Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-12-18

the commando ana, aItcr aCtlNe VpeIutOuSS
was met by propositions for peace; and, from the
fortunate coincidence of the arrival in Florida, at
the same period, of delegation from the semn-
oles, who were happily settled west of the Missis-
sppi, and are now anxious to persuade their coun-
trymen to join them, these hopes were for some
time entertained that the Indians might be induced
to leave the territory without further difficulty.
These hopes have proved faacious, and hostilities
have been renewed throughout the whole Of tho
territory. That this contest has endured so long, 10
to be attributed TO beyond the control Of gov
eminent. Experienced officers have had command
Of the troops officers and soldiers have alike dis
tinguishcd themselves for their activity, patience,
and enduring courage the army has been constant
y furnished with supplies of every description; and
we must look for the causes which have so long
procrastinatcd the issue of the contest in the vast
extent of the theatre of hostes the almost insur-
mountabe obstacles presented by the willy character
of the savages.
The sites for marine hospitals on the rivers and
lakes which was authorised TO select and cause
to be purchased, have ell been designated but the
appropriation not proving sufficient, conditional ar
engagements only have been made for their acqui-
sltlon. Ii Is for congress to decide whether those
conditional purchases shall be sanctioned, and the
humane intentions of the law carried into full ef-
| feet.
The navy, as will appear from the accompanying
report of the Secretary, has been uscfuy and
honorably employed in the protection of our com
merce and citizens in the Mediterranean, the Pa
ciic, on the coast of Brazil and in the Gulf of
Mexico small squadron, consisting of the fri
gate Constellation and the soop. of.war Boston,
under Commodore kearney is now on its way TO
China and the Indian Seas, for the purpose of at.
tending to interests in that quarter and
commander Aulick, in the soop- o-war Yorktown,
has been instructed to visit the Sandwich and Soci-
ETY. Islands, the coasts of New. Zealand, and japan.
together with other ports and islands frequented by
our whale ships, for the purpose of giving them
coun'enance and protection, should they be required
Other smaller vessels have been, and still are en-.
ployed in prosecuting the surveys of the coast Of
the United States, directed by various acts of Con-
sress and those which have been completed will
shortly be laid before you.
The exploring expedition, at the latest date, was
preparing to leave the bay of Islands, New-Zealand,
in further proseon ofobjccts which have, thus far,
been successfully accomplished The discovery of
a new continent, vi ich was first seen in latitude
+ &c south, longitude ! 81 p east, and afterwards
in latitude &C 81 south, longitude 153 40 east,
by Lieutenants Wilkes and Hudson, for an extent
OF loOO miles, but on which they were prevented
y from landing by vast bodies of ice which encom-
passed IT. is one of the most honorable results of tho
enterprise. Lieutenant Wilkes bears testimony to
the zeal and good conduct of his officers and men
and it is but justice to that officer to state that he
appears to have performed the duties assigned him
with an ardor, ability, and perseverance, which
give every assurance of an honorable issue 10 tho
undertaking.
The report OF the post master general, herewith
transmitted, will exhibit the service of that aepart-
n ment the last year, and its present condition. The
transportation has been maintained duriry the year
n to the full extent authorized by the existing laws
:. some improvements have been effected, which tho
v puoilc interest seems urgently to demand but not
h 'hVoNinS any material additional expenditure tho
contractors have generally performed their engage.
ments with fidelity the post masters, with few ex.
ceptIons, have rendered their accounts and paid
' quarterly balances with promptitude and
+ me "hole service Of the department has main
tanned the efficiency for which it has for several
: years been distinguished
Inc acts OF congress establishing new mail route,
ana requiring more expensive service on Others,
ana The increasing wants of the country, have for
,hree years past carried the expenditures something
o ueyo"o 'he accrulng revenues; the excess having
'eeh met, until the past year, by the surplus which
$ nao previously accumulated. That surplus having
oeeh exhausted and the anticipated increase in the
ic'enue not having been realized owing to the de-
preston IN the commercial business of the coun
, Try, the finances of the department exhibit small
achcicncy at the close of the last fiscal year. Its
resources however, ample and the reducedrates of
compensation for the transportation service which
may be expected on the future LETTINGS from III.
general reduction OF prices, with the increase of
revenue mat may reasonably be Anticipated from
inc revival OF CONNER cal activity, must soon place
the finances of the department in prosperou.
condition.
Considering the unfavorable circumstances which
nave existed during the past year. it is gratifying
result that the revenue has not declined, as com
pared wththe preceding year, but on the contrary.
exhibits small increase, the circumstances re-.
erred to having had no other effect than to check
the expected income
1t will be seen that the postmaster general sucpe,.
yea certain improvements in the establishment dc.
signed TO reduce the weight fthe mails. cheanen
Inc transportation. ensure greater regulation in III.
service, and secure considerable reduction in tho
rn,es OF letter postaee-an object highly desirable.
ne subject is oneof general interest TO the comm.
my and Is respectfully recommended TO your con.
| sderation. '"' WV"
The suppression of the African slayc.trade b,.
received the condition Of the government. The
brig Dolphin and schooner Grampus have bccn
employed during the last season on the coost of
AFRICA Tor the purpose ofpreventing such portions NJ
mat trade as was said to be prosecuted under tho
American flag. After cruising off those par,s Of tho
coast most usually resorted to by savers, until ,bs
commencement of the rainy season, these vessels
returned to the United States for supplies and have
since been despatched on similar service.
FROM the reports of the commanding officers.
II appears that the trade is now principally carried