21st CoNG. 2d SESS.] Reduction of the number of Officers of the Army. The schools where our children learn to read the word to the officers, not to the rank and file of the army; and of God, the churches were our people now sing to his that I should be enabled fully to answer it, inquiries, praise, and where they are taught that "of one blood he during last summer, were addressed to the principal officreated all the nations of the earth;" the fields they have cers at the different posts, that their opinions might be cleared, and the orchards they have planted; the houses obtained, and their experience and observation availed of, they built, are all dear to the Cherokees, and there they upon a subject of so much importance. expect to live and to die, on the lands inherited from their fathers, as the firm friends of all the people of these United States. R. TAYLOR, JOHN RIDGE, W. S. COODEY, In behalf of the Cherokee Nation. WASHINGTON CITY, 15th January, 1831. To the beloved Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the LITLLE A digest of the several reports received by the Major General has been communicated; but amongst them there is no general concurrence, by which any certain conclusion can be arrived at. In reference to the resolution, I am constrained, therefore, to offer such opinions and sugges tions, as to the general state and condition of the army, as are the result of my own reflections. While our regular force is small it is a consoling reflec tion, that it is in the power of this country to boast of a militia who breathe an ardent love of country, and who are ready to devote themselves to any emergency that FRIEND AND BROTHER: The deputation appointed by circumstances may impose. There is no disguising the you to visit the seat of Government have arrived, and been fact, however, that they are unskilled in military dise welcomed by your father, the President of the United pline, and hence incapable of those efforts which should States, with cordiality; they have spoken, and he has heard render them valuable and efficient in war. To relieve all the representations that they were instructed by you, against this, various attempts have been made. Efforts to on behalf of the Cherokee Nation, to make to him. In give some uniform organization to this force have been his name, I have answered them in sincerity and truth; essayed, but in vain. The same rule of discipline that and when they shall report to you what I have said, I trust might prove operative in one State may fail to be bene that you will feel all uneasiness removed from your minds, ficial in another. The system is defective, and must conand that you and your nation will experience that satisfac- tinue so, until some more salutary plan than any yet de tion which must result from a conviction of the certainty vised can be adopted. with which you may continue to rely on the protection and friendship of the United States. This is all that he requires from you in return for his friendship and protection: he trusts you will not force him to recede from these determinations by an improper and unjust change of conduct, but that you will give him abundant reason to increase, if possible, his desire to see you happy and contented under the fostering care of the Unit It occurs to me, (and I suggest it for consideration with great respect,) that, in peace, an organization of the army and militia should take place, based upon principles which look altogether to a state of war. In 1812 this country was thrown into a belligerent attitude, and the disasters at the commencement furnish a lesson which the intelligence of statesmen ought not to disregard. It will not do to be compelled to organize an army ab oro in moments of pressure, and when the public safety is at hazard. The eco These can never be forfeited but by the misconduct of the red people themselves. Your father, the President, instructs me to assure you, in behalf of your nation, that he will pay the most sacred regard to the existing treaties between your nation and ours, and protect your whole territory against all intrusions that may be attempted by white people; that all encouragement shall be given to you in your just pursuits and laudable progress towards comfort and happiness, by the introduction of useful arts: that all A preparation to be serviceable must take place when persons who shall offend against our treaties, or against the time and leisure afford the opportunity. All things being laws made for your protection, shall be brought to justice; in readiness, should war ensue, a country has only to rely or, if this should be impracticable, that a faithful remune- on the zeal, fidelity, and bravery of her citizens, and then ration shall be made to you; and that he will never aban- every thing will proceed well. But the exercise of all don his beloved Cherokees nor their children, so long as these high qualities will prove of slender avail if the prethey shall act justly and peaceably towards the white peo- paratory means for aiding and assisting them be wanting. ple and their red brethren. It is not the conceded policy of this Government to keep in service a large standing army, though its practice has always been to retain one to some extent. nomy which was practised in 1801 did not suggest the employment of a less force than three thousand men, which were under the command of a brigadier general. Now, our population and resources are three or four times greater than they were at that period of our history. The great desiderata to our army is, to elevate, in some way, the soldier's character, and to infuse proper feelings of pride. Inducements are wanting to allure to the service proper materials. Inasmuch as a soldier, by existing laws, is without the hope of rising above the grade of a noncommissioned officer, the attaining that grade ought to be rendered more desirable than it is at present, by having increased pay and emolument granted, with the privilege to the soldier, after a limited period of faithful service, to retire and become stationary at some vacant ordnance post, where his services could be had by the Government, and an adequate support afforded him. By such an induce ment, meritorious men may be brought into the army ser vice, each of whom, aided by proper officers, would be able to give valuable instruction in a few weeks to the militia that should be called out, or to new recruits, as they might be wanted. Properly inspirited, every soldier might become a drill officer, the beneficial results of which, at the onset of war, would be sensibly perceived and felt. ed States. I send you by your beloved chief, the Glass, a chain; it is made of gold, which will never rust; and I pray the Great Spirit to assist us in keeping the chain of our friendship, of which this golden chain is meant as an emblem, bright for a long succession of ages. H. DEARBORN, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, 7th July, 1801. REDUCTION OF OFFICERS OF THE ARMY. Letter from the Secretary of War, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives, for reducing the officers of the army. WAR DEPARTMENT, January 11, 1831. SIR: At the last session of Congress a resolution was passed by the House of Representatives, directing the Secretary of War to report "whether any reduction in the number of officers in the army of the United States can be made without injury to the public service," &c. The inquiry presented by this resolution is in reference The small military force we possess upon the present The law at present authorizes fourteen paymasters to be organization, is based upon principles which, if occasion retained, which cost the Government annually about thirshould require it, may give rise to immediate and benefi- ty-two thousand dollars. Not more than six appear to be cial effects. The rank and file, as they stand in relation necessary. The public business could, with that number, to the number of officers in command, are of skeleton be better attended to, and at a saving of eighteen or twenform, and capable to be multiplied and considerably en- ty thousand dollars annually, to the country. The great larged, should the circumstances of the country make it distances which the paymasters of the army travel in viRecessary. In an emergency, the number of troops siting their posts, render the carrying of money hazardmight be doubled or tripled, thereby, with the present ous, and occasion large expenses to the Government on officers, in a short time, to bring into active and useful account of their transportation. These inconveniences service a force of fifteen or twenty thousand men. This may be avoided by retaining a few of them to be arranged was the design had in view by the act of 1821, which re- at different points, with a view to disburse the necessary duced the army. Change the organization, and let some funds to the subordinate agents at posts. Let a quarterfuture necessity demand an enlargement, and a new re- master or commissary, at the several posts where troops cruit, both of officers and soldiers, will be required, the are stationed, have the trust confided to them of making tendency and effect of which would be probable injury payments to the troops, and the expense of eight payto the public service. masters and their clerks will be saved, and the public, by For reasons which have been often adverted to, the re- the arrangement, be better served. Instead of payment liance of this country, in moments of difficulty, must be being made to the troops once in six months, as is the upon the militia; and the examples which past time pre-case now at some of the posts, it might be done monthly or sents afford an earnest that on this reliance we may safely weekly. The soldier will be better satisfied, and by havdepend. But while frequent instances have occurred to ing only small sums of money in his possession, will have prove the value of this defence, that it is capable of less disposition to desert, and fewer facilities to enable him high and daring gallantry, it should not be forgotten that, to do so. Should this suggestion be adopted, it might be to render it still more efficient and valuable, the militia necessary to authorize the Secretary of War to demand, should be disciplined. To the attaining of this important from time to time, such bonds, and in such penalties, from object, the partial army we possess might materially con- the principal and subordinate paymasters, as the exigency duce, when new recruits are wanted. Could we enter- of the service might seem to require. tain a reasonable expectation that the country would continue at peace for any definite period of time, the propriety of disregarding, in the interim, military preparation, and pride, and feeling, would be questionable. One com. By this arrangement there would be a considerable saving in the expenditures of the Government, even after making to the subordinate paymasters a reasonable compensation for their disbursements, if to grant any shall be As it relates to the command of companies, no reduc- considered advisable. But whether the number of paytion and no organization of the officers, different from the masters be reduced or not, an authority should be given present arrangement, can be advantageously made, ex- to the Secretary of War to appoint pay-agents at distant cept as to the supernumerary brevet lieutenants. In the posts, and to place them under bonds for the faithful perannual report from the War Department, which accom- formance of their duty. The paymaster, for example, panied the President's message, it is stated, that, in the who is charged with the superintendence of the troops at ensuing year, perhaps, but certainly in the succeeding one, cantonment Gibson, resides at Louisville, Kentucky. To there will be one hundred and six lieutenants attached, by visit this post once in two months, as the law requires, brevet appointment, to the army, while the number that will make the transportation account alone nearly equal may be taken into service, by regular appointment, can- to eight thousand dollars a year. By an act of the last not exceed twenty-two annually; consequently, there will session of Congress, a post is directed to be established at be regularly and constantly in each year, eighty-four su- Key West, not far from the island of Cuba. pernumerary officers not needed or required by the ser-pany has accordingly been ordered there. Going to and vice, and which will occasion an annual expense of more returning from that post to Pensacola, (the residence of than sixty thousand dollars to the Government. the paymaster,) will make his transportation account to With the exception here suggested, I can perceive no constitute a considerable item in the course of the year; beneficial change that can be made as it regards the com- when, by the authority asked for, the payments may be pany officers, nor indeed any as it regards the regimental as well and safely made (and at a trifling expense) through officers. In relation to these, the present organization is some selected officer of the company. The same remark perhaps as perfect and complete as it can be rendered. is applicable to all our remote and distant posts. TransThe officers retained under the reduction in 1821 were portation accrues to the paymasters and their clerks, and known to be proportionably greater than was necessary to the expenses of a guard are oftentimes to be incurred, to the number of the rank and file upon a peace estab- give safe convoy to the funds in their possession. Sublishment; but the object of the organization was to pre- ordinate agents being stationed at these distant places, by sent such a force, and under such circumstances, as that, drafts, to be drawn on the principal paymasters, large in war, the greatest possible efficiency and activity might expenditures, and particularly the risk of transportation, be attained at a short notice. But if these principles, then would be avoided. sanctioned, and so long acquiesced in, are to be departed from, and the object of the resolution be to organize the army upon a mere peace establishment, in reference to present exigencies, and without regard to the probabilities of war, and of danger, at some future period, then, by that rule of adjustment, it might, for our present service, be sufficient to place the army under the command of a brigadier general. By such an arrangement, one major general and a brigadier, with three aids-de-camp, could be dispensed with, and thereby a saving to the Government be created of more than fourteen thousand dollars a year. In this view of the subject, the pay department might also be reformed to advantage, be rendered more serviceable, and less expensive than under the present system. VOL, VIL--H The Surgeon General of the army might be dispensed with. He has no disbursements to superintend or make, no bonds to receive, no accounts to revise, or responsibilities to encounter. The principal and material duty to be rendered by him, is in the purchasing and distributing of medicines; a duty which is performed by a quartermaster of the army at New York, at which place medical supplies are obtained, and from which point they are distributed to the several posts. The two Inspectors General of the army, it occurs to me, are not essential to the service, under a contemplated peace establishment. As these offices heretofore were executed, the incumbents were required to make secret, confidential, communications to the Department, of the 21st CONG. 24 SEES.] Reduction of the number of Officers of the Army. conduct of officers, together with the more general duty That the topographical corps of the army is of great imof reporting the situation of our posts, their condition, portance to the country. Recently, its operations have arms, and armament. It is not compatible with the dig-been confined to what may be considered civil purposes; nity, the feelings, the pride, and character of an officer, to the surveying of practicable routes for roads and canals, to have private confidential reports made of him and his and to the opening and improving of the navigation of our command, to be placed privately away amongst the ar- streams, bays, harbors, and inlets. These, seemingly, are chives of the office. There are some on file of former all exclusively civil objects, although they are not so in times, which, if rendered public, could not fail to pro- reality, inasmuch as the information thus obtained, may be duce strife and difficulty amongst individuals. Why in-serviceably used hereafter in military operations. When spect the conduct of an officer? Reliance must be had war shall take place, the benefits resulting from the induson his pride of character. He is unfit to command who try of this corps will be found of incalculable advantage. deserves not implicitly to be confided in. If, in any thing A knowledge of the relative positions of places, of their required by law or regulation, an officer disregards or elevations and depressions, and of the advantages promised omits the performance of the trusts confided to him, re-by their occupation, will remain in the War Office, ready, medies are at hand, and vigilance for their fulfilment, on on proper occasions, to be turned to useful account. the part of his associates, is seldom or ever wanted. The The surveys which are now possessed are the work of approach of an inspector to a post is nearly periodical. this useful and valuable corps, and have been obtained by The officer in command can calculate with much accu- the industrious pursuit of its duties, through successive racy as to the period of the visit, and can well arrange seasons. If the works to which they have reference should every thing to meet his arrival and the inspection. If dis- ever be undertaken, the results of those surveys are in posed to do his duty, the inspector brings no benefit, pro-readiness, and furnish the necessary data; if not, their duces no good. If careless of it, a few days of prepara-value will still be perceived and felt in future military tion will place him securely beyond any effect from the operations. A commanding general may carefully watch, inquest. and sedulously guard his army; yet, if he be a stranger to Harmony is essential to the quiet and well-being of an the country, and without information of its relative posiarmy; and to this regard should be had, if one is to be tions, and of the advantages to be derived from places to retained. Strife and jealousy amongst different branches be occupied, he will but grope his way in darkness, and and departments of it should be avoided, if possible. be vulnerable to an opposing officer who may have a betTheir consequences are disagreeable, and their tendency ter knowledge than himself of these facts. No general injurious to the public service. To effect so desirable an can operate successfully who is ignorant of the topography object, I beg leave to say, as matter connected with the of the country, and of its assailable and defensible points, subject of the resolution under consideration, that the and of the various positions to be taken, which may beneadministrative branches of the staff of the army should not fit himself, or produce injury to an enemy. be connected with the line of the army. The fancied In this country we have an extensive inland and mariease and increased emolument which these offices afford, time frontier, and for their security and protection much make them the cause of solicitude to those who obtain labor has yet to be performed. Our entire line of frontier, them, and of jealousy on the part of others, who are less our bays, harbors, and inlets, should be carefully examinsuccessful in their applications. To avoid this, it has be-ed and surveyed. Points which are assailable, and the come an object with the Department, in the distribution, mode of defending these, with all necessary details, should to equalize these appointments amongst the respective be carefully looked into, and the information so obtained, regiments, as much as possible. It might be preferable treasured up with the archives of the country. to separate them entirely; at least the experiment might be safely and advantageously essayed for the present, by some changed organization in the Ordnance Department. In peace, or in war, this is a most important arm of our service. Through it are provided munitions of war to be in readiness in moments of danger, and by it are constructed the arms which are required for the defence of the country. Immense quantities (more than ten millions) of public property are in its possession and care. Officers, when composing a part of the army, in justice to themselves, to their own improvement in the lines, and that jealousies may be suppressed, should occasion-tecting and defending them. ally return to their commands. Changes must take place, 4th. The surveying of such military roads as may most and these changes affect the regularity of the system, and advantageously connect the several military positions upon often occasion a waste of public property. A bill was introduced at the last session, which, if properly matured, and acted upon, would contribute to the efficiency of this arm of service, and to the public interest, and at the same time add but little, if any thing, to the present expenses of the army. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. H. EATON. To the SPEAKER of the House of Representatives. Letter from the Secretary of War in reply to so much of the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 7th instant as relates to the Topographical Engineers. WAR DEPARTMENT, January 20, 1831. SIR: In answer to that part of the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 7th instant, which relates to the topographical engineers, I have the honor to state: Under this aspect of the case, the class.fication of the duties to be performed by this corps, exclusively military, may be thus stated: 1st. Surveys of military positions for purposes of permanent fortifications. 2d. Surveys of our inland frontier, to ascertain the points best situated for defence, after what manner attacks may be made, and the best modes of opposing them. 3d. An examination of the seacoast generally, and particularly of all seaports, bays, and inlets, the avenues by which these may be approached, and the modes of pro our inland frontier. The foregoing remarks and statement of duties relate to the employment of the topographical engineers during a state of peace; but, in times of war, for which all its peace operations may be considered as preparatory, their labors become more exclusively military, and may be said to embrace the extensive range of duties of the field engineer, and for which their occupation in times of peace qualify them. They are a necessary appendage to every army, and, with propriety, may be called the eyes of the commanding general, and of the Government, as it is upon the results and labors of such a corps that all judicious plans of military operations must be based. The addition to the present topographical engineers, and the organization required, and which is now recommended, are such as will form a corps, to consist of one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, two majors, ten captains, ten first lieutenants, and ten second lieutenants; which numbers and organization are considered as requisite to ments, and what returns had been made; what property, meet the present military wants of the country. All which is respectfully submitted. J. H. EATON. The SPEAKER of the House of Representatives. ACCOUNTS IN SUIT. Report of the Solicitor of the Treasury, of the accounts in suit on 4th July, 1830. OFFICE OF SOLICITOR OF THE TREASURY, Jan. 6, 1831 SIR: In obedience to the directions of the "Act to provide for the appointment of a Solicitor of the Treasury," I have the honor respectfully to submit, for the information of Congress, the following report: personal or real, was bound by such judgment; where such property is situated; in whose possession it was, either as executors, administrators, assignees, trustees, or otherwise; what were the nature and amount of the liens on such property, if any there were, prior to that of the United States; what was the prospect of recovering the whole amount, or any part of such judgments; what was the amount expected to be realised; what were the obstaprevail, and the prospect of their removal; with all other cles which have heretofore interposed, and which yet matters important to be known at this office. The information called for by these several inquiries, is believed to be essential to the efficient discharge of the duties of this office, so far as they relate to the collection In the performance of the duty imposed upon the Soli- of the outstanding judgment debts. To enable the Discitor, "to obtain from the several District Attorneys of trict Attorneys to furnish it, tedious examinations of the United States full and accurate accounts of all the records, and frequent resort to the assistance of the clerks causes and actions pending in the Courts of the United of the courts, are necessary. A great proportion of these States, in which the United States were plaintiffs, on the judgments having been recovered before the present Dis4th day of July, and to cause an abstract thereof, showing trict Attorneys came into office, the legal fees, which, the names of the parties in each suit, the cause of action, under existing laws, constitute the principal compensation the time of its commencement, and such other matters as to attorneys, have already been paid to their predecessors. may be necessary to full information respecting the same, It is manifest, therefore, as no commission is allowed for to be prepared and laid before Congress," soon after I the collection of money, that, for the services of the preassumed the duties of that office, the circular, a copy of sent Attorneys, either in procuring the information I have which is hereunto annexed, and marked A, containing called for in the last mentioned circular, or for further regulations for the observance of District Attorneys, Mar- attention in enforcing the judgments, no remuneration shals, Clerks, and Collectors, was issued, and the several whatever is provided. Several Attorneys have asked for District Attorneys required to report the information compensation, and some of the clerks have refused their called for by Congress. From their returns I have pre- aid without an assurance that it will be made. pared three statements, of which the one marked B exhibits a report of the suits brought on Treasury transcripts; the one marked C exhibits a report of suits brought on custom-house bonds; and the third, marked D, exhibits a report of suits for fines, penalties, and forfeitures; all which were pending on the 4th day of July last. The returns of some of the Attorneys did not contain "full information" respecting the suits in their districts. Several were little more than copies of the docket entries from the records of the Courts. These defects have in part been supplied, as it respects suits on Treasury transcripts, from the register of such suits transferred to this office from that of the Fifth Auditor of the Treasury; but the suits on custom-house bonds, and for fines, penalties, and forfeitures, not being under his superintendence, no register of them was kept by him; and of course but little information of those which were instituted prior to the 1st day of June last, is in the possession of this office. Such information, however, as it has been practicable to collect in these several classes of suits, in the short period since this office was established, is contained in the three state ments abovementioned. The third class of suits, for fines, penalties, and forfeitures, being principally in rem, no accurate estimate can be made of their amount. An amount more than three times as large as the above is probably due to the United States on judgments rendered previous to the 4th of July. With a view to collect information respecting the situation of debts of this description, a circular, a copy of which is hereunto annexed, marked E, was directed to the several District Attorneys, requiring them to report what suits prosecuted to judgment remained unsatisfied, in which expectations were entertained of collecting a part of the whole amount of the debt; what process had been issued on such judg Some estimate of the importance of the subject about And deduct it from the abovementioned ag- be $7,742,407 80 1,776,526 96 $5,645,880 84 $6,685,490 00 1,241,686 82 $5,623,803 18 5,645,880 84 $11,269,694 02 To this sum may be added several millions for interest; observance of regulations, which shall form a chain of rebut there ought also to be deducted from it a considerable sponsibility, binding each officer to his duty, from the comamount, which consists of judgments against sureties on mencement of legal proceedings, throughout their various official and custom-house bonds. The foregoing view, stages, till the execution of judgment shall place the pubhowever, though not exact, presents a sufficient approxi- lic dues in the Treasury of the United States. In framing mation to the truth to demonstrate the importance of the those which I now transmit, I have endeavored to consult subject it embraces. the convenience of the several officers whom they affect, No remuneration is provided by law to stimulate the as far as is compatible with a just system of accountability. zeal of the United States' Attorneys in the collection of It would be presumptuous in me to expect that, in the this vast amount of debt. The legal fees in almost all the present organization of a new office, I have prepared a sums having already been paid to their predecessors in system without error, or that experience will not point office, who instituted them, no inducement but a cold out new checks or useful modifications and alterations. sense of unprofitable duty is left to excite them to exer- Such as your reflection and observation may suggest, if tion. A very great proportion of this mass of debt is communicated, will be considered and examined with the due from persons and estates that are hopelessly insolvent. utmost care and candor, with a view to the improvement Still, however, it is believed that a large amount, which and perfection of the system; but, until the regulations for will otherwise be lost, might be gleaned, if an adequate the transaction of business now established shall be modi inducement to encounter the labor of collecting the infor- fied or rescinded, I cannot too strongly urge an exact obmation called for, and to act vigorously and zealously after servance of them. That the mutual dependence and proobtaining that information, were held out to District priety of the various parts of the system of checks now Attorneys, in the shape of a liberal commission on collec- presented may be seen and understood, by being viewed tions. It would seem peculiarly proper that the com- together, I subjoin to this circular a copy of the regula missions now allowed to collectors of the customs for tions, established not only for your government, but for collections on bonds which are put in suit, should be trans- that of all the different officers, who must contribute their ferred to the Attorneys, who have the labor and responsi- share of duty in accomplishing the object of the laws herebility of making them. This arrangement, while it would with transmitted. create no additional expense to the public, would operate I place much reliance for aid, in the discharge of my as a stimulus to vigilance and caution on the part of Col- arduous duties, not only upon the talents and business lectors, in requiring such security as would prevent the habits of the law officers and collectors of the United necessity of resorting to litigation, and to a zealous dis-States, but still more upon their cordial and hearty co-opcharge of duty by Attorneys, whenever litigation should eration in devising the means of carrying into complete efbecome necessary. It is believed, also, that a true econo- fect the great objects in view, the punctual payment of my would dictate an allowance of commissions to Attor- the public dues, and the prevention of frauds upon the neys for collection in suits on Treasury transcripts, as well as on custom-house bonds; and that the increase of the sum, which would, in consequence of it, be brought into the Treasury, would be much greater than the amount of those commissions. The foregoing remarks present an imperfect view of the prominent defects of the present system of collecting the public dues, when suit has become necessary; and the daily discharge of my official functions has so forcibly impressed them on my mind, that I have thought it my duty, in this report, respectfully to bring them to the notice of Congress, who alone have power to provide an adequate remedy. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your most faithful and obedient servant, V. MAXCY, To the Hon. the SPEAKER of the House of Representatives. A. Treasury; and I cannot doubt that a class of citizens so distinguished for high character, intelligence, and patriotism, will feel with me an ambition to demonstrate, by a faithful and efficient performance of our respective duties, the utility of our several offices, and their adaptation to promote the public weal. On my part it will be my first and strongest desire to reconcile a rigid and exact fulfilment of the laborious and responsible task prescribed to me by law, with such observance of comity and regard to the feelings of all with whom I am connected as shall ensure a continuance of the most cordial and respectful relations between us. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your most faithful and obedient servant, V. MAXCY, Solicitor of the Treasury. Regulations to be observed by the Collectors of the customs. 1. Whenever a revenue bond shall not have been paid Circular from the Solicitor of the Treasury, with regulations when it becomes duc, you will, to use the terms of the to be observed by District Attorneys, Clerks of the Circuit law prescribing your duty, deliver it for suit to the Disand District Courts, Marshals, and Collectors of the United States. OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR OF THE TREASURY, Washington, July 27, 1830. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of an act passed at the late session of Congress, to provide for the appointment of a Solicitor of the Treasury. trict Attorney "forthwith and without delay," and will take triplicate receipts of the Attorney; one of which is to be forwarded by the first mail to this office, together with a full and exact description of the date and amount of such bond, and of the time when it became payable, and the names of all the obligors thereto; one to be sent with your first quarterly returns thereafter, to the first Auditor of the Treasury, and the other to be retained by yourself. If any part of the bond have been paid, the amount of such payment, and the time when made, must be stated. That the reports of the several Collectors may be uni On entering into the relations which that act has established between the Solicitor and the law officers and Collectors of the United States, I cannot but feel a deep sense of the responsibility connected with the superinten- form, I have sent you a form for them. dence of the multifarious and important concerns commit- 2. Whenever any obligor of a bond put in suit shall, ted to my charge. Diffused as these concerns are through- before execution is delivered to the marshal, pay the out this widely extended Union, they cannot be managed whole or any part of such bond to you, you will give him in a manner satisfactory to the officers or parties concern- triplicate receipts, one of which is to be retained in his ed, or with a due regard to the interest of the Govern- own hands, and the other two to be delivered to the Disment, without the establishment and a punctual and exac trict Attorney; one of them to be filed as his authority for |