The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1813-02-26

Navy Department., and though it would be
premature in me to offer any general sys-
TEN OF improvement. yet in my view, there
are some prominent defects in the estab-
i'shment which are susceptible of simple
remedy. similar to, that which necessity
urged the adoption of in relation to the w az
Department.
me vital error appears TO me to consist
10 loading the chief of the Department with
the cognzance of details, and with the ex
ecuton ut duties which may divert his at
tention from the sound direction of the great
and efficient objects of the establishment
or the inevitable alternative is, tn submit
the execution OF those duties to subordinate
agents, whose responsibility does not afford
sufficient guarantee to the public for the ju-
dicious and faithful discharge of the trust.
VI this nature is the duty of forming con-
tracts, making purchases, and the effective
Control and accountability of navy agents,
now spread over the interior as well as the
Atlantic coast, and which conceive would
employ to great public advantage distinct
department directed by a responsible and
able head. II in the present state OF our ma.
wy TINS view OF the subject is in any degree
correct, the increase as now provided for
by law mast render it indispensable.
wouli, therefore, respectfully suggest
the idea OF naval Purveyor's Department,
| cessary, to be nominated by the President
to the Senate. The Purveyor to reside in
some OF our central seaport towns, where
he state Of the market and the information
necessary to form contracts to advantage,
can be best known and effected with the
best security; the Secretary of the Navy
retaining the control and general direction
OF all important contracts, to be formed bv
the Purveyor.
Permit me also to ask of you to consider
the propriety of increasing the appropria-
ton for clerks in the Navy Department.
so as to admit of the addition of two able
clerks to the number now employed. /
would also suggest the propriety of provid-
Ing tor the appointment of an additional
number OF captains, in anticipation of those
authorised by the act for building the 74's.
There is not now single vacancy, and un-
less captain is taken from one of the ma
Wy yards there is no commander for the
Macedonian, although distinguished mas
ter com mandant has been designated for
that promotion and command indeed we
have none to provide for casualties or fate
of the battle.
would also draw your attention to a spe-
cics OF force of vast Importance for short
coasting conveys, as we'll as for the annoy
ance of the enemy mean corvettes,
such as the Hornet, or rather larger (such
as the enemy emPloys.) Of this valuable
class OF vessels we are almost destitute.
I think six vessels of this class would be
desirable. They can he built by contract
on favorable terms, and in service in four
months. Orders have been given to CON
struct and equip two corvettes at Erie and
one at Sacket's hafbor. with a view to the
complete command of the whole of the lakes.
think, sir, the public could be amply re-
mnnerated for the additional six corvettes,
by reduction of the number of gun. boats
now in service, and of the officers & ere W s
of those that may be retained in situations
admitting of such dimunition.
have the honor to De, very respectfully
sir, your ob't. s'vt.
w. JONES.