report of Major Gibbons, inspector field transportation, herewith sent. The frequent calls for horses from that army, varying in number at different times, induced me to send Colonel A. H. Cole, chief inspector of field transportation, directly to General Johnston, that every possible assistance might be given in supplying his wants, and he is still there. I am informed that officers have been dispatched to all the sources of supply within reach to add to the large number already furnished General Johnston, as shown by Major Gibbons' report. All reports from General Jonston's army show that they have been better supplies with forage during the past winter than any other portion of our forces in the field, and the stock ought, therefore, to be in better condition.

Respectfully submitted.

A. R. LAWTON,

Quartermaster-General.

[Inclosure.]

OFFICE INSPECTOR-GENERAL FIELD TRANSPORTATION,

Richmond, Va., April 18, 1864.

General A. R. LAWTON,

Quartermaster-General:

SIR: In obedience to your call of 15th instant for a "report of the number of animals that have been called for the General Johnston's chief quartermaster, and the number furnished," I respectfully submit the following statement:

On 1st February, 1864, the transportation of the army had been filled up and was through complete, and Major Smith turned his attention to supplying General Beauregard. On 13th February Lieutenant-Colonel McMicken called for 500 artillery horses, and on the 14th March 700 mules for a pontoon train. February 25, Major Smith commenced to fill these requisitions, and has furnished 525 artillery horses and 125 mules.

The entire number shown by actual report to have been furnished the Army of Tennessee since November 1, 1863, is as follows:

Mules.

Taken by General Hardee from Mississippi on his return

to the Army of Tennessee.............................. 740

Taken by Brigadier-General Baldwin to the Army of

Tennessee from Mobile, and not brought back........... 120

Taken by Brigadier-General Quarles to the Army of

Tennessee from Mobile, and not brought back........... 180

Sent by chief inspector field transportation in

Mississippi to the Army of Tennessee.................. 600

Supplied by Major Smith from his inspection district.. 306

________

1,946

Furnished to the army 755 horses...................... 755

_________

2,701

Very respectfully,

WM. H. GIBBONS,

Major and Acting Inspector-General Field Tennessee.

DALTON, April 19, 1864.

General BRAXTON BRAGG, Richmond:

On January 25 our chief commissary, authorized by Major J. J. Walker, sent a party into Northeastern Alabama to procure beef.