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On the best regulated Q.M. Depts it takes considerable time to get proper authority for making repairs- and procuring necessary supplies - Mills frequently stop for these causes.

Prodigality of time and Material
Any one having experienced in the Field, in time of War, will know that it requires an Officer to work hard to ensure comparative economy among Govt Employees- and it cannot be done unless they are under his personal supervision- Mills are generally run with a lavish supply of trains- Teamsters do not help load, and lay off work if possible on every trifling excuse- Trains generally are run the same at Mills as to supply an Army in the Field.

I would respectfully suggest that the interests of the Bureau would best be subserved by organizing a "Lumber Bureau"- placing a competent and energetic Officer at its head, and putting all the Mills in the Department entirely under his control.

I would call your attention to the form of Weekly report of sawmill Supt. herewith appended which would show the total cost of the week's work and whether the Mill pays or not- Let the Superintendent of the "Lumber Bureau" have such reports made promptly and regularly, and there can be but little chance for fraud or incompetency to hide themselves-

Let him consolidate these Reports Monthly (the Summary) and transmit such Report through Asst Commissioner to Bureau at Washington