and send a certificate to cover the number, thus completing our data. The credit of 1,016 given, your excess of three-years" troops to include June 30 would be, by our records, 6.314 differing 343 from yours. This difference results in the Second and Third Cavalry and Fourth Infantry, an cannot be credited, as our records, after a careful re-examination, indicate as follows:

Third Cavalry, 992; recruits for same, 187; thus differing from your figures ............................................. 288

Second Cavalry, 1,099; recruits for same-; thus differing. 48

Fourth Infantry, difference.............................. 6

____

Total..................................................... 342

Our records give but 958 for the Thirty-fourth Regiment; your statement claims 961. There is thus a difference of three of the nine months" troops.

I am, general, &c.,

THOMAS M. VINCENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, September 23, 1863.

GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS,

Springfield, Ill.:

SIR: I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant in reference to raising a brigade of veteran volunteers from regiments from your State in the field. In reply I am directed to inform you that the object of General Orders, Numbers 191, current series, in reference, to veterans, is to secure the re-enlistment of that class of men in regiments in which they may be serving at the time they came within the limits for re-enlistment. Thus holding, the request of Your Excellency to recruit a brigade to be commanded by Colonel Johnson cannot be granted.

I have the honor, &c.,

THOMAS M. VINCENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., September 23, 1863.

Governor MORTON,

Indianapolis:

This Department has never sanctioned the payment of bounty or premium to rebel conscripts received into our service. Such payments are irregular and improper and upon no consideration can be approved by this Department. You will please stop it immediately.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., September 23, 1863.

Honorable E. M. STANTON:

I fear you do not comprehend my proposition. Colonel Fry has authorized the district provost-marshals to pay a premium to any person who shall furnish a substitute. What I asked was to be authorized to pay public speakers the same premium for such recruits