Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1863-01-15

very best in use. Thus was the Arsenal
established, and as the demand for ammu-
milton daily increased, and the necessity. so
lar rom passing away, became constantly
greater as the war progressed, what was
first intended as temporary convenience
became a large and permanent establish
ment.. Lieutenant Colonel Sturm contin.
ued at the head of the esta Llishment, man
aging it with great success and ability.
preparing ammunition Of every description
for illery and small arms, not only sup
plying our own troops when going to the
field. but sending immense quantities to
the armies in the West and South. In
several emergencies the armies in the West
and South were supplied from here, when
they could not procue it in time from, 9TH
er Arsenals, and serious disasters thereby
avoided.
Shortly after the Arsenal was fully es-
tablished. it was brought to the attention
of the War Department, aud the ammuni-
ton having been thoroughly tested. tue
Government agreed to pay for what had al
ready been issued, and to receive and paw
for what should he prepared thereafter, at
prices which were satisfactory to both par
ties. These prices were generally below
what the Government paid for ammunition.
but sush as 1t was believed wond fairly in
dcmniiy the State for all costs and expcn-
ses incurred on that account. Every effort
was made to conduct the operations OF the
Arsenal with great economy. while paying
fair price to the many operatives employ
ed. Persons have been employed some
times to the number of five hundred, and
profitable occupation has TINS been i..rnish
ed to many who otherwise wanted the
means Of support. My direction to Colo
mel Sturm was, to give the preference 10
those whose relatives and supporters were
in the field.
Up to the first day OF January, 1862,
there has been prepared at the Arsenal
ninety-two thousand rounds of artillery
ammunition, and twenty one million nine
hundred and fifteen thousand five hundred
rounds Of ammunition for small arms.
The report Of Lieutenant Colonel Sturm.
herewith submitted. will show the extent
and the result of the operation in the Arse
nal.
An examination of the Arsenal account
will show that the State has not lost a
dollar by it. The prices fixed for the am
munition were intended merely TO cover
all costs and expenses incurred In its prep
aration, but by economy and successful
management, balance will be founa il
favor Of the State.
oUARTERMAsTER AND CoMMIssARy GESFD Ar
The first Qnaitermaster General | ap-
pointed after the beginning of the war was
Gen. Thomas A. Morris. lie held the Of
flee but short time. when e resigned. an,r
was succeeded by Gen. John III. Vaien.
who remained in office till March Eth.
1862. when he resigned, and was succeed
ed by General John e. New, on tie 18th
day of October. 1867. Gen. New resign
ed, and Gen. Asahel Stone, the present
Acting Quartermaster General, was an
pointed. The reports of these several Of
icers are herewith submitted.
Gen. Isaiah Mansur, the first Commits
sary General, resigned on the ooh olav of
May. 1861, and was succeeded br General
Asahel Stone, who has held the Office since.
Their reports are herewith submitted.
The operations in the Quartermas:er and
Cammissary Departments have been large;
involving many contracts, and the dis
bursement OF large sums Of money. They
are proper subject for legislative investi-
CATION. to ascertain whether they have been
well and faithfully performed.
CARE OF THE SICK AND worxpEp.
Shortly after the war began, it Lecome
apl aitnt that orr sick and wounded sol
diers. when all lad Leen done for them
that could be. by regimental and hospital
surgeons. under the regulations, must, in
very many cases, suffer greatly from want
OF attention. and necessary supplies. Ac-
cortlingly. | very early adopted the plan of
sending agents 10 look after the condition.
and. as far as possible, supply the wants
of the Indiana troops. These agents had
their instructions to follow in the track Of
our armies. to pick mp the sick and the
wounded who may have fallen 10y the way
side, visit the hospitals, report the names
of the sick, wounded. and dead, afford re-
lief wherever it conl.l be Afforded. inform
the s. ate authorities what kind OF supplies
where needed aud where, visit the troops
in the field anil ascertain their wants and
condition, and aid in having their rcaui-
sitions forsupplies promptly filed. These
agents have generally performed their du-
ity W N. and. believe. have been the in
struments of saving the lives OF hundreds
of our gallant soldiers. and Of relieving a
vast amount Of suffering and festitution.
Many OF their reports. all of which are here
with submitted, are descriptive of suffer-
ings. sorrows and death. that would melt
the stoutest heart. and show. better than
could be learned in any other way, the
dreadful horrors Of war. The labors OF
these agents were not confined to any partic-
ular duties. but extended to every kind ofre-
lief that soldiers might need They aided
in procuring furloughs for the sick and
wounded. discharges for such as would
not be able to serve again. in furnishing
Transportation. at the expense of the State,
for such as had not the means of travel
and getting home. receiving the soldiers
money and distributing it to their families.
hunting up the descriptive rolls for such
as had been long confined in hospitals. but
for want OF their rolls could not be paid
or discharged, visiting battle fields. bring
| ing home the wousded. and distributing
sanitary stores In some cases directed
tho che rferino ff sfeamhoafs for fbo t,.,.