The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-11-05
Total,

90 Now, II we had 100 ships of the line, (Which God
forbid we ever should haye,) how long could re-
tair them Most of those who talk about navy,
we suppose either do not ac'ate, else they wish
to prevent proper resistance the proper ee-
ment."
The following remarks from the Chronicle on this
latter poiht, also demand serious consideration.
!" But it seems the British fleet IS to meet its match
by Keeping all the 3ner a.. fare tog:ther, while
they attack the sebdrafe deta hnegtS of their OPP
ponents This force however is admitted to be equa
to g so sail of the line. If then to oppose
tis armament, what force is it requisite for the L..
States to bring against it Suppose fleet of this
magnitude shoeld be coast, is it probable tha
our heet would be all in port, to be able
rally them in the most formidable manner AN i'm
mediate onset! If the British feet may be divided
by stretching along extensive coast, it sequaily
probable that ships would be dist lbuted in the
several seaports If the whole American marine
should cruise in company, the whole so sil OF the
Hne of the enemy would be equally consolidated.
Communication would be speedily made to the admit
raj as to the disposal of feet, and whatever
mode we adopted, the woud be taken by our
opponeuts. 1t is farcca idea talk about attack
ing British feet III dedcments, for it is more pro-
bable we should be separated than they. We must
suppose that prOpoitonate strength of so ships Of
the line would all occasions be so arranged as to
encounter our marine. We are therefore to throw
aside this visionary mode Of reasoning aud come d-
rectiy TO the enquiry-What number of ships and
seamen are requisite for us to employ to encounter
80 ships OF the line, which it admitted might be
sent to oppose US Here the controversy is issue,
and on the decision of this question the whole sy stem
OF marine rests
The " National Lnteiligencey,' the paper which
proposed the question under consideration, has, in
subsequent manner, "given also its obinioH,'' in
very decided and very energetic terms So far as the
editorial remarks IT, the Intelligence, Of the 26tl nit
apply to the real strength of America. the courage
OF its citizens, and the attrocous aud infamous abuse
from England, no .3neri an can fail to concur
Never perhaps, has brave and strong nation, fear
less but exercising and expecting justice borne such
aggravated injuries, in thehope of returning honor
m the aggressing power. We believe, too, =" a cri-
SIS must easne"--" all temborising must cease
We behcve, zoo, the "re0ointionay1 spark is not
esfinet, the flame IL od kinaled mag again blaze
out 7 and We believe too, " II 1t does, IL 5sH blaze
NTH a ,onsnaning fury. Our resources will then
strand manifest, hey will be feh and co4test.'' But
the Revolutionary fame" we think, will retain
IT'S nature Without the forced hot-bed of an estab
hshusent, we shall have powerful aud effective M
gy---goading and Furnishing at every point, the com
missoned o. uncoH nissoned eruizers OF the tyrant
OF the sea. The profession of our coast being Sc
cured, BY suitable craft, individaai enfyb,i2e " II
do the rest. Letters of Marquc and rop1sa will be
very adequate coDt1nissions.
A write, in the InfeiIigencer, with the signature
Oh NINDEX," seems very strongly impressed
with the importance Of strong navy IL opening his
subject, he seems 20 suppose the necessify &c real
icing nlilifafy spirit" lie remarks that zyas
the .dlansic Ocean, aghich separates rs fto1n m
ripe, no wider fhdH the 3nacogtia or the pofo1nac
and the countries which boRhd as on the Tresf In
fUfeas empires 7ge might, like Sparta o. Rome
Iook to, employment IN arms Baf remote fo,n
fhe common theatre Of agaF, 10 realize quijitayy
spirif, sye n,asf dissolve The Union give to each
STATE a military firm and Renewing the eayiy
ages N the world. deriVe dctioifg fro1n 6eybefpai
Tsvalshibs and c0rfenfioHS 07nong oarscfyee" We
really DO not understand this, az connected with ei-
ther tie principles o. t,s revolution or the princes
d sound poey unless il mems, that we 9,iusf On 10
F9ar at sea, bc~4ase ne hage mt n chane 10 fpft
On land military spirit vas " rcslzcrs IN
rs, when IL became necessary. 57fFtary s6;y;t
VIII he realiged3os, nit becOiscs Necessary. Ifdc
cor of reconciliation bc draired, a,ifkif0ry s1yif
would mauiicstjlself, We think in the rcducti-
obcf Cands-ss spirit of naval wa entey6yigc IN