year, but only the payments. Large sums have been fings, or his necessities, it is fearful to think how far taken out of the appropriations, ithin a few years the poison might spread in this essential arm of the past, to satisfy old claims This, is doubtless, one national defence. cause of the deficiency in some of them, which bas, in fact, existed, and been known in the public offices for several years. It may be doubted whether there was money enough under any one of the principal heads of appropriations in 1829, to pay up all ac counts accruing before the first January, 1829, and it is probable that there was an aggregate deficiency exceeding half a million of dollars.

It is difficult to ascertain fully, and detail accurate-them in a situation to claim it as a matter of right, ly, all the practices which have embarrassed the accounts of the navy department, and perhaps it is more difficult to point out a remedy. But the result of my reflections shall be freely given.

How vastly important is it, not only to the safety of the treasury, but to the character and efficiency of our navy, that all discretion, in making pecuniary allowances should be taken from the executive officers. To its moral character I verily believe, does our navy owe all its glory. By preserving that character, we shall make it invincible. Give the officers liberal pay; make it fixed and certain; place teach them to consider themselves dependent on no executive officer for their emoluments, but on their country only; they will then devote themselves not to this or that man who may chance to hold the As a first step to an effectual reform in the busi-office of president, secretary or auditor, but to the ness of the department, I would suggest the proprie-glory of their flag and the interests of the republic. ty of an appeal to congress to remodel the whole The navy will become as remarkable for its high hosystem of pay and emoluments of the naval officers, nor and strict morals, as it is now distinguished for leaving as little as possible to the discretion of the its valor. executive. Every indirect and covert allowance I doubt whether the present system of supplying should be discontinued and forbidden: and the pay of seamen on board ships with comforts,is not injurious all the officers made so certain as to leave no room to the morals of the navy. It affords an ever active for construction, and so liberal as to remove present temptation to pursers to cheat the seamen, and that inducements to seek an increase by indirect means. they are sometimes overcome by it, we have ample The regular pay of officers of the navy is far below proof. But I am not prepared to suggest a remedy. that of officers of the army, in similar grades. Cer- Public economy, no less than the character of the tainly, their services and dangers are not less. Bear- navy, demands a well definded system. Although ing their country's flag to every clime, they are expo- the pay of every officer might be nominally much insed to dangers, diseases and death, in a degree far creased, the aggregate amount paid them would not beyond any thing encountered in time of peace by be greater than it is; perhaps it would be less; at the officers of the army. By the feeble health and least the increasing profusion which always attends broken constitutions of many returning from distant a loose system, would be checked, and the ultimate cruises, who present themselves to me for a settle-effect would be a saving of public money. ment of their accounts, I am constantly admonished One of the most important results of a well definof the hardships these brave men have to encounter. ed system would be, the restoration of confidence to Let not the country be unjust to them. the public offices, and of truth to their records.The lawful compensation to commanders of squad-Truth is the basis of all morals, of all useful religion, rons is peculiarly inadequate. By their skill and valor they have made our flag glorious, and have attracted to our ships the attention of the world. When they enter foreign ports, or meet foreign squadrons, they are obliged to receive and return the visits of those whom curiosity or admiration attract on board their vessels. As unwilling to be outdone in cour tesy as to be conquered in battle, they are compelled to incur expenses which their regular pay and emoluments are inadequate to meet. Let them be no longer subjected to the humiliation of begging indirect and unauthorized allowances from the executive, when an ample compensation ought to be accorded to them by the representatives of the Ameri-that this money has been paid for clerks. Yet such can people.

of society itself. Yet our public books and records have been filled with systematic falsehoods. Does any one suppose that a commission has been allowed to the commanders of squadrons for the purpose of paying them for the trouble of drawing bills? The trouble is nothing: the name given to the allowance is a mere pretence. Lately 2000 dollars have been allowed them in lieu of commissions. This is one step nearer to a direct allowance without pretence. The truth is, the allowance is made to increase their emoluments, and nothing else. Who, on finding from the books of this office that six hundred dollars has been allowed to pursers for clerkhire, would doubt

is not the fact. The allowance has beed made soleIt is more important that congress should give us ly to cover a charge of commission on moneys paid a system of pay and emoluments, because discretion- to mechanics and laborers, and to increase the purary allowances by the executive tend to injustice, sers lawful emoluments. Who would doubt that corruption, and endless jealousies. While the officer the navy agents paid out for house rent, clerkhire, of nice feelings stands aloof, and relies upon his coun- &c. &c. the sums which have been allowed them untry to provide for him, the less scrupulous make der those names? Yet, such is not the fact, at least in themselves the assiduous flatterers of those in power. many instances. It is designed as an expedient to inTheir success operates as a premium for subserviency, crease their allowances beyond one per cent on their and disheartens those of honest principles and lofty disbursements, or to make it exceed 2000 dollars. minds. The supple and corrupt may monopolize The public books are full of such pretences and falsethe favors of the government, while the independant hoods. Sometimes, it is believed, vouchers, false in honest are kept in obscurity, or driven from the pub-substance as well as in form, have been used to draw lic service. The minds of officers, instead of being money from the treasury. So familiar has the devoted to the interests and glory of the navy, are employed upon the means of pursuading the secretary or accounting officers to eke out their emoluments by additional allowances. If every claim is not allowed which bears a resemblance to such as have been allowed to others, they are dissatisfied and complain of partiality and injustice. If an accounting officer be corrupt, and it be understood that claims will be favorably considered in proportion as claimant ministers to his passions, his partisan feel

mode of doing business under fictitious names become to many honest men long in office, that it is difficult to convince them of its evil tendencies, and intrinsic wrong, Is it not important to correct this? Where is the security for the faithful application of the public money, when the records of its distribu. tion are permitted to be falsified? There is no safety, unless even the appearance of falsehood be rooted out. Indulgence in one untruth blunts the moral sense, and leads to another. A falsehood in form

Teads to a falsehood in substance. By degrees, the evil creeps on until the sluices of the treasury are opened, and the people look in vain to their public books to see for what purposes their money has been paid.

You will perceive by the facts berein stated, that the whole object of specific appropriations has been defeated by the irregular and unlawful practices of the navy department The annual reports to congress give no correct information of the expenditures under each head and for any purpose of that kind, are no better than blank aper. They are worse, for they mislead and deceive. 1 find that most of those experienced in the public accounts, at tribute their present condition in the navy department to the system of specific appropriations. I am not prepared to admit that it is so much the fault of the system as of its administration. The system is difficult but not certainly impracticable. All will admit that it ought to be enforced, or abolished I know of but one mode of enforcing it. Let congress give us an appropriation to meet all arrearages under every head of appropriation prior to the first day of January 1830. Let every account in the navy department be settled up to that day, and all balances due paid out of that appropriation. Let careful estimates be made for expenses accruing in 1830, and no part of the money appropriated for that year be paid on any account accruing prior to that year. Compel every disbursing officer to make careful estimates of the amounts needed by him under each head; forbid his paying out money for other purposes than those for which it is sent to him, and refuse him credits for all over payments. Let no transfers be made, except in the emergency, and in the manner prescribed by law; and let such as may be made, be reported to congress as the law requires, that the deficiency may be supplied.

sum in gross, for the support of the navy-and by requiring the secretary to account annually for the sums expended under each head of his estimates.-To enforce the present system, liberal estimates must be made under each head to meet anexpected emergencies, because one head cannot depend for relief on another: but upon the plan suggested a general allowance for emergencies would be sufficient, and the aggregate amount of appropriations need not be so great. To enforce the present system, it will also be necessary to keep a balance under each head in the hands of every disbursing officer, thereby magnifying the aggregate at his disposition, and multiplying the chances for fraud and defalcation.-Under the plan suggested, the money in their hands would constitute a general fund, applicable to all naval purposes, and the whole sum continually entrusted to them need not be so large.

Whether the system be changed or not, the interposition of congress is absolutely necessary Without it, that which is now confused, must become worse confounded. If they will but give us the means of paying up arrearages, and not compel us to draw up. on the appropriations of 1830 to pay debts accruing in all preceding years, we can do much ourselves towards extricating the accounts of the department from their present embarrassment. Without that we can do nothing: unlesss, indeed, we cease to pay all such accounts, and refer them to congress, which would be great injustice to the creditors of the public.

To manage the affairs of the American people, it is not necessary to deceive and blind them. Honesty in official duties, and truth in disclosing all that is done, will rivet the government in the affections of the people, and make our union as firm as our mountains.

My solicitude on this subject is great. None appears to me more to need or deserve the consideration of congress. A system of pay and emoluments, and a reform in the mode of keeping the accounts, would place it on high ground. I want no discretion. I wish to be able to turn to some law or lawful regulation for every allowance I am called on to make. With strictness and severity in executing the law, I wish to made every transaction of this office so I think the present system practicable. But it is complain that every member of congress, and any man plicated and difficult, and, in some respects, unsafe. of common capacity in the country can understand Let any member of congress, or other person, how-it. There are no mysteries in good government.— ever talented and intelligent, enter this office, and attempt to ascertain for what purposes the public money has been paid during the last four years. Where will he look for the information? Will he turn to the books? They will give him none. The entries are all in general terms under each head, and give no clue to the real character of the vouchers. Will From my want of experience, I do not flatter myhe ask the clerks? Their recollections are indis-self that any great value ought to be attached to my tinct and unsatisfactory. He can procure what he suggestions. If they shall lead to investigations, wants, only by personal inspection of the ten thou-which shall give efficiency to the navy, and place sands of vouchers in thousands of accounts which it the administration of its affairs on the basis of the would take months to examine. I have been in this constitution, I shall be more than compensated for office about six months, and all I know of past trans- the trouble of making them. actions has been obtained by accident, in the necessary routine of business, or in tedious investigations. What there may be concealed in the numerous boxes and files of papers which fill the passage, the shelves, and the pigeon-holes of the office, I know not; nor can I ever know, without opening and carefully inspecting the contents of every bundle. Without a NAVY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE. long research, we cannot tell what the building or 19th October, 1829. fitting out of any ship has cost, or any thing else of SIR: The commissioners of the navy have given to those hundred items of information which are always the subjects to which, by your letter of the 13th ult. interesting and often useful. The various items are you were pleased to direct their inquiries, all the atscattered through the books of the office under va- tention and consideration which their limited opporrious heads of appropriation; from which it is al-tunity and time admitted, and they now respectfully ways difficult, and sometimes impossible to cull and submit the result. collate them. These heads of appropriation, as they appear in the books of this office, are like splendid abstractions, more beautiful in theory than useful in practice.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AMOS KENDALL. John Branch, esq. secretary of the navy.}

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NAVY.

Navy Yards-present and proposed.

The plans of the several navy yards indicate the improvements made in each-consisting of officer's quar ters, store houses, ship houses, blacksmith's shops,timber sheds, timber docks, spar sheds, boat sheds, &c. It appears to me, all the benefits now derived with the dry docks in progress at Norfolk and at Bos from specific appropriations might be realized with- ton; and the paper A will shew the number and disout their inconveniences, by requiring the depart-scription of ships in ordinary, and the state and conment to present specific estimates-by appropriating a dition of each.

The query as to the number of navy yards now es- ferior men-those possessing the most skill become tablished and in operation, is one of such importance discontented when discharged, and will never reas to command the most earnest attention and inves- turn, unless from necessity. By having few yards, tigation. The commissioners are fully sensible that and those judiciously arranged, and provided with its discussion may excite strong local feelings--and the necessary conveniences, much might be gained they are aware of the responsibility of any opinion in the amount of daily labor performed Ship car. they may express upon the subject; but referring ex-penter's and other mechanics, working under cover, clusively to the unbiased dictates their judgment in can not only do more work per day, but lose no the performance of an important official duty, and time from rainy or other inclement weather-a conclaiming the indulgence which a liberal community sideration important to the government, and calculawill not fail to extend to honest efforts, looking sole- ted to render employment in its service an object of ly to the advancement of the public good, they ap- competition with the best men. proach the question with a confidence proportioned to the sincerity of their convictions.

"Is not the number of navy yards greater than is consistent either with economy, or the wants of the service?"

To maintain any one yard beyond the number ne cessary for building and equipping car ships with the utmost despatch, can, in no view, be considered as consistent either with economy, or the wants of

service.

While no time would be lost when working under cover, without a cover it is believed that for six months of the year the work per week would not av¬ erage more than four and a half days, thus occasioning a loss of one-fourth of time-to save which, mechanics would readily agree to probably 10 per cent less wages-while a ship built under cover is worth probably 25 per cent more than when built in the open air, constantly exposed to sun and rain.

It would be difficult to estimate fully the value of It is obvious that the greater the number of navy chosen bodies of mechanics, selected for their skill yards, the greater must necessarily be the expense. and industry, and prepared with every necessary A yard, used for general purposes, that is, for build-convenience, faithfully to execute the public works ing, repairing, equipping, and vitualling a navy, re- in the best manner and in the shortest time: 12 quires nearly a full set of officers to superintend it, peace, economy would be greatly promoted-in war, although it may b only occasionally used for such the highest interests of our country would be sub principle of accountability in each served. accessarily the same, the same system of must be maintained, whether the amount of xpenditure be large or otherwise. In yards, not constantly used for general purposes, some of the subaltern officers might, probably be dispensed with; but not in sufficient number to affect, materially, the aggregate amount of expenses, if we keep in view the preservation of system.

purposes. To yard being cheeks

the

Among other considerations claiming attention, it may be observed, that, by reducing the number of navy yards, many materials suitable for the construction of small vessels, would, in the building of large ships, be saved. In the present state of things such materials are distributed among so many yards that the expense and difficulty of collecting them at at any one point, frequently exceeds their value.

The question here arises-what number of navy yards does the navy, viewed in its present and probable future state, require to secure to it all the advantages and facilities necessary to render it in the highest degree efficient?

Viewing this question then in reference to the exWere we to disregard economy, plausible reasons pense, and to the efficiency of our naval establishmight be assigned, even for an increased number of ment, the commissioners are decidedly of the opin yards. It might be urged that multiplying their num-ion, that the present number of navy yards is "greatber, would multiply the chances of reaching one of er than is consistent either with economy or the them in cases of emergency-such as distress in wants of the service." storms or disasters in battle; but when we look to the localities of our present yards, there are but few of them that can claim a decided preference, even in this, the most favorable, but certainly fallacious view of the subject. The harbor of Boston can be entered only when the wind shall happen to be fair. Its snow storms in winter, its fogs in spring and fall, present serious and frequently insuperable difficulties. The same objections apply, with considerable force, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. New York, Philadelphia, and Pensacola, are all objectionable, as neither of them is easily accessible; and the two latter cannot be entered by ships of great draught, even at high water.

If the number of navy yards were confined to the number necessary for the service, in peace, or in war, many advantages would result. The expenses would be reduced, and efficiency greatly promoted; system and uniformity might be more easily preserved, and the accountability of those having the direction, rendered more certain and precise. By reducing the number of yards, more work would necessari. ly have to be done at each. This would enable the government to concentrate artificers, ship carpenters, and other necessary mechanics, and give them constant employment: and government would have it in its power to select and retain in its service, the most valuable, at fixed and moderate wages. We should escape the inconveniences to which we are now exposed, by employing mechanics at so many different points to execute the public works, and discharging them when such works are done..

To form a satisfactory opinion upon this important point, we must look to our seaboard and consider well the localities of our harbors. It will be found, that, although numerous, there are but few of them which can be safely entered by ships of the line, or even large frigates: and surely it will be conceded, that none other should be selected as a general rendezvous for our navy.

Our maritime frontier presents two prominent positions, of which a skillful invading enemy would endeavor to gain possession-as enabling him, more effectually than any other, to harass our coasting and foreign trade, and cut off our internal communication by water-while they would also enable him, with but a small military force, comparatively, to compel us to maintain more than ten times his number of troops to protect points in the very heart of our country which he might be continually threatening, although he might never seriously design to attack. These positions are precisely those which we should most vigilantly preserve from his grasp. The very reasons which render them objects of great interests to him, render them doubly important to us. If he, possessing them, could thus seriously annoy us, we having them in possession, could thence most effectually protect our line of coast, and assail him, should be attempt a blockade. An enemy excludThis state of things not only compels us frequent- ed from these positions, can no where upon our ly to pay high wages, but to accept the services of in-coast find more than temporary shelter for his

ships. It is indeed confidently believed, that, if ferred to, again present themselves as being more we had these two points well secured (and we surely desirable than any other, for the rendezvous of our possess amply the means of rendering them so) the navy-between the Chesapeake and Newport, each inducements to maintain a squadron upon our coast being so accessible, so easy of egress and ingress, would be so diminished-the difficulties, inconve-that a junction of forces stationed at them, might niencies, and hazards would be so numerous and so generally, if not all times, be effected in no less than serious-that an enemy even one physically and nu- forty hours This is an advantage of vast importmerically our superior in force of ships, would find ance, not possessed by any other two ports, fit for it his interest to avoid such an attempt. the rendezvous of our ships of war, on our whole The history of our revolutionary war, and our ex-maritime frontier. Between Boston and the Chesaperience during the last war with Great Britain, indicate these two positions too clearly for them to be mistaken.

peake, to form such a juncture, under ordinary circumstances, it might take ten days, or even a longer time; but with adverse winds, and other causes not unlikely to occur, the detention would be incalculable, for so long as they should continue, a ship of war might not be able to get out of the harbor of Boston.

Our past sufferings admonish us, that the Chesapeake bay, and the water near Rhode Island, are our most vulnerable points, but while this admitted, there is great satisfaction in the reflection that they are known to be susceptible of perfect defence-and from their But we have incurred great expense in establishrelative positions to each other-their accessibility ating other yards, and what shall be done with them? all times, to ships of the greatest draught of water, At Boston, the buildings and improvements are and their greater range of anchoring grounds than highly valuable, and the dock now in progress at that are afforded by any other harbors on our whole line yard, makes it desirable that it should be retained of coast, they form, in the opinion of the commission-as an auxiliary establishment. Its dense and active ers, the two most important and desirable points for the general rendezvous of our navy, in peace as well as in war, and these they think, would, in every view, be the most judicious locations for our chief naval depots.

The central position, the mildness and salubrity of the climate, the facilities of ingress and egress, and the almost inexhaustible supplies of ship timber afforded by the Chesapeake and its tributary streams, render it superior to any other place on our whole line of coast for a great naval station and depot; and next in the order of importance, for such purposes, is Newport, Rhode Island, or some other spot in Nar ragansett bay.

Aside of all the considerations which recommend these as the most important positions for naval depots and stations, in reference to the local advantages and facilities they afford for the rendezvous of ships there are other views which strike our minds with increased force and interest, and conduct us to similar conclusions.

population-its numerous artificers and mechanics, and other resorces it affords, give it facilities in the building and repairing of ships. It is understood that a canal is in comtemplation, between Massachusetts bay and the waters of Rhode Island; and should this work be completed upon a scale sufficiently extensive to admit the passage of steam batteries and sloops of war, it would become highly important, as presenting the means of affording additional protection to our whole line of coast east of Cape Cod and Nantucket South Shoal, by a direct, safe, and speedy communication between Boston and Newport, while merchant vessels bound to Boston, would often, particularly in time of war, avail themselves of this channel, to reach their destined port. For our ships rendezvouzing at or near Newport, Boston might thus be relied on as furnishing many of the necessary supplies that may be required, either during peace or war.

e it

as an

adelphia, -y accessible; y ships of great

en established at great

As has heretofore been observed, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is liable to particular objections; and its Let us, sir, for a moment, contemplate a state of remote position, and Boston intervening, depriv war, and suppose these to be the general rendezvous of any advantages it might otherwise possess of our guarda costa, consisting of line of battle ships, auxiliary establishment. New York, Phi' aided by steam batteries. These, co-operating with and Pensacola, are neither of them easil the permanent fortifications now in progress, would the two latter cannot be entered b place those points in a state of security, and enable draught of water at any time. us to protect extensively, if not effectually, our in- The yard at Washington has br land coasting trade, and to render invasion difficult expense. It possesses factories of chain cables, anand hazardous at any point, and probably impractica-chors, cambroses, blocks, castings, and laboratory ble at most-while our frigates, sloops of war, and stores generally; and advantages attach to these vasmaller vessels, sailing thence, as they would be able luable factories, being conducted under the immedi. to do at all times, and returning, as they might, in all ate eye of government-and although, like Philadel winds, would annoy the commerce of the enemy phia, it does not afford a sufficient depth of water to in distant seas, even on his own coasts, and at the admit the passage of ships of heavy draught, with mouths of his harbors-to protect which he would their guns and stores on board, yet, still considering necessarily be obliged to draw the larger part of his its connexion with the Chesapeake bay, and the faforce from our coast (if stationod here.) We might cility with which the hulls of ships, of the largest thus compel him to act on the defensive, while the class, may he towed to Hampton Roads, or Norfolk, chance of our merchant and other vessels safely re-by common steam boats, it will be seen,that it is not turning into port, would be greatly increased. The destitute of advantages, even as a building yard, if importance of a navy does not depend so much up- viewed in the light of an auxiliary to a larger and on the number of ships as upon their size and effici- more important establishment, in the lower waters ency, and a judicious disposition of them in refer- of the Chesapeake. ence to our own protection, and the annoyance of an enemy to the greatest possible extent.

In time of peace, our ships, particularly those of the line and frigates, ought to be laid up in situations where they could be most easily united, and their services most readily commanded, in defensive operations against an enemy coming suddenly upon the our coast, and bringing with him, as it might happen, the first intelligence of his having declared war against us. In this view of the subject, the two positions re

Upon the whole, with respect to the number of yards, viewing the question in all its aspects, the commissioners of the navy, with great deference, submit the opinion-that, with the exception of the yards at Boston, Washington and Norfolk, and another near the Gulf of Mexico (principally as a place for the deposit of stores), all of our other yards might in the course of a few years (allowing time to remove the ships, &c.) be dispensed with, without injury to the naval service-provided an establishment be made

lowing would be found as effectual, if not more so, than any other that could be adopted, viz:

Yellow pine-Let it be docked for about 12 months, then taken up and sawed to proper sizes for use, then placed under cover for about two years.

Mast timber. Let it be immersed in water and covered in mud, and continue in that state until it shall be required for use.

near Newport, Rhode Island. That the places of general rendezvous, in peace and in war, should be Live oak timber.-Let it be immersed in water for the Chesapeake bay, and the waters at or near Newport-that the yard at Washington should be retain 12 months, then taken up and placed under cover to ed as an auxiliary to the one-and that at Boston as protect it against the sun, rain and high winds—its an auxiliary to the other. And the opinion is confi-immersion is recommended by the fact, that it rendently entertained, that the economy and efficiency ders it less liable to split or rent. would be greatly promoted by such an arrangement. White oak timber.-Let it be docked about eighteen As to the most advisable position near Newport, a months in fresh, or two years in salt water-then tasatisfactory judgment cannot be formed until a tho-ken up and sawed into such sizes as may be required, rough and minute examination shall have been made. then placed under cover for two or three years, when It is known that there are several suitable places-it will be fit for use. but it is not known which is entitled to a preference. With regard to "the preservation of ships in ordinary from the injuries arising from climate," much has been said and written by men of practical information, and many theories still exist upon the subject. It is believed, however, that the climate from the Chesapeake eastward, does not differ so much as to All timber ought to be cut, if practicable, when the effect materially the preservation of ships, at any one greatest portion of the sap is arrested in its circulaof our yards more than at another: that if a ship betion (say from the 1st of November to the last of Feoriginally built of the best materials, and be in sound bruary), and after being immersed in water ought condition and well caulked, when placed in ordina- never to be taken out at any other season than early ry, she may, by excluding the sun and rains, keeping in, the spring, if to be avoided, and should then, as her thoroughly clean, dry and well ventilated, and early as may be practicable, after being sawed or rewinding her occasionally, be preserved in that state duced to proper sizes, required in ship building, be at either of the yards. The great cause of early de- put under sheds so constructed as to admit a free circay in our ships is confidently believed to be, in their culation of air; but at the same time to shield it from having been planked with timber, sometimes cut in too much exposure to the sun and strong currents of the wrong season, (although always endeavored to air. It is believed, if the timber used in the construcbe guarded against in the contracts)-most general-tion of our ships was to undergo a process like this, ly not well seasoned, and not unfrequently to the that their durability would be increased twofold. union of both causes. The frames, being of live oak, may almost be considered as imperishable.

The commissioners entertain no doubt that much loss has been sustained by "launching ships before These observations apply to all ships placed in or- they are required for service." On the stocks, well dinary, whether they have been in actual service or protected, a ship can be preserved almost without not, prior to their being placed there. While in ac-expense, for a great number of years; probably as tual service, it is found that ships do not decay as ra- long as the furniture of a house, particularly if built pidly as they do when lying in ordinary, unprotected of the best materials and properly ventilated. from the weather: but if protected, in the way above Launched, and not protected while building, by a suggested, they may be preserved much longer in or-house, or other covering from the weather, as has dinary, than while in service at sea, as they are not from necessity been the case with many of our ships, subject to the wear and tear and vicissitudes of cli- and continuing unprotected, their decay soon commenmate, which vessels in service are exposed to. It ces, and becomes destructive, particularly in their would be a difficult task indeed, to "estimate the loss-planking. es sustained under the present system of manage- As to the effect of different kinds of water upon ment with reference to the quality and condition of copper on ships lying in ordinary, salt water is doubtthe materials used in the construction of our ships." less more corrosive than fresh. In fresh water, where From necessity, ever since the creation of our navy, there is not a strong current such copper as is used we have been compelled to use, to a great extent, un-for our ships (32 oz.) would last probably twenty to seasoned timber in the construction and repair of twenty-five years. In salt water, the effects upon our ships-bence immense expenditures and great copper, depending probably upon the degree of saltloss of time (invaluable in war) arising from the ne-ness, differ at different places. cessity of frequently repairing them.

The bottom of our ships, in some situations, soon The remedy for this evil consists in providing exten- become barnacled, and even muscles and oysters atsive supplies of ship timber, and placing it in a state tach themselves to the copper, and prove very injuto be well seasoned, before it shall be used, and by rious In other situations, when the water is only a never using, either in the construction or repair of little brackish, a crust is formed on the external surour ships, timber that shall not be perfectly seasoned. face of the copper, which some suppose protracts the The commissioners earnestly recommend this sub-interior copper, and may do so in a small degree. ject to your consideration, and they would also re- But the fact admitted, that copper can be preserved spectfully recommend that our vessels in ordinary be longer in fresh than in salt water, still the contrary all placed in the state previously indicated as necessais no doubt the case with regard to the timber of ry to preserve them from decay. They cannot be so preserved, without being well protected by close coverings or roofs over them. It was indeed hoped that this point, often heretofore urged, would have so far claimed the favorable attention of congress, as to have induced that honorable body to have made the necessary appropriations.

It may be proper here to submit the result of our observations and inquiries, with respect to the modes of seasoning ship timber. As to the best methods many opinions exist--and it is yet an unsettled point among the most experienced and intelligent. Weighing all these opinions, and referring to our own past experience, we incline to the conclusion, that the fol

ships, which is universally believed to be more dura ble in salt than in fresh water; and this is a far more important material than copper in the construction of our ships, whether, we refer to the cost, or the difficulty of providing it.

Suitable copper may be readily obtained at all times and seasons; but it requires years to procure suitable ship timber. And it may be remarked, as worthy of consideration, that the water is salt in all of our harbors in any way calculated as rendezvous for our navy.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your
JOHN RODGERS.
obedient servant,
Hon. JOHN BRANCH, secretary of the navy.