ENPages
5th Chews Battery of Horse Artillery. This Battery consisted at the time of inspection of two Blakely Guns and one 24 p Howitzer, A Napoleon Gun was at Staunton and has doubtless reached the Battery by this time. The Battery paraded with only four horses to the piece, but the Lt. Comdg informed me that he had horses enought to turn out with six to each piece and caison. The command are mounted on their own horses. Discipline-- Very good Instruction-- Owing to the mud I did not cause the Battery to maneuver, but as Capt. Chew is an experienced Artillerist, I have no doubt it is well drilled. Horses-- In good order-- Harness-- Old and rotten, but a new supply is being made in Staunton. Ammunition-- The Battery is well supplied with ammunition.
Quarter Masters Department. Transportation-- some of the Regiments complain of a deficiency of transportation. The horses and mules Some of the Regiments complain of a deficiency of transportation. The horses and mules are in fine condition and kept employed in supplying Forage and subsistence.
Clothing-- The clothing is issued as soon as received, more clothing, particularly blankets are required.
Forage-- Ground wheat is used instead of corn and mixed with chopped hay is very nutritious food. Abundance of hay was obtained in the neighborhood.
Subsistence Departments The Brigade is well provisioned, Beef, Bacon, Flour, Sugar, Molasses, and Rice, being on hand for issue. The 7th Regt. had in operation a
portable Bake-oven capable of baking 800 rations of excellent bread per diem. It would be an economy of every Regiment in the Army could have one.
Ordnance Department There was no Ordnance officer with the Brigade. I inspected a quantity of Ordnance just received in a damaged condition consisting of revolvers cartridges &c The Revolvers though rusted were not materially injured and were issued. Curry combs & brushes are much needed.
Medical Department The sanitary condition of the Brigade is very satisfactory. A few cases of small pox had broken out and were promptly removed to a Hospital provided for the purpose.