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would ask how much greater would be the amount accruing from the revenue have been, had foreign merchants felt assured that there was a protecting power, (a Naval force) to shield them from the craft, of a wily enemy, and that power to have met them within the pre- cints of our waters to afford them those facilities which are so often required to reach their destined port in safety - . The time has arrived when the public attention is strongly awakened on this subject, and feel it now presented in a vivid point of view the necessity of an efficient Navy, they now see how much might have been added to the dignity and wealth of the country, with lustre and honor to our flag had this, "arrn of defence" been fostered, how much it might have added in dignity wealth, lustre, and honour, is too apparent to a reflecting mind to require explana- tion. - During the early stage of the revolution, suflfoient attention could not be paid to the organization of a Navy the Country was invaded by a powerful enemy of our enemy's choisest troops, to meet them in the field and repel them, was then the first object, the Mexican Navy was at its lowest ebb, no fears were entertained from its co-operation ,vith the army invading, however to prevent encrouch- ment, by sea the Government, (ad interim), thorught it advisable to put afloat a small Naval force, four small schooners were purchased for this purpose. it was impossible for the rulers to give that atten- tion so desirable upon the formation of as important a branch of defense as the t\avy is. from these circumstances the vessels attached to the Navy resembled privateers more than national armed vessels commissioned, and regulatea' by the individual commanders, which prevented that unity and uniformity of action which is of itself the very life of a Navy. The government could not extend to it that watchful eye, and fostering care so neccessary to give it strength, consequently much irregularity ensued and the service became a burden, instead of a benefit to the country, a continued clashing of rank between officers embittered the feelings of many. This was in a measure quelled by the determined stand taken by a few to build a reputation, and bear proudly in action the '' single starr'd banner," which had floated so triumphant o'er our plains,- _The gallant little Schooner Independence mounting seven guns manned with less than forty men, led the way and dared dispute the ocean against a force more than quadruple, although from her situation she was captured, it was not a defeat but a victory gained it proved to our enemies that we as superior as we had proved on Land. - Her action was follewed by a cruise of her consort the Brutus and Invincible; although no opportunity offered for an engagement with the enemies vessels, yet was public expectation fully gratified by the check they gave to tho enemies commerce. The activity and energy they displayed in hovering on their coast and harrassing the government and citizens proved they were, not idle since which time the service has fallen into neglect; its very success appears to have been to it a curse; those who sought in it distinc- tion and fame, have met with persecution, contumely and neglect, until we have naught of a Navy, but in name. - At this period we look forward to the change about to take place-in the administra-
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