which, with some modifications, appears to me to combine as many advantages as any other that can probably be adopted. The basis was a

classification of the adult male population of the United States, and a selection of as many persons from it, above the age of twenty-one years, as should be necessary to complete the number required to be enrolled and organized at all times for actual service; begivning, in all cases, with the youngest above the prescribed age. Their report stopped at the number they deemed necessary for constant equipment. As regards instruction and preparation, this limitation is no doubt proper; but still it would probably be deemed advisable so far to organize the whole body within certain ages as to produce a classification, and to afford the requisite facilities towards calling them into service in succes. sion, should any contingency demand a larger force than the first division could supply. This arrangement would render available for the defence of the country its whole physical force—not that any event could require it all to be embodied at the same time, but because a particular section might sometimes be peculiarly exposed, and call for the services of a large proportion of its population; and the continuance of the pressure might render it necessary to discharge in succession those who had performed their prescribed terms, and to require the services of others. A mere organization would avail but lilile, unless inducements were held out for proper instruction and equipment; and I consider, therefore, some provision for elementary instruction and for such equipment as may be necessary to excite a proper emulation, indispensable to any improvement of our militia system-indispensable, I may add, to its very existence. An arrangement for these objects would embrace the first class only. It would, to be sure, involve expense, for an adequate

compensation must be allowed to the persons required to be embodied at these schools of instruction for a few days in the year; and it would probably be found expedient to continue the present plan of voluntary corps with some changes, and to require them also to meet for improve

ment. It is in vain to expect that the whole adult male population of the country can or will furnish themselves with the articles required by law; or that their collection, for any number of days they can afford to devote to this object, and under the usual circumstances of such assemblages, can produce any beneficial effect to themselves or their country. Already, in a number of ihe States, the system has sunk under the weight

of public opinion, and the practical question now ́is, whether we shall remain, in fact, defenceless, or resort to a large standing military force in time of peace- that just dread of all free Governments, or adopt an efficient plan, which will prepare for the public desence the greatest force at the least cost, and without danger. The blessings we have inherited cannot be preserved without exertion, nor without expense. It were lidle to sit still and flatter ourselves with the hope that war is never 10 overtake us, and ir would be worse to delay all efficient organization of our physical means till the time for its active employment arrives. Nearly fifty years have elapsed since the alloption of the present constitution. During all that lime no essential change has been made in our militia system, and it has gradually declined in utility and efficiency, and in public confidence ; and there is reason to fear its entire abandon. ment, unless it undergo important modifications. In this long interval, the value of the system seems to have been appreciated by all the Presidents of the United States, as well those who from the habits of their lives could best estimate its value by their personal observation, as by those whose opinions may have been well forned froin the course of events having relation to this matter ; and in their annual communi

cations, comniencing with the inaugural address of General Washington, this subject has been almost constantly pressed upon the attention of Congress. For the purpose of showing its importance, in the opinion of these eminent citizens, I have caused their communications to be examined, and find that the subject has been presented to the Legislature and the nation no less than thirty-one times in their official recommendations. I indulge the hope that the present state of public affairs may lead to a re-examination of the system, and to such changes as may render it permanently useful.

I am gratified in being able to announce to you that the Indians residing east of the Mississippi river appear to be yielding to the conviction that their removal to the territory assigned for their residence in the West offers the only rational prospect of any permanent improvement in their condition, and that this inea sure is essential to their prosperity. Both in the North and South, the reports of the officers having charge of this matter are encouraging, and we may anticipate the full establishment of our present policy, and with the fairest prospects of success, if the pre-existing prejudices which have so long operated to retard our efforts can be renioved.

The considerations, which render this change of residence necessary are sufficiently obvious, and are founded upon the results that have beretofore attended our intercourse with the Indians. The causes which have so long contioued to reduce and depress them in their present situ. ation within our borders are yet in active operation. Their food, derived from the chase, is disappearing ; their habits are inveterate, and they cannot or will not accommodate themselves to the new circumstances which press upon them, in time to save themselves from extinction ; and, above all, their contact with a white population has entailed and is) entailing upon them evils which, if not checked, must lead to their ruin. They appear to acquire with much greater facility the vices than the virtues of civilized life; and, during the whole period they have been known to us, they have abandoned themselves, with strange improvidence, to the use of ardeut spirits. From my own observation of the Indian character, I consider the indulgence of this habit as the great barrier against any improvement of that portion of this race which, from their position, are enabled, at pleasure, to gratify this propensity. The difficulty of putting a stop to this traffic while the Indians are intermingled with our citizens, is sufficiently obvious; and, if they are to be rescued from its effects, they must be removed beyond the sphere of the traffic. This is certainly one of the most prominent reasons for the faithful prosecution of the system, and Congress, apparently impressed with its force, has provided by law, that all ardent spirits found in the ladian country may be destroyed. The agents of the Government will not now be compelled, as formerly, lo resort to legal process for the interdiction of this traffic, at the hazard of the trouble, expense, and uncertainty attending such prosecutions upon a remote frontier.

I consider the experiments which have recently been made to provide for the maintenance of the Indians, by reservations for their use, and with the power of alienation, however guarded, to have wholly failed. These tracts are too often sold for a very inadequate consideration, and the amount received is dissipated in expenditures, either positively injurious, or altogether useless.

As soon as the remaining tribes shall have been established in the West, we may look forward to a happier destiny for the Indians ; and

; if this expectation be disappointed, the failure must be attributed to the inveterate habits of this people, and not to the policy of the Government. The arrangements for the comfortable establishment of the Indians have been projected upon a scale suited to their wants and condition, and to the duties of the Uoited States. With a view to appreciate the advantages which have been secured to them, I deem it proper briefly to reca. pitulate the provisions that have been made. These are not applicable, in all their details, to each tribe, as some receive more and some less in amount, wbile certain articles are given to some and not to others but the general principles of distribution apply to all. An extensive country has been reserved for them, and has been divided into districts for the several tribes.

To this they are removed at the expense of the United States.

They are provided with the necessary subsistence for one year after they reach their new residence.

Annuities, in specie, to a greater or less amount, are payable to each tribe.

Agricultural instruments, domestic animals, seed corn, salt, looms, cards, spinning wheels, iron, steel, cloths, blankets, rifles, ammunition, and other articles are distributed aniong them.

Mills are erected and kept in operation, council-houses, churches, and dwelling.houses for chiefs are built.

Mechanics are engaged and supported ; schools are established and maintained ; and the missionary institutions among them are aided from the treasury of the United States.

These are the principal arrangements made for the benefit of this unfortunate people, who will soon have been removed, at great expense, when this new system will be in full operation, and where their pecu. liar institutions can be preserved with such modifications as a progressive state of improvement may require. They will be separated, too, from the settled portions of the country by a fixed boundary, beyond which uur population cannot pass.

The operations of the Department of Indian Affairs are shown in detail by the report of the Commissioner, and by that of the Commissary General of Subsistence. It was anticipated that a considerable body of the Creeks of Alabama, would, ere this, have been on their way to the West ; but recent information induces the belief that their journey bas been postponed, but under circumstances which will probably insure their early removal in the spring. The treaty with the Seminoles of Florida, for their removal, is in the process of execution. A portion of the tribe were not prepared to go at the time arrangements were first proposed to be made for their removal, and when, by the treaty, they miglil have been required to depart. At their earnest solicitations the measure was

postponed wotil the coming winter, and assurances were given by them

that they would then be prepared to remove. A majority avow their readiness to comply with their engagements, and will, no doubt, quietly go as soon as arrangements for their departure shall have been completed; but some of theni exhibit a refractory spirit, and evince a dis. position to remain. As they now hold no land in Florida, and would become a lawless banditti if suffered to remain, their pretensions cannot be submitted to. They will probably, when the time for operations arrives, quietly follow their countrymen, Should they not, measures will be adopted to insure this course, equally dictated by a just regard to their own welfare, as well as to that of our citizens in the vicinity of their residence.

Governor Stokes, General Arbuckle, and Major Armstrong, were apo pointed Conimissioners to make a treaty with the roving tribes of ludians who inhabit the great Western Prairie, with a view of establishing permatient pacific relations between these predatory tribes and the United States, and also between the same tribes and the other Indians of that region. The lamented death of Major Armstrong deprived the Government of the services of that valuable officer; but the other Conimissioners succeeded in effecting a pacification, which I hope will lead to a friendly intercourse among all the tribes in that quarter.

Under the authority of an act of the last session of Congress, an arrangement has been made by Colonel Brookes with the Caddo Indians, for ibe cession of their claims to land in the State of Louisiana and Territory of Arkansas. This will be submitted to you at the proper time for the consideration of the Senate. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient sérvant,

LEW: CASS.

CONDITION OF THE ARMY.
Erlracl from the Report of the Major General of the Army, Decem-

ber, 1835.
The reports which have been received represent the army in a respec-
table condition as respects their police and general discipline, and as
improved in tacties as their dispersed condition will allow. The supplies
are regularly received, and of good quality:

The dragouns, divided into three squadrons, have made tours during the past season through almost the whole of the country west of the

Mississippi, below the forty-fourth degree of north latitude, and there is no doubt that their presence has had the effect of keeping the Iudians quiet, and of preventing those depredations and hostilities which, before the raising or this regiment, had so frequently occurred ón the frontiers. This corps has been found well adapted to the service on which it has been employed, and it is in an improving condition. The arms are found to fulfil the expectations entertained of them, and, with the adoption of some modifications of the equipments, recommended by Colonel Dodge and the other field officers, the dragoons may be regarded as a very efficient corps, and a valuable acquisition to the military establishment.

150 Position and Distribution of the Troops....1835. Eastern Department, under the command of Brevet Major General IF'infield Scott.

Regiments
Posts.

Commanding
Situation.

Officers.

and No. of Aggre

companies. gate,

66

5th

66

.

• 2d

66

Art.

Portage, Fox, and

5th Inf. 4 Fort Winnebago

Major Green

215 Ouisconsin rivers,

2

2d Fort Brady Sault St. Marie, M. T. Bt. Major Cobbs

110

2

.22 Michilimacinac, M. T. Fort Macinac

Captain Clitz

113 Fort Howard Green Bay, M. T.

5th Bt. Br. Gen. Brooke

218

105 Fort Dearboin Head of Lake Michigan, 11. Bt. Major Wilcox

2d Outlet of L. Huron, M. T. Bt. Major Hoffman

104 Fort Gratiot Fort Niagara New York, N. Y.

Garrison withdrawn Madison Barraeks Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. - Lt. Col. Cummings 2d

13 Bt. Major Dearborn

4 Hancock Barracks Holton, Maine

213 Fort Sullivan Eastport, Maine Major Churchill

1 3d Art.

57 Fort Preble

1
Portland, Maine
Bt. Major McClintoch 3d

66 Fort Constitution Portsmouth, N. Hamp. Bt. Major Ansart 3d

1 54 Fort Independence Boston, Massachusetts Garrison withdrawn Fort Wolcott

1 Newport, Rhode Island - Bt. Major Lomax 3d

54 Fort Trumbull New London, Connecticut Bt. Lt. Col. Fanning - 4th 1

56 Military Academy West Point, New York - Bt. 1. Col. De Russey detach.

54 Fort Columbus

1

61 Fort Hamilton New York Harbor, N. Y. Lt. Col. Brooks - 4th Art. 3 167 Fort Lafayette

1 52 Fort McHenry Baltimore, Maryland Bt. Br. Gen. Fenwick 4th

1 68 Fort-Severn - Annapolis, Maryland Bt. Col. Walbach 1st

1 60 Fort Washington Left bank of Potomac, Md. Major Gates

1st

1 55 Washington Arsn'l Greenleaf's P't Wash D.C. Bt. Major Mason Ist

1

56 Fort Monroe Old Point Comfort, Va. Bt. Br. Gen. Armistead 1 3&4“ 4 226 Fort Johnston Near Smithville, N. C. Bt. Major Saunders ist

1 62 Fort Macon Near Beaufort, N. C. Bt. Major Kirby Ist

1 53 Fort Moultrie

Bt. Br. Gen. Eustis
Charleston Harbor, S. C.

51

1st Castle Pinckney

58 Augusta Arsenal - Augusta, Georgia

Culonel Lindsay

2d

1 51 Oglethorpe Barr’ks Savannah, Georgia Captain Merchant 20

1 45 Fort Marion - St. Augustine, Florida Captain Drane 2d

1 62

45 | 2,549 Western Department, under the cominand of Brevet Major General Edmund P. Gaines.

Regiments
Posts.

Commanding
Situation.

and No. of Aggre Officers,

companies. gaie. Fort Snelling Upper Mississippi Major Bliss

1st Inf. 3 Fort Crawford Prarie du Chien, M. T. Colonel Taylor - 1st

5 288 Fort Armstrong Rock Is and, Illinois Lt. Col Davenport

1st

2! 99 Fort Leavenworth R. Bk. Mo, near L. Platte Colonel Dodge Dragoons 4 307 Jefferson Barracks Near St. Louis, Missouri Bt. Br. Gen. Atkinson 6th Inf. 10 510 Fort Gibson

108

7th Int. 9 475 Fort Coffee - Arkansas Territory, A. T. Captain Stuart 7th

56 Fort Des Moines Right bank of Miss. M. T. Lieut. Col. Kearney

183 Fort Jesup

Dragoons 3
Near Natchitoches, La. Colonel Many

3d Inf. 6 313 Fort Towson On the Kiamichi, Á. T. - Lieut. Col. Vose 34

199 Baton Rogue Baton Rouge, La. • Bt. Lieut. Col. Foster

4th

4 New Orleans

135 New Orleans, La. Lieut. Col. Twiggs

4th
"C

2
Fort Wood . Chef Menteur, La. - Bt. Captain Lowd 2d Art. 1
Fort Pike
Petite Coquille, La.

57

Bt. Major Mountfort Fort Jackson

20

1 61 Near New Orleans - Garrison withdrawn. Fort Morgan Mobile Point, Alabama Fort Pickens

Captain Belton. 2d

1 49 On St. Rosa Island, Flor. Captain Gardiner Fort Mitchell

2d

1 53 Near Creek Agency, Ala. Bt. Major McIntosh 4th Inf. 1 38 Fort King Alachua, Florida

Bt Br. Gen. Clinch

1,2,3 art 4th Inf.

6 348 Fort Brooke

Tampa Bay, Florida Bt. Major Zantzinger 2d, 3d Art 2 108 Key West Key West, Florida

4th Inf. Furt Caus