Quartermaster General's Office,

Washington City, May 23, 1862.
Sir : I have the honor to submit estimates of the indebtedness of the gunboat
flotilla on the western rivers, with estimates for the maintenance of the flotilla
upon its present footing during the remaining portion of the pr^ent fiscal year,
and the whole of year ending June 30, 1863.
These estimates hare been delayed by the want of information in thiB office
from the scene of operations.
The fleet has been constructed under constant pressure, and the daily
demands upon the officers intrusted with its construction, outfit, and connnand
have been such that the regular reports to this office have fldlcn into arrear.
It appears that the monthly expenditures of the gunboat flotilla, with its
tenders, as at present organized, are nearly $200,000, and that, on the 30th
June, the liabilities for its construction and maintenance will exceed the sums
heretofore appropriated by $400,000.
In addition to this, there have been constructed upon the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers, to meet the superior fleet prepared by the rebels, nine steam-rams, upon
which there had been expended, up to the 19th instant, including subsistence,
coal, barges, and tenders, 8300,000. The estimated expense of keeping these
in service for the remainder of the present fiscal year is $100,000.
