without permission, is put out of the protection of the law, and a large reward is offered for the delivery of his person.

Accounts received from Badulla in June, relate several casualties which took place among the English and other soldiers, whereby it sufficiently appeared

that the rebels were still in force; nor is there reason to believe that quiet will be restored till some powerful aid be transmitted to Ceylon from the neighbouring continent. Such, we are informed, has already been done, from which we may hope for final success.

JANUARY.

HE following

tion thereof among the several military posts which it is designed to protect, together with any

J. Monroe, his Secretary :

To the House of Representatives of the United States;

In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 11th of this month, requesting to be informed of the present strength of the army of the United States, its distribution among the several military posts which it is designed to protect, and its competency to preserve, and defend the fortifications amongst which it is distributed, and to aid in constructing such other military works, if any, as it may be deemed proper to erect, for the more effectual security of the United States, and of the territories thereof, I now transmit a report from the Secretary of War, which contains the information desired.

Dec. 22. JAMES MONROE. In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives, requesting the President of the United States "to cause to be laid before the House of Representatives a return of the present strength of the army of the United States, with the distribuVOL. LX.

petency of such force to preserve and defend the fortifications amongst which it is distributed, and to aid in constructing, and to defend such other military works, if any, as it may be in the contemplation of the Government to erect, for the more effectual security of the United States, and of the several territories thereof;" the Secretary of War has the honour to make a return of the present strength of the army of the United States, with the distribution thereof among the several military posts.

The military establishment, as it now stands, is sufficiently extensive to keep the fortifications in a state of preservation, but is wholly inadequate to defend them against a regular attack by a force of sufficient strength or skill. To garrison the forts on the maritime frontier alone would require, according to the best. information and estimates of this department, more than thrice our present number, to repel the assaults of such a force. The portion of the army stationed in the neighbourhood of fortifications now erecting are employed to aid in constructing them; but

only an inconsiderable number has yet been so engaged, owing to its dispersed situation. Though not immediately comprehended in the resolution of the house, it is but justice to the army to observe, that it has been employed to a considerable extent, the last year, in the construction of roads, arsenals, and other public works connected with the defence of the country.

The existing fortifications are thought to be wholly insufficient in the event of a future war. As the declaration of war is the act of the whole community, justice, honour, and humanity require that every portion of the country should, as far as possible, be protected against its ravages. This is among the most sacred duties of the Government; and, impressed with its importance, a board of the most skilful officers in our service has been constituted, to examine the whole line of our frontier, and to determine on the position and extent of works that may be necessary to the defence of our country. This great work is not yet completed; and in its present state, it is impossible to speak with any precision as to the extent to which our fortifications ought to be carried. The soldiers will be able to render important aid in constructing the works that may be determined on; but from the composition of the army, they can only come in aid of regular and professed workmen.

J. C. CALHOUN,

Fire at Knole Castle.-Early on the morning of Christmasday a fire was discovered by the

housekeeper, in the state bedroom, called the Venetian Cham ber, an apartment highly decorated with the florid Gothic style of architecture. The flames were then raging along the wainscot on the eastern wall; she, with great presence of mind, flew to the chamber in which slept the Earl of Delawarre, instead of Earl Whitworth's; the cause of her selecting Lord Delawarre was in consequence of her master's being then confined on a bed of sickness. Lord D. immediately arose, summoned the domestic establishment, and coolly directed them to take steps, methodically, to counteract the threatened devastation. By this judicious arrangement that venerable and magnificent pile was saved from almost inevitable destruction. A plentiful supply of water quickly reduced the flames, which did not extend beyond the above apartment. Greatly to be regretted is the loss of a part of the very fine Gobelin tapestry; also several pictures, particularly the exquisite portrait of Lady Hume, daughter of the fourth Earl of Dorset. The hangings of the superb state bed, and other articles, were saved. The damage to the room does not exceed 500l. What a providential circumstance it was that the family were then resident there! Had not that been the case, this building, the work of ages, together with all the pictures, statues, vases, and other inestimable antiques, must have fallen a sacrifice to the devouring element.

Letter from Stockholm, Dec. 26. A remarkable declaration has now appeared, made by his Ma

jesty