The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-01-05
Report of the Secretary Of the
NAVY.

The Report OF the Secretary oil the
Navy has not yet been presented to Con-
eress, but by the kindness of the Chief
Clerk of the Department, we are enabled
10 present the following synopsis Of it
The Mediterranean squadron has not been
continued during the last year. 1t is pro-
posed 10 revive ii as soon as clrcumstan-
ces will permit. The station at Mahon
has been discontinued at the earnest re-
quest of the Portuguese Government, and
measures are in progress for the removal
OF the public stores from that place.
The East India squadron, consisting of
the Columbus. "a, and the sloop Vncen-
mes, is supposed 10 have sailed for Japan
and Kamskatka, in the month of May or
June last, and to have returned to Macao
about this time. They will probably
commence their homeward cruise via the
North Pacific in January or February
Orders we're sent 10 Com. Biddle in JAN
uarv last to proceed to the west coast OF
Mexico, and assume command of the
SQUADRON there. No acknowledgment of
the receipt Of them has been received at
the Department.
The Brazil squadron consists Of the
frigate Columbus, Commander Richie,
and the brig cambridge, Lieutenant COM
handing Pennington, under Commodore
Rosseau. The African squadron consists
of the frigate United States, the sloop
Marion, briggs Dolphin and Boxer and
store ship Southampton, 96 guns in ALL
A full and interesting narrative is given
Of the operations of the Pacific squadron
since the war, both under Commodore
Sloat and Commodore Stockton, and CO.
pies are annexed of the official reports of
these officers. The squadron now con-
sists of the Savannah and the Congress.
frigates; the sloops Portsmouth, Leyant,
Warren and Cyane; schooner Shark and
store-ship Erie. The razee Indepen-
dence is on her way out with Com. Shu-
brick, who will on his arrival assume
command, and the sloop Preble has sailed
for the same destination.
The doings Of the home squadron are
also fnIIy narrated, and copies annexed Of
the official reports of Com. Conner in
reference to the blockade, the designs on
Alvarado, the affair at Tabasco, and the
taking of Tampico. Full justice is done
TO the commanders Of both %squadrOns, in
whom the confidence Of the department
seems unabated. Extracts from the IN
structions under which they acted show
also a disposition on the part of the Go
vernment TO avoid all collision with Mex
leo, if possible.
The vessels comprising the Navy of
Texas seem to have been found unworthy
Of repair, with the exception of the Aus
tin, which is at Pensacola. The others
have been ordered TO be sold. The esti-
mates Of the department are based on the
employment Of 10000 men, though no
more than $500 are now in service
Authority is asked to build 4 sea steamers
10 be employed in connection with our
squadrons abroad. The practicability Of
the dry dock at New York is not doubted,
and the work is urged upon the favorable
notice of Congress. A dock at Pensaco-
la is also recommended. and other i'm
provemeuts to increase the efficiency Of
The yard at that place. The restriction
on the Memphis work, adopted at the last
Congress, it is thought may be advantage
ously removed.
The exclusive employment Of naval Of
fcer, as naval storekeepers abroad, is not
thought 10 be wise, and a modification of
the law on the subject is recommended.
The naval school is spoken Of in terms
OF appreciation. and the same appropria-
ton is asked for it as was had last year.
A suitable notice is also given 10 the Off
GERS of the observatory, whose valuable
operations are beginning TO attract the at
tentlon they deserve. An addition TO the
number of assistant surgeons is very
much desired, and the department also
recommends an increase in the rank and
hle OF the marine corps and IN the num-
Der Of warrant officers.
The report concludes with advising
that authority be given TO tic President tc
appoint one ont OF five or six m~idshipmer
at large, irrespective Of the place Of resi-
dence of the person appointed. Proyi
sions might thus be made for cases of pc
euliar merit which are now excluded
Nothing is said in the report on the sys
TEN of promotion.
The Secretary confines himself 10
faithful narration OF the doings OF th
Navy, with a few practical suggestions
s1ch az we have mentioned. His re
port Is ally written, is clear and intcres
ting.