21st CoNG. 2d SESS.

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

any material advances in civilization can be made with the
present generation—those, I mean, who are now at ma-
turity in life.
Care and attention towards.the rising gen
eration may tend greatly to improve, and in time to meli-
orate, their present condition. To turn them to industry is
of first importance. Labor is never an acceptable pursuit
to Indians. In their unimproved state, a fondness for war
and the chase, and oratory at their councils, constitute
their leading traits, because these afford the highest dis-
tinction. When, through the influence of culture and edu
cation, their taste upon these subjects shall be changed,
and the character of an industrious agriculturist be held
in higher estimation than dexterity of pursuit in the
chase, then may they be expected to resort to industry,
and give attention to the duties of agriculture. Indispo
sition to manual labor, so peculiarly the characteristic of
an Indian, causes him to select the poorest grounds, be-
cause of the case with which the timber is felled and
cleared away.
The exceptions which exist to this are
principally amongst those of mixed Indian blood, whose
habits have been improved, and whose minds have been
cultivated.

thousand Indians being in attendance at the time.Amongst them was great apparent unanimity. Some did object and were dissatisfied, but not as it regarded the general policy of treating, but because they believed | themselves entitled to obtain, and were solicitous to procure large reservations. The number thus influenced was small. Since that time, active efforts have been made in the nation to induce dissatisfaction amongst the Indians, and to persuade them that they had been greatly deceived and imposed upon.

An old chief (Mushulatubbee,) who was favorable to the treaty, by a few of the discontented of his district, has been recently deposed, and the name of another sent to this office to receive recognition. The design is proba bly to show that the people are displeased because he signed the treaty. The answer returned to their applica tion was, that, while the Government meant not to interfere with their mode or manner of self-government, it could not recognize what had been done by a few; yet, when a chief should be chosen by a majority of the divi sion, and the fact so certified by their General Council, he would be regarded as properly chosen, and be consi dered as such. An examination of this treaty will clearly show, I think, that justice and liberality have been regarded. The great majority of the nation were satisfied when we left them; and, from information since received, yet continue to be satisfied. Their anxious desire is, to get to a country under the protection of the United States, where they can be free from any liability to State laws, and be able to dwell in peace under their

own customs.

The Commissioners appointed to further the execution of the treaty of Butte des Morts have discharged the trust confided to them, an I have made their report. The misunderstanding between the New York and Green Bay Indians has been examined and adjusted; the report to be confirmed, only requires your approval, agreeably to the second article of that treaty.

Very respectfully,

There are three divisions in the Choctaw nation, each of which is governed by a chief, who, within his limits, acts independently f the others. In his government he is aided by minor and subordinate chiefs, called captains, each of whom acts within his particular district. The people are subordinate to the captains, the captains to the chiefs. One of these divisions composes what is called the Christian District; the chief of which is a man of good mind, with a common English education, and is re ligious. His people, too, are seemingly pious. Each night, pending the negotiation, until a late hour, they were at their exercises, singing and preaching. From every information, this Christian party, as it is termed, are not accurately and correctly informed as to the principles and faith upon which they profess to act. A future state of rewards and punishments for virtues or for crimes is fashioned by their standard of savage life, and its enjoyments; and, in their imagination, is made to conform to what they conceive to be essential to constitute happiness or misery here. Judging from their devotional conduct, they are, to all appearances, a religious people. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. Certainly there are some perceptible and beneficial changes amongst them. They have become mostly an agricultural people. The practice of perforating the nose and ears for the purpose of ornamenting them is rapidly disappearing, and considered a rude custom. Vermillion paint, to ornament and to decorate the face, is, in a great measure,given up. A credulity in supernatural agency, in witches, and in witchcraft, is fast yielding; and the use of ardent spirits, particularly in one of the districts, is in a great measure abandoned. A reasonable hope may be entertained that these people may, in time, prove that the zeal and efforts of the Government to protect and civilize them are not improperly bestowed.

JOHN H. EATON.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, Dec. 6, 1830.

The following report of the transactions of the Navy of the United States during the present year, with a view of the several subjects connected with its interests, is respectfully laid before the President of the United States.

The state of the Navy, since the communication made to you in December last, has been, generally, favorable to its active exertions in the important pursuits in which it has been engaged. No distressing casualty or marked calamity has assailed it since the loss of the sloop of war Hornet; information of which lamented event was received prior to the adjournment of the last session of Congress.

In concluding a treaty with these people, candor and fairness were the only means resorted to by the com- The active force employed within the year has not missioners. They were given to understand distinctly, been essentially varied from that kept in service for sethat, in coming to visit them at their solicitation, and at veral years past. This consists of five frigates, ten their homes, no design was entertained beyond com- sloops of war, and four schooners: of these, the most municating to them a knowledge of their true condition, efficient squadron, composed of two frigates and four and submitting to their judgment the course of policy by sloops, has been required to cruize in the Mediterranean them to be pursued. We told them the opinion enter- sea, where, from the large interest engaged in mercantained by the Government as to the authority of Missis- tile adventures to the several States on its coasts, its presippi to extend over them her laws; and that the United sence was deemed of most importance. This has conStates possessed not the power to prevent it. The tinued under the command of Com. Biddle. Two of the interviews had with them were in open council, where vessels composing it have been relieved, their terms of were present the chiefs and warriors, and some of our service having expired, and their places supplied by the own citizens. Arguments addressed to their judg-sloops of war Concord and Boston; the former being ments were the means employed. No threat was used; no intimidation attempted. Under these circumstances, a treaty was concluded and signed, more than five

first ordered to convey the United States' Minister to Russia, and the latter to take the United States' Consul General to the Barbary Powers.

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[21st CoNG. 2d SESS.

The state of these vessels has been represented to be, in point of order and preparation for service, every way worthy of approbation, and the discipline exact, without rigor--promising all required efficiency in its force. Un-citizens who annually visit them. der the command of this able and vigilant officer, all the necessary protection has been given to the trade in that quarter, no case having come to the knowledge of the Department of injuries from piratical attacks; and, with the several States and sovereignties bordering on its coasts, the best understanding has been preserved. This squadron continues to rendezvous at the port of Mahon, in the Island of Minorca, a privilege which has been conceded by the Government of Spain, affording great conveniences to the United States' squadrons, especially at seasons when their safety would be endangered by remaining at sea. Here they enjoy a respite from the labors and the dangers of the ocean, in a climate mild and favorable to the restoration of the health of their crews, after long and laborious service at sea.

just emerging from a state of simplicity and ignorance, and, from their peculiar locality, necessarily controlling the comforts of the large number of the United States

The great amount of tonnage and capital employed in whale fisheries, in the adjoining seas, makes its convenient prosecution a matter of no inconsiderable concern to the nation.

Other changes in the vessels employed in this sea are contemplated during the next year, but the force is not proposed to be diminished; nor, in the present agitated condition of the contiguous States, could this be done, without subjecting the commercial enterprises of the country to the casualties attending a state of warfare, should such be the unhappy result of the present hostile indications in that quarter.

The squadron appointed to cruize on the coasts of Brazil and Buenos Ayres, and on the Pacific Ocean has been steadily engaged in guarding the United States' mercantile interests on these coasts. This service has been performed with fidelity and success; and the flag of the Union now gives full security to the merchandise it is authorized to introduce and exchange with the respective countries to which it is carried.

The cessation of hostilities between the States of Chili and Peru and the mother country, and between Brazil and Buenos Ayres, has greatly favored the advances of trade, and diminished the hazards of mercantile adventure with every part of the South American continent. Bat the unstable and inefficient Governments of a part of these States forbid the idea that this can be long enjoyed, without embarrassments and vexatious interruptions, unless it shall be sustained by the presence of an active protecting force. It cannot, consequently, be believed to be consistent with good policy to lessen the efficiency of this force.

Several of the vessels composing these two squadrons will be relieved in the course of the next year, preparation for that purpose being in active progress. It is also contemplated to make some changes in the description of force to be employed on the Atlantic coast of South America, adapting it better for the harbors it is forced to look to for security against the tempestuous weather so often experienced on these coasts.

In a former communication made to you, it was noticed that the sloop of war Vincennes, commanded by Captain Finch, which had composed one of the squadron in the Pacific ocean, had been directed, after the expiration of the term limited for the cruize on the coasts of Chili and Peru, to touch at the Marquesas, Society, and Sandwich Islands; and, after spending the necessary time in look. ing to the United States' commercial concerns in that quarter, to take Canton, &c., in the way, and thence, by the Cape of Good Hope, pursue the usual route to the United States.

This order has been faithfully executed: the ship has returned in good condition, with its crew well disciplined, and in excellent health.

The necessity, also, for repose after the long voyages required by this trade, and the want of supplies for health and convenience, and repairs of the vessels, render these Islands places of general rendezvous; and it is consequently of great importance, that the most friendly intercourse be maintained with the inhabitants. Captain Finch, by his judicious and conciliatory deportment, has probably secured a long continuance of kindly treatment to his countrymen from these people, and has added greatly to the prospects of a successful termination of their enterprises.

Some extracts from this report are herewith transmitted, marked A.

The squadron which has been maintained in the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico consists, at present, of four sloops of war and three schooners, under the command of Commodore Elliott. Several changes have been made in the vessels employed on this station, in consequence of the expiration of the terms of service of the crews, or the want of repairs of the vessels. No causes are supposed to exist making it necessary to add to this force; nor can it be safely diminished, though the energy and activity with which it has guarded the United States' trade, may be said, for the present, effectually to have suppressed piratical aggression.

The great facilities afforded by the inlets and harbors of the islands in the Mexican gulf for the resort and concealment of the vessels engaged in the commission of piracies; the class of population with which these islands abound, composed of refugees and outlaws, escaped from the punishment due for crimes committed in other countries, give advantages for piratical enterprises scarce. ly known in any other quarter of the globe. Nothing short of the exertion of positive and continued force can be expected to keep these marauders in check, and give the desired security to trade.

The invasion, which took place during the last year, of the territories of the Mexican States, by an armament from the island of Cuba, having given ground for apprehension that the United States' trade to these States might suffer from the pretexts afforded by this state of conflict between the two countries, an act was passed at the last session of Congress authorizing the employment of some additional force upon that station. In conformity to the provisions of that act, the frigate Brandywine, under the command of Captain Ballard, was equipped and despatched for that coast, and continued for several months to cruize in its vicinity. Whatever danger might have threatened the trade in that quarter, has been effectually parried by the means taken for its protection; and this ship, after returning to the United States for necessary refitments, has since sailed to join the Mediterrancan squadron and relieve the frigate Java.

It is believed that great advantages might be derived from changing, to a certain extent, the description of naval force employed in the West Indies, especially for the suppression of piracy.

The proposed change would consist of the substitution of three schooners in lieu of one of the sloops of war now employed in that service.

Vessels of this force would be fully able to cope with The particulars of this voyage are given in the Report and capture any piratical cruizer which might be expect of Captain Finch. These have a claim to the atenttioned to be encountered on this station; and they would of the public, from the information afforded on many possess the greater advantageof multiplying, by the inpoints relating to the character and habits of a people creased number of the squadron, the chances of discov

VOL. VII-C.

21st CoNG. 2d SESS.]

es.

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

ering the enemy, while their structure and inferior size would diminish the risk of being known in their approachTheir lighter draft of water would favor the pursuit into the obscure recesses and haunts of these cruizers, and give the important facility of entering many of the harbors on the Mexican gulf, for security against the fre quent hurricanes prevailing in tropical climates

It is respectfully recommended that an appropriation be made for building the proposed number and description of vessels.

The health of the officers and crew of the United States' vessels of war has been generally good, and uninterrupted by the attacks of the epidemic and malignant fevers which are so readily engendered in tropical climates, and which exert such fatal influence on the constitutions of persons not familiarised to a residence in them. This may be ascribed, in some degree, to the improved system of ventilation, and the great neatness observed in the economy of vessels of war, and the adaptation of the diet and dress of the crews to the temperature of the coasts and countries where their duties are to be performed. The modern discoveries in chemical science have also been resorted to, to preserve the mariner from the attacks of these fatal maladies. Several communications have been received from the Surgical Department of the Navy, by whom experiments on the chloride of lime were ordered to be made, giving the results of their observations on its powers in preventing the generation of such diseases.

From these a few extracts have been taken, and are herewith transmitted, marked B.

These furnish subjects for congratulation to the friends of the improvement of the condition of the seaman's life, and indicate that the period is not remote when a service in the climates of the torrid zone will no longer be the terror of nautical men, but will be performed with as fair a prospect of exemption from disease as is now experienced in the temperate latitudes.

It is to be regretted that an exception to this general healthfulness of the Navy has been experienced in one of the vessels of the West India squadron.

From the communications of Commodore Elliott, it appears that the yellow fever made its appearance on board the sloop of war Peacock some time in the month of June last, and that it continued to harass the crew of that vessel after its return to Pensacola, in September; nor were its attacks intermitted until it had deprived the service of four valuable officers, and of several seamen.

It is worthy of remark, that, on board this vessel, the powerful preventive agent above-mentioned was not used, the surgeon relying, for the preservation of the health of the crew, on the superior cleanliness and well ventilated state of the vessel.

The Commissioners of the Navy Board, interpreting the act making an appropriation for the repairs of vessels in ordinary, and the wear and tear of vessels in commission, as admitting a greater latitude in its application to naval purposes, than, it is believed, was contemplated by the framers of the law, or was admissible by a fair construction of its terms, have caused to be built, out of that fund, a new sloop of war, in the place of the "John Adams," which had been found defective in the model, and otherwise unfit for repair.

This subject was referred to your consideration; and, in conformity to your decision, an order has been issued, requiring that, in future, the application of this fund shall be confined to the repairs of vessels in ordinary, and the wear and tear of vessels in commission; and that no vessels shall be built or rebuilt, unless authorized by a specific appropriation.

The condition of the Navy hospitals at most of the Navy yards in the United States is entirely deficient in the means of giving accommodation to the invalids of the

Navy who may be so unfortunate as to require it. At most of these places, the only provision made for their comfort during illness is some temporary shelter or old building, possessing no one of the requisites necessary for this purpose. The mariner who returns after long and faithful service in distant and uncongenial climates, finds no asylum prepared for his reception and recovery from diseases incident to such service, but is compelled to linger out his life in crowded and confined apartments, even less favorable to his restoration than the hold of the vessel from which he has been discharged.

The funds which have accrued from the monthly deductions of the pay of the Navy, and the several appropriations made by Congress, have been expended in the erection of two magnificent buildings, neither of which has been finished, and but one of them (at Norfolk, Va.) is applicable to, or designed for, the accommodation of the sick. For several years to come, there cannot be such an accumulation of Navy hospital capital as will enable the Commissioners of that fund to engage in the construction of other useful and permanent buildings for these objects.

At Pensacola, to the mild and salabrious climate of which the invalids of the Navy look with so much anxiety as a place of refuge andrestorationfrom tropical pestilence, there is no building which will even protect the sufferers from the inclemencies of the weather, much less secure to them the conveniences and comforts which their situation demands.

At New York, and at Charlestown, Massachusetts, the necessary lands have been purchased with the Navy hos pital funds for the erection of buildings for the use of the sick, and are in every respect favorably situated for af fording the advantages which such establishments should possess.

These sites, in the vicinity of stations which are of so much importance to the Navy, from the number of effi cient recruits enlisted at them for its service, remain unimproved, and unprovided with the buildings that are indispensable for the welfare of the invalid.

The laws passed at the last and preceding sessions of Congress for the gradual improvement of the Navy, the protection of the ships in ordinary, and for the preservation of the materials for naval purposes collected at the different Navy Yards, have received a due share of the attention of the Department.

The construction of the two dry-docks authorized under the first of these acts, at Boston and Norfolk, is progressing. The one at Boston is now in such a state of advancement as to induce the expectation that it may be brought into operation during the ensuing year, or early in 1832. The completion of these two laborious and expensive works will mark an important advance in the progress of our naval improvements. Repairing the ships of war of the larger classes, hitherto a work of so much labor, expense, and hazard, will by the conveniences afforded of these docks, be rendered comparatively easy, and may be executed, not only without risk and at far less cost than formerly, but in a manner better securing both the strength and durability of the ship. Paper marked C, annexed, contains information in detail on this subject.

Extensive houses have been prepared for the recep tion of materials provided under this act, and other build ings are in progress, which will give complete protec tion to the large stores now deposited at the different yards, and those which are to be delivered under existing contracts.

The necessary examinations required by this act, to de termine the practicability and expediency of erecting marine rail-way, at the Navy Yard, Pensacola, have bee made by one of the United States' Engineers.

The views of this officer on this subject were laid be

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

fore the Board of Navy Commissioners, and they have expressed the opinion that it is not expedient or proper, under the restrictions and conditions imposed by the act, to cause the construction of this desirable improvement to be attempted.

It is indispensable, however, that some facility should be afforded at this most convenient position for the repairs of the vessels of war engaged in the West India service. It is proposed that a wharf suitable for these purposes should be built, in place of the contemplated rail-way; and the necessary estimates for its erection are in readiness to be transmitted.

Furthers efforts have been made for the execution of this act as far as it relates to the preservation of the live oak growing on the coasts of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

By the fourth section of this act, the President is authorized to provide for the preservation of this timber; but it seems to have been intended that the power should be limited to that object. An interpretation of the law has, heretofore, been entertained, extending this power not only to the planting of the acorns, and the cultivation of plancations of young trees, but to the purchase from individuals of lands producing them. The paper accompanying this, marked D, shows the amount which has been expended on these plantations, and the sums which have been paid to individuals for the purchase of tracts of such land.

When it is considered that this timber is the natural product of the coast of the United States from the St. Mary's to the Sabine that the greater part of this be. longs to the United States, and is proposed to be retained with a view to preserving a supply of this important material for the Navy, it can scarcely be necessary for the present to engage in its artificial propagation or culture. Under an impression that this system is neither expedient, nor in conformity to the intentions of the act, an order has been given to discontinue the works after the expiration of the present year.

But the preservation of this timber is an object of great importance, and should be prosecuted with an active and undeviating purpose.

In aid of those measures which have been heretofore resorted to, a vessel of such draft of water as was adapted to the navigation of the rivers and creeks of the coasts of Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico, has been selected and fitted out, and the command given to a vigilant and enterprising officer of the Navy, who has been required to visit, from time to time, as the season or circumstances would permit, every section of these coasts, and to use the utmost efforts to suppress further depredations upon the public interests. Surveyors and agents have also been directed to explore such parts of the coast as abound with the live oak, to designate the boundaries between private and public claims to land, and to mark out such tracts as they may think it most conducive to the public interest should be reserved for sale.

The accompanying report of the Fourth Auditor of the Treasury, marked E, shows the several sums which have been paid in carrying into effect the act of 3d March, 1819, and other acts, making appropriation for supporting and removing certain persons of color from the United States to the coast of Africa. It appears from this statement, that, under authority of these acts, 252 persons of this description have been removed to the settlement provided by the Colonization Society on the coast of Africa; and that there has been expended there for the sum of two hundred and sixty-four thousand seven hundred and ten dollars.

These several acts appear to have been passed in a spirit of justice and benevolence, to repair, as far as possible, the injuries inflicted by the citizens of the United States upon the defenceless persons who are the subjects

[21st CoNG. 2d SESS.

of the African slave trade; and the appropriations have been made with a liberality corresponding with the humane intentions of the framers of the laws.

The terms of these acts are sufficiently defined to be readily intelligible. It would seem that the authority given to the President was limited to the support of the negroes or persons of color during their stay in the United States, to their removal to the coast of Africa, and to the delivering of them to the care of an agent, &c. There is no power expressly vested in the Executive to provide, after such delivery, either for their support or protection. A liberal interpretation of the law might permit some allowance to be made for their maintenance after being landed, until they could find employment by which it might be carned. But this even would be authority from inference only, and should be cautiously exercised. The practice has been to furnish these persons with provisions for a period of time, after being landed in Africa, varying from six months to one year; to provide them with houses, arms, and ammunition; to pay for the erection of fortifications; for the building of vessels for their use; and, in short, to render all the aids required for the tounding and support of a colonial establishment.

This latitudinous interpretation of the law has resulted in the heavy expenditures detailed in the annexed report. Understanding the law in the limited acceptation represented above, it will in future be executed accordingly, and every effort made by the Department to confine the application of this fund within the pale of its provisions.

The term for which the crew of the frigate Java had been enlisted having nearly expired, that vessel has been ordered to return to the United States; in doing which, the commander has been required, in furtherance of the humane policy pursued by the Government, to touch at the settlement at Liberia, and to aid in enforcing the laws which have been enacted for the suppression of the slave trade.

In a communication heretofore made to you, the opin ion was expressed, that the number of Navy Yards now established and in operation was greater than was required for the present wants of the naval service, and that a part of them were liable to the further objection of inconvenient location, both from their great distance from the ocean, and the deficiency in the depth of water for the larger classes of vessels.

This opinion has not been changed by any information since obtained, or by subsequent consideration of the subject.

Should it, however, become the necessary policy of the Government to make a great addition to its naval force, it is possible they may all be found useful, especially for the repairs of the smaller classes of vessels, and as depots for materials for the Navy, collected from the contiguous country.

Whatever course may be pursued in relation to these establishments, it is believed to be of the utmost importance to the security and general interests of the Navy that other positions be sought for, possessing greater advantages, and not liable to the objections which have been mentioned.

Few positions on our maritime frontier offer all the requisites for such purposes. But where these are found, it cannot be good policy to neglect the measures necessary to secure the possession and improvement of them.

The advantages believed to be possessed by the Dry Tortugas, in the Gulf of Mexico, for such an establishment, have heretofore been represented to Congress, and it is much to be desired that the opinions of the intelligent naval officers who have recommended this position should be tested by the more minute examinations of Engineers possessing the scientific knowledge necessary for its accurate determination.

Pensacola, as a place of depot and resort for vessels of

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

war requiring supplies or repairs, has much to recom-
mend it, being contiguous to that part of the United
States' coast which, it may be presumed, it will long be
necessary should be guarded, particularly by that class of
vessels which can safely enter its harbor, possessing a
healthful climate, and the country in its neighborhood
abounding with the best materials for the construction of
vessels of war. But, as a place of general rendezvous
for fleets or squadrons composed of ships of the largest
classes, it cannot, in the present state of the entrance
into its harbor, be regarded as offering the required fa-operations of building and repairing.
cilities.

Some difference of opinion having taken place be tween the Commissioners of the Navy Yards, who were appointed to examine the sites at the Navy Yard in Brooklyn and Governor's Island, to determine which of the two positions was more eligible for a naval depot and building yard, no selection had been made for the buildings which were required for the several purposes of the establishment. This yard had consequently remained unimproved, to the great injury of the store of materials which had been collected there, as well as the general

The subject having been referred to your considera. From a report made by the Department of War to the tion, and all the documents explaining the relative adHouse of Representatives on the 5th February, 1830, it | vantages of the two sites having been laid before you, it appears that a survey was made of this harbor during the has, in conformity with your opinion, been ordered that preceding year, with a view of determining the practica-he timber-houses shall be erected at the old establishbility of deepening the channel of the entrance into this harbor, and thus adapting it to the great purposes of a naval depot for the United States' Navy.