responded to, and of some there is still a large supply on hand; for instance, in the depot at this point, over 100,000 pairs of socks and 25,000 pairs of drawers, besides excesses elsewhere.
In connection with the table of supply referred to, I will remark that the first year is reckoned to commence from October, 1862, when communication was abolished, so that now we are in the third year.
I will also add, as supplemental to the report recently made in regard to the sale of cloth, that the Department Officer at Montgomery, Alabama, has disposed of 7,000 yards single width, and that 1,000 suits are now being made up here for the officers of General Lee's command. This, with what has already been reported, shows that provision has been made for six thousand officers within the past six months.Very respectfully, &c.,
Quarter-Master General.
Hon. Mr. Miller, Chairman Special Committee.
(No. 2.)
Memorandum of Resources of Department—Clothing, Camp Equipment, and Miscellaneous Stores.
1. The enclosed report will show what has been furnished the armies of the Confederate States in the way of clothing within the past six months. The issues show a fair provision in all articles save overcoats and flannel jackets, and in some instances an extravagant consumption of supplies. The condition of the troops in connection with the issues made suggests, either an imperfect distribution of supplies, or waste on the part of the individual soldier, or it may be both. The latter is known to prevail to an extent that makes it a great abuse.
2. As to the future, the greatest difficulty will be to provide the raw material—wool and leather, the former especially. The manufacturing facilities are ample. Efforts are being made to supply the deficiency of wool from the Trans-Mississippi region, where it is abundant. Some deliveries have recently been made on this side. The wool is worked up as rapidly as had. By using cotton clothing during the summer and spring, and reserving the woolen goods for fall and winter, it is hoped and believed that enough may be had to prevent suffering next winter. We will get through this season without much trouble. There is a fair supply of leather, or hides in the vats, and a moderate supply of shoes on hand. The blankets now in the hands of the men must be turned in in the spring for reissue. As there is not in the entire Confederacy a single establishment that makes them, machinery has been ordered from abroad. The supply of cotton clothing has heretofore been abundant, and is now ample. There will be no difficulty hereafter on this head, at least so long as the railroad connections can be relied on to make the raw material of one section available in another. It is now very hard to keep the factories in Virginia even partially supplied with cotton.
