The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-01-07

recently tneF nave interpreted their
neutrality lave 30 steingently that our
war vessels and privateers are much en-
baVassed in obtaining suitable supplies
| have instructed captain Semmes TO
purchase coal from neutral shipmasters
wherever ne found it, and give them eV-
cry necessary document to protect them
sgainst the effect such sale may have up
on their several countries. By this
means l anticipate 5 sufficient supply Of
coal will be obtained to enable him 10
continue his operations during the com
ing year. The other operations Of this
department have been chiefly confined
to making such preparations for naval
operations as circumstances might per-
NIT. From time TO time 1 have caused
surveys to be made upon steamers run
ming the blockade, with > view of pur-
chasing such us could be made availa-
bic IS war vessels Several have been
bought and are now being transformed
into ships of war.
For the armament Of these vessels it
will be necessary that Congress should
make an additional appropriation. APP
preparations will also be required to-con-
duct our naval operations during the
coming year. The estimated expendi-
lures of the Department for the fiscal
year ehding July l, 1864, viii amount to
S27, 249, 800, in addition to 14.024, DIG
rs manning 10 the credit of this Depart
ment IN the Treasury. Since my last
annual report the expenditures for the
navy have been S24. 4l3,645. The bust
ness transacted during the year Ia this
Department has kept my very large
clerical force 80 constantly engaged that
from time to time l have ordered num-
Der Of naval officers to assist them in
duties not properly devolVing upon them
This course occasions so much dissatis-
faction that l trust Congress will make
such addition to my official staff as shall
enable me TO permit all our naval officers
to resume their respective positions. The
great disproportiOn of officers in our
service to the seauen enrolled is matter
requiring the legislation Of Congress. The
humber of commanders now on active
service, eithera at sea or on shore, remains
the same as previously reported.
Many of those occupying q lower
grade IN the service have volunteered In
the army, owing to their desire to be &C
lively employed against the enemy.
have not accepted the resignation OF
these gentlemen, but furnished them with
temporary absences, u1til l can recall
them for the performance of other duties.
| have considered it important to keep
the roll as complete as possible, there
fore whenever nave been notified of the
death of any naval officers serving in
the army, l have appointed his successor.
The total number OF commissioned Off
GERS at present attached TO the C)nfede-
rate army is three hundred and eighty
three. The petty officers number one
hundred and ninety zone, while the roll
of sailors gives . return of eight hun
dred and seventy seven, not including
those On board of vessels now st sea, &C
curate rolls not having been transmitted
In conclusion, must add my testimo-
ny to the gallsntry and efficiency of our
navy, who have MOLLY sustained our cause
under many trying circumstances. The
proud spirit of our officers chafes at the
inActiOn they are compelled to endure,
and | trust Congress will make provision
for increasing the efficiency Of this de-
partment, and permitting IL 10 undertake
more offensive operations against the en-
envy. In conclusion, would recommend !
the passage of an act authorizing the
of At least SIX turreted iron
clads for harbOr operations. The expo
rienee of the past year has demonstrated |
that such vessels are abs JIutely necessa-
ry, if We expect to break through aud |
destroy the blockade st present estab
lished by the enemy Attached to this
comnunI cationI nave she honor to sub |
nit the various reports of different COM
manders and officers SEM on detached |
duty, together with the reports of naval |
agents and other officers az home and |
abroad, who have been engaged on duty |
with this department..
All of which, is respectfully submitted. |
5 T. MALLORY,
Secretary of the Navy,