scale. Though exposed thus to its intensity, he experienced no indisposition afterwards. The analogy of potteries, forges, glass-houses, kitchens, and other places where labourers are habitually exposed to high heats, is familiar to persons of business and of reflection. In all such occupations, the men, by proper relays, perform their services perfectly well.
The government, however, well understand, that the hold of the present vessel could be rendered cooler by other apertures for the admission of air, and that in building another steam frigate, the comfort of the firemen might be provided for, as in the ordinary steam-boats.
The commissioners congratulate the government and the nation on the event of this noble project. Honourable alike to its author and its patrons, it constitutes an era in warfare and the arts. The arrival of peace, indeed, has disappointed the expectations of conducting her to battle. That last and conclusive act, of showing her superiority in combat, it has not been in the power of the commissioners to make.
If a continuance of tranquillity should be our lot, and this steam vessel of war be not required for the public defence, the nation may rejoice that the fact we have ascertained is of incalculably greater value than the expenditure, and that if the present structure should perish, we have the information never to perish, how, on a future emergency, another may be built. The requisite variations will be dictated by circumstances.
Owing to the cessation of hostilities, it has been deemed inexpedient to finish and equip her as for immediate and active employ. In a few weeks every thing that is incomplete could receive the proper adjustment.
After so much has been done, and with such encouraging results, it becomes the commissioners to recommend that the steam frigate be officered and manned for discipline and practice. A discreet commander, with a selected crew, could acquire experience in the mode of navigating this peculiar vessel. The supplies of fuel, the tending of the fire, the replenishing of the expended water, the management of the mechanism, the heating of shot, the exercise of the guns, and various other matters, can only become familiar by use. It is highly important that a portion of seamen and marines should be versed in the order and economy of the steam frigate. They will augment, diffuse, and perpetuate knowledge. When, in process of time, another war shall call for more structures of this kind, men, regularly trained to her tactics, may be despatched to the several stations where they may be wanted. If, on any such disposition, the government should desire a good and faithful agent, the commissioners recommend Captain Obed Smith to notice, as a person who has ably performed the duties of in- spector from the beginning to the end of the concern.
Annexed to the report, you will find, Sir, several statements explanatory of the subject. A separate report of our colleague, the Honourable Oliver Wolcott, whose removal from New York precluded him from attending to the latter part of the business with his accustomed zeal and fidelity, is herewith presented. A drawing of her form and appearance, by Mr Morgan, as being likely to give satisfaction to the department, is also subjoined, as are likewise an inventory of her furniture and effects, and an account of the timber and metals consolidated in her fabric.
It is hoped these communications will evince the pains taken by the commissioners to execute the honourable and responsible trust reposed in them by the government.
- Saml. L. Mitchell.
- Thomas Morris.
- Henry Rutgers.
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ON SITTING BELOW THE SALT.
MR EDITOR,
It is very pleasing to observe with what care the most popular writers of this age are obliged to guard against introducing any circumstances, even in their works, of a nature entirely fictitious, which do not harmonize with the manners of the period wherein the scene of their story is laid. The example of such authors as Scott, Southey, and Byron, who display so much erudition even in the most trifling matters of costume, must soon put an end to the rage for historical poems and romances from the pens of such half-informed writers as Miss Porter, Miss Holford, and the like. The novels
