269
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
inspected and found in clean and healthy condition, but exami- nation of the crew was less satisfactory.] This is what was written by Captain Boarman, the commandant of the New York navy-yard, to the Secretary of the Navy. It was communicated to the Senate in answer to a call on the Department for the papers. The officers by whom this inspection was made were W. L. Hudson and H. H. Bell, commanders, and P. Drayton, lieutenant. The report was made on the 19th of June, 1855. Did not the board meet on the 20th? I will proceed to examine this report: [The editors here omit technical report of the inspection.] Thirty-one minutes to bring a gun into action! A steam vessel may go eighteen miles an hour; but suppose she should only run eight miles an hour, one could have run the distance of four miles before this gun was ready to bear on the enemy. They might have sunk or boarded her before it could have been done. Again, they say: [The report continues.] [The Secretary of the Navy sent Captain Stribling a copy of this report.] Mr. Stribling's answer was on the 28th of June-six days after the board met. He was no doubt exceedingly busy, notwith• standing the little advance these gentlemen made in the previous caucus, and the caution which had been given them: he had found himself very much engaged. After six days he found time to answer. Here is what he says: "Washington City, June 28, 1855. "Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 22d instant, inclosing the report of the inspecting officers upon the condition of the San Jacinto. I cannot refrain from expressing my deep regret and mortification that such a report should have been made to the Department. "In justice to myself and those I have lately had the honor to command, though the responsibility is my own"-Here is mag. nanimity-"the responsibility is all my own." That is valorous. I like a man who is willing to assume the responsibility. There is no truckling. He had no dread of arraignment. He felt him• self superior to question; therefore the responsibility was his own. The passage continues-
Powered by FlippingBook