The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-12-11
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF
WAR
WAR DEPARTMENT. Dec. /, 1871.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Dec. /, 1871.
Sir The reports of the Major General command
ing the Army and Of the Heads of the different Blu
reaus, attached TO this Department upon the several
subjects committed TO its charge, are herewith sub
mitted
The accuracy of the information, and the fulness of
the views thus ex hibed, will render superfuous any
extended observations om one but recently called to
the consideration Of the various matters well pre-
scented by officers of great experience and acknowl-
edged ability. Such remarks, however, as seem re-
CURED will be made in the course of the following
statement of the general results derived from these
reports.
From the general return of the Army, contained in
the report Of he Major General comma nding in chief,
it appears that the whole number Of troops in ser
vice, is len thousand six hundred and ninety four
consisting of seven hundred and twenty eight com
missoned officers and nine thousand hundred
and sixty.sx commss oned officers, musicians,
and privates. The aggregate exceeds the number
specified in the report of 1910, by hundred and
twenty four o. the whole number, nine thousand
eight hundred and eightytwo reported present.
and the residue, eight hundred and twelve are absen,
sick; of whom four hundred and forty seven
absent detached service. To complete the organ-
zaon ofthe Army, eighteen hundred and thirty eight
recruits are required.
During the past year the whole number recruited
was four thousand nine hundred and twenty-five.
II is gratifying to find that the number of descers
within the year. compared with the number enlisted
has largely diminished.
The disposition OF the troops intended Tor the pro-
lection Of inland frontiers and for garrsonng the
forts on the Atlantic, is given in the report.
The residue Of the Army, consisting at the last
turns Of about three thousand five hundred men, but
which is now or will be, reduced soon to three thou
sand is employed in the protection OF the inhabitants
Of Florida and in the offensive operations carried on
in that Territory.
On the western frontier, the Indians have been kept
from among themselves, and from hostile acts
against citizens. With the exception of some
depredations alleged to have been committed in Texas
by the Caddoes, tribe for whose conduct hat
try is responsible than are, the native tribes
appear to be quiet, and indicate disposition TO com
mence aggressions. On the northern frontier, the
presence OF the troops has been and, doubtless will
continue to be- of eminent service in preserving the
peaceful relations of the country with the adjacent ter
rtories Of Great Britain AT the northeast the small
force stationed the disputed boundary line
required for the same purpose.
Within theyear new aspect has been given to the
military operations in Florida. The minuteness and
accuracy with which they detailed in the report OF
the Commanding General, render any other accoun,
of them unnecessary. Il would be unjust, however,
to withhold the expression of that cordial appreciation
which is felt by this Department, and 1t Is believed
| by the whole country, OF the gallant enterprise and
patient endurance of the troops and their able Com
| pander Colonel Worth Overcoming the feelings
| which a contest with such enemies must produce IL
the soldiers of civilized country, and consulting on
ly the high dictates of duty they have persevered in