The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-12-15
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR
The report from the War Department upon the
condition Of the army the right arm of the national
defence is always looked for with great interest not
only by those Immediately connected with that branch
of the public service but by the whole country II
is true that when peace prevails there is no oppor
tunty for the display of its gallantry efficiency,
yet then is the proper time to perfect its oganiza-
tion and to introduce every Improvement likely TO
contribute TO its efficiency in time Of Step by
step this process must be accomplished. Governor
Floyd does not content himself with narration
merely Of what the army has accomplished during
the past year. but throws out numerous suggestions,
indicates several steps, the adoption of which may
conduce to the great end desired. He has evidently
studied the interests Of the army with much care
and the country will applaud his efforts to give to it
greater efficiency by thorough and more complete
organization.
The report commences by stating generally the
inadequacy of the army to perform the indispensable
services required of it by the government The
whole strength ofthe army posted consists of about
1884 men; the actual strength the first of July
last was Is ,764. They required to garrison GO
forts Of large and permanent character, and to
cupy 10 posts less permanently established. They
are spread over an area of three millions of square
miles From our western frontier Of settlement to
those of northern Oregon the distance is 800 miles;
from the frontier to the settlement of California
via Salt Lake, is 800 miles from the frontier Of
Arkansas to Fort TETON is about l, 700 miles and
from San Antonio to San Diego is 1,400 miles CON
shutting an aggregate line of ZOO miles which ought
TO be occupied and which the department UNDER
takes to keep open. This duty cannot be performed
by any other agency than that of the army, and an
addition to the military force is recommended of five
regiments The army now consists of nineteen regi-
ments. divided into ten of infantry four of artillery
two of dragons two Of cavalry, and of mounted
rifemen.
The army has been very actively and constantly
engaged in the performance Of arduous and import
ant duties. During the spring one regiment Of in
fantry and one Of artillery were employed in Florida.
Subsequently affairs demanded the removal Of these
regiments to the Territory of Kansas, and their
place was supplied by volunteers. From other
quarters, likewise, troops were moved to Kansas
mill !, force was concentrated there sufficient in
the opinion of the governor to repress all msubor
dination and to insure the peace of the Territory
This movement, however, necessitated very i'm
portant modification of the plans that had been de-
termined upon with regard to the military expedi-
ton to Utah.
The report then details the attitude of affairs in
Utah. and the extraordinary exercise Of powers
usurned by the individual who styles himself the
prophet of the Mormons From the first hour they
fixed themselves in that remote and almost nacces-
siblc region of our territory their whole plan has
been to prepare for successful secession from the
authority of the United States, and permanent
Establishment of their OF late years it is believed
thew have instigated the Indians to hosties against
our citizens. and have excited among the Indian
tribes a feeling of characterization and discomfort
The United States have carefully avoided collision
with the Mormon community New officers Tor the
Territory having been recently appointed, body Of
troops was ordered TO accompany them, merely to
establish these functonaries in their proper Offices
In reply to the given the Mormons of the
real intention of the government Brigham Young is
sued his proclamation, substantially declaring war
against the United States
staff are suggested The separate independent char
acter of the staff corps is Another defect
Is the uncertain and ildcfned rights of brevet rank
Promotion by seniority is another fault II is pro
posed to collect all the officers doing staff duty into
one corps to be assigned, by authority of the Presi
dent to such duties each may seem to be best tit
ted for also, to dispense with the staff bureaus and
rive the President authority to transfer officers to
and from the line and staff. Promotion to the rank
of captain might be governed by the rule OF senori-
ty but beyond that by selection from the next grade
in the same arm to that to be filed
The Secretary rciterates the recommendations Of
his predecessor to prepare for infrm and disabled
officers competent and tranquil retreat and for the
unworthy substantial dismissal from the service
plan in detail is submitted
Attention is called to the report of the Generaln
Chief and especially to the plan suggested therein Of
regimenta depots for recruiting.