The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-12-23
REPORTS OF THE DEPARTMENTS.

pors al length. but We have selee,.d the (ol.
lowing abstracts oi their contents. which give
a summary view OF the most in,eyes,ior nor.
tions Of them.
REPORT OF TIE SECRETARY OF WAR
From the Boston Post.
The Secretary recommends that, in lime nj
re1er, Tire army. with the excep;sn 81 ths
troops necessary for garrsouing the frou,i.,
posts, should be divided into two grand divisions
TO be stationed at central points from which
easy lines oi communication radia,e to every
pari OF The country, so that when danger threat
ened, troops could be at once despatched. in
sufficient numbers, TO the places most exposed.
! The positions which seem most favorable are.
ior The northern frontier. one near A lbany and
Tor the western, one nsar 81. Louis. For the
defence OF the maritime frontier al the Gulf of
Mexico, the establishment of n drpot some
whrre below The fails Of Tire Ohio. for armed
steam vessels. Is recommended. These steam
ers 10 be constructed OF iron, and Of such Iipbt
draft that they at all times cross he bars of
the Mississippi. They would furnish, Mr..
Poinselt thinks, the best means Of bringing
The vast power of the Upper country TO the de-
fence Of the coast, and OF using ii. when there,
I IN the most efficient manner In addition tn
these vessels, and the permanent Notifications
OF the different h7rbOrs, movable steam batter
les are recommended, which should hg vcssety
of light draught, capable of carrying two guns
! for throwing shells of ght inches in diameter.
and so constructed as to present a small sur
lace 10 the fire OF the enemy. The cxperi-
menls made for the purpose of testing the prac-
liicabi'iiy OF making guns of this description
nave been attended with the most satisfactory
results. and their introduction into the service
is recommended. IL is also recommended IN
substitute percussion locks for the flint locks
now used on muskets.
The establishment Of a national foundry -
strongly urged. The establishment Of a corps
ot sapptrs and miners; the separation of the
staff officers from the line of the army and
the extension Of the apprenticeship system,
which Is SO successfully in operation in the
naval service, SO as TO embrace the army and
ordnance corps, are also recommended.
The number Of Indians removed beyond the
Mississippi during the last four years, is nearly
ioriy-one thousand, and their situation in their
new homes is altogether preferable to what it
was previous to their removal. Schools have
been established among them for instruction in
the common branches Of learning. and il is pro-
posed TO establish academies Of hig her order at
suitable points.
Some additional works are recommended on
the Canada frontier, among which are the cree
ton Of barracks at Spring Wells. near Detroit,
and at position between Buffalo and Black
Rock, in the State Of New York and also a
suon. work AT The outlet of Lake Champlain.
Ga the northeastern frontier. it is advised
that new works be erected, ill The boundary
question is settled with the exception Of bar
racks at the junrture OF the NIaitaw wanIheag and
Penobscot rivers. The whole Of our coast,
from Passamaqunddy bay to the Sabine river.
when not defended by nature. is exposed to be
invaded with ,mpunity. and the report of last
year is referred to for plan of defence.
The state Of the military academy is favorably
noticed and it is believed that the standard OF
discipline, morality, and religion. a, this lnsi-
tuition, is equal to that of any other college or
academy in the United States.
The situation OF the army 10 Florida, and the
progress made towards bringing the war to u
termination are noticed and suggestions made
,by which it is thought that end can be promo
ited-one of which is the extension Of the term
for which enstmenis of the militia are made.
The number of regular troops in Florida is,
$500, and the number of militia is about 5000.
The number Of pensioners of every descrp-
ton now on the rolls. except those paid out of
the navy pension fund, is stated at forty -four
thousand three hundred and forty -four, Of
which two thousand and seventy two have been
admitted during the last yeay. The number OF
pensioners who are known TO have died during
the year is sixteen hundred and five, but, from
the number Of unclaimed pensions, it is sup
posed TO be much larger. The total sun.
drawn from the Treasury during the year. to
pay pensions, is S2,0l8,G63, exclusive of navy
pensions
From the Boston Times.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF
THE NAVY.
The report is short, and states in as few word
rs possible. the present condition of the Navy
lis operations during the year, with some sug
se.tions for its future conduct:
: Our squadron in the Mediterranean consists
of ,he OHIO -, the Brandywine FIRST class lris
aic,) and the Cyane sloop Of war--ihe who'll
under the command of Commodore Isaac Hull
The squadron on the Pacific station is com
, posed OF the frgate Consultation, the, sl0op OF
war ST. Louis. and the schooner Shark. under
Commodore Claxton. The sloop lorkiowu
and Dale are on the eve of sailing 10 the Pacific
; to take ,hc place OF the Enterprise. the Lex
ingion and the Falmouth, which have return
cd to the United States.
The SQUADRON on the coast Of Rrazil under
Commodore Charles q. Rdgiey, now consiis
Of the Potomac. first class trigatc, the sloop OF
war Decatur aud Marion, and the schooner En-
, 'errrise.
O.ing to the difficulties between the French
and Buenos Ayres, the sloop of-war Concord is
= abont to sail for that country.
e Our force on the West India station and IN
:, the GuH OF Mexico, under the command oi
Commodore Wilkinson, now consists oi tue
Macedonian irigate and the sloops Of war Le'
want and Warren. which force is deemed sum
n eien, Tor the protection Of our interests IN 'ha'
d quarter in the present state OF things.
The Two vessels employed in a cruise III me
Indian and Chinese seas, under the eoh,'n""u ~
of Com. Read. having returned the
u Constellation and slOop-oi-"ar po''"'
sailed for that station!
- The movemcn,s and success Of the Esplor,
!" i,r Expedition are stated. aud the conduct Of
I'ssn,. WiIhr, a. we'll as OF the nien under his
.e command duly applauded.