Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-12-15

llnp0FtlnT Ope-
raons OF armies general survey Of our coasts, both
Atlantic and interior is demanded by considerations OF
iona interest well Of character Arrangements for
the former made years since, and expensive
instruments procured which yet in the possession
the Government. The work actually need,
bat abandoned before much progress had been made
IL this operation resumed, and committed to of
the scientific corps OF the Army, its constitution would
prevent the of those circumstances which
the abandonment OF the project may be attributed Our
lakes but inperiecty known US, and the adj
of tho setlegents and the extension
require that this defect should be supplied Labors OF this
nature have engaged the of the most cnlighcn
ed Governments and the materials become part of the
general stock of public knowledge. The necessity of pc
cur instruction for officers devoted these duties both
in the scientific principles and the practical Details well
illustrated in the report from the Typographical Office.
Some of The operations require an intimate knowledge of
the absrse invcsg atoms OF the present day. in
hematca and physical science; and we shall in vain look
for their accomplishment, unless the Government make
provision for the
To the Ordnance Department il committed the duty OF
providing and preserving the necessary for the
land service of the United States The trust is espon-
sble one, requiring fidelity in the administration, and
practical as well scientific knowledge in the execution
The expenditure for these objects exceeds $500
nualy, and the value fhe accumulated property equals
twelve and half millions. But the nature of the service
gives it still deeper interest than the pccuniary consil-
craons connected with it. Unless well f-
bcated and preserved, and in sufficient abundance, and
unless we keep pace with the improvements which mo-
dcrn science and ingenuity making the consequences
may hereafter prove DISASTROUS The necessary provi-
sion for these objects cannot be made without much time
and experience and that they be ready for they
must be procured III peace. stable and efficient organ-
cation is therefore essential 10 the ordnance corps; and in
the report oil the officer at the head it, will be found his
views OF lis present condition recommend the subject
to your favorable notice. The suggestions the result
oil much experience, and present in forcibe the
defects oil The existing system, and the deliberations that
are required. L satisfied, that the adoption of the
measures proposed would give renewed efficiency the
operations OF this section OF the public interest, and
economy in its expenditure.
commission of experienced officers will be directed
to investigate the subject and report their views
ted w md Dar
cuariy with respect TO the patterns and construction of
the small and and any alterations which
perience may have indicated Their report, when re-
ceved will be laid before YOU
L have made some examination into the condition of
this branch OF the national defence, with the view of
Containing the supplies in service and in depot and deter
mining tc quantity yet required the demands of
prudent forecast The result shall submit for your con-
sidcraion.
The United States have now in scrviceabc condition
about 10000 muskcts. The annual demand supply
me necessary loss in the army and the militia, and
Sh te ISSUES To the respective States, is 300. The
number manufactured in the public armorcs about 25
goo and at private works about IL OoO making total of
oooOo, at the average cost of twelve dollars each. We
nad at the commencement of the late 2i0 900 muskcs
In depot and during its progress 90 900 were made and
purchased At its termination, there but 20 900 at
VIC various arsenas and many OF those the hands of
me troops were unServceabe. Eight years were then
required to replace the number lost during the war.
rom iSo2 to ISL, there 1856 257 small arms of
all descriptions, procured for the French service
1896. -
IN the French arscnas from 1905 1911, was 2I9372
In the British arscaals, from 1902 TO 1914 POI 917
The stock on hand in Great Britain in 1917 in denot
was SIs, 2S2
In the public service 300 7el
~ Total l,0I9,256
The numper in depot in France, in 1871 was 600 900
not including the great number in service.
ihcse statements may be useful i'm determining the pro
per NUMBER oil small arms which ought he provided in
ui' country Being almost mperishable, when properly
secured and preserved their accumulation occasions no
ns no huna ALL ,l,ls
they will he wanted
considering the nature of service recurring as il
uoeS an unusual expenditure of these articles
quencc oil the great proportion of militia we employ and
system oil rotation by which their services arc reg,-
eo and great losses consequently occasioned and also
e necessity oil large deposcs in different sections O.
such an extensive country each of which should be ade
quate TO any probable emergency evident that o,r
stock OF small should az all be large Whether
the quantity oil hand be sufficiently So is for Congress-
TO determine.
There now 23 cannon of various calircs for field
service And there are at the asenas and in all the old
Notifications 1875 But these cannon are all of ontouoted
patterns and, with the exception of the six-poundcrs
amounting TO 3D. and few of the heavier pcces are
considered unscrvceabe There have been procured for
inc armament OF the Notifications PA cannon of the
improved pattern. - ~
Inc old iornhcaions will require, (probably) 6t6
The new, already completed, 25s1
those contemplated by the board Of engineers
:, part OF which are now constructing, 1915
Besides these, proper field trains, deposited in
different sections of the Union, and sufficient
~ large TO meet probable contingencies, may
be estimated at e,o
he average cost of is SIS 81 per hun
dred pounds which gives the following prices for those of
different calibrcs ~ ' VI
For 42-pounders, $500