Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-08
9nblit 4otamfnt.
Report Of the secretary Of war.

earl and 10 lay before you the reports OF the
General and Of the Heads of the
eyeral Bureaus OF the War Department.
The authorized strength Of the army, las now
'osted) is 1926 officers and men, but the accom-
,anying tables, prepared in the Adjuant Generals
,ce show that at the date of the last returns tho
actual strength was only l0,7i5. This difference,
however, between the authorized and actual
strength ofthe army is fast disappearing under the
operation Of the law Of the 4th OF August last TO
increase the pay Of the rank and file Of the army
and 10 encourage enlistmenis.
The general distribution of tie army is nearly
the same as shown in my last report The most
important changes win be briefly noticed. The Sd
Artillery has been reorganized since the wreck of
the steamer San Francisco, and six companies
sent 10 the Pacific, UiG the lsthmus of Panama.
Two OF the companies of that regiment and a de-
of recruits for companies of dragons
serving in the department of the Pacific have been
sent by the overland route, for the purpose of ex-
ercisng salutary influence over the Indians in
habting the country through which they will pass
and holding 10 account the tribe implicated in the
massacre of Capt. Gunnison's party. They will
winter in the Great Salt Lake Valley and proceed
to their destination in the spring. Six companies
ofihe ID Infantry have been recognized and all are
now posted in the Department of the West The
remaining companies of that regiment will be
sent 10 the same department as soon as their or
ganization is completed. The 9th infantry has
been ordered 10 the Department of the Pacific
Six companies Of the regiment are concentrated
at Jefferson Barracks by way of the Isthmus, and
Two others, which were also under orders for
Jefferson Barracks, have been sent to Fort Lara
mic in consequence of the difficulties that re-
Gently occurred in that vicinity. The remaining
companies now at Forts Kearney and and Lara
ME will be sent 10 their destination next spring
by the overland routes, if continuation of the
Indian difficulties in that quarter should not inter-
fere with this intention. The headquarters and
Two companies of the LIST dragons have been
sfa he napa rffrap IF
and replaced in the Department Of the West by
four companies Of the I'd dragons from New
Mexico. The troops on the Indian frontier Of
Florida have recently been reinforced by two
companies of artillery, drawn from the Atlantic
coast Some other changes ofminor importance
have, also been made with view Of effecting a
greater concentration of the troops.
The removal from Florida Of the remnant of the
Seminole tribe, who, in violation of the treaty,
have continued 10 occupy the southern part OF
the Department; but, from peculiar circumstances,
the efforts directed TO this object have been at
tended with but little success. II is, however,
believed that better results may be anticipated in
the ensuing year. The troops have taken line
Of observation which greatly contracts the limits
Of the territory occupied by the Indians; and il is
proposed 10 make expeditions through the region
where they have hitherto remained securely con-
csaled. BY opening roads and by the use of boats
adapted TO the navigation OF the lakes, swamps.
and bayous, which have heretofore enabled them
10 elude pursuit. Including a small steamer, re-
commended by the Quartermaster General,) the
Department expects to acquire an accurate know
ledge of the country and TO impress them with
the conviction of their inability 10 escape from or
resist the power of the United States. Measures
have been taken TO cut off their trade and TO make
them feel the great Inconvenience which will al
tend an attitude Of defiance on their part towards
this government. BY these means il is hoped
the Indians may be peaceably removed 10 the home
provided for them west of The Mississippi, and
the claim Of Florida 10 be relieved from their
presence be speedily answered. Should this hope
not be fulfilled, The measures above referred 10
are the proper and most efficient steps prelimi-
nary 10 active operations for their removal by
force.
In the other military departments the Indians
have repeatedly come into collision with our
troops. Depredations upon our frontier inhabt-
ants and upon emigrants passing through the
Indian country have been, and are still, of fire.
quent occurrence. In the Department of the
West besides the depredations committed by
smaller tribes, hostilities have occurred with the
Sioux Indians, the most powerful and warlike tribe
OF the Northwest. In Texas they have been 50
frequent and OF so threatening character, that
Il was considered necessary 10 authorize the com.
mander Of that department 10 call upon the Gov
ernor Of that State, from time TO time, as exgen-
cies might arise, for such volunteer force might
be required 10 repel Indian ineursions In New
Mexico serious hostlitles were repressed by the
prompt and energetic action Of the troops en-
ployed there, but depredations upon the inhabi-
tants still oi occasional occurrence; and in the
Department Of the Pacific outrsges of the most
revolving character have recently been perpe-
lraied on parties OF emigrants on their way 10
California and Oregon. To repress such disor-
derr, the troops have been actively and constantly
employed; and in the arduous and harassing du-
lies that have devolved on them, have exhibited a
gaantry, zeal, and devotion that merit the favor
aofia If sh ami Left ia nj
these operations will be found in the report trans
mitted herewith.
During the past year, the Sioux Indians have
committed many deprcdations upon the property
Of the emigrsnis passing For Laramie, on their
route 90 Oregon and Utah. On the 10Th Of Au-
gust, Lieutenant Grsttan, of the sixth infantry.
was sent, by the commander Of that post, with
thirty men, 10 arrest an offender. This entire de-
tachment was massacred by the Indians, with the
exception Of one man, who escaped severely
wounded, and subsequently died. The circum-
stances of this affair were al first involved in
much obscurty, but authentic details have since
proved that the massacre was the resnlt Of de-
hbcrately formed plan, prompted by knowledge
efthe weakness OF the garrison AT Fort Laramie.
by the temptation TO plumber the large quantity oi
public and private stores accumulated AT and near
that post The plumber Of the Indians engaged in
lhis affair was between l. 500 and 1000.
regret that il has not been in the power OF the
Department 20 concentrate the troops in sufficient
force 10 prevent and IN all cases. 10 punish these
disorders The circumstances ofthe service have
been such, and the want ofatroops in oil sections
of the country 80 great, that The concentration
would have exposed portions Of the frontier 10
Indian hosiihties without any protection what
ever. Every favorable opportunity will be taken
90 post the troops in commanding positions from
which they can exercise supervision Of the In
dian country and operate 10 the best advantage.
The events OF the past year have furnished many
examples OF the ineficieney Of small posts Our
entire loss in the several actions with the Indians
during the year has been four officers and sixty
three men killed, and four officers and fory-two
men wounded.
While the occurrences on our frontier, and In
the indian territory present gratifying evidences
OF the zeal and devotion Of the troops. they also
furnish depIorable proofs Of the insuficiency Of
our military force, and the absolute necessity Of
the increase, which il was my duty TO urge in my
last annual report. again solicit attention TO
this subiect, and In doing must repeat, 10 some
extent, what was then urged.
For military purposes, the territory ofthe Uni.
ted States lie divided into five geographical com
mands.
1. The Department Of the EAT, embracing all
the country east Of the Mississippi river. This
department has $500 miles Of sea-board, 1900
miles Of foreign, and about 200 miles Of Indian
frontier. Ofthe fifty permanent fortifcations and
barracks on the Lake, Atlantic and Gulf coasts