Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-12-02

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE

NAVY.
This interesting document comprises, in the
main, a review OF the transactions Of the navy
during the past year. 1t opens with an allu-
sion TO the four powerful sQuadrons which
have been organized and employed in main-
tanning the blockade, which has been so efYec-
tusl As 10 command the acknowledgment of
foreign countries. The current price OF south
ern staples in the markets of the world also at
tests jts eft Cheney.
The stations Of the respective souadrons.
with their several commanders, are announced
and their combined influence shown TO extend
throughout the whole coast.
The operations OF the fiouilla on the Missis-
sippi and its tributaries, and Of the Potomac
hotilla, are narrated.
Wilkes has been assigned TO duty for the pre-
Nention Of persistent attempts 70 violate the
blockade.
In view OF the occupation Of most OF the sea-
board, II is proposed 10 substitute the domestic
authority OF the Government, and thereby TO
release the fleets for duty else here.
The operations of the squadron At Roanoke
Island srerecounted. Yhe capture Of Newbern
and Washington, N. c., and the capitulation OF
Fort Macon; the operations OF the gunboats in
the sii air Al West Point the reduction of Fort
Pulaski; the repossession of Fernandina St
harys, Fort Clinch, Jacksonville, ST. Angus
tine, runswick and other positions in Florida;
the capture OF New Orleans; the successive
movements on the Mississippi; the capture OF
Galveston and other points in Texas; the can
tures Of Forts Henry and Donelson; OF Fort
Pillow and Memphis, are all pas sed in review
The report of the vessels on foreign service is
given, from which 1t appears that no less than
a dozen vessels are on the lookout for the 300 or
Alabama.
This vessel is referred TO as having left Brit.
ish waters without reg gular papers, and 70 be
operating now without any form OF law.
The prevent naval force of the United States
Hfloat or progressing TO completion, consists OF
Az vessels, of W hicn 1G are sailing vessels and
523 steam. The aggregate OF guns is 3,25s and
of tonnage 3iU,l36.
The affair of the Merrimac, and the work Of
destruction she wrought, is recounted, with the
sEccessful result Of the interposition Of the
Monitor.
1t il beliey we'd that the harbors Of the country
are entirely secure against the power Of armor-
clad vessels in the vent Of foreign war
The selection Of q site for a yard and depot
for an iron.ciad navy has been deferred until
the meeting OF Congress in consequence OF con-
ficung reports. Various places are named
IL is deemed that powerful navy will be
required In future, and the necessity of a sys-
tematic preparation - material is presented to
consideration.
The subject Of harbor defenses and docking
Is disc ussed.
The reorganization OF the navy f. treated al
some length.
On the subjectof the Naval Academy nothing
OF its restoration to Annapolis. The pres ure
OF the service has required the call TO active
duty Of some of the officers of the academy and
also OF midshipmen Of the two highest Glasses
The amoust appropriated for the currena ns-
cal year, (ending June 80, 1861 is $50 81 i35s.
The estimates submitted for the ensuing year
amount TO SeS ,257,25
The report closes with an Acknowledgment Of
The services of those by whom the Department
has been aided, and with a tribute 10 the gal
lantry oi the officers and men Of the naval SER
vice.