The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-12-08
The Report Of the Secretary OF War.

eieeeu postmaster.
The Report Of the Secretary War.
This admirable document which we hasten to lay be
fore our readers, will command and fix the public aten
ton to extent uexamped, perhaps. by any prevou
paper emanatng from the War Department OF the United
States. Written throughout with a directness and plain
ness oil manner appropriate TO strictly official bust
nesslike document. portrays the grand events which
have made the past year memorable era both in tn,
operations of that department and in the history of the
country, with condensed elearness of method and a
massive eloquence OF dction every way worthy even Of
such achievements In its comprehensive grasp of the
vastly extended military organization and movement
which have in a few months, broken the power of the
Mexican republic, this report truly and worhily reflects
the energy and reach of thought displayed by the admin
sraton in the whole victorious scheme and conduct OF
the war Commencing with brief yet most perspcu-
GUS exposition of the posture of our military affairs in
Mexico at the beginning of the present campaign after
the capture of Monterey it reces the organization of the
expedition destined to first upon Vera Cruz and
thence upon the city OF Mexico Leaving the force de-
signed for this great enterprise at their place OF rendez
vous the island of Lobos, the narrative returns to
describe and duly signalize the intermediate move
ments of General Taylors column which result
ed in the memorable battle OF Buena Vista Return
ing then TO the main line of military operations
against the heart of the enemys country, the report fol-
lows step by step, the triumphant march of the gallant
army under General Scott, from Its place of embarcaton
to the National Palace of Mexico We will not impair
and weaken these most adequate and impressive nara
lives by any attempt at abrdgment. Suffice to say
that they do noble justice to the heroism which they
describe.
The collateral expeditions against chihuahua, Santa
Fe and California, next summarily described in their
due orders their important bearing upon the results OF
the war depicted; and the signal achievements which
marked their successful progress Justly portrayed and
appreciated. With these events, and with due notice
OF some subordinate but highly honorable successes OF
our arms on the line of operations from Vera Cruz TO the
city of Mexico, the military narrative of the report con-
cludes. No reader fail to admire the clear analysis
the comprehensive arrangement, and The condensed
energy OF language by which all these gigantic enter
prises extending over half continent and stretching
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, at once marked and
appreciated in their individual character and We, blended
tremendously together parts of one and the same
system of events
Turning from the past to the future-from what has
been done to that which remains to be accomplished
report surveys the various modes of conducting the war
which present themselves to the government recommends
the plan OF active operation in the enemys country and
sums upthe strong points OF the argument its favor
with remarkable bevty yet with great completeness and
force. II is not easy to how any candid Judgment
keeping in view the only object of the warndemnty to
be secured by just and speedy treaty of peacecan re-
,sist the conclusions of the report on this point
Our readers will fail to remark the number and va
riety of other important topics which the report embraces
in s statements and discussions. The estimate and
proposed organization of the additional force needed for
the war; the supervision of Indian policy itself an
extensive and complicated system the affairs and ope
ratons of all the bureaus attached 10 the general
staff OF the army and OF course under the regulation of
the War Department; the establishment and maintenance
OF our long line Of military posts from the Mississippi
and the superintendent of the general system of forti
cations along inland frontier on the lakes and on the
seacoastall these important Objects forming part OF the
business of the War Department SO enumerated and
discussed in the report to show that under the
pressure and responsibility OF organizing great military
operations involving the rights and character of the
country, and crewnng American arms with the glory of
unexamped succession OF Victories the Secretary has
yet neither failed neglected 10 comprehend and master
them in all their complicated details.
We commend this most able exposition of the ope
rations of the War Department to the public attention
to command high respect for the distinguished
ability and energy which have been displayed during the
past year this important and arduous branch Of
the public service.