The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1845-12-09
ceire or muster in,o our service.

During the f3SI summer tne nTst icSt
mens of dragons mrde extensive excnr-
sions through the Indian country on our
borders, part of them advancing near
~ 10 the possessions OF the Hudson s
Bay Company in lhe north, and part as
far as the South Pass Of the Rocky
Mountains, and the head waters Of tfi-
butary streams of the Colorado OF the
West. The exhibition OF this military
force among the Indian tribes in those
distant regions, and the councils held
with Them by the commanders oil the ex'
peditions, il is believed, will have salu-
,ary influence in restraining them from
hostili,ies among themselves. and MAIN
,sinIng friendly relations between them
and the United States. An interesting
account of one OF these excursions ac-
companies the report of the Secretary of
War. Under the directions Of the War
Department. Brevet Captain Fremont, Of
the corps OF typographical engineers, has
been employed since l842 in exploring
the country west Of the Mississippi, and
bevond the Rocky Mountains. Two ex-
pedilious have already been brought to
close, and the reports of that scienlisic
and enterprisng officer have furnished
much Interesting and valuable informa.
ton. He is now engaged in a third ex-
pedi,on; but II is not expected tha! This
arduous service will be completed in sea-
son TO enable me 10 communicate the re-
suit 10 Congress at the present session.
Our relations with the Indian tribes
ere of favorable character. The peli-
CIV OF removing them 10 country de-
signed for their permanent residence.
west of lhe Mississippi and without the
limits of the organized States and Terri
tories, is better appreciated by them than
i, was few years ago; while education
is now attended 10, aRd the habits Of ci-
yllized life are gaining ground among
them.
Serious difficulties OF long standing
continue 10 distract the several parties
into which the Cherokees are unhapPily
divided. The efforts Of the government
10 adjust the difficulties between them
have heretofore proved unsuccessful; and
there remains no probability that this de'
sirable object can be accomplished with
out the aid Of further legislation by Con-
gress | will. at an early period Of your
session, present the subject for your con-
si6eraiion, accompanied with an expo
silion of the complaints and claims OF
the several parties into which the nation
is divided, with view 10 the adoption
Of such measures by Congress as may
enable the Executive TO do justice to
them respectively, and TO put an end, il
possible, TO the dissensions which have
long prevailed, and slill prevail, among
them.
Irefer you TO the report Of the Seere-
tary OF the Navy for the present condi
ton of that branch Of the national de.
fence; and for grave suggestions, having
for their object the increase of lis eff
cheney, and greater economy in lis
management. During the past year the
officers and men have performed their
duty in satisfactory manner. The or
6ers whlch have been given, have been
executed with promplness and fidelity.
A larger force than has often formed one
squadron under our flag was readily con.
centra,ed in the Gulf of Mexico, and,
| apparently without unusal effort. II is
especially TO be observed, that. noiwith-
standing the Union Of so considerable a
force, no acl was committed that even
the jealousy of an irritated power sould
consWue as an act Of aggression; and
that the commander of the squadron
| and his officers, in strict conformity
with ;heir instructions, holding Them
selves ever ready for the most active du
ty, have achieved the still purer glory
Of contributing 10 the preservation o.
peace. Ii is believed that at all foreign
stations the honor of our flag has been
maintained, and that generally our ships
Of war have been distinguished for their
good discipline and order, ] am happy
TO add that she display of maritime
force which was required by the event:
Of the summer, has been made wholly
within the usual appropriations for ,ht
service Of the year. so that no addition
al appropriations are required.
The commerce OF the United States
and. with it. the navigating interest. have
steadily and rapidly increased since th'
organization of our government, until i
is believed we are now second 10 but on
Power in the world. and at no distant daN
we shall probably be inferior TO nome
Exposed as they must be, it has been
wise policy TO afford 10 these imporlan
interests protection with our ships o
war, distributed in the great highway
of trade throughout the world. Fo
more than thirty years appropriation
have been made and annually expende,
for the gradual increase of our naval for
ces, In peace our navy performs tn
imporlan. duty of protecting our com
me rec, and, in the event Of war, will be
as il has been, most efficient means o