iv PREFACE. 



and resolutions of political organizations, and the results of elections; the 

 finances of the Federal Government, and of that of the insurrectionary States, 

 and the important public measures of the latter ; the commerce of the country, 

 and the regulations adopted for commercial intercourse with parts of the South- 

 ern States within the lines of the army ; the correspondence with foreign States ; 

 the enrolment and draft, and the exchange of prisoners ; the unusual popular 

 disturbances, and all those important occurrences comprised in the history of 

 the nation. 



The interesting events relating to foreign nations in all parts of the world 

 are presented, and more especially the conflict in Poland, the movements in 

 Germany, the emancipation in Russia, the propositions of France, and her ef- 

 forts to obtain a congress to settle the vexed complications of Europe. 



The mechanical industry manifested in the construction of iron-clad ships 

 has been severely tested during the year. These results, with the opinions of 

 their commanders, are not overlooked. The improvements in heavy ordnance 

 are also described. 



The progress of science in its application to useful purposes has been 

 brought up in some branches, and the views and discussions of scientific men 

 in others, are presented. 



The geographical explorations which have been actively pursued in all 

 quarters, have resulted in some discoveries which have long been sought by 

 brave and enterprising men. 



The history of the financial operations of the Federal Government from the 

 beginning of the civil war to the close of the year, are described. It embraces 

 the condition of the treasury, the system of finance adopted by the Secretary, 

 the measures recommended by him to Congress, the action of that body and 

 the results, together with tables from the Department which have not before 

 appeared in print. 



A most thorough and complete classification of the books published during 

 the year, shows that the record of literature is not less important than in any 

 previous year. 



The notice of the principal religious denominations of the country, states 

 their branches, membership, views on civil affairs, and the spread of their dis- 

 tinctive opinions. 



The number of distinguished men who closed their career during the year, 

 has been unusually large. A brief tribute has been paid to their characters 

 and services. 



All important documents, messages, orders, and letters from official persons, 

 are inserted entire. 



