CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS OF THE UNION AUTHORITIES FROM APRIL 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1862.*

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., April 1, 1862.

JOHN JEFFREY, Esq.,

Civil Engineer, Cincinnati, Ohio:

You are authorized, in conjunction with Mr. Butler, the president of the Board of Trade, to take immediate measures to prepare three rams for the Mississippi. It must be done within twenty days. Mr. Ellet, now at Pittsburg, is the engineer having general charge, but you may act without waiting for him. The strongest and swiftest boats should be selected.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

[APRIL 2, 1862.-For act of Congress, in addition to an act to refund and remit the duties on arms imported by States, approved July 10, 1861, see U. S. Statutes at Large, Vol. 12, p. 375.]

CINCINNATI, April 2, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Mr. Jeffrey is, I believe, competent for the work. He is now at work, and the committee will aid him. He wants Ellet's plans soon as possible. Boats suitable are scarce; owners are disposed to ask high figures. May ask authority to have appraised and take possession.

JOS. C. BUTLER,

President Chamber of Commerce.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, D. C., April 2, 1862.

JOSEPH C. BUTLER, Esq.,

President Board of Trade, Cincinnati, Ohio:

The Department will submit to no speculative prices. Good boats enough can be had at Pittsburg for a fair price. If not, then I will

---------------

*For all documents relating to the organization of troops on the Pacific Coast, &c., see Series I, Vol. L.

---------------

1 R R-SERIES III, VOL II