WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., April 11, 1862.

JOSEPH C. BUTLER, Esq.,

President Board of Trade, Cincinnati:

You are authorized to purchase the Queen of the West at $16,000 and the Switzerland at $13,000, being the prices named by Mr. Ellet. The latter boat is at Portland.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., April 11, 1862.

CHARLES ELLET, Jr.,

Louisville:

Mr. Butler has been authorized to purchase the boats named in your telegram at the prices mentioned.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

LOUISVILLE, KY., April 11, 1862.

(Received 1.20 p. m.)

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Have brought the Switzerland, subject to your ratification, for $12,000, to be delivered at Madison to-day. I leave immediately for Cincinnati. Your dispatch authorizing the purchase on terms named to you yesterday is just received.

CHAS. ELLET, JR.

CINCINNATI, April 12, 1862.

(Received 4.10 p. m.)

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

The saw-mills are flooded here and at Madison, and the work consequently stopped.

CHAS. ELLET, JR.

INDIANAPOLIS, April 12, 1862.

(Received 8.40 p. m.)

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

A number of recruits for the batteries and regiments organizing were enrolled, uniformed, and in camp prior to April 3, but not mustered. Colonel Simonson refuses to muster any after that date. Will you not allow them to be mustered? They have been put on duty guarding prisoners. What shall be done with incomplete artillery companies and the company for Fifty-ninth Regiment named in Adjutant-General Noble's letter?

O. P. MORTON,

Governor.