The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-07-08
NarraganSett BAY.

From a communica alton made by the Secre-
tary Of War to Congress, on the subject Of ma
tional delences, we copy the following expost-
ion OF his views respecting Nanagansett Bay.
The properties OF this great roadstead will be
here briefly adverted TO. More minute infor-
nation may be obtained by reference TO reports
of 1920 and 1921.
As y harbor, this is acknow lodged by all to
be the best the whole coast of the United
States and it is the only close man. of war har-
Dor that is accessible with a northwest wind.
the prevailing and most violent wind Of the in
element season. Numerous boards and com
missions, sometimes composed of naval officers,
sometimes of army officers. sometimes of Off
GERS Of both services, have, at different times,
had the subject Of this readsead under consid-
Grafton and all have concurred in recommend
ing. in strong terms, that il be made place OF
naval rendezvous and repair, if not great IA
val depot; one more of these commissions
preferring it, for the latter purpose, to all other
positions. These recommendations have no,
been acted on; but it is next to certain that
war would force their adoption upon the Gov
ernment.
The defence adopted for Narraganseit roads
must be formidable on the important points, be-
cause they will be exposed to powerful expe-
ditions. Although the possession of this nar
bor the destruction of the naval establishment,
the capture of the floating defenres, and the
possession Of the island as place Of debarka-
,ion and refrcshment, should not be considered
as constituting of themselves, obi lecis worthy
great expedition, they might very well be the
preliminary steps OF such expedition; and de-
fences weak in their character might tempt, ra
thsr than deter it for although unable to re-
sist the enterprise, they might be fully compe-
tent, after being captured and strengthened by
such means AS he would have at hand. 10 pro-
tect him from offensive demonstrators on oGr
part.
There are. besides. in the local eireumstan-
ces, some reasons why the works should be
strong. The channel on the eastern side Of the
island, being permanently closed by a solid
bridge, requires no defensive works; but this
bridge being at the upper endof the island, the
channel is open TO an enemy all along the cas-
tern shore of the island. Works erected for
the defence Of the channe on the west side Of
the island cannot, the refore. prevent, nor even
oppose. landing On the eastern side. The
enemy consequently, may take possession. aud
bend his whole force TO the reduction ei the
forts on the island, which cannot be relieved
until force has been organized. brought nom
a distance. conveyed BY water TO the points al
tackled, and landed in the face OF his batteries;
all this obviously requiring several days, during
which the forts should be capsule oi holding
out. TO do this assinst an expedition Of l0;-
600 ,y 90 600 men, demands something more
than the stiepgib to resist single assault.
Unless the main works be competent to with
stand siege Of a few days. they will not. there
fore. fulfil their trust, and will be verse than
useless.
II must here be noticed. that. although the
works do not prevent the landing Of an enemy
on Rhode Island, they will. If capabl. Of re-
sistins his efforts for few days, make his resi-
dence on the island for any length of time i'm
possible. since forces IN ssy number may be
brought from the main, and landed under the
ocYer Of the sre Of the works.
To come now to the particular defenees pro.
posed for this iosis,.ad lt must he stated
that there are three entrances into Narraganset
roads
is,. The eastern channel. which passes up
on the east side OF the island OF Rhode lslano
This. as before stated. being shut by sohd
bridge. needs no defence BY fortlheaii"ns. other
than field work or two which may be thrown
up at the opening Of war.
Cd. Tn. ceni..iohsnnel ~hith su'eTs iroH'