Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-12-25
SYNOPSIS oE THE REPORT OF THE SEC
RETARY OF WAR.

SYNOPSIS OF THE REPORT OF THE SEC
RETARY OF WAR.
The Secretary gives full history of the
commencement and progress of our Mexican
war operations the battles of Palo Alto, Re-
sara de Ia Palma and Monterey are narrated
then we have the termination of the armistice;
the conquest of Santa Fe and the CALIFORNIA;,
and accounts of the various movements OF the
armies Satisfactory, though not official IN
formation has been received of the taking OF
Monclova, but not Chihuahua. Gen. kear-
news detachment was expected TO reach the
Pacific about November last. TIE operations
Of Col Fremont and Com. Stockton west OF
the Rocky Mountains, are referred to with
commentator. Authentic information, but
no official report has been received of their
operations. The military force OF the Uni
ted States has been augmented from 7,64O
men to 10000 men. The duties OF the war
department have been arduous and embarras-
sing The department of Tamauhpas, and the
right bank of the Rio Grande Tor several nun
dred miles from its mouth, New Leon, Goa
hula and Chihuahua have all IN effect been
wrested from the enemy; and the Mexican
authority, civil and military, displaced IN New
Mexico and the Californias-all IN the short
space of seven months
The regular army, under the law of last SEES
sion, when filled up, would amount to 1898,
officers and men, but does not now exceed
10000 Our success in the field is attributa-
bic probably to the large number of volunteers
called out since the passage of the bill increas-
ing the army. 1t is impossible to tell the
number of troops which the exigencies of the
war may require The volunteers called out
h. orad 4 o
than justified the expectations formed of this
description of troops but it is no disparage-
ment to them to say that regular forces would
be preferred in war 10 be prosecuted in a
foreign country. Considerations of economy
are also decidedly in favor of troops engaged
to serve during the war. The Secretary is
most solicitous that this subject should receive
the attention of Congress, and that body OF
troops should be raised to take the place OF
those volunteers who will claim a discharge
at the end of their term of service.
The plan suggested by General NIacomb in
his report in 1886, is recommended now in
reference to regimental field officers Proyi
sion should be made for offences committed by
our troops, and by persons connected with tht
army. An increase Of the regular army is re
commended. The estimated appropriation
for Notifications for next year amount to S495,
600. The report then goes on 10 speak of GU
national defences; of sappers, miners and to
geographical engineers, and their present or
ganization; of the ordnance bureau being in
adequate; deficiency of the medical staff o
the army; history of operations in minera
lands the past year; number of pension agen
cies, A. exclusive of Navy pensions, an
number of pensioners about 10000. The in
dependent treasury act contemplates the EN-
pIoyment OF officers therein named as penso
agents, and renders it doubtful whether thos
hitherto employed are not suspended. H
recommends that authority be given to con
tinue the present agents at reasonable com
pensaton. Three thousand four hundred an
thirty-four Indians have been removed Yves
of the Mississippi River since last annual re
port. New treaties with the Indians are re
ferred to, and the solicltude of Government t
promote the welfare of the Indian tribes
feelingly expressed.-Erchange paper.