Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-05-05
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Adjutant Generals Office,
Washington, April 2S.
General Orders No. II.

For reducing the expenses of the military
establishment. ordered
l. That the chiefs Of the respective bur
erus Of this Department proceed Immediately
to reduce the expenses Of their departments
to what is absolutely necessary in view Of an
immedia'e reduction Of the forces in the field
and in garrison, and the speedy termination
OF hostilities, and that they severaly make
out statements Of the reductions they deem
practicable.
2. That the Quartermaster Gen'l discharge
ali ocean transports not required to bring
home troops III remote departments. All riv-
er and inland trans sportAtiUn will be discharged
except that required for the necessary supplies
OF troops in the field. Purchases Of horses,
mules, wagons and other land trans portation
will be stopped, also purchases of forage, ex-
cept wnst is required for Immediate cOnsump-
tion. Al purchases for railroad construction
and transportation also to be stopped
8. That the Commissary General Of Sub
sistence discontinue the purchase Of supplies
in mis- department. except such as, with what
Is on hand, be required for the forces in the
field to the lst OF June next.
4. That the Chief Of Ordnance stop all pur-
chases Of arms, ammunition and materials
therefor, and reduce the manufacture Of arms
and ordnance stores in Government arsensls
as rapidly as can be done without injury to
the service.
s. That the Chief Of Engineers stop work
on all field fortifcations and other works.
except those for which specific appropriations
have been made by Congress for their com
pletion or that may be required for the pro-
per protection Of works in progress.
6. That all soldiers in hospitals who re-
quire no further medical treatment be honor
ably discharged from service, with immedi-
ate payment. All officers and enlisted men
who have been prisoners Of war and ale now
on furough or in parole camps, and all re-
cruits in rendezvous, except those for the reg
ular army. will likewise be hoDoraby dis
charged. Officers whose duty it is under the
regulations to make out rolls and other final
papers connected with tue discharge and pay
ment of soldiers, are directed to make them
out without delay, so that this order may be
carried into effect Immediately.
7. The Adjutant General of the army will
cause immediate returns to be made by all
commanders in the field, garrisons, detach
ments and posts Of their respective forces,
with view to their immediate reduction.
s. Quartermasters Of Subsistence, Engi-
neers and Provost Marshal Generals Of De-
partments will reduce the number of their
clerks and employees to that absolutely re-
! quired for the closing OF the business Of their
respective Departments, and will without de-
/ lay report to the Secretary of War the number
required OF each class or grade. The Surgeon
General will make similar reductions Of sur
geons, nurses and attendants in his bureau.
8. The chiefs of the respective bureaus
will Immediately cause proper returns to be
made out Of the public property IN their
charge and statements of property in each
that may be sold upon advertisement and
publication without prejudice to the service.
TO- The Commissary of prisoners will
make out the lame, residence, time and place
of capture and. occupation Of all prisoners of
war who will take the oath of allegiance to
the United States, to the end that such as are
disposed TO become good and loyal citizens
of the United States, and who are proper
subjects Of Executive clemency, may be re-
leased upon terms that the President shall
deem fit and consistent with the public safety
By order of the Secretary of War,
W. A. NICHOLS,
Asst Adi't General