because one of them was flogged for a small offence. [tions, and the nation bereaved of one of the brightest luminaries They killed the command ng officer and 30 other of its glorious revolution." persons, and were masters of the fort. On motion of Mr. Smith of New-York that the senate come to the following resolution: "The senate being informed of the decease of their distinguished fellow-citizen George Clinton, vice president of the United States of N. Y. Smith of Md. German, Gilman and Bradley appointed a HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, April 17.-Mr. Gold obtained leave of absence for a month. From a late New York paper-Yesterday afternoon, the frigates President and Essex left their ah chorage in the North River, and proceeded as far as the watering place, Staten Island-and, if the wind is favorable, will proceed to day on a cruise. As they passed, they fired seven shots at Castle Williams, for the purpose of trying its strength five balls hit the castle, and two stuck the rocks forming the foundation of the fabric. On an exa mination of the effect of the balls, we are happy to find that much less injury was done than was anticipated. Three 24 pound balls entered one of the embrasures of the lower tier, knocked off a small part of the ornamented edges-one of the balls hit one of the mounted cannon of the castle, in which it made a small indentation, carried away the cap that vessels chartered by the United States might now be detained Mr. Pitkin enquiring the object of the bill, Mr. Calhoun stated square and trunnion plate, and the forepart of the by the embargo; that such a case had occurred in relation to a carriage. One ball struck the embrasure in the se-vessel chartered by the United States and bound to Algiers. To such cases this bill would apply a remedy. cond tier, directly over the one above mentionedand one was a point blank shot on the solid part of the castle, which penetrated only three inches, and did no injury to the wall. The walls of Castle Williams are nine feet thick, and we may conclude from the experiment upon them while yet in a green state, that no apprehension need be entertained of their being battered down. On motion of Mr. Calhoun, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Bassett in the chair, on the bill for autho rising the departure of ships and vessels from the ports and barbors of the United States in certain cases. No objection being made to the bill, it was reported to the house. The bill was ordered to be grossed for a third reading. On motion of Mr. Wright, the house went into a committee of the whole, Mr. Desha in the chair, on the bill to establish an ord nance department. [After some remarks thereon, the bill was recommitted to the committee that reported it.] On motion of Mr. Calhoun, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole-Mr. Breckenridge in the chair, on the bill making further provision for the army of the United States. An ineffectual attempt was made by Mr. Wright, to procure an amendinent to the bill going to place all the military officers of the M. Degen of Vienna has invented a machine for United States of the same grade on equal footing as to pay and fying about in the air. The experiments made in the emoluments. The mover stated that at present the brigadier-general of the old army, the oldest brigadier (general Wilkinson) received "Prater,before a numerous company were completely much less pay than those on the two additional establishments.successful. He flew at pleasure in all directions; The amenduent was rejected on the ground of its inapplicability raised and lowered himself; and the balloon (which and irrelevance to the present bill, being properly a subject of is a part of his contrivance) followed him sponta- Further amendments were made to the bill which was then reneously whichever way he turned. The diameter ported to the house. of the latter was nineteen feet five inches. After posed in committee, which was again negatived. Mr. Wright renewed in substance the amendment he had pro deducting the weight of Degen and his flying-ma- Mr. Sheffey moved to strike out that section of the bill which chine, the balloon possess a power equal to thirty-four additional brigadier-generals, whenever in the president's authorises the appointment of two additional najor-generals, and two pounds. distinct consideration. opinion the public service shall require it. This question was widely debated. In support of the provision it was said that the number of officers now authorized was not, greater than was absolutely necessary to command the troops; Secret [Congressional] Journal. lars under an interior command might be embodied with the The secret journal of the proceedings of the senate and house of militia or volunteers, and it might be necessary to appoint an representatives on the bill to prevent the exportation of specie, officer to take the command. Separate detachments might also &c. (see last number, page 107) has been published. We notice be made from the main army, requiring more general officers it chiefly for recording the yeas and nays, which as articles of than at present belong to the army. On the other hand, it was reference may be useful. contended that the militia must be commanded by their own offi cers; that they cannot constitutionally be superseded by any of cer to be appointed over them, and therefore this clause could net be defended by the argument urged to support it; that moreover it was not proper to vest so great a discretionary power in the executive, &c. In the senate the final passage of this bill was determined as follows: NAYS-Messrs. Bradley, Dana, Giles, Gilman, Goodrich, Horsey, In the house of representatives the votes, were- After much debate and some warmth On motion of Mr. Lacock the bill was ordered to lie on the table. The bill this day ordered to be engrossed, was read a third time and passed. And the house adjourned to Monday, 41 to 41, the speaker du claring himself in the affirmative. Monday April, 20-Sundry petitions were presented and referred. Mr. Seybert presented a petition of sundry merchants, praying suspension of the non-importation act. Mr. Mitchill presented a similar petition from sundry merchants of New-York, a reference of which petition was moved to the committee of the whole to whom is referred the bill on that NAYS.-Messrs. Baker, Bigelow, Bleecker, Breckenridge, Brig-subject. Twelfth Congress. IN SENATE, he wise and beneficial, the useless agitation of it (and he was convinced the agitation of it at this time would be useless and improper) could neither benefit the public nor those particularly concerned. He should therefore not call up the bull; and if its consideration should be moved by any other gentlemen, he should vote against taking it up. A message was received from the senate, autouncing the death of the vice president of the United States, and the resolution they had adopted. Monday, April 20.-The president, (Mr. Crawford) addressed the senate as follows:*Gentlemen-Upon me devolves the painful duty of announc ing to the senate the death of our venerable fellow-citizen George Chatom, vice president of the United States. By this afflictive Mr. Tallmadge said, it was assuredly not from any want of re dispensation of Divine Providence the senate is deprived of aspect to the memory of the patriotic deceased, that some member president rendered dear to each of its members by the dignity and from the state of New-York did not on this ocersion adin as the impartiality with which he has so long presided over their delibera- chair. At their request, and being himself a native caven of the The house agreed to consider the joint resolution as above stated. state of New-York, and having served particularly and on honora- taken thereon, and negatived: yeas 36, nays 55. Ble occasions in the revolutionary war with the gentleman whose death was now announced; having long known his service and The bill was further amended and ordered to be merit both as a soldier and a statesmen, he took the liberty, in engrossed for a third reading. behalf of the delegation from New-York, to move a concurrence in the resolution of the senate The house resolved itself into a committee of the The house unanimously concurred; and Messrs. Tallmadge, whole, Mr. Breckenridge in the chair, on the bill Mitchill, Gold, Stow, and Macon, were appointed a committee on from the senate to establish a land office in the trea their part to act with the committee of the senate. The amendments thereto recomAnd the house adjourned to meet at nine o'clock to-morrow to sury department. receive the report of the joint committee on the subject. mended by the committee of public lands having Tuesday, April 21.-The house met at the hour of been agreed to, the bill was gone through and or dered by the house to be read a third time to nine o'clock. Mr. Tallmadge on behalf of the committee of ar-morrow. rangement respecting the funeral of the late vice. president of the United States, stated their proceed ings, and the arrangement agreed on. When, On motion of Mr. Tallmadge, On motion of Mr. Wright, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole. Mr. Stanford in the chair, on the bill making further provision for the corps of Engineers. Resolved unanimously, that from an unfeigned A motion was under consideration to amend the respect to the late George Clinton, vice president of bill by authorising the location of the military acathe United States and president of the senate, the demy, wherever in the opinion of the president of speaker's chair be shrouded with black during the the United States, the public service may be most present session; and as a further testimony of re-benefited by it. spect for the memory of the deceased, the members The decision on the motion for amendment was will go in mourning, and wear black crape on the carried in the affirmative. left arm. On motion of Mr. Tallmadge, Resolved unanimously, that the members of this house will attend the funeral of George Clinton, deceased, late vice-president of the United States, today at 4 o'clock. And then the house adjourned. Wednesday, April 22.-Mr. Quincy presented the petition of Joseph of Boston, praying that the ship Ganges may be permitted to enter a port of the United States. This is a case, the aircumstances of which are nearly as follows: This vessel sailed subsequently to the president's proclamation of November, 1810 to the East Indies, under orders to go from a British port to a na, tive port, in order to take in a load wherewith to return homeWhen the vessel arrived at Calcutta, it was found by a new order. of the British government, that the vessel was prohibited Nom goj ing coast-wise, the consequence of which was that the purpose of the voyage could not be accomplished. They then took on board at Calcutta, a cargo equal in value to that carried, on giving heavy bonds to reland the same in some port of the U. States; and now, that they had arrived of the coast, the vessel could not enter be cause of the inhibitory law, and were precluded by the bonds given in India from carrying the cargo elsewhere. The petition prays permission to enter into a port of the United States, there to re main with the cargo until by some general law such vessels should be admitted.-Referred. Mr. Newbold, Mr. Reed and Mr. Stow, obtained leave of absence to the end of the session. The following message was received from the president of the United States: a The committee rose and reported the bill as amended; and before any question was taken thereon, the house adjourned. Thursday, April 23.-Several petitions praying a repeal, or a modification of the embargo law were presented. They were re fused to be laid on the table-88 to 17. A motion was then made to postpone a consideration of them until the 4th of July-the duy the law by limitation expires, and agreed to. Nothing else of inportance done. It is said that the committees of the two houses have agreed on recess-to adjourn from Wednesday next to the 18th of May. "STATE OF LOUISIANA !” This state begins at the Sabine, passes to the 33d degree of north latitude, then down the Mississippi by the Iberville and Lakes to the Gulph of Mexico, including all islands within three leagues of the coast. The constitution gives the powers of government to three distinct departments, legisla ive, executive, and judicial; it divides the legisla tive into the house of representatives and senate, and the members of the house are chosen for two years, and of the senate for four years. The number of representatives never to exceed 50, or of the senators 14. Provision is made for a convention to amend the constitution, and all rights continue as To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. Among the incidents to the unexampled increase and expanding interests of the American nation, under the fostering infiuence of free constitutions and just laws, has been a corresponding accum before the constitution. The governor is elected lation of duties in the several departments of the government: And this has been necessarily the greater, in consequence of the peculiar state of our foreign relations, and the connection of these with our internal administration. The extensive and multiplied preparations into which the United for four years, and is ineligible for the four years next succeeding. No member of congress, or person holding any office under the United States, or minister of any religious society, can be elected for governor of Louisiana. States are at length driven, for maintaining their violated rights, have caused this augmentation of business to press on the depart ment of war particularly, with a weight disproportionate to the pow ers of any single officer, with no other aids than are authorised by existing laws. With a view to a more adequate arrangement for Circular letters have been issued from the war department to the the essential objects of that department, I recommend to the early governors of the several states, to have in readiness their quotas of consideration of congress, a provision for two subordinate appoint- the 100,000 militia, in obedience to the late law. ments therein, with such compensations annexed as may be reasonable to be expected by citizens'duly qualified for the important functions which may be properly assigned to them. JAMES MADISON. April 20th, 1812. The message having been read, on motion of Mr. Harper, it was referred to a select committee. And the following persons were appointed the said com mittee: Messrs. Harper, Williams, Pleasants, Troup. Champion. On motion of Mr. Calhoun, the house resumed the consideration of the bill making further provision for the army of the United States. The priests of Venezuela, impiously affecting to interpret the Divine will, attribute the carthquake to the vengeance of God for easting off their allegiance to Ferdinand!! The Editor's Department. We have afforded much space to the secret debate on the embargo question, as giving probable data of the coming state of things, and exhibiting the feelings and designs of various members in congress. The debate, we are told, was reported by Mr. Sturges, a representative from Connecticut. The motion for striking out the section authoris The editor offers this public apology to a friend ing the appointment of two additional major-gene-in New Hampshire, for addressing him by letter on rals, and four additional brigadier-generals, whenes [the editor's] business, without paying the post. ver in his opinion the public service shall require it, ge; but believes it is the first inadvertency of the being still under consideration—the question was kind that has occurred! VOL. II.J BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1812. Hæc olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL. {No. 35 Printed and published by H. NILES, Water-street, near the Merchants' Coffee-House, at $5. per annum. Naval Report. To detail all the reasons on which this opinion is founded, would perhaps, not be in the power of your committee, who are in pert governed by the opinions of men of experience and professional The committee, to whom was referred so much of the President's mes-skill, (often among the best grounds of human faith, but not always sage of the 4th Nov. 1811, as relates to the naval establishment. REPORT IN PART:~ gard to the efficiency of the service and without a wasteful and ruinous expense; let those who hold a different opinion declare how and from whence? communicable:) but the leading facts and principles on which it is founded, are too plain and obvious to labor under this difficulty The history of all times proves the inability of Great Britain er any other power to station a large force in remote seas; for indeThat the subject referred to your committee in its several relations presents a question of the highest importance on the interestsidant of the necessity that always exists for its presence in more of the people of this country, in as much as it embraces one of themate quarters, could the former nation place the whole of her great and leading objects of their government; that, which above thousand ships upon our coast, she would be unable in a state of hostility with the United States, competently to supply even a conall others, laid the foundation of that happy union of these states.siderable squadron of them, for any considerable time, with the lenst Your committee need hardly say they mean the protection of maritime commerce; an interest which, when superficially viewed, seems to affect only the Atlantic portions of the country, yet really extends as far as the utmost limits of its agriculture, and can only be To the defence of our ports and harbors and the protection of our separated from it, in the opinion of your committee, by a total blindness to the just policy of government. The important engine of na coating trade should be confined, in the opinions of your comunit ter's the present objects and operations of any navy which the United tional strength and national security which is formed by a naval States can or ought to have. In this view our advantages are great force, has hitherto in the opinion of the committee, been treated and manifest. Looking along our extended line of coast from the with a neglect highly impolitie, or supported with a spirit so lan-northeastern to the southern extreme of our territory, we discover in guid, as while it has preserved the existence of the establishment has quick succession ports and harbors furnishing in abundance every Bad the effect of loading it with the imputations of wasteful ex-supply for constant and active service; in which to concentrate pouse and comparative inefficiency. by mutual advice and information, which can be transmitted with No system has hitherto been adoped, which though limited by the the greatest certainty and speed the force of the different stations, to dispensing security of the times, and the just economy of our reattack the enemy in detail when his vessels may be scattered: and publican institutions, was yet calculated to enlarge gradually with in which our ships may find refuge and security when approached the progress of the nation's growth in population, in wealth and in by a force so much superior as to forbida combat. To enter furcommerce, or expand with an energy proportioned to a crisis of ther into details, it is obvious that, from these advantages, the particular danger. power and efficacy of an American navy must be double its nomi Such a course, impolitie under any circumstances, is the more so al proportion to that of an assailing enemy. But your commits when it is demonstrably clear that this nation is inevitably destined toe beg leave to observe, that it would be unworthy the magnanimto be a naval power, and that the virtue of economy, if no other moity of the natiou to look only at one power and forget that it stands tive, could be found, would recommend a plan by which this force in the relation of an independant sovereignty to other nations must be gradually increased, the necessary expences diminished, against whom, unless man change his nature and cease to be vio and durability and permanency given to the strength which they lent and unjust, it may be necessary to array the national force on may purchase. that element where the injury may be suffered and where alone it That a naval protection is particularly secured to the interest of can be revenged or redressed. With this view your committee have commerce by our great political compact, is proved by that part of not considered the subject with regard only to the practicable and the constitution which expressly gave to congress the power to advisable preparation for the present momentous crisis, which, provide and maintain a navy," and is confirmed by the history of whatever it may be, must be greatly inadequate for the reasons the times, and the particular circumstances which led to its institu- already stated; but the object of the committee is to recommend a tion; but it is alike secured by the fundamental nature of all govern-system which shall look to futurity, and though limited by the ment which extends to every interest under its authority a protec present situation and means of the country, having a capacity to tion (if within the nation's means) which is adequate to its preserbe enlarged in proportion to the growing wealth, co.nmerce and vation; nor is this protection called for only by the partial interest population of the nation. Your committee are, at the same time of a particular description of men or a particular tract of country not unaware that some of those who are unfriendly to a navy, A navy is as necessary to protect the mouths of the Mississippi the ground their opposition rather upon its future permanent establi channel through which the produce of the agriculture of the western ment, than on its present expense. But your committee, will only states must pass to become valuable, as the bays of the Chesapeake observe that the wisdom of that policy seems to reach as far beyond and Delaware, and more necessary than on the shores of the custom the reasonable practicable views, as it will probably fall short of the attainment of its object. To restrain the great energies of or southern states. It has, indeed, been urged, your committee are aware, that a na-such a number, as this country possesses, of the best seamen the vy establishment is forbidden by the great and burthensome expen-world ever beheld, and such a mass of tomage as Great Britain ditures of public money, which it is said, will be required to support herself has not boasted more than twenty years, will as much it, and by the inability of the country, by an expenditure to main-transcend the feeble efforts of the politician as it would be beyond tain a navy which can protect its maritime rights against the pow-is power to create them: they are formed by the high behest of er of Great Britain. The first objection appears to your committee beneficent nature, nurtured by our wise, free and happy public to be founded on a mistaken assumption of the fact, for in their institutions, and can only perish with the latter. opinion a naval force within due limits and under proper regulations Your committee, however, admit, that it will neither be politie will constitute the cheapest defence of the nation. nor practicable to swell the naval establishment of this country The permanent fortifications necessary to the defence of the ports to the size of our desires or of our necessities; but a gradual inand harbors of the union will cost, in the opinion of your commit-crease of it is, in their opinion, within the most limited means tee, as much in their erection, and as much annually, if proper and within the obvious policy of the government, and in attempt ly provided and garrisoned, as the naval force which, it is coming this, some present addition will be made (too lit.le-much too fidently believed, on the testimony of persons competent to decide, little, they lament) to the best strength of the nation, as a measura would be amply sufficient to prevent all attacks from reaching our of preparation for this crisis of danger. shores. It will thus furnish the most appropriate, adeq zate and cheap With these observations, and with a full detailed and useful re protection against a foreign enemy, and will at the same time bef perfectly innoxious to the public liberty and the private morals of port of the secretary of the navy, in reply to questions propounded by your committee. they beg leave to recommend that all the ves the country; dispense almost entirely with a standing army, so hossels of war of the United States, not now in service, which are tile to the genius of our free constitutions, and move the stand-worthy of repair, be immediately repaired, fitted out and put into ing vices and evils of camps and garrisons from the cities and sca coast; cherish a noble body of mariners, who in honorable peace actual service. will spread the sails of prosperous and vivifying commerce, on every That ten additional frigates, averaging 38 guns, be built, that a sea, and in necessary war, terribly avenge their country's wrongs. competent sum of money be appropriated for the purchase of a The other objection your committee suppose to have been foun-stock of timber, and that a dock, for repairing the vessels of war ded on imperfect examination of the subject; for those who are of the United States be established in sothe central and convenient best able to form opinion on this matter, from congenial prof place. sional pursuits, as well as a partie dur knowledge of the marine of They also bege to report a hill, entitled “a bill concerning. Great Britain, declare that she cannot, at any time, spare more than the naval establiment.” a very limited force for the American station: one that can be ef fectually resisted by an establishment which may he supported by Washington, November 19, 1811. this government without a great direct expense, which in its effects Sir,-1 am directed by the committee to whom was referred so will, greatly more than reimburse to the national wealth, the much of the president's message of the 6th inst. as relates to the sums which may be drawn from it for this object; protect our naval force of the United States, to request a reply from you to barbors from insult, our coasting trade from spoliations, and give the several questions which follow; and they have also directed na the dominion of a sea on our borders which we ought to cab our me to ask as early an answer as may be conveniently practicable: own and defend with our cataon. 1. What diber of the yesels of war of ure United States is K VOL. II. now in actual service; and what are their names, rates and, demonstrates. This indeed is one of the principal reasons of the stations? 2d. What number of vessels is laid up in ordinary; what are their names and rates; what will be the expense of repairing and equipping them for actual service; within what time can the same be accomplised; and what will be their aggregate annual expense in service, with that of those now employed? 3d. What will be the expense of building, manning and completely equipping for actual service, a vessel of each rate of those most useful and most usually employed in modern naval war; and what will be the annual expense of maintaining such vessels, respectively, in actual service? 4th. Will any, and if any, what force of vessels, not exceeding the rate of frigates, afford a reasonable protection to the coasting trade and to the mouths of the harbours of the United States: I such be deemed incompetent, what other force is deemed requisite? 3. What materials, for ship building and naval equipment, are deemed imperishable; and to what extent in quantity, and what amount in value, would it be practicable and advisable to provide the same? 6th. What is the number of gun-boars belonging to the United States; what is their state of repair; what number is in actual service, and where are they stationed or laid up? 7th. In the event of putting in commission the ships now laid up in ordinary, could the necessary seamen, to man them, be speedily procured without an increase of pay or bounty? I am further directed to request, Ghat you will communicate in your reply any other information which, in your opinion, may be mportant or inaterial on this subject. I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, LANGDON CHEVES. Honorable Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the navy. great expense generally, and very justly complained of by the The paper marked D, affords an answer to your sixth query, as full as the information in possession of the department will enable me to give it. If it should be determined to commission the ships now in ordinary, the necessary seamen to man them can, it is confidently believed, be procured without any increase of pay or of bounty, and in time to man them as they may be prepared for service. In my answer to your fifth query, I have stated one of the causes of the great expense of the navy, so generally and it is admitted justly complained of, and I have suggested a remedy for that pur ticular cause. Other causes of expense exist, which may be ob viated; and under the latitude you have allowed me, I will at this time, state one which immediately pr. sents itself. The United States do not own a dock. To repair our vessels, we are compelled to heave them down; a process attended with great labor; considerable risk and loss of time; and upon a sp thus hove down, the carpenters cannot work without much incou venience. Hence the department is subjected to much expense which might be avoided by the construction of one or more suita Navy Department, December 3, 1811. ble docks. Such a provision, even in the present state of our Sir,-I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 19th navy, would be valuable for the reasons above stated, but if congress ult. The several questions which you have been pleased to pro- do determine to have built, vessels of a rate superior to those we pound to me, involve a scope of information difficult correctly to now have, it will certainly be found to be indispensible. The ac state, and comprehend points upon which I am compelled to sub-curacy of this remark will be admitted when we consider the force mit conjecture in some instances instead of fact. The subject is, requisite to heave down a ship of the size of even a frigate: and he however, so deeply interesting as to have commanded my most straining of her frame when this is done on the principle of the deliberate and anxious investigation. lever. I have now, sir, according to my best judgment, offered replies further commands of the committee. to your queries, and assuring you of my readiness to obey the I have the honor to be, with great respect, yours, A. PAUL HAMILTON. Honorable Langdon Cheves, chairman of the committee. EXHIBIT shewing the number of vessels of war of the United States, now in actual service; their names, rates and stations jor the winter. Frigate President Essex The papers herewith submitted, and marked A, B, and C, will, I hope, afford satisfactory answers to your three first queries. In reply to the fourth, I have to state, that as to the force no cessary to afford a reasonable protection to the coasting trade, and the months of the harbors of the United States, it appears to me impossible to form a satisfactory opinion, unless we knew the extent of the force by which our coasting trade and the mouths of our harbors may be assailed. The naval nations of Europe employ line of battle ships. The heaviest rate of our vessels of war does not exceed a large 44 gun frigate, which is inferior in number of guns, and men and weight ounetal, to a ship of the line. If, then, while we have only frigates, an enemy should send against us ships of the line, the protection which in such a case, we should be able to afford to our coasting trade, would obviously be very imperfect. Ship John Adams With a force equal in number and rate to that of an enemy, or to Brig Arges that which an enemy at a distance could send against us, neither Frigate United States our commerce on our coast nor our harbors could have any danger to apprehend; for considering the numerous dangers of our coast, Ship Wasp the heavy gales and logs, to which it is peculiarly subject, our superior knowledge of the shorls with which it abounds and the nu merous ports to which we have access for victualing, repairing and equipping ships, so decidedly would be our advantage, that it is believed an enemy, only our equal in number, and rate of vessels, would not, under such circumstances, approach our shores with any intention of remaining tor the purpose of molesting our trade. Such, indeed, are the advantages which we possess in these particulars, that incline to the opinion, that with half the number of vessels of the same rate, which might be scut against us, a reasonaMe prote retion might generally be afforded to our coasting trade. I do not wish to be considered as giving the opinion, that with such a force our coasting trade could be effectually protected; that no capture of our merchant vessels would be made under such circumstances; for ten if our force were equal to an enemy, we might expect occasionally to have vess Is captured. An enterprising enemy would watch opportunities and avail himself of them; but in our operations against the enemy, we should not, it is presumed. be found deficient in enterprize or vigilance, competent to returt his aggressions, and to scenre an equivalent for all our losses. Supposing, then, a continuance of the present state of things in Europe, and that the United States should come into collision with either of the present great belligerent powers, a naval force of twelve sail of the line (74's) and twenty well constracted frigate, including those we Low have, and rating generally not less than thirty-eight guns, with the addition of our smaller vessels now in service, judiciously directed, it is believed would be ample to the protection of our oasting trade; would be competent to annoy extensively the commerce of an enemy, and miting occasionally in operations with the gon-boats already built, if equipped and brought into service, and our fortifications, also afford complete protection to our harbors. The imperishable materials for ship building and naval equip ment, consists of timber, planks, staves and spars. iron, copper in sheets, bolts and nails, anchors, kentledge, canvass, hempen yarns, &e. In timber of every description, required for navy purposes, our country abounds, and it would at this time be practicabl to proence any quantity on terms, tint are reasonable. It would Congress Enterprize Under command of commodore Rodgers. + Under command of commodore Decatur. Under command of captain Campbell. B. § Under command of captain Shaw. EXHIBIT shewing the number of vessels laid up in ordinary; their names and rates; the original cost of cuch, including every expense; the probable expense of repairing and equipping each for actual service; the period it will probably take to repair cach, and the annual expense of each in actual service. Names of Boston, 32 32 cost Dolls. 102,253 Time necessary to repair, &c, six months. Nete-The suns and periods of time, estimated for repairing unquestionably be sound economy to keep always on hand an and equipping the vessels of war comprehended in the above stateadequate supply of this all important article, which ought to be ment, are in a great degree conjectural; though it is presumed well seasoned before it is used. The deplorable effects of being that the sums stated would be sufficient, and that in the time compelled, as the navy department has frequently been, to use stated the vessels could be repaired. green timber in the repair of our ships, our experience too fully Until these vessel shall be opened and thoroughly examined, it Precision, what would be the expense of repairing them, or what subjoined for the satisfaction of the committee. The amual ex Note.-An estimate of the annual expense of a 74, in detail, is time it would take to repair them; for, until then, their actual pense of all rates under 60 guns is given from past experience, and state and condition cannot be ascertained. By some, it is at this in neither case, it is believed, does this statement vary materially time thought, that neither the New-York nor the Boston are from what would be the actual annual expense. worthy of being repaired; but I hope that, on opening them, we shall find them otherwise: and under this impression I have returned them in this exhibit. Should they be found too rotten to repair, I shall consider it as a serious misfortune: for they have been constructed upon the most approved models for vessels of their rates. rates, is believed to be ample. The cases referred to under 60 guns The estimate of the expense of building ships of war of different are considered as appropriate; they shew the actual cost c vessels of war some years since, and it has been attempted to fix the es In the estimate of the expence of the navy for the year 1812, the the frigate President cost only 220,910 dollars 8 cents; and this is pense per gun by this standard of experience. It is stated that a employment of all our frigates, excepting those above stated, and believed to be correct; for the frigate President, although she 50 gun ship may be built and equipped for 225,000 dollars, because of all our other vessels of war, and of sixty-two gun-boats is con- rates less than a 50 gun ship, yet she is so nearty equal in her hull, templated: these objects, together with the corps of marines, navy armament, sails, rigging, &e. that such a frigate would certainly yards and ordnance, &c. are estimated to cost 2,502,003 dollars cost within 5000 dollars as much as a 50 gun ship would cost. To 90 cents, which is the aggregate amount of the estimate for the invalidate the effect of this reference in this case, it might be said, year 1812. Of this snm, And, excluding the expense of the marine corps, navy-yards and onlance, it would be 2,388,098 dollars. And, excluding the expence of the marine corps, navy-yards, orlance, and the 62 gun-boats in commission, the expense for the year 1812 would be 1,638,098. If, then, we had all our vessels of war in commission, their anmal expense would be 1,873,071 dollars; but, for the year 1812, as five of them could not be brought into actual service for six ouths, their expence would be 1,638,098 dollars. The estimate for the repair of the frigates in ordinary, is a dis tinet consideration, and is not comprehended in any of the views taken of the subject. That estimate, as will be seen by reference to the table, amounts to 480,000 dollars. If, then, it should be deterited to put the frigates now in ordinary in commission, an ap propriation of 480,000 dollars for their repair and equipment, aud ef 235,000 dotars for their support in actual service during the rear 1812, would be necessary. These items, added to the aggregate of the navy estimate for the year 1812, would make the whole expence for that year 3,217,003 dollars 90 cents. ESTIMATE of the expense of building and completely equipping for actual service, vessels of war of various rates; and the annual expence of each. 113,505 72 70,919 33 Amount of pay and ratious 94,963 |