Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-13
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE
NAVY

TO the President Of the United States:
SIR: The Secretary Of the NAVY respectfully
submits report Of the transactions OF this De.
partment for the past wear.
Under its general superintendent the employ
ment of thepubhc vessels for the protection OF
our commerce, the erection of dry docks. the
Improvement the navy yards, the purchase of
timber aud stores for future use, and the preser
walton Of live oak, have been the most prominent
objects Of attention.
Many minor subjects connected with the inter
ests Of the subject have received due care; and
the results Of the whole will be presented to your
confederation with all practicable brevity.
The naval force in commission has consisted
of five trigates, IL sloops, and seven schooners;
but, of these, four small schooners, purchased
and temporarily used in guarding our live oak,
and m making surveys of the coast, can hardly
be considered as permanent portion OF the es-
adjustment, while the relieving vessels necessa-
nv to keep up a complement IN the different
souadruns, have, in this and former years, by
going out before others returned. added some
what To the number and expense OF those actual
" enumerated as in commission.
Our force abroad has been divided between the
Mediterranean, the West Indies, Brazil and the
Pacific From the first station, the Java, the
Fairfield and the Constellation have returned,
the former taking the Cape de Verd Islands and
Liberia in her way homeward. An account OF
her cruise Is annexed, as it may be interesting to
those specially engaged in African Colonization.
The Java on minute survey was found to be
very defective; and, having been built cf nferi-
or materials, expensive repairs on her are not
deemed ju,l,cious. As she bears the name OF
one our trophies during the late war, it is re-
commended that an appropriation be made Tor
purchasing timber to rebuild her, and anOher,
for q similar reason, to rebuild the Cyane. A
frame has heretoforebeen obtained for the Ma
cedonian; aud an appropriation to finish one OF
these vessels, whose names are so intimate with
our naval glory, could be expended with much
advantage the two ensuing years.
Last August the Constellation was ordered
home from the Mediterranean after the close of
the cruising season, as the usual term ut absence
would expire next spring, and large saving OF
expense would be made by her rIntering in this
country. She recently arrived, few weeks ear
Iier than anticipated, aud in excellent condition,
and, after the discharge Of her crew, was imme-
d,a;eiy placed 10 ordinary.
The John Adams is the only vessel which has
been added to that station.
The squadron there has been usefully employ
ell in its ordinary duties. AT this time a part Of
il. having lately been engaged in transporting
our former Consul at Algiers to his new situation
a. Charge to Constantinople, IS supposed to be
in the Archipelago. waiting the result of the chief
object of that mission. and watching the conse-
ouences to our commerce of the late disturbances
in Greece; another part Is under orders to- carry
from Gibraltar our diplomatic agent to Naples;
and part Of it as recently directed, Is presumed
TO be Oh new cruising ground, extending into the
Atlantic along the coasts Of Portugal and her
A In nf
this last increase of duty. and the novel state OF
our relations with the Ottoman Porte, as well as
the ay,ated condition of other portions Of Europe,
il would seem expedient Immediately to increase
our naval force in that quarter of the world
To effect that object, and others hereafter men
named. and at the same time TO ensure in our ma
Wv continuance Of the requisite skill and expe-
rience in navigating ships Of the line, sum suf-
6cient 10 nut one in commission is included In
the general estimate for the ensuing year.
The squadron employed in the West Indies
has DISCHARGED its accustomed service with fde-
lity and success; no piracies whatever having
been there perpetrated on our commerce; the
slinht disturbances near Porto Cabelo. Hayti,
and Havana, having been promptly looked after;
and the health Of the crews and officers In our
public vessels having been, with few lamented
executions. uncOm monly good. The only charges
in this squadron nave otcu inc SuOsttutoh vi
the Vincennes for the Peacock, and the Fair
field for the Natchez. on account of the great
er despatch and enconomy IN preparing the relief
vessels.
The Brazilian station, notwithstanding the po-
litica commotions in its neighborhood, has pre-
sented little active employment for the squadron
The utmost security to our navigation in that
quarter has existed, except recent. and, 1t Is
believed. unprecedented claim, which has been
made to disturb our vessels engaged in the seal.
catching at the Falkland Islands To guard
against the i'll consequences Of this claim to our
commercial interests. promp measures have been
taken, so far as the subject comes within the Pur-
view of this Department. From that station
tbe Hudson has returnd home; and not having
heen built of live oak, she is m condition rem
dering the e1pedieney of repairing her very
doubtful. The vandalia Is soon expected here;
and both the Lexington and Warren, sent to re-
iieve them, have probably. ere this, reached their
destination. Our force in that region will soon
be strengthened by Que Of the seaooness now