Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-01-01
REpoRT or THE SECRETARY on WAR.


This document, which, in time of peace loses somewhat
items OF information which the Baltimore Sun abridges for
the convenience of its readers
The of the Adutan General represent that the
strength the Is less than the organization
latter particularly in California tending 10 the deficiency
In California the assertions in eight months equal 10
twofths of The whole number Short rlonghs were gran
ted enable P!acers, but this did
not materially remedy the evil.
The difficulty attending The enlistment Of recruits at pa
from the stations TO which trey to be appoin-
ted il proposed remedy by bounty each recruit
listed such station equal TO the cost Of transportation
and subsistence 10 be paid in instalmens increasing annu
ally the largest amount 10 be paid on discharge TO prevent
dcscriion.
Ii found impracticabc increase the rank and
lille OF certain regiments by transfers of Others from the
same arm according 10 the act of August 943 and al the
same time 10 maintain ic discipline and efficiency of the
several corps.
For the protection of lines go greatly enlarged
since the Mexican and exposed ncrsons from pre-
datoy Indians is proposed that the strength
each company the frontier be increased 10
tou privates and that part OF infantry be mounted
emergencies arise.
In relation embar.assmcnts arising from breve comms
sions s submitted whether the object in authorizing this
class of commissions is accomplished by retaining them
honorary distinctions and restricting the officers holding
them to their inca rank and pay
Exceptions 10 this rule 10 be made only when volunteers
and militia united TO the regular army when the Off
having breve commissions detailed for duty hy spe
cia assignment with difficult expensive commands in
mote departments or divisions.
To obyete the Inconvenience resulting from the position
officers holding staff commissions which confer rank il
suggested that staff officers DO required by law when serving
with oops execute according 10 their respective duties
all orders emnna,ing from tho senior officer of the line
The necessity of adopting rule for retiring disabled
officers is urged and 1t ~ proposed with view 10 justice
and proper regard the feeling of this deserving class
men, that The President be authorized retire disqualified OF
cors his discretion, with allowance equal the pay
proper of their respective rldes no officer 10 be retired
however until the Senate shall have confirmed the nomna
ton of his successor
The provision of asylum for veteran soldiers Is strongly
and properly recommended.
The Military Academy West Point is commended TO the
care and patronage of the Government.
In consequence OF tho outrages committed by the Indians
In New Mexico the commanding officer of the troops,
toned 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 aggressions of the Indians remaining Florida
rc referred together with the successful measures adopt
Oh their suppression. Propositions now before the
indians which will DO discussed in council early day.
for t6sir removal Wost of the Mississippi
The establishment of line of frontier posts in Texas had
been retarded consequence Of tho effective strength
the troon. ng reduced the ravagcs Of choa ard the
frequency of attacks h2sle bands OF Indians impressed
upon the Commanding General the necessity calling upon
tho Executive OF that State for three companies OF mounted
militia From recent pro.lers of peace from the Camanche
nation is believed that tho regular troops in that country
will be sufficient Several capros mlde by the Indians have
recovered and restored their homes in Mexico
ably the treaty with that Republic.
The establishment of military posts the route Ore
gon, delayed by Tho Iaic is in progress and is
supposed that the regiment detailed for that service has
reached It's destination.
Officers OF the Indian agents and others appoint
ed for California and New Mexico have received ranspora
ton the public expense Officers Of the subsistence de
pattmeni were ordered relieve all of distress which
they might with amongst the emgrans The route.
Examinations and surveys for the erection OF or'ilcaons
the defence of distant territories recommended
Surveys OF the Mississippi and extending 10 tho Pacific
arc now in progress.
The affirmation by Congress of the acts OF the military OFF,
GERS appointed for The collection of revenue in California up
TO time they superseded BY the Treasury officers s
recommended The officers bn required 10 account fully
for collections, ana disbursements 10 be allowed.
The state of affairs in California is referred TO- in conncc
ton with the that notwithstanding The mixed concourse
the anny aided BY the confirmed habit government in
which the American citizen is reared has protected The
ri,ories 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.