The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-03-30
u. q. STEAM rRIGATE MISSOURI.

ers, both objects Of great interest 10 al 'n'eies.so
in the advancement of cur naval efficiency. We
are hereafter to rely chiefly upon our steam yes
sels for our defence; the importance toi country
of having a few steam vessels IN commission
is great--eyen al the sacrifice of the same mum
bel of ordinary vessels.
We have already suffered much in the est-
nation Of foreign powers, from the fact OF not
having and exhibiting steam force. England
and France have each powerful steam Navy
We have, comparatively, no steam force ana
we have diminished, from this cause, IN the
estimation of foreign nations in capacity TO pro-
lect cur commerce and citizens, as Is NEST full
ly shown by The following letter rpm our late
Consul at Havana, J. s. Calhoun, Esq. written
upon the visit of the Missouri to Havana;
UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Havana, November 5, lo42.
Sra The United States steam ship missouri"
into this port Friday last to coal, aud IN con-
sequence of the Intervention of the Sabbath, and
Of the many observed in this island the no
BILE vessel was detained until this morning. thereby
frustrating the expectations of Captain Newton, and
iety to hasten to Vera Cruz with Mr. Cursor, the
bearer of dispatches for General Waddy Thompson.
our Minister to I" Mexico"
II the necessity which caused the unexpected visit
Of Inc Missouri" to this port, shall not prove det-
mental to the public service, far relations
with " Mexico" are concerned, shall regard it as
most fortunate event.
Our influence abroad has suffered much in the esti-
nation of the inhabitants of this Island since the APP
pearance of the English steamers here and the pow
er Of our Government to pro ect her citizens and
their commerce seemed to be lessened in the precise
ratio that Great Britain increased her naval strength
for, whether true false, the English steamers
regarded as Government vessels, and as Government
property. So the Missouri" was moored,
and it known that visiters would be received all
ages and classes were seen throDging around her
broad and ample sides. II was, indeed, pleasant to
witness the admiration of many, the establishment Of
Others and the unqualified qualification Of all who
gave utterance 10 their impressions and feelings.
Yesterday proud day for Americans in this
city, and ,ohole country would have been delight
ed to have witnessed the exciting spectacle. Every
"gondola, here provinciay called guadaso, )" was
souri," awaiting the departure of those who preceded
them, that they might have to approach and
when visited the beautiful, the magnificent, the per-
feet Missouri" at O'Clock p m, found on board
the Englishman, the Frenchman the German, the
Mexican, the Spaniard, the Creole and hundreds of
Americans, all delighted The day was every way
pleasant, and music from the excel ent Band attach
ed to the ship, gave life and vgor to movements
and cannot resist the inclination TO say that, among
the Dancers" beautiful Creole" descendant
of our own Florida" not yet thirteen, danced the
" Cracovenne" in most enchanting and fascinating
style.
Captain Newton, and indeed, all attached to the
ship, demeaned themselves as Americans are wont to
de; and by their noble bearing and kindness to all,
won for themselves high credit and restored our
country to her accustomed place in the estimation Of
the people here.
do not hesitate to say that our surest defence
our amplest projections to be found and can be
perpetuated only, by an energetic prosecution of the
course you have adopted in relation to tie building
Of Government steamers. You have given evidence
that you fully appreciate the merits Of steamships
for naval srrioe-and it is to be wished that the rep
resentatyes Of the People of different soreregn-
Ties, in Congress, would look abroad and know for
themselves the true value of such in the protection
and support Of our varied interests At least once
month, we ought, in my opinion, TO have a Govern
ment vessel here.
There are many reasons, well known | doubt not
to the Prend nj, why our national vessels should be
very frequent in their visits here, and elsewhere
and do hope that the subject will be presented for
the consideration of Congress in the ensuing annual
Message in such way as TO secure the full accom-
plishment Of all that is desired on this subject
| have only further TO add, it would be unrcason-
able to expect the same measure of justice-equal
favor and consderation-so long our apparent i'm
ferory Of strength seemed to exist, in place where
difference TO power is Of the leading characters
tics of the people, England has enjoyed prefer
ence, and exemptions and privileges not accorded to
others, and solely my opinion, because of her sup
posed great naval strength and not from any abiding
regard.
must trespass a moment longer to say every pos
sible respect was paid 10 the officers Captain New.
ton and Others dined with the Captain General, y
on Monday and on Wednesday, several of the Mid.
shipmen, among them Captain Newtons son, by very
special invitation, dined with =" His Excellency, >
who, although he did not in person visit the steamer
deputed part Of his military family, in his govern
meni boat, TO pay the compliment so eminently du,
to Captain Newton, his officers, and the splendid
ship.
With the hope that you " i'll pardon the freedom
with which have written,
have the honor TO be-
Your obedent servant
J. s. CALHOUN,
II G