128 



NAVAL ESTABLISHMENT 



VESSELS. 



which should unquestionably be protected and fostered, not only on 

 account of the advantages we have mentioned, but because it will 

 become a source of riches to the new state of Guerrero, whose 

 government will contribute to cement the peace and tend to estab- 

 lish the permanent dominion of good order in that quarter. 



The navy of all countries originates in their commerce, but 

 Mexico, although situated as we have shown most advantageously 

 for trade, has hitherto possessed but few merchantmen and a small 

 marine. The vessels of war owned by the republic, previous to 

 the conflict with the United States, were either sold, or disarmed, 

 dismantled and laid up, when the nation was menaced with an at- 

 tack. It was evident to the Mexican cabinet, that the navy could 

 not cope with ours, and in order to prevent its total loss, the few 

 vessels were voluntarily withdrawn from the sea. The officers, 

 however, were generally employed in land duties during the con- 

 test, and most of them remained in service until the summer of 

 1848, when the most efficient were permanently confirmed in their 

 employments, whilst the rest were allowed to retire on unlimited 

 leave. 



In considering the actual condition of the national trade and 

 treasury, the government did not believe, on the re-establishment 

 of peace, that it would be justified in creating at once an extensive 

 naval establishment, nevertheless it was convinced that the security 

 of the coasts, the protection of its own small trade, and the interest 

 of its maritime custom houses, rendered the creation of a flotilla in- 

 dispensable. With this view the minister of war and marine re- 

 commended in 1849 the naval establishment which is shown in the 

 following table. 



Naval Establishment or Mexico, 1849. 



The actual naval force consists at present of 1 schooner only ; 

 but the secretary of war recommended, in addition, the construc- 

 tion of: 



1 , ( 1 swivel 32 paixhan, and 2 short 12 



1 steamer mounting { , r » 

 & I pounders. 



2 cutters suitable for coast service, capable of passing the shal- 

 low bars of rivers, of 70 or 75 tons, and carrying 1 swivel 18 

 pounder, and one 12 pounder each. 



4 launches of 20 oars, each of which must be capable of carry- 

 ing an 18 pounder. 



