Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-18

Increase or the Navy.
The following letter, addressed by the Sec
rotary Of the Navy to the chairman Of the Ma
val Committee in the House Of Representatives,
in regard to the specific increase of the navy
desired by him, viii be read with interest:
Union.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, Dec. 90, 1854.
Sir: have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt OF your communication of the 10th inst,
in which, referring to the recommendation in
my annual report for further increase Of the
navy, you state that the Committee on Naval
Affairs Of the House of Representatives have
had said recommendation under consideration,
and have instructed me (you) to request you
(me) to lay before the committee, as soon ms
convenient, any specific measure Of increase
which you (I) may have to propose"
And further, that the committee desire to
know especially what number Of new vessels
you u) desire shall be authorized to be con-
structed, of what size and description, and the
reasons upon which you (I) based your (my)
proposition"
With the six steam-figates ordered at the
last session, the Franklin, the Sabine and the
Santee added to the naval force, our strength
in that powerful class Of vessels will be very
materially increased.
Five of the new steam-frigates are modelled
by the constructor whose genius is practically
illustrated in the Susquehanna, the Constella-
ton, the Macedonian, the Germantown, the
Dale, and the Preble, and other vessels which
are now adjoining the service. They are being
built under the personal superintendent of
competent naval constructors, Of established
reputation. The sixth is modelled and being
constructed by an eminent builder in New
Ynrki and although she will carry fewer guns,
they will be of the heaviest calibre.
The FIVE steam-frigates, as well as the Santee,
Sabine, and Franklin, much improved by the
skilful constructors in charge ofthem, can each
carry battery of fifty guns, which the depart
ment designs shall be Of the largest calibre and
| most approved plan.
Vessels of this formidable character, how
ever, are of great draught, and require depth
| OF water of more than twenty feet. We have
many important harbors along the coast which
they could not enter, either for defense or ref
uge. They could not pass over the bars Of
| Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, New Orleans,
| and other important points, both North and
South. The experience of other nations and
recent events in naval warfare demonstrate the
great value, and, indeed, in numerous emer-
| gencies, the superior advantages, Of well armed
vessels of tighter dranght. We have now on
hand, at the different navy-yards, seven frames
| for sloops.of.war, of well seasoned timber. ]
| recommend that Congress authorize the con-
struction of seven steam sloops-of.w war, of less
| than eighteen feet draught Of water. I pro-
pose that they carry an armament, each, OF
| about twenty or twenty-five guns Of heavy
calibre.
My opinion is that the advantages of steam
are so great as to justify the policy Of making
them steam-sloops, although I am far from aban.
doning the sailing vessel. These will be very
formidable, especially when bearing the heavy
guns proposed. Their cost will be about one
half OF the same number of steam-frigates.
| If any suppose this is large increase, allow
Bureau of Construction, &C., that about the
same number will, from the decay incident to
age, have to be dropped from the service by
the time those proposed can be completed.
1t may be asked by some whether this is
considered as a sufficient increase, and whether
propose to suggest no further addition to the
number Of ships. The course / suggest is
regular, gradual, steady increase, and the pre-
cautionary steps OF replacing in the yards, as
rapidly as possible, the timber used up in
building the frigates and proposed sloops. The
chief Of the Bureau of Construction will esti-
mate, when desired, for the full cost of the
vessels, embracing the timber for the frames.
If the appropriation is made, then the Bureau
viii be instructed TO build them--use the tim.
Der on hand, and with the unexpended fund
replace as far and rapidly as possible the sup
ply of timber. Thus we can be building and
replacing the timber used, and be in state Of
readiness for prompt and continued increase
The navy-yards should never be without o
supply Of timber.
| am, very respectfully,
| Your obedent servant,
j. c. DOBBIN.
Hon. Thomas s. Bocock, Chairman of the
| Committee Of Naval Affairs, House Of