Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-01-08


full upsngs Of the people wherever they may be attempted
cannot safely estimate the force requisite carry into full
effect this plan at less than seventy thousand To
the presence OF that number in the enems country and at
places where they would be wanted would be necessary
raise much larger force. The great expense of raising
ganizng and sending to their destination large
body Of troops as needed give effect this plan,
would apPrehend bring very heavy, and perhaps embar-
RAISING, demand upon the Treasury.
''The third mode presented is my judgment, preferable
to the others Beyond certain limits admits of expansion
and contraction but as fixed condition, all held is to
be retained and part surrendered but in compliance with
treaty stpuaons This plan also contempates further
QUESTIONS extending TO other important points, less
numerous, ascircumsiances may warrant
notwithstanding our victories have fallen with crushing
weight upon the assembled armies of Mexico Of those
who hold in their hands the decision Of the question Of peace
have stood beyond the range of the physical evils inflicted by
the war; by extending the theatre OF it, and changing the
mode OF conducting it. they be made 10 feel its pressure
In consequence OF liberal aud humane policy have
yet scarcely touched the substance Of the wealthy and nu-
entail classes in Mexico As the Mexican army has long
been to them the instrument OF oppression in the hands Of
their successive rulers lis destruction has deeply enlisted
their ympahies alarmed their fears. Our army has af
forded them better protection than their and thus by
presence and our iorbarance they have within certain
limits hitherto escaped exactions om either But sue
have now opened The 10 act upon and influence
those who probably they will put end to hosties
BY making them suffer the usual caaites of they must
be made TO desire peace.
"In addition to the troops required garrison places TO be
retained, it proposed have the field competent force
for aggressive opeatons-to strike the enemy whenever he
may present vulnerable point-to open from the
ports in possession into the enemy cover
and TO subject to control of his rich mining districts
and productive agricultural regions II is deemed proper
TO point out in more detail the and objects
tempated IN the further prosecution of the upon this
plan"
Assuming that this plan Of operations recommended by the
Secretary OF War is the one-and for myself have
doubt upon that subecwe have then four great objects
in view in estimating the force to be provided for the u
| ture conduct Of the
l. The continued occupation Of the important positions
| now hold.
. The taking possession Of such other commanding points
experience may show to be proper and the circumstances
| OF the may require.
3. The preservation of the necessary communication be-
positions well ON the seacoas the capital
in other portions Of the country which may be brought into
subsection to us.
4 strong force, Independent Of what necessary for
these purposes which shall always be kept upon the alert and
ready whenever there may be any appearance Of
outbreak on the part Of the Mexican people.
The organization and maintenance of large force may be
the of rendering ib employment unnecessary 1t
much better render OPPOSITION hopeless by the display of
strength than excite it INFO action by the exhibition Of weak
and then to be compelled to resort to desperate struggles
remedy evils which ordinary prudence would have prevent
ed II is humanity al4, and owe to ourselves to
army who had done and suffered much to the enemy
and the world Remember, sir that troops three
thousand miles from home the midst OF hostile population
eight ten millions, and that by great exertons and ur-
paraleed bravery they have ucceeded in partial suugaion
Of the country. But hav right again to expose them
such pels. There vast superiority OF physical force
opposed them All experience shows that in this condition
an invaded people will suddenly break into Instructions
and sometimes display enery end courage which they fails
ed exhibit upon the battlefield. Who would weigh with
critical balance the amount of opposition we have appe-
bend and the strength IL and then coo
provide this calculated force and leave events to take of
themselves What kind of political arithmetic would that be
which would say, If many troops have done much how
many will it require to do so much trust that the
bepiy far
Upon principle which SHAH look indeed 10 results but which
shall make the most liberal arrangements for attaining them
The proceedings of this Government are as well known in
Mexico here They do not indeed travel uponthe wings
of the wind but they travel with the power of the press and
spread through the civilized world Vigorous and prompt
will produce the happies effect upon the state of things
in Mexico Nothing would conduce 10 impress upon
the people that country the necessity Of peace than unan
determination in Congess to put forth all the strength
Of the nation till it is obtained.
have caused the following abstract be prepared from the
report Of the Adutant General exhibiting the entire strength
Of present army, including regulars and volunteers
Vouneers-actua force about. $1,000
To complete the organization will require 500
twenty-five regiments of regulars; full legal
complement exclusive Of officers, %, sl4;
actual Strength. 90, -i''''
To complete the organization will require .7,2sl
1871 -
4l,52s
During the last year there recruited
For the old army ii'V.s
For the new army ...................ii,
90
Forces in the field under Gen. Scott
Regulars. ..............lf,
Volunteers ..........l oooo
80, l56
Deduct the garrsons Of Tampico and Vera Cruz l9a7
Makes for all the operations between Vera Cruz and
Mexico, including garisons together with the sick
and disabled 3o,Zo3
The returns in the djutant Generals Office
do no, show The actual distribution OF this
| force.
| Under General Taylor but temporarily COM
manded by General Wool
Regulars. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Volunteers ............... ..--...-~,''o
6,727
Under Gen. Price in New Mexico
Volunteers ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 2,SO2
| On the Oregon route, under Lieut.. Colonel
| Powell, Fort Keaney Volunteers. Az
| In California, under Colonel Mason
Regulars. ............Sio
Volunteers ........-.......... ,ooo
| l,Ol9
i
Total land force employed in the prosecution Of the wars
| Volunteers .............Zz,oz
i Aocreeate 1886