Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-03-15


vented one of his suggestions from being
acted on. Why not have Admirals, as well
rs GeneralsI The encouragement and
graduatincrease of the Navy is now ma
ticnal sentiment.
Cofiy Of q letter from che Secretary Of the
Novp 10 the committee Of TYays and
Means ofshe House of Representatives
Navy Department, Feb 18th, 1915.
Sra-ln compliance with your request.
Il have the honor to transmit an estimate of
the expenses OF the Navy. reduced to the
demands of an estabiishmsnt, accommoda-
ted to all the effects of the peace with Great
Britain, but at the same time to provide for
the protection of our commerce against the
actual hostilitics of the Dey of A!giers.
An act that proposes the reduction of any
part OF the naval force. is naturally accom-.
panied with 4 grateful recollection of the
service which that force has rendered to
the nation. In the first movements of the
late war, the achievements Of the Navy
excited admiration and confidence through
out the United States, shedding lasting
splendor upon the American arms Victory
has invariably been the result of our naval
combat with an equal force and even when
the surrender to superior force has prov.
ed unavoidable, it must be acknowledged
by the world, that those who have gained
the ship, have not always gained the glory
Of the battle.
Cooperating with their brave and patri-
otto brethren of the army, the officers and
crews of the American vessels of war have
greatly contributed TO the honorable resto.
ration of peace and whatever may be the
general policy of reducing the naval estab-
he.
ohJectto secure for those meritorious citi.
zens participation in the blessings which
they have conferred upon their country.
Permit me, sir, to take this opportunity of
recommending to your attention the bill
| which has resolved the sanction of the Sc
nate, tor creating the rank of Admiral in
! our naval service. The measure is suited
10 the existing naval establishment, and ap.
pears to be necessary, not only as the means
OF furnishing commanders of proper rank
| tor our squadrons, but as the means of be-
slowing professional distinction andreward
upon the distinguished veterans of the navy.
Ii mas been seen and lamcnted, that for
want or this grade of command, the gall
iantry OF subordinate officer could be re-
~arded by promotion, while his gallant su-
Perlor officer must remain stationary.
| Inc protection of commerce against the
hostihties ofthe Dey of Aigiers will require
that strong squadron should be stationed.
as soon as practicable, in the Mediterra
| mean. The Algerine naval force IS believed
TO consist OF four frigates, four corvettes,
four siooPs OF war, and twenty gun boats
| but these vessels will be covered and aided
| ny the powerful batteries, which defend the
| haroor OF Aigiers. To secure success in our
operations, therefore, and to command the
&c o, d..
proposed, that the American squadron shall
consist OF two seventy fours, six frigates
three sleeps OF war. and six or eight small
armed vessels; and an estimate of the ex.
| pense OF the expedition accompanies this
| communication. IF, however, Congress
should not Contemplate a maritime war
against Algiers, and should not be disposed
| 10 increase the naval establishment, a diff.
iefeht course must be pursued. The three
| seVenty-ionrs (of which two may be soon
completed for sea, at a small additional ex
pense) should be perfected in their guns and
! equipments, and laid up in ordinary so as
10 De ready tor service upon the first emer
gency. Four frigates should always be
manned and ready fof sea and should be
| deemed to be in actual service. together
with four sloops of war, four small armed
vessels Ito be principally employed as dis
patch vessels) and two gun boats in each
principal port.
The fiotilla may be discharged, and the
gun-boats with the exception provided for)
| and the barges may be generally laid mp or
sold, as the President shall deem most ex-
! pedieDt.
The ships and vessels on the lakes, or on
| the stocks for the lake service, may also be
laid up, or sold, as the President shall di
| rect. But it is respectfully suggested, that
| no greater reduction of oar naval establish.
| ment ought, at this time, to be made
The destinies of the nation appear to be
intimately connected with her maritime
power and prosperity and as the creation
of navy is not work to be quickly per-
| formed, it seems necessary not only to che
rish our existing resources, but to augment
| them gradually and steadily.
The purchase of timber, the casting OF
| guns, and the collection of all the other ma.
teriels for building and equipping vessels Of
war at safe ard convenient places, are OBJ
jects Of the greatest importance and the
annual constructors of at least one seventy
four and two frigates, is recommended ub
on principle OF economy as well as of poll.
| cy. Smaller vessels of war can be built as
| the occasions occur, but these require time
and care.
Contracts, for supply Of two hundred
| heavy cannon, TO be delivered at N. York,
Boston, or Portsmouth (Which afford at ali
times an outlet to the ocean) might be adj