The Union League Club is composed of over 500 of the wealthiest and most respectable citizens of New York, whose sole bond of association is an unflinching determination to support the Government.

They have subscribed a large sum to be appropriated to the raising of a colored regiment, and will procure much more. They believe that by their exertions, and influence they can, with the permission of the Government, put in the field a regiment worthy to stand side by side with the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts.

If we are so fortunate as to receive your authorization, we shall take immediate steps to carry out our plan, and shall endeavor to present for approval able and experienced officers whose heart is in the work.

We are, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servants,

GEO. BLISS, JR.,

LE G. B. CANNON,

Committee.

[Inclosure.]

STATE OF NEW YORK, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Albany, November 27, 1863.

Messrs. ALEX. VAN RENSSELAER,

LE G. B. CANNON, GEORGE BLISS, JR.:

GENTLEMEN: I have received your communication in relation to the organization of negro regiments in companies. The matter rests entirely with the War Department at Washington. I understand that permission has been given to persons in Brooklyn to raise such regiments, and I suppose, therefore, you can get a like authorization.

I send you a copy of a letter written by me to Mr. Rodgers of New York, which covers the whole ground of your communication.*

Yours, truly, &c.,

HORATIO SEYMOUR.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, December 2, 1863.

Brigadier General J. G. TOTTEN,

Chief Engineer:

GENERAL: The Secretary of War directs that you detail Brigadier General J. G. Barnard to make an examination of the shore of Lake Erie, and designate at what points temporary works can be advantageously erected to guard the States of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio against hostile raids from Canada.

I am, general, &c.,

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPT. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, D. C., December 2, 1863.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: Under the present call for 300,000 volunteers particular cities, counties, and towns, in order to obtain their quotas and avoid draft,

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*The letter (here omitted) states that the State bounty will be paid to colored men.

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