The New York herald., 1862-12-07

may enforce Such has been the practice OF na-
tioRs in times OF rebellion Such was our prac
tce IN tho Mexican ports which we held during tne war
with that country. Should such p"hcy DC auoptcu
among other important advantages resulting from "
would bc the release OF neos from much OF the pre-
sent harassing aud exhaustng blockade duty and the I'M
mediate concentration Of their activity IN the protection
OF our commerce the high seas by the pursuit IN aug
mented force and probably the speedy capture and
punishment of the marauders now avail themselves
or the incanl occupation the OF naval force
other action for tho temporary prosecution OF
their piratica designs
PsivATKERs.
The rebel armed steamer sumter, which, after commit
ting asprcdations ut the date Of my ast report,
fleeing escape cruisers crossed the Atlantic. She
cruisers viganty guarding her from Agecras
with this exception, other armed has plundered
our conmcsce or inflicted injury on our countrymen
until within recent period, when steamer known as
go or Alabama built ana fitted out In Engand-a
sci hat had been aty port visited any waters
but those of Great Brtanwent forth from the shores OF
that country ravagng sinking. burning and destroying
the property OF ou merchants who knowing our peaceful
relations with England, and uniformed that such a
cruiser had been permitted To leave Great Britain
unprepared for such assault and devastation
How Tar and TO what results this abuse may be carried
with impunity 10 the government which tcerates II is
matter OF grave consideration The plratical prvateer
29O or Alabama has no register nor record no regular
ships papers evidence OF transfer and vessel cap
turedby her has been sent into any port for adud
cation and condemnation. All terms OF law which civil
zalon has introduced TO protect and guard private
rights, and all those regulations public justice which
distinguish and discriminate the egalized naval vessel
from tho pirate disregaded and violated by this
less rover which, though built IN and sailing from Eng
land has acknowledged ag recognized nationality
any accessible port TO which 10 send any ship she
SEIZE any legal tribunal to adadge her Captures
under the English flag in which they conaded and BY
the torch Of the ncendary appealing their humanity
merchantmen have been lursd 70 destruction.
grant yo,aton Of British law and o. the royal proca
nation OF neutrality, and I have reason to believe
that her crew composed almost exclusively Of British
subjects or persons who pursuing lawful voyage, would
be entitled ship and receive protection British
Before this pratcal cruiser LETT Great Britain the
thores of that country informed BY the recognized
official agents OF this government OF her character and
purposes The British government thus invoked, came
too late TO prevent her sailing To what extent, under
these circumstances the government OF Great Britain
bound in honor and justice TO make decentralization for
vessel may pepetrate question that may present it.
self for disposal II is alluded to and hero not only
from OF duty towards commercial interests
rights but also by OF tho that intel
gence indicates that still other vessels Of similar char
acer are being fitted out British ports TO depredate
upon commerce.
Our own cruisers not being permitted to remain
in British ports to guard against these outrages nor
coal while cruising. repair damages in their
harbors when injuries sustained. the arrest OF
them is difficult and attended with great uncertainty.
This has despatched vessels effect the cap
ture Of the Alabama and there is quite feet on the
ocean engaged in pursuing her.
FORCE.
When Ientered upon the discharge Of my public duties
as the head Of this department. IN March 1861 there were
but forty-two vessels commission aud, stated my
TO the navy have been available. Most of these in
commission abroad and OF the 800 seamen IN the
pay Of tho government there were on the 10th OF March,
1861 but two hundred and In all the ports and
ships the Atlantic coast to ships and
protect the yards and depos TO aid in suppress
ing the rising insurrecti0n.
Neither the expiring administration nor Congress,
which had been in session until the 4th OF March, had
taken measures to increase or strengthen our naval
power outstanding the lowering aspect Of our public
Affairs; that when few weeks alter the inauguration
desired troops for the protection OF the public property
al Norfolk and Annapolis sailors to man and remove
e vessels neither soldiers sailors could be procured
There TO man our ships, nor were the few
ships at our yards in condition 70 be put into immediate
service.
The proclamation Of April placing entire from
the mouth of the Chesapeake 70 the Rio Grande under
blockade found us with naval FORCE even were every
vessel on coast, inadequate TO the wsrk required
have in my former reports at the special session in
July 1861 aud necember last made full exposition Of
the stes which were promptly taken to recall our foreign
sGuadrons and the progress which had been made
mentng our navy by repairing and fitting, rs exreii
tousy possible, every available vessel owned by the
government by purchasing such others could be made
speedily useful in guarding shallow and peculiar
coast and by rapidly constructing many steamers
could be built a, navy yards, and employing,
the extent that could procure materials,
engines and ,o machinery the resources Of ,S the
rhs result Is that VIC have at this time afoat or
progressing to rapid completion naval fierce consisting
Of AT vessels there having ben added to those OF the
Old navy enumerated in report OF July, 1884, excl
sve Of those tina; lost; 353 vessels armed the
aggregate with 1877 guns and Of the capacity Of 24o o2S
tons.
Tho annals OF the werd do not show so great an in.
brief period 10 the naval power OF any
try 1t affords satisfaction state that the acquisi
t,ons made TO the navy from the marine have
proved TO he OF excellent character and though these
vessels not built for purposes aud consequently
have not the strength Of vessels they have per.
formed All the service that expected Of them No
equal amount OF tonnage was ever procured for any
ica a prices corresondingly loy and with ltts dis
urbauce to the commercial community and vessels
constructed better terms Tor the govern
rncnt havo better subscrvcd the purposes which
they designed than the twenty three gunboats for
winch the department contracted its RESPONSE
biity a. the commencement OF hpstites without
ng the action Of Congress In respect during this
war has the government been better economi-
cilly aud faithfully served than the additions that
have bcon made by construction aud purchase TO the
navy.
IN order that the actual condition OF the navy past and
present from March A. 1861 to November 1861 and the
expansion which has been made may be seen, present
tabular statement Of ths number OF vessels aud the
greatc o their armament and tonnage with detail
the losses that have occurred since my last
nia report
or REPORT.
DESCRIPTION. No Guns. Tons.
Old Navy Observation-Disclosures. 76 lIS3 105,2't
Purchased vessels. lJb sis II l23I
New vessels, completed aud IN
de- construction. .......... 52 256 4l.44s
Total. ....-.............2t4 2t4 2, ,55' 2lS 0l6