THIRD SERIES. No. 17-VOL. IX.]

BALTIMORE, DEC. 22, 1827.

THE PAST-THE PRESENT-FOR THE FUTURE.

[VOL. XXXIII. WHOLE No. 849

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY H. NILES & SON AT $5 PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

For miscellaneous articles, see page 261.

Conclusion of the report on the navy. The amount estimated is $3,043,679 75. Last year it was $5,014,802 92. In the present estimates, however, there is embraced an item of $201,350 for the completion and equipment of the ten sloops of war authorized to be built by the law of 3d March, 1825, and which will be prepared for sea in the course of this year. The sum is not properly chargeable to the current expenses of the navy, and when it is deducted, the present estimates will be found to be $172,455 17 less than the last.

The estimates made by the navy commissioners with all the skill and accuracy which experience and intelligence can give, and the amount which will probably be wanted, for each object of pay, subsistence, &c. &c. is stated. But it is impossible to estimate these things, with the precision which can readily be secured where the expenditure is to be made in our own country, and under the more immediate control of the department. Hence it is found, that although the appropriation is sufficient for the general object, yet there is sometimes a surplus under one head, and a deficiency under the other.Aware that this difficulty would occur, congress, by the laws of 3d March, 1809, and 1st May, 1820, authorized the president to make transfers under a few enumerated items. These items have been since changed in the appropriation laws, and the power of transfer rendered useless. This inconvenience is increased by the fact that a large proportion of the money is drawn for and expended It is presumed that the number of naval establishments by pursers and navy agents abroad, who are often unavoidwill not be diminished. Although it is manifestly the ably ignorant of the terms of the law ander which the extrue policy, so far as economy and efficiency are concern-penditure is to be made, and, therefore, draw and expend ed, to limit, as far as possible the number of our large the money under one item, when they should do it under dock yards, at which every species of labor connected another. As an example, they draw under pay of the with our shipping is to be performed, yet other conside-navy whatever is to be paid to the officers and men; alrations have heretofore operated, and will doubtless continue to operate, to keep up the number now in existence. They have, therefore, been embraced in the estimates. Of the vessels proposed to be kept in commission, none can, with propriety, be dispensed with.

They embrace the support of the several naval establishments on shore, and preservation of the ships in ordinary-of one ship of the line, six frigates, twelve sloops, and four schooners in commission, and with a small increase of the number of officers now in service.

though a large proportion of it is for their provisions and subsistence, and is estimated for under those heads. The head of pay is consequently exhausted, before the items-and there is no remedy. The president cannot end of the year, that of provisions is not. So of other make a transfer, founded on the knowledge that this unavoidable error has been committed, nor can the accounting officer, from the absence of the agent, correct it in season, in the settlement of his accounts.

The small addition to the number of officers arises from what is supposed to be the absolute necessity of the service. It is one of absence, privation and exposure. In such a service, it must always be expected, that about one It is respectfully submitted, that a remedy may be found third or one fourth will be unable to attend to active duty.without hazarding the proper expenditures of public moSickness and other causes will always operate to that ex-ney, by one or two modestent, and when this deduction is made, it will be found that several of our classes of officers are too small. This

is especially the case in the medical branch, for with every exertion which the department could make, it has sometimes happened, during the past as in former years, that sufficient medical aid could not be afforded to all our

vessels, while at sea, and to all our establishments on

shore.

The form of the estimates is such as the decisions of congress require. There are one or two points in reference to them, however, which it is proper again to notice, inasmuch as they continue to operate with severity, and occasion not only inconvenience but loss of public mo

nev.

1st. Authorizing the president to make, in writing, transfers from and to certain enumerated items, so as to effect the objects which congress had in passing the laws of 3d March, 1809, and 1st May, 1820-or

2d. By requiring the estimates to be made, as they now are, for each specific item, so that their propriety can be readily tested by congress; but embracing the amount of several of them under one head in the appropriation bills.

The annual examination by the committee of congress into the expenditures for the navy, would still be made, with equal ease, and afford equal security.

There is another evil which duty requires should be brought to your notice. By a rigid enforcement of the ist. The estimates and appropriations are made for the law, the disbursing officers within the U. States, are comyear commencing and ending on the 1st January. The pelled to make periodical settlements, and so far as they appropriation laws are never passed until after that pe- expend the public money, the accounting departments riod. The department is, therefore, left, sometimes for can furnish statements showing whether it has been pro six weeks or two months, without funds for the use of perly expended, and whether the appropriations have been the navy. Were our ships, officers and men within the sufficient for the objects. But this is not the case with the country, this circumstance, although very injurious, large number of disbursing officers who are out of the would be less felt; but as they are absent at great distan- United States, and who are often absent two or three ces, it creates serious inconvenience, and sometimes loss years, at the distance of thousands of miles. In their ab of both credit and money. They must have funds for sence, their accounts cannot be settled, nor can it be their support, and must, therefore, procure them, if they known, whether they have expended the money properly, can, by drawing bills upon the department, and these are or the appropriations of the year are exhausted. From sometimes protested for want of the means of payment. the same and other causes, many claims upon the deThe consequences are too palpable to require comment.partment by individuals are not and cannot be presented The remedy is simple-to make the appropriation, in within the year. It necessarily results, that when the the first instance, for a year and a quarter, and let those accounts of a particular year are settled, there are somefor subsequent years commence on the 1st April. Should times deficiencies and sometimes a surplus, in those this plan be approved and adopted by congress, an addi- items which are appropriated for certain objects, "and tion of one-fourth must be made to the estimates for the for no other object or purpose whatever," except what quarter ending on the 1st April, 1829. All subsequent arose within that year; as well as in the general items, appropriations would be for a year only. which are not claimed, as to time. Confusion and want of accuracy, and sometimes want of means, for the payment of claims, are the consequences, creating both puklie and private inconveniency.

2d. Specific sums are appropriated for specific objects, which is undoubtedly the best and safest mode, but the form in which it is done creates difficulty.

VOL. XXXII-No. 17.

The secretary of the navy has heretofore proposed to the committee of ways and means, and now respectfully suggests two plans to obviate the inconvenience. One is, an appropriation for arrearages for the service generally, as was done last year for the navy, and has been done for many years, in the war department. To this end, an item of $15,000 has been added in the estimates. The other is to incorporate into the appropriation bill a provision, that the balances of the several items, which remained at the end of the year, constitute an aggregate fund, for the payment of such arrearages in the naval service as may be due and unsatisfed at that time. This provision, it is believed, would be sufficient to enable the department to meet the calls, public and private, upon the service, save great vexation to individuals, secure more precision and certainty in the settlement of accounts, and at the end of the limitation of the two years required by law, the balance would be passed, as it now is, to the surplus fund.

In the expenditure of the appropriations of the present year, so far as the department is informed, there has been no loss or defalcation. The disbursing officers have exhibited punctuality and faithfulness, and as much accuracy, as the circumstances before alluded to would permit.

will be commenced in a short time. Attention has been paid to the direction of the law respecting the marine railway at Pensacola, but the situation of the navy yard and improvements, with other causes, have prevented a decision upon the subject.

In the early part of last summer a board of officers, composed of commodores Bainbridge, Chauncey and Morris, was directed "to examine thoroughly all the navy yards, and prepare plans for their improvement, and the preservation of the public property therein," which might be submitted to the president for his sanction, The officers have devoted to this object as large a portion of their time as could be spared from their other urgent duties, and have made some progress. The whole will be completed in the course of the winter, or early in the spring; and from what has already been done, entire contidence is felt that such plans will be prepared and sanctioned as will greatly promote the public interest, render our navy and dock yards such as the interest of the nation demands, and prevent an unnecessary and wasteful expenditure of the public money. No law which has been passed since that for the gradual increase of the navy, has had a more salutary influence upon its interests than the one of which this provision forms a part

A report "of the expenditures under this act, and the measures taken to carry the same into effect," is subjoined.

Under the appropriation made in 1826 for a survey "to ascertain the practical facilities of Baltimore, Savannah, Brunswick and Beaufort, for naval purposes," that The discipline, economy and efficiency of the service, of Baltimore was completed before the last session of are objects of unceasing attention, and it is believed that congress, and the result communicated, in answer to a they are as worthy of commendation as at any former resolution of the house of representatives. Since that period. But in this, as in preceding years, experience time, surveys of Brunswick and Savannah have been made has proved, that many of the evils which have been so ofby lieut. Stockton, and his report is in the department. ten noticed, still exist. Some of which were within the The time necessarily occupied in them, rendered it im- competency of the executive have been removed, others possible to complete Beaufort, during the spring and must await legislative decision. It would be improper summer, without great hazard to the officers and men, again to present, in detail, the views which have before the health of several of them having suffered before that been taken on the questions of rank and pay in the navy: of Savannah was ended. It is now in progress, under the of a want of regular organization; of a code of criminal superintendence of the same officer, and will be finished, law or regulations; and of a naval school. But the dewithout delay, when the whole will be ready to be compartment would not discharge its obligations to the str municated to congress. These surveys have been made by competent officers, and will furnish sufficient infor-mation, to decide, how far those places afford "practical facilities for naval purposes." They are, however, unIn no service, either of the army or navy, in any age or avoidably incomplete. The time within which it was supposed desirable to make them, and the means granted nation, has a force such as we now send to sea in squadby the appropriation, did not permit them to be so made rons, been commanded by captains; and perfect subordias to furnish perfect surveys and charts of those harbors. nation and discipline, without which there can be neither Nor can such surveys be made without the aid of the efficiency or economy, cannot prevail, unless so large a means contemplated by the act of 10th Feb. 1807, to pro-dispensable in the navy as in the army; and equal justice force has commanders of proper grade. Rank is as invide for surveying the coast of the United States.

The report of the United States commissioners, under the law for the gradual increase of the navy, is annexed. Under the second section of the "act for the gradual improvement of the navy," passed at the last session, contracts, have been made for the frames of five ships of the line, five frigates and five sloops of war.

Under the authority vested in the executive, reservations of land have been made in Louisiana and Alabama, and of a tract adjoining the navy yard at Pensacola. Orders have been given to the commandant of the yard to plant live oak on the latter. An examination of the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, as far south as Musquito inlet, has been made with a view to the purchase and reservation of land having timber upon it. Much less was found than had previously been hoped for. Orders have also been given, and are in a course of execution, for the examination of the west coast of Florida. It is manifest from the information already obtained, that we shall be obliged to plant extensive tracts of land with the live oaks, so that we shall not after a few years, be deprived of this most valuable timber for the uses of the navy,

The 4th section of the act referred to authorized the president "to cause to be constructed two dry docks for the use of the navy, the one to the south, and the other to the north of the Potomac." The two sites selected are, at the navy yard at Gosport, in Virginia, and Charlestown, in Massachusetts. Loammi Baldwin esq. was appointed the engineer to superintend the construction of the docks. Contracts for a large portion of the labor and materials for both have been made, and the work at Charlestown commenced. That at Gosport

vice, if it failed to express a conviction, that discipline, economy and efficiency would be promoted by judicious legal provisions on these subjects.

to the officers calls for the establishment of a higher grade. Several of those upon our list of captains have been such for more than a quarter of a century; have ed by generals on land; have borne themselves as gallante commanded forces superior to those always commandly, and done the state as much service as their military rivals on shore; yet they are still captains, and with the compensation of captains, while their patriotic competitors, with a service less protracted, and not more energetic or deserving, are rewarded, by a just and wise government, with higher rank and fuller compensation,

Promotions are made from the rank of midshipmen. The proper education of this class of officers is, there fore, the best mode which we can secure talent, inforns tion and merit in the higher grades. The greater part of them enter the service between the ages of fourteen and sixteen, when it is impossible that they should be well informed scholars.-Their situation in the service renders it equally impossible that they should the make much literary or scientific acquisition beyond the practical duties of the seamen. Their pay is incompetent to procure the means of instruction, and their em ployments are too steady and active to afford the time. The science and information requisite for a navy officer, is in no respect inferior to that required by army officers and engineers, and the interest as well as the honor of the country, are not less concerned in the correct performance of their duties. The reason therefore for the preference of the army over the navy, in this respect, is not perceived. All that the department can do hus been done to overcome the want of a naval setrool, which shall unite a practical with a scientific education,

but the evils still felt urge the department again, respectfully but earnestly, to present it to your consideration.

surprise that confusion, disorder and violation of duty have not existed to an extent which might jeopardize the existence of the corps.

2d. That it be placed entirely under the laws and regulations for the government of the navy.

At the last session of congress memorials were pre- I would respectfully suggest, as the proper remedy-sented by many citizens of New York, Pennsylvania, 1st. That the corps be increased to the number ofMaine, Virginia and Ohio, proposing “an exploring ex-privates, and that the number and grade of the officers pedition to the north and south hemispheres," under the correspond with those which have been established in patronage of government. The memorial and papers the army, and approved by experience for that number were referred, by order of the house of representatives to of men. this department, but no appropriation was made. It is presumed that the reference was intended to convey the disposition of the house in favor of the expedition, and was to be regarded as expressing a wish that the countenance and support of the department should be given to it. As no appropriation was made, there was no money which could, with propriety, be used to carry into execution the object of the reference. The only aid which could under these circumstances be afforded, was, to grant to those officers of the navy who choose to join an expedition which should be fitted out by private enterprise, a leave of absence for that object, and to order to it such seamen as vere willing and competent to navigate the vessels. This aid would, under the sanction of the reference, have been afforded, if the expedition had been prepared. Since the adjournment of congress a large number of respectable citizens of several of the states have signed memorials of the same tenor as those referred by order of the house.

The condition of the marine corps urgently demands that it should he again presented for consideration. It was "established and organized” in 1798, and consisted of 720 men, besides officers.-The design of congress in creating it was to furnish a proper guard for the navy yards and for ships at sea. This design points out the extent and organization which it ought to possess. It should be numerous enough to afford a sufficient guard for each yard and each ship in commission. It ought also to be so far incorporated with the navy, and subject to navy regulations, as to render the government of the two consistent and uniform; in both of these respects it needs amendment.

a

3d. That accommodations be afforded to them out of, but adjoining the navy yards, so that details can be sent, under proper arrangements, by the officers commanding them, into the yards and while there be entirely subject to the control and orders of the commandant. 4th. That a sufficient number, for the sole purpose of guarding the property at Portsmouth, Philadelphia, Washington and Pensacola, be assigned to those places, and the remainder be divided between the stations at Boston, New York, and Norfolk, where they can be properly drilled and prepared for sea service, and from which our vessels in commission obtain the necessary guards when fitting for sea.

5th. That the commandant and staff of the corps remain at this place, as the most convenient for communication, both with the department and the corps; and for the prompt settlement of their accounts.

If these suggestions should be adopted, it is believed that the marine corps would be much more efficient and less expensive to the public. The two first of these propositions would require legal enactments; the others might be effected by regulation.

The naval hospital fund has an intimate connexion with the interests and feeling of the officers and seamen who are under the control of this department, and therefore deserves notice in this report.

ed and wounded seamen, when brought into port, should Humanity, justice and policy require, that the diseas→ have a home and the means of cure provided; and that the country until his strength is exhausted, should have the disabled and aged seaman, who has worthily served an asylum where a comfortable subsistence may be found for his last days.

The statement annexed shows the proper number for guard at each yard, and for each vessel in commission, and from that statement it appears that effective men are necessary. The corps now consist of 750 men, besides commissioned and non-commissioned officers; being thirty eial nations. It was early felt in ours, and laws were pasThis truth has been felt in all civilized and commermore than when it was first established, although the service to be performed by it is much inore extensive. It is sed upon the subject; but they have thus far not accomplished their object. They direct twenty cents per apparent that this number of men cannot furnish the required guards, and our vessels are therefore often with-month to be retained out of the pay of officers, seamen, out the requsite number, and a very insufficient protec- an asylum should be erected. As yet not one building and marines, and that, from the proceeds, hospitals and tion is afforded to the public property. Watchmen have,

three years. There is another sum, however, of $50,000, the 26th February, 1811, and was directed to be paid out which was declared by law to be due to the fund, on of any moneys in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, which has not yet been paid, except $. This The sum which had been paid by the navy, amounted to, sum was by $80,000 less than it ought to have been.--. at least, $130,000, as is readily shown by calculating the number employed in the service.

during the past year been hired at several of the yards, has been completed, although the deduction has been reto aid the marines, which unavoidably creates confusion gularly made from the pay since the passage of the law, and insecurity. It would be better to have the guard in 1799. The reasons for the failure were stated in a composed altogether of one description of persons, ei-report by the commissioners of the fund, at the last sesther marines or watchmen. The nature of the duties sion of congress. A part of the fund was absorbed by performed by this corps, both on land and on water, is and expended, during the late war, in the pay of the na such that great danger results from their being insuffi-. This sum has been repaid, under regulations and ciently discharged. The public interest would there-by order of this department, in the course of the last fore be promoted by augmenting its numbers, or by withdrawing it altogether, either from the navy yards or from the ships, and trusting to other means for protection, which would be regarded as a hazardous experiment. There is still greater defect in the organization, than in the numbers of the corps. By the law of 1798, it is go verned by the same rules and articles of war as are prescribed for the military establishment of the United States, and by the rules for the regulations of the navy according to the nature of the services in which they shall be employed." By the construction uniformly given to this law, the corps is subject to the naval regulations when at sea, and to the army regulations when on land. The same officers and men are at one moment under one system of rules and discipline at the next, under another. Their compensation is governed by one law at sea, by another on land. The nature of their connection with the navy is unsettled, and subject to constant disputations. And when the laws are to be enforeed in the punishment of an officer, neither the war nor navy department, can in many cases, act without the interference of the other. It is not necessary to detail the consequences which follow. It is, perhaps, matter of

the

It is roost respectfully suggested, that the whole sumá of $150,000 should be restored, with interest upon it now amounting to $262,600. It is not the money of the government or nation. Not one cent has been paid to the fund by the nation. It has been taken out of the pay of the officers and men, and belongs to them as justly as any portion of their private estates.

It is now mentioned, in this report, because their rights and interest are necessarily the object of attention by this department, and because the money is wanted to erect the buildings for their accomodation.

Sites have been purchased for tour buildings at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk, which, with a small one at Pensacola, may be made sufficiently exten

A

sive to answer all the necessities of the service at any future period.

Two buildings, a hospital at Norfolk and an asylum at Philadelphia, are progressing very satisfactorially, and if the funds were put in a proper condition, the whole might be completed in two years, and form, together, a hospital establishment, at least as ereditable to the country and beneficial to the service, as that belonging to any other nation. The completion of this establishment is demanded by the plainest policy. In this country the services of our seamen are voluntary; no impressment or other mode of compulsion is, or ought to be applied, to force them to perform the duties of peace, or fight the battles of the country in war.

But in proportion to the voluntary character of the service, ought to be the effort to render that service pleasant, and to create every inducement to joint it. And when it is perfectly understood by all who are acquainted with the character of the seamen, that his foresight is seldom directed to any other object than a place of refuge when disease and misfortune overtake him, surely that place of refuge ought not to be wanting.

In this view, it is hoped, the payment of the debt before mentioned will be made; and if something were added to it, it would be justified by the consideration, that the nation has not yet given one dollar to so desirable an ebject. Respectfully submitted,

SAMUEL L. SOUTHARD.

THE ARMY.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

whatever has occurred in any one of its various depart

ments.

I beg leave to invite the attention of congress to the changes proposed in former reports by the major general in the terms of enlistment, as they are looked to with confidence as a prevention to desertion.

I beg leave also to recommend to a favourable consideration of congress, the alteration proposed by the commissary general of subsistence, in the organization of that department, presuming that the mode of supplying the army by contract, whose advantages have been so satisfactorily manifested, will be continued by a new act of legislation, the former law being about to expire.

In confirmation of this suggestion, as to the advantage of supplying the army by this system, I beg leave to state, that the price of rations has been reduced to 11 6-10 cents, at our most expensive posts, while at those least so, we procure them at 6 8-10 cents.

I recommend to the consideration of congress the erection of buildings in or near the city of New York, and in the city of New Orleans, as proposed by the quarter master general.

I presume to suggest, for the consideration of congress, the propriety of founding an army asylum. Such establishments, it is believed, enter into the policy of every other nation, and even here have obtained already in the naval branch of the service. Uniformity of system alone, in the two arms of the national defence, therefore, would seem to require it. The condition of some of the defenders of their country during the revolutionary war, excited so far the sympathy of congres as to experience its bounty. It is highly probable, in our future history, that many, both privates and officers, may be in circumstances no less distressing.-Indeed, cases are now of frequent occurrence, where the department is applied to for relief. An honorable asylum from such a I beg leave to refer you to the accompanying reports, condition, seems to be dictated alike by policy and gratímade up in pursuance of my orders, marked from A. to tude. A small monthly deduction from the pay of the P. They disclose, in detail, the measures which have officers and privates, will constitute the fund for its supbeen carried into effect, in the various branches of the pub-port. It would manifest the beneficence of the nation, lic service, subject to the superintendence of this depart-if means were furnished, at once, from the public trea sury for the erection of the necessary buildings.

[Accompanying the president's message.]

Department of war, November 26, 1827. SIR: I submit a report of the administration of this department from the date of my last report.

ment.

The document A. is a report of major general Brown on the state of the army. I renew, with pleasure, an expression of my entire satisfaction at the condition of the army, both as to its moral and military character. As far as I am officially advised, its officers are now essentially exempt from the degrading vice of intemperance. A few examples which have been made, (though necessary, yet, reluctantly), to cleanse the army from this blot, united with a declared unalterable determination never to pardon when a sentence of guilt for this offence, on satisfactory evidence, was pronounced by a court martial, it is hoped, will restrain the very few, if any, who are disposed to forget, in this indulgence, what is due to their characters as officers of the American army. To its good discipline, generally the most ample testimony is borne, and particularly by major general Brown, who, during the present year, made a tour of inspection through three of the great sections of the union. The two schools of practice, fortress Monroe and Jefferson barracks, will be great auxiliaries in promoting its perfection. For the benefit of the former, I again renew a recommendation for the purchase of horses contained in former reports, and for the reasons therein presented. The fiscal administration of the army continues to be entitled to the highest commendation, both as to its economy and punctuality. In the spurt of the former, a retrenchment has been made in the article of officers The various objects upon which congress directed res transportation, by which no inconsiderable expense will, connoissance to be made were promptly attended to. in future be avoided; and it will be seen with satisfaction, In selecting among the objects presented for reconthat in the articles of clothing and subsistence of the army, noissance by the state authorities, and respectable assothere will be a considerable saving in the ensuing year, ciations of private citizens, I have endeavored to be gocompared with the present; and notwithstanding the in-verned by their relative importance, and a due regard to creased pay and allowance so justly given at the last session to company officers, and for which no appropriation was made, and also the additional costs incurred in suppressing the threatened hostilities of the Indians, the total amount asked to meet the various demands of this department, for the year 1828, is less, by near a million of dollars, than for the year 1827, principally, however, resulting from surplusses in former appropriations. And in relation to its punctuality, no ascertained delinquency

The military academy at West Point, from the report of the late visiters, is progressing with its accustomed success, and loses nothing in a comparison, according to the testimony of those whose opportunities enable them to decide, with any establishment of the kind in the world.

In making selections from the thousands of candidates, I have redeemed my pledge, made in a former report, of appointing one cadet at least from each congressional district.

In selecting visiters of inspection, I have deemed it but an act of justice to invite them from every quarter of the union. And when it suited the convenience of the immediate representatives of the people to attend, (as it is a service without reward), I have given them the preference, that they might, from their own observation, be the better able to decide on its value, and suggest and promote whatever was calculated to increase its useful. ness.

The two corps of engineers have been actively engaged during the year-some in field duties, others in superintending fortifications: the former have returned to this place for the purpose of reporting upon their labors. I have had occasion, in former reports, to suggest the utter inadequacy of the existing organization of these useful officers, to the demand on the services.

the fair claims of all parts of the union. The result of the surveys has, in some instances, reduced the scale of the proposed objects so as to deprive them of the character of national importance; but even in these cases the labors of the corps have not been lost. By their superior science and experience, they have given valuable information to those concerned, which, from their limited resources, they would have been unable otherwise to have procured. Havmg finished the survey of the proposed national road from

this place to New Orleans, and made their report, which The celerity of these movements, with the imposing I had the honor of submitting to the 19th congress, no force gathered together, gave at once protection to our further step can be taken by the department till the citizens. As soon as the department was advised of pleasure of congress is signified by legislative enactment. these movements, general Gaines was directed to proAmong the many important objects to which the atten-ceed to the scene of operations, and to adopt the netion of the department has been directed during the past cessary measures to inflict punishment on the offenders. season, may be particularly enumerated the great wes-The Indians sued for clemency, and obtained it on the tern national road; the proposed Ohio and Chesapeake condition of giving up the murderers, eight in number, canal; the rail road from Baltimore to the waters of the who are now in custody, to await the sentence of the Ohio-a communication between the waters of James ri- law. The document M presents the details of the subver and the western waters; the improvement of the na-ject. vigation in the Tennessee river, and the canal through Florida. Although the rail road is proposed to be effected by individual enterprise alone, it is certainly of great national importance, and justified the department in applying its means to ascertain its practicability. Reports on all these subjects are in a course of preparation, except on the rail road, and it is hoped that most of them will be prepared in time to be laid before congress at its present session. For more particular information on these subjects, I refer to document B.

The excesses of the Indians may be ascribed to their thirst of blood. Their pretext is understood to rest on a supposed intrusion of the miners on their lands. To obviate any ground of complaint, and to meet the wishes of our western citizens, it is proposed to procure by pur chase an enlargement of our boundaries in that quarter, so as to embrace the whole of the highly valuable lead mines said to abound in that region, and for which an appropriation will be hereafter asked.

I submit herewith reports marked 1 2 & 3 and, from col. McKenney, he having been charged with the business to which they refer; from which the disposition of the Chickasaws and Choctaws, in regard to enigration to land west of the Mississippi, may be inferred; also shew

I refer to documents B and C, containing the reports of the engineer and quarter-master's department, in which may be seen the measures which have been pursued in execution of sundry special acts of congress, directing the construction of roads and the improvement of haring that an agreement has been concluded with the Creeks, bors, &c.

subject to an approval in the usual form by the executive, In the report of the engineer department will be seen and the sanction of a Creek council to be called for that the progress we have made in our several fortifications. purpose, which secures to the United States the strip of Document H is the report of the officer having direc-land in Georgia, not embraced in the session of the treaty tion of the ordinance departinent. The alterations sug- of Washington of the 24th January, 1826. gested by that officer in the organization of that department, have been heretofore presented, and received the If the policy, as indicated in the ascertained disposifavorable consideration of congress at their last session: tions of the Chickasaws especially, be approved by conI beg leave again to add my recommendation of the pro-gress, the appropriation of means corresponding thereto posed changes. will be required to carry the measure into effect. There, is little doubt of the identity of feeling on this subject, in at least three of the southern tribes, and of a large portion of the fourth, and that this feeling may be availed of, it is respectfully suggested that means be provided, to be applied in the discretion of the executive, to profit by its existence.

The report of the same officer on the lead mines, gives a very satisfactory view of the importance of this property to the United States--the expected annual supply is equal to 10,000,000 pounds. A tythe of which as rent received by the goverment, will be more than sufficient for the purposes of the army and navy.

Document I is the report of the clerk of pensions, by which it appears the number of revolutionary pensioners have been diminished by death, since the last report, four hundred and forty-three; and of invalid pensioners forty eight.

In compliance with the act of congress entitled "an act to authorize the president of the United States to run and mark a line dividing the territory of Florida from the state of Georgia," a commissioner was appointed on the part of the United States to co-operate with one appointed by the state authorities of Georgia, for the purpose of carrying the act into effect. I regret to report that the object has not been effected. The correspondence on the subject will present the causes of the failure, and are contained in document K.

"The document L is the report of the clerk charged with Indian affairs, accompanied with a treaty made with the Chippeway, Menomenie, and Winnebago tribes of Indians.

Under the injunction of the treaty made with the Sioux and the Chippewa, Sac and Fox, Menomenie, Ioway, Sioux, Winnebago and a portion of the Ottowa, Chippewa, and Potawatamie tribes of Indians, made at Prairie du Chien on the 19th of August 1825, two citizens were directed to repair to Green Bay with a view to its fulfilment. Just, however, preceding their arrival, a portion of the Winnebagoes, a powerful and perverse tribe, had committed serious acts of hostility by the murder of some of our citizens, and unfavorable appearances among other tribes indicated the design, as it was apprehended, of a powerful combination threatening to disturb the peace of our borders, Governor Cass, as soon as he was advised of these circumstances, with great promptitude and equal prudence, appealed directly to Gen. Atkinson, in command at Jefferson barracks, for aid, who, with a commendable zeal, moved with about six hundred men under his command to the anticipated theatre of hostilities, where he was met by other detatchments from the army, and by volunteer companies composed of patriotic citizens.

The information recently acquired of the disposition of the Indians within our limits to remove, has tended to strengthen the views which I have heretofore submitted on this subject, and I embrace this occasion, most respectfully, but earnestly, to solicit again the attention of congress to the necessity of adopting some general system which might better the condition of the Indians, and relieve the states and territories of the incumbrance of their residence-a never failing source of inquietude, and it is to be apprehended of disturbance. I have the honor to be your obedient servant. JAMES BARBOUR. The president of the United States.

There is no period in the year that is so useful for our readers, and personally unpleasant to ourselves, as the present, when important matter is so super-abun dant, from the meeting of the national and state legisla tures. We rejoice that our capacious and compact pages are filled with things useful to be known-but regret the inability to grasp one half the matter which we desire to publish and hence there is a perpetual operation of necessity against the will, and the one is continually struggling with the other. Among the articles deferred, are many upon subjects purely political; the record, however, shall be kept as perfect as it may be, for use, in these political times: and after a little, with some extra exertion, we hope to bring up arrearages and keep way with the current of events.

GREECE. We congratulate the friends of human na ture on the destruction of the Turkish fleet. We sincerely rejoice at this chastisement of the barbarians, though at the risk of aggrandizing powers already of gigantic strength, and of its probable effect upon the local interests of our own country, in raising up a great rival in our chief product for exportation.

The following article was in type for the last REGISTER, but left out because of the pressure of doeuGovernor Edwards, for the protection of the people of mentary papers. Since then, an event has been made Illinois, also ordered out a small portion of her militia,known to us that renders the subject much more deeply