12 L^J 
ters. and eight assistants, to be taken from the line of the army. 
This change, with an allowance of forage to the assistants by pre- 
senting sufficient inducements to men of character to enter, and re- 
main in the Department, would better secure a strict acconntubility, 
than all the restrictive laws on the statute book. It is called for by 
every consideration of policy as well as economy; for the best gua» 
rantee the nation can have, for the proper application of its fiJnds, 
will be found in the honor, intelligence, and abilities, of its officers. 
Let it not be said, that the system of bonding affords this guarantee^ 
Experience proves the contrary. It may secure the payment of du- 
ties at the Custom House, or afford ultimate security against de- 
faulters, but can never insure good faith in the public expenditures. 
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient 
servant. 
TH. S, JESUP. 
Brig. Gen. and ^ar, Mas. Gen, oj the Army. 
To the Hon, J. C. Calhoun. 
Secretary of War. 
