Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-12-19
DOMESTIC.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

taole showing the vessels commission with their
commanders and stations. IL submitted a. The names
and condition OF those in ordinary and the stocks may
be seen in the documents annexed, tx, is 2) Pro.
ceeding from the vessels to the materials used in their
construction and equipment, not much has occurred
the past year deserving notice. Some additions of valua
bic and durable articles have been made
on hand at the time OF my last annu,l report. An
these stores and especially the timber in the docks
ana under sheds, are in good coDdon and means have
oeen take" 10 ascertain aud supply any d ticiency in
any article not pershabis which may be wanted Tor
tho building and perfect equipment OF every vessel on
.he Stocks AMI every frame ia the depot. As more
lumber may be needed, thought proper purchased
m advance, for the supply OF live oak il be.
ing the most important Species have been fully invcsg
ted and discussed special mort TO fo, III;
department. during the last session Referring to that for
detailed inormaan on this point would only add, tina,
subsequent examinations in OF the then unuishep
districts have fully confirmed the
concerning The great quantity OF live oak timber por-
ions oil the public lands la those districts f 10
The other kinds OF timber needed ship building, the go.
vcrnment has made little public provision ad doubts
exist whether it will be necessary make any frher
public provision for its growth preservation while the
prices continue moderate aud the resources of the
country in such timber likely for MANY wears IN re-
main very abundant.
The erection of two magazines where none before
existed, Is proposed the next season, and an estimate fr
That purpose Is submitted. (.) Connected with this
thorough inspection has been not only of our
ordnance stores, but as previously mentioned, of all
arms on hand with view to the sale Of such as is eec
tive or unsuitable, and to the procurement of what NAV
DC FOUND necessary to produce uniformity, and great
est power. in our future The usual sum OF
about $1,000 has been expended the purchase such
ordnance and ordnance the current ants of he
service required The buying and manufacturing of iron
tanks LOT all our vessels in commission In randi pro
gress und the late appropriation that purpose: and
shoud congress: sanction the making of
asked and as now again proposed in the &C.
her" es"na'es the equipment OF vessels would soon
become, throughout all which the friends OF The service
could DESIRE Tor health, safety, efficiency and national
putaon
After much deIberaion, the department has become
convinced that the building purchase two store shin,
for the Pacific station TO be used in the transnor, S
OG ALL lind.
mote sound economy and increase the comforts of our sea
men, An estimate for the procurement Of one the en.
suing year s submitted (M) We are obliged to nav
freight for these supplies heavy duties either on their be-
ing landed or re.shppcd aud large rent for
The duties are burden from which almost entire
Iy exoneraed under siur circumstances in other
ters OF the world The proposed measure would RELAY.
us from Them well the other charges; and the
ships, by going out aud returning and
ly, would afford great facilities TO exchange or hn ho"
invalid officers and seamen, without the
OF .her passages Ia merchant vessels from SO distant
station.
The construction OF two or three small steam batteries
for reasons heretofore still deemed highly
important 10 our future interests; and too long delay
making further experiments, aud in acquiring further
science on this subject in naval service may OH the
sudden occurrence of hosiiIes place position not
The different navy yards essential portions of our
naval establishments connected with its materials The
condition of them has been improved he past wear
either by new buildings for officers quarters or ne store
houses and timber Sheds waryes aud other con-
veniences.
He TWO uTy uOcRS at the yards Norfolk and
ton, having been successfully completed all essential
particulars the details that subject will he found i'm the
report annexed IN l. 2, aud 81 This report shows the
whole expenditures the last ONLY on that subc
but on all Others under the head Of gradual
From the great advantages ae ady realized in the ease
and raPdity repairs in vessels The yards where these
dry docks are situated, satisfied that others would be
found very beneficial Surveys were formerly had for
two more-one at New York and QUE at Portsmouth:
and report in favor Of those once made and an
proved IN the House OF Representatives. Much can be
urged in favor OF the former place of its
trail position, and great for repairs stores
men, and workmen and OF the latter pl1ee account of
the low price Of labor small Of constructing dock
and the TO il by vessels all classes al all
of the year. But whether one or both or neither
shall be selected at this time, is submitted 10 the proper
authorities on review Of the whole subject II must he
obvious that the relative importance of different stations
tiers OF the country become more fully developed and
that some places, now employed naval depo can be
OF very little use on the occurrence of war, while the no.
stions OF others. when that may happen will
ly increase their usefulness.
Among the new places which, such an occasion, i,
not earlier, the interests of the country may require Inc
Government to occupy for naval purposes will undoubeJ
ly be, Newport harbour the NORTH and or more DO
stons on the long range Of coast 10 The south between
be made Charleston Savannah at Kew West or tbe
Dry Tortugas-each of which possesses ADVANTAGES tor
such purpoes--can be better decided when the time and
circumstances occur rendering immediate action neces
eary
The continuance Of Pensacola as naval station seems
10 judicous This opinion arises not only from lie con
venent position the whole Gulf of Mexico bnt il.
proximity to the mouths of the Mississippi and Mobile
rivers, whose great and growing commerce is so ampv
entitled TO the best protection In the depth and size Of
its bay In the excellent dcienccs of its mouth in its heal
thy situation, IN its easy TO all vessels except
oil the two highest classes, Pensacola has no
rival in that neghborhood The Responsiveness and do
cuments annexed 70, and 2) submitted to aid vour
sell and Congress oudge Of the praicaby and propre.
ty OF deepening The entrance TO the bay TO admit yes
sells OF the largest class. This ii is supposed can be eff
fected at small expense compared with the importance
OF such measure TO the full operations OF on tat
M IN Tho afaEca a..
ern maritime delences.
The exchange OF lands al the yard near New York An
thoriZed al the last session Of Congress- has been
into effect The conroverted claim Of the heirs of Mfr
Harris TO part OF the navy yard Boston, has once
been laid before Congress; and ne action having bes
Instituted by them against The commander Of that station
as wl be seen by the letter annexed such course will
De pursued In It's defence Congress may be pleased to
direct. P) F''' "
Some new preiensions have been set up 10 difsrs,,
parcels o. isn included in possession and purchases
NorIok; ou' 'neir justice cannot be recognized ON .
have been informed that steps can be tskeo t III
adjustment unless the parties previously obain ths
ton Of Congress, judgment in their favor Lv lie
courts of law. ~ y "e
The expenditures on all the yards the Lac, ,,o. ,
siye Of the dry docks, but including houses .ds so
wbafves, enclosures workshops marine batracks al
cideutal lsbour, have been about $3.50 600 The exn
ditures on the dry docks chargeable distinct an
preparation Tor gradual Improvement, and were abou,
SioVVVV me other expenditures under the last head
were ABOUT 100000. IN ID The estimates for the usual
oecs az we ysrds 'he ensuing year, about the aver
sge amount LOT he last two years Besides those objects
they include an extra towards the erecfoo NJ 5oo
walks, in conformity with the plan adopted bv Coss 10
1926 and yet the whole amount reauesfed ;o.s1 ~
end all other improvements, at all the wards 4, onI earf