Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-12-11
Offtciaa 3aapers.
DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING the PRES
lDENT'S MESSAGE.
DEPARTMENT of WAR, Nov. q, 1928.
10 The President of fLr u SfnfcS


DErARrMENT of WAR, Nov. q, 1928.
To The President Of The U. States:
SIR: have the honor herew it'll to transmit for
your information the annual reports Of the officers
who superintend the several branches Of the public
service entrusted 10 this Department, showing, in
detail. the operations OF EACH during the past year,
and the state Of the funds appropriated and appl-
cable to those services respectively.
The report of the Major General of the Army,
with ITS accompanying documents, exhibits the
present number, station, organization, and disci-
pine OF military force. From this report il
Ihi appear that some important changes have been
InadeA during the past year. N the distribution OF
the troops; and that of the effects of this dis
tribution has been. considerably TO diminish the
numerical force of the two Military Schools of
Practice. The value Of these institutions is fully
appreciated by the Department, altho' some of the
principal benefits anticipated iiom the conccntra-
uon OF so large portions of the army at two points,
have never been realized, Tor want of means for
their proper equipment and, they the
cherished tavortes Of my immediate predecessors
they would not, il for other rcason have been
disturbed but TO meet the positive emergencies OF
the Government
These schools have, from their frs, establish
ment, materially lcssoned the disposable force Of
the Army for ordinary service; and about the time
oil their formation, or little anterior il and with
view probably TO this object, the garrisons OF
several important posts along our northern and
= western frontier were wholly withdrawn, and 9TH
ers materially reduced. This subSlracton OF force
from ordinary service was not, however, under
the peculiarly favorable circumstances of the
country, iIj ously felt until within late period
when several events have occurred, " hich in the
opinion of the Department, rendered il proper TO
restore portion OF these detdchmentS IL their for
mer and appropriate duties; and a neglect 10 do
which might have seriously affected the interest,
and perhaps endangered the peace, of certain per-
tons of the Union.
In the course OF the last year, the Winnebagoes
and other Indian tribes living in the neighborhood
oft which al hpp ted ar,J
boldened probably by that circumstance, com
menced a series of petty, but savage warfare, on
the adjoining white population; and rendered il
necessary TO march = strong military frrce into
that country the effect Of which was 10 queIl for
time at least, these disturbances. But, in the
course Of the past Spring and Summer, fresh
symptoms Of discomfort and hostility we're mani
tested by the Indians; and the People Of Illinois,
and more particularly the inhabitants of The Lead
Mine District, became again much alarmed az
TO suggest the necessity, not only OF permanently
EayIsOning .hc 'oriTer military posts of Chicago
and Prairie du Chie.., but of establishing new
one in the centre of the Winnebago country for
the purpose Of watching the movements OF The In
.Iians, and to serve a cling linl, between
the chains Of ratification t;c Mississippi and on
The lakes.
Within the period, unpleasant contentious
had arisen on our northeastern frontier, between
THE citizens of the State of Maine and the subjects
of the adjoining British Province, in consequence
Of conflicting claims OF property and jurisdiction
by the presence Of military force, 10 involve the
local authorities, at least, Of the two counties in
serious collisions.
BESIDES these inducements for strengthening
our inland frontier, another important one was
found in the expedency of ailOrdine timely and
efficient aid to our revenue officers. in defeating
the purposes, boldly avowed by high authority,
and not yet abandoned, OF inlroducIng foreign
goods into the United States either by stratagem
force, without the payment of duties; aud this
al al ~
the Niagara frontier, where we had troops, and
where il is notorious that large quantities Of TO
iegn goods are now collected with this obvious de
rign;
Such were the reasons for establishing the ne w
md re occupying the old military posts, mention
I'd in the report On the Major Generals and, TO eff
Sect those objects, reduction OF the Military
..c1iOOl Of Practice at JefiGrsoa barracks became
indispensable. This new disposition OF otr inland
force, has, IL is believed, been universally accept
able to our citizens in the north and north western
parts Of the Union and. il is hoped will be arprov-
cd ny Congress.
The numerous Notifications, completed and
completing along our maritiLe frontier, in the
progressive execution Of our great system Of ma
sional defence. have imposed on tho Department
the necessity Of Withdrawing, also, rom the schoo
Of'arlIery practice at Fortress Monroe, nearly
one half Of its force, for the purpose OF assisting il
the completion Of the unfinished works, and o
gayrBoniDg and preserving hose which are con-,
pleted The school of practice is not, however
thereby broken up, but may still proceed with the
same efficiency and success, proportion lte 10 IL.
numbers, a. heretofore. AS little more has been
taught at the two schools thdn .he Jn0ngie OF the
artillery and infantry, the same syst, G of instruc
lion may be continued, and with nearly ihe SANE
advantage, at every post where regiment or bat.
talon is Stationed, and where CON. :cut instruct
CT will always be found
The views Of the Army and is SDsG present. d
a. tararioDs rero.-s herewith suhwiur7- c7noo'