National Defense: Page #9

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9

country in a proper posture of defense, to infuse science into our army, and give to our fortifications that degree of force, connection and perfection, which can alone counterbalance the superiority of attack over defence.

With these advantages in prospect, is it not incumbent upon us to hasten with all reasonable diligence, the commencement and completion of an institution essential to realize them. And our expenditures which gives us such valuable results, to be otherwise viewed than as real oeconomy. It is a well known fact, that England had neither native artillerists or engineers before the time of the Duke of Cumberland, and till after the established military schools.

I shall now, having respectfully submitted these observations, present an estimate of the expense of the military schools which appears to me ought to be immediately instituted.

Agreeable to the plan of the military academy, the directors thereof are to be officers taken from the army, consequently no expense will be incurred by such appointments.

The plan also contemplates, that officers of the army, cadets and non-commissioned officers, shall receive instruction in the Academy. As the rations and fuel which of these are entitled to in the army, will suffice for them in the Academy, no additional expense will be required for these objects of maintenance while there.

The expenses of servants and certain incidental chargers relative to the police and administration may be defrayed by those who shall be admitted out of their pay and emoluments.

According to the plan contemplated, fifty officers, cadets, or non-commissioned officers may be annually instructed in the fundamental school and an equal number in the school of artillerists and engineers; the only schools which it is deemed expedient to bring into operation.