Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-01-18

mems. save OuI lO""N'
Bile of readiug through columns OF The
LONG document, which are reported by
the different department, we condesne
the points of The public documents.
The Secretary Of the War Depart
ment. Hon. JOHN G. SPENCER, states
that the Army of the United States is
constituted:
commissioned officers, 72s
Non. do. musicians, artifcers and pri'vts, 1860
Total 1854
Increase from the report Of 1s4O, I2l
Reported rs present, or on duty, 9,Ss:
Absent or SICK, S11
Absent ON detached service, Az
Needed to complete the army, 1S3S
Recruited during the past year, 4922
In florida 5000 men are employed.
There are troops onthe northern from
tier, and il will no doubt be necessary
to continue the presence oflroops there.
A small force is in the northeast, near
the disputed boundary.
Ii is recommended to increase the
army by two new regiments.
II is estimated that the Indians on
our Western frontier, could bring from
10000 to 10000 warriors into the
field. From the intimacy that sub
sists between them and the traders and
emissaries Of foreign nations, it is
thought indispensable that a chain of
posts should be established, extending
from the council bluffs to the mouth OF
the Columbia river, so as to command
the avenues by which the Indians pass
from north to south; at the same time
maintain a communication with the
territories belonging to US on the Pa
cifc.
In regard to our northern frontier
and its defence, naval forces on the
Lakes, aud the enlargement and COM
petion Of our harbours are urged as
indispensable. And for the defence of
the maralime frontier, an extension of
iortiGcations, aided 10y an augmenta-
ton Of proper naval force, may be re-
garded "a settled policy.
In notifications along our coast,
about Sli,O0O,O0O have been expen-
ded, and 100000 more, it is thought,
will finish all but those Of minor i'm
Portluce. The report urges the spec
dy completion Of these works.
The facilities for transportation by
railroads and canals, the Secretary
thinks would make an aggregate OF
saving; in any future war in which we
may be engaged, in the comparatively
small amount Of military force that viii
be necessary for defence, and in TIE
cheapness Of transportation, quite
equal TO the cost Of their construe-
t0n.
The report recommends the estab-
ljshment ola National i oundry-and a
depot flr powder not wanted for i'm
mediate uses.
The Secretary urges the immediate
establishment Of a military rold within
our acknowledged limits, to supply
subsistence and other stores to forts
Kent and Fairfield, in the State oil
Maine Circumstances of a peculiar
character seem to demand that no time
should be lost in the commencement
Of this work. Also, the establishment
OF strong fort, commanding commu'
ncaton with Lake Superior-a pos
on the Missouri frontier, south OF For
LeavenworIh-and likewise to CON
struction of permanent works on the
Peninsula Of Florida.
The labors Of the Board Of Topo
graphical Engineers have been active
Iy engaged. The boundary line be.
tween this country and Texas from
the mouth Of the Sabine to Red River
Of the mouth Of the Savanna. Of the
Des Moines and Iowa rivers, and o
the most difficult part ofthe boundary
between Michigan and Wisconsin, have
this year been completed. The sur
yeys of the Lakes and the North Eas
TEN Boundary are in progress. Tn,
Preparations for the removal Of til,
lied River Raft are nearly completed
and the work will speedily be prosecu
ted with vigor.
The total estimate for the construc
ton Of works OF great importance, i'm
Provements Of harbors, Sc, is 60O,OOl
dollrrs.
The revolutionary pensioners ar
rapidly diminishing. The acts gran
ung bountes for services during lha
war, have expired.
The Island at the confluence o
the - Peters and Mississippi rivers
has been purchased by the Govern
ment Tor $4,000, for military purpo
ses.
A Board consisting of Brig. Gen
Amistead, Lieut.. Col. Long. ano Sur
geon Lawson, is now engaged in selec
ting site for a National Armory o.
the Western waters.
In conclusion, it my be observed
mat the whole spirit of the report ur
ge3 the necessity Of pTomptness in pre-
W,dIng for our various defences, undC
We lull belief Of the Secretary that OF
leldtlnnS, both domestic and foreiUn 4