--481--

REPORT

OF

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

Navy Department, November 25, 1843.

Sir:

I have the honor to present to you the annual report of the condition and operations of this department of the public service.

The navy, at the present time, consists of the following number and description of vessels: One ship of 120 guns; nine ships of the line, of 90 guns each; one razee, of 62 guns; twelve 52-gun frigates; one 50- gun frigate; two 48 gun frigates; eleven first-class sloops of war, of 24 guns each; three 22-gun sloops; five 16-gun sloops; two sloops for store- ships, 6 guns' each. There are also four first-class sloops on the stocks, nearly ready for launching; eleven 10 gun brigs and schooners; three ditto used as store ships, and one for a receiving vessel at Charleston; the steamship Mississippi, of 12 guns; the Fulton, of 8 guns; the Princeton, (Ericsson's propeller,) of 12 guns; the Union, of 4 guns, (with Lieut. Hunter's submerged wheels;) the Poinsett, of 2 guns; and an iron steamer, the Michigan, of 6 guns, nearly ready to launch on Lake Erie. There are likewise four small schooners employed as packets, or receiving-vessels. In all, seventy-six vessels, of the various descriptions.

The Washington, 90-gun ship, has been broken up the last year; and the frigate Hudson is unfit to repair. The sloop Concord, 24 guns, was lost in the Mozambique channel, on the eastern coast of Africa, on the 2d of October, 1842. The commander, William Boerura, the purser, B. F. Hart, and James Davis, an ordinary seaman, were drowned, while crossing the bar at the mouth of Lorango river, in the captain's gig. The surviving officers and crew were conveyed, in a vessel chartered for the purpose, to Rio Janeiro, and thence to the United States.

I regret to report that the schooner Grampus has not been heard from since the 14th of March last—when she was off Charleston, S. C—and is supposed to have been lost, with all hands, in some of the severe gales which occurred about that time.

I have also, the unpleasant duty of reporting the loss of the steamship Missouri. This frigate departed early in August, for the purpose of conveying the Commissioner for China (the honorable Caleb Gushing) to Alexandria, in Egypt, en route to the court of Pekin. While she was lying in the harbor of Gibraltar, (into which port she had put for the purpose of replenishing her fuel,), she took fire on the evening of the 26th of August, and the utmost exertions of her officers and men, during the trying and perilous event, were unavailing in extinguishing the flames;

--482--

and this costly ship—an ornament to the navy—was entirely destroyed. The larger part of her officers and men have reached the United States in a ship chartered to bring them home. Her commander (Captain Newton) remains, with a portion of her force, to secure what can be recovered from the wreck. All the accounts of this disaster concur in representing the officers and crew as having made the utmost exertions to extinguish the flames; and that their conduct during this perilous period, when an explosion of the magazine was momentarily expected, was marked by great coolness and intrepidity. Captain Newton's official report (a copy of which is hereto appended) having been laid before yon, further investigations into the causes of this loss are postponed until after his return.

The ship Franklin, requiring heavy repairs, has been laid up at the Charlestown yard, awaiting a more favorable season for prosecuting such work. The razee Independence has been ordered to the same yard for a like purpose. The Constitution frigate, at Norfolk, and the sloop-of-war Yorktown, at New York, are undergoing repairs, preparatory to sea service. The brig Dolphin, at Norfolk, is awaiting repairs.

Inquiries were instituted, early in the summer, as to the cost of building an iron steamer of about 1,000 tons, at Pittsburg, with Hunter's submerged wheels; and, in the execution of this plan, a contract was entered into, early in October, with Messrs. Tomlinson & Co., for building it, at a definite price per pound; and the whole cost not to exceed, in any event, $150,000, with a guaranty of speed at the rate of nine miles per hour, from her steam power, in smooth water.

Some months since, an order was given to build a small iron steamer at the Washington navy-yard, on Hunter's plan, to be partly of galvanized iron; but, owing to the heavy drafts upon the appropriation, for other purposes, that work is now suspended.

Instructions were also given, in April last, for the building of six sloops-of-war of the largest class; two of which have been launched, and the others are on the stocks, nearly ready for launching. The work on two of these has been suspended for the present. In addition to these sloops on the stocks, there are, of the vessels previously named as constituting a part of the naval force, the following on the stocks, viz: the Vermont and Virginia, 90 guns each, at Boston; the Alabama, 90 guns, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the New York, 90 guns, at Norfolk; the Santee frigate, 52 guns, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and the frigate Sabine, 52 guns, at New York.

The vessels afloat have been employed, during the past year, as follows: In the home squadron, the razee Independence, commanded by Captain Stringham until May, and since that time by Captain McKeever; the sloop Falmouth, commanded by Commander J. Mcintosh up to August, when he was relieved by Commander J. R. Sands; the sloop Vincennes, commanded by Commander F. Buchanan; the sloop Vandalia, commanded by Commander W. J. McCluney, who was relieved, in consequence of ill health, in September, and succeeded by Commander J. S. Chauncey; the brig Dolphin, commanded by Commander J. D. Knight, who was relieved, in October, by Commander H. Bruce; the brig Somers, commanded by Lieutenant J. W. West; the brig Boxer, commanded by Lieutenant O. Bullus; the brig Bainbridge, commanded by Lieutenant Z. F. Johnston, who was relieved in September, and succeeded by Commander J. Mattison; and the schooner Grampus, Lieutenant A. E. Downes;

--483--

the whole under the command of Commodore Charles Stewart. The cruising ground of this squadron extends from the Banks of Newfoundland to the river Amazon, and includes the Gulf of Mexico and. the Caribbean sea.

In the Mediterranean squadron, conformably with previous arrangements, an exchange of commands has taken place between Commodores Morris and Morgan.

Commodore Morris sailed from the coast of Brazil in the Delaware, 74, Captain Charles S. McCauley, on the 19th of February, and arrived in the Mediterranean on the 9th of April, when the command of the Mediterranean squadron was transferred to him by Commodore Morgan; and the latter sailed in June, with the Columbus, 74, Captain Benjamin Cooper, for the coast of Brazil. The frigate Congress, Captain P. F. Voorhees, has been employed in the Mediterranean during the whole year, and is expected to sail in January next for Brazil, to interchange with the frigate Columbia, Captain B. R. Shubrick, now on that station. The sloop Fairfield, commanded by Commander A. Bigelow during a part of the year, and subsequently by Commander S. W. Downing, has also been attached to the Mediterranean squadron. This vessel will return to the United States upon the arrival out of the new sloop-of-war Plymouth, now about to sail, under the command of Commander H. Henry. The sloop Preble, Commander S. B. Wilson, having finished her cruise in the Mediterranean, arrived at Boston the 31st August, and is ready again for sea. The sloop Lexington has been employed as a store-ship for this squadron. She has made one voyage with provisions and stores, and is now on her second trip.

The term of Commodore Morris's command having expired, Commodore Joseph Smith has been selected to succeed him, and has sailed for the Mediterranean in the new frigate Cumberland, Captain S. L. Breese; which vessel will be the flag-ship of the squadron. Upon the arrival out of the Cumberland, Commodore Morris will return to the United States in the Delaware, 74.

The cruising ground of this squadron embraces the Mediterranean sea.

In the Brazil squadron, in addition to the Delaware, 74, there have been employed the frigate Columbia, Captain Edward R. Shubrick; the sloop John Adams, Commander Conover; the sloop Decatur, Commander Farragut, (which vessel returned to the United States on the 18th of February;) and the schooner Enterprise, now in command of Lieutenant J. M. Watson. Commodore Morgan arrived at Rio de Janeiro, in the Columbus, 74, on the 2d of August, where he was met by Commodore Daniel Turner, who had been appointed to succeed him in the command of the squadron. This latter vessel is now the flag-ship of Commodore Turner, but she will return to the United States on the arrival out of the frigate Raritan, now preparing for sea, under the command of Captain F. H. Gregory. The sloop Boston, Commander Pendergrast, has sailed from Boston to relieve the John Adams.

The brig Pioneer, lately used as a receiving vessel at Baltimore, is now fitting out at Norfolk as a store-ship for this squadron. Lieutenant Shaw has been ordered to command her.

The cruising ground of this squadron extends from the mouth of the river Amazon to Cape Horn; along the equator, eastward, to the south-

--484--

western boundary of the African station, Cape Negro; thence, along the coast of Africa, to the Cape of Good Hope.

The Pacific squadron, at the commencement of the year, consisted of the frigate United States, Captain James Armstrong; the sloop Cyane, Commander Stribling; the sloop Yorktown, Commander Nicholas; the sloop Dale, Commander Dornin; the schooner Shark, Lieutenant Eagle; and the store-ship Relief, Lieutenant Sterett: the whole under the command of Commodore Thomas Ap C. Jones. On the 24th of January, Commodore Jones was recalled, and Commodore A. J. Dallas ordered to succeed him in the command of the squadron. Commodore Dallas sailed from Norfolk in the sloop Vandalia for Chagres, and arrived at Callao in the latter part of July. On the 8th of August, he had not met with Commodore Jones, who was absent on a cruise to the Sandwich Islands.

The Yorktown returned home on the 2d of August, and the Dale on the 19th of October, having on board the remains of Commodore A. Claxton, who died while in command of the squadron. The places of these vessels have been supplied by the sloop Levant, Commander H. N. Page, which sailed from Norfolk on the 2d of September; and the Warren, Commander J. B. Hull, on the 19th of October. The new frigate Savannah has been equipped for sea, and sailed on the 19th of October, from New York, under the command of Captain A. Fitzhugh, to join this squadron. When she reaches the Pacific, the United States will probably return home. The store-ship Erie, Lieutenant Manning, sailed from Boston on the 9th of February, with provisions and stores for this squadron. Upon her arrival at Rio, Lieutenant Manning was relieved from the command, and Lieutenant N. W. Duke ordered to succeed him. The Erie has arrived on the station. The vessels of this squadron have been ordered to return to the United States, in future, by way of China and the Cape of Good Hope.

This squadron cruises along the whole west coast of America, and westward from the meridian of Cape Horn to one hundred and eighty degrees west longitude, and southward between those meridians.

The East India squadron has been composed of the frigate Constellation, Commodore Kearney commanding the squadron, and the sloop Boston, Commander J. C. Long; which latter vessel, after visiting the most important ports and islands in the China seas and the Pacific, returned home by Cape Horn in the month of August. The Constellation left China in the early part of the year, and was at the Sandwich Islands in August last, to sail in a few days for the United States, via California' and Cape Horn.

A squadron, under the command of Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, has been fitted out in the place of that commanded by Commodore Kearney. The frigate Brandywine, bearing the flag of Commodore Parker, and the sloop St. Louis, Commander H. H. Cocke, sailed from Norfolk on the 23d of May. These vessels arrived at Rio de Janeiro on the 19th of July, and sailed thence on the 5th of August. A leak was discovered in the bow of the St. Louis, which obliged her to put back to Rio for repairs, at which place she arrived on the 7th of September. It was expected that the vessel would sail again in a few days. The new brig Perry, which was launched in May, has been despatched, under the command of Commander S. F. Dupont, to join this squadron.

The African squadron is composed of the frigate Macedonian, Captain

--485--

Mayo; the sloop Saratoga, Commander Tattnall; the sloop Decatur, Commander Abbott; and the brig Porpoise, Lieutenant Stellwagen: the whole under the command of Commodore Matthew C. Perry. The brig Consort is now fitting out at Boston as a store-ship for this squadron.

The cruising-ground of the squadron extends from Madeira and the Canary Islands, to the Bight of Biafra; and from the coast of Africa to the thirtieth degree of west longitude.

The following vessels have been employed on special or detached service:

The brig Truxton, Lieutenant Upshur, sailed from Norfolk in June last for Constantinople, to bring home the remains of the late Commodore David Porter. She is daily expected to arrive in the United States.

The brig Oregon, Lieutenant (now Commander) Powell, which had been employed on a survey of the Gulf of Mexico, between Apalachicola bay and the Mississippi river, under a resolution of Congress dated the 20th July, 1840, arrived at Norfolk the 27th July last—the season being too far advanced to permit a further continuance of operations. The steamer Poinsett, also engaged on this survey, remained out; and the work has been resumed under Lieutenant R. Semmes.

The schooner Flirt, Lieutenant J. A. Davis, made a trip to Chagres in April, with a mail for the Pacific squadron; returned to Norfolk in July, and has since been despatched to Galveston, Texas.

The schooner Phoenix, Lieutenant Sinclair, has also been employed as a despatch vessel, and has recently returned from Chagres.

The brig Lawrence, built at Baltimore by contract, has been fitted out, and placed under the command of Commander W. H. Gardner, and has just departed from Norfolk, on a cruise to the Windward islands.

The sloop Marion, Commander W. M. Armstrong, returned from a cruise in the West Indies in May last, and is now ready for sea at Boston. The small steamer Engineer has had a new boiler put in her, and is now used as a tender to the receiving-ship at Norfolk.

The vessels employed as receiving-ships are the Pennsylvania, Captain Zantzinger, at Norfolk; the Ohio, Captain Hunter, at Boston; the North Carolina, Captain Dulany, at New York; the Experiment, Commander Varnum, at Philadelphia; and the On-ka-hy-e, Commander Knight, at Charleston, South Carolina. The Ontario, lately used as a receiving- ship at New Orleans, and the Wave, at Baltimore, have been laid up, for the present, at Norfolk. Two war-steamers, with submerged propellers, have been launched during the year—the Union and the Princeton. The Union is constructed upon the plan of Lieutenant Hunter—with submerged horizontal wheels upon the sides. The trial of this vessel was considered quite satisfactory to the department. The boilers, however, having been somewhat faulty, new ones are to be substituted; when it is not doubted, by the ingenious inventor, that a high rate of speed will be secured. Lieutenant Hunter's official reports are appended, as also the letter of the department on a trial of this vessel.

The Princeton, with Ericsson's propellers, (a vessel of a most beautiful model, both for appearance and efficiency, constructed under the immediate direction and supervision of Captain R. F. Stockton,) has made a highly successful experimental cruise, under his command, to and about New York; the official report of which is hereto appended.

--486--

Should these experiments, on further trial, equal the expectations now confidently entertained of them a new era will commence in steam navigation, and particularly in the use of war-steamers. Vessels that can move, at the pleasure of their commanders, against wind or tide, and whose machinery is beneath the reach of an enemy's fire, will be able easily to overcome and destroy any war-vessels of the ordinary structure.

Improvements, of some magnitude, and of much utility, have been made, the past year, in the navy-yards at Portsmouth, N. H., Charlestown, and Gosport; and others are proposed, in the different yards, the ensuing year; for all the details of which I refer you to the appended report of the Chief of the Bureau of Navy Yards and Docks.

For the service of the next year, the employment of the following force is proposed:

For the home squadron, three frigates, six sloops, two steamers, and five brigs and schooners—making, in all, sixteen vessels. For the Mediterranean, three frigates, four sloops, one brig, and one store-ship—nine vessels. For the coast of Africa, four sloops, two brigs or schooners, and one store-ship—seven vessels. For the coast of Brazil, two frigates, three sloops, one brig, and one store-ship—seven vessels. For the Pacific, three frigates, four sloops, two brigs or schooners, and one store-ship—ten vessels. For the East Indies, two frigates, two sloops, one brig, and one store-ship—six vessels. For the Lakes, one steamer. For special service, the steamers Mississippi, Princeton, and Union, and the small iron steamer now building at the navy-yard, Washington.

This increased force seems to be called for, to afford adequate protection to our national interests embarked in our increased and growing commerce on the distant stations. The force proposed to be added to the home squadron (the cruising-ground of which extends from Newfoundland to the river Amazon, in South America,) seems to be necessary in guarding our own shores; in protecting the immense capital employed in the coasting trade along our whole seaboard, from the St. Croix to the Sabine; and in giving countenance and assistance to our foreign commerce with the West India islands and with the ports on the American continent.

The ships proposed to be employed are built and afloat. The officers necessary to command them are mostly in commission, and under pay. The deterioration of the ships is little more while in service than when laid up in ordinary. The officers degenerate by idleness, while they are improved by service. The expense of manning and sailing these ships, of course, is greater than when laid up. But we can have competent and skilful officers, good and efficient sailors, only by a long course of active sea service. That is the school in which they are taught, and in which they acquire a knowledge of their duties. To build a navy, without the experience, skill, and force necessary to sail and efficiently to manage it, in the event of a war with a maritime power, would be, in effect, but adding to the force of the enemy at the nation's cost, and to the national disgrace. I have, therefore, no hesitation in recommending the employment of a sufficient number of vessels to require the services of every officer that can be spared from shore duty, and capable of sea service.

A slight increase of officers in the subordinate grades will be needed to keep this force afloat. I would recommend that the number of midshipmen be kept as high as it was at the beginning of this year. About

--487--

ten more pursers could be beneficially employed. Several of the sailing-masters being, from age or infirmity, unfit for sea service, a small increase of the number is desirable. I would recommend that the proviso limiting the number of officers of the navy, which was passed on the 4th of August, 1842, be repealed, so far as it regards the warrant officers, excepting midshipmen; the present number being insufficient for the wants of the service.

The appropriation for increase, repairs, &c. for the year 1843-'4, having been heavily drawn upon in payment of contracts made, and in the execution of plans, and the completion of works in progress anterior to the commencement of the present fiscal year, it was deemed necessary, in October last, to discharge a large portion of the persons employed under this head; leaving, however, it is believed, enough funds unexpended to meet most of the outstanding demands against the department chargeable to this appropriation. The act of Congress of the 31st August, 1842, which forbids the transfer of appropriations from one to another branch of expenditure in this department, has operated injuriously. Were these transfers permitted, it is believed that sufficient means might be found among the various unexpended balances of appropriations to pay most, if not all, needful outlays in the fitting, completing, and repairing of vessels, and for payments on uncompleted contracts; and I am fully persuaded that the public interests would be promoted were Congress to authorize these transfers early in the ensuing session.

There were several contracts made, some of them years since, for the supply of timber and various materials for the navy, which have expired without having been completed. Heretofore, the department has been in the practice of extending the time for completing these contracts, where the interests of the United States have not suffered by such extension. The law of the 3d of March, 1843, requiring all contracts to be given by advertisement, to the lowest bidder, seems to prohibit their further extension. There are many contractors who would have large sums due them, on the completion of their contracts, for previous deliveries, but the ten per cent. reserved on the amount of those deliveries; but, in consequence of the non-extension and non-fulfilment of those contracts, these amounts remain unpaid. As the United States have suffered no loss by these delays, and as the parties expected an extension, according to former usage, it appears to be a proper case for the interposition of Congress for their relief. Congress provided for analogous cases, by an act dated February 10, 1832; and the passage of a similar act at this time would enable the department to effect an equitable settlement of these cases.

It is not proposed to make any contracts the ensuing year for live oak, nor for any other timber, except absolutely required for immediate use; the department intending to build only four small timber vessels during that time, and the timber for which being mostly on hand.

The docking of timber for long periods, a large portion of the time but partly covered with water, seems of very questionable utility; and there are some positive injuries arising from the practice. The timber is taken from the water, and, before allowing it time to dry, is hewn and put up for the frame of the ship. The planks are sawed from it, to cover the frame. The consequence is, great shrinking and liability to warp; requiring additional expense for calking, from the shrinkage of the flanks, and greater liability to leakage. It tends also to generate the dry rot, which

--488--

disease (if I may so term it) appears to be a fungus, a parasitical plant, like mould, germinating in the wood, and destroying the tenacity of its fibre; which fungus would be less liable to germinate in dry than in moist wood. It is indeed doubted if it could germinate at all in perfectly dry wood.

A deficiency is apprehended in the appropriation for provisions and clothing for the current year. The sum granted by Congress for this purpose was less than that asked for by the department, and not sufficient to provide for the persons actually in service at the passage of the law. Efforts are making to bring the expenditure within the proper limits; but, owing to the recent establishment of the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, and the state of its accounts with the ships on distant stations, the department has not yet been able to learn the precise condition of its expenditures.

About $15,500 worth of provisions, clothing, and small stores, has been lost by the burning of the steamer Missouri, the loss of the schooner Grampus, and the wreck of a freight vessel at Port Praya.

The estimate from the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography is some five hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars more than the sum asked for last year; of this, about one hundred and sixty thousand dollars is to pay for outstanding contracts made by the Board of Navy Commissioners some years since, and yet incompleted. It includes also an estimate for a sufficient number of powder-tanks for all the ships and brigs of the navy, launched or not launched, that are not now provided with them. It likewise includes an estimate for two hundred cannon of a large size.

In the Bureau of Yards and Docks, the estimate for the improvement of yards is about $180,000 over that of last year. The estimate for coal is on the supposition that each steamer will employ steam power four months in the year; and the sum asked for is a very liberal allowance even for this length of service.

In the plot of ground on which the navy hospital at Chelsea, Mass., stand's, there are many acres more than are of any use for the purposes of that establishment, and producing no income. If this were sold, a handsome sum might be added to the hospital fund, and an income be received from it. I therefore respectfully recommend that Congress authorize the sale of so much of this land as will not be needed for the hospital purposes; and I would further suggest that the Navy Department be clothed with authority to invest the navy hospital fund, now amounting to over $200,000, and yielding no income, in some safe and productive securities.

A resolve was passed by the late Congress, appropriating four thousand dollars towards establishing an agency in the State of Kentucky, and one in the State of Missouri, for the purchase of American hemp for the use of the navy. An agent was appointed on the 1st of July last for the State of Kentucky; and, in obedience to directions, he visited the United States rope walk at the Charlestown navy-yard, for the purpose of gaining information as to the kind and quality of water-rotted hemp used in the navy, and the mode of testing its strength. The appropriation for this branch of the naval service (increase and repair) having been mainly expended in other contracts, the department has recently directed the agent to make no purchases; and, in this state of the appropriation, it has not been thought expedient to appoint any agent for the State of Missouri:

Mr. Von Schmidt, an intelligent gentleman, well acquainted with the

--489--

culture of hemp in Russia and in this country, has been employed, by the direction of the department, the last season, on the culture and preparation of hemp, in this vicinity. He is now engaged in construe ting, a machine for breaking it and separating the fibres from the stalks without rotting. Should he succeed, (of which there is a fair promise,) a great saving of labor will be made; and the hemp thus prepared will be much superior, in quality and strength, to hemp prepared by the old method of rotting. Mr. Yon Schmidt's report is appended. He has also been employed to translate the pamphlet on the culture and preparation of hemp, published at Odessa, in Russia; and to which the attention of Congress was invited, by a communication from this department, dated 1st of March, 1843. The expense of this translation, for which there is no appropriation, is three hundred dollars. The translation is submitted with this report.

I respectfully suggest a modification of the ration, so as to dispense with the spirit-portion now allowed. That the frequent and habitual use of ardent spirits injuriously affects the human system, is a truth believed to be now generally understood and admitted by all intelligent physiologists. Its evil influences are not less on the moral than on, the physical condition of man. A large proportion of the punishments inflicted upon the seamen is for drunkenness, or the immediate effects of drinking ardent spirits—insubordination in its various forms. In abolishing the spirit-ration, punishments and disease will be less frequent, and the whole moral and physical condition and character of the men will be improved. I therefore cannot too strongly recommend that no spirits be allowed in the rations of those who enlist in future, and that the right of commuting the spirit-ration for money be continued to those already enlisted.

Measures are in train for establishing a more perfect system of accounts for the naval storekeepers, by which a more rigid and effective responsibility will be enforced in keeping and disposing of the public property in the yards.

In the execution of this plan, an additional clerk at each navy-yard is necessary. The sum estimated for each clerk is $800 per annum, and the services to fee rendered will vastly more than compensate for the outlay.

Great expense has been incurred, at times, by alterations in the inboard arrangements of ships, without the authority of the department. The cost of such alterations thus made has been directed to be charged in future to the officer making them.

Navy agents have been directed to pay no bills, except from funds in hand belonging to the appropriation to which the bills are chargeable. By this arrangement, the department will keep a better knowledge and more perfect control over the condition of the appropriations.

The allowance of additional pay to officers performing the, duty of a higher grade, is often a subject of contention and perplexity, and is, liable to abuses. The utility of such allowances is somewhat questionable; but, if expedient to continue them, the law might be beneficially modified. It should define more accurately what constitutes a higher command, and perhaps also provide that no extra pay be allowed, unless expressly stipulated in the order directing the officer to perform such duty.

Pursuant to the act of Congress of March 3d, 1843, Captain Rousseau, Commander Adams, and Lieutenant Stephen Johnston, have examined and surveyed the harbor of Memphis, in reference to its capability for a naval depot and yard for the building and repairing of steamships and

--490--

other vessels of war at that place." The report of these officers has been received, and accompanies this.

An appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars was made at the last session of Congress for the purpose of building a floating dry-dock, sufficiently large to raise a second-class frigate, on such plan as the Secretary of the Navy should approve, to be used at Pensacola. After various inquiries, the examination of various plans, and the consideration of the offers of persons proposing to build it, no plan was presented on which a suitable dock could be built within the limits of the appropriation; and the department did not feel authorized to enter into a contract requiring a larger expenditure than the sum appropriated for the purpose. The plan presented by S. D. Dakin, for a sectional dock, had the preference of the department; but one of a suitable size, with the necessary machinery to work it, could not be built within the sum appropriated. A detailed report on the subject, with an estimate of the cost of such a dock, to be used as the elevating or floating power, and connected with a level rail- track, by which ships can be taken upon the land with ease and safety, will be submitted in another communication, when all the necessary facts and calculations shall have been received from the persons having that subject in charge. Mr. Sanger, the engineer of the Bureau of Yards and Bocks, in compliance with the resolve of Congress, is making the necessary examinations as to the practicability of using the Croton water as an elevating power for a dock at New York. When his survey shall have been completed, the department will report upon that subject.

In the estimates are included the cost of the apparatus for a laboratory at the Washington navy-yard, and for the employment of a chemist and pyrotechnist. It is believed that great advantages may he derived by employing scientific persons in testing the quality of copper arid various other materials, and in the preparation of many articles used in the service, which have heretofore been found, when used, of inferior quality. It is highly important that a competent person be employed in the preparation of fuses, rockets, and other fire-works, indispensable in the naval service. So deficient is the service in this knowledge, that the fuses necessary for its use are obliged to be purchased.

The medical department of the naval service requires talent, education, and moral worth, properly to fill it, of as high order as in other branches of that service; but the surgeons and assistant surgeons have no military rank. A modification of the law, by which medical officers in the naval service shall be entitled to rank, in a manner similar to that prescribed in the army, might be beneficially made.

Commander Wilkes, with the officers under him, has been assiduously engaged in preparing the hydrographical results of the exploring expedition for publication. Before the end of the year, forty plates of charts will be ready for publication, comprising upwards of seventy general and local surveys of the groups and islands of the Pacific. Many more are ready to be given out to engrave.

Commander Wilkes reports that the narrative preparing by him, under the authority of Congress, will be ready for the press previous to March next.

The naturalists and others are also employed in the description and arrangement of the several branches of natural history. For their pay, and that of the persons necessary in the keeping and attendance of the hall,

--491--

and to complete the arrangements, a small appropriation is asked. The whole is making as rapid an approach to completion as can be expected in such duties. The report and estimate of Commander Wilkes are submitted herewith.

In the general estimates for the half current year ending June 30, 1843, and the fiscal year ending June 30, 1844, fifteen thousand dollars are required "for the erection of building for depot" of charts and instruments. That sum is embraced in the amount appropriated for enumerated contingent expenses in the act of 3d March last; but "the erection of building for depot" is not specified therein, and the law prohibits the application of any part of the amount appropriated for "other objects" than those enumerated: therefore, legislation is necessary to perfect and legalize the application of the $15,000 to "the erection of building for depot"—the object for which the amount was specified in the estimates, and for which purpose it is applied.

I append the report of the superintendent of the building, in which he asks for an appropriation of $20,000 for grading the grounds, &c. The house he has estimated for would be convenient, but is not deemed essential at this time. It is proper to remark, that this building is adapted in its form and structure not only for a depot for charts and instruments, but for an astronomical observatory, and for other scientific investigations.

It cannot but be gratifying to you to learn how great an interest has been evinced by the learned societies and scientific men of Europe, as well as at home, upon the establishment of an institution by the Government, in which a portion of the duties will be the advancement of science. Great liberality of feeling was expressed towards the officer sent abroad for the purchase of instruments; and, as another mode in which their great satisfaction was shown, extremely valuable presents of books were made to its library through him.

Contracts awarded to the lowest bidder have been made the last year for some heavy ordnance; but the contractors have failed to fulfil their engagements, and, consequently, the guns have not been procured. The policy of giving contracts for supplies of such importance to the lowest bidder, in preference to known and experienced founders, is of questionable utility. But such is the present requirement of the law. The lowest priced guns are not always the cheapest. The loss of lives, during the last war, and since that time, from the bursting of guns on board our ships, is said to have been nearly as much as the loss from the enemy's shot. Ammunition, as well as guns, is, by law, to be procured in the like manner, from the lowest bidder. Powder, made from the nitrate of soda, in lieu of the nitrate of potash, appears as well, and is about as strong, when first made, as that manufactured from saltpetre, but deteriorates daily, and is nearly worthless in a few months; and yet this inferior ingredient cannot be detected, except by a chemical analysis. True economy, hence, would seem to dictate that a different rule than that of giving contracts to the lowest bidder, regardless of the skill and character of the manufacturers, should prevail in procuring the ordnance, arms, and ammunition for the service.

A series of experiments have been made at the Washington navy-yard, by Professor Johnson, to test the qualities of coal of different kinds, a preliminary report of which is appended. Charles Reeder, Professor Johnson, and Dr. Thomas P. Jones, have been engaged in making ex-

--492--

periments upon safety-valves for preventing explosions in steam-boilers. Professor Johnson has also made a series of experiments to test and improve the strength of iron, upon the principle of thermotension. After these several experiments shall have been completed, reports will be made concerning them.

It has been found that the force allowed by the act of the 31st August, 1842, is inadequate for the performance of the duties required in an efficient administration of this department. An estimate has, therefore, been submitted for three additional clerks for the office of the Secretary of the Navy; three for the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs; two for the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing; and one to take charge of all the books and papers of the late Board of Navy Commissioners, and the library of the department.

The estimates from the different bureaus, and from the commandant of the marine corps, of the sums that will be required for the proposed service of the coming year, are sent with this report.

All which is respectfully submitted.

DAVID HENSHAW.

To the President of the United States.

--555--

Schedule of papers accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the United States.

No. 1. Estimate for the office of the Secretary of the Navy and the Bureau of the Navy Department.

2. Estimate for the expenses of the southwest executive building.

3. General estimate for the Navy.

Detailed estimate:

A 3. Report and estimate of the Bureau of Navy Yards and Docks.

B 3. Report and estimate of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography.

C 3. Report and estimate of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs.

D 3. Report and estimate of the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing.

E 3. Report and estimate of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

F 3. Pay of officers waiting orders.

4. Estimate for the Marine Corps.

5. List of vessels in commission, their commanders and stations.

6. List of deaths in the Navy.

7. List of dismissions from the Navy.

8. List of resignations from the Navy.

9. Report of the Commissioner of Pensions.

10. Fourth Auditor's statement of the receipts and expenditures on account of the navy pension fund, from October 1, 1841, to September 30, 1842.

11. Professor Johnson's report of experiments on copper.

12. Expenditure of appropriation for the suppression of the slave-trade

--556--

No. 1.

Estimate of the sums required for the support of the office of the Secretary of the Navy and the bureaux of the Navy Department, for the half year ending 30th June, 1843:

Secretary of the Navy

$3,000

Clerks and messengers

6,675

Bureau of Navy-yards and Docks:

Chief of bureau

1,750

Clerks, draughtsman, and messenger

2,450

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography:

Chief of bureau

1,750

Clerks, draughtsmen, and messenger

2,950

Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs:

Chief of bureau

1,500

Clerks, assistant constructor, &c., and messenger

3,050

Bureau of Provisions and Clothing:

Chief of bureau

1,500

Clerks and messenger

2,059

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery:

Chief of bureau

1,250

Clerks and messenger

1,350

29,275

For contingent expenses of the office of the Secretary of the Navy and the bureaux of the Navy Department, viz:

Secretary's office:

For blank books, binding, and stationery

$500

For extra clerk-hire

1,500

For printing

300

For labor

350

For miscellaneous items

250

For newspapers and periodicals

100

For amount required to pay sundry bills for stationery,
newspapers, &c., for 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842

700

3,700

Bureau of Navy-yards and Docks:

For contingent expenses

$250

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography:

$250

For contingent expenses

Bureau of Construction, &c.:

For blank books, stationery, &c.

$100

For miscellaneous items

90

For labor

60

250

--557--

Bureau of Provisions and Clothing:

For blank books, stationery, and binding

$300

For miscellaneous items

150

450

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery:

For blank books, binding, and stationery

$300

For miscellaneous items

150

450

RECAPITULATION.

Secretary's office

$3,700

Bureau of Navy-yards and Docks

250

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography

250

Bureau of Construction, &c.

250

Bureau of Provisions and Clothing

450

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

450

Total

5,350

Submitted: For arrearages of clerks' salary in the office of the late navy board

$456 24

Estimate of the sums required for the support of the office of the Secretary of the Navy and the bureaux of the Navy Department, for the year ending 30th June, 1844:

Secretary of the Navy

$6,000

Clerks and messengers

13,350

Bureau of Navy-yards and Docks:

Chief of bureau

3,500

Clerks, draughtsman, and messenger

4,900

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography:

Chief of bureau

3,500

Clerks, draughtsmen, and messenger

5,900

Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs:

Chief of bureau

3,000

Clerks, assistant constructor, &c., and messenger

6,100

Bureau of Provisions and Clothing:

Chief of bureau

3,000

Clerks and messenger

4,100

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery:

Chief of bureau

2,500

Clerks and messenger

2,700

58,550

--558--

For contingent expenses of the office of the Secretary of the Navy and the bureaux of the Navy Department, viz.:

Secretary's office:

For blank books, binding, and stationery

$800

For extra clerk-hire

4,000

For printing

300

For labor

350

For miscellaneous items

350

For newspapers and periodicals

200

6,000

Bureau of Navy-yards and Docks:

For contingent expenses

$500

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography:

For contingent expenses

$500

Bureau of Construction, &c.:

For blank books, stationery, &c.

$200

For miscellaneous items

180

For labor

120

500

Bureau of Provisions and Clothing:

For blank books, stationary, and binding

$400

For miscellaneous items

200

600

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery:

For blank books, binding, and stationery

$400

For miscellaneous items

200

600

RECAPITULATION

Secretary's office

$6,000

Bureau of Navy-yards and Docks

500

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography

500

Bureau of Construction, &c.

500

Bureau of Provisions and Clothing

600

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

600

8,700

--559--

No. 2.

Estimate of sums required for the expenses of the southwest executive building, for the half year ending on the 30th June, 1843.

Superintendent

$125 00

Three watchmen, at $365 per annum

543 00

Labor

162 50

Fuel and light

675 00

Miscellaneous items

575 00

2,080 50

Note.—An additional sum of $100, each, for the watchmen, for the half year is submitted, in consideration of their being required to watch day and night, to wit: from 3 o'clock, P. M., till relieved by the messengers of the department, about 8 o'clock, A. M. When their salaries were formerly fixed at $500, they were required to watch only from sunset till sunrise.

Estimate of sums required for the expenses of the southwest executive building, for the fiscal year ending on the 30th June, 1844.

Superintendent

$250

Three watchmen

1,095

Labor

325

Fuel and Light

1,350

Miscellaneous items

1,150

4,170

Note.—An additional sum of $200, each, is submitted for the watchmen, in consideration of their being required to watch day and night, to wit: from 3 o'clock, P. M., till relieved by the messengers of the Department, about 8 o'clock, A. M. When their salaries were formerly fixed at $500, they were required to watch only from sunset to sunrise.

--560--

No. 3.

GENERAL ESTIMATES.

There will be required for the general service of the navy during the half year ending June 30, 1843, exclusive of the amount required for the marine corps, the sum of $3,673,607 07, in addition to any balance that may remain in the Treasury on January 1, 1843.

For the half year ending June 30, 1843.

1.

For the pay of commission, warrant, petty officers, and seamen

$1,476,569 50

2.

For pay of superintendents, naval constructors, and all the civil establishments at the several yards

36,860 00

3.

For provisions

553,769 50

4.

For medicines and surgical instruments, hospital stores, and other expenses on account of the sick

57,030 00

5.

For the increase, repair, armament, and equipment of the navy, and wear and tear of vessels in commission

950,000 00

6.

For the improvement and necessary repairs of navy-yards, viz:

Portsmouth, N. H.

15,510 40

Charlestown, Mass.

33,992 70

Brooklyn, N. Y.

40,000 00

Philadelphia, Pa.

9,950 00

Washington, D. C.

17,335 00

Gosport, Va.

34,200 00

Pensacola, Flo.

28,800 00

7.

For hospital buildings and their dependancies, viz:

Charlestown

1,500 00

Brooklyn

8,832 00

Norfolk

2,000 00

Pensacola

1,500 00

Philadelphia naval asylum

945 00

a

For magazines at—

Charlestown

500 00

Brooklyn

350 00

Washington

250 00

Norfolk

350 00

9.

For ordnance and ordnance stores

48,422 97

10.

For contingent expenses that may accrue for the following purposes, viz: For the freight and transportation of* materials and stores of every description; for wharfage and dockage, storage and rent, travelling expenses of officers and transportation of seamen; for house-rent to pursers, when duly authorized; for funeral expenses; for commissions, clerk-

--561--

No. 3—Continued.

For the half year ending June 1843

hire, office-rent, stationery and fuel to navy agents; for premiums and incidental expenses for recruiting; for apprehending deserters; for compensation to judges advocate; for per diem allowance to persons attending courts martial and courts of inquiry, or other services as authorized by law; for printing and stationery of every description, and for working the lithographic press; for books, maps, charts, mathematical and nautical instruments, chronometers, models, and drawings; for the purchase and repair of fire-engines and machinery; for the repair of steam-engines in navy-yards; for the purchase and maintenance of oxen and horses, and for carts, timber-wheels, and workmen's tools of every description; for postage of letters on public service; for pilotage, and towing ships of war; for taxes and assessments on public property; for assistance rendered to vessels in distress; for incidental expenses at navy- yards; not applicable to any other appropriation; for coal and other fuel, and for candies and oil for the use of navy yards and shore stations; and for no other object purpose whatever

$330,000 00

11. For contingent expenses for objects not herein before enumerated

25,000 00

3,673,667 07

--562--

No. 3—Continued.

GENERAL ESTIMATES.

There will be required for the general service of the navy during the year ending June 30, 1844, exclusive of the amount required for the marine corps, the sum of $6,983,245 64, in addition to any balance that may remain in the Treasury on July 1, 1843.

For the year ending

Appropriated for

1. For the pay of commission, warrant, petty officers, and seamen

$2,953,139 00

$2,335000 00

2. For pay of superintendents, naval constructors, and all the civil establishments at the several yards

73,720 00

78,420 00

3. For provisions

1,104,539 00

720,000 00

4. For medicines and surgical instruments, hospital stores, and other expenses on account of the sick

43,967 00

30,00 00

5. For the increase, repair, armament, and equipment of the navy, and wear and tear of vessels in commission

1,900,000 00

2,000,00 00

6. For the improvement and necessary repairs of navy yards, viz:

Portsmouth, N. H.

24,900 76

47,425 00

Charlestown, Mass.

71,999 70

29,000 00

Brooklyn, N. Y.

60,000 00

129,100 00

Philadelphia, Pa.

18,070 00

1,600 00

Washington, D. C.

26,597 00

15,300 00

Gosport, Va.

70,310 00

56,800 00

Pensacola, Flo.

63,091 00

35,300 00

7. For hospital buildings and their dependencies, viz:

Charlestown, Mass.

1,300 00

3,960 00

Brooklyn, N. Y.

15,000 00

1,500 60

Norfolk, Va.

2,000 00

13,750 00

Pensacola, Flo.

2,448 25

2,000 00

Philadelphia naval asylum, Pa.

366 00

1,300 00

8. For magazines at—

Charlestown, Mass.

1,000 00

Brooklyn, N. Y.

350 00

Washington, D. C.

250 00

Norfolk, Va.

350 00

9. For ordnance and ordnance stores

96,847 93

10. For contingent expenses that may accrue for the following purposes, viz: For the freight and transportation of materials and stores of

--563--

No. 3-—Continued.

For the year ending June 30,1844.

Appropriated for 1842

every description; for wharfage, and dockage, storage and rent, travelling expanses of officers, and transportation of seamen; for house-rent to pursers, when duly authorized; for funeral expenses; for commissions, clerk-hire, office- rent, stationery, and fuel to navy agents; for premiums and incidental expenses for recruiting; for apprehending deserters; for compensation to judges advocate; for per diem allowance to persons attending courts martial and courts of inquiry, or other services as authorized, by law; for printing and stationery of every description, and for working the lithographic press; for books, maps, charts, mathematical and nautical instruments, chronometers, models, and drawings; for the purchase and repair of fire-engines and machinery; for the; repair of steam-engines in navy-yards; for the purchase and maintenance of oxen and horses, and for carts, timber-wheels, and workmen's tools; of every description, for postage of letters on public service; for pilotage and towing ships of war; for taxes and assessments on public property; for assistance rendered to vessels in distress; for incidental expenses at navy-yards, not applicable to any other appropriation; for coal and other fuel, and for candles and oil for the use of navy-yards and shore stations; and for no other object or purpose whatever

$450,000 00

$450,000 00

11. For contingent expenses for objects not hereinbefore enumerated

3,000 00

3,000 00

6,983,245 64

--564--

A No. 3.

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November 25, 1842.

Sir:

I have the honor to present to you, in conformity to the directions contained in your letter of the 28th ultimo, the estimates for the improvements of the navy-yards; for the repairs of all the buildings which may require them; for the prosecution of the work on the new dock at New York, if it should be deemed proper to recommence it; and for the support of their establishments, including all the civil officers attached to each. The estimates for the support of the navy hospitals, for the preservation of the magazines, and for the ordinary of the various yards, are also included.

The sums estimated for the yards for the first half of the ensuing year, and for the year beginning on the 1st July, 1843, and ending on the 30th June, 1844, are nearly in the same, proportion as those for the present year, making an allowance for the additional period for which they are required.

The number of officers for duty in the yards, has been increased in order to insure a proper supervision of their duties; to secure a diligent and continual attention to the work to be performed, and to keep a careful watch by day and by night. To maintain, as far as practicable, their security, and to prevent theft and plunder, is another object of this increase, and a very important one. There is not now a sufficient force stationed at any of the yards for this purpose; and a police establishment for each, is much wanted; of what this police guard shall consist, may be a question for consideration.

At present, there is neither a sufficiency of watchmen or of marines; and the demand for the latter on board ship prevents the expectation of our receiving from that source an increase. The watchmen, as at present furnished, are the principal reliances, and their organization, if the establishment may be so termed, is defective and requires amendment. The number should be increased, and they should be called upon to serve, for a certain period of time, under such regulations and written agreements as would be binding on them for their whole time and services, if it should be your intention to continue them.

For the whole of the yards, the sum asked for the ensuing eighteen months is $514,756 56. The amount asked for the present year, was $504,428, making an excess of the former over the latter of only $10,328 56; although the period for which the first named sum is required, is greater than that for the last named by one half. Of the above amount of $514,756 56 for the period stated, the sum of $50,000 is intended to be applied to the construction of the dock, which being so costly and so important a work, as to form a specific object of appropriation, and a subject of distinct expenditure, does not, therefore, fall under the regular head of improvements of navy-yards, for which estimates are annually made.

Beginning with the northernmost establishment, that of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I proceed to state my views of each in general terms. The amount asked for it will be profitably laid out in the permanent improvements necessary to bring it up to a scale somewhat commensurate with the others, and to prepare it for carrying on expeditiously such work as may, from time to time, be deemed requisite. To do this the expenditures, after making provision for the repairs of all buildings and other works, are to be directed to a permanent quay-wall; a new wharf for the accommodation of vessels principally,

--565--

and to some smaller works, which will add to the convenience and despatch of business.

At Boston, the continuance of the boundary wall for the security of the yard, has become an object of importance, to preserve it from depredation, and to render it less accessible. The remaining objects to be commenced and accomplished, under this estimate, are also very requisite; and being in accordance with the approved plan, will do much to ensure expedition, economy, and safety, in the operations of the yard, and the preservation of materials.

For New York, it has been considered proper to preserve all the different buildings in repair, and to estimate for the erection or building of such works only, as are requisite for the current or daily duties of the yard. The want of a proper and approved plan, by which all the future improvements of this yard may be regulated, prevents the call for a greater expenditure. When that is authorized, which it is supposed will be ere long, in a future estimate, such works will be embraced as will be calculated to bring it up to an equality of accommodation with the other dock yards. The uncertainty of a permanent location, within the waters of New York harbor, has hitherto prevented this point from being settled. It is, however, presumed this will not much longer be a matter of doubt.

At Philadelphia, the principal object to be undertaken, is the extension and filling-in of the two principal wharves, which is rendered a work of indispensable necessity, by the accumulation of mud at their extremities, and the gradual shoaling of the water in their fronts, by the annual deposites of silt. These deposites are the consequence of the greater projection into the river, of the city wharves above or to the north of the navy-yard. The remaining expenditure will be confined to the preservation and repair of those objects which are in a state to require them.

For the Washington yard, it is proposed to erect an iron foundry in which may be combined all the conveniences for castings and the making of steam engines, water tanks, chain cables, &c. This building, therefore; is of considerable importance, in point of economy and despatch. The present one is a mere temporary affair, by no means sufficient to the increased work; and is also most inconveniently situated. It was built, or converted to its present use, at a time when the demand for its services was by no means equal to the present exigencies. The wharf is also much needed; and experience shows that stone is a much cheaper material for its construction than wood; as the repairs, in a few years, would make it nearly equal in expense to that of the former material. The estimates for the other objects will be found, on reflection, to be equally necessary, including that for repairs, which last is much wanted at several points and parts of the yard.

At Norfolk the improvements are to consist of a continuation of the timber dock, which is not only intended for the deposite and soaking of timber, but for the admission of vessels of light draught of water, loaded with stores of the various kinds, intended for the preparation and equipment of vessels, as well as the different species of timber which are required. In connexion with this large work, is the very useful one of a stone wharf or quay-wall, to the eastern or water front of the yard, a portion of which, from the north building slip to the south end or corner of building slip and house B, has been finished, and includes three permanent launching slips. These having been solidly constructed on piles, and with great care, may last for centuries. To continue this wall from the north building slip, as far as the north corner, or

--566--

boundary, of the yard on that side, is a part of the work, to be done under this item, as well as its continuance (on the south part of that which has, as beforementioned, been finished) to the north side of timber dock. When this work is complete, to which it is expected the sum now asked will greatly contribute, there will then be an uninterrupted quay, extending from north to south of more than 900 feet. The erection of a new house, and the completion of a second, which are to be timber sheds and storehouses, form all the new works at present to be undertaken, with the exception of two small houses for the watchmen. The repairs of all the buildings, including painting, and the repairs which may be necessary for the dock, with the purchase and setting of some machinery for house number 36,; in which the sawing, turning and boring, are to be done for the whole establishment, comprise the remaining objects in this yard, for which an appropriation is asked for the ensuing prescribed periods.

For Pensacola, as that yard is less advanced, in conveniences than the others; it has been considered proper, to ask for more than has lately been required, for it. The: necessity for a large and commodious wharf at this place, is so great, that in addition to the sum allotted to that object, out of the fund this year provided for improvements, it has seemed to be essential that a considerable addition should be made for this item. What is now asked for will, it is presumed, be sufficient. The houses for officers, now asked for in addition, are also much wanted for the accommodation of those who are required to do daily, and even night duty, without the means of procuring comfortable lodgings, if indeed any can be procured at all.

The carrying of good wholesome water into the yard, for the use of our public vessels and for its inmates, will be attended with great advantages. Upon this, a subject of, such obvious importance, it is unnecessary to enlarge. It has been hitherto, and is yet, a great desideratum at that establishment, and felt very much by the crews of all the cruisers resorting to it for a supply, as it is difficult to procure it good, and then not without much labor. The other objects, although requiring much smaller sums to complete or accomplish them, are yet very necessary.

Before closing this report, it may be proper to state, that the items for the repair of the different hospitals, have been made with a due regard to the urgency of the wants of those establishments; and the propriety of retaining them in a state capable of accommodating, in security and comfort, those who may need their services.

For the magazines, of which there is one at, each of the Boston, New York, Washington, and Norfolk yards, a small sum has been required, sufficient for the purpose of keeping them in repair, improving their arrangement, and providing for unlooked-for damage by storms or other accidents, &c., &c.

In making provision for the proposed improvements, care has been taken to preserve inviolate, the arrangements made by the officers of the commission of 1827 and 1828, for the examination and digestion of a suitable plan for each yard, according to which, all the buildings, slips, walls, quays, and docks, are to be erected or constructed. Such plans were formally approved by the President, in November, 1828, and have been implicitly followed

since, with one or two slight variations, which it was found necessary to make to suit situations and circumstances, as experience and more particular

information rendered them necessary. A revision of those will be made in the course of the winter and spring, by which you will be enabled to ascer-

--567--

tain if any further change should be requisite, and see at one glance all that has been done, and all that is to be done to complete them. It is believed that little change, if any, will be necessary, as everything was settled, after great deliberation, consideration, and personal observation. The exception to this, is the New York yard, of which a plan was made by the late able civil engineer, L. Baldwin, Esquire, without having been submitted, however, to the commissioners, who determined the other plans, as it was not then known what spot might be ultimately fixed on as its site. The question of further improving and increasing this yard and to what extent, will be a subject for your decision, after all the requisite information shall have been obtained and laid before you. To enable you to do this with certainty, it is my intention in a short time to have a map on a large scale made, designating all the existing, as well as the proposed works, and laying down conspicuously its boundaries. The present limits, when those parts now marshy or overflowed are converted into solid ground, will, it is believed be sufficiently large at least for many years.

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

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

Hon. A. P. Upshur,

Secretary of the Navy.

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November 25, 1842,

Sir:

I have the honor to submit, on a separate sheet, the estimate of the amount necessary to the support of this bureau for the ensuing eighteen months, made for the periods of the first half of the next year, and for the twelve months following, as directed.

I beg leave to call your attention to the salary of the chief clerk of this bureau, which has been the only salary of the clerks of the late Navy Board that is reduced by the act for the reorganization of the Navy Department. Under the late law it was $1,600; and I understand it was the intention of the committee which reported the bill to continue it as it was originally; but by an error or misapprehension in copying the bill for its engrossment, it was put down at the present rate.

If it can be now remedied, and it is presumed it can be, it will be but an act of justice to one whose labors are certainly increased, although his income is curtailed.

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

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

Hon. A. P. Upshur,

Secretary of the Navy,

--568--

Estimate of the sums required for the support of the Bureau of Yards and Docks for the half year ending June 30, 1843, and for the year beginning July 1, 1843, and ending June 30, 1844, under act of Congress, approved August 31, 1842.

Commodore L. Warrington, chief of bureau, at

$3,500 per annum,

$1,750

W. P. S. Sanger, civil engineer,

2,000 "

1,000

Geo. de La Roche, draughtsman,

1,000 "

500

William. G. Ridgely, chief clerk,

1,400 "

700

Stephen Gough, clerk,

1,000 "

500

D. H. Haskell, clerk,

800 "

400

S. A. Hutchins, messenger,

700 "

350

Contingent expenses

250

5,450

The amount that will be required for this bureau, as above organized,
for the year commencing July 1, 1843, and ending June 30, 1844, will be

10,900

Bureau of Yards and Docks, Nov. 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

Schedule of the papers accompanying the report of the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks to the Secretary of the Navy, November 25, 1842:

Y. & D. A.—General estimate, showing the amount required for the half , year ending June 30, 1843.

Y. & D. B.—General estimate, showing the amount required for the year ending June 30,1844.

Y. & D. No. 1.—Receiving vessels in detail, being part of the 1st item in the general estimates, showing the amount required for the half year ending June 30, 1843, and that for the whole year ending June 30, 1844.

Y. & D. No. 2.—Recruiting stations in detail, being a part of the 1st item in (he general estimate, showing the amount required for the half year ending June 30, 1843, and that for the year ending June 30,1844.

Y. & D. No. 3.—Officers and others at yards and stations in detail for the year ending June 30, 1844; note A, at the end of this estimate, being a part of the 1st item in the general estimate; and note B, showing the amount of the 2d item in the general estimate.

Y. & D. No. 4.—Officers and others at yards and stations for the half year ending June 30, 1843.—See Y. & D. No. 3, for detail.

Y. & D. No. 5.—Improvements and repairs of navy-yards: Column A, showing the amount required for the half year ending June 30, 1843; and column B, that required for the year ending June 30, 1844.

Y. & D. No. 6.—Improvements and repairs of hospitals and magazines: Column A, showing the amount required for the half year ending June 30, 1843; and column B, that required for the year ending June 30, 1844.

Y. & D. No. 7.—Statement showing the sums which make up the 1st and 2d items in the general estimate marked Y. & D. A.

Y. & D. No. 8.—Statement showing the sums which make up the 1st and 2d items in the general estimate marked Y. & D. B.

--569--

Y. & D—A.

GENERAL ESTIMATE.

Estimated amounts that will be required for the naval service, for the half year ending 30th June, 1843, so far as coming under the cognizance of the Bureau of Yards and Docks.

1st. For the pay of commission, warrant, and petty officers and seamen—[See paper marked Y. & D., No. 7]

$266,998 00

2d. For pay of superintendents, naval constructors, and all the civil establishments at the several yards and stations—[See paper marked Y. & D., No. 7]

36,860 00

3d. For the improvements and necessary repairs of navy yards, viz—[See Y. & D., No. 5, column A]:

Portsmouth, N. H.

$15,510 40

Charlestown, Mass.

33,992 70

Brooklyn. N. Y.

40,000 00

Philadelphia

9,950 00

Washington

17,335 00

Gosport, Va.

34,200 00

Pensacola

28,800 00

179,788 10

4th. For hospital buildings and their dependencies, viz—[See Y. & D., No., 6, column A]:

Charlestown, Mass.

1,500 00

Brooklyn, N. Y.

8,832 00

Norfolk, Va.

2,000 00

Pensacola

1,500 00

Philadelphia asylum

945 00

14,777 00

5th. [See Y. & D., No. 6, column A.] For magazines at—

Charlestown, Mass.

500 00

Brooklyn

350 00

Washington

250 00

Norfolk

350 00

1,450 00

6th. For contingent expenses that may accrue for the following purposes, viz: For the freight and transportation of materials and stores for yards and docks; for printing and stationery; for books, maps, models, and drawings; for the purchase and repair of fire-engines, and for machinery of every description; for the re-

--570--

Y. & D.-A-Continued.

pair of steam-engines in yards; for the purchase and maintenance of oxen and horses; for carts, timber wheels, and, workmen's tools of every description; for postage of letters on public service; for coals and other fuel; and for candles and oil, for the use of navy-yards and shore stations, and for furniture; for incidental labor at navy-yards, not applicable to any other appropriation, and for no other object or purpose whatever

$45,000 00

54,873 10

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau,

Y. & D.-B.

GENERAL ESTIMATE.

Estimated amounts that will be required for the naval service, for the year ending 30th June, 1844, so far as coming under the cognisance by the Bureau of Yards and Docks.

1st. For the pay of commission, warrant, and petty officers, and seamen—[See paper marked Y. & D.—No. 8]

$533,996 00

2d. For pay of superintendents, naval constructors, and all the civil establishments at the several yards and stations—[See paper marked Y. & D.—No. 8]

73,720 00

3d. For the improvements and necessary repairs of navy-yards, viz—[See Y. & D.—No. 5, column B]:

Portsmouth, N. H.

$24,900 76

Charlestown, Mass.

71,999 70

Brooklyn, N. Y.

60,000 00

Philadelphia

18,070 00

Washington

26,597 00

Gosport, Va.

70,310 00

Pensacola

63,091 00

334,968 46

--571--

Y. & D.—B—Continued.

4th. For hospital buildings and their dependancies, viz—[See Y. & D.—No. 6, column B]:

Charlestown

$1,300 00

Brooklyn

15,000 00

Norfolk

2,000 00

Pensacola

2,448 25

Philadelphia asylum

366 00

$21,114 25

5th. [See Y. & D.-No. 6, column B.]

For magazines at—

Charlestown

1,000 00

Brooklyn

350 00

Washington

250 00

Norfolk

350 00

1,950 00

6th. For contingent expenses that may accrue for the following purposes, viz: For the freight and transportation of materials and stores for yards and docks; for printing and stationery; for books, maps, models, and drawings; for the purchase and repair of fire engines and machinery of every description; for the repair of steam-engines in yards; for the purchase and maintenance of oxen and horses; for carts, timber wheels, and workmen's tools of every description; for postage of letters on public service; for coals and other fuel; and for candles and oil for the use of navy-yards and shore stations, and for furniture; for incidental labor at navy-yards, not applicable to any other appropriation, and for no other object or purpose whatever

90,000 00

1,055,748 71

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

--572--

Y. & D.—No. 1.

RECEIVING VESSELS.

Estimate of the number and pay of officers and others required for seven receiving vessels for the half-year ending 30th June, 1843, with an additional estimate for the year commencing on the 1st July, 1843, and ending 30th June, 1844, if no alteration is made in the number of vessels) or in their respective complements.

 

Boston.

New York.

Philadelphia.

Baltimore.

Norfolk.

New Orleans.

Charleston.

Total.

Aggregate
amount.

Captains

1

1

 

 

1

 

3

 

$5,950

Commanders

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

7

7,350

Lieutenants

4

4

2

2

4

2

2

20

15,000

Masters

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

7

3,500

Pursers

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

3,750

Surgeons

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

3,600

Assistant surgeons

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

1,800

Chaplain

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

1,800

Passed midshipmen

3

3

 

 

3

 

 

9

3,375

Midshipmen

6

6

3

3

6

3

3

30

5,250

Clerks

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

30

750

Boatswains

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

1,200

Gunners

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

1,200

Carpenters

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

1,200

Sailmakers

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

1,200

Yeomen

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

720

Boatswain's mates

2

2

1

1

12

1

1

10

1,140

Gunner's mates

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

343

Carpenter's mates

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

7

798

Quartermasters

3

3

 

 

3

 

 

9

972

Masters-at-arms

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

324

Ship's corporal

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

270

Ship's stewards

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

7

864

Officers' steward

2

2

1

1

2

1

1

10

1,080

Surgeon's steward

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

324

Ship's cooks

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

7

756

Officers' cooks

2 2

1

1

2

1

1

10

900

 

Captains of hold

1

1

 

 

1

 

 

3

270

Seamen

30

30

2

2

30

4

2

100

7,200

Ordinary seamen

70

70

4

4

90

9

4

231

13,860

Landsmen and apprentices

100

100

 

 

100

4

 

304

12,768

Total

243

243

19

19

243

30

19

816

98,813

Additional estimate for the year commencing on the 1st July, 1843, and ending on. the 30th June, 1844, if no alteration is made in the number of vessels, or in the number and grade of officers and others attached to each, as above, $197,626.

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

--573--

Y. & D.—No. 2.

RECRUITING STATIONS.

Estimate for the pay of officers attached to recruiting stations for the half-year ending 30th June next, with an additional estimate for the year commencing 1st July, 1843, ending 30th June, 1844, if no alteration is made in the number of stations.

Boston

New York.

Philadelphia.

Baltimore.

Norfolk.

New Orleans.

Charleston.

Total.

Amount.

Commandants

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

7

$7,350

Lieutenants

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

14

10,500

Surgeons

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

7

6,125

Midshipmen

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

14

2,450

Total.

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

42

26,425

Additional estimate for the year ending 30th June, 1844, if no alteration is made in the number of stations or number of officers attached to each station, as above, $52,850.

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

Y. & D.-No. 3.

Estimate of the pay of officers and others at navy yards and stations for the year commencing 1st July, 1843, and ending 30th June, 1844.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

Pay

Aggregate.

Naval.

1 captain

$3,500

1 commander

2,100

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 master

1,000

3 passed midshipmen, at $750 each

2,250

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 surgeon

1,800

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

--574--

Y. & D.-No. 3-Continued.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.-Continued.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 carpenter

$700

1 sailmaker

700

1 purser

2,000

1 steward, assistant to purser

366

$18,360

Ordinary

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 carpenter's mate

228

6 seamen, at $144 each

864

12 Ordinary seamen, at $120

1,440

1 storekeeper

1,400

1 naval constructor

2,300

1 foreman and inspector of timber

700

1 clerk to the yard

900

1 clerk to the commandant

900

1 clerk to the storekeeper

750

1 clerk to the master builder

400

1 porter

300

7,650

Total

30,048

BOSTON

Naval.

1 captain

$3,500

1 commander

2,100

4 lieutenants, at $1,600 each

6,000

2 masters, at $1,000 each

2,000

1 surgeon

1,800

1 assistant surgeon

950

1 chaplain

1,200

1 professor

1,200

4 passed midshipmen, at $750 each

3,000

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

1 sailmaker

700

1 purser

2,500

1 steward

216

1 steward, assistant to purser

360

$28,676

--575--

Y. & D.-No. 3-Continued.

BOSTON-Continued.

Pay.

aggregate.

Ordinary.

2 lieutenants, at $1,500 each

$3,000

1 master

1,000

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

4 carpenter's mates (3 as calkers) at $228 each

912

2 boatswain's mates, at $228 each

456

14 seamen, at $144 each

2,016

36 ordinary seamen, at $120 each

4,320

$14,854

Hospital.

1 surgeon

1,750

2 assistant surgeons

1,900

1 steward

360

2 nurses, at $120 each*

240

2 washers, at $9 each*

192

1 cook

144

*When the number of sick shall require them

4,586

Civil.

1 storekeeper

1,700

1 naval constructor

2,300

1 measurer and inspector of timber

1,050

1 clerk to the yard

900

1 clerk to the commandant

900

1 clerk (2d) to the commandant

750

1 clerk to the storekeeper

900

1 clerk (2d) to the storekeeper

450

1 clerk to the naval constructor

650

1 keeper of magazine

480

1 porter

300

10,380

Total

58,4[86]

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are to be required to attend to the marines also.

--576--

Y. & D.-No. 3—Continued.

NEW YORK.

Pay.

Aggregate.

Naval.

1 captain

$3,500

1 commander

2,100

4 lieutenants, at $1,500 each

6,000

2 masters, at $1,000 each

2,000

1 surgeon

1,800

1 assistant surgeon

950

1 chaplain

1,200

1 professor

1,200

4 passed midshipmen, at $750 each

3,000

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

1 sailmaker

700

1 purser

2,500

1 steward

216

1 steward, assistant to purser

360

Ordinary.

$28,678

2 lieutenants, at $1,500 each

3,000

1 master

1,000

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

4 carpenter's mates (3 as calkers) at $228 each

912

2 boatswain's mates, at $228 each

456

14 seamen, at $144 each

2,016

36 ordinary seamen, at $120 each

4,320

14,854

Hospital.

1 surgeon

1,750

2 assistant surgeons, at $950 each

1,900

1 steward

360

2 nurses, at $120 each*

240

2 washers, at $96 each*

192

1 cook

144

*When the number of sick shall require them

4,580

Civil.

1 storekeeper

1,700

1 naval constructor

2,300

--577--

Y. & D.—No. 3—Continued.

NEW YORK—Continued.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 measurer and inspector of timber

$1,050

1 clerk to the yard

900

1 clerk to the commandant

900

1 clerk (2d) to the commandant

750

1 clerk to the storekeeper

900

1 clerk (2d) to the storekeeper

450

1 clerk to the naval constructor

650

1 keeper of magazine

480

1 porter

300

$10,380

Total

58,496

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are also to be required to attend to the marines.

PHILADELPHIA.

Pay.

Aggregate.

Naval.

1 captain

$3,500

1 commander

2,100

2 lieutenants

3,000

1 master

1,000

1 surgeon

1,800

1 assistant surgeon

950

3 passed midshipmen, at $750 each

2,250

2 midshipmen, at $350 each

700

1 chaplain

1,200

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

1 purser

2,000

1 steward

216

$20,816

Ordinary.

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 boatswain's mate

228

4 seamen, at $144 each

576

12 ordinary seamen, at $120 each

1,440

3,744

--578--

Y. & D.—No. 3—Continued.

PHILADELPHIA—Continued.

Pay.

Aggregate.

Naval Asylum and Hospital.

1 captain

$3,500

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 secretary

900

1 surgeon*

1,750

1 assistant surgeon*

950

1 steward*

360

2 nurses, at $120 each*

240

2 washers, at $96 each*

192

1 cook*

144

*To attend to the hospital also, if required

$9,536

Civil

1 storekeeper

1,250

1 naval constructor

2,300

1 inspector and measurer of timber

900

1 clerk to the yard

900

1 clerk to the commandant

900

1 clerk to the storekeeper

750

1 clerk to the naval constructor

400

1 porter

300

7,700

Total

41,796

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are also required to attend to the receiving vessel and to the marines.

WASHINGTON.

Pay.

Aggregate.

Naval.

1 captain

$3,500

1 commander

2,100

2 lieutenants, at $1,500 each

3,000

1 master

1,000

1 surgeon

1,800

1 assistant surgeon

950

3 passed midshipmen, at $750 each

2,250

2 midshipmen, at $350 each

700

1 chaplain

1,200

--579--

Y. & D.-No. 3—Continued.

WASHINGTON—Continued.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 boatswain

$700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

1 purser

2,000

1 steward

216

I steward, assistant to purser

360

1 steward to hospital

360

$21,536

Ordinary.

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 boatswain's mate

228

1 carpenter's mate

228

6 seamen, at $144 each

864

14 ordinary seamen, at $120 each

1,680

4,500

Civil.

1 storekeeper

1,700

1 inspector and measurer of timber

900

1 clerk to the yard

900

1 clerk to the commandant

900

1 clerk (2d) to the commandant

750

1 clerk to the storekeeper

750

1 master camboose maker and plumber

1,250

1 chain cable and anchor maker

1,250

1 keeper of magazine

480

1 porter

300

9,180

Total

35,216

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are also required to attend to the hospital when necessary.

NORFOLK.

Pay.

Aggregate.

Naval.

1 captain

$3,500

1 commander

2,100

4 lieutenants, at $1,500 each

6,000

2 masters, at $1,000 each

2,000

--580--

Y. & D.—No. 3—Continued.

NORFOLK—Continued.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 surgeon

$1,800

1 assistant surgeon

950

1 chaplain

1,200

1 professor

1,200

4 passed midshipmen, at $750 each

3,000

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

1 sailmaker

700

1 purser

2,500

1 steward

216

1 steward, assistant to purser

360

$28,676

Ordinary.

2 lieutenants, at $1,500 each

3,000

1 master

1,000

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

4 carpenter's mates (3 as calkers) at $228 each

912

2 boatswain's mates, at $228 each

456

14 seamen, at $144 each

2,016

36 ordinary seamen, at $120 each

4,320

14,854

Hospital.

1 lieutenant

1,800

1 surgeon

1,750

2 assistant surgeons, at $950 each

1,900

1 steward

360

2 nurses, at $120 each*

240

2 washers, at $96 each*

192

1 cook

144

*When number of sick shall require them

6,386

Civil.

1 storekeeper

1,700

1 naval constructor

2,300

1 inspector and measurer of timber

1,050

1 clerk to the yard

900

1 clerk to the commandant

900

1 clerk (2d) to the commandant

750

1 clerk to the storekeeper

900

--581--

Y. & D.—No. 3—-Continued.

NORFOLK—Continued.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 clerk (2d) to the storekeeper

$450

1 clerk to the naval constructor

650

1 keeper of magazine

480

1 porter

300

$10,380

Total

60,296

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are also to be required to attend to the marines.

PENSACOLA.

Pay.

Aggregate.

Naval.

1 captain

$3,500

1 commander

2,100

3 lieutenants, at $1,500 each

4,500

1 master

1,000

1 surgeon

1,800

1 assistant surgeon

950

1 chaplain

1,200

3 passed midshipmen, at $750 each

2,250

3 midshipmen, at $350 each

1,050

1 boatswain

700

1 gunner

700

1 carpenter

700

1 sailmaker

700

1 purser

2,500

1 steward

216

$23,866

Ordinary.

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 carpenter

700

1 carpenter's mate

228

1 boatswain's mate

228

10 seamen, at $144 each

1,440

40 ordinary seamen, at $120 each

4,800

8,896

Hospital.

1 surgeon

1,750

2 assistant surgeons

1,900

--582--

Y. & D.—No. 3—Continued.

PENSACOLA—Continued.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 steward

$360

2 nurses, at $120 each*

240

2 washers, at $96 each*

192

1 cook

144

*When number of sick shall require them

$4,586

Civil.

1 naval constructor

1,500

1 storekeeper

1,700

1 clerk to the yard

900

1 clerk to the commandant

900

1 clerk (2d) to the commandant

750

1 clerk to the storekeeper

750

1 clerk (2d) to the storekeeper

450

1 porter

300

7,250

Total

44,598

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are also required to attend to the marines and the receiving vessel, if one should be stationed near the yard, and to such persons in the yard as the commander may direct.

BALTIMORE.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 captain

$3,500

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 surgeon

1,500

1 purser

1,500

1 clerk

500

$8,500

CHARLESTON.

1 captain

3,500

1 lieutenant

1,500

1 surgeon

1,500

1 purser and storekeeper

1,500

8,000

--583--

Y. & D.—No. 3—Continued.

FOR DUTY AT WASHINGTON OR ON GENERAL DUTY.

Pay.

Aggregate.

1 chief naval constructor

$3,000

1 principal steam engineer

2,500

$5 500

SACKETT'S HARBOR.

1 master

1,000

LAKE ERIE.

1 naval constructor

2,300

FOREIGN STATIONS.

1 storekeeper at Mahon

1,500

1 storekeeper at Rio de Janeiro

1,500

3,000

RECAPITULATION.

Naval.

Ordinary.

Hospital.

Civil.

Aggregate.

Portsmouth, N. H.

$18,360

$4,032

$7,650

$30,042

Boston

28,676

14,854

$4,586

10,380

58,496

New York

28,676

14,854

4,586

10,380

58,496

Philadelphia

20,816

3,744

9,536

7,700

41,796

Washington

21,536

4,500

9,180

35,216

Norfolk

28,676

14,854

6,386

10,380

60,296

Pensacola

23,866

8,896

4,586

7,250

44,598

Baltimore

8,000

500

8,500

Charleston

8,000

8,000

On duty at Washington

5,500

5,500

Sackett's Harbor

1,000

1,000

Lake Erie

2,300

2,300

Foreign stations

3,000

3,000

187,606

65,734

29,680

74,220

357,240

--584--

Y. & D.—No. 3—Continued.

Note A.—The naval, ordinary, and hospital branches of the foregoing estimates, form a part of the first item in the general estimates for the pay of commission, warrant, and petty officers and seamen, for the year ending 30th June, 1844, and amount to the sum of

$283,520

Note B.—The civil branch of the foregoing estimate, embracing naval constructors, storekeepers, &c., forms the second item in the general estimate for the pay of superintendents, &c., for the year ending 30th June, 1844, and amounts to the sum of

73,720

357,240

Bureau of Yards and Docks, November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

Y. & D.—No. 4.

The foregoing estimates show the amount required for the support of the yards and stations for the year ending the 30th of June, 1844. One half the amount will, therefore, be required for the same object, for the half-year ending the 30th of June, 1843, viz.:

For the naval, ordinary, and hospital branches, which form a part of the first item in the general estimate, marked Y. & D.—A

$141,760

For the civil branch, embracing naval constructors, storekeepers, &c., which makes the second item in the general estimate, marked Y. & D.—A

36,860

178,620

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

--585--

Y. & D.—No. 5.

Estimate of the amounts that will be required for making the proposed improvements and repairs in the several navy-yards up to the 30th of June, 1844, showing in separate columns the amount estimated for the half-year ending the 30th of June, 1843, and that for the year commencing on the 1st of July, 1843, and ending on the 30th of June, 1844.

A.

For the
half-year
ending 30th
of June, 1843.

B.

For the
year
ending 30th
of June, 1844.

Aggregate
amount to
30th of
June, 1844.

NAVY-YARD AT PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

For continuing quay wall

$8,000

$18,014 76

$26,014 76

For continuing wall of site 22

2,094 40

2,094 40

For rebuilding east wall of launching slip

3,000

2,600

5,600

For repairs of all kinds, filling in low ground, &c.

2,416

4,286

6,702

15,510 40

24,900 76

40,411 16

NAVY-YARD AT BOSTON.

For raising boundary wall northwest side of the yard

$3,000

$7,014

$10,014

For addition to store-house number fifteen

6,000

22,000

28,000

For boundary wall from masting house to the gate on the easterly quay wall

7,650

12,000

19,650

For rain-water pipes, dry dock, &c.

3,342 70

2,000

5,342 70

For tools and machinery for smithery

4,000

7,365

11,365

For repairs of all kinds

10,000

21,620 70

31,620 70

33,992 70

71,999 70

105,992 40

NAVY-YARD AT NEW YORK.

For building and enlarging brick wall round the western boundary

$7,000

$11,500

$18,500

For brick stable

2,000

3,000

5,000

For guard house

2,000

2,500

4,500

For dredging out channels

1,000

4,000

5,000

For repairing and raising wharf of timber pond and floor to cooperage

1,000

1,300

2,300

For repairing sills of storehouse

2,000

2,500

4,500

For mud scows and filling in low grounds

2,000

1,600

3,600

For repairs of all kinds

3,000

3,600

6,600

For the dock, in addition to former appropriations

20,000

30,000

50,000

40,000

60,000

100,000

--586--

Y. & D.—No. 5—Continued.

A.

For the
half-year
ending 30th
of June,
1843.

B.

For the
year
ending 30th
of June,
1844.

Aggregate
amount to
30th of
June, 1844.

NAVY-YARD AT PHILADELPHIA.

For extending wharfs numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4

$8,000

$16,000

$24,000

For repairs of all kinds

1,950

2,070

4,020

9,950

18,070

28,020

NAVY-YARD AT WASHINGTON.

For renewing wharf end of ship-house

$2,500

$4,558

$7,058

For addition to officer's quarters F

1,000

1,225

2,225

For brow stage, shears, and bed

1,767

814

2,581

For iron foundry and extending iron store

8,000

16,000

24,000

For stables

968

968

For repairs of all kinds

3,100

4,000

7,100

17,335

26,597

43,932

NAVY-YARD AT NORFOLK.

For extending quay wall, timber dock, &c.

$12,000

$26,000

$36,000

For completing store-house 16

7,000

14,500

21,500

For constructing store-house 13

9,000

20,500

29,500

For constructing two watch-houses

1,200

810

2,010

For machinery for number 36

1,000

2,500

3,500

For repairs of all kinds

4,000

6,000

10,000

34,200

70,310

104,510

NAVY-YARD AT PENSACOLA.

For constructing a wharf

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

For introduction of spring water into yard

5,000

15,000

20,000

For addition to guard-house

1,000

1,047

2,047

For construction of 4 warrant officer's houses

10,000

22,844

32,844

For out house in commandant's yard

800

1,200

2,000

For repairs of all kinds, grading and leveling

2,000

3,000

5,000

28,800

63,091

91,891

Bureau of Yards and Docks,

November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

--587--

Y. & D—No. 6.

HOSPITALS AND MAGAZINES.

Estimate of the sums that will be required for the repairs and improvements of the hospitals and magazines, at the several navy-yards, up to the 30th of June, 1844; showing, in separate columns, the amount estimated for the half-year ending the 30th of June, 1843, and that for the year commencing on the 1st of July, 1843, and ending on the 30th of June, 1844.

A.

For the
half-year
ending 30th
of June,
1843.

B.

For the
year
ending 30th
of June,
1844.

Aggregate
amount to
30th of
June,
1844.

HOSPITALS.

For hospitals at Charlestown, Massachusetts

$1,500

$1,300

$2,800

For hospital at Brooklyn

8,832

15,0 0

23,832

For naval asylum at Philadelphia

945

366

1,311

For hospital at Norfolk

2,000

2,000

4,000

For hospital at Pensacola

1,500

2,448 25

3,948 25

Total for hospitals

14,777

21,114 25

35,891 25

MAGAZINES.

For magazine at Charlestown, Massachusetts

$500

$1,000

$1,500

For magazine at Brooklyn

350

350

700

For magazine at Washington

250

250

500

For magazine at Norfolk

350

350

700

Total of magazines

1,450

1,950

3,400

Bureau of Yards and Docks, November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

Y. & D.—No. 7.

Statement showing the items which go to make up the sum of $266,926, being the first item in the general estimate from the Bureau of Yards and Docks, marked Y. & D.—A. for the half year ending June 30, 1843:

Receiving vessels, see Y. & D.—No. 1, for detail

$98,813 00

Recruiting stations, see Y. & D.—No. 2, for detail

26,425 00

Navy-yards, except the civil branch, see Y. & D. No. 3, for detail for half year is

141,760 00

266,998 00

For the second item of the general estimate $36,860, see paper Y. & D.— No. 3, for detail. Bureau of Yards and Docks, November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

--588--

Y. & D.—No. 8.

Statement showing the items which go to make up the sum of $533,852, being the first item in the general estimate from the Bureau of Yards and Docks, for the year commencing July 1, 1843, and ending June 30, 1844, marked Y. & D.—B.

Receiving vessel, see Y & D—No 1, for the detail

$197,626 00

Recruiting station, see Y. & D.—No. 2, for detail

52,850 00

Navy-yards, except the civil branch, see Y. & D.—No. 3, for detail

283,520 00

533,996 00

For the second item of the general estimate of $73,720, see paper Y. & D. No. 3. for detail.

Bureau of Yards and Docks, November 25, 1842.

L. WARRINGTON,

Chief of Bureau.

B No. 3.

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,

November 16, 1842.

Sir:

In compliance with your instructions of the 28th ultimo, I have the honor to submit the following report and estimates :

The appropriation of $59,097 for ordnance and ordnance stores on the northern lakes, per act 4th August, 1842, and a balance of $12,692 79 of the appropriation per act of 3d March, 1841, for the continuance of the survey of the coast of the gulf of Mexico, appear to be the only sums for which this bureau has to account, all other appropriations for ordnance and ordnance stores having been merged in the general appropriation for "increase, repair, armament, and equipment of the navy, and wear and tear of vessels in commission."

These two sums of $59,097 and $12,692 79, are now in the Treasury, to the credit of this bureau.

Under the administration of the late Board of Navy Commissioners, contracts were entered into, which, by their terms, are to be completed by the 31st of January, 1843, for—

50 ten-inch Paixhan guns.

200 eight-inch do.

300 thirty-two-pounder chambered guns of about 56 cwt.

60 thirty-two-pounder chambered guns of about 41 cwt.

And for a proportionate number of shells and shot.

More than a moiety of the guns and a large proportion of the shells and shot have already been received under these contracts, and are spoken of by the inspecting officers in terms of high commendation. Contracts were also entered into for 4,000 swords, 2,000 pistols, and 2,500 carbines, deliverable during the present and ensuing years; and this bureau has contracted for 2,000 barrels of powder, deliverable the 1st December next.

--589--

Under the act of 4th August, 1842, appropriating $59,097, "for ordnance and ordnance stores for the northern lakes," this bureau has entered into contract for 10 eight-inch Paixhan guns, 25 thirty-two-pounder chambered guns, and for the appropriate number of shells and shot, to be delivered at Sackett's Harbor, New York;

For 10 eight-inch Paixhan guns, 20 thirty-two-pounder chambered guns, and the appropriate number of shells and shot, to be delivered at Buffalo,. New York; and

For 10 eight-inch Paixhan guns, 25 thirty-two-pounder chambered guns, and the appropriate number of shells and shot, to be delivered at Erie, Pennsylvania—all by the 15th of May, 1843.

If the views of the late Board of Navy Commissioners, as stated in their report to the department, May 19, 1841, be adopted as the bases of all future estimates for ordnance and ordnance stores for the Navy, then there will be required for ordnance and ordnance stores for the ensuing year, an appropriation equal to that of September 11, 1841, of $600,000. If, however, it should be deemed inexpedient, at this time, to carry out the views of that report, then I would respectfully recommend that an appropriation for 100 guns, of about 25 cwt., with their equipments, be asked for, as a more suitable and efficient armament than the present, for our third class sloops-of-war, brigs, and schooners; an estimate for which accompanies this report, and in which is included a supply of small arms, copper powder tanks, &c., &c., deemed necessary to the proper armament and efficiency of the vessels now in commission, i The fact that almost all maritime nations have, as it appears, simultaneously, thrown aside the light gun and carronades, and adopted the long gun for their small vessels, would seem to render it absolutely necessary that we should, in self defence, and with a becoming regard for our national character, adopt similar armaments for our vessels.

That the present is a most favorable time for providing a supply of ordnance and ordnance stores for our navy, maybe seen from the fact that the contracts recently entered into by this bureau for ordnance and ordnance stores for the northern lakes, have been at a cost full 33 1/3 per cent, less than heretofore made.

Lieutenant Powell is charged with the survey of Tampa bay, and will trace the coast on as far as the mouth of the Mississippi.

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

W. M. CRANE.

Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy.

Aggregate amount of all sums required for the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, from the 1st January, 1843, to 30th June, 1844.

Amount of estimates from 1st January to 30th June, 1843, 6 months

$102,521 97

Amount of estimates from 1st July, 1843, to 30th June, 1844, 12 months

195,043 93

297,565 90

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

--590--

General estimate of the sums required for the Ordnance and Hydrographical Bureau, from the 1st January to the 30th June, 1843, as per tables A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

For the use of the Ordnance branch of the service

$71,556 97

For the use of the Hydrographical branch of the service

30,965 00

102,521 97

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

A.

There will be required for the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, from 1st January to 30th June, 1843, the following:

1st. For the support of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography

$3,950 00

2d. For pay of officers on ordnance duly

6,850 00

3d. For estimate for ordnance and ordnance stores, &c., &c.

60,756 97

71,556 97

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

B.

Estimate of the sums required for the support of office of Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, from the 1st January to the 30th June, 1843— 6 months.

For salary of the chief of bureau, at $3,500 per annum

$1,750 00

For salary of one clerk, at $1,200 per annum*

$600

For salary of one clerk, at $1,000 per annum*

500

For salary of draughtsman, at $1,000 per annum*

500

For salary of messenger, at $700 per annum*

350

1,950 00

For contingent expenses of this bureau

250 00

3,950 00

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

*For act 31st August, 1842.

--591--

C.

Estimate of pay of officers on ordnance duty, from 1st January to 30th June, 1843—6 months.

1 captain, at $3,500 per annum

$1,750 00

2 commanders, at $2,100 per annum, each

2,100 00

4 lieutenants, at $1,500 per annum, each

3,000 00

6,850 00

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

D.

Estimate of ordnance and ordnance stores, small-arms, powder tanks, &c., required for the general service of the navy, from 1st January, 1843, to 30th June, 1844—eighteen months.

For 100 32-pounder chambered guns, 6 feet long, to weigh about 25 cwt. each, for third class sloops-of-war, brigs, and schooners, at $133 per ton

$16,625 00

For 5,000 32-pounder shot, weighing 160,000 lbs., at 3 cents per lb.

4,800 00

For 100 gun-carriages, with implements complete, at $150 each

15,000 00

For 2,000 barrels of powder, at $17

34,000 00

For 1,000 carbines, at $18

18,000 00

For 1,000 swords, at $4 50

4,500 00

For 600 pistols, at $5

3,000 00

For powder tanks of copper, composition, or bronze, for 7 frigates, 18 sloops, and 20 brigs or schooners, viz:

420 tanks, to contain 150 lbs. each, at $12 07

5,069 40

1,665 do 100 do 9 14

15,218 10

2,070 do 50 do 6 22

12,875 40

2,550 powder flasks, at $1

2,550 00

1,000 boarding pikes, at $2

2,000 00

50 fuse extractors, at $8

400 00

For 63,800 lbs. pig lead, for musket and pistol balls, at 3 1/3 cents per lb.

2,233 00

For 5,000 lbs. sheet lead, for gun aprons, &c., at 8 cents

400 00

For fuses for shells

600 00

For gun locks, battle lanterns, magazine lanterns, woollen woven sponges, tubes, matches, and flannel for cylinders

8,000 00

$145,270 [00]

--592--

TABLE D—Continued.

For contingent expenses that may accrue for the following purposes, viz:

For drawings and models; for postage paid by officers on ordnance duty; for travelling expenses of officers in inspecting ordnance and ordnance stores; for hire of agents and rent of storehouses for ordnance and ordnance stores on the likes; for experiments in gun, shell, and shot practice; for targets; for transportation of ordnance and ordnance stores; for advertising in the public newspapers; and for repairs of gun-carriages

$37,000 00

Total amount required, from 1st January, 1843, to 30th June, 1844—eighteen months

182,270 90

Of the above sum of $182,270 90, there will be required from the 1st January to 30th June, 1843, one third, or $60,756 97.

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

E.

There will be required for the support of the Hydrographical office, from the 1st January to 30th June, 1843:

1. For pay of officers, &c.

$7,000 00

2. For the purchase of instruments, &c., and all other expenses

23,095 00

30,965 00

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

F.

Estimate of the pay required for officers, &c., on hydrographical duty from the 1st January to 30th June, 1843 (six months).

4 lieutenants, at $1,500 per annum

$3,000 00

8 passed midshipmen, at $750 per annum

3,000 00

1 clerk, attached to Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, at $1,000 per annum, per act of 31st August, 1842

500 00

1 draughtsman, at $1,000 per annum

500 00

7,000 00

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

--593--

G.

Estimate of the sums required for the Hydrographical office, from the 1st January to 30th June, 1843 (six months).

For the purchase and supply of nautical books, charts, and instruments for the navy

$7,000 00

For repairing and binding nautical books, charts, and instruments for the navy

1,500 00

For freight and transportation of instruments, &c.

1,000 00

For travelling expenses of officers in delivering instruments

1,500 00

For house rent

250 00

For fuel, lights, repairs of house, and contingent expenses

750 00

For postage, models, drawings, packing and unpacking instruments, and incidental labor

500 00

For account books, forms, and stationery

500 00

For working the lithographic press, including all charges on account of lithographer, stones, ink, and chemicals

600 00

To meet outstanding liabilities on 1st January, 1843

5,000 00

For the erection of building for depot

5,000 00

For the employment of a nautical and mathematical instrument maker in repairing instruments

365 00

23,965 00

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

General estimate of the sums required for the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, from the 1st July, 1843, to 30th June, 1844, as per tables A, B, (J, D, E, F, and G.

For the use of the ordnance branch of the service

$143,113 93

For the use of the hydrographical branch of the service

51,930 00

195,043 93

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

A.

There will be required for the service of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, from the 1st July, 1843, to 30th June, 1844, the following:

1. For the support of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography

$7,900 00

2. For pay of officers on ordnance duty

13,700 00

3. For estimate for ordnance and ordnance stores, &c.

121,513 93

143,113 93

Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, November 16, 1842.

W. M. CRANE.

--594--

B.

Estimate of the sums required for the support of office of Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, from 1st July, 1843, to 30th June, 1844 (twelve months).

For salary of the chief of bureau

$3,500 00

For salary of 1 clerk,* at

$1,200

For salary of 1 clerk,* at

1,000