The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1863-12-10
'IELEGRAP
Up to 9 O'Clock. A. M.

New YosK, Dec::s-The report of the
Secretary of War is Of considerable length
1t reviews our victories and pays high tri
butte to the bravery and skill of our troops
He says the combined operations of oul
army and navy against Charleston have
not as yet accomplished what was expected
of them. In Texas, large force operating
under Banks, will give protection to the
people of that State, and cut off chief av.
enue of the rebels for foreign commerce.
and foreign aid. '---Lt
The armies of Lee and Meade now occu-
| ~ relatively the same positions that they
did at the date of the last annual report
West Virginia is now clear of rebels, and the
people of that State are enjoying In compar
ativs peace the blessings of civil govern.
ment. va.
The rebel forces in Missouri have been
driven beyond the Arkansas river.
No military operations of any magnitude
have taken place in Virginia or North Oar
olina -,-,-- ..,-- f--
The Federal forces are now firmly plant
ed in every rebel State.
past year has enabled the department
make a reduction of over 20O,0OO,0OO
in the estimates for the ensuing year.
The trouble in regard to the exchange OF
prisoners is reviewed at length, and the
blame for the non exchange is thrown en-
tirely upon the rebel authorities. He al
ludes to the good treatment the rebel pris-
oners have received at our hanps, and be
denounces the rebel authorities for the
cruel manner in which they have treated
our prisoners in their hands. He then dis
cnsses the act of Congress or enrolling and
calling out the national furces and says the
law has been enforced in II States, yielding
$4,000 soldiers and SlO,00O,00O for procur,
ing substitutes.
The $500 clause is allnded to, and the
conflicting opinions in regard to its justice
and injustice. Ho sayl large portion OF
the troops whose terms expire next year
will reenlist it being stipulated by the
Government that they shall have at least
one months furlough before their present
term expires. The indications are that the
force required will, in great measure, be
raised by volunteering and without draft.
An appropriation for boun4ies should be
mace. He speaks of the valuable service
rendered by the Invalid corps, now num-
bering 10000, officers and Privates.
Immediately after the issuance of the
Presidents proclamation, dilligent efforts
were commenced and have continued until
the present time for raising colored troops.
Fifty thousand colored men are now organ
lied and the number will rapidly increase
as our armies advance. The freed slaves
make good soldiers and are easily disciplin-
ed and are full OF courage. The slave has
proved his manhood and capacity, and
makes a good infantry, artillery Or cavalry
soldier as has been evidenced on several &C.
casions
The solored troops have been allowed no
bountes under the construction given by
the department. They can only by the
existing law receive 10 dollars per month
for their services, while white soldiers re-
csive l3 dollars with clothing aud daily
ration.
The fortunes of war have brought within
lines large numbers of colored women and
children, and some aged and infrm persons.
A solemn trust rests upon the government
for their care and protection. The Adj.
Gen. recommends the term of enlistment
in the regular service be fixed at three
wears instead of five, in accordance with
the act of 1861, which expired by limita
ton on the LIST of Jan'y 1863 The Sec y
gives list of the principal ordnance ma
terials in the control of the department at
the beginning of the war, &c, and thequan
=. &c Ill ho,
been procured, and the quantities of those
Articles on hand June Both, 1863. The fig
ures are immense. The operations of the
chief engineer connected with the survey of
the northern and northwestern Lakes have
been continued and during the past season
consisted in the survey Of postage entry on
Lake Superior, and in rasuming the survey
of Greeu Bay and Lake Michigan.
Also the examinations of the channels of
the St. Clair flats and of St. George. Also
of St. Mary's river, &c.
The details OF the Quartermaster Gener-
aPs department are also given.
Also the report Of the Commlssary Gen
eral of subsistence.
1t is believed that the troops at every
point have been supplied with an abund
ance of wholesome food and that if in the
movement of the armies temporary want
has been felt it has not been due to any
want Of foresight Or apprehension on the
part Of the Commissary Generals depart
msDt.
After abiding to soma claims againts
that department and saying that further
legislation or larger appropriation will be
required to carry them into effect, he con-
cludes as follows:
may express the the hope that the next
annual report from this Department may an
nounce the complete overthrow of the re-
bellion and restoration of peace, with the
establishment Of the Union on q sure foun
dalton.