Ecirgralt,
_ i
~,,T.-rAIiA \
,--;,..,- . f ,....0.
..----,--- - ' --, ...... - ..•: - 4 i
r
e _....„--- -1
pro,M6' -, !
i
.......-
1
EMI
OUR PLAPPORAL
ME UNION-THE CONSTMITION-AND
ENTORCEUENT OF THE LAW.
BARRIHRTJRII
Ilionday Afternoon, July 8, 180.1
THE PRESIDENT'S DIESS_4GE.
The language of this message, while it assures
the American people of the stability of the
government under which they live, carries with
it a firmness and inculcates a determination to
test the powers of the government for self
preservation, that cannot fail to have the hap
piest effect alike on the minds of our own peo
ple, and the sentiment abroad which has more
or less influence on the crisis in which we are
involved. The plain proposition whether this
government is able to sustain itself, is stated
with a practical terceness which at once con
vinces the reader that the administration un
derstands the true condition of affairs. The
discussion of this proposition proves that there
can be no such a result as secession without
convulsing the Union, embroiling it in strife,
and invoking all the force of any administra
tion then in power, to maintain its own author
ity, and thereby sustain the government and
the Union. Mr. Lincoln seems to have caught
the popular ideas in reference to the result of
secession. He seems to appreciate every evil
that is bound to originate from such a breaking
up of the government, and thus imbued he
could not have uttered any other sentiments,
even had he essayed, than those which have
already stamped his first message to Con
gress as one of the most able and patri
otic appeals that has yet been made in
behalf of our country. In this connection, too,
- we have added to the argument of the Presi
dent against secession, the evidence that he is
determined to bring against this rebellion other
forces more effective than logic. When he asks
for authority to call out four hundred thousand
men, and borrow four hundred million of &d
-ials, the people will at once understand that
the President is determined to treat this at
tempt to destroy the Union neither as a politi
cal assumption that will of itself subside, or as
the idle boast of ambitious men, but as a great
grime carried on by desperate criminals, which
can only be suppressed at the point of the bayo
net. The Union must be preserved at all haz
ards—its authorities must be sustained and en
forced in all its limits—and the common law
of the land, that has been so outrageously vio
lated and annulled, must be re-asserted in the
punishment of those who have engaged for the
purpose of its total abrog-ation. lii this the
country is with the President. The people es
the loyal states are determined to recognize
no adjustment as substantial or thorough, but
that which also secures the fullest and most
emphatic recognition and enforcement of the
law. If this is not secured, the stability of our
government is rendered still more uncertain in
the fact that rebellion can organize and disband
without incurring for its participants the punish
ments which the law provides and inflicts on
other criminals.
By this time the message has been read by
every loyal man in the country, with the ex
ception, perhaps, of those who yet live in the
seceded states, where the restrictions on the
press will prevent its publication. Among
those who read this document there can be but
one opinion, and that must be in favor of the
Executive who thus manfully and learnedly in
terposes for the safety and vindication of his
country.
JUDICIOUS LEGISLATION.
The proposition of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens
in the House of Representatives, to abolish all
the ports of entry in the seceded states, will
strike a most effective blow at the rebellion.
The proposition in the Senate, to disfranchise
all the rebel leaders, is another wise and judi
cious plan for the speedy suppression of the re
volt, which the sword or the bayonet could
scarcely as speedily achieve. In dealing with
treason it is useless to go into discussion or
compromises. It must be met with the full
force of the law it seeks t.) destroy. It must
be held accountable to the authority it plots
to overthrow, and if this cannot be done, com
promise or concession will only impart strength
and vigor to that which they seek to mollify
and appease. By abolishing the ports of entry
in the seceded states, we do more than block
ade can effect—we entirely cut off all chance
of trade, and completely destroy the revenue
of those who have no other source of depend
ence in their rebellion. By disfranchising those
who are prominent as leaders in the war against
the government, we leave them no escape but
Sight from the country. We fix the mark of
the treason where it belongs, and stamp the
traitors with an infamy that will deter those in
the future who might otherwise forget them
selves in an anxiety to emulate the example of
traitors.
—Those two propositions should bo enacted
Into laws without the least delay. They are
feasible and just in the purpose they have in
view, and the influence they would have on
the public mind in all parts of the country,
cannot be too highly estimated.
A DILL was introduced into Congress on
Saturday, to increase the psy of the soldiers in
the ranks• It is time that this was done—or at
least it is time that the honors and emoluments
of the service were graded, so as t.) give a fair
share of both to those who are forced to face
the le, do the work, and win the victories on
weery battle field.
THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF
TAR.
We lay before the readers of the TELEGRAPH
this afternoon, the report of the Secretary of
War, which, after the message of the President,
is the most important document that has been
submitted to Congress at its present extra ses
sion. According to the report, the force now at
the command of the government is 310,000
men, and after the discharge of the three
months' volunteers, there will be a force of
230,000 officers and men, The increase in the
regular army consists of one regiment of caval
ry, one of artillery, and nine of infantry. The
artillery contains twelve batteries, of six pieces
each. The term of enlistment in the new regi
ments is recommended by the Secretary to be
I fixed at three years, and at the end of the term
a bounty of one hundred dollars is further Ng
posed to be given to every volunteer who is
honorably discharged. The idea of taking one
half of the officers it became necessary to ap
point in the army from civilians and the other
half from the army, originated with the Secre
tary of War, and was sanctioned by the com
mander-in-chief. In making the selection of
officers it was necessary to make the appoint
ments from the regular service by seniority or
by selection. The objection to the first method
was, that inefficient men might be promoted to
piaces which ought to be filled by young and
vigorous officers. The objection to the second
was, that favoritism might prejudice the claims
of worthy officers. It was therefore wisely de
cided, under the advice of the general-in-chief,
to appoint one half from the regular army and
one half from civil life. Of the civilians ap
pointed, as :•egimental commanders, all except
one are either graduates of West Point or have
served with distinction in the field. Secretary
Cameron asks the sanction of Congress for these
' preliminary steps in the augmentation of the
regular forces, and states that when at the close
of the war a redaction of the present force is
' necessary, a sufficient one should be retained to
protect all the public property wherever it
may he found. The Secretary of War pays
a handsome compliment to the volunteers
of the country for the ardor with which they
have come forward, devoting themselves and
their resources to the service of the government
in the hour of its peril. The appropriation re
quired, in addition to that already made for the
year ending Jane 80, 1861, for the force now in
the field, is t 185,296,897. He recommends an
appropriation for the reconstruction and equip
ment of railroads and for the expense of main
, tabling and operating them, and also for the
construction of additional telegraph lines and
their appurtenances. He urges the importance
of enforcing the strictest discipline when active
army operations are carried on in the rebellious
states. He recommends the organization of a
military tribunal to take cognizance of criminal
offences and punish the guilty. The tribunal,
however, is not to have jurisdiction if the func
tions of the federal courts are uninterrupted.
In regard to the subsistance of the troops, he
urges the importance of more fresh meat and
vegetables, and recommends, for the better pro
tection of the men, waterproof capes and blan
kets, and particularly urges . on Congress some
provisions to be enacted into law, for the orga
nization of a sanitary commission, the construe •
lion of military hospitals, and the ge,4erq, Drp
tection and care of the he& "—'soldier in
115=31
We ash for the report the careful perusal of
our readers, as a document filled with impor
tant information and statistics relating to the
Ezza
TRT CONVEXTWATWN OF TROOPS AT
CAMP Ca=
It is the intention of Gen. McCall to concen
trate a large force hereafter at Camp Curtin,
and also to take charge of such force and the
camp, so as to promote the efficiency of the or
ganization by the enforcement of the most rigid
discipline in every particular among the officers
and men. The idea of concentrating a large
force in this vicinity is alike practical and judi
cious as it will bring them thus under the eye
and immediate control of Gen. McCall. From
this locality, any of the points of operation now
occupied by the army can be reached in a very
short time, or our own borders on the west also
covered by a movement from Camp Curtin in
the shortest possible time.
The concentration of this force will com
mence at once, so that we may expect a large
body of men in Camp Curtin in a very few days.
Hay we not hope that Gen. McCall will insist
on the most rigid discipline in the camp, and
prevent, if possible, the recurrence of any of the
conduct that has so disgraced the camp hereto
fore, by the indulgence of a licentiousness and
intemperance alike disgraceful to the men, the
service and the country.
310 VEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA TROOPS.
In compliance with an order received from
Gen. Scott, the two Pennsylvania regiments
commanded respectively by Cols. Simmons and
Biddle, at Camp 4lason and Dixon, marched into
Maryland yesterday, and are now in possession
of Cumberland. The march was in all respects
important as well as tedious, and was effected
in a manner highly creditable to the rank and
file of both regiments.
THE REVENUE LAWS.
The Governor has appointed the following
gentlemen as commissioners to revise the rev
enue laws of the state :
Gideon J. Ball, Erie county.
Francis Jordan, Bedford county
Charles Gilpin, t hiladelphia.
These gentlemen will at once enter on the
performance of the labor assigned them by the
Governor. They are all men of great ability,
as well as peculiarly fitted by experience and
legal knowledge, faithfully to discharge the
duty imposed upon them by their appointment.
MESSRS. CHARLES HALLOWELL and H. R. Cog
geshall, of Philadelphia; and Mr. Russell, of
Pittsburg, a commission appointed by Governor
Curtin, to visit the Pennsylvania regiments sta
tioned in Washington city, and examine into
their condition, have been in that city fo r sev
eral days past, mid have made arrangements by
which the men will be furnished with new cloth
ing at an early day.
Peurtopthartia laailp t clegrapt), alaubap 'Afternoon, 311Lp 8, 1861.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
WAIL DEPartratsn,
Washington, July 1, 1861.
Sra : I have the honor, to submit the follow
ing report of the operations of this Department.
The accompanying statements of the Adju
tant General will show the number, descrip
tion, and distribution of the troops which are
now in service.
It forms no part of the duty of this Depart
ment to enter upon a discussion of the prelimi
nary circumstances which have contributed to
the present condition of public affairs. The
secession ordinance of South Carolina was pass
ed on the 20th of December last, and from that
period until the majesty of the Government
was made manifest, immediately after you had
assumed the Chief Magistracy, the conspirators
against its Constitution and laws have left noth
ing undone to perpetuate the memory of their
infamy. Revenue steamers have been deliber
ately betrayed by their commanders, or, where
treason could not be brought to consummate
the defection, have been overpowered by the
rebel troops at the command of disloyal Gover
nors. The Government arsenals at Little Rock,
Baton Rouge, Mount Vernon, Apalachicola,
Augusta, Charleston, and Fayetteville, the ord
nance depot at San Antonio, and all the other
Government works in Texas, which served as
the depots of immense stores of arms and am
munition, have been surrendered by the com
manders or Feized by disloyal hands. Forts
Macon, Caswell, Johnson, Clinch, Pulaski,
Jackson, Marion, Barrancas, McKee, Morgan,
Gaines, Pike, Macomb, St. Philip , Livingston,
Smith, and three at Charleston ; Oglethorpe
Barracks, Barrancas Barracks, New Orleans Bar
racks, Fort Jackson, on the Mississippi, the bat
tery at Bienvenue, Dupree, and the works at
Ship island, have been successively stolen from
the Government or betrayed by their command
ing officers. The custom houses at New Or
leans, Mobile, Savannah, Charleston, and other
important points, containing vast amounts of
Government funds, have been treacherously ap
propriat: dto sustain the cause of rebellion. In
like manner, the branch mints at New Orleans,
at Charlotte, and at Dahlonega, have been il
legally seized, in defiance of every principle or
common honesty and of honor. The violent
seizure of the United States Marine Hospital at
New Orleans was only wanting to complete the
catalogue of crime. The inmates, who had
been disabled by devotion to their country's
service, and who there had been secured a grate
ful asylum, were cruelly ordered to be removed,
without the slightest provision being made for
their support or comfort. In Texas, the large
forces detailed upon the frontier for the protec
tion of the inhabitants against the attacks of
marauding Indians were ignuminously deserted
by their commander, Brigadier Lieneral Twiggs.
To the infamy of treason to his flag was added
the crowning crime of deliberately, handing
over to the armed enemies of his Governmen
all the public property entrusted to his charge,
thus even depriving the loyal men under hie
command of all means of transportation out of
the state. .
A stLik.ing and honorable contrast with the
recreant conduct of Brigadier General Twiggs,
and other traitorous officers, has been presented
in the heroic and truly self sacrificing course
pursued by Major Robert Anderson, and the
small and gallant band of officers and men un
der his command at Fort Sumpter ; and also by
Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer, his officers and
men, at Fort Pickens. In referring, with
strongest commendation, to the conduct of
these brave soldiers, under the trying circum-
stances which surrounded them, I only echo
the unanimous voice of the American people.
In this connection, it is a pleasurable duty to
refer to the very gallant action of Lieutenant
Roger Jones, at liarper's Ferry, and the hand
some and successful manner in which he exe
cuted the orders of the Government at that im
portant post.
The determination of the Government to use
its utmost power to subdue the rebellion has
been sustained by the unqualified an a
iaro_Bl
the whn't. _.„----,...-----------, ~,,, . vrw we - conspiracy have professed to regard the
people of this country as incapable of making a
forcible resistance to rebellion. The error of
this conclusion is now being made manifest.
History will record that men who, in ordinary
times; were devoted solely to the arts of peace,
were yet ready, on the instant, to rush to arms
in defence of their rights, when assailed. At
the present moment, the Government presents
the striking anomaly of being embarrassed by
the generous outpouring of volunteers to sus
tain its action. Instead of laboring under the
difficulty of monarchical governments, the want
of men to fill its armies, (which, in other coun
tries, has compelled a resort to forced conscrip
tions,) one of its main difficulties is to keep
down the proportions of the army, and to pre
vent it from swelling beyond the actual force
required.
The commanding officers of the regiments in
the volunteer service, both for the three months'
service and for the war, have, in many instances,
not yet furnished the department with the
muster rolls of their regiments. For the want
' of these returns, it is impossible to present as
accurate an enumeration of the volunteer force
accepted and in the field as could be desired.
Under the proclamation issued by you on the
15th of April last, the Governors of different
States were called upon to detach from the mi
litia under their command a certain quota, to
serve as infantry or riflemen, for the period of
three months, unless sooner discharged. The
call so made amounted in the aggregate to
ninety-four regiments, making 73,391 officers
and men. Of the States called upon, the Gov
ernors of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee.
Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri peremptorily
refused to comply with the requirements made
by the department. All the other States
promptly furnished the number required of
tnem, except Maryland, whose Governor, tho'
manifesting entire readiness to comply, was
prevented from so doing by the outbreak at
Baltimore.
In the States of Virginia, Delaware, and Mis
souri, notwithstanding the positive refusal of
their executive officers to co-operate with the
Government, patriotic citizens voluntarily
united together, and organized regiments for
the Government service. Delaware and Vir
ginia furnished each a regiment, both of which
are on duty in the field, In a similar patriotic
spirit, the loyal people of Missonii raised a force
of 11,445 officers and men, making, in round
numbers, twelve organized regiments, to sus- 1
tain the Government and to put down rebellion
in that State. And so, also, the citizens of the
District of Columbia, emulating these honora
ble examples, furnished no less than 2,828 offi
cers and men, making in all four full regiments,
all of which are yet in the field, doing active
and efficient service. 'thus, notwithstanding
the refusal of disloyal Governors to respond,
the Government, instead of having been fur
nished with only the number of troops called
for under your proclamation of the 15 hof 1
Apiil last, has received, and has now in aervice,
under that call, in round numbers, at least 1
eighty thousand.
Under your second proclamation, of the 4th
May last, calling for volunteers to serve during
the war, there have b: en accepted up to this
date 208 regiments. A number of other regi
ments have been accepted, but on condition of
being ready to be mustered into the service
within a specified time, the limitation of which
has, in some instances, not expired. It is not
possible to state bow many of these may be
ready befire the meeting of Congress. Of the
regiments accepted, all are infantry and rifle
men, with the exception of two battalions of
artillery and four regiments of cavalry. A
number of regiments mustered as infantry
have, however, attiched to them one or more
artillery companies, and there are also some
regiments partly made up of companies of cav
alry. Of the 208 regiments meted ter throe
years, there are now 153 in active service ; and
the remaining 55 are mostly ready, and all of
them will be in the field within the next twen
ty days.
The total force now in the field may be com
puted as follows :
Regulars and volunteers for three
months and for the war 235,000
Add to this 55 regiments of volunteers
for the war, accepted and not yet in
service 50,000
And new regiments of regular
army
Total force now at command of govern-
ment 310,000
Deduct the three months' volunteers... 80,000
Force for service after the withdrawal of
the three-months' men 230,000
It will thus be perceived that after the dis
charge of the three-months' troops there will
still be an available force of volunteers amount
ing to 188,000, which, added to the regular
army, will constitute a. total force of 230,00.1
officers and men. It will be for Congrers to de
termine whether this army shall, at this time,
be increased by the addition of a still larger
volunteer force.
The extraordinary exigencies which have call
' ed this great army into being have rendered
necessary, also, a very considerable augmenta
tion of the regular arm of the service. The
demoralization of the regular army, caused by
the treasonable conduct of many of its com
manding officers, the distant posts at which the
greater part of the troops were stationed, and
the unexampled rapidity of the spread of the
rebellion, convinced those high in command in
the service, as well as this department, that an
increase of the regular army was indispensable.
The subject was accordingly brought to your
attention, and after a careful examination, au
increase was authorized by your proclamation
issued on the 4th May last.
This increase consists of one regiment of cav
alry of twelve companies, numbering, in the
maximum aggregate, 1189 officers and men ;
one regiment of artillery of twelve batteries,
of six pieces each, numbering, in the maximum
aggregate, 1909 officers and men ; nine regi
ments of infantry, each regiment containing
three battalions of eight compnies each, num
bering, in the maximum aggregate, 2452 offi
cers and men, malting a maximum increase of
infantry of 22,068 officers and men.
In the enlistment of men to fill the addi
tional regiments of the regular army, I would
recommend that the term of enlistment be
made three years, to correspond with the call
of May 4th for volunteers ; and that to all who
shall receive an honorable discharge at the close
of their term of service, a bounty of one hun
dred dollars shall be given.
The mounted troops of the old army consist
of five regiments, with a-maximum aggregate
of 4460 men. Not more than one fourth. of
these troops are available for service at the seat
of war.
At least two regiments of artillery are una
vailable, being stationed on the western coas
and in the Florida forts.
The increase of infantry is comparatively
large, but this arm of the service is that which
the General-in-Chief recommended as being
most efficient.
The organization of the increased force, it
will be nuticed, is different from that of the
old army. This question was rally considered
by officers of the army connected with this de
partmeut, and after much deliberation it was
concluded to adopt the French regimental sys
tem of three battalions to a regiment. Each
battalion is commended by a major, with a
colonel and lieutenant colonel for the general
command of the regiment. 'This, it is believed,
is the best organization now existing. The
number of field officers is less than under the
old plan, and, therefore, much less expensive.
Whether this organization may not advantage
ously be extended to the old army, alter the
passage of a law providing for a rm-r---2 Thst, i.
the at-
In making the selections of nffrrrana fnr the
new regiments, two courses only seemed to be
open—viz : to make the appointments from the
regular service, by seniority or by selection.
The first appeared liable to the grave objection
that old and, in some instances, inefficient men
would be promoted to places which ought to be
filled by younger and more vigorous officers.
The second was liable to the objection that fa
voritism might prejudice the claims of worthy
officers.
After the fullest consideration, it was deter
mined, under the advice of the General-in-Chief,
to appoint one half of them from the regular
army and the other half from civil life. Of the
civilians appointed as regimental commanders,
all except one, are either graduates of West
Point or have before served with distinction in
the field ; and of the lieutenant colonels, ma
jors, captains, and first-lieutenants, a large pro
portion have been taken from the regular ar
my and the volunteers now in service, while
the second lieutenants have been mainly creat
ed by the promotion of meritorious sergeants
from the regular service.
In view of the urgent necessity of the case,
these preliminary steps to the augmentation of
the regular service have been taken, and it now
remains for Congress should it sanction what
has been commenced, to complete the work by
such legislation as the subject may require. A
similar increase of the army under like circum
stances, was made in 1812. At the close of the
war, the force in service being found too large
and too costly for a peace establishment, a re
'duction was ordered to be made, under the su
pervision of a board of officers, specially organ
ized for the purpose. At the close of the present
struggle the reduction of the present forces may
be accomplished in like manner, if found then
to be larger than *tie public necessities require.
In making any such reduction, however, a just
regard to the public interests would imperative
ly require that a force amply sufficient to pro
tect all the public property, wherever it may
be found, should be retained.
I c.nnot forbear to speak favorably of the
volunteer system, as a substitute for a cum
brous and dangerous standing army. It has,
heretofore, by many been Chemed unreliable
and inefficient in a sudden emergency ; but
actual facts have proved the contrary. If it be
urged that the enemies of order have gained
some slight advantages at remote points, by
reason of the absence of a sufficient regular
force, the unexampled rapidity of concentration
of volunteers already witnessed is an ample re
futation of tee argument. A government whose
every citizen stands ready to march to its de
fence can never be overthrown ; for none is so
strong as that whose foundations rest immo- ,
vably in the hearts of the people.
The spectatie of more than a quarter of a
million of citizens rushing to the field in de
fence of the Constitution, must ever take rank
among the most extraordinary facts of history.
Its interest is vastly heightened by the lavish
outpouring, from States and individuals, of vol
untary contributions of money, reaching an ag
gregate thus far of more than ten millions of
dollars. But a few weeks since the men com
posing this great army were pursuing the avo
cations of peace. They gathered from the farm,
from the workshop, from the factory, from the
mine. The minister came from the pulpit, the
merchant from his counting room, the professor
and student from the college, the teacher and
pupil from the common schools. Young men
of fortune left luxurious homes for the tent and
the camp. Native and foreign-born alike came
forward with a kindred enthusiasm. That a
well-disciplined, homogeneous, and efficient
force should be formed out of such a seemingly
heterogeneous mass appears almost incredible.
But what is the actual fact? Experienced men,
who have had ample opportunity to familiarize
themselves with the condition of European ar
mies, concede that, in point 01 p erwi a , this
patriot army is fully equal to the finest regular
troops of the Old. World. A more intelligent
body of men, or one actuated by purer motives,
was never before marshaled in the field.
The calling forth of this large and admirable
force in vindication of the Constitution and
the laws is in strict accordance with a wise pru
dence and economy, and at the same time in
perfect harmony with the uniform practice of
the Government. But three years ago, when
the authority of the nation was contemptuous
ly defied by the Mormons in Utah, the only
safe policy consistent with the dignity of the
Government was the prompt employment of
such an overwhelming force for the suppression
of the rebellion as removed all possibility of
failure. It will hardly be credited, however,
that the following language in relation to that
period was penned by John B. Floyd, then Sec
rotary of War, and now actively engaged in
leading the rebel forces, who have even less to
justify their acacia than the Mormons :
"When a small force was first sent to Utah,
the •Mormons attacked and destroyed their
trains, and made ready for a general attack up
on the column. When a eufticient power WAS
put on foot to put success beyond. all doubt
their bluster and bravado sank. into whispers of
terror and submission.
"This movement upon that Territory was de
manded by the moral sentiment of the c3untry,
was due to a vindication of its laws and Con
stitution, and was essent al to demonstrate the
power of the Federal Government to chastise
insubordination and quell rebellion, however
formidable from numbers or position it might
seem to be. Adequate preparation and a prompt
advance of the army was an act of mercy and
nurnauity to those deluded people, fur it pre
vented the effusion of blood."
The reports of the chiefs of the different bu
reaus of this department, which are herewith
submitted, present the estimates of the probable
amount of appropriations required, in addition
to those already made for the year ending June
30, 18130, for the force now in the field, or
which has been accepted and will be in service
25,000
75,000
within the next twenty days, as follows :
Quartermaster's Department. —.570,289,200 21
Subsistance Department 27,278,781 60
Ordnance Department 7,468,172 00
Pay Department 68,402,690 Oh
Adjutant General's Department. 408,000 00
Engineer Department .. 085,000 00
Topographical Engineer Depart
ment 60,000 00
Surgeon General's Department. 1,271,841 00
Incidental and contintlent ex-
penses of War Department...
Due States which have made ad
vance for troops
Total
The resistance to the passage of troops
through the city of Baltimore, hastening to tue
reliet of the Federal capital, and the destruction
of bridges of the Wilmington and Baltimore,
and the Northern Central railroads, together
with the refusal of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad Company to transport the Govern
ment forces and supplies, involved the neces
sity, at an early stage of the present troubles, on
the part of this Departmedt, to take possession
of so much of the railway lines as was required
to form a connection with the States front which
troops and supplies were executed. A military
route was accordingly opened from Perryville,
on the Chespeake, by steamers, to Annapolis,
and thence by railroad to Washington. In view
of the necessities of the crisis, Congress, it is
not doubted, will justify the steps taken.
As the movemerdsof the Thaitsd States forces
are continued, the supervision of railroad and
ielegraph lines will remain a necessity to be
met by the department. I would, therefore,
recommend the propriety of an appropriation,
to be made by Congress, to be applied, when
the public exigencies demand, to the ieconstruc
tiou and equipment of railroads, and for the
reconstruction of the Long Bridge across the
Potomac, which is now a military necessity.
- a - ne importance of entorcing the stlictest dis
cipline, where active army operations , ar ,, car
ried on in the rebernoue tetates, cannot be too.
p,,i.1 n. confidence is for the
time being destroyed, and the nice moral dis
tinctions which obtain among men in well-or
dered communities are apt to be lost sight of.
The Federal courts bang suspended, grave of
fences may be committed over which our mili
tary courts as now organized, have no author
ized jurisdiction. It would seem only consist
ent with a just regard to the interests of the
Government and the people that some properly
organized military tribunal should be empower
ed to take cognizance of criminal offences, and
to punish the offenders when found guilty.
Such a tribunal should not have any jurisdic
tion when the functions of the Federal courts
are uninterrupted. I thereforereccmmend that
the subject be referred to the consideration of
Congress.
The subsistence of the troops now in the ser
vice is a matter of the highest importance.
Rations, proper in quantity and quality, are
quite as essential to the efficiency of an army
as valor or discipline. It is desirable, there
, fore, that the quantity of rations distributed to
the troops should, as far as possible, be adopted
to their previous dietary habits. - While it can
not be expected that the luxuries to which
many have been accustomed should be provided
by the commissariat, a just regard to comfort
and health imposes upon the Government the
duty of furnishing sound, healthful and pala
table food. A larger proportion of vegetables
and of fresh me.fts, when they can be procured,
than can now be furnished under the army re
gulations, would undoubtedly diminish the
danger of epidemics among the t:oops. I,
therefore, submit the question whether it would
not be expedient for Congress to enlarge the
powers of the commissariat, so as to enable it
the better to carry into practice the views here
suggested.
As all requisitions for camp equipage, for the
means of its transportation, and for supplies,
are made upon the Quartermaster General's
Department, it is highly essential that every fa
cility should be afforded its chief for meeting all
stack requisitions with promptness. At present
the power of that bureau is limited. For in
stance,
it seems very desirable that the troops
in the field should be supplied with water-proof
eves and blankets to serve as a protection
against the effects of the climate. As the army
regulations do not recognize such an item or
clothing, and as no discretion has been lodged
with the department tract in the matter, many
of the troops, for the lack of this essential out
fit, have suffered much, inconvenience. Some
of the States of New englaud have sent their
quotas forward equipped most admirably in this
respect. I would recommend that this subject
be commended to Congress for its favorable con
sideration.
The sudilen large increase of the army, in
May last, induced the acting Surgeon General
to call the attention of this department to the
necessity of some modification cd the system of
organization connected with the supervision of
the hygeine and comfort of the troops. A com
mission of inquiry and advice was accordingly
instituted, with the object of acting in co-oper
ation with the Medical Bureau. The follow ng
gentlemen have consented to serve, without
compensation, upon this commission : Henry
W. Bellows, D. II; Prof. A. D. Bache, LL. D.;
Prof. Jeffries Wyman Prof. Walcott Gibbs,
M. D. ; W. H. Van Buren, M. D. ; Samuel
G. Howe,M. D. ; R. C. Wood, Surgeon
U. S. Army ' • George W. Cullum, U. S.
Army, and Alexander E. Shims, U. S
Army. They are now directing special in
quiries in regard to the careful inspection
of recruits and enlisted men, the best
means of gu trang and restoring their
health, and of securing the general com
fort and efficiency of the troops, the proper
provision of hospitals, nurses, cooks, ezc. The
high character and well known attainments of
-thesedistinguislact gentlemen afford ever-,ul
surance that they will bring to bear upon the
subjects of their investigation the ripest teach
lags of sanitary science in its application to the
details of military life. The organization Of
military hospitals, and the method of obtaining
and regulating whatever appertains to the cure,
relief, or care of the disabled, as also the rep..
lations and routine through which the services
of patriotic women are rendered available 'a
nurses, was, at an early period of the pr , sent
struggle, entrusted to the charge of Miss D. L.
Dix, who volunteered her services, and is now,
without remuneration, devoting her whole time
to this important subject.
The arms and ordnance supplied from our na
tional armories, under the able superintendence
of the Ordnance Bureau, compare most favora
bly with the very best manufactured for foreign
Governments. The celebrated Enfield
so called, is a simple copy of the regular arm
manufactured for many years at the Springfield
armory.
Previous to the early part of last year, the
Government had a supply of arms and muni
tions of war sufficient for any emergency ; but,
through the bad faith of those entrusted with
their guardianship, they were taken from their
proper depositories, and distributed through
portions of the country expected to take pa r t
in the contemplated rebellion. In comequeLce
of the serious loss thus sustained, there was
available, at the commencement of the out
' break, a much less supply than usual of all
kinds. But through the zeal and activity o f
the Ordinance Bureau, the embarrassments urn,
created has been in a g, eat measure overcome.
As the capacity of the Government artuoi.,
was not equal to the supply needed, even alt.::
having doubled the force at the Springfield a.,-
mory, the department found it absolutely 1 e
cessary to procure arms to some extent from
private manufacturers. It is believed that fi j a
these sources they can be obtained equal k
quality and not much higher in cost than times
made in the national workshops. It would,
therefore, appear a wise policy on the part o f
the Government to encourage domestic indus
try, by supplying our troops in part from pri
vate factories of our own country, Instead of
making purchases from abroad.
As rifled cannon are, in point of effectiveness,
far superior to smooth-bored, arrangements
have been made to r fie a large portica, . I [l,,
guns on hand, and the work is still in progress.
Some pa riotic American citizens resident in
Europe, fearing that the country might nut
have a sufficient supply, purchased on their own
responsibility, through co operation with the
United States ministers to England and France,
a number of improved cannon and muskets ,
and, at your instance, this department accepted
this department accepted the drafts drawn tc
defray the outlay thus assumed. A perfect bat
tery of six Whitworth 12-pounder rifled can
non, with three thousand rounds of ammo i
tion the munificent donation of sympathizing
friends in Europe, has also been received frot
England.
It will be necessary for Congress, either at it,
approaching special or at its next annual r es
sion to adopt measures for the reorganization,
upon a uniform basis, of the militia of the
country. I know of no better source of infor
mation on this subject than the able report of
General Henry Knox,
the first Secretary of
War, who, by his wise forecast and eminent ap
preciation of the future wants of the country,
showed the entire safety of an implicit reliancs
upon the popular will for the support of the
Government in the most trying emergency,
abundant confirmation of which fact is find
in the present great rally of the people to the
I deence of the Constitution and laws. I have
I already adverted to the superior manner in
which some of the New England regiments,
now in service, are equipped. This is to be at
tributed to the efficient home organization of
the militia in some of those States Their ex
ample is an excellent one, and cannot fail to
have a beneficial effect upon such States as have
not already adopted a like desirable organiza
tion.
82,300 00
10,000,000 00
185,935,884 7
T think it important, also, to recommend a
.
further &Amine= el improved arms among
the militia of tee States and Territories. As
the returns of the militia are frequently inac
curate, this distribution should be made pro
portionate to the latest census returns of free
white male inhabitants capable of bearing arms.
The large disaffection, at the present crisis,
of United States army officers, has excited the
most profound astonishment, and naturally
provokes inquiry as to its cause. But for this
startling defection, the rebellion never could
have assumed formidable proportions. The
mere accident of birth in a particular section, or
the influence of a belief in particular political
theories, furnish no satisfactory- explanation
of this remarkable fact. The majority of these
officers solicited and obtained a military educa
tion at the hands of the Government—a mark
of special favor, conferred by the laws of Con
gress to only one in seventy thousands inhabi
tants. At the National Military Academy they
were received and treated as the adopted chil
dren of the Republic. By the peculiar relations
thus established, they virtually became bound,
by more than ordinary obligations of honor, to
remain faithful to their flag. The question
may be asked, in view of the extraord nary
treachery displayed, whether its promoting
cause may not be traced to a radical defect iu
the system of education itself?
As a step preliminary to the consideration of
this question, I would direct attention to the
report, herewi.h submitted, of the Board of
Visitors to the West Point Military Academy.
The supplementary report makes a sped 1 re
ference to the system of discipl ne, which, it
appears from facts obtained mon investigation,
gnores, practically, the essential dienuction
between acts wrong in themselves, and acts
wrong because prohibited by special regulations.
the report states that no difference is made in
the penalties affixed as punishments for either
class of effences. It is argued with reason that
such a system is directly calculated to confound
in the mind of the pupil the distinctions Le
tween right and wrong, and to substitute, in the
decision of grave moral questions, h Ant sot
conscience. I earnestly trust that Congress
will early address itself to a thorough exeme
nation of the system of education and discipline
adopted in this important school, and, if de
fects are found to exist that it will provide e
remedy with the least puss ble delay.
ehe present exigencies of the public service
have necessarily imposed upon this depart:llw
a vast increase of responsibility and labor. To
facilitate its proper administration, I would re
commend the passage of a law by Congreee
authorizing the appointment of an Aesiamet
Secretary of War, and the requisite additional
appropriation for the employment of anincreastd
clerical force.
In concluding this report, I deem it proper to
express my deep indebtedness to the veteran
General-in-Chief of the army, for the c,onstaet
and self sacrificingdevotion to the public servlce
exhibited by him in this grave crisis ; and also
to the chiefs of the different bureaus of this os
partment, for the able and efficient manner re
which they have at all times aided me an the
discharge of my official duties.
I have the honor to be, with high regard,
your obedient servant, Smote Ceetazaox,
Secretary of War.
To the President of the United States.
The following striking anecdote appears in an
exchange paper, and places General Scott in a
light still more to commend him to the honor
and good will of all his countrymen.
"The Rev. Dr. Bellows lately ventured to a.
press to General Scott the hope and the belief
that under his direction the war would be con
ducted according to the principles of generous
humanity. 'Humanity?' exclaimed the veter
an, 'Christianity, Christianity, CHRISTIANITY, sir,'
repeating the word three times in the mort em
phatic atanner t a* he 'mg termini IA etAkir."