2d Session.

War Dept.

MILITIA OF THE UNITED STATES, 1836.

LETTER

FROM

THE SECRETARY OF WAR,

TRANSMITTING

Abstracts of the general returns of the militia of the United States, and of their arms, &c., for the year 1836.

FEBRUARY 8, 1837.

Read, and laid upon the table.

WAR DEPARTMENT, February 6, 1837.

SIR: In obedience to the requisitions of the first section of the act of Congress of the 2d of March, 1803, entitled "An act in addition to an act entitled An act more effectually to provide for the national defence, by establishing a uniform militia throughout the United States,' " I have the honor to transmit, herewith, abstracts of the general returns of the militia of the United States, and of their arms, accoutrements, and ammunition, for the year 1836.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

Hon. JAMES K. POLK,

B. F. BUTLER, Secretary of War ad interim.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, February 6, 1837.

SIR: I respectfully submit, herewith, the annual general return of the militia force of the United States, and of arms, accoutrements, and ammunition, in duplicate, for the year 1836, required this day to be laid before Congress, in conformity with the act of March 2, 1803, "to provide for the national defence, by establishing a uniform militia."

The general return is compiled from the several returns of the latest date received at the Adjutant General's office.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. JONES, Adjutant General.

Hon. BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Secretary of War ad interim.

Blair & Rives, printers.

ABSTRACT of the general annual returns of the militia of the United

for the

Cavalry.

Number of divisions.
Number of brigades.
Number of regiments.
Number of battalions.
Number of companies.
Commissioned officers.

(a) Light infantry and grenadiers included. (b) The adjutant general says there are in the State 15 regiments, 91 companies of infantry, and 17 companies of light infantry. The whole number of militia enrolled is probably about 9,600. (c) The adjutant general reports the aggregate of the militia 193,620. (d) The adjutant general reports the aggregate number of cavalry to be 930; also the aggregate of artillery 131. (e) The adjutant general reports the aggregate 48,678. No returns from the second brigade, first division, and first brigade, eighth division. Reference has been had to the returns for the year 1833. An entire default in 9 companies in the second brigade of the first division. (f) The adjutant general reports the aggregate greatly below the real strength of the militia of the State.

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, February 6, 1837.

States, by States and Territories, according to the act of March, 1803,

year 1836.

(g) The Governor reports no returns from several regiments, and says: "If a complete return could be had, our militia would be at least 85,000." (h) The adjutant general says the actual strength falls very little short of 200,000. (i) The adjutant general says: After waiting until this late period, I have been only able to receive a return from one division for the year 1834." (k) The Governor reports the first regiment of infantry imperfect; the second, only 2 companies returned; the fifth and ninth, no returns received. (1) The adjutant general reports the militis about 4,000 effective men. (m) No returns received. (n) The first and second brigades not heard from.

ABSTRACT of the annual returns of arms, accoutrements, and

2

ordnance stores.

ammunition of the militia of the United States, for the year 1836.

Iron.

20

Cannon.