22d CONG. 1st SESS.] Documents accompanying the President's Message. the imprisonment of the person to cases of fraudulent con- was organized, only a district court has been allowed. If cealment of property. The personal liberty of the citizen this be sufficient, then the circuit courts, already existing seems too sacred to be held, as in many cases it now is, at in eighteen States, ought to be abolished: if it be not the will of a creditor to whom he is willing to surrender sufficient, the defect ought to be remedied, and these all the means he has of discharging his debt. States placed on the same footing with the other members of the Union. It was on this condition, and on this foot ing, that they entered the Union; and they may demand circuit courts as a matter, not of concession, but of right. I trust that Congress will not adjourn, leaving this anomaly in our system. The reports from the Secretaries of the War and Navy Departments, and from the Postmaster General, which accompany this message, present satisfactory views of the operations of the departments respectively under their charge; and suggest improvements which are worthy of, and to which I invite, the serious attention of Congress. Certain defects and omissions having been discovered in the operation of the laws respecting patents, they are pointed out in the accompanying report from the Secretary of State. Entertaining the opinions heretofore expressed in rela tion to the Bank of the United States, as at present organ ized, I felt it my duty, in my former messages, frankly to disclose them, in order than the attention of the Legisla ture and the people should be seasonably directed to that I have heretofore recommended amendments of the fede- important subject, and that it might be considered and ral constitution giving the election of President and Vice finally disposed of in a manner best calculated to promote President to the people, and limiting the service of the the ends of the constitution, and subserve the public informer to a single term. So important do I consider these terests. Having thus conscientiously discharged a constichanges in our fundamental law, that I cannot, in accord-tutional duty, I deem it proper, on this occasion, without ance with my sense of duty, omit to press them upon the a more particular reference to the views of the subject consideration of a new Congress. For my views more at then expressed, to leave it for the present to the investiga large, as well in relation to these points as to the disquali- tion of an enlightened people and their representatives. fication of members of Congress to receive an office from a President in whose election they have had an official agency, which I proposed as a substitute, I refer you to my former messages. Our system of public accounts is extremely complicated, and, it is believed, may be much improved. Much of the present machinery, and a considerable portion of the expenditure of public money, may be dispensed with, while greater facilities can be afforded to the liquidation of claims upon the Government, and an examination into their justice and legality, quite as efficient as the present, secured. With a view to a general reform in the system, I recommend the subject to the attention of Congress. In conclusion, permit me to invoke that Power which superintends all Governments, to infuse into your deli berations, at this important crisis of our history, a spirit of mutual forbearance and conciliation. In that spirit was our Union formed, and in that spirit must it be preserved. ANDREW JACKSON. WASHINGTON, December 6, 1831. Documents accompanying the President's Message. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. I deem it my duty again to call your attention to the condition of the District of Columbia. It was doubtless SIR: In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor wise in the framers of our constitution to place the peo- to submit herewith a general view of the operations of ple of this District under the jurisdiction of the General this department, and of the various branches of its adminis Government; but, to accomplish the objects they had in tration, together with the accompanying reports of the view, it is not necessary that this people should be de-officers in charge of the different bureaus for the past prived of all the privileges of self-government. Indepen-year. dently of the difficulty of inducing the Representatives of The plan of organization by which the great objects of distant States to turn their attention to projects of laws public concern, committed to the War Department, are which are not of the highest interest to their constituents, divided into different classes, and placed under the more they are not individually, nor in Congress collectively, immediate control of respectable and responsible officers, well qualified to legislate over the local concerns of this is well calculated to promote fidelity, promptitude, and District. Consequently, its interests are much neglected, economy in the management of these important interests. and the people are almost afraid to present their grievan- By assigning to each officer a particular branch of the ser ces, lest a body, in which they are not represented, and vice, experience in the general administration is acquired at which feels little sympathy in their local relations, should, the department, and in the practical details at the places ⚫ in its attempt to make laws for them, do more harm than of execution. On this subject I have only to remark, that good. Governed by the laws of the States whence they the importance of our Indian relations, both present and were severed, the two shores of the Potomac, within the prospective, demands a similar arrangement for this por ten miles square, have different penal codes; not the pre- tion of the public affairs. The existing organization rests sent codes of Virginia and Maryland, but such as existed upon Executive authority; but the efficiency and respon in those States at the time of the cession to the United sibility of that department would be greatly promoted, if States. As Congress will not form a new code, and as its duties were regulated by a legislative act. This mea the people of the District cannot make one for themselves, sure has more than once been recommended in the reports they are virtually under two Governments. Is it not just of my predecessors; and I beg leave to add my conviction to allow them at least a delegate in Congress, if not a local to theirs of its necessity. constitution. Legislature to make laws for the District, subject to the The condition of the army is satisfactory in its materiel, approval or rejection of Congress? I earnestly recommend and so far in its morale as depends upon the exertions of the extension to them of every political right which their the officers. Its appropriate functions are performed interests require, and which may be compatible with the honorably for itself, and usefully for the country. Although some of the details of the service are susceptible of im The extension of the judiciary system of the United provement in their administration, and some in their legisStates is deemed to be one of the duties of Government.lation, still, in the general result, whether viewed as an One-fourth of the States in the Union do not participate arm of national defence, or as a depository of military in the benefits of a circuit court. To the States of Indi-knowledge and experience, it has attained the great ana, Illinois, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, objects for which it was raised and is maintained. It is admitted into the Union since the present judicial system efficient without being expensive, and adequate to the A Documents accompanying the President's Message. [22d CONG. 1st SESS. exigencies of our service without being dangerous. Ifidence and to command the respect of the soldiers. That refer to the report of the major general commanding, for the detailed operations of the year. this additional compensation would have a tendency to diminish the mischief of desertion, there is no doubt-whether in so great a degree as to save the whole sum proposed to be given, experience only can determine. The annual reports of this department have already brought before the Government the subject of desertion; and I regret to state that this serious evil not only con- A very large proportion of all the crimes committed in tinues, but increases. Inquiries have been instituted into the army may be traced to habits of intemperance. This the causes of this offence, and the most efficient remedy; vice is, in fact, the prevalent one of our soldiery. I am and much valuable information is contained in a report satisfied that ardent spirits should not form a component from the War Department of February 17, 1830. But no part of the ration. By issuing it, we furnish to those almeasures have been adopted to check a practice, which, ready accustomed to its use the means of vicious indulgfrom its extent and impunity, not only materially injures ence, and we invite those who are yet temperate to the service by the loss of the men and the consequent ex-acquire this destructive habit. It is certainly sufficient for pense, but threatens in its progress, and by its example, all useful purposes, if there be, in truth, any utility in the to destroy that principle of fidelity which is the only safe consumption of ardent spirits, that the officers be authobond of connexion between the soldier and his country. rized to grant permission for its purchase, in proper quanIn the present state of our martial law, and of its neces-tities, to those whose situation may require it, without sary administration, there is in fact no adequate punish- the direct agency of the Government in allowing and proment for the crime of desertion. Confinement and em-viding it. The number of desertions in 1826, were 636 ployment at hard labor are the only efficient sentences There were issued to the army, in 1830, 72,537 gallons which military tribunals can inflict; and where a soldier of whiskey, at the cost of $22,132. If this sum were apis confined in a guard-house, and his companions stationed plied to the purchase of tea, coffee, and sugar, for the without to secure him, and with all the facilities of con-use of the soldiers, their habits and morals would be stant communication, we may well doubt whether his situa-greatly improved, and the discipline and respectability of tion is so much more unpleasant than theirs, as to give to the army promoted. The regulation of this department, this mode of punishment any salutary effect upon the by which an offer is made to the soldier of commuting the discipline of the army; and at all our posts, and particu- whiskey ration by the payment of one cent, is productive larly at those upon the inland border, the soldiers are gene- of little advantage. In this estimate of the value of this rally employed either in the line of their duty or upon part of the ration, reference has been had only to the fatigue, and a sentence to hard labor subjects them to actual average cost of the article, delivered in large quanlittle more than the ordinary demands of the service. tities at the various posts. But this is unjust to the soldier. Whether any system of moderate rewards will prevent He estimates it very naturally at the retail price, averagthis practice, may be doubted; but certainly the abolition ing probably five cents; and the present offer of commuof all efficient punishment, without providing any substi- tation is in fact to ask him to sell his whiskey for one-fifth tute to operate upon the pride and hopes of the soldier, of its value. It is far better to leave the troops no choice, is, in fact, to invite him to abandon his colors whenever but to allow them a liberal compensation, and in such the restraints of discipline cause temporary dissatisfaction. articles as will be most useful. To restrain a part of the bounty and the pay, and there- The American soldier is well paid, fed, and clothed; by to provide a fund for the use of the soldier when dis- and, in the event of sickness or disability, ample provision charged, to reduce the period of service, and to increase is made for his support. But his moral culture is wholly the pay of the rank and file of the army, and particularly neglected. There is no arrangement in our service for of the non-commissioned officers, are among the most his mental or religious improvement; and there is, perprominent suggestions which have been offered upon haps, no similar service, in which such a measure is more this subject. necessary. Many of the positions occupied by our troops are upon the verge of civilization, or beyond it. There, they are retained for years, and under circumstances which, if not counteracted, almost necessarily lead to great demoralization. None of the ordinary means of instruction are within their reach, and neither their habits nor principles can be improved or fortified by those institutions which are elsewhere so generally established, and so useful. Independently of any obligation which may be supposed to exist on the part of the Government, to provide for the moral as well as the physical wants of a class of men who, in devoting themselves to the service of the country, become unable to provide for their own wants, it is certain that, as a question of expediency, this measure is recommended by powerful considerations. Where moral and religious principles are practically acknowledged, their sanctions will add validity to the obligations voluntarily assumed by the soldier, and his duties will be performed with more fidelity and alacrity. As he The tabular statement accompanying the report of the becomes a better man, he will become a better soldier. commanding general shows that the pay of the non-com- Discipline and subordination will be promoted, punishmissioned officers, musicians, and privates, may be in- ments diminished, and all the details of the service will creased so as materially to improve their condition, and feel the spirit of improvement. I am satisfied that the not exceed the aggregate amount of $85,920. The non-appointment of chaplains, and their employment at such commissioned officers particularly are, in our service, of our military posts as, from their position, and the inadequately paid. Every military man is sensible of their strength of the garrisons, may seem to call for such a meaimportance to the character and efficiency of an army; sure, would be productive of great advantages to the serand such inducements should be offered, as would ensure vice; and to the soldiers individually the measure would the engagement of competent men, qualified, by their be equally beneficial. Reproofs and exhortations in life, principles, habits, and intelligence, to acquire the con- and the consolations of religion in death, would be freely 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 848 820 1,115 1,251 1,450 And in 1831 they will probably amount to 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831, probably, $54,393 61,344 98,345 102,087 22d CoNG. 1st SESS.] Documents accompanying the President's Message. offered to them. The experiment, I think, is worthy of trial; the talent and intelligence of the community is devoted to and the expense can scarcely be placed in fair competi- this study, and to the consideration and suggestion of tion with an object which promises such useful results for changes and improvements in all the branches of their the present improvement and future happiness of the soldier. military establishments, whether they relate to the opera The various departments of the staff of the army have tions in the field, to the various supplies, or to the neces performed, with fidelity, their accustomed routine of du- sary course of administration. We must look to those ties. In the three great divisions of efficiency, economy, nations for the benefit of their experience. And our pro and accountability, the present mode of administration gress in the elements of military knowledge will depend,, seems well adapted to the nature of our service. The in a great measure, upon the careful preparation and edu several tabular statements accompanying this report ex- cation of the young men who are annually appointed in hibit the satisfactory manner in which the public funds our service. Our local position, as well as our free instihave been expended and accounted for. Nor is there tutions, may delay, but we have no right to expect they any reason to believe that the slightest loss will occur from will prevent, the occurrence of war. As this event may the fiscal operations of the year. A system, whose effects happen, it is the part of true wisdom to be prepared for are thus beneficial, must be not only safe in itself, but it, as far as preparation can be made without too great a safely administered. And for this administration we are sacrifice. Our army is barely sufficient to furnish small indebted to the superintending care of the several bu-garrisons for the fortifications upon the seaboard, and to reaus, and to the various officers employed under them, hold in check the numerous and restless Indian tribes throughout the country. It is evident that a fund of upon our Indian frontier. Under these circumstances, the knowledge has been provided, which cannot fail to be practical duties of the profession are acquired; and as long useful in any future exigency. Armies may be suddenly as the officers enter the service with a well grounded raised, and discipline, in some measure, introduced, by knowledge of its principles, we may look to the army as great exertions, and great emergencies. The experience the depository of a fund of information upon this import of other nations, and of our own, too, has demonstrated ant subject, which will enable the Government to diffuse that the peculiar information, upon which depend the sub-it among the community upon the approach of danger. sistence, the health, and the movement of troops, and the By assigning a portion of the officers, previously in ser supply of their necessary materiel, can only be acquired vice, to new regiments and corps, these will soon acquire by time and experience. The disasters and prodigal ex-a competent knowledge of their duties, both in subordina penditures in the beginning of the late war furnished a tion and discipline. The great objects of present economemorable lesson upon this subject, which, it is hoped, my and future security can in no other mode be so cer will not be forgotten as we recede from the period of their tainly attained. When we advert to the comparative Occurrence. Our present organization is small enough effects of training young men for the course of life be for the wants of the service; and yet such is its nature, that fore them, or of selecting them indiscriminately for the it may be indefinitely extended, as the pressure of circum- army, without reference to previous pursuits, it will be stances may require, ensuring in every branch of the ser- manifest that the present system can alone ensure the atvice a judicious system of administration, and experienced tainment of the important objects connected with our officers to direct and apply it. military establishment. The Military Academy has existed sufficiently long, It has been stated that the number of cadets allowed at under its present mode of instruction, to enable the Go-the Military Academy is two hundred and sixty. There vernment and the country to form a correct estimate of its are in the line of the army five hundred and twelve officers value, both with relation to the cadets themselves, and of all descriptions. Of these, on the 1st day of November, the character of the army. Of five hundred and sixty there were present for duty three hundred and three, of officers, having rank in the line, and now in service, four whom nineteen were field and two hundred and eighty-four hundred and four were educated at that institution. These company officers. There were sixty-six sick and on furyoung men have been prepared, by a rigid and judicious lough. And one hundred and forty-three were detached course of instruction and discipline, for the various duties upon various staff duties, including the regular staff departof their profession. Six hundred and sixty have entered ments of the army, objects of internal improvement, and the the army, of whom but thirteen have been dismissed; and emigration of the Indians. The number of companies being during the present year only two have been brought be- one hundred and six, there were not three officers to each fore courts martial, and they upon charges not affecting company. Taking into view the casualties of the service, their moral character. there ought not to be less than that number at all times These facts are honorable and decisive proofs of general with their companies. The law provides that there shall good conduct, when the high state of discipline and the be three to each company of infantry, and five to each course of vigilant inspection in our service are taken into company of artillery. In addition to these, the act of view. In the annual reports of the Visiters at West Point April 29, 1812, allows one supernumerary brevet second is exhibited the result of the most careful observations lieutenant to be attached to each company. Of these, made by persons competent to estimate, and prepared to there are in service ninety-three, leaving thirteen vacan scrutinize, the claims and condition of the institution. For cies to be filled from the graduates of the Military Aca some years, these reports have borne unequivocal evi- demy for 1832. The number of the average annual dence to the fidelity and ability of the superintendent, and vacancies in the army, for five years, has been twentythe academic staff generally, and to the proficiency and three, and of the graduates to fill these, forty. There correct deportment of the pupils. The record which is may, therefore, at the next examination, be forty cadets kept of their progress and conduct, the spirit of emula- candidates for appointment, and but thirty-six vacancies to tion necessarily excited, and the judicious plan of rewards be filled. I would suggest the expediency of adding which are offered, by the publication of the names of the thirty-four to the number of brevet second lieutenants, most distinguished individuals, and by their admission into and leaving them unattached to do duty whenever requir the army in the order of merit, are powerful incentives to ed. Every company may thus have three officers at all exertion, and, when combined with the strict and impar- times present, to the great advantage of the service. tial examinations to which all must submit, can scarcely I refer to the report of the chief of the Engineer Defail to secure for the service of their country such, and partment for the various details connected with this intesuch only, as are qualified to be useful. resting branch of the public service. The science of war is an advancing one. In Europe, The suggestions he has made appear to me worthy of where peace is seldom long maintained, a large portion of consideration; and I particularly recommend to your no 1 Documents accompanying the President's Message. [22d CoNG. 1st SESS. tice the proposition for a new organization of the corps of settlements, and the extension of commerce, require that engineers. The views of this department upon that sub- this defect should be supplied. Labors of this nature have ject were expressed in a report of January 13th, 1831, in engaged the attention of the most enlightened Governanswer to a call of the House of ❤ presentatives, and in ments, and the materials become a part of the general those views I fully concur. The measure is required by stock of public knowledge. The necessity of peculiar the public interest.j instruction for officers devoted to these duties, both in the Unless provision be soon made for the repair and pre-scientific principles and in the practical details, is well servation of the road constructed by the United States illustrated in the report from the Topographical Office. from Cumberland to the Ohio river, that expensive and Some of the operations require an intimate knowledge of ra useful work will be ruined. Many parts of it are now so the most abstruse investigations of the present day, in maseriously injured as to render travelling difficult, and thematical and physical science; and we shall in vain look sometimes dangerous. The destruction of this great con- for their accomplishment, unless the Government make at necting link between the Atlantic and the Western States, provision for the measure. which, with a light transit duty, and a proper system of To the Ordnance Department is committed the duty of administration, would last for ages, cannot be anticipated providing and preserving the necessary armament for the without great concern. The continuation of this road in land service of the United States. The trust is a responthe State of Ohio is free from this danger. With the as-sible one, requiring fidelity in the administration, and sent of the General Government, that State has establish- practical as well as scientific knowledge in the execution. ed toll gates, and levies a moderate duty upon that part of The expenditure for these objects exceeds $900,000 anthe road within her jurisdiction which is finished. nually, and the value of the accumulated property equals I consider it my duty to bring this matter before you, in twelve and a half millions. But the nature of the service the hope that it will engage the attention of Congress, gives it a still deeper interest than the pecuniary consiand that a similar system for the preservation of the road derations connected with it. Unless our arms are well from Cumberland to the Ohio river will be adopted. If fabricated and preserved, and in sufficient abundance, and it were placed by the General Government in proper re-unless we keep pace with the improvements which mopair, and then surrendered to the States, respectively, dern science and ingenuity are making, the consequences through whose territories it passes, under the same condi- may hereafter prove disastrous. The necessary provision tions as were annexed to the cession of the road in Ohio, for these objects cannot be made without much time and there is reason to believe that the arrangement would re-experience, and that they may be ready for war they ceive the sanction of those States, and that a permanent must be procured in peace. A stable and efficient organisystem and adequate means would be provided for the zation is therefore essential to the ordnance corps; and in preservation of this work, and in a manner not burden- the report of the officer at the head of it, will be found his. sone to the communication upon it. If this be not done, views of its present condition. I recommend the subject or some other expedient adopted, the road will soon fall to your favorable notice. The suggestions are the result into a state of entire dilapidation. of much experience, and present in a forcible manner the By an Executive regulation of the 21st of June, 1831, defects of the existing system, and the meliorations that the topographical corps was separated from the Engineer are required. I am satisfied that the adoption of the Department, and now constitutes a distinct bureau. The measures proposed would give renewed efficiency to the duties of this corps are important to the country; and if its operations of this section of the public interest, and more organization is rendered commensurate, a mass of valua-economy in its expenditures. ble materials, exhibiting a general and accurate view of the geographical outlines of the Union, will be collected, to be used for any of the great purposes of peace or war. In a report from this department, of January, 1831, this subject was considered, and the necessity of the measure stated and enforced. To that report, containing valuable suggestions, I take the liberty of referring. A commission of experienced officers will be directed to investigate the subject, and to report their views concerning the various matters connected with it; and particularly with respect to the patterns and construction of the small arms and cannon; and any alterations which experience may have indicated. Their report, when received, will be laid before you. A minute knowledge of the features of a country is esI have made some examination into the condition of sential to any plan of military operations, and this know-this branch of the national defence, with the view of asledge should be gathered in a season of leisure, and de- certaining the supplies in service and in depot, and deter posted in our archives. In Europe, it is considered one mining the quantity yet required to meet the demands of of the most important elements of military science, and a prudent forecast. The result I shall submit for your upon its contributions have often depended the efforts of consideration. mies. a whole campaign. All the surveys made by the topo- The United States have now in serviceable condition graphical corps are returned to the depot in this depart- about 465,000 muskets. The annual demand to supply ment, where they can be detached or combined, as it may the necessary loss in the army and the militia, and to furbecome necessary to exhibit views more or less general. nish the issues to the respective States, is 18,300. The These surveys, dissecting the country in all directions, number manufactured in the public armories is about and particularly along its streams or routes, where roads 25,000, and at private works 11,000, making a total of already are, or probably will be established, present those 36,000, at the average cost of twelve dollars each. We had features which are most important to the operations of ar- at the commencement of the late war 240,000 muskets in A general survey of our coasts, both Atlantic and depot, and during its progress 60,000 were made and purinterior, is demanded by considerations of national in-chased. At its termination, there were but 20,000 at the terest as well as of character. Arrangements for the various arsenals, and many of those in the hands of the former were made some years since, and expensive in- troops were unserviceable, Eight years were then requirstruments procured, which are yet in possession of the ed to replace the number lost during the war. Government. The work was actually commenced, but was abandoned before much progress had been made. If this operation were resumed, and committed to one of the scientific corps of the army, its constitution would prevent the recurrence of those circumstances to which the abandonment of the project may be attributed. Our own lakes are but imperfectly known to us, and the advance of the VOL. VIII.-b From 1802 to 1814 there were 3,956,257 small arms of all descriptions procured for the French service. And during the same period, for the British service, 3,142,366. The average number of small arms annually fabricated in the French arsenals, from 1805 to 1814, was 219,372. In the British arsenals, from 1802 to 1814, 261,947. 22d CoNG. 1st SESS.] Documents accompanying the President's Message. The stock on hand in Great Britain, in 1817, in depot, without the means of procuring this indispensable arm of 818,282 defence. The provisions of the act of Congress of March 200,974 3d, 1809, seem, however, to present serious objections to this course; and I bring the subject before you at this time, 1,019,256 that it may be fully considered. The number in depot in France, in 1811, was 600,000, not including the great number in service. It appears to me that a public armory for the fabrication of cannon is required by obvious considerations. By forming such an establishment, the necessary experience and artisans would be provided, and such supplies of heavy ordnance manufactured as the Government might direct. The actual value of the article would be ascer tained, and contracts with individuals could be formed with a full knowledge of the circumstances. There would Considering the nature of our service, requiring, as it be no danger of combinations, nor would any injury result does, an unusual expenditure of these articles, in conse- from fair competition. The supplies might be so control. quence of the great proportion of militia we employ, and led as to leave no fear of a deficiency in the quality or quan the system of rotation, by which their services are regu-tity of this essential arm of defence. lated, and great losses consequently occasioned, and also In the report of the Surgeon General will be found a re the necessity of large deposites in different sections of such view of the operations of the Medical Department, and the an extensive country, each of which should be adequate to propositions submitted by him for its better organization. any probable emergency, it is evident that our stock of Fourteen thousand dollars are annually expended for the small arms should at all times be large. Whether the employment of private physicians, because the corps is not quantity now on hand be sufficiently so, is for Congress sufficiently numerous to discharge the duties demanded to determine. of it. We have sixty-four military stations and recruiting There are now 623 cannon of various calibres, for field rendezvous requiring surgeons, and we have in service service. And there are at the arsenals and in the old for- but fifty-three surgeons and assistants. There is no ecotifications 1,165. But these cannon are all of antiquated nomy in the present arrangement, nor is it advantageous patterns, and, with the exception of the six-pounders, to the public interest. An increase of the corps, as recom amounting to 344, and a few of the heavier pieces, are mended by the Surgeon General, is evidently required. considered unserviceable. There have been procured for The considerations urged by him for an addition to the the armament of the new fortifications 1,214 cannon of pay of surgeons and assistants, are certainly forcible. the improved pattern. There is no portion of the army whose compensation is so The old fortifications will require (probably) 646 inadequate, nor is there any which presents less prospects The new, already completed 2,587 of reward. There are but two grades of rank in our medical service, and the emolument of the highest is but little superior to that of a captain. These statements may be useful in determining the proper number of small arms which ought to be provided in this country. Being almost imperishable, when properly secured and preserved, their accumulation occasions no actual loss, as the time must, in all probability, come, when they will be wanted. Those contemplated by the Board of Engineers, a part of which are now constructing Besides these, proper field trains, deposited in different sections of the Union, and sufficiently large to meet probable contingencies, may be estimated at - 4,045 850 The average cost of our cannon is $5 94 per hundred pounds, which gives the following prices for those of different calibres: For 42 pounders 32 24 66 18 66 12 6 $520 450 330 215 150 70 It is estimated that an iron cannon will not safely bear more than 1200 discharges with the service charge; after which it should be broken up. It is due to the army that the subject of brevet commissions should be placed before you. So far as respects the services and compensation of officers holding those commis sions, the present regulations are just, and well calculated to prevent any injury to the public service. No officer can receive the pay of his brevet rank unless serving in that capacity when on duty, and having a command ac cording to his brevet rank. There are twenty-nine of ficers in the army now drawing brevet pay. These brevet commissions presuppose experience in the officer, and are founded upon the presumption that circumstances may arise when his services may be useful in a more extensive sphere than that in which, by his lineal commission, he is required to act; and these cir cumstances will oftener be found in our service, than in any other. Our regular troops and militia must frequentThe United States have no armories for the fabrication ly act together. When thus co-operating, the officers of of cannon. The practice for some years has been to the regular army take rank of all militia officers of the make contracts with the owners of the four founderies at same grade, whatever may be the date of their respective Richmond, Georgetown, Pittsburg, and West Point, to commissions. This rule is highly beneficial to the public the amount of the annual appropriation, allowing about interest, because, without creating invidious distinctions, an equal proportion to each, and paying such price as it gives to experience its proper weight. By granting the Ordnance Department, on the best information, judge brevet commissions, after ten years' service in one grade, agreeably to the present rule, experienced officers will be This procedure has been repeatedly stated in the an- provided for command upon detachment, or at posts where nual reports to Congress, together with the reasons which the objects are important, or the danger imminent. led to it. These are founded in the capital and experi- The construction which has been given to the law upon ence required to conduct this business; in the necessity this subject, has restricted the granting of brevet com of depending, in some degree, upon the integrity and missions upon prior ones to those cases only where ten character of the manufacturers, as there may be defects years' services have been rendered under such prior com in the piece not easily discoverable, owing to the neces- missions. There may be some doubt respecting the cor sity of mixing together iron of different qualities; and in the rectness of this view, and also the expediency of the belief that, if a general competition for these supplies were restriction. excited, the existing establishments would be broken down, and others endeavor to take their places, which would either fail from similar causes, or furnish cannon unfit for service, and thus leave the Government, at some critical period, reasonable. These commissions, except in the few instances stated, and those very proper, occasion no expense to the Government. They are in their operation rewards for past good conduct, and incentives to future. They cannot be |