Ocean, with 120 volunteers and the Sam Houston (late Passaic} government vessels loaded with sugar, flour, clothing &c. will leave here for the Army at Linns Landing. The Q.M. Genl. will go round, for the purpose of inspecting and personally examining into his department. You had better make use of a steam boat to concentrate your stores as I think there must be a good many al Copano. Col. Groomes has been commissioned and ordered on the recruiting service, to raise & complete the 3rd Infantry Reg. Army. Col. Miller has special orders which he will exhibit to you, in regard to his Regiment 2nd Infantry. I congratulate you upon the prospect of having under your command in less than 3 mos. three complete regiments of Infantry Regulars - and one of cavalry. l\fajor Ward & Capn. Durocher have both arrived and been severally expedited in their missions. The government I am sorry to say is totally incapable of complying with your late heavy requisition, commencing with 500 barrels of port, except by peace meal - some of it was immediately ordered, but the whole requisition would require $100,000 cash. But I am assured the Government has every disposition to comply with it as soon as practicable. I transmit you a letter addressed to me by the acting paymaster gent. Poe, which I hope will receive your closest attention. You speak about the want of medicines - I have done my duty in that matter. I have an apothecary gent. whose stores of medicine are subject to the order of the Surgeon Genl who should keep up a constant superintendence of the corps of surgeons, and for that purpose is by the rules & regulations of the War Department, compelled to reside at the seat of government. And I would be glad if you would take the first opportunity to inform Dr. Lyons of the desire of this department upon this subject. I hope you will gratify me in my desire to have regular inspections in the army and monthly reports made to the war department. I hope the Inspector GenI, Col. Hockley, is better, having understood he had been quite sick. My own health is not good, and I think I shall resign in less than two days.
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Your ob. st. F. A. Sawyer Acting Sec. al War
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