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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
3d. These vessels require continual repairs, by which the Navy i11 deprived of their services, and no reliance can be placed in vessel so altered in cases of emergency; but the vessels which I consider pecul- iarly adapted to our Naval service, are Brigs and Schooners; the latter .model peculiar in Naval architecture to the Americans alone; of the simplest form, adapted for superior sailing, with great breadth and length, furnishing stabillity to bear a large surface of sail, and depth to take a hold in the water, and prevent drifting; above water, her form is straight, low ·and unbroken, offering but little obstacle to the wind; with her masts long and tapering, her sails also adapted like .the hull to approach the wind, which a schooner will do, -s:ome 20° nearer than a ship.- It will be found by experience that vessels con- .structed by able builders expressly for the service, will last years longer than those purchased promiscuously and equipped. - This is a subject which I would earnestly wish to present to your consideration. - I feel perfectly assured that contracts can be entered into with some of the most able constructors in the United States which would be sat- isfactory to the Govt. The vessels which I have enumerated above can be built equipped, and ready for sea, in a short space of four ·months; in building you have another advantage which is that of hav- ing the influence of the builder (which is very great) to assist in procuring crews of good seamen to man these vessels, which should always be an important consideration: - I shall not enter into the minutia of rigging and equipping these vessels as my remarks are only general, but will call your attention to the grades of the officers, sea- men and all others attached generally to a v·essel of War; I will com- mence with those who are to be selected as Commanders of these ves- sels &c. Too much delicacy and discrimination cannot be used in the selection of these officers; upon them depends the honor and reputa- tion of the Navy.. That we must have good seamen is evident to every one; this is not the only qualification necessary, they must be thor- oughly acquainted with Naval Tactics; (Our Navy is yet too young to adopt the plan familliar to the Navies of Europe, of having "dry nurses," for young Commanders.-i. e. an old first Lieutenant who is a good officer and seaman to watch over the safety of a ship com- manded by some sprig of nobillity) should be enabled to instruct those who may fall under their command and above all to possess with the dignity of the Officer, the politeness and suavity of the Gentleman; how often does it occur that a Naval Commander from circumstances has to become diplomatist, to form treaties, settle questions of dispute, and point out variom; clauses of the Laws of nations which have been violated anrl the Tights of his country thereby infringed uf)on; it surely requires a knowledge of the world to be able to act with suf- ficient tact in such cases and a knowledge of what is due an inde- pendent nation;- The next to be taken into consideration are the sub- ordiate officers, The ·first in grade are the Lieutenants which ic: evident to every one, at all acquainted with Naval life is one of the most responsible situations on board of a vessel of war and should be fitted with men in way competent, in selecting this 'class of Officers. the Government will labour under some difficulty, those who will fill the rank of first Lieutenants or executive officers must be men in every way acquainted with Naval Tactics, as not only the internal police
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