Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-09-18
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE.
WINES'S NAVAL SKETCHES.

We are glad to learn that Messrs Carey s.
Lea have issued the work entitled 1.-TWO years
and half in the Mayor, Journal Of Cruise
In the Mediterranean and Levant, on board the
U. S. Ffiga.e Constellation, 10 the years 1929,
1880, aud 1872 The work is in two neat du
odecimos, of nearly two hundred and fifty pas-
es each. Its author E. c. WINES, ESQ.,, is a
| gentleman OF classical education, shrewd OBJ.
server, lively writer, whose natural manner is
| always agreeable, whose various matter is gene
rally entertaining and instructive, and whose de-
scriptions are remarkably graphic. A month or
two ago, we inserted in our first page, copious
extract from one Of bis volumes-a sketch of
Smyrna-merely as specimen Of his perform
ance. The greater part Of his pages have yield.
ed US both profit and pleasure.
MIR. WINES embarked in 1929. at Norfolk, on
board Of the U. ). Frigate Constellation, IN the
capac Y Of schoomaster for that noble vessel -
His chef motive was an eager desire to visit Eu-
rope, and particularly the classical regions. H.
was we'll qualified to be successful enquirer aud
narrator. by his early and favorite studies, his
professional pursuits, and his qulckening enthu
siaSn IN relation to celebrated scene, and monu-
mens. the tecollections OF antiquity, and the
beauties of both nature and art. The cruise Of
the Constellation extended along all the shores
which he uost desired to survey; she visited
mast OF tho,e ports in the Mediterranean and Lee
want, IN which all Americans may feel strong
interest; and opportunities, which he fully I'M
proved, we're Afforded to him, of becoming &C.
quainted with them, and forminga very credua-
BILE and ample notebook.
This writer seems to have been a minute and
spacious examiner of the character and habits
Of sailors. We do not recoilect to have ever
had in oqr hands better picture Of sea Life; or
internal economy of a man of war. Such a re-
Dor and picture of the reality is preferable to
those representations which are given in the no.
yeis of Smollett, and even in the works OF Coop
err. The latter may be supposed to be faithful
but they are more or less arbitrary; they are not
| immediate; they have not the personality which
| We need for our entire satisfaction. Our aulhor
is happy, likewise, in his exhibitions Of the first
difficulties and sensations OF a landu6ber setting
out on long voyage 10 ship of war. The
schoolmaster thus abroad" requires, Tor time.
certain stock Of philosophy, and strongly elias
tic spirit He is stoned a,cay in new manner;
finds strange set of companions; has extraordI.
nary quams of both stomach and conscience;
and, throughout, learns, under severe dscl.
pine, much more than he is able to teach with
the midest system and the most homes, zeal
| There are statements Of fact in this work,
! which imply that however well our Navy may be
constituted and managed, in general, al sea, re-
form is much needed IN a numbPr OF important
particulars. They have awakened in our minds
anxious reflections on this head. The fifth chap.
ter of the second volume is devoted to a cOnsl.
Iteration, with the authority of experience, on the
irregularities TO be corrected and the DEFICIENCIES
to be supplied; and this chspter deserves special
heed from our government.
The Navy is an essential part OF our strength;
it should be our pride: when we can forget, for
any interval. our squabbes about the interests OF
party candidates and think more of those Of the
nation. the leading suggestions of MIR. Wines
will be carried into effect-ab0ve all :. the estab'
lishmeut Of an Academy Tor the education OF our
naval officers, on plan analogous to that OF the
Military establishment at West Point" anu
much more rigid and extensive scheme OF super
vision for the m'lshipmen while they are IN ac'
tive service. The youth OF this order are not
adequately instructed, their personal! contradls.
tneui,hed from their official life aud situation,
are not subjected to the PROPER care aad regua-
ton. When on shore, they are exposed to Idle
| ness and wee, for the wan; Of an institution IN
ouire new accomplishments; when at sea, they
NAV abandon the schoomaster at will, incur
| debts and contract habits Of extravaganza and
dissipation, which affect ever after, most injuri-
ousiv, t..ir character and happiness, and the
general dignity aud efficiency OF the navy.
! We homo, unleignedly the officers Of the up
per GRADES whom it is our good fortune to Know
personally: in professional intelligence, gallant
~, skill, nooeuess Of mind. and warmth OF pa
,rio,ism, they have no superiors; they deserve to
be respected the for the temptations to wh'ch
they have been exposed in the early stages OF their
career-for the dangers Of the ordeal out of which
they have come such as they are:but, however con-
siderable their worth,t is certain, from the annals
Of our navy, the details of our courts martial,
their own Acknowledgements, and statements, So
direct and candid as those Of Mr.. Wines, that
not few Of the promising youth who have enter
ed into the service, have fallen victims to some
thiug else, and more deplorable, than climate
hardship, or the enemy. Additions and correc'