From the duties which devolve on the Engineer Department and upon the topographical engineers, a different organization seems to be demanded by the public interest, and I recommend the subject to your consideration.

No important change has during this season taken place in the condition of the Indians.  Arrangements are in progress for the removal of the Creeks, and will soon be for the removal of the Seminoles.  I regret that the Cherokees east of the Mississippi have not yet determined as a community to remove.  How long the personal causes which have heretofore retarded that ultimately inevitable measure will continue to operate I am unable to conjecture.  It is certain, however, that delay will bring with it accumulated evils which will render their condition more and more unpleasant.  The experience of every year adds to the conviction that emigration, and that alone, can preserve from destruction the remnant of the tribes yet living amongst us.  The facility with which the necessaries of life are procured and the treaty stipulations providing aid for the emigrant Indians in their agricultural pursuits and in the important concern of education, and their removal from those causes which have heretofore depressed all and destroyed many of the tribes, can not fail to stimulate their exertions and to reward their industry.

The two laws passed at the last session of Congress on the subject of Indian affairs have been carried into effect, and detailed instructions for their administration have been given.  It will be seen by the estimates for the present session that a great reduction will take place in the expenditures of the Department in consequence of these laws, and there is reason to believe that their operation will be salutary and that the colonization of the Indians on the western frontier, together with a judicious system of administration, will still further reduce the expenses of this branch of the public service and at the same time promote its usefulness and efficiency.

Circumstances have been recently developed showing the existence of extensive frauds under the various laws granting pensions and gratuities for Revolutionary services.  It is impossible to estimate the amount which may have been thus fraudulently obtained from the National Treasury.  I am satisfied, however, it has been such as to justify a reexamination of the system and the adoption of the necessary checks in its administration.  All will agree that the services and sufferings of the remnant of our Revolutionary band should be fully compensated; but while this is done, every proper precaution should be taken to prevent the admission of fabricated and fraudulent claims.  In the present mode of proceeding the attestations and certificates of the judicial officers of the various States form a considerable portion of the checks which are interposed against the commission of frauds.  These, however, have been and may be fabricated, and