iv PREFACE. 



The details of the internal affairs of the country embrace the organizations 

 of the armies North and South, their officers, and the number and condition 

 of the troops ; the important measures of the Federal and Confederate Con- 

 gresses; the acts and resolutions of State Legislatures and State political 

 organizations ; the votes of the citizens at the elections ; the messages of the 

 Presidents of the United and seceded States ; the orders and instructions of 

 cabinet officers and of commanding generals ; the commercial regulations 

 relating to trade with ports of the Southern States ; the loans, taxes, and cur- 

 rency measures and debts of the Federal and Confederate Gover ments ; their 

 intercourse with foreign nations, and the difficult questions that occurred ; the 

 enforcement of martial law, and the exchange of prisoners ; thus comprising all 

 important occurrences in the history of the nation. 



The interesting events relating to foreign nations, as above stated, are pre- 

 sented with such fulness as to enable the reader to comprehend their causes, 

 their influence upon the welfare of the people, and their probable results. 



The progress of mechanical industry is shown in the active construction of 

 iron-clad vessels ; in the display at the British Industrial Exhibition ; in the 

 many interesting inventions presented at the Patent Office ; in the repairs of 

 the steamer Great Eastern, and some other achievements. 



The developments in natural science have not been overlooked. In some 

 branches these have been fully brought up, and notice has been taken of 

 various questions raised among scientific men, and the views presented in their 

 discussions. 



The continued prosperity of the commerce of the country, and its kindred 

 pursuits, since the previous year, and the surprising resources of the people, as 

 shown in the vast financial operations of the Government, forming a portion of 

 current history of more than usual interest, are explained with ample details. 



The geographical explorations were active in all quarters, and those of 

 archaeology produced some surprising results. The record of literature was 

 hardly less important than in former years, although the number of works 

 issued was somewhat reduced. 



The present condition of the principal religious denominations of the 

 United States is so presented as to show their branches, membership, numbers, 

 views on civil affairs, and the spread of their distinctive opinions among the 

 nations of the earth. 



The mortality of the year was unusually large, and the number of distin- 

 guished men who closed their career was far greater than usual. Their services 

 have been fully recognized. 



