134 Steam Ships, and Steam Navigation. 



of the masts, from the keelson to the main deck, permanently 

 fixed, and the top-masts made to slide down by their side so as 

 to be easily hoisted in case of necessity. But I apprehend that 

 even this precaution, proper enough to be taken, would be en- 

 tirely useless excepting in the case of the breaking down of the 

 main shaft. 



The bursting of a boiler at sea, which by the way I do not see 

 how it is possible to eiFect where Hall's condenser is used, unless 

 by design, is a matter of no consequence as regards the working 

 of the ship, because she would never have less than four boilers, 

 and two would work the engines. The ship has two engines, 

 and a defect in one would weaken but not destroy the power, and 

 therefore would not disable the ship. 



Steam naval ships will be supplied with fuel upon just the 

 same scale as they are supplied with pork. If the commander is 

 weak enough to put to sea with a short supply for the intended 

 voyage, the ship must be put upon a short allowance until she 

 can make a port and lay in a fresh stock. 



I am obliged to you for your questions, and if you can think 

 of any more which seem coupled with objection to steam ships 

 of war, pray let me have them, for the subject is of vast magni- 

 tude ; one which involves the security of states, the freedom of 

 the seas, and the whole system of future maritime warfare, and 

 which will bear the sternest examination. Although an island, 

 as noticed in my last letter assailable at all points, is peculiarly 

 exposed to the assaults of armed steamers, I am not unmindful 

 that a continent may be equally defenceless. The United States 

 of America, stretching round half a continent, with a sea-coast 

 scooped into numberless bays, harbors, and inlets, with a govern- 

 ment bearing rule over a people almost too independent to submit 

 to any, urged on by ambition, vain of their acquirements, and 

 proud of their country, is, nevertheless, slumbering in dangerous 

 security. To such a people, the power of steam as a means of 

 national defence is of incalculable value. But do they perceive 

 it ? or will they continue to slumber on until their cities, towns, 

 and villages, are battered about their ears ? Do they think that 

 the golden images of successful avarice set up in every part of the 

 country, are no temptations to the daring bucaneer ? and do they 

 not perceive, that unless the means of protection correspond with 

 the growth of the thing to be protected, the probability is that all 



