I communicate herewith a report from the Secretary of War, containing the information called for by the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 17^th July 1848 in relation to the number of Indians in Oregon, California & New Mexico, the number of military posts, the number of troops which will be required in each, and “the whole military force which should constitute the peace establishment”.

I have seen no reason to change the opinion expressed in my message to Congress of the 6th^July 1848^JulyInstant, transmitting the Treaty of Peace with Mexico, that, —“the old army as it existed before the commencement of the war with Mexico, especially if authority be given to fill up the rank and file of the several corps to the Maximum number authorized during the war, it is believed will be a sufficient force to be retained in service during a period of peace”.

The old army consists of Fifteen Regiments. By the Act of the 13th of May 1846, the President was authorized by voluntary enlistments to increase the number of privates in each or any of the companies of the existing Regiments of Dragoons, Artillery & Infantry, to any number, not

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“exceeding one hundred”— and to “reduce the same to sixty [four?] “when the exigencies requiring the present increase shall [?] Should this act remain in force the Maximum number of the rank and file of the army, authorized by it, would be ^over^ sixteen thousand [...?] of officers [...?] men, [?] of officers. Should the authority conferred by this act be continued, it would depend on the exigencies of the service, [?] the number of the rank & file should be increased, and if [?] to what amount, beyond the minimum number of sixty [four?] privates to a company.

Allowing sixty four privates to a company, [...?] the army ^would be over^ Ten thousand men [...?] exclusive of ^commissioned & non commissioned^ officers— a number which it is believed be sufficient, but as a precautionary measure it is deemed [ex]pedient that the Executive should possess the power of increasing the strength of the respective corps, should the exigencies of the service be such as to require it. Should these exigencies not [...?]call for [...?]such increase, the discretionary power given by the act to the President, will not be exercised.

It will be seen from the Report of the Secretary of War that a portion of the forces, will be employed in Oregon, New Mexico, and Upper California—a portion for the protection for the Texas frontier, adjoining the Mexican possessions, and bordering on the territory occupied by the Indian tribes, with[in]

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her limits. After detailing the force necessary for these objects, it is believed a sufficient number of troops will remain to afford security and protection to our Indian frontier in the West & North West, and to occupy with sufficient garrisons the posts on our Northern & Atlantic borders.

I have no reason at present to believe that any increase of the number of Regiments or Corps will be required, during a period of peace.