.MjEwNQ.MjgzNzg

VII

contemplated survey. The request was promptly complied with, and the trust was confided by the Secretary of War, to a gentleman in the service of the federal government of much practical skill, who devoted several months to a careful reconnaisance of different routes within this State. His Report has not as yet been received. I am informed however that it will shortly be ready to be submitted to your consideration. The Commissioners appointed agreeably to the Resolve of the tenth of March last to consult upon the same subject with the civil authorities of the Canadas, and others, have attended to the duty entrusted to them, and a copy of their Report is herewith laid before you. A Resolve having been passed by the last Legislature constituting the Governor, the members of the Council, and the Land Agent a Board of Internal Improvements, they immediately organized themselves for the performance of the duties assigned to them by this Resolve. A competent Engineer was selected by the Board, who has been in active service since his appointment. His survey and Report, as soon as received, will be submitted for the inspection and consideration of the Legislature. The annual Report of Adjutant General will be laid before you at an early day, and will make you acquainted with the present condition of our Militia. By the last returns it appears, that the numerical force of the Militia of this State as exhibited by the Muster Rolls was forty thousand eight hundred and twenty seven men. There were forwarded to me from the War Department in the month of July last, ten hundred and ninety one stands of arms, and fourteen prices of ordnance, with the necessary military equipment, by virtue of an Act of Congress, for arming the whole body of the Militia, passed April 23, 1808.