Kentucky Gazette

UNITED STATES' ARMY.

The Report of the Secretary of War, published in this day's paper, is the most satisfactory evidence of the ability of that officer to discharge the duties attached to his arduous station. We believe the staff of our army was never so well organized as under the direction of Mr. Calhoun. Such a state of things at the commencement of the late war would have no doubt saved hundreds of lives and millions of treasure to the country.—The present strength of our army does not appear too great, if it is considered that there is on the sea coast and frontier settlements a line of more than 4000 miles to guard. The peace of the Indians can only be preserved by fortified posts at such points as will in some degree disturb an intercourse between them & the British traders. The chain of military posts already began on the Missouri and the Mississippi are of too much importance to the western states to be broken up at this moment. If the army should be reduced according to the plan of the secretary, it will save about one million per annum.

The following table exhibits the strength and expense of the army at various periods, and also a plan for its increase under experienced officers in the event of war—Mr. Calhoun has fully explained the importance of retaining officers of experience in the science of war: It is within the recollection of every body how much we suffered in the late war for the want of officers qualified to command the brave men unfortunately placed under them.

Officers. Privates.

1. Strength of the army upon the present Establishment,

572 12,036

2. If reduced according to the plan of the secretary, 544 6,391

3. The same organization may be extended to 544 11,261

4. The same plan may be extended in the event of war, thus 832 18,200

[The table referred to is omitted for want of room]