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and there yet remain twenty-three miles of obstructions to remove. This portion, it is expected, will be finished early in the next season, if the necessary appropriations are made in time.

Before the present plan of effecting this work was adopted, there were various projects suggested for its accomplishment; but ike most sanguine projector could not have antic ated such a great physical change as is already taken place, within the time and the means thai have been devoted to the work. A loose estimate of the land which will be reclaimed and rendered valuable by this improvemeni, which has been made by Colonel Brookes, formerly Indian agent in Louisiana, and intimately acquainted with the region upon Red river, places it at upwards of a million of acres, and it will forní one of the most productive districts in the Union. This operation, as a mere matter of pecuniary value, will return many times the aniount expended upon it.

I have brought the subject to your view at this time, not only on ac. count of its intrinsic importance, but from the encouragensent it affords to the introduction and prosecution of a system of improvement by which the public lan''s upon the lower Mississippi and some of its tributaries may be reclaimed from their present condition, and rendered fit for agricultural purposes.

Whether the object be aitainable within the limits of a reasonable experise, there are not satisfactory data for determining but its great results to the country, in health, in power, and in wealih, are obvious.

No appropriations having been made at the last session of Congress for the prosecution of the works upon the fortifications, it has been deemed proper to submit additional estimates for these nbjects; and as some of the forts first commenced have been completed, estimates have also been approved by you for the commencement of others, which have been recommended by the board of engineers in the continuation of the system of defence devised by them and submitted to Congress. A number of our inost important harbors and inlets are yet either wholly undefended, or so partially protected as to render their situation altogether insecure in the

event of exposure to hostile attempts. An adherence to the generalplan of defence, and a gradual prosecution of the work as the national finances and other consideracions may justify, seem to be demanded by a just regard to the circunstances of the country, as well as by the experience which the ovents of the last war forced upon us.

In addition, however, to ihese permanent fortifications, there are some of our most extensive roadsteads, in which foaling sleam batteries oughi to be employed. Ainong these are the Chesa peale and Delaware bays, and the harbor of New York. The prculiar situazion of these estuaries, as well with relation to their exposure as to the best measures for their defence, and the immense value of the navigation and commerce of which they are the outlets and inleis, render their security a matter of deep in. terest in the whole countıy. When the present system of defence was projected, I understand the board of engineers contemplated the eventual construction of these moveable batteries as a part of their plan. The great improvements which have since taken place in all that relates to the application of the power of steam furnish additional motives for providing these co-operative defences. Alternately protecting and protected by the fixed batteries, these inoveable ones will be found to be of the highest

importance. In fact, with an adequate force of this description stationed in the vicinity of our permanent inilitary works, and enabled to take

refuge under their cover, whenever necessary, a hostile ieet would scarcely venture to pass the position, and thereby expose itself to the

hazard of annoyance in detail, and of being captured or destroyed, whenever a calm, a change of wind, or any other of the many accidents to which a maritime force is liable, might furnish a favorable opportunity for the action of the steam batteries. Our Atlantic frontier will not be properly secured till this means of efficient co-operation in its defence is introduced.

In my last annual report I communicated the facts which appeared 10 render it proper that the operations upon two of the most important works (Fort Calhoun and the Delaware breakwater) should be temporarily suspended. Experiments have been made lo test the effects and probable extent of the causes which were in operation, and which threatened to injure, is not destroy the utility of these works. It is believed that the depression of the foundation of Fort Calhoun is so nearly checked that further danger is not to be apprehended. But, as will be seen by the report of the Quartermaster General, the experiments at the breakwater' have not been so decisive as to settle the question connected with that work; and it has been thought best to ask of Congress an appropriation ouly for one hundred thousand dollars, which, under any pro

bable circumstances, can be judiciously expended. It is lo be hoped that the experiments which will be continued, and the scientific examination it is proposed to make next season, will furnish data for a just conclusion on the subject of this important structure, and indicate either that the causes which have threatened to injurę its utility have produced their full effect, or that they may be counteracted by some change in the origi nal plan. This artificial harbor is too valuable to an extensive com. merce, peculiarly exposed, not to engage every effort in completing it, and preserving it from destruction.

The report of the visiters appointed to inspect the Military Academy, and the documents transniitted by them, are submitted for your consi deration, together with the suggestions they have made, and which are calculated, in their opinion, to promote the efficiency of that institution These annual examinations by a body of highly respectable citizens, called from various parts of the country, are not only useful as checks upon any improper tendency to which all public establishments are more or less liable, but they are satisfactory, when they bear testimony to the value of the system, and to the correctness of its administration ; and practically advantageous by the suggestions they offer. That improve. ments may be made in the several departments of the Military Academy cannot be doubted; nor can it be doubted that a thorough examination

by Congress of its various concerns, whether adniinistrative, bnancial, or instructive, woulil be highly useful, and would tend to its permanent melioration. Its results, so far as these can be judged by the character, conduct, and qualifications of the ufficers of the army, about two-thirds of whom have been educated at this institution, have been decidedly beneficial. The standard of acquirement for the military profession has been raised; habits of discipline and subordination, necessary first lo learn before the duty of command can be properly executed, have been

non.

acquired ; elementary knowledge, peculiarly attapted to a military life, has been more extensively and accurately taught; and we have been better enabled to keep pace with those improvements which the nations of Europe have made and are making in this important branch of modern science.

Agreeably to your permission, I have introduced into the estimates an additional sum for the armament of the fortifications. Without going into any unnecessary detail upon this subject at the present time, I will barely remark that this measure is called for by the actual state of our preparations, and by a provident regard to the duty of self-defence. Ir no increase takes place in this branch of the service, many years must elapse before our fortifications and arsevals are sufficiently provided.

A resolution passed the House of Representatives at the last session, requiring the Secretary of War to procure certain information, having relation to the establishment of a national foundry in the District of Columbia. The information which has been collected will be communi. cated in obedience to the resolution ; but I am so impressed with the importance of the measure, that I am induced to bring it to your notice in this report. The United States have no establishment for the manufacture of can.

The supplies wanted, as well for the field artillery of the army and inilitia as for the armament of the fortifications, are now procured from four private foundries—one near Richmond, one at Georgetown, one opposite West Point, and one at Pittsburg; which appear to have been established, at several periods, in the expectation that their products would be received by the Government as the public necessities might require, and at such prices as might from time to time be judged reasonable. As there is no private demand for this manufacture in our coun. try, it is obvious that no person would make the requisite preparations, which are understood to demand considerable investments and the em. ployment of skilful workmen, practically acquainted with this branch of business, unless expectations of a just reimbursement were held 'out. Coutracts for limited periods have from time to time been made, provid. ing for the delivery of stipulated quantities ; but, as I had the honor to communicate to you in my annual report of November 21, 1831, the act of Congress of March 3, 1809, seems to present serious difficulties in the way of such an arrangement, and since that time no formal contract has been made for the supply of cannon. 'The proprietors of these foun. Kuries have been annually informed that if the appropriations wouli per

mit, and if cannon of designated quality and size were fabricated, these would be purchased. In this manner the subject has lingered, without any actiun on the part of Congress, and without only authority on the part of this Department to make more efficient arratigements. During ile preseyt year, the appropriation for ihe armament of the fortifications has been principally expended in procuring iron gun carriages, and the foundries have not been employed in the fabrication of cannon for the military branch of the service It is believed that this circumstance, by deranging their operations, has been seriously injurious, and, if it agaiu occur, may induce some of them to discharge the workmen specially employed upon this business, and who may hereafter be collected with great difficulty. The Government now depends upon this temporary

and uncertain arrangement for the supply of this indispensable element of national deseoce. The circumstances which required a change 1 had the honor to submit four years since. They have lost none of their force during the period which has intervened; and, independently of the considerations presented, having relation to the uncertain condition of these establishments, there are others bearing upon the quality of the material and of the workmanship, which render it important that the Government should be its own manufacturer of this article. The cost of car:non wbile this is kept within a reasonable limit is not an object co:Tipared with the two qualities of strength and lightness. With the excrtions of the present manufacturers of cannon, so far as the necessary facis are known to me, I have reason to be satisfied. But it is sufficiently obvious that in a branch of business where a slight difference in the material, and slight neglect in the process, may produce irremedi. able mischief, and where, from causes not easily asceriained, these defects

unay disclose themselves in the midst of the n:ost active service, and after the guns have resisted all the usual proofs, the manufacture of li:e article should be carried on where these neglects are least likely to happen;

where, in fact, there can be no interest to use any other than the best materials, nor to employ any other than the most skilful artisans. Time

and experience are necessary to found and perfect an establishment for this purpose 'upon a scale suited to nur wanis.

It does not seem necessary to exhibit in detail the number of cannon now in the possessiou of the Government and distributed in its forts, arsenals, and temporary posts, and the number that will be required 10 complete the armament of the fortifications already coustructed, of those in the process of construction, and of those projected ; and the number necessary for the proper demands of field service. It is sufficient to observe here that the quantity is far more than enough to justify extensive and vigorous arrangements; and this without reference to the accidents of time and service, which must always operate to reduce the stock on hand.

Such an establishment as the one contemplated could be employed as well for the navy as for the army; but while I allude to its general usefulness, it is proper I should avoid all details peculiarly appropriate to another department.

The defective organization of the militia is universally acknowledged. But little practical utility results from the administration of the present system; and if this great element of national defence is worth preservation and improvement, it is time the whole subject should be ex. amined, and that a plan suited to the exigencies of ihe country should be adopted. I am unwilling to believe that there are such inherent diffi

culties in this subject as to render it impracticable or even very difficult to organize this great force, so peculiarly adapted to our condition and institutions, in such a manner as to render it active and cíficient in those

junctures when the country may be called on to exert its power. I presune few would be found to advocate the maintenance of a standing military force adequate to all the purposes of peace and war. When, therefore, those exigencies arise, from which no vation can expect exemption, and which call for an extension of our physical means, we must resort to an increase of the army, or to the einbodying of the militia.

It is obvious, from the extent of the country, that we can never keep at all the exposed points such a permanent force as circumstances may occasionably require. The natural, and, in fact, the necessary dependance must be upon the militia ; and if it be unorganized, we shall be found without the means to repel a foreign enemy, or to repress internal disturbances should these evils occur. To depend upon organizing a system when the exigency arises, is to reject all the lessons of experience, and to procrastinate, for examination, what should then be the subject of action, Besides, a permanent plan of organization should be devised in

a time of leisure and peace, so that it may be introduced and thoroughly known before the force provided by it is required to be exerted. It should, as much as possible, be engrafted upon the habits of the country,

and become a part of our institutions. The basis of an efficievt organization of the militia must be a selection for instruction and service of that part of the population best qualified for these duties. Age and physical capacity present the proper considerations for such a selection. The principle is stated with his usual force by Mr. Jefferson, in his message to Congress of Deceniber, 1805, wherein he said :

“ Whether it will be necessary to augment our land forces will be decided by occurrences probably in the course of your session. In the mean time, you will consider whether it would not be expedient, for a state of peace as well as of war, so to organize or class the militia as would enable us, on a sudden emergency, to call for the services of the younger portions, unincumbered with the old and those having families. Upwards of three hundred thousand able-bodied men, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six years, which the last census shows we may now count within our limits, will furnish a competent number for offence or desence, in any point where they may be wanted, and will give time for raising regular forces after the necessity of them shall become certain ; and the reducing to the early period of life all its active services cannot but be desirable to our younger citizens of the preseut as well as future times, inasmuch as it engages to them in more advanced age a quiet and undisturbed repose in the bosom of their families. I cannot, then, but earuestiy recommend to your early consideration the expediency of so modifying our militia system, as by a separation of the more active part from that which is less so, we may draw from it, when necessary, an efficient corps, fit for real and active service, and to be called to it in regular rotation"

Had the general principles here recommended been practically adop? ed, and a corresponding system established, with the necessary details, first for instruction, and then for active service, it cannot be doubted that the course of events which marked the commencement of the late war would have been avoided, and an immense expenditure of blood and treasure sa v to the nation. The warning voice, which was not heeded then, may perhaps be heard now, and, if it is, it may produce incalculable benefits.

A board of officers of the army and militia was organized some years since, under the instructions of this Department, and by virtue of a reso

lutiou of Congress, for the purpose of examining this subject, and of devising a practical plan for the organization, improvement, and efficient action of the militia. Their report contains the outline of a projet,