The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1857-1858, 1857-12-23
Report of the Secretary Of War.

divided into ten OF infantry, four of artillery;
two of dragons, two Of cavalry and one of
mounted riAemen The whole strength of
the army as posted consists of about 1884
men, and the actual strength on the LEI OF
July last was Is, 764. In addition to the
movements which the troops have been cal
led on to make this year, this force is called
on to garrison IS permanent forts and to oc-
cupy 20 posts spread over an area Of about
3VUO,OUU square miles The Secretary Of
War thinks that to render governmental pro-
lection to our vast frontier and emigration
perfect, very large augmentation ofthe ar
my would not be required--iive additional
regiments would answer the purpose, if prop
erly posted he, therefore, suggests the
propriety Of asking from Congress this in
crease
the army has been constantly and active
ly engaged. The Indian war in Florida
claimed the attention Of a strong force-ex-
igent affairs in Kansas demanded the pres
ence there of two regiments-apd finally.
the movement of troops to Utah was most
serious and important undertaking.
The Secretary of War reviews the present
condition Of the Mormans-their disregard
of the civil authorities Of the United States
and alludes to the prevailing belief that
they instigated the Indians to hostilities a.
gainst our citizens Nevertheless it has 81
ways been the policy and desire Of the Fed
eral Government to avoid collision with this
Mormon community. 1t has borne with
their characterization until, at length, they
stand like lion in the pathway that leads
from the Atlantic States to the Pacific SEQ.
board 1t was hence thought expedient, dn
rim fhn 50 SsNr nvvpnN 70 hnI~y ~
troops to Utah into q geographical military
department, the force then dispatched and
now en- route to the Territory, was thought
to be amply sufficient for these purposes
supplies were abundant. the position favora-
BILE Cor holding the Indians in check, and it
was hardly within the line of reasonable
probability that the people could put them.
selves beyond the pale Of reconciliation with
| the Government by acts Of unproyoked re.
bellion. This, however, they have done
Great care was taken, in preparing the
march to Utah, that nothing should even
seem to excite apprehension. The instruc-
tons to the commanding offers were not to
allow any conflict between the troops and
the people Of the Territory except only in
case he should be called on by the Governor
for soldiers to act as a posse comitatus' in
enforcing obedience to the laws In con-
lormity with this statement, an active dis
Greet officer was sent in advance of the army
| to Utah, for the purpose Of assuring the
people Of the Territory Of the peaceful in
tentions of the Government This officer
found that the deluded people were de-
termined to resist by force If necessary, the
entrance of the army into the valley of Salt
Lake. Supplies of every sort were refused
him. and the day after his departure Brig
ham Young issued his proclamation sub.
stantially declaring war against the United
States In view Of this menacny attitude
Of affairs in Utah, and OF the Importance OF
promptly suppressing the spirit of rebellion
there, the Secretary:reports his recommends
ton for the immediate addition of at least
five new regiments to the service.
The Secretary expresses the opinion that
in the formation of Railroad between the
Pacific and the valley Of the Mississippi, the
route by FL Paso would be chosen. Until
then, other military roads require special
opening and occupation for the passage and
protection Of emigrants, and for the trans.
portation Of military stores The military
roads already in charge Of the Department
are progressing satisfactorily.
From the Chief Engineers report it ap.
pears that the National sea coast defenees are
gradually, but certainly, advancing towards
completion, and when finished will consti.
tute system Of maritime delences formida
BILE in extent and of great magnitude. New
York will be considered impregnable when
the Notifications now in progress shall be
finished. Tie Notifications will he better
the guns heavier and more numerous than
those of Sebastopol The Secretary. in con
GLIDING his observations on this point, dwells
upon the importance Of sea-coast fortifca
tons and their perfect capabilities for de-
fence against any feet that could be brought
against them.