PERTAINING TO SITUATION IN 1852-1853. 185 



The fishing season around the Magdalen islands, through the 

 Strait of Belleisle, down on the coast of Labrador, commences early 

 in June. The herring fishing commences in George's Bay, New- 

 foundland, as early as April, and continues about a month. After 

 that, the fishing on that coast is only for mackerel and cod; and 

 it is to be remarked, that where mackerel is found, cod is also 

 abundant. These fisheries are carried on in vessels of larger size, 

 but still of easy draught of water; and the vessels intended for 

 their protection should also be of easy draught. 



The coasts of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, the south side of Prince 

 Edward island, Cape Breton, Newfoundland, and Labrador, abound 

 in good harbors, some of them capable of receiving and accommo- 

 dating large navies; but there are numerous harbors to which the 

 fishing vessels principally resort, which will not admit vessels of 

 heavy draught; and where the protected go, the protector should 

 be able to follow. The narrow passages, the strong and irregular 

 currents, and the frequent fogs and thick weather with which the 

 navigator has here to contend, point emphatically to steamers as the 

 best force for this service. 



One steamer of suitable size for the commanding officer, and two 

 or three of smaller size and easier draught, having speed and power, 

 with light armaments, would be sufficient for all the purposes of this 

 station. Coal, at a low price and of suitable quality, could be con- 

 tracted for at Sydney or at Pictou, both within the limits of their 

 station; and the commanding officer having his headquarters at 

 Portland or at Eastport, might control their movements, and make 

 occasional visits to the different fishing grounds himself. 



The establishment of such a squadron would, I know, give great 

 satisfaction to the citizens of the United States all along the coast 

 from Boston to Eastport ; of this we had unequivocal evidence in our 

 reception at every port where we touched. It would afford also an 

 opportunity for the introduction into the navy of numbers of the 

 hardy sons of New England, who, from rarely seeing a vessel of war, 

 have imbibed unfavorable impressions of the public service. An 

 infusion into the lower ratings of persons drawn from such a popula- 

 tion would elevate the character of the service, and enable it to main- 

 tain a discipline founded on good sense, moral rectitude, and 

 patriotism. 



The smaller vessels should be one on the coast of Labrador, about 

 Newfoundland ; one about the Magdalen islands, Cape Breton, and the 

 Strait of Canso; and the other from Pictou, Prince Edward island, 

 and up as far as Gaspe, Lower Canada all to leave the United 

 States by the first of June, and return by the last of September. 



It would not be advisable for any of the vessels to remain in the 

 Gulf of St. Lawrence after the 15th of September : the gales by that 

 time become frequent and severe; sharp frosts commence, and the 

 tops of the Gaspe mountains are generally covered with snow by the 

 first of October. The north side of the Bay Chaleur has been known, 

 I am informed, to be frozen to some extent by the middle of 

 September. 



I should do injustice to the excellent officer in command of the 

 Princeton, Commander Henry Eagle, if I failed to make known to the 

 department the able and cheerful assistance in the execution of my 



