The Sun.
London, England, 1848-12-30 00:00:00

,a( . • , s
, .
the navy ted as a school of practice in gunnery and
• tnavigation.jone
_I earnestly recommend that the a pro ria-
of which our estimatePPhas
, . t•1/4
//&-- 2Z7
year,
wbeaesnmsu submitted,
anr das no appropriationfc
made for made;
of the se he - • a
present year, I recommend the propriety of making it at
the approaching session of Congress.
Under the several contracts made with this depart-
ment for the transportation of the mails in steam-ships
convertible into war-steamers, the party interested have
made great progress in the construction of their vessels
and machinery.
The assignees of the contract for the route on the
Pacific have completed the number of steamers required
by the contract. They have been inspected, reported on
favourably, and accepted by the department, and have
sailed from New York to engage in their most interest-
ing service. The California, the first of this line, it is
expected will be at Panama the Ist of January next,
ready to make her first trip up the coast; the other two
will follow, and there is no reason to apprehend that, in
the hands of the enterprising proprietors, the contract
will not be satisfactorily executed.
The proprietors of the line from Now York to New
Orleans, touching at Charleston, Savannah, and Ha-
vannah, and from Havannah to Charges, have two of
their large steamers launched, and in a state of great
forwardness, and have made extensive preparations for
the construction of the others registered by their contract.
I regarded it as a matter of great public importance
that this line should commence its operations at least to
the extent of a monthly communication between Ha-
eannah and Chagres, in time to connect with the Pacific
line. The contractors, desirous to meet the wishes of
the department, propose to place on the route tempo-
rarily the ocean steamer Falcon, and she has been in-
spected, reported on favourably, and accepted for the
service until the steamers constructed under the contract
shall be ready to take their places on the route.
The Falcon has sailed from New York, will touch at
the intermediate points of the route, and deliver her
mails and passengers iu time to cross the Isthmus and
join the steamer at Panama on the Ist January.
The connected lines in all their parts will, it is ex-
pected, be in successful operation early in the ensuing
spring, and regular communication established between
New York and Oregon. The time occupied in the
passage will not exceed thirty-five days, and at no dis •
tent clay it is confidently believed that a regular commu-
nication will be established by a connecting line of
steamers between San Francisco and China, making the
passage in twenty-five days. This may readily be
effected by means of war- steamers now being constructed
as part of the squadron on the East Indies and the
Pacific, until individual enterprise shall have introduced
steamers better suited for freight and passengers.
The transit of intelligence, merchandise, and pas-
sengers, from China to Europe, by way of New York,
can be effected when these several lines shall be in
operation, in connexion with the line from that city to
Liverpool, in less than one-half the time now occupied
in the voyage between those countries.
The communication by steamers regularly plying
on the two routes, now about to commence, cannot fail
to increase our general commerce, and to bring to our
Atlantic cities a large import of the precious metals;
and this, with the facilities afforded to our enterprising
countrymen to visit or to emigrate to the rich territories
on the Pacific, more than compensates the expense of
the undertaking.
As a most interesting part of the system, I recom-
mend that authority be given to contract for the trans-
portation of the mail between New Orleans and Vera
Cruz, in steamships convertible into war steamers. It
will tend, by promoting social and commercial inter-
course, to consolidate friendship between Mexico and
the United States, promote the introduction of our great
staples and manufactured goods into Mexico, and invite
her rich products of specie to our cities. It will add,
too, to the mails on all the connecting lines, increase the
postal profits, and make available, for public defence,
un additional number of war steamers.
The contractor for the line between New York and
Liverpool has his vessels in a state of forwardness. Ho
has two steamers, each of 2,800 tons measurement, ready
for launching, and the frames of two others ready to
take their places on the building ways, as soon as
launched, and the machinery in a corresponding state of
forwardness. The department has not urged the con-
tractor to undue haste in the construction of his steamers.
In the present state of communication with Europe by
other means, the thorough and skilful execution of the
work on the hull and machinery of the ships, is of more
importance to the Government than their speedy com-
pletion. The contractor is prosecuting his undertaking
with energy and judgment.
The military contributions collected in the Gulf of
Mexico, at ports and places in the military occupation of
the naval forces, amounts to 131,835 dolls.
From the squadron in the Pacific the accounts have not
been received and adjusted.
At Mazatlan, then in the occupation of the navy, Com-
modore Jones reports to the department, that up to the
17th of June, 1848, the contributions collected at that
port amounted to 254,36 S dolls.
It is not probable that any considerable collections were
made by officers of the navy at any other point of the
Pacific coast.
I have the nonour to submit the reports from the
several bureaux of the department, with the estimates
for the naval service, and for other objects placed under
the control of this department, for the fiscal year ending
30th June, 1850.
The gross amount of estimates is dolls., 8,858,856 58
of which the following, being for specific objects, must
be deducted to ascertain the probable annual expense of
the navy :
For the transportation of the mail •;',•874.000
For floating dry docks, basins, and railways 650,000
Completing stone docks at New York 490,000
Improvements, &e., at navy yards

[PRICE SD.

modore Storer, the frigate Brandywine, Captain Bore-
man, the brig Perry, Lieutenant-Commanding Tilton,
sad the steamer Allegheny, Lieutenant-Commanding
W. W. Hunter, have been employed; the sloop St.
Louis, Commander Cooke, soiled from Norfolk in Au-
gust last to join the squadron, and carried orders fur
the Allegheny to proceed to the Mediterranean.
In obedience to your direction, and with en anxious
desire to give protection to our commerce with the East
Indies, I dispatched for that station, in the month of
March last, the sloop Plymouth, Commander Gedney;
she carried out as a passenger the Hon. Mr. Davis, com-
missioner to China, and landed him at Macao, on the
16th day of August, The brig Dolphin, Lieuteriant-
Commanding Ogden, left New York in the month of May
for the same station. As the frigate Congress had
nearly completed her cruise in the Pacific, it was deemed
advantageous that she should return home by way of
China and Bombay, as in doing so she would visit se-
veral important points where the occasional presence of a
ship of war would exert a favourable influence on our
commercial interest. Commodore Geissenger left
the United States in November, 1547, to go
across the isthmus with orders to the Pacific,
and hoisting his pennant on board the Congress,
proceed to China. On his arrival there he was directed
to transfer his pennant to the Plymouth, and assume the
command of the East India squadron, and the frigate
was expected to pursue her voyage home. For reasons
satisfactory to the department, Commodore Jones, on
joining the Pacific squadron, determined to retain the
frigate until the pending question of peace should be
definitively settled between the United States and
Mexico, and ordered the sloop Preble to convey Com-
modore Geissenger to his station.
The delay consequent on this arrangement rendered it
just and proper that the Congress should return home by
the most direct route, as the term of her crew's enlist-
ment had generally expired, or would expire before her
arrival in the United States, and justice and policy for-
bid that they should be held to service beyond their con-
tract without urgent necessity.
In the present political condition of the North of
Europe, and in view of the existence of war between
Prussia and Denmark, it was deemed important that a
ship of war should be sent to the North Sea and the
Baltic to give protection to American commercial in-
terests in that quarter. The frigate St. Lawrence,
Captain Paulding, sailed from Norfolk in the month of
September last, with instructions to touch at Bremer-
haven, and to enter the Baltic, if the advanced state of
the season did not forbid his doing so. If such should
be the case, he was instructed to cruise during the win-
ter between Cape Finisterre and Cadiz, touching at Lis-
bon, and in the spring to return to the north and execute
his orders. Captain Paulding, on his arrival at Bremer-
haven, found that the war was suspended by an armis-
tice, and that the winter was so near at hand as to make
it imprudent for him to take his ship into the Baltic. I
am happy to. learn that the arrival of the ship has been
hailed with universal satisfaction. The highest honours and
most -gratifying demonstrations of respect have been
shown to our flag, and the officers received with the
most flattering distinction and fraternal affection. The
evidence thus afforded of the friendly feeling and ad-
miration with which Germany regards the United
States, leaves no reason to doubt that this noble ship
could not have beers sent on more important service.
The condition in which our ships have returned
from long cruises, and their services abroad, have
afforded gratifying evidence of the high state of disci-
pline in the navy.
The political condition of Sicily, Sardinia, and other
states bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, has given
peculiar interest to the operations of the squadron on
that station. Commodore Read has performed his re-
sponsible and often delicate duties with zeal, judgment,
and activity; and on no occasion have our countrymen
received more timely and effective protection of their
persons and property than in the violent revolutionary
conflicts which, during the past year, have frequently
occurred within the limits of his command.
The reports are satisfactory from the coast of Africa,
Brazil, and the East Indies.
In this final report of naval operations in the war with
Mexico, now happily ended, I deem it to be my duty to
make a brief allusion to the participation of the navy in
scenes and achievements which have reflected honour and
glory on the American mime, and commanded the re-
spect of the world for our flag.
The enemy had no navy, and an inconsiderable com-
mercial marine; our ships of war had, therefore, nothing
to contend with on their appropriate element. In the
Pacific, our squadron, with means not fitted for inland
operations, acting independently, and in co-operation
with a small portion of our gallant army, effected the
conquest of California.
In the Gulf of Mexico, from the beginning of the war,
by co-operation at Brazos, while the battle of Palo Alto
was raging, by the capture of Tampico, by protecting
the transports above, and the landing of the troops at
Vera Cruz, by its gallant co-operation in the seige, bom-
bardment, and capture of that city and its defences, by
its successful operation against Tobasco, Tuspan,
Luguna, and other points in the interior, and on the
coast, but especially by holding a constant command of
the sea, and by its vigilance and activity, excluding con-
traband trade and munitions of war from the enemy, the
squadrons rendered the most important services to their
common country. These services were rendered in a
most inhospitable climate, and in the midst of suffering
and death, not caused by the enemy in the horrible con-
flict of arms, but by the silent ravages of disease. All
this was accomplished without withdrawing the squa-
drons from other stations.
So effective has been the performances of the duty of
the navy in every quarter of the globe, that our in-
creasing commerce in the most distant seas has felt no
check and met no interruption, notwithstanding we
were for more than two years engaged in active hos-
tilities with an enemy possessing an extensive sea coast
on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Not a
single American vessel was lost to her owners by cap-
ture by the enemy under the right of war, and there
was not, it is believed, any material effect produced on
marine insurance. These auspicious results, so fa-
vourable to our commerce and navigation, are to be at-
tributed to the respect which is universally felt for our
flag abroad, and that respect is the honourable reward
of the skill and courage, the discretion and justice, the
vigilance and boldness with which the navy has performed
its duty.
It is the settled policy of the United States to main-
tain a navy; but if, notwithstanding its gallant exploits,
long since achieved, and its practical services so long ac-
knowledged, it were an undecided question, whether the
United States should foster and cherish a navy, the ser-
vice performed in the late war will go far to settle it.
Without the guns of our squadron how easily might the
troops which formed the army under Major-General
Scott, when crowded in transports, and crossing the
Gulf, have been destroyed by a few insignificant
cruisers? But for the same protection, with what ad-
vantages might they not hare been met on landing on
the enemies shores through a dangerous surf!
But for the entire control of the enemy's ports by
our active cruisers, how long might not the war have
been protracted by the introduction of munitions of
war and other supplies for the enemy, and what (list's.
ters would nut have threatened if they had not befallen
our gallant army—if the enemy could have prevented
the introduction of the necessary supplies for our troops?
Who can estimate the loss of life and property which
would have befallen us, if the tempting offers of the
enemy had been accepted, and privateers had taken
their letters of marque so freely tendered, and ravished
our commerce in every sea, opposed only by the inade-
quate defences of a merchant vessel, and unrestrained by
the navy ?
In time of peace 'economy requires, and the public in-
terests do not forbid, that the naval establishment should
be comparatively small. Considering our marime posi-
tion, the great length and accessibility of our coast, and
our commercial importance, our navy is smaller than
that of any other power. In this regard, as in the ge-
neral practical working of our system of protection, we
may sately rely on moral influence. In the extensive
oruizing grounds of our squadrons we need employ, in
time of peace, but few ships of war. It would not be
.prac-
ticable to have one in every port. It is enough that
it s
known that our flag is afloat, and that an American ship of
war is ready to protect American citizens, and our coun-
trymen follow their lawful and peaceful pursuits on the
broad ocean, without molestation, although there may
not be a ship of war within a thousand miles. It should,
however, be large enough to serve as a nucleus, capable
of any degree of strength which, in the event of contin-
gency, it may be called to put forth. One of the most
important requisites in a permanent naval system for the
United States is its capability of large expansion.
The establishment of docks and yards for building
and repair of ships, the collection and preparation of
materials, the construction of ships of war ready for
launching, and the purchase of cannon and munitions of
war in quantities suitable for emergencies, are measures
of wise precaution. But in the vast mercantile and
mechanical business of our country, these supplies, to a
certain extent, perhaps to an extent sufficient for the
exigency, may
.be procured, when the occasion for ex-
pansion shall arise. So, too, the hardy mariners in our
merchant service would readily furnish efficient crews
for the increased number of ships fitted for war which
a maritime war may render necessary. The difficulty
of such a crisis, I apprehend, will not be in providing guns
or ships, nor willit be in finding brave hearts and ready
hands to man and fight them ; the difficulty will be
neither in men to fight nor in materials to use, but as to
officers in sufficient number, and with adequate ex-
perience to command and direct. A skilful naval officer,
fitted by education and experience in all the grades of
the service to navigate and fight a ship of war, is not
readily formed. To qualify him for the . responsible,
duties of his profession must be the work of years. 1 eF-
sonal courage, general intelligence, and experience
in
navigation, are not sufficient, notwithstanding exceptions
may be found, and no merchant marine would probably
furnish them in greater numbers than our own, yet I am
decidedly of opinion that, as a general rule, a naval
officer should enter the service at an early age, and
passing throughout all the grades, learn the various and
complex duties of his profession by personal experience,
and especially learn to command those who may be
placed under him. I do not deem it, therefore, unwise
that our navy list contains a larger number of officers
than may be required in time of peace fur the active duty
of their rank.
A nececnry uppondage to the institution is a vested of

$2,860,310
Which sums, being deducted, will leave for one year's
expense of the naval service. including invalids' and
widows'pensions,and the marine .!orps, d 0115.5,997,946 58.
I have the honour herewith to transmit a statement
from the fourth auditor's office, showing the exact
amount of appropriations and expenditures, made for
the entire public service, under the control of the Navy
Department in each year, from the 30th June, 1844, to
the Ist July, 1549, by which it will appear that the ag-
gregate amount of the expenditure for the two fiscal
years ending on the 30th June, 1845 and 1846, amouted
to 14,967,036 dolls. 09c., and the aggregate amount ex-
pended in the two years, ending on the 30th of June,
1846, was 21,598,661 dolls. 18c.
The first two were in time of peace; the last two em-
brace, with a trifling exception, the entire period of the
war with Mexico. In the last two it is worthy of remark
that for the construction of war steamers authorised by
Congress, but not intended or expected to be employed
in the war, and for other special objects, very consider-
able expenditures were made under appropriations for
the purpose, so that the ordinary expenses of the naval
service have been but slightly increased by the war with
Mexico. _

On the Ist July last it appeared that there remained
in the Treasury an unexpended balance of the year's ap-
propriations of the naval service of 3,295,630 dolls. 57c.
Of this sum 1,795,630 dolls. 57c. were carried to the
surplus fund, and, as authorised by law, the balance re-
mains subject to expenditure, if required during the
current fiscal year.
It gives me pleasure to bear testimony, as the result of
my own experience, to the efficient organization of the
Navy department.
. _

A joint board of the officers of the army and navy has
been organized, with orders to proceed to the West
Coast, and make an examination of the coast of Cali-
fornia and Oregon, with the ♦iew to the collection of
the necessary information to determine on proper points
for fortification and a navy yard, when it shall be the
pleasure of Congress to direct such estaLlishments. A
navy yard on the California coast, with suitable means
for the repair of vessels, would, in my judgment, be of
the highest public importance.
I submit herewith the annual estimates for the support
of the marine corps.
In obedience to the direction of the Act of Congress,
March 2, 1847, " at the !termination of the Mexican war
the marine corps was reduced both :in men and officers
to a number not exceeding the number in service at the
date of the Act;" the reduction of men was effected by
discharges as they arrived in the United States. The
duty of reducing the number of officers was more
difficult. It was necessary to drop from the rolls four
captains, four first lieutenants, and four second lieu-
tenants.

SUDDEN DEATH OF A SOLDIER WHILE ON DUTY
AT WINDSOR CASTLE.—Private Joseph Richardson, of
the Ist company of the Coldstream Guards, in garrison
at Windsor, was found dead in his sentry-box, on the
north terrace at Windsor Castle, on Thursday evening.
It appears that he had gone on duty on the north terrace
at five o'clock, and that on the patrol of the guard, from
Henry the Eighth's gateway, going their rounds at six
o'clock, according to the regulation observed at the castle,
the man was discovered in his sentry-box leaning against
the side, quite dead. It is supposed that he must have
expired very shortly after he had gone on guard, as the
body was quite cold, with the exception of the right leg,
in which there was sone little warmth.
LARGE ARRIvALs or SHIM—During the past
week we have had a larger influx of shipping from the
Baltic and Danish ports than we ever remember at this
season of the year. The late boisterous weather, to-
gether with the prolonged continuance of west and
south-west winds, obliged many vessels to seek shelter
in the various ports of Norway. Some have been thus
detained many weeks, after having unsuccessfully put to
sea several times. The wind having veered round to the
north and north-west, the weather-bound vessels put to
sea with a fine, strong breeze. On Saturday, Sunday,
and Monday, large fleets of vessels, from first-class
Balticmen ' to the little Danish yacht, thronged the
Humber; and up to last evening 117 sail of ships, from
foreign ports, were reported at our custom-house, in ad-
dition to the usual number of coasters and foreign
traders bound for the ports on the Trent and Ouse.
About two-thirds of those vessels are grain laden. The
arrivals for the corresponding week last year were about
sixty, and were then considered large for the advanced
state of the season.—Hull Advertiser.
FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE CHEITNE AND MOLT-
HEAD RAILWAY.—A singular and melancholy accident,
attended with fatal consequences to a mother and her
child, occurred at Llanfaelog, on the Anglesey portion
of the Chester and Holyhead line, last week. It appears
that the wife of one of the labourers employed on the
railway had occasion to go to Holyhead, and obtained
the permission of the driver of the contractor's locomo-
tive to ride on the tender. Accordingly the unfortunate
woman and her child proceeded on the tender, and as
the weather was extremely cold and piercing, she seated
herself close to the boiler, having her child on her lap.
Suddenly one of the steam cocks of the boiler burst., and
the poor woman and infant were scalded in a most fearful
manner, so much so that thy child survived only a few
hours, and tho woman lingered for two days in great
agony, when death released her from ker sufferings.