Naval History and Heritage Command

[Doc. No. 2.]

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

Navy Department,

December 3, 1836.

To the President of the United States:

Sir:

In presenting for your consideration at this time the condition of our navy for the past year, I am enabled to assure you that, since my report of the 5th of December last, there has been an increased activity in the construction and equipment of vessels at our navy yards, and in the movements of our ships and squadrons at sea and on foreign stations.

The Columbia, a frigate of the first class, has been finished, launched, and nearly completed for sea.

The brigs Dolphin and Porpoise have been built, launched, and fitted for sea.

The frigate Macedonian, of the second class, has been finished, launched and equipped for sea; and she is now receiving her crew, as the ship of the commanding officer of the South Sea exploring expedition.

The two barques, Pioneer and Consort, and schooner Pilot, have been built, launched, and so far equipped, as to be ready for receiving their crews.

The store-ship Relief has been finished, launched, and equipped, and is now receiving her stores.

The repairs of the ship of the line North Carolina have been completed, and she is equipped and fitted for sea, and is now under sailing orders for the Pacific station.

The repairs of the razée Independence have been completed, and she is now nearly equipped for sea.

The ship of the line Delaware has been placed in dry dock, and her repairs commenced.

The ship of the line Columbus has also been put into dry dock, and her repairs commenced.

The repairs of the ship of the line Ohio have been commenced and considerably advanced.

The repairs of the sloops of war Falmouth and Fairfield have been completed.

The sloop of war Natchez, and schooner Grampus, have been repaired and equipped for sea.

The labor upon the ship of the line Pennsylvania has been resumed, with a view to her completion, and she will probably be ready for launching in the early part of next summer.

The steam-vessel building at New York is so far completed as to be ready for the reception of her engines and machinery; in procuring which there has been some unavoidable delay. It was desirable to secure the

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services of the most able engineer in the United States, to superintend the construction of the engines and machinery of this, as well as other steam-vessels proposed to be built for the service of the United States. Efforts have been made to secure the services of such an engineer, but without success. The first attempt to procure the requisite engines and machinery, by contract, by advertising for proposals, proved abortive: as the lowest offers for the boilers and for the engines were made, by different persons; and the person offering for the engines declined the contract, because he could not also have the contract for the boilers. Arrangements, however, have been since made for procuring the engines and boilers wanted: and the vessel will probably be ready for service in the course of the next summer.

For a detailed statement of the condition of our vessels on the stocks, as well as those afloat at our navy yards, and the means of completion, as well as repair, I beg leave to refer to the reports of the Commissioners of the Navy Board, herewith submitted, marked H and I; and for the amount of timber, iron and other materials, procured for the gradual improvement of the navy, I refer to their report, marked L.

Much has been done in advancing the works and improvements hitherto authorized at the different navy yards, except at that of Pensacola. The works and improvements for which appropriations have been made at that yard, have been delayed until a permanent plan for the same, after a due examination by a board appointed for that purpose, could be adopted.

Since my last annual report, the following vessels have been employed in the Mediterranean: the frigates Constitution, United States, and Potomac; the sloop of war John Adams, and the schooner Shark; the ship of the line Delaware having been withdrawn from that squadron, and the frigate United States added to it, within the present year.

The frigate Potomac, having been employed on that station for upwards of two years, has been ordered home, with instructions to run down the coast of Africa, and visit the settlements at Cape Mesurado, Cape Palmas. and Bassa Cove; thence to proceed to Rio de Janeiro, and after communicating with the commander of our squadron there, to return to Norfolk.

In the West Indies, the frigate Constellation, the sloops of war Vandalia, St. Louis, Concord, Warren, Boston, and Natchez, and the schooner Grampus, have been actively employed. The Warren sailed for that station the latter part of December last, and has returned within a few days to Norfolk for repairs: and when these shall be completed, she will rejoin the squadron.

The Concord sailed from Portsmouth, N. H., the 27th of February last; the Boston on the 10th of July last, from Boston; the Natchez from New York, on the 4th of August; and the schooner Grampus on the 10th of April last. All these vessels, except the Warren, are now on that station.

The brig Porpoise has been employed in conveying the commissioners appointed under a resolution of the Senate, directing an examination of the harbors south of the Chesapeake bay, with a view to their fitness for the purposes of a navy yard. She is daily expected at Norfolk; after which it is intended that she shall sail, as soon as conveniently may be, to join the West India squadron.

On the coast of Brazil, the sloops of war Erie and Ontario have been

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employed. The Ontario returned to the United States in June last, has been undergoing repairs at Norfolk, and she is reported to be in readiness for a crew.

The brig Dolphin sailed in September last from New York, with instructions to proceed to the coast of Africa, and visit the settlements at Gambia, Bissau, Nunez, Cape Mesurado, Bassa Cove, and Cape Palmas; thence to proceed to Rio do Janeiro, to form a part of the Brazilian squadron.

In the Pacific, the frigate Brandywine, the sloop Vincennes, and the schooner Boxer, have been employed. The sloop Vincennes, which previously to my last report was ordered to return to the United States, by way of the East Indies, arrived at Norfolk on the 6th of June last. The frigate Brandywine has been ordered home, and she is probably on her way at this time; her place will be supplied by the ship of the line North Carolina, now under sailing orders.

In the East Indies, the sloop Peacock and schooner Enterprise have been engaged in protecting as well as extending our commerce. They are now on their return to the United States, with orders to visit the settlements of the American Colonization Society on the coast of Africa, near Cape Palmas, Bassa Cove, and Monrovia.

Our squadrons at sea and on foreign stations have afforded to our commerce all the aid and protection that their means would permit.

It was believed that our commerce in the Gulf of Mexico, and in the West Indies, would be more exposed than in any other quarter. To meet the apprehended danger, an unusually large force has been placed at the disposal of Commodore Dallas, the commander of the West India station. In addition to the vessels already stated as forming his squadron, three revenue, cutters and three steamboats have been placed under his command: and he has been charged with the complicated duties of protecting our commerce, of preventing the importation of slaves into Texas or the United States, and of co-operating with the officers of the army and militia in prosecuting the war against the Creek and Seminole Indians; in the performance of all which duties, his squadron has rendered the most essential services to the country.

In maintaining so large a force on the West India station, which ought to be still increased, it has not been in the power of this department to send to other stations the number of vessels which the safety of our commerce required, and serious apprehensions have been justly entertained that our merchants might sustain heavy losses from the want of an adequate force in the Pacific and on the Brazilian station, especially on the latter. Although these apprehensions have not been realized, yet a due regard to the interests of commerce and the honor of our country requires that a more respectable force should be sent to those stations, as soon as practicable. There is no serious difficulty in sending out such a force, but that arising from the want of seamen; and this difficulty will be in some degree obviated on the arrival of the vessels now on their return to the United States.

When, at the commencement of the last and preceding sessions of Congress, it was recommended that a considerable addition should be made to the number of our ships in commission, to meet the exigencies of the rapidly increasing commerce of our country, it was perceived that, should

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the measure be adopted, as it has been, by the liberal appropriations of Congress, it would be necessary to adopt, at the same time, measures for increasing the number of our seamen. The most obvious means of accomplishing this object, was the one recommended, of enlisting into tire service of our navy boys over the age of thirteen, and under the age of eighteen, until they shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years. A bill for this purpose has been before the Senate for the last two sessions, which, it is confidently hoped, will become a law during the approaching session of Congress. In the mean time, as a larger number of seamen is required for the merchant service than usual, and as there is at present actually in the naval service of the United States one-fifth more seamen than were employed three years ago, and a greater number than has been employed at any time within the last fifteen years, some difficulty must necessarily exist in recruiting seamen required for immediate service.

The terms of service of the seamen on the Pacific and Brazilian stations are about to expire. Those on the Pacific station have been ordered home, but will not probably arrive before the middle of January next In the mean time, the North Carolina is ordered to that station, requiring immediately a large number of seamen, and Captain John B. Nicholson has been selected to sail in the razee Independence, to relieve the commander on the coast of Brazil, who, when relieved, will return with the seamen belonging to his station. The Independence will require a large number of seamen to complete her crew. Besides, it is important that each of these ships should be attended by one or two smaller vessels; but this is impracticable in the present state of the service.

It will be easily perceived, therefore, that the force wanted for the protection of commerce exceeds the means of supply which this department can immediately bring into operation. When, therefore, on the_ 18th of May last, it was provided, by an amendment to the general naval appropriation bill, that the President of the United States should be authorized to send out a surveying and exploring expedition to the Pacific ocean and South Seas, I considered it impracticable to fit out this expedition in a manner to meet the views of Congress, under eight or nine months, without a serious injury to other branches of the naval service.

The only insurmountable difficulty, however, in my opinion, was the recruiting the requisite number of seamen in three or four months, without interfering with arrangements already made for sending ships to the Pacific and Brazilian stations, and for sending an additional force to the West Indies.

As, however, it was your earnest wish that the intentions of Congress, in authorizing this measure, should be carried into effect with the least possible delay, and that the expedition should be fitted out upon the extensive and liberal scale which the indications of public opinion seemed to require; and as the officer, Captain Thomas ap Catesby Jones, selected for the command of the expedition, gave assurances that the difficulty of obtaining seamen could be obviated, by giving him power to have then recruited under his immediate superintendence, and for this particular service, it was determined to make an extraordinary effort to accomplish these objects.

Every facility consistent with the rules and regulations of the navy was afforded Capt. Jones for recruiting seamen in the manner he pro-

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posed; and measures were immediately adopted to have one frigate of the second class, one store-ship, two barques, and one schooner, all which he considered as indispensably necessary to the success of the enterprise, prepared without delay; The frigate and store-ship, which were on the stocks when this measure was adopted, have been finished and equipped, and are now receiving their crews; and the other three vessels have been entirely built and equipped for sea. The whole have been finished in the most substantial manner, and adapted to the particular service for which they are destined. These vessels will sail to Norfolk to complete their crews, take in their stores, and to await further orders.

To prevent any delay that might arise from the want of mathematical, astronomical, and philosophical instruments, books, maps, charts,& c., required for the expedition, Lieut. Wilkes of the navy was sent to Europe, and sailed from New York on the 8th of August last, to make the necessary purchases, in which, he has been successful as to the greater part of the articles wanted. For some instruments, however, he has been under the necessity of waiting until they can be manufactured. His return is expected about the middle of this month.

It is believed that every proper exertion has been made to recruit men for this service, but without the anticipated success; no more than about two hundred, according to the returns received, being as yet recruited; and as Captain Jones requires five hundred and eighteen petty officers, seamen, ordinary seamen, boys and marines, together with eighty-five commissioned and warrant officers, for his squadron, it is evident that a considerable time must yet elapse before the expedition can be ready for sea.

Recruiting seamen for a particular service may be attended with great inconvenience, and should not be adopted but upon the most urgent occasion, such as that of the exploring expedition was conceived to be. If the exigencies of the Government; should require of such recruits service different from that for which they were enlisted, discontent, and even mutiny, may be apprehended. Besides, this mode of recruiting cannot but interfere with the recruiting for the general service; and, in the present case, the order to recruit for the exploring expedition has made it necessary to adopt the same mode of recruiting for the crews of the vessels about to sail for the Pacific and Brazilian stations. Recruiting for three distinct objects of service at the same time, while the usual recruiting for the general service is continued, cannot but retard the whole, and compel us to keep in receiving vessels a much larger number of recruits, constantly disposed to desert, than would be required if recruited for the general service alone.

Although the number of recruits is small for any one of these objects, yet, in the aggregate, the number is quite as great as should be expected, when we consider the unusually great number, of seamen now in the naval service of the United States, and the great demand for them in the merchant service.

Although the return of the public vessels now ordered to the United States will, to a considerable extent, furnish men for future service, yet, sending out so large a force as that required for the exploring expedition, to be detained for the term of three years, cannot but be felt as a serious

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inconvenience, in fitting out the number of vessels wanted for the immediate protection of commerce.

As it has been evident, for the last three months, that this exploring squadron could not be ready for sea before the commencement of the approaching session of Congress, nor, indeed, until a late period of the session, I have not yet attempted to organize a scientific corps for the expedition. But, from inquiries made, I am happy to say, that, in most of the departments of science, we have gentlemen ready and willing to embark in this enterprise, whose labors will reflect honor upon themselves and upon the country.

From several learned and philosophical societies, as well as from distinguished individuals, I have received the most ample and satisfactory communications, embracing all the various subjects which it will be necessary to give in charge to the gentlemen who are to conduct the scientific researches which form the most important objects of the expedition.

These communications, so promptly and liberally furnished, are in the highest degree creditable to their authors.

The scientific corps may be organized as soon as accommodations can be afforded them in the vessels of the exploring squadron, and those vessels may leave their place of rendezvous at any season of the year when prepared for sea.

Under the acts concerning naval pensions and the navy pension fund, there are, of

The nominal value of stocks of every description belonging to the fund is $1,143,638 84; of which $641,600 is, by direction of Congress, vested in the stock of the United States Bank; and until the law which directs such investment shall be repealed or altered, this department will have no authority to withdraw the money, or make any different investment of it. If permitted to continue in United States Bank stock, it is very probable that many months will elapse before any income can be derived from this part of the capital, and, in the mean time, the pension fund may sustain a loss, by the necessity of selling other stocks to meet the necessary disbursements.

Of widows on the pension list, eighty-nine have been paid from the day of their husbands' deaths, respectively; and sixty-nine have been paid only from the 30th day of June, 1834, as required by the act of Congress of that date.

Under the privateer pension fund, the number of pensioners is 35.

The annual amount to be paid them is $2,766.

The amount of stock (Maryland five per cent.) belonging to the fund, is $4,667 05.

From this statement it is evident that legislative provision must be

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made for the payment of these pensioners when the fund shall be exhausted, which will probably occur before the 1st of January, 1838.

I would, therefore, respectfully suggest the propriety of making a permanent provision for the payment of those pensions, which by law are granted "during disability, or during life."

The necessary disbursements of the fund, it will be seen, bear but a small proportion to the amount of its receipts; and I therefore repeat a recommendation heretofore offered, that provision be made by law for investing this surplus in some safe stock, for the benefit of the fund. The documents hereunto annexed, marked and numbered O No. 1 to O No. 5. P No. 1 to P No. 4, and Q, furnish all the information respecting those funds required by the 3d section of the act of Congress of the 10th of June, 1832.

I must beg leave to repeat, what I have heretofore stated, that, under the act of June 30, 1834, the widows of officers, seamen, and marines who have died in the naval service since the 1st of January, 1824; or who may die in the said service by reason of disease contracted, or by casualties, by drowning or otherwise; or of injuries received while in the line of duty, are entitled to pensions equal to half the amount of the pay to which their husbands, respectively, were entitled at the time of their deaths.

The act of the 3d of March, 1835, "to regulate the pay of the navy of the United States," and which increased the pay of many of the officers, is silent as to pensions. A difficulty arises in ascertaining the proper amount of pension to be allowed to the widows of naval officers whose pay has been increased by this act.

The pay of a captain in command of a squadron on a foreign station was increased to four thousand dollars a year; when on other duty, to three thousand five hundred dollars; and when off duty, to two thousand five hundred dollars. A corresponding increase of pay is made to other officers.

In the case, for instance, of a captain dying when in command of a foreign station, a question arises whether his widow shall receive a pension to the amount of six hundred dollars a year, to which she would be entitled if the act increasing the pay had not passed; or whether she shall receive the half of the amount to which her husband was entitled as commander on a foreign station, as a captain on other duty, or as a captain off duty. Like difficulties occur with respect to the widows of other officers.

The necessity of an explanatory act, to obviate these difficulties, was respectfully suggested. The subject received the attention of both Houses of Congress, but no final action was had upon it. The question remaining unsettled, creates much embarrassment in this department.

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That the widow of a captain who for years has commanded on foreign stations, but has returned to his country, and is not on duty at the time of his death, shall receive but little more than half the pension she would be entitled to had her husband died a few weeks or days sooner, is evidently unjust. Nor is it just that the widows of captains who died of wounds received in battle or otherwise in the late war, should receive pensions of but a little more than half what might be awarded to the widows of captains dying since the 3d of March, 1835.

The rank of the officer, it is respectfully suggested, should regulate the amount of pension to the widow, rather than the accidental circumstance of service at the time of his death.

In my last annual report, I stated that previously to the passing of the act of the 30th June, 1834, for the better organization of the United States marine corps, double rations had been allowed to the commandant of the corps, and to the officers of the same, commanding at the navy yards at Portsmouth, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Norfolk, and Pensacola; and to the senior marine officers in the squadrons in the Mediterranean, the West Indies, the Brazilian coast, and the Pacific ocean, all receiving the sanction of Congress by their appropriations. By this act, the officers of the marine corps are to receive the same pay, emoluments, and allowances as are given to officers of similar grades in the infantry of the army.

The act of the 16th of March, 1802, fixing the military peace establishment of the United States, authorizes allowances to the commanding officers of each separate post, of such additional number of rations as the President of the United States shall from time to time direct.

These provisions of this last act were continued by an act of the 3d of March, 1815, fixing the military peace establishment.

The paymaster of the marine corps made payments for double rations to officers heretofore receiving the same, from the 1st of July to the 30th of September, 1834; but the accounting officers of the Treasury did not think proper to allow the same, inasmuch as the commands of these officers had never been designated as separate stations, agreeably to the rule prescribed for the army.

This is a case of difficulty, which, it is respectfully suggested, requires legislative interposition. This subject received the favorable consideration, but not final action, of Congress at their last session. It is confidently hoped that the claims of this corps will receive the early attention which their necessities require, and to which they arc entitled by their merits—merits which are much strengthened by their patriotic conduct, in volunteering their services in a campaign against the Creek Indians, in which they have distinguished themselves by their zeal and perseverance in the duties assigned to them. As, however, they have been attached to the army, while on this campaign, their merits will more appropriately receive the notice of the War, than of the Navy Department.

In obedience to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 3d of March last, requiring a course of experiments to be instituted, for the purpose of ascertaining the efficiency, and testing the safety, of the medium or light guns of the navy, and of comparing their effects with the guns for which they were proposed to be substituted, a board of commissioners has been appointed, consisting of Commodore Charles Morris, Commo-

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dore Daniel T. Patterson, Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones, Captain William B. Shubrick, and Captain Lawrence Kearney, to make the course of experiments required. Several officers have been detailed to co-operate with them, and very extensive preparations have been made near Old Point Comfort, to have the experiments made in the most complete and satisfactory manner. As soon as the proper experiments can be made, the results will be reported to the House of Representatives.

By your directions, given under a resolution of the Senate of the United States of the 24th of May last, that the Executive be requested to cause to be made the necessary examinations and surveys of the several harbors south of the mouth of the Chesapeake bay, and a report of the comparative facilities and advantages of the same for the establishment of a navy yard, a board has been constituted, consisting of Commodore M. T. Woolsey, Captain Alex. Claxton, and Master Commandant E. R. Shubrick, who were sent out in the brig Porpoise, under the command of Lieutenant William Ramsay, to make the required examinations and surveys. After having made those examinations and surveys, the commissioners have returned to New York. Their report will, soon as received, be communicated, as required by the resolution.

By your directions, also, a board has been constituted, consisting of Commodore Charles Stewart, Commodore Alex. J. Dallas, and Captain W. C. Bolton, aided by a competent engineer, to examine the navy yard at Pensacola, and to prepare plans for the improvement of the same. These commissioners have completed their examinations and plans, the result of which will be submitted to you in a separate report for your consideration and approval.

Under the act of the 30th June, 1834, authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to make experiments for the safety of the steam engine, and appropriating five thousand dollars for that purpose, the memorial of John C. F. Salomon, presenting a plan of a steam-boiler, composed of inverted arches, which he has invented, and which he considers as superior to the common cylindrical boiler, was referred to me by the House of Representatives.

On the assurance of Mr. Salomon that the sum of four hundred dollars would he amply sufficient for making all the experiments necessary for testing the value of his alleged improvement I directed that sum to be expended in making and preparing two boilers, under his immediate superintendence: one a common cylindrical boiler, the other upon his plan of inverted arches. Experiments were made upon these boilers in February last, near the eastern front of the Capitol, in the presence of a large number of the members of Congress and others, but without any satisfactory result.

Mr. Salomon requested me to make further experiments upon these boilers, which I declined, but permitted him to have the use of the boilers for making such experiments as he might think proper; so that, if there is any value in his alleged improvement, he has the means of showing it at the public expense.

The sum of $519 75 was heretofore expended under this act in testing Mr. Phillips's supposed improvement in steam-boilers, as stated in my last report; which, added to the sum expended on Mr. Salomon's sup-

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posed improvement, amounts to $919 75, leaving an unexpended balance of the appropriation of $4,080 25.

By the statement marked U, hereto annexed, it will appear that of the appropriations heretofore made for the suppression of the slave trade, there remains in the Treasury a balance of $11,413 58.

The necessary references to papers and documents connected with this report will be found in a schedule hereunto annexed.

All which is respectfully submitted.

MAHLON DICKERSON.

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SCHEDULE OF PAPERS

Accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the United States, of 3d December, 1836.

A. Estimate for the office of the Secretary of the Navy.

B. Estimate for the office of the Commissioners of the Navy.

C. Estimate for the expenses of the Southwest Executive Building.

D. The general estimate for the navy.

Detailed estimate D-1, for vessels in commission.

D 2, for receiving vessels.

D 3, for recruiting suctions.

D 4, yards and stations—pay of officers and others at.

D 5, for officers waiting orders and on furlough.

D 6, for provisions.

D 7. for improvements and repairs of navy yards.

E. Special estimates for objects not embraced in the usual annual estimates for the current service of the navy.

F. Estimate for the marine corps.

G. List of vessels in commission of each squadron, their commanders, and stations.

H. List of vessels in ordinary.

I. List of vessels building.

K. Report of proceedings under law for the gradual increase of the navy.

L. Report of proceedings under law for the gradual improvement of the navy.

M. Report of measures taken to carry into effect the law of the last session, in relation to the surveying and exploring expedition.

N. Estimate of amount required for support of frigate Macedonian, storeship Relief, two barques, Pioneer and Consort, and schooner Pilot, employed on surveying and exploring expedition, for one year.

O. Navy pension fund—list of pensioners, &c. from No. 1 to No. 5.

P. Privateer pension fund—list of pensioners, &c. from No. 1 to No. 4.

Q. Navy hospital fund.

R. List of deaths in the navy.

S. List of dismissions in the navy.

T. List of resignations in the navy.

U. Proceedings under law for suppression of the slave-trade.

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A.

ESTIMATE of the sums required for the support of the office of the Secretary of the Navy, for the year 1837.

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B.

ESTIMATE of the sums required for the support of the Navy Commissioner's Office, for the year 1837.

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C.

ESTIMATE of the sums required for the expenses of the Southwest Executive Building, for the year 1837.

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D.

There will be required for the navy during the year 1837, for general service, in addition to the balances that may remain on hand on the 1st day of January, 1837, the sum of five million one hundred and sixty, seven thousand two hundred and ninety dollars; and for the surveying and exploring expedition, the sum of three hundred and forty-six thousand four hundred and thirty-one dollars, exclusive of the marines attached to that expedition.

ESTIMATE D—Continued.

Navy Commissioners' Office, Nov. 22, 1836.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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D 1.

ESTIMATE of the amount of pay that will be required for the year 1837, for general service, for the following vessels in commission, being part of the first item in the general estimate for that year, viz: two ships of the line, one razée, five frigates, fourteen sloops of war; six schooners, and one steamer.

Note.—The force in commission for general service, estimated for 1837, is the same as that for 1836, excepting the substitution of a razée for a first class, and the omission of a second class frigate.

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There will also be required for the pay of commission, warrant, and petty officers, and seamen, and exclusive of marines, and for the scientific corps attached to the surveying and exploring expedition, consisting of the following vessels, viz: frigate Macedonian, store-ship Relief, barques Pioneer and Consort, and schooner Pilot,

The sum of $210,848 50

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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D 2.

ESTIMATE of the number and pap of officers, &c. required for five receiving vessels for the year 1837, being part of the first item in the general estimate for that year.

JOHN RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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D3.

ESTIMATE of the pay of the officers attached to five recruiting stations for the year 1837, being part of the first item in the general estimate for that year.

JOHN RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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D4.

ESTIMATE of the pay of the officers and others, at navy yards and stations, for 1837.

YARDS AND STATIONS.

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D4—Continued.

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D4—Continued.

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeons of the yard are to be required to attend to the duties of the yard, to those of the receiving ship, and to the marines; one to be always on board the receiving ship.

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D4—Continued.

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeons of the yard are to be required to attend to the duties of the yard, receiving ship, and marines; one to be always on board the receiving ship.

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D4—Continued.

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D4—Continued.

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D4—Continued.

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeons of the yard ore to be required to attend to the duties of the yard, to those of the receiving ship, and marines; one to be always on board the receiving ship.

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D4—Continued.

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard to attend to the duties of the yard, the marines, and ordinary receiving ship, should one be allowed.

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D4—Continued.

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D4—Continued.

RECAPITULATION.

This increase of $3,000 at hospitals is caused by adding one lieutenant at Philadelphia, and one at Norfolk.

The increase of $2,030 in the civil branch of the yards is caused by adding $250 to the salaries of the assistant master builder, and the master chain cable and anchor maker, respectively: $50 to the pay of the caboose maker, and $30 to the assistant master builder's clerk at Washington: and by allowing a second clerk to the commandant at $750, and a second clerk to the storekeeper at $450, and increasing the pay of the storekeepers first clerk $250, at Pensacola: making $5,030, the whole amount increased.

This increase of numbers and compensation for 1837 has been proposed upon the representation of the commandants of the respective yards, in consequence of increased duties; the increased prices of labor, generally; and the increased expense of living, which, in the opinion of the board, rendered it but justice to the individuals concerned.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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D5

ESTIMATE of the pay required for the commission and warrant officers waiting orders, and on furlough, for 1837; being part of the first item in the general estimate for that year.

This estimate is reduced in amount below the estimate for 1836, because a greater number of officers are required for the force in commission for 1837, including the exploring expedition, thereby lessening the number waiting orders.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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D6.

ESTIMATE of the amount required for provisions for the year 1837, for general service, explanatory of the third item in the general estimate for that year.

7,443 persons in vessels in commission, exclusive of the marines embarked, and of the surveying and exploring expedition;

662 marines embarked in vessels in commission;

1,257 enlisted persons, attached to receiving vessels and shore stations;

Making 9,362 persons in total —at one ration per day, will make 3,417,130 rations; which, at twenty-five cent's each ration, is equal to $854,282 50

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From this amount there may be deducted (estimating the balance that may remain in the Treasury on January 1, 1837, which, it is presumed, will not be required) the sum of 150,000 00

Which will leave $704,282 50

Being the amount asked for in the third item of the general estimate for 1837.

EXPLORING EXPEDITION.

There will be required, under the head of provisions, for this special service; in addition to the sum estimated above for general service, for 642 persons, including fifty-two marines, at one ration per day, making 234,330 rations at twenty-five cents each ration, the sum of $58,582 50

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

____________

D 7.

ESTIMATE of the proposed improvements and repairs to be made in navy yards during the year 1837, explanatory of the sixth item in the general estimate.

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--469--

In preparing the estimates for the improvements and repairs to be made in the different navy yards for 1837, those objects have been selected which were considered most desirable, or which could be most advantageously commenced during that year.

The expenditure of the appropriations which were made for the navy yard near Pensacola, at the last session of Congress, was suspended until a plan should be prepared for its future improvement, and approved by the President of the United States, conformably to the law of 3d March 1827. This amount, and those now embraced in the estimates for 1837, will probably be as great as can be judiciously expended during the year, should the proposed plans be approved.

The very high prices for labor and materials which have prevailed throughout the country, have increased the cost of several objects beyond the amounts which were estimated, and have rendered it necessary to estimate now for additional sums to complete them.

JOHN RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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E.

Special estimates for objects not embraced in the usual annual estimates for the current service of the navy.

1. Ship Pennsylvania.

For completing and equipping the ship of the line Pennsylvania $400,000

2. For two sloops of war.

For building and equipping two sloops of war, from frames already provided under former appropriations $280,000

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The Board of Navy Commissioners respectfully state, that the ship of the line Pennsylvania was commenced, and her expenses have hitherto been paid, under the law and appropriations for the gradual increase of the navy. This appropriation has been so nearly expended, that the sum now estimated, according to the reports from the commandant of the yard, will be required in addition to the amount on hand to complete and equip her for service.

The estimate for building two sloops of war, is presented in obedience to your instructions.

Upon the third head, which relates to the hospitals, the board have testate, that from the amount of force employed in the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico, and which rendezvous at Pensacola, the board concur in opinion with the commandant and medical officer at Pensacola, that an addition to the present accommodations for the sick is desirable, and have therefore presented an estimate for that purpose.

The amounts estimated for the hospital and its dependencies near Norfolk, have been rendered necessary, in part, by considerable injuries sustained in late violent gales; and the other purposes are considered desirable for the proper preservation of the property.

As respects the naval asylum near Philadelphia, the opening of avenues,

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and other improvements around the ground, have rendered additional enclosures necessary; and the state of the grounds westward of the building will be much improved by an early attention to their graduation. The enclosure of a burying ground is also deemed necessary.

The present building at New York forms a part only of the building as originally proposed by the commandant of the yard. It will not conveniently accommodate more than sixty patients, though ninety might be placed in it in case of necessity. It has been thought advisable to propose its extension now, that it may be ready for use should any cause increase the number of sick in the naval service at that port. To complete the building as originally proposed, and to furnish it, will require a further sum of about $50,000.

The small sum proposed for the hospital near Boston has been rendered necessary in consequence of the increased cost of labor and materials beyond what was anticipated.

As respects the magazines at New York and Boston, the additional sums now proposed have been rendered also necessary by the unexpected increase in the cost of labor and materials.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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F.

Estimate for the support of the marine corps, for the year 1837.

Head-Quarters marine Corps,

Quartermaster's Office, October 1, 1836.

Sir:

Herewith I have the honor to submit a quadruple estimate of appropriation required for the support of the marine corps during the year 1837.

With the exception of a small diminution in the estimate for the pay department and the subsistence of the marines serving on shore, caused by the preceding year having been bissextile or leap year, the estimates for the pay department, and for subsistence, clothing, fuel, medicines, military stores, and transportation, will be found to correspond with those of that year.

An appropriation of $50,000 is asked for the purchase of a site and the erection of new barracks at or near Brooklyn, New York. Two appropriations have already been made by Congress for these objects; but in consequence of its being doubtful whether the navy yard would be retained at Brooklyn, it was deemed inexpedient to erect the barracks. The present barracks were condemned in 1826, and are now in so dilapidated a state as to be utterly unfit to afford shelter for the marines stationed there, and so soon as the troops return from the Creek campaign, private quarters will have to be hired for their accommodation.

I am, sir. respectfully, &c.

E. J. WEED, Q. M. M. C.

Lieut. Col. R. D. Wainwright,

           Commanding Marine Corps, Head-quarters.

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Headquarters Marine Corps,

October 6, 1836.

Gentlemen:

I have the honor to enclose herewith estimates for the marine corps for the year 1836, with an explanatory letter from the quartermaster.

An increase of the corps, the necessity of which, to answer the exigencies of the service, as submitted for your consideration, will of course render a further estimate necessary.

Fifty thousand dollars now estimated for barracks was asked for, the last session of Congress, but not granted, as no permanent location for a dock in New York had been determined on. Under the expectation that the objection will be removed, the estimate is renewed.

A late inspection of the barracks at that yard has convinced me that it will be necessary to procure temporary quarters previous to the return of the troops from Florida.

The appropriation made the last session of Congress for sites and barracks at Pensacola, Gosport, and Charlestown, has not been drawn from the Treasury. The want of barracks at Pensacola, the dilapidated state of those at Gosport and Charlestown, and their interfering so materially with the projectile plan of building at the yards, will, I trust, show the necessity of a speedy action under the law of appropriation.

With great respect, &c.

R. D. WAINWRIGHT,

Lt. Col commanding M. C.

To the Commissioners of the Navy.

--473--

GENERAL ESTIMATE of the expenses of the marine corps for the year 1837.

There will be required for the support of the murine corps during the year 1S37, in addition to the balances which may remain on hand the 1st of January, 1837, the sum of three hundred and thirty-nine thousand eight hundred and nine dollars and sixty-two cents.

Head-quarters Marine Corps,

Quartermaster's Office, September 1, 1836.

E. J. WEED, Q. M. M. C.

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_____________

F1.—Pay Department.

DETAILED ESTIMATE of the pay and subsistence of officers, and pay of non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates of the marine corps of the United States, for the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.

--475--

Head-quarters Marine Corps,
Paymasters Office, September 20, 1836.

JOS. INGLE,
For CHARLES R. BROOM,
Br. Lieut. Col. and Paymaster U. S. Marine Corps.

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_____________

F2.—Provisions.

_____________

F3.—Clothing.

--477--

____________

F4.—Fuel.

--478--

Navy Commissioner's Office,
November 22, 1836.

The only item in the estimates for the marine corps, as presented by Lieutenant Colonel Wainwright, which appears to require any remark from the Navy Commissioners, is, that for the purchase of a site and the erection of barracks at or near Brooklyn, New York.

The Board of Navy Commissioners, in their letters to the Secretary of the Navy of the 2Sth of September, 1833, and 15th of January, 1834, expressed the opinion that the most advantageous distribution of the marine corps, as the navy yards are now occupied, would be to retain only the commandant and staff of the corps at Washington, and to place the remainder of the corps near the navy yards at Charlestown, Massachusetts, Brooklyn, New York, Gosport, Virginia, and Pensacola.

If the marines are to continue as a permanent part of the navy, the Board of Navy Commissioners remain of the opinion that such distribution is advisable, and that the earliest measures for providing the necessary barracks, near such of those yards as may be considered permanent, is required by considerations of eventual economy, and a proper regard to the comfort and health of the marines.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

--479--

____________

G.

LIST of vessels in commission, of each squadron, their commanders, and stations.

--480--

______________

H.

Statement showing the names, rate, distribution, and condition of the vessels in ordinary, October 1, 1836.

At Portsmouth, N. H.

Lexington, sloop of war—in readiness for service.

At Charlestown, Mass.

Independence, razée—repairs have just been completed, and is in readiness for service.

Columbus, ship of the line—under repairs.

At Brooklyn, N. Y.

Washington, ship of the line—requires extensive repairs. Franklin, ship of the line—requires large repairs. Ohio, ship of the line—is under repair.

Hudson, frigate—is considered unlit tor sea service, and is used as a receiving vessel.

Ontario, sloop of war—is under repairs, which are nearly completed.

At Philadelphia.

A store-ship, prepared for the exploring expedition—new, and equipments nearly completed.

Sea Gull, an old steam vessel—is decayed and unlit for sea service, and is used as a receiving vessel.

At Gosport, Va.

North Carolina, ship of the line—has been recently repaired, and is ready for service.

Delaware, ship of the line.....is now in dock, under repairs.

Columbia, frigate, new-has been recently equipped, and is ready for service.

Guerriere, frigate—is much decayed, and requires to be rebuilt or extensively repaired.

Java, frigate-condemned as unfit for sea service, and is used as a receiving vessel.

Fairfield, sloop of war—recently repaired, and is ready for service. Vincennes, sloop of war—requires large repairs. Falmouth, sloop of war-is ready for service.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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I.

STATEMENT of the vessels on, the stocks at the different navy yards,

October 1, 1836.

Portsmouth, N. H.

Under the law for the gradual increase of the navy, one ship of the line and one frigate.

Charlestown, Mass.

Under the law for the gradual increase of the navy, two ships of the line and one frigate.

Under the law for the exploring expedition, two barques of about 230 tons each.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

Under the law for the gradual increase of the navy, two frigates and one steam-vessel.

Under the law for the exploring expedition, one schooner of about 130 tons.

Philadelphia.

Under the law for the gradual increase of the navy, one ship of the line and one frigate.

Gosport, Va.

Under the law for the gradual increase of the navy, one ship of the line and one frigate.

Under special appropriation for the Macedonian, one frigate of the second class, nearly ready for launching.

RECAPITULATION—ON THE STOCKS.

Note.—The Macedonian, two barques, and schooner for the exploring expedition, have been launched, since the 1st October.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

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____________

K.

Statement of the measures which have been taken to carry into effect the laws for the gradual increase of the navy, which were approved on the 29th April, 1816, and the 3d March, 1821.

The ships of the line, Columbus, North Carolina, and Delaware, have been in service for some years.

The ship of the line, Ohio, was launched in May, 1820, but her hull was not fully completed at that time; she is now repairing and fitting for service.

The frigates Brandywine, Potomac, and Columbia, have been launched. The two former have been in service for some years; the latter is now equipped, and ready for sea.

Five ships of the line and six frigates remain on the stocks, under houses; they are generally sound, and in good condition, with the exception of some defective places in the keels, keelsons, and dead woods: measures have been taken to replace these. Preparations are also making to complete the hull of the Pennsylvania ship of the line, and to launch her in the course of the next year. The other ships are so far advanced, that they could probably be completed as soon as crews could be collected for them.

The steam-vessel, which was commenced under this appropriation, has been delayed on account of the engines and machinery, which cannot be obtained until the next year.

The amounts under this appropriation will be insufficient to complete the Pennsylvania. An additional appropriation for this purpose, according to the statement from the commandant of the yard at Philadelphia, will be required, of four hundred thousand dollars.

Should it be deemed advisable to complete any of the other vessels under this appropriation, an additional amount will be required. The distribution of the ships on the stock's is shown in statement I.

JOHN RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

____________

L.

Statement of the measures which have been taken to carry into effect the laws for the gradual improvement of the navy, which were approved 3d March, 1827, and 2d March, 1833.

Complete live oak frames have been delivered at the navy yard, Charlestown, Mass. for two ships of the line, two frigates, and one sloop of war; at the navy yard, Brooklyn, N. Y., for one frigate; at the navy yard, Philadelphia, for two frigates and one sloop; at the navy yard, Washington, for one frigate and one sloop; at the navy yard, Gosport, Virginia, two ships of the line, one frigate and one sloop of war.

Other contracts have been made for the live oak timber required for 5 ships of the line, 7 frigates, 6 sloops of war, 5 schooners, and 3 steamers. Of these, nearly the whole of the frames for a frigate and sloop of war have been delivered at Portsmouth, N. H., but only a small quantity at

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other places. The situation of Florida during the past year has given interruption to some of the contractors, and prevented the delivery of the quantities which might have been expected under more favorable circumstances.

Contracts have also been made for the white oak and yellow pine timber, which is estimated to be necessary for the complete frames which have been delivered; these are not wholly completed.

The following statement shows the expenditures for different purpose* under this appropriation, up to the 1st, October, 1836. so far as they have been returned to the board:

The objects of expenditure under the act of March, 1827, were limited to the two dry docks and the purchase of timber. By the act of March, 1833, the authority purchase was extended to other articles for building the vessels, under which iron and copper have been procured.

It has been decided, however, that this extension is insufficient to justify the purchase of articles intended for the armament or equipment of vessels. Several of these articles are nearly imperishable in their nature, will

--484--

require much time to prepare, and which it is very important should be in readiness before the vessels are built. Amongst these are ordnance, shot and shells, water tanks, chain cables, anchors, powder cases, small arms and cutlasses. It is, therefore, respectfully suggested for your consideration, whether it may not be advisable to request from Congress such modification of the present, law as will permit the purchase of articles of a durable character, for the armament and equipment of vessels, as well as for building them.

JNO. RODGERS.
I. CHAUNCEY.
C. MORRIS.

____________

M.

Report of the measures which have been taken to carry into effect the law of the last session, in relation to the surveying and exploring expedition.

The frigate Macedonian having been designated by the department as one of the vessels to be employed, orders were given for her completion and equipment with reference to that service. By the reports from the commandant of the yard, it may be expected that she will be completely equipped by about the last of November. It is presumed that the special appropriation of $207,986 for rebuilding this ship will be sufficient to complete her, with the exception of provisions and sea stores.

The store-ship which was building at the navy yard, Philadelphia, having also been designated by the department for this service, was directed to be completed and equipped accordingly. She is launched, and is ready for her stores and crew whenever they shall be designated by the commander of the expedition. The expenses for this vessel, beyond the special appropriations for her, have been paid from the appropriation for this expedition.

Two barques of about 230 tons have been launched at the navy yard. Boston, and will probably be ready for their stores and crews by the 20th of November.

A schooner of about 130 tons has also been built at the navy yard, New York, and will probably be ready for her crew and stores about the 20th of November.

Detailed statements of the expenditure upon these objects have not yet been made to this office, but the amount remaining in the Treasury from the appropriation of $150,000 was, on the 1st of November, but $29,624, which will be insufficient to complete the remaining equipment of the several vessels, but which can probably be done from the $150,000 which the President is authorized to take from other means under the control of the Navy Department.

An estimate for the support of this expedition for the year 1837, is presented, with the estimates tor the general service, and in N.

JNO. RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY.
C. MORRIS.

--485--

_____________

N.

ESTIMATE of the amount that will be required for the support of the frigate Macedonian, the store-ship Relief, the two barques Pioneer and Consort, and the schooner Pilot, employed on the surveying and exploring expedition, for one year.

JOHN RODGERS,
I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS.

--486--

____________

O No. 1.

ALPHABETICAL LIST of Widow Pensioners, complete to September 30; 1836.

--487--

O No. 1—Continued.

--488--

O No. 1—Continued.

September 30, 1836.

--489--

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O No. 2.

ALPHABETICAL LIST of Invalid Pensioners, complete to 30th of September, 1836.

--490--

O No. 2—Continued.

--491--

O No. 2-Continued.

--492--

O No. 2—Continued.

--493--

O No. 2—Continued.