oath of the cashier, a statement of the condition of the bank, in the form heretofore made to the board of currency, on the first Monday of May, June, July, and Monday, July 21, instant.

By command of Major-General Butler:

R. S. DAVIS,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, July 23, 1862.

Major General BENJAMIN F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.:

SIR: By direction of the Secretary of War I respectfully inclose herewith for your information a copy of a communication received from the Navy Department in relation to towing certain vessels of war in the Mississippi River. The Secretary desires you will return the inclosed with a report in the case.*

I am, sir, &c.

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 27, 1862.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a communication addressed to Flag-Officer Farragut under date of the 16th instant, by Commander D. D. Porter, and would respectfully call your attention to the abuses said to be practiced, to the great detriment of naval operations and the public interest.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES.

[Sub-inclosure.]

UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD,

Baton Rouge, June 16, 1862.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor herewith to inclose a letter from Captain Porter, which will give you a slight idea of the difficulties with which we have to contend in our ascent of this river.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. G. FARRAGUT,

Flag-Officer West Gulf Blockading Squadron.

UNITED STATES STEAMER OCTARORA,

June 16, 1862.

Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT,

Commanding Western Gulf Squadron:

SIR: The difficulties attending my getting the mortar flotilla to you have been so much increased by the impediments thrown in my way

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*See Butler to Thomas, September 1, p. 559.

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