Forage and straw purchased and shipped to Cuba, etc.—Continued.

After the declaration of peace with Spain, it appeared there would be a large number of surplus mules left on hand in excess of the needs of the service. Upon the authority of the Secretary of War, 1,461 of the number were sold, all realizing good prices, the average being $93.95 each. Upon the breaking out of troubles in the Philippines, it was ascertained that a large number of mules would be required on those islands, and the sales were discontinued. The department has been able to supply all mules necessary for draft purposes from those on hand without the purchase of additional ones.

During the year, a large number of wagons, ambulances, and harness, which had been left over from the Spanish-American war, were turned in to the St. Asaph and Chickamauga depots of the Quartermaster's Department, where all that were in such condition as to justify their repair were overhauled, painted, put into serviceable condition, and are being held in readiness for shipment to Manila. Those whose condition would not justify such repair, were sold at public auction after due advertisement, and the money received turned into the United States Treasury.

I am, General, very respectfully,

J. Z. DARE,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers.

The QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL, U. S. A.