The New York Herald Newspaper, December 10, 1848, Page 1

! THE ANNUAL REPORT or THE SECRETARY OF THENAVY. Navy Departament, Deo. 4, 1818, Sim;—lhave the honor to submit to you, the annual report of the condition and operations of this depart- ment of the public service. During the past year the St. Lawrence, a frigate of the first clars, and the Vermont, a ship of the line, have been launched. The shoras, as weil as the lower timbers of the frigate, were found, on examination, to De 80 decayed by the long time the had been on the stocks, that her security would have required repatrs at « lurge cost, and it was deemed economical to laxach her, She bas been put in commission, and is a splen- did sddition tothe Navy. The old ship house, in the Boston yard, which covered the Vermont, stood so near ths boundary line of the public grounds, that the experienced officers in charge of the bureau of con- struction, andin command of the yard, concurred in the opinion officially communicated that the ship and the valuable public property in tha yard. were exposed to danger of destruction by fire from the contigaous rivate buildings, 1 wassatiefied that if the shiphouse d. taken fire the ship could not-have been saved. ‘The admirable stone docks near it would have been de- Stroyed, and public property of the value of several millions of dollars would probably have shared tho fame fate, and | therefore directed that the ship should de launched and secured from injury, uatil the wants Of the rervice would require her to be fitted for sea ‘This has been done, and the ship houre has been taken down and the materials used for other purposes. ‘The construction of the four steamships of war au- fhorited by the act of Congvess ot 3d of March, 1817, isin stactory state of progress. The Saranac, built at the navy yard at Kittery, has been launched ‘The Powhattan, at Norfolk, the Susquehannah, at Phi- ladelphia, the San Jacinto at New York, may bo launched and ready for sea in the course of the noxt year. Im the models and construction of these war steamere, and in the manufacture of their engines and machinery, great care has been taken in the skilful ‘execution of the work, and in a careful inspectiou by competent cflicers to make them worthy of the service, and [doubt not they willfully meet the expectation” of the country. ‘The appropriations by Congress for so important an addition to our naval force, have been liberal, and the officers, mechanics, and constructors, have exerted themselves to prove that we can be as successful in the construction of steamships of war, as we have been in the sailing of the navy. There are unfinished on the stocks, at the several navy yards, four ships of the rate of 74 guns, and two frigates of forty-four guns. ‘Thay are securely shelter- ed, and it has not been considered judicious or con- sistent with the interest of the service to launch them, They are so near completion that they can be readily Jaunched and fitted for sea service on the shortest no- tioe, If public exigencies shall require. The vessels in commission during the past year have been enployed a8 follows :— In the Pacific, the ships-of the-line Ohio and Colum- bus, razee Independence, frigate Congress, sloops Ports- mouth, Warren, Cyane, Dale and Preble, with the store thipa Erie, Lexington and Southampton, The Columbus, Capt. Wyman, bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Biddie, arrived in the United States on the 18th March last, and was placed in ordinary. The frigate Congress, Capt, Lavalette, having been in com- mission more than three yeata has been ordered home, and may be expected to arrive in the coming spring. ‘The Portemouth, Commander Montgomery, arrived in the United States on the 5th May last. and’ was soon agein ready for sea. The Cyane. Commander Dupont, arrived at Norfolk the 9th October last, and has been laced in ordinary. In the month fay last, the eble, Commander Glynn, sailed from the Wes Coast, with orders to take to China Commodore Goi sopger, Commander of the East India equadron, an after having performed this service, to return to her station. The sloop St. Mary, Commander Crownin- shields, on the 11th April last, sailed from Norfolk to join the Paciflc squadron. With a view to the recular supply of the squadron in the Pacific, and to furnish means for transportation of invalids or men whore time of enlistment may have expired, and who desire to come home, orders were given some months since that one of the three store dron shall sail, on her re- de Verds, wit! n squadrons, and the Fredonia, Lieuten- ant-Commanding Neville, has sailed from New York for the Pacific. When Commodore Biddle left the station, he was sucoeeded in the command of his squadron by Commo- dere Shubrick, and he was relieved at his own request by Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, who as- sumed command in the month of May last. mwdore Shubrick was authorized by the Department | te detach himself from the squadron, and return home | asross the Isthmus ; but he deemed it to be his duty to (remain on boerd the Independence, and is now ona | cruise to the Sandwich, Feejee, and other islands ia the Paeific, where the presence of a ship-of-war was eonsidered of great importance to the interest of Ainerican commerce. The Independence may be ex- pected to reach the United States early in the spring ofthe next year. ‘The home equadron continued under the command ef Cemmodore Perry until the 20th Nov. jast, when the Department, in view of his impaired health, yielded tohis request to be relieved of the command, the duties of which had been very arduous and eatis{actorily per- formed, Com. Wilkinson, on that day, assumed the command. During the past year the squadron con- ai ‘the frigate Cumberland; sloops Albany, Georgetown and Saratoga; of the ppi, Spitfire, Vixen. Scorpion, Wa- ter-witch, Scourge. Iris, Petrita ; of the schooners Reefer, Petrel, Bonito, Flirt, Mahones, Falcon and Tewpico; and of the bomb-vessels Actas, Stromboli, Vesuvius and Hecla, with the store-ships Relief and Electra. ‘The frigate Cumberland, bearing the pennant of Commodore Perry, arrived in New York in July last, ith a considerable number of cases of fever on board, nd, finding that it did not abate, bat assumed a more malignant type, it was deemed unsafe to send her again into the tropics, until she could be thoroughly broken outine coldciimate. She has been put in ordinary. The frigate Raritan, Capt. Page, has taken hher piace in the equadron. The John Adams, Com- mander Adams, arrived at Boston in September last, nd is undergoing repairs. The steamer Mississippi, di , returned to the United 4 is undergoing repairs of her hull and The Vixen is also undergoing repairs,— wrecked in the Gulf of ) T donia tothe Pacific. The other steamers and vessels enumerated have been sold, and the proceeds paidinto the Treasury. They were Uiachecnger for special ser- vice in the Guif of Mexico during the war, and were not suitable to general naval purpose: Jm the squadron on the coast of Africa, commanded by Commodore Bolton, the sloops Jamestown, Com- meander Mercer; Portsmouth, Commander Armstrong; Deeatur, Commander Burne; and brigs Boxer, Lieut.- Commanding Bell; Porpoise, Commander Gordon, and Bainbridge, Commander Slaughter, have been’ em- loyed. Commodore Cooper sailed in the sloop York- oe Commander Marsten, on the 224 Nevember, with orders to relieve Commodore Bolton, in command of the sqnadron. The Boxer arrived in Philadelphia, in May iast, and being condemned, on survey, as un- worthy of repair, was sold. Commodore Bolton has orders, on the arrival of his relief, to proceed in the Jamestown, add relieve Commodore Read, in command Of the naval forces of the United States, in the Medi- terranean Sea ‘There have been employed, during the year, in the Mediterranean, under Commodore Reed, the frigate United States, Captain Smoot; sloop Marion, Com- ander Simons; mer Princeton, Commeaader En- el; schooner Ta: Lieutenant-Commanding C. G. Supply, Lieutenant-Com- Marion having finished her in the month of September; ghany, Livutenant-Commanding W. ‘W. Hunter, has veen ordered from the Brazil station to the Mediterranean; and the frigate Constitution, Captain Gwynn, has sailed for the same station. On the arrival cf bis relief, Commodore , having finished a long cruise on the coast of Afri nd inthe Mediterranean, has orders to return ~ in the frigate United States. In consequen compelled to discontinue the depot comes necessary to supply the squadron with stores, by moans of store-ships. I'he store-ship Supply, Lieut. Commanding Ly x % out with a full cargo of \, was stores, in the month of November, 1847. Having de- livered them to the several ships of the squadron, from time to time, as they were required, she ison her return home; and the Erie has been loading and sent out to continue the service. Commodore Read has made a temporary arrangement for landing stores, for the uadron at Spezzia There are some objections to ‘this place ase depot, on account of its position, and in the present very disturbed conditom of Kuro, is uncertain wh: ther the arrangement will be perma- neptly continued, ‘On ‘the coast of Brazil, under command of Commo- ore Storer, the frigate Brandywine, Capt. Boreman, , Lieut, Commanding Lilton, and the steamer Alleghany, Lieut. Commanding W. W. Hun- ter, have been employed—the sloop St. Louis, Com- mander Cooke, satied from Norfolk in Auguet to join the squadron, and carried orders for the Allegha- ‘Dy to proceed to the Mediterranean, In obedience to your direction, and with an anxtous desire to give protection to our commerce with the East Indies, | despatched for thet station, in the month of March last, the sioop Plymouth, Cummander Gedney ; she carried out as @ passenger, the Hon. Mr. Davis, commissioner to Chins, and Isnded him at Ma- cos, on the 10th day of August. The brig Doiphin, Lieut, Commanding Ogden, leit New York in the month of May for the same station, As the frigate Cor had nearly completed her cruise in the Paci- fe, it was deemed advantageous that she should return heme by way of Chive and Bombay, as in doing so she ‘would Visit several stunt points where the ooca- ‘Of ship of war would exert « favora- Die induence our commercial interest. Commo- Gore left the United Stavws 1a Nov., 1847, ‘to go neo the [fthmur with orders vo the Pacitiv. and bok: ting his pennaat on board the Congress proceed to Chine, On Nis arrival there he wax dirsoted to his pemmang to the Piywoutn, wad aecame bbe | command of the East Ind was expected to pursue sons ratistactory to the de; , on joining the Pacific squadron, determined to retain the frigate until the pending question of peace should be definitely seted between the United States Mexico, and ordered the sloop Preble to convey Com- modore Geissenger to hi The delay consequent on this arrangement rendor- ed it just and proper that the Congress should return home by the most direct route, as the term of her crew’s enlistment had generally expired, or would exoire be- fore her arrival in the United States, and justice and policy forbid that they should be held to service be- Youd thelr contract without urgent necessity. * In the present political condition of the north of Evrope, and in view of the existence of war between Prustia and Denmark, it was deemed important that a ship of war should be sent to the North Seaandthe Baltic to give protectionto American commercial in- terests in that quarter. The frigate St. Lawrence, Captain Paulding, sailed from Norfolk in the month of September last, with instruction to touch at Bremer. hayen, and to enter the Baltic, if the advanced state ofthe season did not forbid his doing so If such should be the case, he was instructed to cruise during the winter between Cape Finisterre and Cadiz, touch. squadron, and the frigate For rea- ing at Lisbon, and in the spring to return to the north. and execute his orders, Captain Paulding, on his ar- rival at Bremerhaven, found that the war was suspend- ed by an armistice, and that the winter was so near at hand as to make it imprudent for him to take his ship inte the Baltic, I am happy to learn that the arrival of the sbip has been hailed with universal satis- faction. The highest honors and most gratifying de- monstrations of respect have been shown to our flag, and the officers received with the most flattering dis- tinction and fraternal affection. The evidence thus afforded of the friendly feeling and admiration with which Germany regards the United Stites, leaves no reason to doubt that this noble ship could not have been senton more important service. The condition in which our ships havo returned from long cruises, and their services abroad. have afforded gratifying evidence of the high state of discipline in e navy. = The political cendition of Sicily; Sardinia and other States bordering on the Mediterraenn Ses, lise given peculiar interest, to the operations of the squadron on that station. Commodore Read has performed his re- sponsible and often delicate duties with zeal, judg- ment, and activity;and on no occasion have our coun- trymen received more per and effective protection of their persons and property than iu the violent re- volutionary conflicts which, during the past year, have frequently ocourred within the limits of his command, lefastory from the coast of Africa, annual report, the United States were engaged in war with Mexico. In the Gulf of Mexico the squadron, under command of Com, Perry, continued, until the return of peace, to hold military possession of the several ports then in its cecupation, commanding the trade. collecting a moderate revenue and administering the temporary civil government authorized by the laws of the nation. Yucatan, one of the States of Mexico, had been per- mitted by the government of the United States to occupy a nentral position, and was thereby exempted from the evils of the war. While thus situated, hos- tilities commenced between the Indians and the white inhabitants of that State. It was a war of races, at- tended by the most shocking atrocities. Under your orders the squadron, with s humanity and success whioh did honor to our national character, extended rotection, food and shelter to the fleeing white in- abitants in their des‘itution and despair, and those thus aided were » portion of the people of @ country with which we were at war. n that report I felt au- thorized to state that the squadron in the Pacido bad captured Mazatlan, Blas and Acapulco, and was holding them open to the trade of our countrymen and of neutrals, under the same conditions as were other Mexican ports in the military ocoupation of the United States. ‘The correspondence which is annexed will ehow that, with the exception of Acapuloo, the facts justified the belief expressed. All the important points on both shores of the Gulf of California were gallantly captured by the squadron in co-operation with detachments of the army under Lieut. Colonel Burton. attempt the reduction of Acapulco, without so weakening the garrisons of the important places held in the Galfas to endanger their recapture, and wisely determined not to make any movement against it. In the month of March, the commanders of the naval forces in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific were confidently in. formed of the disposition made by the Senate of the United States of the treaty of peace, and were in- structed to actin conformity with i soon as they should be informed by the Un Commissioners of its ratification by Mexico in the amended form, and thu: irritating delay. made known to them, and, instructios measures were taken by Commodore Jones in the Pacific, and by Commodore Perry in the Gulf of Mexico, forthe evacuation of the Mexican territory, and the restoration according to the terms treaty, of all places within the limits of the Republic, which had been taken and occupied by the naval forces of the United Stat These mei promptly executed, and it is a source of the est satisfaction to hi it in my power to state no complaint oi the manner in which the duty was performed, has reached the Department. The skill and courage with which the officers and men of the rquadron conducted their military opera- tions, are not entitled to higher praise than is the scra- pulous regard to justice and humanity which charac- terized their conduct while occupying portions of the enemy’s country, controlling their revenues, and go- verning their inhabitants, ‘Iha delicate duties result- ing from these positions, have been performed without a stain on our national character, and without an act of extortion, cruelty or oppression. I have the honor to transmit copies of the official re- ports of our naval officerson the subject of the tions of their respective commands, and esp military operations, during the wi more in detail than I could with propriety official reports, incidents which belong to tl of the country. In this final report of naval operations in the war ow happily ended, | deem it tc us my brief allusion to the participation of aes and achievements which have dgloryonthe American neme, and commanded the respect of the world for our flag The enemy bad no navy, and an inconsiderable com- mercial marine; our ships of war had, therefore, no- thing to contend with on their appropriate element — Tm the Pacific, our squadron, with means not fitted for inland operations. acting independently, and, in co- operation with a small portion of our gallant f California In in m: history f his ps, lisplayed the highest military resource, and the greatest energy. Since his memora- ble march from St. Yago, Ciudad de lon Angelos, and the battles of the 8th and th of January, 1847, that country has been tranquil, our possession undisputed, \d its inhabitants have hailed the cession of Califor- nia to the United St: with gratefal Important points in the Gulf of California by the forces under Commodore Shubric! occupation maintained by him and hi: command, independently and in co-oper: troops under Lieutenant Colonel Burton, with the dis- play of toe highest skill and courage by officers and men, while their conduct was so just and humane that a large portion of the inhabitants, especially of Lower California, deeply regret that they, too, are not to have the advantager’of our laws and institutions,and the pro- tection of our glorious flag All will concur in admit- ting that the treops sent to California, with their ac- knowledged courage and military skill, were notin sufficient force to have conquered and maintained the occupation of the country without the efficient services of the officers and men of the squadron, both ashore and afloat. 4 In the Gulf of Mexico, from the beginning of the war, by co-operation at the Brazos, while the battle of Palo Alto was raging, by the capture of Tampico, by protecting the traneport above, and the landing of the troops at Vera Cruz, by its gallant co-operation in the siege, bombardment, and capture of that city and its defences. by its successful operation: nat Tobasco, Tur , Laguna, and other points in on the coast, bi pecially by holding a constant mand of the sea, and by its vigilance and activity. ex- cluding contraband trade and munitions of war from t my, the equadrons rendered the most important to their common country. These services were rendered in a most inhospitable climate, and in midet of suffering and death, not caused by the enemy in the horrible conflict of arms, but by the ant Tavages of disease. All this was accomplished without withdrawing the squadrons from other station: So effective has been the performances of the duty of the navy in every quarter of the globe, that our in- commerce in the most distant seas has felt no nd met no interruption, notwithstanding we were, for more than two years, ongaged in active hos- tilities with an enemy possessing an extensive sea eoast on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, Not @ single American vessel was lost to her owners by capture by the enemy under the rights of war, and there was not, believed, any material effect produced on ine urance These auspicious results, 80 favorable to our commerce and navigation, are to be attributed to the respect which is universally felt for our flag abroad, and that rerpect is the honorable reward of the skill and courage, the ditcretion and justice, the vigilance and boldness with which the navy has performed its beg Os fettled policy of the United States to main- j but if, notwithstanding its gallant ex- ploits, long sinse achieved,and its practical services f0 long acknowledged, it were an undeoided question, whether the U. States should foster and cherish a navy, the service perfoamed in the late war will go far to settle | it. Without the guns of our squadron, how easily might the troops which formed the army under Major Gan Scott, when crowded in transporte and crossing the Gulf, have been destroyed by a few insignificant orul- ters? But for the rame protection, with what advan- tages might they not have been met om landing on the enemy's shores throughs dangerous surf! for the entire control of tne enemy's ports by our act. ive cruisers, how long might not the wat have been protracted by the introdnetion of munitions of war avd other supplies for the enemy, and what di- would not have threatened, if they hai not befs lem our galiant army, if the enemy could have prevented {he Rtectaation of the necessssy suppl for ost troops? Who can estimate the loos of Life and proper SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 10, 1848. ty which would have befallen us, ifthe tempting offers of the enemy had been accepte: d privateers had taken their letters of marque so ly tendered. and ravished our commerce in every sea, opposed only by the inadequate defences of a merchant vessel, and un- restrained by the navy? In time of peace economy requires, and the public interest do not forbid, that the naval establishment should be comparatively small Considering our ma- ritime position. the great length and acoessibility of our coast. and our commercial importance, our navy is smaller than that of any other power. [n this ro gard, as in the general practical working of our sys- tem of protection, we may safely rely on moral in- fluence, Inthe extensive cruising grounds of our squadrons we need employ in time of peace but few ships of war. It would not be practicable to have one in every port. It is enough thatit is known that our fing is afloat, and that an American ship of war is rea dy to protect American citizens, and our countrymen follow their lawful and peaceful pursuits on the broad ocean, without molestation, although there may not be a ship of war within thousand miles It should, however, be large enough to serve asa necleus, capa- ble of any degree of strength. which, in the event of contingency it may be cailed to put forth, One of | the most important requisites in @ permanent naval ,system for the United States, is its capability of large expansion. ‘The establisheent of dock# and yards for building and repair of ships, the collection and preparation of materials, the construction of ships of war ready for lsunching, and the purchase of capuon and munitioas of warin quantities suitable for emergencies, are mea- f wise precaution. But in the vast mercantile ;hanical business of our country, these sup- to a certain extent, perhaps to an extent suffi- piiei cient for the exigency, may be procured, when the oc- casion for expansion shall arise. So, too, the hardy mariners in our merc! t service would readily furnish efficient crews for the increased number of shipa fitted for war which a maritime war may render necessary, "The difficulty of such a crisis [ apprehend will not be in providing guns or ships, nor will it be in findihg brave hearts and ready hands to manand fight them; the difftculty will be neither in men to fight nor inma- terials to use. but as to officers in sufficient number, and with adequate experience to command and direct, A skilful naval officer, fitted by education and expe- rience in all the gr of the service, to navigate and fight a ship of war, is not readily formed. To qualify him for the responsible duties of his profession must be the work of years. Personal courage, general in- telligence and experience in navigation, are not suf- ficient, notwithstanding exceptions may be found, and no merchant marine would probabiy furnish them in greater numbers than our own, yet | am decidedly of opinion, that, asa general rule, a naval officer should enter the cervice at an carly age, and passing through all the grades, and learn the various and complex du- ties of his profession by personal experience, and e3- pecially thus learn to command those who may bo placed under him. I do not therefore deem it unwise that our navy list contains s larger number of officers than may be required in time of peace for the active oR of their rank. Thave no doubt that important improvements may be made in our naval establishment. Duty atsea is often attended with responsibility. hardships and exposure. In the routine of that duty, especially in time of peace, it must often become mo- notonous, and cease, in a creat degree, "to excite the zeal and enthusiasm necessary to high distinction. It is wise to bring into operation those principles of hu- man conduct which will counteract the tendency to inaction and indifference in the performance of even the dull and disagret le duties of the profession. The most potent, in my judgment, is the principle of mili- tary rank involved in promotion from the lower to the higher grades, by which the rewards of military am- bition are secured to those who perform the arduous and active duties of their profession to those who, by their service and exposure, and their ability for ser- vice, deserve them. No one cap doubt that promotion in the y should be made on the principles of merit, service, and the capacity for duty ; yet the tendency of such a system, without the regulation of law, might be to toster favoritism, to promote a partial dispensation of executive favor, and to withhold from modest and un- Under obtrusive merit, the reward justly due to it. our present system, promotions are generally nicrity of date of commission, and, as th stand, ] am not prepared to say that, unfavorable for the interest of the public service, as this often proves, any other plan which the executive can adopt, would be free from great objection: ‘The safe nd best mode, it aver ‘me, is to re- quire by law that officers reddered unfit for duty otherwire then by wounds received in battle, or not ualified for prpmotion to higher grades. should be Pisce 0 reduced out of line of pro. el fut care y against contracting disqualifying habits, in stimula- ting them to the active and sealous performance of duty, in exciting them to the acquisition of profes: sional knowledge, and in securing to the meritorious the rewards of promotion without having the way blocked up by others, inferior and incompetent, would speedily devolope themselves, Such a measure would reduce the expense of the navy ; beenuse under oxist- ing laws, officers who do not perform duty, and are in- capable of it, are in the receipt of the full pay of their rank. ‘Another great security for efficlency in the navy, will be found in the edusation, and‘in affording the means ¢f instruction to officers. The beneficial effects of the Naval School at An- napolis, upon theservice, ate already beginning $2 ba sensibly felt. The trut! all, that the services required of officers he head than of the hand. The result of experience in the army, that in proportion as education has been encouraged, and the means of acquiring it afforded, so have the character and efficiency of the officers been improved, will not failto be confirmed in the ni An accom- plished naval officer must understa: ll the sciences connected with navigation ; he ought to be familiar with steam, the steam engine, and mechanics, with gunnery, with chemistry, with the languages of all na- tions with whom his duty brings him in contact, and with the laws of his own country and of nations. ‘The lad who leaves his parents at the age of fourteen or fifteen years, to enter the service as midshipman, d to laid the foundation even rled| The na- val school promises to furnish the means of attaining these ends, so important for the Pod, Tt will preduce, I trust, the rame happy points of ekill and knowledge which the military academy bag produeed for the army. In its pr nt condition, and for some time to come, I do not apprehend that it will be necessary for Congress to regulate the details of the school law, which could only be modified, if found injudicious, by the tardy process of repeal or amendment of the law. After a larger practical experience, the department, aided by the learned and judicious professors on duty at the school and by the officers of the navy, who take a deep interest in the subject, will doubtless be prepared to present a more complete system. ‘A necessary appendage to the institution is a vessel of the navy fitted as a school of practice: in guunery and navigation I earnestly recommend that the ap- propriation for the next fiscal year, of which our esti- mate has been submitted, may be made; and as no ap- | propriation was made for the general wants of the school for the prerent year, I recommend the propriety of making it at the approaching session of Congress. There are now in one of the rooms of the building oceupied by the Navy Department, « considerable number of flags and other trophies, taken by the navy from public enemies in war. I recommend that au- thority may be given by Congress to the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the Presijent, to caure them to be placed, with suitable labels, at the naval school, in the care of the superintendent. Under the act of the 18th April, 1814, these trophies | have not been displayed to the public, The proposed disposition of them would have a good moral effect in exciting in the youthful bosoms of the midshipmen, who are to be the future commanders of our ships of \d_ heroism of those trophies are the me- war, an emulation of the virtues of whose valor and skill the morial. As soon as practicable after the ence with Mexico, the seamen, ordinary seamen, jandemen avd beys in the naval service, were reduced Z ao below the number of 7,500, as required aw. "By the third rection of the act of August 3, 1848, the Secretary of the Navy was directed “forthwith to contract with Messrs. Dakin & Moody for the cou- lete construction of a floating jonal dry dock, asin and railway, at Philadelp! “with Messrs. Guiibert & Secor for the complete construction of a iting dry dock, 2 and railway, at Pen- \ with one or the other of the said respeo- ‘for the complete construction at the Kittery of a floating dry dock, basin and po’ her of said places, as the Secretary of the Navy may prefer as best adapted to the isaid ard.” Under the act of March 3d, 1847, those patties haa respectively eubmitted to the Navy Department proposals for building at each of the three yards named, a work according to each plan, with speciica- tions for docking line of battle ship. ‘The act of 1848 made these plans and specifications the basis of the contracts directed to be made, limited the cost to 60 per cent over and above the priovs re- epectively stated in their said proporals, and provided that, if the dimensions proposed, should not be found adequate to dooking war steamers of the largest class, at leart 360 feet in length, the Secretary of ths Navy shall #lso, byfurther contract with said parties, en- large the dimensions of said works at each yard toa capacity sufficient for that Pad ol rhe plans and rpecifications were not adequate to that effect ; the parties were, therefore, required to fubmit| plane and specifioations adapted to the, in- creared dimensions of the works, regulated by law. When presented, | caused their reference to two naval contractors and an engineer; and, on their approval, in obedience to the direction of the laws, the con- tracts were exeout 1 adopted tor the navy yards at Kittery the belance dock, with ite appurtenances, becuse that plan of dook had been recommended by the Board of Com migsioners in 1847, It was lens expensive and pro- mised to be, at least. equally usefal, The increa! rice con Fairly ealeniated pro rata, and the contractors readily agreed to take the materials which had been for the works under the act of 1847, at th rniment. The prices stipul rhe complete aev,at Pens erpbia, $819,742. amg ab Kittery $702 sas roclamation of | mt on the increase of dimensions, was | | | By the acts of March 3d, 1847, and August 3d, 1848, $750,000 were appropriated for these objects, and an estimate is submitted for $650,000 for the next fiscal year, In the contracts for such oostly work, and espe- cially as the appropriations made were known to be insufficient to meet the whole cost, it was deemed proper to provide for partial payments as the works progressed, with such securities to indemnify the go- Yerpment in the event of failure to comply on the art of the contractors, as it was thought reasonable 0 require, Another year’s experience has confirmed the anti- cipation of most valuable results from the establish: | ment of the observatory, Ina report, which | had the honor to muke, from this department, under date of Nov. bth, 1844, | expressed the confident opinion « that i process of time, a most perfect set of charts may be supplied from the depot to the navy and to the com- mercial marine entirely to be relied on for accuracy, at the mere cost of publication.” The time has ar- | rived sooner than I anticipated. The Chambers of | Commeree of our principal cities, and intelligent mer- chants and navigators from all parta of our country, aware of the great importance of such an institution for publication of certected and verified charts are readily communicating the results of their observation and experiened and charts from the observatory are looked’on with increasing interest. Besides these im- portant advantages, most valuable services are ren- dered at the observatory by the care and adjustment of chronometers and other nautical instruments for the navy. The establishment is superintended and conducted with credit and success by naval officers, who have shown themselves entirely adequate to its uties, Estimates are submitted, with a view to to the pub lications of charts and a nautical almanac. 1 recom- mend them to the favorable consideration, and as « means of refunding a part of the expense; and that none need be restrained from applying for them, [re- commend that authority be given to eell them, when published, at the cost of publication, Under the several contracts made with this depart- ment for the transportation of the mails in steamships convertible into war steamers, the party interested have made great progress in the construction of their vessels and machinery, The agsignees of the contract for the route on th» Pacific have comple the number of steamers re- quired by the contract. They have been inspected, reported on favorably, and accepted by the department, and have sailed from New York to engage in their most interesting service. The California, the first of this line, it is expected will be at Panama the Ist of January next, ready to make her first trip up the coast; the other two will follow, and there is no reason to apprehend that, in the hands of the enterprising Proprietors, the contract will not be satisfactorily exe- cuted. The proprietors of the line from New York to New Orleans, touching at Charleston, Savannah, and Ha- vana, and from Havana to Chagres, have two of their large steamers launched, and in a state of great for- wardness, and have made extensive preparations for the construction of the others registered by their con- tract. I regarded it as a matter of great public importance that this line should commence its operations at least to the extent of a monthly communication between Havana and Chagres, in time to connect with the Pacific line. The contractors, desirous to meet the wishes of the Department, proposed to place on the route temporarily the ocean steamer Falcon, and she has been inspected, reported on favorably, and accept- ed for the service until the steamers constructed under the contract shall be ready to take their places on the route. ‘The Falcon has railed from New York, will touch at the intermediate points of the route, and deliver her mails and passengers in time to cross the {sthmus and join the steamer at Panama on the Ist Jan’y, The connected lin pected, be insuccessful operation early in the ensuing spring, andaregular communication established be- tween New York and Oregon. ‘he time ocoupied in the passage will not exceed 35 days, and at no distant day, it is confidently believed that a regular commu. nication will be established by a connecting line of steamers between San Francia d China, making the passage in 25 days. This may readily be effected by means of the war steamers now being constructed asparts of the squadron on the Kast Indies and the Pacific, until individual enterprise shall have intro- duced steamers better suited for freight and passen- ers, we the transit of intelligence, merchandise and passen- ers from China to Europe, by way of New York, can Qereteoted when there several lias shall be in opera- tion, in connection with the line from that city to Li- yerpool, in less then one-half the time now occupied in the voyage between those countries. The communication by steamers regularly plying on the two routes, now about to commence, cannot fail to inerease our general commerce, and to bring to our At- lantic cities @ large import of the precious metals; aad this, with the ities aflorded to our enterprising countrymen to visit or to emigrate to the rich tetrito- ries on the Pacific, more than compensates the expense of the undertaking. Asa most interesting part of the system, I recom- mend that authority be given to contract for the tran: portation of the between New Orleans and Vei Cruz, in steamships convertible into war steamers, I; will tend, by promoting social and commercial {ater- course, to consolidate friendehip between Mexico aad the United States, promote the introduction of our great staples and manufactured goods into Mexico, and invite her rich products of specie to our cities, If will add, too, tothe mails on all the Gonnecting lines, in- crease the posta) proiits, and make available, for public defence, in additional number of war steamers ‘The contractor for the line between New York and Liverpool bas his vessels in a state of forwardness. He has two steamers, each of 2.800 tons measurement, ready for launching, and the frataes of two others ready totake their places on the building ways, as soon a8 launched, and the machinery Ino corresponding state of forwardness, The Department has not urged the contractor to undue haste im the construction of his steamers. Inthe present state of communication with Europe by other means, the thorough and skilful exe- cution of the work on the hull and machinery of the ships, is of more importance to the government thi their speedy completion. The contractor is prosec: ting his undertaking with energy and judgment, By the execution of the 13th section of act of Au- gut 8, 1848, measures have been taken to remove the insane of the navy and marine corps, from the naval hospitals to institutions established for the cure and | treatment of persons thus sadly afflicted. It is be- lieved that the object cen be satisfactorily attained on the moder terms prescribed a law. The whole number of insane persons in the hospitals is 13, and some of them are 80 qui 4 harmless that it may not be necesrar; ‘The supply o contracts already existing, render it unnecessary to | advertise for any additional quantity for the present year. That American be peo be pre; d in quality equal to any in the world has been established by ex- iments under the most rigid test. The heavy out- lay necessary im Preparing for the production of the | finer descrip'ions, suitable for naval purposes, has pre- vented many planters from engaging in annual con- tracts. The joint resolution of Congress, of 9th May | last, made a great improvement by authorizing navy contracts for American water rotted hemp, tor # term not exceeding five yeors, at a remunerating price. | I propose to invite, by advertisement, the hemp | growers themeelves to contract, and, by accepting pro- posals for 25 tons and upwards, and in case of equality ef bid to give the preference to the farmer who grows | it, to encourage the general adoption of the most im- | proved process of preparing this important supply for | navy. Proposals for furnishing machinery for the rope walk at the Memphis navy yard, have been invited, by advertisement, and as soon as it can be manufac- tured and delivered, that important establishment will | be put in operation. ‘The place for the delivery of hemp for the use of the navy will be far more convenient for domertic hemp | growers generally, than that at which cordage is now | manufactured, and the facility of access will justify the farmers in telling their produce directly to the | government, without the introduction of agencies, or | the expense and loss of more distaut transportation and frequent transhipment. The military contributions collected in the Gulf of Mexico, at ports and places inthe military occupation of the naval forees, amount to $131,839. From the squadron in the Pacific the accounts have not been received and adjusted. At Mazatlan, chem in the occupation of the navy, Commodore Jones reports to the department, that up to the 17th June, 1645, the contributions collected at that port amounted to $254,368, It is not probable that considerable collections were made by officers of the navy at any other point of the Pacific coast. The plan ttlement adopted required the officers first to settle at the Navy tment, on vouchers, the amounts of contributions, charging them the amounts received, and crediting their disbarsemonts made for the service in prosecution of the war, as ¢#- tablished by their vouchers, The collecting officer has been then required to settle at the Treasury his account as acting purser, where he is charged with money and stores received on public account, and credited with disbursements satisfactorily youched, other and beyond those already credited in his con- tribution account, and the balance thus appearing, | bas, in each case, been paid into the Treasury under its proper head of appropriation. The practical ef- fect cf this mode of settlement is to relieve appropria- tions made by the law to the full amount of the contri- butions. There has not been a case of default | ‘The duty of collection, disbursement and account- | Ing was performed by naval officers without any al- lowance for the service. The act of August 23d, 1842, was construed to forbid any allowance beyond their | pay as officers on duty, and no compensation basb:ea made for a service not within the general range of an officer's dutier, and in some instances atiended with positive and unavoidable loss, I repeat my recommen- dation beretofore made, that authority be given to low in each cage on collections and disbursemen (| ending 40th June, 1880, a). |. a | Yor the transportation of the Mal... 4, not exceeding in the aggregate a sum suflicie reasonable indemnity for the d trouble atten. on the duty. wr to submit he reports from the ne- Department, with the estimates for other objects placed un- der the contro) of this department, for the Gscal year Of estimator ia $5,855,856 58, of being for specific objwots, must be | deducted to ascertain the probable saamal oapsmav of | avy i= sensor | in all their parts will, it isex- | tj | | nerved in the army in the war with Mexic ) batied b For Floating Dry Docks, Barinsand Railways 6: Completing Stone Dock at New York. Improvements, &c., at Navy Yards... $2,360,910 which sums, boing deducted, will leave for one year’s of the naval service, including invalids’ and pensions, and the marine corps, $5,997,040 58 I have the honor herewith to transmit a statement from the 4th Auditor's office, amount of appropriations and expenditures, made for the entire public service, under the control of the Navy Department in each year, from the 30th June 1844 to the Ist July 1848. by which it will appear that the aggregate amount of the expenditures for the two showing the exact | TWO CENTS. Movements of Gencral ‘Taylor. [From the New Orleans Crescent, Dec. 1.) Yesterday was @ ti ppointed for the Execu- tive Committee of Central Rough and Ready Club to call upon General Tayler, and accordingly, at four o'clock im the afternoon, the members waited upon him at the St Charles Hotel. They were received by the Generalin a pri id although their re- ception was highly was not the slight- est ostentation or formality upon either sid been understood to be General Taylor's they should, on this occasion, be dispensed with, in order that he might meet the tlemen of the com- mittee as old friends. There is a combined frankness | and modesty in the General's whole manner, which at fiscal years ending on the 30th June 1815 and 1846, | ORCe win the esteem and affection of any with whom amounted to $14,967,036 09, and the agcregat pétided in the two years, ending on the 30th of June 1846, was $21,598,661 18, The first two were in time of peace ; the last twoem- brace, with a trifling exception, the entire period of the war with Mexico, In the last two it is worthy of re- mark that for the construction of war steamers, au- thorized by Congress, but not intended or expected to be employed inthe war, and for other special objects, very considerable expenditures were made under ap- propriations for the purpose, #0. that the ordinary expenses of the naval service have been but slightly increared by the war with Mex On the Ist July last it appears that there remaine: | "8 in the Treasury an unex appropriations of the naval servic Of this sum $1,795,630 57. w: plus fund, and,as authorized ended balance of the ye ft $5,205.680 § carried to the y law, the bala rs mains subject to expenditure, if required, during the | current fiscal ee It gives me pleasure to bear testimony, as the result of my own experience, to the efficient organization of | the Navy Department, Personally, I acknowledge grateful obligations to the distinguished men who are and have been in charge of the several Bureaux, The | division of its duties secures to the civilian who may be at the head of the Department the aid and council of experienced officers whose professional information, | Itans Bulletin of the at all times freely but unobtrusively given, iseminent- | furvivors of 1814-715 ly useful to him in the conduct of the vast and diver. | pount | he may come in contact. After shaking hands with every member of the committee, he expressed his regret that the people, in the exercise of their soverign power, had not caused their choice to devolve upon some one more worthy and capable of fulilling the duties of the high station to which he had been called, than he felt himself to be. The responsibilities of the President of | this great and glorious republic he knew to be immense, | but at the same time he would, tothe best of his ability, | ferve his country faithfully in his new capacity. He | Spoke of the fact of hishaving passed go great a portion | of his life in the camp, and on the frontier, in con- | eequence of which he had had little opportunity of mixing in political strife, or becoming acquainted with political affairs. He alluded to the solicitude which he felt while in Vexico,on hearing that the people had determined to nominate him for the Pre sidency. He did not desire civil office, and had hoped that scme one more capable, and he knew several such woud be selected. A bulf hour was then spent in aocith conversation, in the course of which tle General al- luded to bis late campaign in Mexico, and the trying positions in which he was several times placed. Ths | committee then took their leave, having derived much pleasure from the interview, Ges, Tavion ann THe Argeeably to previo Verenans ov 1814-15,— rangement, saya the New Or- tinst , a number of the gallant the day previous, waited upon After being introduc. Gen Taylor, at the St. Charles, rifled business under his direction. Besides the ehipa | ¢d to him, he was addressed on their part by Judg» on the stocks, in ordinary, and undergoing repairs, Bermudez, in ashort, but elequent and appropriat» and in commission, and excluding navy yards and | speech, to which Gon. Taylor, in reply. said— other public lands, required for purposes of the navy, | ‘That he was deeply gratefnl for ell the honors that with their costly improvement, the reports herewith | bad been paid to him by his fellow citizens, bat that submitted, show that the public property on hand for he felt especially gratified to receive the present mark naval purposes amounts in the aggregate to $9 400,370. | of kind attention, from the valiant, and now aged ve- The subdivision of dates and superintendence amongst the several Bureaux, has led to the introduc- | vary, 1816. tion ofjudicious measures for the preservation of stores | and materials and the enforcement of strict accounta- Dility, and thus guarded against an immense waste of | public property. Under this wise distribution of duty and labor, eco- nomy and efficiency have been promoted, great im- provements introduced in the purchase and inspection oftimber, hemp, canvass, and other materials forcon- struction, repairs and equipments; a series of well con- ducted experiments in gunnery h: ordnance stores and munitions of war of the most im- proved descriptions are procured. A judicious system has been established and main- tained for the necessary buildings at our Navy Yards, and for the uniform regulation of the quantity ai prices of mechanical and other labor in public employ- | y is supplied with medicines, pro- | visions, and clothing of the best quality and on eco- | nomical terms, under regulations digested with care | ment, and the and skill. There i organization of the Navy Department. The primarily on applications for service, relief or dis. harges, ocoupies too large a portion of the Secretary's as by an officer of rank bearing the relation to the Department and to tne Navy, which the Adjutant Gen The blishment of a Bureau for this most important duty would involve a trifling expense. There would not be required for the purpose any additional clerical | labor; the Register and Clerks now engaged op the | It eannot be doubted | that the effects of auch an improvement in the organi- | same duty would be sufficient. ration of the Department would be highly beneficial, A revised book of regulations for the navy is very | much wanted. ecutive regulations form a large portion of the law of the service. Those now in force are contained in seve- tal pubiications made at different times aad in general orders tothe Department. It is often difficult for offi- cers to know what they are; @ revision and republica- tion in one beok, would prove of great advantage to the service; and s small appropriation would probably cover the expenses, Trenew my recommendation that the appointment ofa small number of assistant pursers may be author- ized by law. A joint Board of Officers of the Army and Navy has been organized, with orders to proceed to the West Soaet, and 1wake an examination of the const of Cali- and Oregon, with a view to the collection of the necessary information to determine on proper points for fortification and a navy yard, when it shall be the pleasure of Congress to direct such establishments. A nayy yard on the California coast, with suitable means for the repair of vessels, would, in my judgment, be of the nf poo public importance. I submit herewith the annual estimates for the sup- port cf the marine corps. In obedience to the direction of the act of Congress, March 2d, 1847, “ at the termination of the Mexican war the marine corps was reduced both in men and officers to a number not exceeding the number in ser- vice at the date of the act,” the reduction of the men was effected by discharges as they arrived in the United States, The duty of reducing the number of officers was more difficult. from the rolls four captains, four first lieutenants, and four second lieutenants. It was determined to organize a Board of Officers of rank ruperior to that of captains, and they were in- structed to designate the officers who could be best rpared from the tervice. ‘They made their report, and the officers designated were dismissed without alleged fault. with submitted. The efficiency of our ships of war would be promoted if the marine guard allowed by the regulation could be enlarged, and the tnerease of the | rank and file of the corps, from 1,000 to 1,500, would, ia | my judgment, be highly beneficial. The number of landemen mi; Such an increase of the non-commisioned officers and privates would justify an additional number of com- missioned officers equal to the number dismissed. ave been made, and | however, one great defect in thel present | uty of | ordering and detailing of officers for service, of the | general superintendence of enlistments, of deciding | ime, and cannot be fo satisfactorily performed by him | does to the War Department and to the Army. | It was necessary to drop | Copies of the inetructions and report are here- | ght be reduced to the rame amonnt.— | | teran survivors of the glorious battle of the 8th of Jan- He said that he had not been a candidate for the Pra idency of his own accord, but be had been placed in that situation by the voice of the people, who. he supposed, had made him a candidate from the belief that it might be in his power to bring back the government to its original ‘purity. Now that the fact of his election to that exalted station | had been definitely settled, he felt himself not | otherwise interested than to perform the exeoutive | duties in faithful conformity to that beautifal system of government fiamed by the wisdom and patriotism | of our ancestors, and presided over for eight years by him who stands distinguished and beloved, before all others living or dead, as the ‘Father of his country.’ On his own account, he had nothing to gratify but « | feeling experienced by every patriotic citizen, for the advancement of the prosperity of the nation and the piness of the people, All he could promise was the faitbful diecharge, to tha best of his ability, of his duty to the constitution and the country, and if, in the performance of it, the expectations of those who bad elected him should be realized, he would be more than greatly repaid for all the isbor and anxiet; which he should have to encounter. After again turning thanks for what he called the ‘ undeserved | honors’ paid to him, he proceeded at once to mingle, in the most cordial manner, with the hoary-headed men by whom he was surrounded, and on whose beam- ing faces there was the most unmistakable evidence of the inward gratification they felt at the manner of their reception by the glorious hero of Buena Vista.” [From the New Orleans Delta, Dec. 1.) Sunday Italian artiste have been doing a fine busi- ness for some time past. selling some very indifferent busts of the Presideat elect, ‘I'he prices of these busts vary with the parties to whom they are offered. To @ cit—aripe un—they ask one dollar; but from acountry gentleman, and a presumed greenhorn, the pect two dollars and @ half. er te} In the government of the navy ex- | humorous city gentleman, standing in front of tl | Charles, being badgered by one of these artista to buy | a bust of “de grand General Taileur,” declined taking one himself, but pointing up at a plainly dressed el- derly gentleman, who was sitting in the St. Charles portico, told the Italian that he was a friend of General Taylor, and would take » bust of him. Straightwa: the “last of the Romans” proceeded up th Addressing the plainly diesed elderly asked if he would not “tak un bust of de brave general vat his de President” What's the price?” “Sare, only two dollar helf—vera chape.” “Here's the money,” exclaimed tho elderly gentleman, re- ceiving the bust, ‘Well, General,” exclaimed th elderly gentleman’s companion, ‘ isa yery politic step of yours, as the rascal would no doubt have sol ( you to some other person for half pi only given n dollar and a half more th value of the article” We need not add that the pt charer of the busy was the hero of Buena Vista an{ President elect, As General Taylor as taking glass of wine @ Hewlett’s, the other day, in company with severs gentlemen, In whese faces pleasure amd hope wer appily blended, an admirer of his walked up to him and raid : “ General, | with to ask an appointment of you when you are President.” * Oh, for shame!” ex- claimed several gentlemen, who are presumed to be willing to afford their services to their country, for an | adequate consideration. The general drew himself | up. and looked rather revere. “Oh, general, it is a small matter. Gentlemen, | shan’t tread on your corns. All that [ask of you, general, is to appoiat me your | successor, when you vacate the Presidency.” © Ah, | that indeed! I will. certainly,” replied the general. | Great, thereupon, was the relief of the general's par~ tioular friends, General Tayior’s Trip North. New Onteaws, Nov. 20, 1948 GrentLemen—I have duly received your communica- tion of yerterday, conveying to me, in behalf of the people of Tennerree, a very courteous invitation to visit the city of Nashville, at such time between this and the 4th of March next as may suit my conve- nience,”” To you, gentlemen, as the committee charged with thir duty, I beg to sayin reply, that I shall take groat | pleasure in availing myself of this invitation, while By the joint resolution of Congress, approved the 10th | On my journey to the city of Washington, to greet in August, 1848, the efficers, non-com: privates, and musicians of the marine corps who re pli remu- pay, on a footing ed in all respects, as to bounty, land and o} neration in addi to the ordinar; with the officers, non-commissione and musicians in the army. On consultation with the Attorney General Ifelt ¥ constrained so to censtrue the resolution as not to in- clude the marine guards, attached under orders to the ships of war inthe Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. It did not appear to me that they could be regarded as serv- ing with the army, within the meaning of the resolu- tion as did the battalions of marines who marched into Mexico and formed a part of the army. It is known that the marine guards of both squadrons were often on land, co-operating in the most gallant manner with the land forces, and encountering all the dangers and privationsfof the service with thearmy. The discri- mination has been ae, felt by them, and! may not have given to the terms of the resolution the en- larged construction which its framersintended. How- ever that may be, | deemed it the safer course to wait and submit the subject again to Congress, | am en- tirely satisfied that while both classes of the marine offi: -s and men did their duty, there was nothing thes cvice of the battalion serving with the army whiol. entitled them to any higher BM oy th thei. brethren, who, belonging to the ships, also served ashore. The number of these was not ; and Terpectfully recommend that they be put on a footing, as to bounty land, with those who have already receiv. ed what was given by law tothe officers and men of the army, I baye the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obd't serv’t, JOHN Y. MASON, To the Presinnyr. _ Joun Mrrenet at Bermvpa.—There appeared ina Scotch paper, a few days ago, an extract from & letter written by @ person who said he hid it from ancther, that John Mitchel was to be seen walkin, wbout the quay of Bermuda in his own clothes, and | looking weil; that he would not even sid in keeping the governor's accounts, and had only to appear in the convict’s dress at the monthly inspections, All this I am in a position to say is without foundation. A let- ter has been received from the unfortunate man, in which he eaya the only distinction made between his | treatment, and that of the gang of convicts, of which he forme one, is that, owing to of health and physical incapacity for hard work, he is exempted from heavy bodily labor, but he is unceas- are 80 repugnant to his feclings that, if he were he would prefer stone-breaking, or other equall; and monotonous labor. He is in wretchedly 1 spl. rite, never sees a newspaper, nor has an opportunity of speaking to any one who can inform him of the events in Ireland, or the other portions of Europe,since the day hereceived sentenes of transportation, fis family being aware of the restrictions imposed upon the correspo nee with the convicts by the Gevernor ef Bermud 'Yy properly confine themselves to private subjec! when they write to unhappy Mitehel. The unfortunate fellow is rarely ever permitted to leave the hulk, to which it should be understood, he is strictly confined, ingly engaged in menial occupations which, vv able ‘able, | 9). ard | Freel The story, therefore, of his walking on the quiy in hs ‘ag nd all the rest of it, is # piece of inven. | ion. Trownre ts Yaux Coreox.—The Northampton Courter states that the faculty of Yale College punished several of the actors in thi of * burying Euclid.” The faculty to break up the custom, and threatened this year to take severe measures with any who mi @ in ite repetition. Hence the studeat who delivered the ser mon, and the one who read the poem, with one or two others, were expelled, Others were rusticated, ot other. wiee punished. Nenrly all the #tudents were speota- tora, but only ihe actors were punished A tutor, who went among thet aya epy wan roughly treated, The H noeked of Wis hat, ahd snow. students Kicked him M, WinLal Ge dee dor his life. officers, privates — is very delicate state (. issioned officers, | person the citizens of Nashville, provided that no un- foreseen obstacles due to the seascn should impede my | reaching your city with tolerable comfort and facility. I hope to accomplieh my wish between the Ist and 16th February next. I must not omit, in accepting your invitation, to | express my most sincere gratification at recoiving #0 manifestation of regard and respect from the nnersee, It will give me real pleasure to d express in person how much | esteem You will please accept for yourselves my bast sc- knowledgments for your congratulations, and for the flattering terme addressed to me, which greatly add to the compliment of your invitation. ishing you a safe return to your friends and homes, and much happiners aud prosperity, I remain, gentlemen, with uch respect and regard, your most obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Letter from Mr, Fillmore, The following letter. trom the Vice President elect: to Col. MeAlpin, of the Fillmore Rangers, of New Or Jeans, is every way worthy of its distinguished author - A.nany. N.¥., Nov. 18, 1848, Dean Sim:—I am honored by the receipt of your note ofthe Zist ultimo, enclosing a copy of thead of the Filimore Rangers. of New Orleans, | It did not reach me until the contest had closed, and the din of strife had given way to the exultations of triumph and the song of victory. But I can assure you thatthe noble and tru'y national sentiments of that address find a hearty response in my breast, and the triumphant whig vote in your city is the best evi- | dence of the zeal and ability with which the young | men of your club discharged their duty to the whig party and the country. My illustrious associate on the tieket required no vindication, I, therefore, feel | the more deeply the obligation which | have incurred by the noblestand which these young mem took in my favor; and | acknowledge it with heartfelt thanks, and trust they will never have reason to regret the co1 dence they have repored in me Please to m: my grateful acknowledgments to id accept for your- the club over which you oe eelf the assurance ofimy igh re rd and esteem. Respectfully yours, rg WILLARD FILLMORE. Army Intelligenc: Yucatan Battarion.—We have been kindly farnish- ed by a friend with the following list of officers of Col, Whit giment of Yucaten Volu: tion of which sailed a few days since, on board of the bark Florida, bound for Yucatan :—Col. G. W. White, Lieut. Col. L. A. Besangon, Major D, 8. MeDowell, int.: *. McHenry, Art. ; Capts. Ja’s Edmonsten, John land. R. P. Mace, Clark A. Tobin, Solis, J. G. Moiloy ; First Lieuts. McKeever, H. C. Young, (Act. Adj ) Fred. Sevier, W. O. Whitman, J. 8. McEnery, J. D. Gallagher, Juan Corillo, J.G Gaines ; Second Lieuts. Edward Desommes, Corlis, Loftis, Mo- Donald, Juan Eliza, Lees st Hicks, Bw and Brown. | and 400 men- making the ‘whole ‘number deopatched it of Operations 700, The remainder will doubtless be forwarded in a very short time.—New Or- eans Delta, Dec. Gen. Twiaas.—Gen. Twiggs arrived on Wed- neaday from Galveston, Texas, and is by ia! at the St, Charles Hotel. The commander t “Cerro Gordo Division” is in the enjoyment of re- markable good health and K ated He is, we learn, on bie way to Jefferson Barracks, to take command of the. department eins see the Iamented Gen Kearney. That portion of the national forces is fortunate in hav. ing the energy and talent of Gen, Twiggs over it.— New Orleans Delta, Dec. 1. Arrival or Gen. Wortn at Brownsvinue Gen. Worth arrived here to-day i the steamer Baltic, The landing was thronged with our oiticuns, all anxious to gets glimpse of the veteran, aod give him aroldier's welcome. A large procession was formed, and the Ge as ercorted to bis head qua: tke Monorg Hoorr, ewld much entha.t Brownsvilie, Dec, 8, P.M,