The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-12-12
Number 81.

tract OF land along the railroad to Berwick
Bay opens upa territory In which many
thousands can be pro6tably employed. u pla-
ced under proper regulation and CONTROL
At Port Royal such persons have been ex'
tensiyely employed in the work Of the Quar-
terinasiers department, and In cultiyating
some thousands Of acres of the sea islands oi
the coast, the products OF which are used In
the support Of themselves and families.
In the operations OF the army on James
river and upon the Potomac, In tho forti6ca.
tions at Washington, and as laborcrs. team
sters, hostlers, and in the landing and ship.
ping OF stores, they have been Of great ser.
vice. and the demand for their labor has ex-
cceded the supply available.
The successful movements Of tho various
expeditions by sea, the transportation fsuch
large bodies Of troops, and the regular sup.
ply at distant points Of the coast, affords
striking proof OF the greatness Of the militia
ry resources of henation. These movements
have been on scale Of great magnitude.
The collection OF the vast armies which
have been raised, and their transport to the
field of operations in so brief a period, would
not have been possible but for the extent Of
our system of steam transport by railroad,
river and sea.
1t has not been found necessary TO exercise
within the loyal States the power conferred
upon the President by law to take actual
military possession Of the railroads Of the
country. The various companies met in con-
yention in this city united in proposing
uniform tariff for Government tran.porta
tion. which appears to be just and equitable,
and they have performed all the services rc-
quired of them by the department with
promptness, efficiency and cheerfulness which
does honor to the faithtulness Of their man.
ayers.
Every means tho country affords has been
put forth to complete the armament OF our
forts and Notifications for the defense Of har.
bors and coasts. as is shown by the report OF
this bureau. These details are for obvious
reasons not now stated, and the legislation
required by this branch Of the service will by
your direction be communicated to the APP
propriatc committees.
The subject Of arming the notifications.
particularly those defending the harbors OF
our principal Atlantic ports has received
special attentions. and all the means at the
disposal of the Department have been ap-
piled to that end so far as was possible and
consistent with meeting other imperative re.
Quirenents. In consequence OF the intro.
ducton of iron.clad vessels, comparatively
safe from such batteries rs had hitherto been
sufficient to guard eflectuully against hostile.
vessels. II became necessary to provide heay-
Ter and more powerful ordinance. The whole
system of such armaments was carefully re-
vised and amended by board OF the most
experienced and competent officers. and
measures have been taken to carry their rec
concentrations into effect.
The Secretary calls special attention to
the necessity Of providing additional means
for the storage and preservation OF ofordnance
supplies. MS recommended In the report OF
the chief OF ordnance.
The attention of tho Department has been
earnestly directed to the forts and fortiiica.
tions for harbor deienses. A personal in.
spection Of these important works has been
made by Gen. Totten.
The grarts made ny Congress at the last
session amounted S5 ,535, 900 for permanent
works. and S750.O00 for temporary works.
The Chief OF Engineers reports that these
sums admitted of very material progress bo.
ing made at most Of the important forts now
in process Of construction. This has been
realized in numbers Of instances. and in all
a decided advancement has been effected.
Great difficulties have been experienced In
obtaining supplies Of materials from the
quarrics, stoneyards, &C., owing to the de-
mand made upon the classes usually employ.
ed in this kind of work by the War Depart
ment. Similar trouble has been encountered
in procuring transportations Of Materials
Much has been done in advancing the state
Of readiness Of our Notifications in the prin.
ciple commercial barbors for service In pre-
pairing for additional guns, in providing for
the reception of armament Of very large cal.
bro in the existing batteries and in placing
all in effective condition for defense. Like
measures have been observed with reference
to naval stations and our frontiers generally.
The Secretary says no aphorism is more
universally received than that the sole oh.
ject OF just war Is to make the enemy feel
the evils of his injustice by his sufierings and
amend his ways, and he must, therefore be
attacked in tho most accessible quarter
The power of tho rebels rests entirely upon
their peculiar system Of labor, which keeps
laborers on their plantations to support their
owners. who are devoting their time and
strength to destroy our armies aud destroy
our government.
Whenever that system Is in hostility to the
Government il Is the duty Of those conduct.
ing the war to strike down the system, and
turn against the'rebels the productive power
that upholds the insurrection. Rightly or.
ranized in the recovered territory, the labor.
ers of the rebel States will not aid In hold
Ing fortified positions, but thsir labors will.
~ In India. free the white soldier from the
most unwholesome exposure Of tho South
They will cultivate the corn and forage which |
will feed our cavalry and artillery horses. and
ave our country a portion Of the enormou.
burden now attending their purchase and
from the North. Thi. culti-
ration would have been Of greater advantage
70 us on the southeastern coast tha, even
hat OF the great staple Of the Sci islands.
The Secretary saws. in conclusion. that
greater portion Of the whole country which
formerly produced tho Sen Island cotton Is
,ow thoroughly restored to the Union. The
aborers arc there. and the soil and climate.
It needs only assurance Of protection 10 re-
rive the cultivation Of the staple. ~ well as
% produce vast quantities OF corn and for
.ge for our troops. Since this war must be
conducted BY marches and battles and sieges,
shy neglect the best means to make them
and their results permanent?
II Is worthy Of notice that thus far the
portions Of territory which we have rccov.
red, and most firmly hold, are precisely
hose in which the greatest arc found. BY
heir assistance. armies will be permitted to
,perate In and occupy tho country. Full