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21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[SEN. AND H. OF REPS.

ing each other have been ordered to repair to the United as the experience of the Navy may have shown applicable States. Immediately after their return, a tribunal will be established to investigate these complaints, and to render justice alike to the aggressors and the aggrieved.

to this purpose. To carry the latter objects into execution, an additional appropriation will be required; but their completion must result in an important saving in the naval expenditure, and would give to the nation, instead of the decaying fabrics of which the ships in ordinary now consist, a marine force which could be made to act promptly and efficiently for its defence.

The squadron on the Pacific coast of South America consists of the frigate Guerriere, the sloop St. Louis, and the schooner Dauphin. No changes have been made in the force of this squadron. Commodore Thompson has succeeded Commodore Jones in the command; and the The duty of preparing ships for service, is, by the esGuerriere and St. Louis have taken the places of the Bran-tablished regulations, committed to the Commandants of dywine and Vincennes. Commodore Jones has returned the yards, whose great object seems to be to hurry the to the United States in the former, and the latter, acting equipment, and to incur as little expense as possible. under orders from the late Executive, after touching at Thus their preparation is imperfect, and the nation has to the Friendly and Sandwich Islands, will return by way of encounter à considerable expense in foreign ports to obthe Cape of Good Hope. No information has been pre-tain the requisite supplies and repairs. The materials for Bented to the Department inducing a belief that an in- effecting these are sometimes not to be procured; and the crease of this force is necessary; though, doubtless, good ship, being, through the whole cruise, in a crippled state, policy forbids that any portion of it be withdrawn. An- performs the service out and home at the risk of her loss, nexed is a statement, marked A, showing the disposition and perhaps that of her crew. Such a system, in peace, of the public vessels now in commission. is hazardous; and, in time of war, dangerous in the extreme. Some cases have been brought to the notice of the Department, in which ships ordered on voyages of two or three years have been so carelessly equipped, that the whole cruise might be said to be a series of dangers and escapes, and their safe return a matter rather to be wondered at than expected. In every instance in which it can be conveniently done, the officer who is to command should attend to the equipment of his ship for sea. one is so much interested in the proper discharge of this duty; no one will perform it so well.

No

The report of the Commissioners of the Navy, which is herewith transmitted, marked B, furnishes a detailed statement of the number of ships of war in ordinary, their present condition, and the amount which will required to fit them for service. These ships are represented to be in a state of premature and rapid decay, and, when the manner in which they have been disposed of at the stations is considered, this ceases to be a matter of surprise, how muchsoever it may be of regret. It has been the practice, when ships of war were to be laid up in ordinary, to place them under the general superintendence of It has been usual to discharge seamen at some foreign the Commandant of the yard, whose avocations have been port, whenever the period of their enlistment expired, so multiplied by the Department, that he has but little or to pay the expenses of their return to the United States. time to devote to this duty. Thus, they remain exposed Both these plans are objectionable; the first, because it to the wasting agencies of the seasons, rain, and sunshine: often leaves the seaman a wanderer on a foreign shore, and to all other causes which favor the decomposition of where he either must suffer from want, or go into the the materials of which they have been built. This sud- service of other nations; thereby diminishing the number den destruction of a fabric, upon the construction of which of this useful body of men, or inflicting a heavy burden so much skill has been exercised, so much money expend-upon the funds provided for the support of the Navy. To ed, and upon the preservation of which so much of the commercial and national security depends, cannot but demand that immediate and effectual means be adopted to arrest its progress. The impolicy of cutting down the best timber in the country, and converting it into ships, which are to be subjected to this process of rapid destruction, would seem to be too glaring not to have been no- The Navy Yards established and now in operation in ticed, and too ruinously wasteful not to have been discon- the United States, are located at the following places: tinued as soon as perceived. Within the last few years. Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Brooklyn, New York: Penthe vessels which were in preparation on the stocks have sacola, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and Norfolk. been allowed to remain, under the protection of houses There is scarcely any part of the expenditure for the eserected over them. In the freport, market C, the Com-tablishment of a Navy which has contributed so much to missioners have offered suggestions as to the measures exhaust the general fund intended for its support, as that necessary for preventing the progress of all evil which which has been applied to objects connected with the threatens to render abortive all the efforts of the Nation building and maintaining of Navy Yards. It appears from for the establishment of an effective naval force. The the report made to Congress by the Secretary of the Naattention of the President is respectfully invited to this vy for 1828, that the permanent expenses under this head, branch of the concerns of the Navy, as a matter of minor importance to no one which can be presented for his consideration.

guard against both these inconveniences, the practice is proposed to be adopted, of making the cruises of the ships of war shorter than has been customary, and enlisting the crews for such a term as certainly to allow of their return to the United States before the expiration of the period of enlistment.

including Naval, Ordinary, Hospital, and Civil, amount, annually, to $268,744. The great expense incurred in the support of these numerous establishments, makes it In addition to the measures proposed by the Commis- proper to inquire, whether it may not be materially disioners for the accomplishment of the objects to which minished by a reduction of their number, without affecttheir report refers, it is proper that some remarks being, injuriously, other important interests of the Navy. offered on points connected with this subject and on The opinion entertained by those most conversant with such which their opinions were not required to be expressed. subjects, seems to be, that the number now in operation It is believed that the true policy of the Government will is greater than the public service demands; that a reduc be to discontinue, for the present, the building of ships of tion of them would effect an important diminution of exwar, unles for some specific object, or immediate emer-penditure; and that, by concentrating the means and gency; to provide for the thorough repair of the ships in materials for building, repairing, &c. at two or three ordinary; for the erection of the necessary sheds for their points most favorable for such purposes, it would tend protection: and for the establishment of a police at each greatly to promote the general objects of these estabof the naval stations, to superintend and enforce the em-lishments.

ployment of the means recommended by the Board of Na- The Commissioners of the Navy Board were directed, vy Commissioners for their preservation; and such other on their late visit of inspection into the condition of the

SEN. AND H. OF REPS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.

Navy Yards, to examine them with a view to this reduc- | in the enforcement of the Revenue Laws, and if competent tion of their number, and to ascertain, as far as practica-officers were attached to them, afford facilities for the colble, whether there may not be selected, on the numerous lection of materials for charts of these hitherto almost unbays and harbors of the United States, other sites, em- explored coasts. bracing greater facilities and advantages than those which have heretofore been employed for those objects.

The report made by the Board, marked C, is herewith transmitted. It affords much interesting information on the points referred to them, and connected therewith, and is especially entitled to commendation for the independence of its views on a subject which, from its effects on local interests, is calculated to excite local jealousy and opposition. The document is earnestly recommended to your consideration.

Various representations have been made to the Department, of the advantages offered by the harbors of the small keys in the gulf of Mexico, called the "Dry Tortugas," as a Naval rendezvous and depot of supplies. Should these representations be correct, and the harbor found susceptible of defence, the importance of the position would be equal to that of any other on the Southern coasts. In the month of May last, Commodores Rodgers and Patterson were instructed to visit them, and make such general examination as would lead to a just estimate of their value and aptitude for the purposes contemplated. This service was performed by Commodore RodgersCommodore Patterson having unfortunately been prevented by disease contracted on the journey, from joining in the examination.

The report made by Commodore Rodgers, marked D, is herewith transmitted. The result of his observations was so favorable as to justify a full and minute survey. Accordingly, Lieutenants Tatnall and Geduey, experienced officers, and well qualified for this service, were ordered to repair to the point designated, and have for some weeks been engaged in the performance of this duty. Their return is daily expected; and, when the information obtained by them shall have been received, it will be duly presented to your notice.

The value of the Live Oak growing on the public lands, on the Southern coasts of the United States, as a source of supply of the best timber for the purposes of the Navy, has been long properly estimated by the public, and various laws have been enacted by Congress with a view to its preservation. This has been found to be a task of no ordinary difficulty. The great value of this material for the building of vessels of every description, and the high estimation in which it is held, make it an object of pillage to the unprincipled of all nations; and this is not likely to be restrained but by the adoption of measures more coercive in their character than those which have been hitherto employed. It has been the practice to rely on the vigilance of Agents, distributed over different districts on the coasts. These Agents have been required to guard the public interest, and to bring to justice such as should be found trespassing on its rights. Hitherto their efforts have been unsuccessful. In a few instances only have the Agents been able to detect the depredators, or obtain restitution of the property. From the nature of the country in which this timber is found it must often happen that Agents on the land can afford but a very imperfect protection against these violators of the public rights. The whole coast presents a series of bays and creeks, readily accessible to such boats as can bring off the timber; while the adjacent district may consist of impervious forests, or morasses and swamps, which forbid the approach of a superintending force.

It is respectfully proposed that these agencies be discontinued, and that the protection of the public interest in this timber be confided to a marine force, adapted to the navi gation of the bays and inlets on which it is produced.

Other important services might be rendered by the vessels employed on this duty. They might, if required, aid VOL. VI.-C

Sundry testimonials have been presented to the Department (see copies and extracts marked E) showing that canvass made of cotton, had been successfully employed in the merchant service of this and other countries, and partially in the Navy; all favoring the presumption, that this article might be advantageously used in the Navy of the United States. It was determined, therefore, that some experiments should be made to test the accuracy of these statements. The execution of this duty has, for the present, been committed to the superintendence of Commodore Elliott, and the experiments are now in progress. Some trials will, also, be made of cordage prepared from this material.

It is also proposed to institute a course of experiments on the canvas and cordage made of American water rotted hemp, which has been represented as possessing durability and strength at least equal to the same qualities of the imported article. The importance of being relieved from a dependence on foreign supply, for materials essential to the very existence of a Navy, justifies a full and decided trial of the products of our own country.

The practice has, for some years past, prevailed in the Department, to make allowances, or extra compensation, to officers who have been required to perform services not strictly within the line of their professional duty.

It is presumed that this practice had its origin in the belief, that the compensation allowed these officers was insufficient for their necessary support and an inadequate return for their merits and services. Congress has not only yielded to, but indirectly sanctioned, the procedure, by adopting estimates for the appropriations founded on these anticipated allowances; and the officers themselves now view it as a source of emolument, which ought not to be denied to them. This state of things is irregular and unequal in its operation, and not a little embarrassing to the officer having the administration of the Department, If the compensation now allowed by law is too small, it should be increased; but let it be fixed, and not left to be dispensed at the pleasure, or by the favoritism of any one.

The compensation now made to the officers of the higher grades in the Navy, is probably far below what their distinguished talents and services entitle them to receive; and compared with the amount given to officers of the same or correspondent rank in the Army, is remarkable for its inequality and insufficiency. Annexed is an Exhibit, marked F, of the relative rank of the two classes of officers, and of the amount of compensation made to each under existing laws. It is difficult to understand on what principle of justice, or good policy, is founded this difference in the compensation made to officers in the same service, and of the same established rank. Is not the same eminent talent required for the command of a squadron as for the conduct of an army? An equal share of professional skill? Is the Naval officer less exposed to personal danger? Is his responsibility lighter; or are his labors less arduous? Does he contribute less to guard the interest or sustain the rights and honor of his country?

The establishment of schools for the instruction of the junior officers of the Navy, in the various branches of science appertaining to their profession, has so often been recommended to the favorable consideration of Congress, and has so uniformly been passed by, without obtaining their sanction, that it is with reluctance the subject is again introduced to their notice. A firm belief, however, that its tendency would be to qualify them for a better discharge of the high trust, which may at some future day devolve upon them, in their capacities of commanders, forms a sufficient motive for renewing the recommenda

21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[SEN. AND H. OF REPS.

Under a system of regulations which would enable the seaman to obtain his little supplies of nautical comforts, at rates fixed, known, and moderate, and without dread of imposition, the Naval service would acquire a popularity with them, it has never enjoyed, and the present difficulty of recruiting seamen would be diminished to an extent important as to time and expenditure.

tion, and submitting some views on the subject, which have not been so much insisted on, and which may be entitled to consideration. It has been remarked by a naval officer of much experience and observation, that no incon venience in the Navy is more sensibly felt than the general ignorance of the officers, of foreign languages. In addition to which, there is often great difficulty in procuring competent and proper persons to act in our ships of war In conformity to an act of the last Session of Congress, as interpreters and linguists; nor has any allowance ever in relation to the Africans stranded on the Coast of Floribeen made by Congress for the pay and subsistence of da, a vessel was chartered, and has sailed with them for such persons. The perplexities and disadvantages under Liberia, with the exception of two, who were unavoidably which our officers are placed by these circumstances, may detained by sickness. They were placed under the direadily be conceived. They are brought in contact during rection of an Agent and an Assistant Surgeon of the Navy, their cruises, with nations speaking different languages; with a liberal supply of hospital and other stores. An subject to be drawn into correspondence with the author-effort was made to send to their native country, by the ities of different places; under the necessity often to board same vessel, two Africans who had been introduced into vessels of other nations for the purpose of examining their | Alabama, a few years since: but, so strong had their atpapers and documents; and often without the ability to tachment become to this country, that they availed themunderstand their import and tendency. In time of war selves of an opportunity, while preparing for the voyage, valuable prizes are lost from an inability to translate their to make their escape: since which time they have not papers, and to detect covered property and simulated doc- been recovered by the Agent of the Government. No uments; unnecessary and illegal detentions of vessels are cases of importation of this description of persons have made, and consequent damages obtained from the Gov- come to the knowledge of the Department within the present year.

ernment.

The schools which have been employed at New York and Norfolk, in the instruction of midshipmen in the elementary branches of mathematics, have been mere temporary arrangements made by the Department, and have never been fostered or recognized by law. Their intro duction into use has not been effected by means very regular or direct, but they have been tolerated by Govern ment, having been found useful, notwithstanding the very limited range of instruction afforded by them. It is respectfully proposed, that, until some better system can be matured, these schools be authorized by law; and that such appropriation be made for their extension and support as will enable the young officers to acquire a know ledge of such foreign languages as may be important for them to possess in the future pursuit of their profession. The laws relating to Pursers in the Navy are believed to be defective in some of their provisions, At present, they do not provide a limitation to the periods of their continuance in office, nor for the renewal of their official bonds. Many advantages would probably result from their being appointed for stated periods, and made to renew their bouds, as is now required of Navy Agents, Collectors of the Customs, &c.

It may be proper to remark that drafts have been lately presented by the Agent at Liberia, for the purchase of munitions of war to enable the Colonists to defend themselves against the attacks of the neighboring tribes, with which they were threatened. These claims were rejected, on the ground that no law was known to exist which authorized their payment, or which justified any expenditure beyond a temporary support to the restored captives.

The present confused and unsettled condition of the fiscal concerns of the Navy Department, makes it proper that the subject be brought to the notice of Congress: since, it is believed, their interposition alone can lead to an equitable and final adjustment. In the month of March last, when it was discovered that these derangements in the finances existed, reference was made to the Board of Navy Commissioners, for such explanations as they might be enabled to give. Their communication in reply aecompanies this report, marked G. From a desire to present such a minute and detailed information on this subject as may be necessary for its proper illustration, the Fourth Auditor of the Treasury was requested by letter, (copy of which is annexed, marked H,) to report on the present condition of the accounts of his office, showing the probable origin of these embarrassments, and to suggest such measures as he might think necessary to correct the evil. His answer is annexed, marked I.

The mode of compensating them is not such as to lead to a correct discharge of their duties; nor such as is likely to advance the public interests. The profits of these officers arise, principally, from a per centage, which they are authorized to charge on the articles they sell to the The vacancy created in the command of the Navy Yard crews of ships. A part of these is furnished from the at Washington, by the death of the venerable and highly stores of the Government, and the remainder by an ad- esteemed Commodore Tingey, in February last, has been vance made to them, to be sold at their risk, and for their supplied by the appointment of Commodore Isaac Hull. own advantage. The temptation to increase their profits In April, this officer commenced the discharge of the duby improper demands upon a class of persons little qualities of the station, and has since, by great industry and jufied to detect imposition, may sometimes be difficult to dicious arrangement, reduced the chaos of materials acbe resisted, and ought not to be presented to them. When cumulated there to good order, and introduced a system their dealings are conducted upon principles of the ut- of discipline and economy favorable to the general operamost fairness, the income of pursers, in ships of the largest tions of the establishment. class, amounts to two or three times the compensation of the commander-an extent of remuneration which their services cannot merit, and which is the more odious, when it is known to be drawn from the pockets of men, who, of all others in the employ of Government, earn their scanty wages with the most unremitted toil, and incessant personal danger.

In lieu of their present emoluments, it is proposed that they receive an annual salary, varied according to the responsibility imposed on them, by having a larger or smaller amount of stock entrusted to their care, and the degree of labor required for its disposition and preservation,

The laws concerning the Marine Corps, and the act of 1800, establishing regulations for the government of the Navy, are recommended for revision. The papers marked K and L, contain the estimates for the Navy and Marine Corps: those marked M, N, O, are lists of deaths, dismissals, and resignations.

The annual report of the Navy Pension and Hospital Funds, &c. will be presented at the usual time.

The act of Congress authorizing the establishment of the Board of Navy Commissioners, appears to have been designed to provide auxiliaries to the Secretary of the Navy in the discharge of the ministerial duties of the De

SEN. AND H. OF REPS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.

partment. This body was required to be selected from by act of Congress, to cause the mail to be carried once amongst the most experienced of the naval commanders, a week to all the post offices; and, by the same act, he to whom a knowledge of those duties was presumed to be was authorized to make provision for the transmission of familiar, and by whom they might be expected to be most newspapers by mail. correctly discharged.

When the Federal Government was organized under The subjects placed under the superintendence of the the present Constitution, in 1789, the Post Office estabBoard, by this distribution of the duties of the Depart-lishment was revised and perpetuated. There were then, ment, are numerous, and of almost unlimited variety. It may be justly questioned, whether the present or ganization of this body is such as to secure the necessary attention to the diversified subjects placed under its direction, and whether a judicious division of its duties would not facilitate the proper execution of the objects proposed by the institution of this branch of the Depart

ment.

Respectful reference is made to a communication from the Navy Board, in answer to inquiries having relation to this subject, herewith transmitted, marked P.

and to the close of 1790, only seventy-five Post Offices in the United States: and the extent of Post Roads in the United States amounted to 1,875 miles. Now, the number of Post Offices is eight thousand and four, and the Post Roads amount to 115,000 miles.

The first line of mail coaches in the United States was established in pursuance of an act of Congress, passed September 7, 1785, extending from Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, to Savannah, in Georgia. The transportation of the mail, in coaches, amounts, at this time, to 6,507,818 miles in one year, and from the first of January next, it The present Naval Corps of the United States is believ-will be increased to 6,785,810 miles. The whole yearly ed to be more numerous than is required for the wants of transportation of the mail, in coaches, sulkies, and on horsethe service, and more than can be advantageously em- back, amounts to about 18,700,000 miles. ployed, with reference to their own advancement in the knowledge and practice of their profession.

"There can be no national establishment," says a distinguished Naval character, "like that of the Navy of the United States, which will not, in the course of years, receive into its ranks some who are illy calculated to uphold its character, much less to contribute thereto by their talents and subordination."

"There may exist, also, some who, when received into the service, were calculated to become its ornaments, but who may, through various concurring causes, have degenerated into a reproach. Happily for this institution, the Government retains in its hands the corrective for any defects in the corps.”

"It is now twenty-eight years since a judicious pruning was given to the Navy; a period sufficient to admit some useless suckers to repose under the shade of its virtues and its valor. The time would, therefore, seem to have arrived to correct some of the evils of the service by a peace establishment; and which it would go far to effect, by ridding it of the useless and insubordinate portion of its materials. The remainder would be preserved in more correct views of the service, and their management become more easy to the Executive Department."

The whole amount of postages (the only source of revenue to the Department) from 1789 to July 1, 1829, was $26,441,496

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The whole expenses of the Department,
during the same period, were as fol-
low:
Compensation to Postmasters 7,329,925
Incidental expenses
Transportation of the mail

896,967 16,052,518

فلسفة

24,779,405

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641,680 1,662,091

The sums paid into the Treasury, by the different Postmasters-General, are as follows:

From this statement, it appears that the Department has always been sustained by its own resources, and that If, in pruning these excrescences from the too luxuriant no money has, at any time, been drawn from the Treasury growth of the Navy, some branches should be lopped off, for the transportation of the mails; but that it has contriwhich, in their day, have borne good fruit, let it be remen-buted to the revenue of the Government. bered that the Navy pension fund, with its ample stores, is open for their sustenance and support; and, it may be added, that the Navy Asylum on the Schuylkill, is now so near its completion as to promise at an early day to afford a permanent and comfortable residence to its disabled founders, and to such as, though not disabled, may have merited, by their bravery, or long and faithful services, the gratitude of their country.

All which is respectfully submitted.
JOHN BRANCH.
REPORT OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL.

POST OFFICE Department,
24th November, 1828.

To the President of the United States:
F SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report
of the state of this Department:

The General Post Office was established July 26, 1775. There was then but one line of posts, extending from Falmouth, in New England, to Savannah, in Georgia; and the Post Master General was authorized to establish such cross post roads as he should think proper.

* In October, 1782, the Post Master General was required,

By Timothy Pickering, from December, 1793,
to March, 1795, -

By Joseph Habersham, from June, 1796, to
September, 1801,

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By Gideon Granger, from December, 1801, to
December, 1813,

By Return J. Meigs, from March, 1814, to June,
1823,

By John McLean, from July, 1828, to December, 1828,

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47,499

* 363,810 - 291,579 887,209 18,466

Making together the foregoing sum of 1,103,063 The balance, of 541,680, exhibited by the books of this Department, on the 1st of July, 1829, covers all the balances due from Postmasters and others, of every description, which have been accumulating for forty years, including those of the most doubtful, and many of a desperate character. The Report of the late PostmasterGeneral exhibited a balance of 332,105 10, as the amount of available funds at the disposition of the Department, on the 1st of July, 1828. The amount exhibited by the books of the Department on that day, is 616,394; from which it appears that the sum of 284,289, of old balances

21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

was estimated to be either desperate, or of so uncertain
a character, as that no reliance could be had upon any
part of it: and it is believed, from examination, that this
estimate did not essentially vary from what will prove to
have been the actual amount of losses from 1789 to 1828:
To the above amount of
$284,289

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Must be added this sum, due for postages prior to July 1, 1828, which is since found to be desperate,

Counterfeit money found on hand,
Notes of broken Banks,

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$2,634
1,672

Making, together, the total amount of losses by bad debts and bad money,

Which sum, deducted from the above-mentioned balance of

Leaves the actual balance, on the 1st of July, 1829,

[SEN, AND H. OF REPS,

It appears, therefore, that the funds of the Department suffered a diminution, from July 1, 1828, to July 1, 1829, of $101,256 03.

In this result, all the collections made of former debts, as well as all losses ascertained within the year, are comprehended.

The expense for transporting the mail, by reason of the increased facilities contracted for, before the commence22,235 ment of the present year, from January 1 to July 1, 1829, exceeded the expense for transportation during the corresponding period of the preceding year, $67,333, and the 4,306 expenditures of the Department for the same period, being the first half the current year, had there been no increase of postages, would have exceeded its revenue 68,681, equal 810,830 to $137,362, for the year. The actual excess of expenditure, however, owing to the increase of revenue for 541,680 the half year ending July 1, 1829, amounts to but $49, 778 55.

$230,850 The fractions in this statement being omitted. The amount of moneys on hand, and due from Postmasters, including judgments obtained on old accounts, was reported by the late Postmaster General to be, on the 1st day of July, 1827, $370,033 37

He also reported an excess of expenditures beyond the amount of receipts for the year ending the 1st of July, 1828, of

Leaving a balance of moneys on hand, and due from Postmasters, including judgments obtained on old accounts, on the 1st of July, 1828, of

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The amount of postages from July, 1, 1828, to July 1, 1829, is found to be The expenditures of the Department for the same period are as follows: Compensation to

Postmasters $559,287 28 Transportation

of the Mail 1,153,646 21 Incidental ex

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$1,707,418-42

1,782,132 57

$74,714 15

$22,235 50

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When I entered upon the duties of the Department, on the 6th of April last, I found the contracts had been made, and the responsibilities of the Department incurred, for the whole of the current year, and from one to four years in prospect, in the most expensive sections of the country.

It appeared necessary, therefore, to direct the energies of the Department principally to the great object of sustaining its operations, in the engagements which it had already contracted, by its own resources. This could be 37,928 27 effected only by enforcing a strict observance of the law on the part of Postmasters, in preventing, so far as prac ticable, all abuses, and in accounting, regularly and promptly, for all the moneys coming into their hands; by guarding against all further increase of expense, except $332,105 10 in cases absolutely demanded by the public interest; and by instituting such checks and responsibilities in the mode of transacting the business of the Department, as to secure more effectually, a proper application of its funds, and to prevent in all cases, a diversion of any part of them from their legitimate objects.

$101,256 03

To correct abuses in the privilege of franking, which had prevailed to a considerable extent, and to prevent others, which were beginning to show themselves, it was thought expedient to issue a circular to Postmasters, calling their special attention to the subject, and enjoining renewed vigilance and energy on their part. This circular, bearing date the 18th of May last, has not been without its effect. The postages accounted for by Postmasters are accumulating in an increased ratio, which promises advantageous results. The proceeds of postages for the quarter ending June 30, 1829, exceed the amount for the corresponding quarter of 1828, by $30,376 59. The accounts for the quarter ending the 30th of September last, are not all examined, but so far as the examination has proceeded, it promises a proportionate increase.

The contracts for transporting the mail in the States of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, and the Territory of Arkansas, constituting one section, will expire with the current year. The rapid increase of population and of business in those sections of country required considerable improvements in the frequency, the celerity, and the mode of transporting the mail on the leading routes, for which provision has been made in the renewal of the contracts.

The mail communication between New Orleans and the Seat of the General Government, by way of Mobile and Montgomery, in Alabama, and Augusta, in Georgia, will, from the commencement of the ensuing year, be effected three times a week, affording comfortable conveyances for travellers, and the whole trip performed in the period of two weeks, each way, through the capitals of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Lines of four-horse post coaches will also be establish$230,846 07 ed, from the first day of January next, to run three times a week, both ways, between Nashville and Memphis, in

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