The New York Herald Newspaper, December 6, 1865, Page 11

© “Gemy of the Ohio, Major General Schofield command. C— ns ined during the cam- ig from furlough and joss in battle and from ‘THR SUB DEPARTMENTS. In the Department of Kentucky there was likewise a Wargo active force, under command of Major General ‘Burbndge, and also in East Tennessee, under Major Gen- ‘eral Stoneman. Adequate forces wre reserved in the ‘Department of Washington, under Major General Angur, ‘do protect the capital and the immense depots of military su) ‘at Washington and Alexandria, and also in the itary fo yd under Major General Lewis Wallace, ‘to cover ‘and the important lines of supply and . ‘4 my aa rott ipa Besides the armies operating actively in therfield, troops were assigned to ‘exposed and important suntene points, to froara recruiting stations, Prison camps, supply do- railroad lin fend border tates the ih the Department of the. South a ent @ South a force was operatin, Charleston and m Florida, under General Gilt ‘THE TRANS-MISSISSIPP! ARMIES. West of the Mississippi the forces were under the re- ive dopartmental commanders. In the Department the Gulf, embracing Louisiana and To: Major Gen- ral Banks had his headquarters at Now Grieans. ‘The Department of Arkansas was in command of r Gene- Fal Steele. ral e@gainst Indians, expeditions to check incursions and fo- duce hostile tribes, and to protect the over.and route to Call employed a considerable force under Major Goneral , in the Northwest Department, General ‘Carleton in New Mexico and Arizona, and General Conner in the Indian Territory. The States and Territories on the Pacific coast required but a small force, under Major General McDowell. ‘The headquarters of the Licutenant General command- ing tad armies were with tho Army of the Potomac in 0 field. ‘TOTAL STRENGTH OF OUR AUMY IN MAY, 1864. Official reports show that on the lst of May, 1864, the ‘aggregate national military force of all arms, officers and men, was nine hundred and seventy thousand seven hun- dred and ten, to wit:. Available force present for duty..... nese cee es 602,345 On detached service in the different military de- partments.,....... 10 An field hospitals, or untit for In general hospitils, or on sick Iva Absent on {urlough, or as prisoners Absent without leave......... Grand aggregate... 70,710 ‘The aggregate available force provent for duty May 1, 1864, was distributed in the d {ferent commands as foliows:— Department of Washington ‘of the Potomac . Department of Virginia and ent of the South . Department of the Guif . Department of Arkaneas, Department of tho Tennesseo Department of the Missouri e of war. Department of the Northw.st 5,205 Dopartmont of Kansas..... 4,798 Headquarters m:litary division of the Mississippi £76 Department of the Cumberland .. weer ee 119,948 Department of the Ohio . Northern Depar:mont . Department of West Virzinia Department of the East... Department of the Susquehanna. Middle Bepartment Ninth army corps. . +e Department of New Mexico. Department of the Pacitic.. GENERAL PANKS’ RED RIVER EXPEDITION, Aotive military operations west of the Mississippl com- menced in the month of March, 164. The principal rebel forces beyond the Mississippi were concentrat:d under Goneral Kirby Smith, at Shreveport, on the Red river. Against this force an expedition was undertaken by Major General Banks, with @ large army from New Orleans, to be co- ‘Operated with by troops from the Department of Arkansas, under General *teelo, and from the Div.sion of the Mississippi, under Gonerul’A. J. Smith, and alsoa naval force, under Admiral Porter. General Bauks with his forces reached Alexandria about the 20th of March. Advancing thence towards Shreveport, « series of disasters commenced, that ended in the failure of the expedition with heavy loss of men and materia!. Tho Cause of this failure is still a subject of discursion, not 4 to the present report. Although by this mis- hap the enemy was enabled to occupy the attention of a force designed and that might have been employed in other fields, he was himself kept in check and bin- dered from taking part in the great campaigns east of ‘the Mississippi. GRANT'S CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA. ‘The campaigns in Virginia op:ned ou the 4th day of By smultancous movements the Army of the Potomac crossed the Rapidan, and City Point, on the south side of tho James, was’ seizod and occupied by Goenoral Bitler. The Ing of the Rapidan was effected ‘wihout resistance from the enemy. The movement against City Point took b m by surprise. ‘The Army of the Potomac ‘was directed at Leo’s army, while the city of Richmond ‘was the objective point of the Army of the James. Minuto detaits of the subseq:ent campaigns are given fin the accompanying reporta of the Lieutenant General end other distinguished commanders, yo that nothing Zmore than # cursory view of the main resulte is here ‘required. THE BATTLES NORTH OF THE JAMES, ‘The antagonistic armies of Meade aud Lee met in con- Hiict near Mine Run on the 5th day of May. Forty-three days of desperate fighting or marching by day aud night forced back the rebel army from the Rapidan to their Antrenchments around Richmond, and carried the Army the Potomac to the south side of the James river. e strength of the enemy’s force when the campaign pened, or the extent of bis loss, is not known to this department. Any inequality of uambers between Lews ‘@rmy and the Army of the Potomac was fully compen- by tho advantage of position. Resolute pu desper 9 In the battles of the Wilderness, House, Jericho Ford, Hawe's Sho} Harbor ‘many brave soldiers and officers perished. Among them were Brigadier ( ‘Wadsworth, Brigadier Generai Hays and Major € Sedgwick. Lieutenant General Grant in his report ob- Gorves:— “The battles of the Wilderness; Spottsylvania, North Anna and Cold Harbor, bluody and terrible as thoy were on our side, were even more dmaging to the enemy, and so crippled him as to make him wary ever atter of taking the olfensive, His losses in mon were probably Rot so great, owing to the fact that we were, save inthe ‘Wilderness, almost invariably the attacking party, and ‘when he did attack it was in the open field.” RAIDING ON THE ENEMY’S ( MMUNICATIONS. Although expectations of destroying Lee's army and the capture of Richmond and Petersburg were inted, and the enemy had found refuge behind fimprognable fortitications, the campaign was still prove outed with determined purpose towards the same object. ‘While the rebel army was sheitored in his intrenchments the ational forces wero busy at work out- Side strongthening and dvs their position, breaking the communications the enemy, cutting off and destroying his supplies, narrowing his Inmits, harassing him by raids and occupying his atien- tion to provent detachments or reinforcements being Bent to operate elsewhere. THE SUENANDOAH OPERATIONS OF HUNTER. Active operations were also going on in the valley of the Shenandvah, On the Ist of May an expedition onder Generals Crook and Averill wis sent out by General Bigel, which reached Wytheville aud accomplished the destruction of much rebel property. General Sige) ad- ‘vanced on the 8th day of May, with his force, from Win- chester to Newmarket, where, met by the enemy under Breckinridge,’ he was defeated and fell back to Ootar Croek. General Hunter was then placed in com- mand of the department. He marched with a strong force towards Staunton, and in a brilliant engagement at Piedmont defvated the enemy with severe loss. Ad Vanoing to Staunton, he was joined there by Crook and Averili, and moved against Lyncliburg. Reinforcements from the enemy having arrived before him, Gen, Honter ‘wetirod by way of the Kanawha. Meanwhile, in order to Fepair tho losses of the army of the Potomac, tie chief part of the force designed to guard the Middle Department and 4ho Department of Washington was called forward tothe front. Taking advantage of this siate of affairs, in the ‘absence of General Hunter's command, the enemy made B large detachment from their a:i.y at Richinond, whieh, ‘wnder General Early, moved down the Shenandooh vai- Jey, threatenth; more and Washington. Their ad- ‘varice was checked at Monocacy, w'! ment was fought by our troops under General Wallace, eS by a part of the Sixth corps, under Gene kets. After this battle the exemy continue! | SS until they reached the intrenchments around rato valor wore exhibited on both sides. Spottay!vania and yollant Washington. Here they were met by troo Army of tho Potomac, consisting of the Bist r ‘under General Wright; a part of tl on eorps, wi General Gillmore, and a imeteenth corps, just arrived from New ler General F these troops the enemy were irven back f Vash. ington, and retreated hastily to Virginia, pursued by our forces under General Wright. THE SHENANDOAH OPERATIONS OF STIENIDAN, On the 7th day of August, 1864, Genoral Sheridan wae in command of the mittary division ov 6 Department of Washington, the Nepartme ot irre the Department of tho Suvquehanna and the Middie Department. In two great battlos, at the crossing ‘of the Opequan, on the 19th of Septombor, and at Fishor Pot on the of September, tho rebel army under rly was routed and driven from the valley with im fmense lose of prisoners, artilicry and storos. A despe: fate effort was made by the eneiny to recover their posi @ion. Early was strongly reinforved, and on the morn- fing of tho 19th of Uctober, in the absence of General Bheridan, his lines were surpre¢, his position turned and his forces driven back inconfusion, At the moment qmhen a great disaster was impen tinz, Sheridan appeared the field, the battle was restored, and a briliiant ry achieved. The routed forces of the enemy re raued to Mount Jackson, where he arrived without an ized regiment of his army. All his artillery and Prisonors fell into Sheridan's hands. These closed military operations in the Shenandoah Fratey, and @ rebel force appeared there no more during he war. TRE CAMPAIGN OF AT Major General William T. sherm the brilliant of his campaigns early in Ma; iret objective was Atlanta. to reach that city hie armies mast from the northern limit to the centre of the great Of Georgia, forcing their way through mountain ‘andj across great rivors, overcoming or turning formidable entrenehed positions, defended atrong, well appointed \cteran army, pene apm cautious and skilful general. ' The campaign opened 08 the 6th of May, and on the 2d of Septomber the ‘Rational entered Atlanta. achievement is om coneies in General 's Field Order (0. 68:— “ n the Ist of May our armies were lying in seemingly quiet from Knoxville to om tty Daud enemy lay behind his rocky-faced barrier at proud, defiant and exulting. He bad had time since Christmas to recover from his discomfiture on the Mis- sion with his ranks Milled and a new commander- Pulalon Tor stile macy. and. eatreme’ populary. putation for iy ox poy y. All at once our armies assumed life and action and appeared before Dalton. Threatening Rocky Face we threw ourselves Resfacca, and — the rebel army only escal by the rapidity of its retreat, aided by the numerous roads with which he was fault, and wi eb were 9 to us apn be took post in Allatoona, but we gave him no and, by our Circuit towards Dallas and subsequent movement to Acworth, we gained the Then iollowed the eventful battles about Kenesaw, and tho escape of the enemy across the Chattahoochee river. The crossing of the Chattahoochee and breaking of the Augusta rond wag most handsomely executed by y and will be studied as an example in the art of war. At this stage of our © our enemies became dissatisfied with their old skilful commander, and selected one more bold and rash, New tactics were adopted. first boldly and rapidly, on the 20th of July, fell on our right at Peach Tree creek, and lost. the 22d, he struck our extreme left, ly punish. and finally, again on the 28th, he re- peated 0 attempt ‘on’ our right, and that time must ave. become satisiied, for since that date he has remained on defensive. We slowly and gradually drew our lines about Atlanta, feeling for the railroad which sup- piled the rebel szmy ‘and made Atlanta a place of im- poi We must concede to our enemy that he met these efforts patiently and skilfully, but at last he made the mistake we waited for 80 long and sent his cavalry to our rear far beyond the reach of recall. Instantly our cavi was on his only remaining road, and we followed quietly with our principal army, and’ Atlanta fell into our possession as the fruit of well concerted measures, backed by a brave and confident army."’ THE MARCH TO THE SBA. For military reasons, stated in the report of the Lieu- tenant General, it was determined that Atlanta should he destroyed and Sherman’s armies push forward to Savannat or some other point on the Atlantic coast. Shortly before the fallot Atlanta General Johnston had been superseded in command of the rebel army by Gen- eral Hood, who, adopting a different system from that pnraued by his Cautious predecessor, boldly assumed the ollensive, with a view to force General Sherman from Georgia by cutting off his communications, and invading Tennessee and Kentucky. Pursuant to this plan, Hood, by a rapid march, ga‘ned and broke up at Big Shanty tho railroad that supplied Sherman’s army, ad- vanced to Dalton and thence moved towards Tennessee, Hood was followed from Atlanta by General Sherman far enough north to cover his own purpose and assure him against Hood's interrupting the contemplated march to the sea const. Sherman turned back suddenly to At- lunta, That city and all the railroads leading to it wore destroyed, and on the 15th of November the march com- menced for Savannah. Advancing In three golamns, and living upon the country, the capital of the State an other large towns were occupied without resistance, G. nera! Shorman's command, on the 10th of December, “closed in on the enemy’s works which covered Savan- nah.” Fort McAllister was gallantly carried by assault on the same day. The city of Savannah, strongly forti- fied and garrisoned by a large force under General Har- dee, was summoned, but surrender was re‘used. Pre- pirations for assault were made, and in the night of the ‘20th of Dec mber Hardee evacuated the city, and, with a lurge part of his garrison escaped under cover of darkness, ‘The United > tates troops entered the city early on the morning of the 2ist of December. Immense quantities of arms, ammun.tion, ordnance and military stores wore captured, and the cotton that fell into our hands amounted in value t many millions of dollars. HOOD’ CAMPAIGN OF NASHVILLE. While General Sherman's army was marching south from Atlanta to the seacoast the rebel army under Hood, strongly reinforced, was moving north, threatening Tenneskee, Tho task of encountering this formidable foe, and defending the border States from invasion, was entrusted to Major General George H. Thomas, who wag ably assisted by his second in command, Major Geuorat Schotleld. In ‘his report General Thomas says:— “T found myself confronted by the army which, undor General J. E. Johnston, had so skilfully resisted the ad- vance of the whole active army of the military division of the Mississipy from Dalton to the Chattahoochee, re- inforved by a well equipped and enthusiastic cavalry command of over twelve thousand men, led by one of the boldest and most successful cavalry commanders in the rebel army My information from all sources confirmed the reported strength stated of Hood's army to be from forty to forty- fivo thousand infantry and from twelve to fifteen thou- sand cavalry, My eff-ctive force ‘at this time consisted of the Fourth corps, abou twelve thousand, under Major General D, 8. Stanley; the Twenty-third about ton thousand, under Major General Schofield; Hatcher's division of cavalry, about four thousand; Croxton’s bri- gade, two thousaad five hundred, and Capron’s brigade of about one thousand two hundred. Tho balance of my force was distributed slong the railroad and posted at Murfreesboro, Stevenson, Bridgeport, Huntsville, Deca- tur and Chattans to keep open our communications and hold the ve named, if attacked, until they could be reinforced, as up to this time it was impossiblo to determine which course Hood would take, advance on hville or turn towards Huntaville, Under these cir- © instances it was manifestly best to act on the detensive uoti! sufficiently reinforced to justify taking the offen- © On the 12th of November communication with General Sherman was sevored, the last despatch from him loaving Cartersville, Georgia, at twenty-five minutes past two P, M. on that date. He had on nis great expedition from Atlanta to the seaboard, leaving me to guard Tennessee or to pursue the enemy if he followed the commanding general's column. It was, therefore, with considerabie anxiety that we watched the force at Florence, to discover what course they would pursue with regard to General Sherman's movements, determining thereby whether the troops under my command, numbering fess than half those un- der Hood, were to act on the defensive in Tennessee or take the offensive in Alabama. ’? ‘THE BATTLE OF FRANKUN. When the possibility of Hood following Sherman was over, General Thomas took measures to act on the do- fensive. Reinforcements of now regiments were hur- Tied forward to him by the Governors of tho Western States. All troops fit for any military duty were collected and sent forward from the hospitals; absentees on leave wero called in; the employes in the Quartermaster’s De- partment wore armed and organized for duty in the en- renchments, and two divisions of veteran infantry, un- der command of General A. J, Smith, that bad been serving on the Red rivor and afterwards in Missouri, were pushed forward to General Thomas. By these means his forces were speedily swelled, when concen- trated, to an army nearly as large as that of the enemy. ‘The public property and garrisons were drawn in froin exposed positions and points not required to be held, the fortifications of Nashville were strengthened, and every preparation was made for a struggle of no ordinary mag- nitude, Hood advanced to Columbia, where his attempt to cross Duck ercek was checked for » while by General Sehotield, who repulsed the enemy many times with heavy loss. Schofield’s main force in front of Colurabia was withdrawn on the night of the 29th of November, and a position taken at Franklin on the morning of the 30th, Here toek place one of the most fierce and bloody battles of the war. “Tho enemy,’ says General Thomas, in his report, “followed closely after General Schofleld’s rear guard in the retreat to Franklin, and, upon coming up with the main force, formed rapidly and advanced to assault our works, re penting attack aiter attack during the entire afi and as late as P. M. his efforts to break our ii continued. General Schofleld’s position was oxc chosen, with both flanks resting on the river, at men firmly held their ground against an overwhelin- ing enemy, who was repulsed in every assauit alon: the whole line. Onr loss, a8 given by General Schofield in his report transmitted herewith (and to which I respect- fully refer), is 159 killed, 1,033 wounded and 1,104 miss- ing, making an aggregate of 2,826. We captured and sent to Nashville 702 prisoners, Including one general Meer and 33 stands of colors, Major General i? Stanley, commanding Fourth corps, was severely wound Franklin while engaged in rallying a portion of hi command, which had been temporarily overpowered by an overwhelming attack of the enemy. At the time of the battle the enemy's loss was known to be severe, and was estimated at 5,@00, The exact figures were only ob. tained, however, on the reoccupation of Franklin by our forees, after the battles of December 16 and 16, at Brentwood fis, near Nashville, and are given as follows:—Prried’ upon the field, 1,750; — dixabied and piaced jo hospital at Franklin, 3,800, which, with the 102 prisoners already reported, make an agere: cate loess of 6,252, among whom were. six gene- rai officers killed, six wounded and one captured. The 's of this signal victory cannot be too ; for it not only seriously checked the enemy's advance, and Fave General Schotieid time to re- move his troops and all his property to Nashville, but is also canved deop depression among the men of Hood's army, making them doubly cautious in their subsequent movements, ”” THE BATTLE WEPORE NASHVILUR, On the night after the battle of Franklin General Scho- field, by the direction of Geueral Thomas, fell back to Me, in front of which city, on the beigit#, a line of buttle was formed by tion of the Ist of Decem ber, Hood's army appeared before Nashville on the 2d of December. The intense severity of the weather pre- vented operations for several days, Both armies wero week previous to the 14th of December, her moderated, and General Thomas, hav $ preparations, issued orders for battle if At an early hour on the morning of the 16th of December General Thomas moved agaist Hood's The battle was furiously contested until nightfall. ‘The total re: tee artillery and p stands of smail arms and about 40 wagons, had been forced back at all points with heavy loos, our casualties were unusally light. The behavior of the troops was unsurpassed for steadiness and alacrity in every movement, and the original plan of battle, with but fow alterations, was strictly adhered to. ‘The wholo command bivouacked in line of battle during the night on the ground occupied at dark, while preparations were made to renew the battle at anearly hour om the mor- row.’? The battle was renewed on the 16th, at six o'clock in the morning. At three o'clock in ‘the afternoon, the enemy's strong position on Overton's Hill was assault by the Fourth corps. “Immediately follqwing the effect of the Fourth corps, Generals Smith's and Schofeld’s commands moved against the enemy's works in their respective fronts, ‘ing all before them, Hi adage breaking his lines in @ en pense, and capturing all his artillery and thousa of prisoners, among the latter four general officers. Our lose was femarkebiy seal, ‘sig MCU, menttonable. All of the enemy tha ene were pursued over the tons of Brentwood or Harpeth Hills, General Wilson's cavalry dismounted, attacked the enemy simultancous!; with Schofield and Smith, etriking bim in roverse, gaining firm possersion of Granny White Pike, cut off his retreat by that ronte. Wood's and Steedman's troops, hearing the shouts of viewwry coming from (ho ‘Thomas remarks:—“To Colonel Palmer and his com- mand is accorded the credit of giving Hood's army the last blow of the campaign, at a distance of over two hun- dred miles from where we first struck the enemy on tho 15th of December, near Nashville.” What troops from the pursuit were afterwards united with other frag- ments of rebel forces under General Jobnston, and laid down their arms to General Sherman at MORGAN'S LAST RAID. While the ovents that have been mentioned were transpiring in the main armies, other military opera- tions of less tude, but contributing to the general result by harassing and weakening the enemy, were in progress. A large rebel force, under John Morgan, invaded Kentucky, and was dofeated by Gene Burbridge in a severe ©: ment at Cynthiana on the igh. 12th day of June. Jol wag surprised and pire pe bya bens ral Gillem on the * Rem September, 1864. Inthe month of Novom- a ‘expedition, under Breckinridge, Duke and Vaughn, was repuised by General Ammon, and driven from Enst Tennessee. An expedition under General Stoneman and General Burbridge penetrated to Saltvillo, ip southwestern Virginia, destroyed the works at that place, broke up the railroads, and inflicted great destruc- tion upon the enemy’s supplies and communications, PRICK'S LAST INVASION OF MISSOURI. After the withdrawal of our troops from the Red river, a large rebel force advanced under Sterling Price into Kansas, and penetrated thence into the Department of tho Missouri, But they were at length driven buck with homey loss. Other mili nitude ocourred with disaster, rations of greater or less mag- luring the year—some attended some with brilliant success. Of the former class were Kilpatrick’s raid inst Richmond, the capture of Plymouth and its garrison, at the commencement of the year, by the rebels under Hoke; the defeat of the expedition from Mem- phis, under General Sturgis; the expture of Fort Pillow by ( halmers and Forrest, and Stoneman’s exped tion to Andersonville. On the other hand, the raids of Grierson from Memphis, in December; of Stoneman and Burbridge into Virginia, of Wilson into Alabama, inflicted sore dis- tress upon the enemy, and brought the rebels to a sol- emn senso of the sufferings caused to themselves by the war they bad undertaken against their government. THE EITUATION AT THE BEGINNING OF 1865. At the commencement of the year 1865 all hearts were more anxio s than ever to bring the war to a speedy close. Every preparation to that end was made by the department and by the military commanders in the field. Adequate appropriations were vyot-d and new popular Joans authorized by Congress, Further measures for re- crulting the army, prompted by experience, wore ox- acted. A new drait for half a million of men was put into prompt execution. Tho State Executives re- newed their labors in calling for volunteers. The people responded to the demands of the occasion, and rapd recruitment began in all the States, and was at its height when Richmond fell. ‘Troops wero at that time being raised, organized, armod and equi; as fast as they could be conveniently transprrted to the field. To tho coming campaigns through the Carolinas and in Virzinia all eyes looked for @ speedy and decisive result that should end tho war. Fa ora position is thus stated by the Lieutenant jeneral :—~ “In March, 1865, General Canby was moving an ado- quate for: acainst Mobile and the army defending it, under General Dick ‘Taylor; Thomas was pushing out two large and well appointed cavalry expeditions—one from Middle Tennessee, under Brevet Major General Wilson, against the en-my’s vital points in Alabama; tho othor from East Tennesses, under Major General Stone- man, towards Lynchburg, and assembling the remainder of his able forces preparatory to off nsive operations from Tennessee; General Sh ridan’s cavalry was at ‘White House ; the armies of the Potomac and James were confronting the enemy, under Lee, in bis defences of Richmond and Petersburg; General Stoneman, with his armies, reinforced by that of General Schoflold, was at Goldsboro; General Pope was making preparations for a spring campaign against the encmy under Kirby Smith and Price, west of the Missippi; and Genctal Hancock was concentrating a force in the vicinity of iy earns] Va, toguard mete invasion, or to operate offensively, ‘ae might prove n ” STRENGTH (¥ OUR ARMINS IN MARCH 1865. Official reports show that onthe Ist of March, 1865, the agxregate national military fore of all arms, officers ‘and men, was nine hundred and sixty-five thousand five hundred and ninety-one, to wit:— Available force pres :nt for duty.....e....+5 598 On detached service in the dilferent military de- PAFLMONIB. ....6 +s eeeees 132,538 In field hospitals or unit for duty. 35,628 In general hoxpltals or on sick leave at hom (143,419 Ab-ent on furiough or as prisoners of war. 31,695 Absont without LAV... ..scereeseeeeee 19,683 Grand aggrogate.......... Sahn tieplatie <adiene pi CREO This force was augmented on the 1st of May, 1805," by onl stments to the number of one million five hndred and sixteen of all ollicere and men (1,000,516), ‘Tho uggregate available force present fur duty on the peng March: was distributed in the differont commands as follows:— Army 0; the Potomac,........0000+++ceees eres + 108,273 Headquarters military divis'on of tho Mississippi. "17 Department oi the Cumberland, . 62,628 Do Left wing Army of Georgia... 31,644 Cavalry corps milliary divisions of the Mississippt 27,410 Headquarters military division of West Mbimippt 4 Reserve brigades military division of West Mis- D: partmont of the Gulf. Department of Arkansas. . ment o: the Tennessee... 18,745 35,629 24,501 Department of the M asiasippi. 24,158 Sixteenih army corps... esate +) 14,395 Headquarters Military Division of the Missuuri,. "12 Department of the Missouri..... 18,567 Department of the Northwe 4,731 Headquarters Middle M litary Division S41 Cavalry :orces Middle Military Division. . 12,980 Nineteenth army corps 6.612 Middie Department. 2,089 Department of Washingtot 26,056 Department of West Virg! 15,517 Department of Pennsylvania, $20 Department of the East 7,462 Department of Virginia 45,9-6 Department of North Carol/na. Departinent of the South... Department of Kentucky. Norchern Depar:ment, .. Department of 4° Pacific. Department ot Now Mexico. Grand tote) sees Tae we oTenON ‘The activ » opera! ons of 1°66 of Fort Fi-her, by @ combined naval forces. ‘The port of Wiltal PORT visit began with the reduction xpediton of land and , during the foreign trade 118 position defied the r the fall of Savannah, siieh foreign pape m had been a princine! point of ‘The advent and, of » rabole, orous hleclude only gate strong ‘works a month of Cape Fear ot Wilmington. On hout 6,500 men, under om Fortress Monroe to «| foree under Admiral at Butler effected a tut re-ombarked on ‘coops to Fortress Mon- ‘orotl the enterprise to the 2d of January, troope, with a re- wimber about eight loth of January the vr cover of a heavy assault was made in at th wore the vente th of Deve wor General Bur gins Fort Fisuer, Ge g on the 2th of Der and returned with be rene was placed iui ¢ intorcement that mado toe! thousand, On the morning of ty troops were disembarked, a effective fire from the fleet, the efternoon of the 15th of January, and, aftr cs orate hand-to-hand fighting for several hours, the wOlKS Were earried, enemy driven out, and about midnight the who! om, with its commander, Gene- ral Whiting, surrendered. ‘Tho fall of Fort Fisher car- ried with it the other defences of Cape Fear river. Caswell and the works on Smith's Island foll into our hands on the 16th and 17th, Fort Anderson on the 19th, and, General Schofield advancing, the enemy wero driven from Wilmington on the 2lst of January, SURRMAN’S CAMPAICN EN THR CAROLINAS, Early io the month of January Major Genoral Sher- man, leving refitted his army, entered upon bis cam- paigh from Savannah, through the States of South Caro- lina and North Carolina, the incidents of which are de- (tailed in bis accompanying report. Its result is thus stated in his special feld erder No. 76:— Waiting at Savannah only long enough to fill our wagons, we again began a march, which, for peril, labor end results, will compure with any over made ‘by a organized army, ‘The floods of the Savanr«h, the swamps of the oiubahes and Kdisto, the high bille'and rocks of the Santee, tho flat quagmires of the Pi ‘a Fear rivers, wero all passed in mid-winter and rains,'in the face of an accumulating enemy; and after the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville, we once moro came out of the wilderness to meet onr friends at Goldaborough, Even thei e paused only jong enough aot again “i we met our submit to the injured laws of his and ou SHOR AND CAPTURE OF MO) The operations in General Canby's military division also exercised an important Influence at this juncture, Aftor the disaster upon the Red river a change of the m.litary organization west of the Mississippt was to moet the emergoney, The Departments of Arkansas and the Gulf, including Louisiana and Texas, wero united in one military division.—West Mississippi—under coms mand of Major General Canby. His efforta were directed Organization and concentration of the forces and material within bis division, and in measures to prevent the rebel troops west of the Missiseippi from eaten | the armies operating east of that river. In the mont of July Fort Gaines, Fort Powell and Fort Morgan, con- stituting important’ defences of Mobile bay, were te duced & combined movement of land forces, under General Gordon Granger, detached by Goneral Canby, aud coopersting with & naval force, under Aarniral Farragut. ly im the spring o ‘® large force, under Generals A. J. Smith, Gordon Granger and F. Steele, was directed the oy of Mobile. Tho enemy were driven o:t of spanish Fort by bombard. ment, Fort Blakely was taken by assault, and the city of Mobile was vac ated by the enomy on the 12th of April, ‘The brilliancy of those achiovementa haa been overshagowed by the grander sogle of operations in other quarters, but thetr skill and success are worthy of bigh admiration. After the fal! of Savannah, Charles- ton and Wil the enemy had placed bia fast hopes on retainin, id in the cotton States at Mobile. Tt was st fortided and garrisoi and orders were issued to hold it at every hazard. us SHERIDAN’S RAID 4ROUND RICHMOND, In the latter part of February General Sheridan, under direction of the Lieutenant General, moved from Win- Chester to Staunton, which place he captured on the 2d of March, taking prisoners, artillery and military stores. He thence moved on Chariottesville, and destroyed the Richmond and Lynchburg Railroad, and the bridges ‘across the Rivanna river. Dividng bis ss one column moved to New Market and destroyed the James river canal; the other column pushed towards Lynch. burg, destroying the railroad to Amherst Court House, ‘These columns, reuniting, moved to the Whito House, on tho Pamunkey, effecting great destruction of the eanal on their route, and thence put themselves in communi- cation with the forces around Richmond, ‘The month of March, 1865, opened the great campaign against Richmond and the army that had go long de- fended the rebel capital. GRANT'S LAST GRAND CAMPAIGN. Instructions were given by the Lieutenant General on the 24th of March for a general movement of the national forces around Richmond. It commenced on the morning ofthe 20th March. Ten days’ marching and fighting finished the campaign. Richmond, Petersburg, the army of Virginia aud its commander were captured. Jef- ferson Davis and his so-called Confederate government wore fugitives or prisoners of war. Davis fled from Richmond on the afternoon of Sunday, the 2d day of April. The national forces occupied Petersburg and entered Richmond on Monday morning. Lee’s army was pursued until it reached Appomatox Court House, where ‘on Sunday, the 9th day of April, it laid down {ts arms on the terms prescribed by General Grant, THR SURRENDER OF THE REBRL ARMIES, From this period the history of the war is but an enu- meration of successive surrendere by rebel commanders, On the 26th day of April General Johnston surrendered his command to Major Genora! Sherman, at Raleigh, North Carolina. General Howell Cobb, with twelve hun- dred.militia and five generals, surrendered to General Wilson, at Macon, weg gd on the 20th of April. General Dick Taylor, on the 14th of May, surrendered all the re- maining rebel forces east of the Mississippi to General Canby. On the 11th of May Jofferson Davis, disguised and in flight, was captured ‘at Irwinsville, Georgia. On the 26th of May General Kirby Smith surrendered his entire command, west of the Miasisssippi, to Major Gene- ral Canby, With this surrender the organized rebel force disappeared from the territory of the United States. The flag of the United States was lowered at Fort Sumter on the 14th of April, 1861, by Major Anderson, who, long besieged by overwhelming rebel forces, was compelled, with his small garrison, to evacuate the works. mn the anniversary of that day, four years later, the rebel forces having been driven from Charleston, the national banner was planted again upon Fort Sumter, wader tho orders of the President, by the hands of General Anderson, with appropriate military and naval ceremonies, and a’ com- memorative address delivered by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Their victorious campaigns ended, the Armies of the Tennessee and the Cumberland and the Army of the Potomac marched through Richmond to the federal capi- tal, where they were reviewed by the President and the distingnished commanders under whom they had so long and s0 gallantly served in the field. After this national ceremony they and their fellow soldiers in other com- mands were paid, and, as rapidly aa the condition of affairs would admit were released from the military ser- vice of the country; and returaing to their homes in tho several States, they were welcomed with the thanks and rejoicings of a grateful people. TH ASSASSINATION, One other event may properly be noticed in this report 8 a part of tho military history of the rebellion. While our armies, by their gallantry and courage and the skill of their commanders, were overcoming all resistance in the fleld to the national authority, aswit’ and suddea blow was aimed at the national existence and at the life of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army aud Navy, which, for atrocity in its circumstances, the cruel art that ‘designed it, and the peril to which it exposed the government, 18 unsurpassed in the history of nations. Shortly before the Richmond eampaign opened Presi- dent Lincoln went to the headquarters of General Grant at City Point, where he remainod until the capture of Petorsburg und Richmond. After their occupation by our forces he visited those cities, and returned to Wash- ington on the evening of Sunday, the 9th day of April. The despatch of the Lieutenant’ General, announcing Genoral Lee's surrender, was communicated to him about eleven o'clock Sunday night, From that time until he was assassinated his attention was earnestly directed to the restoration of peace and the reorgan- ization of civil government in the insurgent States, In a public address to an assemblage that mot at the Executive Mansion on the evening of Wednes- day, the 12th of April, to congratulate him on the suc- cess of our arms, his views and some of his measures were explained. ' On the night of the’ following Friday the President was shot by an assassin, and expired at about seven o'clock on the morning of Saturday, the 16th of April. This assassination appeared to be part of a deliberate, comprehonaive conspiracy to assassinate the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Goneral and other officers of the government, with a view to its disorganization. About the same hour of the President's murder an effort was made to assassinato the Secretary of State, who was then confined to his bed by ser.ous injuries, accidentally received a few days before. He and other members of his family were dan- gerously wounded. Some of the parties engaged in this conspiracy were tried, convicted and executed; others are still under sentence of imprisonment for life The details aro given in the report of the Judge Advocate General. The dosigns upon the Vice President and the Lieutenant Genera! failed; and upon the death of the President, the Vice President was sworn into office, and assumed the duties of President of the United States. These events were promptly communicated to the armies by general orders, and from thencoforth until the present time the government has been administered by Androw Johnson aa Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief of the army and navy. THE WORK OF RECONSTRUCTION VROM A MILITARY POINT OF w. RW. Tho destruction of the rebel military power opened the way to re-establish civil government in the insurgent States. From that period the functions of the military department became simply co-operative with other branches of the foderal governmont, Nashville, Tennessee, was the first capital of an insur- a State in which the federal authority was re-estab- ished. The rebel army was driven out on the 23d day of February, 1862, and that city occupied by the Union forces, On the 3d day of March, 1862, Andrew Johnson, then Senator in Congress from the State of Tennessoo— the only Senator from an insurgent State who retained his seat in Con; — Was .. Military Governor of the State of Tennessee. He accepted the appointment, and promptly entered upon his duties, and continued to exercise them until his resignation on the 3d day of March, 1865, In all the vicissitudes of the war his ad- ministration was directed to the establishment and main- tenance of the constitution and laws of the United States within and over the State of Tennessee. Without enter- ing upon details it is sufficient to remark that extension of civil authonmty kept pace with the reduction of the rebel power. The federal courts were opened, and jus tice administered. Under his direction, against many discouragements and much opposition, great advance was made towards the full re-establishment of civil au- thority, and the restoration of the State to its practical relations to the federal government. He Issued a proc- lamation on the 6th of January, 1864, for the election of township and county officers, "Fistices of the peace, con- stables, trustees, sheriff, clerics, re; and tax col- lectors. In the month of May a convention was hold at Knoxville, East Tennessee, to devise measures for restoring civil government in the State. In the month of August another convention was called to meet at Nashville on the Sth of September, to reorganize the State. A full convention being prevented by the condi- tion of military affairs, this ¥, recommended that an- other convention, “elected by the loyal people,” abould assemble at an early day to revive the State constitution, The Governor issied @ proclamation on the 7th of Sep- tember, a he should eee to appoint officers and establish tribunals ‘in all the counties and districts of the State whenever the people gave evidence of loyalty and a desire for civil government, and a will- ingness to sustain the officers and tribunals.” A con. vention was called to meet on the 9th of January, 1866, ‘at Nashville, to revise the State constitution. con- vention met, amendmonts to the State constitution were adopted, slavery was abolished and provision made for submitting the amendments to the people, and for hold- ing elections, The amendments were ratified by popular vote, A Governor, Legislature aud members of Con; were subsequently (on the 4th of March) elected by the people, The Legislature assembled on the*first Monday of April; the abolition of slavery was enacted, Senators to Congress elected, and a State government was fully organized, and has since continued in action. This ays- tem of reorganization having been found practicable actual experience, it was adopted by tho Prosident, wit! such modifications ashe med proper, for all the in- t = tates, and is now in course of execution. disposition exhibited after the surrender of thetr armies in all the Insurgent States to submit to the na- tional authority dispensed with the necessity of Keepin large armies on foot, and indicated the Sta to whic! the war power Lae be reduced, So much only ef the national military cage has been kept = hen yazan as is needed to keep the peace, protect the public property and enforce the laws. DISBANDING OF THR ARMIES, It was apparent that by the surrender of General Lee ‘and his army, the military power, on which alone the rebellion rested, was irretrievably broken, no doubt being entertained that Lov’s surronder would be followed by that of Johnston, and perhaps by all other command. ors of the insurgent forces. ‘The attention of the depart- ment was immediately directed to the following objects, and on the 13th of April, four days after Lee's surrender, blic notice was given that orders would be spoedily [ved to carry them into effect, viz:— Fag ‘To stop all drafting and recruiting in the loyal tos, Sewmd—To curtail purchases of arms, ammunition, quartermaster and commissary supplies, and reduce the expenses of the military establishment in the several branches. Third—To reduce the number of general and staff of. cers to the actual necessities of the service. FP urth—To remove all military restrictions upon trade and commerce, so faras might be consisient with the public safety. ‘These measures have ben carried into effect from time to time, as the exigencies of the sorvice would admit, It will be Been from the report of the Adjutant General that troops to the number of 800,063 have already been mus- tored, paid off and disbanded. Further reduction is con. templated, Upon the discharge of t ® yreat number of staff, eld and ger offieers were no longer required. Of these some have resi: ned, and others were Lonorably mustered out. No dowdt in many instances: it has been painful for gallant and accomplished officers to lenve that service to which they have been accustomed, ‘and where they have won distinction, But i revostized the obliga ica "the"foverament ment to reduee Tecoxni he obligau to Wee tho military establishment with the oceasion that called it into existence, and that their own wishes or interest have not been importunately erged against the nocessi- ties of the service. ‘THR VETERAN REPTERVE ConPs, ‘The dispgition of the Veteran Reserve corps prosented Pome conmilc rations o peculiar nature, 1! was the inet nation, of the department to retain it jn service until Ue meeting of small per ceat service. All who and supernumerary officers mustered out. ‘THE BEOULAK akuy. Recruiting to fill the regiments has continued Several thousand for commissions in the regular service areon file. These commissions, hitherto, have been conferred only by promotion from tho ranks, But to secure the requisite number of competent o! @ board has been sygeinied to examine applicants an determine their relative merit. From the list selected by the board, and in the order of merit, appointments are to be made. ‘Two years’ actual service in the war is indispensable for appointment. A MILITIA SYSTEM RECOMMENDED. The establishment of a well organized militia system is one of the most important subjects that will demand the attention of Congress, This subject has already received careful consideration, and it is belioved that, after con. ference with the appropriate committees, a practical sys- tom may be agreed upon. Measures for the establishment of homes, and somo provisions for the aid and relief of wounded and dis. abled soldiers, is also a subject that will commend itself strongly to every patriotic heart. Whether this duty, which the country owes to patriots who have suffered the national defence, can best be performed by the na- Uonal government or administered by the respective State authorities, and whether relief can best be afforded by an increaso of pension, or by establishing homes, are Points on which opinions differ, and which can only be settled by the wisdom of Congresa, THE WEST POINT KRPORT. ‘The Board of Visitors to the Military Academy at West Point, in Sune last, made an elaborate report, which 1s herewith submitted. They recommend a reorganization, and a number of measures which, in their opinion, wil enhance the benefits of that national institution. To these the attention of Congress is respectfully invited, with the recommendation that the number of cadets be increased, as recommended, and that the superintend- ence of the institution be no longer confined to the Engt- neer Bureau. It is believed that the Military Academy is at present well conducted, and that their responsible du- tes are efficiently performed by the officers, professors and instructors charged with the institution, WAR APPROPRIATIONS. The war appvopriations at the last seasion of fers as has been stated, amounted to the sum of $516,2 ‘The estimates for the next fiscal year, commencing Juno 80, 1865, are $33,814,461. These estimates are based upon a standing force of flity thousand men, so organized as to admit of an in- crease without additional organizations, to 82,600 troops of all arma, This estimato has been made after conference and care- ful consideration, and is believed to be adequate for an} national exigency, if the country should be blessed wit! peace, The reduction of the national military force, in its rapidity and numbers, is without example, and if there be any alarm in the public mind because this reduc. tion is made wh Je grave questions at home and abroad are unsettled, a brief consideration of the subject will show that there is no cause for apprehension. FUR FORCE RETAINED IN THE SERVICE. The foree to be retained is smal compared with that which was organized to subdue the rebellion. But the only reasons demanding greater foree are—tst, renewal of the insurrection; 2d, a foreign war. For either or both emergencies the national resources remain ample. The chief demands for war, as shown by our experience, are, Ast, troops; 2d, arms and amm inition; 3d, clothing; 4th, transportation, and 5th, subsistence supplies. CHARACTER OF THK TROOPS DISBANDED. The troops disbanded wore chiefly volunteers, who went to the fleid to uphold the syst'm of free govern: mont established by thoir fathers, and which they mean to bequeath to their children, ‘Their toils and sufferings, their marches, battles and victories, have not diminished the value of that government to them; so that any new rebellion would encounter equal or greater foree for its reduction; and none can ever spring up with such advan. tages at the start, or be conducted with superior means, ability or prospect of success. A foreign war wouid in tonsify the national feeling, and thousands, once mis! 'd, would rejoice to atone their error by rallying to the na: tional flag. The question of time in which armies could be raised to quell insurrection or repel invasion is, there fore, the only question relating to troops. Our expe- rience in this point is significant. When Leo’s army sur. rendered thousands of recruits were pouring in, and men were discharged from recruiting stations’ and rendezvous in every State. On several occasions, when troops were promptly needed to avert impend- ing disaster, vigorous exertion brought them into tho field from remote States, with incredible speed. Of cial reports show that after the disasters on ths Peninsula, in 1862, over elghty thousand troops were enlisted, or ganized, armed, equ pped and sent into the field in less than a month,’ Sixty thousand troops have repeatedly gone tothe field within four weeks. And ninety thou- sand infantry wero sent to the armies from the five States of Olio, Indiana, Lilinois, Iowa and Wisconsin within twenty days. When tho rebellion commenced the nation was a stranger to war, Officers had little experience, privates had none. But tho present generation of men in this country are now voterau soldiers. For the battle, the march or the siege, thoy are alrendy trained. They are as much at home in the tented field as in the farm house, the manufa:tory or the shop, No time ts required to train them; and the spcod of the railroad and tele- graph determines tho time required to raise an army in the United States. As to arms.and ammunition. The disbanded armies were allowed to take home their urms at a nominal price, Rust is not likely to gather on the musket or sabre borne through the campaigns of 1864 and 1885. The govern. ment retains in ite arscvals more than a million of the the best quality of arms and equipments. The artillery on hand tasks the department for its means of storage. ‘The manufacture of ammunition requires materials for which we have in some degree relied upon other coun- tries, because they could be had cheapor, For this rea- son, and to guard against against any mischance, throo ‘ears’ stock of material for ammunition bas already on kept in store, and the supply on hand is ample for any war that can be waged against us by any nation. Third—Clothing, transportation and sbsistence. After selling or distributing among freedmen and refugees all damaged or irregular clothing, the «tock of clothing and material in the Quartermaster’s depots is sufficient for any armies that may be calied into service. The water transporis and rolling stock, mules, wagons and horses held by the government were adequate to the movement and supply of larger forcos, in less time, than had here- tofore been known in war, The government has dis- posed or 18 disposing of this transportation; but it re- ‘mains in this country, and can answer any exigency. Army subsistence is derived from the country in which military operations are carried on, or supplied from other markets. During the war this most vital branch of the service never failed, It answers to the demand, and is ever ready to meot the national call. It is piain, therefore, that the abundance of our means for war enables the government of the United States to T duce the standing force to a lower dogree than an other nation. Unless war be actually raging, the mill. tary force can be brought within very narrow limits, Howover sudden the exigency calling for an exhibition of military power, it can be promptly met. With our education, habits and experience, the nation, while in the midst of peace, is propared for war, THR PRESENT MILITARY ORGANTRATION, The present military organization comprohends nine- sean departments, embraced in five military divisions, as follows: — 1. Tho Department of the Fast, Major General Joseph Hooker to command, to embrace the New England Statos, New York and New Jersey. Headquarters at New York city, 2. The Middle Department, Major General W. 8. Han- cock to command, to embrace the States of West Vir- ginia, Maryland (excepting the counties of Montgomery, that it of Anne Arundel lying south of the Ps pr and Elk Ridge Railroad, and excluding the city of An- napolis, Prince George's, Culvert, jes and St. Mary's), the county ra udon, and the Shenandoah valley as far south as including Rocki county, in Virginia, the States of Delaware and sylvania. we the ‘Dopartavont of Washi Major General he Department ry C. C. Augur to command, to pleas the District of Columbia, the counties of Montgomery, that part of Anne Arundel lying south of the Annapolis and Ridge Retroad, and including the city of Annapolis, Prince George's Calvert, Charles and 8t, Mary's in Maryland, and Alexandria and Fairfax counties, in Vir- ginia, Headquartors at Washington, 4. The Department of the Ohio, Major General E. 0. C. rd to command, to embrace the States of Ob'o, Indiana, Iilinots, Wisconsin and Michigan. Head- quarters at Detroit. 5. The Department of the Tennessee, Major General George Stoneman to command, to embrace the State of Tennessee, Headquarters at Knoxville, 6. Tho Department of Kentucky, Major General John M. Palmer to command, to embrace the state of Ken- tucky, and Jeffersonville and New Albany, in Indiana. Headquarters at Louisvil 7. The Department of Missouri, Major General John Pope to command, to embrace the States of Minnesota, Towa, Missouri and Kansas, and the Torritories of Colo- New Mexico and Moa- Major General Alfred Il. Terry to command, to embrace the State of Virgimi excepting Alexandria, Fairtax and Loudon counties, an the Shenandoah Valley as far south as and including Rockingham county, Head juarters at Richmond. 9. The Department of North Carolin 4 bene: A command, a e St rolina, Headquarters at Raleigh. 10, The Department of South Carolina, Major General Daniel Sickles to command, to embrace the State of South Carolina, Headquarters at Charleston. 11. The Department of Georgia, Major General James B. Steedman to command, to embrace the State of ‘ia, Headquarters at Au 12. The Department of Florida, Major General Joha 6. Fosterito command, to embrace the State of Florida Headquarters at Tallahassee 13. The Department of Mesissippl, Major General Thomas J. Wood to command, to embrace the State of Missivsippi. Headquarters at Vickaburg. 14. The rime Goneral C. R. Alabema ¢ Department of Alabama, Mi Wood to command, to embrace the State of Headquarters at Mobile. 15, The Department of Louisiana, Major Genoral FE. R. 8. Canby to command, to embraco the state of Louis ana. Headquart rs at New Orleans, 16. Tho Department of Texas, Major General H. G. Wright to command, to embrace the State of Texas. Headquarters at Galveston, 11. The Department of font mag jor General J. J. Reynolds to command, to embrace te of Arkansas ‘and the Indian Territory, Headquarters at Little Roc! 18. The Department of the Columbia, Brigadier G eral F. Steele to command, to erebrage the “tate of Ore. gon and Territories of Washington and Idaho, Head. quarters at Fort Vancouver. I ‘The Department of Wore tag General Irvin McDowell to command, to eanbrace tho States of Califor. nia and Nevada and Territories of New Mexico and Ari- gona. Headquarters at San Franciseo, 1, The Military Division of the Atlantic, Major Genoral ommand, to embrace the Depart- the East, Middie Department, — of Mo) Departmerat of North Carolina and Department of’ Carolina, Headquarters at Philadelphia, 2 The Militar7 Division of the Mississippi, Major Gon- ere! W. T. Sherman to command, to embrace the Depart- went of the Ohio, Department of the Miasouri and De. partment of Arkansas, Headquarters 95 St, Loula, tbe Te Dapesement of Kone 7 famet of Geren, Pgereas en Alabama. eS axithany division of Be ene of the Columbia and of California. quarters at’San Francisco. INDIAN HOSTILTEMEG. Indian hostilities upon the plains and the routes to the Pacific coast have givew much required the employment of many troops, and: feat expense to the military de indian councils have been held during the season, and large military expeditions sent ous against hostile tribes and bands, What has been ac- complished by treaty or by Aghing will doubtless be exhibited in the official reports of the Indian campaigna, which have not yet reached the department. Disbanding the troops reduces at once the amount te be expended in some items of appropriation, but im others requires larger immediate expenditures. Upom their discharge the soldiers became entitled to all the featalnense of bounty which would have fallen due at F per and in many cases exceeding » year's The Wanypertation of pa armies from the Seid te Southern States, to their remote homes in the West or in Eastern and Northern States, mado extraordinary drafts on the Quartermaster’s Department, beyond what would be required for armies marching or encamped, The vastamount of live stock on hand requires f until sales can be made. These are effected with utmost diligence; but still this large item of Fo cong ture continues through @ large part of the P The financial effects, therefore, of the reduction of the army and retrenchment of expenditures can only perme to any great extomt on the next fiscal year. ‘THE WORK OF REDUCING THY MILITAKY KXPENDETORES, To accomplish the great object of promptly reducing the military expenditures, the following general order was made by the Secretary of War on the 28th of June:— VOR REDUCING EXPENSES OF TH MILITARY ¥STABLISHMENT. GankraL Onpers, No, 77.-Ordered 1. That the chiefs of the respective bureaus of this department proceed imme- diately to reduce the expenses of their respective depart- ments to what is absolutely neneeeery: in view of an imme- reduction of the forces in the eld and igeesisen, and the speedy termination of hostilities, and that they sev: make out statements of the reduction they deem practicable, Il, That the Quartermaster General discharge all occam transports not required to bring home troops in remote partments. All river and inland transportation will be dim charged except that required tor necessal in the field. Purchases horses, lund transportation will be stopped; also purchas oon what is required for immediate consumption. purchases for railroad construction and transportation wit also be stopped eat Thal the Commissary General of Bubsistence stop the purchase of supplies in his departinent, except for such ag may, with what ts on hand, be required for the forces in field, to the Lat of June next. IV. That the Chief of Ordnance stop all purchases of arms, ammunition and materials therefor, and reduce manufacturing of arms and ordoance stores in government arsenals aa rapidly as can be done without injury to the service V. That the Chief of Engineers stop work on all field fortl- ions and other works, except thowe for which 4) appropriations have been nade by Congress for comy ation, or that may be required for the proper protection of we in progress vi? i ers (patients) in hospitals, ex- cept ve erans of the First army corpa (ifianeo n of the Veteran Reserve cot who require no further medical treaiment, be honorably charged from service, with immediate payment, All otters and enfisted men who have been prisoners war, and no orat the parole camps, and recruits in vis, eacept Choe for the regtlar army and the Virst_army corps (Hancock's), will likewise be hom ed Officers whose duty it is, under the regulations of the ser vice, to make out rolls and other final papers connected wits the dischary payment of soldiers, aro directed to them out without delny, #0 that this order may be carried into effect immediately, Commanding generals of armies and departments w K tothe prompt execution of work. VII. The Adjutant tienoral of the army will cause imme diate returas to be made by all commanders in the field, garrisons, detachmenta and posts, of their respective forces, with a view to their immediate reduction, VIL The Qu: baistence, Ordnance, Engl- neer and Provost Marahal Coneral's departments will reduce the number of clerks and employes to that absolutely re~ quiced for closing the business of their respective depart. Et at and Feng mothe Speed Bo rand Secretary of ar the nui wired of e The on General will make similar reductions of modical oflicers, nurses and uttendante in his bureau. IX. The chiefs of the reapecttve bureaus will immodiately cause property returns to be made out of the public pri tn thelr charge, and a alatement of the property In euch may be sold, upon udvertisoment and public sale, wit prejudice to the service. . The Commissary of Prisoners will have rolis made ows of the name, residence, time and place of capture and ocou- pation of ali prisoners of war who will take the oath of alle xinnee to the United States, to the end that such as are dis- posed to become good and loyal citizens of the United States, and who are proper objects of Executive clemency, may be Feleased upon the terms that to the Preaident shall seem @8 and consistent with public safety. Tho administrative details of the department Kien d the great military operations that have been menti and what bas been done towards a reduction to a pease establishment, will appear in the reports of the respective chiefs of bureaus. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S REPORT. From the report of the Adjutant General it will be seen that the recruiting service of the regular army te rogrossing favorably; the number of recruits enlisted for allarms, from October 31, 1864, to October 1, 1868, having been 19,555. The regiments comprising it have been distributed to stations, and their ranks aro raj filling up, thus enabling the department to relieve monts of volunteer troops. Th» present authorised strength of the rogular regiments is 952 officers ama 41,819 enlisted men. This estimate is made on the beaie of'42 privates to a company, the number now allowed by law at all except frontior It 1s rocommended in Teport that the maximums standard bo fixed at 100 enlisted men to,a company. A LAW TO ENLIST BOYH IN THE R&GULAR ARMY AS MU BICIANS WANTED. Tho Adjutant General recommends that provisions be mado by law for enlisting one hundred boys, not under twelve years orate as musicians, as waa done before the Inwe of 1864 and 865 prohibited ‘the enlixtment of mi- nora under thenge of wixteon years; that the Inve ty which one-half of their pay, during the period of sence, is lost by officers absent with leave for more tham thirty days in one year, except from wounds or sickness, be repealed; and that an act be providing for the enlistment of meritorious disabled soldiers as superta tendents of the national cemeteries, numbering abou’ forty, each to receive the pay and allowance of an erd- Dance sergeant. Eight volumes of reports of battles, with mapsand indexes, Va bee under the resolution of Congress of May 19, 1864, have been completed and sont to the gove ernment printing office. Tho publication of the greater part of the remaining reports ia only deferred until the receipt of others not yet rendered, and which are required, to preserve the chronologieal order observed in the preparation of the volumes already completed. The register of volunteer officers called for resolution: Juno 30, 1864, aod embracing some 200, —— be completed the time Congress assembi The 4 of volui drafted men and substl- tutes ordered to tho field between the Ist of November, 1864, and 30th of April, 1865, was 202,117. The number of volunteers, drafted mon and militia mustered out am@ discharged within the same period was 61,000. In dig- banding the forces no longer required after the cessation, of hostilities ie same taschinery of ome and depots been used as in Fecruiting. have been sent home as fast as they could betransported and paid, the officers being held responsible for the good’ behavior of the men. Instances have been rare of any” disorders. Much credit is due to mustering officers, ‘and. railroad companies, through whose See nenibertan in the nagronate 400,963 men, have- been trafisported, mastered out and paid, HOW THE TROOPS WEKE MUSTERED OUT. On tho 28th of April, 1865, it was ordered that bo mado of the volunteer forces in the field, with a to thelr immediate reduction, and in connection this ofdeF regulations. pore and promulj for thetr muster out and discharge. In exvouti work, prom and a proper protection of the esta of the government and the troops were holth and, among other measures necessary to ite completion, rendezvous were established pm _ Sal most of the States. At the rendezvous property was taken possession of by the staf! oMeers af the respective supply departments, and the: rolls and other discharge papers prepared: under the a rrotion of corps commissaries of musters and thelr assiat~ ants. Corps and department commanders wore structed to see that the work was using for that end the division and with thelr respective staff officers to su Soon as a regiment oF othor organization. had ‘out papors prepared, it was placed on routr for payment and final disc! At rendezvous was located the chief musteri of the State, of one or more of his with paymasters, quartermasters, comm! sistence and ordnance officers, whose duties wore the payment and final disch of the A care while awaiting the same; reception of the pa lic property turned in by them, and their to their homes after discharge. By the hs ge | ‘arrangements the entire force of com~ and assistant commisenries of masters troops in the floid have been made availablo for the work, in connection with the chief and other Stato mustert jcorn, most experienced mustaring officers those most familiar with the regimental records were #e- cured; the records from which the mustering out data wero to be obtained were readily accersible, and the loa of records (ao common through the neglect of officers) while the reziments were en route from the hela to their States, was avoided. Regimontal officer have been held to @ rigid a countability in —— cords, and the interests of the enlisted men thas Order and discipline Lave bean maintained whibe were en rout- to the States and after arpivi hn “s rere pat, ft 4 nape start ment they were o homes. Mssatisfaction among them has bece obviate@ and causes for complaint removed, and all public proper ty has been easily secured and readily accoumed for, The arrangements for care of dic! % 2 Efse aS ti i ! i ik May 4.—All pationts ia veteran vole untecrs and Piternas of the Fives army corpe (Ham kA). oon 8. —All tronge of the arm whose terms of service would ex 1 oe Rese’ men whose torme to 81, inclusive. May 17. grt 1 ‘of white troops in the Army of the Pototaae wi terme of service to September 90, inclusive. in Majer May Pen bee of white —- Seamer eee cer ens of Georgia : tat ouly adam