The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-03-31

ships shouiu DC oetcrHiueus proper mouios
/ made by which to cut and shape the timber
and mechanics employed to superintend the
/ execution of the contracts. Hence contracts
| for timber of this description cannot be made
| and executed with the same facility and Ger.
tainty as for straight rectangular timber.&
Il is therefore considered, that state oi
! peace will be much more favorable to the col.
| lection of stock Of timber of this description
/ than that Of war, in which il can neither be
! transported to the dock yards nor deposited in
safety at the sea coas, landings. Nevertheless
| it is contemplated to make the necessary ar
rangcments for such supplies of suitable live
| oak timber as may be had in places OF safety.
On this subject, it is very satisfactory ia
| learn that our resources in timber of this kind
are greatly extended in the abundance which
may be procured from the shores Of the bays
and waters near the mouth of the Mississippi.
This species Of timber requires very little
seasoning six months docking will render j,
!. perfectly fit for use. f5Ds
/. Nd further steps have been taken IN rela-
:ion TO the dock-yard, than general inquiry
and proper delibcration in order TO determine
upon the beat site in central situation. 'N'
I The result has decided in favor of the right
bank Of the Hudson, above the Highlands
The motives 10 this decision were, from con-
sidering the coute mp.a,ed dock yard az the
nuccus, around which great naval establish
ment may be formed, comprising wet and dry
docks, forges, foundries, boring, rolling, saw,
block mills, blast and smelling furnaces, an arr
mory, hydraulic eRgines, rope works, manu-
factories of sail duck, and work shops Of all
kinds, which will require copious head of
water, readily commanded in this vicinity
Here, also, will be the main arsenal and de-
pot OF timber and materials of all kinds, and
the principal dock yard for constructing and
repairing ships of war. Such an establish
mcnt, in any of our sea ports, accessible to
\ shps Of the line, would form so great temp
tation TO powerful enemy, as to render de-
struction certain, unless protected by forts
and garrisons OF the most formidable and ex-
pensive nature.
The natural defences at the pass Of tho
Highlands are such as to remove all doubt on
this subject, and supercede the necessity Of q
large protecting foace.
The Hudson is deep, bold, noble stream
OF easy and safe navigation. The surrounding
country produces abundance of iron and large
quantities OF hemp, and the banks of the Hud-
son furnish a. variety of timber fit for naval
purposes.
The communication with the northern and
swestern lakes, is more direct and favorable to
the distribution of naval and military stores,
, than any other situation that can be sclcctcd.
Tho only objection Of importance that !
have heard suggested, is, that the Hudson at
this point 10 closed by tho ice fortnight
sooner, and opens fortnight later than at N.
York; but this objection is greatly overbal-
anced by the extraordinary advantages of the
situation.
In order TO select the most suitable situa-
tion, careful examination and survey, under
the direction Of some of our most experienced
officersy aided by skilful engineer, appears
to be indispensable an opportunity for which
has been prevented by the active operations of
the war, and consequent occupation Of tho Of
icers best qualified for this service. :.
None Of the gun-boats have been sold, or
otherwise disposed of, than by placing ia or
dinary, in state of preparation for service,
those that were fit fo:, but no: In actual serv-
ice, and disman.ling and laying up those that
wero unfit for service. This was considered
the best disposition that could be made as
the only purpose to which they could be ap.
piled, If sold, would be for tho domestic navi-
had and still DO prevent the employment of .
considerable portion of the private craft usual.
iy engaged In that branch of trade.
On the subject of deepening the channel
into the harbor of Eric, shall be enabled to
seport In the course of few days. The pro-
per enquiry for information on that subject
was made by this department. shortly after the
resolution was submitted to Congress, but
nothing definite or satisfactory had been -c-
ceivcd until within few days: proposals for
that purpose, by persons on the spot, were
submitted by the Hon. Mr.. Wilson, the re-
preventative frem that district.
: l have the honor to be, very respectfully,
sir, your obedient servant,
y s. w. JONES.
Hon nssWiLtfamEowSDx ''''' 49, -. 49, a..
Chairman Of the Naval Commiffe.