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BY GEORGE BERGNER.
BY TELEGRAM
XXXVIIth Con Fit Session•
CONT3NVID IgOM SECOND Peas.]
WAsaccaroN, Dec. 4
SENATE
hr, {ruses, (Maas.) called attention to a list
o f co l ore d persons now confined in prison in
w ill ow' who was sent there by persons ml
ling themselves justices of the peace. The re
pent had been made by Detective Allen to the
provost Itarg hal '
1,1 1 . Woos introduced a resolution for their
release.
The resolution was referred to the Committee
for the District of Columbia.
On motion of M. CLARK (N. H.,) it was
R o w, That the Marshal of the District of
Columbia be directed to report immediately to
the Senate the names of all persons now con
tued in the jail in the city of Washington with
'Lc cause ot their commitment, the names of
the m agistrates by whom they were committed,
the length of their imprisonment and the
UtlUid of the persons who made the first arrest.
motion of Mr. WILSON (Mass.,) it was
Asolved, That the laws now in force within
th District of Columbia, relating to the arrest
fugitives from service or labor, together with
all taws concerning persons of color within the
District of Columbia, be refered to the Commit
tee on the District of Columbia, and that the
committee be further instructed to consider the
e lprclieuey of abolishing, in the District, with
compensation, the loyal holders of slaves.
Mr. SAULSBURY, (Del.,) offered a joint resolu
tion as follows :
WEIKRIAE, The people of the States of Vir
ginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
Florida, Alabama, Mississaippi, Lousiana, Tex
as, Arkansas and Tennessee, are in revolt against
the constitutional Government of the United
States and have assumed to secede from the Fed
eral Union to form an independent Government
under the name of the Confederate States of
America ; and whereaa, the Congress of the Mul
led States approving the sentiments expressed
by the President in his annual message that the
Uuion must be preserved and the use of all
available means must, be employed and believ
ing that kind and fraternal feeling betireen the
people of all the States is indispensable
to the maintenance of a happy and prosperous
Union, and being willing to manifest such feel
ing on their part to them, and that peace may
be restored to a distracted country, and the
Union and Constitution be preserved and main
tained, and inviting the co-opitration of the
people of the aforesaid States in the accomplish
ment of objects so beneficial to each and all, do
resolve as follows :
Resolved, That Millard Fillmore, Franklin
Pearce, Roger B. Taney, Edward Everett,
George U. Dallas, Thomas Ewing, Horace Bin
ney, Beverdy Johnson, John J. Crittenden,
George E. Pugh, and Richard M. Thompson,
be and they are hereby appointed commission
ers on the part of Congress to confer with a
like number of commissioners to be appointed
by the States aforesaid, for the preservation of
the Union and the maintenance of the Consti
tution, and that they report the result of said
conference to Congress for approval or rejection.
Resolved, That upon the appointment of com
missioners, as hereby invited by the said States,
and upon the meeting of the joint commission
ers, for the purpose of conference as aforesaid,
actual hostilities shall cease and be suspended,
and shall not be renewed unless said commis
'loners shall be unable to agree, or in case of an
agreement by them, said agreement shall be re
jecteloither by Congress or by the aforesaid
States.
Reeked, That the Committee on the Judi
ciary be instructed to enquire into the expe
diency and propriety of abolishing the present
Supreme Court of the United States and eatab
listing instead thereof another Supreme Court
in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitu
tion, which in the opinion of Congress will
meet the requirements of the Constitution.
The resolutions were laid aside.
Among the bills introduced were the follow
log, by Mr. Lamm, (Cal.,) : A bill to es
tablish a line of steam mail ships between San
Francisco and Shanghai, touching at the Sand
wich Islands and Japan.
Also a bill to authorize and facilitate mining
operations in the States of California and
Oregon,
Adjourned.
ROUSE OF REPRESENPATIVES.
Mr. Hozno, (Ind.) introduced a preamble re
iterating the sentiments contained in the Crit
tenden Resolutions adopted at last session, in
effect that the war was forced upon us by the
disunionista, and that the United States is to
be re - established in obedience to the Constitu
tion and the Union, these objects accomplished
the war should cease, etc.
The proposition concluded with a resolution
reaffirming these sentiments.
On motion of Mr. &alms, (Pa.,) it was ta
lled—yeas 71, nays 66.
Mr. Dues offered a resolutionlinstructing the
Committee on Foreign Affairs to enquire into
C.e practicability and expediency of procuring
11,e rights and privileges of settlement and citi
zenship on any part of this Continent, or on
toe adjacent islands south of the United States
for the habitation of free persons of African de
stent who may choose to emigrate thereto from
me tutted States, for the formation of inde
poideut colonies to be protected from foreign
molestation. Adopted.
LTLYOT ' (1118.,) and Mr. Coriwar, (Ban
iss,) sev o erally introduced ropositions on th
!lave question the considera p tion of which vra e s
I{4 tPoueti.
Ml. Warn, Delegate from New Mexico, in
tl.oduced a preamble, concluding with a
report
0
the Secretary of War to report
0 t he liouse what measures have been or
obt to be taken to expose and punish Major
,/,t,.e an other army officers who my be
ZY of
and treaeon or cowardice in surrendering a
superior force of United States sol
jrZo. the Texan troops so that t nose who are
lidOpt: ( 1 may be relieved from blame, &c.
kr. a n _
to sb o u s iTs asked leave to introduce a bill
r,
Cox ( Ohio ) i n the District of Columbia.
, luo,) objected.
uotav then adjourned.
REPORT
=1
SECRETARY OF
• Wert Dspermseer,
December 1, 1861.
Sze. : I hwie the honor to submit the annual
report of this Department.
The accompanying reports of the chiefs of the
several Bureaus present the estimates of the
appropriations required for the service of this
Department during the fiscal year ending June
30, 1863, and also appropriations necessary to
cover deficiencies in the estimates for 1861—'62.
The following statement presents the entire
estimated strength of the army, both volunteers
and regulars :
STATES.
8 mo' ths
California .....
Connecticut ..
Delaware.. ...
Illinois.
Indiana
lowa
Kentucky ....
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota. ...
MZI
776 1
4,941
4,686
•
968 i
3,4351
781,
mg
779
3,068
10,188
10,286
19,199
1,286
New Hampshire.
New Jersey
New York.
Ohio
Pennsylv,ania....
Rhode Island....
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin........
Kansas
Colorado
Nebraska
Nevada..........
New Mexico •
District Columbia
FEE
Estimated strength
of the regular
army, including
the new enlist
ments under not
of Congress o
July 29, 1861...
GE
Total
The several arms of the
as follows : -
Volunteers. Regulars. Aggregate.
.667,208 11,176 668,383
Infantry
Cavalry 64,654 4,744 59,398
Artillery 20,880 4,808 24,688
Ritles&Sharpshooters 8,395 ..... 8,395
Engitteeis 107 107
640,687 20,334 660,971
The appropriations asked for the service of
the next fiscal year are computed for a force of
500,000 men. They have been reduced to the
lowest possible amount consistent with the pub
lic interests, and are based upon a strictly eco
nomical administration of the various branches
of this Department.
The appropriations to cover deficiencies are
rendered necessary by the excess. of the force
m the field over that upon which the estimates
were founded, and by. extraordinary expendi
tures connected with the employment and dis
charge of the Three Months Contingent.
An item of very heavy expense is the large
mounted force which has been organized,
equipped, and made available since the called
session of Congress, and which was not compu
ted for in the estim ate.i While an increase of
cavalry was undoubtedly necessary, it has
reached a numerical strength more than ade
quate to the wants of the service. As it can
only be maintained at a great ad, measures
will be taken for its gradual reduction.
In organizing our great army, I. was effective
ly aided by the loyal Governors of the different
States, and Icheerfully acknowledge the prompt
patriotism with which they responded to the
call of this• Department .,
Congress, during its extra session, authorized
the army to be increased by the' acceptance of
a volunteer force of 500,000 men, and made an
approptiatlon of five , hundred millions of dol
lars for its support. A call for the troops was
immediately made ; but so numerous were the
offerithat it was found difficult to discriminate
in the choice, where the patriotism of the -peo
ple demanded that there should be no restric
tion upon enlistments. Every portion of the
loyal States desired to swell the army, and every
community was anxious that it should be rep
resented in a cause that appealed to the noblest
impulses of our people.
So thoroughly aroused was the national heart,
that I have no doubt this force would have
been.swoolen to a million, had not the Depart
ment felt compelled to restrict it, in the absence
of authority from the Representatives of the
people to increase the limited number. It will
be for Congress to decide whether the army
shall be turther augmented, with a view to a
more speedy termination of the war, or whether
it shall be confined to the strength already
fixed by law. In thelatter case, with the ob
ject of reducing the volunteer force to 600,000,
I propose, with the consent of Congress, to con
solidate such of the regiments as may from
time to time fall below the regulation standard.
The adoption of this measure will decrease the
number of officers, and proportionably diminish
the expenses of the army.
It is said of Napoleon by Jomini that, in the
campaign of 1815, that great general on the Ist
of April had a regular army of 200,000 men.—
On the Ist of Jane he had increased this force to
414,000. The like proportion, adds Jomini,
"bad he thought proper to inaugurate a vast
system of defence, would have raised it to 700,-
000 men by the first of September." At the
commencement of this rebellion, inaugurated
by the attack on Fort Sumter, the entire mili
tary force at the disposal of this Government
was 16,000 regulars, principally employed in
the West to hold in check marauding Indians.
In April, 76,000 volunteers were called upon to
enlist for three months' service, and responded
with such alacrity that 77,875 were immediate
ly obtained. Under the authority of the sot of
Congress of July 22,1861, the States were asked
to furnish 600,000 volunteers to serve for three
years, or during the war, and by the act ap
proved the 29th of the same month, the addi
tion of 2 6,000 men to the regular army of the
United States was authorized. The result is,
that we have now an army of upwarda of 600,-
000 men. If we add to this the number of die
charged three months volunteers, the aggregate ,
fBrce furnished to the Government muse .April,
hat exceeds 700,000 men.
We have here an evidence of the wonderful
ore l gth of 013 r batittitlollB.' 'WitliOtittot*P4
===
HARRISBURG, PA., THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 5, 1861.
tious, levies, drafts, or other extraordinary ex
pedients, we have raised a greater force than
that which, gathered by Napoleon with the aid
all these appliances, was considered an evidence
of his wonderful genius and energy, and of the
military spit it of the French.natiort. Here every
man has an interest in the Government, and
rushes to its defence when dangers beset it.
By reference to the records of the revolution
it will be seen that Massachusetts, with a popu
lation of 860,000, had at one time 66,000 troops
in the field, or over one-sixth of her entire peo
ple—a force greatly exceeding the whole num
ber of troops furnished by all the Southern
States during that war. Should the present
loyal. States furnish troops in like proportion,
which would undoubtedly be the case should
ady emergency demand it, the Government
could promptly put into the field an army. of
over three millions.
WAR
Volunteem
It gives me great satisfaction to refer to the
creditable degree of discipline of our troops,
most of whom were, but a short time since, en
gaged in the pursuits of peace. They are rap
idly attaining an efficiency which cannot fail to
bring success to our arms. Officers and men
alike evince an earnest desire to accomplish
themselves in every duty of the camp and field,
and the various corps are animated by an emu
lation to exceed each other in soldierly quali
ties.
Agg 'ate
The War
The conspiracy against the Government ex
tended over an area of 733,144 square miles,
possessing a coast line of 8,628 miles, and a
shore line of 26,414 miles, with an interior
boundary line of 7,081 miles in length. This
conspiracy stripped us of arms and munitions,
and scattered our navy to the moat distant
quarter of the globe. The effort to restore the
Union, which. the Government entered on in
April last, was the most gigantic endeavor in
the history of civil war. The interval of seven
months has been spent in preparation.
The history of this rebellion, in common with
all others, for obvious causes, records the first
successes in favor of the insurgents. The dies,
ter of Ball Run was but the natural consequence
oi the premature advance of our brave but un
disciplined troops, which the impatience of the
country demanded. The betrayal also of our
movements by traitors in our midst enabled the
rebels to choose and entrench their position,
and by a reinforcement in great strength, at the
moment of victory, to snatch it from our grasp.
This reverse, however, gave no discouragement
to our gallant people ; they have crowded into
our ranks, and although large numbers have
been necessarily rejected, a mighty army in in
vincible array stands eager to precipitate itself
upon the foe. The check that we-have received
upon the Potomac has, therefore,
but postponed
the campaign for a few months. The other
successes of the rebels, though dearly won,
were mere affairs, with no important or per ma
nent advantages: The possession of Western
Virginia, and the occupation of Hatteras and
Beaufortlave nobly edeemed our transient re-
718,512
640,687
20,8341
660,971
Lrvice are estimated
At the date of my last report the States of
Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky • and Missouri
were threatened with rebellion. In Delaware,
the good sense and patriotism of the priople
have triumphed over the unholy schemes of
traitors'. The people of Kentucky early'pro.
nounced themselves, by an unequivocal declara
tion at the ballot-box, in favor of the Union ;
and Maryland, notwithstanding the efforts of
bad men in power in the city of Baltimore,
when the opportunity of a general election was
afforded, under the lead of her brave and-patri
otic Governor,
rebuked, by an overwhelming
majority, the traitors who could of led her to
destitiction. In Missouri a loyal State govern
ment has been established by the.people, thou
sands of whom .have rallied to the support of
the federal authority, and, in conjunction with
troops from other portions of the country, have
forced the rebels the rebbis to retire into the
adjoining. State. The government established
in Virginia by the loyal portion of her popula
tion is in successful operation, and I have no
doubt will be sustained by the people of the
entire State whenever the thraldom of the rebel
forces shall have .beett removed.
Thus has it been made clearly apparent that
in whatever direction the forces of the Union
have extended their protection, the repressed
loyalty of the people, irresistibly manifesting
Itself, has aided to restore and maintain the
authority of the Government; and I doubt not
that the army now assembled on the banks of
the Potomac,• will, under
_its able leader, soon
make such a demonstration as will re•establish
its authority throughout all the rebellious
States. .
The loyal Governor of Virginia is proceeding
to organize courts under the constitution and
laws of the State in all her eastern counties in
the occupation of our troops, I respectfully
suggest that authority should be given to <the
President to send commissioners with the army,
with power to exercise all the functions of local
government wherever the civil authority has
ceased to exist; and especially to enforce the
obligations of contracts, and the collection of
debts due to loyal creditors.
As stated in my last report, at this commence
ment of this rebellion the Government found
itself deficient in arms and munitions of war.
! through bad faith of,those entrusted with their
control during the .preceding administration.
The armory at Harper's Ferry having been de
stroyed to prevent its possession and use by the
rebels, the Government was compelled to rely
upon the single armory at Springfield, and upon
private establishments for a supply of arms.
Every effort has been made to increase the ca
pacity of that armory, the greatest product of
which, prior to these troubles, had never ex
ceeded 800 muskets per month. In. charge of
an energetic and able ordnance officer, the force
being doubled, and operations vigorously pro
secuted day and night, there were made at this
establishment, during the past month of Octo
ber, a total of 6,900 muskets; and it is confi
dently expected that 10,000, will , be manufao.
tured during the pi•elsent - Month: on a redent
visit, with a view to enlarge the capacity of the
armory, I directed the purchase of a largequan
tity of machinery already finished, which, when
put in operation, will 'enable this establishment
to produce, during the next year, 200,000 stand
of the justly celebrated Springfield rifles. I re
spectfully, suggest the recommendation of a
liberal appropriation by Congress for the pur
pose of yet further increasing the capacity of
this armory, believing that it can be made suf
ficient to supply all the muskets and rifles
which the Government may hereafter need • in
any contingency. Located in a hilalthful
country, in the midst of au.industrious and in
genius people, where competent workmen can
always be obtained without difficulty, and suf
ficiently near to all, the materials,needed in the
manufacture of arms,•it is at the same time
amenable to every part of the country with
water and railway _communication.
After having made contracts for arms with
the private establislikents in this country, it
wee deemed mweesety, by the-President; to In , -
ore a.epeedy and ample supply, to-eioidleepe
olidiegfmt-tollaropeidth fall& to ihtt - ammmt
=IA
of two millions of dollars tophrchaae more. I
am gratified to state that he has made arange
ments for a large number of arms, part of
which have already been delivered. The re
mainder will be shipped by successive steamers
until all shall have been received.
Combinations among manufactures, impor
ters and agents for the sale of arms, have, in
many cases, caused an undue increase in prices.
To prevent advantage being thus taken of the
necessities of the' Government, collectors of
customs have been directed to deliver to the
agents of the United States all arms and muni
tions that may be imported into this country.
The demand for arms has called into existence
numerous establishments for their manufacture
throughout theloyal portion of the country, and
it has been the policy of this Department to en
courage the - develOpement of the capital, enter
prise, and skill of our people in this direction.
The Government shauld never have less than a
million of muskets in its arsenals, with a cor
responding proportion of arms and equipments
for artillery and cavalry. Otherwise, it may,
at a most critical moment, find itself deficient
in guns while having an abundance of men.
I recommend that application belnade to Con
gress for authority to establish a national foun
dry for the manufacture of heavy artillery at
such point as may afford the greatest facilities
for the purpose. While a sufficient number of
cannon, perhaps, could be procured from private
manufactories, the possession of a national es
tablishment would lead to experiments which
would be useful to the country, and prevent im
position in prices by the accurate knowledge
that would be acquired of the real value of
work of this character.
In my last report I called attention to the fact
that legislation was necessary for the reorgani
zation, upon a uniform bags, of the militia of
the country.. Some general plan should be pro
vided by Congress in aid of the States, by which
our militia can be organized, armed, and disci
plined, and made effective at any moment for
immediate service. If thoroughly trained in
time of peace, when occasion demands, it may
be converted into a vast army, confident in its
discipline, and unconquerable in its patriotism.
In the absence of any general system of orga
nization, upwards of 700,000 men have already
been brought into the field ; and, in view of
the alacrity and - enthusiasm that have been
displayed, Ido not hesitate to express the be
lief that no combination of events can arise in
which this country will not be able not only to
protect itself, but contrary to its policy, which
is peace with all'the vgitrld, to enter upon ag
gressive operations against any power that may
intermeddle with our domestic affairs. A com
mittee should be appointed by Congress, with
authority to sit during the recess, to devise and
report a plan for the general organization of the
militia of the United States.
It is of great importance that immediate at
-tendon should be gliren to the condition of our
fortifications npon the atabOard and the lakes
t
and.upon our exposed *clutters. They should
at once be placed in perfect condition for sue
ceasful defence. Aggraisions are seldom made
upon a nation ever ready to defend its honor
and to repel insults; tad we should show to the
world, that while engaged in quelling disturb
ances at home wears able to protect ourselves
against attacks from abroad.
I earnestly recommend that immediate pro
vision be made for increasing the corps of cadets
to the greatest capacity of the Military Acade
my. There are now only 192 cadets at that im
portant institution. lam assured by the super
intendent that 400 can at present be accommo
dated, and that, with very trifling additional
expense, this number may be increased to 600.
It is notsnecemary, at this late day, to speak of
the value of educated soldiers. While, in time
of war or.rebellion, we must ever depend main
ly upon our militia and volunteers, we shall al
ways need thoroughly trained officers. Two
classes having been graduated during the pres
ent year, in order that•the service might have
the benefit of their military education, I had
hoped that Congress, at its extra session, would
authorize an increase of the number. aving
failed to do so, I trust at the approaching ses
sion an increase will be authorized, and that
the selection of cadets will be limited exclu
sively to those States which, co-operating cor
dially with the' Government, have brought
their forces into the field-to aid in the main
tenance of its authority. •
In 'thib ' connection justice requires that I
should call attention to the elating of a veteran
officer, to whom, more than to any other, the
Military Academy is indebted for Its present
proeperonS end efficient condition. I allude to
Colonel Bylvanus Thayer, of the engineer corps,
who now, by reason of advancedyears and faith
ful public services, is incapacitated for duty in
the field. Under the recent law of Congress,
he may justly claim to be retired from service
but, believing that his distinguished services
should receive some marked acknowledgment
from the Government, recommend that au
thority beaked to retire him upon his full pay
and emoluments.
The health of an army is a consideration of
,the highest consequence. Good men and wo
men in different States, impelled by the highest
motives of — benevolence and patriotism, have
come in aid of the constituted sanitary arrange
ments of the Government, and been greatly in-
Strumental in dimir haling disease in the camps,
giving increased comfort and happiness to the
life of the soldier, and imparting to our hospital
service a more humane and , generous character.
'Salubrity of situation and pleasantness of sur
'roundings have dictated the choice of the hos
pital sites, and establishments for our-sick and
% wounded, of which we have every reason to be
proud, have been,opened in St. Louis, Washing
ton,Georgetown, Baltimomand Animpolis,and
wil be attached to every division of the army
in the field. To the close of the war vigilant
care shall be given to the health of the well
soldier, and to the comfort and recovery of the
sick.
I recommend that the system of promotions
which prevails in the regular service be applied
to the volunteer, forces in the respective States ;
restricting, however, the promotions to men
actually in the field. At present, each Gover
nor selects and appoints the officers for the
troops furnished by his state, and complaint is
not unfrequently made, that when vacancies
occur in the field, men of inferior qualifications
are placed in command over those in the ranks
who are their superiors in military experience
and - capacity.. The advancement of merit
should be the leading principle in all promo
tions and the volunteer soldier should be given
to understand that preferment will be the sure
reware of intelligence, fidelity and distinguished
service.
The comae abevfirecinnmended has been pur
suiul by this Department, andlt is my inten
tion, so far As is in my power, to continue a
System which,cannot-fail to hate a most bene-,
finial effect upon the entire service.
By existing laws and regulations.= officer of
the regular army ranks as an: gem of volan
teen of _the same'sraile, notwithstanding the
,couunisidowof Uttar Roy be•of kuteiVilao
: 5
date. In my judgment, this practice has a ten
dency to repress the ardor and to limit the op
portunity for distinction of volunteer officers,
and a change should be made by which seni
ority of commission should confer the right of
command.
I submit for reflection the question, whether
the distinction between regulars and volunteers,
which now exists, should be permitted to con
tinue ? The efficiency of the army, it appears to
me, might be greatly increased by a consolida
tion of the two during the continuance of the
war, which combining both fotces, would con
stitute them one grand army of the Union.
Recruiting for the.regular army has not been
attended with that success which was antici
pated, although a large member of men have
entered this branch of the service. While it is
admitted that soldiers in the regular army,
under the control of officers of military educe,
tion and experience, are generally better cared
fot than those in the volunteer service, it is
certain that the popular preference is largely
given to the latter. Young men evidently pre
fer to enter a corps officered by their friends and
acquaintances, and besides the bounty granted
to` volunters in most of the States, inducements
are often directly offered to them by- those
whose commissions depend upon their success
in obtaining recruits. In addition, the volun
teer is allow to draw his full pay of $l3 per
month, while by the law $2 per month are de
ducted from the pay of the regular, to be re
filmed to him at the end of his term of service.
In my judgment, this law should be repealed,
and the regular soldier be allowed to receive his
full pay when due. He should also receive
either a reasonable bounty upon enlisting, or an
advance of $2O of the $lOO which a law of the
last session of Congress grants to regulars and
volunteers on the expiration of their periods of
service. This would doubtless stimulate enlist
ments, as it would enable the soldier to make
some provision for those dependent upon him
for support until he receives his pay.
By the act approved August 6, 1861, the Pre
sident is authorized to appOint as many aids to
major generals of the regular army, acting in
the field, as he may deem proper. The number
of aids, in my-opinion, should be limited, and
no more should be allowed to each major general
than can be advantageously employed upon his
own proper 'staff. Much expense would thus be
saved, and the Exelcutive and this Department
would be relieved of applications very embar
rassing from their nature and extent.
The first section of the act approved Septem
ber 28, 1850, makes the discharge of miners ob
ligatory upon this Department, upon proof that,
their enlistment was without the consent of
their parent or guardians. In view of the in
jurious operations of this law, and of the facili
ties which it opens to frauds, respectfully urge
its early repeal. Applications for discharges of
minors can then be determined either by this
Department, in accordance with such regula
tions as-experienee may have shown to be ne
cessary, or by the civil tribunals of the country.
The employment of regimental binds should
be limited; the proportion of musicians now al
lOiwed by law being too great, and their useful
ness not at all commensurate with their heavy
expense,
Corporations, like individuals are liable, to
be governed by selfish
motives in the. absence
of competition. An instance of this kind oc
curred in the• management of .the railroads be
tween Baltimore and New York. The sum of
$6 was charged upon that route for the trans
portation of each soldier from New York to
Baltimore. As this rate seemed extravagant to
the" Department, when considered in connection
with the great increase of trade upon these
mods, made necessary by the wants of the Gov
ernment, inquiry was made concerning the ex
pediency of using the roads from NeW York 'to
Baltimore via Harrisburg. The result was an
arrangement by which troops were brought by
the last-named route at $4 each ; and, as a con
sequence, this rate was at once necessarily
adopted' by all the railroads in the loyal States,
making a saving to the' dvernnierit of 33 2 , per
cent. in all its transportation of Soldiers, and
at the kameltime giving to the railroads, through
increased business, a liberal compensation.
The railroad connection betiveenlVashington'
and Baltimore has been lately much improved
byadditional sideings,-and by extensions in this
city. In order, however, that abundant sup
plies may always be at the command of the
Department, arrangements should be made for
laying a double track between this city and -
Annapolis Junction, with improved sideings and
facilities at Anapolis and along the branch road.
Should the navigation of the-Potomac river
be interrupted by blockade, or the severities of
winter, it would become absolutely necessary
for the proper supply of the troops in the Dis
trict of Columbia and vicinity, and of the in
habitants of this city, to provide additional
railroad connection between Waeldngton and
Baltimore. A responsible company, with a char- -
ter from the State of Maryland, have proposed
to do this upon condition that the Government 1
will endorse their bonds, they binding themselves
to set aside annually a sufficient sum for their
redemption at maturity, and ; thus eventually
release the Govenuentfrorn any iability what
exer, and to charge ; 'for transportation, rates , in
no case to exceed four cents a top per mile for
freight,end three cents per mile for passengers.
During the continuance of the' war, however,
their charge for passengem is not to exceed two
cents per mile. The charge for the transporta.
Lion of paaisengers between, the two cities is at
3
presentcents per mile, and for freight the
rates per ton will average. Elite, five - to eight
cents per mile. The large laving .te the Gov
ernment in cost of transportation Would amply
compensate for all liability , . and give to the
citizens of all the lOyal States greatly improved
facilities for reaChing the national - capital, and
at much less rates than , they are now compelled
to pay. To the citizens ofithe District it would
cheapen the cost of supplies, and prove of im
mense value in every . respect.
I recommend theta railway;. be constructed
through this city from the navy yard, by the
Capital, to Georgetown, forming connections
with. the existing railroad depots, and usin g the
/aqueduct bridge for the. purpose of crossing
the river at Georgetown. By a junction of this
proposed railway with the Orange and Alexan
dria railroad notonly would the communication
with our troops in Virginia be greatly improv
ed, but an easy access be obtained.to the Bald
' more and Ohio railroad nearliarper's Ferry, by
means ,of the ileudon and Hamshire railroad.
To its importance as affonling facilities for mov
ing troops and supplies tinie of war may be
added the future benefits it would confer upon
the District of Columbia. The outlay required
would be saved in a few months by enabling the
Government to dispepse withthe expensive
ferry at Georgetown, and , by greatly decreasing
the'costly wagon transportation of the , army
through this city: • , •
Thirinjuries to railroads, instigated, by:the'
rebelanthorities in , lialtintorei in order to ent-i
barrass‘ ecenntimioation with the , Ifortit ,,, arull
Weativia itilardshrug, and ; .withAlsei Best
haltetianCirepairectibyithatdwe r .
• Mill.
PRICE ONE CENT.
ent companies that own them. That portiori
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad west of
Harper's Ferry, which was so ruthlessly de
stroyed by the rebels, has not yet been restored.
The great interests of trade require that this
road should be reopened as speedily as possible
by the company, for the transportation of the
immense surplus of the agricultural productions
of the West. To aid this object, the Depart
ment has tendered to the company a sufficient
force for its protection during the progress of
the work, and will render such facilities as it
may be able to provide, in connection with its
other important public duties.
For the purpose of facilitating the transpor
tation of supplies to Alexandria, and to points
beyond, it has been found necessary to rebuild
portions of the Orange and Alexandria and the
London and Hampshire railroads, and to lay a
track from the railroad depot to a point on the
Potomac river, in this city.
Under an appropriation granted for that
purpose at the last session of Congress, a Tele
graph Bureau was established, and has been
found of the greatest service in our military
operations. Eight hundred and fifty-seven miles
of telegraph line have been already built and
put in operation, with an efficient corps of oper
ators, and a large extension is now in in process
of construction.
Congress, at its late melon, made an appro
priation for the reconstruction of the long
Bridge, across the Potomac, which, in its then
dilapidated condition, was unsafe for military
purposes. The work, which has been carried
on without interruption to trade or travel, is
rapidly approaching completion, awl, when
finished, will be a substantial struchne.
On the first of the present month, Lieutenant
General Winfield Scott voluntarily relinquished
his high command as general-in-chief of the
American army. He had faithfully and gal
lantly served his country for upwards of half a
century, and the glory of his achievements has
given additional lustre to the brightest page of
oar national annals. The affections of a grateful
people followed him into his retirement. The
President immediately conferred the command
of the army upon the officer next in rank. For
tunately for the country, Major General Mc-
Clellan had proved himself equal to every situa
tion in which his great talents had been called
into exercise. lila brilliant achievements in
Western Virginia, the untiring energy and con
sumate ability he has displayed in the organi
zation and discipline of an entirely new army,
have justly won for him the confidence and ap
plause of the troops and of the nation.
Extraordinary labor, energy and talent have
been required of the various bureaus of this
Department to provide for the wants of our im
mense army. While errors may occaedonallr
have been committed by subordinates, and
while extravagant prices have undoubtedly in
some cases; controlled by haste and the pressure
of rapid events, been paid fur supplies, it is
with great that I refer to the eco
nomical administration of affairs .displayed in
the various branches of the service. Our forces
had not only to be armed, clothed and fed, but
had to be suddenly provided with means of
transportation to an extent heretofore unparal
leled. While I believe there is no army in the
world better provided for in every respect than
our regulars and volunteers, I candidly think
that no force so large and so well equipped was
ever put in the field in so short a space of time
at so small an expense.
While it is my intexitionto preserve the strict
est economy and accountability, I think the List
dollar should be expended and the last man
should be armed to bring this unholy rebellion
to a speedy and permanent close.
The geographical position of the metropolis of
the nation, Menaced by the rebels, and required
to be defended by thousands of our troops, in
duces me to suggest for consideration the pro
priety and expediency of a reconstruction of the
boundaries of the States of Delaware, Maryland
and Virginia. Wisdom and true statesmanship
Would dictate that the seat of the National Gov
ernment, for all time to come, should be placed
beiond reasonable danger of seizure by enemies
within, as well as from capture by foes without.
By agreement between the States named, such
as was effected, for similar purposes, ,by Michi
gan and Ohio, and by Missouri and lowa, their
boundaries could be so changed as to render the
capital more remote than at present from the
influence of State Government which have ar
rayed themselves in rebellion against the Fede
ral authority.
To this end, the limits of Virginia might be ,
so altered as to make her boundaries consist of
the Blue Ridge on the east, and Pennayhrrada,
on the north, leaving those on the South and
west as at present. By this arrangement, two
counties of Maryland (Allegheny and Washing
ton) would be transferred to the jurisdiction of
Virginia. All that portion of Virginia which
lies between the Blue Ridge and Chesapeake
Bay could then be added to Maryland, while
that portion on the peninsula between the waters
of the Chesapeake and the Atlantic, now joint
ly held by Maryland and Virginia, could be in
corporated into the State of .Delaware. A ref
erence to the map will show that these are
great natural boundaries, which, for all time to
come would serve to mark the limit o theta
Stator.
To make the protection of the Capital com
plete, in consideration of the large accession of
territory which Maryland would receive under
the arrangement proposed, it would be neces
sary that that State should consent so to modify
her Constitution as to limit the basis of her re
presentation to her white population.
In this connection, it would be the part of
wisdom to reannex to the District of Columbia
`that portion of its original limits which, by act
of Congress was retroceded to the State of
Virginia.
It is already a grave question, what shall be
done with those slaves who are abandoned by
their owners on the advance of our troops into
Southern territory, as at Beaufort district In
South Carolina ? The number left within our,
control at that point is very considerable,.azj,
u
similar cases will probably occur. What shall
be done with them ? Can we afford to send
them forward to their masters, to be by them
armed against us, or used in producingproducing supplies
to sustain the rebellion? Their labor may be
use f u l to us. Witheld trom the enemy
it lessens his military resources, and
withholding them has no tendency to in
duce the horrors of insurrection even in the
rebel communities. They constitute a military
resource, and being such, that they should not
be turned over to the enemy is too philn to dis
cuss. Why deprive him of supplies by a block
ade, and voluntarily give him men to produce
supplies? The disposition to be made of the
slaves of rebels after the close of the war can
be safely left tci the wisdom and patriotism of
Congress. The representatives of the people
.will unquestionably secure to the loyal aiave
,holdera every right to which they are entitled
under the. Constitution . of the country.
• SIMON CAMERON,
• ' ikeretary o f war.
Tit thej"resideutiot the Stater..,