Naval History and Heritage Command

REPORT

of

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

Navy Department
December 2, 1837.

Sir:

In the performance of my duty to lay before you at this time the condition of our navy, I beg leave to submit the following report

Within the year past, the repairs of the Columbus, Ohio, and Delaware ships of the line, have been completed. The ship of the line Pennsylvania has been launched, and her equipments so far advanced as to be nearly ready to proceed to Norfolk, where they will be completed. The Erie, John Adams, and Ontario sloops of war have been repaired. The steamer Fulton, with her engines and machinery is nearly fit for service. Two sloops of war, to be called the Cyane and Levant, have been commenced under the appropriations of last year, and are nearly ready for launching, the one at Boston and the other at New York.

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

The squadron in the Mediterranean consists of the frigates Constitution and the United States, and the schooner Shark. This is less than the usual force upon that station, but is deemed adequate to the present exigencies of our commerce in that sea; and as vessels were much wanted for other stations, none have been sent to that since the return of the Potomac and John Adams.

The frigate Constitution must be recalled in the early part of the coming year, when an addition can be conveniently made to this squadron, and the ship of the line Pennsylvania sent to that station, should it be deemed expedient.

Our force in the Pacific at the time of my last annual report, was combed of the frigate Brandywine and the schooners Dolphin and Boxer; since which, the Brandywine, Commodore Wadsworth, has returned to the United States, and the Dolphin has been condemned and sold. The squadron now consists of the ship of the line North Carolina, Commodore Ballard, and the sloops of war Falmouth and Lexington, and the schooners Enterprise and Boxer.

This is a considerable addition to our force on that station, but not greater than a due regard for our commerce in the Pacific at this time seemed to require.

The sloop of war Erie, Commodore Renshaw, returned from the coast of Brazil on the 15th of September last; and our squadron on that station now consists of the razee Independence, Commodore John B. Nicholson,

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the sloop of war Fairfield, and the brig Dolphin. The Independence sailed from Boston on the 20th of May last, having on board our Minister to Russia, Mr. Dallas, whom Commodore Nicholson landed at Cronstadt on the 29th of July, and then proceeded to his station on the coast of Brazil.

In the West Indies, the frigate Constellation, the sloops of war Boston, Concord, Natchez, St. Louis, and Vandalia, and the schooner Grampus, composed the squadron under Commodore Dallas. To this large force has been added the sloop of war Ontario, which sailed from New York on the 19th of August last, carrying out, in addition to her own crew, an extra number of seamen and marines.

The revenue cutlers Dexter and Jefferson, which, by consent of the Secretary of the Treasury, were transferred to Commodore Dallas, after having performed the duties required of them, have been returned to the revenue service; and the steamers American and Major Dade, also under his command, have been transferred to the army, at the request of the Secretary of War.

The employment of these revenue cutters and steamboats, under the command of Commodore Dallas, has subjected the Navy Department to heavy charges, not provided for in the appropriations for the year 1837.

The West India squadron has been most actively and efficiently employed in the complicated duties of protecting the persons and property of our merchants and other citizens, in the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico; of co-operating with our land forces in the Florida war, and of preventing the importation of slaves.

The sloop of war Peacock, Commodore Kennedy, which, with the schooner Enterprise, sailed from New York in April, 1835, on a cruise in the East Indies, and along the coast of Asia, with a view to the protection and extension of our commerce in that quarter, returned to the United States on the 26th of October last, having successfully accomplished the objects for which the cruise was undertaken. The Enterprise was detained by Commodore Ballard on the Pacific station, where her services were required.

Commodore Read, with the frigate Columbia and the sloop of war John Adams, is ordered to perform a cruise in the East Indies, and is expected to sail in a few days. A part of his crews are detained a short time, to assist in taking the ship of the line Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to Norfolk.

For the purpose of protecting our commerce and suppressing the slave trade on the coast of Africa, our ships of war have been occasionally ordered to touch at the settlements on that coast. The most recent visits to these have been made by the brig Dolphin, on her passage out to the coast of Brazil, and by the frigate Potomac, on her return from the Mediterranean to the United States. These visits have given the highest satisfaction to the colonists on the coast and will no doubt be attended with beneficial results.

Lieutenant Commandant Gedney, in the schooner Jersey, and Lieutenant Commandant Blake, in the schooner Experiment, with their officers and crews, as sounding parties, attached to the coast survey, have been actively and very advantageously employed in the harbor of New York and waters adjacent. The discovery, by Lieutenant Commandant Gedney, of a new channel into the harbor of New York, through which the heaviest ships may pass without danger, must add greatly to the commercial advantages of that harbor, and to its value as a naval station.

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The survey of the harbors south of the Chesapeake, made by Commodore M. T. Woolsey, Captain Alexander Claxton, and Commander E. R. Shubrick, who were sent out for that purpose in the brig Porpoise, under the command of Lieutenant Commandant William Ramsay, being finished, that brig has since been employed, under the command of Lieutenant Commandant Wilkes, in the survey and examination of George's shoals, off the coast of Massachusetts.

This survey has, after much labor, been finished in the most satisfactory manner, and will add much to the safety of a navigation hitherto considered dangerous. Lieutenant Commandant Wilkes is now ordered to take command of the brig Porpoise, and make an examination and survey of the harbors of Beaufort and Wilmington, in North Carolina, and a survey of May river, from Tybec bar to the Hunting island, which surveys are required by the act of the 3d of March last, making appropriations for the naval service

Upon the application of the Board of Navy Commissioners, seventeen officers of the navy were placed under their orders for the purpose of making examinations required by the second section of an act of Congress of the 3d of March last, in relation to a selection of sites for light-houses. These officers have completed the duties assigned to them in a satisfactory manner, as the Commissioners have reported to the Secretary of the Treasury. The travelling expenses and increased pay consequent upon the employment of these officers on this duty, have been borne by the Navy Department, and have to that extent increased the naval expenditures beyond what was contemplated in the estimates for the year.

The vessels enumerated in commission on foreign stations, or about to sail, including the five vessels of the South sea exploring expedition, compose a larger naval force than we have had in commission at any time since the late war with Great Britain.

The satisfactory condition of our force abroad affords us the opportunity of providing for a home squadron for the protection of commerce on our extensive coast. Estimates for such a squadron are submitted with those for the general naval service for the year 1838.

Within the past year the number of captains of the navy has been increased from forty to fifty; of commanders, from forty-one to fifty; of lieutenants, from two hundred and sixty to two hundred and eighty; of surgeons, from forty-four to fifty; and of assistant surgeons, from fifty to sixty.

This increase of officers was deemed necessary, from the increased number of ships to be put in commission, to meet the exigencies of our growing commerce.

The numbers of surgeons and assistant surgeons have not been increased in a just proportion with those of the captains, commanders, and lieutenants, and the wants of the service require a further addition to their numbers.

As the appropriations for the South sea exploring expedition, in the law authorizing the same, amounting to three hundred thousand dollars, were inadequate to the expense of its outfit, it became necessary to submit estimates for further appropriations for this object, which was done at the last stated session of Congress.

With my letter to the President of the United States of the 6th of February last, and by him submitted to the House of Representatives, were statements of the Board of Navy Commissioners, by which it appears, that

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there had been expended upon the Macedonian, from those appropriations, about $62,000; upon the ship Relief, barks Pioneer and Consort, and schooner Pilot to be taken from the same appropriations, the sum of $168,000; and that to complete the equipments of these vessels, exclusively of provisions, instruments, and contingencies, with the preparation of which the board was not charged, it was estimated that $70,000 more would be required; making in all $300,500, exceeding by $500 the amount of the appropriations.

The estimate submitted for the annual expenses of these vessels was $346,431 60; amounting, for the three years, during which time it was intended the exploring squadron should be absent, to $1,039,293 00. In this estimate is included the sum of $43,842 50 for the annual expense of the scientific corps of the expedition, amounting, with their assistants, to the number of eighteen.

As this statement of facts could leave no doubt that the exploring expedition would cost nearly, if not quite, a million and a half of dollars, and as it greatly exceeded in number of vessels and men the most successful expeditions of a like character heretofore sent out by the maritime powers of Europe, it was believed that its amount would have been reduced by withholding a part of the appropriations asked for by the estimates. This, however, was not deemed expedient, and the full appropriations were made by the act of the 3d of March last.

Before this time, Lieutenant Commandant Tatnall, who had performed a cruise to the coast of Mexico in the Pioneer, reported so unfavorably on her sailing, that it was deemed proper to examine into her condition, as well as that of the bark Consort and schooner Pilot, which, with the Pioneer, had been built expressly for this expedition, and which, in point of sailing, were not considered equal to the Pioneer.

On the 10th of April, Commodore Jones was informed that the Commissioner of the Navy had made arrangements to have a thorough examination of the barks Pioneer and Consort, and the schooner Pilot, with a view to ascertain their sufficiency for the service contemplated; that the chief constructor, Col. Humphries, and Mr. Grice, naval architect, were ordered on this duty, and Commodore Jones was requested to join them, which he did.

On the 20th of April, at his own suggestion, he was instructed, with the vessels of his squadron, except the Macedonian, to proceed to sea, and make a full trial of their sailing qualities; and was directed to return to Norfolk within twenty days after sailing.

Commodore Jones, on his return from his experimental cruise, reported favorably of the sailing qualities of the vessels; but recommended that they should he put into dry dock, for the purpose of the examination which had been proposed, and for such repairs and alterations as might be deemed necessary. Measures were taken for doing this as soon as the ship of the line Delaware, then under a course of repairs, could be taken out of the dock.

On the 30th of May, Commodore Warrington was directed to prepare the Pioneer, Consort, and Pilot, for going into dock. As Commodore Jones had required that another schooner should be added to his squadron, without which he should not consider the expedition complete or efficient, it seemed the more proper that the condition of these vessels should be thoroughly examined.

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On the 8th of June, a board of five officers, Commodores Chauncey, Morris, Warrington, Patterson, and Wadsworth, was ordered to make such examination, and to inquire whether the expedition might not be reduced in number of vessels and men, with advantage to the country, and without prejudice to the success of the expedition. This inquiry I wished made, from the consideration that the difficulty of procuring the necessary funds for fitting out this squadron was greatly increased by the suspension of specie payments by the banks, which had then taken place, which difficulty had not been foreseen by Congress when the large appropriations for the expedition were granted, and which made it the duty of the different departments of Government to limit the usual and authorized expenditures, as far as the same could be done without injury to the public service; and from the consideration that, should a part of the vessels of the squadron be found unfit for the service required, it would be better that the squadron should sail with a reduced force, than wait until other vessels could he substituted.

On the 13th of July, the board reported that the occupation of the dock at Gosport, and the employment of some of the members of the board, prevented a meeting until the 30th of June. That the barks and schooner were put into dock and examined; certain alterations recommended, which could soon be completed, by which the vessels "might be made to answer the purposes proposed sufficiently well to justify their employment."

The board state that, had they "been called upon before any preparations had been made, to state the number and character of the vessels which, in their opinion, would be best calculated to secure the attainment of these proposed objects, they certainly would not have recommended those which have been prepared." They were of opinion that a smaller number would have answered the purposes; yet, from a consideration of the expense incurred, the time spent in preparing the force, and other circumstances which they enumerate, and as the officer selected to command the expedition was satisfied with the vessels, they came to the conclusion, that no reduction could be made in their amount at this late period, without prejudice to the success of the expedition. They, however, recommended a reduction of the number of officers and men to about five hundred, exclusive of the scientific corps. To this reduction, although, in my opinion, a very proper one, Commodore Jones made such decided objections, that I thought proper to yield to his wishes, and so informed him; and his force was continued at six hundred and three officers and men, exclusive of the scientific corps.

Before the proposed alterations could be completed. Commodore Jones discovered that the cooking galleys, originally ordered at his request, made upon a new plan for burning anthracite coal, would not answer the purpose proposed; and on the 1st of August he requested they might be replaced by others. The galleys wanted have been made with all possible despatch, at the navy yard at this place, and the last of them was sent to Norfolk on the 6th October.

On the 26th of September, I issued orders to Commodore Jones to proceed with the vessels of his squadron from Norfolk to New York, as soon as they could be prepared for removal. He was not able to sail from Norfolk before the 12th of October, and arrived at the harbor of New York on the 16th of that month.

As I believed the schooner Pilot, notwithstanding the alterations made in

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her, was not well fitted for service in the expedition, I gave to Commodore Jones the privilege of purchasing such a fast sailing schooner as he might select, to be substituted for the Pilot. In consequence of which, on the 8th of September, he purchased the schooner Clara, now called the Active, for eight thousand dollars; upon which he was authorized to put such repairs and improvements as he might think necessary, at the navy yard, New York.

Although the vessels had not heretofore been in a situation to receive the scientific corps, and I could not, with propriety, order them to report to the commodore for duty, yet, I thought it proper to put them upon pay; which was done on the 4th day of July last. And I requested Commodore Jones, if his convenience would permit, to meet a large portion of them at Philadelphia, for the purpose of having a perfect understanding with them, as to their accommodation, with their books, instruments. &c., on board the vessels of his squadron. This meeting took place in July, and such arrangements, I understood, were made, as were perfectly satisfactory to the commodore and to the gentlemen of the scientific corps.

As it was necessary to procure a great variety of articles for the gentlemen of the scientific corps, for which requisitions could not conveniently be made without a consumption of much time, I found it necessary to place funds in the hands of one gentleman of the corps in Philadelphia, and one in New York. I also placed five thousand dollars in the hands of Commodore Jones, on the 29th of August last, for the purpose of purchasing such articles for the expedition as it was inconvenient to make requisitions for; and on the 12th of October placed twelve thousand dollars, subject to his drafts, for like purposes, in the hands of his purser. This unusual course was adopted that there might be no delay in the sailing of the expedition.

The objects of removing the squadron from Norfolk to New York, as stated by Commodore Jones, were to complete the stores, and to introduce some proper apparatus for heating the vessels in cold latitudes. These, I took it for granted, would not require more than two or three weeks for their completion; and from the general order of Commodore Jones at Norfolk, I felt a confidence the expedition would leave the United States in the month of November. I, therefore, as soon as I knew of the arrival of the squadron in New York, directed the gentlemen of the scientific corps to report to Commodore Jones for duty.

On the 3d of November, I wrote to Commodore Jones that the chronometers for his squadron were ready at the depot, in this place, and requested him to send two competent officers to take charge of them. On the 10th of the month I sent him sailing instructions, to be carried into effect as soon as his vessels were, in all respects, ready for sea, and on the 16th of the month, twenty-five chronometers, in good order, were delivered to the officers sent for them.

Had I known the extent of work required for the vessels of the squadron, after their arrival at New York, I should not so soon have directed the scientific corps to report, or have issued my sailing instructions.

By a letter from Commodore Ridgely of the 21st of November, I find that the work upon the vessels of this squadron, after their arrival at New York, up to the 15th of the month, amounted to four thousand six hundred and thirty-one dollars; and that there remained to be done, after that day,

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to the amount of two thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars, all of which requires much more time than I had anticipated.

All this work, I believe, however, is necessary, and would not have been ordered by Commodore Jones if the health and comfort of his crews, and the safety of the expedition, had not depended, upon it; and, impatient as the public is that the expedition should sail immediately, it is better that there should still be some days' or weeks' delay, than that it should sail before the vessels are fully prepared.

The Commissioners of the Navy hold no correspondence with the commanders of vessels in commission, except in relation to their supplies of provisions and stores. The steps, therefore, taken by Commodore Jones, under his discretionary powers, to have the vessels of his squadron fitted out as he should deem most expedient, were not under the control of the commissioners, nor subjected to the strict regulations generally observed in fitting out vessels for foreign stations.

It was believed, however, that but little work remained to be done on the vessels after their sailing from Norfolk, and that but a small advance would be required for completing the stores. Yet it appears, from the letter of Commodore Ridgely, before cited, that the expenditures required at New York for these vessels amount to the sum of $6,932 89, and for the schooner Active, including sea stores, the sum of $14,700 96; in all, $21,633 85. To these must be added purchases, made by authority of Commodore Jones, of articles, for which requisitions have not been required, the amount of which is not known.

In my last report to the House of Representatives, of the 13th of October last, I expressed an opinion that no further appropriation would be wanted for the expedition for the present year; but in ascertaining all the expenditures for the vessels since they left Norfolk, and what is still required for their equipment, it may be found that a further appropriation will be wanted tor the present year, the amount of which cannot now be stated.

In obedience to a law of the 3d of March, 1835, authorizing the construction of a dry dock for the naval service in the harbor of New York, or in its adjacent waters, I caused soundings and other examinations to be made by an able engineer, Loammi Baldwin, Esq., for the purpose of selecting a proper site for such dry dock. The report of Mr. Baldwin was decidedly in favor of the present navy yard at Brooklyn, as this site; which was accordingly recommended in my report to the House of Representatives. This it appears, however, was not satisfactory: and on the 3d of June, 1836, the House of Representatives, by their resolution, directed this department to ascertain, as far as practicable, the practicability of establishing a navy yard at or near Barn island, in the straits called the East river, which connects Long Island sound with New York bay; also at Perth Amboy and Jersey City, in the State of New Jersey; the comparative advantages and disadvantages of those sites, and the site of the navy yard at the Wallabout, on Long island, for the purposes of a navy yard; the expense of erecting the works recommended by Colonel Baldwin at the Wallabout, according to the plan prescribed by that engineer; the expense of a dry dock at each of the above positions; the expense of purchasing the necessary quantity of land, and erecting buildings of equal convenience with those now owned by the United States at the Wallabout, and the probable amount for which the lands, buildings, and other property of the United States at the Wallabout might be disposed of, if offered for sale.

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Under this resolution, I employed Mr. Baldwin to make the necessary examinations and inquiries, and on the 10th of December last, submitted to the House Mr. Baldwin's very elaborate report, by which it, would appear that the navy yard at Brooklyn, according to his former report, should be selected as the site of the proposed dry dock.

On the 22d of February last, the House of Representatives resolved, that the Secretary of the Navy be directed to cause an examination to be made of the various positions not heretofore examined within the waters of the New York bay and its vicinity, which are adapted to the establishment and construction of dry docks, and to report their comparative advantages and disadvantages to the House of Representatives at the opening of the next session of Congress.

Under this resolution. I employed Professor James Renwick, of New York, to make the necessary examinations. He surveyed, with great labor and care, a bay at Constable's Point, in New Jersey, called Kill Van Kull, which, in his opinion, presents many advantages as a station for a dry dock and navy yard; which will be communicated to the House of Representatives in a separate report.

It is greatly to be regretted that so much time has been lost in making the proper selection for the site of this dry dock, the completion of which would be of the greatest advantage to the naval service.

In my last annual report, I stated that previously to the passing of the act of the 30th of 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 at Pensacola; to the senior marine officers in the squadrons in the Mediterranean, the West Indies, on the Brazilian coast, and in 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 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 the 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 was a case of difficulty which, it was respectfully suggested, required legislative interference; which suggestion I beg leave to repeat.

The rule for allowing double or increased rations should be fixed by law. This subject has received the attention, but not the final action of Congress.

The report of Commodores Stewart and Dallas, and Captain Bolton, who were appointed a board to prepare plans for the improvement of the navy yard at Pensacola, contains no estimates of the expense of carrying the proposed improvements into effect; and as that expense must be necessarily

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very great, it was deemed proper to employ an able engineer to make the necessary estimates.

Col. Loammi Baldwin, under whose superintendence our two dry docks were constructed, was applied to for this purpose, and an arrangement made with him to perform this service, if the professional business he had engaged to perform in the State of Georgia would permit, of which there would have been but little doubt; but his loss of health on this previous duty was such as to leave no hope that he could, during the proper season, make the examinations and estimates required.

An arrangement has since been made with Col. Totten, of the army, with the assent of the Secretary of War, to make these examinations and estimates, and he is now on his way to Pensacola for this purpose. It is hoped that, in the course of this and the next month, this important duty may be performed in a satisfactory manner by the officer to whom it is entrusted.

NAVY PENSION FUND.

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PRIVATEER PENSION FUND.

It was mentioned in my last annual report, that this fund would probably be exhausted previously to January, 1838; accordingly the last stock was sold in May last, and the proceeds applied to pensions. The number of pensioners payable out of this fund is 36.

And the annual amount required to pay them $2,920.

Pensions to invalids were, according to law, granted to be paid during life, or continuance of disability; it is therefore recommended, as in my last report, that provision be made to pay these pensioners.

It is estimated that the annual sum of $1,000 00 will be sufficient, not only for this purpose, but also to pay the debts of the fund, and satisfy any claims that may be allowed under existing laws.

On the 1st of January next, six months pay will be due, and should a law not be made early enough to authorize the payment at that time, most of the pensioners will, in all probability, be much distressed and disappointed.

NAVY HOSPITAL FUND.

The particulars from which the above statements are made will be seen in the documents accompanying this report, marked from N1 to N11.

A separate report, in obedience to a resolution of the Senate of the 13th of October last, will be made, of the state, condition, and amount, of the navy pension fund, the operation and effect upon the fund by the act of the 3d of March last, for the more equitable administration of the navy pension fund, and the number and names of persons placed on the pension list, the times when pensions were granted to them, and the amount of money paid to each under said act.

The duties imposed upon this department by the operation of this act are extremely onerous; and require, as I would most respectfully suggest, the aid of a separate bureau, under a proper head as Commissioner of Navy Pensions, with powers and duties similar to those of the Commissioner of Pensions of the War Department.

In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 3d of March, 1836, a board of officers was appointed to ascertain the efficiency, and test the safety, of the medium or light guns of the navy, and to compare their effects with those of the guns for which they were proposed to be substituted. The necessary preparations and other causes prevented a completion of these duties until the 28th of September last.

From the report made by the board on that day, it appears that, after subjecting the medium or light guns to severe tests, they were all satisfied with their safety when used with proper charges.

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They were also unanimously of opinion that the medium thirty-two pounders were to be preferred to the heavy twenty-four pounders for the upper gun decks of ships of the line; and three of the five commissioners would prefer the medium thirty-two pounders to twenty-four pounders, for the gun decks of heavy frigates.

The comparative advantages between the light twenty-four pounders and the forty-two pound carronades, seem to leave the question of relative efficiency to depend upon the circumstances of space in our own vessels, and the distance of an enemy in case of action; which, being variable in themselves, their relative efficiency, would probably be estimated differently by different individuals.

A copy of the report of the board is hereto annexed, marked V. Commodore T. ap Catesby Jones having presented to the board his individual views in a letter, an extract of such parts of the same as relates to the subject of the resolution, is also annexed, marked W.

Upon a late report that an atrocious piracy had been committed near our coast upon the packet Susquehannah, our officers and seamen, with great alacrity, volunteered their services to go in pursuit of the supposed pirate, In performing this duty they encountered unusual hardships and privations, for which their usual pay and emoluments form no adequate compensation. I would respectfully suggest the propriety of making provision by law for giving suitable rewards in this case, as well as in like cases, which may hereafter occur.

In my annual report of December, 1835, I took the liberty of suggesting the necessity of establishing a national foundry for the purpose of casting cannon, shot, and shells, as well for the army as navy. This subject I beg leave to bring to your notice as one of great importance.

An establishment for the manufacture of powder for the army and navy is one of nearly equal importance. It is believed that under a joint board of officers of the army and navy, these objects may be effected with great advantage to the country.

It is my duty to state that the building occupied as offices of the Navy Department is not such as to afford the proper and convenient accommodations to the officers and clerks employed. The want of rooms for the documents and vouchers of the department has made it necessary to crowd the halls and passages of the building with wooden boxes filled with papers. This adds much to the danger from fire, to which the building, with its valuable contents, is daily exposed. It is hoped measures may be adopted for extending the building, and for the safe keeping of the valuable records and papers it contains.

By the statement marked U, hereto annexed, it will appear that of the appropriations heretofore made for the suppression of the slave-trade, there remained in the Treasury, on the 23d of November last, $10,763 74.

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,

To the President of the United States.

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SCHEDULE OF PAPERS

Accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the United States, of December 2, 1837.

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 expenses of the southwest Executive building.

D. The general estimate for the navy.

Detailed estimate D1, for vessels in commission.

D2, for receiving vessels.

D3, for recruiting stations.

D4, yards and stations—pay of officers and others at.

D5, for officers waiting orders and on furlough.

D6, for provisions.

D7, for improvements and repairs of navy yards.

E. Special—for hospitals.

E1, for magazines.

E2, for receiving vessels.

F. Estimates 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 on the stocks.

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 in relation to the two sloops of war and six small vessels which were authorized by the act of appropriation for the navy, approved March 3, 1837.

N1 to N11

Navy pension fund--list of pensioners, &c.

Privateer pension fund—list of pensioners. &c.

Navy hospital fund.

R. List of deaths in the navy.

S. List of dismissions from the navy.

T. List of resignations in the navy.

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

V. Report of commissioners for testing certain naval ordnance.

W. Letter and report of Commodore T. ap Catesby Jones, one of the commissioners for testing naval ordnance.

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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 1838.

_____________

B.

ESTIMATE of the sums required for the support of the Navy Commissioners' office for the year 1838.

The services of an additional clerk are necessary to enable the board so to distribute the duties of the clerks of their office, as to secure correct

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accounts of the quantity and distribution of timber; the condition, qauntities, and the cost of vessels; and to aid the chief naval constructor in preparing, building, and other instructions for the guidance of the constructors at yards in building and preparing vessels, and for contractors.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
     November 24, 1837.

_____________

C.

ESTIMATE of the sums required for the expenses of the southwest Executive building for the year 1838.

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D.

There will be required for the general service of the navy, during the year 1838, in addition to the balances which may remain on hand on the 1st day of January, 1838, the sum of five million one hundred and eighty-five thousand one hundred and twenty-four dollars and ninety-one cents. 

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ESTIMATE D—Continued.

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ESTIMATE D-Continued.

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ESTIMATE D—Continued.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
     November 24, 1837.

I. CHAUNCEY,
C. MORRIS,
ALEX. S. WADSWORTH.

____________

D1.

ESTIMATE of the amount of pay that will be required, for the year 1838, for the following vessels in commission: two ships of the line, one razee, three frigates, first class, two frigates, second class, ten sloops of war, first, and two of the second class, seven brigs and schooners, one steamer, and four vessels for the exploring expedition, being part of the first item, in the general estimate for that year.

Note.—This diminution arises from a difference in the number and classes of vessels proposed to be employed in 1837 and 1838.

I. CHAUNCEY,

Navy Commissioners' Office, Nov. 24. 1837.

--732--

____________

D2.

ESTIMATE of the number and pay of officers, &c., required for five receiving vessels for the year 1838, being part of the first item in the general estimate.

Note.-This reduction of $130,104 arises from a reduction in the number of officers and others for the receiving vessels at Boston, New York, and Norfolk. The estimates for 1837 contemplated that ships of the line prepared for service, excepting provisions and perishable shores, should be used for this purpose at these stations, with a complement of officers and a partial complement of petty officers and seamen, for the double purpose of giving the recruits better preparatory training for sea service, and to have a respectable force ready for any unexpected demand. It having been determined that this plan should be relinquished in part, the estimates have been prepared accordingly.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office, Nov. 24, 1837.

--733--

_____________

D3.

ESTIMATE of the pay of the officers attached to five recruiting stations, for the year 1838, being part of the first item in the general estimate.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office. Nov. 24, 1837.

_____________

D4.

ESTIMATE of the pay of the officers and others at navy yards and stations, for the year 1838.

YARDS AND STATIONS.

--734--

D4-Continued.

--735--

D4—Continued.

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

--736--

D4—Continued.

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

--737--

D4—Continued.

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are both to attend to the yard, receiving vessels, and marines.

--738--

D4—Continued.

--739--

D4—Continued.

--740--

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.

--741--

D 4—Continued.

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

--742--

D4—Continued.

RECAPITULATION.

This increase of $300 arises from the difference of pay allowed to the "master builder" at the navy yard, Philadelphia, and that of "naval constructor," which it is contemplated will be required, for the year 1838.

Navy Commissioners' Office November 24, 1837.

I. CHAUNCEY

--743--

_____________

D5.

ESTIMATE of the pay required for the commission and warrant officers, waiting orders and on furlough, for 1838, being part of the first item in the general estimate for that year.

The increase of the amount under this item, beyond the estimates for 1837, is owing to two causes: the number in some classes of officers in the service has been increased, and the number estimated for vessels in commission for 1838, varies from the numbers estimated for such employment in 1837.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office, November 24, 1837.

_____________

D6.

ESTIMATE of the amount required for provisions for the year 1838, explanatory of the third item in the general estimate.

--744--

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

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office, November 24, 1837.

______________

D7.

ESTIMATE of the proposed improvements and repairs to be made in navy yards during the year 1838, explanatory of the sixth item in the general estimate.

--745--

--746--

Note.—In framing the estimates for the proposed improvements in navy yards for 1838, the Board of Navy Commissioners have selected from the objects proposed by the respective commandants of the navy yard, such as seemed most important; and have limited the amounts as far as a proper regard to the public interests seemed in their opinion to require.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office, November 24, 1837. 

_____________

E.—Special.

Note.—In the estimate for hospitals, the board have been induced, by the representations of the commanders, and their own opinions of the probable future wants of the service, to provide for the completion of the plan

--747--

as originally proposed by Commodore Ridgely, for Brooklyn, New York, and for an additional building near the navy yard, Pensacola.

The completion of the sea-wall for the hospital near Norfolk is represented as necessary for the preservation of the hospital grounds from encroachments of the water on the northern side.

The other objects for these places, and for the hospitals near Charlestown and Philadelphia, are represented to be necessary for the preservation or convenient use of the buildings.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
     November 24, 1837.

______________

E1.—Special.

Note.—The estimates for magazines are predicated upon such reports of the respective commandants of navy yards as satisfied the board that the public interests would be promoted by the proposed expenditure.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
November 24, 1837.

_____________

E2.—Special.

Note.—The situation of the vessels which are used for the reception of recruits at these places has become such that they can no longer furnish convenient or wholesome accommodations for the men.

It is proposed to purchase roomy merchant vessels for this purpose, if the necessary appropriation should be granted.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
      November 24, 1837.

--748--

____________

F.

GENERAL ESTIMATE of the expenses of the marine corps for the year 1838.

There will be required for the support of the marine corps during the year 1838, in addition to the balances that may remain on hand on the 1st of January, 1838, the sum of three hundred sixty-one thousand four hundred and seventy-seven dollars and twenty-one cents. 

The causes of the excess, as reported with the estimates from the Colonel Commandant under the following items, were as follows:

--749--

F—Continued.

--750--

______________

F1.—PAY DEPARTMENT.

DETAILED ESTIMATE of 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 1838.

Head Quarters of the Marine Corps,
  Paymaster's Office, November  10, 1837.

GEO. W. WALKER,
Paymaster Marines.

--751--

______________

F2.—Provisions.

_____________

F 3.—Clothing.

--752--

______________

F4.—Fuel.

Respectfully submitted

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

--753--

Navy Commissioners' Office
     November 24, 1837.

The only item of these estimates which requires remarks from the Board of Navy Commissioners, is that which proposes $50,0000 for the purchase of ground and building barracks at Brooklyn, N. Y. The board have heretofore expressed, and still entertain the opinion, that a decision upon the future distribution of the marine corps at the naval stations seems to be necessary, before a proper judgment can be formed of the extent of ground, or size of barracks, which may be required at any particular station.

I. CHAUNCEY.

--754--

_____________

G.

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

* Surveying and exploring vessels.

--755--

_____________

H.

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

At Charlestown, Mass.

The Columbus, ship of the line—-has recently been thoroughly repaired.

The Erie, sloop of war—has also been recently repaired.

The Ohio, ship of the line—is completing her repairs in dock, and nearly finished.

At Brooklyn, N. Y.

The Washington, ship of the line—requires extensive repairs. The Franklin, ship of the line—requires extensive repairs. The Hudson, frigate—is considered unfit for sea service, and is used for a receiving vessel for recruits. The John Adams, sloop of war—has been recently fitted for sea.

At Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania, ship of the line—is preparing for removal to Norfolk, for the purpose of being put into dock.

The Sea Gull, an old steam vessel—is much decayed and is used as a receiving vessel for recruits.

At Gosport, Va.

The Delaware, ship of the line—has recently been thoroughly repaired.

The Columbia, frigate—is prepared for sea.

The Brandywine, frigate—requires large repairs.

The Potomac, frigate—requires large repairs.

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

The Java, frigate—is unfit for sea service, and is used as a receiving vessel for recruits.

The Vincennes, sloop of war—requires large repairs.

The Warren, sloop of war—requires large repairs.

The Peacock, sloop of war—requires slight repairs.

RECAPITULATION.

Six ships of the line, and three frigates-—worthy of repair.

Three frigates supposed to be unfit for further sea service.

Five sloops of war—repaired or worthy of repair.

One old receiving vessel—unfit for any service.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
     November 24, 1837.

--756--

_____________

I.

Statement of vessels on the stocks at the different navy yards.

At Portsmouth, N. H.

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

At Charlestown, Mass.

Two ships of the line and one frigate, under the law for the gradual increase of the navy.

One sloop of war—to replace the Cyane.

At Brooklyn, N. Y.

Two frigates, under the law for the gradual increase of the navy. One sloop of war—to be called the Levant.

At Philadelphia.

One frigate, under the law for the gradual increase of the navy.

At Gosport, Va.

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

RECAPITULATION.

Four ships of the line and six frigates, under the law for the gradual increase of the navy.

Two sloops of war -- under the appropriation for 1337.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
    November 24, 1837.

_____________

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 of April, 1816, and 3d March, 1831.

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

The ship of the line Ohio, was launched in 1820, and only completed in part. Measures have been taken to repair the injuries resulting from decay, and to complete her equipments from the ordinary appropriations, and they will probably be finished soon.

--757--

The Pennsylvania ship of the line has been launched; the amount remaining under the appropriation for gradual increase, together with the $100,000 appropriated for placing her in a place of safety, are being expanded to prepare her for removal to Norfolk.

The frigates Brandywine, Potomac, and Columbia, have been launched and completed for service. Four ships of the line and six frigates remain on the stocks; they are generally sound, and in a good state of preservation, with the exception of some of their keels, keelsons, and deadwoods, which will require to be replaced before they are launched. They are generally so far advanced that they could probably be completed by the time that crews could be collected for them.

It may be proper to remark, that the remainder of this fund will be expended upon the Pennsylvania ship of the line, but that it will be insufficient to complete the equipment of that ship. Consequently, additional funds will be necessary, should it be determined to complete any of the other vessels.

The distribution of the vessels building is shown in statement I.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
    November 24, 1837.

______________

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 collected for four ships of the line, seven frigates, and five sloops of war.

Contracts have been made for other live oak frames, which have not yet been delivered, as follows:

For eleven ships of the line, eleven frigates, seventeen sloops of war, nine smaller vessels, and nine steamers; making, in the whole, frames for fifteen ships of the line, eighteen frigates, twenty-two sloops of war, nine smaller vessels, and nine steamers.

Of the incomplete contracts, some are nearly completed; under others a small proportion only has been delivered, and others have been made very recently. By the terms of the contracts, the whole are to be completed on or before the last of March, 1841. No additional contracts have been made for other materials, under this appropriation, since the last report.

The following statement shows more in detail the expenditures which have been made for different purposes from this appropriation, so far as they are shown by returns made to this office, up to the 1st October, 1837:

--758--

This amount, with the sum of $500,000, which will be due in 1838, and will complete the whole appropriation, it is proposed to expend in ordnance and other articles of a durable character, for arming and equipping vessels, as authorized by the last general appropriation act of Congress.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office
     November 24, 1837.

______________

M.

Report of the measures which have been adopted in relation to the two sloops of war and six small vessels, which were authorized by the act of appropriation for the navy, approved 3d March, 1837.

The two sloops of war have been commenced with frames already procured under other appropriations, one building at Boston, to be called the Cyane, and one at New York, to be called the Levant, and will both soon be ready to launch. Their equipments are also in a state of fowardness. Both can probably be made ready for service by the middle of January next.

There being no suitable frames on hand for the six smaller vessels, advertisements were issued, and contracts have been made for them. Other arrangements will be made in time to commence them so soon as the frames can be procured.

I. CHAUNCEY.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
     November 24, 1837.

--759—

_______________

N1.

ALPHABETICAL LIST of invalid navy pensioners, complete to 30th September, 1837.

--760--

N1 — Continued.

--761--

N1—Continued.

--762--

N1—Continued.

--763--

N1—Continued.

--764--

N1—Continued.

* Special.

The number of invalid pensioners is 350.

Annual sum to pay them $28,895 70.

THOMAS L. RAGSDALE, Clerk, &c.

--765--

_______________

N2.

ALPHABETICAL LIST of widow pensioners, complete to September 30, 1837.

* Special.

--766--

N2—Continued.