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practice for our officers and seamen on our coast, and as a cruiser for protecting the revenue from encroachments of smugglers. It ,vould also have the good effect of putting an end to the suspense and inactivity which prevades every portion of the service; two things most dreaded by the Officer and seaman, who require not only bodily exertion but that of the mental faculties also which now lies dormant for want of employment, but which can in a moment be ralled into active exercise by the duties required on board of sea going vessels. When we say that the Naval profession in this country has been an ill requited and neglected one. it is only nece1;sary to compare it to the army and recur to the course which has been pursued to- wards it by the Govt. the one fostered with care and solicitude, the other treated with contumely and neglect; it is not myintention to say aught in disparagement of our army1 No! 'Tis with pride that I acknowledge the many brilliant achievements performed by that gal- lant branch of the service, which truly deserves the deepest expres- sions of gratitude from our country. We can too in our Navy boast of having had officers as gallant as ever guided the infant steps of a Navy, or headed boarders in a Naval engagement with an enemy of · superior force; can it be said that the fault rests with them, that our star has not waived in victory on the ocean surely not! Yet the ardent thirst for distinction and glory burns· as brightly in their breasts as it ever did, in those who have been more fortunate in meet- ing their enemies. Never f:rom the day on which the shackles of oppression were shaken off and Texas declared an independent nation have we had a vessel in the Naval service which could be considered as an efficient vessel of war, notwithstanding this, men were found willing to risk their lives and professional reputations in supporting the holy cause of Liberty against the machinations of Tyranny, priestcraft and super- stition, some few remain in service at the present time, Yet what are they to expect 1 bound as they are irretrievably to their profession, unfitted for any other, Youth exhausted, health undermined, they still languish amid contumely & neglect, not through faults of their own but through those of a government which can permit its coast to be the cruising ground of their enemies vessels. Too late will the gov- ernment find cause of regret and reproach not having patronised and fostered their Navy while in its infancy, it may now be said to be in its last stage and it will require a long and tedious attendance ere it assumes a state which can add glory and dignity to the country. Our commerce must of course be small whilst it is struggling for its very existence; meantime foreigners must enjoy the fruits of our industry and all commerce with our country be conducted by foreign merchants. 'Tis to the future administration that the Nation at large looks to remedy this evil to lay a foundation for the establish- ment of a Navy upon a basis and principle which will enable it to become respectable in the eye of other nations and al;o of utillity to the country The above remarks were ellicited by a deep feeling of interest for
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