New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-12-09
SYNOPSIS OF OFFICIAL REPORTS.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
The authorized strength of the Army, as now post
ed il IL 2l6, officers and men, but the accompanying
tables prepared IN the Aduant- Generals ONCE snow
that at the date OF the last returns t5e actual strength
was only l0,745. This difference, however between
the authorized and actual strength OF the Army is
fast disappearing under the operation OF the law of the
4b Of August last, to increase the pay OF the rank
and file of the Army, and to encourage enlistments
The general distribution of the Army is nearly the
same IA shown In my last Report. The most impor
tant changes will be briefly noticed, The 80 Art-
lery has been reorganized since the wreck of the
steamer San Francisco, and six companies sent to
the Pacific rid the is,hmus Of Panama. Two of the
companies of that regiment, and detachment of
recruits for compseles Of Dragons serving in the
Department OF the Pacific have been sent by the
overland routes for the purpose of exercising salu
tary influence over the Indians inhabitng the coun
try through which they viii pass, and holding TO ac-
count the tribe implicated in the massacre of Captain
Gunnisops party They will winter in the Great
Salt Lake Valley, and proceed TO thor destination IN
the Spring. Six companies OF the "a Infantry have
been reore anized, and all posted In the De-
pariment Of the Wet. The remaining companies OF
that enent will be sent 10 the same Department
soon Is their organization is completed. The Iufin-
try been ordered TO the Department of the Pacific.
Six companies of the regiment concentrated at
Jefferson Barracks, preparatory to sailing TO the Pa
ci6c by way Of the Isthmus, and two Others, which
were also under orders for Jefferson Barracks, have
been sent TO Fort Laramie, in consequence Of the
difficulties that recently occurred in that vicinity.
Tie remaining companies now al Forts kearney aud
Laramie will be sent to their desin alton in the Spring.
If continuation OF the Indian difficulties in that
quarter should not interfere with this ineution The
Headquarters and two companies OF the lst Dragons
have been transferred 10 the Department of New
Mexico, and replaced in the Department of the West
by four companies OF the I'd Dragons from New
Mexico. The troops the Indian frontierof Florida
have recently been reinforced by two companies Of
Artillery from the Atlantic coast. Some other
change, Of minor importance, have been made
with view of efieciing greater concentration Of
the 'roope.
The removal from Florida of the remnant of the
Seminole tribe, who, in violation of treaty, have con-
timed 10 occupy the southern part Of that State, has
received the constant attention of the Department,
but from peculiar circumstances the efforts directed
10 the object have been attended with but little
GEES Ii H. however believed that better results may
be anticipated in The ensuing year. The troops have
fsk' a line OF observation which greatly contracts
the limits of the territory occupied by the Indians,
aud it is proposed IL make expeditions through the
rgiors where they have hitherto sined securely
concealed. BY opening roads and by the of boats
adapted to the navigation of the lakes swamps aud
bayous, which have hitherto enabled them 90 eude
puisuii, including small steamer, as recommended
by the Quartermaster- General the Department ex-
T. cts 10 acvuire an accurate knowledge of the could
Try, ard 10 impress then with conviction of their
inability 10 escape FROM 10 resist the 30 yer of the
III TIED States. EeesuIes have been taken TO cut off
their trade and TO make them feel the great pcon-
veni,nce which viii attend attitude Of defiance on
their par, toward this Government.
BY these means it is hoped the Indians NAV he
peace ably removed TO the home pr ,vi1ed for them
wet OF the Mississippi, and the claim Of Florida to be
relieved from their presence will be speedily an.
sweed. Should this hope not be fulfilled the meas.
ures above referred TO are the proper and most eff
Gent steps preliminary TO active operations for their
removal by force.
In the other military departments the Indians have
repeatedly come INTO collison with troops. Dep
II datons upon our frontier inhabitants and upon
igrans passing through the Indian territory, have
been, and are still of frequent occurrence.
In the Department of the West, beside the depreda
tons committed by smaller tribes, hosttlities have
occurred with the Sioux Indians, the most powerful
and warlike OF the North. west
In Texas they have been so frequent and of SO
threatening character that 1t was considered neces
eary authorize the commander of that dep arment
TO call upon the Governor Of the State from time 10
time as exigencies might arise, for such volunteer
force as might be required TO repel Indian invasons
In New-Mexico serious hostlties were repressed by
the prompt and energetic action of the troops en-
ployed there; but depredatons upon the inhabitants
are still Of occasional occurrence, and in the Depart
meDt Of the Pacific oatrages Of the mos, revolving
character have recently been perpetrated on families
OF emigrsnts on their way TO Californis aud Oregon
To repress such disorders the troops have been &C
lively and constantly employed, and in the actions
and harassiDg duties thai have devolved on them
have exhibited a gallantry zeal, and devotion that
merit the favorable notice Of the Government The
details of these operations viii be found in the report