Naval History and Heritage Command

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, SHOWING THE CONDITION OF THE NAVY IN 1832.

COMMUNICATED WITH THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE OF DECEMBER 4, 1832.

Navy Department,

December 3, 1832.

To the President of the United States:

Sir:

It is a source of much gratification to be able to lay before you an exposition of the transactions of this Department the past year, evincing great prosperity.

New evidences have been furnished of the importance of our navy in sustaining the American character abroad, and in extending and protecting some of our most valuable interests.

Besides the ordinary aid given to commerce by the presence of a respectable force on each of our foreign stations, the cruising grounds of some of our squadrons have been enlarged; convoy, and relief in distress, have been occasionally afforded; threatened aggressions have, in some cases, been deterred, and, in others, the commission of actual injuries has been seasonably investigated and stopped.

In the performance of these duties, frequently very delicate and difficult, our officers have, in general, displayed commendable prudence, and always their accustomed promptitude, zeal, and bravery.

Connected with the Mediterranean station, the only collision that has arisen between any part of our squadron and other powers took place at Madeira, between the Constellation and the blockading vessels of Donna Maria. The commander of the Constellation, under instructions to show entire impartiality towards the contending claimants to the throne of Portugal, and at the same time to respect, in all places, the actual government, found, on his arrival at that island, the force employed in its blockade apparently insufficient for the due investment of the place, and partial in its indulgences towards the flags of other nations. Under these impressions as to the facts, and under his general orders for the efficient protection of our commerce, he came to a conclusion, very fortunate for those interested in the trade to Madeira, that while such a state of things continued he was justified in extending assistance to our merchantmen to enter the port of their destination with their perishable cargoes.

The addition to the Mediterranean squadron of the frigates Constellation and United States, and the return of the Ontario, are the only material changes in it since my last annual report. The Delaware has been prepared for sea with a view to that station, but it was deemed expedient not to dispatch her, unless some emergency occurred, until she could undergo a thorough examination in one of our dry docks. The Brandywine, Boston, and Concord, being expected home the present winter, their places will probably, in a few months, be supplied by the Delaware.

The chastisement inflicted by the frigate Potomac on the piratical Malays, in February last, is the sole occurrence of importance among our vessels that compose the squadron in the Pacific. The orders given to her commander required him to ascertain, by careful inquiries, that the information received here before his sailing, concerning the plunder and massacre committed on board the ship Friendship, was not exaggerated. He was further directed to satisfy himself that those outrages were not provoked by any misconduct on the part of the Americans; and that the offenders were, as represented and believed to be true, a race of a character so lawless and savage as not to come within the scope of regular diplomatic intercourse. He was also instructed, if practicable, first to demand and obtain indemnity for the injury committed, and the punishment of those most conspicuous in these barbarous atrocities. It has been gratifying to learn, by accounts from that quarter of the world, subsequent to the visit of the Potomac to Sumatra, that the result of that visit has been to silence all exultation and menaces of further violence from those sea robbers; to draw from them acknowledgments of past errors, and promises of future forbearance from like offences, and to insure, as yet, a scrupulous fulfillment of those promises. But to guard against their perfidy, orders were given that the Potomac should be followed by a detachment from the Brazilian squadron, part of which detachment has since sailed, and has instructions to touch not only at Sumatra, but such places in India, China, and on the eastern coast of Africa, as may be conducive to the security and prosperity of our important commercial interests in those regions.

The stop put to the seizure of our vessels at the Falkland Islands, in January last, was effected by a ship of the Brazilian squadron, under general instructions from this Department to take all proper measures for the effectual security of our commerce and fisheries. Special orders on that subject had been previously prepared and forwarded by this Department, but they had not arrived at the time of the

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prompt and successful interference by the Lexington. Our commerce and fisheries have not been molested in that quarter since that occurrence. The Boxer, another vessel of the same squadron, after visiting Liberia, in Africa, has, at a critical moment, extended our naval protection to the neighborhood of Para and Maranham. The schooner Enterprise, in the late disturbances at Montevideo, was also placed in a position of much delicacy, and succeeded in furnishing very opportune assistance, not only to our own merchants, but to the constituted authorities of the country. Nothing else of interest, connected with the Brazilian station, has occurred since my last annual report. But the unsettled condition of South America, and the security of our commerce in India, have led to an increase of our force on that station, by the addition of the Peacock, Boxer, and Enterprise.

The West India squadron has been employed in an active and useful manner, and particularly so while on the coast of Mexico. During the commotions in that country, the past season, this squadron yielded very efficient protection to our own citizens, and was, on some occasions, fortunately enabled to proffer security to the residents from other nations. The recent seizure of the Montezuma, a vessel belonging to Santa Anna, was made by the Grampus without any special instructions from this Department; but, on the facts reported to her commander, the seizure was deemed by him both necessary and proper in the execution of his general orders to shield our flag, our citizens, and their property, from unlawful aggressions. A part of this squadron has recently been detached to visit the Western Islands, the Cape de Verds, and, if necessary, the coast of Africa, in pursuit of a piratical vessel which, in September last, robbed the American merchant brig Mexican of a large amount of property near the Azores. This measure, aided by instructions to the commanders of vessels on their return from the Mediterranean, and to those now in the West Indies, as well as to our consuls at Madeira, Lisbon, and Gibraltar, to use all practicable vigilance in the detection and punishment of the authors of this wanton outrage, will, it is hoped, terminate successfully; and, in any event, will tend to prevent any other attempts of a like character, from the increased impracticability of escape with impunity. The only changes in the vessels of this squadron have been the withdrawal of the Fairfield, Vincennes, and Erie, for repairs, and the substitution of the St. Louis and Vandalia.

For reasons suggested in the last annual report, it has been my endeavor to keep one of our vessels, in commission, remaining constantly on some portion of our own coast. The schooner Experiment, after sundry trials of her qualities, which proved in a great degree satisfactory, and after a visit, during the past season, to most of our home stations, is still retained on our Atlantic sea-board, ready to be dispatched to such quarter of the world as any new incident may show to be most expedient.

Of the three small vessels heretofore employed in the protection of our live oak, there seems now to be little doubt but one unfortunately foundered in a severe gale during the previous year. The other two, under a belief that their further employment would not be so beneficial as to justify the expenses they occasion, have been recalled. One ceased to be in commission in May last, and was ordered to be sold, and the same disposition will be made of the other on her arrival at Norfolk.

A list of all our vessels now in commission, with their stations and commanders, is annexed (A.) The vessels not in commission have all been recently examined by the Navy Board; and most of those in ordinary, as well as all on the stocks, have been found to be in a good state of preservation. For their condition in detail, reference may be had to the documents annexed (M and N.) The acts of Congress, relative to the rebuilding of the Macedonian, and the purchase of timber to rebuild, at some future period, the Java and Cyane, have both been executed as far as practicable. The rebuilding of the former has already been commenced, and contracts have been made for timber for the others.

The collection of live oak frames, and of other timber suitable for other parts of vessels, under the act for the gradual improvement of the navy, is in progress, as rapidly as the supply of live oak timber from private lands, and the erection of sheds at the different yards, to preserve our materials of that character, render judicious.

On the subject of vessels, the Department has nothing more of much importance to remark, except the repetition of its earnest desire, expressed in the last annual report, for an appropriation to build a few steam batteries. In addition to the consideration then urged in favor of early attention to this subject, may properly be suggested the circumstances, that much time will be required, not only to procure their peculiar equipments, but to introduce the system of discipline, somewhat novel, which may be necessary for their crews; to enable our officers to acquire the new and necessary science suitable for the supervision and management of steam batteries, and to train a distinct class of persons in the service to become their engineers. It is moreover ascertained that these batteries can be so constructed as to prove highly useful, during peace, at the principal navy yards, in towing public vessels towards their destination, at the time of their departure and return, under all winds and tides, and in the frequent and indispensable transportation of men, stores and provisions.

The property on hand at the several yards, consisting chiefly of timber, iron, copper and arms, continues to increase in amount. The whole now exceed in value the sum of five millions five hundred and seventy-nine thousand nine hundred and seventeen dollars. (B.) Independent of what is provided for repairs of vessels, we have on hand the frames for four ships of the line, seven frigates, four sloops and three steam batteries; nine hundred tons of iron, four hundred and fifty-eight tons of copper, ninety-three tons of lead; two thousand two hundred and thirty-two cannon and carronades; three thousand five hundred and four muskets; about thrice as many pistols and cutlasses; two hundred and twenty-eight thousand nine hundred and eight round and double-headed cannon balls, besides grape and cannister; thirty-five thousand six hundred pounds of powder; one hundred and ninety-eight thousand three hundred and eighty-two pounds of sulphur, and about double that quantity of nitre. For further particulars under this head, reference may be had to the annexed report (C.) Increased attention has been bestowed on the due arrangement and preservation of all these materials; and new securities, for their proper use and the accountability for them, will probably be introduced into the revised naval regulations now preparing.

Without much previous attention to the extent and quality of these materials, it will never be in our power, in any future emergency, to develop suddenly, and employ efficiently, the great naval capacities of this country for annoyance of an enemy and for protection to our commerce, as well as for maritime defence.

The act of Congress for the gradual improvement of the navy will expire next March; and this occasion is seized to recommend the continuance of its appropriations for the purchase of these materials, as well as for other valuable purposes, at least six years longer. If these materials are gradually collected, and well preserved, in such quantities as to enable us, in addition to the force usually in commission,

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forthwith, in any crisis, to put our vessels that may be in ordinary and on the stocks into a condition for active and efficient service, and to build and equip suitably such other vessels as our great commercial marine will assist us fully to man, we shall then exercise that true foresight, and that sound and sagacious economy in respect to this branch of the public service, which all experience of our own and other nations recommends, and which the present flourishing state of our country justifies. Without any increase of the number of seamen actually serving in the navy during peace, every sailor on our two thousand miles of seaboard, on our noble rivers and vast lakes, can then be considered as in a course of training to man the numerous vessels-of-war, which our interests, our rights and our honor may at any future period require us to arm; and our countless steam vessels, on the navigable waters connected with some of our frontiers, could then, in any emergency, be at once supplied with the proper munitions of war, and be so far equipped as floating batteries, that they will furnish new and powerful aid, not only in the rapid transportation of men and stores, but in repressing hostile depredations near our shores, and in repelling an invading foe.

Though nominally, as to vessels in commission, only the fifth or sixth naval power in the world, and not expending over one-eighth of the annual amount paid by some nations to maintain a naval establishment, yet, if we look to the true elements of naval power, to our ships in ordinary and on the stocks, to our materials for building and equipment collected and collecting, to our large commercial marine, whether of merchant vessels or steamboats, to our flourishing fisheries, our extended sea-coast and excellent harbors, to our large number of navigable rivers and inland seas, and, at the same time, to our position in regard to other nations, with few neighbors bordering on us by land, and an ocean rolling between us and most of the governments with whom we are likely to have collision, it must be manifest that our greatest exposure and danger are on the water, and that our means of attack and defence there, if duly husbanded and developed, will probably always prove equal to sustain us with credit in any hostilities into which the convulsions of the world may hereafter plunge our peaceful confederacy.

The buildings at the different yards, contemplated by the estimates of last year, have been commenced; and such sums as are wanted to complete them, and to begin others necessary for the accommodation of the officers, the construction and repairs of vessels, and for the safety of the public property, are included in the estimates for the ensuing year.

The appropriation, at the last session, for the survey of Narraganset Bay, received immediate attention. The survey has been completed, and the chart is now preparing. When finished, it will be submitted, for the purpose of being laid before Congress.

The liberal appropriations made at the last session, in aid of the navy hospital fund, have been partly expended; and, when the buildings are finished and furnished, they will conduce greatly to the health and comfort of their meritorious inmates, and reflect much credit on the humanity and benevolence of the country. Measures have been adopted to obtain, if practicable, the release of jurisdiction from the States over the several hospital sites, with a view to prevent the burden and annoyance of taxes, and the obstructions to due discipline in the establishments.

The navy hospital, navy pension, and privateer pension funds, since being placed exclusively under the charge of this Department, have all received careful attention; and the present prosperous condition, especially of the two first, will be made the subject of a separate report, to be submitted to Congress in. a few days. The payment of nine thousand dollars on the third of March, 1829, for the site of the Navy hospital at Norfolk, having been made out of the appropriation for pay and subsistence, instead of the navy hospital fund, and on a deed of conveyance deemed exceptionable in its form, the special interposition of Congress to arrange the subject was held to be proper by my predecessor; and, on that account, the subject still remains unadjusted on the books of the Fourth Auditor.

The entire completion of the dry docks has been prevented by an accident to the coffer dam of one of them, the prevalence of the cholera in the neighborhood of the other, and the extraordinary severity of the weather during the last winter. But it is believed that the solidity and durability of the works, generally, will be increased by the delay; and that, during the ensuing season, we shall be enabled, with safety and. great advantage, to use both the dry docks in the examination and repair of our public vessels. The report annexed will furnish the details on this subject, as well as the other proceedings under the act for the gradual improvement of the navy. (D.) A civil engineer will be needed in the future superintendence of these docks; and he could otherwise be very useful in preparing plans and estimates for the erection of the various buildings and other public works at the different yards. Any increase in our expense by the services of such an officer will be avoided, as the estimates of this year omit two of the number of naval constructors, whose labors at this time are not required. It will be seen by the general estimates for the naval service, the ensuing year, which are annexed, (E,) that no other essential change is contemplated as to officers, except a small reduction in the number of captains and midshipmen, and a small increase in that of masters commandant. The number of lieutenants is only apparently lessened, as it had been during the year no larger than the present estimates contemplate, while the actual number of midshipmen has been the same as in the estimate of former years. The estimates extend this year to the purchase of suitable libraries for the officers in schooners, as well as in larger vessels; and include schoolmasters for all the sloops. Until Congress may think proper to make provision for educating the younger officers, other than the present course of instruction on board the largest vessels and at two of the yards, with an occasional extension of it to another, earnest and additional efforts should, in my opinion, be made to convert every vessel as large as a sloop into a school, efficient as possible, in bestowing on the midshipmen that elementary science and literature, as well as that discipline, necessary to qualify them for the honorable discharge of the higher and more responsible duties of the service. If in such a floating academy, confined to the deck of a ship-of-war, they may fail to acquire in so great perfection some of the appropriate graces of their rank, it is a consolation to reflect that, by furnishing them with improved means, what they may acquire in theoretic information will be increased in quantity and excellence, will be sooner tested by experiment, and thus become more strongly incorporated with the memory and judgment; while much less will intervene to tempt them from that rigid discipline, and that ardent devotion to the ocean, its scenes, its dangers, and glories, which should be inseparable from their arduous and adventurous profession.

The estimates for improvements at the different yards, and for repairs of vessels, are somewhat smaller than those of the previous year. But while retrenching, wherever practicable, all unnecessary expenditure, it has been my constant endeavor to avoid weakening the efficiency of the whole naval establishment, either through an inconsiderate impression that it is, as in some older countries, already

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arrived at maturity, or overgrown and unwieldy, or that, from some other cause, it is not entitled to share in the gradual progress and improvements which the advancing spirit of the age, and the increasing power of a great and growing people, seem to require from all our useful public establishments.

As respects the pecuniary concerns of the navy, generally, it gives me sincere satisfaction to state that, during the year, not a single dollar is known to the Department to have been misappropriated, or lost by misconduct on the part of any of our agents or other officers.

By the changes made under the new arrangement for drawing bills of exchange abroad, either on England or this country, as most advantageous, and by the exercise of more care in our agents concerning the forms of business and the communication of seasonable advices, all our payments abroad have been effected without delay or sacrifices. No bills of exchange have been protested; the credit of our drafts has become good on every station, and on the two where most depressed heretofore, they have advanced considerably above par. (F.)

By means of the seasonable appropriation at the last session of Congress, for the arrearages which had been some years accruing, and by extreme caution since in relation to charges on the enumerated contingent fund, we have as yet been enabled to pay promptly all the demands under that head. No transfer has been made to aid it, in any case, under the temporary act of the last session.

Should Congress place the enumerated contingent fund on the footing heretofore and now recommended, and which new charges upon it in the present estimates render still more urgent, and which the experience of the last ten years, as shown by repeated bills for arrearages, and by irregular transfers from other appropriations to aid it, proves to be indispensable to meet the usual demands upon it in the ordinary contingencies of the service, there is but little doubt that the present desirable state of our moneyed accounts will long continue.

There is now on hand unexpended, of previous naval appropriations, about a million and a half of dollars; but probably most of this sum will be requisite to adjust outstanding claims, and complete the specific objects for which some of the appropriations were made.

On one subject connected with our pecuniary matters, and which has heretofore excited some sensibility both in and out of Congress, from other considerations as well as economy, it affords me gratification to add that our public vessels have returned so seasonably, during the year, that no expense whatever has been incurred in the transportation, from foreign countries, of seamen whose terms of service had been allowed to expire abroad.

In respect to the preservation of live oak, the Department, as before suggested, has not deemed it proper to employ any longer the small vessels engaged in that service. In two of the seven districts, the general examinations having been completed, it has been considered not advisable to retain the agents in them at a large expenditure, merely for the preservation of the timber. It is expected that the examinations of three of the remaining districts will be finished during the present winter, and of the other two in the course of the ensuing year. The general results from these examinations, and my opinion in detail on the plan most eligible to be pursued hereafter on this interesting subject, will soon be presented to Congress in a special report, prepared in conformity to a request contained in a resolution of the House of Representatives passed at the last session.

Our seamen have, in general, evinced a strong and increasing attachment to the service. Great care has, with success, been taken to prevent their time of enlistment from expiring abroad. No occasion has arisen to open the rendezvous at home for some months. Whenever opened during the year, an ample supply of men has been readily obtained. The habits of our seamen are improving in respect to temperance. In most of our ships they have generally enjoyed excellent health; and the visitations among them of that alarming scourge, the Asiatic cholera, have been neither frequent nor severe. Corporeal punishment has become less common and less necessary. The present ration of provision issued for their sustenance cannot lawfully be changed by the Department alone, but could be altered by Congress so as to increase its variety, its nutriment, and healthful qualities. The ingredients recommended in a special report from this Department, at the last session, would be no more expensive than those now composing the ration, and much more acceptable to most seamen.

Efforts have been made to apportion an equal share of the emoluments and hardships of the service to all officers of similar rank and date. Opportunities to test the fitness of all, in subordinate stations, have been, and will continue to be, furnished, as fast as the wants of the naval establishment may permit. It is essential to its prosperity that those officers found entirely unfit for duty should be placed on half pay, or retire altogether from the service, as their unfitness may have arisen either from wounds and infirmities which happened in the discharge of duty, or from censurable causes.

Strict discipline among the officers has generally been attempted, tempered, it is hoped, with all reasonable indulgences. Such discipline has been found not only beneficial to the officers themselves, and the high reputation of the service, but a most efficient instrument in the control and reformation of the seamen, who seldom complain of a system of government extended with firmness and impartiality to their superiors.

The annexed order (G) has been issued during the year, with a view to furnish increased incentives to vigilance in discipline on board our vessels in commission, and as an additional means of obtaining more accurate information on the peculiar merits of officers in command, whose modesty will generally allow only the report of their good works, through the inspection of others, to recommend them.

No appropriation was made the last session of Congress for the suppression of the slave trade; but the Department has been able to meet all the demands growing out of that subject by the balances on hand from former years, as may be seen in the annexed statement, (H.) In consequence of a supposed piracy on the coast of Africa, the Boxer visited Liberia in April last. The report of her commander is annexed, (I.) As Congress did not, at their last session, make any provision in regard to the public property there, the Department has deemed it expedient to sell such of it as was perishable and decaying, and to direct a careful examination, by our agent resident in that country, and an expression of his opinion as to the future disposition of the residue. It may be proper to have, this year, at least a moiety of the last appropriation of ten thousand dollars made, so as to enable the government to meet any contingent calls which may happen in the further suppression of this inhuman trade.

The rules and regulations for the administration of the civil branch of this Department, mentioned in the last annual report, have been collected, arranged and printed. From their subsequent distribution among the naval and civil officers connected with the service, all the benefit anticipated to the relief of the Department and the officers, from much unnecessary correspondence and many unpleasant decisions,

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have been fully realized. The code of regulations for the naval branch, is undergoing revision and enlargement, under a resolution passed by Congress at its last session, and will be submitted for approbation when completed, (K.)

A list of the deaths, dismissions, and resignations, the past year, is annexed, (L.)

The condition of the marine corps, as to its organization and size, as well as the allowances to its officers, and the ruinous state of some of its barracks, have heretofore attracted the attention of this Department and of Congress. But, except the small appropriation to rebuild the barracks at Philadelphia, and. which is now in course of expenditure, legislation has not been completed, though very desirable, on the subjects so interesting to the corps, and so intimately connected, in my opinion, with its future services and usefulness.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, and what might perhaps be deemed indecorous importunity, several other subjects, intimately connected with the welfare of our naval establishment, are left to the decision of the proper authorities, on the suggestions and considerations heretofore submitted by this Department. Full confidence is cherished that they will receive all that attention which the acknowledged importance of many of them deserves, and that nothing exists in the present state of the establishment, or of the country, which should prevent the continuance of all that liberality towards the navy which it has so often experienced, as well as merited, both from the government and the public. Yours, respectfully,

LEVI WOODBURY.

Schedule of documents accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Navy, made December 3, 1832.

A. List of vessels in commission, stations, and commanders.

B. Whole amount of stores on hand.

C. Letters from the Navy Board as to property on hand.

D. Report of Navy Board as to gradual improvement, and dry docks.

E. General estimates.

F. Rate of bills of exchange on two foreign stations.

G. General order as to surveys of vessels on return from a cruise.

H. African slave trade expenditures.

I. Report of the schooner Boxer's cruise to Liberia.

K. Expenses of board for revision of naval code.

L. List of deaths, dismissions, and resignations.

M. Condition of vessels in ordinary.

N. Condition of vessels on stocks.

A.

List of vessels in commission, their commanders, and stations. Class. Name. Commanders. Where employed.

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B.

Amount of stores on hand at the several navy yards, on October 1, 1832, viz:

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C.

Navy Commissioners' Office,

November 28, 1832.

Sir:

The Commissioners, in compliance with your directions of the 21st of August last, have now the honor to submit the following papers, viz:

1. Statement showing the number and distribution of the vessels of the navy, the number of live oak frames on hand, and frames contracted for.

2. Statement showing the quantity of timber on hand, purchased under the appropriation for repairs and for other purposes.

3. Statement showing the number of tons of iron, lead, and copper, and the number of anchors and chain cables on hand, belonging to the appropriation for repairs, and to any other appropriation.

4. Statement showing the number of serviceable cannon, carronades, and cannon ball, the quantity of powder, and materials for powder, with the number and description of small arms, on board vessels in commission, and in depot at the several navy yards.

All which is respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

JOHN RODGERS.

Hon. Levi Woodbury,

Secretary of the Navy.

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C, No. 1.

Statement showing the number and distribution of the vessels of the United States navy, the number of live oak frames on hand, and frames contracted for but not fully delivered.

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C, No. 2.

Statement showing the quantity of timber on hand, purchased under the appropriation for repairs and for other purposes, besides the frames, and the timber properly belonging to them, returned in paper A.

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C, No. 3.

Statement showing the number of tons of iron, copper, lead, anchors and chain cables on hand, belonging to the appropriation for repairs, and for any other appropriation.

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C, No. 4.

Statement showing the number of serviceable cannon and carronades, the number of cannon ball, the quantity of powder, and the materials for powder, with the number and description of small arms, on board vessels in commission, and in depot at the navy yards.

Note.—Many of the cannon, though serviceable, are of such different forms and dimensions that they could not be used as armament for vessels.

D.

Statement showing the progress which has been made in executing the law for the gradual improvement of the navy, passed 3d March, 1827, including a statement of the present condition of the dry docks building at the Navy yards at Boston and Norfolk.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

A contract was made for the delivery, at this yard, of the frame and promiscuous live oak timber for a frigate and a sloop-of-war; the contractor failed, after delivering about 7,957 cubic feet of moulded and promiscuous timber, which cost, including labor in receiving and storing away, the sum of $8,717.61, leaving about 23,000 cubic feet to be provided for to complete the frames.

976 white oak knees have also been purchased at a cost of $4,187.06.

Contracts are also about being made for 6,000 cubic feet of oak, and 6,000 cubic feet of pine plank stocks, to be delivered during the year 1833.

BOSTON.

At this yard, frames and promiscuous live oak timber have been received for two ships of the line, two frigates, and one sloop-of-war, which, including the live oak beams for 74 and frigates, make 135,051 cubic feet, delivered at a cost of $179,101.93; 35,000 feet of pine, 24,295 feet of oak plank stocks, with 10,338 feet of mast and spar timber, and 957 white oak knees, have also been received at this yard, at a cost of $44,528.13, including labor in receiving and stowing away. Contracts are about being made for the delivery of 30,000 feet of oak, and 20,000 cubic feet of pine plank stocks, during the year 1833.

A shed for the preservation of timber has been completed, under this law, at a cost of $17,738.49.

A dry dock has also been constructed, and during the past year the works upon it have been brought nearly to a close. The turning gates are in their places, and have been proved with a height of twenty-four feet, and the result at a trial of their strength and adjustment is reported by the engineer as very satisfactory. The steam engine, pumps, and machinery, connected with them, are all in place, and have been in satisfactory use since the 10th June last.

The early setting in of cold weather in November, 1831, and the steady cold weather during the winter and unfavorable weather in the spring, delayed the progress of the work in an unusual degree, but during the latter part of the year the weather was very favorable and the work progressed rapidly.

In building the northeastern jettee wall, a breach took place in the coffer dam. This is the only important accident which has occurred at this dock; it occasioned a delay of five or six weeks, and an additional expense of about $7,000.

The engineer has reported that a ship might possibly be admitted, if much required, by the first of next month.

The works remaining yet to be done are the building of the floating gate, further adjustment of the turning gates, fixing keel blocks in the dock, completing the wharves between the coffer dam and wing walls, and removing the coffer dam.

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It is estimated that to complete the dock and its dependencies there will be required the sum of $38,816.

NEW YORK.

Contracts were made for the delivery, at this yard, of live oak frames and promiscuous timber for a 74 and a frigate. The contractor for the 74's frame having entirely failed, the frigate's frame alone has been delivered, containing 20,886 cubic feet, at a cost of $24,445.48.

Contracts have also been made for 40,000 cubic feet of oak and 70,000 cubic feet of pine plank stocks, of which 29,792 feet of oak and 7,763 feet of pine have been received, which, with 419 white oak knees purchased, amount to the sum of $15,308.49.

Contracts are about to be made for 25,000 feet of oak and 15,000 feet of pine, to be delivered in the ensuing year.

PHILADELPHIA.

Contracts were also made for the delivery, at this yard, of frames of two frigates and one sloop-of-war, which have been received, making 54,680 cubic feet, and. cost the sum of $62,426.49.

There has also been delivered 68,582 cubic feet of oak, which cost, including thirty-four white oak knees, $2,537.09.

Other contracts are now making for 10,000 feet of oak and 10,000 feet of pine, to be delivered during the year 1833.

WASHINGTON.

At this yard the live oak frames for one frigate and for one sloop-of-war have been received, containing 38,830 cubic feet, at a cost of $48,118.77.

One hundred and nineteen white oak knees have been purchased at a cost of $500.90, and contracts have been made for 10,000 cubic feet of white oak and for 10,000 cubic feet of pine plank stocks, to be delivered at this yard.

NORFOLK.

The frames for two ships of the line, one frigate, and one sloop-of-war, making 110,491 cubic feet, have been received and stowed away at this yard, amounting in cost to $139,799.10.

Two sheds for the preservation of this timber have also been constructed at this yard, which cost the sum of $66,116.19. Another building is nearly completed, which has cost $27,489.42 thus far; a further sum of $5,000 will finish it.

Contracts have been made for 70,000 feet of oak and for 50,000 feet of pine plank stocks, and for the masts and spars of two ships of the line, one frigate, and one sloop-of-war, of which there have been received 23,151 feet of oak and 11,110 feet of pine plank stocks, 5,273 cubic feet of mast and spar timber, and 2,042 white oak knees, amounting to the sum of $23,069.77.

Contracts are also about to be made for 20,000 cubic feet of white oak and for 20,000 cubic feet of pine plank stocks, and for the mast and spar timber for one ship of the line.

A dry dock has been constructed, and during the past year great exertions have been made to hasten the completion of it; all the important branches of the work have been accomplished, and expenses paid. In the course of the coming winter all the important work will be completed, except the floating gate and the removal of the coffer dam.

An unusual suspension of the masonry was caused last year by the cold weather, which set in so uncommonly early and endured so long. Last summer, the great panic produced by the malignant cholera, which was very prevalent, especially at this place, induced upwards of a hundred workmen to quit the dock for several weeks, and prevented others from coming to supply their places.

This embarrassment caused great delay in the work—much languor and uneasiness in those who remained. Notwithstanding these discouraging circumstances, the great operations are mostly accomplished, and considering the nature of the interruptions it is hoped that the progress has been satisfactory.

The great wells, steam engine house, steam engine, and the great pumps, are complete, and the latter are in full and satisfactory operation. The drain from the pumps is finished, and all the masonry and jettee walls are done.

The masonry of the dock, and two-thirds of the coping, is laid, and the whole banked up to the level of the bottom of the coping. The turning gates are nearly completed, and one of them is in its place. Most of the graduation of the ground round the dock is formed, and prepared for building sewers, and to receive the paving.

The work yet remaining to be done is the completion of the coping; the making of the sewer round the dock; paving round the dock and between the dock and engine house, the stones for which are mostly delivered; graduating and forming the ground round the dock, now mostly accomplished; finishing the turning gates and the floating gate—the former will soon be done, and the latter with as little delay as possible; the removal of the coffer dam, and clearing out the entrances. These are all the important branches now to be completed.

The cost of finishing this dock will probably be about $50,000; and although the engineer regrets to state that the work cannot, as heretofore stated, be done in December, he has no doubt it may be completed during the winter.

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From the foregoing statement, it is seen that there are live oak frames now in deposite at the following yards, viz.

At Boston, frames for two ships of the line, two frigates, and one sloop.

At New York, frame for one frigate.

At Philadelphia. frames for two frigates.

At Washington, frames for one frigate, and one sloop of war.

At Norfolk, frames for two ships of the line, one frigate, and one sloop of war; which includes three frigate frames, originally contracted for under gradual increase, and subsequently ordered by the department to be changed to gradual improvement: one frame at each of the yards of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.

E - General Estimate.

There will be required for the navy during the year 1833, in addition to the unexpended balances that may remain on hand on the 1st day of January, 1833, the sum of three millions one hundred and seventy-six thousand seven hundred and sity-six dollars and eighty-seven cents.

E, No. 1.

Estimate of the pay and subsistence of all persons in the navy, attached to vessels in commission, for the year 1833, being part of the first item of the general estimate.

E, No. 2.

Exhibit of the officers, &c., awaiting orders and on furlough, for the year 1833, being part of the first item of the general estimate.

	Captain.	Master commandant.	Lieutenants.	Passed midshipmen.	Midshipmen.	Pursers.	Surgeons.	Assistant surgeons.	Chaplains.	Masters.	Sailmakers.	Amount.
Awaiting orders	19	13	94	10	1	7	9	6			4	$197,039 56
On furlough		1	11	2	1	1			1	3		8,194 00
												$205,233 56

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E, No. 3.

Estimate of the number, pay, &c., of officers, &c., required for five receiving vessels, for the year 1833, being  part of the first item of the general estimate.

E, No. 4.

Estimate of the pay, &c., of the officers attached to recruiting stations, ordnance service, and depot for instruments, charts, &c.,& c., for the year 1833, being part of the first item of the general estimate.

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E, No. 5.

Estimate of the pay, rations, and all other allowances of officers and [h . s], at the navy yards and stations, for the year 1833.

Notes.—House rent is estimated for officers, and is to be allowed only in cases where no house is furnished by the government.

Pay and rations of surgeons and their assistants are averaged, under the law of 20th May, 1828.

*Directed February, 1830, by Secretary of the Navy.

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E, No. 5.—Estimate of pay and rations—Continued.

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E, No. 5.—Estimate of pay and rations—Continued.

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E, No. 5.—Estimate of pay and rations—Continued.

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E, No. 5.—Estimate of pay and rations—Continued.

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E, No. 5.—Estimate of pay and rations—Continued.

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RECAPITULATION.

E, No. 6.

Estimates for repairs and improvements of navy yards, for the year 1833.

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E, No. 7.

Estimate of pay for officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, and subsistence of officers of the marine corps, for the year 1833.

C. R. BROOM,

P. M. M. C.

Head-Quarters Marine Corps,

Paymaster's Office, October 15, 1832.

E, No. 8.

Estimate for expenditures in the quartermaster's department of the United States marine corps, for the year 1833.

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Respectfully submitted.

E. J. WEED,
Quartermaster Marine Corps.

Head-Quarters Marine Corps,
Quartermaster's Office, Washington, November 15, 1832.

____________

E, No. 9.

Estimate of the sums required for the support of the office of the Secretary of the Navy, for the year 1833.

___________

E, No. 10.

Estimate of the sums required for the support of the office of the Commissioners of the Navy, for the year 1833.

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E, No. 11.

Estimate of the expenses for the navy building, for the year 1833.

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F, No. 1.

Extract from a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Navy by Philo White, purser, &c., dated— Valparaiso, Chili, April 6, 1832.

Sir:

I have the honor to advise you that I have drawn two bills on the Department, under this date: No. 40, in favor of Richard Alsop, Esq., for five thousand dollars; No. 41, in favor of H. J. Leaman, for one hundred and twenty-seven dollars, which I have sold at five per cent. premium, realizing for the two bills $5,383.35, gold currency of Chili.

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F, No. 2.

United States Ship Warren, Buenos Ayres, July 17, 1832.

Sir:

I have drawn on Messrs. Baring, Brothers & Co., London, the following bills for the disbursements of this squadron:

One dated July 11, for £3500, out, pay, &c. One dated July 12, for £500, out, repairs. One dated July 13, for £500, out, provisions.

I have drawn, in anticipation of the wants of the squadron, exchange being much more favorable here than at Rio. The advantage to the United States in drawing for £2,000 sterling, after allowing ten per cent. to replace the funds in England, is $1,497.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BENJ. COOPER.

To the Hon. Levi Woodbury,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

____________

G.

General order.

To the commanders of navy yards:

When any vessel-of-war, belonging to the United States, shall return from a cruise to the yard under your command, unless the captain of the vessel is your superior in rank, in which case the Department will make a special order, you will, soon as practicable, and before her crew are detached or discharged, unite with you the two officers highest in rank at your station, and with them make an examination of the general condition of the vessel and her equipments, leaving a critical survey in respect to the necessary repairs to be afterwards executed in the usual manner.

You will also inspect closely the situation of the vessel as to internal regulations and arrangements, discipline, health, and accommodations of her officers and men, and any other particulars deemed useful to the service.

In the discharge of this duty, all the officers of the vessel inspected are required to give every facility and aid in their power.

The result of your inquiries you will forthwith communicate to the Department, expressing an opinion on any matters therein, when you may consider it important to the prosperity of the navy.

Navy Department, October 8, 1832.

____________

H.

Suppression of the slave trade, under the act of March 3, 1819.

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I.

REPORT OF LIEUTENANT B. PAGE, COMMANDING UNITED STATES SCHOONER BOXER.

Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Commandant Benjamin Page, jr., of the United States schooner Boxer, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated,— Off Cape Mesurado, April 9, 1832.

I have the honor to inform you, by the brig Bethia, of our safe arrival at this place on the 5th instant.

After getting soundings, we stood in for Cape Mount; about that point we could see nothing of any vessel of suspicious appearance, or answering the description we had of Rayman's brigantine, which vessel you informed me took and destroyed the colony schooner, commanded by Captain Thompson, of whom, I learn since my arrival, no satisfactory information has been obtained. It is, however, reported, and the report is believed, that he has been taken to Cuba, where the brigantine is said to belong, merely to keep him out of the way as long as possible, as he is represented as a vigilant officer, and well known and dreaded along the coast by such as Rayman, who has, it is believed, taken his departure, as the French and English cruisers (seven in number) are very vigilant.

As you directed, I have furnished the colony with what we could spare of the articles we had on board, which they stood in need of. For your liberal instructions to me on this head, the governor requests me to tender you, in the name of the colony, his grateful acknowledgments. We have received from them all that attention and kindness for which they have been given credit by preceding visitors. They have lately been called to act in the field against a combination of the Dey and Gurrah Kings. It seems that some of the slaves of these kings, when about to be sold to the Spaniards at the Gallinas, ran away, and took shelter among the recaptured Africans who are settled about two miles from Caldwell, on the Stockton river, and that a son of King Brumley was sent down to demand them at Monrovia, but the governor could not treat with him with any safety, as, from his general character, his statements could not be depended upon. He was however told that, if the King himself would visit the colony, he would find no obstacle to a fair adjustment. On the return of the young man, King Brumley suddenly died, and his successor commenced aggressions without delay, by seizing our colonists, depriving them of their property, and even liberty, and cruelly wounding some of the recaptured Africans, at the same time making hostile movements toward the upper colonies, Caldwell and Millsburg. Upon remonstrance being made at their proceedings, they tore up the letters, and declared that if the colonists did not meet them in the field in three days, they would destroy the upper settlements, viz: Caldwell, about N. N. E., distant nine miles, and Millsburg, N. E. by E., distant about twenty-four miles from Monrovia.

In this serious state of things, part of the forces of the colony were marched to Brumley's town. It was found that the natives had left that place, and had assembled at a fortified town about ten miles further inland. Towards this place the colonists marched, armed with muskets and a field piece. On their arrival they had a battle, which resulted in the capture of the town. One colonist was killed, James Thompson, and three wounded, one severely and two slightly. It is said fifteen of the natives were killed, and a number wounded. After their flight, they sent messengers to sue for peace. On receiving assurance that they would be treated with on equitable terms, the Kings came down, and have entered into a treaty highly advantageous to the colonists. Thus peace and tranquillity have been entirely restored: trade is again resuming its usual course. Another deputation has arrived since we have been here, proposing a junction, in addition to the kingdoms of the Numba and Quah, countries already in connection with the colony; and Boatswain, the most powerful and intelligent of the kings of this section of Western Africa, still remains, as he ever has been, their firm and efficient friend, having declared that if the Dey Kings ever trespassed again, he himself would attend to the task of putting them in order. A trading caravan from his country is now here, besides the Quah deputation. There are six vessels laying in the harbor, and arrangements are making to establish another settlement at Cape Mount, so that everything looks encouraging. Between that cape and this place, all along the sea shore, many inoffensive old men, women, and weakly persons, belonging to the different inland kingdoms, are living in thick settlements, and are engaged in making salt, which is carried inland about one hundred and twenty miles by them, and exchanged for ivory and other produce, which brings them, at the colony, at the rate of one dollar for every gallon of salt. I mention this in order to point out an error which has been fallen into by some, in supposing that salt is a good article of commerce here: this is not the case, as foreign salt has been offered and rejected at forty cents per bushel. The Liverpool traders sometimes take it in as ballast, and carry it down to leeward, to the river Cameroons, but no other than native salt is encouraged by the interior natives hereabouts, as they are jealous of encroachments upon this means of livelihood for their old and weakly. This subject is somewhat connected with the commerce of this country, concerning the condition and prospects of which you have directed me to report particularly. It is not as extensive as that of the coast at large, as all vessels passing by do not anchor, but still it is in a flourishing state. I have conversed with the most intelligent, and have taken some time to look round for myself. When I say that it is in a thriving, I do not wish to be understood to mean that it is now, or can ever be, in such a state, independent of an industrious and persevering yeomanry. There appears to be several kinds of soil in the vicinity; to the southwest of the town, close by, there is a large tract of excellent coffee land, the wild produce of which has been esteemed for its flavor as highly as that of the Java coffee: cultivation will somewhat improve it, and a single individual is now setting out a plan-

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tation of twenty thousand coffee trees, which is expected to he completed by May. Another quality of soil is that of Bushrod Island, which, I understand, is very similar in its location and formation to those lands on the coast of Georgia where Sea Island cotton is raised; and another, to the northward and eastward of the island, is a large and rich tract of soil suitable for raising sugar cane, rice, indigo, Indian corn, and tobacco. These locations are close around the settlement, and this, I am informed, is the general quality of the soil of all this section of the western coast, a little removed from the sea.

When it is taken into consideration that such valuable articles of trade as have been enumerated can be cultivated at an expense of about five bars, or one dollar and fifty cents, (five cents per day,) and sufficient rice for the daily subsistence of each native employed; that these natives do not work like slaves, but are a strong, laborious people, who might be brought out of their habit of giving up labor after the farming season is over, and employing their time in singing and dancing; and that these articles are in demand in our country and in Europe, there can be but one inference drawn, and that is, that, in proportion as an industrious farming interest is established, who are disposed for agriculture and its peaceful pursuits, the commerce of the colony will flourish, and keep pace with their exertions. There are several enterprising merchants here, but, at present, they can do all, and even more than the business of the colony, as they attend to some commission business for houses both in Europe and the United States. It is not, however, a favorable spot for small storekeepers and wandering pedlers, who, I am told, generally become stripped of what little they may have got; and, in wandering about in the interior for small traffic, disgust the natives by their immoralities, and thus create difficulties and disturbances, which sometimes have resulted in their imprisonment, and a demand of ransom money. It is now pretty well understood here that, in general, such persons only live and thrive as are willing to settle down on a farm, there to enjoy the fruit of their labors, and to dispose of the surplus to those very few traders which are necessary for the present state of things; and that all those who, deceived by the Utopian notions which have been put abroad by some, expect success by any other means than those of industry, perseverance, and sobriety, certainly sink, and, unless assisted by charity until they can get into the performance of their proper work, would finally starve. As a little specimen of what might be done by the farmer, it might be quoted that a colonist, at the upper settlement, Caldwell, at the junction of the St. Paul's and Stockton rivers, of the name of Jonathan James, from the eastern shore of Maryland, has raised, spun, and wove cotton enough to clothe a considerable family.

With regard to imports, &c., I suppose the following to be pretty nearly correct:

From and to America, France and England.

The number of colonists is now about twenty-seven hundred, amongst whom there are four or five merchants of note.

That you may see how much one house has done of the business above stated, I enclose a statement which I have procured from the house whose name it bears.

I have inquired as to the state of health of the colony: the report has been favorable, and I am credibly informed that Doctor Todson, the resident physician at Caldwell, loses hardly in the proportion of four out of every hundred of those who are taken with the country fever, through which ordeal all have, sooner or later, to pass.

I have visited both the day and sabbath schools, and was pleased with the appearance of things; several of the children did themselves much credit. With all the advantages that have been enumerated, it would be natural to expect to hear of the general contentment of the inhabitants, and, so far as my personal observation has gone, I have indeed found this to be the case. There have been some exceptions, but they are found amongst characters who would be dissatisfied in any situation. Here, as elsewhere, the contentment of the inhabitants may be measured by their morality, industry, and sobriety.

As there does not appear to be any necessity for our remaining longer at the cape, and as we have taken a look off Cape Mount, we shall, as soon as we have filled up our water, pass down the coast, probably as far as Cape Palmas, and then stretch over to the westward, with the southeast trades, towards the north coast of Brazil, according to your orders. It is therefore my intention, in pursuing the further execution of your orders, to proceed down the coast towards Cape Palmas, by which course I hope to be able to effect the double purpose of making my passage as short as possible, and, also, for the time, of defending our traders on this track from any piratical vessels that may possibly be hovering about.

Statement of C. M. Warring and T. Taylor.

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List of articles suitable to bring to this market.

Virginia leaf tobacco, flour, beef, pork, lard, butter, hams, tea, sugar, sperm. candles; salt fish, viz: mackerel, shad, and herring; soap (common brown), rum, West India molasses, a little sugar-house molasses; pound beads, viz: blue, white, and black, small sized; cheap black hats; common decanters, viz: quart, pint, and half pint; hollow-ware, crockery; hardware, such as cast iron pots, copper or brass rods about as thick as the finger, for ornaments, brass kettles, muskets, common single powder flints, padlocks, knives and forks, steel-yards, nails (different sizes), iron bars, paints, paint oil, blue serampores, strong shoes, assorted cordage for merchant ships, oars, and some (a very few pretty large sized) spruce spars, large-bowl Ohio pipes, fine calicoes for the colony, and domestic blue and white for the natives, (both should be yard wide,) some fine scarlet cloth for the Maningo men; American lumber, viz: weather boarding, flooring, joist, rafters, and frame pieces, cypress shingles. The lumber will bring from thirty to thirty-five dollars per thousand feet, and shingles six dollars per thousand. Each vessel might bring out as ballast a few tons of sea-coal, and a few barrels of slaked lime. Snuff is a good article at Cape Mount, and to windward generally, but not here; and pipe coral beads are a good article to leeward.

K.

Commissioners upon rules, &c.

At the Navy Commissioners' Office,
November 24, 1832.

Sir:

To enable the commissioners appointed under the act of 19th May, 1832, to execute the duties assigned to them, an appropriation will be necessary.

The sum that may be required cannot be ascertained with any precision; but the Commissioners suppose it may be $15,000, and would respectfully submit that sum as their estimate upon the subject.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir,
Your very obedient servant,

CHAS. STEWART.

Hon. L. Woodbury,
Secretary of the Navy.

_____________

L, No. 1.

List of deaths in the navy of the United States, as ascertained since the 1st of December, 1831. Name and rank. Date. Cause. Place.

* Lost in schooner Sylph, off the Balize, coast of Louisiana.

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List of deaths in the navy—Continued.

____________

L, No. 2,

List of dismissions from the navy of the United States, since the 1st December, 1831.

____________

L, No. 3.

List of resignations in the navy of the United States, since the 1st of December, 1831.

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__________

M.

Statement showing the number, names, state, and condition of the vessels-of-war now in ordinary at the Navy Yards, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Norfolk and Portsmouth.

BOSTON.

There are four vessels in ordinary at this yard, viz: Columbus and Independence, ships of the line; Constitution, frigate; and Erie, sloop-of-war. The three first have light covering over them.

Columbus.—This ship is sound, and in good order in her hull; will require to have part of two strakes of wales put on, rudder to finish, and masts to wedge, and will require some new spars; anchors and stocks to be made; to be thoroughly caulked and new coppered.

Independence.—The frame and bottom plank of this ship are supposed to be sound; the plank outboard, from lower wale to rail, the ceiling, all the decks, magazine, platforms, plank on the stern, cutwater and head, are defective, and will require to be new. She will require to be thoroughly caulked and new coppered.

Constitution.—The frame, bottom plank, ceiling between decks, spar deck, knees and beams, are sound; the outboard plank from light water mark to rail, ceiling in the hold, orlop and berth decks, magazine platforms, plank on spar deck, bulwark, plank on stern galleries, channels, and capstan, are defective, and will require to be new, and the ship new coppered.

Erie.—The frame of this ship, bottom plank, and part of the ceiling, are sound; the outboard plank from lower wale to rail, the gun and berth deck platforms, and thick strakes in the hold, are defective, and will require to be new. She will require new fore and mainmasts, and some spars, and to be caulked throughout.

NEW YORK.

The vessels in ordinary at this yard are four, viz.: Ohio, Washington, and Franklin, 74's, and Hudson, frigate of the first class.

Ohio, ship of the line.—This ship was launched in May, 1820, but has never been masted or fitted for sea; her outside plank, from the rail to the water line, is believed to be decayed, and will require to be replaced, as will also a part of the ceiling, clamps, and waist, on the upper and lower gun decks; beams and knees are sound and in good condition; spar deck plank will require to be replaced; all bulkheads have been removed to admit free circulation; she is now protected from the weather by a tight covering. No materials have been procured for the repairs and equipment of this ship, except tanks, guns, sails and shot.

Washington, ship of the line.—This ship was built and launched in 1814, and has made but one cruise. That part of her frame which is live oak is sound; her beams, knees, deck frames, and two-thirds of her gun decks, are sound and good, as well as her bottom plank, below water; her upper works are in a decayed state; a tight covering over her is now in progress, to prevent the action of the weather on her. She requires extensive repairs, for which no materials are provided.

Franklin.—This ship was built and launched in 1815, and has made two cruises, and is in about the same condition as the Washington, and would require the same repairs; she is at present used as a receiving ship; is well ventilated and taken care of. No materials are provided for her repairs.

Hudson, frigate.—This ship is built of common oak, and is known to be partially decayed in her upper works. It cannot, however, be known, until she is opened, to what extent she is decayed, to warrant saying how far she requires repairing. The spar deck has been caulked the past season, to keep the frame as dry as practicable. No materials have been provided for her repairs.

PHILADELPHIA.

Cyane.—This is the only ship in ordinary at this yard; contracts are about being made for the live oak frame, of which she is about to be rebuilt.

NORFOLK.

The ships in ordinary at this yard are, the North Carolina and Delaware, line of battle ships; Java, Guerriere, frigates of the first class, and Congress, frigate of the second class; and Natchez, Fairfield and Ontario, sloops-of-war.

North Carolina.—This ship will require repairs in her upper works, and must be docked; she leaks badly; her copper is no doubt off, and the worms have eaten through. She will require to be new caulked and coppered, at a cost of $35,211, exclusive of docking.

Java.—This ship is decayed generally, her frame being of white oak and mahogany, or baywood. She is to be rebuilt, and contracts are now making for a new frame of live oak. She is at present, however, used as a receiving ship, which purpose she answers well.

Guerriere.—This ship is decayed in her upper works, and third and fourth futtocks; her frame is of the same materials as the Java, and she is about being covered in.

Congress.—This ship is decayed in her hull generally; her frame is of live oak; about one-third of her timbers are decayed; the rest, from repeated repairs, much cut with auger holes. She is very much hagged, otherwise much defective, and requires to be rebuilt or extensively repaired.

Delaware.—This ship has been repaired the present year, having been ordered to be fitted out, and now only requires to have the state of her copper ascertained.

Natchez, has undergone a thorough repair.

Fairfield and Ontario, are sound and good, and only require their bottoms to be examined.

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PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

There is but one vessel at this yard, the Vincennes, sloop-of-war, of the first class; is generally in good order, but requires slight repairs in her quarter galleries, and some new plank in her gun deck. She requires caulking, and it is now in progress.

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N.

Statement showing the number of vessels now on the stocks, their state of preservation, the yards where building, and the time and expense necessary to prepare them for launching.

PORTSMOUTH.

There are two ships on the stocks at this yard, the Alabama and Santee, both in a good state of preservation.

Alabama, ship of the line, is under cover in ship house No. 1; she can be prepared for launching in ninety days, at the cost of $38,320.60.

Santee, frigate of the first class; she is under cover in house No. 2; can be prepared for launching in seventy days, at the cost of $29,341.

BOSTON.

There are three ships at this yard on the stocks, in a perfect state of preservation, under houses.

Vermont and Virginia, ships of the line, can be prepared for launching in ninety days; the first at an expense of $70,360.60; the second at an expense of $79,726.46.

Cumberland, frigate of the first class, can be prepared for launching in ninety days, at an expense of $74,790.56.

NEW YORK.

In the ship house No. 1 is the frigate Sabine, in a fine state of preservation, and could be launched in sixty working days, at the expense of $46,357.

In the ship house No. 2 is the frigate Savannah, generally in a good state of preservation, but, from having been exposed to the weather previous to the house being built, and from having been caulked, some parts are injured, to wit: the wales were decayed and were taken off, the strings and part of the waist and ceiling are also decayed. She is now protected from further decay by a tight covering. She could be launched in one hundred and twenty working days, at a cost of $46,435.

PHILADELPHIA.

There are two vessels on the stocks at this yard; the Pennsylvania, line of battle ship, and the Raritan, frigate of the first class.

Pennsylvania.—The timber, plank, beams, knees, &c.,& c., of this ship, as far as can be judged of from examination, are as healthy as when the work was put together, except the ceiling in the hold, which, though apparently sound, does not appear to possess the strength of the white oak in other parts of this ship. It will require six months, at an expense of $33,754.

Raritan, is in a similar good state of preservation with the Pennsylvania, and can be prepared for launching in three months, at an expense of $15,500.

WASHINGTON.

There is but one ship on the stocks at this yard, the Columbia; frigate of the first class; she is in a good state of preservation, and can be got ready for launching in two months, at an expense of $42,576.49.

NORFOLK.

There are two ships on the stocks at this yard: the New York, line of battle ship, and the St. Lawrence, frigate of the first class.

New York.—This ship rests upon a wooden foundation, which will require to be replaced with stone, if she should stand any time; she is under cover of a wooden house, that rests on a stone foundation, and is in good repair; it will require ninety days to finish her for launching, at an expense of $37,775.

St. Lawrence.—This ship rests upon a good substantial stone foundation, which has been put under her the present year. She is under cover of a wooden house, on a brick foundation. She can be made ready for launching in ninety days, at an expense of $32,590.

[END]