SOUTHERN HISTORICAL SOCIETY PAPERS,
Resources of the Confederacy in February, 1865.
[Continued from August Number.]
Hon. J. C. Breckinridge, Secretary War:
Sir—In response to your circular of the 7th instant, calling for a statement of the means and resources on hand for carrying on the business of this bureau, &c., &c., I have the honor to call your attention to the following papers:
1st. A statement prepared by Major Cole, in reference to the requirements of the service as to field transportation, and the means necessary for meeting the demand. This paper shows the great scarcity of horses in the country, and the difficulty of procuring them, together with the measures being adopted for the purpose. The great obstacle at present is the want of funds.
2d. A statement from Major Cross, relative to the supply of clothing, present and prospective. The difficulties encountered in this branch of the department arise from scarcity of wool, the frequent stopping of the work by ordering away the operatives, and the want of funds.
3d. A communication from Lieutenant-Colonel Sims, as to the condition of railroad transportation, the wants of the railroads, &c. The chief difficulties encountered there arise from defective machinery, and the impossibility of supplying new, the want of legislation giving the Government proper control over railroads and their employees, and the want of funds to pay the roads so as to keep them in as good condition as the blockade and the limited resources of the country will permit. Several special communications on this subject have been addressed by this bureau to the Hon. Secretary of War. At present this department has no control over railroads except so much as has been yielded by contract or courtesy.
The supply of grain and long forage in the country is believed to be quite enough to supply the public animals, but no distinct opinion can be hazarded as to the ability of this bureau to supply it to the armies during the coming campaign, as so much will depend on the relative positions of the different armies, and the preservation or destruction of our lines of transportation.
To sum up, I venture to state that this bureau can conduct its operations with success enough to sustain our armies, if labor is
