Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-12-28
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR

This document would have taken pleasure in
transferring to our columns had it not been for its
mordnac length. As il is. our readers mus, be con.
tent with the following analysis Troy Wing
The army now consists of l069i troops and re-
quiros lS3s recruits to complete its organization -
During the last year 1922 men have been recruited
The number of desertcrs has diminished during the
last year Three thousand five hundred troops are
employed in Florida
On the western frontier the Indians are quiet -
On the northern frontier, the presence of the troops
has been, and, doubtless viii continue to be- of emf
nent service in preserving the peaceful relations of
the country with the adjacent territories of Great
Britain. At the northeast, the small force stationed
near the disputed boundary line seems required for
the same purpose
Within a year new aspect has been given to the
military operations in Florida The minuicnaso and
accuracy with which they arc dai"ii'd IN the report
of the Commanding General, render any other ac-
! uU,nn OF tncm unnecessary II would be unjust
however 10 withhold the expression of that cordial
appreciation, which is f 1t by this Department and
il is believed by the whole country of the gallant
enterprise and patient endurance of the troops and
their able Commander Colonel Worth Ovcrcom.
ing the feelings which a contest with such enemies
produce IN the soldiers Of civilized country
and consulting only the high dictates Of duty they
! have pcTscyered IN contest which, in the only
means Of conducting II. more resembles the pursuit
| of animals than a warfare with human beings and
! in which the trumphs Of success are mingled with
pity. not far removed from contempt. for an inglori-
Gus foe
The las, advicos from that quarter confirm the ex-
pectaiions Of speedy and successful result 10 the
campaign All that high Intelligence. devoted zeal
consummatc bravery, and rrcprssible energy. can
contribute that result will continue be exerted
by the troops AMI their gallant commander for whom
the difficulties Of contest without resemblance in
the history Of war, seem 10 have no tcrrors
/ The Suggestions Ia tho SINE report Of the com
handing General respecting officers holding ap
pontmens at tho same time both in the line and IL
the staff with the right OF promotion IN each and r.
spcc,ing the inequality Of pay bawcen officers Of th'
same grade m the different branches Of service ar,
worthy of great consideration emanaiing as they d.
from long e1VcriOnce tho result of intelligent an.
dis.nlercsee OBJ, rva,i1n AMI the recommendation
ofthc prcsfn, Gcnerlin. Chief conrurring with thas
of his lim.ut-l AMI Distinguished predecessor, in r.
ialim 10 pensions viii doubtless attract the attention
OF Congress 10 that subject
An increase Of the army by two regiments is 70
commando
The Secretary also rcromman ds the csiablishmeu
IL llne Of posts from Council Bluffs 10 th- molrl
az Columbia Uyer, - a. 90 comm1ni the avenues h'
which th, Indians pas from the North % the SJltl
and al The same time maintain communication vil
the ierrtores hel1neng 10 us on the Pacific
Nnh regard 10 ia Northern frontier the TePor
holds The following lahEaAgc
The defence On ne northern frontier VIII necf"a
rly b. Of d.f-res.i chara-eT from iaJsc ALREADY
ooosssesea, a hey aax be desagas4 iof W0soe,lOI