The Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1822-1822, 1822-04-02

are iorni liable. in other respects, by the
body OF men within them, which may DE
re,uoyed and applied to other purposes.
Between the Rigolets and the Bay OF
Mobile there is chain OF Islands, at the
extremity of which is Dauphine Island,
which forms, with Mobile Point, from
which it is distant aboul three and quar-
ter miles, the entrance into the bay OF
Mobile which leads through that part OF
the stale OF Alabama, TO the towns OF NO.
bile and Blakely. The distance between
Daupnine Island and the Rigolets is 50
miles. The principsl Islands between
them are Massacre, Horn, Ship and Cat
lsauds ,uear to which there is an anchorage
for large ships OF war. The hrsf ooJecs
is to prevent the landing OF any torce' LOT
the purposes above stated, between Tue
Rigolets and the bay of Mo5ile-the Sc.
eond, to defeat that force, IN case II should
be landed. When the distance from one
po,nt to the other is considered, 1t is be-
Meyed that il would be impossible to es-
tablisb works so near TO each other as TO
prevent the landing OF such force. Its
defeat, therefore, should be effectually
provided for. fthe arrangement should
be such as TO make that result evident 1t
might be fairly concluded that the attempt
would not be made, and thus we should
accomplish, in the best mode possible.
and with the least expense the complete
security of this important part OF our Uni
on. the great object OF our system OF de-
fence for the whole.
There are some other views OF this SUBJ
iect which, it is thought, will merit par
tic.lsr attention in deciding the point in
question. Not being able to establish
chain OF posts, at least tor the present,
along the whole coast, from the Rigolets to
Dauphne Island, or on all the islands be.
tween them, at which point shall We be-
ginq Should an attack on the city be an
ficipated. il cannot be doubted that an adj
euuate force would immediately be order
ed there for ITS defence, Ii The enemy
should despair OF making an impression on
the works near the town, 1t may be pre-
sumed that they would promptly decide
to make an attempt, in the manner and I'D
tie line above suggested, between the
kigolets and the Bay of Mobile. 1t will
be obvious, that the nearer the fertilization
is erected to the Rigolets, with view to
this object, should 1t be or Cat or Ship
Island for example. the wider would the
passage be lett open, between that work
and the Bay Of Mobile, for such an enter
prise. The main army being drawn to
New Orleans, would be ready TO meet
such an attempt near the Rigolets. or at
any other point not distant from the city.
Ii is probable. Therefore, that the enemy
profiling OF fair wind, would make his
attempt at the greatest distance compat-
ible with his object, from that point, and
AT the BAY of Mobile, shoulc there not be
works there of sufficient strength TO pre-
vent it. Should however strong works be
erected there, such as were sufficient not
only for their OWE defence against any at
tack. which might be made on them. but
20 hold force, connected with that which
might be drawn from the neighboring
country, capable of cooperating with the
force at the city, and which would doubt
less be ordered to those works in the event
of war; it would be dangerous for the in-
vading force to land any where, between
the Rigolets aud the Bay OF Mobile, and
10 pass towards the Mississippi above the
city. lest such body might be thrown in
Its rear. as to cut of ITS retreat, These
considerations show the great advantage
OF establishing at the mouth OF the Bay OF
Mobile, very strong works such as would
be ADEQUATE to all the purposes suggested.
If foItihcations were necessary, only to
nrotect our country and cities against the
antrv of large ships of war, into our bays
and rivers, they would be of little use for
the defence of New Orleans, since that
civ cannot be approached, SO near, either
nv the Mississippi, OF in any other dIree-
s;on by such vessels, for than to make an
att,rk on il. In the Gulf, within orr
l;mi,s West of Florida, which has been
ou,red since these works were decided
nm and commenced, there is no bay OF
river. into which large ships GOT war can
enter. As defence therefore against all
attack. from such vessels, extensive works
1ould be altogether unnecessary either
al Mobile Point, or at Dauphlne Island
since sloops OF war, only, can navigate
the deepest channel. But II is not tor
tina, purpose alone that these works are
intended. Ii is to provide, also, against
formidable invasion, both by land and
sea, the object of which may be to shake
the foundation Of our system. Should
such small works be erected. and such an
invasion take place, they would be sure
20 fall at once into the hands of the inva-
ders. and 10 be turned against US.
Whether the acquisition OF Florida may
be considered as atfording an induoement,
10 make any change In the position or
strength of these works, is a circumstance
which also merits attention. From the
view which have taken OF the subject,
AN OF opinion, that it saould hot. The
defence of New Orleans; and of the river