The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1841-12-21
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF
WAR.
TFRoM 1.-THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE.

ment, submitted to the President by Hon. JOHN
c. SPENCER, Secretary, is marked by eminent
ability, clearness and vigor. Its length is
quite equal to that of the Presidents Message,
exceeding the capacity of our columns; while
the great variety. number and importancetof
the topics discussed, render the task of abridg-
ing it difficult one. In COMPRISING it within
our limits, we shall retain its language and ar
rangement so far as possible.
The numerical force of the U. S. Army is
as follows:
Commercial officers, .............. 72S
Monde, musicians, artiicers & privatcs, 9,966
Total, ............ 1854
OF the operations of the Army the Report
says:
On the western frontier, the Indians have
been kept from wars among themselves, and
from hostile acts against our citizens. With
the exception of some depredations alleged to
have been committed in Texas by the Caddocs,
tribe, for whose conduct that country is more
responsible than we are, the native tribes aP-
pear to be quiet, and Indicate no disposition TO
commence aggressons. On the northern
frontier, the presence Of the troops has been,
and, doubtless, will continue to be, of emnen!
service in preserving the peaceful relations of
the country with the adjacent territories OF
Great Britain.s At the northeast, the small
force stationed near the disputed boundary line,
seems required for the same purpose.
Within the year new aspect has been given
to military operations in Florida. The min.
uteness and accuracy with which they are de-
tailed in the report of the commanding General.
render any other account of them unnecessary.
1t would be unjust, however to withhold the ex-
preston of that cordial appropriation, which
is felt bv the whole country, of the gallant en-
terprise and patient endurance of the troops
and their able commander, Colonel WORTH
Overcoming the feelings which conflict with
such enemies must produce in the soldiers of
a civilized country, and consulting only the
high dictates of duty. they have persevered in
a contest, which, in the only means Of conduc-
ting it, more resembles the pursuit of wild AMI
mails, than a warfare with human beings, and
in which the triumphs of success are mingled
with pity. not far removed from contempt.
The last advices from that quarter confirm
the expectations of speedy and successful re-
suit to the campaign. All that high intelli-
gence, devoted zeal, consumate bravery, and
irrepressible energy, can contribute to that re-
suit, will continue to be exerted by the troops
and their gallant commander, for whom the
difficulties of a contest, without resemblance
in the history of war, seem to have no terrors.
The Report recommends an increase to the
Army by two new regiments.
The Secretary proceeds to consider the de-
fences the country under three distinct heads,
viz: 1. Those on our Western frontier, a.
gainst Indians 2. Those on our Northern
3. Those on our Maritime frontier.
In regard TO the defence of our Northern
frontier, the Report represents that TO their
completeness Naval forces on the Lakes are
indispensable, as well as the enlargement and
completion of our Harbors. The most impor-
tant of the straits and rivers connecting the
Great Lakes should also be fortified. 1t adds
The omissions to make the necessary appro-
priations. has prevented anything more than a
partial execution Of the plans for the defence
of the northern frontier. Fort Niagara has
been reported ready for armament, and COM
pany has been ordered to garrison it. So
much has already been done at Fort Oswego,
as to Justify the belief that, at the end of the
season, it will be in a condition for effective
service. Under the appropriations made in
September last, for the defensive works at De-
troit, Buffalo, and the outlet of Lake Cham.
plain, means have been taken to select sites
for their construction, which will be common.
ced as soon as the titles to those sites shall be
secured.
The Report continues.
third element, of great importance in the
consideration of the defences of the SCI. coast
and of the northwestern frontiers, consists in
the facility and rapidity of interior communi
cations. They are strictly means of defence.
and incapable of being perverted to any ptr
pose ofconquest a feature which commends
them to every friend of our institutions. The
facility afforded by the ocean to movements
for purposes of attack, is met by facility of
movement on land, furnished by the triumpbs
OF genus and art in the application of
steamp power, to land carriage, and in the con.
struction OF heightened lines Of canals. The
speed with which troops can be moved, obyiates
the necessity Of embodying large masses of
them at any point; and the amount of force
required for the defence of any given most
would, consequently, be diminished in propor.
ton to the reduction, in the time necessary to
concentrate it. The whole force along the
whole line NAV be rendered available for the
defence Of any point in that line; while, with
out such means Of communication, a separate
army would be required at each city, harbor,
or military post, that was to be defended
This may be illustrated by facts within the
knowledge of all. Troops may now be brought
from New York to the city of Washington in
eighteen hours, in a condition requiring little
or no repose to fit them for immediate action.
And the whole PHYSICAL force of the DoDulous
country between those points may be concen.
trated at any intermediate place in few hours
Were Philadelphia assailed or threatened,
movement of military force from Pittsburg,
winch but short time since would have occu.