Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, March S, 1836. SIR: The resolution of the Senate referred, on the 25th ultimo, to this office has been duly considered, and, in answer, I have the honor to transmit the following report:

1. IN RELATION TO ARMORIES.

For reasons fully set forth in the letter to you from this office of December 28, 1832, (and as will also appear on reference to the report of Hon. R. M. Johnson, chairman of the military committee, of March 18, 1834,) it is the opinion of this department that, with a view to keep pace in some measure with the rapid increase of the militia, and the consequent demand for arms, there should be established at least one additional armory, to be located at the most eligible point west of the Alleghany mountains.

In a country like the United States, where the population is spread over a territory of great extent, the delay necessarily attending the transportation of arms to distant sections may at times materially affect the public interest; it is therefore suggested that, if two additional armories are deemed necessary to meet the exigencies of the country, one should be provided in the west and one in the south Atlantic States. Including those now at Springfield and Harper's Ferry, there would then be four national armories, two for the Atlantic Stateand two for the west; that is, if Harper's Ferry may be considered sufficiently near the western States to furnish their supplies by means of the proposed extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal.

Two additional armories are therefore estimated for, at $525,000 each$1,050,000.

This estimate is based on the report of the commissioners, dated January 12, 1825, who were appointed under the authority of an act of Congress, passed March 3, 1823, entitled "An act to establish a national armory on the wester: waters," and directed to explore the western country with a view to the selection of a suitable site.

2. IN RELATION TO ARSENALS.

It has been urged upon the department by many whose opinions demand consideration, that every state should have an arsenal or depot of arms and munitions within its territorial limits. Should this opinion prevail and be carried into effect by legislative authority, it would be necessary to construct fourteen arsenals or depots, including the one proposed for the State of North Carolina, for which a bill has been reported by the military committee of the House of Representatives.

A prominent advantage to the public interest in the establishing of these depos consists in their use for the safe-keeping of arms issued to the States, under the law of Congress, passed in 1808, "for arming the whole body of the militia," to be held subject to the orders of their several governors, which would insure their being always available in any emergency.

Some additions may be required, from time to time, at the arsenals already established, which, with the cost of the fourteen above mentioned, are estimated at $1,746,000.

This estimate is founded on the supposition that the new arsenals are to be, on an average, of a medium extent, when considered in relation to those already established, which are divided into four classes, as may be seen by refenence to a tabular exhibit presented herewith. It would be proper to arrange every new depot in such manner as to admit of its increase or extension in case the public service should require it. It could then be passed from one class to a higher by the addition of such buildings, tools, or machinery as the case might demand.

3. IN RELATION TO FIELD VRTILLERY.

It is estimated that an adequate supply of field artillery for arming the militia and for troops in service, to be provided within ten years, will amount to 926 pieces, which, with their carriages, implements, and equipments, will cost about $576,175.

This estimate is based on the principle stated in the report before mentioned, and contemplates a supply proportionate to the ratio of the increase of the militia, one piece of artillery being allotted to every 2,000 men.

4. IN RELATION TO ORDNANCE AND ORDNANCE STORES REQUIRED FOR ARMING THE FORTIFICATIONS.

Agreeably to data derived from two statements received from the engineer department on the 11th of January and 27th of February last, it is estimated that the expense of procuring the necessary ordnance and ordnance stores for the full and entire armament of the forts which are erected, together with those now building, and others which are contemplated to be built hereafter, embracing cannon, carriages, implements, and equipments complete, and ammunition, after deducting therefrom the quantity of similar munitions now on hand, will amount to about $17,840,249.

This estimate is founded on the supposition that 12,116 pieces of cannon, with 200 rounds of ammunition for each gun, will be ultimately required when all the forts projected shall have been completed.

It should be stated, however, that this sum may be considered partly conjectaral, the plans for the defence of many of the harbors being not yet matured by the board of engineers, as it appears by a letter from the chief of that department, dated February 27 last. There are likewise many other points along the coast which may require defences, the cost of the armament for which has not been embraced in this estimate, nor does it contain any item for the defence of the Mexican frontier.

5. IN RELATION TO SMALL ARMS.

To progress with the arming of the militia to a reasonable extent, in accordance with the settled policy of the country and its civil institutions, a considerable addition should be made to the number of arms on hand. Having reference to the annual increase of citizens who may be called to bear arms, there will be required for the next ten years an expenditure of $7,721,233 for muskets, rifles, and pistols, and $321,880 for swords-total, $8,043,113.

This last sum is found by allotting five swords to every one hundred muskets, or their equivalent in other fire-arms.

6. IN RELATION TO ACCOUTREMENTS FOR SMALL ARMS.

Fifty thousand sets of accoutrements would cost $200,000.

This number distributed among the several arsenals would afford an adequate supply for any emergency; and being in some degree perishable, it is not considered advisable to provide a greater quantity, as they can be made at short notice, or as occasion may require.

7. IN RELATION TO FIELD AMMUNITION OF ALL KINDS.

The expense of providing a supply of gunpowder, cartridge paper, and other materials for field service, is estimated at $200,000.

This amount would afford at all times a supply of ammunition for 30,000 men in each of the principal divisions of the country.

The foregoing statements comprise all the estimates for the ordnance depart ment, except for a national foundery. The amount required for such an estab lishment will not exceed $300,000, which sum includes the cost of materials to be consumed in casting guns during the first year after commencing operations. The period of ten years is taken as a suitable time within which the foregoing expenditures may be completed.

The disbursements for the various objects embraced in the resolution which pertain to the ordnance department are now, annually, little short of $1,000,000 If a period of fifteen years is assumed for the accomplishment of these purposes. the annual expenditure will be only double what it is at present, and it is believed that such an increase could be made with much advantage to the service. Indeed that portion of expense which pertains to the manufacture of cannon and projec tiles could annually be more than quadrupled with safety and a due regard to

economy.

Recapitulation.

2 national armories.

14 arsenals.

926 pieces of field artillery, with carriages, &c

Ordnance and ordnance stores, and ammunition for fortifications..

Small arms and accoutrements..

Ammunition for field service
A national foundery

$1,050, 000

1,746,000 576.175 17,840, 249

8, 243, 115 200,000 300,000

29,955, 537

The resolution of the Senate is returned herewith.

I have the honor to be, sir, &c.,

GEO. BOMFORD, Colonel of Ordnance.

Hon. LEWIS CASS, Secretary of War.

Statement of the cost of four classes of arsenals, exclusive of exterior walls, fences, gates, roads, tools, machinery, wharves, &c.

[blocks in formation]

Names.

Statement of the cost of four classes of arsenals, &c.-Continued.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]
« AnteriorContinua »