Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-12-10
PROM NEW YORK.

The Report Of the Secretary Of War is
Of considerable length. Il reviews our
victories and pays high tribute to the
bravery and skill Of our troops. He says
the combined operations Of our army and
navy against Charleston have not as yet
accomplished what was expected Of them
In Texas q large force operating under
Banks will give protection to the people
Of that State, and cut of q chief avenue Of
the rebels for foreign commerce and for
eign aid
The armies Of Lee and Meade now occu-
py relatively the same positions as they
did at the date Of the lsst annual Report.
West Virgins is now clear Of rebels and
the people Of that State are enjoying in
comparative peace the blessings Of civil
Government.
The rebel forces in Missouri have been
driven towards the Arkansas River.
No military operations Of any magni-
tude have taken plaoein Virginia or North
Carolina. The Federal forces sre now
firmly planted in every rebel State. The
success Of our arms during the past year
has enabled the Department to make a
reduction Of over z00,O00,00O in the esti-
mates for the ensuing year.
The trouble in regard to the exchange
OF prisoners is reviewed at length and the
blame for the non-exchsnge thrown en-
tireiy upon the rebel authorities. BE al
luded to the good treatment the rebel pris-
oners have received at our hands and de-
nounces the rebel authorities for the cruel
msnner in which they have treated our
prisoners in their hands.
He then discusses the act Of Congress
for enrolling and calling out the National
| forces and says that the law has been en-
forced in twelve States, yielding 500 600
soldiers and SlO,OOO,00 for procuring
substitutes The $500 clause is alluded to,
as are also the conflicting opinions in re-
gard to its injustice. He says that large
proportion Of the troops whose times ex-
/ pire next year will re-enlist. Il being
decided BY the Government they shall have
ct least one month furlough before their
present term expired The indications are
that the force required will be raised by
volunteering and without 3 draft, as an
immediate spportionment for bounties
should be made. He then alludes to the
valuable service the Invalid corps has
rendered to the Government. The CORPS
now numbers 10000 officers and privates.
He says Immediately after the issuance Of
the Presidents Proclamation, diligent ee-
forts were commenced and have con-
tinued until the present time for raising
colored troops.
Fifty thousand colored men are now or
ganized and the numbers will rapidly in
crease as our armies advance The freed
slaves make good soldiers, are easily dis
oiplined and are full Of courage. The
slave has proved his manhood and capaoi-
ty and makes good Infantry, artillery or
cavalry soldier, as has been evidenced on
several occasions. The colored troops
have been allowed no bOunties under the
construction given by the department.
They can only, BY the existing law, re-
ceiVe ten dollars per month for their
services, while white soldiers receive
thirteen dollars with clothing and daily
ration The fortunes Of war have brought
within our lines large numbers Of colored
women and children and some aged and in
firm persons. A solemn trust rests upon
the Government for their care and protec-
ton.
The A5jutant General recommends the
term Of enlistment in the regular service
be fixed at three years instead Of five, in
accordance with the act Of 1851, which ex-
pires by limitation on the lst Of January,
| 1858.
The Secretary gives 8 list Of the princi-
pal ordnance materials in the control Of
the department ct the beginning Of the
war, SC, and the quantities Of those ar
ticles which have since been procured, and
the quantities Of those articles on hand,
June S0th, 1858. The figures are i'm
mense.
The operations Of the Chief Engineer
connected with the survey Of the North
western lakes have been continued, and
during the past season have consisted Of
the survey Of Portage Entry, on Lake Sd
perior, and resuming the survey Of Green
Bay and Lake Michigan, also the examins-
tions Of the channels Of the st. Clair Flats
and Of st. George, also Of ST. Msry's river.
The details Of the Quartermaster-G Gene
rails Department are also gwen; also, the
report Of the Commissary- Generals Of Sub
sistence. Il is believed thst the troops at
every point have been supplied with an
abundance Of wholesome food, and that IT,
in the movement Of the armies temporary
want has been felt it has not been due 10
any want Of foresight or attention on the
part Of the Commisssry- Generals Depart.
ment
The Paymaster's Report and the Acting
SurgeOn-Gsneraps Report, with full de.
tails, are also given.
A compliment is paid to the military
telegraph and the vllusbls services il has
rendered to the Government under the su-
perintendence Of Colonel stagsr and Major
Eckert.
After alluding to some claims against
that Department and saying that further
legislation or further appropriation will
be required to carry them into effect, he
concludes as follows: 'T may be permitted
to express the hope that the next Annual
Report from this Department may an
nounce the complete overthrow Of the re-
bellion and restoration of peace and the
establishment Of the Union on q sure
foundation in sll the bounds Of the United
States"
THE PIRATES AT HALIFAX.
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