/i 
DEDICATION. 
We have been a commercial people from the very germe of our 
existence ; we must ever remain so ; and it is the dictate of com- 
mon sense to protect this commerce. This can only be done by 
an effective navy. This doctrine was well understood by our an- 
cestors, who, nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, made great 
exertions to raise a naval force forthe purpose of taking Quebec ; 
and in all the subsequent wars up to the time of the siege of 
Louisburg, a half a century afterward, they continued to increase 
it, and it was to them power and fame. The spirit of their fathers 
was then on the wave, and guided them to victory. At this time 
the provincial armed vessels became quite formidable, and caused 
great destruction to the French cpmmerce and fisheries. In the 
war of the revolution our navy crowned itself with glory, in the 
number and character of the battles it fought. At the time of 
our difficulties with France, in the days of her revolution, the 
American navy avenged the insults offered our flag, and gained 
new laurels. The spirited efforts of our navy in destroying the 
Barbary powers, for their piratical conduct to us, as well as to 
other nations, received the highest praise from all the Levant, 
which was, by the exertions of our naval force, freed from plun- 
der and constant agitation. Even the Pope joined his voice to the 
plaudits which rang along the shores of the Mediterranean, for the 
service our naval heroes had rendered the commercial world. In 
the last war, in which our navy was so efficient and successful, 
« 
