend tub Soldier a box of “Brown** Bronchial Trachea,” which will relieve the distress, ing affections of thß Throat and Cough produced t»r cold and expooure. ShAkbpearean Relics. —In anticipation of the approaching celebration of Shakspeare’s birthday, there has already sprung up a demand for relics and memorials of tho poet. Fragments of- Heme's Oak, and the old raftera of the bam at New place, Stratford-on-Avon, are now anxiously sought after. A block of oak, fifteen inohes long, from the latter place, has already been carved by the wood carver to the Queen Into a-graoefal bust of the poet; In this country, one of the most interesting inaaif ties, in a Shakspearean point of view, lathe site if the old Chestnut-street Theatre. It is now occupied by the Brown Stone Clothing Hall of EookhiU fc Wiloon, Hob, €OS and 6Qfr Chestnut street, ■ above Sixth, which is a splendid architectural successor to the ancient temple of Thespis. New Style Hats—Charles Oakford & Sons, Continental Hotel. Cabinet' Organs fob Holiday Gifts. J- E. Gotra-h, Seventh and Chestnut. C. Oakford & Sons, Continental, Ladies* and Gentlemen’s Pnks—kha largest and best stock in the city, at Charles Osk ford & Sons’, Continental Hotel. Military Goods, Oakfords’, Corti- KBKTSL. Geo. Steck & Co.’s Pianos For Holiday Presents. SPECIAL NOTICES. NOTICE. U. S. INTERNAL REVENUB. Ttp.ihe Residents of the Twenty-second, Twenty third, and Twenty-fifth Wards: Fifth Collection District, Pbnnbtlvanya. Yon are respectfully notified that the ANNUAL AS SESSMENT for the above-named District of all persona liable to tax on Incomes, Carriages, pleasure Yachts, Billiard Tables, and Odd' and Sliver Plate, and also eg all persons required to take ont licenses, having been completed, the taxes aforesaid and taxes on monthly returnii for the TWENTY-SECOND and TWENTY FIFTH WARDS will be received at the office, Lang stroth’s Bnilding, GEBMANTOWN. and those for tha TWENTY-THIRD WARD, at tho office, FHANKFOE* Street. Frankford, on and after MONDAY, tho 23d No vember. between the hoars of 9 A, M. and S P. M. On "WEDNESDAY, December 2,1863, William H. Mil ler, Deputy Collector, will be at Hand’s Hotel, corner of RICHMOND and WILLIAM Streets, between the hours of 9 A. M. and 3 P. M. to accommodate those re* sidlnc in the Twenty-fifth, ward. PENALTIES. All persons who fall to pay their annual taxes en or before the 12th day of December, 1863, will inear a penalty of ten per cent, on the amount thereof and costs, as provided for in the 19th section of the Excise law of July 1,1862. All persons who in like manner shall fail to take out their licence, as required by law, on or before the said 12th day of December, will incur a penalty of ID per cent, additional to the amount thereof, forfeit three times the amount of said license, and he subject to a term of Im prisonment not exceeding two years, in accordance with tbe provisions of the 19th and 59th sections of the law aforesaid, and the 24th section of the amendment thereto. Money of the United States only received. Ho farther notice will be given. To Avoid the Dangers of a Cough oe COLD, use an. effective remedy at once—one that, whilst it. destroys- the disease, strengthens the system, and renders it lobb liable to a re-attack. Buch is “Dr. Sway ne’s Compound Syrup of Wild Cherry.” “Dr. Swayne’s Compound Syrup of Wild Cherry." •• * Dr. Swayne’s Compound Syrup of Wild Cherry. tV “It cleanses the Lungs of all imparities, " “Infusing strength, vigor, and new life" “Into the diseased and debilitated system." A trial of many years has-proved to the world that this remedy is 'more efficacious in curing all Throat, Breast, and Lung Complaints, than any hitherto known to mankind. For Bronchitis, Sore Throat, Asthma, it is a sovereign remedy. For the weak and debilitated, it acts as a strengthening alterative. For disturbed sleep its uie will give repose.. Prepared onlyh* 1 Dr. SWATHE .j» : cw>*r,-iro;-T*ju "irorth SIXTETStreet. Sold by dealers everywhere. . _• • de9-tf One-Price Clothing, of the Latest' Styles, made in the Best . Manner, expressly for 82- TAIL SALES. LOWEST Selling Prices marked in Plain Figures. All Goods made to Order warranted satisfac tory. Our One-Price Ststkm is strictly adhered to. All are thereby treated alike. del2-ly JONES & CO., 604 MARKET Street. . , Hair Dye! Hair Dye!! BATCHELOR’S celebrated HAIR DTE is the Best in the World. The only Harmless,-True* and Reliable Dye known. This splendid Hair Dye is perfect—changes Bed, Busty, or Gray Hair, instantly to a Glossy Black or Natural Brown, without injuring the Hair or stain ing the Skin, leaving the Hair Soft and Beautiful; im parts. fresh vitality, frequently restoring its Pristine color, and rectifies the HI effects of bad Dyes. The genuine is signed William A. Batchelor ; all others are mere imitations, and should be avoided. Sold by all Druggists, Ac. FACTORY. 81 BARCLAY Street. New York. Batchelor’s new Toilet Cream for- Dreeing the Hair. . v jy99-ly Deafness, Eye, Ear, Throat Diseases, and Catarrh, treated with the utmost success, by Dr* VON MOSCHZISKEB, Oculist and Aurist. Numerous testimonials and the very best city references can be ex amined at his offiee 1037 WALNUT street. de2-10t* Dr. Sweet’s Infallible Liniment affords Immediate relief for Piles, and seldom fails to cure. Electricitly Scientifioaly ' Applied by Dr. A. H. STBVBNS, 1418 Sooth PENN SQUARE. Philadelphia. ' n025-tf HOLIDAY PRESENTS. ' STECK & CO.’S MASON & HAMLIN'S CABINET ORGANS J. E. GOULD SEVENTH AND CHESTNUT,' no2l*tde26 MARRIED. GKGYBKMAN —KTfOWLES. —On Tuesday, December 1. 1663, at St. James 7 Church, Kingsessing. by Bey. Charles A. Matson. A. Groverman, Jr., of Balttmo*** Md- %to Lydia P.» daughter of John C. Knowles, Esq., of Delaware county, Pa. No cards. * ROBINSON—FRYER.—Oa Tuesday, November 24, by Rev. P. S, He* son, Mr. John P. Robinson to Miss Mary A. Fryer. * CASPER—FRY.—Oa the Bth instant, in Philadelphia, bythoßeg-. J. Hyatt Smith, Thomas-J; Cksper, M. D.« of West Chester, Pa., to Emm&V., dauehterof John Fry; Esq., of Philadelphia. * BAKER—LUDWIG —On Tuesday evening, December 8, by Right Rev. Alonzo Potter, D. D:, Bishop of Penn sylvania, Joseph W. Baker to Emily M., daughter of ■William C. Ludwig, Esq., all of this city. * KIEFER—EMHASDT.—On the Bth instant, by Rev. Charles W. Schaffer, D. D., Mr. Frederick W. Kiefer to Miss Mary Augusta, eldest daughter or Frederick Em hardt. Esq., all of Germantown. * DIED. JONES.— Suddenly, at Germantown, on the morning of the 9tK instant, Lillie, daughter of Ch&lkley L. ana Sophia A. Jones, in the Bth year of her age. Due notice of the funeral will be given. . r *** DAVIS.—On the 9th instant, Beniamin-Dans, in the 79th year of his age. I , „.. . The'relatives and male friends of the family are re spectfully invited to attend his funeral, ficm his late re sidence, northwest corner of Broad and Poplar streets, ~w*. KftinTda.y, 12th instant, at 10 o'clock, without further notice. To procwea to Laurel HiU. *** BROWJfIoTG. On the evening of the eth instant, Mrs. Beulah Browning, in the 86th year of heruge. Her relatives, and friends of the family,-are respect fully invited to attend her funeral, from her late resi dence. corner of Fifth and Market streets, Camden, N. J., at 11 o'clock A. M. .of Saturday next. 12th instant, with out farther notice. * ***- AYRES.—On Tuesday evening, Bth instant, Ellen Cris well, wife of William Ayres, Esq., in the 43d year of her age. Interment at MeYeytown. Pa. ** WOOLSTON.—On the morning of the 9th inst., Eliza beth Woolaton, wife of Stephen Woolston, in the 75th year of her age. . . Funeral from the residence of her husband, at Fall sihgton. bn Sixth-day, 11th'instant, at'2 o'clock P. M. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to at tend, without further notice. Carriages will meet the 11-IS AM. train from Kensington at Tull? town station.** LOUGHEAD.—On Tuesday evening, Sth Instant, Mrs. Mary D, Longhead, relict of Joseph Loughead. in the SOth year of her age. . ,-v I.’ . .. .. The relatives and fnende of the finally are respectfully Invited to attend the funeral, from the resideace of her son. Joseph F. Longhead, Harvey street, Germantown, on Friday, 11th instant, at 12 o'clock, without farther notice. , . ** [Baltimore papers please copy.] _ WALTON. —On the 7th instant, Elizabeth B r widow of Benjamin Walton, and daughter of Captain. Jacob Coats, deceased. . . ... Her relatives and friends and those of her family Are requested to attend her funeral, from the residence of her son, Coates Walton, No. 1731 Wallace street, onFriday. the 11th instant, at 10 o'clock, without further notice. To proceed to Laurel Hirl. ' , . ** CROSSMAN. —On Tuesday morning, the Sib instant* Charlie H., son of James M. and Mary Ann-Crosamao. relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral, from his father's midence, No. 1423:Chestnut street on Friday, the 11th instant, at 1 o’clook. ** BROOMELL.— On the morning of the Bth instant, of disease contracted' in camp, while defending the State from invasion, James P. Broomell, in the 29th year of his age. r - His friends are respectfully invited tooall atthe Com meicial Hotel, Sixth Btreet, above Chestnut, oa Thurs day, December 10y 1563,-from 10 to 1 o’clock. Interment to lake place from the residence of his brother, Joshua B. Broomell, MhWilliametown, Chester- county. Pa., oa Friday, Dec. 11. at 2 o'clock P..M: ' COhesteruanntr papers please copy-]. TJLAO K DIS ESS GOO-D S.—CASH XJ jpSKBSi VetesiT R©pe» Tamises, S-4 and 6-4 Moue-- Mlineav. Merinoes, Henrietta Clothe or silk-warp Cash.;*- meres, Ottoman Poplins; Irish PopilnD, English Freni* Bombazines, Alpines, corded Mpusselines, Axd***- Crapes, EarallwsN, Taiin Cloths, ParairmttfltfrL. Key, Arniare, SoUanS Grain Slllu. <*23 Honmlu Slora. So. BIS CHESTNUT Stieei. _ TTAVANA BROWN AND RO^AL -CL WEPLE PINK PKKNCH M|BINO. TTAVANA BROWN AND HUM ■CL BOLD! PURPLE SILK-PACED IJAVANA BROWN AND HUM -CL..BOLDTPOKPLS BKH ?LAman.KS& 801K.83, dat ITS! JOHN W. COWELL, Collector.