General Knox, when Secretary of War, General Harrison while in the senate, and Mr.Poinsett in 1841, each furnished plans for effecting this purpose, but the whole subject has been passed by with neglect.
Permanent fortifications differ in many of their features from either of the two preceding elements of national defence.

They are passive in their nature, yet possess all the conservative properties of an army or navy, and through these two contribute largely to the active operations of a campaign.

When once constructed they require but very little expenditure for their support.

In time of peace they withdraw no valuable citizens from the useful occupations of life.

Of themselves they can never exert an influence corrupting to public morals, or dangerous to public liberty; but as the means of preserving peace, and as obstacles to an invader, their influence and power are immense.