It is true that we may be dispensed from bearing arms in procuring substitutes, but we respectfully represent to Your Excellency that individuals in religious orders do not posses anything, and our house cannot possibly procure substitutes for all the priests, clerics, and brothers that will soon be drafted without exposing our establishments in the United States to inevitable ruin.

In consideration of these facts, we are fully confident that your Excellency will grant our petition, and in so doing acquire our lively and eternal gratitude.

With great respect,we are most respectfully, sir, your humble and obedient servants.

E. SORIN,

C. S. C. Prov.

J. C. CARRIER,

C. S. C. Assistant Superintendent.

A. GRANGER.

[First indorsement.]

In concur, but do not commit myself as to the legal questions involved.

W. T. SHERMAN.

Major-General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., September 28, 1863.

Governor MORTON,

Indianapolis, Ind.:

The mode of distributing bounty has been amended so as to make the first payment of advance pay, premium, and bounty amount too $75 instead of $40, the last payment of bounty being $840 instead of $75. The intermediate bounties remain unchanged. Please let me know if you receive and understand this.

JAMES B. FRY,

Provost-Marshal-General.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE DEPT.,

Boston, September 28, 1863.

Colonel JAMES B. FRY,

Provost-Marshal-General:

COLONEL: I have received your letters of the of 21st and 23rd instant, inclosing printed copies of instructions addressed to provost-marshals