530 vessels of all classes and descriptions, armed with 3,000 guns and manned by 51,000 men, the number of vessels at present in commission is 117, with 830 guns and 12,128 men. By this prompt reduction of the naval forces the expenses of the Government have been largely diminished, and a number of vessels, purchased for naval purposes from the merchant marine, have been returned to the peaceful pursuits of commerce. Since the suppression of active hostilities our foreign squadrons have been re-established, and consist of vessels much more efficient than those employed on similar service previous to the rebellion. The suggestion for the enlargement of the navy-yards, and especially for the establishment of one in fresh water, for iron-clad vessels, is deserving of consideration, as is also the recommendation for a different location and more ample grounds for the Naval Academy.

In the report of the Secretary of War a general summary is given of the military campaigns of 1864 and 1865, ending in the suppression of armed resistance to the national authority in the insurgent States. The operations of the general administrative bureaus of the War Department during the past year are detailed, and an estimate made of the appropriations that will be required for military purposes in the fiscal year commencing the 1st day of July, 1866. The national military force on the 1st day of May, 1865, numbered 1,000, 516 men.* It is proposed to reduce the military establishment to a peace footing, comprehending 50,000 troops of all arms, organized so as to admit of an enlargement by filling up the ranks to 82,600, if the circumstances of the country should require an augmentation of the Army. The volunteer force has already been reduced by the discharge from service of over 800,000 troops, and the Department is proceeding rapidly in the work of further reduction. The war estimates are reduced from $ 516,240,131 to $ 33,814,461, which amount, in the opinion of the Department, is adequate for a peace establishment. The measures of retrenchment in each bureau and branch of the service exhibit a diligent economy worthy of commendation. Reference is also made in the report to the necessity of providing for a uniform militia system, and to the propriety of making suitable provision for wounded and disabled officers and soldiers.

* * * * * * *

ANDREW JOHNSON.

CIRCULAR WAR DEPT., ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 54.
Washington, December 19, 1865.

VOLUNTEERS (WHITE AND COLORED), INFANTRY, CAVALRY, AND ARTILLERY, IN VARIOUS MILITARY DEPARTMENTS - SERVICES NO LONGER REQUIRED - ORDERED MUSTERED OUT OF SERVICE, UNDER SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS, OF DATES SET OPPOSITE THE ORGANIZATIONS, RESPECTIVELY:

I. White troops.

Connecticut. - Eighth Infantry, November 24, 1865; Eleventh Infantry, November 24, 1865.

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* But see Vol. IV, this series, p. 1283, for statement showing an aggregate of 1,052,038.

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37 R R - SERIES III, VOL V