Report of the Secretary of War.

at the many new posts that have recently been
established. Hopes are entertained, however,
that when a fair trial of the experiment can be
made, it will, at least at such of the posts as are
favorably situated for the purpose, be more suc-
cessful.

32D CONG.....2D SESS.

New Mexico) have been fully realized. With the exception of a portion of the Rio Grande country, the former has been comparatively exempt from Indian depredations. A number of persons of desperate character and fortunes were attracted to that frontier by the lawless attempts of Carvajal, and after his defeat they dispersed through the country, and resorted to plunder for subsistence. On the other hand, many of the inhabitants of Mexico either sought to avenge themselves for the wrongs inflicted on them by that adventurer and his followers, or found in his lawless proceedings a justification for their own, and retaliated on the peaceable inhabitants.

The Indians in that vicinity availed themselves of the confusion and alarm consequent upon this state of things to renew their depredations. Thefts, robberies, and even assassinations were the consequence.

To protect this small population we are com-
pelled to maintain a large military force, at an an-
nual expense nearly equal to half the value of the
whole real estate of the Territory. Would it not
be better to induce the inhabitants to abandon a
country which seems hardly fit for the habitation
In spite of this failure, of the unusual activity of civilized man, by remunerating them for their
of the troops during the past season, and of the property in money or in lands situated in more
fact that so large a portion of them are stationed favored regions? Even if the Government paid for
on the remote frontier, I have the satisfaction to the property quintuple its value, it would still,
announce that the expenditures have been consid- merely on the score of economy, be largely the
erably reduced, and this, too, in the Quartermas- gainer by the transaction, and the troops now sta-
ter's Department-that branch of the service of tioned in New Mexico would be available for the
which the expenditures are most affected by these protection of other portions of our own and of the
circumstances. The expenses of that department, Mexican territory. Unless the means I have indi-
ascertained and estimated, (exclusive of clothing, cated, or some other, be adopted to relieve the In-
the amount of which is fixed by permanent regula-dians from the necessity of plundering to procure
tions,) continue to exhibit an annual decrease, viz: the means of subsistence, their depredations must
the current year, as compared with the last
not only continue but increase. This would re-
year, a reduction of $501,252, and for the next
quire a corresponding increase in the means of
year, as compared with the current year, a fur-
protection. In that view I concur in the recom-
ther reduction of $500,000.
mendation of the General-in-Chief, that an addi-
tional regiment of mounted men be authorized.

In spite, however, of every effort to reduce the
expenses of the Army, they must continue to be
very great in proportion to its numbers, so long
as it is necessary to maintain so large a force in
countries which supply so little of what is neces-
sary to its support as those in which the greater
part of it is now stationed. I beg leave, therefore,
to repeat the suggestion contained in my last
annual report, that sound policy, no less than
humanity, requires that some other means than
force should be tried to restrain the Indians and
to prevent the frequent collisions that occur be-
tween them and the white inhabitants in their
neighborhood. The whole history of our country
shows that whenever the two races are brought
frequently into contact, collisions (generally pro-
induced by aggressions of the stronger on the weaker
party) are inevitable. I know of no other means
by which those collisions can be prevented than
a rigid adherence to the policy which has here-
tofore been successfully pursued, of setting apart
a portion of territory for the exclusive occupancy
of the Indians.

A difficulty occurs in the application of this policy to Texas. By the terms of the compact admitting that State into the Union she reserved to herself all the vacant territory within her limits. It is understood that she acknowledges no right of occupancy in the Indians within her borders, but proceeds to lay off her territory into counties, and as fast as it is needed, to sell it, without assigning any portion of it to them, or providing in any other mode for their support. Nothing could be more calculated to alarm and irritate the Indians and to produce collisions between them and the whites than the adoption of this policy. It, in fact, drives the Indians to desperation, by leaving them no alternative but to steal or to starve. It also deprives the Government of the United States of that control over them and of the territory they occupy which is necessary for their own preservation as well as for the safety of the white settlements in their vicinity. If the United States are bound to protect Texas against the Indians, it is manifest that the Government of that State should do nothing to thwart, but, on the contrary, all in its power to promote, the fulfillment of this duty. I therefore respectfully suggest the expediency of endeavoring to make some arrangement with that State whereby a portion of her vast unoccupied domain may be temporarily allotted to the exclusive occupancy of the Indians within her borders. What policy, however, it may be deemed proper to adopt in reference to the Indian tribes in Texas, California, and Oregon, is a question only of humanity or of temporary policy, as the period cannot be very remote when they will be swept before the resistless tide of emigration which continually flows towards these countries.

Although the prevention or punishment of disorders like these, when committed by others than Indians, belongs rather to the civil authorities of the State than to the military force of the United States, the commanding officer used every exertion to put a stop to them, and for that purpose ordered several additional companies of troops to the part of the State where they had occurred. It is believed that these measures have been, at least partially, successful. So long, however, as the species of border warfare which has lately been carried on in that region between the inhabitants of the two countries continues, it will be difficult, if not impossible, with any number of troops, and with the strictest vigilance on the part of their officers, to prevent, on so extensive a frontier, a repetition of these disorders.

In New Mexico, the depredations of the Indians have been entirely arrested. The Navajos and the Apaches, the two most formidable tribes all that region, have been completely overawed, and manifest every desire to be at peace with the

whites.

In consequence of frequent collisions between the Indians and the white inhabitants of California and Oregon, it was deemed advisable to send the fourth regiment of infantry to the Pacific, to replace the mounted riflemen that had been ordered thence to Texas.

Intelligence has been recently received that the Yuma Indians, a bold and hostile tribe, occupying a portion of country on the Gila and Colorado rivers, whose inroads and depredations have been the source of frequent annoyance and alarm to the inhabitants both of our own territory and of the Mexican State of Sonora, have agreed to a peace. The troops stationed on the frontier may justly be considered as in active service-a service, too, in which they are exposed to all the hardships and dangers of war without its excitement to stimulate or its hopes of honorable distinction to sustain them.

Owing to the many officers who, from disability or other causes, are excused from duty, the cares and responsibilities of command frequently devolve on a small number; and the establishment, during the last season, of a number of new posts, has added very much to the labors both of the officers and men; nevertheless, it affords me great pleasure to bear testimony to the cheerfulness and alacrity with which all have discharged their duties. To Brevet Major General Smith and Brevet Colonel Sumner, in particular, much praise is due. The former, although in feeble health, has been unremitting in his exertions; and to his energy and judicious arrangements his department is greatly indebted for the comparative tranquillity it enjoys. The latter has not only succeeded in arresting the incursions of the Indians within his command, but has greatly reduced its expendi

tures.

Brevet Brigadier General Hitchcock has also displayed great energy and prudence, and done all that it was possible to do with a very inadequate force, and amid many difficulties and embarrassments, to protect his extensive command.

I regret to say that the attempt to cultivate farms by the troops has, but in few instances, during the past season, been attended with beneficial results. This failure is owing in part to the constant activity in which it has been found necessary to keep the troops, and to the necessity of employing them in the construction of barracks and in other works |

The case is different with regard to New Mexico. That Territory is so remote and inaccessible, and holds out such little inducement to emigration, that the struggle between the two races is destined, in all probability, to continue there long after it shall have ceased in every other portion of the conti

||

cent.

SENATE & HO. OF REPS.

By the last census the total population of New Mexico, exclusive of wild Indians, is (in round numbers) 61,000 souls, and its whole real estate is estimated at (in round numbers) $2,700,000.

Allow me to call your attention to the state of our defenses on the sea-coast.

Shortly after the termination of the last war with Great Britain a Board of Engineers was organized to prepare a system of coast defense.

This Board recommended that fortifications be constructed at a number of points on the sea-coast and on the northern lakes. Their recommendation was adopted, and its execution was commenced, first, by repairing and enlarging such of the old works as were deemed worthy of preservation; secondly, by the construction of new works, beginning, of course, with those that were considered the most important.

Although doubts have been occasionally expressed whether some of the works proposed by the Board might not be dispensed with, and whether others were not on a scale unnecessarily large, the works recommended by it slowly but steadily advanced, and until the year 1850 Congress never failed, except in a single instance, to provide the necessary means for prosecuting them. In the last-mentioned year, no appropriations for fortifications were made, but the House of Representatives adopted a resolution directing the Secretary of War to submit, at their next session, a report on this subject. That report was submitted, but no action was taken on it, and no appropriation was made.

It is believed that this omission was caused by an opinion which seems to prevail that the system adopted by the Board of 1816, if not originally too extensive, has become so in consequence of events that have since occurred, and ought to be revised and restricted.

In that opinion I concur; and in the report above-mentioned I expressed the opinion that many of the works embraced in the original plan might and ought to be dispensed with.

The subject is undoubtedly worthy of all the consideration that Congress can bestow upon it; and it is to be hoped that they will, at an early period, adopt some mode of revising the plan, and making any changes in it which the present circumstances of the country may seem to them to require.

In the mean time, however, there are a number of works which have been commenced, and are in various stages of advancement, but the prosecution of which is suspended for the want of the necessary appropriations. Most of these works are highly important, being intended for the protection of our principal sea-ports and naval stations, viz: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Pensacola, Mobile, and New Orleans, or other points of scarcely less importance.

Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the extent to which the system of fortifications should be carried, all must admit that no expense should be spared to render points like those abovementioned absolutely impregnable by any force that may reasonably be expected to be brought against them.

I hereto append a statement of these unfinished works, showing the amounts required to complete them respectively, and the sums that could be advantageously expended on each of them during the next fiscal year, and earnestly recommend that

1852.]

32D CONG.....2d Sess.

APPENDIX TO THE CONGRESSIONAL GLOBE.

Congress be urged to make the necessary appropriations with a view to the completion, if not of all, at least of the most important among them at as early a period as practicable. If this be not done, the large sums already expended on them will in many cases be lost.

Among the works recommended by the Board which have not yet been commenced, there are several which appear to me of obvious necessity. I refer particularly to those designed for the protection of New Bedford and of San Francisco, both of which are now entirely defenseless.

It is also the opinion of the engineers that a work at Sandy Hook, for the protection of the outer harbor of New York, is necessary to complete the defenses of that city.

Congress also omitted the last two sessions to make the usual appropriations for the purchase of the heavy ordnance used in coast defense. As this description of ordnance is generally intended for fortifications, it has been the practice to estimate for it under the head of "Armament of Fortifications." It is hardly necessary to observe, however, that it is an indispensable part of any system of defense that may be adopted, and that the fewer the fortifications the greater the quantity that will be required.

On this subject I beg leave to subjoin a few remarks contained in the report on fortifications above referred to:

"Whatever policy may be adopted with reference to fortifications, it will still be necessary to provide a much larger supply of ordnance than we now have on hand. By reference to the report from the head of the Ordnance Bureau, hereto annexed, (marked C,) it will be seen that the whole number of guns, of all calibers, now on hand, whether in the forts or in the arsenals, amounts only to 3,535; and that of gun-carriages is still smaller. The entire number of guns that can be mounted in the forts already completed (Classes A and B) amounts to 4,572 guns; and if the works now in progress of construction should be completed, the total number of guns that would then be required for all the forts would be 6,093. It appears, therefore, that the supply of ordnance now on hand is very inadequate, even to the present wants of the service. I will observe, too, that even if Congress should determine to restrict the system of fortifications, this would not obviate the necessity for a large

increase in the supply of heavy ordnance. Some means of defense must be employed, and cannon is an indispensable part of any system that may be adopted.

"It appears, too, from the reports hereto appended, that the great naval Powers of Europe have, within a few years past, greatly increased the caliber of the guns mounted on their vessels-of-war. This renders it obviously necessary that the power of the batteries intended to resist them should also be proportionably increased. I believe it is the opinion of all officers, both of the Army and Navy, who have devoted much attention to this subject, that many of the guns now in our most important forts ought to be removed, and others of longer range substituted. A glance at the report of the Ordnance Bureau will show how very deficient we are in the heavy descriptions of ordnance, particularly in eight and ten-inch columbiads, the most effective weapons against vessels of war.

"To manufacture cannon of good quality is a work that demands considerable time; and as they are imperishable when properly taken care of, there is no good reason why the Government should not at once provide the requisite supply.

"In connection with this subject, I would venture to suggest that provision be made for a distribution of artillery among the militia of the States and Territories. Our people are more deficient in the knowledge of this arm than of any other, and yet it is the one that would be most required in a war with any European Power. If a standing appropriation were made applicable to the distribution of artillery, and of the book on artillery practice among the States and Territories, it would tend very much to promote the knowledge of this essential branch of the military art among the citizens of the country."

One of the most important and responsible duties which have devolved on the Department during the present year is the execution of the works known as the river and harbor improvements.

Report of the Secretary of the Navy.

SENATE & HO. OF REPS.

and economical application of the large sums of
money that have been and may be appropriated
for these works to the important purpose for which
they were intended.

First: That the Department be authorized to abolish such arsenals as are no longer needed and are a source of useless expense.

Second: That an additional number of commissaries be authorized.

Experience has shown that for works of this description, in which large sums are disbursed, Third: That a retired list of the Army be esand which require for their execution a combina-tablished, as a measure of justice both to the offition of science and practical skill, it is, as a gen- cers that are disabled and to those that are not. eral rule, safer to rely on officers of the Army Fourth: That the distribution of arms among (aided when necessary by civil assistants) than on the militia of the States and Territories, under civil agents of whose character and qualifications the act of 1808, be made hereafter on the basis of the Department must often be ignorant. I deter- the free white male inhabitants of age to bear arms, mined, therefore, to avail myself of all the aid which as shown by the latest census, instead of the offithe Army could afford, and to confide the super- cial returns of the militia, which are frequently intendence of the works to the two corps, of En- not furnished, and when furnished, are often ingineers and Topographical Engineers, both of which are eminently qualified for this duty.

This arrangement not only enabled me to dispense with a number of civil agents whose assistance would otherwise have been necessary, but (a consideration of hardly less importance) to secure the invaluable aid of the distinguished head of the Corps of Engineers.

I at first intended to establish a joint board, composed of the heads and another officer of each of the corps, aided, when circumstances would require it, by an officer of the Navy, to superintend the execution of all the works; but some difficulties having arisen in arranging the details of this plan, I finally determined to divide the works between the two corps, and to establish two boards, one for each corps, composed of its own officers, to aid its head in preparing, supervising, and correcting plans and estimates, &c., the members to act separately as inspectors of the works when in process of construction.

This plan has been carried into effect; and in pursuance of it the works on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico have been assigned to the Corps of Engineers, and those on the northern lakes and western rivers to the Corps of Topographical Engineers.

It is believed that this arrangement will eminently conduce to the speedy and economical

execution of the works.

Owing principally to the advanced season when the appropriations were made, little has been done, in regard to many of the works, beyond making the necessary arrangements to commence them as early as practicable in the spring.

For more detailed information on this subject, and on others connected with their duties, I respectfully refer to the reports of the Colonels of Engineers and of the Topographical Engineers appended to this report.

The estimates for such of the works as require additional appropriations will be submitted as soon as they can be prepared.

The expedition which I mentioned in my last annual report, as having been sent, under the command of Brevet Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, to explore the Zuni and Colorado rivers, from the source of the former to the Pacific, has completed the exploration and returned, but the report has not yet been submitted.

Early last spring Captain Marcy was sent with a party to explore the head waters of the Red River. He accomplished the object and has returned, but the report of the expedition has not yet been prepared.

It affords me pleasure to repeat my commendations of the good order and discipline which prevail at the Military Academy, and to express my conviction of the benefits which result to the service from that institution.

The number of works for which appropriations were made by the act recently passed is about one hundred, and the sum appropriated about two millions and a quarter. The appropriations, however, will only in a few instances be sufficient to complete the works for which they were made. By far the greater number will require additional, and some of them very large additional, appropria-armories tions to complete them. It is to be presumed, that even if Congress should not see fit to continue the system and to provide for other works of a similar character, not included in the present act, they will at least finish the works that have been begun. I deemed it, therefore, of the utmost importance to make, at the outset, such permanent arrangements for the execution of these works as would, as far as practicable, insure the faithful, judicious,

7

The reports of the Chief of the Ordnance Bureau and of the Quartermaster's Department will show the operations of these important branches of the service. Several of the suggestions contained in them are deserving of attention.

The first of these two reports exhibits a very satisfactory view of the operations of the national at Springfield and Harper's Ferry; and I concur in the opinion that no benefit would be likely to result from a return to the former mode of governing these establishments.

In my last annual report 1 called your attention to several points in regard to which legislation appeared to me to be necessary. I will simply renew these suggestions, without repeating the reasons on which they were founded. They

were

accurate.

To these recommendations I beg leave to add a few more that further experience has suggested.

By the fifth section of the act of September 28th, 1850, it is made the duty of the Secretary of War to discharge any soldier who, at the time of his enlistment, was under the age of twenty-one years, unless such enlistment had been made with the consent of the parent or guardian of the soldier.

Young men are frequently enlisted who represent themselves to be of age, but whose discharge is afterwards applied for on the ground of minority. The consequence is, that they are frequently discharged after they have been clothed and fed for months, without rendering any service, or after they have been sent, at great expense, to some remote station. There is reason to believe that in some instances parties have enlisted with a view to defraud the Government.

I recommend that any person being above the age of eighteen years who shall practice such an imposition may be compelled to serve out his term of enlistment.

If further appropriations for fortifications and for river and harbor improvements should be made, the number of officers in the corps of Engineers and Topographical Engineers will be insufficient to supply the necessary details for these works and for the coast and lake surveys added to the other duties they are called upon to perform. I recommend, therefore, that in that event the officers of these corps be increased by an annual addition to each for six years of not more than three second lieutenants, to be taken as heretofore from the graduates of the Military Academy.

In consequence of the great number of remote military posts at which troops are stationed, the number of medical officers has been for some years past entirely inadequate to the wants of the service; the consequence of which is, that a number of private physicians are necessarily employed. I am satisfied that it would be a measure of economy to authorize an increase of the medical

corps.

Besides the above recommendations, there are several contained in the report of the General-inChief, hereto appended, which appear to me to deserve attention. I will mention particularly his suggestions that the third section of the act of June 17, 1850, entitled "An act to increase the rank and file of the Army, and to encourage enlistments," be repealed; that measures be taken to distribute, for the use of the militia of the States and Territories, the books of tactical instruction used in the regular service; and that the pension laws be so amended as to place the widows and orphans of officers of the Army on an equal footing with those of naval officers.

Respectfully submitted.

C. M. CONRAD, Secretary of War. TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Report of the Secretary of the Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 4, 1852. To the President of the United States:

SIR: I have the honor to submit the annual report of this Department, which will make you acquainted with the present condition of the naval service, and bring to your notice the several subjects which I have thought worthy of your consideration and the attention of Congress. I would beg leave also to say, that the many valuable suggestions for the improvement of the service, made by my predecessors in previous reports, which

32D CONG.....2D SESS.

Report of the Secretary of the Navy.

yet remain open to the deliberation and disposal The Pacific squadron, under the command of of Congress, have, in my opinion, lost nothing of Commodore Charles S. McCauley, has been comtheir interest, and that I refer to them now as most posed of the frigate Raritan, commanded by Comappropriate subjects for commendation to the favor mander McKean, as flag-ship of the squadron; the of the National Legislature. If I have presented frigate St. Lawrence, Captain Dulany; the sloopsother views on the same topics, or proposed a of-war St. Mary's, Commander Magruder; Portsdifferent method for improving the organization of mouth, Captain Dornin; Falmouth, Commander any branch of the service, I hope these will be re- Petigru; Vandalia, Commander Gardner; and Vinceived as contributions to the common effort which cennes, Commander Hudson. The Falmouth, this Department has ever felt it a duty to make Vandalia, and Vincennes, and the two store-ships towards the perfection of our naval system; and Lexington and Southampton, also attached to the that they may be weighed in the deliberations of squadron, have returned home within the last two Congress with a full appreciation of what is de- or three months. The Raritan, with Commodore servedly due to the experience of those who have McCauley on board, is now also on her homeward heretofore conducted the affairs of this Depart-voyage, and may be looked for in the course of the month of January.

ment.

DISTRIBUTION OF SQUADRONS.

During the year now about to close the vessels of the Navy in commission have been assigned to the various employment deemed necessary for the protection of our commerce, according to the system of distribution heretofore adopted, and found most convenient to the exigencies of the service.

This distribution has been made in a provision for six squadrons, each of which is required to serve on a cruise of three years, with the exception of that allotted to the coast of Africa, where, from a consideration of the peculiar character of the service, it is limited to two years.

The duration of the cruise is subject only to an occasional prolongation, when the public interest may render it necessary. Suitable provision is made in the enlistments for this incident whenever it may occur.

The six squadrons are assigned to the East Indies, the Pacific ocean, the coast of Africa, the coast of Brazil, the Miditerranean, and the coast of the United States. In addition to these, a steamship is appropriated to the lakes upon our northern border, and a few vessels are kept for detached service.

The East India squadron has continued during the past year under the command of Commodore John H. Aulick, and has consisted of the steam frigate Susquehanna, being the flag-ship of the squadron, the sloops-of-war Portsmouth, Commander Kelly; Saratoga, Commander Walker; and Marion, Commander Glendy. This vessel (the Marion) has recently returned to the United States, and is now assigned to the African squadron, and, being ready for sea, will very soon proceed to her destination.

The squadron has been lately reorganized and placed under the command of Commodore M. C. Perry, and Commodore Aulick only waits the arrival in the East Indies of an officer to command the Susquehanna, to return to the United States, which he will do in advance of his ship. Commodore Perry's command will consist of the line-of-battle ship Vermont, which is now in a course of rapid preparation for service, and it is expected will be ready to sail about the first of March. The Commodore himself has just sailed from the port of Norfolk in his flag-ship, the steam-frigate Mississippi. He will be followed in a few days by the steam-frigate Powhattan, Captain McCluney, which vessel has been recently added to the squadron in place of the steamer Princeton, originally detailed for it, but which, from some imperfection discovered in her machinery, after she had undergone a thorough repair, has been compelled to remain in port. This imperfection, I have reason to hope, will prove to be less serious than was at first apprehended, and that she may soon be in condition for service, when she will be assigned to other employment.

In addition to these two ships, the corvette Macedonian, Captain Abbot; the sloop-of-war Vandalia, Commander Pope; and the steamer Alleghany, Commander Sands, constitute the remaining force assigned to Commodore Perry. The first two of these, the Macedonian a the Vandalia, are now nearly ready for sea, and may be expected to take their departure during the month of December. The Alleghany is waiting only for the completion of her engine, and will be dispatched as soon as it is finished.

The store-ships Supply, Lieutenant Sinclair, and Southampton, Lieutenant Boyle, are also attached to the squadron, and are already on their way to their appointed stations.

This squadron has been actively employed in
cruising near the Sandwich Islands, from the Straits
of Fuca and get's Sound, in Oregon, to Panama,
on the North American coast, and along the whole
line of South America on the Pacific. It has also

visited the Gallipagos Islands and the adjacent seas,
whilst one or more of its vessels have been kept in
constant intercourse with every port familiar to our
commerce, from California to Valparaiso.

In the new arrrangement of this squadron it will
be put under the command of Captain Dulany; and
the razee Independence, the sloops-of-war Fal-
mouth and St. Mary's, will be dispatched with no
more delay than may be necessary for their equip-
ment. The store-ship Fredonia, having performed
her service in this squadron, has lately been sent on
a voyage to California as a transport of troops, and
will, when released from that duty, be established
at Valparaiso in charge of the public stores at that
port.

The African squadron is under the command of Commodore Lavalette, whose flag-ship is the sloopof-war Germantown, Commander Nicholas. Besides this vessel, it is composed of the sloops-ofwar John Adams, Commander Barron, and Dale, Commander Lardner, and the brigs Bainbridge, Lieutenant Manning, and Perry, Lieutenant Page. Commodore Lavalette, having nearly completed the period of his cruise, will return to the United States in the Germantown as soon as he can be relieved by Commodore Mayo, who will sail in the month of December in the frigate Constitution, with Commander Rudd in command. The Dale will be replaced by the Marion, Commander Howard, which is now ready to sail.

The steamer Vixen will be added to this command for such rapid communication with the coast and the trading points on the rivers as the duties assigned to the squadron constantly require.

The service on this station is arduous, and attended with many incidents to render it far from being acceptable to those employed upon it. Constant vigilance and frequent intercourse with a barbarous people on the coast are the least of its discomforts. To these are added exposure to disease and the irksome seclusion of a long voyage, which finds but small relief in visits to a shore without attraction and always dangerous to the stranger. The health of our ships on that station, I am happy to report, has in general been well guarded by the useful sanitary discipline which the experience of the service has of late years been able to suggest and enforce, and we have now no longer to complain of such ravage by the maladies of the climate as overtook those who were in times past consigned to this service.

The time has come, perhaps, when it may be properly commended to the notice of Congress to inquire into the necessity of further continuing the regular employment of a squadron on this coast. The slave trade may be said to be now driven into a comparatively narrow space on the southern portion of the coast, and confined to North and South Guinea. Whilst the measures recently adopted in Brazil encourage the hope that this infamous traffic will soon be abandoned altogether, a few small vessels added to the Brazilian squadron, and directed to cruise in the track of the slave ships, may be found effectual to suppress the last efforts of that forbidden commerce, against which the abhorrence of all Christian nations is awakened.

The squadron on the coast of Brazil is commanded by Commodore McKeever, and is composed only of his flag-ship, the frigate Congress, Commander Pearson, and the sloop-of-war James

SENATE & HO. OF REPS.

town, Captain Downing, with the store-ship Re-
lief, Lieutenant Hitchcock. It has rendered useful
service to the public interests in that quarter, and
been found adequate to all the demands of our varied
and extensive commercial intercourse there.

Commodore McKeever will return in the spring
with his ship, and his place will be supplied by
Captain Salter, who has received preparatory
orders to the frigate Savannah, to be commanded
by Commander Mercer.

Commodore Silas H. Stringham has command of the Mediterranean squadron in the frigate Cumberland, Commander Turner. His force consists of the steamer San Jacinto, Captain Crabb, and the sloops-of-war St. Louis, Commander Ingraham, and Levant, Commander Goldsborough. This squadron will probably be reinforced hereafter by the steamer Princeton or the Saranac, if either of these vessels may be spared from the service at home, and the San Jacinto, which is now undergoing repairs at Trieste, in that event may be ordered back to the United States.

This squadron has been conspicuously engaged in various service connected with our important commercial and political relations to the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, and has performed its duties with a commendable zeal and the best results. We have been able, through the exertions of Commodore Stringham, to obtain a permanent arrangement for the accommodation of our ships at Spezzia by the good will of the King of Sardinia, and all that the public interest and convenience require in a safe and commodious naval depôt we may now regard as secured.

The squadron on the coast of the United States, or the Home squadron, under the command of Commodore J. T. Newton, consists at this time of the frigate Columbia, the flag-ship of the commodore, and commanded by Commander Pendergrast, the steamer Saranac, Captain Long, the sloops-of-war Albany, Commander Gerry, and Cyane, Commander Hollins, and the steamer Fulton, Commander Jackson. The steam-frigate Powhattan, Captain Mervine, was a short time ago attached to this squadron, and immediately dispatched, with the Commodore on board, on special service, to the ports of Havana and Vera Cruz. Upon his return from this voyage it was found necessary, in consequence of the disability of the Princeton, to change her station, and place her in the East India squadron.

The steamer Saranac, detailed for duty in the Home squadron, sailed on the 4th of October last for Rio de Janeiro, under the command of Captain Long, giving conveyance to the late Brazilian Chargé d'Affaires, the Chevalier de Sodre, to the seat of his own Government. Captain Long will be back, it is supposed, in a few weeks to reassume his position in the squadron from which he was detached, or for such other service as may await him.

The Cyane has been recently ordered to cruise in the neighborhood of the Island of Cuba, and to visit the port of Havana. The Albany is ordered to the same quarter, and will, for the present, remain at Pensacola.

The steamer Mississippi, having been in condition for her cruise to the East Indies, some time in advance of the rest of the squadron, was employed in the month of August last on a visit to the coast of the British Provinces upon our northern border, in a service connected with the question of the Fisheries. She returned early in the month of September to resume her allotted station, and to await the period of the departure upon the long voyage in which she is now engaged.

EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS

During the past year the attention of this Department, in conjunction with the Department of State, has been directed to the employment of the East India squadron in an enterprise of great moment to the commercial interests of the country— the endeavor to establish relations of amity and commerce with the Empire of Japan.

The long interdict which has denied to strangers access to the ports or territory of that country, and the singularly inhospitable laws which its Government has adopted to secure this exclusion, having been productive, of late years, of gross oppression and cruelty to citizens of the United States, it has been thought expedient to