The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-12

Ing received no information his voyage deemed sat
isactory by him. he returned to the nfted States
Though i il presumed Congress will scarcely BE-
nectsd with The objects for which the extraordinary
session of that body convoked yet recent events
induce me to bring to yon. notice, with view the
action OF Congress- two subjects worthy Of present
consideration The first b the establishment of a
home Squadron. While squadrons are maintained in
various parts Of the world Tor the preservation of our
commerce, own shores have been LEFT without any
adequate protection. Had war with Great Britain
been the result at time generally feared, of
the subjects ofdifcully in Of ustment
between that Power and the United States, not only
would our trade have been liable great interruption
and merchants to great losses abroad but naval
force, comparatively small might on our very skores
have seized our merchant ships and insulted flag
without suitable of resistance or immediate re-
taliaton being at the command OF the Govern
ment To guard against such a result--to be ever
ready to Iepe or promptly to chastise aggresslons
upon our own shores, 1t IL necessary thata powerful
squadron should be kept avat at home. This measure
is recommended by other considerations. There is no
situation in which greater skill seamanship can be
exercised and than the coast ofthe United
States and in service would our officers and sea-
men become thoroughly initiated in all that Is
necessary for the nation al defence and glory In that
service aided by the survey now in progress,
thorough acquaintance would be gained with own
seacoas extensive and hitherto but imperfecty known
the various ports would he vistedthe bays, inlets
each could be made available during war; either for
cape, Defence annoyance, be ascertanad, and the
confidence resulting from perfect knowledge would
give to what we ought surely to possess decided
advantage over an enemy GU our own shores should
il be thought desirable that such squadron be put in
commission Immediately and kept constantly on duty
additional appropriation may he necessary tor the
amount Of which, as well the force deemed proper
to be employed beg to refer to the accompanying
port prepared under my direction by the Board Of Navy
The attention Of Congress has been heretofore earn.
esly invited the Of ordnance and ordinances
stores, and deem it worthy of immediate considera
ton. sufficient supply Of suitable arms and mum
tons of war is indispensable the successful opera
ton Of the bravest officers and and il cannot
from the nature Of the case, be provided upon sud
den emergency Sailors may be hastily collected
from our commercial marine, ships may be purchased
but ordnance cannot be supplied on such an emer.
gency, some Of the materials for the prepare
ton Of ammunition be procured either by purchase OF
| manufacture Hence the ordnance should, by time
y foresight be provided in advance, and the materials
be secured, from which supply OF ammunition car
! be speedily prepared The accompanying report from
the Board Of Navy Commissioners shows the amoun
| of expenditure which will be required under thu
head. Should the object be deemed of such impoI
lance and urgency to require the immediate atten
ton of Congress, respectfully recommend that az
appropriation of oneihrd of the estimated amount b.
i now made.
The opinion seems to have become general, as wei
in the service in the nation at large that thorough
reorganization Of the Navy is demanded by conside
rations connected with the defence and honor Of tn,
country, and in this opinion heartily concur Yet
fully that any plan for this purpose should
be the result Of the careful elaboration, and thai
it would be at unwse and injurious to submit t.
Congress and the country any arrangements
which should be liable to the charge OF haste and in
consideration Deeply sensible, therefore, at once
the importance and difficulty Of the measure, have
taken proper steps to collect and avail myself Of al
the results of experience and observation from those
whose opportunities have afforded the means of know
ledge and their intelligence the ability to them
profably, and entertain the hope of being able, be-
fore the next regular meeting of Congress, to submit
for your consideration comprehensive and weldi-
gesed system Of reform in the branch Of the public
service committed to my charge.
have the honor TO be, with the highest respect
your most obedient servant,
The PRESIDENT Of the United STATES.