Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-17
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR

That portion of the United States which is
now, or has been during the last year, the
scene of military operations,i is comprised with
in ten military departments The armies op-
Grating in those departments. according to
recent official returns, constitute force of
seven hundred and seventy five thousand three
hundred and thirty-six officers and privates,
fully armed and equipped. Since the date of
the returns this number has been incresed to
over eight hundred thousand. When the quotas
are filed up they will number million of
men, and the estimates for the next year are
based upon that number
If the campaigns of the armies in these de-
partments have not equaled in their results
the expectations of the government and pub
lie hope, still they have not been unproductive
of good results. The valor of our troops has
been displayed upon many occasions, and the
skill and gallantry of their officers have been
distinguished at Yorktown, Williamsburg,
Fair Oaks, Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Cross
Keys, Cedar Mountain, Chantilly, and places
enumerated in the reports herewith submit
ted. ss5
The Secretary then refers to the repulse of
the rebels from Mary land, and the position OF
our forces at Fortress Monroe.
The beginning of last winter found the
rebel armies of Price and Mccullough in pcs
session of all the northwestern portion of Mis-
souri,, while many of the counties north Of
Missouri river were in sta'e of insurrection.
Our forces were concentrating at Rolla and
Sedalia. AS soon the rebels could be
driven from the northern counties, and our
armies feorganized, active operations were
commenced, notwithstanding the inclemen-
cy of the season and the bad condit of the
roads. On the 10th of December a consider
captured at Milford, while on their way to
join Price on the Usage river. The forces at
Rola under General Curtis, moved towards
Springfield, which compelled Price to fall
back into Arkansas, where he was joined by
Van Dorm. A severe battle was fought at Pea
Ridge, Arkansas, on the 9th, 7th and 9Th OF
March, between the combined armies of the
latter gained a complete and decisive victory.
The operations in the West are briefly
detailed up to the battle of Pittsburg Landing,
April 7th and 8th.
The Secretary of War details the militsry
operations during the past year points to the
fact that the Department of the Pacific has
been free from any of the calamities occasion
ed by the rebellion an earnest and deep
sympathy has been manifested by the loyal
citizens of the Pacific States in support of
the Union. From survey of the whole field
of operations,it is apparent whatever disasters
our arms may have suffered at particular
points, great advance has been made since
the commencement of the war. The Union
forces are now in the field under able comman-
ders, stronger thau ever, resolute and eager
to be led against the enemy, to crush the re-
bellion by vigorous W inter campaign. The
armies of the Potomac and the West stand
ready to vie with each other in dealing the
quickest and heaviest blow against the enemy.
Taught by experience of the ruin of inaction
and the hazard of delay, spirit Of earnest
activity seems to prevade the forces of the
United State beyond what has hitherto been
exhibited. In the numerous battles and en-
gagements that have occurred, our armies in
general have displayed the courage and deter
mination that should inspire officers and SOL
diers fighting in defence of their government.
Under the calls of July and August there are
already in the field over 420, 900 new troops,
of which 399, 900 are volunteers, 332, 600 of
whom have volunteered for three years or