Year: 1861




Of ammunition, the munificent donation of |
sympathizing friends in Europe, have also |
been received from England.


IL will be necessary for Congress. either
at its approaching special or at its next an
nual session, TO adopt measures for the re-
organization, upon uniform basis, of the |
military of the country. / know Of no better
source of information on the subject than the
able report of General Henry Knox, the first
Secretary of War, who, by his wise forecast
and eminent appreciation Of the future wants
Of the country, showed the entire safety of an
implicit reliance upon the popular will for
the support Of the Government in the most
trying emergency, abundant confirmation
Of which fact is found in the present great
rally Of the people to the defense of the Con-
stitutioD and laws. Ihave already adverted
to the superior manner in which some of
the New England regiments, now in service,
are equipped. This is to be attributed to
the efficient home organization of the militia
of some of those States Their example is
an excellent one, and cannot fail to have
beneficial effect upon such States as have
not already adopted ike desirable organi-
zation.


/ think it important, also, to recommend a
further distribution ofimproved arms among
the militia of the States and Territories. As
the returns of the militia are Frequently in
accurate, this distribution should be made
lpr0portionate to the latest census returns Of
free white male inhabitants capable of bear
ing arms.


The large disaffection, at the present cri-
sis of United States army officers. has ex-
cited the most profound astonishment, and
naturally provokes inquiry as to its cause.
But for this startling disafection the rebel
lion never could have assumed formidable
proportions. The mere accident of birth in
a particular section, or the influence of be-
lief in particular political theories, furnishes
no satisfactory exp rlanaton of this remarkable
fact The majority of these officers solicited
and obtained military education at the
hands Of the Governments mark of special
favor conferred by the laws of Congress to
only one in seventy thousand inhabitants.
AT the National Military Academy they were
received and treated as the adopted children
of the Republic. By the peculiar relations
thus established, they virtually become
bound, by mora than ordinary obligations Of
honor, to remain faithful to their flag. The
question may be asked, in view of the ex-
traordinary treachery displayed, whether its
promoting cause may not be traced to radi-
cal defect in the system of education it
SELF


As step preliminary to the consideration
of this question, L would direct attention to
the report herewith submitted, of the Board
ofVisitors to the West Point Military Acade-
my. The supplementary report makes a
special reference to the system Of discipline,
which it appears from facts obtained upon
investigation, ignores, practically, the es-
sential distinction between acts wrong in
themselves and acts wrong because prohibi-
ted by special regulations. The report states
that no difference is made in the penalties
affixed as punishments for either class of
ofenses. 1t is argued, with reason, that
found in the mind of the pupil the distinc-
stitute, in the decision of grave moral ques-
tions, habit for conscience. / sincerely trust
that Congress will early address itself to a
thorough examination of the system of edu-
cation and discipline adopted in this impor-
tant school, and, if defects are found to
exist, that it will provide remedy with the
least possible delay.


The present exigencies of the public ser
vice have necessarily imposed upon this de-
partment vast increase of responsibility
and labor. To facilitate its proper admins
tration, would recommend the passage of
a law b. Congress authorizing the appoint.
ment of an Assistant Secretary of War, and
the requisite additional appropriation for the
employment of an increased clerical force.


In concluding this report, deem it pro
per to express my deep Indebtedness to the
veteran General-in- Chief of the Army fol
the constant and self sacrificing devotion tc
f the public service exhibited by him in thi
; grave crisis; and also to the chiefs of the
different bureaus of this department for the
J able and efficient manner in which they
have at all times aided me in the discharge
of my official duties.


have the honor to be, with high regard
r your obedient servant,


SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War
> To THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES