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JOHN G. POLHILt, .EDITOR.
GEORGIA, SATURDAY, JANUARY 8,
irwr pfiSSBAL UBTXON
•.' The Office is on IVuyne-Street, opposite Mc-
Ail Aovna risEMEifTS published at the usual rates.
•rj 3 * Eicli Citation bv the Clerks of the Courts of Or-
j™ that apulioation has been ru.ule for Letters of Ad-
jiistratfon, UJSI be published Thirty days at least.
N >ticc by Executors and Administrators ior Debtors
a-i I C ediurs to render iu their accounts must be publish*
^Sales of Heroes by Executors and Administrators must
be advertised Sixty days before the day of sale,.
Sdcs of personal properly (except negroes) of testate
and iutes I ate estates by Executors and Administrators,
jujst be advertised Forty days.
Applications by Executors, Administrators and Guar
di. ms to the court of ordinary for leave to sell Laud must
be published Four months.
Applications by Executors and Administrators for Let
ters Dismissory, must be pablished Six months.
Applications lor forr closure of Mortgages on Teal Es
tate must be advertised once a month lor Six months.
Sales of real estate by Executors, Administrators and
Guardians must be published Sixty days before the day
of sale. Tucse sales must be made at the court-house
d j.>r between the hours oI 10 ix the morning and (our in
the lfternom. No sale from day to dayis valid, unless
so expressed in the advertisement.
Orders of Cullrt of Ordinary, (accompanied with a copy
of .be bond, or agreement) to make lilies to Land, must
fee advertised Three months at least.
S:uiill ’s s lies under ex cations regularly granted by
the court?, must he adveiiised Thirty days.
She sties under mortgage executions must be ad-
®IiTt Days heforetheday of sale.
Sheriff's sales of perishable property under order of
Coirt must he advertised generally Ten days.
Ail HiiDEtti for Ad>erlisemcnts will be punctually at
tended to.
All Letters directed to the office, or the Editor,
.most *v*.ivjjt paid to entitle them to attention.
COiTGRiJSSIOl.'ATL.
Report oj the Secretary of the Navy
Navy Department, tith Dec 1US0.
The following report, ofot he transactions of
the N ivy ol tiie United Slates during the pre
sent ye »r, tvidi ;t view ol the several subjects
connected with i(s interests, is respect fully laid
before Ihe President of the United Stales.
America, adapting it better for. the harbors it
is forced to look to for security against the
tempestuous weather so often experiened ou
these coasts.
In a former communication made to you. it
was noticed that the sloop of war Vincennes,
commanded by Gaptnin Finch, which had conk
posed one of the squadron in the Pacific ocean,
had been directed, (after the expiration of the
term limited for the cruize on the coasts of
Chili and Peru) to touch at the Marquesas,
Society, and Sandwich Islands; and, after
spending the necessary time in looking to the
United States’ commercial concerns m that
quarter, lo take Canton, &c. in the way, and
thence, by the Cape of Good Hope, purtu
the usual route to the United States.
This order has been faithfully executed; the
ship has returned in good condition, With its
crew well disciplined, and in excellent health.
The particulars ot tins voyage are given in
the Report ol Captain Finch. These have a
claim to the attention of the public, from the
iniormation afforded on mauy points refilling to
the character and habits of a people just e-
merging from a stale of simplicity and igno
rance, and, from their peculiar locality, neces
surily controlling the comforts of the large
number of the United States’ citizens <vho an
nually visit them.
The great amount of tonnage End capital
employed in the whale fisheries, in the adjoin
ing seas, makes i(« convenient prosecution a
mailer ol no inconsiderable concern to the na
tion.
The necessity, also, for repose after the long
voyages required by this trade, and the want
ol supplies lor health and convenience, and re
pairs of the vessels, render these Islands pla
ces of general rendezvous; & it is consequent
ly of great importance that the most friendly
intercourse he maintained with the inhabitants.
Captain Finch, by his judicious and conciliato
ry deportment, has probably secured a long
continuance of kindly treatment to his counlrv-
Tlif! Siato pf the Navy, since ibp comniuni
cation m:ulatay.o-u m December last, has been, ! men front these people, and has added greatly
general!
the impi
gaged,
cals mil v
r, favorable to its active exertions in
;rta»t pursuits in which it lias been en-
No dii-tri's&ing casually or marked
has assail' d it since the loss of the
s'o"p of War Hornet; information of which la
mealed event was received prior to the ad
jonrn nent of Hie last se «>o ol Congress.
Tne active' force employed within the year
“has not been essentially varied llom that kept
in serv-ice for several years past. This con-
sics of five frigates, ten sloops of war, ami
four, schooner-: of these the most efficient
squadron, composed of .two frigates and tour
sloops, has h< ou required to cruize in the Med
ilerrane.in Sea, where, from the large iuterest
ei gagt-d in mexeaolile udveuturos to (lie seve
ml Slates ou its coasts, its presence was deem
cd of must importance. This lias continued
uud r the command of Com. Biddle. Twoo!
the vessels comjrosing it have been relieved,
their terms ofoservice having expired, and
their places Mipplitd-by the sloops of war Con
CQfd ‘and Boston; the former being first order
ed to Cuiivt-.y the United Slates’ Minister to
Russia, and the latter to Take the U States’
Consul General to tlie Barbary Powers.
The state of these vessels In s been repre
sen’ed to be, in point of ord-rand prepanrfrion
for service, every way worthy of approbation,
and (he discipline .exact, without rigor*—prom
alt required efficiency in its-force.- Un
der the command of (his ;»hle.and -vigilant tiffi
cer, all the.necessary protection has been giv
en to the ira.de mj Ihat.quarter,-w case haviug
come to the knowledge of (he Department of
injuries from piratical attacks; and, with.the
several Stat s and sovereignties bordering .on
its coa-ts, Ihe best uttdersd-mddig inis been pre
served This squadron cojtl4nui?s fo.Tenxlttz
Vous at ihe port-of Mab. pi, h-the. Island ol
Minorca, a privilege w iuch-ha s been ; conced
ed bv the Oavcrtnm nt of Spain, affording
great conveniunc*itT<a4he U S ales’ squadrons,
especially at seasons when th-eir safety would
he endangered by remaining at sea. Mere
they etijov a re^pit-ft irom llie labors and dan
gers of the ocean, in a climate mild and tavora-
Vile to (he restoration ol lhc healthful their
| cr.-rt’s, after longatul laborious servtc&at sea
| Other changes in the vessels employed in
this sea are contemplated during the next
year but tire torce is not pro.posed to be do
-inir.ishcd; nor, in the present agitated condi
tion of tho contiguous States, could this be
done, without subjecting the commercial en
terprises of the country to the casualties at-
J tending a state of warfare, should such.be the
■unhappy result of the present hostile iuctrca-
■A'ons iu that quarter. _ -
-3 '1 lie squadron appointed to cruize on the
*(Boasts of Brazil and Buenos Ayres, and the Pa-
, Jtafic ocean, lias been sUnidiB engaged iu g-uard-
^'■pog the United States’ mercantile interests on
?Rhese coasts. This Service has been perfuxm-
r fed 'With fidelity and success; and the flag of
^ -the Union now gives full security to the mcr
HlchaudUc it is authorized to introduce and ex-
change with the respective countries to which
|.‘k is carried.
^ ihe cessation of hostilities . between the
Slates of Chili and Peru and the mother coun
try, and between Brazil and Buenos Avres. has
(really favored the advances of trade, and di
ke mrshed (he hazards of mercantile adventure
|with every part of the South American conti-
lent. But the unstable and inefficient gov*
Jrimicnts of a part of these States.forbid the
pdea that this can long be enjoyed, without
nnharrassmcnls and vexatious interruptions,
Inless it shall be sustained by the presence of
Ian active protecting force. It cannot, conse
quently, be believed to be consistent with
(good policy to lessen the efficiency of this
force.
Several of the vessels composing these two
Squadrons, will be relieved in the course of the
next year, preparation for that purpose being
m actjve progress. It is also contemplated to
lo the prospects of a successful termination of
their enterprises.
Some extracts from this report are herewith
transmitted, marked A.
Tho squadron which has been maintained in
the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico consists,
at present, of four sloops of war and three
schooners, under the command of commodore
Elliott. . Several changes have been made in
ihe vessels employed on this station, in conse:
quence of the expiration of the terms of ser
vice of tire crew?, or the want of repairs of the
vessels. No causes are supposed to exist
making it necessary to add to this force; nor
can it be safely diminished, though the energy
arid activity witb which it has guarded the U-
uited States’ trade, may be said, for the pres
ent, eflectually lo have suppressed piratical
aggression.
- The great facilities afforded by the inlets
and harbors of the Inlands in the Mexican gull
for the resort and concealment of the vessels
engaged in the commission or piracies; the
class of population with which these Islands
abound, composed ol relugees and outlaws, es
caped from the punishment due- ter crimes
committed in other countries, give advanta
ges for piratical enlerprizes scarcely known in
aity other quarter oftbe globe. Nothing short
of tho exertion of positive and continued force
can be expected to keep these marauders iu
check, ami give the desired security to trade.
The invasion, which took place during the
last year, pf the* territories of the Mexican
States, by an armament from the Island oJ
Cuba, having given ground for apprehension
that lire United States' trade to these Slates
might suffer from the pretexts afforded by this
state of conflict between the two countries, an
act was passed at the last session of Congress
authorizing the employment of some addition
al force upon that station, lu conformity to
the ptovi-uuns of that act. the frigate Brandy
wine, under the command of Captain Ballard,
was cqtupped and despatched fox that coast,
and continued for several- months to cruize in
its vicinity. Whatever .danger might have
threatened the trade in that quarter, has been
effectually parried by the means taken for its
protection; and this ship, after, returning to the
United States for the necessary refitments, has
since sailed to join'tho Mediterranean squad
ron and relieve the frigate Java.
It is believed that great advantages might
be derived from changing, to a certain extent ,
f hodescript ion ol Naval Ioffe employed in tjm
West Indies, especially fox the suppression of
piracy* . - ■
The proposed change would consist o. the
sufotrtuiion of three schooners in lieu of one
of the sloops of war now employed in that ser
vice.
Vessels of this force would be fully able to
cope with and capture any piratical cmizer
which might be expected to be encountered on
this station; and they would possess thegrea-
teradvantage of multiplying, by the increased
number of the squadron, the chances ol dis
co vexing the enemy, while their structure and
inferior size would diminish the risk ot herng
known in their appxoaches. Their lighter
draft of water would favor the pursuit mto the
obscure recesses and haunts of these exuizers,
aiul give fhe important facitity of entering ma
ny of the harbors ou the Mexican gulf, for the
security against the frequent hurricane® pre
vailing in tropical climates.
It is respectfully recommended that an ap
propriation be made for building the propos
ed number and description of vessels.
The health of the officers and crews of the
United States' vessels of war has been gene
rally good, and uninterrupted by the attacks
of the epidemic and malignant fevers which
are so readily engendered in tropical climate®,
and which exert such fatal influence on the
constitutions of persons not familiarized to a
resilience in them. This may be ascribed, to
Ihe economy of vessets^of war, and (he adantn
’ion oft he diet antf drr.ss of I be crews to I h
' Cmperatiireof the coasts and countries wberf-
their duties are to be" performed. The mod
ern discoveries in chemical science have also
been resorted to, to preserveAhe mariner from
the attacks of these fatal maladies Several
communications have been received (Vein Ok
Surgical Department of the Navy, by whom
experiments on the chloride of lime were or
dered to be made, giving the results of tfiei
observations on its powers in preventing the
generation of such diseases.
From these a few extracts Itave been taken,
and arc herewith transmitted, marked B.
•These luruish subjects for congratulation to
the friends of the improvement of the condi
tion of the seaman’s life, and indicate that the
period is not remote when a service in the cli
than formerly, but iu a manner better securing
both the strength-and durability of the ship.
Paper marked C, annexed, contains iatWtna
tion in detail on this subject.'
Extensive bouses have been prepared for
the reception of^-materials provided under this
act , and other buildings are iu progress, which
will give complete p-oteetion to the large
stores; now deposited at the different yards,
and those which are to be 'delivered tinder ex
isting contracts.
The necessary examinations required by
this act, to determine the practicability and ex
pediency of erecting a 'marine rail-way at the
Navy yard, Pensacola have been made by one
ol the United States’ Engineers.
The Views of this officer on this subject
were laid before the Board of Navy Commis
siouers.and they have expressed the opinion
mates ol the torrid zone will no longer be the j that it is not expedient or proper, under the re
terror of nautical men, but will be perform- j strict ions and conditions imposed by t l, e act,
ed with as lair a prospect of exemption from ' to'cause the construction of this desirable im
provement to he attempted. It is indispeusn-
disease as is oow experienced in the tempe
rale latitudes;
It is to lie regretted that an exception to <his
general healthfulness of the Navy has becti
experienced in one offhs vessels of the West
India squadron.
From the communications of Commodore
Elliott, it appears that the yellow lever made
its appearance oil board the sloop of war
Peacock some time in the month of June
last, and that it continued to harrass the
crew of that vessel after its return to Pen
sacola, in September, nor were its attacks in
termitted until it had deprived the service of
lour valuable officers, and of several seamen
It is worthy ol remark, that, on board this
vessel the powerful preventive agent above-
mentioned was not Used,‘the' surgeon relyintr,
lor the preservation oftbe health of the crew,
on Ibe superior cleanliness and well ventilated
state of the vessel.
’Ihe Commissioners of the Navy Board, in
l»le, however, that some facility should be af
forded at this most convenient position for the
repairs of the vessels of war engaged in the
West India service. It is proposed tbat a
wharf suitable for these purposes should be
built, in place of the contemplated rail-way;
and the necessary estimates for its erection aro
in readiness to bo transmitted.
Further efforts have been made for the ex
ecution of this act as far as it relates to the
preservation of the live oak growing on the
coasts cf the Atlantic and Gulf ot Mexico.
By the fourth section of this act, the Presi
dent is authorized io provide for the preserva-
ed in the annexed report. Understanding tk
law in the limited acceptation represented
Iwyc, it iriMau Af «to sc executed accordingly#
and every effort made by the Department to
confine the application of this fund Within the
pale of its provisions.-
Tbe term for which Ihe crew of the Java
bad been enlisted having nearly expired, that
vessel has been ordered to return to the Uni
ted States; in'doing Which, the commander baa
beeu required, in furtherance of the human*
policy pursued by the Government, to touch
at the settlement at Liberia, and to aid in en
forcing the laws which have been enacted for
the suppression of tbe slave trade.
In a communication heretofore made to you,
<he opinion was expressed that the number of
N vvy yards now established and in operation
was greater than was required for the present
wants of the naval service, and that a part, of
them were liable to the further objection of in
convenient location, both from their great dis
tance from the ocean, and the deficiency in the
depth ot water for tbe larger classes of ves
sels. • '
'This opinion has not been changed bV any
information since obtained, or by subsequent
consideration of the subject.
Should, it however, become the necessary
policy of tbe government to make a great ad
dition to its uaval force, it is possible they may
all be found useful, especially for the repairs
of the smaller classes, and as depots for mate
rials for the Navy, collected from the contigu
ous country.
Whatever course may be pursued in refec
tion to these establishments, it is believed to
tion of this timber; but it seems to have been be oi the utmost importance to the security
intended that the power should he limited to
that object. An interpretation of the law has,
heretofore,' been entertained extending this
power not only to tlie planting of the acorns,
and the cultivation of plantations of young
trees, but to the purchase from individuals of
terpretinsr the act making an appropriation for lands producing them. The paper accompa-
make some changes in the description of force I some degree, to the ijnproved system ol
to be employed on the Atlantic const ef South jiilution, and the great neatness observed *n
the repairs of vessels in ordinary, and the wear
and tear ot Vessels in commission as admitting
a greater latitude in its application to naval
purposes, than, it is believed, was contempla*
tod by tho framers of the faw; or was admissi-
hie by a fair construction of its terms, have
caused to be boijfi out of that fund, a new
sloop of war, in the place of the “John Ad
ams,” which had been found defective in the
model, and otherwise unfit for repair.
This subject was referred to your considera
tion; and, in conformity to your decision, an
ordor has been issued, requiring that, in future,
the application of this fund shall he confined
to tbe repairs of vessels in ordinary, and the
wear and tear of vessels in commission; and
that no vessels shall be built or rebuilt, unless
authorized by a specific appron» , *o*'«n
The condition of the Navv hospitals at most
of the Navy Yards in the United States is en
tirely deficient in the mentis of giving accom
modation to the invalids ofttie Navy who may
be so unfortunate as to require it. At tpost of
these places, the only provision made for their
comfort during illness is some temporary shel
ter or old building, possessing ho one of the
requisites neccessary for this purpose. The
mariner »yhro returns aft r long and faithful ser
vice in distant and uncongenial climates, finds
no asylum prepared for his reception and re
covery from diseases incident to such service,
hut is compelled t.o linger out his fife in crowd
nymg this marked D, shows the amount which
has been expended on these plantations, and
the sums which have beeu paid to individuals
lor the purchase of tracts of such lano.
When it is considered that this timber is the
natural product of the coast of (he U. States
from the St Mary’s to the Sabine; that th^
greater part of ibis belongs, to the U. States
and is proposed to be retained with a view to
preserving a supply of this important material
for the Navy, it can scarcely be ’necessary for
t he present to engage in its artificial propaga
tion or culture.
Under an impression that this system is nei
ther expedient, nor in conformity to the inten
tion of the act, an order has been given to dis
continue the works after the expiration of the
p re sprit year.
Bat iL» j - . . /» *L? #»~ • • •
ject of great importance, and should be pros
ecuted with an active and undeviating pur
pose.
In aid of those measures which have been
heretofore resorted to, a vessel of such draft of
water as was adapted to the navigation of the
rivers and creeks of the coasts of Florida, and
fhe Gulf of Mexico, has been selected and fit-
cd out, and the command given to a vigilant
and enterprising officer oftbe Navy, who has
boon required to visit, from time to time, as
the seasons or circumstances would permit,
every section of these Coasts, and to use the
ed mid confined apartments, even loss favora-! utmost efforts to suppress further depredations
hie to his restoration than the held of tire ves
sel from which he has been discharged
The funds ivhich have accrued from the
montFdy deductions of the pay ofi the Navy,
and ihe several appropriations made by Con
gress, have been exj»ended in the erection of
two magnificent buildings, neither of which
has been finished, and but one of them (at Nor
folk, Virginia,) is applicable to, or designed
for, the accommodation of the sick For se«
v ral years to come, there cannot be snch an
accumulation of Navy hospi»a! capital as will
enable the commissioners of that fund to en
gage in the construction of other useful and
permnment budding-, for these objects.
At Pensacola, to the rnitd and salubrious c!r~
mate of winch the invalids of the Navy look
with so much anxiety as a place of refuge and
restoration from tropical pestilence, there i-
no building which will even protect the siif
fixers from the inclemeticcs of (he weather
much less secure to them (he convenience-
and comforts which their situation demands.
At New York, and" at Charlestown, Massa
chusetts. the ncce sary lands have been pur
ciiused with the Navy hospital funds for the
erection of buildings for 1bc use of the sick,
and aro'in every respect favorably situated for
affording the advantages which such establish
ments should possess.
These sites, in the vicinity of stat ions which
are of so much'importance to the Navy, frotp
the mimbar of efficient recruits enlisted at
them fox its service, remain unimproved,, and
unprovided with the buildings that are indis
pensable Tor the welfare of the invalid
The laws passed at th? last and preceding
sessions pf Congress for the gradual improve
ment oftbe Navy, the protection of the ships
in ordinary, and for the preservation of the
materials for naval purposes collected at the
different Navy yards, have received a due
share of the attention oftbe Department.
Tfie construction el'the two dry-docks au
thorized tinder tbe first of these acts, at Bos
ton and Norfolk, is progressing. The one at
Boston is now in such a stale of advancement
as to induce the expectation that it may be
brought into operation during the ensuing year,
or early in 1832. The completion of these
two laborious and expensive works will mark
an important advance in the progress of our
oava! improvements. Repairing the ships of
war of the larger classes, hitherto a work of so
much labor, expense, and hazard, .will, by the
conveniences afforded by these oocics, be ren
dered comparatively easy, and may beexeep
ted, not only without risk and at far loss cost
upon the public interests. Surveyors and a-
gents.huvc also been directed to explore such
parts of fhe coast as abound whh the live oak,
(o designate the boundaries between private
and public claims to land, and to mark out such
tracts as they may think it most conducive to
lh6 public interest should be reserved from
sale. ~ -
The accompanying report of the Fourth Au
«fitor of the Treasury, marked E, shows tire
several sums which have been paid in carrying
into effect tire act of 3d March, 1819, and oth
er acts, making appropriation for supporting &
removing certain persons of color from ihe U.
States to the coast of Africa. It appears from,
this statement, that ubdeX authority cf these
acts, 252 persons of this description have been
removed to the settlement provided by tbe
Colonization Society on the coast of Africa;
and that there has been expended therefor the
“urn of two hundred jumI sixty-four thousand
seven hundred and ten dollars.
These several acts appear to have been
passed in a spirit of justice arid benevoleiice,
to repair, as far as possible, the injuries inflict
ed by the citizens of the United States upon
the defenceless persons who are the subjects of
the African slave trade; andthe appropriations
have been made with a liberality Correspond
ing with the humane intentions of the framers
oftbe laws.
The terms of these acts are sufficiently de
fined to be readily intelUgildb. It would seem,
that the authority given the'President was lim
rted to the support of the negroes or persons
of color during t heir stay’in the United States,
to their rethoval to the coast of Africa, and to
(be delivering of them to the care of an agent,
&c. There is no power expressly vested in
the Executive to provide, after such delivery,
either for their support or protection. A lib
eral interpretation ol' the law might permit
some allowance to he made for their mainte
nance all ex being landed, until they could find
employment by which it might be earned
But this even would be authority from infer
ence only, and should be cautiously exercised
The practice has been to furnish these per-,
sons vrit h provisions for a period of time, alter
being landed in Africa, varying from six months
to one year; to provide them with houses.,
arms, & ammunition; to pay for the erect ion of
fortifications; for the building of vessels for
their, nse; and, in short, to render all the ®id£
required for tbe founding and support of a co
lonial establishment.
This iatitudinous interpretation of the law
has resulted, in (ho heavy expenditures' delail-
and general interest of the Navy that other
positions be sought for, possessing greater ad
vantages, aDd not liable to the objections
which have been mentioned.
Few positions on our maritime frontier olfof
all the requisites for such purposes. But where
these are found, it cannot be good policy to
neglect the measures necessary to secure the
possession and improvement of them.
The advantages believed to be possessed
by the Dry Tbrtugas, in the Gulf of Mexico,
for such an establishment, have heretofore
been represented to Congress, and it is much
to he desired that the opinions of (he intelli
gent naval officer? who have recommended
this positiou should be tested by the more mi*
nutc examinat ions ol Engineers possessing the
scientific knowledge necessary for its.acurate
determination.
Pensacola, as a place of depdl and resort for
vessels of war requiring supplier or repairs, has
much to recommend it, beiog contiguous to
that part of the United States’ coast which, it
may be presumed, it will long be necessary
should be guaroea. particularly i»y that class
possessing a healthful climate, and the country
in its neighborhood abounding with the best
materials for the construction of vessels of
war But, as a place of general rendezvous
for fleets or squadrons composed of ship® of
the largest chases, it cannot, in the present
state oftbe entrance into its harbor, be regard*
ed as offering the required facilities.
From a .report made by Ihe Department of
War to the House of Representatives on tho
5th February, 1830, it appears that a survey
was made of this harbor during tbe preceding
year, with a view of determining the practica
bility of deepening the channel of the entrance
into this harbor, and thus adapting it to tbe
great purposes of a naval depot for the United
Stales* Navy.
The result of this survey was entirely favo
rable to the expectation of success from such
an undertaking, and at an expense not estimate
ed to exceed $107 000 Wh ther the work,
if it could be accomplished, would secure a
permanent facility of entrance, uninfluenced
by the operations of the tides and storms, can
only be determined by the experiment. The
object, however, is one of deep interest to
those sections of the United States embraced
within the valley of the Mississippi, a® well ap
to those engaged in conveying their produo-
t’ons to market.
The CQuimunication made by the Commis
sioners oftbe Navy, dated 19th October, 1829,
and addressed to you* with the report oo naval
affairs, at the commencement of the last ses
sion of Congress, afforded some views in rela
tion to the fitness of the harbor of Newport#
Rhode Island, or sobie place in the Narragan-
set hay, for a naval depot and rendezvous for
(be United States’ Navy,
From this it ai’pears that the general advan
tages of this harbor or bay, for such purposes,
are,. in some respects, superior to any position
east of the Chesapeake bay. In addition to
the information furnished by (his document, it
will be found, on reference to the surveys of
Captain Evans and Perry, made by order of
the Navy Department in 1815 add 1817, that
the places referred to combine almost every
advantage desirable for such an establishment;
especially a facility of ingress and egress, with
a sufficient depth of water for ships of tbe lar
gest classes, and of a capacity to permit the
largest fleets to ride within their waters, in se
curity from storms, or obstructions from accu#
mutations of ice; that its proximity to the
ocean gives all ihe advantages of convenient
attack or retreat from an enemy; and that,
from the number and nature of the channels qjf
entrance add departure, a fleet could not be
blockaded within it without an application of
force incomparably greater than the one in
tended to be shut up; and that it is believed
to be defensible at au expense far less than that
which ha been incurred for similar objects.*—
In addition to these important advantages, ifc
is described by the officers above-named aj
admitting of the entrance cf vesselswith th#
wind blowing from points of the compass dur
ing the prevalence of which it would fee impes-
sibfe to make .a port k> any harbor on the eaa*
tern coast oftbe United States. This peculi
ar facility might, If the harbor was