BUREAU OF ORDNANCE,
Richmond, February 9, 1865.
Hon. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,
Secretary of War:
SIR: In reply to your circular of 7th of February, received yesterday, I have
the honor to inclose copies of "annual report" marked No. 1,(*) "special report"
of December 31, 1864, No. 2,(+) and "report of operations--whites and slaves
needed," No. 3.(++) No. 2 contains all the information as to the "ability" and
"means and resources" of the Bureau. As to "impediments," I know of none which I
cannot overcome, except the persistent and continuous interference with our
workmen on account of military operations. If this source of disorganization and
weakness be not finally disposed of there is no possibility of sustaining the
operations of the Bureau.
The "special report" of December 31, No. 2, shows that 800 men must be added to
our force of mechanics at the armories, and report No. 3 shows that about 3,691
men liable to military duty, and about 2,245 slaves, are required for the whole
operations of the Bureau. These are minimum figures. If these men and slaves can
be permanently attached to this Bureau, and an adequate force be attached in the
same manner to the Niter and Mining Bureau, I will answer for the supply of
ordnance and ordnance stores to the Army. It will, however, be necessary that
the Commissary and Quartermaster's Departments co-operate in so far as the
feeding and clothing of this force is concerned. This is rendered necessary
because these departments enjoy almost a monopoly of the resources for food and
clothing in the country.
There is wanted, therefore, for home productions, first, a force of workmen
adequate to the production of a minimum supply of ordnance and ordnance stores
for the Army. This force is shown in paper No. 3. Second. That this force should
be permanently attached to the Bureau and in no way liable to be interfered with
by any one. Third. That a minimum supply of food and clothing should be
furnished by the Subsistence and Quartermaster's Departments.
The "impediments" to the importation of such supplies as must still come from
abroad must be overcome as they arise by individual energy and resource.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. GORGAS,
Brigadier-General and Chief of Ordnance.
P. S.--The "impediment" arising from want of money is so overshadowing that I
have presumed that to be removed to begin with.
J. G.
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SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.