The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-12-27
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
OF WAR.

We present below, an abstract OF
the report of the Secretary of War;
1t exhibits, in the first instance, the
organization, strength, and constitution
of the regular army. The rank and
file-embracing every arm of the SER
vice-.does not exceed $500 men. At
this time, there is sta ationed but single
regiment on the whole northern from
tier, from Name to Lake Superior; an
extent of two thousand miles; and on
the whole line, from the Falls Of St.
Anthony to New Orleans, Fifteen hun
dred miles, only one regiment Of dra-
goons and two of infantry. The ar
tillery regiments, reduced by detach-
menis of four companies from each,
now garrison the Notifications of the
seaboard from Newport to New Or
leans. The remaining and larger pro-
portion of the army is now stationed
in Texas. The report gives an inter-
esting account of the political reasons
which have induced the government to
give them this destination. The Sec
retary does not think it prudent to re-
move the troops from this position un-
til our relations with Mexico have as
sume6 more decidedly amicable char
acter. In the event of there being any
necessity to increase the army, he
proposes to build upon the basis Of the
regiments, by adding to the rank and
file Of each company, instead of Great
ing new regiments. This necessity
may be found in the course of Mexico,
or in the conduct ofthe Camanches, or
OF the Indians that are found in Oregon,
or that may interrupt the increasing
current Of emigration to the Rocky
Mountains. BY the proposed arrange
ment of filling up the infantry COM
panies to sixty-eight men, and the dra-
goons to sixty, the privates are ncreas-
ed without corresponding augmenta-
ton Of the officers.
The report suggests that. besides
this increase Of the number Of privates
in two existing regiments of dragons,
another regiment of dragons or of
mounted rihemen may be necessary, in
the event of extending our posts TO the
Rocky Mountains.
1t states that, though the concentra-
ton of so large proportion of the ar
my on the frontier ofTexas, may have
in some measure, enlarged the expen-
ditures, Certainly in the article of
transportation yet it has, in some de-
gree been compensated by the improve
ment which has taken place in the dis
cipline of the troops. 1t renews the re-
commentator for establishing corps
of sappers, miners, and pontoniers, to
assist, among other things, in construct
ing bridges, in consequence OF the mill
tary occupation Of Texas. One hun
dred men will bo sufficient for the pur-
pose.
The report gives rapid but inter-
esting account of Col. Kearney's expe-
ditlon, during the last summer, to the
Soutl,f Pass Of the Rocky Mountains;
the impression it produced among the
Indians; the number ofemigrants whom
it met on their way to Oregon, to the
number Of 1895 men, women and chill
dren, with 1000 head of cattle, 400
horses and mules, and 4So wagons
This report ofCol. Kearney accompa-
Mes the communication of the COM
Imaaaing general, and will furnish, no
doubt, an interesting store Of extracts,
AT a season of greater leisure. II also
refers to the adventures of another de-
tachnent of the Dragons, under tile
command Of Captain Summer, nearly
TO the northern line Of the United
States, between Lake Superior and
The Lake of the Weeds. Among the