Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-12-09

country, and useful to the Navy. The construc-
ton Of break water, at the mouth Of the DEL
aware Bay, is commenced. The concerns oil
the AGENCY on the coast of Africa are believed
to be in prosperous condition. An account
is given OF the South Sea expedition, and the
measures that have been taken 10 further Its
success.
The board Of officers appointed TO examine
the Navy Yards and prepare their plans. nave
executed their duties, at Norfolk Washington,
Philadelphia, Charlestown, and Portsmouth,
Their work has been examined by the Secreta-
~ of the Navy, and the Board OF Navy Com
missioners, and approved by the President.-
If these plans be we'll filled up, all of Them Will
promote convenience and economy; some OF
Them will exhibit establishments inferior To
none in the world. 1t is probable, experience
will show that some Improvements anc sddi'
tons may be made to them, which will ada to
their value. Among these it is believed that
the one a, Gospor, may be rendered more I'm.
portant by the Introduction Of the Water OF
Lake Drummond, either directly from the Lake
or from the Dismal Swamp Canal. Desirous
to ascertain The practicability and expense OF
doing it, a skilful Engineer was requested to
make the necessary examinations, surveys, and
estimates. This report will be received In
short time. Should it be found practicable al
moderate expense, ard do TO, doub, that Ii
will the use Of that water, for the docks, the
machinery, all The wants Of the yard, aud Tor
watering our ships, will BE- rich remuneration
In examining the Navy Yard at Brooklyn, it
was found the nature OF the soil, the conhhed
limits, the narrowness OF the channel; and Tie
claims of individual lanuholders who adJoi IT,
were such, that plan could no, be prepared
which promised much usefulness; AMI that it
would be especially difficult TO form, at some
future period when Congress should see ut TO
au horize il, docks suited TO the future * grow
ing wants Of the Navy in tha, neighborhood.-
The Board was therefore directed 10 omit for>
ming plan Of that Yard; and examina ions
were instituted tor another location. The re-
suit was unsatisfactory. Under these circum>
stances, apple alton was made TO The War De-
partment for transfer Of Governors Island,
which was believed no, to be, in any respect,
essential to the Army. This transfer being
made, the present Navy Yard, and that Island
will afford all the accommodation which is re-
quired. And no further delay will take place
in forming and executing plan which will pro
mote both convenience and economy.
A little further on the Secretary Says
In the building, equipment, and preparation
of our vessels for sea, increasing skill and eco
nomy are manifested; aud although further i'm
provement WILL no doubt, continue 10 be made,
we have the satisfaction OF believing that we
suffer no disgrace, when our vessels are COM
pared with those Of the most maritime and naval
nations. Our Navy is yet small in numbers,
though We hope moi feeble in efficiency. In
Guiding the vessels built and building, and for
which provision has been made by law, there
ss ssBs n 9e ysada oGf
hese are sufficient for the present wants and
interests Of the nation; and their increase, 10
any great extent, will probably not be required
for long period in our future history. No
condition, OF either our commercial or polite al
relations, will permit its diminution. No pro-
babe change can demand large augmenra>
ton. Under a wise and efficient admihistra-
ton, our coasts and commercial interests may
always be projected by az active force, not
much, if any thing, beyond Is ships Of the line,
90 frigates, 80 sloops, and smaller vessels, and
10 or IL steam batteries. Our safety lies in
our peculiar position, and 10 having our small
navy in the most perfect state for efficiency and
action. 1t is gratifying to add, that the best
hopes are afforded by its present condition, and
that a gradual advance in the improvements
now making, in the erection Of docks, and, in
other respects, will enable it, with certainty,
to reach that state, at a period not very DIS
tant.
Piracy has been almost aItoge her suppressed
in the Mediter' anean, and the West Indies
The only aupleasant occurrences have arisen
from the condition Of ihirgs on The land, and
from vessel wearing 40 acknowledged and au-
thorized has. The commanders Of two yes-