The Sun.
London, England, 1842-01-14 00:00:00

THE AMERICAN NAVY.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, DEC. 4, 1841.—The Navy or
the United States is composed of---;:
Eleven ships of the line ; of which one is rated for
120 guns, and ten for 74. guns.
Fifteen frigates, of the: first class ; of which one is
rated for .64 guns, and 14 for 44 gum's.
Two frigates of the second class, of 36 guns each.
Eighteen sloops of war, of which eleven are rated for
20 guns, two for 18 guns, and five for 16 guns.
Two brigs and four schooners, rated for 10 guns each.
Four steamers; besidei
Three store-ships, three vessels used as receiving
vessels, and five small schooners.: ' _

At the date of, the last annual Report from this De-
partment, the ships in commission wars employed as
follows

In the Mediterranean, the Ohio, of 74 guns, Capt.
Lavallette ; the Brandywine, of 44 guns, Capt. Bol-
ton ; and the Cyane, of 20 guns, Commander Perci-
val, who was relieved on account of ill health, and
succeeded by Commander Latimer ; the whole squa-
dron under the command of Com. Hull. The Cyane
was relieved by the sloop of war Preble, Commander
Voorhees, and returned to the United States is May last,
her cruise having been performed. The Ohio returned
on the I,7th pf July last, and the Brandywine on the
9th of May last. The return of the Brandywine was
owing to particular causes, not tconnect-id with the ori-
ginal purposes of her cruise ; and, as her presence in
the Meditetranean was important, she was ordered
back, under the command of Captain Geishager. In
July last, the sloop of war Fairfield, Commander Tett-
nall, sailed for the Mediterranean, taking, out Corn.
Charles W. Morgan, who now commands the squa-
dron on that station. The squadron consists at present
of the Brandywine, Fairfield, and Preble. The honour
of the flag, in its intercourse with those of other nations,
appears to have bean properly sustained by this squa-
dron ; a due support and countenance have been af-
forded to our mercantile interest, and the amicable rela-
tions of our country with foreign nations have been re-
spected and preserved.
In the Pacific Ocean the frigate Constitution, Capt.
Turner ; the sloop of war St. Louis, Commander
French Forrest ; the sloop of war Yorktown, Com-
mander Aulick ; the sloop of war Dale, Commander
Gauntt ; and the sehooner Shark, Lieut. Bigelow ; the
whole under the command of Corn. Alex. Claxton.—
Corn. Claxton died at Talcuabana in March last, to
the great loss of the service, and the just regret of the
country. Upen that event, the chief command of
the squadron devolved on Capt. Daniel Turner, who
returned to the United States with the Constitution on
the 31st of October last, the time of her cruise having
expired. Corn. Thomas Ap. C. Jones, baying been
appointed to the command of that station, will sail in
the frigate United States in the course of the next fort-
night. The sloop of war Cyane, Commander Strib-
ling, sailed for the same station early in November.
Upon the arrival of Com. Jones, the squadron, in the
Pacific will consist of the frigate United States, the
sloops of war St. Loui;, Yorktown, Cyane, and Dale,
and the schooner Shark.

Orders were given to Com. Claxton to employ one
of his vessels in cruising in the Gulf of California and
along the northwest coast of America, and, if circum-
stances should permit, to despatch another to visit
the Sandwich and Friendly Islands, in order t, afford
protection and assistance to our citizens engaged in
the whale fisheries. In obedience to this order, the
sloop of war St. Louis, Commander French Forrest,
was ordered to cruise in the Gulf and along the wes-
tern coast of California. This duty was performed
in a manner highly creditable to Commander Forrest.
The atrocities committed on American and English
residects at Monterey and its neighbourhood, by the
Mexican authorities, are well known. Under the un-
founded pretence of a conspiracy among the foreigners
to wrest the country from Mexico, and to set up a sepa-
rate and independent Government of their owo, they
were attacked by armed soldiers in the night, wounded,
beaten, imprisoned, sent in chains to a distant place,
and their property destroyed, without even the forms of
trial. In tbe midst of these outrages' Commander For-
rest:arrived upon the coast, and, by his prompt and
spirited interposition, vindicated; and secured the rights
not only of American citizens, but of British subjects
resident in Upper California. For these services Com-
mander
a Fm
and appears to have well de-
served,expression of the thanks both of Ame-
rican and English residents.
In consequence of the civil disturbances in Upper
foorrre Forrest received,
Peru, it was deemed proper .to despatch the Shark,
under the command of Lieutenant A. Bigelow, to cruise
upon that coast. The movement was judicious and
well-timed, and the delicate trust reposed in Lieutenant
Bigelow was discharged in a manner highly satisfactory
to this department. The property of American citi-
zens, exposed to the rapacity and lawless violence of
contending factions in the midst of civil war, were effec-
tually protected, while all who witnessed the operations
of the Shark were inspired with increased respect for
the American flog. It is highly gratifying to observe,
that Lieutenant Bigelow, as well as Commander For-
rest, extended the protection of our flag to the citizens
and subjects of other countries as well as to those of
our own. _ _ _

In further execution Of the orders of the department,

the sloop of war Yorktoivii Commander Aulick, was
despatched in May last to ;he Sandwich 'and Friendly
Island 9, with a view to render' such assistance'as might
be necessary to our whale fishers and other citizens
tradingin that part of the Pacific. No intelligence has
been received from her since she Left Valparaiso,

Tne conduct of this squadron, as well under the
command of Commodore Claxton as under that of Cap-
tain Turner, has been highly satisfactory to the De-
partment.
I would respectfully solicit your attention, in a parti-
cular manner, to the situation of American interests in
the Pacific Ocean. According to an estimate made by
an intelligent gentleman lately returned from the Paci-
fic, there at this time not less than forty millions of
dollars employed in the whale fisheries alone, of which
the greater part is American. I have great confidence
in the accuracy of this estimate ; but, even if it be too
large, there will remain, after all reasonable deductions,
an interest of vast magnitude and importance. Ameri-
can merchants have formed establishments in different
parts of the coast, from Chili to Colombia river, some
of them very extensive and important, and all of them
worthy the attention of Government. In Upper Cali-
fornia there are already considerable settlements of
Americans, and others are daily resorting to that fertile
aad delightful region. Such, however, is the unsettled
condition of that whole country, that they cannot be
safe, either in their persons or property, except under
the protection of our naval power. This protection
cannot be afforded in proper degree, and with suitable
promptness by so small a squadron as we have usually
kept in that sea. To cruise along so extensive a coast,
calling at all necessary points, and at the same time to
visit tose parts of the Pacific in which the presence of
our ships is necessary for the protection and assistance
of our whale fisheries, requires twice the number of
vessels now employed in that service. It is highly de-
sirable, too, that the Gulf of California should be fully
expiored ; and this duty alone will give employment for
a long time to one or two vessels of the smallest class.
For these reasons I have caused estimates to be prepared
for a large increase of the Pacific squadron.
I also respectfully submit to your consideration the
propriety of establishing, at some suitable point on
our territory bordering that ocean, a post to which our
vessels may resort. Many positions well adapted
to this object may be found between the mouth of Co-
lumbia river and Guayaquil, which, it is presumed,
may be procured, if they be not to be found on our
own territory. Our public vessels cruising in that
ocean are generally absent from the United States not
loss than four years ; within which time they neces-
airily require a variety of supplies which cannot now
be obtained without very great difficulty and expense,
Any considerable repair is almost impossible, with
all the means which can be furnished by all the na-
tions of the coast. Such a post would also be of in-
calculable value as a place of. refuge and refreshment to
our commercial marine. I need not enlarge on the
many and great benefits which might be expected from
the establishment of some general rendezvous for all our
vessels trading and cruising in this distant sea.
In addition to this, a naval depot at the Sandwich
Islands would be of very great advantage. It is a
annviences and accommodations.yen peculiar recommendations of climate
and local
possesses
conveniences
The exploring squadron, under the command of
Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, consists of the sloop of war
Vincennes, commanded by that officer; the Peacock,
Lieutenant Hudson ; the brig Porpoise, Lieutenant
Ringgold ; and the schooner Flying Fish, as a tender to

down to the 6th of April, 1840, has
the squadron.
beeinnteciol;n
mgemueneicated in previous reports from this De-
partment. At that time the squadron was in New
Zealand. In further prosecution of his cruise, Lieut.
Wilkes visited the Fejee Islands, and succeeded in
establishing useful regulations of trade and intercourse
with some of the principal chiefs. His surveys of this
group were prosecuted with great care and industry, and
have served to ascertain the positions of a large num-
ber of dangerous reefs, and to indicate many secure
and convenient harbours. This will be of great value
to our citizens trading with that group, and particu-
larlyes; colnnsidered too dangerous to en-
ter, many of the harbours, in
:e:v.aalthough few are to be found in the
whr whaleso h
abound,
neighbouringcht hithertote
swe
a ih.l
The melancholy tragedy which has already been an-
nounced in the public journals was enacted at this
group. Lieut. Joseph A. Underwood and Midship-
man Wilkes Henry, while engaged in surveying, were
treacherously assailed by the natives, and after a brave
but ineffectual resistance, were murdered, before it was
possible to relieve them. Their bodies were arrested
and properly interred, and Lieut. Wilkes inflicted on
the offending savages a severe chastisement, which will
probably deter them from similar outrages in future.
He was also fortunate enough to capture a noted chief,
who instigated the massacre of the greater part of the

crew of the brig Charles Dagget, o iSalem, in 1834.
This chief he proposes to bring to the United States, to
be dealt with as the Government shall direct.

The brig Dolphin, Commander Bell, and schooner
Grampus, Lieut. Paine, returned, the former in May,
and tho 'attn. in August last, from their second cruise
on the coast of Africa. These vessels have been ac-

tively and efficiently engaged in the suppression of
the slave-trade, and in the protection of our citizens
engaged in commerce on that coast. I regret to say
that their officers and crews have suffered severelj
from the diseases of the climate; and it is owing in
a great degree to the constant vigilance and prudent
precautions of the commanders, that their sufferings
were not still greater. Notwithstanding the extreme
sickliness of the climate, it is impossible to dispense
with a squadron on that coast. In addition to the in.
teresting duty of suppressing the slave trade, which
could not be otherwise effected, the lawful commerce
of our citizens with all parts of the coast is rapidly in-
creasing, and already employs a very largo capital.
This trade is an object of so much importance, and is
contended for in so strong a spirit of rivalry by traders
of different countries, that the presence of national ves-
sels is absolutely necessary to protect them in their just
rights, and to prevent those outrages, unfriendly to the
harmony of nations, to which men are often driven by
the thirst of gain.
The operations of these vessels have been highlj
valuable in protecting the rights of our citizens engaged
in trade, and in preventing the traffic in slaves. They
have performed all that could have beau reasonably ex-
pected of so small a force. An additional number of
vessels, some of which should be of larger size, will un-
doubtedly be necessary for the security of our increasing
trade in that quarter, and for the effectual suppression
of the slave trade. This trade, I regret to say, is still
carried on to a considerable extent, notwithstanding the
vigilance of our cruisers, aided by the active co-opera-
tion of those of England.
The steamships Missouri and Mississippi, built under
the Act of 3d March, 1839, the former at New York,
and the latter at Philadelphia, are nearly ready for
service, and will form a parted the home squadron.
Orders have been given for the construction of three
steamers of medium size, under the Act of 3d March,
1641, one at New York, one at Philadelphia, and one
at Norfolk. In addition to these, Captain R. F.
Stockton is superintending the construction, at Phila-
delphia, of a steamer of 600 tons, to be propelled by
„Ericcson's propeller ; and Lieutenant %V. W. Hunter
is engaged in like manner at Norfolk with one of 300
tons, to be propelled by submerged water-wheels in-
vented by himself. Very valuable results are antici-
pated from these experiments.
Orders have been given to build a first-class sloop
and three small vessels of war, and to finish the frigates
Cumberland, Savannah, Raritan, and St. Lawrence.
The balance in the Treasury to the credit of the
Navy Hospital Fund is 217,907 dols. 53e. This fund
is gradually increasing, from the assessment of 20 cents
pes mouth upon the pay of officers, seamen, and marines,
so that a continuing surplus may be expected. I re-
commend that authority be given to invest these sur-
pluses, as they accrue, in some interest bearing fund.
So much of its annual increase as may not be needed
for the particular purposes of the fund may be advanta-
applied, in other forms, to the comfort of our
seamen. The average annual increase of this :fund,
from the Ist January, 1830,has been 27,223 d015.67c.;
which, if it had been invested in six per cent stock,
would have added to the amount 57,482 dols. 4c. on the
Ist of January next.
-01 the appropriation for the " suppression of the
slrive trade," there remains unexpended the sum of
4,365 dots. 14c., which has been carried to the surplus
fund. I recommend that it be reappropriated, and
the further sum of 3,000 doh, be added, in order to
meet outstanding liabilities of this fund.
Under the Lad of " continssencies not enumerated,"
there remains, of the appropriations of the last three
years, the sum of 9,246 dots. 76c., of which 3,246 dols.
76c. will be carried to the surplus fund on the Ist of
January next, if not previously applied to the proper
purposes of the fund.
Great difficulty is experienced in the enlistment of
seamen. To what cause this should be attributed I am
unable to say ; and consequently I am not prepared to
suggest any remedy. It is, however, probably true,
that the mere seaman is of too little consideration in
the general estimate of the service. Laws and regula-
tions securing to him the enjoyment of his just rights,
liberal wages punctually paid, and a strict application,
if not an extension, of the benevolent policy which
provides for him or his family when he is disabled or
killed in the service, would probably secure for 'our ships
of war the preference in most cases over those of the
merchant service.

Measures have been adopted, and are now in pro-
cess
of execution, for supplying the navy with the re- ,
quisite guns. Less progress has been made than was i
desirable, because of the great pains which have been
taken to obtain the best guns which could ho procured
in the country. In a short time they will be furnished
of the various descriptions used in the service, including
the Paishan guns.
I have, under your directions, taken measures for the
construction of a steamer on Lake Erie, in compliance
with the Act of the 9th September, 1841.
That reform is necessary, in every part of our naval
establishment, is on all hands admitted ; and it is a
subject of general regret that it has been so long de-
layed. The delay has been in the highest degree in-
jurious to the service, and is daily rendering reform
more and more difficult, as it becomes more and more
indispensable. Impressed with this truth, and anxious
that no time should be lost in commencing this im-
portant work, 1 respectfully bring it to your notice at
the earliest day.
The first step ought to be the preparation of a full
code of laws and rules for the government and re-
gulation of the naval service. Without this, every
other measure of reform would be unavailing. It is of
the essence of free Government that the rights, the
duties, and the responsibilities of all men, in all condi-
tioes, should be ascertained and accurately defined ;
and it is of the essence of tyranny that men should be
punished for imputed offences, or at the arbitrary dis-
cretion of their judges.
The evils resulting fro:n the want of a proper naval
code are of the most serious character, and will, if not
remedied, ultimately ruin the naval service of our
country. What can be expected of a community of
men living together under circumstances tending to
constant excitement and collisions, with no fixed law to
govern them, and where even rank and station are im-
perfectly defined? The necessary consequence of such
a state of things must be, disputes, contests, disorder,
and confusion. The unbounded latitude of discretion
allowed to Courts Martial is of most evil consequence,
and calls loudly for correction. It invites to the in-
dulgence of prejudice and favouritism—subjecting light
offences to undue punishment, and suffering great
offenders to escape with trivial penalties. To prevent
these evils, to remedy the disorders which now prevail,
and to place the Navy in a healthy and efficient con-
dition, it is absolutely necessary to provide for it a code
of laws and rules which shall accurately define rank
and authority, plainly prescribe duties and responsibili-
ties, and ascertain crimes and their punishments.
There is reason to believe that it is now the settled
pollee of the Government to increase the Navy as
rapidly as the means at its disposal will admit, and it
may therefore be unnecessary that I should offer any
suggestions upon that subject.
We may safely estimate the mercantile property of
our citizens annually afloat on the ocean, and employed
in foreign trade, at not less than 120,000,000 dol. ;
and to this is to be added the value of the vessels in
which that property is conveyed, and the value of
American interests vested in mercantile establishments
abroad, and dependent on American trade. The coast-
ing trade, not including such articles as are exported,
cannot be accurately estimated, but it certainly amounts
to many millions of dollars. Taking the aggregate of
all property annually exposed to an enemy on the
ocean, on the lakes, and on our principal bays and
rivers, it will probably be found that it does not fall
short of 150,000,000 dol. So large an interest is
entitled to demand, and justly expects to receive, the
most certain and ample protection.

. .
Trade is never secure unless it can, at all times and in
all places, appeal for support to the national flag, and
it ought to feel that it is safe wherever that flag is dis-
played.
Every nation engaged in foreign commerce to any
valuable extent presides, as a part of its established
policy, an adequate military marine. Our own coun-
try is far behind all the considerable nations of the
world in this respect. England, with much less than
twice our foreign tonnage, has more than eight times as
many vessels of war, exclusive of her steam-ships ;
Prance, with only one-third of our foreign tonnage, has
more than five times as many vessels of war.
Wars often arise from rivalry in trade, and from the
conflicts of interests which belong to it. The presence
of an adequate naval force, to protect commerce, by
promptly redressing the injuries which are done to it, is
one of the best means of preventing those disputes and
collisions, which are so apt to interrupt the peace and
harmony of nations.
Heretofore we have found in the shallowness of
many of our waters security, to a certain extent,
against invasions by sea. So long as maritime wars
were conducted in vessels of largo size and great
draught, we had little to apprehend from them except
at a few points, and those were susceptible of adequate
defence on land. But this security can no longer be
relied on. The application of steam power to vessels of
war, and the improvements which have recently been
made in artillery, are destined to change the whole sys-
tem of maritime war. Steamboats of light draught, and
which may be easily transported across the ocean in
vessels of a larger class, may invade us at almost any
point of our extended coast, may penetrate the interior
Ithrough our shallow rivers, and thus expose half our
country to hostile attacks. The celerity with which
these movements could be made, the facility with which
such vessels could escape, and the promptness with
which they could change the point of attack, would en-
al)le an enemy, with a comparatively inconsiderable
fog ee, to harass our whole seaboard, and to carry all the
horrors of war into the securest retreats of our people.