The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-12-07
ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT OF
THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

The authorized strength of the army, as posted Is
is, l65 but the actual strength the LIST of July
was IL 4sS These troops compose the whole numerical
force Of army distributed throughout the States and
Territories of the entire conederacy manning all tho
Notifications occupied by troops holding all the posts
garrisoned, defending all extended frontiers and
protecting far possible, the different routes extend
ing the continent from the Mississippi valley our
poss sssions the Pacific.
! The absolute demands for in the various posts
and for what might be termed the police operations of
the army, leave only thirteen regiments for actual
vice in the field And upon this small force, numbering
little eleven thousand men, has deyolved the aru-
duty of prosecuting all the Indian wars which have
extended this year from the British possessions the
Pacific to the border settlements Of Texas well of
crushing the rebellion in Utah No army of the same
size before performed in such length of time,
marches and movements of such extent surmounting in
! their progress such formidable obstacles
These regiments have accomplished within the year
march, averaging for each the extraordinary distance of
twelve hundred and thirtyfour miles These marches
have been made through the unnhabited soitudes and
sterile deserts which stretch away between the settlements
of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts upon routes which at
foded nothing to facilitate the advance, except only the
heritage which the beasts of burden might pluck by the
way-sde
Every item of supply, from horseshoe nail to the
largest piece of ordnance has been carried the de-
pots along the whole line of those tedious marches The
country travcrsed could yield nothing The labor fore
sight nehod and requisite to systcmatize and the
energy activity and persistence to carry out such opera
tions by the different departments, deserve the attention
of the country and its eommendaon too. No disaster
has befalen the army throughout its immense ramfca
tons and the prvatons, hardships tolls and dangers
to which it has been continually subjected have been
borne without murmur
The formidable war with the Indians in Washington
under the able dispositions of Gen. Clarke and the en-
ergy and gallantry of Col Wright and his officers has
been brought to close and the Indians compelled to
sue abjcctly for peace.
The criminal offenders amongst them heretofore guilty
of murder and mpne the chief instigatos of all dissas
faction amongst those tribes and the immediate of
the recent hostites, surrendered, tried and
cuted permanent peace has been established by trea
ties entered into with them and the army has been al
ready distributed to points where the presence Of force
was greatly needed.
war has broken out in the Navajo country with that
formidable tribe Tho campaign has, far been
Quoted with skill and success and effort will be spared
to bring the Navajos to prompt and complete subsection
The Camanches the border of Texas having long
been engaged in petty robberies and hoses, have
broken out in fragrant war They have been severely
punished in fierce engagement by Major Van Dorm
and the operations against them will be conducted with
vigor, and brought to the speediest possible terna
=
ton.
Troops have also been moved to the northwestern from
tier to protect the border settlements of Iowa and Mime
sota The smancss of the army does not admit OF the
despatch of adequate force in that direction but all
will be done which the of the department will
admit of to protect those important frontiers.
The chief expenses of the army those incurred for
transportation The prodgious marches it required to
perform chiefly the consequence of its inadequate
forces An increase Of its numbers which would allow
the important posts to be occupied by stationary troops
and would obviate the necessity Of frequent move
ments and such long marches would be measure of
| economy.
| The energetic taken by the department to
qucl the nsurrecton in Utah have been crowned with
| complete
When small force was first sent to Utah the Nor
attacked and destroyed their trains and made ready
for general attack upon the column. When sufficient
power put foot to put beyond all doubt
their buster and bravado sank into whispers of and
submission This movement upon that Territory was de-
manded by the moral sentiment of the country was due
to vindcation of its laws and constitution and was
essential to demonstrate the power of the federal govern
ment to chasse INSTRUMENTATION and que rebellion how
ever formidable from numbers position it might
to be- Adequate preparations, and prompt advance Of
the army, act of mercy and humanity to those
deluded people, for it prevented the efson of blood
These people, however, still evnce spirit of nsubor-
dnation and moudy discomfort They keep up strictly
their organization which has for its object and end the
complete exclusion of federal authority all partc
patton in the governmental affairs of the Territory beyond
| hollow show The head man chief of their
sect rules the people with absolute power and under his
dctaton the temper they manifest towards the govern
and the army that of conquered people towards
foreign enemy The necessity which called for the pres
troops in Utah will require strong force still to
be kept there The reports from the commissioners sent
to Utah for the purpose Of asceainng the exact cond
ton of things already in your hands, and at
useful and interesting. Nothing could be paise
worthy than the Just and impartial in which those
gentlemen discharged their delicate and responsible
/ duties
The conduct of both officers and attached to the
army of Utah has been worthy of all praise The
mander, Brevet Brigader General A. s. Johnston, who
Joined his command at time of great trial and embar
rassment, with calm and lofty bearing, with true and
manly sympathy for all around him, infused into his
command spirit Of serenity and contentment which
amounted to cheerfulness, amidst uncommon harships
and privntions which undated throughout the te
dious and inclemcnt season of the winter.
| Captain AIarcys expedition from Fort Bridger to New
Mexico is spoken of in terms of praise and admiration
1t may I've safely affirmed that in the whole catalogue
history Of border warfare filled many of them are
with appalling tales of privation, hardship and suffering,
not SURPRISES this and in particulars it has