CIRCULAR
TO CHIEF QUARTERMASTERS OF ARMIES.
Quartermaster General's Office, "
Richmond, Dec. 1, 1863,
Sir:
By the Circular of March 24th, 1863, issued from this office,
approved by the Secretary of War, the established depots of supplies
were placed under my exclusive control, and issues therefrom were to be
nlade only on requisitions approved by me.
The great scarcity of supplies and the increasing demand therefor at
this season of the year, render the strict observance of these instructions
necessary. It is important not only that I shall know the quantity of sup-
plies on hand, and where located, but that I shall control the issue of the
same, in order that by system and economy there may be a fair distribu-
tion of the resources of this Department to meet, as far as practicable,
the wants of the different commands.
The chief quartermaster of each separate army will therefore make his
requisitions in a consolidated form for the whole command, limiting the
same to such supplies of clothing, and camp and garrison equipage, sta-
tionery, &c. as may be indispensable for ,a brief period,.say three months,
and will submit the requisitions for my approval. That approval, in cases
of emergency, may be had by telegram. Immediate steps will be taken
to fill the requisition, and of these the chief quartermaster will be duly
advised.
When, as must generally be the case, the requisition is filled by partial
issues, made from time to time, the receiving officer will be expected to
ascertain, by inspection or otherwise, the wants of the command, and to
apportion the supplies furnished, to the most necessitous. This is a dis-
crimination which cannot be exercised elsewhere than with the command,
and is entirely defeated when issues are made in detail on requisitions, in
favor of particular regiments, brigades, or divisions, filling some entirely?
and leaving others, equally urgent, wholly unprovided for.
The depot officers have been instructed to this effect.
Your obedient servant,
A. R. LAWTON,
Quartermaster General.
CICTJLAR
TO OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DEPOTS.OF SUPPLIES.
Quartermaster General's Office,
Richmond, Dec. 1, 1863.
Sir:
By the second section of the Circular of March 24th, 1863,
you are required to make a monthly report showing the quantity of sup-
plies purchased or manufactured, what thereof has been issued, and the
residue on hand.
As this information is indispensable to keep this office duly advised of
the supplies on hand, and to enable it to distribute the same properly,
you will be particular to make the desired report on the first of the coming
month, and of every month thereafter. Enclosed is a tabular form (A),
which will give, when filled up, the information required in a form con-
venient for reference. Form (B) may be used as a memorandum of cur-
rent receipts and issues, which you will please forward at the expiration
of every week. One will always accompany the monthly report.
Section 4th of the same circular also provides that the established de-
pots shall not be subject to the orders of the commanding generals, but
shall be under the exclusive control of the Quartermaster General, and
that issues therefrom shall be made only on requisitions approved by him.
The attention of the chief quartermasters of the different armies has
been called to this rule, and the necessity for its observance. They have
been directed to make their requisitions in bulk for the whole command,
limiting the same to such supplies of clothing and camp and garrison
equipage, stationery, &c. as may be needed for a brief period, say three
months, and to submit the same for the approval of this office. As these
requisitions will generally have to be filled by partial issues made from
time to time, this course, besides keeping this office advised of the calls
upon the Department, will enable the receiving officer in the field to
distribute the supplies to the troops most in want.
You will observe, therefore, strictly the requirements of this section,
and in no case issue supplies from your depot, except upon requisitions
duly approved by me.
Your obedient servant,
A. R. LAWTON,
Quartermaster General.