The Quota of Supplies from the United States, under the law of 1808, was received in Artillery Equipage, and in Rifles and Equipments, and Non-commissioned Officers' Swords and Equipments, as is cxhibited in 1 P'r. 12 lb. Howitzers, cast from worn out Field Pieces, by Messrs. Alger & Co. 1 The other is the omission of most of the heavy siege Guns, that have been so long lying in the yard. These cannon are all very old and untrustworthy. Some of them are of date prior to the Revolution; and all of them entirely unfit, at the present day, for any service. They have, therefore, been sold, by order of the Governor and Council, to the South Boston Iron Company, with the exception of four to be reserved, as possessing an historical interest, rendering them worthy of preservation, on account of the associations connected with them; they being part of the armament of the Forts in the Harbor of Boston, previous to the separation from the Mother country. The guns sold have not, as yet, been delivered, and the proceeds will be stated in connection with the annual estimates for the expenditures of the department for the year 1849. A considerable quantity of Muskets and Rifles, that had been accumulating for want of means to put them in order as fast as they were returned from the Volunteer Companies, have been thoroughly cleaned and repaired. The number thus restored to serviceable condition during the year, is, of Muskets, 1866. Number of Rifles, 1125. This number includes such as have been received back, in exchange for others, or from disbanded Companies, in course of the year; all of which have been repaired and placed in the racks, as fast as they came in. There are now in the Arsenal, in perfect order :— There are still left on hand, a great many packed away in boxes, that require to be examined and assorted. Some of them may be easily restored to a condition of serviceableness; but others are entirely valueless to the State, and should be sold for such price as can be obtained. Since the 1st of January last, have been issued, besides the customary small stores for Artillery, the supplies exhibited in There are two wooden sheds on the Arsenal grounds, being the two parts of one, sawn in halves, in course of new arrangements made in consequence of an exchange of Land with Mrs. Waterhouse, by which the common boundaries were varied to the mutual advantage of both parties. These sheds are in want of repair; and are also unsuitable as Arsenal buildings, on the score of danger from fire. They should either be both sold, and a proper building erected in their stead; or, one of them may, perhaps, be retained and rendered safe by slating the roof and sides. One, or the other course, should be immediately pursued; as, at present, they serve little purpose, but to disfigure the yard, and put at risk the valuable property of the State. In other respects, the grounds, building, and contents, will be found to be in excellent order, under the faithful and efficient care of Mr. Rayne, to whose superintendence the Arsenal has, for many years, been chiefly confided. I have the honor to remain, with the highest respect, Your Excellency's Obedient Servant, GEORGE H. DEVEREUX, Adjutant General. Dec. 31st, 1848. |