Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-12-08


The Secretary of War details the military op-
erations during the past year; points to the fact
that the Department of the Pacific has been free
from any of the calamities occasOned by the re-
belliOn; 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 il is apparent,
whatever disasters our arms may have suffered at
particular points, a great advance has been made
since the commencemehSof the The Union
forces are now in the field under aole command
ers, stronger than ever, resolute and eager to be
led against the enemy, to crush the rebellion by
vigorous wIntsr campaign. The armies Of the
Potomac and the West stand ready to we with
each other in dealing the quickest and heaviest
blows against the enemy. Taught by experience
of the ruin of inaction and the hazard Of delay,
spirit of earnest activity seems TO pervade the
forces of the United States beyond what has hith-
been exhibited. In the numerous battles
and movements that have occurred, our armies
in general have displayed the courage and deter
mination that should inspire officers and soldiers
fighting in defense of their Government Under
the calls of July and August there are already
in the field 1000 new troops, of which 399 900
are volunteers. 332 900 of whom volunteered for
three years or the war. IL will be remembered
the call was made At of those periods of de-
sp0ndency which occur in every national struggle.
A chief hope of those who set the rebellion on
foot was for aid end comfort from disloyal sym
pathlzers in the Northern States, whose efforts
were relied upon 10 divide and distract the people
of the North and prevent them from putting
forth their whole strength 10 preserve the National
existence.
The call for volunteers and draft of the mill
/ tia afforded an occasion for dslOyal persons 10
accomplish their evil purposes by discouraging
enlistments and encouraging opposition to the
war and the draft OF soldiers TO carry it on.
Anxiety felt in some States at the prob
able success Of these disioyal practices, and the
Government was urged to adopt measures Of pro-
lection by temporary restraint OF those engaged in
these hostile acts.
TO that end Provost Marshals were appointed
in some States upon the nomination of their Gov
ernors to act under the direction of the State Ex
ecutiye, and the writ o. habeas corpus was sus-
pended By our order
Some instances of unauthorized arrests have
occurred, and when brought 10 the notice of the
Department, the parties have been Immediately
discharged.
BY a recent order, all persons arrested for dis
couring enlistments or Tor dislOyal practices in
the States where the quotas of volunteers are
filled up have been released
Every means the country affords has been put
forth 70 complete tie ornaments of our forts and
Notifications for the defense OF harbors and coasts
is shown by the report OF this bureau; thosede-
tails for obvious reasons not now stated, and
this legislation required ov this branch of the ser
vice will. by your direction. be communicated TO
the appropriate commit ee The subject of arm
ing the Notifications particularly those defending
the harbors of our principal Atlantic ports. has
received special attention, and all the means at
the disposal of the Department have been applied
to that end, so lar possible and conssten
with meeting other imperative requirements.
In consequence of the introduction into nava
! i. 4
from the effects of such batteries as had hitherto
been sufficient to guard effectually against the
passage OF hostile vessels, it became necessary
, provide heavier and more powerful ordnance
, The whole system OF such armame carefully
/ revised and amended by board of the most ex
, perienced and competent officers, and measure:
have been taken to carry their recommendation
into effect