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19th Congress.] |
No. 303. |
[1st Session. |
ON THE NECESSITY OF INCREASING THE NAVAL FORCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES WITH BRAZIL AND BUENOS AYRES.
COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MARCH 17, 1826.
Mr. Bartlett, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, of the 3d instant, in answer to a resolution of the House of the 23d of February last, inquiring "if there are a sufficient number of vessels now in commission for actual service to enable him to extend adequate protection to our commerce to the empire of Brazil and to the republic of Buenos Ayres, and, in the event of the whole naval force in commission being-engaged on other stations, what additional appropriation will be required for that object," reported:
That they have had the subject so referred to them by order of the House under their consideration, and, in their opinion, a due regard to the interests of the United States, and the protection of its commerce, requires that provision should be made by law for fitting out a naval force adequate to their security from aggression by the public or private armed vessels of the governments now at war on the eastern coast of South America. It appears, by the letter of the Secretary of the Navy Department, that the means now in the power of the government will not enable that Department to afford this protection to our commerce in that quarter, without withdrawing a naval force from other stations, where it cannot be diminished with safety. The committee are of opinion that the force to be sent on this service should not be less than a frigate of the first or second class, and two sloops-of-war. The Guerriere can be prepared for sea in ninety, the Congress in sixty, and the Macedonian in forty-five days, and two sloops-of-war in about sixty days. To enable the government to fit out one of these frigates and two sloops-of-war, the committee have directed a bill to be reported to the House, making the necessary appropriations for that object.
Navy Department, March 11, 1826.
Sir:
I enclose you a letter which will explain the situation of the vessels, and the time required to fit them.
I also enclose a detailed statement of the expenses of supporting a ship of each class. The clerk did not understand me, and made the statement embrace the commissioned and warrant officers, which is not done in the paper A, annexed to the report. It is now too late to correct the error, but a short explanation will relieve from the difficulty.
The paper A states the amount of the expense of the vessels, exclusive of commissioned and warrant officers.
The paper B, from the line which is drawn across it, gives the items of that expense, so far as pay and subsistence is concerned. By adding them up, you will perceive the amounts agree.
Paper B gives all the expense of pay and subsistence of all the officers. The commissioned and warrant officers were not embraced in A, because the support of them is provided for in the annual appropriation bill. The others are employed when the vessels are put in commission.
The item of provisions in A, is formed by taking each person on board the vessels, and calculating one ration for each at twenty-five cents. Thus you will perceive that in a frigate of the first class there are of officers, seamen, &c., 436 persons; multiply this by the days in the year, 365, and divide by four, and you have the amount in dollars, of that item in C.
So take the number of petty officers, seamen, &c., and multiply and divide in the same mode, and you have the amount of that item in A.
The three remaining items in A are the uniform estimate on those subjects, and as near the truth as we can come. Sometimes they are a little more and sometimes a little less than the actual wants of the vessel, but always very near the truth.
The haste in which these statements are made induces me to request you to consider them private, so far as not to print them, and if further explanations be required, I will call on you to-morrow and give them.
I am, very respectfully, &c., SAM'L L. SOUTHARD.
Hon. H. R. Storrs, Chairman Naval Committee.
Navy Department, March 11, 1826.
Sir:
There are three frigates, one of the first, and two of the second class, which may be fitted for sea in a short time, viz:
The Guerriere in ninety days; the Congress in sixty days; the Macedonian in forty-five days. The Guerriere and Macedonian are at Norfolk—the Congress at this yard.
There are also two of the new sloops-of-war, viz: the Lexington and Vincennes, both at New York, which may be prepared for sea in about 60 days.
The only doubt as to the times mentioned arises from the difficulty in enlisting seamen, but it is hoped that little, if any, delay will arise from this cause.
I enclose to you a detailed statement respecting the estimates of the expenses of preparing and supporting these vessels for the year.
I am, very respectfully, &c, SAM'L L. SOUTHARD.
Hon. Henry R. Storrs, Chairman Naval Committee, House of Representatives.
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B.
Estimate of the pay and subsistence of all persons attached to a frigate of the first class, a frigate of thesecond class, and a sloop-of-war, for one year.
Frigate of the 1st class. |
Frigate of the 2d class. |
Sloop-of-war. |
|||
1 |
$2,112 50 |
1 |
$2,112 50 |
||
1 |
$1,085 00 |
||||
8 |
5,300 00 |
7 |
4,637 50 |
5 |
3,312 50 |
1 |
571 25 |
1 |
571 25 |
1 |
571 25 |
1 |
571 25 |
1 |
571 25 |
||
1 |
691 25 |
1 |
691 25 |
1 |
691 25 |
1 |
571 25 |
1 |
571 25 |
1 |
571 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
1 |
331 25 |
26 |
5,928 00 |
20 |
4,560 00 |
12 |
2,736 00 |
2 |
902 50 |
2 |
902 50 |
1 |
451 25 |
1 |
300 00 |
1 |
300 00 |
1 |
300 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
4 |
1,112 00 |
3 |
684 00 |
2 |
456 00 |
2 |
456 00 |
2 |
456 00 |
2 |
456 00 |
2 |
456 00 |
1 |
228 00 |
1 |
228 00 |
1 |
228 00 |
1 |
228 00 |
1 |
228 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
2 |
432 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
||
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
12 |
2,592 00 |
10 |
2,160 00 |
8 |
1,728 00 |
8 |
1,728 00 |
6 |
1,296 00 |
5 |
1,080 00 |
3 |
648 00 |
3 |
648 00 |
3 |
648 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
1 |
216 00 |
160 |
23,040 00 |
129 |
18,576 00 |
70 |
10,080 00 |
170 |
20,400 00 |
131 |
15,720 00 |
40 |
4,800 00 |
20 |
1,440 00 |
22 |
1,584 00 |
10 |
720 00 |
436 |
$72,101 00 |
354 |
$59,334 50 |
175 |
$32,763 50 |
N. B.—Deduct all the items above the black [blank] line; they are provided for in the general navy appropriation bill.
C.
Estimate of the annual expense of a frigate of the first class, a frigate of the second class, and a sloop-of-war.
Frigate—1st class. |
Frigate—2d class. |
Sloop-of-war. |
|
Pay and subsistence |
$12,101 00 |
$59,334 50 |
$32,163 50 |
Provisions |
39,185 00 |
32,302 50 |
15,993 15 |
* Medicines and hospital stores |
2,000 00 |
1,600 00 |
1,000 00 |
* Outfits, to be appropriated under head of "repairs" |
2,000 0050,000 00 |
45,000 00 |
20,000 00 |
* Wear and tear |
16,000 00 |
12,000 00 |
8,000 00 |
$119,886 00 |
$150,231 00 |
$11,151 25 |
* These estimates are the same as those made for vessels of the same rates.
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Pay, one year.
Frigate of 1st class |
53,772 |
9 months is |
$40,329 |
Sloop-of-war |
17,712 |
9 months is |
13,284 |
Sloop-of-war |
17,712 |
9 months is |
13,284 |
Pay |
$66,897 |
||
Provisions—frigate |
$36,043 |
9 months is |
$27,032 |
sloop |
11,223 |
9 months is |
8,418 |
sloop |
11,223 |
9 months is |
8,418 |
Provisions |
$43,868 |
Navy Department, March 3, 1826.
Sir:
In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 23d February, "that the Secretary of the Navy be directed to report if there are a sufficient number of vessels now in commission for actual service, to enable him to extend adequate protection to our commerce to the empire of Brazil and the republic of Buenos Ayres; and, in the event of the whole naval force in commission being engaged on other stations, what additional appropriation will be required for this object;" I have the honor to state, that estimates have been formed, and an appropriation bill passed, for the support in commission of
One ship of the line, three frigates of the first class, one frigate of the second class, six sloops-of-war of the first class, three sloops of the second class, and seven brigs, schooners, &c. These vessels were intended to be distributed in the following manner:
In the Mediterranean—North Carolina 74, Constitution frigate, sloops Erie and Ontario, and schooner Porpoise. These vessels are now there, and it is not believed that any change can be made, with safety to the public interest, by withdrawing any part of this force.
In the Pacific—The frigate United States, sloop Peacock, and schooner Dolphin. The Brandywine, now in commission, will be prepared for the purpose, and relieve the frigate United States, so that that vessel will return about the close of the year. The Peacock must, in like manner, be relieved by another sloop-of-war, and it was intended to send an additional vessel of that class, making in all a frigate, two sloops, and a schooner; a force which cannot be diminished with safety to our commercial interests in that ocean.
In the West Indies, we have the frigate Constellation, corvette John Adams, sloop Hornet, brig Spark, and schooners Shark, Grampus, and Fox, to which may be added the corvette Cyane, intended for that station at the expiration of her present cruise on the coast of the Brazils and Buenos Ayres. The recollections of the last two years admonish us that any part of this force cannot be withdrawn. It could be sent to no place where our interests are in greater jeopardy. Indeed, the impression is not feeble, that we ought to increase it without delay.
This distribution of the force leaves but a single sloop-of-war in commission which is not specifically attached to, and employed in, the protection of commerce upon and near some station. Separate service, and objects of a general nature, will certainly employ that one.
It may, therefore, in answer to the resolution, be stated, that there are not a sufficient number of vessels now in commission for actual service, to enable the Department to extend adequate protection to our commerce to the empire of Brazil and to the republic of Buenos Ayres. It is believed that an additional frigate and two sloops-of-war would be necessary for that object, and an estimate is herewith transmitted, marked A, of the annual expense of supporting a frigate of the first class, one of the second class, and one sloop-of-war.
The appropriation which shall be made by Congress will determine the character and number of the vessels which will be put in commission for that service.
I have the honor to enclose copies of communications recently received, marked B, C, D, and E, recommending the employment of an additional naval force, for the purpose mentioned in the resolution. I am, very respectfully, &c.
SAM'L L. SOUTHARD.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives.
A.
Estimate showing the annual expense, for one year, of a frigate of the first and second class, and of a sloop-of-war, exclusively of the pay and rations of the commission and warrant officers, but including the expense of outfits.
|
Frigate—44. |
Frigate—36. |
Sloop. |
Pay of petty officers, seamen, &c |
$53,772 00 |
$44,616 00 |
$17,712 00 |
Provisions |
36,043 75 |
29,930 00 |
11,223 75 |
Medicines and hospital stores |
2,000 00 |
1,600 00 |
1,000 00 |
Outfits to be appropriated |
50,000 00 |
45,000 00 |
20,000 00 |
Wear and tear, under head of "repairs" |
16,000 00 |
12,000 00 |
8,000 00 |
$157,815 75 |
$133,146 00 |
$57,935 75 |
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Washington, February 15, 1826.
Sir: Intelligence, apparently authentic, having reached this country, of the existence of a state of war between the governments of Brazil and of the United Provinces of the La Plata, the undersigned, on behalf of their constituents, beg leave to represent to you the consequences likely to result from the war between these governments. The uniform course of events for the last seventeen years leaves no doubt of the fact that the coasts and waters of the countries at war will instantly swarm with privateers, and pirates assuming their character, and that the commerce of neutral powers will become the indiscriminate prey of their rapacity. To prevent the vexatious delays and losses which must ensue, the undersigned, on behalf of their constituents engaged in commerce with Rio Janeiro, Buenos Ayres, and other ports of the government of Brazil, and of the United Provinces of La Plata, respectfully ask leave to suggest the expediency of dispatching forthwith a respectable naval force to protect the American navigation from the interruption and insults to which it must otherwise be exposed in that quarter. Leaving all further considerations of the urgency of this step, or of the amount of force required by the exigency of the occasion, the undersigned beg leave to sign themselves, With great respect, your faithful, humble servants,
JOHN REED.
JOHN BAILEY.
JOHN DAVIS.
H. W. DWIGHT.
DANIEL WEBSTER.
B. W. CROWNINSHIELD.
SAMUEL LATHROP.
SAMUEL C. ALLEN.
JOHN VARNUM.
AARON HOBART.
EDWARD EVERETT.
JOHN LOCKE.
FRANCIS BAYLIES.
Hon. S. L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy.
C.
Boston, February 20, 1826.
Sir: The existing war between the Brazilian and Buenos Ayrean governments, it is feared by the merchants trading to South America, both on this side and beyond the capes, and to India and China, will be put in great hazard: the valuable trade, which has necessarily to pass at no great distance from the seat of war—the importance and value of this trade does not require to be remarked upon. It is believed much of the danger may be avoided, should the government think proper to send a respectable force to cruise off the coast, from the La Plata to northwardmost part of the Brazilian territory, with orders occasionally to show itself at Buenos Ayres, Montevideo, Rio Janeiro, Pernambuco, &c. Many privateers will be fitted out on both sides; and however either government may be desirous to keep them within bounds, as respects neutral states, it is to be feared they cannot be restrained from committing depredations on our commerce, particularly in cases where the incitement is strong, from the value of the cargo, as would be the case of those going to and coming from India, China, and the southern coast of America.
It is respectfully suggested that a small force would rather give confidence to than awe those who may be disposed to prey upon us. The opinion here is that the contest will be soon over; but that, until that is the case, property will be very unsafe in those seas.
Gentlemen have thought it better that you should be addressed on the subject, rather than to memorialize the President; should your opinion be in accordance with ours, a suggestion from you to the Executive would produce the desired effect.
With much personal regard, and with sentiments of respect from those who join me in the application, and at whose request I make the above suggestion, I am, sir, your obedient servant,
T. H. PERKINS.
Hon. Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy.
D.
Philadelphia, March 1, 1826.
Sib: The Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, at a special meeting held last evening, directed me, as their organ, respectfully to represent the exposure to which it is believed the commerce of the United States, in the trade to South America, will be exposed, in consequence of the war which has been declared by the Emperor of Brazil against the republic of Buenos Ayres, and to solicit in their behalf such protection from the armed vessels of the United States as the government, in their wisdom, may consider effective and competent to the object.
The fostering care which is manifested on all occasions by the Naval Department towards the commerce of the country, inspires the highest confidence that, on the present occasion, there will be nothing wanting to comply with the reasonable wishes of the mercantile part of the community, which existing circumstances will permit. Notwithstanding, it is viewed as a duty by the chamber to make
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known the apprehensions which are excited for property supposed to be in jeopardy, and to co-operate with their fellow-citizens in other seaports, who have, or may make known, similar apprehensions to the government.
With sentiments of the highest respect, I have the honor to be, &c,
ROBERT RALSTON, President of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. To the honorable the Secretary of the Navy.
E
Baltimore, March 2, 1826. Sir: It cannot be necessary to state to you the great magnitude of our commerce with the rich and extensive empire of Brazil, and with the provinces of the Rio de la Plata; that its importance is enhanced in a national point of view, from the circumstance of its taking off a larger proportion of the produce of our country than any other branch of our South American trade; that owing to the existing state of war in those countries, the whole of this valuable commerce is left to the mercy of pirates, privateers, and men-of-war; the two first, always ready to depredate on the property of any nation, and the latter but little disposed to respect neutral rights (as we know from experience), unless awed by the presence of a respectable naval force.
The Chamber of Commerce of this city therefore most respectfully beg leave to suggest the expediency of immediately dispatching not only a respectable but an imposing naval force for the protection of our commerce in that quarter.
I have the honor to be, with the utmost respect, your most obedient servant,
W. LORMAN, President of the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce. To the Hon. Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the United States Navy.