The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-10-09
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III Itiatloh 70 maritime 0iatteta was the
passage of resolution, on the 18th Of
October, ITS, directing the purchase and
equipment of two vessels, one Of IA and
tho other Of 10 guns. The specific object
for which these vessels we're to be used
was the capture of transports bringing
supplies for the British army. As in most
other cases during this early period in the
history of Congress, that body rather fol.
lowed than led public opinion. Prudence
was all essential, and caution required to
be exercised, lest the Continental Congress
should push farther than the people would
be prompt to follow. Already the colon
lists in New England had fitted out priva-
teers, not waiting even for the sanction Of
the Provincial Legislatures; and General
Washington had also authorized and com
missioned several small vessels to proceed
to sea, for the capture Of public property
and military and naval stores. Private
property was respected.
The success Of the naval expeditions
during the Revolution seems, at this late
day, something wonderful. In the pauei-
ty of official records the facts are hard to
collect and their Importance is underesti-
mated. During the occupation of Boston
by the British, which terminated in March,
1776, thirty-four vessels of various sizes
were captured, their measurement amount
ing to nearly four thousand tons. The
eargoes were Of vast value to the Colouists
These captured vessels were bound for
Boston. And for two or three months
after the evacuation of Boston by the
British the same success Of the privateers
continued. Thirty vessels more were Ia
ken, all bound for Boston. In these days
of the ocean telegraph this sailing with
supplies to an abdicated military post reads
strangely. But it is one Of the illustra-
tons of what changes century has
wrought.
The success and services Of the priya.
teers in the Revolution are summed by the
historian Knapp. Down to the year 1850
the number Of British vessels captured
amounted to twelve hundred OF these
it is estimated over half were brought in.
After the Declaration of Independence the
privateers were not restricted to the cap
ture Of public vessels. The merchandise
brought into the American ports "gave an
elasticity and spirit to the people that
nothing else could have given. 1t gave
them wealth also 1--WE are quoting Knapp
Through the medium of enterprise and
yalor. The seaports were full of the bus
tie Of preparation for cruising and for the
reception of prizes, = = = This success
inspired the army likewise; for they saw
that sailors Of new creation could meet
and dared fight the hardy senes of Nep-
tune born in Old England and educated
in the best Of fleets in the world" This
hearty appreciation Of privateering hardly
comedies with the present sentiment upon
the subject. But it was written forty
years ago, and refers to events now hun
dred years past. Cooper, competent
judge, in his Naval history, says: "Much
as has been said aud written on this sub
ject, the world scarcely seems to possess
an accurate notion Of the endorsements
to which the Americans were subject, in
consequence Of deficiencies in warlike sup
plies The first important relief was OBJ
tanned through the cruisers, and it is
scarcely saying too much to add that,
without the suecors that were procured in
this manner during the years 17z5 and
1776, the revolution must have been
checked at the outset" 1t may be we'll
here to notice the charge which has been
brought against the United States Gov
eminent, that it has refused to enter into
treaty stipulatious against privateering.
Such has been the policy Of the United
States; but it has been followed in the
hope of establishing higher principle,
that all private property, not contraband
of war, should be excepted from capture.
That Concession made, privateers and let.
ters of marque would cease, of course.
The project Of navy received an unex-
pected impetus after the passage of the
resolution on the 18th Of October. Sew
eral affairs of more or less moment had
occurred on the New England coast, by
the operations Of the British vessels. On
the 18th Of October, 1775, the British
decided the action Of Congress, and exas-
perated the colonies through their length
and breadth by the burning of Portland,
then called Falmouth. The inhabitants
Of Falmouth had obstructed the loading Of
vessel with spars. In retaliation for
that, aud also for the repulse of British
party in boats, which had attempted to
take out vessel from Gloucester, q Bri-
fish squadron appeared of Falmouth on
the evening of abe 18th Of October, and
warned the inhabitants to leave. They
obtained delay for the night, and, on the
next morning, having removed their effects,
the people Of Falmouth, standing on the
heights near the town, were spectators Of
the bombardment and destruction Of their
property. More than Eve hundred houses
and stores were destroyed. The tidings of
this disaster reached Philadelphia, where
the Congress was in session. That body
followed up the passage Of the first naval
resolution BY the enactment Of general