North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-12-10
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR

The annual Report of the Secretary of War gives
summary view of the operations of the Army during
the last year, and its Presen; condition.
The protection of our Southwestern frontier, and
Of the Mexican territory adjoining own, against
the incursions of hostile Indians, has engaged the at
tenlion of the Department. The savages are actua-
ted much by hostility to the whites as motives
of plumber. The character of the country in which
they live makes it exceedingly difficult to guard
against their ravageS pursue them to punishment
Congress having failed to provide mounted regi-
ment its lasi session, many troops adapted to
the service required could be spared from other
quarters, concentrated upon the frontier to OPP
crate against the Indians.
The Indians of California and Oregon appearing
unwarke, and comparatively harmless, the Regiment
of Mounted Rfemen was Withdrawn from the Paci-
ic, and ordered Texas. In the interval of several
months between the death of Brevet Major Samuel
Brooke, and the arrival of Brevet Major General
Smith in Texas. the command of the Department de-
volved upon Brevet Brig. Gen. Harney, who display
ed great and eecual activity in arresting the incur
sions of the Indians. With the double object of
overawing the fierce tribes occupying the northern
part of Texas, and of affordng protection to Emf
grants, chain of military posts was established on
that frontier In order to chasse and hold in check
the Indians of New Mexico, who had become ex-
ceedngly bold and troublesome, Brevet COL Sumner
was ordered to that Department, and set out in July
last with portion Of his Command expedition
into the country of the Navaios, powerful tribe
which had spread terror in Texas, New Mexico, and
known. Experience has shown that the most effec-
tua way to protect frontier settlements is to
awe the Indians by constant display Of military
force; for this reason, among others, the Military
Stations in Texas and New Mexico have been re-
moved as near possible to the frontier.
Thus the United States have endeavored to fulfil
their treaty obligations with Mexico. 1t surely new
intended That should incur the entire ex-
Pense and responsibility of defending her territory
from these nvasions. The language of the Treaty
admits of such construction; and if it did, it
would be impossible to carry it out, as We have no
right to station troops within her limits All
do is TO make common cause with her, chastse the
depredators when possible, and in treaties with them
guard Mexican interests well own. Our
efforts will be fruitess, however, unless Mexico
operates with us, for our own military movements
necessarily tend TO drive the Indians towards the
frontiers OF that country. We have brave, impetu-
ous courageous lrontiersmen to repel Indian inva-
slons our Mexican neghbors have nothing that de-
serves the name of militia, and little daring intrepid
iy. This difference in character undoubtedly tends
to lead the savages to commit their outrages upon
Mexican territory. The feebIeness of the Federal
authority of Mexico also impairs her influence among
the Indians, who know rig hit but power, nor mo-
tive other than fear of its exercise. With view to
the protection of Sonora, far possible, fort has
been established at the junction OF the ella and the
Colorado The prevailing idea that the United States
are bound to indemnify Mexican citizens for losses by
the Indians has undoubtedly led to gross exaggera
ton in accounts of the invasions.
The Indians west of the Rocky Mountains are less
warike but several outbreaks have occurred in Cali
fornia and Oregon. Treaties recently concluded, if
faithfully observed on part, will probably prevent
further trouble. It. would not be safe, however, to
rely entirely any pacific policy for the protection
of those remote regions. The entire military force
on the Pacific is only 1876 men, which is entirely in
adequate. An increase Of the rank aud lie of the In
tantry and Artillery is recommended well adj
dltiona regiment of Cavalry. The entire Army force
numbered at 10, 539, which gives effective force
OF $500 men.
The increase in the expense of supporting the Ar
my IS mentioned, and the stated. The in
crease resulting from newly acquired territory Tin
ciuaing Iexas) amounts to $4 $50, 7O7,75.
Nner an eneumeration Of measures adopted to cur
an me expenses of the Army, the result is shown
,n reduction of $l.l6l492,75. Other contempla-
'o1 ;r le'ortns require the aid of legislation.
ill., 20 iotmous expense of maintaining large por-
;e 81 tne regular army the frontier must contin-
81 "'e Iolce Is maintained. 1t is recommended
we" 10 reducing these expenditures, that the
ran;y lot regular forces be diminished by encou-
t;SS e iormauon of local militia in the frontier
tn,. ES oy distributing arms among the iuhabi-
wonId never. ne very fact that the people were armed
| "onlu lntimldate the Indians 49, .-'N'
Io.n policy and humanity require that We sbo,ld
m 10 stop Indian depredations bv conciIiatorv
ne ea"Gses, Instead of the terror of our arms S,
the iOiceo upon the savages by the advanceen, If
ilv ;s,;. upon their hunting grounds has fon.n,
nsrs sga'ed their outrages. The n a &c
POOnc domain have always acted on the