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officers; seventeen storekeepers, of whom fifteen are attached to the Ordnance and two to the Purchasing Department; two hundred and fifty enlisted men for the ordnance service, and seven thousand five hundred and ninety non-commissioned officers, musicians, artificers, and privates; twenty chaplains and schoolmasters, and as many ordnance sergeants as there are military posts. Clerks, foragemasters, and wagonmasters, are also employed in the Quartermaster's Department, from time to time, according to the exigencies of the service. The act of August 23, 1842, reduced the rank and file of the army three thousand nine hundred and twenty men. The reduction is gradually proceeding, in the manner contemplated by the act; and the excess, according to the last returns, is 1,970 men. It is supposed the prescribed minimum will be reached by the beginning of the year 1844.

From the general returns of the army, accompanying this report, it appears that the whole number of troops now in service is nine thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, consisting of seven hundred and eighty-one commissioned officers; nine thousand six hundred non-commissioned officers, musicians, artificers, and privates; and two hundred and forty-seven enlisted men of ordnance. The aggregate is eight hundred and forty-seven less than the number stated in the last annual report.

The desertions have not been numerous, but an unprecedented number of men have been discharged by the judges and courts (three hundred and eightyeight between July 1, 1841, and October 31, 1842,) principally on the ground of their being aliens. The state of the law on this subject has occasioned various constructions perplexing to the officers charged with the duty of recruiting, embarrassing to the de

very desirable that it should be rendered precise and definite. While, on the one hand, it is obvious our army ought not to consist of an undue proportion of foreigners; yet, on the other, the low wages offered constitute an inducement quite insufficient to the young men of our land, whose habits and enterprise enable them so easily to acquire the means of subsistence and of independence, if not wealth, in the cultivation of the soil. Probably a middle course would avoid all difficulties-namely, allowing those to be recruited who are citizens, or who have taken the preliminary oath and initiatory steps to naturalization.

The report of the officer in charge of the Ordnance Bureau exhibits the very satisfactory condition of that most important branch of the service. By a steady perseverance in the system of laying up, in the season of peace, those materials which require length of time to adapt them to use, and of fabricating those articles which cannot be supplied on an emergency, we shall soon have at our command cannon, small arms, fixed ammunition, gunpowder and its component parts, to an extent commensurate with our wants.

By the table exhibiting the apportionment of arms to the several States, under the act of 1808, for arming and equipping the whole body of the militia, it will be seen that, notwithstanding the efforts made by the department, and which are mentioned in the last annual report, several States are delinquent in the returns of their militia. As these returns constitute the basis of the apportionment, the States which fail to make them are deprived of their just proportion of military supplies. It will be seen that New Jersey, Delaware, Arkansas, and Louisiana, have not made returns for periods varying from twelve to eighteen years.

If the cause of these omissions be the want of militia organization in those States, it may be worthy of serious inquiry whether some measure should not be adopted to remedy the evil, by withholding distribution until returns are made, or by the exercise of some other power vested in Congress. A reference to the same table will show an extraordinary disproportion between the arms allotted to several States and their respective populations. Whether this arises from variant constructions of the law in those States, (by which some return the number enrolled, and others the number mustered or inspected,) or from some ther cause, would seem to be worthy of an inquiry

Report of the Secretary of War.

by Congress, who alone can supply an adequate remedy.

The state of the treasury, as this department was advised by the proper authority, rendered it necessary to withhold the expenditure of as much of the appropriations made at the last session of Congress, as could be suspended without great and manifest injury to the public service. In reference to the condition of our foreign relations, and the quantities of arms, cannon, and gun-carriages, in our possession, it seemed that such suspension could take place in the operations of the armories and arsenals with less immediate public injury or inconvenience than in other departments. Extensive repairs also became necessary at the armories. For a time, therefore, no work was carried on at either of them during the past season. Labor has now, however, been resumed on a moderate scale, and instructions have been given to complete the muskets in the course of fabrication, and to make five hundred rifles, and five hundred percussion muskets, each month, for the ensuing six months. The arsenals will be chiefly employed in the repairs of arms, and in the manufacture of the iron work of gun-carriages and military equipments. Our supply of heavy cannon being very good, it is not contemplated at present to purchase many of that description; but a sufficient number of large-chambered guns, to arm our forts, will be procured. And in consequence of the adoption of the suggestion of the Treasury Department, beforementioned, a large portion of the money intended for the service of the year 1842 remains unexpended; and any specific appropriations for the Ordnance Department, for the first six months of 1843, will be unnecessary.

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The estimates for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 1843, are made upon a scale so reduced as to be warranted only by the possible state of the treasury. The usual appropriations for the ordinary objects of expenditure in this branch of service are as desirable now as at former periods; and it is believed that a mistaken economy only would dictate the continuance of such reduced amounts, when the condition of the public finances will admit of what is demanded by our true interests.

I cannot omit to refer to the recommendation contained in the last annual report, for a national found-," ry on a limited scale, at which the qualities of iron may be tested and ascertained, and models for ordnance may be fabricated. It is apprehended that the great importance of such a laboratory to the country at large, as well as to the Government, has not been sufficiently considered.

It will be seen that some legislative provision has become quite necessary in reference to the leadmines and the mineral lands. Under the existing laws, no alternative was left to the Executive, but to proceed and lease the mineral lands reserved from sale. The difficulties of this course are detailed in the report of the Ordnance Bureau. The principal, if not the only cause of them, would seem to be the claims to those lands (in most cases utterly unfounded) by persons who have entered them for purchase at the land office when they were not liable to entry, or by persons who have occupied them without any right or pretence of right. It is unfortunate that these persons constitute a powerful, though not a numerous class, who are able to exact from the miners, who bring out the ore, a large portion of their produce, while they refuse to pay any rent to the United States. Thus the poor, industrious, and very numerous body of miners are oppressed, while the country is deprived of the use of its own property, and of any equivalent for such use by others. The difficulty incident to the leasing lands of any description, and collecting rents, by a Government, is so great, and is attended with so much expense and hazard of loss, that no essential benefit can be anticipated from the practice.

The tenure of land by short leases is so foreign to the genius of our institutions and the habits of our people, that it necessarily becomes somewhat odious, and increases the difficulty. To enable the Government to obtain some value for these lands and mines, and, at the same time, to afford to the humble and comparatively indigent laborers an opportunity to acquire lots for sums within their means of payment, and in quantities adapted to their means of working

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them, it is recommended that the reserved mineral lands in the north part of Illinois and in the Territories of Wisconsin and Jowa be allowed to be sold in lots of ten acres each, at a minimum price of ten dollars per acre. It is represented that they are worth from twenty to fifty dollars per acre, depending on their situation. Prior to such sales, the claims to any of the mineral lands should be determined by a beard instituted for that purpose, and the claimants allowed to enter and purchase the lands at the same minimum price, in an order of priority to be settled in the law or by the board. The interest of the United States in these lands and mines is of very great value, and is endangered by delay in the proper measures to secure it. At the same time, the prosperity, and, indeed, the peace and quiet of the large number of citizens occupying the lands or working the mines, demand that their rights should be settled, and their conflicting titles and claims adjusted. What may now be accomplished without difficulty, may hereafter, when the parties interested become more numerous and more tena. cious, be found impracticable. The subject is therefore commended to the earnest attention of Congress, who can alone provide the necessary means for ren dering justice to the Government, to the claimants, and to the miners.

These suggestions are not intended to apply to the mineral lands in the south part of Illinois. The character and nature of the mines in that quarter are not yet sufficiently ascertained to enable us to affix a price to them, nor is there as yet any conflict between claimants and occupants to require the in terposition of the Government. A strong belief is entertained by the lessees that these mines contain large proportions of silver. Should such expecta tions be realized, a different policy from that adopted in respect to the lead-mines may be expedient.

In the report of the Quartermaster General, the operations in that branch of public service during the year will be seen. The additional duties caused by the act of the last session, transferring to that department the business of the Commissary of Purchases, have been undertaken, and so far successfully performed. The termination of hostilities in Florida relieved a large number of assistant quartermasters from duty there, and placed them at the disposal of this department, many of whom have been returned to their companies, still retaining their appointments in the staff. The provisions of the ninth section of the act of July 5, 1838, render it questionable whether they can be deprived of those appointments without actual removal from office by the President, The same remark applies, although not with equal force, to the assistant adjutants general, provided for by the seventh section of the same act. It must happen that the number of these officers appointed in one state of circumstances, will not be required in another; and it is therefore highly expedient that the President should be authorized to dispense with their staff services, and vacate their staff appointments, whenever the public exigency no longer demands them.

The best and the most agreeable evidence that could be furnished of the economy which has pre vailed in the disbursements, will be found in the circumstance that so much of the appropriations made at the last session remain on hand; that $131,000 only will be required for the first half of the ensuing year; and the estimates for the fiscal year, commencing on the 1st of July, 1843, are much below those that have been presented and sanctioned by Congress for several years.

The measures adopted for putting in order Fort Jesup, in Louisiana, and Fort Atkinson; for establishing the new posts on the Marmiton river, and on or near the False Washita, and the operations at Detroit, Plattsburg, Fort Sullivan, Fort Adams, and at various other posts, are detailed in the accompanying report of the Quartermaster General.

I concur in his recommendation of appropriations for new barracks at Fort Gibson, and consider the reasons urged by him so strong as to require nothing more than a reference to them.

I deeply regret the necessity for again invoking the attention of Congress to the dishonored pledge given by the Quartermaster General, in the name and by the authority of this nation, to the Creek In

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dians, to remunerate them for their services in Florida, and as a consideration for their removal. The earnestness with which a gallant soldier pleads for the faith and honor of his country, and for justice to a helpless tribe, who have no resort but to our own sense of right, it is hoped will not only be excused by the circumstances, but will find a hearty response in every bosom.

The report of the Colonel of Engineers exhibits a most gratifying account of the ability and fidelity of the officers of that corps, and of the results of their labors. Notwithstanding the state of the treasury rendered it indispensable to suspend some of the operations during the past year, yet it will be seen that many important works are in complete order, others in a condition to render effective service, and others very near completion. The arrangements, with all the requisite collateral preparations, are complete for mounting 2,085 guns, at points most important for the defence of the seacoast. This may be said to have been accomplished substantially within the last two years.

No satisfactory account of the work performed at the different forts, or of their present condition, can be given, without a minuteness of detail incompatible with the general design of this report. For this, reference is therefore made to the very clear and ample statements of the Chief Engineer. It will be seen with what cautious regard to the possible state of the public revenues the estimates have been made for continuing and completing the works now in progress, and for the repairs of such as require them. It is hoped that the moderation of these estimates, and the sound and just views by which they are sustained, will commend them to the favorable consideration of Congress. More, perhaps, depends on the steadiness and regularity of the appropriations, than upon their large amount. At a time when there is so little employment for labor, and it is so cheap, economy will be promoted by continuing our national defences, while the expenditures will operate most beneficially among the industrial classes of our fellow-citizens, and add much to the means and the spirit of our internal trade. If then, (what is not supposed to admit of doubt, and what this department will not suffer itself to question or to discuss,) it is the determination of the Government to place the country in a competent state of defence against foreign aggression, the present time would seem to be propitious for continuing the plan of fortifications heretofore adopted.

Although, for the reason before given, it would be impracticable to notice all the works specified in the report of the Colonel of Engineers, yet some of them seem to demand observation.

The reasons for the delay in the construction of the barracks and defensive works at Detroit and at Buffalo, are stated by the Chief Engineer. As they were of a temporary character, and have now been overcome, those works will be vigorously prosecuted, so soon as the season will admit, and, it is very satisfactory to know, without the necessity of any further appropriations for the next eighteen months.

The conclusion of a treaty with the envoy of Great Britain, by which a cession was made of the strip of land along the northern boundary of the States of New York and Vermont, which included the site heretofore selected at Rouse's Point for a fort, rendered it expedient to suspend all operations in reference to the two works on either side of the outlet of Lake Champlain, which had been contemplated in place of that at Rouse's Point, when it was ascertained that the latter did not fall within our boundary.

The report of the board of officers, in May, 1840, presenting a connected plan of defences by land, estimated the expense of a permanent work at Stony Point, on the New York side of the outlet, at $300,000, and the same sum for a permanent work at Windmill Point, on the Vermont side. By the cession referred to, and which has now become com plete by the ratification of the treaty, these works have become unnecessary.

As the existing appro priation will be sufficient for the present, immediate measures will be taken to carry into effect the design of Congress, by commencing the work at Rouse's Point.

It is believed that the appropriation made in 1841

Report of the Secretary of War.

for the erection of defensive works at the junction of the Matawamkeag and Penobscot rivers, in the State of Maine, can be better applied in the erection of a fort at the Narrows of the Penobscot; and it is respectfully recommended that authority for that purpose be given.

Although the state of the works for the defence of the harbor of New York is very gratifying, yet it should not be forgotten that they do not complete the system, and that, without such completion, they do not afford adequate protection. The fortifications on Staten island, at the Narrows, are deemed more important than the opposite forts-Hamilton and Lafayette. The United States has expended more than $15,000 in erecting the works on Staten island, upon land belonging to the State of New York. That State has offered to convey this land, on receiving the original purchase money and the interest. The difficulty respecting the title, which was supposed to exist, has been removed by the opinion of the Attorney General, that the right to the land is unquestionably in the State of New York. It is therefore confidently hoped that the necessary appropriation will now be made to purchase the site of the works erected, and to put them in repair. Should any apprehension be felt of a want of means, they can probably be supplied by the sale of the site of Fort Gansevoort, on the North river, which has become comparatively useless, and by the application of the proceeds of such sale to the works on Staten island.

Another and most essential part of the defence of the harbor of New York, (which has been rendered more necessary by the discovery of a new channel,) consists of a work on Sandy Hook, the immediate commencement of which is strenuously urged by the Chief Engineer, by the most convincing considerations. It is most earnestly and respectfully recommended to the consideration of Congress. I would earnestly invite attention to the recommendations contained in the last annual report of this department, in favor of the establishment of military defences on the remote southern portion of our Atlantic frontier. As there appears to be some question whether the points on the coast within the State of Georgia, heretofore indicated, are the most advisable, the appropriation asked by the Engineer Bureau, and which is recommended by this department, may be for the commencement of a work on the coast of Georgia, at such site as the President shall select, after the necessary military surveys.

The recommendations in the last annual report of works for the security of Mobile Bay are renewed. This very exposed frontier would seem to demand more protection than has hitherto been awarded.

The report of the Colonel of Engineers shows the necessity of some provision for completing the work on the national road, which was begun, but which is left unfinished, and is now exposed to rapid destruction for the want of that finish which is essential to its protection. If it be the determination of Congress not to authorize any further expenditures on this road, it is suggested whether some measure might not be adopted by which the States through which it passes may be enabled to complete, and keep in repair, an avenue of such great importance to the whole community, and particularly to our Western fellow-citizens, and one so eminently beneficial to the operations of the Federal Government in peace, and almost indispensable in war.

The expenses of a survey for the continuation of this road through the States of Illinois and Missouri to the city of Jefferson, heretofore made under a resolution of the Senate, have not been defrayed, and provision for it would be but an act of justice to the public creditors by whom it was incurred.

The report of the Board of Visiters, appointed during the last year to examine the military academy at West Point, accompanies that of the Colonel of Engineers. It evinces great ability; and the close and critical scrutiny with which a board of disinterested and independent citizens have looked into every department of this great national institution, and the high praise which they award to its superintendent, professors and teachers, to the exact discipline maintained, and to the thorough instruction imparted, is inhanced by their obviously eminent

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capacity to form a correct judgment, and by their equally obvious regard for discriminating truth. The testimony of the Chief Engineer, himself so long and so thoroughly acquainted with all the operations of the academy, that, in his opinion, "it has never been in a condition so perfectly fulfilling the purposes of its creation and maintenance as now,' is equally gratifying and convincing. A personal examination during the recess of Congress enables me to add what these testimonials scarcely required-my own conviction of their entire justness. Having, in the last annual report, expressed somewhat at large my views of the inestimable advantages of this institution to the whole country, in diffusing a species of knowledge that can be no otherwise acquired, and of its absolute necessity for preserving and improving that science upon which our safety in war must depend, it is not deemed necessary to repeat them. Indeed, the steady adherence of Congress, at all times, and under all circumstances, even of pecuniary difficulty, to an institution which so much resembles that body in its influences upon the formation of a national character, operating as it does upon pupils selected mainly by the immediate representatives of the people, from every district of the Union, renders superfluous any extended observations on the subject.

The alterations and improvements suggested by the Board of Visiters have received the most respectful consideration, and have been adopted where circumstances justified such a course. The barracks for the residence of the students have been a subject of complaint by every Board of Visiters for several years past. The single fact, that ordinarily three pupils, and frequently a larger number, are obliged to study and sleep in a room scarcely sufficient for one, is of itself calculated to show how indispensable additional accommodations in that respect have become. In one of the buildings, not only are the pupils deprived of the ordinary comforts of room, but their health is jeoparded by exposure to storms and to sudden transitions. I cannot too earnestly recommend the moderate appropriation asked by the Engineer Bureau for an addition to the barracks at the academy.

The subject of a corps of artificers to learn and practise the duties of military field engineering, was brought to the attention of Congress in the last annual report, and is renewed by the Chief Engineer. Deeming it impossible to increase the cogency of the reasons urged by him for some provision on the subject, I can but again add my earnest recommendation to those so repeatedly presented by my predecessors, in favor of the necessary provisions to effect that object.

The report of the Colonel of Topographical Engineers affords new and continued evidence of the great usefulness of that corps, and of the zeal and ability of its officers. An accurate knowledge of the topography of our very extended territory, particularly of its maritime and internal frontiers, of its lakes and rivers, of the obstructions to intercommunication, and of the positions most requiring, and most capable of, defensive works, is indispensable alike to intelligent legislation and to efficient executive administration. As a mere question of economy, such information can scarcely be acquired at too high a price. The advantage of an organized scientific corps, qualified by study and by practice for this peculiar duty, over the irregular services of persons transiently employed, without organization, and without the opportunities of mature and systematic deliberation, doubtless dictated the formation of this corps. And all our experience has shown the wisdom of the measure. The reports

in detail of the several officers of the corps, appended to that of the Colonel, present a mass of the most valuable information respecting the topography of various parts of the Union-from the remote north to the extreme south. They exhibit the progress made in the surveys, in the improvement of harbors and rivers, in the construction of lighthouses and breakwaters, and various other works in charge of the corps. A brief notice of a few of those which seem to require attention, is all that will be attempted on the present occasion.

It will be perceived that considerable progress has been made in the survey of the Northwestern lakes, and that preparations for its continuance the next

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season have been made, which will enable those in charge of the work to accomplish more than was practicable during the last year. The expense of these surveys is comparatively so trifling, that they can scarcely be liable to objection in almost any state of the treasury. I cannot omit to call attention to the report of Captain Williams, respecting the urgent necessity of a harbor on the west side of Lake Michigan, and the improvement of the navigation at the mouth of St. Clair river. These are exceedingly important to the United States, to enable us to furnish supplies to the Indian tribes, and military stores and subsistence for the troops which, even in time of peace, must be maintained in that quarter, and which, in the event of hostilities, will afford the only barrier between savage ferocity and our frontier settlements. But to our fellowcitizens of that region, who have purchased the public lands, a sale access to the markets of the East is so essential as to justify their calls upon the Government for a common share of its protection. The commerce of the lakes, comprising the productions of seven States and one Territory, which must annually exceed twenty-five millions of dollars, would seem entitled to consideration and assistance, not only on account of the great interests involved in its success, but on the ground, also, of a fair apportionment of the fostering and protecting aid of the Government. This commerce affords the only ef fective means of supplying the nation with the mariners who will be found indispensable in that quarter, in the event of hostilities.

It will be seen that the surveys for the defences of Soller's flats and of Delaware breakwater harbor are completed. Those for the defences of Sandy Hook, and the harbor and town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, are in execution, as well as the military reconnoissance of the peninsula of Maryland, south of the city. It is gratifying to learn that an extensive and very thorough reconnoissance of the defences of New Orleans, embracing a large extent of territory, has been completed.

The raft which formed the obstruction to the navigation of Red river has been removed-an event of no small importance to our fellow-citizens in that quarter.

The Potomac aqueduct is so far completed as to warrant the confident expectation that it will be in a condition to receive water in the course of the next reason. The repairs of the Potomac bridge are drawing to a close, and it is believed that it will be passable in January next.

The measures taken to execute the law of the last session, appropriating one hundred thousand dollars for the improvement of the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas rivers, are also stated.

So soon

as the application for an injunction, by Henry M. Shreve, Esq., which has arrested the progress of those measures, shall be disposed of, they will be resumed. But it is manifest that the present appropriation is wholly inadequate; that it can only provide the necessary snag-boats; and that, unless followed by others, the expenditure of the money will be but to waste it.

The proceedings of the corps under the laws respecting the construction of lighthouses are also detailed in the report. It would seem that the expense of these invaluable auxiliaries to commerce may be much diminished by the adoption of Mitchell's patent screw moorings-a recent English invention; and that, by means of such moorings, they can be placed in positions far more advantageous to the mariner than any that can be occupied in the present mode of building them. The sanction of Congress is invited to the steps recommended by the Colonel of Topographical Engineers, to procure the necessary apparatus, and acquire a knowledge of its application.

It will be seen that a party of engineers is in the field for the survey of the Arkansas and Platt rivers and the adjacent country. A survey of the country north of the Missouri having been completed, the map of the same, constructed by Mr. Nicollet, unequalled in the accuracy and fulness of its details, is now nearly finished, and will be published in January

next.

It is intended to cause a similar survey of the country south of that river, embracing the approaches to the Rocky mountains, their several passes, and

Report of the Secretary of War.

gradually the region between them and our possessions on the Pacific. These explorations and surveys are indispensable to such a knowledge of the country, its resources, and its streams, as we must possess before we can establish any communication with a region that is every day becoming more important to us. And it is hoped that there will be no reluc tance to grant the very moderate appropriations asked for the continuance of the "military and geographical surveys west of the Mississippi river."

In the last annual report of the department, your attention, and that of Congress, was called to the great importance of establishing a chain of military posts extending from the Council Bluffs to the mouth of the Columbia river. A plan, and an estimate of the expense, were subsequently laid before the military committee of the House of Representatives, by whom a very able and interesting report was made, accompanied by a bill. I would again earnestly invite a consideration of the subject. There are two aspects in which it may be regarded. In the first place, the exhibition of military power is indispensable to counteract and control any hostile disposition of the Indians in that vast and sequestered region. They are now exposed to the unresisted influences of the traders and emissaries of foreign nations, by whom they could at any time be excited to devastate that entire frontier. We could command the avenues by which these Indians pass from the north to the south in their hunting expeditions, and thus make them sensible of our power to resist and punish aggression. In the second place, if we intend to maintain our right to the territories on the Pacific, belonging to us, (which, it is supposed, does not admit of a question,) we must occupy them; and we must establish a communication with them, other than that of a five months' voyage by sea at a particular season of the year. By extending our laws and civil jurisdiction over the country, and affording protection to our citizens disposed to emigrate thither, I have the strongest reason to believe, from communications to the department, that a sufficient number would soon establish themselves in that quarter, provided they could be assured of immunity from Indians on the way, and their journey could be facilitated by the Government. To attain these purposes, it is not supposed that a continued chain of posts is immediately necessary. The establishment of one at some proper point on the Missouri-probably between the great bend of that river and White river-at which stores and supplies could be collected, and from which parties could be sent out, would answer for the present, and until the whole ground should be better known. These parties would be occupied primarily in exploring and surveying, to ascertain the best routes, in removing obstructions and facilitating the passage of such routes, and in protecting the caravans of emigrants. And if small detachments of hired men, acquainted with the country, were furnished to the latter, upon their crossing the mountains, it is believed that nothing further would be required. Every colony that passed over the mountains would facilitate the progress of its successor; and every one that estab lished itself beyond them would add to the strength and power of the Government, and would perhaps render permanent forts unnecessary.

There are many indications that the time has arrived for decided action on this subject, and I trust that at the ensuing session of Congress there will be such appropriations as will enable this department to make the necessary arrangements to send on to Oregon a colony of citizens impatient to undertake the enterprise. A post at or near the mouth of the Columbia would certainly be desirable; but it is not deemed absolutely necessary, in the present condition of things.

The operations in the Paymaster General's and the Surgeon General's departments are detailed in the reports of their respective chiefs. Under the authority of the appropriation at the last session, for extending and rendering more complete the meteorological observations conducted at the military posts, Professor Espy has been employed to render that assistance for which his extensive researches so eminently qualify him. Instructions and forms have been prepared, which, it is believed, will insure very exact and very extensive observations, from

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which an important science cannot fail to derive great advantages.

The report of the Commissary General of Subsistence exhibits the very prosperous condition of his department. All the accounts of disbursing agents For the reasons have been faithfully rendered. stated by him, no appropriations for the first six months of 1843 will be necessary, on account of subsistence of the army. The success which has so far attended the system of purchase by contract, induces me to dissent from the recommendation to change it. Perhaps more discretion might be safely allowed, to purchase in the open market when proposals are deemed exorbitant. The unsettled accounts for subsistence furnished in Florida in 1839 and 1840, would seem to require special legislation for their adjustment.

From the report of the Commissioner of Pensions, it appears that the number of pensions on the rolls is less, by 1,496, than at the date of the last annual report. The whole number at that time was 26,531. The number at present on the rolls is 25,035; of whom 2,662 are invalids; 3,724 received pensions under the act of 1818; 412 under the act of 1828; 15,535 under the act of 1832; 2,307 under the act of 1836; and 395 have been pensioned under the act of 1838, in consequence chiefly of the joint resolution and act of the last session of Congress, relating to the death of pensioners since 1832, and to the marriage of their widows. It is believed that many must have died, without the fact being known to the agents, and, of course, not reported by them. The persons who received their pensions, in the first and second quarters of 1842, amounted to 18,074; and it is supposed that this approximates very nearly to the actual number now alive. This would exhibit a diminution of 8,457, which is not so great as that which occurred between the dates of the reports in 1840 and 1841, and which amounted to 17,863. It will be seen that the estimate for pensions is much below that for 1842.

The law relating to military bounty lands, for ser vices in the revolutionary war, and in that of 1812, having been derived by the act of July 27, 1842, the examination of the claims presented was referred to the Commissioner of Pensions, as the rolls and documents relating to them were in his office. From the statement annexed to his report, it will appear that 358 claims on account of revolutionary services have been presented within the year, and that 22 warrants have been issued for 5,250 acres of land; that 416 claims for services in the last war with Great Britain have been presented within the same time, and that 65 warrants have been issued for 10,720 acres of land.

By the act of March 4, 1840, the office of Com missioner of Pensions was continued until the 4th day of March, 1843, when it will cease, unless further continued by Congress. By the same act, the pension business of the Navy Department was transferred to the office of the Commissioner of Pensions.

The duties yet remaining to be performed under the laws relating to army and navy pensions, and to the military bounty lands, require the continuance of the office of the Commissioner.

The condition of our affairs with the Indians presents a subject of the deepest interest to every phi lanthropist. The report of the Commissioner who has them immediately under his charge, with the accompanying tabular statements, and the returns of the various superintendents and agents, furnish copious information of the results of past labors, and the grounds of hope for the continued improvement of these victims to the progress of civilization. The policy of removing the Indians from their native homes, to make room for the white man, and of collecting them in large bodies on our Western frontier, is not now debatable. It has been long settled, and it may now be considered as having been executed. There is no more land east of the Mississippi, remaining unceded, to be desired by us. No new source of expense on this account need be opened for many years to come; and when the treaties now pending shall be ratified, and those requiring the removal of Indians shall be executed, our system will become settled. It is to be hoped that the red man will then be suffered to rest in peace, and that undi vided efforts will be bestowed in discharging the

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fearful responsibilities we have incurred to improve his intellectual and moral condition, as the only means of rendering him happy here or hereafter.

From the returns we have been able to obtain, it appears that 88,124 have been removed to the regions west of the Mississippi; and that of the once numerous tribes east of that river, less than 25,000 souls remain. The greater portion of these are under treaty obligations to remove within a very few years. This policy of collecting the Indians has proceeded on the idea of relieving them from their dependent and degrading condition when mixed with a white population, and of isolating them from the vices of a semi-civilization. Scarcely capable of self-government, they are quite incompetent to protect themselves from the frauds and from the violence of the white man. The present system of superintendents and agents is inadequate, and the time seems to have arrived when we should turn our attention to devising some form of government which may secure peace and order among themselves, and protection against others. Until they feel safe in their persons and possessions, they can make no advances toward civilization. Although the criminal jurisdiction of the adjacent courts of the United States is extended over them, yet all experience has shown that it is merely nominal. The most atrocious offenders are seldom pursued, and more rarely brought to justice. Civil obligations it is wholly vain to attempt to enforce.

There is no cause for surprise that, in this state of things, the law of force and of retaliation is the only one recognised. The plan of something like a territorial government for the Indians has been suggested; the object is worthy the most deliberate consideration of all who take an interest in the fate of this hapless race.

The vice to which they are most ncliined, and which is the most deadly to their prosperity, is an indulgence in intoxicating liquors. All the powers given to this department by existing laws have been exerted to restrain this propensity, and to prevent the introduction of alcohol into the Indian country. Circulars to agents and superintendents, and instructions to military commanders, have been reiterated with but partial effect. The cupidity of the white man, boasting of his superior civilization, stimulates his craft in devising the means of evading the laws, and still further brutalizing his ignorant, weak, and yielding red brother. Depositories of ardent spirits are established on the confines of the Indian territory, within the jurisdiction of the States, where the laws of the Union cannot apply, and where there are none of the State adapted to the case, or, if they exist, are never executed. Some remedy may be provided, by substituting imprisonment for the present pecuniary penalty prescribed for selling or introducing liquor, or establishing distilleries, in the Indian country, (which is wholly ineffectual against a class of persons who have no visible property,) and by giving jurisdiction over the offence to some local or other authority to which convenient access can be had.

Among some of the more civilized tribes, particularly the Choctaws and Cherokees, it is understood that the doctrines and the practice of temperance have made much progress, and that they have passed some wise laws to restrain their own people. The fact thus established, that the Indian can be made temperate, is calculated to cheer us in efforts to save him.

An exhibit of the condition of the civilization fund, and of its application, accompanies the report of the Commissioner. This small fund has accomplished much. It scatters its good seed very extensively, and a great portion of it falls on good soil. Its fruits are to be seen in the gradual but decided improvement of many of the Indian tribes. This fund is applied so as to co-operate, as far as practicable, with the schools established and maintained by means of the moneys provided, by treaties with various tribes, for purposes of education. From table 84, appended to the Commissioner's report, it appears that the whole amount thus provided at the present time is $67,155. It will also be seen from table 83, that there are fifty-two schools maintained for Indian youth, at which there are 2,132 scholars; of whom 1,058 are boys, and 852 girls, and 222

Report of the Secretary of War.

whose sex is not stated, were instructed during the past year; and that, from seven schools, there are no Wherever the means of comparison exist,

returns.

it is gratifying to find that the aggregate number of pupils is on the increase. Convinced that the only means of diffusing elementary knowledge among the children of these people is to interest their parents in the undertaking, by enabling them to take a part in the establishment of schools and in their supervision, our efforts have been directed to the encouragement of such seminaries in the respective nations. A sufficient number of many of the tribes have already been educated, and prepared to become teachers among their own people. Every school becomes the nursery of new teachers, who, being thus prepared at home, removed from the temptations that assail them among the whites, and retaining the manners of their own people, will be more acceptable and more successful than any others. In this way only can females be educated, and the potent influence of mothers be properly directed in the formation of the character of the generation that is soon to take place in the scene of life. Although the academy in Kentucky is continued for the double purpose of fulfilling expectations which caused heavy expenses in its establishment, and for furnishing a higher grade of instruction, to enable the pupils to become physicians, clergymen, and teachers; yet, as it is supposed these pupils will be as nearly accomplished within two years as they can be at any time, consistently with the greater and main object of instructing the greatest possible number, it has been arranged with the founder and proprietor of that academy, that, at the expiration of that time, the obligations of the Government to furnish pupils to it

are to cease.

Intimately connected with the improvement of the moral and intellectual condition of the Indians, is the system which supplies them with clothing and the means of procuring subsistence. It is undeniable that the trading system does not adequately accomplish these purposes. There are many honest faithful traders, but they cannot counteract the recklessness of the Indians, who will purchase goods either of a worthless kind, or in quantities altogether beyond their wants, which, with characteristic improvidence, they waste or barter for ardent spirits, and leave themselves destitute of the articles of necessity for the residue of the year. This destitution produces suffering, dependence, and inactivity; and they resign themselves to the allurements of intoxication, or of wretched idleness. At the same time, an influence is acquired over them by the traders, altogether beyond that of the officers of the Government, and which may be, and sometimes has been, wielded in opposition to its policy, and tending to the continued degradation and detriment of the Indians. In this respect, it seems to me the British policy is far preferable, which retains to the officers of the nation the means of influencing men who can be reached mainly only through their personal wants. I am disposed to concur in the views of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, as to the propriety of employing agents of the Government to furnish supplies to the Indians at fixed prices, of which they should be notified, and in such quantities, at given periods of time, as will insure their deriving the utmost benefit from them. It is not perceived why the principle recently adopted in reference to pursers in the navy, may not be applied to this case; and a system of checks established, that will guard against all fraud and abuse, and enable the Indian to receive the best kind of goods at the cost of purchase and transportation, and a per centage to defray the expenses of sale.

Since the last annual report, a treaty has been concluded and ratified with the Senecas of New York, by which a dispute that threatened the most vexatious consequences has been amicably adjusted, the rights of the Indians protected, their interest promoted, and the Government relieved from large pecuniary responsibilities.

With the Wyandots of Ohio a treaty has also been ratified, by which that State will be relieved from a population that encumbered the fairest portion of its territory-a portion that will now be open

Senate & H. of Reps.

to enterprise, and contribute to the general prosperity.

A treaty has also been held with the Sac and Fox Indians, (which, under your directions, will be submitted to the Senate for ratification,) by which about ten millions of acres of some of the best land in the Territory of Iowa are acquired. A purchase has also been made of the Chippewas in the northwest of Michigan and in Wisconsin, of about fifteen millions of acres, by a treaty which will in like manner be submitted to the Senate. These treaties have been made at a reduced expense quite unprecedented, in the most open, fair, and frank manner, and on terms of justice, and even liberality to the Indians, becoming the character of the United States.

Pursuant to the act of the last session of Congress, commissioners have been appointed to adjust the claims arising under the Choctaw treaty of 1830, and instructions have been given them for the performance of their duties. Commissioners have also been appointed to settle the remaining claims under the treaty with the Cherokees of 1836. Delegates from that nation were in attendance at the seat of Government for several months during the last year, to obtain a recognition of other and extensive claims, and to settle some points in relation to the intercourse of our citizens with their people, and the administration of their laws. Their applications were listened to, not only patiently, but with a sincere desire to gratify them in every request that could be granted consistently with a regard to our own rights and duties. The propositions made to them, to meet many of their objects, were declined; and the whole negotiation failed.

During the year, the claims arising under the Creek treaty, connected with the contract of Watson & Co., have been disposed of; and many of those prior to that contract have been adjusted, and the residue will soon cease to encumber the department. The claims under the treaty of 1839 with the Osages have all been finally decided, except five, which have been referred for further information.

Appended to the report of the commissioners, are tabular statements of the investments made in stocks for the benefit of the several Indian tribes, and of the amounts retained in the treasury on which the Government pays the annual interest.

I found existing in the department a disbursing agent, in whose name large sums of money, belonging to various Indians, were deposited in different banks, or held by him in public securities. Although this money could not be drawn or used without a check countersigned by the Secretary of War and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, yet the system appeared to me erroneous in principle, and liable to abuse. As soon as the necessary arrangements could be made, directions were given to transfer these funds directly to the Treasurer of the United States. This has been done, with the exception of a small sum necessarily retained to meet outstanding demands, or to adjust unsettled accounts of agents. I concur in the request of the Commissioner, that authority be given to sell the buildings, and the adjacent improvements, which have, at former times, been constructed and made for the use of the Indian agencies, but which have become useless to the Indian Department.

The reductions directed by the act "respecting the organization of the army, and for other purposes,' passed at the last session, have been effected, so far as authority for that purpose was given by the act. The offices of the superintendents of the armories have been abolished; the military storekeepers attached to the ordnance service have been reduced to the number directed; the duties of the Commissary of Purchases have been transferred to the Quartermaster's Department; two paymasters, one surgeon, and ten assistant surgeons, have been disbanded; there being a vacancy in the office of paymaster, and in that of surgeon. Although the act directed that the office of one inspector general should be abolished, yet it did not authorize the President to discharge either of the incumbents, while it gave that authority in respect to the paymasters, surgeons, and assistant surgeons. The case was such as not power of to require or justify the exercise of the

27TH CONG.......3D SESS.

removal, by striking from the army register the name of either of the inspectors general, solely upon the Executive authority or responsibility. Deeming the legislation on the subject inchoate, as both those officers were engaged on highly important duties, and their services could not be dispensed with, without great injustice to the service, you were advised to follow the precedent of 1815, under similar circumstances, when the President found it impracticable to carry out the legislation of Congress, and suspended proceedings for the further action of the legislative body. As little more than two months would elapse before the opportunity for such action would present itself, you concluded to adopt that course. I beg leave, now, to express the decided conviction of this department, founded upon the information and advice of many of the most intelligent and experienced officers of the army, that the number of inspectors general cannot be reduced, without essential and permanent injury to the service. The reduction of the rank and file does not diminish the number of posts, of forts, of arsenals, or of depots. Without the inspection of an independent officer, in no way connected with the branch of service which may have charge of the public property, and not responsible for the condition of the troops, the Government will be obliged to rely mainly on the information of those whose feelings and whose interests would be adverse to the discovery of any delinquency. It is no imputation to apply to the military service the principles of supervision and check which pervade every other department of the Government. And to render such inspections effectual, it is indispensable that they should be conducted by officers not only of experience, but of high rank, whose authority would be respected. These observations are made here, in the hope that, on a reconsideration of the subject, it will be deemed most expedient to leave this part of the means of fulfilling the duties and meeting the responsibilities of the department, as it was established in 1821, when the army was reduced, and as it has continued since that time.

It appears, from statements furnished this department by the Second and Third Auditors, that the number of unsettled accounts in their offices has been considerably diminished since the last annual report. In the Second Auditor's office, there are none which were presented in 1840; that of those presented in 1841, 57, and of those presented in 1842, 815 remained unsettled-making 872 in the whole, and showing a reduction of 300 since the last annual report. In the Third Auditor's office, there remain unsettled, of the accounts presented in 1840, 294; of those presented in 1841, 345; and of those presented in 1842, 840-making 1,479, and exhibiting a reduction of the number stated in the last annual report, of 335. Although a decided improvement is thus shown, yet the number not disposed of is altogether too large. Some of them are known to be delayed for the want of explanation of deficient vouchers; but by far the greatest proportion have not been examined. Nothing can be more unjust to the faithful officers who have rendered their accounts, than the omission to settle them until the persons who could supply deficient vouchers are dead, or removed to unknown places, or until the means of explanation are lost or forgotten. It is a cruelty most ruinous in its result, which is believed not to exist in any other country. And its effects are very injurious to the Government. For it often happens that it is found necessary to charge another officer with a sum which has been paid or advanced to him by the one whose account is settled. During the delay that occurs in ascertaining the fact of such liability, the person to be charged becomes insolvent, or dies, or no trace of him can be found. I would most respectfully and most earnestly urge an increase of the force of the Second and Third Auditor's offices-at least temporarily, until the existing mass of accounts be disposed of. A very large proportion of the information called for by Congress is necessarily derived from these Auditors, and the time and labor required to furnish it are abstracted from the regular duties of the office. this, doubtless, is the principal cause of their ordinary business being in arrear. They should, also, be relieved from the charge of what are called prop

And

Report of the Secretary of the Navy.

erty accounts, which, in truth, belong to the administrative departments, rather than the accounting officers.

The accounts of the disbursing agents in the Indian Department are in a condition that defies any power of the executive officers to bring them to a close. Payments have been made to a large amount out of one fund, for objects legally authorized, but to which it was not by law applicable; and the agents remain charged with such payments, although they have rendered vouchers for the expenditure. Many accounts in other branches of the service are understood to be in a similar condition. A law authorizing transfers of appropriations, similar to that passed on the 27th January, 1831, to meet similar difficulties, which will not draw a dollar from the treasury, is demanded by the interest of the Government, and by a sense of justice to the agents. It is believed that they have accounted for the money placed in their hands; but it is impossible to have official certainty on the subject until their accounts are adjusted. The accounts of officers of the Quartermaster's Department, serving in Florida in 1838 and 1839, cannot be closed without legislative provision. The difficulty is stated in the report of the Quartermaster General, and I would respectfully solicit the passage of the necessary law to remove it.

I cannot close this report without again reverting to a subject that has so repeatedly been brought to the attention of Congress--namely, the inconvenience and the great insecurity of the outbuildings in which the offices of the Paymaster General, of the Ordnance Bureau, of the Bureaus of Engineers and of Topographical Engineers, of the Commissary General of Subsistence, of the Surgeon General, and of the Commissioner of Pensions, are kept. Vain as may be the effort, it is still a duty to ask that the invaluable papers and documents in those offices may be preserved from destruction, by being placed in a building not exposed, as they now are, to the slightest carelessness in the inhabitants of the houses that surround them.

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OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
NAVY DEPARTMENT,
December, 1842.

To the President of the United States:
SIR: I have the honor to present the following
report, in relation to this department:

The home squadron, authorized by the act of the 1st day of August, 1841, has been put in commission, and placed under the command of Commodore Stewart. It is composed of the frigates Independence, the flag-ship now under the command of Captain Stringham; the frigate Constitution, Captain Parker; the steam-frigate Missouri, Captain Newton; the steam-frigate Mississippi, Captain Salter; the sloop Falmouth, Commander McIntosh; the sloop Vandalia, Commander Ramsey; the brig Dolphin, Commander Knight; and the schooner Grampus, Lieutenant Van Brunt.

The original design of this squadron was to cruise along our own coast, with a view to extend the usual protection to our trade; but more particularly to afford assistance to vessels in distress; to make accurate soundings and observations along our shores, from which charts might be formed; to afford vessels of different classes, always ready to take the places of those returning from distant stations; and to perform any occasional service for which vessels of war might be required. Finding, however, that it was unnecessarily large for these purposes, and that active employment could not be given to it, I determined to assign to it the duties of the West India squadron, and to withdraw that squadron from service. This has accordingly been done; and the cruising ground of the home squadron now extends from the Banks of Newfoundland to the river Amazon, including the Carribbean sea and Gulf of Mexico. This service requires one or two small vessels, in addition to those originally assigned to the squadron; and these I propose to add.

Senate & H. of Reps.

It is found that the steam-ships Missouri and Mississippi are unsuited to cruising in time of peace. Their engines consume so much fuel as to add enor mously to their expenses; and the necessity that they should return to port after short intervals of time, for fresh supplies, renders it impossible to send them on any distant service. They will be useful vessels in time of war, as guards to our coasts and harbors, and as auxiliaries in fleets; but they cannot be relied on as cruisers, and are altogether too expensive for service in time of peace. I have therefore determined to take them out of commission, and shall substitute for them other and less expensive

vessels.

The Independence has not yet gone to sea, owing in part to the fact that her crews have been taken from time to time for other vessels, and in part to the necessary engagements of Commodore Stewart in other services. The rest of the squadron has, under his orders, been kept actively and usefully employed, and promises to answer all the expectations of Congress in establishing it.

The duties originally contemplated for the home squadron are highly important, and such as require in the commander the best order of qualifications. They do not, however, require so many vessels as the law establishing that squadron authorizes. While, therefore, it is desirable that the squadron should be such as to be worthy of the best professional rank and talent, it is equally desirable that it should not be so large as to have any portion of it inactive. By assigning to it the duties of the West India squadron, and extending the cruising ground to the northern boundary of the cruising ground of the Brazil squadron, the larger vessels may be kept on constant duty to windward. In the mean time, the smaller vessels may, in like manner, be employed in the Caribbean sea and the Gulf of Mexico, where the harbors are too shallow to admit those of a larger size. The impossibility of beating up the coast, against the trade-winds and Gulf stream, suggests the propriety of assigning two or three steam-vessels of medium size to that duty. These would afford sufficient protection to our commerce, while they would serve to keep up the necessary intercourse between the commander of the squadron and that portion of it destined to service in the Gulf of Mex. ico. Without the aid of steam, that intercourse could not be well maintained; for a vessel, not propelled by steam, entering the Gulf of Mexico from the windward, could not regain her position without a tedious and dangerous passage through the Gulf of Florida.

The duties thus contemplated for the home squad. ron will afford full employment for it, except during the hurricane season, when it would not be prudent for it to keep the sea, except in the northern part of its cruising ground.

The Brazil squadron consists of the Delaware 74, Captain McCauly; the frigate Columbia, Captain E. R. Shubrick; the sloops of war Concord, Com. mander Boerum; John Adams, Commander Conover; Decatur, Commander Farragut; and the schoon. er Enterprise, Lieutenant J. P. Wilson; all under the command of Commodore Morris. This squadron, I have reason to believe, has distinguished itself for good order, discipline, and constant and strict attention to all the appropriate duties and exercises of squadron service. I have also the pleasure to report that the interests of our citizens, committed to the care of Commodore Morris, have been fully protected and secured; and that our relations with the countries within the range of his command have been preserved on the most favorable and honorable footing.

After the return of the frigate Brandywine, in July last, the squadron in the Mediterranean con. sisted of only two sloops of war-the Fairfield, Commander Tattnall, and the Preble, Commander Voorhees; under the command of Commodore Mor. gan. I regret to say that Commander Voorhees died at Smyrna on the 27th July last; he was an officer of a high order of merit, and his death is s serious loss to his country. The Preble is now under the command of Commander Nicholson; and Com mander Bigelow has succeeded Commander Tattnall, who has returned to the United States.

On the 15th of July last, the frigate Congress,

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