Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-02-12
DEFENCEs IN ENGLAND AGAINST FOREIGN
INVASION.

France in case il should be attempted by concen-
ration of the power of the latter country, aided by
steam vessels-hese latter being regarded as a new
element in the principles of attack and defence. A
greater interest has been given 10 the discussion by
the appearance of letter from the Duke of We'll
LINGToN, In which he expresses decided opinion
that the present condition of the country, in regard
10 Defence is unsatisfactory. The letter is fol-
4 lows:
sTRArHFIELDsArE, JAN. 9, ls4s.
10 Mejor General Sir Jdha J. Burgoyae, Il, C.B
Mr. DEAR GENERAL: Some days have eapsed-ndeed n
fortnight hassnce received your noe with copy Of your
obse Nations the possible results of war with France
under our present system OF military preparation.
You are that have for years been sensible Of the
alteration produced in maritime warfare AID operations by the
application Of steam 10 the propeling Of ships at
This discovery Immediately exposed all parts Of the
of these islands, which vessel could approach all to he
approached, at all times Of the tide and in all seasons
sells propelled from all quarters. We are in fact assai
able, and at least liable insult and have contributions
levied upon US on all parts OF coast that is the coast Of
these including the Channel Islands, which, to this time from
the period Of the Norman conquest have been
cessttly invaded.
ent Administrations this state OF things well known
neighbors (ryas in power at feast former avesafie
and enemies) as il is TO ourselves.
hope that paper may be attended with
| than my representations have been.
have above, in few WORDS represented danger We
have no defence, or hope of defence, excepting feet
for which enteans higher respect than do But
unoganized, undscpned without systematic subordnaton
established and well understood this spirit opposed the fire
muskey and cannon and to sabes and bayonets of d
pned troops would only expose those animated by such spirit
confusion and destruction Let any only make the
tempt TO turn to this spirit Of partial local dis
urbance the want of previous systematic organization and
subordHaon will prevent him from communicating with
more than his mental servants and dependents and,
while mobs in through the country, the
powerful VIII Ind that he can scarcely move from his
door,
is perfectly true that stand at present. with our
naval arsena and docky half garrsoned 900 men
OF all arms could not be put under arms If required for any
service Whatever without leaving standing without relief all
employed on duty, not excepting the guards over the
palace and the person Of the sovereign.
calculate that declaration of should probably find
our own gasons of the strength follows particularly
seng that of the common accusations against this
country is that the practice has been eprsas
sea simultaneously with declaration war; the order for the
first (which must have been issued before the last have
We ought be with garrisons as follows at the momcn,
war is declared
Channel Islands, besides the militia of each
trained, and disciplined, 10000 men.
rIymoidh. 600 do
'eh' 3,oOo 90
10000 do
PORTSMOUTH,. 10000 do
Sheerness, Chatham, and the Thames. 10000 do
suppose that onehaf Of the whole regular force Of the
country would be stationed in Ireland, which half would give
the half of the whole force home stationed in Great
The whole force employed at home in Great Britain and
Ireland would not afford sufficient number Of men the
mere defence and occupaton the breaking of war;
the works constructed for the defence the
naval arsena without lsaying a.single man disposabe
The measure upon which have earnestly eneated differ
ent administrations decide, which constitutional and has
been invariably adopted in time of peace the last eighty
years, to raise embody organize and discipline the militia
OF the numbers for each Of the three kingdoms united as
during the late war This would give of organized
force amounting 10 about l5o 900 men, which might i'm
medintey 10 work to- discipline This alone would enable
to establish the strength of our army This with an aug
mentaon Of the force Of the regular army which would not
cost f40O 000 would put the county, its legs respect to
personal force and would engage for defence old as am
But stand now and be that the exertons
the fleet alone sufficient provide our defence we
safe for a week after the declaration of war.
accustomed to the consideration Of these questions and
have examined and recommended over and over again The
whole coast from the North Forlanj by Dover Fokestone
Brachy Head, Brighton Arundel Srsey BILL near Ports
mouth and that excepting Immediately under the fire
o. Dover Castle there = not spot the Of which in
antry might not be thrown shore any time OF tide with
wind and in any weather. and from which such bodv nj
infantry, 50 thrown on shore, would not find within the dis
lance OF five miles road into the interior of the country
through the cliffs practicable for the march Of BODY of troops
That IN that space OF coast Chat is between the North
Foreand and selsey billy there less than seven small
hsbo mouths OF rivers each without defence Of which an
enemy having landed his infantry on the coast iobt tak
possession, and therein land his cavalry artillery Of al cali
be and establish himself and his communication h France
Oh 10 the metropolis
ed the coast Sussex from the west side of Beaebv
head and 10 Sesey-b There less than twelve great
roads leading from Brighton upon London and the French
army must be much altered indeed the time al which
better acquainted with it, if there arc not now belonging
10 forty chefs def0f Major Generals capable Of sitting down
bordering the march the Of 40 600 men their
barkaion, with their horses and artillery Al the Several
French ports the coast their decentralization nj named
points the English coasshat Of the artillery ami cavalry
IN named ports mouths Of rivers The seby AT nameJ
points Of the several columns and the march Of each Of these
\ from stage to stage TO London.
Let any examine maps and roadbooks consider ~
| the matter, and judge for himself
know Of mode OF resistance, much less az pro,eon
from this danger, excepting by army in the field capable Of
meeting and contendng with its formidable enemy aided nv
all the Of fertilization which experience in war and sci
ence can suggest
shall be deemed oohardy in engaging f,r the defence of
the empire with army composed Of such force Of mii,
may be confess it. should infinitely prefer and
should feel confidence in Of regular troop. Bn
know that shall not have these NAV have otbers and
addition is made to the existing regular army allotted for
homo defence of force which viii 400 OOOL year there
would be sufficient disciplined force in the field 10 enable him
Who should command TO defend the country.
This my view Of danger and our resources 7 was
aware that aznes and arsenas were very
'uppd with ordnance and carriages arms stores Of ali dc
NOMINATIONS AMI ammunition.
lhe deficiency has been occasoned in part by the sale Of
arms and d descriptions Of ordnance stores since the
termination Of the late war, order diminish the demand
supply % carry the peace service Of the ordnance in PAR
the conlagmton OF the arsenal which occurred in the
oWer some years ago. and by the difficulty under which All