NAVAL RETIRING BOARD.
SPEECH
OF
ON. SAMi HOUSTON, OF TEXAS,
DELIVERED
IN TIHE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, MARCH 18, 1856.
WASHINtGTON:
5RIMMTRD AT THE CONGRESSIONAL GLOBE OFFICE,
18i56b








NAVAL RETIRING BOARD.
Mr. HOUSTON.  Mr. President, l hold in my    5. Resolved, That the clerks of the two Houses be directed
hand a memorial, signed ulnofficially by menblers  forthwith to forward copies of these resolutions to our Benators and Representatives in Congress.
of the Legislature of the State of Ml arylan4l.  It    Adopted Marchi 5, 1856.'is an indorsement of the resolutions adopted by                     Teste:        SHELTON C. DAVIS,
the Legislature of Virginia some time since.  I
S..G. TUCXER1
ask that they may be read; and then I design to
offer some explanatory remarks, giving the rea-                               Clerc of the iouse of Delegates
sons for my concurrence with the sentiments of            Mr. HOUSTON.  Mr, President, I rejoice
the resolutions.                                       that the Old Dominion has spoken on this occaThe Secretary read the resolutions of the Legis-  sion.  Her weight in the Confederacy, the peculature of Yirginia, as follows:                        liar position which she has heretofore occupied,
and which she still occupies; her sound political
1. Resolved,.As the opinion of the General Assembly of  and which she still occupies; her sound political
Virginia, that the action of th e late naval boad appointed "to  adherence to correct principles in times past, with
promnote the efficiency " of the Navy, by which -two hun-  as few aberrations fronm a proper course as it was
dred and one officers were retired from the active Navy list  posible during the period of -her existence for
of officers, without trial or notice, or record of any sort,  any  tate  to prsue, etitles her to an attentiv
was not in accordance with the principles which our Go   any State  t o purse, entitles her to  an attentive
ernmnent recognizes as the only guarantees of judicial fhi   hearing. I am informed  that California, too, the
ness and impartiality.                                 youngest sister of the Confederacy, has spoken
2. Resolved, That the General Assembly does not as-  on this subject, though officially her voice has
sume to criticise the conduct of those who were charged  not yet been heard in this Chamber.
with the execution of the provisions of the law in question    noy bn  hrdi    isCabr
nor to express an opinion as to the propriety of the remnoval    Allusion was made the other day by the honof the officers retired under the action of' the board; but it  orable Senator from  Delaware, [Mr. CLAYTON,1
intends to affirm the principle that every officer of the AIry   to the influence exerted around these walls, and
and Navy of the United States has the inalienable right tobers  of Congress by
the appeals made to members of Congress by
be heard in his own defense, and to confront his accusers,
when charges affecting his personal character and profes-  persons who think themselves aggrieved by the
sional honor are brought against him.                  action of the naval board, as thougxh members
3. Resolved,.That forreasons hereinbefore alluded to, the  felt it necessary that they should have prompters
Senators and Representatives of Virginia in Congress beeir dutir
earnestly requested to co6perate in effecting the passage of  to stimulate  to the d      ischarte of their dut
a bill which shall provide a fair opportunity to the parties  and  as though they had not innate principle
aggrieved by the action of said board, to vindicate their tar-  enough to discern right from wrong, and to purhished honor; and subject not only them, but the whole  sue the right in preference to tolerating the wronwg
Navy, to a properreform, upon just, rational, and legal prin-      distinctly understood, as the allusion
ciples. The form of this remedy it refers with confidencetly understood
to the discretion of the Representatives of Virginia.  was directed particularly to myself, that no out4. Resolved, at the same time, That this General Assem-  ward influence has operated oni me to direct me
bly owes it to the rights and the honor of its constituents,  towards the course which I have taken, and which
involved so largely by the action of the aforesaid board, to  I am  determined, with my humble abilitie, to
declare that it finds on the list of disimissed Viginia  I am  determined,  with my humble abes  to
names of men who have, by their achievements ins war and  maintain upon this floor, and'before this nation,
peace, in arms and in science, not only commanded the  in vindicating men who have been relentlessly
thanks and the complimrients of their own county, but had  stricken down, regardless of their rights as 
extorted, and, whilst this board was in session, were ex-                                      b ts as 
torting the homage and admiration of all the great conm-  cers and as citizens of the United States.
mercial and naval Powers of the world.                    Sir, I will refer to some remarks of mine on a




4
former occasion-not for the purpose of sustain-    But, sir, Maury has been taunted by a lieutening myself in the assurance which I have given, ant on the board with his civic distinction, his ease,
but for explanation,and to show the reason why  and quiet; while the same lieutenant thinks that
my mind, as early as November 23d last, had  it is hazardous, and troublesome, and disagreearrived at the conclusion which it now maintains. able to perform the seafaring part of an officer's
On an occasion when it was fit that I should  duty. I have noticed these taunts. I do not
address my fellow-citizens in reference to the  know the individuals from whom they emanate,
subject now before the Senate,-alluding to the  but they excite in me no indignation. I considAdministration and its component parts, and par- ered them beneath the contempt of a statesman.
ticularly to the Secretary of the Navy, [Mr. I have acquaintance with but one officer of this
Dobbin,]-I said:                                board, and I should not know the others if I saw
6" In the administration of the affairs of his office, I believe  them. I shall never seek their acquaintance until
he gives general satistfaction; but if I were Co rely on Ite the stigma they have placed on themselves by
intelligence of the day, as derived from the newspapers, I the course they have puisued is taken from their
am inclined to think that, in the action of the naval board,
most flagrant injustice has been done to many officers of names and characters.
the Navy; and if impartiality has not been carried to an    I
improper extent2 injustice has certainly been (lone to many
of the officers.  ut  this twiil be a stbject of examination, employed on shore duty. I find, on a comparison
I will merely maske this hypotletical remark."  of his term of service with that of the chairman
Sir, this shows that I needed no prompting, of the board, Lieutenant Maury was but four
after my arrival in Washington city, and that no  per centum below him  in sea service, notwithinfluences were exerted upon me; but that it was  standing the great benefits he has rendered to
the prompting of my own heart, from  a knowl-  mariners and the commerce of the world while
edge of the individuals who had been stricken  on shore duty. The chairiman of that board
down, which guided my action.                   (Commodore Shubrick) has been in the naval
It will not be considered egotistical when I  service forty-nine years, of which seventeen years
refer to days past, as they form a portion of the  and ten months have been employed in actual sea
history of the country, and when the reference  duty. Lieutenant Maury has been in the service
is not made for the purpose of complimenting my- thirty-three years, of which more than nine years
self; but it is to me a subject of gratulation and  have been employed at sea, notwithstanding the
delight, that I had an instrumentality in placing  misfortune of having been crippled, from which
in his proud position in the service one of the  he has entirely recovered. To say that he was
distinguished officers of the Navy. In 1825, when  not an efficient officer ashore and afloat is not
a Representative from  the State of Tennessee, sustained by facts. Lieutenant Maury has not
I obtained a midshipman's warrant for Matthew  shrunk from the responsibilities of a commander
F. Maury, who then entered the Navy. I have  at sea, for durinD  the Mexican war he made apwatched his career since with paternal solici- plication for service in his proper rank, and it was
tude. I have gloried in his prosperity; and his  declined. Deficiency cannot be charged to him.
distinctions I have always considered as reflecting  As for his sea service, it is thirty-three and one
honor upon myself, while the nation was honored  third per cent.; while Commodore Shubrick's is
by his achievements; and though they were not  but thirty-seven per cent. of his whole length of
on the quarter-deck where scuppersrun blood, he  service. That, therefore, cannot be the causehas built his name high in the niche of fame. It for disrating him.  It was not the inefficiency
will not be obscured by the action of this mys- of individuals that caused them  to be stricken
terious board, who have reviewed his conduct. down. No, sir; it was a system of espionage on
They may strike him  off, and embarrass his  the Navy; it was a combination; and, as characprospects as an officer of the Navy, if they please, terized by a distinguished member of the navy
should their action be indorsed; but they cannot board, it was a " packed conspiracy" to strike
limit the world-wide fame which he has acquired, down chivalrous and gallant men, and give posinor can they snatch fronm him that wreath of civic  tion and promotion to those who grasped the
glory that his own exertions have won, and which  scepter in their hands and wielded it with desis equal to the laurels he would have won if he  potic sway.
had been called to the field, unless he had been    You may say it was the fault of Congress. I
altogether unlike the Maurys of the State in which  admit it was a great error to pass such a law as the
he was reared and his kindred blood, for it was  one under which this action has taken place; and
the best of the Huguenots. Sir, it has been stated  if its passage was commended to us by any who
by the honorable chairman of the Committee on  understood what would be the result, it was a
NavalAffairs, [Mr. MAtLLORY,] that he looksupon  culpable act-it was a criminal act. I have no
Lieutenant Maury as a civilian, and he thinks  doubt I voted for it, though I have not referred to
that great favors have been done to him. He  the record; but if I did vote for it I voted withsays that Maury has often been withdrawn at out comprehending it. I deferred to the comhis own instance from  sea-service; and that he  mittee and the Department, supposing everything
had asked for his present position at the Observ-  was for the best. I was not importuned to vote
atory; but the latter statement was afterwards  against it, and I supposed it must all be right. I
corrected by the honorable chairman, and very  imagined that some two or three dozen officers
justly. He did not petition for a situation at the  would be withdrawn from the service who were
Observatory.  It was not in time of war that he  inefficient through age or wounds or infirmity, or
asked for release or respite from  duty. It was  from habits intolerable in the Army or the Navy,
not when the enemy were in hostile array on our  and which reflected no credit on the service.
borders, nor when we were invading a foreign  Never did I dream  that those dropped would
country with our squadrons, that Maury ever amount to fifty. If I commited tle sin of voting
asked to be recalled from service.             I for the bill, it was the sin of ignorance amount



5
ing to omnission only; though I may be properly    "The scheme submitted by the present able Secretary of
censurcable for lnot having examined it when it  the Navy reconciled the apparently incompatible requirensble for no havingexaminedwh ments of avoiding ingratitude and a pension, while substiwas to faltl SO weightily on meni  who deserved  tuting efficient for incapable meni in the performance of actheir country's thankls for preserving their cOUni-  tive and responsible duties. The plan involved thie necessity
try's honor. Yes, sir, it was a great offense; and  of the consent of officers of the Navy, for the ptblicgood, to
greatly must we atone for it when we reflect on the  accept and disaof te tiher duies wit s than t ise hreglar
compensation of the hihier rsank;, acd their patriotism. has
inlustice done to those injured by its operation.   given aprompt response.  Congress have met them in spirit'But, sir, has the law been carried out impar-  of equal liberality, accepted their plan for the relief of the
tially, fairly, and justly? Who were the persons  service and the country, and placed in their own lhifnds the
who went into tie board?  My honorable friiend  execution of the law to promote the efficiency of the Navy."
from Delaware, [Mr. CLAYTON,] says that one of    In the hands of the Navy   The Navy comes
the distienuished Mren on it was Cornmander, now   forward generously and makes this proposition
Captain, Du Pont, in whose behalf he presented,  of sacrifice, and Con ress accords to them all tLat
(as he always does) a most eloquent, pathetic,  their liberality can demand!  That is the stateand I may say elaborate vindication, the other  nent.  But again:
day, in secret sessioln.  EHe asked tchatt the iln-  - " TIce eyes of the country are on the proceedings of the
junction of secrecy should be removed to allow   blrd wtll anxious, but coicfident, hole."
the publication of his remarks.  It was done,    WTho cared about it?  The country was never
and the officer has the full benefit of his vindica-  aroused to it.  The country cared nothicg about
tion.  I am glad that his glleral chalacter is put  it, because they knew that our Navy, whenever
in issue by the course pursued by the honorable  it came in contact with an enemy, alvays acted,Senator from  Delawatre.  I am  willing to take  gloriously, and achieved honor for the country,
issue on the fact that he is nobetter than he should  and they were willing to confide it to the proper
be as an officer, and that he is not superior to  hands.  The people, far off, remote in the intehundreds who have been stricken down, either  rior, had no distrust in our continuous achievein point of seamanship, or in any other high  nents of glory whenever our tars came in conquality which should animate an American naval  tact with an enemy.  The country decanded no
officer.  The Senator says that service on this  such thinlg.  It was the Committee oil Naval Afboard was to Captain Du Pont a bitter cup, but  fairs of the Senate who demanded it. The Senate
the chalice was put to his lips.  Sir, he could have  acquiesced in it, aid the House of Representadeclined it.  There was no urgent reason Twhy he  tive approved it.  It was done without considershould not do so.  He was a member of the light-  ation —vithout the people ever thinking anytlhng
house board, and I think he could have declined  about it, a.d knowin  less; yet this asselnption
this service on that ground.                         is made in this article with great gravity. It continues:
I go further: I intend to show that DuPontwas  tinues:
one of the proniptelrs to this measute; and that,    ":f it fail in its duty, whether from want of nierve, or
want of judgment, or vwant of honesty, the next Conetess
if there has been a " packed conspiracy," he has.will respond to the national derand for an efficient Navy
played a conspicuous part in it.  I will not say  by some short, sharp, and salutary remedy. If officers now
that lie is tte Catiline of it, but lhe plaved a  sacrifice the country to their interests, they may rest ascriminal part. I am not going to take unrauthentic  llred the countliy will have small hesitation inc sacrificing
crimina pa. I  tuhem to tile paramount necessities of thle public service."
newspaper intelligence to prove it, but I will take
the Intelli-encer-a paper that I venerate for its    I pray, sir, that this may be done.  It is all I
respectability; and, although I have always been  askthatthey naybe  ecompensed"accordin0 to
politically opposed to its editors, I have found  the deeds done cn theic body;5' tlat body means
-them  gentlemen of veracity.  It is entitled to a  the navaul retifinog toard.  [Laughter.]  Again:
respect that few journals are now  worthy of.    " This duty,if not thocimulSlly erformed, had as vell no
Therefore I re~ly on it. I thbinlk it is a docunme   bct  attemptled; anti tlhe liberal provisions for those ftound
Therefore I rely o  it.  I tink it is a document  incapable, without their own default, disarms the m easure
that will cast some light on this subject. By way  of evena the least appearalnce of harshness, and leaves cZof showing thlat it is not a spurious article, and  cscciseffr leeienc. 
subject to such an objection, I will say, that the    We see they were afraid thlere would be leniarticle which I propose to read was presented by  ency, and this article was to prepare tlhe public
Mr. Du Pont, and also (as I am inclined to think,  mind, and it foreshadows the action of the board.
though I cannot positively state it) Mr. Magru-  One of the most conspicuous mnenmbers of the
der, now  a flag captain-or some rank whose  board, and one who contributed more to the pastechnical phrase I do not exactly understand-in  sage of the bill through this body than anly indithe Mediterranean. These two officers handed in  vidual, is the man who foreshadows their purthis publication some tine in advance of the meet-  pose in this communication of two columnns.
ing of the board.  There are other facts which I    WVhat is the meaning of all this? They cannot
will bring to bear on this matter, and I will show   rely on age, infirmnity, and similar causes, to get
that the Navy wvas converted to the use of these  old men out of the way and give promotion to
men.  They may say it was the law that was  aspiring younggentlemen', lieutenants and othlers;
executed; that the pound of flesh was exacted;  and if these young aspirants cannot get to be
that this action was indorsed by the Secretary of  comnmodores, they have made one brilliant step
the Navy and confirmed by the President; but all  towards it-I mean the brilliancy of two ehpauthis can give rio character to the proceeding, if  lets instead of one. In old times, when we used
there was corruption or conspiracy in the beoin-  to do fighting as subalterns, I was very proud
ning.  If that lbe the nature of its origicn, all the  whenl  I got one' epaulet of silver, instead ofgold,
subsequent t acts are void.  I will not read the  and I thought it was the finest thing in theworld;
whole of this two-columnl article, but I will read  but now you can hardlydi  filnd a passed 1" nmiddy"
those parts which I th'ink important. W'hat does  who does not want a comisf       odore's epauilets on
it say? y Listen:                                    his shoulders.  IHe liCkes to strut about to the




admiration of the ladies, with his buttons bright   "IWha;t, then, does Con'ess cl-arge the board witi the;and his uniform  attractive, and he is a cotnmo-j  eduty of performing? The law assumes what the country.dr  hy to alr  aappearances, and beautiful tor knows to be the fact, that there are mnany officers in the
dore really to all appearances, and beautiful to  Navy in the grades mentioned, incompetent to the prompt
admiration.  [Laughter.]                            and eflicient discharge of all their duties ashore and afloat.
Mr. BAYARP D.  WTill- the Senator state t        The    Tine law. llas cliarged the board to examine into the effidate otf th at article? >ciency of the officers of tlie Nalvy, and to report those who,
Mdr. HOUSTO. Ma        y il, 18a5; and I? uldin their judgmnent, are so incapable of performing all their
Mr. HOUSTON.  May 21, 1855; and I would  duty.',
ask the Senator to attend to it, for I know he can    Surely it was their duty to recommend the recriticise it with more ability than I can command.  tirement of tbose who were incapable of performAgain the article says:
Tis dt i coined to the naval boar   With them  ing sea duty, but there must be evidence of that
-'"This dutv is confined to the naval board. Wirith them
rests the responsibility of executing or failing toexecute the
law. They reap many of' the advantages, but the country  mere suspicion in the mind of any member or
has the greaitest stake inthfie result; and the country willn members of the board.  There were tests by
lold( the board responsible Ibr the attainment of the results  which inefficiency could be' determined; and I
they aintileipated well nv-tt~i   hese anlple powers of pria-  will show you that the action of the board, if it
tion in the ollicers of the Navy itself."
Yes, sir, they o eap a dvantges from it.   They  be regarded as a judgment of inefficiency, is in
have not metly promoted themselxres but they  direct conflict with the action of the Secretary of
hiave not merely promoted themselves, but they                   They bave not deterred to him. At
have promoted their kindred in subordinate ra         e Navy.  They hae not deferred to 
the time this'I review" took place-at the time
That is generous —is it not?  Sir, a system  of       e time this " renw" tonk place-at the  i e
nepotism has grown up i the country that must  when naval efficiency was determined by  the
nepo-tism2 has grown up in the country that must naval board, what was the condition of the offibe stricken down; it shall not confront the majesty  1aval boa  hat was the condition of the oof a free people, and will not be countenanced and 
cers who were afloat o'r on duty at thatvery time
fostered by mny vote on any occasion while I live;   ers who were afoat o  on dty at that very time
ut it has Been done by this board.s    A  majority  were stricken down by retirement or dropping.
of the captains were family relatives.  I am not  Fify-seven of those then engaged on duty the
going into the privacy of families, but this is a  board said were inefficient, and not capable of
public matter, and I have a right to refer to it.  performing their duties ashore and afloat.'What was the conclusion of the Secretary of
Not only were the captains related to each other,    What was the conclusion of the Seretay of
but most of them  had relatives, subordinate to  te Navy?
them, either midshipmen or lieutenants, who were  charge duty, to the number of fifty-seven, and
promoted by the operations of the board. Were  they were actually performing  duties ashore or
they impartial judges?  Were, they competent, afloat at the time when they were stricken down
hoiiestly, to adjudicate the  rights of noble men, by the naval board, which thereby stultified the
honestly, to adjudicate the rights of noble: men,
who had fought for their country, who had gallantly bled for it, and who had borne aloft its  other erred in judgment as to the efficiency of
these officers.  These are the two horns of the
proud banner to the breeze floating over British  dilemma.  Gentlemen may swing on eithe
hulls?  Is that to be countenanced?  Could no
other disinterested men in the rNavy  have been  care not which; neither is pleasant.  You need
obtained?  Surely, no one will make such a state-  not tell me that the Secretary of the Navy would
S-moe ~ elynt.  no oe wil mke ac.s -  detail for sea duty incompetent persons, when
Do not understand me as casting blame on the  there are always hundreds of applicants for acSecretary of the Navy.  He is a very polite and ve service  ho    he canot gatfy   Can aty
elegant gentleman, and perhaps he did polt an  d  candid man believe there was any deficiency in
elegant gentleman, and perhaps he did not inquire
not in   eany of those men  who were detailed by the Seeinto these things.  I blame these men for not
each telling him, " Sir, my situation is too deli-  retary for sea or for shore duty? To suppose so
is to impugn the action of the Secretary, and to
cate.  If I should find it necessary to remove           to impug n  the   action of the Secretaty, and to
one habove me, it would leave me liable to t        charge himn with incapacity, or a want of integimputation of making a vacancy to give place to  rity to his country.     do not care which posimyself and get promotion. If I remove one who tion gentlemen assume; one or the otheris the
ease if the action of this board cain be sustained,
is subordinate to me, and advance my relatives,  case if the action of this boad can be sustained,
npotis    ill be iputed  to me.  My honor  which I do not believe.  I do not think that Mr.
Dobbin would have detailed an incompetent perwould be impeached by serving on -this board,
and I will vindicate it by a just and generous  son for sea  uty.  I a   not prepared to indorse
his charitable notions of the board, and his laudcourse —ust    to myself, generous  to my fellowmen, generous to men of chivalry, whom I esteem,  atory comments of them, as being the soul of
and 71who1 deserve my esteem."                      honor; but i perceive that their action is contraIt is sugoested to me that the morning hour   ictomy to his own.  hot, sir, the same article
lhas expired; but still I ask leave to proceed with  says further:
my remarks.                                           " It is the duty of the President to keep the piuhlic force
1Mr. IVERSON.  WVith trhe penrmission of the  on shore and at sea in an efficient state, ready for every
emergency. If miien are incomnpeteit,  no niatteir fomi what
Senator I whrill moive to postpone the specical order  cause, it is his duty to know it, to ascertain it, andl to reto allow the Senator to proceed with his speech. move them either by his executive power or by legal proAlthough it is not the " first speech " of the ge e- edilgs."
tleman, it is his first during thie present session.    So these powers inured to the President and
Hle has been exceedingly modest, and I therefore  Secretary before, and hence the absolute inutility
move to postpone the special order.                 of the -law.  There was no requirement for it
The motion was agreed to.                         except to suit the demands of a cabal hero in the
Mr. HOUSTON.  Mr. President, I will read  bureaus.  They are nests of iniquity, and they
anotLher extract fiom this delectable publication.  are multiplyinkg; but I want the eggs broklen.
It says:                                            Again:




7
CC But, whatever be the means adopted, he is responsible  too late, and he was dropped for other reasons, it
for the efficiency of his instruments. Congress have aided. said 
his judgment by giving him the benefit of the inquest by the               made against im, by ror,
board. They are as fiee to inquire as the President. They    On a charge being made against him,  by rumor,
are subject to no other restrictions."               ten years ago, Lieutenant Bartlett demanded an
What a pity it is th~at Ymuore ~restrictions were  investigation by court-martial or court of inquiry
not placed on them, and then there would have  against his accusers.  Iis demands were made
been less ground of complaint to-day.  This  tohissuperiors and arethee yet.  Hehasfrom
"writer says: theirtime to time demanded an investigation, a court
".They pass their judgment subject to the same responsi-  of inquiry, or a court-martial, and it was not given
bilities, and they are subject to none other."        him. W y?  They who made the charges knew
How proud, how  oimnipotent, how far above  they could not prove them.  The fact that he was
all revisionary power, how irresponsible they are!  continued on service shows that the rumors had
Further.                                             no influence on the Secretary of the Navy or his
" They are bound to. inquire fairly, earnestly, courage-  commanders; and yet that man was dropped from
ously; to be guided by public considerations alone; to give  the list of officers.  Mr. Du Pont had written to
the country the full benefit of their knowledge and expe-  different individuals to know if they knew anyrience; to report tilhe truth as it shall appear to them;-                transaction;  u te anser
They italicize "'4 truth;" otherwise, I suppose,  it is said, came too late! Bartlett is a fine officer;
it would have no weight.                             but he has one outrageous fault in the eyes of
— "and to remember, that the blood and dishonor of any  some gentlemen.  He is similarly situated with
disaster to tile Amlerican arms following firom any neglect  Captain Levy, of the Navy.  1-t was the first
to report every case of incolmpetency coming witlin teir  man who discountenanced flogging in the Navy;
knowledge will rest on them and on their meimory. Beyond
this, they have no duty, no right, and no responsibility."    andhe has finally triumphed.  Bartlett was a temAgain they go on to say:                           perance man, and recommended dispensing with
" In the eye of the country, the first thing is that Ameri-  grog in te Navy.  This wasoffense enough to
can seamenand officers shall not be sacrificed by incom-  some gentlemen to incur reprobation, and to brand
petent commanders."  him as a victim necessary for the sacrifice.  Yes,
I shall have something to say in illustration of  sir, that is it.  If Mr. Du Pont had such great
this position.  It is a very good one.  See how   solicitude and anxiety for Mr. Bartlett, is, it not.
they enlarge upon it:                                 strange, as a inmember of the board, having the' To this everything is subordinate, and for this the board  Secretary's ear, that he did not prevail on the Secwas created. How individuals may be affected —whether  retary to give Bartlett a trial, and let him vindi-.
the countryhave treated heroes ungratefully or not-is none  cate his. character?  He requested it promptly.
of their business. They are charged to see that lives of  W
American seamen, and the higher life of American honor,
be neither thrown away nor jeoparded by hands of whose  martial to enable himn to exonerate himself'?  Mr.
competency they are not convinced. If Decatur were alive,  Du Pont had sufficient influence with the Secre-.
but blind, or a paralytie, or deaf and dumb, or so feeble as  tary, undoubtedly, if the Secretary  needed a
to be unable to encounter the hardships of a cruise, it would.
be their duty to say so, and leave the country to take car prompterand wa  diposed to sere hm.  But
of the hero while supplying his place."              no, his feelings of friendship were all dormant
Yes, sir; but if he was neither of these, and until they were awakened by the responsibility
they were to say he was dumb and blind and old,  devolved on him as a member of the naval board!
the statement would be false. Sir, a hundred offi-  But, sir, I desire to continue the'eading of the articers walk about these streets repelling the charge  cle of which I have already given some extracts:
of incompetency.  They are practical contradic-    "Of course clamor will follow the report of the board if
tions to it.  Here we are told the duty of the  it be searching and efficient; but worse clamor will follow
board was to retire an offlcerw when he was incom-  thoses who fail to report searchingly and efficiently; for this
act is no sudden freak of Congress;"petent.  It is only for that cause, or for misconduct of a flagrant character, that he can be retired,  If it is no sudden freak, I should like to know
furloughed, or dropped.  Every  one  that is  when was t deliberately considered.
dropped feels that imputation on him.  Let me  — "itis the preferred alnong multitudes of rejected predeive  an irnstane.   The other day my friend from   lcessors; it united many conveniences and avoided many
elaware insta       ted that Captain Du Pont had writ-  objections; it was fully debatedl thoroughly considered, and
Dela-ware stated that Captain Du Pont had writ-  scanned by hostile interests."                   But the
ten letters to Lieutenant Rhind and others for  American people are both practical and liberal, and therethe purpose of getting a contradiction to rumors  fore, while providing for removing'dry-rot,' and substituagainst Mir. B3artlett,  of the Navy,  one of the  ting sound imaterial, they took good care of the relies and
most  intllig     pompt, and sailel-  meorials of fornmer glories and long services rendered the
motst intelligent, prompt, and sailor-looking fel-  Republic. They justly discriminate. It is only those whose
lows I ever saw-a gentleman who was selected  incomnpetency is the result, not of time, nor iiatural decay,
by the Secretary of the Treasury to go to France,  nor hard service, but of their own fault or excess, who' are
and was there for more than two years, for the  to be stricken altocetherrom the rolls.'
purpose of obtaining improved lights and light-         Lieutenant Bartlett was dropped  at a time
house apparatus. Hecame homeebearingahighly   when the Secretary had detailed him for active
laudatory letter from  our Minister, Mr. Mason,  duty.  He was an accomplished and an efficient
recommending him  to the special consideration   officer on ship.  Now, remember, it was only
of the Secretary of the Treasury.  He was again  for inefficiency that they had any right to touch
at sea performing his duty when he was stricken   him.  The officers of the Navy were amenable
down and degraded, as unworthy of a place in the  to the laws of the country, and to the prerogaNavy.  Not retired, not furloughed, but dropped  tive of the Executive, if they failed in their duty;
entirely. ThatisMr. Bartlett,towhoim myfriend   but the board had no power to touch a mano for
alluded the other day, and whose character Cap-  any offense unless incompetency, either of mind
tain Du Pont was so anxious to vindicate that he  or body, unless the inefficiency of the gentleman
wrote a letter about him; but the answer came  was such that it was impossible to retain hinm.




This is admitted by these very gentlemen them-  to themselves.  From  this appreciation of their
selves.  They say:                                     own conduct, their deductions are drawn in rela"t It is only those whose incompetency is the result, not  tion to others who are honorable men, willing to
of tinme, nor natural decay, nor hard service, but of their  confront any, imputation which they may dare to
own fault or excess, who ale to be stricken altogether  bing against them  before the public, or before
from the rolls;' a provision in the law inserted and in- 
sisted upon by the people's imlnnediate representatives."    the  constitutional tribunals of the service. Where
The people, a  I have bee rearked,      a man has been dropped for alleged infamous connothing eabout  it-cared nothing about it.  The   duct, without a trial, they say he might be afraid
to have the reasons why at is done paraded bemnembers of COngress were in th~e saie position  fore the public!i This assertion is made as to,
in which the people were, and represented them   evry man who   they have daned with a brand
very faithfully-neither the people nor their rep-  every ma s whom they  have damned with a brand
esentatives  thought anything  about tile conse-   of infamy as set forth in the statute, for it is only
thought anythin  abfor infamous conduct that a man was to be requences.  This article abounds in points. There
is a richness, a marrow in it, that is worth look-.  They have placed that brand on him,
ing at.  Let me read another extract:                  and then say that he might not wish to have it:  If it be no injustice to remove an officer who cannot  gain:   t              nature of an exectiv
discharge his duties, it is surely not illiberal to give him
the full leave-pay of his rank, when doing nothing; and, if proceeding." How learned this board were. My
his sensitive honor shrink from receiving pay witllout ren-  friend from Delaware said that a book was written
dering service, the law satisfies even this scruple of a high  by Mr. Du Pont, and I suppose, therefore, that
nature, by reserving the liability to duty at the call of the  le is  eared. appears to have been a man
President; and the emergencies of active warfare may well
occasion many a demand for experience and skill in dock-  of learning, at least in this matter, for he says:
yards and shore-batteries, fitting out flotillas, and orgaLn-    It is in the nature of an executive proceeding. The
izing men for victory, which will satisfy the longing for  President scrutinizes in secret thile ocier he appoints or
active service which the note of war will awaken in the  refuses, and the Senate closes its doors when considering
oldest naval heart."                                   the fitness of executive nominations and scrutinizing indiIt appears, then, that the nien who are not fit  vidual character."
for active service, according to the board's view,    Now, I desire to call attention to what Mr.
are in time of war to be relied on for their expe-  Du Pont and his coadjutor says in this article of
rience, and for that purpose are subject to be  the officers of the board, of whom  he was one,,
recalled by the President to active duty, but in-  and his coadjutor another. There must have been
hibited from promotion. That is their notion of  something very self-felicitating in the feelings of
honor and justice, and the pride of a military  these gentlemen when they wrote this article, or
man who loves his rank better than he does his  had it written, because there are various rumors
life; for it is for position, and the consciousness  about it:
of it, that he will fling away his life and trust it to    " The characters and respon;ibilities of the officers are
the enemy a thousand times.  Yet you tell him   a guarantee of the faithful performance of their duty, and
by your law that lie cannot have that rank and  publicity would only create a combined effort among those
impeached to protect each other by destroying the work of
promotion, but he may be recalled to service on  the board. 
the retired list.  He may go and fight a battle; he    "' One observation remains: Congress has allowed capmay gloriously defend a post; he may give his life  tains alone to pass on captains. The other members of the
board will be present and witness their proceedings big
without power to affect the result. The indifference,. not
ness in his dying moments that, if he had sur-  to say hostility, which has been exhibited generally by this
vived this glorious achievement, and if it had been  grade of officers to this great measure of reform has, it
possible to avoid this sacrifice of life, the road of  cannot be denied, created some misgivings, ii and out of
promotion lwould be bloclred —e-ternally bloclked  the Navy, as to the course which might be pursued by the
from oim.  wou    wil blochtdyourbatles unckde  representatives of this grade on the board; but these misfrom  him.'Who will fight your battles under  givings have doubtless arisen from the peculiar organiza-.uch circumstances?   N No brave nor honorable  tion of the board, the law vesting such paramount power
man.  Such a suggestion as this seems to me' to  in five of the fifteen members conmposing it, thaI from any
be unseemly; biut I suppose it must be inmputted to  doubt ill the hi-h integrity and sense of duty of the capbe unseemly; but I suppose it mus t be imputedtains likely to be selected.   We wmill iot entertail the'
ignorance of human nature and of the foundations  shadow of a doubt, that they will execute the stern obt imof true chivalry. What is the intimation? That  perative duty required by Congress in a imananer altogether
these old retired veterans, condemned by the hoard  consistent with the highest honor kno-wn to the naval proas unlfit for active service, could be useful in.  Sou ite e oterwise, tie whole proceedinrg,s unfit  for active service,  vct u b e us e ful nory.*  will be a failure; but fortiunately the reason of the failu1&rer
ganizing for victo ry during active warfare; and  will be as apparenlt as the fact, anid Con ress will?Lknow hows
for this purpose to be liable to be called into active  to apply the remedly; and s/hould it find that ant grade has mso
service in  such a contingency.  What a                stomach for exercisin g discipline over its fellows, Congress
ia oht th/sink it worth while to try the sharper appetite of their?
mentary on the whole proceeding!.            n       ma
ju1*niors,   whlse interests woill coincide witlt their duty.'
I come now to the charitable part of this article:
I Oh, a monstrous thing it is if men combine to,."The investigation should necessarily be secret. It must obtain  s   for wrongs which have been done
lie soin order that it may be efficient and free. It could not
be open without exposing to inquiry, characters whose fit- to them! It is looked upon as a heinous offense,
~ ness was questioned, but approved. Doubttful cases must if men who have been striclken down and assailed
exist; facts castingsuspicion which would not be fit to act and who have had their honor wounded, repel
on, but which would cast a shadow on the plublic mind, will the attack  with' becomaing manliness.  This is
be elicited. Even those reported against may well be contemnt to ascribe their removal to the vague gromnml  of disa-  looked upon as a conspiracy', though it is simply
bility, rather than have their deficiencies specified and  the redress of wrongs pempetrated by packed conparaided before the public.,"                        spirators.   It is thus characterized  by a disAh! there are many things which these gentle-  tinguished  member of the board.  They were
men, I presume, would not wish to have exhib-  afraid lest the work of the board should be deited and paraded before the public; hence they  stroyed, and they thought.it was very desirable
feel the benefit of secrecy and appreciate its value  that it should remain, because by it they waere all




benefited-greatly promoted.  All, or nearly all  or superior worth? Not atall; but their places are
the principal men on the board had relatives who  vacated; they have not been properly filled.  The
were benefited by it.  It would be a pity to spoil  article thus concludes:
a work so agreeable and family-like in its nature    "But if Congress see that they not only have among them
-a very great pity!  But, sir, let me give you  men who are inefficient, but also that the whole body is
another extract:                                    infected so as to be incapable of applying a remedy, they
will find a short cut to the conclusion that there is little of
(Congress has, however, confided to the high sense of, the old material worth preserving. They may relieve themduty of the officers of the Navy the interests of the country.'  selves of thie trouble of picking the sound out of the rotten
Beautifully have they requited that confidence-  by cutting offall together."
have they not?                                        Sir, rather than submit to the action of this
"Congress has provided active service and higher ranl  board, by which rank injustice has been perpefor the young and aspiring; ease, honorable retirement, and   at  t    tthe  wrong  whi
undiminished pay for the faithful and worthy who have be- has been done to generous and manly spirits who
come worn out in the public service; and, in order that this  have served their country; rather than suffer under
nmay be done without any additional call upon the public  the wounded feelings of honorable men, the
Treasury, the younger officers of the Navy are ready to  blited ex
perform the more responsible duties of higher rank without    expectations  nd hopes of thei families,
demanding the full pay of the rank. And the country looks  their children dishonored, their wives' happiness
to the Navy to rqform itself-but reformed it must be!"  destroyed and feelings crushed, I would vote to
This statement is made by Mr. Du Pont, for  repeal-Xrepeal-REPEAL every act that recognizes
he handed in the paper for publication; and it is  a Navy in the country, and would see every
his-th~at act made it his. ~~To himn belongs the vessel scuttled to the bottom of the ocean. We
responsibility;                                     can rebuild ships; we can obtain artisanls and manation-measurably re sponsible  for th e outrage    terials to replace  our vessels; we have resources
that has been done to the country, for the wrongs  which could be thus expended, though it would
to individuals, and for the mutilation of our Navy  take our surplus revenue.  Still, sir, though e
-the destruction of its efficiency, and the annihi-  may have mints to coin silver and gold, we have
la~tion of its chivalry,                            no mints here to coin gallant hearts. No, sir; the
But, sir, itis admitted that there are some "hard  generous, noble heart is coined in nature's mint,
cases" Presultig  from the action of this board.  and struck in the die of Divinity. It is there that
The chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs  we are to look for seamen. It is an impress which
has said in his report, that there are some hard  can never be given by the present organization
cases; but I tell you that some of the hardest cases  of the Navy; but degradation and dishonor will
yet remain iln the Navy.  [Lauhter.] There are  be brought upon it.  My friend the chairman of
cases of manifest wrong  and injury to men who          Connmittee  on Naval Affais  has said, that
have been disrated; but the change has given noCo mmodore Stewart's dead  body might, upon
increased efficiencyto this arm of national defense.  ashipof war,causeVictoryto perch upon her
I can point to many competent and efficient mong  pennant, but that you might fill her with Moaurys
those who have been dismissed for alleged ineffi-  from ]keel to deckl and it would not cause one thrill
ciency.  I have already referred  to Mr. Maury's   in a sailor's heart. WVas that remark intended to
case, and here I will say that he has never visited  disparage the just claims of Maury to adlniratiod Hispscientific attcainms of arey too -reat for
me; I have never spoken to him during the pres-                                           too    at fo
ent session but on one occasion, when I met himo  that; but he has qualities aside from his scientific
at the President's House, and passiimgly saluted  attail ients. He rwas a sailor who performed his
* him.  He has not called on me; he has not i1m-  duty-or his comrades  belie him-so long as he
plored me to vindicate his character, and sustain  was at sea; and he was at sea a fail proportion of
him as a friend.  Nor have other officers done  histime. Hewasafinesailorandafitman; but
this. I have souiht then for information toascer-  thenationcould not dispense with hisservices
taill, if possible, thle wrongs inflicted on them, so  in his present position, or he would have particithat I might, in ty plain and humlIe way, as far  pated in the wair with Mexico, and there have
as I could, vindicate them, and repel and ig        shown hisallntry and daignoreing.
the charges brought against them; but they have. MALLORY.         Does my friend wish me
not sought me.                                      to answer the question which he put a few moWVhat next? Towards the conclusion of this  memmts ago
two-column article, I find this language:             Mr. HOUSTON. jYes, sir; if the Senator
pleases.
" The naval board is charged to scrutinize the men of the  ases.
Navy, to name those unfit for every exigency of active service. The President is directed to remove suchi as are so  whether the remark to which he alludes, made by
designated froam the actice-service list. If the board fail'in  me on a former occasion, was designed to disparits duty, Congress will find a remledy and ameode of execu-  age the claims of Lieutenant Maury.  Certainly
ting it. More than one radical measure of refirm Ihas been
he could not have listened to all that I said on
proposed: four-year appoint.ments, vacating all commi   could not  ae istene  to all that I said on
sions, and the like. The moderation  of the people, of the  that occasion, or it would have been unnecessary
lmajorities in Congress, and faith in the high-mimnded honor to ask the question now.  I occupied a very
ofnavai offlcems,imave prevented such rash courses.'" considerable portion of my time in extolling those
It is a pity that these considerations did not services, by comparing him with the first matlieprevent the board from  taking so rash a course  maticians and astronomers that the world has ever
as that which they have pursued.  Confidence in  known; but those remarks were in consequence
the honor of naval officers would have saved some  of, and followed an attempt, as I understood it,
of the chivalry and elite'of the Navy.  Some of  to contrast the services of Lieutenant Mauiy with
its proudest spirits have been sent adrift.  Who  those of Admiral Nelson. So far from disparagare now in their places?  Men of superior quali-  ing Lieutenant Maury's attainments as a philosfications, superior merit, superior moral standing,  opher, I expressly conceded that they were of the




10
highest character; but I did say that they did not stances; but in the mean time I must relate an
constitute a title to military command.        anecdote connected with this subject. What I
Mr. HOUSTON. Then I will ask the honor- shall relate comes from such a source that it cannot
able chairman what were his deficiencies?       be doubted; and I will name the officers for fear
Mr. MALLORY. I am not here to point out that an unjust reflection or a compliment-I will
the deficiencies of individuals. I have stated the  not say which —might be cast on others.
abstract proposition that the highest attainments    Commanders JXagruder, Pendergrast, Du Pont,
in science do not constitute title to military com- and others, who (at least the last two named)
mand. That is the proposition; and if the hon- became members, of the board, were, as they
orable Senator will argue it with me, I shall be  often were, in conclave in the office of the "INvery happy to meet him. The peculiardeficien- SPECTOR OF ORDNANCE"-not that the gallant old
cies of any individual member of the Navy, are  officer who presided in that office united with them,
not before us for discussion; nor do I propose to  for he did not-as I said, these officers were there,
enter into any personal examinations of the quali- and very busily engaged in conversation; and, on
fications of any man in the Navy.  I know too  the entrance of the " Inspector of- Ordnance," they
well the position which I occupy, and the charac- rose and left the room, when he picked up the Naval
ter of this forum, to introduce here a discussion  Register, and observed on the margin the names
of that character.                             of some thirty or thirty-two commanders marked
Mr. HOUSTON. I am very much gratified at with the letters R., F., D., (reserved, furlocughed,
the gentleman's remarks,for they are instructive. dropped.)  He remarked, "You have been hard
He has told us in a few words all that the chair- on your grade;" when Magruder, who had reman of the naval retiring board and its members  mained when the other conspirators left-(having
have told us. He has told us nothing of the ob- dotted their commanders)-took the Register and
jections made to Mr. Maury. I have this to say  observed, "1 We were mzerely anusing ourselves by
of Mr. Maury: That he has proved himself a  looking over the list; "-an agreeable amusenent, cersailor, ready for service; and he is one of the first tainly! The conference was consequently broken
men of his age, and is so recognized throughout up. Theywere, as Antony would say, "dotted."
the world. If he has distinguished himself in  But he had counted the thirty-two names of the
science, and under the orders of the Government persons who had been proscribed, and this was
of the United States has been detailed for shore  wveeksbeforetheboardmet. Yet,itissaid, everything
duty, it certainly does not disqualify him for was decided by a vote after the board met in June.
active service, because there is not employment The Secretary of the Navy detailed the officers
for one half, or one third, or one fifth of the offi- only a few days previous to the meeting of the
cers of the American Navy, I believe, by manning  board-the 5th of June. On the 14th, two of the
all the vessels which we have. If he is employed  members arrived at New York, and were immeon shore, there are others who, for the increased  diately summoned fiom there. These two were
pay, are always anxious to go to sea  There are  Commodore McCauley and Captain Stribling.
more than can get employment. And while he  They were summoned, and they sat on the
is profitably occupied for the benefit of the coun-  board. I shall have something to say of them
try, and while he is shedding a halo around its  presently.
name, and rendering it illustrious as far as Chris-    I wish to do justice to everybody. In order to
tendom extends, I think it a small offense that he  do justice we must understand the case; and for
is a votary of science; and he should not be  that purpose I have the information requisite to
stricken down for the reasons intimated by one  place the character of one of the members of this
of the gentlemen of the board.                  board in a situation that will enable the Senate
But what was the situation of the board? They  to determine whether the decision of officers, such
were all indorsed by the Secretary of the Navy  as he, could be of that impartial, pure, and imas they were detailed for that service; and there- maculate character necessary to give it weight
fore, of course, all doubts of their merit were put and influence, not only with the American Senout of the question. Now, sir, there are in this  ate, but with the American community.
matter some of the most striking and singular    Mr. MALLORY. Permit me to ask the honcoincidences of which it is possible to conceive. orable Senator to repeat the names of the parties
It is a singular coincidence that these men should  of whom he has spoken? I believe he has named
have been detailed, and that most of them should  some who were not on the board.
have been assdciated formerly, and that this de-   Mr. HOUSTON. Mr. Magruder was not on
tail should have been under the circumstances  the board, but it was understood that he was the
under which it occurred. The honorable Senator principal arranger. He was there at the time I
from Delaware says that it was against Captain  mention, but he was not on the board.
Du Pont's desire that he served on the board, and    Mr. MALLORY.  WVhat were the names?
I must take it for granted, because he says so. I   Mr. HOUSTON. I cannot spealk positively
have no doubt such is the impression on his mind; as to names, but I will give them as I understood
but, when the facts are investigated, the same con- them.  I have no memorandum, and may be
clusion cannot be arrived at by any one who has  incorrect. They were Magruder, Du Pont, Pennotapersonal acquaintance with Captain Du Pont, dergrast, and others.
and has not received his personal assurance to    Mr. MALLORY. Did I understand the honthat effect.                                    orable Senator to say that there were thirty-five
Now,- sir, I like to see things work evenly, captains marked?
smoothly, clearly, and fairly; and to show that   Mr. HOUSTON.  " Dotted."
no charge of delinquency of a public character   Mr. BAYARD. Do I understand the honorahad ever been made against Lieutenant Maury, ble Senator to state these facts upon the authority
I will, in a very short time, advert to the circum- of a particular individual, or on rumor?




I1
Mr. HOUSTON.  On the authority of Corn-  a dangerous thing not to be a favorite of that
modore Skinner-that is all.                           board under the new rgimne.  A man was lucky
Mr. BAYARD. Did the honorable Senator say  if he came within their favor.
Commodore Skinner told him the names?                  The first letter I will read is the following:
Mr. HOUSTON.  I am not certain as to the                          NAVY-YARD. NEW YORa, June 21, 1855.
names of all; but there were two or three of them       SIR: Under the circular of May, 1849, the United States
who were afterwards on the board.  Now, we  steamer San Jacinto, Captain C. K. Stribling, conmnander,
must look at a very inmportaut matter in relation  recently arrived at this port, has been inspected and examto Captain  trilin.      call te attention of the    ed, and I have the honor to report that the ship was
to Captain Strib~ling.  I call the attention. of the  found in a clean and healthy condition.
honorable chairman of the Committee on Naval    The crew were exercised at quarters, and the usual eveAffairs to the circumstances.  I believe he says  lutions were gone through with. The result of the exam-1
that when a mnidshipman quits the Naval Acad-  ination was not so satisfactory as desired, as will more
emy  he is considered qualified to command a  fully appear by the accompanying report from the officers
who made it.
frigate.                                                I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Mr. MALLORY.  Theoretically.                                       CHARLES BOARMAN, Commzandant.
Mr. HOUSTON.  But if he cannot do it prac-  HoN. J. C. DOBBIN, Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
tically it is of no use; for theory never did any-    This is what was written by Captain Boarman,
thing in the world worth spealking of.  Are they   the commandant of the New Yorlk navy-yard, to
qualified to do it practically?                      the Secretary of the Navy. It was communicated
Now, sir, I intend to consider the case of a  to the Senate in answer to a call on the Departgentleman who was a member of the board-a   ment for the papers.
distinguished scientific gentleman-who was, as I    The officers by whom'this inspection  was
am informed, four years in charge of the Naval  made were W. L. Hudson and H. H. Bell, comAcademy, and was also at one time in charge  manders, and P. Drayton, lieutenant. The report
of the flag-ship of the West India squadron-   was made on the 19th of June, 1855.  Did not
Commodore McCauley's flag-ship.  The gentle-  the board meet on the 20th?  I will proceed to
man to whom I refer is Captain Stribling. Mark   examine this report:
you, he is the gentlemanl who was to qualify  Report of an inspection ofthe United States steam-frigte
midshipmen to command a frigate when they               San Jaccito, Captain C. IK. Stribling comzandirag, iLade
leave the Naval Academy! iVe will see how               ty Commeaander IV. L. Htdson, senior officer present, this
much he knows about the matter, or how little    19th day of Juize, 1855, sit the 5avyaes, Nse Yoh,.
he has done-one or the other.  I think it is one    Arman ent-Two   64-pounder  pivot-guns, and  eight 8inch guns of 63 hundred weight truck-carriages.
of the most pertinent cases I ever knew in my    1. Date of last inspection: Never inspected.
life; and I think some of the acts under it will   2. Date of target practice since last inspection: May 10.
appear very imzpertinent compared with its per-    3. Time of beating to quarters: 1139 a. m.
tinency. [Laughter.] I have before me the cor-   4. Time that the divisions reported ready for action:
11.47, broadside guns; 11.52, bowsprit; 12.10 p. in., sternrespondence in relation to the matter of which I  pivot.
will speak.  Captain Stribling was at sea with    5. Whether all the divisions were found to be properly
his ship between seven and nine months.  He  prepared: They were oot.
inhad been o1  the summer of 1854, in    6. If any of the preparations are defective, and in what
had been ordered out in the summer of 1854, in  particulars: No wads, no spare shot or shells, were passed
the STEAM FRIGATE SAN JACINTO, with a view to  up; slinIgs and preventers not lup.
proceeding to the Baltic, to protect our interests    7. Whether the men are well trained in the exercise of
nII the presence of the English and French fleets;  their guns, and especially in pointing them: They were not
but, becoming disabled at sea, put into Boston and    8. Whether the men are wvell trained in securing masts
was refitted; again refitted twice at Southampton,  anti spars in case of loss or injury to shrouds and stays:
England;  visited France, and Spain, and theWest  They were not.
Indies; and returned to Philadelphia in March,          9. Wlether tie men are well trained in passing powder
from the mnagazine, and thence to the guns: They are.
1855, and was immediately ordered to take Corn-    10. Wiietfler there was anly target-firing during the inmodore McCauley onl board, and proceed to the  spection; if there was, make a special report of it: There
coast of Cuba, to protect our flag froom aggression,  was nonle.
as the flag-ship of Coinmmodore'Mcc aule  in the    11. Whether the men are well trained in small-arms exasth  fn-sipo  Cm doee ulyn  tleercise, and in firing: They are not.
West India squadron, at a time of g0reat excite-    12. Whether the boarders, or others, are trained to singlement-I think in April last-at a time when it  stick or broad-sword exercise: Very few at single-stick,
was understood that every American naval vessel  none at broad-sword.
which went itnto the West India seas had aothorl-   13. Tihe condition of boats, when armed for service: The
boats were never fitted for armamenets.
ity to strike the enemy whenever they met them,    14. WVhether the boats' crewsv are expert in the manageif the slightest indignity was offered to our na-  inent of the boat and field-guns, and in embarking and detional flag.  In a vessel on such a station as that,  barking, &c. Were not tied for want of angrrsnentsn
everything  should  have been in  prepcaration,    15. Time required to shift a carriage on spar-deck: Ten
everything  should have been in  prepiaration,   minutes.
ready at any moment for a conflict with the ad-    16. Time required to shift a breeching! Twenty seconds.
versary.  If it was not, this gentleman was to    17. Time required to shift a gun fiom one side to the other
blame.  He was the captain.  He wevent out ill  fofiing: Twelve miutes.
18. Whiethier the arrangements   for boarding and repellingr
that squadron; and when he returned, an in-  bolarders are good, or otherwise: Are not good.   elli
spection was moade of his vessel.  I will give    19. Whethler the arrangements  lor eatinguishing fires are
you the result of it.  Perhaps it is the only ves-  good: Good, but the hose are short; they do not reach front
sel ever in the service of the United States that  ne end oi the ship to the other.
20. The general conldition of' the vessel, armannent, and
returned in such a condition as that in which this  crew, for efficient service in action: The general conidition
vessel is reported to have been; and the very fact iof vessel and armament is asir; there are, however, solme
of reporting the truth by a gentleman, who is a  defects that ismpair Ier efficiency in action. lhe powder
fbr shot and shell-guns is passed fiom the mnagazine through
very respectable captain eand sailor, cost him his  the same scuttle, and conveyed to the derck by the same
epaulets.  Yes, he was stricken down; it was  elevator; the shell-room floor'is too low for dryness; lockels




12
for solid and hollow shot are situated so that they are passed  San Jacinto was exactly two months absent from the Unithroughl tile same hatchway, and by tile same meln.      ted States upon her late cruise.  Just before sailing from
It is a very serious defect in the arrangement of her bat-  Philadelphia, more than fifty men were added to the crew,
tery, there fbeing no bulwarks to protect the guns' crews.  to replace those who had been sent to the hospital, disIn close action, against sharp-shooters, it is believed they  charged by order of the Secretary of the Navy, and decould not keep their qluarters agailnst the improved arms;  serted."
and tile hanmmoecks beillg stowed in temporary nettings, over        o were they?   Was it so difficult to
~the stern and quarters, are great ilnpedilent s to clearinig
the stern pivot for action. On tis occasion the time was  incorporate fifty men with more than three hunthirty-one mninates. Wooden bulwarks, with losw ports,  dred men on board the ship? Some of them were
would answer better, we think.                           sailors rednlisted; but he wishes to say the fifty
Thirty-one minutes to bring a gun into action!  had tainted the whole, and ruined the discipline
A steam  vessel may go eighteen miles an hour;  of the whole ship.
but suppose she should only run eight miles all    "This change of more than one fourth of the workiitg
hour, one could have rtn the distance of four  nmen of the crew required an almost entire cliange of the
miles before this gun was ready to bear on the  statious of the men at quarters aid other statiois."'
enemy.  They might have sunk or boarded her    Now, he had a complete crew without them;
before-it could have been done. Again, they say:  and, as he was going into dangerous seas, and
Her crew does not appear to have beensufficiently trainled  carried the commodore on board, it was veryimat their gulls for efficient service in action.          portant to have the vessel in perfect trim.  HIe
NOTE.-The ship is in clean and healthy condition, altl  had this addition to Icis force for that reason:
perhaps solme allowance should be made in the above report
in consequence of tile time and circumstances under whichl    "This chlangre of more than one fourth of the workingthe inspection was irade. The coInltandillg officer hatl   men of the crew required an almost entire change of the
been directed to land all the stores, unreave the running  stations of the Ien at quarters and othstastations; conserigging, &c., preparatory to the imlediate transfer of the  quently, the drill and exercise of the crew had to be coincrew to Norlblk, most of whichl  was execulted when the  miencecd anew. When it is considered that but two months
undersigrned received their orders to proceed to the imlspee-  had elapsed from this time until the inspection of the crew
tiosm of the ship, as per the above report.              and ship at New York, to apply the same rule, or to exVery respecttilly, your obedient servants,             pect the same expertness, under such circumstances, as
W. L. HUDSON, Comnmander.    would be expected from  a crew reurnming from  a three
H. H. BELL, Commandcer.          years' cruise) I do not think fair or just. This fact does not
P. DRAYTON, Lietttenant.          appear to have beein noticed by the inspecting officers.'>
Hon. J. C. DOBBIN, Secretary of the Navy, WVasehington.     It was not their business to notice it.
Forwarded by CHARLES BOARTAsN, Comslnandant.             " In these two months there had been one thorough pracThen Mr. Dobbin writes to the Captain:                 tice at target with the great guns.  As to there not having
NAVY DEPA~RTENT, Jeus7e ~2, 1855.   sIbeen any target practice with the small-arms, I did iot
SIR: Iscloosed witi this you will find a copy of the letter  consider it proper to commence target practice until the
addressed to tile Department by the commandant of the   mel were more thoroughly drilled."
New York navy-yard, dated the 21st instant, relating to the  Why, sir, he had about three hundred of them
examin ation and inspection of the steam-friigate San Ja-out for nine  months previosly, in which  he
cinto, together wi:th a copy of tihe report of inspection.
Vey respetfuiy, your obedient servat,     mght have drilled them; and is not target practice
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.....
J. C. DOBBIN.    with small-arms a part of the drill of a naval
Captain C. K. STRIBLING, late in command of the Unitet  sailor?  It is an important part; for, although he
States steanm-frigate San Jacinto, Washiftgton, D. C.  may not walk very well, or stand very elegantly,
Mr. Stribling's answer was on the 28th of June   or though he mnay be a little clumsy with his gun,
— sx days after the board met. He was no doubt  if he shoots well, that will make up for all his
exceedingly busy, notwithstanding   the little ad-  other deficiencies; but he did not want that done.
vance these gentlemen made in the previous cau-  Oh, no! Agailn:
cus, and the caution which had been given tllem:    "' The boats were not fitted, as the inspectors state, for
he had found hinmself very much engaged. After  mounlting and landing the boat-guns; they hcad, however,
six days he found time to answer. Here is what  bene used in the boats, as the reports at the Office of Ordhe says:                                                  nance andc Hydrography2 will show. The fact that the landin of the stores of' the ship had commienced before the
W(. VASHIrNGTON CITY, J'te e 28, 1855. iolspection,  will to a great extent account for anmy deficien" SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt ofyour  cies at the guns of grunme ts, wads, sllot, &c.;  and the
letter of thle 2Cd instanmt, inclosing the report of the inspecting  dissatisfitetion of the crew at the prospect of being transofficers upon the condition of the San Jacinto. I cannot  ferred to anotler vessel, under miew officers, and all its
refrain firom expressing my deep regret and smortificatioln  attenclant evils. prevented that alacrity and zeal usually
that such a report should have been made to the Depart-  exhsibited by a crew about to be discharged.
mcect.                                                      " I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,'" In justice to myself and those I have lately had the                               C. I. STRIBLING
honor to conlmand, tlougih the responsibility is my own" —                        "' Captainl United States Navy.
Here  is magnanicnity-" the  responsibility  is  "Hoi. J. C. DOBBIN, Secretary of the 1Navy, Washingtomn..
all my own."  That is valorous.  I like a man               "All its attendant evils."  What are the evils
who is willing to assume the responsibility. There  in transferriag men to a ship?  Only tell them to
is no truckling. He had no dread of arraignment.  take up their duds and go —a very important nmatHe felt himself superior to question; therefore the   ter! T'hey leave no furniture there, and take notine
responsibility was his own.  The passage con-  with them  but what is personal to them.  I suptinues-                                                   pose these men must have been very unhappy
-" I beg leave to call your attention to one or two facts,  when they came to be transferred to another veswhich, if rightly considered, will,  lhope, tend to eliev    eel because they must have had a lorious,  easy,
me from thle censure of the inspectingr  officers, and alter the  se', cse they    ust  av       e           s, easy,
impression which may have been formed from it, injurious  lazy time there, doing nothing, sailing  along    a
to my professional reputation."                          fine vessel, and pretty " clean," too, they say.
They passed no censure on him; they reportetl            Well, now, this explanation is " perfectly satisthe facts, and no censure is stated, but it is implied   factory 1 " It is nothing but thle most flinsy excuse
in the facts themiselves. The facts are a condem-  in the world,which  would disgrace ally officer,
nation to the officer:                                   for his ship not being in trim  in the face of the
" It is within the recollection of tile Department, that the  enemy.  If it had been in the military service he




13
would have been shot for such inefficiency, or if  But it is entitled to some distinction because it is
spared his life he would have been degraded in  without a parallel.
rank. This is the first time in my knowledge, or    But, sir, my friend from Delaware has said that
in the history of the Navy of the United States, Captain Du Pont has done a great many things,
as far as I am informed, where a vessel was ever and, amongst others, that he absolutely wrote a
reported in such a condition on her return to port. book for which he received great commendation;
What! the hose too short! Had he not powel, but, sir, that book has given him no very great
when refitted at Boston, or when he came In from   credit, according to the fact which I shall proceed
his former cruise a month or six weeks before, to  to state. Du Pont was a member of a board apcall on the Bureau of Construction and Equip-  pointed by Secretary Kennedy in the fall of 1852
merient, to tell them of the difficulty, and have every- to prepare a code of rules and regulations for the
thing fitted up-have all the deficiencies fixed, and  government of the Navy, approved and issued in
the vessel in complete order; and if it had not been  March, 1853, a few days before the change of
done then they would have been to blame?  He  Administration. The present Secretary, enterwas bound to report to that bureau, and, if he  taining doubts upon the subject, submitted the
did not, it was manifest to the Secretary of the  case for the opinion of the Attorney General, who
Navy on this showing that lie was deficient and  pronounced it " null and void," the board having
culpable in his duty; and, instead of remaining  exceeded its jurisdiction. This PRINTED CODE,
a member of this-board to try his fellow-officers  forming a volume of two hundred and fifty pBaes,
for misconduct, for delinquency, for want of and costing many thousand dollars, became a dead
qualification for duty on shore and at sea, would  loss in consequence of this board having no definite
it not have been becoming in the Secretary of the  knowledge of matters more legitimately within'
Navy to notify him  that he was released from  their province than framing and executing laws
further action on the board, owing to the stigmla  to promote the " efficiency of the Navy.5
that had been placed by this report upon his    You see what a latitudinarian this fellow Du.
reputation?   Was it fit and  seemly that he  Pont is.  [Laughter.]  There is no telling what
should remain as a judge on gentlemen of chiv- he will not have his fingers in; if you give him
airy, of carefulness, and attention to their duties? an inch, he will take an ell.
But what did he do? Why he gives him one    This printed code cost perhaps $20,000 to pubof thie most courteous, kind, amiable responses, lish; it became a dead loss in consequence of the
perhaps, that has ever been written or printed. board havin  no definite knowledge of the matT he Secretary, after referring  in his letter to the  ters legitimately within the provisions while they
correspondence that had taken place, says:       were framing and executing laws to promote it.
"I deemed it my duty to call your attention to the report,   Now, sir, that is the book reputation which Du
and-am gratified that lmy expectations have been realized  Pontobtained. It is between hinm and the Attorney
in receiving a satisfactory explanation."        General; and to tell you the truth, I am somewhat
He called attention to the matter because it was  in the situation of the woman when there was a
his " duty;" he did not wish to do it! Did you  fight between her husband and the bear. She
ever see a gentleman so amiable? The explana-  said I' I will stand off; I might get scratched if I
tion was perfectly " satisfactory."  He ought to  interfere; I shall not say a word."  [Laughter.]
have removed Stribling instantly; and if the    But, sir, I have a great many other things to
President had cognizance of it, and knew his duty  which I would direct the attention of the Senate;
as an executive officer, instead of placing him in  for as I do not speak often, I want to say a good
a position to strike off the heads of honorable  deal when I do speak. I will now read a copy of
men-men who had performed their duty, and  a letter from the Navy Department to Commodore
discharged the trust which the Government de-  Hull, dated December 16, 1839. I will remark
manded of them, and strictly adhered to discipline  that this is a copy taken fiomn the letter received
and principle- he should have relieved him from  by Co nimodore Hull, but I find in the printed
further service by notification that, " by virtue  documents among the information called for by
of the prerogative placed in my hands by the  the Senate, that the word " sex " is omitted in
Constitution, I relieve you, Captain Stribling, page 46; but in the copy that I have,that word is
from furither service-notwithstanding you have  used when referring to the action of Mr. Du Pont,
been the foster-father" —no! I beg palrdon of my  Mr. Pendergrast, Mr. Missroon, and Mr. Godon,
distinguished friend from Delaware-I believe it all of whom were members of this board.
was Captain Du Pont who was the foster-father I  Mr. MALLORY. If my friend from Texas
of the Naval Academy; but this gentleman was  will allow me, I desire to ask from  what that
the principal there-was at the head of it for a  copy is taken? Is it a departmental copy?
long til-e.                                        Mr. HOUSTON. It is not a departmental copy.
What will be thought after this exhibition-  I went to the Department, and the copy there
the strangest that has been made in tire face of  contains the error which is in the printed docuthe Anmerican people or the American Senate i? ments on our tables; but the sense will show, as
Thisgetleleman was at tle head of the NavalAcad- I do also the circumstances notorious at that time,
emy for four years; and we nmust look for bright I that the disrespect to Commodore Hull's family
middies" when they come out froml there, after Ii was one ground of complaint between these offigraduating, to take charge of our frigates and i cers and the commodore. The insertion of the
men of war. Is it not a beautiful commentary wvord "sex " will make it sensible, and without
upbn their chances? Yes. These are the men  that word it will not be so.
who are to build up the Navy, give it efficiency,    Mr. MALLORY.  I only ask that it may
and remove the "dry-rot."  Sir, this is one that appear that the copy now read to us is not the
I would call a hard case-one of the hardest cases I copy coming from  the Department, which we
in that line of business in the Navy. [Laughter.] have printed before us.




14
Mr. CLAYTON. Willthe Senator from Texas  thing, and would impugn the chivalry of the genallow me one moment?                            tlemen implicated; but I will waive all remarks
Mr. HOUSTON. Yes, sir.                        on that, and not attempt to make any capital out
Mr. CLAYTON.  What the Senator refers  of it at all.
to, I believe, is the letter of the Secretary of the    The ilext thing he says is, that Du Pont, MissNavy, of the 16th of December, 1839. Now, I roon, Godon, and Pendergrastask the honorable Senator if he is not perfectly  -" appealed to the public in communications disrespectful
well acquainted with the fact that, after that letter to their superiors, and violated the lolg-established rules
was written, and after Secretary Paulding invest-  of the service by publishing an official correspondence
igated the whole case, he wrote another letter ac- without the consent of the Departlent."
knowledging the errors which he had committed,    I call on my friend from  Delaware to notice
and making tample atonement for the errors in  that, and I ask if Mr. Paulding took that back?
that dispatch of the 16th of December. He ac-    Mr. CLAYTON. Yes, sir, he did.
quitted Du Pont and )his friends entirely of the    Mr. HOUSTON. That is a matter of history.
accusations made against them. Is not the Sen-  Did he take that back, and say that they did not
ator from Texas perfectly aware of that fact?  publish an official correspondence without the
Mr. HOUSTON.  I will be very happy, Mr. consent of the Department?
President, to respond to the inquiry of the hon-    Mr. CLAYTON.  He took it all back.
orable Senator.  If I were disposed to be disin-   Mr. HOUSTON.:No, sir; for that would
genuous, or to evade the truth in any way, I might contradict himself; but he says that he excuses
do so, but I will not.  My friend from Delaware  them: and why?  Because, after they had been
the other day took full latitude in spreading all ordered home by Commodore Hull, and had
these disavowals through the channel of the news- returned, by combination or otherwise, they made
papers, so that he is in advance of me; but he did  most explanatory and satisfactory reports. Yes,
not read this letter; and I will convince him that sir, the four gentlemen, Messrs. Godon, PenderSecretary Paulding did not, according to his let- grast, Missroon, and Du Pont, made long reports,
ter published the other day, disclaim what he had  friends stepped forward no doubt, political influbefore done, or say that it was ex parte.  I will ence was exerted, and they were ordered back.
show what Commodore Hull said in relation to  Their reputation would have been lost if they had
the matter afterwards.  I intend to treat the sub-  not returned! And when the Secretary ordered
ject with great failness, and I do not intend to  them  back, he sent a letter to be read on the
exonerate these men from  charges with which  quarter-deck of the ship, exculpatory of them so
they are justly branded, and which neither time  far as it could be. He did not contradict those
nor circumstances can ever wipe out.             charges which he had made himself, from his
Mr. CLAYTON.  Does not the gentleman  own personal knowledge. But think you not
admit that Secretary Paulding says, in his last that he had personal knowledge of these publicadispatch, that his dispatch of the 16th of Decem- tions? The charge was such as should have
ber, 1839, did injustice, and that he virtually  brought dismissal to an officer, and for which his
retracted the whole of it?                       name should have been wiped fiom the register
Mr. HOUSTON. Yes, sir: but then he did  of the Navy. Certainly we all know that much.
not say that he was a liar, which he would have to  I know that such would be the case in the Army,
say if he justified them; because he stated facts, and I presume the discipline of the Navy is
which he never revoked. Let the world judge. equally rigid.
I will ask that the word may be marked in my    Mr. Paulding never took back that charge, and
speech in brackets to show that "' sex"is wanted. when he ordered the officers to return, what did
My copy is identical with the one taken by Com- they do? They went all over Europe, traveling
modore Hull's captain, who was with him on  wherever it was most areelable. They did not
the station when the letter was received. The  join the ship for five months, and then insulted
letter does not make sense without that word. Hull when they went on board his vessel.
Mr. Paulding says:                                 Mr. CLAYTON   Will the honorable Senator;"Yet it is with great regret the Department is obliged to  allow me to ask him what is his authority for
state, that no sooner had they set foot on board this noble  saying that Du Pont went traveling all over Euship, than the officers of the ward-room, who ought to have  rope after being ordered back to the Ohio?
set an example of respect anad subordination to their ju-   Mr. HOUSON.  His own letter, I think.
niors, entered into combinations and calsal. calculated tos own letter, I think
defeat every object for which she had been fitted out.   Mr. CLAYTON.  It is utterly untrue.
They clamored against the arrangelments that had been    Mr. HOUSTON. I have not read all the letters;
made by the navy commissioners for their accommodation, they are too long and explanatory for Ie.
as if a ship of war were intended for that purpose alone;  r   CLAY -iTON              n-le.
they lost sight of the respect and consideration due to that   Mr. CLAYTON. Then you know nothing
[sex] which every gentleman, and most especially every  about it.
officer, should feel it his pride to cherish on all occasion."  Mr. HOUSTON. Did he not makle an apology
W~ithout the word " sex" it would read:        and explanation?'" They lost sight of the respect and consideration due to    Mr. CLAYTON. No, sir; lie did no such thing.
that which every gentleman, and most especially every    Mr. HOUSTON.  He made no explanation?
officer, should feel it his pride to cherish on all occasions."    Mr. CLAYTON.  He did not; I am speaking
The insertion of that word makes the'passage  only of Du Pont.
complete, and that it should be there I have no    Mr. HOUSTON. Well, I am glad that he did
doubt. I shall not insert the word;as though it not. He had no apology, and the others made
were undoubted; but it shall go to the world that very bad ones; he is in a worse situation than I
I believe it should be there, and I think my opinion  thought he was.  [Laughter.]
will be vindicated.                                I must now be permitted to say a little about a
Such a charge as that would be a very gravcec  combination or cabal which existed from the very




15
time they first set foot on that vessel, before she  the Navy, to some extent, as well as anywhere
left the port of New York; and they would have  else.
been ordered back at once, if it had not been sup-    But, sir, while speaking of Du Pont's writing,
posed that it was too late to make the necessary  I wish to bring another production of his to the
transfers in order to supply their places. Captain  notice of the Senate. We hear of his chivalry,
Smith was the furnishing officer to supply ac- and my friend from Delaware read to us the most
commodations and other things necessary; and  remarkable actions I ever heard of.  The comthey insulted him in a correspondence which they  modore said it was one of the grandest things
had with him, or at least Mr. Du Pont did, for I that ever was done, and his letter was read, and
am speaking of him especially.                  I intend to have it read again.  It is beautifully
Mr. BAYARD.  It is untrue.                    written, and one would really suppose half MexMr. HOUSTON.  I say he insulted Captain  ico had been slaughtered, and this was a modest
Smith.                                          recital of the carnage.  [Laughter.]  It is one
Mr. BAYARD.  In making that statement, of the most extraordinary: things I have everwill the honorable Senator tell us upon what the  seen. Du Pont landed with one hundred and one
allegation rests?                              men near San Jos6.  HIe marched to Lieutenant
Mr. HOUSTON. On the correspondence.           Heywood, a mile and a half or two miles across a
Mr. BAYARD. In the correspondence, Cap- creek, ankle deep, and he talks of walking across
tain Smith himself says that the letter of Lieu-  waters, and so forth, making a terrible splurge!
tenant Du Pont was perfectly respectful.        Heywood, with thirty men, made a sortie with
Mr. HOUSTON.  The Commodore did not.  his little garrison, which he had defended for
Mr. BAYARD. I have read the letter, and, if  some weeks, and joined him as he was advancthe honorable Senator can make insult of it, he  ing. He killed a man as he charged, I believe, and
has a power of perversion greater than that which  wounded several others; and all that was done
he has already exhibited to the Senate.         by Mr. Du Pont was to get four men wounded
Mr. HOUSTON.  I do not know how times  and two only disabled. He says it was marching
are now, for it is long since I have been subord-  in the hottest fire; and when he comes to coninate to rules and regulations; but it struck me, elude his official report he says'that the number
when I read it, that at one time, in 1812, 1813, of killed is unknown. [Laughter.] But friendly
1814, or up to 1818, it would have been considered  Californians say it was from thirteen to thirtyinsubordinate to a superior in the Army, and I five.  [Great laughter.] Is not that a large marsupposed it would be the same in the Navy. At gin? I thought of Falstaff and his buckram men
all events, Commodore Hull, by the return of when I read it-two swelling to eleven, Ibelieve,
these gentlemen, felt himself humiliated and de- and all Kendall Green comingin to boot. [Laughgraded. Here is what the Secretary of the Navy  ter.]   Lieutenant Heywood corroborates that
said in his letter to these officers:           statement; but they found none of the men who
" Had this comlbination succeeded in attaining its object, were killed! What complacent boasting! In
here would have been an end of that power lwhich the describing this event, which I have done in two
lawsv have confided to the head of the Navy Depaltment, or three sentences, Du Pont occupies no less than
and that respect and subordination so essential to the service; the (direction of the Navy would have reverted to  four pages of the public documents-the most
those whose province it is to receive Lanld obey orders; and  voluminous communication I ever saw for such
a cotbination of officers might at all times drive the Depart- an event. Lieutenant Stanley,who, I believe, has
ment from any measure it thought proper to adopt."  been dropped or furloughed-I do not know
He is speaking of facts within his own knowl- which-achieved a very handsome exploit, and
edge; and this he could not take back when he  I think he made his official report to his coinwrote the exculpatory letterto Commodore Hull,  manding officer in fourteen lines.  He rowed
predicated upon their application; and if Mr. Du  fifteen miles up the beach, landed forty-five men at
Pontt did not do it I must have overlooked some-  night, marched twelve miles into the interior, took
thing in the correspondence, for I did not wish  and. spiked three guns-one eighteen feet long,
to read it all, as it was very voluminous; and, another sixteen and a half, and another twelve
besides, I had a dread of him, for I had read his  and a half feet long. He spiked them-compoofficial report at San Jose, of which I will speak  sition guns-and returned safely in the face of
directly. [Laughter.] Itisremarkable inits way.  an enemy, supposed to number three hundred.
Now he speaks of Du Pont's letter, and I say  He made a little report of fourteen lines; and he
he never took this back. Mr. Paulding says:    is one of the gentlemen' who -has been over" The letterof Lieutenant Du Pont is not such a one as I slaughed.  Stanley was engaged in three other
had expected fromn an officer who ihad heretofore sustained  actions there, and he is one of the most chivalso high -a character in the Navy. It is not couched in lan- rous and gallant men of the Navy. The only
guage becoming an inferior addressing his commanding
officer; and his refusal to accept the concession, of which complaint which is made against him is that he
his brother officers availed themselves, savors more of pet- is quarrelsome!  Sir, I like sailors to quarrel in
tishlmess than dignity or of manlhiness."       times of war, and do it effectually.  It is a good
He took back none of these charges at all; but, notion, and I would not discountenance it.
to gratify the gentlemen and their friends, he    But, sir, from the laudations passed on Du
ordered their return. What may we reasonably  Pont by my friend from Delaware the other day,
suppose to have been the cause? The facts had  I do not know but that some other members of
not changed since the first rebuke which he ad-  the board ought to feel a little irritated and unministered; but it would have blasted the young  easy. He says Du Pont was the leading spirit;
men's reputation if they had been sent home in  that he always leads from the force of his superior
disgrace by the Commodore.  He must save the  intellect. I do not give the language,but I believe
mortified feelings of them and their friends.  It I give the general idea. Then he places the rest
is a natural thing. I believe you will find it in  of the board in a secondary position, although




16
some of them were of superior rank. Really, it They are gentlemen in bearing. Some I have
is not to be wondered at that this man should be  known for thirty years as chivalrous, elegant men,
conspicuous here, and should love fame and dis- of fine persons, active, and in the prime of life;
tinction. My friend did not say that he was not yet they have been stricken down, their prospects
the most modest man in the world. He was not blasted, and their honor destroyed. These are
charged with vanity or a love of praise, of course; the men who are unworthy of peership with the
but a proud and gallant man is, and ought always  gentlemen of the board. They love praise, they
to be, fond of praise and just laudation. I am   ove glory too,but theylove to earnit before they
furnished with a very remarkable fact in relation  wear it.
to him. I have described the battle of San Jose,   The Senator from Delaware told us that Mr.
in which that landing took place, the march of two  Du Pont had nothing to dread from an investigamiles, and at the most four wounded. A doctor tion of his character; that he had received the
tookl out one ball. Really, it was like a fight indorsement of the Secretary. It is a singular
that took place on the frontiers-I will not say  coincidence that he was associated with Missroon,
precisely at what spot-but I can prove it by my  Godon, and Pendergrast at the time when they
colleague.  It was thought there were about were arraigned in 1838, 1839, 1840, and 1841,
thirteen killed; that was the whole number that and when they lay under censure. They have
could be found; and you know, sir, if a man kills  maintained, no doubt, a fine social feeling for
game and does not find it, it is just as good as if  each other firom that time to this; but is it not a
it were not killed. They found but thirteen;and  singular coincidence that being indorsed, they
when they came to make out the official report it should all meet on the board again-all friends
was asked, how many do you think there were? again by continuous friendship-united in the
Some one said thirteen. Oh! said another, thirty  ties of brotherhood? Two of them, we are told,
or forty!  Well, said another, there was at have been very unlucky in being called to acleast eighty-sew-en, s  put down eighty-seven,  count fortheir actions; and my friend thinks the
[Laughter.]  They slept on it that night, and  members of the board are not bound to fight
this number did notappear large enough; and the  everybody of the two hundred and one. I will
next day an addenda was made to the report, or not encourage reclamation of that kind; but if
rather a second report more official than the other, gentlemen of the Navy happen to cannon on one
making out one hundred and fifty killed. [Laugh- another and jostle, it is their own business, and
-ter.]  It was just so with this account of the Cal- they have to settle it. I hold that every gentleifornians; there were between thirteen and thirty-  man is to be the judge of the injury which he
five killed. That is a very wide margin; but there  receives, from whom  he receives it,'and the remustbe something d6ne! The fact is that no one  dress he is to require. I am not going to restrict
was killed, as far as ascertained, but one whom  it. I will discountenance it by a repeal of this
Lieutenant Heywood killed, charging out with his I law, restoring them all to their proper positions,
thirty men to meet Mr. Du Pont, who had one  placing them  where they were, and then no
hundred and one men. But he must swell this' wrong can be done. The President -will have
into importance! Would anybody have thought! the power to order a court of inquiry into cases
the marching of two miles, and cooperating with  of doubtful utility and character; and upon a
the gallant little band that had been beleaguered  court of inquiry reporting the facts to him he has
~*there for such a length of time-would he have  the function to displace such a man fiom the
thought of claiming glory and praise, when Stant- Navy. Let us create a list for the retired and
ley had fought a number of actions, and I do not furloughed; and let him, on the examination of
find that Commodore Shubrick ever thought one  surgeons, determine their disability, and retire
of them worthy of a note?                    them for age, wounds, or disease. By this course
There were others who acted gloriously in the  we should follow the recommendation of the preswar with Mexicowho fared badly. Stevens,the  ent Secretary of the Navy. He suggested that he
companion of Heywood, who defended that little  should have the power of recommending culpably
fort at San Jose, and who is spoken of in terms  inefficient officers to the President for remioval;
the most laudatory and approving, was dropped.  the President should then lay them  before the
Ochiltree-a gallant young fellow- spoken of on  Senate; and the Senate concurring with the Presithree occasions in the Pacific-once at San Jose, dent, he should remove every man who was useanother time at Guaymas, and I believe at Ma- less, or who did not deserve a place in the Navy.
zatlan, was also dropped. The cause of it, per- This was suggested by the Secretary of the Navy
haps, is that he went on a spree sometimes on  previous to this unfortunate, and I will say crimland, but never while at sea on duty. That is a  inal enactment. If this suggestion had been folterrible thing!                               lowed, we should have had peace to-day; we
Mr. WELLER. I know him, and he is a man  should have had the Navy with none in it but
of fine habits, and a gallant officer.        those who should be in it; and only those removed
Mr. HOUSTON. He is a gallant, generous, from it who were inefficient or unworthy of it..
noble fellow; and I know his brother, a citizen of But it is different now. I have not seen or heard
Texas, a man of distinction and ability. Ochil- of a man who has been removed, who was in the
tree bears that reputation. I am glad the honor- least intemperate, or gave evidence of intemperable Senator from California knows himn person- ance; and yet this wholesale charge is made. The
ally. It is a privilege which I have not; but I  officers may, when off duty, for aught I know,
would be glad to greet with fellowship a man of  indulge; but I say they do not bear that appearhis character and nobility of soul. He has been  ance. They are gentlemen, as far as I can judge;
-dropped. He is not a drunkard, but I suppose  and I have sought to become acqainted with
they say he is one of the " hard cases. " I have  themr so that I might judge impartially. Unfornoticed the dropped officers who are in tlhe city. tunately, I heard of one of the gentlemen who




17
has been retained-but he is one of the "hard   speech, for I wish to accord all justice to this
cases," I reckon-one of the hardest in the Navy  gentleman.  I will use it with more cheerfulness
—;who was helped into a hotel and carefully laid  because my friend from Delaware [Mr. CLAYTON]
by to be taken care of; but I do not suppose he  selected it as an evidence of the merit of a memmeant any harm by it. [Laughter.]  It happened  ber of the board; and for the purpose of sustainjust unexpectedly, he not being habituated to it.  ing his action and the action of the board, I pre[Laughter.]                                           sume, in the course which they have adopted. I
I propose now to gratify the Senate by one of  am perfectly willing it should go out to the world
the most tasty and agreeable things I have ever  in my speech.  I wish the Secretary to read the
seen.  It is an extract from a letter written by   letter.
Captain S. F. Du Pont, dated " Cyane, off San           The Secretary read as follows:
Jose, Lower California, March 5, 1848."  This                          UNITED STATES SHIP INDEPENiDENCE,
is an extract:                                                             MAZATLAN, FeJbruary 25, 1S48.
" MY DEAR TIIORBURN:   *   *          Tle letter to    SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith reports from
my soldier friend to replace an official one, vas purposely  Commander S. F. Du Pont, and Lieutenant Charles -Ieyrehanded, that our naval friends, if they felt interested in  wood, dated 16th and 26d February, and 21st and 6ad same
our doings, might have the benefit."                  month.
I want words to express my sense of the gallant conduct
These are the doings I told you of-nobody   of these officers, and of the officers and men under their
killed, nobody hurt.                                  command, as detailed in their reports; but feel that I am
Mr. BAYARD.   W~hat is the date of that  perfectly safe in saying that the annals of no war canll frnish instances of greater coolness, of more indomitable
letter?                                               perseverance, of more conspicuous bravery, an d of sounder
Mr. HOUSTON.  March 5, 1848.                        judgment, than are to be found in these details. They will
Mr. BAYARD.  Is it a private or public letter?  be read with pride and pleasure by the Department, and by
ir.   USTON.   it is private; ut I will give  every American, and will secure to all concerned a most
enviable place in the estimation of their countrymen.
you the name.  There is no secret about it; none    I have the best reason to believe that these reports, so
at all.  Listen to the language of this portion of  far from overrating the acts of those concerned, are strongly
the letter; he thinks he had absolutely electrified  imbued with the modesty of true courare, which adheres
the world, and he did not know  what would  itOfesthanbumtrinks from exagleratiogn and lather diminisl-es than magnifies its own deeds.
happen.  FHe says:                                      The satisfaction arising froIm this brilliant victory over
" But it seems you did not deigna to vouchsafe one single  the enemy is clouded by the fall of' Passed Midshipman
word in reference to them."                           Tenant MeLanahan, a young officer of great promise. Ile
-That is, ini reference to the glorious achieve-  received the fatal wvound standing by the flag of his country,
and died in the hour of victory-an early but enviable death
ients which I have described.                         -placing his name high on the roll of those who peril all
"I candidly confess some disappointment at this, perhaps  in the cause of their country, and gio ing to his afflicted
a little the more as the Cyanead been loud in tumet   fiends te mournful satisfaction arising from the reflection
the very clever doings at Guaymas of the Southampton,   that he has sealed a life of honoi witl a death of glory.
and would have been pleased with even a faint whistle in    The presence of the Cyaneand the ecellent judgment
return."                                              of Commander Du Pont and Lieutenant Heywood, will, I
hope, secure the garrison _at San Jos6 fiom further molestt[A shrill and lengthened whistle, such as a boat-  tion until the measures whichl Go;ernor Mason informs me
swain gives when he pipes all hands to quarters,  he is taking to send reinforcemenltsinto the territory can be
or to grog, was the Senator's illustration of the  effected.
passage which he read, and it astonished and    I have the honor to bh, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,          WIM. BRANFORD SHUBRICK,
amused the crowded galleries.]                                               Commanding Pacific Squadron.
The Southampton had been lauded and trum-  Hon. JoNts Y. MASON,
peted, and a little trumpeting here would have            Secretary of the Navy, fWashington, D. C.
been acceptable; but if the trumpeting could not    Mr. HOUSTON.   This letter says, in  one
come, they would take the whistle.  Well, sir,  part:
the letter again says:                                  " I have the best reason to believe that these reports, so'" re have been truly gratified yesterday by showers of  far from overrating the acts of those concerned, are strongly
official and friiendly gratulations from Mazatlan, but these  imbued with the modesty of true courage."
certainly would not have made yours less acceptable."   Tlis is evident, because Du Pont, after the
That is on the principle of " you tickle me and  trumpet blast given to the gentlemen of the SouthI'll tickle you;" but Thorburn did not do this,  ampton, was so modest that he was willing  to
even after this intimation that a puff might go  put up with a whistle for the Cyane in return.
intothe papers,and the poor fellow has been struck   [Laughter.]  It was the modesty characteristic
down-one of the best sailors in the Navy, I am   of cool courage, to describe a march of two miles,
told, or as good as any.  This shows you the  and killing nobody, as one of the greatest achievelove of praise and the laudable ambition of this  ments in our annals; and I believe he says, it is
distinguished man, whose reputation my friend  "without a parallel."   Yes, sir; Commodore
from Delaware [Mir. CLAYTON] thinks is so im-  Shubrick says, that there cannot be found an inportant to be taken care of.  I have not assailed  stance "of more indomitable perseverance, of
it.  I use no epithets. I have used documents. I  more conspicuous bravery, and of sounder judgdo not say that a man is dishonest or not a gen-  meat. " I think the "'judgmneint " in the case was
tlriman.  I do not say that, whatever may be my  excellent, and I do not wish to detract from it;
private opinion.  [Laughter.]                         but he had the cool judgment, either not to go,
Mr. BAYARD.  Will the honorable Senator  unfortunately, into danger, or the luclk to save
allow me to see the letter he last referred to?      all his men and get none of them  killed.  ThereMr. TH.OUSTON.  With pleasure, (handing it  fore, I think that is good judgment, and cool and
to him.)                                            i deliberate courage.  [Laughter.]  Sir, I have read
Mr. President, I will ask the Secretary to read  reports of the battle of New Orleans; I have read
a letter froml  Commodore Shubrick, dated  at  of other distinguished battles; I think I have read
Mazatlan.  I am willing that it shall go into my   the reports of the battle of Waterloo; and I believe




the first bulletin that come out was not in length  16th of May, "to take command of the Pacific squadron,"
equal to this one at San Jose, and fell far short  anid am sure that the exercise of your command will redonled to tbe honor of the Navy and of the country.
of it in description.   [Laughter.]  It may be    Having been led, by the late Secretary of the Navy, to
"modest," but I only want it understood that  believe that this command was intended for me, and such
when you come to sift and analyze it, it is one of  appearing now not to lave been the case, and eillg  ritlout
the` most extraordinary doc~uments ever published;  place in the squadron, I request that you will allow me to.th  most extraordinary documents ever published;  return to the United States; taking passage in the Savannah
and I do not wonder that a code of laws, or.a  as far as Valparaiso, and thence crossing the Isthmus.
system  compiled by the author of this report,    I am respectfully, your obedient servant.
should have been condemned or ignored by the                                IV. BRANFORD SHUBIIIC,
C *,  >,                                 CacW)tain United ANtORtes H RavC
Attorney General, though my friend from Dela-  Commodore JAtai  ited States NaDDLy.
ware thinks it is very clever.  [Laughter.]                        Conmmanedi.cg Pacific Sqtuadrons, 2lsonterey.
My friend from Delaware says that the indorse-          Now, I will read'the reply  of Commodore
ment of Commodore Shubrick is sufficient for  Biddle:
him  and sufficient for Du Pont.  I have nothing                          UNITED STATES SIP COLunuS,
to say in relation to Commodore Shubrick further                                  MONTEREY, Mlarch 6, 1847.
than as a member of that board, and as a public    SIR: I have received yourletterofthe 5th instant. Your
officer.  PNot knowing him, it is not my business  return to tile United States at this time will be injurious to;
to cast reflections upon him.  I have no desire to  the service; and will, I think, under the circun stascees be
injurious to yourselL The instaht information of peace is
do it if I could.  In all matters I am disposed to  received —and we may reasonably expect to receive it
treat individuals fairly; to examine in to facts, and   soon-I stlall be happy to transfer the command to you, and
firomn those facts to d rawt such deductions as I feel  leave the station without waiting fbr instructions to leave.
warranted in doing.  If I am not correct in my    I wish you would reflect a few days upon this subject,
and let me know the result of your reflection.
deductions, I am aware that the sagacity, and the    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ability, and the analytical power that is to follow                                      JAMES DIDDLE.
me, will riddle me like hot shot.  I propose to  Commodore W. B. SHUBRICr,
examine the records of the Navy, and see whether                     United States Ship Independece.
they  are sufficient to  induce us to rely upon           Let me read Commodore Shubrick's reply to
Commodore Shubrick's indorsement.  Lieuten-   he letter of Commodore Biddle:
ant Maury has been reflected on for having asked                      UNITED STATES SuIP INDEPENDENCE,
to be relieved from service on certain vessels in                                 MoNTaREY, ICarc 6, 1847.
time of peace.  I shall show whether or not that    SIn: I have received your letter of this date, in answer
time of peace.  I shall show whether or not that  tao imine of yesterday.
was a justification for striking him  down, and          Your opinion, that my "return to the United States at
whether or not the same rule was applied to the  this time will be injurious to tile service," is sufficient to
mnemberisof the board.  I understand,lhowever,  decide me, without the few days' reflection that you recoimthat their appointment as members of the board    In matters where the interests of the service may come
precluded all investigation into their conduct and  in conflict with my individual feelings, it has always been
character.  That indorsement ruled out every-  my rule to yield my own opinions to the opinionIs of those
thing like examination or inquiry.  Remember,  in vhose jcdgmnnt I have confideice. I do in this case,
and will remain in the squadron until I canll hear froim the
Maury has been reflected on for asking to be re-  Secretary of the Navy.
lieved from sea service.  I wish to read an extract    I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
from  a letter of Comnmodore Shubrick, dated the                            W. BRANFORD SHUBRICK,
6th of March, 1837, in which he says:                                            Captain Unlitel States Nacuy.
Commodore JAMES BIDDLEi
" On the 2d instant Commodore Biddle arrived. He was             Cocamaiding Pacfic Sqzadron, MIonterey.
kind enough to filrnish me with a copy of his order to'take
comminand of the Pacific squadron' and'carry into effect    In a letter to the Navy Department, Commothe orders of the Department,' and has signified his inten-  dore Shubrick says:
tion to hold the commiand during thle continuance of the
lioar. o                                                 "As soon as the Department can turn its attention to the
"You will see at once, sir, in how unpleasant a situa-  arrangemnellts consequent on a ch uge from the state of
tion I am placed by this disicnlgecnuus, (respect for the De-  war to oce of peace"cartmient alone restrains mne from using stronger lanIguagf,)  This was in 1847, before peacethis uwcandid condi.ct of ithe late Secretary. It canlnot be
i   cI hope you will think of my situation, which is as unsupposed that tlbere is the least occasion for the additional  -
force of the Columbus; and it is clear that, in the opinion  pleasant as it can possibly be made. I am informed by
o  Commodore Biddle that he has conifidential orders to return,
of thie late Secretary, it was nsot the Columus, but Com-                    he has con       order
mdaiore Biddlne, that wsas needed here clulinmr the war.  and I presunle he will leave Monterey soon after I rejoin
Onakitpaifiioceymhi m. This affords me no satisfaction; what has passed
that I owed it to mlyself to return to time United States, nd  camniot be recalled; acd my only wish now is, to rettrl in
I asked pemmissionn  of Comnnodore Bicddte tni take passage  this ship or the Congress, and leave tile command of the
in the Savannah.  A copy of our correspondence on the  Pacific Squadron to some one wliose ardor is yetmtndamped
subject is annexed, and you wmill see why I have remainerl.  by risapponlctment, acd who will therefore be able to
"And scowc s      rir,  relle  my request to be aloxwed to re-'discharge its duties ill a manner more satisfactory to tile
turn to the United States at as early a day as possible, and  Governmeit."
in any way ttiat you may please to direct; but I need not   IHere is his last letter:
say that it would be a gratificiation to me to return wvith my
pennant on a ship of the size of a fiignate at least."  "T     alington, Dictricf oC ecs tia."
WF'ashington, District of Columnbia."
That was Commodore Shubrick on the 6th of  - r. Bancroft was not then Secretar
March, 1847, in thie midst of tile war. But whatTES                                       
does he say further?  I have the correspondence                          MI ONEREYv, Septembaer 28, 1847.
and I will read it, because it is of interest, and    SIR: Mr. Toler arrived here yesterday in the Preble,
because thle innuenldoes can be as well explained  floce Ca11a, and brought me several dispatches froci the
by  it as by any nelandgluage I could use.             DepartInent, and your letter of tlhe 7th of May,.in answer
to an application imade by cme in January last, to be allowved
UNITED STATEs STATES SHIP INEPENDENCE,   to return to the United Stattes in the Congress fiigate, when
_MIONTEREY, ctIarch 5, 1847.   the termls of servlice of the crew of that ship shoulnl expire.
Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of'lhe arrival of Commodore Jones vill be Imuch earlier
your instructions from the Secretary of the Navy of the  than I expected, but I have hopes that all that is important




19'
to be done on the west coast of Mexico will be effected    Mr. HOUSTON.  I said that, by his suggesbefore his arrival; if not, however, it is my wish to remain,  tion, the Saratoga returned from  Rio de Janeiro;
anid tender him my services as second in command, so log   nd in a letter which I have read  e says  e cnas he may deem them of importance to the public interest.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obe- not suppose " there will be the least occasion for
dient servant,     W. B3RANFOIRD SUtBRtICIK,        the additional force of the Columbus.  It is clear
Commanasissg Pacific Sqrladsron.   that, in the opinion of the late Secretary, it was
This was nine days before the Secretary of the  sot the Colusnbss, bst Commeisodolre Biddle, that was
Navy gave orders to Commodore Biddle actually  Ineeded here during the war."
to go firom the East Indies.  This was the 7th of    Commodore Stockton and Commodore Sloat
May,  and Comimodore Eiddle was ordered there  had preceded him —  believe Conmmodore Stockon the 16th of May.                                 ton had relieved Conmmodore Sloat, and ConnIn answer to an application:made by me in January  modore Shubrick Comnmodore Stockton. Was it
last, to be allowed to return to the United OStates" —  not reasonable that lie should be relieved from
This was January, 1847, two months after he  commsand, if his continuance was not for the good
got there.                                          of the service? He was riot, in fact, ordered to
-"il the Colngress fiiate, when the terms of service of  be relieved; it was a mere intismation.  He was
the crew of that ship should expire."n              not ordered to be relieved by Comsmodore Biddle
Commodore Jones had then been ordered to  until the 16th of May, and he had applied in Janrelieve Conmodore Shubrick.                         uary previous for leave to return.  01n the 7th of
"But I have hopes that all that is important to be done  May, Commodore Jones was detailed to ielieve
on the west coast of Mexico, will be effected before his  him.  Others can judge as well as I can of the
arrival; if not, however, it is mly wishto remain, and tender propriety of desiring to come hone witl his pendeei thev oes, importance to thlong s e public iterest   nant when the force in the Pacific was not of a
deon, the infeeince Is cleaplyulentoebes drawn  clharacter to give much efficiency to our marine
Now, the inference is clearly left to be drawn
from this correspondence, that the Secretaryof  operatifns.  Itwasweak, evenwltllalltheships
thse Nnvy, Mr. Bancroft, had treated Conlsodore  vwe had there, if it was necessary to blockade at
Shubrick uncandidly, and had concealed frosomhim   a prominent point, and put down resistance to
any intimation of the fact that Commodore Biddle  this Governusent.  It is very easy toperceive
was to be comslander on that station.  I-le said  what is meant, for Coilmnodore Biddle says to
that it was disingenuous, and, but for respect fort this tie, will be
te Deparment e   wuld y    hrder  hing.'"Your rettirn to tlie United States, at this tiiie, will be
tlse Departinent, he would say harder thisngs.  injurious to the service, and will, I tlhinkk be inljurious to
When he used such language, the inference is  yourself."
clear that he had been klept in ignorance in rela-    On reflection, his determination to leave was
tion to it. Was that the case? When he sailed  changed. What the motive was I do not pretend
on the 7th of August, 1846, his orders bore this  to say; I only state his determination.  He had
addenda different firom the orders which are gen-  sailed in August, I think, and must have arrived
erally given to commodores:                         between August and January; and in the month
" Should Commodore Biddle be in the Pacific off the  of January he applied for leave to return firom the
shores of Mexico at the time vou arrive there, you will re- P fi
port yourself to him; and, as long as he remains off the
cO'ast of Mexico, you Will act under his direction in concert   " This affords me no satisfaction; what has passed cannot
with him, communicatings to him tlhese instructions."  be recalled; and my only wish now is, to return in this
Mi. PRATT.  What is that document?               ship or the CongiesS, anid leave the comlnmsimid of the Pacific
squadron to sonie one whose ardor is yet unidamped by disMr. HOUSTON.  Mr. Bancroft's instruction  appointmnent. "
to Shubrick when he sailed, in August, 1846.    What was there to damp his ardor?  Was it
Thus it will be seen how  the Secretary was  the fact that he had asled to be returned home in
chargeable with treating him uncandidly, and to  January, and the Secretary of the Navy ordered
what extent insubordination was carried on by  himn to be relieved by Commodore Jones in May,
the commodore himself, when he charged the  and nine days afterwards Commodore Biddle
Secretary of the Navy witl  disingenuousness  arrived, sooner than Commodore Shubrick exand a want of candor. He went further, and said  pected? Were these circumstances calculated to
there was no occasion for the Columbus in the  damp hIis ardor or impairhis efficiency? No one
Pacific.  How did he know but that England or  had complained of his want of efficiency, or of
some other Power had formed a treaty of alliance  his not having performed his duty to the Governwith Mexico, and that we should require all the  menit.  Mr. Mason had not charged him  with
fleet of the United States, and every squadron we  delinquency or misconduct in office.
had disposable, to defend our coast?  We find    Lieutenant!M\aury having' had his leg broken,
Commodore Shubrick using his influence to pre-  when traveling to join a sea-going ship, had to be
vent one of the most excellent and efficient vessels  relieved when his service was not material, and
in the INavy, the Saratoga, finom  joining our  when he was suffering under great bodily injury.
Pacific squadron.  He was willing to take away  If thatwas a reason justifying his renoval, here
from the force in the Pacific in time of war not  you perceive that, in time of war, shortly after
only his own efficiency, if you please, but the  its commencecelt, a conimodore conmmsanding a
meanss and materiel of mneeting the enemy.  He  squadron asked to be relieved and to be allowed to
knew not what enemies were to be maet on that  return home from scenes of active military operacoast; and he certainly ought to have supposed,  tions where one of the finest theaters was opened
as a military man and a disciplinarian, that the  to him-the whole coast of iMexico lay open to
Secretary of the Navy was the competent judge,  his operations, our whale fisllermen were out in
and snot Conmimodore Shsubrick.                     that sea-and everything opening to bhim a field
Mr. BUTLER.  What ship did the Senator  of glory.  I have not knownany  occasion during
say Coummodore Shubrick wished to send honme?  our war with Mexico, except some of the heavy




20
battles, where there was so great an opportunity  that a gentleman who has distinguished himself
for reaping glory.  I do not say he was wrong  in everythling that ennobles man, xwill not possiin this; but I say that Lieutenant lMaury's asking  bly charge on a member of the board what I can
permission in time of' peace, when he was suffer-  explain to be an error. The honorable Senator
lng bodily inconvenience and infirmity, to be re- alludes to the case of Lieutenant Maury, who had
lieved from sea service would notjustify the board  a leg broken, and said a member of the board had
in striking  him down, when Commodore Shu-  his leg broken twice. He brings this example
brick, the president of the board, in time of war, forward, I presume, as matter of complaint that,
when in command of a well-manned and gallant if one was removed from  the active-service list,
squadron, wished to leave it, after he had been  (and that was the predisposing cause for the rewith it only a fiew months, because his ardor was  moval,) the other should have been removed also.
damped by the disingenuousness or uncandid-    I desire to make an explanation as to that point.
ness of the Secretary of the Navy. The facts  Lieutenant Missroon, in the active discharge of
show ino provocation for the charge of a want of  his duty at sea, had the misfortune of having his
candor, or dissimulation against the Secretary.  leg broken. It was immediately set while he was
Sin, if tlhe Secrletary of the Navy had instituted  at sea; and upon it he did two years' sea duty;
proceedings against Commodore Shubrick for  but finding that he would fail, and being devoted
using such langguage, it would have been a matter to his profession, what did he do? He left no
of grave investigation whether the words were  stone unturned until he found surgeons willing to
not defamatory, and whether they could be sus-  break it over again.  After two years he found
tained by evidence.                              surgeons in the United States (having threatened
Sir, I have no unkindness of feeling towards  to go to France to find them) who were willing to
the President of the United States or his Secretary  perform the operation. He did submit to a mnost
of the Navy; yet I do think it very unfortunate, painful operation; he had his leg broken over
to say the least, that the Navy has fallen within  again and reset; and on that leg he has since
their control and jurisdiction. Neither of these  performed seven years' sea duty. That is the
gentlemen, though intelligent and able, had his  explanation; and I hope the Senator from Texas
attention drawn to that department of defense in  will not bring up that case to tell against Captain
such a way as to qualify him  eminently for its  Missroon.
care.  Every gentleman who goes into the Navy    Mr. HOUSTON.  Mr. President, I am always
Department, owing to the condition of the vari-  very glad to hear the gentleman when lie speaks;
ous bureaus there, is placed in a mesh, unless he  but I do not see that his explanation has any parhas some experience in naval affairs. He is un-  ticular relevancy to this matter. It is true that
acquainted with the details of the office. He finds  some days since it was stated in discussion that
men who have become rooted there. Since those  Mr. Maury had received the injury of a fractured
bureaus were established, twelve or fourteen years  lim-rb. It was rather intimated that this was the
since, they have had a controlling influence. He  cause for disrating him, because otherwise his
necessarily looks to them for intelligence; he has  reputation was spotless. He had performed as
to rely on them for information; and after awhile  fair a proportion of sea duty, during the time he
that reliance settles down to submission on his  was in the service, as the chairman of the board,
p art,andauthorityontheir partover hii m. Unless  and more than several other members of the
a man.has a master-will and unbounded capa-  board. There could have been no objection to
city to eviscerate a subject, and a will to con-  him on this ground. His moral standing none can
trol and manage it, he will inevitably yield to  imipeach-none dare do it. Then what was the
their machinations, and will feel himselfbn oundin  reason for his displacement?  I presume there
the meshes by which he is surrounded, and at Itust have been some cause. Because lie limps?
last must yield himself a victim to the designs of If that was the only cause for removing him,
packed conspiracies.                             pray has he not performed duty since his leg was
Mr. President, we are told that by the action  brolken? I believe he has. Why has he not perof the board the inefficient alone were to be re- formed sea duty for the last seven years?  Bemoved. Does not every one of us know that the  cause it was refused to  rimr when he applied for
inefficient have not been removed; that men of  the privilege of performing it. That is the reagreat efficiency have been iremoved: that men of  son of it; and I desire to have it fairly understood.
spotless reputations and hligh honor have been  They must have had some pretext for it. He has
removed; that men of skill in seamanship have  performed as fair a proportion of sea duty as the
been renioved, and their characters stained? We  average of officers on the board, and ilis attainlinow that others have been retained who were  mlents otherwvise are higher. Hie was like the
characterized as a portion of the " dry-rot," in- tall poplar, and must be cut down. n I-1e was not
stead of cuttinog that off, or separating itfrom thle  only a sailor and a gentleman, but he was a man
pure material. That has been the effect. It was  of science, renowned throughout the world, disefficiency that was required; and yet men are re-  tinguished by- honors wvhich no other cii'zen had.
tainled in the serviice vho are not efficient-even  For this he must be separated frorn the Navy,
one of thie board himself had his leg broken  and degraded. "Oh!" saytheboard, "we must
twice, and Lieutenant Maury had a leg broken- be the elite; if we get but one wvlistle, we will take
only once.'   that. That will do some good.   Ve will trumpet
Mr. MALLORY.   ~Will the Senator allow me  you —you will whistle us; and if you do not, you
to say a word here?                            must take care, Thorburn.  We will strike you
Mr. HOUSTON. ~With great pleasure.            down in a whiistle."
IMr. MALLO11Y.  My fiiend fromn  Texas    I could speak of nunibers of others. Take the
authorizes me to interpose an explanation at this  case of Commander Sliaw —one of the best lookpoint very appropriately; for I anm  very certain I ing men I see about Washington.  Hlie looks as




though he could himself alone give a broadside  of it, and the words " according to the law" are
to a seventy-four as quickly as it would have  inserted in his prefatory remarlks in the notificae
been done by Captain Stribling with his undrilled  tion to them. Then, it was not by virtue of the
crew. I would just as soon take a chance with  prerogative of the executive that it was done.
him  as I would with Stribling, because the in-   My friend from Delaware spoke the other day
spection showed that before Stribling could bring  of what General Jackson would have done. Sir,
his guns into action, his vessel might be sunk. Jackson was incapable of doing anything that
Shaw would at least have had two cracks at the  did not become a man-a whole man; for he himenemy before they got nearer.  He had an im- self was every inch a king. He was nature's
portant command in the West Indies at the time; king. Ile was by birth nobility. He was not a
and he was stricken down-for what?  Ineffici- king hereditary, but to nature's lineage. Think
ency?  Of course they could not retire him for you, sir, that he would see honorable men stricken
anything else than inefficiency!             down, dishonored, degraded, and humiliated, and
Ringgold, too, one of the most accomplished and  others forming combinations to sustain them,
scientific officers in the naval service of this or  trying to subsidize influence, denouncing men
any other country, was also stricken down; and  through their friends, because they did not come
here is Rolando-it is a great mercy he has not to the support of their bill? 2No, sir; General Jackbeen dropped. I should like to know what trum-  son would never do such a thing; but he would,
peting and whistling ought to be done when Ro- with his own hands, have wiped out forever from
lando shows himself in the streets of Washing- the Register the names of those who sat on that
ton city, when marching one hundred men two  board. And I never will,while I live, support any
miles up the beach, and down again, requires a man for power or place who would not revise
whistle.  Sir, a thousand guns for Rolando  that board, and exercise his prerogative on those
would be too little a greeting on his return to the  of them who are not able to vindicate themselves
American shores. But how did he return? With  against the machinations which stand charged
humiliation, shame, and confusion. He is a man  against them by the facts arrayed. We should
who has acquired for your country a fame which  relieve the public firom the odium of the responno other man in modern times has done. Sir, sibility that must rest on us as a nation, unless
his conduct in the China seas is without a par- we redress it. It can be done, and the Secretary
allel.  You may take your Nelsons and all the  of the Navy has distinctly said so.
heroes of antiquity; but it will require old Nep-   Mr. President, there was no necessity for any
tune himself to rival Rolando. He has performed  modification of the laws in relation to the Navy,
feats which electrified the British Navy. Sir, either as to its government or as to its organizathey struck Europe to the heart. They aroused  t:ion. It was only necessary to make provision
their sluggish impulses, and animated their pride  for a retired list. All the power necessary for
in the recollection, I presume, of former days. its correction, and for purging it of any improper
The Queen of Spain conferred on him the order material, was already in the hands of the execuof knighthood.  What else was done?  The  tive, either by the Constitution or by the laws.
English did not participate in the bloody scenes, It was in the power of the Secretary of the Navy
where the scuppers of his gallant ship gushed  to order a court of inquiry, in relation to the conblood.  When the enemy were forced to run  duct of any officer; they would report the facts
away, they exploded the vessel and threw him  to him and he would submit them to the Presiinto the ocean, but he recovered again. Those  dent, who might then exercise his prerogative.
who only contemplated his feats of gallantry and  If he lacked the courage to do it, he should report
chivalry-what was done for them? The captain  them to the Senate, and ask for their advice and
who commanded the British vessel was made an  consent in regard to the exercise of his prerogaadmiral, and his lieutenantacomm odore. What tive. After you had provided a retired list for
have we done for Rolando?  We have disgraced  those pronounced incompetent by a board of
that gallant and chivalrous man. And do you  surgeons, the Navy would be relieved. Thus
expect glory and honor to perch on the banners  all the useless portions would be dispensed with,
of your Navy, and to maintain its well-earned  and this remedy would be efficient.
renown, when you strike down such men as    But men have been retired whose positions
Rolando, and leave such men as composed this  were proud and preeminent. By these combiboard? Are you going to confide the honor of  nations they are stricken down. One instance,
the nation to men, regardless of the chivalry of  to which I have already alluded, is that of Ringtheir fellows, who have lost all esprit dt corps,  gold, one of the elate of the Navy, a gallant and
and who appropriate all favor, all power, all chivalrous officer, a most accomplished and skillpatronage to themselves. Sir, I am not prepared  ful seaman, and an elegant gentlenman. He, too,
to do it.                                     has been hopelessly stricken down, because, on
These men have had no hearing. The law said  one occasion, in the East Indies, when laboring
their cases should be " care-fully"examined. Has  under the miserable effects of quinine, he. became
the President examined them? No. In the first delirious and a little errant in mintd. Although
place the board were to retire those who were  he recovered from this, it furnished a pretext for
inefficient, and drop those morally unworthy. striking him down, because he was more gallant,
They have done neither, and therefore they have  more accomplished, than those who judged him.
not executed the law. The President has not   The temptation to the officers wilo served
carefully examined it, and therefore the action is  upon the board was too strong for human nature
a nullity. He has not exercised the prerogative  to resist. They were directly interested in the
of the Executive, because he said he acted in  result. The Secretary of the Navy has endeavaccordance with the law; and, in conformity with  ored to sustain their action by drawing examples
the law, the officers that are dropped were notified  from the Army  I- He urges, as an analogous case,




22
that the Army was reduced under Mr. Madison,  on other matters submitted for our opinions, wherein I aml
and that thlat was the origin of the system which   addressed singly as the presiding oficer of the board, and
in language which required me to express our joint opinion
has arisen.  Why, sir, there is no more analogy   expressly as a board.
between the two cases than there is between a    HadthehonorableSecretarysorequiredourjointopinions
common  window  and a sky-light in form  and   on the matter first submitted to us, he would have expressed
appearance.  After the war of 1812, when all  himself equally explicit.  His requirements, then, as conmmunicated to us in his letter of the 21st instant, not havi!g
were  prepared  to be disbanded,  Mr. Madison                 been complied with, I feel it my duty to meet them, so far
selected three generals, whom  he determined to  as it shall lie in imy power, and after the manner  which to
me shall seem most proper.
retain in the Army of the United States, and con-  me  shall seem most piopel.,,2oboard of offilers, however pub'e, is competent to pass
stituted them  a board to regulate and prune the               N   board  ofiCs  h        er p     s cpetnt t ass
uLpon the projessioial azd moral qualificatioos of any officer,
Army, exercising  their judgment in  retaining   whether for pronotion or for any othes pmrpose, unless unand removing.  In no other respect is there any   der all the solemn obligations of oath to do juslice —a close
analogy between that proceeding and this of the  and steady isiestinatios into shatcer demenits aiia  be alleged, aided by all tihe liguhts ofr testimony int his behalf as we~l
naval board.  They could not by their action be    cd   ided bi all e  ihs f test                        ill as ll
as agaissst hins, and a patiesst hearingt of whatever he soay
promoted; but how is it in this case?  Strange to  have to advance is extenuiation or defense.s"
say, the gentlemen  of the board  were  directly              Our naval organization is such that it is hardly possible
interested in its results.  On this subject Commo-  that the ofices composn  a bd  cold haveuch   pesonal knowledge of the qualifications  or disqualifications
dore Stewart has said something which is worthy   of talo   w se o t   q l ton   o d                        lsicui.. n cof those whose claims for promotion are to be considered.
of noticeand remembrance.  He speaks as aman   To illustrate this remark, I will state that, of the fifteen
of sense and experience.  He delineates this sub-  officers whose names have been passed upon bythis board,
I have no personal knowledge.of the qualifications ofmore
ject in graphic and striking characters, that must  I have no personal owled                 1  the  alication ofnre
than two of them, although I have numbered more than
convince every candid man who will impartially  forty-eight years of service, twenty-three of which have
review  the subject, that he has thoroughly exam-  been:passed at sea. Most of them were unknown to me
ned it, and that he has examined his own heart  even by name; ard as thie remainde  of the officers coni-the  heart of a soldier, a sailor, a gentleman    posing this board average a sea service of but eighteen anid
- the heart of a soldier, a sailor, a gentleman..               n1 
a half years, it is highly probable that a majority of the
From  his investigation he came to the conclusion   board never had an opportunity of forming an opinion of
that it was unsafe to intrust to officers even the  them  from  personal knowvledge in any one case.  Yet,
subject of promotion alone.  The board of which   notwithstanding this, this board, by a joint ands secret ballot,
has recommended the promoion o    c    rainl offieers~ to the
he was summoned as a member, and on which he  h  rcmended   the poiotio                         cetain   ces, to the
injury of others, and that certain other officers should be
refused to serve, was called to recommend the  considered  unworthy of promotion altogether.
propriety of promoting, not by seniority, but by              Theadoption of this joint and secret ballot has gone far
selection.  He voted against it.  He  wished  to  to mender theproceedings of this board justly obnoxious.
it has assumed for itself the detestible attributes of the,sit with open doors; so did Commodore Jones
Star Chamber. Not recognized by any law, nor under the
and others; but we find that the president of the  protection  of any law —sithon         t even the obligation of an
naval board was then  in favor of, closed doors,   oath to do justice to the offcer on whose claimns it has passed,
and that w-s effected on this occasion; hut Con-   or to the service-without any evidence of their merits or
disqualifications,or without assigning- any reason for its opinmodore Stewart protested against any such  pro-  diqaiiain~raihnsIgnn  anrasi  oris ps
-odore  Stewart protested   against any such  pro-  ions, either individually or collectively-it has given conceedino at the time to which I have alluded.  He  (demnatoryjudgment on the reputations of men long in the
always voted in the negative upon their action,  service of.their countrv —one ofwhoui is'now abroad serving
and it failed.  It'was. unider the admnisistration of  with distinetion —emphatic ally intimating that they shall not. Bancroft,  Secretary  of the Nay         -be promoted, and thus virtually disgracing thenm iforever in
Mr. Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy,.                       public estimation.*
The protest of Commodore Stewart, is as fol-    There is nothing so precious to an officer as his reputalows:                                                       tion. When arraigned for alleged offerinses before a courtmartial, hlie earnestly, and at a great cost, seeks his vindical ion. He confronts his accusers, he objects to his judges,
against the proceedings  of a Board qof.Naval Officers assembled at TCWashiisgtOsa, oii July a1 1,46.                lie offers his witnesses, his explanations of defense, and
the truth is sifted. The judges are underh  oath to decide
Tim honorable Secretary of the Navy, in a eommunieaTh  hnrable  iecretary of the Nvy, n a comunca-  according to law, the evidence, and their consciences; and
tion to me, dated July ].1, 1846, directed me to repair to  after a f  and  mpstil t, te puishment, if a   flls
after a fair and imipartial trial~ the punishment, if ainy, falls
WVashington, "to enable the Department to avail itself of  upo   i  sanctioned by a    Ad yet sl   uise             y
the advice of officers of experienced'uohmacindya."Adesc-uihinh
0the advice a  bgf e ntof officersos of experience.        court-martial can rarely surpass in severity, and in its
On the assermblinmg of the convention of officers on the  effects, tIme judamasent pronounce  by tis hoed    a boar
11                                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~effects, the judgmnent pronounced by this board -a board
2lstinstat, hlie addressed a couns tnication to us individu- sittinag i secret con.clave - their victim  abroad anid usahacrd
ally and collectively, requiring us to " express your (our)   his defense   tiot ca-es  cist i,  itt ccic
ir, his defenrse; without charjges against him~ withouet evidence
opinion, whether in your (our) judgment, promotio ns in the
im tie iior otr  jdmitpotoshsof any 1saind, acting on suspicion or hearsay; without perNavy should be made withi exclusive reference to sesi-  sonal knowledge of his qualifications, and many of its
Ority," &.                                                  members perhaps influenced by personal prejudices and
On considering the form and language of these eommu- 
nications, it was evidentto me that the Secretary of the Navy
requireil  our individual opinions in regard to the matters    The officer referred to by Commodore Stewart was
submitted to us in his communication of the 21st instant.  Commander Henry, of the United States sloop of war
Fully impressed with this convictioin, I suggested to this  Plymouth, who was furloighed by the board.
convention, that each officerpresent should be required to                    LEGATION  OF THE UNITED STATESI
give his individual opinion on all matters then before it;                      Rio DE JANEIRO, December 226, 1845.
which proposition this convention did not accede to, but    My DEAR Sin: Since moy visit to the Plymouth with His
proceeded to constitute itself a board or tribunal, wherein   Excellency Itollanda Cavalcanti, Minister and Secretary
the voices of thIe uminority should be stifled, and the vote of  of' State for the Affairs of the MAirine  of thie Imperial Govthe m-ajority of the officers assemblled should decide all  erumnent of Brazil, on Monday, the 22d instant, I have not
questions that were to be acted upon by it.                had the opportunity until now to make the proper and due
If anything were, wanting to render this proceeding on  acknowledgmcent of the pride I felt, as an American citizenthe part of the board more objecaionable, it imay be found  as a public functionary of my country, and as one ever
in the fact that the efforts that were imade to defeat it were  alive to the inmprovement and prosperity of our Navy, in the
not in some cases considered, and in no case were they  exhibition of the perfectly beautiful and efficient ship under
placed on the record; and nowhere is there to be found an  your coimmand. You, your officers, crew, and corvette are
indication of the opinion or vote of a single:memsber on the  enti,led to my testimonial, and you shall have it.
subject.                                                      For beauty of naval architecture; for order, system, and
That this course was not in conformity with the views or  comfort of internal arrangements; for man-of-war like apwishes of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, is made  pearance; for apparent efficiency; for battery, and particmanmifest by a reference to his subsequent comimunication  ularly its preservationa; for cleanliness; for space to fight or




23
enmities.  Before such a tribunal no one would be safe. a   of members of the board-and to give room  for
clitqueor even aasingleme.bq.opfa board,n ight bring irrep-  members of the board themselves?  Is there a
arble injury upon thle prospects of any officer.n the service.
Such proceedings, so contrary to all received notions of  solitary oved upon the boa
propriety and public justice, and so opposed to the princi-  was not directly interested in the revision of the
pies of our government, I. for one, could never counte-  Navy Register, and who did notreceive promotion
nance or be a party to. iNo other coure was, therefore,  as a consequence of his own individal action?
left to rue, in the various ballots for the selection of officers
for promotion, than to mark on every ballot —I declitze to  More than half, if not two thirds, promoted not
vote.                                                  only themselves but also  their own relations.
In further illustration of this hasty and obnoxious mode  Can you tell me, in the face of the country, that
of dispatching officers and disposing of their reputations, Isuch proceedins can be honest, when Comowtill here state that in one case papers were presented fi rom
the files of the Department calculated to create prejudice  dore Stewart was even opposed to the princiagainst that officer whose flte was to be passed upon-papers  pie (unless in very extraordinary cases) of going
having no claim to the character of evidence in any court  out of the ordinary rule of promotion by rotation.
of honor or justice —and yet. at the sene time, ther papers    But here we see men's beads were cut off for
and testimonials of character, highlh.7Ifavorable to the indi-  the salre o
idtual, and designated as such in the synopsis accompanying  t sake  f young aspirants and gentlemen who
the case, were never presented to the board.           clamor —men who call themselves'6the country,"
Yet so desirous do I find imyself to comply, so far as it is  "' the wisdom of Congress,''" having all the knowlwhithin my competence, with the requisitions of the hon-  edge of evs necessary in order to
orable Secretary of the Navy, that I feel it my duty to statecessay  n order to
explicitly sny opinion upon the chief inquiry propounded,  a revseion of the Navy to give efficiency to the
on the decision of which rests his subsequent requirements.  right arm of the service.  Sir, it is a useless arm
These, also, I conceive fully responded to in the opinion I  now; in its present condition it is paralytic.
have now the honor to give.
have now the honor to give.                               The nation has now but one arm, and thatis the
T'he Honl. Secretary's main proposition, upon which depend all others embodied in his letter of the 21st July, 1846,  Army of the country; it is that on which she
is in the following words:                             must rely to defend her.  You have fine vessels;
n Ynou will express your opinion whether, in your judg-  you intend to build  iore; but you have not in
sment, promotion in the Navy siould be mde with exclu-  the Navy the personnel that has been culled out
sive reference to seniority " I.  
In obedience to the injunction contained in this para- and stricken down.  Instead of improving the
graph, I give it as 7my opin2ion that promnotion should always  Navy it has been impaired; its strengoth and effihe made ith ecclssiE  ce.sfEuenCe to seseority, except wsere  ciency have been lost by what has been done
great gallantry before an enemy shall entitle the officer to
the exalted distinction of a preference over his peers, or
Where immrnediate guilt or incompetenlce shall be declared  to it by REPEAL; yOU tmust confirm  its strength
to exist by a tribunal legally and expressly constituted to de-  by REPEAL; for nothing short of that will do
tertmine the qsse.stion.
CteHALES inTEWART, Presiding cth eer    it.  That is all that will save the country. I care
WA        CHTON CLE, D.C., JSTEWA 23, Presidin 846.   not so much for individuals  as for any counBut, sir, what was the crying necessity for this  try's honor and glory.  Thinl  you not that a
attempted "improvenm-ent" and revision  in the    venty-four gun ship, filled fiom  keel to deck
Navy?  It is the clamor of young officers who  with Maurys, would not produce in the sailor's
are burning for promotion.  Is there any wrong  heart one single thrill, one glorious aspiration
done to them by restraining their anxiety, inpas-  for imperishable renown? Ifsot, then, Sir, a thousioned as it may be?  Not at all.  When they  santd retiring  boards, filling creation, would never
enter the Navy they know  the conditions underlfy  one Caneser  on the bosom  of the Atlantic
which tlhey do so; they knotw  the rules of the  or the Pacific, when they carry with them  such
service, and the system  of promotion through   principles as their actions have revealed. If they
have before sustained a character for bravery,
complain if they cannot obtain promotion in the                they  come to review  their acts they must
Byr adheringthink "conscience maules cowards of us all." For
regular course.   By adhering to it we are notull    For
wronging them; and is their clamor to displace  my deductions I take history, and the official
men who have for thirty or forty years relied  records of the Department for  y guide; and I
on the faith of this Governient, that, as long  present them  to the world with ty views upon
as they demean themselves honorably and use-  them, imperfect as they are.
fully to the country, they should be sustained by        I have referred to the case of Commodore Stewher?  Are they to be displaced to give room  for  art. Thatgallant man, a man far above reproach,
the young aspirants —many of themtherelations  has felt the iron in his soul inflicted by tyro
hands, though he had won renown and glory for
work; for ventilation by ports or pumps; for adaptation,  his country, dignified its banner, and borne aloft
especially, in all respects to a warm climate; for total ab-  its pennant in victory, when those by whose
sence of all L: gicnirackery; " for lightness and yet strength;  action he has suffered     e eemy-save
for elegance without one extravagant or useless ornament;
for quiet discipline, and for the sweet and cordial shipshape  that one to whom I have already referred-the one
entertainnent which mnlakes so favorable an impression of  of whom  I mentioned the whistling. Perhaps one
our country upon strangers abroad, I have never seen a ship  of them was on somebody else's ship, and staid
of our owni or any other nation to surpass, and in somie  on it, and was shot at, and  did Iis duty; but
essential respects to equal, the game-looking Plymouth.                                      his  duty; 
His Excellency, the Minister of Marine, who has a good  Stewart did more than his duty.  His duty was
eye, looked inquiringly about him; and was so struck vith  to defend his country; but he gave it glory in
admiration at the naval model he was inspecting, that le  return for is reliance tiat he wotild defend it. HIe
will doubtless seek of you further information to enable  ws one who gave  estie   to your Navy, a   did
him to cause its imitation by the service of which he is the  was one who gave prestige to your Navy, as did
distinguished head.                                    Jones, and  other illustrious men, who, after
I trust you will furnish him with drafts, if required; and  having been drenched with blood, and left with
I have the honor to be, with thanks for the honor you have  lltilated limbs, are now "crushed out"-I use a
done our national character, your obedient servant,    court
HENRY A. WISE.    court phrase-" crushed out."  Sir, I do not care
To Captain iENRY HENRYa  Untted States ship Plymout    to   crush out" others,but I wish to replace those
harbor of Rio de Jacleiro.                          who have been unjustly deprived of their posi



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tion, and to put them where they ought to stand. dered a nullity by the want of fidelity in the offi
I wish to restore the national honor-to redeem  cers who undertook lcprbceeding in which par
its faith that was plighted to them. I desire to  tiality and selfishness ae' their only recommenda
wipe out what was imperfectly done, or was ren- tions.