235
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
To a Brig of 16 Guns - 1. First Lieut Commg.
2. Sergeants 2. Corporals 16. Privates
To a Schooner -
1. 2d. Lieutenant 1. Sergeant 2. Corpf)rals 10. Privates
To a Navy Yard
1. Captain Commanding Marine Corps - 1. First Lieutenant 1. Second dr 56. Privates 11. Non CommiP,,;ioned Officers
In a case of mutiny on board among the seamen a body of marines are of essential service. they invariably side with the officers of the vessel. Several instances could be adduced in support of this ob- servation when through the Marine Corps mutinies have been quelled on board. of men of War - but space and time are not allowed for a detail of them That feeling of enmity which always exists between the seamen and Marines, prevents any familliar intercourse between them; their hearty hatred of each other causes them to choose dif- ferent sides right or wrong - I will now conclude with the present condition of the Navy and ask what are its future prospects Shorn of its pride and reduced to a state which is truly deplorable; to rescue it from which will require time, toil, and judgment; We have not wanted Officers of skill and judgment in our Navy, as the rapid formation of the service shows. Also the selection for a Navy Yard and the formation of it in so short a time will show to every one that capabillity and judgment had been employed. The only vessel now afloat in the Naval service, is the Potomac; as much as we are opposed to the plan of purchasing vesesls worn out in the Merchant service, We cannot but admire the indefatigable exertions which have been used to render this vessel efficient as a Man of War which have been rewarded in some degree, The present appearance of the Potomac fully shows not,vithstanding all exertions which have been used, she can never be rendered effi- cient as a Man of War is evident to every one acquainted with Naval Maritime affairs. - There has been a great want of energy in not putting afloat the Schooner Correo which yet lies a monument of a reproach and indignation to the Government. This vessel which was driven ashore in the GalP, of 1837 is known to be surpassed by none for model and speed, with an expense but trifling when compared to th~ service she would render, she could be put afloat and fitted out for sea, she could be employed during the summer months as a school of
Powered by FlippingBook