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Date: Tue, 08 Nov 2005 18:23:15 +0100 From: Max Edling <max.edling@hist.uu.se> Query: Federal spending under Jackson. Dear list members, Treasury reports state that during the period 1833-1837 the federal government spent very substantial sums on the military, or $70 million out of total expenditures of c. $120 million for the entire period or thereabouts. The situation was new because up until this time debt servicing had been the most important item in the federal budget. The figure for the military includes pensions and Indians, which were substantial items in these years but even if this is taken into account the increase in “military” spending is significant. The army seems to have almost doubled in these years and this may of course account for the increase. But I am interested in finding out how much of the money, if any, was spent on fortifications and communications. My problem is that treasury reports as printed in the Annals of Congress, the Register of Debates and the Congressional Globe do not break down military spending in separate items in the way that the treasury reports printed in the American State Papers do. Can anyone tell me where I can find military spending itemized for the late 1820s and 1830s? Alternatively, is there a secondary work dealing with federal spending on the military under Jackson? And, finally, which work, if any, would be the best to consult on the fortification system in the Antebellum period? With very best wishes, Max Edling Uppsala University ----- End forwarded message -----
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