larly organized volunteer companies; and to hold the same subject to the order of the Quarter-Master General; and providing that the Quarter-Master General should allow the Sheriffs a reasonable compensation for their services, to be paid out of the Governor's contingent fund. With a view to the execution of this law, I addressed a circular to the Sheriffs of the several counties, and also to a number of military gentlemen in various sections of the State, requesting such information as they could give in reference to the kind and condition of the public arms iu their several counties, in whose possession they were, the charges, if any, for storage, and the probable cost of collecting the same together. Responses have been received from many of the counties, and the information. received shows that in but very few connties are there any regularly organized and effective volunteer companies. In nearly every county, there are more or less. public arms, scattered here and there; some in possession of private individuals, some stored away, and great numbers have been carried off, or destroyed. In a word, all the information received goes to show that there has been a very great want of care of the public arms, and thousands upon thousands of dollars worth have either been destroyed, carried off, or suffered to become worthless. In some few instances, Sheriffs report that with slight repairs, arms might be put in good condition. The expense of collecting the arms is variously estimated; and in some cases would certainly exceed their value. In several counties there are charges for storage, most of them doubtless just, and should be paid. There are instances where arms have been sent from the Arsenal, and never used, and remain in the boxes, or are stored in warehouses, no company ever having taken charge of them. There are arms, also, in the possession of companies having no right to them. It seems very questionable to the undersigned, whether the law requiring Sheriffs to collect the arms, ought to be enforced. I would respectfully suggest that the whole matter should be vested in the Quarter-Master General, authorizing him, under the direction of the Governor, to collect such arms as may be rendered serviceable, and such as are of any value, and dispose of the same, placing the proceeds in the State Treasury. I beg again to repeat, that there is a very great necessity for an effective law to provide for the safe-keeping and protection of this species of public property. It should not be subject to plunder. The State, in good faith, is bound to the General Government to take proper care of it. There can be no doubt but that arms have been issued from the State Arsenal, and carried off, without any authority of law. Instances of this kind have come to the knowledge of the undersigned. Numerous requisitions are on file in this office, issued by a Major General, on the Quarter-Master General, for arms for persons who had not a shadow of right to them. Valuable arms have in this way been carried off, without bonds or receipts, and it would be impossible now to obtain them. It may be stated that my predecessor reports the receipt of two hundred and ten " Colt's Revolvers," from the year 1850 to the year 1855; and of these it will be seen by the statement hereto annexed, there were but twenty in the Arsenal on the first of March last. These are a most valuable arm, for which the General Government pays forty-eight dollars per pair. It will be seen that some twenty-six revolvers have been collected in Franklin county, most of them found in the possession of persons who had no right to them whatever. My predecessor reports the receipt from the General Government, up to the year 1855, of forty-two 6-pounder brass cannon, with equipments complete. In addition to these, sixty-two 6-pounder iron guns, have been received, besides two 12-pounder brass cannon, and two 12-pounder brass howitzers, all completely mounted; yet of all these pieces, it is very doubtful if over ten of them can now be found in the State, in the possession of well organized artillery companies, in good order, and fit for actual service.. In conclusion, I beg most respectfully to suggest, that a law should be passed authorizing the collection and sale of all arms scattered over the State, or now in the State Arsenal, not in a condition for actual service; and that unless the Legislature shall shall deem it expedient to pass a law re-organizing the militia, encouraging the formation of volunteer companies, and most effectually providing for the proper use and care of the public arms, it would be much better to abandon at once the further receipt of arms from the General Government, and close up everything connected with military matters in the State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ABSTRACT STATEMENT Showing the quantity of Arms in the State Assenal, March 1st, 1856, also the number drawn from the United States from that date, with the number and kind collected in Franklin county, and the number and kind issued to Companies from that date to December 1st, 1856. 879 Total... 3 3 2 8879 1880 906 531 302 333 178||549 1550 545 20 67 87 28 100 100 100 On hand, Dec. 1, '56. 0 2 1 3 343 1344 470 440 302 742 87 408 1403 404 20 65 85 28 100 |