in speculation in articles of army subsistence, or engaged in any other business prejudicial to the interests of the Government, it is your duty, as one of its officers, promptly to report him.

L. B. NORTHROP,

Commissary-General of Subsistence.

Approved:

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

BUREAU OF SUBSISTENCE,

Richmond, February 12, 1865.

So far as this circular treats of impressment, &c., and its bearing on the Treasury and on this bureau, the subject was brought be me to the consideration of Mr. Trenholm last summer, and it was urged that Government should make it a subject of instant consideration; that the alternative was then before us of unlimited exaltation of prices and destruction of the currency, or of sustaining the views set forth. To enforce these I wrote this circular, shewed it to him, and again maintained that the law of impressment, being sustained by no penalty, the Government having been intrusted with its execution, had the duty of enforcing it, there being no alternative but to call Congress to act in a matter vital to the currency and the subsistence of the army.

L. B. NORTHROP,

Commissary-General of Subsistence.

[Indorsement.]

BUREAU OF SUBSISTENCE,

Richmond, February 14, 1865.

This paper is respectfully referred for the information of the honorable Secretary of War, in connection with report of Commissary General of 9th instant.

L. B. NORTHROP,

Commissary-General of Subsistence.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.] Statement of meat en route to Richmond.

Numbers of rations.

From Charleston (through blockade):

2,018 cases meats, 72 pounds each=145,296 pounds....... 290.592 1,105 barrels pork, 200 pounds each=221,000............ 663.000

439 tierces beef, 304 pounds each=133,456 pounds....... 266.912

49 casks bacon, 600 pounds each=29,400 pounds.......... 88.200

From Georgia: 60,000 bacon............................. 180.000

From Weldon, N. C.:a

80,000 pounds bacon.................................... 240.000

4,000 pounds pork (at Greensborough)................... 12.000

36,000 pounds near (at Greensborough, 500 boxes)....... 72.000

30,000 pounds pork (at Richmond)....................... 90.000

25,000 pounds pork (en route from interior)............ 75.000

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1,977,704

From Georgia b (contingent upon communication

being preserved:

200,000 pounds bacon.................................. 600.000

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Total, as at present advised.......................... 2,577,704

S. B. FRENCH,

Major and Commissary of Subsistence.

a This bacon was received under contract for delivery of cotton in exchange. Considerable receipts are expected from this source if cotton be promptly furnished and transportation for same provided.

b Large supplies, contingent upon money and transportation, expected from this State.