CJ., 1300 
 Ccmf 
 
 #33S 
 
 Duke University Libraries 
 
 D03209791V 
 
MKSSAGF, OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 Richmond, Va., September 24, 1862. 
 To the Seriate 
 
 and House of Representatives : 
 
 I herewith transmit for your consideration, a communication from 
 the Secretary of War, covering an estimate " of the Commissary 
 General of the sum necessary to purchase the supply of flour for the 
 army, for the ensuing season." • 
 
 1 recommend an appropriation of the amount, and for the purpose 
 specified. JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
(:()^■ FEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, 
 
 War DErAUTMENT, 
 
 Richmond, Fa., September 19, 18G2. 
 
 His Excellency, Jetferson Davis, 
 
 President Confederate States America : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to submit duplicate estimates of the Commis- 
 sary General, of the sum necessary to ])urcluise the supply of flour 
 for the army, for the ensuing season. I concur entirely in th? opin- 
 icn of tiie Commissary General, that it is advisable to have the means 
 of making purchases at pleasure, during the grinding season, which 
 ends in June next. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 GEO. W. RANDOLPH, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
' CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 SuBSISTENCK DEPARTMENT, 
 
 Richmond, Sei)temhcv 15, 1862. 
 Hon. G. W. Ramjoh'ii, 
 
 Secretary of IVar : 
 
 Sir : On 17th July last, in compliance with your directions, an es- 
 timate was made for the month of December. I added an estimate for 
 the enhancement of prices for the period up to 1st December, pre- 
 viously provided for by Congressional appropriations. Also, an es- 
 timate for procuring meats during the coming season, for the ensuing 
 year. I now submit one for the purchase of wheat. 
 
 The War Department has hitherto directed estimates to be made 
 from session to session. This Avill not suffice now. Without special 
 exertion it is not quite certain that a sufficiency of flour can be had. 
 The loss of wheat crops in a great portion of the country still in our 
 possession — the devastations of war in Virginia — the loss of animal 
 transportation, and labor by farmers — the wearing out of railroads 
 and stock, and destruction of bridges, &c., kc, conspired to make the 
 grinding of the last year small, and the moving of the present crop 
 10 the mills, difficult. 
 
 Flour has been bought to the full extent of the funds available, and 
 had to be distributed for the period for which those funds were appro- 
 priated. Throughout the country east of the Mississippi, and south 
 of Virginia, flour has been .sent from here to the diff'erent armies in 
 the field, because every exertion to supply them with the wheat of their 
 respective districts has proved insufficient, notwithstanding that the 
 substitutes of corn-meal and rice have been employed as fully as prac- 
 ticable. You will remember that some time since, I had to present to 
 you the alternative of returning to a seller a large purchase of flour 
 if the funds, for which requi'sition was made, should not be forthcom- 
 ing. It has been bought for cash, and sold low in consequence. A 
 plan to buy wheat and have it ground, has been arranged, and has 
 been approved by you. You will of course, therefore, approve the 
 estimate made for eftccting tlie object sought. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 • L. B. NORTHROr. C. 0. S. 
 
SPECIAL ESTIMATE 
 
 Of funds required for the purchase of Flour for the ujie of C. S. Army, 
 estimating its nuniber at 475,000 men, for twelve 7nonths, or 365 dnys. 
 One-fifth of u'hole number Rations being deducted foi' t/ie supply of thai 
 proportion of Corn-meal, viz : 
 
 Rations. 
 
 475,000 men for 365 days 173.375,000 
 
 Add one-eighth, gives Flour 21,671 ,875 
 
 Or Bread rations 195,046,875 
 
 Bushels. 
 
 Reduced to barrels 995, 1 37 
 
 Deduct one-fifth for Meal 199,027 
 
 Total amount required 796,1 10 
 
 At $12 per barrel, gives $9,553,320 
 
 Deduct two-sevenths for time from date to December 
 
 31st 2,729,520 
 
 6,823,800 
 
 The object of this bureau has been to issue Corn-meal and Rice in 
 lieu of Flour, but notwithstanding the general impression, it is a fact 
 that the troops do not like a large use of cither substitute. Further- 
 more, as this department has to provide for the laborers employed to work 
 upon gunboats, fortifications, and other public purposes, the estimate 
 is not too large, and as the wheat will be purchased as it can be got 
 in, through the grinding Season, till July '63. If in excess of de- 
 mand, opei-ation can be checked and the money not ])eing made will 
 not wait idle. It is likewise necessary to work the salt mines on the 
 Teche. Furthermore, before the fall of New Orleans, the plan of lay- 
 ing in a stock of sugar and molasses for twelve months was instituted, 
 but soon checked. Another plan is in operation, by which a boat load 
 of 9t)0 hogsheads was landed at Vicksburg, and 2,000 more already 
 purchased at from three to four cents. While the opportunity exists, 
 it is desired to get all we want. For neither of the last two objects 
 have demands been made at this time, because the flour fund not used 
 at once, can be so appropriated. It is requisite that the funds asked 
 for be granted, L. B. NORTHROP, C. G, S. 
 
PCQIIUllP^*