The Board is instructed to make a careful examination of the jetties and fortifications of Galveston and to report to the Chief of Engineers what action is necessary for the repair and restoration of the fortifications and harbor works. Acting Secretary of War Meiklejohn has received a telegram from Mayor Jones, of Galveston, saying: “The people of the city of Galveston desire to return to you their heartfelt thanks for your assistance in their hour of trouble and affliction.” A despatch also was received from General McKibben saying that there are plenty of doctors in Galveston, but that disinfectants are badly needed. “Washington, September 15.—In response to the request of your journal concerning the situation in Galveston, I have a report from Passed Assistant Surgeon Wertenbaker, who was directed to go from his station in New Orleans to Galveston, practically confirming the press reports as to the effect of the storm and conditions existing. He says: “City is wrecked. Press reports not exaggerated. Deaths estimated at 5000. Bodies being cremated as fast as found. Many bodies under debris not yet removed. Water supply limited. Very scarce now, but supplies coming in rapidly. The only means of communication is by railroad to Texas City, thence by boat, or by boat from Houston. “Dr. Wertenbaker is at Houston and Surgeon Peckham and Acting Assistant Surgeon Lea Hume are giving all the aid possible in Galveston. I do not apprehend an outbreak of any epidemic of disease as a result of the storm. The law and regulations are ample to meet the emergency. “There is danger of sickness caused by unusual exposure and deprivation of food and water, but the people of Galveston and the Governor and other officials of the State and city appear to be thoroughly alive to the necessities of the situation. Their disposal of bodies by cremation is certainly a wise measure, and I am convinced that the native energy of the people, supplemented by the tents and rations furnished by the War Department, and the contributions which have been and are flowing in from all parts of the country, will obviate the outbreak of widespread disease. “WALTER WYMAN, “Supervising Surgeon General Marine Hospital Service.” WHOLE FAMILIES LOST. “Austin, Texas, Saturday.—Imagine, if you can, fifty thousand persons, many of them without clothing, all of them in immediate need of food and drink; motherless and fatherless children, men who have lost their families,—men, women and children all dazed from one of the greatest calamities of the time, and you can have some slight idea of the conditions existing at Galveston and all over the country along the Gulf contiguous to the storm centre of last Saturday and Sunday.