Git 1119 (Communications Conf Pam #365 :n[essa>^-: 'Fj5?0M the president. Richmond, Febuary 5, 186 J. To the Jlonsc of Ecpreseniatives : I herewith transtnrt communications from the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War, -which convey the information asked for in yonr resolution of the 13th ultimo, relative to the amount of money forwarded to the trans-Mississippi department since the adjournment of Congress, and to the adjustment of claims against the Government for articles illegally impressed and not paid for at the time. JEFFERSON DAVIS, Confederate States of America, \ War Department y y Richmond, Ya., Jan. 29, 1864. ) To the President of the Confederate States : Sir : In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representa- tives, requesting information " of the money that has been forwarded to the trans-]Mis?issippi department since the adjournment of Con- gress, and also, whether any measures have been taken to adjust the numerous claims against the Government, arising from the impress- ments of property in Louisiana, in disregard of the provisions of the impressment law, and where no compensation was made to the owners," which was referred by you to this department. I have the honor to submit the reports of the Quartermaster General, and the chiefs of the- bureaus of subsistence, ordnance, engineer, and nitre an-i mining, aud of the Surgeon General. This department has no: been advised of the *' existence of numerous claims against the Government, arising from the impressments of property in Louisiana, in disregard of the provisions of the impressment law,, and where no compensation was made to the owners." When claims of that nature have been presented from any State, measures have boen taken for their examination an 1 adjustment. Respectfully submitted, JAMES A. SEDDON, Si'Creiary of Wcr, Treasury Dfpartmf.nt C. S. A., Jiic/n7wnd, January 19, 1864. The President : Sir : I have the honor to hand you, herewith, copy of a statement of the Treasurer which gives the information from this department, called for by a resolution of the House of Representatives of the l3th instant,, of which a copy is subjoined. The remaining information asked for is not in the possession of this Department. Very respectfully. Your obedient servant, C. G. MEMMINGER, Secretary of Treasury. Copy rf n resolution cf the House of Representatives, of 13tb January, 18'i4 : Resolved, That the President be requested to inform this House, what amount of urouey has been forwarded to the trans Mississippi department since the adjournment of Congress, and also whether any measures Lave been taken to adjust the numerous claims against the Government, arising from impressments of property in Louisiana in disregard of the provisions of the impressment law, and where no compensation or payment was made to the owners. Treasury of the Confederate States, liichniond, Va., January 18, 1864. Sir : In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of ]3th instant, referred by you to this office, I have the honor to re- port, that there has been forwarded from here to the trans-Missisr.ippi department, since the adjournment of Congress in April last, fifty- oric millions, seven hundred thousand dollars, viz: To the depository at San Antonio, Texas, $16,7(IO,()U() dlO " *♦ *' Houston, " l,()ll(),l)iU) 00 <♦ '* *<■ Shreveport, Louisiana, 34,000,0 00 Til Treasury notes, $51,700,000 00 Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, WILLIAM D. NUTT, Acting Treasurer C. S. Hon, C. G. Memminger, Secretary of Treasury. ^r-r^' i SUMMARY OF AMOUNTS that have been forwarded to the trans- Mississippi Department : Bureau of Subsistence, 1863. June 1st to August 8th, $5,872,230 60 Ordnance Bureau. June 17th to December 8th, 1,111,000 00 Nitre Sf Mining Bureau. Since last session of Congress, 702,000 00 Surgeon GeneraTs Office. March 20th to October 24th, 612,169 00 Engineer Bureau, Since last session of Congress, ] 2OO 000 00 Quartermaster General'^s Office, June 3rd to August 12th, 36,099,809 00 $45,597,208 60 C. S. A., Quartermaster General's Office, Richmond, January 23, 1S6 1. Sir: The resolutiou of the House of Representatives of the 13th instant, referred by the President for report, is as follows : *^ Jiesolval, That the President be requested to inforn; this House what amount of money has been forwarded to the trans ^Mississippi department since the adjournment of Congress, and also, whether any measures have been taken to a<1just tlie numerous chaims against the Government, arising from impiessrnents of property in Louisiana ia disregard of the provisions of the impressment law, and where no compensation or payment was made to the owners." From the 3d day of June to the 12ih August, lSf53, inclusive, the sum of §36,099,8' 19 was requested to be sent to the officers of the v^uartermaster's Department, on duty in the trans-Mississippi deparc- inent; of this eum, $ I 2,922,237 was in draffs, payable at the office of the treasurer, in the city of Richmond, and $15,1 17,522 in drafts, payable at the depository at Shreveport, La., and the sum of $8,0G0,(M)'.), payable at Sau Antonio, Texas. What portion of these amounts have been paid, or to what extent arrangements have been, or are being made to meet them, this department has no definite infor- mation. On the 25lh October last, I reported to tho Honorable Secretary of War, that in addition to the sums theretofore requested, there was data in my office showing that the further sum of ;$26,0 18,567 vrould bo required to meet the demands against the department, and pay the troops to the 3 1st December, 1863. And as far.as I am informed, no part of this latter sum has been supplied, nor am I informed of any definite arrangements to do so. That there is a large amount of claims outstanding against the department in the trans-Mis^'issippi department I have no doubt, but what portion of it, if any, is for the impressment of property, I am unable to say, but I am not advised of any impressments having been made in " disregard of the provision of the impressment law," or payment refused for euch property when impressed. So far as regards that portion of Louisiana on this side of the Mississippi, eflorts have been i?iade to have adjurted and settled oil dntuis d\io from the Governm;:nt to Jhe citizens,'*and Major Minis, an able and efficient officer, placed on that duty, and funds have been sent him with instruc- ':ionf; to use all diligence to accomplish this end. Rei'pcctfuIIyj your obedient, A. R. LAWTON, Qiiarter master Ger,en:l. BuRF-AU OF SuBSISTKNCE, > iUchmond, January 2i), 1864. S Hon. J.j,ME3 A. Seodon, Secretary of War: Sir : I have the honoi' to acknovrledge receipt of letter of Barton N. Harrison, private secretary, of 15th, communicating the following resolution of the House of Ilepresentatives of the \?>i\\ instant, viz : '* Resolved, That the President bo requested to inform this House %vhat amount of money has been forwarded to the trans-lSHssissippi department since the adjournment of Congress, and also, whether any measures have been taken to adjust the numerous claims against the Government, arising from impressments of property in Louisiana in disregard of the provisions of the imprei=sment law, and vrhere no compensation or payment was made to the owners." In reply, I have to report, tliat from June 1st to August 8th, 1863, there was sent to the trais-Mississippi department $5,872, 23'J 60, being the whole amount of the estimates received from that department. No estimate has since been received. About the last of October, this bureau received a circuhr letter from the Secretary of War, asking what quota of unexpended appro- priation could be spared to be sent to the trans-Mississippi depart- ment. In reply, the Honorable Secretary was informed that no infor- mation could bo obtained from the Adjutant and Inspector General as to the number of troops in that department, on which to base a calcu- lation of amount to be sent. In an intcrvicv/ with the Si^cretary afterward, it was determined that the number of troops in that depart- ment should be considered as one-eighth of the whole force in the field. The whole amount of unexpended appropriation, November 3, 1863, was ascertained to be glUS, 378,251 98, but in taking into considera- tion the fact that only §5i),l)i)(),t)UlJ per mouth was allowed to be issued by law, it was thought that this bureau could not expect to receive more than $30, 01)0, UUO before January 1st, 1864, of whft;h one-eighth would be $3,750,000, Accordingly, the Secretary was informed, November 3, 1863, that this amount could be spared,. Since that time, receiving no estimate from the trans-Mississippi department, and no order from the Secretary of ^Yar to send funds thither, this bureau has done nothing in the matter. The Secretary of War having authorized the establishment of a bureau of subsistence for the trans-Mississippi department, under the charge of Major W, B. Blair, this bureau can give no information as to the steps taken to settle the claims mentioned in the above reso- lution. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, ' L. B. NORTHROP, Commissary General C. S. A., War Dipartment, Ordnanck Eureau, ^ Bichmcmd, January t\, 1864. J Hon. J. A. Sedpon, Secretary of War: S[R : I have the honor to make the following report as to funds furnished the trans-Mississippi department since last session of Congress. On ntli June, ultimo, requisition was issued in favor of Colonel John A, Brown, chief ordnance ofEcer, trans-Mis'issippi department, for one million dollars, (this draft, however, it is helieved, still remains unpaid, in consequence of the funds that were understood to be there to meet said draft, having been appropriated to the Quar- termaster's Department.)- Eleven thousand dollars were turned over to Major Ehett in November, (private funds of Honorable W. B, Wright, M. C ,) and refunded by draft on this bureau, and on the 8th December, we sent Major H., by Major Stringer, one hundred thousand dollars. These amounts, OAving to the difficulty of transportation, are all that have been forwarded to the trans-Mississippi department. It is understood that the Treasury have now^ made arrangements for the re-issue of notes in the trans-]\Iississippi department, and have also remitted some twenty million of dollars, the entire management of which, is placed in the hands of Lieutenant General E. Kirby Smith, who has been authorized to appropriate the money as may seem most beneficial to the wants of the various departments. Mr. Perkins, special agent for the settlement of claims for private arms, has been furnished, altogether, with two hundred thousand dollars, and has received discretionary powers to adjust such cloims for arms impressed by order of General llindman, in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas, and other irregular claims, which may appear, on reasonable evidence, to be equitable. I herewith submit copies of letters showing the exertions of the bureau to supply funds to the trans-Mississippi department, and copy of the order under which Mr. Perkins acts, together with extension of the same. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. GORGAS, Colonel. Chief of Ordnance. C. S. A., War Department, Ordnance Bureau, ) Ilichmond, December, 21, 18G3. j fiieutenant General E. K. Smith, ^ Headquarters S/ireveport, Louisiana : 'General : We are informed by the Treasury Department that funds have been sent you for distribution for the use of the trans-Mississippi department. I have the honor to request that you will, if, possible, pay the draft issued last June, in favor of Colonel John A. Brown, and endorsed by him to Major Thomas G. Rhett, said draft rcnuiining unpaid to this date, for Avant of funds at the depository, and our department in your section, being very much in need of the mooey. The draft was for one million dollars. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, • J, GORGAS, Colonel, Chief of Ordnana, True copy : Edward B, Smith, Major, S)C. C. S. A., War Department, Ordnance Bureau, ( Richmond, December 30, 1863. S Major General B. IIuger, Marshall, Texas : General: Your letter of the 17th ultimo, with inclosure, is re- ceived, I am pleased to learn that the ordnance establishments at Shreveport, Marshall, Tyler and Houston, are likely to be of value. It u gratifying too, to know that the resources of the State, in ord nance, are developing. All money will, hereafter, be sent to you for distribution to the various ordnance officers. This will secure you the necessary supervision, which it is desired shall be in your hands System may thus be established. Just prior to the receipt of your letter, one hundred thousand dol- lars were forwarded by Major T. II. Stringer, quartermaster, to be delivered to Major Rhett. Systematic efforts are being made, under the direction of INIajor T. II. Price, to forward arms across the river. Other stores and mate- rials are also sent ; a full list of arms, &c., shipcd, will be furnished by Major Price, as directed. Very respectfully. Your obedient servant J. GORGAS, Colonel^ Chief of Crdnance. True copy : Edward li. Smith, Major. C. S. A., War Department, Ordnance Bureaj, . Richmond, October 22, 1563. '- Major General B. Huger, Marshall, Texas: Referring to the enclosed copy of a letter from this Bureau to the Secretary of War, I have the honor to inform you, by direction of th© Secretary of War, that a sum, not to exceed five huudrod thousand dollars, in addition to wliat has already gone forward, will be allowed tor the use of the ordnance department in trans-Mississippi, up to 1st January, 18G4. I am informed that the arrangements of the Treasury are such that the requisitions of your ordnance ollicers upon the sub-Treasury, in the trans-]Mississippi department, approve*! by yoa, will be honored and warrants issued in accordance therewith. Very respectfully, ^Your obedient servant, J. G ORG AS, ColoneL Chief of Ordnance. True copy : Edward B. Smith, Major, ^c, C. S. A., War Dr.PArtTMENT, Ordnance Bureau, Richmond, June 4, 1863. W. M. Perkins, Special Agent, Little Bock, Arkansas : Sir : Your letter of May 2nd, has been received, and referred to Secretary of War, -vvith this endorsement : '' Mr, Perkins has been advised to pay these accounts if it can be shown chat these arms passed into the service of the Confederate fc'tates, and were duly receipted for by the regular officer authorised to receipt fur them, but that it ia desirable that all delivered to State officers, should be paid for by the State, and then a settlement could be m-ide with the Confederate Government." On this the Secretary endorsed :. "See Colonel Gorgas' endorsement, which is approved." THOMAS S. BAYKlE, Captain, on duty with Chipf of Ordnance. Official: E. B. SAmii, Major, asssistant to Chief of Ordnance. C. S: A., War Department, Ordnance Bureau, ) Richmond, May 27, 1863. ] William M. Perkins, Special Agent, Little Rock, Arkansas : Sir : Your several favors, dated April 29th, 30th," and May 2nd, hftve been received. 9 In reference to claims presented by Cherokee troops under General Pike, viz : mounted riflemen. Lieutenant Colonel Willie Ross, ani regiment commanded by Colonel Stand Watie ; also, to claims pre- sented for arnis seized under Gei eral 1>. jNIcCullough's "call." If you are satisfied that these arms passed into the service of the Con- federacy, they may be paid for ; and. indeed, this may be applied a* a general rule. J. GOllGAS, ColoneL Ckirf of /Ordnanc?, OflScial: Edward B. Smith, Major, Assistant to Chiff of Ordnance. C. S. A , War Department, Orijnancl: Burkau, / Richmond, May 19, 1863. *i W M. Berkins, Agmt War Depart rr.ent, Little Rock, Arkanaas : Sir : Your letter of 23rd has been received and referred to the Secretary of War, with thi.s endorsement: ''The instructions are to ascertain and pay all claims arising under the orders of General Ilindman, and other officers, for guns taken. Formal accounts are not insisted on." To this the following reply was received: "Re- turned to Chief of Ordnance, approving his views. It has been constantly impressed upon' this Department that the neglect to pay these claims h;ul^ produced coolness, d.^sjfFcction and indifi'ercnce to the cause of the Confederacy." Your action in making payments is approvcil. Jt is a matter 'of great consequence to have these claims settled, as far as possible, to the satisfaction of the people. You are authorized to pay Texas and Louisiana claims, and Major Price, at Jackson, Mississippi, Tup^s directed to communicate with you, in order not to conflict. Yerv respcctfullv. J. GORGAS, Colonel, Chief of Ordnance. OiEcial : E, B. S.MiTii, Major, Assistant to Chief of Ordnance. C. S. A., War Depart.ment, Ordn.*nce Bureau. ) Richmond, May 19, 18G3. ^ W. M, Perkins, Agent War Department, Little Rock, Arkansas : Sir: Your letter of April 7th has been received. The claim iO 9 • approved by Captain Lear, Post Ordnance officer, Fort Smith, may be paid ; also, the one approved by the Provost Marshal of the State, if you are satisfied that the arms passed into the hands of troops of the Confederacy. It is the desire of the Government to pay for all arms that have been taken and appropriated to the use of soldiers in its service, and you will see, under the " special order" procured for your guidance, that large discretion as to evidence, &c., was given to you. J. GOllGAS, Colonel, Chief of Ordnance. Offcial : E. B. bMrTH, Major, Assistant to Chief of Ordnance. Adjutant and iNSPEcroR Gknkral's Offick, ^ Extract. Richmond, December 24, 1862. i SPECIAL ORDERS, ) Ko 301. ^ * ♦♦♦*♦*« • Pakagrath XVI. — Willimn ]\f. Perkins, Esq., (f New Orleans, ia appointed a special agent of the War Department, lor the purpose of .settling claims arising from the action of Major Ge:.eral llinilman in the purchase and seizure of arras belonging to citizens within his com- mand, lie will give the usual bond required uf disbursing officers, and will report to Lieutenant General T. 11. Holmes, for the jAirpose of currying out the duty, under such instructions as -the Chief of Ord- nanco ma}' deem necessary. ♦ # * *» # « * • ]Jy command of the Secretary of War : JOHN WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant General. Official : E, li. Smith, Major, As:;istar,t to Chief of Ordnance. n C. S. A., War Department, Engineer Bureau, Richmond, Va., January 28, 1864. S lion. J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va. : Sir : I have the honor to inform you that since the adiournmcnt of Congress the funds sent to the trans-Misaissippi department, for engineer service, amounted to twelve hundred thousand dollars, ($1,200,000,)— all that has heen asked for. Very respectfully, your ohcdient servant, \ A. L. RIVES, Lieutenant Colonel, end acVg. ChieJ of Bureau. 12 RErORT OF CHIEF OF NITRE AND MINING BUREAU. Resolved, That the President bo requested to in Torn this House what amount of money has been forwarded to the trans-Mississippi department since the adjournmcMt of Coni^rcss, .-lud also whether any measures have been taken to adjust the numerous claims against the Government arising from ircpressraents of property in Louisiana, in disregard of the provisions of the impressment hrv, and whore no compensation or payment was made to the owners. Colonol J. ^^. St. John, f^hief of Nitre and Minhig Bureau : CoLfiNTL : Above please find a copy of a resolution of the House of Representative?, ado])tod on tl\o 15th instant. Will you be so kind as to furnish so much of the appropriate response as pertains to your luircau. Respectfully, R. G. H. KEAN, Chief (f the Bureau of War. NiTT.K AM) Mining Bureau, January 25, 1864. Respectfully relumed to chief of War Bureau, calling attention to the endorsement of Lieutenant Reardon. . J. M. St. JOHN, Jjicut. Colonel, and Chiff of N. and M. Bureau, Nitkf; \nd Mining Bureau, Janaary 23, 18G4. Amount forwarded to trans-Mississippi department in treasury notes, - - - - - $452,000 ()i) Draft on depository, trans-Mississippi department, - 250,000 00 $702,000 00 — since last scsfion of Congress. II. F. REARDON, Luutenant. and disbursing officer. IS C. S. A., Surgeon General's Office, ) Richmond, r'a., January 20, 1864.3 Sir : In compliance with the resolution of tlio Ilouscof Represen- tatives, of tbe 13th instant, referred by you to this bureau, I have the honor to submit the folloiving statement of the araourjt of money furnislied the medical disbursing oificers of the tians-Mississippi de- partment, during tbe past year, by the medical department. I am not aware of any impressments having been made by medical oiiicers in Louisiana, nor do I know of any outstanding debts asainsC this bureau, in the t!ans--^..lsslsslppl department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. MOORE, Surgeon General, C. S. Army. Hon. Jamks a. Skddon, Secretary nf War, Richmond. Surgeon Howard Smith, Bltdical Purveyor, Houston, Texas. JIarch 2'), 1SG3. — Medical and hospital supfdies, $l')t),(ii)0 May 11, " •' *' '' " 10(),00(}. July 7, " " '! " " 151), 1)00 October 2.1, '* " " " '' 75,000 May 11, " Services of private physicians, 10,000 October 24, *' " * '♦ " 20,000 *' * Alcoholic stimulants, 20,000 " -' " Hospital clothing, 10,0(iO $485,000 Surg(on Hmry Shearer, Medical Purveyor, Houston, Texas. Jur.e 2, 18G3. — Medical and hospital supplies, $279 " ** Services of private physicians, ' 9,000 $9,279 Surgicn Henry P. Howard, Medical Purveyor, San Anti>7iiOf Texas. M&rch 3it, 18GS. — Medical and hospital supplies, $690 " Services of private physicians, 7,200 $7,890 14 Surgeon E. SUverburg, Medical Purveyor, Little Rock, Arkansas. March 24, 1863. — Medical and hospital supplies, $-5,000 May 23, *• " " " " 50,000 " " Services of private phvsiciaas, 5,000 " Hospital clothing, ' 10,0(10 '' Alcoholic stimulants, 10,000 $100,000 Surgeon Charles 0. Curiman, C. S. Laboratory^ Arkaddphia, Arkansas' May 29, 1363.— Medical and hospital supplies, $10,000 Summary. Surgeon Howard Smith, Houston, Texas, $485,000 Surgeon Henry Shearer, Houston, Texas, 9,279 Surgeon Henry P. Howard, San Antonio, Texas, 7,890 Surgeon E. Silverburg, Little Rock, Arkansas, 100,000 Surgeon Charles 0. Curtman, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, 10,000 Total, $612,169 pH8.5