Entertaining the opinions heretofore expressed in relation to the Bank of the United States, as at present organized, I felt it my duty, in my former messages, frankly to dis close them, in order that the attention of the legislature and the people should be seasonably directed to that important subject, and that it might be considered and finally disposed of in a manner best calculated to promote the ends of the Constitution and subserve the public interests. Having thus conscientiously discharged a constitutional duty, I deem it proper, on this occasion, without a more particular reference to the views of the subject then expressed, to leave it for the present to the investigation of an enlightened people and their representatives. In conclusion, permit me to invoke that Power which superintends all Governments, to infuse into your deliberations, at this important crisis of our history, a spirit of mutual forbearance and conciliation. In that spirit was our Union formed, and in that spirit must i. be preserved. ANDREW JACKSON. Washington, December 6, 1831. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. Department of War, November 21, 1831. Sir: In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to submit herewith a general view of the operations of this Department, and of the various branches of its administration together with the accompanying reports of the officers in charge of the different bureaus for he past year. The plan of organization by which the great objects of public concern, committed to the War Department, are divided into different classes, and placed under the more immediate control of respectable and responsible officers is well calculat d to promote fidelity, promp titude, and economy in the management of these important interests. By assigning to each office a particular branch of the service, experience in the general administration is acquir ed at the Department, and in the practical details at the places of execution. On this subject I have only to remark, that the importance of our Indian relations, both present and prospective, demands a similar arrangement for this portion of the public affairs. The existing organization rests upon executive authority, but the efficiency and responsibility of that department would be greatly promoted, if its duties were regulated by a legislative act. This measure has more than once been recommended in the reports of my predeces sors, and I beg leave to add my conviction to theirs of its necessity. The condition of the army is satisfactory in its materiel, and so far in its morale as de pends upon the exertions of the officers, Its appropriate functions are performed honorably for itself, and usefully for the country. Although some of the details of the service are susceptible of improvement in their administration, and some in their legislation, still, in the general result, whether viewed as an arm of national defence, or as a depository of military Knowledge and experience, it has attained the great objects for which it was raised and is maintained. It is efficient without being expensive, and adequate to the exigencies of our service without being dangerous I refer to the report of the Major General commanding, for the detailed operations of the year. The annual reports of this Department have already brought before the Government the subject of desertion; and I regret tate, hat this serious evil not only continues but inercases. Inquiries have been instituted into the causes of this offence, and the most efficient remedy, and much valuable information is contained in a report from the War Department of February 17, 1830. But no measures have been adopted to check a practice, which, from its extent and impunity, not only materially injures the service by the loss of the men and the consequent expense, but threatens in its progress, and by its example, to destroy that principle of fidelity which is, the only safe bond of connexion between the soldier and his Country. In the present state of our martial law, and of its necessary administration there is in fact no adequate punishment for the crime of desertion. Confinement and employment at hard labor are the only efficient sentences, which military tribunals can inflict; and where a soldier is confined in a guard-house, and his companions stationed without to secure him, and with all the facilities of constant communication, we may well doubt whether his situation is so much more unpleasant than theirs, as to give to this mode of punishment any salutary effect upon the discipline of the army; and at all our posts, and particularly at those upon the inland border, the soldiers are generally employed either in the line of their duty or upon fatigue, and a sentence to hard labor subjects them to little more than the ordinary demands of the service. Whether any system of moderate rewards will prevent this practice, may be doubted; but certainly the abolition of all efficient punishment, without providing any substitute to op rate upon the pride and hopes of the soldier, is in fact to invite him to abandon his colois whenever the restraints of discipline cause temporary dissatisfaction. To retain a part of the bounty and pay, and thereby to provide a fund for the use of a soldier when discharged, to reduce the period of service, and to increase the pay of the rank and file of the army, and particularly of the non-commissioned officers, are among the most prominent suggestions, which have been offered upon this subject. The number of desertions in 1826, were 636; in 1827, 848; in 1828, 820; in 1829, 1,115; in 1830, 1,251. And in 1831 they will probably amount to 1,450. An estimate has been prepared at the Adjutant General's office founded upon a minute examination and comparison of the various expenses incident to the maintenance of a soldier: and exhibiting the actual pecuniary loss of the Government arising from this cause. The loss was for 1826, 854,393; for 1827,861,344; for 1828, 863,137; for 1829, 98,345; for 1830, 8102,087; and for 1831 probably g118,321. The tabular statement accompanying the report of the commanding general shows, that the pay of the non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, may be increased so as materially to improve their condition, and not exceed the aggregate amount of 885,920. The non commissioned officers particularly are, in our service inadequately paid. Every military man is sensible of their importance to the character and efficiency of an army; and such inducements should be offered, as would ensure the engagement of competent men, qualified, by their principles, habits, and intelligence, to acquire the confidence and to command the respect of the soldiers. That this additional compensation would have a tendency to diminish the mischief of desertion, there is no doubt-whether in so great a degree as to save the whole sum proposed to be given, experience only can determine. A very large proportion of all the crimes committed in the army may be traced to habits of intemperance. This vice is in fact the prevalent one of our soldiery. I am satisfied that ardent spirits should not form a component part of the ration. By issuing it. we furnish to those already accustomed to its use the means of vicious indulgence, and we invite those who are yet temperate, to acquire this destructive habit. It is certainly sufficient for all useful purposes, if there be in truth any utility in the consumption of ardent spirits, that the officers be authorized to grant permission for its purchase, in proper quantities, to those whose situa tion may require it, without the direct agency of the Government in allowing aud providing it. There were issued to the army, in 1830, 72,537 gallons of whiskey, at the cost of 22.132. If this sum were applied to the purchase of tea, coffee, and sugar, for the use of soldiers, their habits and morals would be greatly improved, and the discipline and respectability of the army promoted. The regulation of this Department, by which an offer is made to the so dier of commuting the whiskey ration by the payment of one cent, is productive of little advantage. In the estimate of the value of this part of the ration, reference has been had only to the actual average cost of the article, delivered in large quantities at the various posts. But this is unjust to the soldier. He estimates it very naturally at the retail price, averaging probably five cents, and the present offer of commutation is in fact to ask him to sell his whiskey for one fifth of its value. It is far better to leave the troops no choice, but to allow them a liberal compensation, and in such articles as will be most useful. Table of the Monthly and Annnal allowance of Pay to Non-commissioned Officers and Present Pay of each Clas Proposed Pay of each Class. Rate Aggregate Annual Rate Aggregate Annual per month per month amount per month per month amoun 8 62 30,722 368,664 Total Proposed Increase 8 50 112 37,882 454,584 7,160 85,920 (A) 106 1st Serg's (B) 248 Sergt's Extract from the remarks of the Adjutant General. "The aggregate amount lost by desertion for eight years, inclusive of December 31, 1830, amount to the sum of 515,866; the loss in 1829 is 98,345; and in 1830. 102.087. The average oss by desertion for the last two years is rather upwards of g 100,000; the loss during the present year, (183) will considerably exceed any previous year. If 885,920 of the average annual amount, lost by desertion, were distributed to the enlist ed men of the army, by way of additional pay, it would be an annual expenditure less, by $15,000 than the sum now annually lost by the government by desertion. "If the sum lost by desertion in 1830, (102,087) be divided a mong the non-commissioned officers and privates of the army, (6,642,) it will give to each, 81.50 per month; or 18.00 per annum. "The average loss by each desertion for the year 1830, is estimated to be 881,60, ? The American soldier is well paid, fed, and clothed; and, in the event of sichness or diș, ability, ample provision is made for his support. But his moral culture is wholly neglected, There is no arrangement in our service for his mental or religious improvement. And there is perhaps no similar service, in which such a measure is more necessary. Many of the positions occupied by our troops are upon the verge of civilization, or beyond it. There, they are retained for years, and under circumstances, which, if not counteracted, almost necessarily lead to great demoralization. None of the ordinary means of instruction are within their reach, and neither their habits or principles can be improved or fortified by those institutions which are elsewhere so generally established, and so useful. Independently of any obligation which may be supposed to exist on the part of the Government, to provide for the moral as well as the physical wants of a class of men, who, in devoting themselves to the service of the country, become unable to provide for their own wants, it is certain, that, as a question of expediency, this measure is recommended by powerful considerations. Where moral and religious principles are practically acknowledged, their sanctions will add validity to the obligations voluntarily assumed by the soldier, and his duties will be performed with more fidelity and alacrity. As he becomes a better man, he will become a better soldier. Discipline and subordination will be promoted, punishments diminished, and all the details of the service will feel the spirit of improvement. I am satisfied that the appointment of chaplains, and their employinent at such of our military posts, as fron their position and the strength of the garrisons may seem to call for such a measure, would be productive of great advantages to the service; and to the soldiers individually the measure would be equally beneficial. Reproofs and exhortations in life, and the consolation of religion in death, would be freely offered to them. The experiment, I think, is worthy of trial; and the expense can scarcely be placed in fair competition with an object, which pro mises such useful results for the present improvement and future happiness of the soldiers. The various departments of the staff of the army have performed with fidelity their ac customed routine of duties. In the three great divisions of efficiency, economy, and accountability, the present mode of administration seems well adapted to the nature of our service. he several tabular statements accompanying this report exhibit the satisfactory manner in which the public funds have been expended and accounted for. Nor is there any reason to believe, that the slightest loss will occur from the fiscal operations of the year. A system, whose effects are thus beneficial, must be not only safe in itself, but safely administered. And for this ad.stration we are indebted to the superintending care of the several bureaus, and to the various officers employed under them, throughout the country. It is evident, that a fund of knowledge has been provided, which cannot fail to be useful in any future exigency. Armies may be suddenly raised, and discipline in some measure introduced, by great exertions, and in great emergencies. The xperience of other nations, and of our own, too, has demonstrated, that the peculiar information, upon which depend the subsistence, the health, and the movement of troops, and the supply of their necessary materiel can only be acquired by time and experience. The disasters and prodigal expenditures in the beginning of the late war furnished a memorable lesson upon this subject, which it is hoped will not be forgotten, as we recede from the period of their occurrence. Our present organization is smal enough for the wants of the service, and yet such is its mature, that it may be indefinitely extended, as the pressure of circumstances may require, ensuring in every branch of the service a judicious system of administration, and experienced officers to direct and apply it. The Military Academy has existed sufficiently long, under its present mode of instruc tion, to enable the Government and the country to form a correct estimate of its value, both with relation to the cadets themselves, and the character of the army. Of 560 officers. having rank in the line, and now in service, 404 were educated at that institution. These young men have been prepared by a rigid and judicious course of instruction and discipline for the various duties of their profession. Six hundred and sixty have entered the army, of whom but thirteen have been dismissed; and during the present year only two have been brought before courts martial, and they upon charges not affecting their moral character. These facts are honorable and decisive proofs of general good conduct, when the high state of discipline and the course of vigilant inspection in our service are taken into view. In the annual reports of the Visiters at West Point, is exhibited the result of the most careful observations, made by persons competent to stimate, and prepared to scrutinize the claims and condition of the institution. For some years these reports have borne unequivocal evidence to the fidelity and ability of the superintendent, and the academic staff generally, and to the proficiency and correct deportment of the pupils. The record which is kept of their progress and conduct, the spirit of emulation necessarily excited, and the judicious pian of rewards, which are offered, by the publication of the names of the most distinguished individuais, and by their admission into the army in the order of merit, are powerful incentives to exertion, and, when combined with the strict and impartial examinations to which all must submit, can scarcely fail to secure for the service of their country such, and such only, as are qualified to be useful. The science of war is an advancing one. In Europe, where peace is seldom long maintained, a large portion of the talent and intelligence of the community is a voted to this study, and to the consideration and suggestion of changes and improvements in all the branch of their military establishments, whether they relate to the operations in the fieli, to the various supplies, or to the necessary course of administration. We must look to those hations for the benefit of their experience. And our progress in the elements of military knowledge will depend, in a great measure, upon the careful preparation and education of the young men, who are annually appointed in our service. Our local position, as well as our free institutions, may delay, but we have no right to expect they will prevent, the occurrence of war. As this event may happen, it is the part of true wisdom to be prepared for it, as far as preparation can be made without too great a sacrifice. Our army is barely sufficient to furnish small garrisons for the fortifications upon the seaboard, and to hold in check the numerous and restless Indian tribes upon our inland frontier. Under these circumstances, the practical duties of the profession are acquired; and as long as the officers enter the service, with a well grounded knowledge of its principles, we may look to the army as the depository of a fund of information upon this important subject, which will enable the Government to diffuse it among the community upon the approach of danger. By assigning a portion of the officers, previously in service, to new regiments and corps, these will soon acquire a competent knowledge of their duties, both in subordination and discipline. The great objects of present economy and future security can in no other mode be so certainly attained. When we advert to the comparative effects of training young men for the course of life before them, or of selecting them indiscriminately for the army, without reference to previous pursuits, it will be manifest, that the present system can alone ensure the attainment of the imeortant objects, connected with our military estab lishment. It has been stated, that the number of cadets allowed at the Military Academy is 260. There are in the line of the army 512 officers of all deseriptions. Of these, on the first day of November, there were present for duty 303, of whom 19 were field and 284 company officers. There were 66 sick and on furlough. And 143 were detatched upon various staff duties, including the regular staff departments of the army, objects of internal improvement, and the emigration of the Indians. The number of companies being 106, there were not three officers to each company. Taking into view the casualties of the service, there ought not to be less than that number at all times with their companies. The law provides, that there shall be three to each company of infantry, and five to each company of artillery. In addition to these, the act of April 29th, 1812, allows one supernumerary brevet 2d lieutenant to be attached to each company. Of these, there are in service 93, leaving 13 vacancies to be filled from the graduates of the Military Academy for 1832. The number of the average annual vacancies in the army for five years has been 23, and of the graduates to fill these, 40, There may, therefore, at the next examination, be forty cad ts candidates, for appointment, and but 36 vacancies to be filled. I would suggest the expediency of adding 34 to the number of brevet 2d lieutenants, and leaving them unattached to do duty whenever required. Every company may thus have three officers at all times present, to the great advantage of the service. I refer to the report of the chief of the Engineer Department for the various details connected with this interesting branch of public service. The suggestions he has made, appear to me worthy of consideration; and I particularly recommend to your notice the proposition for a new organization of the corps of engineers. The views of this Department upon that subject, were expressed in a report of January 13th, 1831, in answer to a call of the House of Representatives, and in those views Ifully concur. The measure is required by the public interest Unless provision is scon made for the repair and preservation of the road constructed by the United States from Cumberland to the Ohio river, that expensive and useful work win be ruined. Many parts of it are now so seriously injured as to render travelling difficult. and sometimes dangerous. The destruction of this great conneeting link between the Atlantic and the western States, which with a light transit duty and a propers ystem of administration, would last for ages, cannot be anticipated without great concern. The continuation of this road in the State of Ohio is free from this danger. With the ass nt of the General Government, that State has established toll gates, and levies a moderate duty upon that part of the road within her jurisdiction, which is finished. I consider it my duty to bring this matter before you, in the hope that it will engage the attention of Congress, and that a similar system for the preservation of the road from Cum berland to the Ohio river will be adopted. If it were, placed by the General Government in proper repair, and then surrendered to the States respectively, through whose territories it passes, under the same conditions, as were annexed to the cession of the road in Ohio, there is reason to believe, that the arrang ment would receive the sanction of those States, and that a permanent system and adequate means would be provided for the preservation of this work, and in a manner not burthensome to the communication upon it. If this Le not done, or some other expedient adopted, the road will soon fall into a state of entire dilapadition. By an executive regulation of the 21st of June, 1831, the topographical corps was separa The duties of ted from the Engineer Department, and now constitutes a distinct bureau. this corps re important to the country; and if its organization is rendered commensurate, a mass of valuable materials, exhibiting a general and accurate view of the geographical out lines of the Union, will be collected, to be used for any of the great purposes of peace of war. In a report from this Department, of January, 1831, this subject was considered, and the nocessity of the measure stated and enforced. To that report, containing valuable sugges ons, I take the liberty of referring |