Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-05-18
WAR PREPARATIONS.

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the bill SUPPLEMENTARY to the act 10 esta-
6hsh an Executive DEPARTMENT, TO be de-
nominated the Var DEPARTMENT.
Mr.. Harper observed, that after the able
remarks on this floor, shelving the impor-
lance Of adopting the measure as prepare
tory to a great event, he would not con
sumo the time of the House in attempting
to offer any new ideas either as to the pro-
priety or the policy OF the questionable
would confne his observations, said MIR. II.
to single point. 1t has been intimated in
this debate, that this measure has been pro-
posed, not on account of it's intrinsic impor-
lance, but to prop up an inefficient officer
OF government, who has been tardy in the
discharge of his official functions-Permit
me. said he, to state few facts, and it will
| readily be'perceived, that the executive, in
| stead of being tardy, have followed up every
| measure adopted by congress with prompt
| tude, and in some instances have gone in
advance of that body. 1t will be recollect-
ed, sir, said Mr.. II. that on the eleventh o.
| January last, an act passed, raising IS ,00C
additional troops. On the 18th of the same
month, orders were given by the war de
l,partment to the purveyor ofpublic supplies,
! to furnish in addition to the supplies for the
old army, clothing Complete for tAe additi-
onal IS, 900 In this order the secretary Oh
war, took upon himself responsibility, ne
yer before assumed by any officer of go
vernment; for the law making appropria-
tons for the army did not pass until the 21st
OF February.
On the oath of February, only three days
after the appropriation for paying the troops,
near six hundred candidates were nominate
ed to the Senate for officers. On the 18th
OF March, the Senate approved the nomina-
tons, & they were returned to the war Office on
the 18th, and in two days from that time, off
ciai notice of appointments was sent to every
rofhcer, in every section of the country; and
before it could be officially known. that the
officers who were appointed would accept
recruiting orders and instructions, with
money for boubties and premiums, were for
warded by the war department, to every
quarter of the country.
1t will be recoIlected, sir, said Mr.. H
that the law, providing for quarter-mas-
| ter and commissary department, both OF
which are necessary in raising an army, did
not pass until the 28th of March. Where
then has been the delay on the part of the
executivei BY reports from the purveyor
ofpublic supplies and the superintendent of
the public stores. it appears that there is
clothing in store, and also that clothing has
been and is going out, To every state and ter
ritory, sufficient to supply all recruits which
can be raised.
BY an examination of the books in the de-
partment of war, it will appear, that the fol-
lowing orders have been issued from that
department, to the purveyor of public sup
plies.
June 18th. 1911, clothing for 10, coo troops
for 1912.
Aug. 10th, so 900 lbs. powder
Nov 23d-3O0,o00 lbs. saltpetre, and
100000 lbs. SULPHUR
Nov. 99th-5, 600 blankets.
Dec. 5th--Purchase more powder.
Jan. 18th, 1879, clothing for 20, 900 troops
in addition to the quantity before ordered.
Jan. 1Sth-ln addition to supplies for the
old army, 5000 common, 1000 wall tents,
24,300 knapsacks, $4,000 canteens, 5000
camp kettles, 24,3o0 cartouch boxes, 81 SEQ
bayonets, scabbards and belts.
Jan. 23d-Tm and copper
Jan. 27th-The duck to be purchased suf-
fcient to make tents and knapsacks for the
whole army and leave i 900 bolts OIL hand.
Feb. 14th-Make up the clothing f., the
additional army, 1000 suits and 10000 ri
file frocks; procure 100000 lbs. powder to
be manufactured from materials in store.
March 10th and 18th The agent in BGs-
ton is ordered to purchase duck for 1000
Common and 200 wall tents, and equipments
for 5000 mcn as soon as possible.
April 6th--One hundred drums, 500 ffcs
-Purveyor is ordered TO purchase various
articles of camp equipage and quarter-mas-
ter's stores, not yet ordered, and equipments
for the dragons and light artillery.
1t also appears by the purveyor's reports
that the following goods and clothing are
procured:
Dec. 9Th, 1911, bought 2l3l bolts of duck
Jan. 18th 1912, 5000 suits making up, con-
tracted for 5000 cartouch boxes, 5000 cot.
ton blankets, 1900 pair hose.
March 18th, bought 10000 yards woollen
for jackets and Innings.
Feb. 9th, contracted for 5000 cartouch
boxes and belts.
Feb. 18th, bought $4,000 yards kersey.
Feb. 18th, $4,000 yards Russia sheeting,
1000 pieces duck.
Feb. 81, contracted largely for hats and
shoes, cotton blankets, drums and kersey.
Feb. oath, contracted for 90, 600 blankets,
$4,000 pair hose, $4,000 yards Russia sheet
ing.
March 18th, bought Russia sheeting in
New-York for 10000 rifle frocks.
March 24th, contracted for $4,000 felt
| caps and 500 swords.
March 9Th, bought $500 blankets, con-
tracted for 10000 woollen and 5000 cotton
blankets, 1000 pantaloons making, bought
1000 yards cloth for coats, 800 caps, s, 900
cartouch boxes and belts, knapsacks, shirts
and coats making.
March 2sth, ordered $4,000 caps, 10000
leather stocka
April goth, purchased 5000 pieces Of
duck.
March 18th, bought green cloth for /, 100
coats.