WAR DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS

LIBRARY

CLASS BOOK t>*:. j linger REPORT

OF

THE CHIEF ENGINEER.

I . v •

WAR DEPARTMENT .OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF E~!GIH~iRS LIBRAA't § REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER.

ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 30, 1850. SIR: The following report explains the condition of the fortifications under construction or repair on the seacoast and northern border. It also gives the condition of the Military Academy, and refers to other matters committed to this department.

FORTIFICATIONS, AND MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS CONNECTED * THEREWITH-.

There may be advantage in referring to the history of the system of for¬ tifications upon our seacoast. Soon after the organization of the govern¬ ment under the constitution-, it became apparent, that though remote from the old continent, our distance might not avert a participation in the wars that the French revolution had spread over the rest of Christendom; and, accordingly, considerable expenditures were made on forts and batteries at the principal seaports. The defences remaining from oui; revolutionary war (being erections in earth for temporary purposes merely) afforded little or no aid; and as all the principal harbors had to be protected at once, and the means of the treasury were not large, the works then erected were small, and for the greater part temporary, both from the nature of their materials and the mode of construction. This state of things answered while we had no more powerful maritime enemy to contend with than France, especially as she had full employment for all her military means upon her own coasts, or in waging wars on he r own ‘continent. When, however, in consequence of the attack on the Chesapeake frigate, and the injuries inflicted on our commerce by English cruisers, there arose a probability that we might soon be at issue with Great Britain, our government became sensible—considering the inadequacy of the above-mentioned provision of defences—of the necessity of an immediate enlargement of the system. Large appropriations were forthwith made for defence, and were continued from year to year, and great activity was given to the labors of construction, so that when the war actually broke out in 1812 there was not a town upon the seaboard of any magnitude that was not supplied with one or more batteries; a portion of these being, however, works erected under the first system. At that time, the incidents which may be said to be natural to a state of active warfare were too familiar to all, to permit any expectation that, with an enemy enjoying the mastery on the water, a place would find safety in its littleness from the marauding expeditions of smaller cruisers. . 0 The clamor of local apprehension was not to be disregarded by the government; and the consequence was, as above stated, that every town, 4 small as well as great, whether upon the coast or on the navigable estu¬ aries and rivers, was supplied with defences. And there can be no doubt that to the mere fact of the existence of defences may be ascribed an ex¬ emption from loss of blood and treasure, greater in value a hundred times than the money bestowed on their erection. These defences, which maybe said to have constituted the second sys¬ tem, were, however, so numerous, that, under only moderate appropria¬ tions, (then always granted in a gross sum,) they could only be, for the greater part, small; and being built, for the sake of present economy, of cheap materials and workmanship, were perishable as well as weak. So well did the government understand this weakness, however, that they called out to the support of all the most important posts large bodies of troops, at enormous expense, causing these troops to be covered by additional and extensive lines of field-works. No sooner was the war over than the government, in fresh recollection of the weakness of the system on which they had been obliged to depend, and of the great additional expenditures they had been obliged to incur in large assemblages of troops, and in various temporary devices, determined to enter promptly upon an adequate permanent system. To this end experienced ‘naval, and engineer officers were directed to make close examination of the whole coast, examining all the existing works, and selecting points necessary to be occupied by new fortifications, and such as were proper for navy yards and depots. The board of of¬ ficers which was soon constituted for this purpose, applied themselves several years uninterruptedly to this duty; giving, each year, particular re¬ ports of their operations, and presenting plans for such fortifications as were most immediately necessary. They divided the whole system into classes, according to the relative importance of the proposed works, in the order of time; the works of each class standing, moreover, in their own class, according to their relative importance in that respect. This, being what may be called the third system, has now been under construction some thirty years; it has met the support of each succeeding administration, which, in measure as advancement was made therein, has called for the support of Congress for such new works as came next in turn. These calls have sometimes encountered delay; but, after careful exami¬ nation by the military committees, have always been acceded to; and the general result even now, when a good deal required for complete protec¬ tion is yet untouched, is, that the most important points of the coast are in comparative security; permanent forts and batteries being already provided, and now entirely ready for upwards of four thousand cannon. The leading objects of this system are to provide permanent fortifi¬ cations for the most commanding and influential positions on the ap¬ proaches to the principal cities, towns, or public establishments; preferring such positions as, while they will exclude an enemy’s squadrons, will, in case he should resort to a landing, oblige him to make a considerable detour before reaching his object; and preferring, moreover, when they can be foqnd, such positions as shall yield incidentally important protec¬ tion to other objects. Fort Delaware, now in progress in Delaware hay, is an illustration. The only defence of Philadelphia at this moment is Fort Mifflin, a small 5 and weak fort surviving from the “Mud Fort” of the revolutionary war. It is seven miles below Philadelphia, and certainly ought not to he relied on to cover that great city from a sudden attack by a squadron of steamers. The city itself affords no means of resistance, nor would it have time to pre¬ pare any, since the first intelligence of the arrival of such a squadron on the coast might be their appearance before the wharves. But Fort Delaware is forty miles below; and being made, as it certainly may, to close the river against further progress, no enemy could hope to reach the city by landing and marching thither, with the population of New Jersey, and even of New York, tailing on his flank on one side, and that of Delaware and Mary¬ land on the other. .And while this fort will thus effectually cover the city of Philadelphia, it will cover also the Chesapeake and Delaware canal ; the railroad from Baltimore to Philadelphia; the great powder manufactories on the Brandywine; the towns of New Castle, Wilmington, and Chester, and other places. The fortifications at Hampton Roads (Forts Monroe jaml Calhoun) ford an illustration of another kind. They cover primarily the great southern naval establishment near Norfolk, the city of Norfolk itself, and the towns, &c., on James river, from attacks by water. They cover also the anchorage of Hampton Hoads, which will be a harbor of refuge to the commerce of that part of the coast, as well as to that of James river and Chesapeake bay. Should an enemy attempt to approach the navy-yard at Norfolk from a landing in Lynnhaven bay, they moreover allow the suc¬ cor that will flow down James river to be landed in his rear, cutting off retreat to his ships. They permit a light squadron of our own, anchored in Hampton Roads, to cover the whole of Chesapeake bay and its tribu¬ tary rivers from the predatory enterprises of any smaller squadron. Some towns of lesser note, as regards population, become objects of im¬ portance, from their connexion with commerce, or with government estab¬ lishments, or as being in peculiar geographical positions. Mobile is not a large city, and it is almost out of an enemy’s reach, owing to the shal¬ lowness of its bay; but hundreds of ships lying every winter close to the ocean, awaiting their cargoes of cotton, can find no protection except in forts at the mouth of the bay. Nor can the commerce and communication between Mobile and New Orleans have any other sure protection at this inlet. Pensacola has little of its own to excite the cupidity of an enemy; but its bay is the best harbor, and within this bay is the only navy-yard in the Gulf. Considerations of this, or analogous nature, bring within the defensive system quite a number of places and positions. There will still remain, however, a larger number of places which will be entitled to protection only on account of the degree to which they are likely, of themselves, to invite predatory attacks. When the more important parts of the system are provided for, it will be for Congress to decide whether these also shall receive a portion of its favor. These are regarded by the board as consti¬ tuting the last class. It thus appears that the object of the present system of defence is to cover important and valuable points on the maritime frontier from an enemy’s attacks; to do this gradually, in measure as the state of the treasury will permit, and in an order corresponding with their importance and value respectively—each new undertaking being separately and ex¬ pressly sanctioned by Congress. That the whole line of coast was to 6 be occupied by forts and batteries at all points where an enemy could land, as some have supposed, has been no part of the system. The ene¬ my will prefer to reach his object without landing at all, and might be* willing to risk a good deal to attain a great object in that way; but it would be only an object of the very highest importance, undertaken with corresponding means, that could tempt him to go far from his ships on any part of the coast, or to be absent more than a few hours in the pop¬ ulous portions. I ought here to state, in connexion with this history of the system of defence, that the labors thereon of the board of engineers have not yet terminated. It has only been within a few months that their other occu¬ pations permitted an examination of the coast of East Florida, nor has it yet been possible tor them to present projects for any of the harbors of the Texas coast. I ought to state here, also, that- the new system of defence embraces very many of the old works—all, indeed, that were well situated, occu¬ pied the ground in a proper manner, and possessed requisite strength.. These, however, almost universally, had been constructed in so imperfect a manner, and had been so long neglected—often entirely abandoned— that repairs, amounting sometimes nearly or quite to reconstruction, have been .indispensable. Pending the incompleteness of the new system, it has been necessary, several times within the last few years, to press - forward repairs of this nature, in order to be the better prepared for the war that seemed impend¬ ing. Much of the present efficiency of the system is the result of these labors of modification and repair. I come now to certain objections that are urged against fortifications as a means’of defence. One class of objections is founded on the notion that defence by naval means would be more effectual; that, instead of fortifications, it should consist of ships-of-war, war steamers, floating bat¬ teries, and the like. This point has already heretofore been so fully dis¬ cussed, that, in a report which ought to he brief, I may be allowed to refer to the document containing it, namely: House document No. 206, 1st session 26th Congress. That document, moreover, contains a general discussion and explanation of the whole subject. It was prepared by order of , the Secretary of War, by a board of officers from several corps, and was presented in answer to resolutions of inquiry from both houses of Congress. It affords a clear and accurate summary, and is as applicable now, so far as regards principles, as when written. More common objections, however, now-a-days are, that fortifications have become “ obsolete”—meaning, I suppose, that the means of attack have been so changed in their nature, or improved, that fortifications^ though they may once have been adequate, are no longer so. This mere assertion; and we are left to conjecture to what, in particular, the assertion alludes. Is it meant that the introduction of steam vessels into naval service has lessened the value of fortifications? The suddenness with which such a vessel may present herself on the coast, and the rapidity with which she may pass from one port to another, make it necessary, undoubtedly, that there should be great vigilance and constant readiness to receive her. Her shallow draught; moreover, makes it neces¬ sary that channels and inlets should be fortified, or closed in some other way, that, before, were protected by their shallowness. The small steamer 7

Nemesis was one of the most useful and effective of the British fleet before Canton, because, drawing but six feet water, she could navigate channels deemed to be impracticable to ships-of-war, and therefore left unguarded. But a steamer is much more vulnerable than a sailing ves¬ sel ; she has twenty mortal parts to one3 and, while she has so many of these, and presents so large a surface, her armament is small. A war steamer, with an exposed surface (every inch of which is permeable to shot) as large as that of a line-of-battle ship, can reply to the batteries with a fire of some eight or ten guns only, instead of the forty or fifty of the latter. Had she an equal armament, and an equal surface exposed to the batteries, still she would suffer most, because so much of her sur¬ face covers matters to which the least injury is destruction. If these for¬ tifications have not become useless because of the introduction of steamers into war service, I can imagine no other reason that can be assigned for believing them to be useless than the supposed effects upon them of what are called Paixhan guns. This gun is certainly, in many uses, a very destructive instrument; but not against fortifications. The shells they throw against the stone or brick walls of a fort break thereon like egg shells. This fact, well known abroad, we have proved by our own ex periments. Serious injury can be done to these walls by no such missile—• and only by many solid shot, fired with great velocity, and striking near each other. On the other hand, the Paixhan shell fired by the fort against the ship first penetrates the wood-work with all the effects of a solid shot, and then bursts, either amongst the people and guns on the decks, or in the side of the vessel, rending and tearing a large surface. A want of knowl¬ edge and consideration of the facts as they really are has led to false generalization in these matters, but only amongst persons not required by their studies or duties to make particular and careful investigation. If we are willing to find authority for proceedings of this nature in the prac¬ tice of old nations with whom war is often a necessity, sometimes a resort, and always a science, we may be glad to know that fortifications, as means of security against maritime attacks as well as against military operations on shore, are the constant and present reliance even of the most powerful nations. Great Britain and Prance have steadily maintained their defen¬ sive systems; they have augmented and improved them, and they are now engaged in the erection of new seacoast fortifications. I am not able to report any great progress in the fortifications now in hand, since my last annual communication. The late day at which the appropriations for the fiscal year were made, and the rule (always strictly enjoined on the officers of the department) never to make expenditures or engagements in anticipation of appropriations, caused a suspension of labors at almost all the works for the greater part of the summer and the early part of autumn. The winter is the best season for work at the south; where, conse¬ quently, the works will be pressed forward; and at the north, the arrange¬ ments will allow a like vigorous prosecution at the opening of spring; so that we may hope for material progress everywhere by the end of the fiscal year. I cannot better conclude this part of my report than by quoting from that of November 9, 1849—substituting the amount of reduction of esti¬ mates applicable to the present year: ffThe superintending engineer officers, in preparing estimates for the 8 next fiscal year., have considered, severally, what was required by the general system of defence, and what by the economical interests of their particular works; in other words, they have studied how best to advance the system, and at the same time lessen the final cost of the portion in their hands. It would be greatly to the advantage of the country, on the score of ultimate cost—to say nothing of an earlier state of security—to grant the full amount of these estimates. But, on the supposition that the government would desire to conform more nearly to the average expendi¬ tures of former years, I have greatly moderated the demands of the offi¬ cers. The estimate handed in by the engineer department is by §722,127 less than the sum of those furnished by the officers. Should any political urgency arise before the action thereon by Congress, it may be necessary to ask for a considerable increase in the amounts of the estimates. a in presenting a true statement of the condition and wants of this por¬ tion of the public service, I acquit myself of my merely official duty. But, in the full knowledge of our weakness at many points, and under a deep conviction of the grave consequences likely to flow from delay or tardiness in the prosecution of the system of defence, the duty of patriot¬ ism requires that I should urge for it, with all admissible emphasis, the liberal support of the Executive and Congress. a Within the last few years/the indemnity question with Prance, the McLeod question, the northeastern boundary question, the Oregon ques¬ tion, have each in turn excited public alarm, rousing the people from a state of indifference, if not security, to look anxiously into the preparations made by the government for their protection. And, in each instance, there has been no little clamor, because so much still remained to do.' This brief portion of our history is very instructive, as showing how sud¬ denly and unexpectedly, from a state of profound peace, and in relations of amity apparently well settled with all the world, the nation may be brought into a condition where a want of those military preparations, which are necessarily the work of time, is felt to be a great fault as well as a great misfortune. In reference to this duty of preparation, I dare not assume that the present period is one not liable to any such surprise. u Besides the works finished, those in progress, and those under repair—* of which more particular mention will now be made—it is of the first necessity that certain new forts should be authorized by Congress, at the earliest day practicable. These will be specified in their respective geo¬ graphic positions. They have been heretofore recommended by commit¬ tees of Congress, as well as by the Executive and by this department.55

Fort Wayne, Detroit, Michigan.—This fort has been completed for some time, and is in a condition of strength and efficiency; it perfectly commands the passage between Lake Erie and the upper lakes, and is intended to afford barracks, quarters and storehouses for the troops, which it has always been found advisable to keep at this point of the frontier, and which have for many years occupied on the rear of the town incon • venient and uncomfortable wooden buildings on hired ground; the quar¬ ters for officers being all hired, as also offices arid stables, upwards of §1,200 per annum being now paid for rents. The available means of the year have been applied to the construction of barracks, and also to the completion of a portion of the Pi. E. quarters. 9

A recent misfortune, the burning of these quarters, has determined the department to render both these barracks and the quarters fire-proof. The barracks have been roofed and covered with tin, and require now only the laying of brick floors, the completion of the interior finish, and the addition of the necessary out-buildings. The quarters intend ed for officers—part of whkh had been completed, and the rest under construction—were, during the absence of the officer in charge, destroyed by an accidental fire. It is proposed in their recon¬ struction to render these fire proof to a certain extent. The fort itself requires no additional expenditures except a very small amount for preservation. With the available and estimated means it is intended to complete the barracks, the quarters and hospital, the storehouse, bakery, guard-house, &c.; all to be, plain and substantial buildings, permanent and fire-proof. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $15,000 00 Probable amount to be expended 30th June, 1851 - 15,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - 15,000 00

Fort Porter, near Buffalo, New York.—Operations have been confined to a little work on the bridges, and to some repairs on the dwelling-house; to making fences, drains, &c., and applying pointing to some of the masonry of the tower. The work is in good condition and requires no additional appropriation. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $20,350 00 Probable .amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 10,000 00

Fort Niagara, New York.—Operations for the year were directed to the construction of barracks and hospital for the troops. These when nearly completed were destroyed by fire, originating in.another part of the work: besides these buildings, the fire destroyed also the palisades along a considerable extent of the lake front, and also the block house com¬ manding the lake shore. The work is now quite defective in regard to the accommodation of troops, and will require additional appropriations to provide it in a suitable manner. The available means might suffice to replace the palisades and block-house and make some small repairs needed; but as this is likely to be maintained as a military post, it seems necessary that the accommoda¬ tions recently destroyed should be replaced by plain fire-proof buildings; for which purpose, and in order to introduce stone pintle-centres and traverse-circles for the guns instead of the present wooden ones, now much decayed, I have to ask an appropriation of $10,000. The old storehouses will soon have to be rebuilt, but they may be kept up for a year or two longer. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - $1,600 69 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 1,600 69 Estimate of amount to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - - 10,000 00

Fort Ontario., Oswego, New York.—An examination of this work the past year showed that though generally in excellent condition of strength 10 and efficiency, there was a necessity for certain small repairs. The wooden revetment at several points requires replacing; the parapet re¬ quires regrading in places; the quarters partial pointing, and the face of the bank, where there have been small slides, requires rearranging. There being no means available for these repairs, I have to ask a small appro¬ priation for this purpose. Estimate of amount requirred to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - - $900 00

Fort Montgomery, Rouse's Point, New York— In consequence of the small balance of appropriation remaining on the 1st October, 1849, and the lateness of the appropriation for the present year, means were wanting for operating on an extended scale. About $5,000 have been applied to the following-named work, viz: 179 cubic yards of masonry, 7,962 cubic yards of earthen embankment, preparation of timber for draw-bridges and gun platforms, and some minor work. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - $16,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 8,500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 .... 15,000 00

Fort Knox, Narrows of the Penobscot, Maine.—An amount of less than $6,000 was left on the 1st October, 1849, for the service of the last fiscal year. This has been all applied to blasting the rock from the parade and the ditch of one of the fronts ; 950 cubic }rards have been re¬ moved, essentially completing these excavations and absorbing the small balance of funds. It is expected, with means now applicable, to coni' plete the rock and earth excavation of the west and south ditches and for the traverses of the batteries, to lay a considerable amount of concrete foundations, to apply sodding to certain embankments, to build a small wharf, and to grade and cope the road from the wharf. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $20, 200 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 20, 200 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - 20,000 00

Fort Preble, Portland, Maine.— Since the 30th September, 1849, ma¬ chinery for raising the port-cullis has been set up, and some slight re¬ pairs made upon the roofs of the officers’ quarters and soldiers’ barrack within the fort. This fort is in excellent condition, and needs no fur¬ ther appropriation at present. It is very desirable, however, to enlarge the public ground at that site; and it may be my duty to ask, at the ap¬ proaching session, a small appropriation to meet a favorable opportunity to purchase. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $800 00 Probable amount to be expended by the 30th June, 1851 - 800 00

Fort Scammel, Portland harbor, Maine.—Operations at this fort con¬ sumed the appropriation, and were discontinued on the 27th November, 1849. Since the 30th September, 1849, the arch of the main postern, with 11 its face walls, has been built, the revetment walls of the passage way finished, and the contiguous rampart, banquette, and parapet, with its corresponding breast-height wall and clapboard roofing, completed. A narrow stone arch continues the banquette across the entrance way. Two sets of traverse and pintle stones, and twenty-one sets of iron traverse rails, have been put down; the terreplein of east, south, and west fronts graded; the slopes of mound around the block-house sodded, and steps arranged at the entrance of the building. Wharf.—A crane strong enough to raise the heaviest guns required for the work has been set up near the end of the wharf, and the masonry of the structure itself finished. A dry stone wall supports the shore-bank below, and nearly parallel to the road. The labor upon the road from wharf to interior of fort includes some blasting and excavation near wharf; building under ground cross-drains and inside surface drain; sodding the hill-side and embankment slopes, and paving the main entrance with block stone. Balance in treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - - $5,000 00 Probable amount to be expended to 30th June, 1851 - 5, 000 00 No appropriation is now asked for next year.

Fort Constitution, Portsmouth harbor, New Hampshire.—No repairs have been found necessary during the year, and no appropriation is re¬ quired.

Fort Me Clary, Portsmouth harbor, New Hampshire.—No expenditure has been deemed necessary at this work during the past year. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $1,000 00 Probable amount required to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - - - - - 1,000 00 No further appropriation is asked.

Sea-iuall of Deer island, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.—This work was completed in 1834, and although,well fulfilling its. object, and gen¬ erally well executed, yet, owing to the omission of certain precautions, which experience has since shown to be necessary, i ihas required, and still requires, some attention. Several stones that have been started from the face of the wall require replacing, and a portion of the pavement in rear must be taken up and reset. I have to ask, therefore, for a small ap¬ propriation to accomplish these objects. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - $ Estimate of amount for year ending 30th June, 1852 - 1,500 00

Protection of LovelVs island, Boston harbor, Mass.—This work, in¬ cluding wall and appendages, is in good condition. No appropriation is required.

Sea-wall of Great Brewster island, Boston harbor, Mass.—Since the date of my last report, operations have been carried on vigorously on this wall to the extent of available means. The amount of work of the past year has been as follows: 1,095 cubic yards of stone masonry in mortar; 200 12 cubic yards of dry stone wall; 1,800 cubic yards of concrete foundations and backing; 5,675 cubic yards of earth embankment and excavation. The sea-wall for the ^south head is now nearly completed, and consid¬ erable progress has been made on that for the northeast head—in all, over 800 running fe'et of wall have been laid. The officer in charge reports that the work executed gives protection to about one-half the island at the most exposed situations. It is much to be desired that sufficient funds be appropriated to finish without delay the protective parts already determined upon. This, ac¬ cording to the estimate of the officer, will require $35,000. The estimate of the department for the year is, however, but $15,000. It should be understood that this sea-wall is needed to preserve an island now fast washing away, on which is the position for an important advanced battery. In addition to the preservation of a site valuable for defence, this wall seems absolutely necessary to preserve the main en¬ trance of the harbor from being obstructed—all the earthy and gravelly matter washing from the island being transported by the waves and tides and deposited in the channel, which has already suffered a material - diminution of depth. Balance in the treasury 30th September, 1850 - - $7, 000 00 To be applied before the 30th June, 1851 - - - 7,000 00 Estimate of amount required for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 ------15,000 00

Fort Wintkrop, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.—The policy pursued at this work has been to secure a considerable amount of material, and pre¬ pare it properly before commencing the actual construction. In conse¬ quence, it was not deemed expedient to break ground this year. Materials to a sufficient extent have now been collected, and the recent appropriation will authorize the application of it during next working season to the erec¬ tion of the walls of the fort. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - $23, 600 00 To be applied by the 30th June, 1851 - - - 17,600 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for the year ending 30th June, 1852 ----- 10,000 00

Fort Independence, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.—The small amount available for this work for the past year has all been expended upon the fitting up of the casemates for officers5 and soldiers5 quarters, and some miscellaneous work. The casemates are nearly completed, and ready for the painters. The means now available are to be applied to magazines/pavements, gates, and port-cullis; pointing of parade and scarp wall; extension of sea-wall, and other improvements outside the fort. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $5,000 00 To be expended by the 30th June, 1851 - - 4, 300 00 Estimate of amount required for the year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - - - 10,000 00

Fort Warren, Boston harbor, ,Massachusetts.—Owing to the want of funds, this fort remains almost precisely in the same state and condition as 18

reported last year; only about $4,000 remaining applicable after the close of operations at the last working season. This has been applied to point¬ ing, sodding, dressing stone, and the interior finish of quarters. The operations to be undertaken next will consist in completing area wall, breast-height wall; laying pintle centres for upwards of 200 barbette guns, and traverse circles for flanking guns; building sustaining walls, cul¬ verts, and drains; laying flagging, finishing the interior of barracks and quarters, &c. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $30,000 00 To be expended by 30th June, 1851 - ' - 29,000 00 Estimate of amount required for the year ending 30th June, 1852 - - ... . . 30,000 00

Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island.—During the year the north per¬ manent wharf was completed; stone cut and set for well-hole and drain covers, and chimney caps; 4,200 square yards of the scarp-wall pointed ; 70 pintle holes drilled for carronade guns; grass slopes renovated; sev¬ eral magazines lined; the exterior permanent quarters commenced, and the works accessory thereto completed. With means now applicable, and now asked for, it is intended to com¬ plete exterior permanent quarters; the redoubt; the south permanent wharves, and the embrasures of the fort; to continue the blocking course of granite on the walls; and to accomplish other matters necessary to strength and permanency. * Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $35,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 185J - 32, 5U0 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - 35,000 00

Pier, dike, and light-house, Goat Island, Newport, Rhode Island.—The small balance of funds remaining in the agent’s hands has sufficed hitherto to keep this work in repair. During the year it has been found necessary to re-point the entire masonry. During this operation it was discovered that the dike had settled considerably, while the pier at the end remains firm. This security the engineer officer in charge attributes to the protec¬ tion derived from the enrockment around the pier, and proposes a simi¬ lar one along the dike. The cost of this enrockment will be $3,000, for which amount an appropriation is asked. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $ — Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 ... - 3,000 00

Fort Trumbull y New London, Connecticut .—This work is essentially finished. Some of the minor details, such as port-cullis, gates, interior finish of quarters, &e., remain to be executed. It is expected, however, that this will be accomplished with existing means. No further appropriation is asked. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $10,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 3,200 00 14

Fort Schuyler, East river, New York.—The past year has in a great measure been lost in the progress of this fort for the want of funds; rather less than $6, 000 remaining available. This has been applied to the laying of stone pavements, a gallery of communication, coping scarp wails, laying about 100 cubic yards of ma¬ sonry, cutting stone, and excavating about 1,000 cubic yards of earth. The next operations will be coping the sea-wall, constructing a guard¬ house, providing storehouse and hospital, and executing other finishing works. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1850 - - $15,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 15,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - 15,000 00

Fort Wood, and sea-wall on Bedlovfs island, New York harbor.—A small sum (a little over $5,000) remaining on hand for this work has, during the year, been applied to laying a small amount of masonry, lay¬ ing stone pavement, cutting stone, covering exposed masonry with mas¬ tic, pointing sea-wall, and excavating over 1,000 cubic yards of earth from the ditch to apply to the extension of the glacis. Some improve¬ ments have also been made in the buildings for the accommodation of troops, and the finished portions turned over to them. The next operations will consist in the construction of a permanent wharf, in the erection of a sea-wall on the west side and north end of the island, filling behind this wall, and building hospital, storehouse, &c. These constitute essential accommodations for this military post. If this island is to be a permanent depot for recruits, other structures will be necessary for that peculiar purpose. The engineer officer present will willingly undertake the execution of these; but the amount needed for them cannot properly be taken from sums granted for fortifications. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $25, 000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 25,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - 20,000 00

Fort Hamilton, New York harbor.—During the year the airangements for mounting twenty additional barbette guns have been completed; two casemates fitted for non-commissioned officers5 quarters; other casemates floored; nearly two hundred feet in length of iron piazza roof executed; a drain laid in the parade, and cunette formed in the ditch; and about one hundred feet of parapet embanked and sodded. It is designed next to fit other casemates for occupation, to improve the ventilation of the storerooms, to complete the piazza roof, to enter upon the construction of the permanent wharf, and to accomplish some other smaller matters. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1850 - - $20,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 19, 500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - 10,000 00

Fort Lafayette, New York harbor.—Little has been done at this work 15 during the year. Two new shot-furnaces have been completed; the entrance to two magazines covered with bomb-proof protections, the cisterns repaired, permanent drain laid, and the stone pavement in front of barracks repaired. No further appropriation is asked for this work at present.

Fort Richmond, Staten Island, New York harbor.—The masonry of this work was continued as long as the available funds warranted, re¬ sulting in the laying of about 450 cubic yards. The remaining work consisted principally of the excavation of the ditch, commencement of a magazine, continuation of the permanent wharf, and the cutting of stone preparatory to a resumption of the masonry. A large supply of stone is now ready for laying. The Avails of the fort have been raised everywhere to about the level of the parade, and part of the gorge-scarp carried three or four feet higher, and the interior space, including the parade, has been filled with earth to the full height. The money on hand and that in¬ cluded in this year’s estimate will be applied to raising the walls and piers, and turning casemate arches. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1850 - - $60,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 60,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - 60,000 00

Governor's Island, New York harbor.—The iron work of the gun-plat¬ forms, shot-furnace, stairs, platforms, and railings, and manoeuvring ap¬ paratus of the draw-bridge of Fort Columbus, Castle Williams, and south battery, Avere covered with a coat of lacker, to protect it from injury by rust. The coping of the counterscarp and parts of the scarp of Port Columbus Avere pointed Avith bituminous mastic. The floors of the base¬ ment of this fort and south battery Avere repaired, and all the exposed wood-work of Castle Williams and about the sally-port of Fort Columbus was painted (and sanded) Avith two coats of mineral paint. These repairs Avere made in October and November of 1849, at a total cost of $728 76|, draAvn from the appropriation for contingencies of forti¬ fications. It is found to be necessary to extend the sea-wall of Castle Williams both to the east and south, Avhere there is considerable injury done by the Avash of the waves; and for this purpose an appropriation is asked. Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - $4,500 00

Fort Delaware, Delaware river.—The Pea Patch island, on which this work stands, is formed of a very soft mud; in consequence the foundation of the entire Avork is to rest on an extensive system of piling, driven deep into the soil. The extreme care and attention necessary to secure a foundation for a heavy structure, under these circumstances, has restrict¬ ed the labors of the year to the putting down and careful testing of these piles. By the latter end of November it is supposed they will be ready for the grillage; and Avith the opening of the next working season, for the superincumbent masonry, which it is designed to press forward as fast as the grants of Congress will permit. 36

Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - » $58,000 00 To be applied by 30th June, 1851 - - - 30, 000 00 Estimate for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - 50,000 00

Fort on Sollers’ Point Fiats, Baltimore harbor.—Since the date of the last annual report, the constructing wharves on two fronts of the work, and a third of another, have been completed; the piles for those of a fourth front, and the greater part of those on a fifth, have also been driven; making a total of 822 piles driven, and 1,217 lineal feet of wharves con¬ structed. A steam pile*driving machine for driving the foundation piles of the sea-wall has been put in operation, and 64 foundation piles and 221 sheet piles driven on one front. A machine for sawing off the piles, when driven, at a uniform level under water, close to the surface of the shoal, has been constructed; also a dredge machine for levelling the sur¬ face of the shoal; both worked by the engine of the pile-driver. A diving- bell, for examining the foundation and working under water, has been built. A crane for receiving materials, and a storehouse, have been erected at the site of the fort. At the opening of the ensuing spring the masonry will be commenced and prosecuted with vigor. Balance in treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $68,100 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - • 68,100 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - 50,000 00

Fort Madison, Annapolis harbor, Maryland.—No officer being avail¬ able for the superintendence of this work, the existing appropriation re¬ mains unexpended. No appropriation asked. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $5,000 00

Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort, Virginia.—The work of the year has been applied to the completion of one of the tide-locks; to a com¬ mencement of the masonry of the redoubt; the preparation of materials for the same; and to the means of draining and keeping dry the ditch of the redoubt. At the artesian well the operations have been confined to the purchase of materials, and to preparations for lowering smaller pipes to their position, down through the 8-inch pipes now sunk. .The principal operations of this and the ensuing year will be upon the scarp of the redoubt, and in providing a good system of ventilation for the large magazines in the flank of front No. 6. These magazines are required as a place of deposite for a large quantity of gunpowder, and have been proved to be very defective as to ventilation, requiring very considerable modification. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - $20,000 00 To be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 20,000 00 Estimate of amount required for year ending 30th June, 1852 ------20,000 00

Fort Calhoim., Hampton Roads, Virginia.—The diminution of the subsid ence^ofthe foundation of this work, though progressive, has not yet reached a satisfactory point. The settlement cannot be considered IT without further and more careful examinations than have yet been report- ed, sufficiently uniform and sufficiently reduced to warrant the removal of the present load/and the construction of the work thereon. I do not, therefore, at this time ask for further appropriation. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - .$18, 596'00 Probable amount to he expended by 30th June, 1851 - 1,000 00

Fort Macon, and'preservation of its site, Beaufort harbor, N. C.—The repairs needed at Fort Macon embrace the stopping of leaks in the case¬ mate valleys, pointing of masonry, embanking and grading glaces and crests, and slight repairs of iron and wood-work, which it is designed to execute as soon as the small appropriation asked for shall be granted. Preservation of the site.—The inner portion of the site has experienced some injury from the gales of the past summer ; the outer part continues in good condition. The work of the present year will consist of repairs of the existing jettees, the construction .of. some slight additional catch- sand and dike-work on the sea side of the fort, and the building of a permanent wharf; for which purposes the funds now available are suffi¬ cient.

Balance in treasury, for preservation of site, on the 30th Sep¬ tember, 1850 - - - - - $2,45L 90 Probable amount required for expenditure to 30th June, 1851 2, 451 90 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for Fort Macon for the year ending 30th June, 1852 - - 1,800 00

Repairs of Fo i Caswell and preservation of its site, Smilhville, North Carolma.—-Repairs of Fort Caswell —-The repairs in progress some years since were suspended by the exhaustion of the means available therefor. Since then, the decay of the flooring of the citadel has proceeded so far as to render its renewal necessary, and it is designed to effect this, and to complete the suspended work of pointing, grading, and minor repairs. Preservation of the site.—The operations of the past year consist in the construction of a jettee of 420 feet length, and the commencement of a per¬ manent wharf. The jettee has fully answered the purpose for which it was designed, having caused an addition to the shore of its vicinity of 210 feet in width, and rendered the adjacent portion of the fort quite secure. The abutment of the wharf has been completed; and being composed of granite, carefully adjusted on a grillage, it gives protection to the beach at an important point. Piles for sustaining the pillars of the wharf have been driven, aud it is advancing-to completion. Slight re¬ pairs to the dike, on,the sea side of the fort, and to the other works for the preservation of the site, are needed, which, with the construction of the wharf, will be effected the present year, and with the means now available. Balance in treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - - $5,100 17 Probable amount to be expended to 30th June, 1851 - 5,100 17 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for repairs of the fort for the year ending 30th June, 1852 - - 2,900 00

2 ■ ■ 18. . "

^ Protection of the site of Fort Moultrie, Charleston harbor, South Cam* dna.—The breakwater has ..been completed as far as the limited means applicable to its construction would go, and it continues to answer the end proposed. The island in advance of the finished work is rapidly wearing away, but it is hoped the application of the means lately granted by Congress will suffice to arrest this action, and afford permanent security. No further appropriation is now asked. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - .-■ $3,500'GO To be expended by the 30th June, 1851 - - - 3,500 GO Dike to Drunken Dick shoal, Charleston, South Carolina. —Little progress has been made in this* work, owing to the limited amount of means. The available funds have all been applied to the extension of the dike, which continues to produce the most satisfactory results. The superintending engineer proposes an appropriation of $100,000 for the next year5 and I have no doubt that true economy would be con¬ sulted in the immediate application of that sum, tut the wants .of the service elsewhere constrain me greatly to reduce that estimate.

Balance in: treasury 30th September, 1850 ? - - $10,000 00 To be applied by 30th June, 1851 - - -/ - 9,500 00 Estimate of amount required for the year ending 30th! June, ; 1852_ - - • . • -* ^ ■-... . ; - iorooo.oo Fort Sumter, Charleston harbor, South Carolina.—During the year the scarp-wall of this work has nearly been completed. The foundation of this part now sustains the whole weight of the scarp without material subsidence, and in the opinion of the officer in charge, there is reason to believe that the casemate foundations will prove equally capable of bearing their loads without settling sufficiently to cause any . injury to the effi¬ ciency or appearance of the work. The engineer’s estimate for the next year is $120,000. The work, he states, could with ease be finished during the next year if sufficient means could be provided; but for reasons already mentioned, I cannot ask the amount of his estimate. ' Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $49,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by June 30, 1851 « « 45,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending June 30, 1852 - - - - 40,000 00 Fort Pulaski, Savannah river, Georgia.—No appropriation was made for this work for the fiscal year which ended on the 30 th June last; the operations have consequently been limited since the date of the last report. The labor of the year has been applied to enlarging the dikes along the northeast shore of Gockspur island, mowing the grass surfaces of the island and fort, attending to the general police of the post, and making some minor repairs. During the present pear it is proposed to adjust the draw-bridges of the fort, restore all defective pointing of the masonry, build a small wall on top of the breast-height wail of the demilune, remove the mud from the ditch of the fort, complete the dikes for protecting the island from overflow, repair the exterior quarters, and make some smaller modifications and repairs: For the execution of this work, and for com¬ mencing the construction of a permanent wharf and the advanced battery on the northeast front of Fort Pulaski, an appropriation of $20,000 is re^ 19 quested by the engineer officer in charge, but reduced by the department to $15,000. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $15,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 14,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - - 15,000 00 Repays of Fort Jackson, Savannah river, Georgia.—The labor upon this work was resumed early in November, ! 849, and continued until the 1st of June last, when, for the want of funds, operations were closed. The expenditures of the year were applied to the following objects, viz: establishing foundations for the counterscarp walls of all the land-fronts and part of the river-fronts; raising the scarp-walls of the land-fronts about eight feet; embanking earth within the fort to bring the level of the parade to its proper reference; purchasing bricks, lime, cement, lumber, and other materials, and making the necessary machinery. During the present year it is proposed to complete the foundations of the sub-scarp and counterscarp walls; to build the greater part of the counterscarp walls, a part of the sub-scarp, and complete the scarp on the land-fronts. To construct suitable officers’ quarters and barracks within the fort, the sum of $25,000 will be required, which being added to $15,000, the amount required for completing the work itself, will make the sum of $40,000. This sum the engineer officer in charge asks in a single appro¬ priation. The department, however, is obliged materially to reduce this estimate. Balance in the treasury 30th September, 1850 $20,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 19.000 00 Estimate of the amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - 20.000 00

Fort Clinchy Amelia island, mouth of Cumberland sound, Florida.— The opinion of the Attorney General having been obtained as to the validity of the title of the United States to the site selected for this work, an engineer officer is now under orders to proceed thither and enter upon the construction of the fort; and it will be pressed as rapidly as the means will justify. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $16,174 97 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 16,174 97 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - - 5,700 00

Repairs of sea-wall of St. Augustine, Florida.—The labor at this work for the year ending 30th September last was applied to extending the sea-wall north of Fort Marion, to secure the embankments and walls of that work from the encroachments of the sea; to constructing banquettes of masonry in the battery; to repairing a large breach made in the sea-wall near its centre; placing an enrockment for the protection of the founda¬ tions of the wall; embanking earth behind the ".wall; constructing sluices for the escape of the rain-water; pointing the masonry of the battery and sea-wall, and to executing all necessary minor repairs. The work is now in good condition. No further appropriation is asked, 20 the amount available being sufficient to preserve' the work, by giving the required supervision and making smaller repairs. Balance in the treasury 30th September, 1350 - - $500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 500 00

Fort McRee, Pensacola harbor, Florida,.•—Operations at this work have been directed during the year to strengthening the works designed to protect the site, and to the commencement of one of the exterior batte¬ ries. The foundations of the latter have been excavated and part-of tide concrete laid, and materials for its construction have been collected,, Damages to the wharf and machinery, resulting from a recent violent storm, have been repaired. No further appropriation now asked. Balance in the treasury 30th September, 1850 - - $16,043; 98 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 16, 043 98

Fort Pickens, Pensacola harbor, Florida.—Out of the contingent fund for fortifications some small operations have been carried on at this work during the year, but nothing is now required to call for an additional ap¬ propriation.

Fort Barrancas, and barracks thereat, Pensacola harbor, Florida.— Pour divisions of the barracks have been completed with the exception of the iron stairways; these will be immediately provided from the appro- priation for the present year. Considerable progress has also been made upon the remaining divisions of the barracks arid upon the kitchens. At the redoubt a drain has been laid, the ditch excavated and planted with grass, and the embankment of the two caponnieres completed and covered with grass. The amounts now available and now asked for are to be applied towards the completion of the redoubt, the barracks, and quarters for officers; the latter not having been yet commenced. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - $35, 000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 35,000 06 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June* 1852 - - . . 35,000 00

Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama.—With the small amount of means available, little has been done at this work. Since the 1st January, 1850, these funds have been devoted exclusively to the collection of mate¬ rials required, not being sufficient to warrant an attempt at their applica¬ tion. The work first to be prosecuted will be the enlargement of the accommodations for the garrison, for which there is as yet a supply alto¬ gether inadequate. By raising the citadel a second story, quite conve¬ nient and healthy quarters will be supplied to men and officers, and also a small hospital for the sick; at the same time that all necessary store¬ rooms will be provided in the casemates. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - $15,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 13,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - .. 15,000 00 Fbrt Pike, Rigolets, Louisiana.—At this work a substantial wharf has. been built; a bridge constructed across the outer ditch, and the scarp- wall 'raised and coped; arrangements made for mounting the flanking casemate guns; pavements of terreplein arranged for the greater security against leaks; a second story added to the citadel, and the lower rooms of citadel paved and repaired. As at Fort Morgan, there is here a great want of barrack room, and ac¬ cordingly a second story has been put on the citadel. This is now to be made ready for the occupation of troops. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $6,193 97 Probable amount to be expended, by the 30th June, 1851 - 6,193 97 Estimate of amount required for the year ending 30th June, 1852 ------4,000 00

Fort Wood, Chef Menteur, Louisiana.—-Idle scarp-wall has been raised and coped; material collected for constructing a bridge across the outer ditch, and for adding another story to the citadel; and arrangements made for mounting the flank casemate guns. We have here also to enlarge the barracks, and it will be done, as at Forts Pike and Morgan, by raising the citadel. This operation is to be undertaken as soon as practicable, and urged with all despatch. The bayou in front of the fort is cutting the shore in a very injurious manner, and measures must ere long be taken to arrest the evil, and to this end we shall have to ask an appropriation. It is considered best, however, to first complete the accommodation for the garrison. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $12,345 36 To be expended by the 30th of June, 1851 - - 12,345 36 Estimate of amount required for the year ending 30th June, 1852 - - " - - - -/ - 10,000 00

Bat ery Bienvenue, Bayou ..Bienvcmue, Louisiana.—This battery has been in charge of a fort-keeper during the past year, and no work has been done by the engineer department Some modifications are neces¬ sary for the efficiency of the work, and the comfort of the garrison. Balance in treasury 30th September, 1850 - - - $5,552 66 To be expended by 30th June, 1851 - - - 5,552 66

Tower Dupre, Bayou Dupre, Louisiana.—This tower has also been in charge of a fort-keeper during, the year, and no work lias been done thereon. The decayed gun platforms of wood require replacing with permanent material, but this we'hope to accomplish with present means. Balance in treasury 30th September, ,1850 - - - : $2,000 00 To be expended by 30th J une, 1851 - - - 2,000 00

Fort Jackson, Mississippi river, Louisiana.—The inundations of the site of this work by the unusually high water of the early part of the year 1849, •demonstrated the necessity of additional levees; accordingly about a mile of new levee has been made, and about two miles of the old thoroughly repaired or rebuilt. Part of the covert-way has been converted into a water-battery for thirty guns, and only a small amount of labor is required to finish it. Some other small modifications have been also executed. 22

The appropriation for the year ending 30th June, 1851, will probably* be exhausted in the construction of the exterior water-battery. The offi¬ cer in charge estimates for the operations of the next fiscal year $40,000, but the department cannot ask so large a grant. A very great increase in the' number of guns at this fort requires in¬ creased accommodations for the garrison, and accordingly it is intended to raise this citadel also by a second story. Further buildings must be provided for officers also, and to these objects it is designed to apply the further appropriation included in the estimate. Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1850 - - -$20,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 19,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - - 20,000 00

Fort St. Philip, Mississippi river, Louisiana.-—The labor of the year has been applied as follows: A crevasse having occurred during the high water of July, 1849, a revetment of sheet piling 1,500 feet in length was driven, to be backed with earth, to prevent similar injuries in future,* the wharf has been thoroughly repaired; the ditches of the fort and exterior battery have been revetted with two-inch plank, and excavated to the proper depth; the foundation piles for the increased thickness of scarp- wall driven; quarters for mechanics enlarged and repaired; a lime-house constructed, and a considerable extent of levees made for protection against inundation from the river. The officer in charge asks for an ap¬ propriation of $60,000 for the next fiscal year, but a due regard to the necessities of other works will not allow so large an estimate for this one. The available means it is intended to apply to raising, repairing, and in¬ creasing the thickness of the scarp-wall, which is in a state of great di¬ lapidation and weakness; to completing the interior arrangements for ac¬ commodation, &c., and towards the construction of the advanced redoubts. Balance in treasury on the 30th of September, 1850 - $35,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 34,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - - - - 35,000 00

Fort Livingston, Grand Terre island, Louisiana.—This work remains in the same state as at the date of the last annual report. The, settlement continues too great to authorize the completion of the work now, and it is deemed better to delay further operations until a considerable abatement is apparent. No injury is, however, apprehended to the work itself, and it could on very short notice be rendered efficient. No further appropriation asked. Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1850 - - $17,914 46 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 2,000 06

Fortifications at Key West, Florida.—During the past year the foun¬ dation of the work has been completed all around on the four fronts, ex¬ cept an opening fifty feet wide in the gorge, or front facing the shore, for the passage of lighters into the interior; and the superstructure on the three channel fronts has been raised five feet above the level of high water, while the cut-stone is in hand for raising these three fronts two 23 courses higher, or to the level of the first tier of embrasures; the work being now in a condition of security against any storm that may hereaf¬ ter occur. 26,000 cubic feet of cut granite, 2,650 cubic yards of con¬ crete, 2,450 cubic feet of island stone, and 40,000 bricks, have been con¬ solidated in the work during the past season, and about 3,000 cubic yards ©f sand deposited in the interior, in commencement of the filling of the work. . An estimate of $100,000 for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852, is submitted by the engineer officer in charge, to cover the cost of comple¬ ting all the masonry to the first tier of embrasures, the filling up the work to the level of the parade, the purchase of a stock of materials, and the construction of the permanent cisterns and foundation of the case¬ mate piers; and although the department is aware of the importance of hastening the execution of this work, it is constrained to bring the esti¬ mate more in accordance with those of other important fortifications. Balance in treasury on the 30th September, 1850 - $75,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 60,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1852 - 75,000 00

Garden Key, Tortugas island, Florida.—Since the 30th September, 1849y the officers’ quarters have been finished; the coffer-dam for the por¬ tion of the counterscarp-wall, situated on the shoal and not constructed at that date, amounting to 1,759 running feet, has been finished, and a fjortion of the foundation and superstructure of the walls, 1,307 feet in ength, comprising 4,356 cubic yards of brick and concrete masonry, has been completed, with the exception of the coping, The excavation for the foundation has amounted to 2,080 cubic yards, and was made to an average depth of 6| feet below the water-level. The square piles have been driven and the plates put on for the outer side of coffer-dam of scarp, on three bastions, and the two connecting curtains. It is wished by the engineer officer to lay, during the ensuing year, the foundation of the scarp on fronts Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5, and raise the su¬ perstructure on these fronts to the level of low water, or five feet above the bottom of the foundation; and for this purpose the sum of $100,000 is asked. This estimate has, however, been reduced by the department one-half. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September^ 1850 - $50,600 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851 - 49,600 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30 th June, 1852 - - - 50,000 00

I have again to call the attention of the War Department to the neces¬ sity of commencing new fortifications at the following points, enumer¬ ating them in geographical order, namely: At New Bedford, Massachusetts; at Sandy Hook, New York harbor; and at Proctor's Landing, Louisiana; for each of which there should be an appropriation of $25,000. I will not now consume time in again pressing the arguments for those works. They are by far the most important of the unoccupied points in the defensive system, and demand immediate attention. 24:

The ^projected fort on the east end of Dauphin island, at the month of Mobile bay, has not yet been begun, owing to delay in obtaining the At¬ torney General’s opinion on the validity of the title to the ground. Pro¬ ceedings are now in train in the chancery court of Alabama, from which we hope soon to have conclusive action.

MILITARY STATIONS ON THE ROUTE TO OREGON AND CALIFORNIA.

Fort Kearny.—A two-story single building for officers’ quarters, con¬ taining four rooms 17'X 19', two halls, a piazza front and rear, and an attic room, and a guard-house about 15'x.25', are the only permanent build* ings that have been put up during the year. They are nearly finished. . The three framed buildings erected last year are now also nearly finished. Preparations were made for the erection of another building, but the Platte river continued so high during the spring and summer that the timber necessary for the frame could not be obtained. The roof of the adobe storehouse has been covered with sfffiet lead. Fort Laramie.—A. two-story building for soldiers’ quarters—for a company of 100 men—is now under way, and will probably be prepared for occupation, but not finished, this fall. A powder magazine \T y^21' inside, of which the stone walls are now up, will doubtless be finished before winter. The frame building erected last year, containing four sets of officers*, quarters—3 rooms in each set—has been floored, lathed and plastered, and is now nearly finished. 200,000 bricks have been burnt, of which about 150,000 will remain for the operations of next year. The results of the year at both posts have been decidedly less than those anticipated a year ago. At both places the horse-power saw mills,which are mainly relied upon for the production of lumber, were broken, and continued idle many months, until the machinery necessary for their repair could be obtained from St. Louis. The difficulty of obtaining and retaining efficient workmen goes on increasing. Many of those hired leave for California, and all become tired of the deprivations necessarily experienced so far from the settlements. During the season of emigration the mounted troops are to be kept here¬ after more upon the road, and less assistance will be obtained from them. The officers of engineers hitherto in charge of these works have been ordered to other duties, and the works themselves* turned over to the quartermaster’s department.

BARRACKS, QUARTERS, AND HOSPITALS.

I have again to urge upon the favorable consideration of the Executive and Congress the propriety of providing buildings at several points for the above purposes. They are essential to the comfort, discipline and health of the troops. A separate estimate will accordingly be presented for the commencement of permanent barracks on Governor’s island, Boston harbor, and on Governor’s island, New York harbor; fora hospital at Fort Adams, Newport harbor, and for a hospital at Fort Washington^ Maryland. 25

MILITARY ACADEMY.

Prom personal observation during the last annual examination, and from the favorable report of the boad of visiters assembled at West Point, under direction of the War Department, I am gratified in being able to state that the academy, under its present organization, continues to support the high character it has already established, which is perhaps as high praise as could well be awarded. The accompanying report of the board, with the documents appended, will exhibit in detail the state of the institution, and afford a gratifying confirmation, by impartial and intelligent civilians, of the general convic¬ tion of the usefulness and importance of the institution. I submit the recommendations of the board to the careful attention of the authorities. An important change has been made during the past year with a view to a more economical supply to the cadets of small necessaries. The sys¬ tem heretofore applied to the procurement of food and of clothing has been extended to other articles, and so far with success. So that at present all articles of consumption intended for cadets are purchased at wholesale with their money, and delivered to them at their actual cost—thus saving to them the profit otherwise received by an intermediate agent. This at present must be considered only an experiment, promising to be eventually successful, but not yet decisive. It is one of the measures into which the authorities of the academy have been forced in the endeavor to restrict the expenses of cadets within the limits of their pay; this, how¬ ever, is a difficult, if not an impracticable task, the proof of which lies in the fact that applications are repeatedly made to the Secretary of War to permit remittances from the parents of cadets to pay their debts and pro¬ vide necessaries. , . - The estimate of the expenses of the Military Academy for the next fis¬ cal year, handed in by the superintendent, is as follows: For current and ordinary expenses $27,135 00 Gradual increase and expenses of library 1,000 00 Expenses of the board of visiters - - 3,800 00 To which the department has added for ex¬ penses of instruction in practical engineering 500 00 $32,435 00 For riding hall for cadets - 12,000 00 Apparatus for warming academic and other buildings with heated air - - , 2,51>0 00 To which the department adds for erecting quarters for engineer troops at West Point 5,000 00 19.500 00

Total asked for academy and accessories - - - 51,935 00

The following is a list of the officers, professors, and teachers of the academy, constituting the academic and military staff on the 30th of Sep¬ tember last: lid 5*2. 26

Captain Henry Brewerton, engineers, Superintendent and Commandant. Dennis H. Mahan, A. M., Professor of Civil and Military Engineering, Assistant Professors.—Brevet Captain G. W. Smith, 2d lieut. engineers. Second Lieutenant C. S. Stewart, engineers. William H. C. Bartlett, LL. D., Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy. Assistant Professo?'s.—First Lieutenant J. J. Reynolds, third artillery. Brevet First Lieutenant W. B. Franklin, 2d lieut. topographical engineers. Second Lieutenant M. Cogswell, eighth infantry. Second Lieutenant W. P. Trowbridge, engineers— on duty in observatory. Albert E. Church, A. M., Professor of Mathematics. Assistant Professors of Mathematics.—-First Lieutenant Samuel Jones, first artillery. Brevet Captain II. F. Clarke, 1st lieut. second artillery. Brevet Captain E. K. Smith, 2d lieut. seventh infantry. Second Lieutenant W. G. Peck, topographical engineers. Second Lieutenant J. C. Clark, fourth artillery. Second Lieutenant D. D. Perkins, fourth artillery. Jacob W. Bailey, A. M., Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology, Assistant Professors.—First*Lieutenant F. N. Clarke, fourth artillery. Brevet Captain E. C. Boynton,1st lieut. Istartillery. Rev. W. T. Sprole, Chaplain, and Professor of Ethics. Assistant Professors.—Brevet Captain H. Coppee, 1st lieut. first artillery. First Lieutenant C. C. Gilbert, first infantry. Second Lieutenant B. Du Barry, third artillery. Robert W. Weir, N. A., Professor of Drawing. First Lieutenant R. S. Smith, fourth artillery, Assistant Professor, acting assistant quartermaster, and assistant commissary of subsistence. Brevet Captain T. Seymour, 1st lieut. first artillery, Assistant Professor, Captain George W. Cullum, engineers, Instructor of Practical Engi¬ neering, Captain B. R. Alden, fourth infantry, Commandant of Cadets, and In- strucior of Infantry Tactics, Assistant Instructors.—First Lieutenant J. M. Jones, seventh infantry. Second Lieutenant C. T. Baker, sixth infantry. Brevet First Lieutenant N. B. Glitz, 2d lieut. third infantry. Brevet First Lieutenant D. H. Maury, 2d lieut mounted riflemen. H. R. Agnel, Professor of the French Language. Assis ant Professors.—First Lieutenant T. d’Dremieulx, first infantry. First Lieutenant J. H. Grelaud, fourth artillery. Brevet Major G. H. Thomas, 1st lieut. third artillery, Instructor of Artil¬ lery and Cavalry. 27

Brevet Major T. J, Porter* 1st lieut. fourth artillery, Assistant Instructor of Artillery. First Lieutenant J. M. Haws, second dragoons, Assistant Instructor of Cavalry. P. de Janon, Instructor of the Sword Exercise. Military Stctf.—Brevet Captain S. Williams, 1st lieut. first art., Adjutant. Second LieutenantB. S. Alexander, engineers, Treasurer. John M. Cuyler, M. D., Surgeo?i. J. Simons, M. D., Assistant Surgeon. I have again to urge that the adjutant of the Military Academy be placed upon the same footing, with respect to allowances, as an adjutant of a regiment of dragoons; and respectfully refer again to a letter from the superintendent to General Haralson, president of the board of visiters* dated June 12, 1847—see page 613 of papers accompanying the Secre¬ tary of War’s report, December, 1847. Cadet barracks and mess-hall for cadets.—These buildings bid fair soon to be completed. The western portion of the barracks was com¬ pleted at the date of my last report. The masonry of the eastern portion of this building was pressed forward during the last fall as late as the weather permitted, was resumed early in the spring, and is now so far advanced that the building will be under cover before the close of the present month. , . The mess-hall was begun in the month of May last; the foundations are nearly in place, and the walls of the basement story nearly completed. It is expected that the barracks will be completed by the 1st of Septem¬ ber of next year, and the mess hall ready for occupation before the follow¬ ing winter. i\'o additional appropriations are asked. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1850: On account of cadets’ barracks ~ - §40,500 00 On account of mess-hall - - - - - 25,000 00

■ . . - 65,500 00

Probable amount to be expended by the 30th June, 1851: On account of cadets’ barracks - §40,000 00 On account of mess-hall - - - - - 25,000 00

OFFICERS OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND THE COMPANY OF ENGINEER SOLDIERS. ' ■''* ‘ An increase of the number of officers of the corps of engineers is abso¬ lutely essential to the proper performance of the present and prospective duties imposed upon them. The principal considerations to show this necessity were presented in my last annual report; and I hope to be ex¬ cused for offering them again in the shape of the following extract from that report: 61 In speaking, at the opening of this report, of the progress of the sys¬ tem of defence during the year, and praising, as 1 could not do too highly* the devotion and ability of the officers, I alluded to a deficiency in the number of officers for the proper execution of the labors committed to the corps; and to this point it is my duty now to revert more in detail. This deficiency has been the more sensibly felt from the late extension of our 28 geographical limits; and it must be more and more so as population and the business and enterprise of the country shall spread themselves out to¬ wards the new borders. u There has been an addition of about four hundred miles to our coast upon- the Gulf of Mexico within a few years, including a number of ports, to the defence of which Congress must soon be called to assign a fair portion of the public treasure. “ Upon the Pacific we have, within a still more recent period, acquired an extent of seaboard equal to the whole seacoast of the old thirteen States, comprising several harbors which demand protection at the earliest day practicable. Their distance from the seat of population and strength, exposing them in a particular manner to become the objects of an ene¬ my’s enterprises, will require that they should possess within themselves the means of protracted resistance. To our commerce in that sea, likely to be vastly expanded within a brief period, there can be no other refuge, at the breaking out of a war, than these harbors properly fortified. Our military posts upon these shores, never likely to be kept during peace upon a strong footing, must have the means of maintaining themselves, and affording something like protection to the settlements till reinforce¬ ments can reach them; and the naval forces that may be cruising in that sea at the ope dng of a war will not probably be of strength adequate to protect the depots and other establishments that the necessities and economy of that service shall have planted there; but, on the contrary, may be so comparatively weak as to be themselves, or some of them, in need of shelter. Even the completion of the great railway, by which some persons hope at an early day to open a quick communication with that coast, will augment the importance and necessity of such defences. How completely would all the speculations that rest on this becoming the channel of a great trade with the East be frustrated by the harbors of that coast being occupied by an enemy’s squadrons! The contemplated railroad would be an important auxiliary to such defences, greatly in¬ creasing their strength and their utility; but without the safe use of these harbors, it could maintain no connexion with the commerce of that sea in time of war. This is not the place, however, to discuss this subject generally; and the preceding remarks on the defences needed on the Pacific have been made merely to show that it will soon be necessary to detach a considerable number of engineer officers to be employed there as a board of engineers and as constructing officers. 66 Of the officers of engineers (about thirty) now engaged in construc¬ tions, five, being officers of rank, have, as before stated, additional duties to perform as members of the board of engineers; nineteen of the super¬ intending engineers have no officers serving with them as assistants; and it has riot been possible, for some time past, to give to any of the remain¬ ing superintendents, no.matter how large and important their works, more than one assistant each. This deficiency of officers is a great detriment to the public interest, because the quality and the quantity of work per¬ formed will always depend on the constancy of supervision. The super¬ intendent engineer officer is, by law, the disbursing agent also, and is held accountable for the nature and extent of the expenditures, and for the safety of the public funds. This heavy pecuniary responsibility en¬ croaches sensibly on his time, leaving less of his personal attention appli¬ cable to the labors of supervision, and constraining a greater reliance on hired persons, over whom, from' the nature of things, he can have no 29 control that may not he shaken off hy the employe at any moment of pique or caprice. Whenever character and qualifications justify in a degree the trust the superintendent is obliged to repose in such subordi¬ nates, a high compensation has to he paid, often much greater than the public allowances to such grades of officers as would be employed as assistants; so that, besides the chances of incompetency, and the want of guarantees as to fidelity, a real extravagance must attend this kind of aid, compared with the expense of maintaining the same number of offi¬ cers. Many of the superintending engineer officers, to whom it has been impossible to assign any assistants, have charge, each, of several inde¬ pendent works, in some cases several miles apart—in some cases sepa¬ rated by hundreds of miles. In all these, it is unavoidable that import¬ ant public interests are left in the hands of persons without official accountability, and who can be subjected to occasional visits and inspec¬ tions only. It cannot be necessary to insist on the disadvantages of such a practice. “It seems to be indispensable to a good and responsible supervision that, at each work where the expenditures are more than very moderate, there should be constantly one officer of engineers at least; if there be any ex¬ ception to this rule, it would be only where-two or three works are in close proximity, so that all may be seen to during the day. In every work of magnitude, or where the daily expenditure has been considerable, experience has shown it to be indispensable to an effective supervision, that there should be, besides the superintending officer, not less than one assistant. “Reckoning on these rules, taken at their minimum, and without sup¬ posing any works added to those now actually under way, I find twenty additional officers necessary at this moment to their proper and economi¬ cal execution. It is trite that some of these works will pass, ere long, out of our hands, but only to be replaced by others; two or three new, ones are even now authorized, for which no officer can yet be spared, and there is good reason to suppose that the approaching session will authorize some others of great importance to the security of the coast, as has been before represented. In making this calculation, moreover, 1 refer only to the portions of the coast of the United States heretofore included in the system of defence. All that shall be added to the duties of the corps of engineers, in consequence of the new acquisitions of territory, will in¬ crease the necessities of the corps in respect to an accession to its num¬ bers. “It is an important remark to make here, that this deficiency involves inevitably the employment, as superintendents of important and expen¬ sive operations, officers who, however proficient in the studies of their pro¬ fession, have not had the experience in constructions and in out door busi¬ ness that should precede such responsibilities. “i could add many forcible considerations to those above presented, if I thought they could he necessary. There is one point, however, not yet touched, which is important, and the force of which makes an immediate commencement of the plan of increase requisite; it is this: that an increase of the corps will not be attended with the desired advantages, unless it be made gradually and by annual additions of a-limited number of officers of the lowest grade from graduates of the Military Academy. “The law should do three things. It should insist on all the additions being made to the foot of the corps from graduates of the Academy , It 80

should restrict the number of additions to be made annually, and it should restrict the promotions within the corps in a corresponding degree. A good selection of officers would thus be secured, and a proper experience would precede advancement to the higher grades. By this process, and at a very small annual cost, since all the additions would be made from officers who would otherwise be appointed as brevet second lieutenants to some other corps, it would require from four to six years to fill up the Corps of Engineers to the extent demanded by the wants of the service.’’ In relation to the peculiar duties of the company of engineer soldiers, I have respectfully to refer to the remarks of my last annual report. I have now only to observe that the company has been assiduously employed during the year in acquiring the instruction, both theoretical and practical, necessary to the proper performance of their duties, and,. while thus employed, has afforded the means of giving to the cadets most important aid in practical field engineering. The saps, trenches, field batteries, and magazines, actually constructed before the eyes of the ca¬ dets, offer now the long-desired addition to the course of engineering. I should not do justice to my own feelings were I to withhold an ex¬ pression of my extreme satisfaction at the manner in which the various duties of this company were performed during my recent visit to West Point, and the pleasure afforded by the thorough soldier-like deportment of officers, non commissioned officers, and men. Board of Engineers. Since the date of the last annual report, the board of engineers has com¬ pleted and submitted the project of a work intended for the occupation of Sandy Hook, New York harbor; project of a work for the occupation of Clark’s Point, New Bedford harbor; project of a work for the occupation of Egg Island, New Bedford harbor; and report on a system of permanent quar¬ ters for troops at Fart Adams, Newport harbor. The special duties of the different members of the board have engaged all their attention for several months past; but they are to reassemble in December next to take up the subject of the defence of Portsmouth harbor, New Hampshire. From the board of naval and engineer officers appointed to examine the Pacific coast of the United States, only preliminary reports have as yet been received. In these reports they were enabled to designate certain detailed surveys that would be necessary before projects for naval depots, fortifications, &c., could be presented. These surveys, in the want of officers and funds within the control of the War Department, it is hoped, may be effected through the aid of the Coast Survey. The accomplished Superintendent of that survey, actuated by an intelligent zeal for the whole public service, has most obligingly offered all the aid in his power, coming within the legitimate scope of his duties, in furtherance of the important object of attaining the information desired; and the department gladly offers its acknowledgment of the value of this immediate result of that important survey. It is supposed that, by this time, the labors of the Pacific board must have been completed, and that they are ready for a return to the Atlantic with the result of their investigations. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JOS. G. TOTTEN, Brevet Brigadier General and Qhief Engineer. Hon. C. M. CONRAD, Secretary of War. 81

REPORT OP THE VISITERS OP THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.

WEST POINT, June 18, 1850. SIR: The hoard of visiters, consisting of members from fifteen of the States of the Union, invited by you to attend the general examination of the corps of cadets, assembled at this place on the first instant, and were received by the Superintendent of the academy, together with the aca¬ demic and "military staff, with the distinguished courtesies practised at mili¬ ary posts, and, during their stay, have had every facility afforded them for the most thorough and searching examination into the affairs and conduct of the institution. The board have regularly attended the examination of the classes for fifteen successive days, (Sundays excepted,) from the hours of nine a. m. to one p. m., and from three to five p. m., and the various military exhi¬ bitions, which were usually after five p. m., and, from time to time, have been conducted through all the building, and shown all the apparatus and materials belonging to the institution; but, in order to a more thorough investigation of the subjects to which the attention of the board was direct¬ ed by your letter of invitation, committees, consisting each of three members of the board, were appointed, and directed to inquire into all that appertains to instruction, discipline, police, administration, and fis¬ cal affairs, whose reports here follow:

Report of the Committee on Instruction.

The course of instruction prescribed by the government covers so wide a field, and goes so minutely and thoroughly into the subjects embraced in it, that the committee feel some diffidence in speaking of the conduct of the numerous departments of study, and of the success of. the cadets in the pursuit of them; and yet the examinations to which we have been invited have been so full and so fair as to leave upon our minds no doubt either of the ability of the teachers or of the propriety of their methods of education. Indeed, it has been apparent to us, throughout, that the gentlemen employed to carryout the designs of the government in the support of this institution, in addition to eminent scientific and literary attainments, and remarkable simplicity of manners, and purity of charac¬ ter, possess, also, in an equal degree, that aptness to teach, that professional enthusiasm, without which the highest talents and the largest acquisi¬ tions are impotent and valueless in an institution of learning. In the mathematics—the basis of the whole s]?'stem of education here— and in the diversified application of its principles to civil and military engineering, the committee see nothing to be regretted or to be desired. We find it difficult to imagine anything in the present state of science more perfect or more efficient in academic discipline. In the various kindred branches of geography, geology, mineralogy, chemistry, and astronomy, as much- appears to be accomplished as the time allowed to these numerous subjects can well be supposed to admit. In logic, grammar, rhetoric, morals, and international law, for all of which very little time is set apart, the attainments of the cadets are highly creditable to themselves and their very efficient teachers. The French language is here taught with a success, we think, en- 82

tlrely unequalled within the extent of our experience. The method adopted by the accomplished instructor in this department seems/ in a degree, original, and certainly commends itself, by its results, as singu¬ larly philosophical and happy. It appears to us worthy of remark, that, in the branches most remote from the demonstrative sciences which occupy the earlier part of the course—for example, in morals and law—there was an evident distinct¬ ness and precision of statement, and an unusual severity of logic, to be ascribed chiefly to the intellectual habits formed by the mathematical studies of the course; and we cannot but think, that, with proper advan¬ tages for pursuing these subjects to an extent more becoming their im¬ portance in the education of a civil engineer, a soldier, and a gentleman, it would be found that the severe sciences, so exactly and thoroughly taught here, are a most important preparation for general intelligence and , a manly character. • , The specimens of drawing submitted to the examination of the com¬ mittee, all executed under the direction and instruction of the eminent artist at the head of that department, were extremely neat, and many of them of a high order of merit. It was particularly gratifying to witness such proficiency in an art,which, while it is necessary to the civil and military engineer, is so intimately connected also with the cultivation of the eye and the enjoyment of nature in every sphere of life. It has occurred to us to suggest to the hoard one or two somewhat im¬ portant changes in the course of instruction, in the hope that, even if no immediate improvement of the kind should be thought wise by the De¬ partment of War, the hints we have to offer might contribute, in connex¬ ion, with similar recommendations by other boards, gradually to elevate the standard of attainment and perfect the mental and moral discipline at the academy. . . We recommend, in the first place, the introduction of the study of the Spanish language. Now that we have within our own borders a large population speaking this language in some of its dialects, and are brought into national relations with various countries adjacent to us where the same tongue is used, it needs no argument to show that, if any foreign language should be taught to the civil engineers and soldiers of the country, the language of many thousands of our now citizens and of the nearest nations deserves attention first of all. We recommend, in the second place, the study of the evidences of natural and revealed religion. The character of a citizen, the character of a gentleman, is not complete without the knowledge of the grounds of a religious faith—the spiritual principles which give dignity to the present life by connecting it with a life to come. Of all men, the soldier is the last to be left to meet the crisis of our earthly being without the light and supports of an intelligent established religious belief. His country should not call him to the hazards of war in her defence without taking all pains to assure his heart in the day of danger and death; and a Christian people should not be guilty of the absurdity of training its youth to neglect the Christian religion. With the deepest sense of the value of the services of the chaplain, and of the ethical studies of the aca¬ demic course, we are clear that there is yet a great deficiency in this de¬ partment. It is not enough that Christianity is preached on the Sabbath day: its great argument, and the reasons on which all religious faith 83

rests, in an enlightened age, should be made as familiar to the youthful mind as the doctrines of natural science and the rules of social life. They are the natural, necessary aliment of all high character, as they are the sole confidence of the friends of civil liberty and public happiness throughout the world. We also recommend an increased attention to the ' study of interna¬ tional and constitutional law, and the introduction of history and the rules of evidence. So much has been said by former boards on these subjects, that we content ourselves with saying that what is not taught in a national institution for training men for the public service will very certainly be regarded by the cadet as unimportant, and that it cannot be creditable or safe for the leader of an army to be ignorant of the duties of a judge or a citizen. He may be called to sit in a court of justice for the trial of men for their lives; he is always bound to regulate his private and his public life by the laws of the land, of which the law of nations is a part. English composition and elocution have almost no place in the academy. But scholar-like writing, and a clear, full voice, are hardly mere onaments of a soldier; they are, in our times, essential to him. Crude, inaccurate, indefinite, vulgar despatches are a positive disgrace to a great captain, and ought to unfit a man for an honorable post in the service. An im¬ perfect articulation—an indistinct, hurried, insignificant utterance—dis¬ qualifies a man for command. We earnestly recommend particular atten¬ tion to this subject. A proper master of elocution would in six months’ time so transform these young men that we should not know their voices. It is obvious that such changes cannot be introduced without involving the addition of a year to the course of study, and perhaps an additional professorship—at any rate, an increase of the corps of instructors. We therefore suggest, finally, that it be recommended to add a year to the academic course, and to provide the requisite additional instructors. The education of a professional man requires at least ten years of study. Our only national institution can certainly afford to carry the con¬ ductors of our public works, and the defenders of our liberties and honor, through at least a course of five years’ discipline—less by two years than the apprenticeship still thought necessary in most of the European States to prepare a man to practise the handicraft arts—to make a gentleman’s coat, or turn a potter’s vessel. The addition of expense, indeed, would be trifling—mainly that of a new professorship, if one be thought neces¬ sary; for the cadets who have gone through their four years, and are ready for the army, might be as cheaply maintained here as with their regi¬ ments, and might pursue important studies, under the direction of accom¬ plished teachers, instead of reposing at other posts less favorable to pro¬ fessional improvement. A year added to the four would enable the institution, without diminish¬ ing the attention now given to exact science and the art of war, so to ex¬ tend what is called the ethical course, and to introduce such new studies, as to secure that completeness and finish of education which seem to us to be alone wanting in order to render the academy a perfect school for the army, and a model of instruction for the country. CHARLES B. HADDOCK, GEORGE R. GRANT, JAMES S. ROLLINS, 3 Committee on Instruction. 84

Report of the Committee on Discipline.

f Having carefully examined in detail the rules prescribed for the govern¬ ment of cadets, based upon the articles of war and the regulations of the army, and also the system of rewards and punishments, we believe them to be well adapted to the object in view, and calculated to maintain and enhance the high character of the institution. The infantry, cavalry, and light-artillery drills, and the artillery prac¬ tice, were all performed in the most satisfactory manner. The organization of the corps for instruction in infantry tactics into a battalion of four companies—the companies being officered by cadets, who were selected to fill these situations of trust for their soldiership and good conduct, the commissioned officers being taken from the first class, the sergeants from the second, and the corporals from the third—appears to be the best that could be devised. The instruction of the cadets in the school of the soldier in company and battalion drills and in artillery prac¬ tice is thorough, and reflects great credit on the officers in charge of these departments. The clean and soldier-like appearance and correct deportment of the* cadets on drill and parade excited our admiration; and we are of opinion that the system of discipline is such as combines firmness and proper restraint with kindness and solicitude for the welfare and success of the cadets. The cavalry drill and the riding-school exhibit careful instruction and great proficiency, considering the serious disadvantages arising from the limited supply of horses and their defective character. The light artillery drill was remarkable for the rapidity as well as the regularity and precision of the movements, and manifested thorough and careful training. In this arm, as well as in the cavalry drill, the want of horses is a great drawback to the progress of instruction. In order to place these depart¬ ments on a proper basis, and in justice to the very able officers intrusted with the instruction in them, it is absolutely necessary that a full supply of sound and well-broken horses should be provided, and that they should be furnished for each service, as, by the use of the same horses for the cavalry and artillery drills, they become unfit for either. About one hun¬ dred horses are required for the above services. The necessity of a new riding-hall is obvious. The exercise is condu¬ cive to the health and physical development of the cadets, and should be continued without regard to season or weather. The riding hall in present use is wholly .unsuited to the purpose, and in fact dangerous. We recommend an appropriation for a new one, and that care should be taken to avoid the use of vicious Or kicking horses. Upon a full investigation of the system of punishment and the causes of dismissal, we are satisfied that resort is only had to the latter when imperatively demanded, and that when, in conformity to the laws, such sentences are pronounced, they should not be reversed. The internal police and general management of the academy meet our hearty approval; and the high state of discipline of the corps of cadets is 35

the proof of the able and faithful discharge of their duties by the officers of the academy . J. B. M. POTTER, ' T. CADWALLADER, HENRY DU PONT; Committee on Discipline.

Report of the Committee on Police.

The subjects of inquiry which have engaged the attention of this com¬ mittee relate to the physical wants, the health, and the moral condition of the cadets. The object of all police regulations is to secure these important results. We have carefully examined into the condition and manage¬ ment of the barracks, the hospital, and the commons. 1st. In relation to the barracks now in process of construction, the committee have great satisfaction in being able to say that these perma¬ nent structures, the plans of which are the result of great experience and judicious observation, are all that could be desired. The location of the buildings is admirable, and the removal of the old ones will greatly en¬ large the plain for military exercises. The arrangement and size of the rooms, their furniture, the ventilation, and the sleeping apartments, are a combination of conveniences admirable and judicious. In connexion with the barracks, we observed the bathing-rooms, where the cadets, at a very slight expense, can bathe once a week or oftener, it desired. This is a great luxury, the enjoyment of which also promotes health and physical development. It is recommended, to insure the sup¬ ply of water in the dry season, when it is most required for bathing, that additional pipes be laid, to collect the waters of all the unappropriated fountains in the immediate vicinity, by which not only a constant and full supply of water would be insured, but water could be afforded for a splendid fountain in the centre of the parade ground. 2d. The committee examined the hospital with the closest scrutiny. Every facility for inspecting the details of this establishment was afforded us by the surgeons in charge of it. From careful inquiries and inspec¬ tion, the committee became satisfied that the hospital is under the direc¬ tion of professional gentlemen who are abie and faithful guardians of the health of the cadets and all other persons at this post, and who also pos¬ sess those high moral and mental qualifications that are essential to the medical profession. The committee recommend that the public road passing close by the hospital, which annoys its inmates by dust and noise, be removed to a greater distance; and that the recommendations of the surgeon in a com¬ munication, marked D, herewith transmitted, in regard to enlisting com¬ petent men and matrons especially for the service of the hospital, be com¬ plied with. 3d. For the accommodation of the cadets, a new mess-hall is now in process of erection, which will be finished this autumn. The present mess-hall exhibits the appearance of neatness and order. The food is good and abundant, and the cooking judicious. The person who has charge of this difficult department is experienced in the busi- 36

ness, receives a fixed salary for his services, derives no perquisites from his position, and appears to manage the concern so as to promote the com¬ fort as well as the pecuniary interests of the cadets. In conclusion, the committee desire to express their unqualified appro¬ bation o.f the system of police at this institution. JAMES D. COBB, JOHN N. POMEROY, JAMES S. STROTHER, / Committee on Police.

Report of the Committee on Administration. After a careful examination of the organization of the Military Academy and the actual administration of its different departments, the committee are of the opinion that, both in its plan and its practical operation, the institu¬ tion is eminently fulfilling its high national purposes. The range of scien¬ tific and literary studies is extensive, and the instruction faithful and ac¬ curate; the moral character manifested in the conduct and deportment of the cadets is elevated and conspicuous; the discipline is exact and ad¬ mirable; and the military knowledge imparted is at once practical and pro¬ found. Every department is as thoroughly organized as the means pro¬ vided for its support will allow; and the whole academic and military staff is composed of professors and officers of very superior attainments and qualifications. In view of the additional academic year deemed necessary, the commit¬ tee would suggest the propriety of increasing the number of cadets to which each State is respectively entitled, so as to enable the institution to receive and graduate annually as many as it does at present; otherwise, the number of cadets remaining the same, the extension of the course to five years would divide the corps into jive instead of four classes, and thus proportionally decrease the size of each class. By the act of Congress establishing and organizing the Military Acade¬ my, no special provision is made for the salary of the Superintendent, and he thus simply receives compensation according to his rank in the corps of engineers, and as the commandant of a military post. If he be a colonel, he will receive the pay of a colonel; if lieutenant colonel, major, or cap¬ tain, he will receive the pay attached to those grades respectively; as superintendent, he receives no compensation whatever: and thus the sal¬ ary fluctuates with the rank of the incumbent. It is otherwise with the professors of the different departments, all of whom receive fixed salaries. The professor of philosophy receives the pay of a lieutenant colonel of engineers, amounting to. $1,944 per annum; the professors of engineering, mathematics, ethics, chemistry, and infantry tactics, and the surgeon of the post, receive each the pay of a major of engineers, being $1,692 per annum; and the instructor of artil¬ lery receives the pay of a major of cavalry, and $10 per month extra allowance for commanding a detachment of artillery and cavalry- amounting to $1,668 per annum. The present able and accomplished Superintendent of the academy is a captain of engineers, and consequently receives the pay of that grade, 37

which, with extra allowances as commandant of the post, amounts to the sum of $1,470 per annum—being less than the salary of either of the professors, and less than that of the surgeon of the post or the instructor of artillery. This state of things, so anomalous and inconsistent, should not, in the opinion of the committee, longer exist. The duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent of the Military Academy are most arduous and weighty. To be equal to them, he must be endowed with high capacity, character, and acquirements. To direct and regulate the academic de¬ partment, he must be a scholar; to superintend the military instruction, an accomplished soldier; and to manage successfully the other and va¬ rious branches of the service, he- must be possessed of sound judgment and enlarged experience. West Point is one of the most important posts of the army; and the officer who commands it should be invested with a rank at least as high as that of colonel, and, to sustain the dignity of his rank and responsibilities, should receive at least the pay of that grade. The academy is one of the noblest institutions of this or any other country, and one of which the nation is justly proud. It is a national institution, and should be sustained by no parsimonious or stinted economy, but should be cherished with a wise and liberal policy. The committee, therefore, earnestly recommend that the salary of the Superintendent of the Military Academy should be fixed and invariable, and that his pay and local rank be that of a colonel of the corps of engi¬ neers. The committee have also inquired into the duties of the adjutant of the post, which are usually performed by a second lieutenant of one of the regiments, and recommend that the salary attached to this office be the same as that of the adjutant of a regiment of dragoons. H. WALLER, J. P. MILLIKEN, SAMUEL A. ROBERTS, Committee on Administration.

Report of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs.

We have made diligent inquiry into the expenditures of the engineer, quartermaster, and treasurer’s departments at this post, and have had the freest access to their accounts. The engineer department has charge of the disbursements for the new cadet barracks. It has disbursed, since the 30th of June, 1849, the sum of $35,641 69, (as per paper marked A, herewith transmitted,) leaving a balance unexpended of $4,973 90, which, with the amount of appro¬ priation now before Congress, is considered sufficient for the completion of the building; and the committee earnestly recommend the passage of the same. The new barracks is a noble structure of hewn granite. The rooms already finished and occupied are airy, well lighted and ventilated, and furnish convenient and comfortable quarters for the cadets. The accompanying paper marked B exhibits a statement of the ac¬ counts of the quartermaster’s department, from which it will be seen 38 that the aggregate amount of available funds for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1850, is $46,434 TO; of which there has been expended $27,218 43—leaving an unexpended balance of $19,216 27. We believe that the disbursements have been made with prudence and a due regard to the interests.of the public service. The treasurer’s department disburses for the cadets, and each cadet is furnished with a pass-book, wherein are charged all authorized articles of clothing, equipments, stationery, text-book, &e., on the order of the Super¬ intendent, on the presentation of which he receives the articles from the commissary; and on each muster (once every two months) the pass books are returned to the treasurer’s office for settlement. The pay-rolls are signed by the cadets and sent to the paymaster, who-pays the treasurer, and he disburses for the cadets. The pay of the cadet is now $24 per month, without rations; and the disbursements made for his account by the treasurer are for board, clothing, and expenses of all kinds. In order more fully to illustrate the mode of disbursement of the cadet’s pay, statement 0 is herewith communicated, which explains the consti¬ tution of the different, funds and the amount of disbursements in each, which is entirely satisfactory to the committee. We approve the method of keeping the accounts of the cadets, which is simple and admirably conducted. The examination of their accounts has satisfied us that the pay of the cadet is not sufficient for his expenses; for, notwithstanding the system of rigid economy, many cadets are in debt at-the close of their academic career, and many cannot avail them¬ selves of the regulation granting a furlough at the end of the second year’s course. We would therefore recommend that the pay be restored to the original amount of $28 per month. GEORGE H. HAZLETON, GEORGE R. GRANT, H. DU PONT, Committee on Fiscal Affairs.

The board unanimously concur in all the views and recommendations contained in the above reports, and also in the belief that the Military Academy is one of the most useful and highly creditable institutions in our country, that it has been mainly instrumental in forming the high character which our army now sustains before the civilized world, and that it is entitled to the confidence and fostering care of the government. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, MAT. J. WILLIAMS, of South Carolina, President of the Board. CHARLES B. HADDOCK, of New Hampshire. JOHN N. POMEROY, of Vermont. J. B. M. POTTER, of Rhode Island. T. CADWALLADER, of New Jersey. HENRY DU PONT, of Delaware. JAMES F. STROTHER, of Virginia. HENRY WALLER, of Kentucky. GEORGE R. GRANT, of Tennessee* 39

JAMES p; MILL [KEN, of I?uMam, GEORGE H. HAZLETON, of Michigan. JAMES S. ROLLINS, of Missouri. JAMES D. COBB, of Arkansas. SAMUEL A. ROBERTS, of Texas. N. B. BUFORD, of Illinois, Secretary of the Board. To the Hon. GEORGE W. CRAWFORD, Secretary of War.

A.

1 WEST POINT, NEW YORK, June 10, 1850. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this morning, requesting a “statement of the amount disbursed on the new cadet barracks since June, 1849; and also what balance, if any, remains unexpended/3 and to annex hereto the statement requested, as follows, viz: Amount disbursed on cadet barracks since June, 1849 - $35,641 69 Amount on hand at date - - - - 4,973 90 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. S. ALEXANDER, Lieutenant Engineers. HENRY DU PONT, Esq., Secretary Committee of jFinance, Board of Visiters. B.—Statement of funds available and disbursements made by Captain Henry Brewer ton. Corps of Engineers, and Superintendent United States Military Academy, for the fiscal year ending June 30; 1850.

Heads of appropriations. Remarks, 7,1850. for remainder of fiscal year. the close of fis¬ cal year ending June 30, 1849. 1850. ing June 30, fiscal year end¬ 1850. ending June 30, ble forfiscal year Unexpended at Balance available Aggregate availa¬ Appropriates for Expended to June

Repairs and improvements. $4,630 87 $9,000 00 $13,630 87 $13,174 97 $455 90 Fuel and apparatus 121 51 7,000 00 7,121 51 6, 478 91 642 60 Forage. 109 00 1,760 00 1,869 00 1,452 27 416 73 Postage 22 83 50 00 72 83 20 86 51 97 Stationery. 85 59 300 00 385 59 259 26 126 33 T ransportation 1,300 00 1,300 00 463 68 836 32 Printing.. 375 75 500 00 875 75 143 13 732 62 Clerks ^. 40 00 3,730 00 1,770 00 1,502 49 267 51 Miscellaneous and incidental expenses 75 75 2, 140 00 2,215 75 ’1, 127 48 1,088 27 O Department of engineering ' 500 00 500 00 3 00 497 00 Do. ... .philosophy.. ... 51 19 150 00 201 19 189 25 11 94 Do mathematics.. 370 00 215 00 585 00 345 75 239 25 Do chemistry, mineralogy, and eeolosrv 1,000 00 1,000 00 230 79 769 21 There is about $400 of this balance due repairs and improvements, for work¬ Do.... .of ethics 70 00 70 00 . 70 00 manship and materials. Do.... .of drawing. 94 47 165 00 259 47 20 70 238 77 Do of artillery and cavalry 1,183 86 250 00 1,433 86 774 07 659 79 Do of fen ring 97 28 150 00 247 28 49 07 198 21 Do.... .of infantry tactics. 461 47 250 00 711 47 119 25 592 22 General increase and expenses of library.... 1,685 13 3,000 00 2,685 13 828 85 1,856 28 Hospital for enlisted men 2,500 00 2,500 00 34 65 2, 465 35 Now under construction, and will be ex¬ pended the present season. New mess-hall for corps of cadets 5, 000 00 5.000 00 5.000 00 .... do ...... do... do Riding-hall 2, 000 00 2.000 00 2.000 00 Will be expended the present season. 9,474 70 36,960 00 46,434 70 27,218 43 19,216 27 UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, HENRY BREWERTON, West Point, New York, June 8, 1850. Captain Corps Engineers, Superintendent Military Academy, C.—Statement of authorized amounts paid on account of cadets, U, S, Military Academy, by Lieutenant B. S. Alexander, of the Corps of Engineers. and treasurer of the U. S. Military Academy> from May 1, 1849; to May 1, 1850.

No. On what paid. May and .Tune, July and Aug., Sept, and Oct., Nov. and Dec., Jan. and Feb., Mar. and April, Total amount. 1849. 1849. 1849. 1849. 1850. 1850.

1 Board fund $108 25 $118 50 $121 00 $118 15 $112 68 $111 50 $690 08 2 Board at mess commons 3,716 63 4,005 39 3,983 59 4,209 58 3,649 96 3, 755 24 23,320 79 3 Washing .... 858 64 899 57 968 23 942 50 898 73 889 19 5, 456 86 4 Storekeeper 1,269 68 2, 421 02 1,654 92 1,175 35 1,319 99 1,595 05 9,436 01 5 Commissary of clothing 1,484 59 4,347 18 2,539 41 1,418 16 1, 764 93 ' 1,054 44 12,608 71 6 Shoemaker. 395 73 832 96 612 03 541 65 375 43 299 53 3,057 33 7 Postmaster 194 48 186 31 235 11 224 94 194 49 239 88 1,275 21 8 Barber.. 177 35 269 46 281 26 237 22 227 45 199 29 1,392 03 9 Baths 93 79 34 52 48 11 100 50 108 38 113 32 498 62 10 Iron bedstead and table fund 22 80 . 32 40 35 20 34 20 29 72 29 20 183 52 11 P.ules and trianpdp fund T 70 61 70 61 ]2 T.ifh no-rap hie fund . . . . T 81 55 81 55 13 Dialectic Society fund 37 00 37 00 14 Cap-plates and plumes 28 36 28 36 15 Damages quartermaster’s department 6 39 6 39 16 Damap-es od nance department...... 15 15 07 61 7 66 61 24 10 17 Damages mess commons...... 1 65 31 46 49 36 82 47 18 Policing barracks and distribut’g fuel. 100 78 66 08 125 32 267 87 251 76 265 37 1,077 18 19 Dentist 137 50 182 74 44 51 156 82 2 58 524 15 20 Dancing master 500 00 500 00 21 Cotillon parties 200 89 200 89 22 Subscription to monuments.. 200 00 291 00 211 00 702 00 23 Subscrintion for organist...... 70 00 70 00 24 Mattress fund, 18 95 17 75 16 42 15 00 68 12 25 India-rubber cloak fund...... 67 15 67 15 26 Cash on account 428 40 84 14 72 42 20 70 147 49 46 23 799 38 27 Balance in cash paid cadets 8, 419 28 14 75 216 84 129 62 453 27 38 21 9,271 97 17,718 61 14,396 38 10,988 97 9,804 00 9,757 49 8,865 03 71,530 48

TREASURER’S OFFICE, WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY, June 7, 1850. B. S. ALEXANDER, Lieut. Engineers and Treasurer Military Academy, 42 •1

G—Continued.

REMARKS. No. 1. Voluntary subscriptions by cadets for the support of. a band of musicians. 2. The amount charged each cadet being pro rata an d fixed by a board of officers who examine and audit the accounts of the purveyor of the cadets’ commons. 3. The amount of $2 per month winter and summer. 4. Storekeeper.—Books, stationery, under garments, equipments, room furniture, oil, candles, &c. These articles were furnished by the storekeeper prior to the 1st of May, 1850, since which time they have been supplied by the commissary of clothing. • _"■■■■ - 5. Commissary of clothing furnishes uniform clothing and military frock coats, and citizens’ clothing for cadets when going a furlough. 6. Shoes and repairs done by contract, under the inspection of the commissary of clothing. 7. Postage for li tters and newspapers—one paper being allowed to each cadet, provided he makes application to the Superintendent for permission. 8. This embraces shoe-blacking, hair-cutting, varnishing accoutrements, &c. 9. wd small charge for each bath, to pay the necessary expenses of the bathing establishment. 10. Iron bedstead fund.—This is only charged to the 4th class, for their use, at 20 cents per month for one year; which amount is applied to keep them in repair, 11. Mules and triangles.—A small charge being necessary to keep the articles in repair for their use. 12. Lithographic works charged for the use of the u lithographic notes” written by the offi¬ cers and professors of the United States Military Academy, to aid the course of instruction in the several departments. 13. Dialectic Society.—This amount is made up of initiation fees and fines for non-attend- * aRce—the proceedings of which are laid before the Superintendent for his ap¬ proval previous to the amount being charged. 14. Cap-plates and plumes.—An annual charge for cap-plates and plumes furnished for the use of cadets. 1 15. Damages quartermaster's department, which embrace damages of barracks, breaking window-glass, &e, ; , , 16. Damages ordnance department, which embrace damages to arms and accoutrements, which revert to the United States. 17. Mess-hall damages embrace tumblers, plates, knives, &c., which are signed by the cadet when the damage is done, agreeably to the regulations of the mess commons. / 18. Policing barracks, Sfc.—The amount is averaged at each settlement, according to the number of cadets at muster. 19. Dentist—Pot professional services, when recommended, by the army surgeon of the United States Military Academy. 20. Dancing master.—Amount subscribed by the cadets of the United States Military ' Academy for their instruction in dancing. . . . 21. Cotillon parties given by the cadets during the months July and August. This is a voluntary subscription. ■ - . 22. Monuments to deceased cadets subscribed by their class-mates. 23. Organist—Voluntary subscription to pay the services of an organist to the chapel at .Weil Point. - , ■ ' 24. Mattress fund.—For the use of the mattresses furnished for the use of the cadets. 25. India-rubber cloth.—For the use of the same during the season. 26. Cash on account.—.For the subscription to newspapers and other minor necessities,, . which are authorized by the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, 27. Balance paid cadets.—When graduating, they receive the balance due them, including their equipment fund; and the furlough class receive the balance that may be due them to the 1st of July. . . Tabular statement exhibiting the condition in life of the cadets at the Military Academy9 West Point, for the last nine ■ ■ ■ years9 from 1842 to 1850, inclusive. '

1842. 1843. 1844. 1845. 1846. 1847. 1848 1849. 1850.

59 61 61 68 72 67 69 75 70 14 12 15 22 22 25 22 21 16 ■ 27 25 30 35 33 30 29 23 34 18 15 23 27 29 29 31 38 36* 5 2 . 4 3 • 7 6 • 4 2 2 12 15 15 13 21 19 21 21 18 Fathers arc or ^srerfi nf the army, navy, or marine corps...... 14 16 16 13 11 13 17 17 18 4 G 6 6 5 3 3 . 4 4 • Fathers are or were in the civil employment of the general or State government T , f 5 15 16 9 5 2 3 7 7 Miscellaneous, as bank officers, editors, professors, engineers, masters of vessels, &c...... 1... 15 11 15 23 35 36 41 24 32 Often patinas not stated, or no oftnipntion...... 48 34 23 17 1 2 2 8 7

Total...... 221 212 224 236 241 232 242 240 244

Of these numbers, there are without fathers livinp1...... 26 57 44 48 42 41 54 . 48 40 Of these numbers, there are without either father or mother living 22 16 18 15 21 20 • 18 ■ 16 26

Total orphans...... 48 73 62 63 63 61 72 64 66

Of these numbers, the parents are stated to be in moderate cir¬ ' cumstances, of.-...... 156 150 164 192 - 182 193 _ 203 215 Of these numbers, the parents are stated to be in reduced cir¬ cumstances, Of...... m m m . ' 183 26 37 36 35 38 40 29 25 Of these numbers, the parents are stated to be in indigent cir¬ cumstances of- ft 8 8 8 4 4 2 t J V. . ~ . 8 Of these numbers, the parents are stated to be independent in life, of...... 6 . 10 12 6 4 5 4 ‘ 2 Of these numbers, the parents are stated to be in unknown cir- nnmKtanpfiSj nf .... ; 39 18 m 16

221 212 224 236 1 241 232 242 240 244 44

D.

HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT, West Point, N. June 13, 1850. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, and hasten to answer the questions propounded to me. The population of West Point, according to the census taken in December last, is between nine hundred and one thousand, viz: professors, officers, and their fami¬ lies, including servants, one hundred and sixty-nine; cadets, two hundred and thirty-four; enlisted men and their families, three hundred and sixty- nine; citizens, mostly employed in the public service, and their families, two hundred. The number of cases treated since the 1st January, 1850, as exhibited by the hospital register, is about three hundred. This, how¬ ever, fails short of the actual number, as no record is kept of the diseases of women and children. Their complaints constitute no inconsiderable portion of the medical officer’s duty. It should be borne in mind that any disease or ailment for which a cadet or soldier is excused from duty is recorded; and hence it is that so many cases appear on the hospital books at a post so proverbially healthy. The diseases that occur at West Point are generally of a mild type, and, since the disappearance of the cholera of last summer, our community has had to contend with no very serious form of disease. The complaints mostprevalent are diarrhoea, catarrh, and headache. This hospital, being used exclusively for the accommodation of the cadets, should be most liberally provided with every comfort and convenience. In the first place, the building is too small, and the wards are badly arranged and imperfectly ventilated; and sec¬ ondly, there are very few of the necessary conveniences that should belong to such an establishment. As much of the comfort of the sick depends upon the nurses attached to the hospital, I must earnestly rec¬ ommend a change in the manner of selecting the attendants. It has al¬ ways been the custom to take them from among the enlisted men at the post. So far as my observation extends, they are in almost every instance rough, inexperienced, and too often unwilling to perform a duty requiring so much diligence, patience, and confinement. The male attendants should be enlisted especially for the duty, and, in order to secure the services of good and faithful men, an additional compensation will have to be allowed. At least one elderly and experienced female nurse should be employed; and, if a salary of fifteen or twenty dollars per month be allowed, a competent one can doubtless be obtained. One of the matrons now engaged, at six dollars per month, might, if necessary, be discharged, so that the additional expense would be but trifling. Great annoyance is experienced by the patients in hospital by the public road running di¬ rectly in front of it; and I trust it will soon be changed so as to pass below the hill. A faithful observance of such regulations of the academy as are designed mainly to peserve and promote health must, in a great measure, depend upon the goood sense, and, I may add, honor, of the cadets themselves. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M. CUYLER, Surgeon. Captain COBB, Chairman Committee on Police, Board of Visiters, West Point. ANNUAL REPORT

OF "THE

COLOJlEL OE EIGIIEEES,

TRANSMITTED VfijntJ bf . aa-oUKi. to Publications Section Office Chief of Engineers

THE MESSAGE OE THE PRESIDENT,

AT THE

OPENING OE THE FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS,

1851.

WASHINGTON: PRINTED BY A. BOYD HAMILTON. 1852.

R E P O' R T.

ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 14, 1851. SIR : I have the honor to submit my annual report on the condition of the branches of the public service connected with this department.

FORTIFICATIONS, AND MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS CONNECTED THEREWITH. Having, within a few days, handed in a report, in which, in answer to particular inquiries put by you, full information was given as to the system of defence hitherto prosecuted by the nation ; the history of the system ; the principles on which it is based, and the progress made therein, it is necessary for me to do little more now than to specify the operations of the past year, and the contemplated labors of the next. The appropriations asked for fortifications at the commencement of the last session were withheld by Congress ; and consequently the expendi¬ tures of the year have been kept within the balances remaining of former grants. As, however, the appropriation bill of the preceding session did not become a law till September—leaving a very short working season in the northern States—only moderate expenditures were made m 1850, and the remaining balances have enabled us to continue operations at several points during the current year, though at a reduced rate. It may be permitted me to say here a word on the importance of receiv¬ ing appropriations as early in the year as practicable ; and also of receiving liberal grants. If the system of defence is to be continued at all, both these are necessary to an economical exec ution of it. Appropriations made late in the calendar year, leave, as a. working season, only a few weeks of short days and bad weather. Small appropriations greatly augment the cost, because many contingent expenses are, unavoidably, the same with a slow as with a rapid progress ; and moreover, at every discontinuance of operations on account of the season, or to await further grants, a conside¬ rable expense is incurred in the acts of stopping and resuming. An esti¬ mate that would be quite equal to the cost of a work, finished in five years, would be many thousand dollars short if the operations were prolonged fif¬ teen or twenty years. With three or four exceptions only, the estimate of the present year for fortifications is the same as that last year recommended by the Govern¬ ment. The exceptions—of small amount—will be noticed when speaking of the works severally. Appealing in behalf of the system of defence, as now in progress, to the continued support of the Government and Congress, I feel it my duty to pifess earnestly the commencement—as soon as grants therefor can be sup¬ plied—of four new fortifications, namely : a fort at New Bedford, Massa¬ chusetts ; a fort at Sandy Hook, (New Jersey ;) a tower and battery at Proctor’s Landing, (Louisiana ;) and a fort at the entrance of San Fran¬ cisco bay, (California.) The first three of these have been several times advocated in particular communications from this office. The last, with other works on . the Pacific coast, has been especially recommended by a 4 commission sent to examine that coast in relation to defences; and a hoard of engineers is now engaged in preparing the necessary plans and estimates. As soon as some other surveys shall have been furnished, the same board will prepare projects for other points on that coast demanding immediate protection. It is not supposed that doubts will be anywhere entertained as to the necessity of proceeding with all despatch to put the more important places on that distant coast in a state of security.

Fort Wayne, Detroit, Michigan.—As reported last year, this fort is completed, and in a condition of strength and efficiency ; perfectly com¬ manding the passage between Lake Erie and the upper lakes. The opera¬ tions of the year have been mostly confined to the interior work of the bar¬ racks, and their outbuildings—four divisions of which have been nearly finished. It is proposed next year to finish the barracks, and to proceed to the con¬ struction of a storehouse and two houses for officers’ quarters. All to be plain and substantial buildings, permanent and fire-proof. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $000 00 Probable amount to be expended by June 30, 1852 — 000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending June 30, 1853 15,000 00

Fort Porter, near Buffalo, jVew York.—Operations have been confined mainly to pointing and replastering a portion of the scarp, and regulating .sodded surface of counterscarp slopes. The work is in good condition and requires no additional appropriation. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $19,350 00 Probable amount to be expended by June 30, 1852 3,000 00

Fort jHiagara, New York.—-A little work has been done during the year upon the magazine, repairing the sewer, substituting stone pintles and traverse circles for the decayed wooden ones, &c. As reported last year, the fort is quite defective in accommodation for troops—the new barracks and hospital having been destroyed by fire. To erect plain fire-proof barracks and hospital, rebuild a blockhouse and .•some palisades, also destroyed by the fire, and make various small repairs, the appropriation of $10,000 is requested. The old storehouses will have to be rebuilt in a year or two. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $1,450 69 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 - 1,450 69 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 10,000 00

Fort Ontario, Oswego, New York.—A small sum derived from the. ap¬ propriation for “ contingencies of fortifications ” has been applied to the wooden revetment of the scarp, which is beginning to decay, and which requires further repairs. To accomplish this, and some small repairs, an appropriation of $900 is requested. Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending June 30, 1853 — - $900 00 Fori Montgomery, Rouse’s Point, New York.—The labors of the year have been as follows : The piers and fronts of the barrack casemates of curtain four have been constructed, and the scarp raised fifteen and a half feet. Some stone cut¬ ting has been done for the parade wall of fronts one and five. A set of steps for bastion D has been prepared, and nearly enough material col¬ lected to complete the masonry of curtain four. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $1,000 00 To be expended by June 30, 1852 1,000 00 Estimate of amount required for year ending June 30, 1853— 15,000 00

Fort Knox, JY1arrows of the Penobscot, Maine.—During the year, 7,000 yards of rock have been removed, by blasting from the west and south ditches, completing the rock excavation required in the main work pre¬ paratory to commencing the masonry. Some of the stone thus obtained has been applied to the- construction of a new wharf, 60 feet by 94 feet, and to sustaining walls connected therewith, and with the road. One of the exterior batteries has been graded, its sodding repaired and extended ; and the rock and earth have been excavated for the traverse of the other. The engineer officer in charge asks for an appropriation of $75,000 for the next year, as required for a judicious progress of the fort ; but the department estimates are reduced to the same amount as last year, trine officer wishes to erect the two traverses of the two batteries; to extend and complete these ; to execute some embankment and sodding, and to prepare stone for the scarp of the main work. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $4,700 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852- 4,700 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - - 20,000 00

Fori Preble, Portland harbor, Maine.—Nothing has been done here du¬ ring the last year. An old sea wall, of dry rubble work, exterior to the north battery, was destroyed by the gale of April last. It should be at once rebuilt in a permanent manner. It is also quite important that there should be a purchase of a small extent of ground to enlarge the site. To accomplish these objects, will need a small appropriation. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851-7 $800 00? Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 * 800 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853- - - - - — 7,500 00

Fort Scammel, Portland harbor, Marne.—Some details only have re¬ ceived attention during the year. Some labor has been applied to the permanent wharf and the crane there¬ on, and to the preservation of the slopes of the heavy embankments of the work, and to the roadway, and a little painting has been done to wood work.. Some further expenditures will be necessary here ; but as they may be bet¬ ter deferred than some other things, a further appropriation is not asked at present. Balance in treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $4,400 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852— 4,400 00 No appropriation asked. 6

Fort Constitution, Portsmouth harbor, Jfew Hampshire.—The parade walls of the small magazine have been made shot-proof, the roof enlarged, and measures taken to improve the ventilation and drainage of this, and the large magazine; gates have been repaired and hung anew, * and other small repairs and improvements attended to, including some painting of wood work. • No appropriation is asked for this work. Fort McClary, Portsmouth harbor, JVeiv Hampshire.—A fort keeper only has been employed here during the last year, in keeping the slopes terrepleins and buildings in good order. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 — --- — - $800 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 800 00 No further appropriation is asked for. . ( Sea-wall oj Deer Island, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.—Some repairs have been made to afford temporary safety to this wall, which was some¬ what injured by the very severe storm of April last—the funds, about two thousand dollars, having been furnished from the appropriation for cc contin¬ gencies of fortifications.57

Protection of Lovell’s Island, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.-—The dam¬ age done to this work by the same great storm was slight, and will be soon repaired No f vther appropriation is asked. '

Sea-wall of Great Brewster Island, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.-—The means available October 1, 1850, about seven thousand dollars, were ap¬ plied during the fall of that year in extending and securing, as far as these means would allow, the sea-walls at the northeast and south points of the island, which were most exposed to abrasion. In their unfinished state, these walls were injured by the very severe storms of March and April last; and if was thought indispensable to furnish from the contingencies of fortifications, the means (four thousand dollars) necessary to protect the work already done from being totally destroyed. This, it is thought, has been done. It is very important that the plan of protection which has been justified by many years of observation and experience in Boston harbor and other places, should be carried out as soon as practicable, in order to preserve an important site for harbor defence, and at the same time prevent a most seri¬ ous injury—namely, the filling up of the main channel of entrance. There would he great economy in completing the walls by a single ap¬ propriation ; and though I feel constrained to make a reduction in the esti¬ mate of this, as of other works, I wish it understood that any material retardation may involve the ruin of all that has been done, and perhaps double the expenditure that would suffice if applied in time. Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 $15,000 00

Fort Winthrop, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.—In the last year, the stone-cutting for the loop-holes in the scarp has been completed, all the 7

.stone for the face of the parade wall has been cut, and about three-fourths of the coping of the parade wall. The cutting of the steps of the stone tower stairway has been completed except the-platform. A part of the lined ashlar of the face of the scarp has been bedded and jointed, and a large quantity of material has been received. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 $14,300 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 14,300 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending 30 th June, 1853 10,000 00 Fort Independence, Boston harbor, Massachusetts.—During the year all the casemated quarters for officers and soldiers, and the casemated bakery -and storerooms, have been completed. The doors of the galleries of com¬ munication with the flanks of the bastions have been made and hung. The permanent shutters and fastenings of the embrasures have been completed ; much progress has been made towards the completion of the magazines, and one thousand and one hundred running feet of sink drains have been laid; Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853, to complete the work--$10, 000 00 Fori Warren, Best on harbor, MassachusettsDuring the year the area along front No. 3 has been completed, including four coal-vaults, three thousand superficial feet of flagging, and five hundred running feet of drains. The breast-height wall and parapet of the upper south battery, three hundred and fifty feet in length, have been built, and pintle-blocks laid for eigh¬ teen 32,-pounder guns. The interior front of the main postern has been finished, and the main culvert built from the shore to the parade, 730 feet in length. Much other work has been done—but as the objects are numerous and •comparatively unimportant, a specification of them is omitted. Balance in the treasury 30th September, 1851—- $7,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852-- - 7,500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - - - 30,000 00

Fort Adams, Newport) Rhode Island.—During the year beton founda¬ tions have been Laid for six sets of quarters, and the brick-walls of four sets raised to the height of five feet above the foundations. The coal vaults and exterior sustaining walls of the same four sets are completed to the ^coping. The comfort and convenience of the casemate quarters in the fort have been much increased by extensive improvements in the cisterns, drainage, &c. Two thousand and two hundred superficial feet of granite has been cut for the permanent wharf; and materials in large quantities have been pro¬ vided for the exterior quarters. It is proposed next year to proceed with the exterior quarters and the permanent wharf—to lay twelve gun platforms, to finish the redoubt, and • execute some other details. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 $1,100 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 1, 000 00 8

Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending30th June, 1853 - - $35, 000 00

Fort Griswold, Metv London harbor, Connecticut.—Nothing has been done at this work except to keep it in order. No appropriation is asked for.

Fort Trumbull, Mew London harbor, Connecticut.—The operations of the season have been confined to the grading of the exterior1 grounds, finishing and hanging the interior gate of the postern, and placing the pumps of well and cistern within the main work. - To complete the fort, there is yet required the construction of the port¬ cullis, the exterior gate of the postern, and the traverse circles and pintle- blocks of the columbiad battery. A substantial boundary line fence for the public grounds is required. Some repairs needed on the wharf and crane, also on the road leading from the wharf to the fort. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 - $7, 300 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852— — - - 7, 300 00 No further appropriation is required at present.

Fort Schuyler, East river, Mew York.—During the year much has been done to complete this work, namely : In preparing and laying chimney, ventilator, parapet and other coping—in excavating earth—in making main and branch sewers and culverts—in laying pavements—in pointing—in making doors and frames for closing gun casemates—calking platform of second tier-—making and putting up draw-bridge and executing various other necessary details. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 S3, 000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 3,000 00* Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 — 15, 000 00

Fort Wood and Sea-wall on Bedlow’s Island, Mew York harbor.—Dur¬ ing the year a three-story hospital forty feet by forty-nine feet, and an ad¬ ditional storehouse, have been erected and finished. The quarters east of the gateway, and the guard-room and accessories west of the gateway, have been finished. The sally-port and other surfaces paved, the gates fitted and hung, the sea-wall extended one hundred and fifty feet—all the gun traverses set on terreplein of the fort, and many de¬ tails connected with the defences and the comfort of the troops accomplished, leaving little to do to the defences proper ; though there still remains a con¬ siderable length of sea-wall to build, and also a permanent wharf. Some buildings are required for special service at this place as a recruiting depot; estimates for which will be included with estimates for new barracks and hospitals.

Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1851 $15 500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 -- 1,500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853---- — 20,000 00

Fort Hamilton, Mew York harbor.—The grading of the main ditch, and the formation of its cunette, have been finished. The flagging has been 9 completed in front of the quarters and magazines, and in the north and south caponiers and their passages. The areas of powder magazines have been made bomb-proof; the permanent piazza finished around the three land ports ; and several casemates have been fitted up for quarters. Other casemates are to be refitted as hospital rooms; a permanent wharf has to be built in lieu of an old one now falling to pieces, and some other matters have to be accomplished soon, under an appropriation hereafter to be asked. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 $7,700 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 - 7,700 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 10,000 00

Fort Lafayette, New York harbor.—Very little work has been done here in the last year. Three of the four cisterns had been previously repaired and roofed with granite and new iron pumps placed in them. The fouith is now undergoing similar repairs. The areas of two magazines have been flagged. The opening between the temporary wharf and sea-wall has been filled up, and earth has been transported to replace that which had been washed away on the southwest of the work. The grates of some of the fireplaces have been renewed. Some further repairs are quite necessary at this work, especially the re¬ placing of the old shingled roof with one less in danger of being burned by sparks .from its own chimneys ; but I abstain from asking a further ap¬ propriation at present. .

Fort Richmond, Staten Island, JVew York harbor.—The working season of 1850 was nearly lost in consequence of the lateness of the appropria¬ tion ; and the operations of the present year have been much retarded by the great demand for labor and materials m New York. Eight hundred and eighty-four cubic yards of stone masonry, one hun¬ dred and thirty-three of concrete, thirty-seven of dry stone masonry, and twenty of brick masonry, have been laid in the scarps, piers of casemates, and service magazine of the south and east water fronts and land front, in the foundations of the gun traverses of the first tier, which have been completed, and the sea-wall contiguous' to the permanent wharf. Two thousand one hundred and forty-four cubic yards of earth have been re¬ moved from the ditches and elsewhere, and embanked in the parade and behind this sea-wall. Forty-eight thousand one hundred and thirty-nine square feet of stone have been cut, and about one-third of it laid. Some other work has been done, and a large quantity of materials prepared for further operations. The rapid extension of settlements around this position makes it quite necessary to enlarge the public domain, by purchasing a strip of land lying between the government land and the public road. The engineer officer in charge has urged this two or three times strongly, and the proposition is earnestly recommended to Congress. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 $44,146 56 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 44,146 56 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - - 60,000 00 Governor’s Island, JYew York harbor,—For want of an appropriation no expenditure has been made on account of the works on this island. The same appropriation is asked, and for the same objects, as was re¬ quested last year. Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853-.------$4,500 00

Fort Mifflin, Delaware river.—Some repairs are needed at this old work, for which an appropriation of $2,000 is asked.

Fort Delaware, Delaware river.—The pile-driving for the foundation has been finished during the year, and the pile heads levelled to receive the first course of grillage timber, which has been mostly laid. The second course of timber has been commenced, and the whole grillage will probably be ready to receive the masonry by the end of the present working season. Part of the stone for the first courses of masonry has been cut. A new car¬ penter’s shop, containing lofts and store-rooms, has been built; quarters for clerk and master carpenter have been nearly completed, and are of such a character that they will serve also for officers’ quarters. .Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1851- $28,300 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 28,300 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 50,000 00

Fort Carroll, Boilers’ Point Flats, Baltimore harbor.—The constructing , wharves have been so far advanced as to admit of their being completed as fast as required:—one hundred and ninety-four lineal feet have been finished in addition to those completed last year. Two hundred and twenty-six wharf piles have been driven, three hundred and twenty-four sheet piles, •three hundred and thirty-two foundation piles for the sea-wall, driven and sawed off fifteen feet below low-water level. The foundation of the sea¬ wall on one front has been graded and levelled by means of a diving bell, and three courses of stone laid—making a range of coffer work six feet high, ten feet wide and two hundred and fifty feet long. Stone for seven courses more has been procured. Workshops have been erected on the site, and extensive machinery prepared. Regular appropriations only, it is believed, are wanting for a rapid and very satisfactory progress of the work. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851- $40,600 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852--- 40,600 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 50,000 00

Fort Madison, Annapolis harbor, Maryland.—The existing appropriation still remains, unexpended, as reported last year, there being no officer avail¬ able for the superintendence of the work. No appropriation asked. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $5,000 00

rEoa^MmreeyJDld Point Comfort, Virginia.—The work of the year has been applied to the construction of the walls of the redoubt, and to the for¬ mation of its ditch and embankments: to modifications in the large maga¬ zine, calculated to insure a more perfect ventilation and protection ; and to 11 the artesian well, down which a five-inch pipe has been lowered within the eight-inch outer pipe, reaching the depth of two hundred and eighty-three feet. It is proposed next year to finish the modifications of the magazine, and continue the construction of the redoubt. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851- $0,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 20,000 00 Enrt Calhoun, Hampton Roads, Virginia.—The subsidence at this work seems nearly to have reached its termination. The average settlement for the past year has not been reported, but is understood to be very small, and and it is hoped the walls may be soon begun. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851- $18,590 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852— 1,000 00 No appropriation is asked at present. Fort Macon, and preservation of Us site, Beaufort harbor, North Caro¬ lina.— Very little work has been done since 1846. Some repairs are now necessary to barracks and quarters, for which an appropriation of $2,000 is requested. Preservation of the site.—The operations of the year include the con¬ struction of a permanent wharf, a fence round the foot of the glacis, and several short catch-sands at the eastern point, which is slowly washing away, and which may ultimately require one or more large jettees. To secure the piles of the wharf from the worm, maintain a fort-keeper, &c., an appropri¬ ation of $1,000 is requested. Balance in the treasury for the preservation of site on 30th Sep¬ tember, 1851------$200 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853—For Fort Macon- 2,000 00 Preservation of site- ---- 1,000 00

3,000 00 Repairs of Fort Caswell and preservation of its site, Smiihvilh, North Carolina. Repairs of Fort Caswell.—No work has been done since 1847. To complete the pointing of the masonry, the grading of the glacis slopes, and to renew the floor and repair the roof of the citadel, an appropriation of $5,000 is requested. Preservation of site.—The permanent wharf has been nearly finished. The breakwaters made for the preservation of the site seem fully to have accomplished that object, as far, at least, as the western or most distant jettee. ; To finish the wharf and secure its piles from the worm, put up a fence around the fort, maintain the fort-keeper, &c., an appropriation of $2,000 is requested. Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1851 $0,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1853 0,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year . ending 30th June, 1853—For the fort 5,000 00 Preservation of site — 2,000 00

7,000 00 12

Protection of the site of Fort Moultrie, Charleston harbory South Caro¬ lina.—About $3,000 have been applied during the year to the breakwater* which has been extended one hundred and two feet, and which seems to afford full protection to this portion of Sullivan’s island. No further appropriation is asked. 1 , Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1851--- $684 73

Bike to .Drunken Dick Shoal, Charleston, South Carolina.—-But; little advance has been made with the small appropriation—$10,000—of lastyear. The dike continues to produce and to promise the most satisfactory results. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 - - $4,300 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852-----— 4,300 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - 10,000 00

Fort Sumter, Charleston harbor, South Carolina.—The scarp wall of this work has been raised to the height of the coping; the stair towers of the gorge raised to the level of the second story ; the thirteen cover¬ ing arches of the gorge turned, and the parade wall raised thereon twenty-eight feet above the ground tier; the eight magazine rooms com¬ pleted ; the traverse stones of the lower tier of guns laid ; four gates have been hung; the eastern barrack walls have been raised to the sills of the lower windows, and temporary buildings have been erected for the officers and men of the garrison as follows : a building eighteen feet by sixty feeN for officers; a floored shed thirty feet by one hundred and twenty feet for the soldiers ; two kitchens, each eighteen feet by twenty-four feet, including an oven and a storeroom twenty feet by twenty-eight feet. Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1851- -— $19,900 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 19,900 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - - - 40,000 00

Preservation of the site of Fort Johnson and repair of ike wharf,. Charleston harbor, South Carolina.—A concrete sea-wall three hundred and twenty-four feet in length has been laid a little outside the old timber work, and seems fully to accomplish the desired object. It will be finished during the winter. No appropriation is asked. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851' T - $2,400 00 Probable amount to be expended by 80th June,T852 2,400 00

Repair of quarters and barracks at Fort Johnson, Charleston harbor, South Carolina.—The work of the year embraces the repair of one building, and the raising of another one story. To complete the latter and re-roof a third building, an appropriation of $1,200 is requested. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851- $1,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852-- -’ 1,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853------1,200 00 i ' ■ Repairs of Castle Pinckney, Charleston harbor, South Carolina.—The cisterns have been put in order, and some other repairs have been made ipon this- work. It is proposed to raise the level of the site, which is liable co overflow by high tides, to the great inconvenience of the garrison. For ;his an appropriation of eight hundred dollars is requested. Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - - - $800 00

Fort Pulaski, Savannah river, Georgia,—During the year, the dikes, for protection against high tides, have been enlarged ; additional inner walls built in the demilune ; curbstones and pavements set along the gorge ; por¬ tions of the masonry re-pointed ; tide gates for the admission of water into the ditch adjusted ; embankments of demilune enlarged and adjusted ; exte¬ rior buildings repaired ; and other repairs made, essential to the police or presei vation of the work. It is proposed next to finish the repair of the buildings, to remove the mud which has accumulated in the ditch and feeding canal, to close all leaks in the casemate arches, finish the pointing, con¬ struct a permanent wharf, and begin the advanced battery. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 $1,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 1,500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - 15,000 00

Repairs of Fori Jackson, Savannah river, Georgia,—The labor upon this work was resumed in November,, 1850, and continued till May last, when the appropriation was nearly exhausted. The expenditures of the year were applied to the following objects, namely : establishing foundations for the greater portion of the dike and sub-scarp walls ; the construction in part of the same walls ; the construction of coffer-dams on the river fronts; raising the scarp-walls to within three and a half feet of their full height ; putting coping on the counterscarp walls ; and the construction and repair of machinery. To complete the repair of the work, an appropriation of $20,000 is accessary, according to the estimate of the officer in charge ; and $25,000 more for the erection of suitable officers’ quarters and barracks Avithin the fort. The estimate submitted by this department is less, however, being che same as that of last year. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 - $1,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852- 1,500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - 20,000 00

Fort Clinch, Amelia Island, mouth of Cumberland Sound, Florida,— The labors of the year have comprised the laying out of the fort, the par¬ tial clearing of the site, boring for foundations, the erection of a temporary building (40k X 20') for storehouse and accommodation of mechanics, the entire construction (except about fifteen cubic yards) of the masonry of the channel bastion, the laying of four hundred and three cubic yards of masonry and concrete in the sea-wall, raising it to the reference (10' 6") throughout its entire length of three hundred and eighty feet, and the embankment of several hundred cubic yards of earth in the rampart of the N. E. and N. W. fronts. 14

Balance in treasury on 30th September* 1851 $00,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853--- - 25,000 00'

Fort McRee, Pensacola harbor, Florida— One of the exterior batteries has been commenced, its masonry nearly finished, and its embankments well advanced. The site seems to be secure, but will require constant attention. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 - - $000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852—-— 000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 15,000 00

Fort Pickens, Pensacola harbor, Florida.—No repairs have been made during the year, and very slight ones only are now necessary. 'No ad¬ ditional appropriation is now required.

Fort Barrancas and barracks thereat, Pensacola harbor, Florida.—The four divisions of the barracks nearly completed last year have been finished,, and are occupied ; another division nearly completed, and two more begun. Nothing has been done during the year upon the fort or its redoubt. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852- — — . 000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June^ 1853- — — — 35,000 00

Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama.—The three fronts of the citadel devoted to officers’ quarters have been carried up during the year as high as the sills of the second story, and all the floor arches of rooms and galleries have been turned. The damage done, to the wharf by the gale of August, 1650, has been re¬ paired. The tendency of the current to expose the foundations of the piers has been arrested by laying around them an extensive apron of broken bricks. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 $1,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 — 1,500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - — - 15,000 00

Fort Games, Dauphin Island, Mobile Bay, Alabama.—As the title to the site has not yet been secured, no expenditures have been made on this work.

Fort Pike, Rigolets, Louisiana.—The upper story of the barracks has been finished. The terreplein pavement has been improved by the applica¬ tion of mastic to its joints. The mastic pavement of the parapet has been repaired in part. To complete the repair of the pavement, repair the cistern, one abutment of the bridge, repair the works, for the protection of the site, and attend to some other objects, the appropriation of $4,000 is requested. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851—- $2,800 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852--- — - 2,800 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853------4,000 00 15

Fori Macomb, (late Wood) Chef Menteur, Louisiana.—A second story has been added to the barracks, leaving no funds available for other purpo¬ ses. The site, as reported last year, requires protection from the injurious effects of the bayou in front of the fort. The pavements of the terreplein and parapet require some improvements, like those already made at Fort Pike, and some other repairs are required. No balance in the treasury. Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - $10,000 00

Battery Bienvenn, Bayou Bienvenu, Louisiana.—This work has been in charge of the fort-keeper during the year. The operations reported as ne¬ cessary last year have been executed in part, and will be completed, it is thought, without any additional appropriation. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 $2,700 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 — - 2,700 00 Tower Dupre, Bayou Dupre, Louisiana.—-This work has also been in charge of the fort-keeper. Stone pintle-blocks and traverse circles have been obtained to replace the decayed wooden ones. ' No appropriation's now asked for the work. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851--- $900 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 900 00

Fort Jackson, Mississippi River, Louisiana.—-The operations at this work were commenced in November, since which time important progress was made in the construction of an exterior water battery for thirty-two guns. The floors of the flank casemates of the fort have been raised as to be dry, and various small jobs have been executed. It is necessary to com¬ plete the exterior battery, including its magazine and gun traverses, and to add a story to the citadel, in order to supply indispensable barrack room ; and it will also be necessary to provide additional officers’ quarters. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 $4,300 00 Probable amount to be eypeVided by 30th June, 1852- 4,300 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853 - 20,000 00

Fort St. Philip, Mississippi River, Louisiana.—During the year, the scarp wall on the land front has been strengthened by an outside facing or wrall resting on a foundation of piles and concrete, and carried up within 4' 6" of its full height. The old facing of the water fronts being much injured by their settlement, has been taken down and rebuilt for about half their height. The pintle stones and traverse circles of the upper exterior battery have been set at their proper level. The officer in charge renews his request for an appropriation of $60,000, to complete the interior arrangements, rebuild certain parts of the work, and construct two exterior redoubts; but I have felt obliged to limit the estimate to a little more than half that sum: Balance in treasury on 30th September, 1851 $6,000 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 6,000 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853— ------— 35,000 00 16

Fort Livingston, Grand Terre Island, Louisiana.—This work is nearly in the condition reported last year. The settlement, though diminishing, is still too great to authorize the completion of the work. The work is ■suffering no injury, and could soon he put in a state of defence. No further appropriation is asked. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 - — $11,914 46 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852- - 2,000 00

Fort Taylor, Key West, Florida.—During the year the granite masonry of the scarp, with slight exceptions, has been carried up to the lower tier of embrasures on all four fronts, including galleries and culverts in the bastions four-fifths of the interior sand-filling has been executed ; making, in all, twenty-five hundred cubic yards granite masonry, twenty-nine hun¬ dred and twenty cubic yards concrete, one hundred thousand bricks, and forty thousand cubic yards sand embankment. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851 - $22,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852 22,500 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1853— 75,000 00

Fort Jefferson, Garden Key, Tortugas Island, Florida.—Operations at this work have been carried on during the entire year, and have been con¬ fined principally to completing, up to the coping, that part of the counter¬ scarp wall situated on the shoal; to constructing the coffer-dam for the scarp wall on fronts 1 and 6, and the two adjacent half bastions; to laying the foundation and part of the superstructure to the ref. (— 1) om bastions A and B, the connecting curtain, and two hundred and twenty-seven feet in length on curtain of front 6 ; embanking parade with sand from coffer¬ dam, constructing a large permanent cistern, and collecting a good supply of materials for concrete. Total quantity of masonry laid during the year, thirty-one hundred and forty cubic yards; excavation, twenty-nine hundred and eighty-two cubic yards; barrels of cement used, forty-two hundred and sixty-seven ; piles driven in coffer-dam, twenty-seven hundred and fifty-nine. The proposed operations of the next year consist in continuing the foun¬ dation of the scarp wall, and carrying up as much as possible of the superstructure to the level of low water; and the report of the engineer officer in charge shows the great advantage and considerable economy that would result from having an appropriation sufficient to bring the work to this height throughout its whole extent. The department is obliged, how¬ ever, to limit the estimate to the sum asked for last year. Balance in the treasury on 30th September, 1851 — $8,100 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1852- 8,100 00 Estimate of amount required to be appropriated for fiscal year / ending 30th June, 1853 — 50,000 00

Barracks, quarters and hospitals.—-This department has several times pressed on the government and Congress the necessity of erecting build¬ ings for the better accommodation of the troops, at certain places on the seaboard. Separate estimates will again be handed in for the commence¬ ment o/* permanent barracks on Governor7s island, Boston harbor, and on 17

Governor’s island, JVew York harbor; for a hospital at Fort Adams9 JYewpori harbor, R. /., and for another at Fort Washington y Maryland ; and for buildings necessary to the recruiting depot on Red low’s island^ JYew York harbor.

MILITARY ACADEMY.

In spreading before Congress the able report of the hoard of visiters- that attended the annual examination in June last, I have little occa¬ sion for adding remarks of my own, especially as you have yourself,,, by a close personal examination, looked into the general management of affairs, and daily routine of studies and exercises, and seen that the institution is, in all respects, in admirable condition. At no period of' its history has it been more marked by harmony, order, discipline, and successful prosecution of studies; and at no period has the nation been more indebted than now to the high and rare qualities displayed by the authorities in the government of the academy, and by every branch of academical and practical instruction. I have before felt it my duty to recommend that the salaries of the pro¬ fessors of drawing and of French should be raised to those of the other professors ; and also that the allowances to the principal assistant pro¬ fessors of French and drawing should be put upon the same footing as those of all other principal assistants. I have now to repeat both these recom¬ mendations, under a full conviction of the justice of the propositions. The estimate of the expenses of the Military Academy for the next fiscal year, handed in by the superintendent, is as follows: * For current and ordinary expenses — - - - $31, 690 00 For increase and expenses of the library- - — 1,000 00 For board of visiters 3,000 OO For difference in value between the present defective equa¬ torial telescope and a new one-- - 5,000 00' For riding hall - - 12, 000 00

52,690 OO And I append to this report a copy of the letter from the superintendent^ explaining the several items of the estimate. The following is a list of the officers, professors and teachers of the Military Academy, constituting the academical and military( staff, on the 30th September last: Captain Henry Brewerton, corps of engineers, superintendent and com¬ mandant. Mr. Dennis H. Mahan, A. M., professor of civil and military engineerings 2d Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Gustavus W. Smith, corps of engineers.* assistant professor of civil and military engineering. 2d Lieutenant Charles S. Stewart, corps of engineers, acting assistant pro¬ fessor of civil and military engineering. Mr. William H. C. Bartlett, LL. D., professor of „ natural and experi¬ mental philosophy. 1st Lieutenant Joseph J. Reynolds, 3d artillery, assistant professor of nat¬ ural and experimental philosophy. 2d Lieutenant and Brevet 1st Lieutenant William B. Franklin, topographic 2 18 'cal engineers, acting assistant professor of natural and experimenta: philosophy. ' ‘2d Lieutenant Joseph II. Wheelock, 4th artillery, acting assistant professoi of natural and experimental philosophy. Mr. Albert E. Church, A. M., professor of mathematics. 2d Lieutenant William G. Peck, topographical engineers, assistant profes¬ sor of mathematics. - 1st Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Edmund K. Smith, 7th infantry, acting assistant professor of mathematics. 2d. Lieutenant Delavan D. Perkins, 4th artillery,'acting, assistant professor of mathematics. ■ ‘ . 2d Lieutenant Milton Cogswell, 8th infantry, acting assistant professor of mathematics. 7 2d Lieutenant Chauncey McKeever, 3‘d artillery, acting assistant" professor ■ of mathematics. ■ ; ’’ ■ 2d Lieutenant John A. Mebane, 2d artillery, acting assistant professor of mathematics. Mr. Jacob W. Bailey, A. M., professor of chemistry, mineralogy and ge- ology. ...1st Lieutenant Francis N. Clarke, 4th artillery, assistant professor of chemistry, mineralogy and geology. 1st Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Edward C. Boynton, 1st artillery, acting assistant-professor of chemistry, mineralogy and geology. ' .Reverend William T. Sprole, chaplain and professor of ethics. ^ . 1st Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Henry Coppee, 1st artillery, assistant professor of ethics. 1st Lieutenant Charles C. Gilbert, 1st infantry, acting assistant professor of .-ethics. ■' ' • , ' 52d"Lieutenant Beekman DuBarry, 3d artillery,.-acting- assistant, professor of ethics. 5Mr. Robert W. Wier, N. A., professor of drawing. 1st Lieutenant Richard S. Smith, 4th artillery, assistant professor of . ^ ■ drawing.'. * 1st Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Trueman Seymour, 1st artillery, acting assistant professor of drawing. Captain Alexander H. Bowman, corps of engineers, instructor of practical engineering., , . • ’. . , ..... „ Brevet 2d Lieutenant Andrew J. Donelson, corps of engineers, assistant instructor of practical engineering. „ Brevet 2d Lieutenant James C. Duane, corps of engineers, acting assistant instructor of practical engineering. (1, 'Mr. H. R. Agnelv professor of the French language. ; V * J.st Lieutenant T. D. Oremieulx, 1st infantry,' assistant professor of the Trench language. . ? 1st Lieutenant John H. Greland, 4th artillery, acting assistant professor of the French language. H ; ‘' Captain Bradford R. Alden, :4th infantry, commandant of cadets. 1st Lieutenant John M.i Jones, 7th infantry, assistant instructor of infantry tactics. , i.u*.-. ■■ a ; ■ ■ 1st Lieutenant David R. Jones, 2d infantry, acting assistant instructor of tactics. . , .1st Lieutenant Henry B. Clitz, 3d infantry, acting assistant instructor of tactics. ::2d Lieutenant and Brevet 1st Lieutenant Dabney LI. Maury, mounted rifle¬ men, acting assistant instructor of tactics. 1st Lieutenant and Brevet Major George H. Thomas, 3d artillery, instruc¬ tor of artillery and cavalry. 1st Lieutenant and Brevet Major Fitz John Porter, 4th artillery, assistant instructor of artillery and cavalry. 1st Lieutenant Delos B. Sacket, 1st dragoons, assistant instructor of cav¬ alry tactics. Mr. P. DpJanon, instructor of the sword exercise. Mr. F. R. O. de Seville, instructor of riding, military staff. Dr. John M. Cuyler, M. D., surgeon. Dr. James Simons, assistant surgeon. 1st Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Seth Williams, 1st artillery, adjutant. :2d Lieutenant Barton S. Alexander, corps of engineers, treasurer of the Military Academy, and superintending construction of cadet barracks. Cadet barracks and mess-hall for cadets, and equipment shed for en¬ gineer and ponton trains.—The barracks have been nearly finished, and mre occupied by the cadets ; but some work is still required upon the adja¬ cent ground, and the out-buildings. The mess-hall is receiving its roof, and will be finished, probably, by spring. The equipment shed is nearly finished, and will be ready for use by De¬ cember next. , No.additional appropriations are asked. Balance in the treasury on the 30th September, 1851— On account of cadets’ barracks $15,500 00 On account of mess-hall-- 5,000 00 20,500 00 Probable amount to be expended by 30th June, 1851— Dn account of cadets’ barracks-- $15,5U() 00 On account of mess-hall r 5,000 00

20,500 00

Officers of the corps of engineers, and the company of engineer sol- Siers.—On the subject which I have twice pressed upon the attention of the government—namely, the gradual increase of the corps of engineers, iby the addition to the grade of second lieutenants of not more than three officers annually, for seven years, from graduates of the Military Academy— my report of la^t year presented reasons in detail, which were deemed to he of such force and urgency as to receive the favorable consideration of the Military Committee of the House: and to the report of that committee 1 now beg leave to refer in support of the proposition. The engineer company has been employed during the year in its proper ^drills, exercises and studies, and has greatly assisted, by constructions and labors, in conveying to the cadets instruction in various branches of practical military engineering, including the making of saps, trenches, field-batteries, magazines, platforms, &c., and in the laying and taking up 20 ponton bridges. The company is in a high state of discipline and in¬ struction.

BOARD OF ENGINEERS OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

This board has had several meetings for discussion of projects for the* defence of the Atlantic coast, and some of its members, as permitted by their other duties, are making plans and estimates for works in Portsmouth harbor, New Hampshire, in accordance with the decisions of the board.

BOARD OF ENGINEERS FOR THE PACIFIC COAST.

This board, constituted under orders of the 17th June, 1851, for the pur¬ pose of studying a system of defence for the Pacific coast, is sedulously engaged on projects for the entrance into St. Francisco bay, and I hope soon to present plans in support of an appropriation for the commencement of a work there early next year. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient, . JOS. G. TOTTEN, ■ Brevet Brigadier General, Colonel of Engineers. Hon. C. M. CONRAD, Secretary of War.

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, West Point, JY. 7., October 10, 1851.

SIR : I have the honor to transmit, herewith, in compliance with the department’s circular of the 1st ultimo, an estimate of funds required for the United States Military Academy, for the fiscal year ending June 30,. 1853. An increase of three thousand dollars over the previous estimate is asked; for repairs and improvements, for the purpose of meeting, in part, the ex¬ pense of a new wharf, and for providing for the addition of studies to the quarters of the professors, as recommended in the report of the board of visiters of this year. A new wharf is necessary to replace the old floating" wharf, formerly located on the north side of the point, which was carried away last fall by a raft coming in contact with it. A more sheltered po¬ sition on the west side has been selected for the site of the new wharf, and it is proposed to make it of a more permanent character, and of enlarged dimensions, so as to offer greater facilities for the landing of steamboats. In order to provide for the repair of the furnaces, which have been intro¬ duced into the public buildings for warming purposes, the sum of two* hundred dollars has been added to the item for grates, &c. The estimate for printing is increased three hundred dollars over that of this year : 1st, to provide additional compensation to the lithographer and pressman employed in the lithographic office, both of whom have become very expert workmen, and are valuable to the academy ; and being enlisted men, it is desirable to retain their services by re-enlistments, winch it is hoped may be secured by the addition of fifty dollars per annum,, each, to their pay. 2d, the sum of one hundred dollars is asked for retouching the diploma plate of cadets, which is much worn from the many impres- 21 sions taken from it. 3d, one hundred dollars is asked, in addition to the sum appropriated this year, to provide for printing a revised edition of the regulations of the academy, and anew catalogue of the library, both of which have been out of print some time. The disbursing officer’s and quartermaster’s clerk is also clerk of the officer having the charge of the construction of the public buildings at this post, and for the latter service receives a per diem allowance out of the appropriations for those buildings. As these buildings will soon be com¬ pleted, the additional sum for this clerk is asked, in order to make his com¬ pensation something near what it is at present. Although apparently an increase of salary, he will, in fact, receive a less sum from the government next year, than he does this. Under the head of miscellaneous and incidental expenses provision is made for the additional compensation to the librarian and his assistant, as authorized by the one hundred and forty-seventh paragraph of academic regulations. The assistant librarian, who is an enlisted man, has received ten dollars per month, in addition to his army pay as a soldier, for upwards of fifteen years; but by a recent decision of the Second Comptroller of the Treasury, this has been disallowed since the first of January last. To provide for this arrearage, thus accruing, as well as for the additional com¬ pensation to the librarian, who was appointed on the first instant, the sum ^of two hundred and seventy dollars is introduced in the present estimate. An addition of fifty dollars is asked for the purchase of music, &c. for the band, and a like sum as additional compensation to the non-commissioned officer in charge of the working force at this post—a most valuable man, who, by his industry and devotion to the public interests, has saved a large amount to the government. The sum of two hundred dollars is estimated for new cases in the miner- alogical department, for the accommodation of additional minerals, and those belonging to our cabinet not yet provided for. Additional compensation, to the amount of fifty dollars each, is asked for the two enlisted men in the philosophical and chemical departments, who assist in experiments, and have the care and cleaning of the valuable ap¬ paratus in these departments. They are trusty and worthy men, and it is desirable inducements should be held out for them to reenlist at the expira¬ tion of their terms of service. The sum of five thousand dollars is introduced into the estimate in order to procure a new equatorial telescope, which can be done on what is con¬ sidered very favorable terms, by exchanging the present defective telescope, and the payment of the sum named. It is hoped the amount asked for the new riding-hall may be granted at the next session of Congress, as the present hall, as has been stated on several occasions, is both unsuitable and dangerous for equitation. All which is very respectfully submitted. HENRY BREWERTON, Captain Corps of Engineers, SupH of Military Academy. Brigadier General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer, Washington, D. C. REPORT OF TIIE BOARD OF VISITERS TO THE MILITARY ACADEMY.

The undersigned, composing the board of visiters of the Military Academy of the United States for the year 1851, have the honor respect¬ fully to report to your department: , That, in obedience to the invitations contained in the letters of appoint¬ ment from the War Department, addressed to its several members, the board of visiters convened at West Point on Monday, the 2d of June instant, nearly all its members being in attendance, and at once entered upon the important duties confided to its care. The first day was, in compliance with long-established usage, devoted to the business of forming an acquaintance with the officers of the institution- composing the academic staff, the assistant professors, and all other officers/- and. teachers engaged in various duties at the academy; in making a cursory inspection of the whole establishment, and in witnessing a review of the battalion of cadets in military array. ^ This necessary preliminary being gone through on that day, on the next day the serious duty of attending the examinations of the classes at the Library Hall was begun-at 9 a. m,, continued until 1 p. m., arid, after a recess ’of two hours for dinner, recommenced and prosecuted until 5 o’clock p. m.; after which hour the board adjourned from the Academic Hall to visit and inspect a drill of the corps of cadets in some martial exercise. Such was, the daily routine of its duties from that day to the one on which it closed its labors, during a period in which all the classes were successively examined in the presence of the board on all the branches taught at the institution; the martial exercises at the close of each day being diversified so as to embrace in succession the drill of each arm of the service: infantry, cavalry, artillery, (both of the field and of the siege batteries,) with target practice, and the drill of the company of sappers and miners in ponton practice, and the exercise of fencing by cadets. To facilitate and give greater accuracy to their examinations, sub-com¬ mittees corresponding with the subjects of inquiry submitted to the board, were raised, and charged witli the duty of more minute investigations than the board could prosecute in one body. Aided by the reports of these- committees, and by its own observations, the board of visiters, will nowt proceed to state the final result of its examination ; and, for greater pre¬ cision, will arrange the subjects of its reports under .the heads of inquiry .and in the order suggested in your letter of appointment..

DISCIPLINE.

This subject, constituting the fundamental and essential principle of every institution of instruction, whether civil or military, received from the board an attention commensurate with its importance ; and in a military institu¬ tion like this, the board is satisfied that upon the due enforcement of a regular and stringent system of discipline upon the cadet depends his future character as a man and a soldier. , The board finds that there is established at the academy, under the an- 23 thority of the President of the United States, a set of rules for the govern¬ ment of the academy in all its branches. These, together with the rules and articles of war, to which the cadets are generally subject, as part of the army, seem to your board, provided they are invariably enforced, all that is required for the formation ot the character of the prudent, careful, and exemplary soldier. That they are enforced as far as is possible your board is fully satisfied ; results showing conclusively that there is no failure in duty in the officers> to whom is committed the care of this interesting institution. The board has great satisfaction in stating that most of the offences com¬ mitted by the cadets, and which make up the amount of demerit on the conduct roll, are more the consequence of the thoughtlessness of youth than of depravity. That irregularities should never be entirely corrected among youths is by no means to be deemed wonderful, but the constant his- • tory of the academy shows that under the system here in operation are* formed men of the highest usefulness to the State, both as citizens and sol¬ diers. ■ Upon a system operating so successfully, and where no change is suggested,, hut little need be said ; and your board passes from this subject with the expression of its opinion that the rules and regulations tor the government of the academy are founded in wisdom, and executed with fidelity and success. . ,

POLICE.

The subjects coming under this head of inquiry are, the Barracks, the Hospital, and the Mess Hall or Commons, to each of which the board gave a careful examination. 1st, the New Barracks.—This imposing and substantial edifice, which reflects credit on the Government for the proper and liberal appropriations for its construction, and on its accomplished architect, as also on the super¬ intendent of the public buildings who is now engaged in its completion, seems to your board most admirably adapted to all the purposes for which it is intended. Its commanding location, the size and convenience of the- rooms and sleeping apartments, the ventilation, the bathing department, furnaces, and other necessary conveniences, are judicious, and well and-' properly arranged. A portion of this building is completed, and has for some time past been occupied ; the other portion will be completed and ready for occupancy by the last of August, the period when the cadets go* into quarters after the encampment, which commences in a few days. One* important subject in relation to the wants of the “new barracks,55 requires notice. It is, that during a dry season, with the present quantity of pipes,, a plentiful supply of water for bathing purposes cannot be obtained. It is; recommended, therefore, that additional pipes be laid, to collect the waters from other fountains in the vicinity, so as to insure a constant and full sup¬ ply at all seasons. 2d, the Hospital.—The board cannot report too favorably of the fine order and neatness of condition in which they found this department. Every facility for becoming acquainted with the details of this establishment was furnished by the accomplished and competent physician and surgeon who has charge of it. The board was pleased to observe, that the recom¬ mendations of the last board relative to the removal of the public road 24 passing close by the hospital, have been attended to. The new road is now in course of construction, and will soon be completed, thereby relieving the inmates of the hospital from the many annoyances to which they were sub¬ jected. The board take pleasure in stating, that on the day of its visit there was not a single case of sickness in the establishment. 3d, Mess Hall.—The new hall, now in course of execution for the accommodation of the cadets, gives evidence of a proper liberality to the institution by the construction of a suitable and convenient building, com¬ bining all that may be necessary for the wants and comforts of this depart¬ ment. This hall, it is estimated by the superintendent of public buildings, will be ready for occupancy by the last of autumn or early part of the coming winter. The present mess hall, your board, through a committee, caused to be visited and inspected at dinner hour. The tables exhibited order and cleanliness, the food was good and abundant, and the cooking plain and good. v In conclusion, the board expresses its approval of the system of police which came under its observation.

With all the favorable impressions with which, from the high character of the academy, this board entered upon this branch of inquiry, and which nothing but a high order of excellence could satisfy, a close examination Into the actual condition of the school of instruction has impressed the board wit I the conviction, that in the science, intelligence, and skill of the professo: ’ and. their assistants, and in the diligence, fidelity, and success with which their lessons of instruction are received, there has been no fall¬ ing off during the periods which have elapsed since the many favorable reports of former boards of visiters on this subject. Impressed with this conviction, the board might have satisfied its duty by a simple reference to the enlightened testimony of those reports. And now, in subjoining its comments upon the actual state of things, it would still refer to such prior reports on this theme, as still applicable, and thus fitted to supply any 'Omissions or deficiency in this their report. The exercises of the classes in the various branches of the mathematics, in civil and military engineering, in mechanical philosophy and theoretic astronomy, gave abundant evidence of a knowledge of these several sub¬ jects, which can be expected from students only under the operation of strict discipline, attended by the ever-present feeling of a rigid and whole¬ some accountability. For the purpose, however, of improving the means of instruction in prac¬ tical astronomy, and securing some degree of actual experience in this important branch, the board would recommend that the present defective telescope of the equatorial be exchanged for a good one, and that from two to four members of each graduating class, having a taste and aptitude for such study, be retained for at least ,two years in the observatory, and that one-half of the number of these be relieved at the close of each academic .year. The examination in the department of natural sciences presented conclu¬ sive evidence to the board, that the recently increased facilities of the department for communicating a thorough knowledge of some of the more 25 important of the sciences of observation, have been met by corresponding results. In ethics, international and constitutional law, and the English depart¬ ment generally, the results of the examination were highly satisfactory, considering the small amount of time that is yielded to these studies out of the academic period of four years, and the disadvantages under which the studies of this department are pursued, in an atmosphere in which the exact sciences and their applications constitute the all-prevailing and controlling element. In the present straitened position of the department, therefore, a rigid analysis of text-books is all, perhaps, which can be successfully attempted; and the examination satisfied the board that the instructions of the depart¬ ment in this branch had been thorough and successful. The board would speak with approbation of the proficiency of most of the sections examined in the French language. They read and translated from French into English and from English into French, with correctness and promptitude, evincing a knowledge of the terms and construction of the language sufficiently thorough to enable them, by intercourse with those who use it habitually, to acquire with comparative facility the power of speaking and writing in that tongue. The examination of some of the sections in French did not seem to the board to be entitled to the same expression of approbation. They do not doubt that the deficiency was owing mainly to a lack of diligence in this particular study. The board, moreover, is not quite clear that the class exercises in French are made carefully subsidiary to the acquisition on the part of the pupil of greater precision, power and finish in the use of the vernacular. The instructions of the proper departments in artillery and infantry tac¬ tics appear to the board to have been ample, and the proficiency of the graduating class in these branches was thoroughly and successfully tested on examination. The system of military police, the theory of gunnery, and the rules of •each arm of the service, seem to be well understood. The practical exhibitions of the cadets in the various forms of infantry, artillery and cavalry drill, as well as their practice in the riding hall and fencing academy, were of a very satisfactory character, evincing a degree of skill which reflected credit on the professional instructions of the insti¬ tution. The connexion of drawing with civil as well as military engineering and wi1h the arts generally, renders it an accomplishment of great value ; and as such it appears to be pursued with proper zeal by the cadets generally, and of course with that variety of success which is due to the various apti¬ tudes of individuals for the art. The style of the numerous specimens open to examination deserves high praise, and illustrates the taste as wTell as the fidelity which guides the department. On the review of the whole ground, the board have no hesitation in pro¬ nouncing the examination highly satisfactory, and the well settled reputa¬ tion of the academy as a school of science fully sustained. Next to the direct labor of a numerous, able and faithful academic staff, the board would ascribe the success of the institution to the admirable dis¬ cipline which the relations of the cadets to the military power of the coun¬ try enable the board of instruction to maintain with entire exactness. 26

It is difficult to conceive anything more perfect than the action of this system, carried out without fear or favor, as there is abundant reason to believe it to be. In our estimate of the position of the Military Academy in the scale of educational agencies, it is not to be forgotten that it is not wholly and merely a professional school. In colleges of medicine, law and theology, the student is supposed to have completed his elementary and general course of instruction, before the commencement of his membership of the professional college. The Military Academy does not, in like manner, confine its action to the preparation of men already educated for the profession of arms. It under¬ takes the elementary as well as the professional education of the cadets, requiring no qualification for admission beyond the rudimental instruction of the domestic fireside or of the district school. For this twofold character of the institution, many satisfactory reasons' may be assigned, not needful here to be specified : but one the board will refer to as needful to the proper understanding of a change in the course of instruction hereafter to be recommended. And that reason is, that to re¬ quire a liberal course of study in preparation of the candidate for entrance into the academy, would be to shut out from the benefits of the institution those sons of the republic whose means are not adequate to the acquisition of this extended educational preparation. Regarding this twofold character of the academy, therefore, as a fixed fact, it will remain an open question for the consideration of the boards o visitation from year to year, whether the elementary portion of the course for the time being is properly adjusted to that which is professional, and whether it constitutes, in fact, a sufficient educational preparation of the American officer for his high position, and his important relations to society and to the civil state. Entering upon the consideration of this question, it strikes the board at once that if we take away from the course of instruction in the academy all that must be regarded as professional, wre leave a residuum of elemen¬ tary and general culture which in the just judgment of no man can be styled liberal. If this very plain proposition be granted, the necessity of at least an additional year to the course of instruction in the academy—a measure fre¬ quently recommended by preceding boards of visitation—follows as an unavoidable inference. Should this important measure be resolved on by the War Department, (and it is within the competency of that department, under favor of the President of the United States,) it is to be presumed that the academic hoard will receive the project with entire cordiality, and concur in making a harmonious adjustment of the whole course of instruction to the improved conditions of the academy. The board would merely suggest, as a preliminary, that at the entrance examination those candidates who may be found, on a rigid examination, well prepared for the academic course, may be admitted at once to the fourth class. Those who should not be found thoroughly prepared for the lowert academic class, may be placed for the year in the preparatory class. This plan would seem to obviate some real difficulties, which have always been felt, connected with the very unequal preparation of the cadets at the time of their entrance, besides having the main recommendation of opening a whole additional year to the more liberal studies of an enlarged academic course. On the financial bearing of the question, or cost which it may involve, it is recommended, in an economical point of view, by the small saving it will effect, resulting from.the difference between the pay of the lieutenants and cadets for the year, in which the promotion of the latter is postponed. It is believed, also, that the number of the cadets for commissions an¬ nually, after the first part in which the scheme may go into operation, may be sufficient to supply all vacancies occurring in the army.

A D MINIS T R A TION.

To the efficient organization and administration of this institution, and its almost perfect adaptation to the elevated objects contemplated in its creation, this board can unhesitatingly give its testimony. Yet this result has been produced by the safe process of gradual improvements, annually recommended by successive boards of visiters and inspectors, as time and experience developed their necessity. The liberality of Congress, enlight¬ ened by those reports, has almost fully supplied the machinery, both per¬ sonal and material, adequate to the full and efficient operation of the grand system of instruction now pursued, leaving but few subjects yest susceptible of improvement to be noticed and recommended by the present board. Prominent, however, amongst these, this board would present to your at¬ tention the want of a suitable riding-house for cavalry exercises. Such an establishment is deemed, in every country, even in those enjoying mild and equable climates, an indispensable means and appliance to a proper system of cavalry instruction ; and in a climate like this, having long and rigor¬ ous winters, rendering unsafe and nearly impossible, both to man and horse, out-door exercises for so long a portion of the year, a suitable riding-house becomes of indispensable necessity. Not merely is it required here as an efficient agent in the acquisition of cavalry instruction, but as the place where alone can the cadets, during the rigors of winter and occasional storms, take the needful physical exercise so essential to the counteraction of the enervating effects of their sedentary studies and pursuits. Those considerations have led to the use here, as a riding-school, of the basement of a building never designed for that purpose. Neither in dimen¬ sions nor arrangement is the basement of the academic building fitted for equestrian exercises ; traversed through its whole length by a double iron colonnade, needful for the support of the floor above, these columns very close together, whose intervals scarcely afford space for more than two files to pass, and not room for those to turn in safety while in rapid motion. Most of the cavalry evolutions performed there are attended with imminent risk of limb and life, both to horse and man. In witnessing those evolu¬ tions in that narrow space, your board was not more struck with the hardi¬ hood which led those bold youths to brave, than with the skill which ena¬ bled them to avoid, these imminent perils. Yet accidents of a serious na¬ ture do often occur, in spite of every precaution, and still more fatal ones are constantly to be apprehended. In the single cavalry drill, executed in this hail in the presence of the board, it learns that several cadets were placed upon the sick list, caused by hurts received on the occasion. This improvement only requires to be properly presented to the attention of Con- 28

gress to entitle it to their approval. After having liberally provided for a school of cavalry instructions, and at a very considerable annual expense for an instructer of riding and for horses, to withhold the small sum needful for a permanent improvement essential to the efficiency of the school of in¬ struction, would be neither consonant with reason nor economy. The board is informed by competent engineers who have considered the subject, that an appropriation of $15,000, in addition to an unexpended sum of $2,000, in hand, applicable to that object, would be fully adequate to the erection of a riding-house. One other incidental advantage to result from this new structure may be here adverted to. The present riding-room was designed for a gun-room, and is wanted for that purpose, to protect the field-train in use here from exposure to the weather. It would serve also tor the preservation and dis¬ play of the artillery trophies of the various wars in which our country has been engaged ; some of which, of earlier wars, are nowhere ; and of others of more recent conquest, this board, in a later portion of its report, will take occasion to recommend the deposite at this post. In connexion with the subject of improvements, this board has become convinced of the propriety of recommending an appropriation for the erec¬ tion of quarters or dwelling-houses for assistant professors, and the enlarg- ment of houses already appropriated to professors. After careful inquiries into the subject, it has come to the conclusion that many grave considera¬ tions recommend the erection of new and the enlargement of the actual dwellings at this post. Several of the assistant professors (officers of the army) now at this post, having families, are virtually deprived of dwellings of their own, and com¬ pelled, at increased expense and discomfort, to board and lodge at the hotel, from the unsuitableness of the quarters here provided for them. These in¬ conveniences will induce, as they have induced, many of them to seek service elsewhere with their regiments, to the great detriment of more val¬ uable interests at this place. At other posts the service is transitory—change of stations frequent, and such changes rather to be desired than otherwise. At this post, on the contrary, it is most desirable that the services of the assistant professors should be prolonged, not only to enable them to advance their own knowledge in the sciences, where alone they can be adequately acquired by them, but tt> insure to them the habit and practice of imparting instruction to others. Both these ends have been attained with infinite ad¬ vantage and honor to the nation, as is evinced in the able and distinguished body of professors and u savans” reared at this institution, some of whom are now dispensing their stores of knowledge at home and at this academy, while others are displaying abroad and in distant regions the fame of that school wherein their talents were developed. These valuable results could never have been achieved but for the per¬ manency secured to the stations of assistant professors, gradually and ma¬ turely reared to the elevated capacity of principal professors. The honor of the nation, and a just tribute to the value of its own Academy, require that in future, as in the past, this institution should supply from its own graduates all its professors and teachers, and to this end it should offer at least equal if not superior inducements of comfort and convenience to assis¬ tant professors already fully indoctrinated in the science of instruction to remain at this post. The board is satisfied, also, that the present dwellings of the professors 29 do not afford them adequate accommodations. Some of them need more dwelling-rooms to meet the requirements of their growing families, and all of them require at least a room specially fitted for study, where, secluded in domestic privacy, they may devote themselves to their own preparatory studies, and to needful intercourse with their pupils. , This board has not felt itself called upon to make any estimate of the cost to be incurred by such buildings as they contemplate, neither will it undertake with certainty to designate the number of new houses required, but it will express its opinion that about three or four of moderate dimen¬ sions and cost would be sufficient. In a previous part of its report the board expressed a purpose to submit for your consideration the propriety of transferring to this post a large por¬ tion of the artillery trophies of the late Mexican war. Many of these pieces, of all kinds and calibers, are now collected on Governor’s Island, where, owing to the infrequency of visiters, they are very inadequately known to the public. Here, owing to the attractions of this post, from its local beauties, and to the social and political interests which centre here, they would be in a position to be inspected by vast multitudes of our people from all sections of the United States. But it is in reference to the cadets, to the influence of those trophies upon the imaginations of those impressible and ardent youths who are to be the future defenders and heroes of their country, that their deposite at this place becomes of more importance. By the care of the ordnance office these cannon, mortars, and howitzers have received inscriptions, giving in brief the history of their captures, with the names of the battles, dates, &c., in a style of execution highly honorable to the taste of those who designed them. With those inscriptions, they, like a series of medals or of numismatics, will present a material chronology of important events, and keep alive in the minds of our future officers the memory of events so glorious to the arms of their country. It has been remarked by a grave moralist g€ that he did not envy the feelings of that man who could pass over the field of Marathon or the defile of Ther¬ mopylae without having his patriotism roused to a loftier pitch of enthu¬ siasm.” What youth could inspect these eloquent chronicles of passed victories without being inspired by a warmer throb of generous emulation f It is to be hoped that ere long these trophies, in whole or in part, will be added to the few already here gleaned from the fields of victory of the revolutionary war, and that the example will be followed by the collection here of other military relics and mementoes.

FISCAL AFFAIRS.

The expenditures at the Military Academy, West Point, naturally divide themselves into four classes: 1. Expenditures for the support or pay of the cadets, which are exhibited in detail on paper marked A, hereto annexed. 2. Expenditures for the current and ordinary expenses of the institution, and for improvements of lesser magnitude, for which appropriations are made by Congress of about the same sum annually, to be expended by the superintendent. These are exhibited in detail on paper marked B, hereto annexed. 3. Expenditures for the payment of the officers, instructors, and profes¬ sors of the institution, being the salaries or annual pay of each, paid by the paymaster of the army of the United States. These are exhibited in detail on paper marked C, hereto annexed, showing, first, the army, pay of each officer ; second, the additional pay of each officer, in consequence of his con¬ nexion with the Academy; third, the total pay of each officer. 4. Expenditures on account of improvements of greater magnitude, such as he\V barracks and mess-hall, made by an officer of the engineer corps. The expenditures of this character during the past year are exhib¬ ited on paper marked I). The board proceeds to remark on these expenditures in their order: and, first, on the expenditure for the support of the cadets. The sum expended for this purpose during the past year was $75,840 86—each cadet being paid the sum of $24 per month. It has been wisely determined that no money shall be paid to a cadet, except very small sums on special occa¬ sions, and by express order of the superintendent. Therefore, an officer of the army is appointed treasurer of the cadets, who receives their pay, once in two months, from the department at Washington, passes the amount due to each cadet to his credit on the books of the office, and also on a pass¬ book, which is delivered to and kept by the cadet, and supplies their wants by furnishing them such articles as they need, which are charged on his books, and also on the pass-book of the cadet. The wants of the cadets are, first, barracks and fuel, which are furnished by the government, and not paid for out of the pay to the cadets. Next, their wants are room fur¬ niture, clothing, text-books, drawing instruments and material, oil, &c., and board. These wants have led to the establishment of two departments for the benefit of the cadets, to wit, a commissary department and mess- hall, all the expenses of which are defrayed out of their pay. These two.departments have received much attention from your board ; for upon the economy with which they are managed, the rate at which his clothing, &c., and board are furnished, the ability of the cadet to live upon his monthly stipend of twenty-four dollars depends. The commissary department is conducted by a commissary, under the direction of a board of officers, designated “the clothing board.” The pur¬ chases are made generally in open market, and upon the most advantageous terms. When the articles purchased arrive, notice is given to the. superintendent, by whom a board of officers is ordered to inspect and report to him the quality, price, Ac., of the same. The best materials are thus secured. The clothing is made by the most approved workmen, and furnished to the ca¬ dets at actual cost, and a small percentage to cover the expenses of the establishment; and when finished is again examined by the clothing board as to quality and fit. The prices of all articles of clothing are hung up in a conspicuous place in the commissary store. The clothing consists of uni¬ form overcoats, uniform dress coats and pantaloons, riding jackets and riding pantaloons, fatigue jackets, white drilling pantaloons, and uniform shoes, which last are furnished by the shoemaker at contract price; also, for the third class, when going on furlough, of uniform frock coats, panta¬ loons, and vests, and citizens’ coats, pants, and vests. The other articles furnished by the commissary store are room furniture, equipments, (except arms,) sashes, dress and forage caps, shirts, drawers, stockings, gloves, socks, stocks, text-books, drawing instruments and materials, stationery, oil, candles, &c. All articles are furnished to the cadets on an order from the superintend- ent, who is obliged to study economy for many of them to keep them within their limited pay, and the articles furnished, with the prices, are entered on each cadet’s pass-book, and also on the books of the treasurer’s office. Each cadet, therefore, knows at all times the state of his account. The board takes pleasure in saying that the system of business and of book¬ keeping in the treasurer’s office and in the commissary department is ad¬ mirable, and merits unqualified commendation. No suggestions of ours can improve the system or economy of this department. The mess-hall is under the charge of an officer, called the purveyor of the mess-hail, who makes all purchases and disbursements, and all arrange¬ ments for the cadets’ mess—his purchases, disbursements, and arrange¬ ments being supervised and approved by a board of officers, designated “ the Auditors of Cadets’Mess Accounts.” The price of board charged to each cadet averaged the last year $8 13 per month. The board is of opinion that the present purveyor, who has recently entered on the -duties of his office, can and will introduce more system into this department, .and, by attention to minute detail, reduce the price of board without depr¬ eciating the quality of the food furnished ; and the hope is indulged that, as a matter of economy and comfort to the cadets, the purveyor will be permit¬ ted to extend the vegetable garden attached to the mess-hall, and improve ‘its cultivation. We now pass to the “ expenditures for current and ordinary expenses of the institution, and for improvements ot lesser magnitude,” set forth in paper marked B, hereto annexed. The board examined the system of accounts, the book-keeping, and the vouchers under this head, with entire approval; and has only to record that the ordinary expenses, together with the appropriation for the library, (which ought to be annual and classed as ^current expenses,) amount to $29,884. Paper marked C, hereto annexed, shows the “ army pay” of all officers, instructors and professors connected with the military academy, to be annually. $35,488; their additional pay, in consequence of their connexion with the academy, to be $20,840 ; and their total pay to be $56,328. On inspecting this document, the board is struck with the fact that the com¬ pensation of the professor of drawing is much less than that of the other professors, while the importance of his professorship, his accomplishments, and his labors, would be acknowledged by all the professors as equal to their own. The board but performs an act of justice in repeating the earnest recommendation of Brevet Brig. Gen. J. G. Totten, in his report to the Secretary of War of November 9, 1849, “ that the professor of drawing at the military academy be put upon the same ground, in respect to pay, with the professors of engineering, mathematics, ethics, and chemistry.” Paper marked D, shows the amount disbursed for cadpt barracks since June, 1850, to be $18,438 33, and the amount available for the same to be $31,055 68 ; the amount disbursed for the mess-hall to be $12,390 11, and the amount available for the same to be $16,897 17.

It appears from the foregoing that the Annual expenditure for the pay of the cadets is - $76,840 86 Do. do. current and ordinary expenses - 29,844 00 Do. do. officers, instructors, and professors is 56,328 00

Amounting to the sum of - - - 163,012 86 32

The average number of cadets belonging to the academy during the last five years is two hundred and thirty-six. Not regarding either the interest or the principal of government expendi¬ tures at West Point for lands, buildings, and permanent improvements, and considering that the officers, if not employed here, might be usefully em¬ ployed elsewhere in the service of the government, we set down above the annual expense of the institution at $163,012 86, making the annual cost to the government for each cadet, $690 86. In some views the above sum may seem large as an annual expense, but when compared with other government expenses it is a sum $8,620 less than it costs to keep afloat for one year a first-class frigate; and when con¬ sidered in its results, that we obtain from this expenditure a body of officers who will compare in scientific attainments, in military skill, in noble bear¬ ing, with the officers of any army in the world—men of enlarged patriotism and national feelings—men who diffuse military knowledge through the country, who have executed many of the great works, military and civil, of the country—men who, scattered through the land in military or civil life, are capable of officering and instructing in good soldership an army of fifty thousand men, at any moment, at the call of their country; thus giving the Union the advantages, without the dangers and expense, of a large standing army; when considered thus, the sum sinks into insignificance. The board had been led to examine whether the pay of the cadet is suffi¬ cient for his support. The course adopted in investigating this question was, to take the pass¬ books of the cadets of the graduating class, and examine them with the greatest care in detail, and thus to ascertain from the examination, and by inquiry of the cadets, what clothing, what furniture, what books they had purchased, and what miscellaneous expenses they had incurred. A selec¬ tion was made of some of the most exemplary and poorest cadets, who had had during their course every motive and wish to exercise the strictest eco¬ nomy, and wno now, being on the eve of graduating, had no motive to increase their own pay. From this examination your board has made out a list of the furniture which each cadet must have, and the prices at which it is furnished at the commissary store. This list (marked D 2) shows the expenditure necessary during four years, for furniture, &c., to be $65 78. Paper marked E, hereto annexed, shows the clothing which must be fur¬ nished to each cadet during his four years, and the prices of the same at the commissary store; and the cost of the same to be $485 72. Paper marked F shows the miscellaneous expenses incurred to amount to $38 42. Paper marked G shows the permanent and necessary charges on the accounts therein stated, which are made against the pay of every cadet* during his four years, to be $717 34. Paper marked H shows that each cadet must spend for books $46 09. /The cadefs pay, at.$24 the mouthy is; - - ■ - §1,152-00 The account then stands thus: The cadet pays for furniture - - - $65 78 Do- do. miscellaneous expenses - 38 42 Do. do. permanent and necessary charges 717 34 Do. do. books - - - 46 09 Do. do. clothing - - - 485 72

In all - - « - $1,354 35

And the balance against him is $202 65, which is paid by his parent or guardian, or for which he runs into debt. Your board is of opinion, that with the strictest economy, the cadet on graduating must have nearly this balance against him, or must have had it made up by his parent or guardian, or must have been subjected in his feelings to mortification. The views of the superintendent on the effect of this state of things are as follows: “It is important,” he says, “in a national institution like this, that every member should be placed on a perfect equality; and this cannot be the case if the allowance granted by government is inadequate to supply the absolute wants of the cadets, irrespective of any aid from parents or guardians. The wel¬ fare of the academy requires that there should be an entire independence of feeling in this respect, and that the son of the most indigent should be able to appear in the same inexpensive decent garb as the son of the most affluent.” In these sentiments the board fully coincides, and is prepared to maintain that the pay of the cadet should be increased four dollars a month; in other words, restored to twenty-eight dollars per month. The board of visiters has thus passed under review the various leading subjects which, for the last seventeen days, have fully engrossed their attention. • ' If the members of this board can claim for their services no other merit, they are certainly entitled to that of having, devoted to their task the most assiduous and unremitting attention. In the execution of their arduous duty they have been relieved and aided by the zealous and cordial cooperation of the superintendent, of the profes¬ sors, their assistants, and of all the other officers on duty at the post. Every information tiny could desire was readily and freely communicated; all the facilities that could be afforded them were promptly rendered; and in the frank and cordial association with a body of officers so distinguished for urbanity and intelligence, they would have reaped a sufficient reward, even if their task had been one of a less interesting nature. But to the members of this board their task was one of never-failing interest, as it daily developed before them the beautiful and harmonious working of a system, so valuable for the assurance it affords of future use¬ fulness to their country, and so endeared to them by the recollections of what it has already achieved ; and if the result of their investigation shall serve to exhibit to the Government, and extend among their feilow-citi- 34 zens, a true conception and knowledge of this institution, they will hare satisfactorily accomplished their task. All which.is most respectfully submitted.

R. H. GARDINER, Maine, President of the Board. WILLIAM DWIGHT, Massachusetts. AUGUSTUS W. SMITH, Connecticut. GEO. 0ADWALADER, Pennsylvania. JAS. L. GAITHER, Maryland. JAMES PHILLIPS, North Carolina. WM. P. BOWEN, Georgia. A. H. DUNLEVY, Ohio. H. W. HUNTINGDON, Louisiana. SAMUEL BRECK, Alabama. JOSEPH R. COBB, Mississippi. ; THOMAS RANDALL, Florida. J. B. BROWNE, Iowa. JOHN H. LATHROP, Wisconsin, Secretary of the Board. To the HOB. SECKETAHY OF WAK, Washington.

\ • ooi^cotoMoccoo^o^oi^cctcHooasocn^cotcM Reference, A .—StatementofauthorizedamountspaidbyLieut.B,8.Alexander,corpsengineers,andtreasurerthe U.8.Military cable foreachcadet,allarticleshereinenumerated,oneyear,commencingMay1,1850,andending 1,1851. Academy, exhibitingtheannualtotalamount,averageamountfortwomonthstogetherwith amountappli¬ Dancing-master Damages, ordnancedepartment Baths . Cotillon parties Policing barracks Dentist Damages, mes3commons- Lithographic department| Barber, shoe-blackingandvarnish India-rubber cloakfund Iron bedsteadandtablefund Commissary stores Shoemaker Clothing department Balance ofcashpaidcadets Cash onaccount Mattress fund Subscription tomonument Use ofrulesandtriangles(steel) Washing Damages, quartermaster’sdepartment..,i Board atmesscommons Use ofcap-platesandplumes! Use ofdrawinginstruments• Postage . t Band fund

On wliataccountpaid. 18,308 79 May and 8,982 66 1,497 01 11,400 02 $110 50 June. 222 53 469 05 212 35 321 23 550 50 8G7 57 146 87 162 24 882 98 122 96 180 25 29 52 28 40 57 54 22 03 35 91 6 67 July and 14,928 03 August. 3,644 32 3,543 56 1,039 82 3,977 16 . 18518 $122 00 325 97 207 27 119 77 500 00 104 92 908 06 30 80 25 87 96 19 81 80 14 15 Year 1 69 j 1617 | 26314 ! 64814 ! 2,20388 1850. Sept, and 11,627 34 October. 4,032 11 2,500 08 1,026 65 $127 00 206 33 137 88 107 18 101 52 159 93 36 12 11 50 37 60 6 18 6 93 •* Nov. &De¬ 10,588 38 cember. 4,867 74 1,846 94 1,013 73 1,324 34 $126 50 236 38 222 64 260 93 608 07 246 36 133 95 48 80 64 18 29 00 35 20 5 54 9 00 9 48 Jan. &Feb¬ 11,016 58 4,096 31 1,739 11 1,234 35 ruary. $117 90 1 991 13 230 21 374 80 320 21 354 58 185 31 943 96 116 29 188 33 26 80 65 17 26 33 Year 1851. 2 68 3 61 | 9,37134 March and 3,800 12 1,964 06 April. $115 70 112 79 498 41 242 82 261 07 792 38 198 22 925 68 125 85 139 04 27 20 29 74 44 25 92 25 1 44 32 Total amount. , 10,20365 23,673 46 10,262 28 75,840 86 12,895 32 1,473 44! 5,701 06 1,083 48 1,381 18 3,719 24 $719 60 460 17 207 27 500 00 610 16i 919 78 740 62 254 49 180 25: 186 00i 138 74 48 80 29 52 22 03' 57 '54 57 19 15 59 1 12,63983 | 1,70060 | 12670 i 813 1 8333 i 12344 [ 253 1 492 | amount for 2 months. Average 2,149 22 3,945 57 1,710 38 $119 77 215 57 619 87 230 19 153 29 101 70 950 17 180 55 31 00 34 54 23 12 42 41 30 04 3 67 9 59 9 53 i '44 ! 2 ; 18 1 4 Av. am’t ap¬ 54 73 $0 50 17 15 plicable lor 7 39 2.69 4 00 1 00 7 43 9 34 1 06 each cadet 55 38 54 66 76 47 15 10 13 13 1 1 for 2 mos. 36

A—Continued.

Remarks.

1 Voluntary subscription by cadets for the support of a band of musicians. 2 The amount charged each cadet being pro rata, and fixed by a board of officers, who . examine and audit the accounts of the purveyor of the cadets’ commons. 3 Two dollars per month, winter and summer. 4 Conducted by the commissary of cadets—articles furnished: U. S. text-hooks, sta¬ tionery, under garments, equipments, room furniture, oil, candles, &c., &c., under the inspection of a board of officers. 5 Conducted by the commissary of cadets—articles furnished: uniform clothing, citi-: zens5 clothing and authorized military frock coats when going on furlough, under the inspection of a board of officers. 6 Shoes and repairs done by contract, under the inspection of the commissary of clothing. 7 Postage of letters and newspapers—onq paper allowed to each cadet, provided he makes application for the permission. 8 This embraces shoe-blacking, hair-cutting, varnishing, accoutrements, &c. 9 A small charge for each bath—only sufficient to pay the expenses of the bathing .es¬ tablishment. 10 This is only charged to the fourth class for their use, at 20 cents per month for the first year only, which is applied to keep the articles in repair. 11 The drawing instruments were purchased for the use of the cadets—a small sum charged for their use. On the 1st September, 1850, the said instruments were turned over to the commissary department, and are furnished cadets the same as other articles. 12 A small charge annually, being necessary to keep them in repair. 13 Charge for the use of lithographic works, written by the officers and.professors to aid the course of instruction in their several departments. 1 14 An annual charge for plumes and caps, ornaments furnished for the use of the cadets. 15 This embraces damages of barracks, breaking window glass, &c. 16 Charge of damages of arms and accoutrements, loss of the same, &c., which reverts to the United States. 17 Charge of damages of tumblers, plates, dishes, knives and forks, &c., which is signed by the cadets when the said damage is done, agreeably to the regulations of the class hall. 18 For distributing fuel, policing barracks, attendant on furnaces, the amount is averaged at each settlement, according to the number of cadets at muster, and charged ac¬ cordingly. 10 For professional services wl^ui recommended by the army surgeon of the U. S. Mili¬ tary Academy. 20 Amount subscribed by the cadets of the U. S. Military Academy. 21 Amount subscribed by the cadets, and given during the months of July and August— this is a voluntary subscription. 22 For monuments to deceased cadets, subscribed by their classmates, and other sub¬ scriptions. f)p The mattresses were purchased for the use of the cadets, and a*-small siim charged tor their use. On the 1st September, 1850, they were turned "Over to the commissary department, and are furnished cadets the same as other articles:. • 24 Purchased for the use of the cadets; a small amount charged annually, under the direction of the commissary department, to cadets. 25 For subscription to newspapers, &c., which is authorized by the superintendent of the U. S. Military Academy. 26 When graduating, they receive the balances due them, including their equipment fund, and the furlough class receive the balance that may he due them to 1st July.

Respectfully submitted: B. S. ALEXANDER,; Lieut, Engineers', Treasurer U, S, M. A* TREASURER’S OFEICE, ...TPiraf Pointy N, F., June 7,1851. B. Statement of funds available and disbursements made by Captain Henry Brewerton, corps of engineers, and superintendent of the United States Military Academy, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1851.

Heads of appropriations. Remarks. 30,1850. June, 1851. June 6, 1851. ance of fiscal year ending June SO, 1851. for fiscal year end¬ ing June 30,1851. 1851. clude 6th June, fiscal year ending June 30, 1851. Unexpended June Available for bal¬ Aggregate available Due sundry persons Appropriations for Paid to include 6th Expended to in¬

Current and ordinary expenses. $6,131 28 $28,884 00 $35,015 28 $21,775 46 $2,786 73 *$24,562 19 $10,453 09 Includes general repairs and improvem’ts, fuel, forage, miscellaneous expenses, Gradual increase and expense clerks and the various dependents. of library... 1,039 96 1,000 00 2,039 96 947 24 947 24 1,092.72 About half this balance will be absorbed by books ordered but not received. CO Hospital for enlisted men 1,937 43 2,000 00 3,937 43 3,937 43 3,937 43 •*1 Permanent guard-house 3,000 00 3.000 00 8,000 00 3,000 00 Riding hall 2,000 00 2.000 00 2,000 00 2,000 00 Will be expended this season. 11,108 67 84,884 40 45,992 67 29,660 13 2,786 73 32,446 86 13,545 81

* This amount ($24,562 19) is made up as follows, viz : Repairs and improvements $8,223 99 Department of engineering.... $304 00 Fuel and apparatus, &c.. .f. 5,537 29 Department of philosophy 78 69 Forage 929 46 Department of chemistry 200 49 Postages. 21 14 Department of ethics 3 32 Stationery 315 45 Department of drawing 190 73 Transportation of discharged cadets, &c.. 1,076 10 Department of artillery 2,024 54 Printing 1,523 52 Department of infantry tactics 41 10 Clerks 1,562 49 Miscellaneous and incidental expenses.... 2,589 88 Total 24,562 19 IIEN. BREWERTON, Capt. Corps Eng’rs, Supt, Mil. Academy. UNITED STATES MILITAKY ACADEMY, West Point, N. F., Jim* 7,1851. a Statement of the rank, pay and emoluments of the officers, professors and instructors connected'with the United States Mili¬ tary Academy at West Point, New York.

Duties. Rank. Pay and emoluments.

£p< Military Academy. 1 sequence of connex¬ ion with U. States Total pay. < Additional pay m con¬

Superintendent . Captain engineers , $2,000 per annum and double rations as com¬ $1,917 $813 $2,730 mandant of the post. Professor of engineering $2,000 per annum and one ration for every 2,365 2,365 five years5 service. CO Assistant professor of engineering... 2d lieutenant engineers and brevet Pay of captain of engineers 1,060 200 1,260 00 captain United States army. do : do...... 2d lieutenant engineers Pay of lieutenant of engineers. 987 987 Professor of natural and experimental $2,000 per annum and one ration for every 2,292 2,292 philosophy. five years5 service. Assistant professor of natural and ex¬ 1st lieutenant artillery Pay of captain of engineers. 912 348 1,260 perimental philosophy. Assistant professor of natural and ex- 2d lieutenant topographical engineers Pay of lieutenant of engineers , 1,060 1,060 perimental philosophy. and brevet 1st lieutenant United States army. Assistant professor of natural and ex- 2 lieutenant infantry Pay of 2d lieutenant of infantry . 779 779 ■ perimental philosophy. Professor of mathematics $2,000 per annum and one ration for every 2,292 2,292 five years5 service. Assistant professor of mathematics... 1st lieutenant artillery Pay of captain of engineers. 912 348 1,260 do do 1st lieutenant artillery and brevet cap¬ Pay of 1st lieutenant of artillery 912 912 tain United States army. .do. .ao. 1st lieutenant artillery...... do. do 889 839 .do. .do. 1st lieutenant infantry and brevet cap¬ Pay of 1st lieutenant of infantry. ' 912 912 tain United States army. Assistant professor of mathematics... 2d lieutenant topograliical engineers. Pay of lieutenant of engineers A’U:.j...... 1,000 1,060 do do 2d lieutenant artillery. Pay of 2d lieutenant of artillery...... 779 779 Professor of chemistry, mineralogy $2,000 per annum and one ration for every 2,219 2,219 and geology. five years5 service Assistant professor of chemistry, min¬ 1st lieutenant artillery. Pay of captain of engineers 985 348 1,333 eralogy and geology. Assistant professor of chemistry, min- 1st lieutenant artillery and brevet cap¬ Pay of 1st lieutenant of artillery. 839 839 erolgy and geology. tain United States army. Professor of ethics $2,000 per annum and one ration for every 2,000 2,000 five years5 service. Assistant professor of ethics . 1st lieutenant artillery and brevet cap. Pay of captain of engineers 912 348 1,260 tain United States army. • do do 1st lieutenant infantry Pay of 1st lieutenant of infantry 839 7 839 ...... do.. do. 2d lieutenant artillery Pay of 2d lieutenant of artillery 779 779 Instructor of engineering (practical;. Captain engineers Pay of captain of engineers; $10 per month 1,672 1,672 cnmmand5g company sappers and miners. Professor of drawing $1,500 per annum and one ration for every 1,719 1,719 live years5 service. Assistant professor of drawing 1st lieutenant artillery Pay of 1st lieutenant of artillery and $14 per 1,152 1,152 month as acting assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence. ,..... do do 1st lieutenant artillery and brevet cap¬ Pay of 1st lieutenant of artillery. 839 839 tain United States army. Instructor of infantry tactics. Captain infantry. $2,000 per annum and one ration for every 1/298 921 2,219 five years5 service. Assistant instructors of infantry tactics 1st lieutenant infantry. Pay of 1st lieutenant of infantry and $10 per 912 120 1,032 month commanding company of cadets. .do. .do. 2d lieutenant mounted rifles and bre¬ Pay-of lieutenant of mounted rifles and $10 1,083 120 1,203 vet 1st lieut. United States army., per month command’g company of cadets. Professor of French. $1,500 per annum and one ration for every 1,646 1,646 live years5 service. Assistant professor of French 1st lieutenant infantry. Pay of 1st lieutenant of infantry 985 985 do. .do 1st lieutenant artillery Pay of 1st lieutenant of artillery 912 912 Instructor of artillery and cavalry ... 1st lieutenant artillery and brevet ma¬ Pay of major of artillery (the present instruc¬ 1,820 1,820 jor United States army. tor holding that brevet rank) and $10 per month commanding detachments of artil¬ lery and cavalry. Assistant instructor of artillery. 1st lieutenant artillery and brevet ma¬ Pay of 1st lieutenant of artillery ; 912 912 jor United States army. Assistant instructor of cavalry.. 1st lieutenant dragoons Pay of 1st lieutenant of dragoons! . 1,156 1,156 C—•Statement of the rank, pay and emoluments of the officers, $c\, of the Military Academy—Continued.

Duties. Rank. Pay and emoluments. ou 2 sequence of connex¬ ion with U. States Military Academy. Total pay. Additional pay in con¬ & Army pay.

1 Instructor of foncino* , , , - T... T $720 per annum. 720 720 Instructor of rid imp* $750 per annum 750 750 1 1 j 1 Suvo nn . T--- T --- Major Pay of surceon of the army 1,917 1,917 1 Assistant, snr.o*oon Captain Pay of assistant surgeon 1,625 1,625 1 Treasurer of the United States Mili¬ 2d lieutenant, engineers Pay of lieutenant of engineers 1,060 1,060 tary Academy. 1 Adjutant 1st lieutenant artillery and brevet cap¬ Pay of adjutant of dragoons (by act of Con¬ 912 291 1,203 tain United States army. gress approved March, 1851.) Disbursing officer and quartermaster’s 730 730 clerk. * Treasurer’s clerk 500 500 Adjutant’s clerk 500 600

5 NOTE.—All commissioned officers receive one additional ration for every five years service. (Act July 5, 1838, sec. 15; act July 7, 1838, sec. 9.)

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, West Point N. Y.> June 6,1851. HEN. BREWERTON, Captain Engineers and Supt. Military Academy. 41 D.

WEST POINT, N. Y., June 10, 1851. SIR: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to annex hereto a statement of the amount disbursed on account of cadet barracks and new mess-hall, since June, 1850, and also the balances available for each work, as follows, viz :

Amount disbursed for cadet barracks since June, 1850 $18,438 33 <£ available June 1, 1851 -- 31,055 68 Amount disbursed for new mess-hall - 12,390 11 “ available June 1, 1851 - ---- 16,897 17 Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,’ S. 'S; ALEXANDER, Lieutenant Engineers, U. S. JL WILLIAM DWIGHT, Esq., Chairman Committee on Fiscal Affairs, Board of Visiters.

D 2.

Showing the furniture necessary to be purchased by each cadet.

FURNITURE.

1 comforter 2 blankets 5 50 1 pillow 1 50 1 chair 2 00 1 candlestick - 42 1 dipper 23 1 broom 25 1 mattress 6 00 Lamps 2 94 2 looking-glasses 80 20 gallons oil - 15 75 2 wash-bowls - 70 2 hair-brushes - 88 2 table-covers- 1 60 Soap - 1 78 2 water-buckets 80 8 pair sheets - 8 96 8 pair pillow-cases 4 00 1 wash-stand - 1 50 4 tumblers 40 12 towels 3 00 1 clothes-bag - 20 1 oil can 35 4 42

Shaving apparatus U -57 Combs 60 Tooth-brushes 1 50 Clothes broom 30

65 78

E.

Showing the clothing necessary to be purchased by each cadet.

CLOTHING.

6 fatigue jackets - - - - - $13 50 2 forage caps ------3 50 8 uniform coats - v~ - - 84 00 16 uniform drilling pants - - - - 49 28 16 uniform storks ------5 48 28 pair gloves - - ~ - 8 68 8 belts - - - ■- - ■ ' 5 84 12 pair shoes - - - - - 32 20 repaired ------5 00 1 dress cap ------2 69 48 collars - - ~ - - 7 20 8 uniform woolen pants - - - - - 47 00 Repairs of clothing - - — - - - 8 00 82 shirts * - - - - — - - 48 00 Crape for mourning - - - - 25 Furlough clothing - - - ~ - - 64 50 Expenses - - - - - • - - 30 00 2 riding jackets - - - - 14 00 2 pair pants ------11 50 2 pair gloves ------3 00 2 pair dancing shoes - - - 5 24 8 pair summer drawers - - - - - 4 80 8 pair winter drawers - ~ ' - - - 6 00 8 merino shirts ------8 48 16 pair winter stockings - - - ” ” 4 68 16 pair summer stockings - - - - 4 00 2 pair thread gloves - - . - 62 16 handkerchiefs - - - . - - - 8 00 485 72 43 E. Showing miscellaneous expenses necessary to be incurred by each cadet.

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.

Pass-book - - - - - $0 44 Ink - - - - « 18 Steel pens - - - - 36 Letter paper - - - - - 67 Cleaning materials - - - - 37 Candles - - - - 94 Slate pencils - - - - 06 Brooms ------25 Knife and pencil - - - 35 Pair scissors to trim lamp - - - - 35 Drawing instrument and materials - 34 45

3S 42

G. The following are permanent and necessary charges against each cadet, ivJiile at the Academy, and are entered every two months, in his account for the whole or part of the time. Contribution for board, 25 cents a month, or for four years, $12 00 Board - - - - $8 13 per month, or for four years, 389 22 Washing - - - -2 00 do. do. do. 96 00 Postage - - - - 50 do. do. do. 24 00 Barber, shoe-blacking and var¬ nishing - - - 53 do. do. do. 25 44 Baths - 22 do. do. do. 10 56 Policing barracks 3300 GO.do. GO.do. GO.do. 18 24 Iron bedstead and table fund - 06| per month, or for one year, 78 Using of rules and triangles - 02 do. do. do. 24 Lithographic department 09 per month, or for four years, 4 32 Use ot cap, plates, and plumes 01 do. do. do. 48 Dentist 27 do. do. do. 12 96 Dancing-master - 19 per month, or for two years, 4 56 India rubber and cloak fund - 01J per month, or for four years, 18 Cotillon parties - - 07| do. do. do. 3 60 Cash for spending 27| do. do. do. 13 20 Subscription to monument - 33 per month, or for 3 96 Damngt-to quartermaster’s dpt. 011- per month, or foj 24 do. Ordnance do. 02 do. do. do. 96 do. Mess commons 05 do. do. do. 2 40 Equipment iund 2 00 do. do. do. 96 00

717 34 ; . ■ 44 ' H.

Shows the books necessary to he purchased by each cadet and the prices.

Arithmetic ----- — ------$0 60 Blank book-- - - ~ 12 English Grammar------* - - - - 4V Algebra—— 1 OS Khetoric—— —------i 10 Geography- — ...... 48 Blank book ------12' French Dictionary ----- 1 82 French lessons------—------— — 92 French Grammar------93 Blank book--— - 12 Descriptive Geometry-- —----- — 1 50 Blank book— - - 12 Chapsal’s French lessons - - 92 Rowan’s Reader------— ------70 Calcnlers------— ■ «- —------—1 36 Chemistry------2 40 Bartlett’s Mechanics - -— - - - * ------2 10 “ Optics- — - --—- — ------2 04 “ Astronomy----- 3 00 Davies’ Magnetism—— — 1 00 Artillery Tactics—1 56 Infantry Tactics —■-*s—--—2 40 Whaley’s Logic— - — - - 60 Kent’s Commentaries- - - - -i- 4 08 Civil Engineering -- --— 2 70 Mineralogy ------———----- 96 Geology--—---- — ------1 01 Field Fortifications- —— 90 Moral-Science—------— — ; 1 02 Artillery--- - - T-- —------2 83 Constitution of the United States------— — ----—■ - --- 12 Shades and Shadows-r1 75 Davies’ Surveying------— - — —-— 1 13; 46 09

4 f-'. /"