Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-05-04

Egypt was less than 10000 men, and requir-
ed for its protection and transportation be-
tween 800 and 600 vessels. The army that
conquered Algiers was about equal in force,
and required, it is said, about 400 transports,
besides the ships of war. This scale Of pre-
paraton for enterprises against the shores Of
the Mediterranean, may enable US to form
sope conception of the arrangements that
would be necessary to send across the ocean
to this country, in the present day Of its pow
er, an expedition strong enough to form an
establishment upon our shores, and to furnish
it with supplies necessary to its subsistence
and operations.
II has been supposed, indeed, by the Board
of Engineers, that an army would find suffc-
lent reason for the occupation of Rhode-Is-
land, in the consideration that it would afford
secure Judgement, whence expeditions
could be sent to every part Of our coast
But it is to be observed that no part of Mar
ragansett bay is necessary for the safety Of
hostile feet, watching that part of our coast.
GARDENERS bay, in that vicinity, is most safe
and convenient station, which was occupied
by the British during almost the whole of the
late war; and it is pretty clear that it cannot
be defended by any stationary Notifications
that can be constructed. Ifit can, by float
ing batteries, so may Nara gansett bay, and
the enemy thus prevented from occupying
the latter also, without these extensive ar
rangemcnts. requiring, after Fort Adams
shall have been completed at an expense Of
one million three hundred and twelve thou
sand dollars, four other forts, and sea-wall
to be constructed, and eleven hundred and
fifty-seven thousand dollars to be expended.
do not think that the most prudent FORE
cast ought to lead to the apprehension that a
force competent to seize such q position,
would be sent to our country, or that any
circumstances could enable them to maintain
it in the face of the vigorous efforts that
would be made to recover it, and in the midst
of country abounding in all the means to-
give effect to their exertions. But perhaps
the most striking objection to the completion
Of this extensive plan is, that under no posi-
Bile circumstance can it effect the desired OBJ
ject. That object, if understand It, is not
the mere exclusion OF an enemy from Rhode
Island, but il is to prevent him from taking
possession of safe and convenient position,
of his naval superiority, to any other part OF
the coast, which would thus DO exposed toI
his depredations.
The value of GARDENERS bay, as a place Of
naval rendezvous, ] have already described.
Block island, in its neighborhood, could be
occupied by troops, desiring only lodge
ment; and so could Nantucket island and
Martha's Vineyard, and these are only few
hours sale from Narragansstt bay. Buzzard's
bay is also safe and capacious harbor, which
cannot be defended, and Martha's Vineyard
sound affords oommodiops places Of anchor
age. A fleet riding in these moorings would
have under its command all the islands in this
group, and could secure it's communications
with its lands forces, cncamped upon them,
which would thus be enabled, at any proper
time, to throw itself upon other parts of the
the coast. 1t may be doubted, ifthere were
not cannon mounted upon Rhode Island,
whether an enemy, acquainted with the to-
pography and resources Of this country, would
select it as his place Of arms, if may so term
it, when there are islands in the neighborhood
which would answer this parpose nearly as
we'll, and where he would be in perfect safe
" as long as he could maintain his naval as
and longer than that he could not,
lnder any circumstances, occupy Rhode Is
and. And i'll rightly appreciate the strength
md spirit Of that part of the country, bis ten
Ire, in any event, would he short and difficult.
do not mean to convey the idea that Rhode
sland should not be defended. think it
hould be; but do not think that precautions
hould be taken against events which are not
ikely to happen. As there is no naval es-
nblishment here, it is not necessary to enter
nto any question concerning defensive ar
angements exclusively connected with that
bject. Rep. Of Sec. of War, PIP. IA & Is. II