Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-12-18

gems tending either 10 disturb the peace of Upper Canada
or 10 succor the insurgents in the Lower ProHnce-al
emps which only lead 10 the discontinue and DEAN
of the parties Immediately engaged in their execution,
and TO the shame and OF those who bythnught
essy encouraging these acts have produced sueh 'eof
ful consequences.
In compliance with the express wish Of Congress the
Northern and Northwestern frontiers have been recon
notred by able and experienced officers U! engineers
and the result Of their observations VIII he aid before
Congress as soon the report OF The proceedings is
received. r.,
1t will be seen, from the accompanying report OF The
Chief Engineer, that the delay attending the apPfoPfla
tons for the military and civil works under The supern
tendence Of that department until the close OF the last
session of Congress accustomed the temporary suspension
Of those works during great part OF The season or
efficient operations.
By my direction the Board of Engineers proceeded to
examine the works Of Fort Delaware. The purchase oil
the island which this important work IS situated IS
again earnestly recommended TO The attention oi t!e
Government.
The operations at Fort Monroe have been commenced
according to the intention OF Congress aud will be pro
secuted without interruption until the works are COM
plepd Measures have been taken TO obtain thu tille 10
the und which this fort is situated anu TO effect Inc
purchase of the bridge connecting il with the main land
as authorized BY Congress
L. compliance with the recommendation OF Inc boara
of Engineers, by whom an examination OF Fort Calhoun
made in September, lc3I, the mass OF ma'efnIs
which had been heaped upon the foundation To produce
a settlement and afterwards removed is III The course oi
being replaced 1t is proposed now TO postpone the
erection Of the supersructure until these foundations
have attained their final subsidence.
The appropriation for Charleston ha'bor was intended
exclusively for the protection Of Sullivan lsandj and
measures have been taken by The officer OF engineers
under whose general superintendence is TO apply The
funds that purpose. AS soon us the services q" an
officer Of experience be made available there viii
be one stationed permanently III this hurbor.
By direction OF this Department, several OF the civil
works. formerly under the superintendent oil The mill
ary, have been transferred to the Typographical engl
peers.
Since the last report the great task Of removing the
raft in the Red riDcr has been completed The lnrna-
ton of raft the site OF the old one, has been
serious Inconvenience; hut II is hoped the navigation
will lao ePo"sd very after the commencement OF
the working The boats for this purpose have
been already despatched 10 The river. The formation
of this obstruction supports the views expressed IN
The last annual report and shows the necessity OF keep
ing boat constantly al work upon the river for several
seasons to come.
The detailed survey Of the mouths Of the Mississippi,
referred 10 in the last report is nearly completed,
aud will be submitted at early day, 10 the Board Of
Engineers. Their plan Of ameliuraon, If sanctioned
by tie Department. will then be carried into immediate
execution.
GA the Upper Mississippi the water has been so high
as &c prevent all work
BY the increase of the corps Of engineers at the last
session of Congress- the several works oil the Depart
inert will soon be more Immediately under the control
of the Government officers; the change cannot how.
ever take place Immediately, as, in conformity with
my views, explained in my report OF last year. an add
lion Of five young officers only has as yet been made,
and the remaining vacancies II is proposed TO MI an
nulv bv selections from the highest graduates OF the
Military Academy
The officer Of engineers in charge Of the Military
Academy having applied 10 be relieved Maj or Deaeid
of the corps has been ordered in his place.
The necessity Of horses and instruction in The cavalry
exercise, that the cavalry has become conlpo
neat Of the service, is evident and, until regular
provision for this purpose can be made by law Is pro-
pucd replace the artillery detachment now there by
on Of draGoon pivales, which would procure tor The
cadets the use OF the horses would urgently recon
n.rnd that the instructor Of artillery and the assistant
professor Of history geography and ethics be placed by
law upon the footing other assistant professors
Of he Academy The French classes are very much
in need of instructors, and none known IN The line
OF the Army qualified Tor the task therefore, recon-
mend that authority be given to appoint two citizens,
with moderate salaries, for that purpose.
The large building continuing an exercise hail. recila.
lion rocm and quarters for unmarried officers, 50 long
wanted a. the Academy, is finished, aud now in use
Since the last report the building containing the library,
chemical laboratory, and philosophical aud engineering
rooms, has been destroyed by fire. The appropriation
Of the last session 10 replace this would have been ap
p d sooner; but before determining sites for the
new buildings il is proposed to adopt the suggestion OF
the Board Of Visitors of 1887 viz 10 appoint board
of competent engineers 10 determine in conjunction
with the supernte ndent general plan tor the public
buildings the Academy. Many of the public build
ngs entirely unfit for the purposes TO which they are
appIed and must eventually, come down and the
position Of each authorized should have refer
10 the system Of future constructions
While treating this subject, il becomes my duty 10
bring to your notice the dapdaed condition OF one OF
:he barracks. This building is literally worn out, aud
is in decayed and corrupted state, seriously 10
endanger The safely and health Of the cadets lis removal
and reconstruction will enter into the plan TO be presented
by the board for the arrangement Of the public buildings
at West Point. The system here suggested, oil present.
ing, before any public works are commenced, we'll
dpested plan for such engagements and Improvements
the increase Of population and The future wants OF
the country may require has been generally adopted,
ana will be hereafter persevered IN; so that the present
constructions will all be erected in conformity with, ana
in furherance Of general plan. AT the same time the
Department has adopted regulations to govern the eng
ncer qnarermasters and ordnance Departmental In the
construction of the buildings under their superIntend.
ence, so 10 avoid all unnecessary extravaganza, ana
at the same time TO secure soldlly, uniformity and du
rabiliiy.
For the more efficient and economical administration
Of the Engineer Department. many respects The most
important branch of the military service, beg leave
specially suggest, that inspector OF Qualifications
ought 10 be appointed, with such additional rank and
enolumens, will ensure respect 10 the officer OF en-
gneers who shall be elected to perform that duty, and
deiiay the additional expenses which must necessarily
be incurred during the extensive tours Of duty he would
be called upon to make. Experience has proved, that
this duty only be discharged by officer Of this
Corps and the important nature Of the works, the
solidy and durability Of which much of the safety
and honor of the country may depend requires vigant
and frequent inspection of them during the progress of
their construction, and recommends this measure to the
favorable consideration of the Legislature
The ordnance corps has been increased agreeably to
the provisions Of the late law.
The operations Of that branch Of the service have been
conducted with intelligence and activity, and pro-
gress has been made in digestng general system, by
which they will hereafter be regulated. series of ex
permenls have been ordered, which will determine the
precise character Of the field and heavy artillery, and it
is then proposed to the artillery regiments which
have hitherto acted as infantry when in the field, with
their proper arm There is not at present complete
train Of artillery for sins gle of the four regiments
in the service and beg leave 10 suggest the necess
y Of an appropriation for the purpose Of furnishing the
number OF pieces required 10 the existing regiments