The New York herald., 1862-01-17
REPORT ON PURCHASE OF VESSELS.


SRI have the honor respectfully report that
ing under your letter Of the 18th Of July and subsequent
letters and teegarhs authorizing purchases OF vessels
selected by the constructor, ordnance officer and
engineer, appointed for this purpose, and Immediately
on tho arrival Of these officers suggested a plan,
which adopted, whereby every suitable vessel in
port should have proper examination. stoamtug was
placed the disposal OF these officers who proceeded
almsst daily for many weeks TO inspect the various
sells in the habor and in the performance Of this duty,
I deemed IL proper to accompany them. Each vessel
supposed to DO suitable naval service personally
Inspected by the naval constructor and ordnance scr
the steam vessels by both these officers and engi
neers When they approved any vessel was a .ho-
rizcd to make tho purchase, with the privilege of rcioc
tion, II, by closer examination 10 the sOundness OF
her hull and machinery she should not be acceptable TO
proyal writing and upon such conditions, proceeded
to negotiate with the owners directly In all cases
where they resided In the city, and with their authorized
agents when they resided elsewhere stating ~ the sell
ers IN every instance that the government instructed
To buy directly Of owners and without the Intervention
Of any third party that the had authorized
me to make the purchases upon tho usual mercantile
basis established by the Chamber of Commerce in this
cityvz. commission OF two and o hall per cent on
the amount Of price agreed upon to be paid by the sol
cr customary in purchases by prvalc individuals.
No higher commission in any instance has been paid
any brokerage paid 10 any other party with my
knowledge consent ON tho contrary, In conformity
with my understanding q my relations to the govern
ment have invariably taken tho position that other
brokerage r per cenage could he allowed.
The attsntion'of the Naval Commission rst direct
ed to the size and draft in accordance with the in
strucons Of the department, it deemed most i'm
portant 10 secure these they would form important
auxiliary 10 the navy. and the number TO be obtained,
OF tonnage and draft corresponding with your nstruc.
tions, being limited. .e.a ~.
Afterwards ealing vessels and s,eamtugs and ferry
boats were examined and purchased The fullest oppor
tunty has offered to TO ocr their vessels
tho government both by public advertisement and pub
lie notification and has offered his vessel " at nl
suitable without It's being inspected has there been
any Partially preference exhibited In the Inspection
or purchase of any vessel but frequently when
havo felt desire TO have their vessels rccxaminc tcr
wishes have been complied with. AS any vessel
was purchased she was delivered by her owner TO tho
shpyard selected by the naval constructor and her in
ventoy received and examined by me, and the furniture
storehouse subject to the order of tho defarm mt The
thus received very large, and has since been
delivered the various naval vessels httng out for
vice here and to the Commandant OF the Navy Yard,
under your order. have regarded The duty you have
devolyci upon me be most responsible and important;
the government have also endcavored TO act with the
strctost mpatiaity and justice towards every owner of
vessels offered for sale In being confined in my pur
chascs entirely TO the vessos approved by tho Naval
Commission Sand their examination and approval being
necessarily known, IN nearly every to tho owners
before negotiations begun, and In many instances
acting under perempory orders buy at aud send
forward without delay feel that have always been
able 10 purchase ut prices low as could hHe
wished, but In all cnsss am conscious that
the government faithfully and 10 the best Of
my ability ! hand herewith detailed report OF
ali my purchases, showing The narnc Of The seller the
Of the vessel her tonnage, price a.ked and price
Ttstins that further and final examination of nv nc
ton fsay confirm the APPRECIATION have had tha honor
10 receive from time 20 time from The government
! have the honor 70 foman with high resi- cct your
obcdicpt servant, GEORGE ID. MORGAN.
Hon eIxoN gnuEs, Secretary Of the Navy, Washington