Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-03-07

The quota of the new regiments for
the war, called for from the different
States, are in rapid progress of organi-
cation. The whole body of new leyies
and re-enlisted men will probably be
ready and in the ranks within the next
thirty days. But, in the meantime, tits
exceedingly difficult to give an accurate
statement of the number of our forces in
the field. They may. in general terms,
be stated at four hundred regiments of
infantry, with proportionate force Of
cavalry and artillery, details Of which
will be shown b. thereport of the Secre-
tary Of War
deem il proper to advert to the fact
that the process Of furloughs and re-en-
listmepts IN progress for last month, has
50 far disorganized and weakened our
forces as to impair our ability for sue
ceasfuI defense; but I heartily congratu-
late you That this evil, which | had fore
seen and was powerless 10 prevent, may
now be said to be substantially at an end,
and that we shall not again, during the
war. be exposed to seeing our strength
diminished BY this fruitless cause Of dis
aster--short enlistments
! The people Of the Confederate States
being principally engaged in agricultural
\ pursuits, were i1nprovided, at the COM
\ nencelhent Of hostilities, with ships,
shipsx3sas, lnatsrials for ship:building,
or skilled mechanics and seamen Ia suf-
fioient numbers to make the prompt ere
alton of navy practical task, even ii
the required appropriation had been made
for the purpose. Notwithstanding our
very limited resources, however, the re-
port Of the Secretary will exhibit to you
q satisfactory proportion in preparation,
and certainty of near completion Of YES
sells of a number and class on which we
may confidently rely for contesting the
Wanted control Of the enemy over our
waters.
The financial system devised by the
wisdom of your predecessors has proved
adequate to supplying all the wants of
the Government, Notwithstanding the I'M
expected and very large increase of ex-
penditures resulting from the great aug
mentation in the necessary means of de-
fence. The report of the Secretary of
the Treasury will exhibit the gratifying
fact that we have no floating debt, that
the credit of the Government is unim-
paired, and that the total expenditure of
the government for the year has been, in
round numbers, $40, 900, COOLIES than
one-third of the sum wanted by the enc
my in his vain efforts to conquer us, and
less than the value of single article of
cxport-the cotton crop of the year.
The report of the Postmaster General
will show the condition of that Depart
ment to be steadily improving, its reve-
nues increasing, and already afording
assurance that it will be self sustained at
the date repaired by the constitution,
while affording ample mail facilities for
the people.
In the Department of Justice, which
includes the Patent Office and Public
Printing, some legislative provisions will
be required, which will be specifically
stated in the report Of the head of that
Department.
invite the attention of Congress to
the duty of organizing Supreme Court
of the Confederate States, in accordance
with the mandate of the constitution.
I refer you to my message, communi-
Gated to the Provisional Congress in No
vember last, for such further information
as it might be useful to lay before you,
the short interval which has since elapsed
not having produced any material changes
in that condition other than those to
which reference has already been made.
In conclusion l cordially welcome the
representatives, who being recently cho-
sen by the people, are fully imbued with
their views and feelings, and can so ably
advise me as TO the needful provisions
for the public service. l assure you of
my hearty cooperation in all your efforts
for the common welfare of the country.
lSigned) JEFFERSON DAVIS.