Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1839-01-19
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY or WAR.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAX.
This is Il long document, but written in the
clear, explicit and comprehensive style chafac-
terisiic Of the author, MIR. PoinSett
With view to rende- the army more efficient
the Secretary recommends, that instead OF betnG
scattered in small detachments and distant posts,
IL should be concentrated at such posts as tnat IL
should form centre around which the inltia may
rally. and the combined forces march to the feisci
of any point that may be menaced or atticheo-
New York on Lake Champain, where troops may
DO moved with facility towards the northern Or
eustcrn frontier and TO protect the scaboaFd. In
Pennsylyanil at Carlisle. where exist a!redGy
good barracks and from whence troops iay he Prov
ed rap.d.y upon any point north OF The Ihes1PeAhe'
In the Suite OF South Carolina or Georgia, not
E,r from the head waters Of the Savannah river,
a commanding position may be occupied, from
whence troops might be transported 10 any point
between the Chesapeake anc Florida, with nearly
equal expedition The fourth station that ne re-
cunlncnds Is Jefferson barracks, central post as
reear,s Tue southwestern frontier, Louisiana ana
all the western states presenting extensive Iincs
of water communication, which greatly iaciiiaies
the movements of troops upon any point OF me
western division These stations. Supplied with
a competent regular force, and, when the occl-
sion requiries. augmented by the hardy militia
collected lran the aeighhoring States woa4d ne
able to contend successfully with any force that
could be sent against this country; whilst small
crarris,9fs of regulars aided b. the volunteers and
militia Of the maritime ana inland roa'iers, might
occupy the forts anJ defend them until the corps
d-gyrqie nearest the point attacked could march to
their relief.
In consequence of the sparse population on Inc
Indian frontier and the immense number OF saFa-
uos a9itcent he recommends that the garrisons
stationed there he immediately increased, ana
others erected, viz: the Illinois river, near the
limo of th, state of Arkansas; 1T Table creek,
near the Missouri river. below The Platte; and at
the ur-er forks Of he Dcs Moines; theso stations
to be connected by good roads, psrPendIcuiar TO
the line of defence. and connecting II Win an
interior line Of posts 10 be established al cohse-
nicnt points, to serve as places Of refuge for the
Inhabitants in periods of alarm or danger, where
thew could remain IN safety until relieved by Inc
regular troops. To support these garrisonS, IN
part. he recommends that farm be attached to
each of them.
He next suggests the organization Of militia
or volunteer force drawn from the several states,
to act as auxiiaries TO the regular force in time OF
danger. As no ocular system has been devised
he suggests that commencement may be made
by enrolling 80 900 men, taken from among the
inhabitants and settlers OF the frontier ana the
country around the permanent stations III the IN
terror Six consecutive DAYS IN the year would
be sufficient for their drill, provided the comms-
stoned and non commissioned officers be assem-
b!ed for instruction al the nearest military post
for the term Of thirty DAYS in the year. During
the timc the priyates and officers in service,
they should receive the pay and ratlons al soldiers
and officers Of the army of the same grade resPec-
tiyelv These forces would not be Withdrawn
from the States where they raised, and may
be called into service by The Governors upon the
requis!t!on of the President.
The Seminole Indians still remain uncon4ucF- i
ed. owing 10 The unhealthinesz of the cllmate,t.e
subtletv of The enemy, and the nature OF the
country. Many of them have been taken how
ever and sent o1f, and we assured, that the 90
viii prosecute the war until the Semi
noles arc entirely sabdued.
The removal of the Cherokee Indians has been
effected wi,hoa, bloodshcd under the direction OF
Gen Scott. whose conduct is Justly commented
as honorable and humane
The removal Of the cid Red River Raft has beo-.
effected. but another has been formed en- ne site
Of the old one.
The policy Of the Government in regard to the
removal of the Indians win som be consumnated