Some Views Connected with the Question of Coast Defence. 75 



August 27, 1814. 



"It is impossible to describe the scene of distress which we have 

 passed through during the last week, after our capital was taken 

 possession of by the enemy, and it was evident that our government 

 was unable to afford us any protection. A deputation from this town 

 consisting of Dr. Muir, Dr. Dirch aud myself, went up with a flag to 

 the commander-in-chief, General Ross, to ascertain what we had to 

 expect in the event of our town (Alexandria, Virginia) falling into 

 their possession. Never shall I forget the awful and melancholy 

 impression made upon my mind upon that memorable day. Just 

 after we had passed the large ropewalk, on our way, we were over- 

 taken by the most tremendous hurricane ever witnessed in this part 

 of the world. The ropewalk was on fire, and the wind blowing 

 directly from it to us, brought fire, cinders and smoke in such a man- 

 ner that our hack was filled with ashes and our horses covered with 

 it. Fire, mingled with the rain, ran along upon the ground for a hun- 

 dred yards !>efore us here. We could scarcely see and the horses scarcely 

 be held. The navy yard in flames upon the right. The capitol in 

 front. The president's house and war office, etc., on our left, and 

 the ropewalk behind us, all in flames, presented a scene which I can 

 only compare to the conflagration of the last day." 



That scene of national disgrace must never be permitted to be 

 re-enacted by foreign foe in America. It can only be prevented by 

 preparation, fortifications and armaments, whose adequacy and per- 

 fection will be best insured by the watchfulness and care of those 

 who are to be protected. It is the duty of every citizen of the United 

 States to aid, support and encourage, as far as may be in his power, 

 the construction and maintenance of our seacoast defences. 



If our country is the most fortunate in its government of any upon 

 earth; the land of Christianity and the school-house; if we are so 

 prosperous a people as to be the only ones to whom a surplus of money 



a source of annoyance, rest assured that the eyes of hungry 

 despotism are upon us, and that if we neglect to construct sufficient 

 defences for our coasts and harbors, sooner or later we shall suffer the 

 consequences of a negligence akin to idiocy. We cannot depend upon 

 the boasted civilization of Europe as a safeguard from aggression, 

 if our own supineness and inefficiency indicate that we may be an 

 easy prey to a warlike power. The Christianity of kings is still too 

 often the outward form that cloaks the politician. Selfishness like 

 that of Charles V, of Philip of Spain, the Duke of Alva, of Tilley 

 and of Wallenstein still pervades the breasts of the ambitious and 

 hinders the march of Christian progress. 



