Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-12-31
RT OF TIIE SECRETARY OF WAR

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
This document, Which, in a time of peace, loses
somewhat of the Universally of its interest, has,
nevertheless, soneitems of information which the
Baltimore Sun abriages for the convenience OF its
readers
The returns of the Adutant General represent
that the present strength of The army is less than
/ the organization provided bylaw; the discharges,
deaths and desertions, the latter particularly in
California tending to the deficiency In Califor-
MIA the deserons in eight months were equal to
two-fiths of the whole number Short furloughs
were granted to enable he troops to work at the
Placers, but this did not lhsfssially remedy the
evil.
The difficulty attending the enlistn1ent~e re-
cruits at places remote from the stations to which
they to be appointed, it is proposed to remedy
| by bounty to each recruit enlisted near such
station equal to the cost OF transportation and sub
sistence, to be paid in nstalments increasing, an
nuav the largest amount to be paid on discharge,
| TO prevent desertion.
! 1t has been found impractlcabe to increase the
rank and file of certain regiments by transfers OF
| others from the same ARM according to the act OF
/ August l84S, and at the same time to MAINTAIN
the discipline and efficiency of the several corps
For the protection of our frontier lines, so great
Nv enlarged since the Mexican war, and exposed
to incursons from predatory Indians, 1t is proposed
that the numerical strength of each company on
the Western frontier be increased to seventy-tour
privates, and that part of infantry be mounted as
emergencies arise
| In relation to embarassments arising from bre-
vet commissions, it is submitted whether the OBJ
iect, in authorsing this class of commissions, is
not accomplished by retaining them aa honorary
distinctions, and restricting the officers holding
them to their lineal rank and pay.
| Exceptions to this rule to be made only when
| volunteers and militia are united to the regular
army, or when the officers having brevet commits
sons are detailed for duty by special assignment,
| with difficult or expensive commands In remote de-
partments or divisions
TO obviate the inconvenience resulting from the
position of officers holding staff commissions which
confer rank, it is suggested that staff officers be
required, by law, when serving with troops, to ex-
ecute, according to their respective duties, all or
ders ernanatng from the senior officer of the line
The necessity of adopting some rule for retiring
disabled officers is urged and it is proposed, with
view to justice, and proper regard to the feel
ing of this deserving class of men, thatthe Presi-
dent be authorized to retire disqualified officers
at his discretion, with an allowance equal to the
pay proper of their respective grades; no officer
to be retired however, until the Senate shall have
l confirmed the nomination OF his successor
The provision OF an asylum for veteran soldiers
is strongly and properly recommended.
The Military Academy at West Point, is COM
mended to the care and patronage of the govern
| ment.
In consequence of the outrages committed by
the Indians in New Mexico, the commanding Of
fcer of the troops, stationed in that territory has
called into service an auxiliary volunteer force !;
four companies being engaged for six months
and distributed for the protection of the lives and
| property of the inhabitants.
The late aggressons of the Indians remaining
in Florida are referred to, together with the sue
cessful measures adopted for their suppression.-
Propositions are now before the Indians, which
will be discussed in council, at an early day. for
their removal West of the Mississippi
The establishment of line of frontier posts in
Texas had been retarded in consequence of the
effective strength of the troops being reduced ny
the ravages of cholera; and the frequency of at
tacks from hostile bands of Indians, impressed
upon the Commanding General the necessity of
calling upon the Executive of that State for three
companies of mounted militia. From recent prof
fers of peace from the Camanche nation, it is be-
eyed that the regular troops in that country will
be sufficient. Several captlves made by the In
4 aa ans have been recovered, and restored so their
homes in Mexico, agreeably to the treaty with
f that Republic.
The establishment of military posts on the route
to Oregon, delayed by the late war, is now in pro-
gress and it is supposed that the regiment detailed
J for that service has reached its destination.
Officers of the customs, Indian agents, and
others appointed for California and New Mexico,
have received transportation at the public expense.
, Officers Of the subsistence department were Or
dered to relieve all cases of distress which they
! might meet with amongst the emigrants on the
route.
Examinations and surveys for the erection of
Notifications for the defence OF our distant terri
!, tories are recommended. Surveys west of the
Mississippi and extending to the Pacific are now
in progress.
The affirmation by Congress Of the acts of the
military officers appointed for the collection OF re-
venue in California, up to the time they were su-
perseded by the Treasury officers, is recommend
ed. The officers to be required to account fully
for collections, and disbursements to be allowed.
The state of affairs in California is referred to,
e in connection with the fact that, Notwithstanding
the mixed concourse of foreign emigrants, and
: the peculiar nature of their pursuit. the army, aid
= ed BY the confirmed habit of self-government, in
which the American citZenis reared, has protected
the territories from general or unusual disorders,
The report concludes with the remark that the
duties of the several bureaus of military service
have been performed with accustomed fidelity, zeal
and ability.
CENTRAL AMERICA
The New York Tribune pretaces the impor-