157
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1837
most ample appropriations in addition to those which have been made at the present session of congress. There can be no doubt but that the enemy will avail themselves of every advantage by sea which may be within their power; therefore it will be in- cumbent upon us not alone to make preparations to meet them, ·but to maintain active operations by sea and land. Whenever our gallant tars have met the enemy they have evinced the most daring chivalry and indomitable courage, nor has our flag ever struck to less than five times our force, and then not until after a protracted engagement. In the creation of a navy, I recom- mend to the earnest attention of congress the enactments of such laws and regulations as will enable the government to control the conduct of its officers, and to punish them promptly for the disobedience of orders. It may be of importance to our amicable relations with other powers. A circumstance occurred during the last cruise which was directed by the executive, demands of me in this communication to notice the same to the honorable con- gress. Orders were issued from the navy department by direc- tion of the executive, to the commander of the navy that all neutral flags shoulcl be respectecl, unless the vessel was bound to an enemy's port, ancl had on board articles contraband of war. In violation of these orders, the Eliza Russell, an English brig was seized and sent into port with a valuable cargo of fine goods, but containing nothing contraband of wa.r! Upon information of the circumstances, the executive directed her immediate re- lease, and the payment of damages, so far as he deemed it within his competency. The subject will be presented to congress by the owner of the vessel, with a minute statement of all the facts. The circumstances of the case were immediately communicated to our commissioner near the court of St. James, and the execu- tive has been assured, that the despatch would reach England by the time of his arrival. Other acts connected with the cruise, of a character not calculated to elevate us in the scale of na- tions, were done either without orders, or in direct violation of those which had been issued by the department. These facts imperiously demand of the executive a fra.nk and solemn dis- avowal of all things done, e-ithe1· in contravention or in ·violation of his orde1·s ! The accompanying report of the acting secretary of the navy will present his views on the subject of its improvement and utility to the country. The report is referred to the considera- tion of congress.
' ...
Powered by FlippingBook