The corps of _engineers in Ireland_ consists of a director, colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, captain, captain lieutenant and captain, and 2 first lieutenants. During the administration of general Washington, the necessity of some military institute, or school, was frequently recommended; and in the administration that followed, the same policy was pursued; particularly at the period of raising the additional army in 1798. In the year 1792, military subjects were very much pressed upon congress, as arising out of the state of the world, and the necessity of being prepared to ward against the dangers which might arise. In 1800, the subject of military defence was discussed, with increased zeal, and a very able and judicious report of the then secretary at war was laid before congress, in which it was proposed to establish a military academy to be divided into four general departments. 1. A fundamental school. 2. A school of artillerists and engineers. 3. A school of cavalry and infantry. 4. A naval school. The objects of this report fell to the ground. In 1802, (16 March) a law was passed, in which it was provided, Sect. 26. That the President of the United States is hereby authorised and empowered, when he shall deem it expedient, to organize and establish a corps of engineers, to consist of one engineer, with the pay, rank, and emoluments of a major; two assistant engineers, with the pay, rank, and emoluments of captains; two other assistant engineers, with the pay, rank, and emoluments of first lieutenants; two other assistant engineers, with the pay, rank, and emoluments of second lieutenants; and ten cadets, with the pay of sixteen dollars per month, and two rations per day: and the President of the United States is, in like manner authorised, when he shall deem it proper, to make such promotions in the said corps, with a view to particular merit, and without regard to rank, so as not to exceed one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, two majors, four captains, four first lieutenants, four second lieutenants, and so as that number of the whole corps shall, at no time, exceed twenty officers and cadets. Sec. 27. _And be it further enacted_, That the said corps when so organized, shall be stationed at West Point in the state of New York, and shall constitute a military academy; and the engineers, assistant engineers, and cadets of the said corps, shall be subject at all times, to do duty in such places, and on such service, as the President of the United States shall direct.