Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-01-17
9ublic 8autnment.
REPORT or THE SECRETARY OF
WAR.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON. Dacemher 3. lS5,

SIR: ! have the honor 10 submit the follow
ing report Of the operations OF the army for
the past year, and 10 lay before you the reports
of the heads Of the several bureaus of the War
Department, and communications from other
officers Of the army
The authorized strength of the army las
now posted) is 1867 officers and men, but
the accompanying table, prepared in the Adju-
tant Generals Office, show that at the date of
the latest returns, the actual strength was
1882. The recruiting service is now pro-
crossing satisfactorily, however, and it is be-
lieved that in few months the disparity
between the authorized and actual strength Of
the army, ll5-will be nearly overcome
The number of enlisiments made dnring the
twelve months ending September 80 was 1886.
The number of persons Offering to enlist, and
who we're refused on account of minority and
unhluess for service, were 26,522. The num-
Der Ole ualties in the army by deaths, dis
charges, and desertions during the same period,
was $500
The very numerous applications for the dis
charge OF mnors--So many of which have
succeeded within the past year-renders neces.
sary that some step should be taken to check
the growing evil, ald the serious expense to
which the government is thereby subjected.
The regulations are sufficiently stringent on the
cruiting officers are frequently deceived by the
appearance of the recruit, and the false repre-
sensations respecting his true age In cases
where receptions OF this character have been
praclised, the contract should be considered
binding, or the recruit should be required, at
the time of enlistment, to swear that he is either
OF full age or, being minor, that he has neither
parent nor guardian. A modification to this
extent OF the existing law respecting the dis.
charge Of minors. 18th section of the act Of
September rs, 1867 would, it is believed lessen
the impositious which are now practised, and
protect the government from no uncomfortable
loss.
The general distribution of the troops re-
mains, for the most part, as indicated in the last
annual report. Am ing the changes of most
Importance are the following: The four addi-
iional regiments authorized by the act of March
8, 1855, have been recruited and organized
Seven companies of the lst cavalry have re-
Gently returned from expedition into the
Sioux country, and The regiment win winter at
Fort Leavenworth, where it will be in position
for ulteridr operations in the spring. The I'd
cavalry has been sent to the department of
Texas TO replace the six companies Of the I'd
Dragons transferred TO the department Of the
West.
The 9th Infantry, (riaemen,) designed for
service In the department of the Pacific, has
been embodied at Fort Monroe, and held under
Instruction preparatory to a campaign which it
was proposed it should undertake as soon as
the season would permit through the Indians
on the head waters of the Missouri and tribu
taries Of the Columbia river, from which ex.
hibtion of our power amongthose remote tribes
it was expected beneficial influence over them
would result but in accordance with the
necessity communicated by letter from Gene
raj Wool, commanding the department of the
Pacific, dated November 3, and this day re.
ceived at the War Department that regiment
will be diverted from the proposed campaign
By the overland route, and be dispatched with
TIE least delay By way of the isthmus to rein
force the command engaged in the suppression
of Indian hostilities in Oregon.
The 10th infantry, (rifemen,) with the ex-
cepton of one company attached to the Sioux
expedition, has been ordered to the military
stations on the Upper Mississippi. A portion
of this regiment, when the season admits, will
be employed to establish post on the Red
river OF the North, hear the northern boundary
of Minnesota, agreeably to an act passed at the
last session OF Congress appropriating S., 900,
sum altogether inadequate for that object.
Six companies of the I'd infantry have taken
post at Fort Pierre, on the Upper Missouri
Continued Indian difficulties on the Oregon
route have rendered it necessary 10 retain in
the department of the West the 9th infantry,
which regiment it was contemplated to send to
the Pacific coast.
Efforts are still in progress for the removal
Of the remnant of the Seminole tribe from
Florida. The troops there have been kept
actively employed ia exploring the country by
land and water, and in opening roads. By these
means much important information respecting
the territory in possession Of the Indians has
been gained, which will greatly facilitate future
operations. All intercourse with these Indians
has been strictly prohibited, and it is believed
that they have not, in any instance, passed the
line Of observation occupied by the troops.
In the departments Of the West, Texas,
New Mexico, aud the Pacific, Indian hostiities
have been Of frequent occurrence.
For the purpose Of chastising the Sioux In.
dams implicated in the massacre Of a detach
ment Of United States troops in August of last
year, and to protect from Incian incursions
the western frontiers Of Nebraska and Kansas
and the emigrant routes leading from the Mis-.
souri, river TO the west, military force was
sent into the country inhabited by the Sioux,
late in the summer, under the command OF
Brevet Bngadier General Harvey. On the
81 Of September that officer, with portion Of
bis command. engaged a party OF the Brule
band of the Sioux nation, and, after short
conflict, completely routed them. Eighty-six
Indians were killed, and large number taken
prisoners. The papers and property captured
leave no doubt thai this band was concerned
in the massacre Of the detachment above re
ierred TO, as well as in the murders and depre.
dations committed upon emigrants, and in the
robbery Of the public mail
In the departments Of Texas, New Mexico.
and the Pacific, military expeditions have been
sent against the Indians guilty Of outrages
upon the persons aud property Of the frontier
Inhabitants and emigrants within those sec.
tons Of country, and in several cases summary
punishment has been inflicted by the troop.
upon The offending tribes.
The details Of these operations will be found
IN the papers accompanying this report.
The mail steamer Just arrived at New Yorl
has brought ad,ices from the department O
the Pacific to November 9th, by which re
greet to learn that Indian hostities Of a much
more serious character than the difficulties in
that department, referred 10 above. or thar
from the official reports previously received
there had been reasons TO apprehend, have oc
currod -, tha Tarr;fnr;oc &c De-. NJ