indispensable to a proper knowledge of the numberless materials which nature has destined to be subjected to the practical operations of the military and civil engineer, and which, with some preparatory study at the Academy, might be successfully pursued by military officers during those intervals of leisure which are generally to be found when an army is not engaged in the active duties of war. It is a well-known fact, that in Europe, particularly in England, the extensive cabinets of geology have been enriched, and the progress of the natural sciences has been essentially aided, by the invaluable contributions which have been made from all parts of the globe by well educated officers of the army. In our own country, the incalculable importance of geological science has been loudly proclaimed by the public voice, in the numerous geological surveys which have been ordered by the legislatures of various States in the Union; and the scientific knowledge which intelligent officers might obtain by means of a geological cabinet, embracing a full suit of European, as well as American specimens, would enable them to render essential service to their country, not only by the direct practical results of science, but by the no less important advantage of establishing a solid and lasting national reputation. Among the direct and incidental advantages of this institution, is the diffusion of knowledge on the subject of engineering. Its connexion with the art of war causes it to be justly regarded not only as an important, but a necessary object of attention, and we were highly gratified to perceive that it here receives due consideration. The examinations in this branch of instruction reflected much credit upon the cadets. Its direct utility, in a military point of view, is too obvious for remark. In constructing fortifications and fortified camps, and in improving harbors upon the seacoasts and the shores of our extensive lakes and rivers, for the benefit of internal and external commerce, the Government has had, and will continue to have, occasion to employ a large number of skilful engineers; and its main reliance, in this respect, has been upon the graduates of this institution. The successful progress of the extensive works of internal improvements, in almost every section of the United States, undertaken not only by the several States, but by companies and individuals, is, in no inconsiderable degree, to be ascribed to the knowledge of engineering which has emanated from this source. The proficiency of the cadets in this department of science is, we think, equal to the highest expectations of the country; and the dissemination of practical and scientific information on this subject, by means of the graduates of this Academy, will continue to be, as it has been, of incalculable advantage to the great cause of internal improvement. The library of the Academy, which now contains between eight and ten thousand volumes, is a highly valuable collection, particularly in those departments of it which relate to military science, and the branches of knowledge immediately subsidiary to that science. It is most complete in works on the military, mathematical, and physical sciences, and in maps. The deficiencies are most conspicuous in works usually classed under the general head of literature, in contradistinction to science; and among these works it would be desirable that it should be supplied with a body of history, embracing the best translations of the ancient Greek and Roman histories, and works of authority on the antiquities of different nations; but especially with a complete collection of the works of authority relative to American history. We have directed our attention particularly to the fiscal concerns of this Institution. The disbursements of the annual appropriations for this service are made by the quartermaster, under the authority and with the approbation of the superintendent. An examination of the books and aecounts of this department has satisfied us that its duties have been strictly and faithfully performed. The annexed statement, A, exhibits a balance of $53,257 24 remaining of the appropriation for 1838, unexpended on the first of January last. In addition thereto, $49,497 09 were appropriated for the year 1839. These two sums, making $102,754 33, constitute the available funds on hand at the commencement of the present year, and are applicable to the payment of the current expenses of this institution for 1839. It is further seen, from the same statement, and paper B, that, of the latter sum, there were expended during the first quarter, ending on the 31st of March, 1839, $9,481 34, and from the last mentioned period to the 31st May, the further sum of $14,365 11 has been disbursed. By reference to documents A, B, and C, accompanying this report, it will be discovered that of the sum of $102,754 33 on hand, and appropriated for 1839, about the sum of $81,000 is specially applicable to the erection of buildings, and additions to the several departments connected with the Military Academy, and constitutes no part of the ordinary expenses of the institution. When these buildings and additions (some of which are now in progress) shall have been completed, the annual appropriations will be greatly diminished. To a statement made by the superintendent, subjoined to paper A, we would refer as part of this report. The sum annually required for the support of the Military Academy, as estimated by the superintendent, exclusive of the pay of the officers and cadets, amounts to about $22,000. In connexion with this subject, we have had under consideration the books and accounts of the paymaster's department, which appear to have been ably, accurately, and neatly kept. It is here the accounts of the cadets are audited. Every attention necessary for the protection of their interest seems to have been bestowed in this department. Every article necessary to their comfort and convenience is furnished at the public store, with the approbation of the superintendent; the price of every article is regulated and fixed by a "board of inspectors," and, when delivered, is charged to each cadet, who is required to keep an account of his own expenses. By this system the rights of the cadets are protected; frauds and impositions prevented; a wholesome restraint upon extravagance is imposed, and the principles of economy enforced. We have, so far, but incidentally alluded to individuals officially attached to the establishment, as the subject required a reference to them. The multifarious, responsible, and highly important duties of the superintendent of the Academy require a superior order of qualifications in the individual selected for this distinguished station. 'The comprehensive views, the active energy, the inflexible determination, the rigid and unbending impartiality, blended with a due share of paternal solicitude, all which are indispensable to the full and adequate discharge of this elevated trust, are, in our judgment, conspicuous, in the character and conduct of the present commandant of the post. The distinguished ability, eminent acquirements, persevering industry, and laudable zeal of the professors and instructers, in all the departments, have been brought, in the strongest manner, to our observation while in the performance of our duty as official visiters; and we are gratified to have an opportunity of bearing our testimony to reputations so well deserved and so honorably acquired. Under the best system of instruction, the surest reliance of the country is on the qualifications and fidelity of those by whom it is administered. Here no pupil is permitted to continue in a class who cannot reach a certain standard, and no compromise is allowed between the salutary results of the utmost exertion of which each cadet is capable, and the absolute necessity of retiring from the institution. All of which is respectfully submitted, by your obedient servants, WM. HENDRICKS, President, Madison, Ind. Boston, Massachusetts. JOHN PICKERING, Boston, Massachusetts. BYNUM GREEN, Sodus, New York. B. M. ATHERTON, N. Philadelphia, Ohio. Hon. JOEL R. POINSETT, Secretary of War. A. Statement of disbursements on account of the United States Military Academy, in the first quarter of 1839, by Major Richard Delafield, of the Corps of Engineers, and Superintendent of the Academy. Of this sum of $102,754 33, $80,922 33 are special appropriations for buildings and additions to several departments that have been accumulating for some time past, owing to the destruction of the academic buildings having rendered it inexpedient to make the purchases until a place was provided for the reception of the property. Since September last, the present academic halls have been finished, and many of the articles procured. The amount annually required for the support of the Military Academy is about $21,832; and for the purposes stated in the accompany 1,460 13 220 62 1,239 51 45 84 I 1 45 84 300 00 6,404 651,196 21 300 00 364 43 5,208 44 950 00 950 00 237 50 712 50 350 00 334 65 15 35 360 00 360 00 11,820 61 375 40 41,445 21 ing document from the quartermaster of the post. Some of the items therein enumerated are also contingent, and must be much reduced after the application of these sums for a few years. WEST POINT, June 18, 1839. RICHARD DELAFIELD, Major of Engineers, and Supt. of M. A. B. Statement of moneys expended by Major Richard Delafield, on account of appropriations for the United States Military Academy, during the months of April and May, 1839. Balance due the United States, April 1, 1839, per statement to 31st March Received from Lieutenant Colonel De Russy, in April, on account of the United States - $29,460 49 43 31 29,503 80 Balance due the United States, June 1, 1839, and now on deposite in the Mechanics' bank of New York city 15,138 69 29,503 80 C. The following is about the amount annually required for the support of the Military Academy, viz: For fuel, forage, stationery, transportation, and printing - $12,000 00 *5,000 00 For the department of philosophy 1500 00 For the department of engineering-for models in machinery for a few years 300 00 For the department for artillery-for models for a few years 300 00 For the pay of adjutant's and quartermaster's clerks For miscellaneous and incidental expenses; being for oil, sponge, chalk, sand, brooms, brushes, &c. 950 00 732 00 21,832 00 H. SWARTWOUT, Lieutenant and Quartermaster. This includes the extra pay of the enlisted men of the detachment of the Military Academy, at fifteen cents per day. These men are employed as policemen and laborers. This sum may be very advantageously increased to procure certain additional apparatus specified by the professor of that department to the committee; after which, the cost of repairs, with an occasional appropriation for some new instrument, will suffice. |