Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1863-12-17
Report Of the Secretary Of War,


Report Of the secretary of War.
The report of the Secretary of War is
of considerable length 1t reviews our
victories and pays high tribute to the
bravery and skill Of oui troops.
He says the combined operations of our
army aid navy against Charleston have
not as yet accomplished what vas expec-
ted of them.
In Texas a large force operating under
Banks will give protection to the people
of the State; and cut Off chief avenue
of the rebels for foreign commerce and
foreign aid.
The armies of Lee and Meade now oc
cupy relatively the same positions as they
did at the date of the last annual report.
West Virginia is now clear of rebels,
and tho people of the State are enjoying
in comparative peace the blessings of civil
government
The rebel forces in Missouri have been
driven beyond tho Arkansas river.
No military operations Of any magni-
tude have take place in Virginia or North
Carolina.
The Federal forces are now firmly plan
ted in every rebel State.
The success Of our arms during the
past year has enabled the Department to
make re luction of over $500 ,0OO, 900
in the estimate for the coming year.
The trouble in regard to the exchange
of prisoners is reviewed at length, and
the blame of the non-exchange thrown
entirely upon the rebel authorities. lie
alludes to the good treatment the rebel
prionsrs have received at our hands, and
denounces the rebel authorities for the
cruel manner in which they have treated
our prisoners in their hands.
lie discusses the act for enrolling and
and calling out .he national forces, and
says that the law has been enforced in
twelve States, yielding 80, 600 soldiers
and $40. 900 for procuring substi-
tutes. The three hundred dollar clause
is alluded to, as are also the conflicting
opinions. in regard to its justice and in-
justice.
He says that large proportion of the
troops whose tarms expire next year will
re enlist, it being stipulated by Govern
ment that they shall have at least one
month furlough before their present term
expires.
The indications are that the force re-
quired will in great measure be raised
by volunteering and without draft. Ap
immediate appropriation for Dounties
should be made. He then alludes to the
valuable services the invalid corps have
rendered the Government. The corps now
numbers 20 900 officers and privates.
He says Immediate after the issue of the
Presidents proclamation diligent efforts
were commenced and have continued un
til the present time, for raising colored
troops. Fifty thousand colored men are
now organized, and the number will rap
idly increase as our armies andvance.
Freed slaves make good soldiers, are
easily disciplined and fall of courage.
The slave has proved his manhood and
capacity, and makes good infantry, ar
t tillery or cavalry soldier, as has been ev-
f idenced on several occasions. The color
ca troops have been allowed no bounties
under the construction given by the de-
| partment. They can only by the existing
I law receive $40 per month Tor their ser
: vices, while white soldiers receive Sl3
with clothing and daily rstions.
The fortunes of war have brought with
in our lines large numbers of colored wo
men and children ami some aged anC
infirm persons. A solemn trust vests
upon the Government for their care and
protection.
The Adiutant General recommends the
term of enlistment in the regular service
to be fixed at three years instead OF five
in accordance with the act of 1861, which
expired by Limitation on the lst of Janu'
ry 1868.
The Secretary gives list of tho prnci
, pal ordnance materials in the. control o
: the Department at the beginning of thu
;, war, ETC., and the quantities of these ar
ticles which have since been procured, anC
the quantities of those articles on han {
June 80, 1868. The figures are immense
= The operations OF the Chief Engineer,
connected with the survey OF the northern
and northwestern lakes have been contin
ued and during the past season have con-
sisted in the survey of Portage Entry
on Lake Superior, and in resumption OF
the survey OF Green Bay and lake Mich
igan; also the examination Of the channels
of the St. Clair flats, and of St. George
also of st. Mary's river, etc,
The details OF the Quartermeaster Gen
erals Department are also given; also th'
: Report of the CommiSsary General o
Subsistence 1t is believed that the troop
at every point have been supplied will
: an abundance of wholesome food, anc
that if in the movement of armies TEN
porary wants have been felt, it has no
I, been due to any want of foresight or at
r tention on the part of tho CommiSsar!
! Generals Department. ...
The Paymaster's report and the acting
S Surgeon. Generals report, with iull dc
tails. are also given.
A compliment is paid to the military
telegraph aud the valuable services it ha
4 rendered to the. Government under th'
superintendent OF Col. Stager and Majo
Eckert. l..--...-. ...t
h After alluding to some claims agains
: the Department, and saying that furthe
. legislation or larger appropriation vii
be reqnired to carry them into effect, h
concludes as follows:
l may DO permitted t. express the hop
It that the next annual report from this De
IS partment may announce the complet
Il. Al 4