The New York herald., 1862-01-24

UNITED STATES STKAMBR SUsouEHAHNA,
PoaT ROYAL, 8. c. Jan. 20, 1852. !
Crmse Of N,nandina--A Sqxins at the Rebel Soldiers
TACe-A Suspicious Cratt-Character of the Blockade
The Nary Retiring Board Iiu Before Congysss-7he Ef
feet Of It's Passage TIE Servicc-The Rank of Officers in
Seruice-A NauaI Officer Shoos the White Feather, dc.
We left here on the 18th Of last month and the 18th
took look at Fernandina going close enough to get
good view Of Fort Cinch ana soldiers on tho
ramparts with the naked eye, but, owing heavy
daugh Of water not able TO get close enough
give them introduction to long TOMS better
amongst the men as rebel pelters." We found the
Alabama bockadng of that place. and we took up our
position of St. Smons, where lay until tho evening of
the 18th inst when started for this place. having
short Of coal that article being very necessary with
US. During the time lay of St. Simons we saw but
suspicious vessel and that discovered close in
with the land just before sunset and too late for
make any attempt at trying 10 find out her character,
and in tho morning she not to be seem all the other
vessels were our own cruisers; SO that our
blockade duty this time duler than usually
is There is doubt that this coast is most efIec-
tuay bockaded now nothing Of any size escape
the vigilance OF our vessels and the rebels begin
ming to find out that is something besides paper
blockade It has been nothing several instances
but are gradually getting active, energetic men
in command Of vessels, in place Of tho old fogies
who think that all they are sent down horo for is
to look out for their vessels, and to
risks whatever although by doing they m;g,t ,uct
incacuable injury upon the enemy
The recent bill passed by Congress, retiring all who
have been forty years In the service will prove
beneficial, although there who would be off
not for that saving clause uness called into
active service by tho President" whom the country
spare the services Of And first that list stands
flag officer He is younger this day, in everything but
years. than many in the service who has served
his country twothirds long, and it be hoped
that those who have by dissipation become united to
perform their duty properly at this time will have
mercy shown them Several havo already been laid upon
the sho but instead of froughng they ought to have
dismissed them. Some there are who ore untitled by
of sickness contracted from exposure while
ing their country Those ought TO be handsomely
provided for when relieved from their
mands because they constantly getting drunk. and
thereby rendering themselves unfit to command, they
should be dealt with in very summary manner, and SO
also with every man who shows any disposition to shrink
doing his duty at this me shows by his actions
any sympathy for the rebels And would appear that
have such, although hope that court of inquiry
may bring out some extonuatng circumstances in the
cases be investigated But such q hope Is almost
forlorn one in the case of the roauos IL we are to Judge
from tie reports we have hoard.
The Cahawba, Baltic and Marion came In TO- oday, bring
ing several companies Of the Fist Massachusetts, cavalry
The Baltic in coming got aground in the south channel
bat got OF again when the tide rose, and Is lying at
anchor of Hilton Heal.
There appears be a great deal of dissatisfaction
part many of the old officers Of tho navy that
ing mastcrs who rank below eutenants should be given
commands their heacs II may be all right but it
certainly is very humilatng to sec men preferred who
have been but few days the service those who
have been fifteen and twenty years in it, and who have
to take the command or ship, after having had much
experience they ought TO be set aside entirely, and tho
Naval Academy ought 10 be broken up as useless
pense to the government We have some ane specimens
Of acting masters some 30 we'll qualified for their du
tics that tho commanders Of tho vessels they in will
not permit them TO do any duty and one has been
pointed lott this ship but four weeks ago. and who
found, after the action Of the 7th at this place,
slowed whore shot and shell would have diff
nculy in finding him let them be flying about never so
thick. There but feeling when became known
that he had received the appointment and that OF
disgust. There many who have received the ap-
pontment OF acting master VINO are wei qualified FOR the
position, and who wsuld be ornament TO the service
under any circumstances Midshpmeh, before leaving
| the Naval Academy, are required to pass strict
| examination, and then arc placed probation for
several years, whereas acting masters, in most in
stances, appointed without single reference to
qualifications for the position they TO I'LL.
have Intercepted great many Of them TO whether
they had pass any and the nvariabIe
has becn regular naval 0cor is obliged to do
gallant deed before he can obtain command but
an acting steps in without single claim and
he does not get command thinks his case very hard
| one Would Jarrett or Russell have gotten command
had they not drawn particular attention to themselves
men among the regular officers Of the navy all they want
s the opportunity, and they will show forth Ia Just
bright colors, and few Of the old slow coaches who
afraid put their vessels in closer proximity the
bottom than two aud three fathoms, though an
enemy vessel, drawing fully much water, should be
inside, removed and younger officers, wh0 not
afraid to take little responsibility put In their places
think the country would feel the benefit Of the
and would appear that Congress begins 10 have
such opinion for has placed 1t in the power Of the
President to appoint commanders to the position of
officers good work Of reformation has been commenced
let them go on and will have navy that will put Us
mind q the days Of Decatur Hull JONES' Stewart, and