The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-12-13


home comfortable aud acceptable 10 them As soon as
proper regard for the peace Of that portion Of the
try, and The probability OF the successful execution Of
the measures Of Government, would admit part Of the
troops were removed 10 the Northern frontier and sta
toned by the Commanding General Of the army in Q
manner 10 afford protection to that part Of the country
II hoped that the good and respect for the
laws which characterize the American People would
have rendered unnecessary any coecive measures to
restrain them from taking part in the disturbances Of
Lower Canada But regret 10 say that not only have
the citizens of the United States living that frontier
aided the feeble efforts Of the Canadians, which
inmate only IN their misery and destruction, but others
bordering on Upper Canada, where disposition 70
revolt known 10 exist are banded together IN secret
societies Ter the express purpose OF Invading the pro-
vince Of friendly Power which. but for this unjus,l6s-
pie interference, would remain peace and tranquility
ne means used are as IepreheDslbe the end pro-
posed neiarous; aud it is subject Of regret with
this Department that has not at its disposal sufficient
number OF regular troops effectively guard this extern
sve frontier from all attempts the part fellow
citizens tending either disturb the peace Of Upper
Canada or to soccor the insurgents the Lower Pro-
vince attempts which only lead the discontinue
and death OF the parties immediately engaged IN their
execution, and 10 The shame and Of those who,
by houghessy encouraging these acts, have produced
such fearful consequences.
In compliance with the express wish Of Congress,
the Northern and Norhwe frontiers have been
copnoitred by two able and experienced officers Of engi
neers, and the result Of their observations will be laid
before Congress the report Of the proceed
ings is received
II will be SEEN from the accompanying report Of the
Chief Engineer that the delay attending the sppropria-
tons for The military and civil works under the supcrn
endence OF that department until the close OF the last
session OF Congress occasoned the Temporary suspension
those works during great part Of the season for
efficient operations
examine the works Of Fort Delaware, The purchase Of
the island which this important work is situated is
again earnestly recommended to the attention Of the
government ea
ed according TO the intention Of Congress, and will be
prosecuted without interruption until the works
completed. Measures have been taken TO obtain the
title to the land which this fort situated, and to ef
feet the purchase Of the bridge connecting with the
mainland as authorized by Congress.
In compliance with the recommendation of the Board
Of Engineers, by whom Of Fort Calhoun
was made in September, 1887, the Of materials
which had been heaped upon the foundation to produce
a settlement, and afterwards removed is in the
Of being replaced II is proposed now postpone the
erection Of the supestructure until these foundations
have attained their final subsistence. . t..
The appropriation for Charleston harbor intended
exclusively for The protection Of Suvan's Island and
measures have been taken by the officer Of engineers,
under whose general superintendence is apply the
funds TO that purpose, AS the services Of an
officer Of experience re made available there will
be one stationed permanently in this harbor
works formerly under the superintendent Of the mill
ary have been transferred the Typographical engi-
neers .
Since the last report the great task Of removing the
raft in The Red rirer has been completed The forma-
ton OF new raft on the site Of the old one, has been
serious inconvenience but it is hoped the navigation
will be re-opened very after the commencement Of
the working season. The boats for this purpose have
been already despatched TO the river. The formation
of this obstruction supports the views expressed in
and he Dere Of kpen
ing boat constantly work upon the river for several
seasons to come. ~ ...
The detailed survey Of the mouths OF the Mississippi,
referred to In the last report, is now nearly completed,
and will be submitted, at early day, to the Board OF
Engineers, Their plan Of ameoraton, if sanctioned
by the Department will then be carried into immediate
execution ...
On the Upper Mississippi the has been high
as to prevent all work. -. z. I'll,
BY the increase of the corps of engineers at the last
session Of Congress- the several works the Depart
ment 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, add-
ton Of five young officers only has yet been made,
and the remaining vacancies it proposed fill annu-
ally by selections from the highest graduates Of the
Military Academy.
The officer of engineers in charge of the Military
Academy having applied to be relieved Major Delafeld
Of the corps has been ordered in his place. .~
The necessity Of horses and instruction in the cava
ry exercise that the cavalry has become compo-
nent arm of the service, is evident and until regular
provision for this purpore be made by law pro-
posed to replace the artillery detachment now there by
one of dragoon prvates which would procure for the
cadets the use Of the horses. would urgently recon-
mend that the instructor Of artillery aud the assistant
professor Of history geography and ethics be placed by
law upon the footing other assistant professors
Of the Academy The French classes very much
in need OF instructors and known the line
Of the Army qualified for the task ], therefore, re-
commend that authority be given appoint two citizens,
with moderate salaries for that purpose.
The large building containing exercise hall, reca-
ton room, and quarters for unmarried officers long
wanted at the Academy, is finished, and in use
Since the last report the building containing the library,
chemical laboratory, and philosophical and engineering
rooms. has been destroyed by FIRE The appropriation
Of the last session replace this would have been ap
piled sooner; but, before determining on sites for the
new buildings, is proposed to adopt the suggestion Of
the Board Of Visitors Of 1887, viz appoint a board
OF competent engineers to determine, in conjunction
with the superintendent, general plan for the public
buildings at the Academy. Many Of the public build
ings are entirely unfit for the purposes which they
applied and must, eventually, come down and the
position Of each authorized should have refer
ence to the system Of future constructions
While treating this subject il becomes my duty to
bring to yonr notice the dapdaed condition of one Of
the barracks This building literally worn out, and
is in decayed and corrupted seriously en-
danger the safety and health of the cadets It's
al aud reconstruction will into the plan be pre-
sen,ed by the board for the arrangement Of the public
buildings at West Point The system here suggested
OF presenting, before any public works commenced
well.dgested plan for such engagements and improve
mens as the increase Of population and the future
wants of the country may require has been generally
adopted and will be hereafter persevered in that tho
present constructions will all be erected in conformity
with, aud in furtherancc Of, general plan At the
same time, the Department has adopted regulations
govern the engineer quarernasters and ordnance de-
psrtments in the construction Of the buildings under