The republic., 1850-12-04
Reuort of the Secretary or War.

DOdleS mucn interesting lhIoIlHatlon, ana illdheS
many valuable suggestions concerning the mill
tary affairs of the country.
The aggregate strength of the Army, as es-
tablished by law, is twelve thousand nine hum
dred and twenty-seven officers and men. 1t is
estimated, however, that the number actually
in service and fttor duty, usually falls short of
the legal organization on an average of from
thirty to forty per cent. BY the report of the
Adjutant General, it appears that more than
one half the whole force is stationed in or un-
der orders for Texas, New Mexico, California,
and Oregon.
Owing to the large accessions recently made
to our territory and our extended frontier, the
present military establishment of the country is
considered entirely inadequate to its wants. On
this subject the Secretary refers to the report of
the General in Chief.
All the means at the disposal of the Depart
ment have been employed for the protection of
Texas and New Mexico against the Indians in
their vicinity. From the reports of the officer in
command, however, the Department is satisfied
that the force stationed on that frontier will be
entirely insufficient for its protection. The de-
tachments are necessarily posted at consider
able distance apart, and the utmost vigilance
cannot prevent bands of Indians from passing
between them and committing depredations
on the interior settlements. The only de-
scription of troops that can eifectually put a
stop to these torays is cavalry. The Indians
are invariably mounted, and are skilled in the
management of the horse. They separate into
small parties, watch a favorable opportunity
and make sudden nroads into the settlements
TO plunder or murder the inhabitants. All
the roads leading into the country are infested
by them, and they stand in little awe of
troops on foot. AS several of these tribes have
made some progress in civilization having
fixed habitations and considerable property, it
dealing with them would be to pursue them to
their homes and retalate severely upon them.
The officers in command concur in the opinion
that to enable them to do this, larger force,
particularly in mounted men, is indispehsably
necessary. Although this force will at first
be attended with an additional expenditure it
is believed that in the end economy would be
promoted by it. The supplies for the troops,
now have to be taken from the other States
and carried a great distance by land, at an
enormous cost of labor and transportation; but,
if adequate protection were afforded to the
country, its own resources would be developed,
its population would increase, smaller num-
ber of troops would be necessary, and supplies
might be furnished at n much less cost.
1t has been suggested by persons acquainted
with the country, that the inhabitants (includ-
ing the Pueblo Indians) might be organized
into a kind of militia, 50 as to render essential
aid; and the Secretary is of opinion that the
experiment is well worth making These,
however, are only temporary experiments;
other means must ultimately be employed to
restrain the Indians; and both policy and hu-
manity would seem to dictate that some sys-
TEN should be adopted whereby the whole of
this unfortunate race might be induced to aban-
don their wandering life and resort to agricul-
tural pursuits.
The regiment of mounted rilemen reached
Oregon in safety, after establishing line of
military stations along the route.
rida have abstained from all acts of hostility,
and appear to be fully satisfied of the fatality
Of prolonging a contest with the whites I'm
der these circumstances, portion of the troops
stationed there have been withdrawn, leaving
only few companies to guard against another
outbreak. No efforts will be spared to induce
these Indians to migrate to the West; for, al
though their number does not exceed one hun
dred men, they area constant source of annoy
ance to the whites in their neighborhood
II is deemed advisable that small force be
sent against the Sioux, they having attacked
the Chippewas, in violation of a treaty made
under the sanction Of the United States The
mere appearance Of this force, it is supposed
will prevent a sanguinary war.
The Board of Officers appointed to examine
our Pacific coast and to designate points for for
tiications, &C., have concluded their labors.
More detailed surveys will be necessary before
the works can be commenced.
The party despatched in lS49 to explore the
vicinity of the Great Salt Lake, have com
pleted their labors, and are now on their way
home.
party has been organized, under the com
mand of Captain SITGREAvEs, to explore por-
tons of the rivers Zuni and Colorado.
The survey of the Delta Of the Mississippi,
with view to the deepening Of the channel at
it's mouth, has been confded to Major Lose
and Captain HUMPHREYs, Of the typographical
corps. Mr.. CHARLES EG.LET, jr. has been
also employed to examine the subject and re-
port TO the Department.
To put an end to the conflict of authorities in
New Mexico, the officer in command there has
been instructed to abstain from all further in
reference in the civil and political affairs of the
country.
The Military Academy continues to sustain
its high reputation.
A retired list Of officers is recommended, +,
also the establishment Of an asylum for dI-abled
and destitute soldiers.
II is recommended that, instead Of hiring
teamsters employed in the Quartermastel S De
81 l.. f,or plictod doto xbor