4 [2] 
But, it is not only in its disbursements tliat the Military Service 
has attained ;i hi.a;l» perfection. The condition of the Asai\, in Q\evy 
bran.h. !>()t!t of the Line and Staff, in its material and personal, and 
in its discipline and administration, is highly respectable. If there 
is any exceptior, it is in the discipline of the Artillery. Though the 
otFicrrs of that branch of service are equal in skill to any other, 
and are distinguished for their attention to their duty, yet, it is found 
impracticable, dispersed as the Artillery is, in commands of single 
companies, to render the discipline of the corps as perfect as is de- 
sirable. It is contemplated, during the next year, to concentrate a 
sutricietit number of Artillerists, for discipline, at some pi-oper poiiit, 
and, by rendering their discipline perfect, gradually extend the per- 
fection, thus acquired, to the whole corps. It «ai- be effected with- 
out additional expense to the public; and, it is believed, without ma- 
teiial inconvenience to the service. 
Of the Military Academy, it may, with confidence be said, that it 
has attained a state of perfection as great as it is practicable, under 
the existing legal provisions; and that it is not inferior to any simi- 
lar institution in any country. 
Under the appropriations of the last session, Forts Washington, 
Delaware, and the one at the Rigolets, will be completed; and it is 
contemplated, should appropriations be granted, to commence, in 
the next year, the works projected at New Utrecht, which is intended 
to cover Fort La Fayette, which commands the Narrows at New 
York, and those at Bi enton's Point, far the defence of Narragansett 
Bay. 
The Board of Engineers, besides its ordinary duties, were, during 
last summer, engaged in executing several special orders ; and, 
among others, in piojecting a break water at the mouth of the Dela- 
Avare, under tlie act of the 7th of May, 1820, and the forming a plan 
for the im])rovenient of the entrance into the harbor of Piesque Isle, 
on Lake Erie. In relation to both these imj)ortant subjects, it made 
very interesting leports, with plans and estimates, whit h accomp^any 
the sty.temerit from the Engineer Department, herewith transmitted. 
The completion of the new fortresses, and those to be erected, will 
require an appropriation in order to fabricate the cannon and car- 
riages necessary fur their armament. It is estimated, that an annual 
appropriation of gl no, 000 will, in ten years, furnish a sufficient num- 
ber for all of t!ie works contemplated for the defence of the coast. 1 here 
would, undoubtedly, be great economy in granting a permanent ap- 
pro{)riation instead of an annual one, as contractors wou'd vest their 
capital at much less profit, under the assurance which would be 
atl'irdcd by the former. 
Under the appropriation to fix on a site for a National Armory on 
the Vi estej'n waters, made the last session, a commission, consisting of 
Cx)!. iM'iiee, Col. Lee, and Capt. Taicott was coiistitut»d, wi:ich has 
been incessantly engaged in exploring the country on the Western 
wacrs, ill order to make the location. It has not yet reported, bur 
