1st. That you would appoint three of its active members most familiar with steamboat and engine building, who would act in concert with this Department and under its direction, and from patriotic motives devote some time and attention for thirty days in purchasing and preparing such means of defense on the Western waters against iron-clad boats as the engineers of this Department may devise.

2nd. Designate one of your most capable and substantial citizens who would accept the temporary appointment of assistant quartermaster, and in that official capacity make such contracts, audit and adjust such accounts, as the Department would authorize in the above business. My object is to bring the energetic, patriotic spirit, and enlightened practical judgment of your city to aid the Government in a matter of great moment, where hours must count and dollars not be squandered.

Please let me know as quickly as possible whether the desire of the Department can be effected, and furnish me with the name of the committee and the person designated to act as assistant quartermaster.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, D. C. March 26, 1862.

Major-General HALLECK,

Saint Louis, Mo.:

Colonel Symington has been ordered to ship immediately for Cairo and Columbus the following guns, which are all the large guns at Pittsburg, to wit: Three 10-inch shell guns; one 42-pounder rifled gun; four 32-pounder barbette carriages. Instruct the quartermaster at Cairo which of these guns shall be landed at that place and which shall go on to Columbus. Improvise timber carriages for those which have not carriages with them. Illinois Central Railroad can assist you with skillful carpenters, as heretofore.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C. March 27, 1862

CHARLES ELLET, Jr.:

SIR: You will please proceed immediately to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and New Albany and take measures to provide steam rams for defense against iron-clad vessels on the Western waters. Instructions will be forwarded you by mail to Pittsburgs, in conformity with which you will guide your proceedings, and from time to time receive such other instructions as may be required. All contracts and purchases will be made by a special quartermaster, to be appointed to act with you, and all expenditures will be made by him and under his direction. you will be compensated for your service at the rate of pay allowed by law for similar service, to wit, $10 per day and mileage at the rate of 10 cents per mile.

Yours, truly,

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.