BOSTON, April 4, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

Assistant Secretary Fox, of Navy Department, writes here that he is sorry to find Massachusetts proposes building an iron-clad steamer for Navy Department; intends putting under construction all that the utmost mechanical resources of country can accomplish. Therefore he prays us to desist from undertaking. Is that your opinion also?

JOHN A. ANDREW,

Governor.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, D. C., April 4, 1862.

His Excellency JOHN A. ANDREW,

Governor of Massachusetts:

The Navy Department desires now to have exclusive control of the building of gun-boats and iron-clad steamers. I am glad to have it do so. Compliments to you, and hope you are well.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, D. C., April 5, 1862.

The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE:

SIR: I have the honor to communicate herewith, for the information of the Senate, a report upon Northern defense, made to this Department at its request by Edwin F. Johnson, esq., a distinguished civil engineer of the State of Connecticut. The distinguished ability of Mr. Johnson and the accurate knowledge he acquired while in the pubic service, in respect to our Northern frontier and its means and necessities of defense, entitle his views to great respect, and without expressing any opinion upon their merit I submit them to the consideration of the Senate.

I have the honor to be, with respect, your obedient servant,

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

[Inclosure.]

WASHINGTON, April 3, 1862.

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

SIR: The documents a which have been submitted for my examination, relative to the defense of Maine, &c., with a request that I should report thereon, have received from me the most careful attention.

a1. Message of the President, December 17, 1861, transmitting correspondence with the Governor of Maine.

2. Report of Maine commissioners, December 28, 1861.

3. Message of Governor Washburn, January 2, 1862.

4. Letter of John A. Poor to Secretary of War, January 31, 1862.

5. General Totten's report on the defenses of Maine.

6. Governor Washburn's letters of February 13 and 28, 1862.

7. Act of Legislature of Maine, approved February 12, 1862.

8. Resolves of Legislature of Maine, approved March 10, 1862.

9. Act of Legislature of Maine, approved March 13, 1862.

10. Letter of notice to Secretary of Treasury, March 22, 1862.

11. Senate bill Numbers 239.

12. House bill Numbers 370.

13. Speech of the Governor of New Brunswick to the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, February 12, 1862, and the reply.