Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1841-01-05
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
ON TUAn

OF WAR. .%
Among all the messages and reports
that have been published, we find no one
that surpasses that Of Mr.. Poinsett, in
the lucid, practical, and comprehensive
manner in which it is written, or tho
soundness Of the views which it contains.
Much Of tits ofcourse given to details Of
military operation during the past year,
in Florida and on the frontiers, with all
Of which our readers have been kept SO
fully advised that il is unnecessary forus
to repeat them.
Several important suggestions are
made, which are evidently the result Of
careful examination and profound reflec-
tion. The concentration Of the troops at
proper points as far as practicable, and
the disciplining Of recruits at depots es-
tablished for their reception, before send
ing them into the service, are urged as
essential to the economical management
and the efficiency of our little army
Central positions should be selected for
the regular forces, from which they could
move upon any point Of attack or defenceS
and such an organization of the vOlun-.
teer ormilitia forces adopted as would
enable them to maintain the posts intrus-
ted TO their charge until relieved by tho
regular troops; asystem which ought to
be matured in time Of peace. s.,,.
The chief and best position for the con-
centratiOn Of troops, independently ofthe
regimental rendezvous, is, for the North
ern frontier, near Albany, in the State Of
New York and near ST.. Louis, in Mis-
souri,, for the WestsTn--points from
which easy communications radiate to
every part Of those extensive lines Of do
fence, and whence troops may be- trans
ported with certainty and Tapidiiy Wherey-
CT their presence may be required. ..s
For the maritime frontier OGthe Gulf
of Mexico, the Secretary recommends in
addition to the permanent fortifcatiOns
planned for its defence, and now being
erected, the establishment of depot
somewhere below the falls Of the Ohio,
for armed sea steam-vessels. This would
seem to furnish the best means Of bring
ing the vast power Of the upper country
to the defence Of the coast, and using H.
when there, in The most efficient manner.
A certain number Of vessels Of war might
be kept in constant readiness, strong
enough TO carry good battery, and light
enough to descend the river at all sea-
sons, and 10 cross the bars Of the Missis-
sIpPi.
II is also strongly recommended to-
continue our system of permanent mari
time works of defence. These are rem
dered more than ever necessary BY the
facility with which our coasts and hdE-
bOrs may be entered by steam vessels Of
war. Light immoyeable steam batteries,
SO constructed as TO present small sur.
face to the FIRE of an enemy are also inn,
pOrtant in our system Of coast defence.
A great many practical improvements
are recommended in reference TO foFti6-
cations, equiping, lodging, victualiOg and
paying soldiers. The science Of war has
kept pace with other sciences in disCoVe-
ries aud improvements. Every effort has
been made to obtain The advantages Ofall
these. Officers have been sent TO Eu-
rope and have been received with great
ciVility, especially in Frances where priv
ileges were allowed to our eountFymen at
the military schools not usually granted
to foreigners.
The Military Academy at West Point,
which has owed much to the efficient and
mnricbt management Of MF, POinsett, is
warmly commended ~ having been con-
dnctsd ID manner highly creditsbls to
.ho Superintendent. Every effort has
baen made to eRfores. discipline, and 10
instil into the minds Of the cadets love
~ order and high sense OF their moral
and religious duties; and it 10 believed
that the standard Of discipline, morality,
and religion, at this institution, Is equal
TO chat Of any other college or academy
in the United States; while the mathe-
maiical and military studies, - far as the
theory is concerned, are as complete as
those taught in any school il AmericaOr.
Europe. a
The operations Of the corps Of TOpO-
graphical Engineers---the condition of-
the defsncss On The disputed teFritogy--~-
the progress Of the war in FIorida-lhe
removal Of the Indians-lh prospects,
and condition ct their new home--tha
necessity loraddilional forces On the wea-
tern frontieE--the subject &c psnsiOns,
and indeed al the imporisAt interests
CONNECTED with the war departEnent are
very clearly sol forth and ably discussed
The revolutionary pensiOnersl itiaAtated