p
(
i
V
V
being ninety per cert Th number ff letters cn.
closing sums ol money les. than one du''r, lomat'od
to tlie respective owners, was 18 Nil. cuntim n itn
rjrrf jrato amount ol fotiu2 &6. Ui these, U.llo, coo
tkimi g yaooi i;a, wcie ui-iiveied?
The nu.nui r ol loners oonttiumg capers of raluo
Other than mony, a deeds, bit of rxohanvc,
oratts, c hecks etc , received, regislerod and returned
for rffl very to tiio 01 cm, wi 20,010, and the nimi
nal ra'ucof tuo enclosures therein wa j?7,8it'i.8Ml(;8
Xhe umnlier tit theno loiters delivcrod was 21053,
lclng 15 per cctif.
The Lumber ol letters and packages eontalng pho
togiopbs, daguerreotypes, ai d amolcs of Jewelry,
was t7,M0, of wlnoli 58 572 wero Font ont contain,
inr, 101 tho most pan photographs and daguerreo
type' ), and 42,74a, or 8:1 per cent , delivered.
A lares number ot packages containing miscella
neous aitic'es, for which no owners could be tound,
were so d at public auction, tho proceeds amounting
to 3&48 14.
Ibe Dumber of letters returned, onnipnel, to
ibieign countries daring the year was 193 751 . the
pmount of unpaid pontage on which waa 99879 40.
1 be number reoeived from foreign countries in the
same condition during tho same ponod was 72,41),
and tho amount ot unpaid postage thereon $2039 20.
1 he number of Congressional and ollin'at Papers
returned to the proper departments was 17.800.
Ibe number of letters enclosing soldiers' dfa
Charge, and o;b"r military papers sent to tho Adjutant-General's
office, e'e, was 8918.
Tho number or ordinary letters remallod to the
VhUrs was 1 740,158, being an increase or 583,472
over the number 01 the same character returned the
jear previous. Ol those 1 275,845 were delivered.
'Ihe whole nnmb'-r of letters ot all descriptions
Bent out during tU year was 2 093,444, of which
1,602,224 were dollveied. being 77 per oout.
Ol the number ot ordinary letters sent out for do
Vvery sinci the 1st of July last, from which time, in
accordance with th i la v, they have bien returned
tree,83 per cont. were dolivered, boing an increase
ol 17 per cent over the percentage dolivoiod during
the same period 01 the yeir previous.
About 2 600,000 U.nd letters bave boon destroyed
during the year. Ol these upwards of sixty per
vent, were ordinary business circulars, advertlso
' merits ot lott' ry and (tf fc enterprises, no ices of cor
porate rocielles, and tradesmen's bills; theiemainder
being comuosed of letters not signed, or 10 written
S to be unintelligible
An investigation into the cause of the non
fleliyety of letters coutirins thn statement made in
the last report, that three-fourths of the whole nnm
Jterfaledto reach the panics addressed through
lauits of the writers, and it bas been ascertained
that the proportion of letters tally addressed re
turned from offices where tho free delivery is estab
lished is less than throe per cent. From some of
these offices returns have boon received, in which
not a single letter so addressed appears without a
satisfactory reason tor the non-delivery. From 40
to 60 per cent, ot dead letters are returned from
these ollioes, and it thns appears that a more careful
attention to tho details of address on tbe part ol
writers, together witu a more extensive use of re
quest envelopes, would mat"r!allv promote tho cer
tainty of delivery, and greatly diminish the number
of dead letters.
Postal MoucyOrdfr System.
The number ot money-ordor offices now in opera
tion is 760, being 847 more than at the date ol the
last annual report, and measures have recently been
taken to establish 67 additional offices in the I'aoirlc
States and Territories.
Ibe number ot orders issued during the
year was 243,009, 01 the value of S3 977,259-28
The number paid was
233 124 of thevaluu of. . . . 8 851,839 49
To which is to be added
amount of ordors paid to
purchasers 62, 050-73
3,903,800 22
Exess of Issues ov . r payments.
78.869 08
From the establishme. t of the system on Novom.
tier 1, 18C4, to July 1, 18 a period of eight months,
tho orders is.udd amoui t to 1 800,122 62, and the
ordeis pa d and repaid 1 813,677 08. On com
paring these amounts wit. 'he corresponding trans
actions ot the last fiscal - ar, it appears tnat the
business bas beou almost ti led.
Tbe average amount of eu , i order Issued during
the year was 916-82.
Tbe whole nunuer ot du "'cates was 1(32, of
-which 1124 were issued to rej oe originals lost in
the mails or otherwise, 296 we. . in lieu ot orders
invalidated by age, an J 12 to replace orders illegally
indorsed
Tbe sum of 92 710.685 53, being surplus funds
mocruinc at the smaller offices from the transao ion
ot the money-order business, was transmitted to
UrM-olasa ollices used as depositories, either by
national bank drafts or in registered puckao-e h
mail, the receipts and expenditure lor tbo last
fiscal year, as adjusted and reported ty the Aud tor,
wei e as to Iowa, via. :
lieceipts :
Fees on orders Issued $35,799 0?
T-rem.utn received on exchange 8 08
83 8J3 00
Expenditures :
Commissions to postmaiteis $11 432 49
Clerk hire 14 910 60 ,
Books and stationery 1 224 59
l'remium paid on dratt 25
Miscellaneous, including furni
ture and fixtures 608 41
Remittances lost in the mail 6o3 00
28,604 27
Excess of receipts over expenditures. . 7,133 79
This sum represents the gross amount of
revenue derived lrom tbe transaction of
the money-order business tor the past
year, and if we deduct therefrom tbe
i amount of the deficiency in the recoipts
a compared with tbe expenditures dur
ing the period of eight months ending
Juiv 1, 1866, as stated in tbe last annual
report, viz.; 7 047 97
There ranoalns the sum of. 90-82
as tbe proceeds of the system lrom its commence
ment up to tbe close ot tbe last fiscal year.
A remittance of Mrplus money-order funds,
amounting to 9617, snt in a registered package from
Mutohez, Miss., to St. .Louis, Mo., was lost by the
destruction of the mail steamer City of Memphu, on
the 81t ot May, but m consequence of delay In ob
taining satisfactory evidence that this sum bad been
duly counted, registered, and mailed, and had sub
sequently been totally destroyed, the claim of the
postmaster at Natchez to be credited therewith was
not allowed by this Department, and transmitted to
tbe Auditor in time to be inserted in his report.
Tbe foreign postal service bas grown to suoh mag
nitude that increased care and responsibility fall
upon those having tbe direct charge of it) and I
respectlully ask that authority tie given to appoint a
superintendent of foreign mat's, and an additional
- clerk for that branoti ot the service
1 also recommend that authority be given to ap
. point a superintendent ot tbe opening and distribu
tion o' dead letter
The law regulating the lranking privilege ought,
la mv opinijn. to be amended. I do not think the
Jirinlege should be abolished. I think it a nuoessity
or the different dooartments, as weil as lor Con
gress but great abuses have grown up under it.
To avoid frauds and a misuse of the privilege, I
recommend such a change in the law as to require
tbe written signature ot the pen in exercising the
privilege upon the matter franked; and to relieve
the beads oi department and bureaus of great
labor, that a franking clerk be authorized by law
for each department ot the ttoverninenr, with the
right to ttank a'l mat-cr per atiilng to the depart
ment lor which be is appointed.
Kespc-cUully suXmittod:
ALEXANDER W. R.AMIALL,
l'o.'tmestur-Uoneral.
Ibe 1'ies'dent.
THE NAVAL ARM.
OUR FLAG ON.' DISTANT SEAS.
Jhc Perfection of American Iron-Clads.
HOME RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT
Jtiort or Hon. ;ileon VOIIpn, Secretary
!' l lie ,av
JJatv Departmknt, Iiecember 8, 18ft). Sir: I have
the bonor to present the annual report of the condi
tion and operullons ot this Department and of the
navy during the year. Tha reduction of tbe naval
lorce at hoina aud the eUablthlnuent and reinforce
ment of the squaili-ons abroad, with the repairing
find i lacing In eilMent condition tha vessels and
xnuelin err which had become worn and detective by
lung rid constant linrtf usnte, lutve continued to be
Object ot paramount Importance In the admlulsUa
X on ol nuviil nllnii s since uiy lust annual report,
;' ei-nl Dxlilbit of the Xavy.
The totul number ol vessels In the navy at this time
Is two hundred and event j'-eiubt, armed wltti two
thousand three hundred and Ufty-iine guns. Of tlmne
there his In coiuiiii-lon and on uclive iluiy one liun
Ured and (illeeii veaels, carrying one thousand uud
,"l'"eytoloV!nB8'irenerl exhibit elves In dolnll a
alalen eat of Hie clmructeraud condition ol the nitvul
,,,,ce: " - .Vim.-,,-. ,,.
Veeis In Miundron service. ... ;,( ti-'l
Vtfs-l-l-i in. i'tin.i. hervice I' tts
?nE -?-AlLY WWG TELEGRAPH. rniLADELPIIT , TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, I86G.
Vi'W'ii tin sei vice ftt home slntlons, In
c ikIiiib recc -IvIhl' uliipi, Niivftl Aeu-
deinv, nnvy yard duty, it-e
Tt'inl miiulH-r ol veisels in couiims- -stfin
Iron-ciiiil vi-hsi-In IhmI imi
1 n.n-eliii vessels nt ( o i l I - I p. 1 ,
Me tin vessels nut compleinil
Snlllng vessels not compleleil (old Una-ot-lmllle
snips
A oodi-ii vessels laid up, repuliliiK, llt
llii(j lor ceu. and lor hftle
2 '2
10J1
117
40
719
'i'etul nlnnhr-r of vessels rm.1 arnns.. . srs
2.1M
The totnl iminlier of Seninen In tho nuviil and cuuat
service la uboul lu.iniineii.
I The Mqiinli-oii.
In the spring nfisfi.-,, meunres were taken, while ro-dui-liiK
our iihviiI lorce ami distmniling nor Idnckiiding
diets, to re-establish our lorelgn siiinrtroiis, wliicli
hud In-. -n n-eallu 1 In tlie spring nl I I . r..r Imir yenrs
our cniiiiiierciiil Inleiutl Imil neoessnrily I)0.m'i left
lilini.st wilhiinl oilier prole, lion llinn sucli hs could 1)1
rendered by n few Isoln'ed erulers, wlm-li reiiresonteil
us et remote points. Hut the displny ol the ling of the
t nlnn In fi'i eign ports mid on distant sens, even lit
long Intervals, by a roving iiinii-ot-w nr, whs an admo
nition ol the naval power ol t lie itepuliliu.wliicli, tliougli
en jdoyeil for ihe lime in aiding in suppress ilomeilic
dllllrultli s, It whs well iiiid.-rsl.Hid would tin prompt
and eflluient in vindiciUinu the rights uud luieresta of
our rniintryinen.
lit fore tlie i lose of the venr In w hleh Hie Rebellion
was suppressed, our foreign squadrons w ere re-esl iili
lislied, mid the ndiulriils in ( oinmiwid on llieir respi.'i;
tlve stut lo ns. 'I'hese siiuiKhons lmvo liuen from lime to
time augmented, anil, wltn a dogree of activity and
energy never before exhibited, luive, by one or more
of their vessels, during tho year vlsltoil nearly every
principal noi t of the world. Tlie. vlows of tlie Depart
ment eiiiining nctivlty, and the exhibition of the Hug
ol our iiiiv v wherever our commerce penetrated, have
been faithfully observed, and the reappearance of our
men-of-war has been welcomed, not only by oureoun
trvmeii.bnt by the people of every nation which they
liuvo visited.
Eiiropenu Siinilron.
The restrictions Imposed upon American nrmeel
hhips during tho Kebellion by the Kieitt iii.u iliino
powers of Miiithei u Kuropi) virtually excluded our
naval vessels from the pons of tho-.e countries. When
ll ar-.Hilinlral (loldsborongli received bis orders,
these restrictions liad not been removed, and avoid
ing lor the time the pons and countries lrom which
our meii-ol-wur had been excluded, he established his
liead-nuarlers at Lisbon.
'J his siinil ron. which Is still commanded by Ttar
AdoiirKl lioldbboiough, Is composed of the followiug
vessels:
Gam. ' Oui.
Colorado, flag-ship 4H Canandalgun 0
'l lconderoga II I'rollc 6
AiiKiistu in Miunlououiiiu 4
hwutarn 10 Uuard 3
(Shamrock 10 lno 3
The limits ot this squadron embrace the Mediter
ranean, the western coast ot Ktirope, and Africa us
lar south as hi. Paul do Loundo. Ureat activity has
been exhibited by most of the vessels, some or which
have visited the principal porta oftheltallio and
Mediterranean, as well as those on the Atlantic Ex
cept when Important public Interests or some una
voidable circumstance bus rendered their presence In
port Indispensable, the ships have been almost con
otan'ly cruising. In pursuance of Ihe system of active
operations adopted by the Department when re-establishing
the foreign squadrons, lengthy auchorugus
and cruising collectively have been uvoided.
These naval representatives ot our own country
were warmly welcomed by the di Herein nationalities,
end more extended commercial and friendly inter
course was invited. The appearance ol' our uaval ves
sels gave conlldeuce wherever they went, and en
couragement to the Immense emigration which, like
an irresistible current, Uowg with Increasing volume
westward, especially from northern I'.urope.
On Ihe decks of one or more ot the vessels of this
squadron the sovereigns, or some representatives of
the reigning lamilies, and the people, of most of the
imirltlme powers ot Kurope have, during the year, re
ceived ana Interchanged courtesies with our oilicers.
All expressed their gratlllcation with the reappear
ance ot our Hag lu their walurs, and extended their
congratulations on the return of peace and the resto
ration ol the Union.
When the usual tranquility of any of those countries
bas been disturbed by wars and revolutions, the
appearance of our flag has imparted security to our
citizens there located. Iu the early part of the year
Ihe disturbed condition of t-puln. and during the sum
mer the war between Austria and Prussia and Italy,
excited lively Interest. An ample Torce during these
perloos was maintained on the Spanish coast, aud the
Uernian ports were visited. When agitiuions and re
volutions ceased in one quarter, uud peace was re
stored In the other, the uctive movements of the
squudron were resumed.
The Ticomlrrotia passed the Dardanelles and went
up to the capital of Turkey on the 7th of (September,
'i he anchoring of a man-of-war of bor dimensions In
the liospliorus, before the palace of the Sultan, had
not been permitted to the naval vessels of auy other
power since tlie treaty of ISM. The officers wera re
ceived by tbe Hulian and people In the most cordial
manner, and tbe vessel was visited by the Grand
Vizier, his Minister of Foreign Affairs and others of
bis Cabinet, and by the members of the diplomatic
corps at Constantinople. On her arrival at Tripoli on
the 18th of October she was received with marked
ronrtw 1,1a Itljtlnioo lrl IwU U. m
cluls 111 the place. Our Consul there reports that the
visit had a most happy eff-ot, none of our men-of-war
having visited the place for several years.
The shores of Greece, the 8yrlan coast, the Barbary
States and the settlements on the northwest coast of
A frica acces!-lile to our sbips-ot-wur, have received
due attention, and friendly relations have been culti
vated in all those quarters.
The large emigration to onr shores from Germany
and Northern Kurope reudered it important that
special attention should be directed lo that quarter.
Karly in the spring the Department had made pre
parations lo seud out Hie tmreted Iron clad MianUm
mah, accompanied by the steamer Auyutta, to Join the
Ku ropes ii squadron. Before these vessels were ready
to sad. Congress passed the resolution approved .May
Pith, lsoo, greeting the Emperor, and congratulating
the people of Kussia on the escape of His Imperial
Majesty from assassination. A request that tlie Presi
dent should forward a copy ot this resolution to
the Kmperor. followed by the authorized ap
pointment of nn additional Asslstaut Secretary
ot the Navy for six months, led to the designation
of Assistunt Secretary O. V. l-'ox to bear to his Imperial
Majesty the resolution of Congress. Jle was author
ized to take paHsage in the JUumtononuih, which ves
sel, with her companion, the Aitfiiirt. w ai directed,
before reporting to Keur-Admlral Ooldsborough, to
proceed lo Cronstadt, to carry out the purpose ol Con-giei-s.
In compliance with these ordors, those vosiels
have visited the Baltic, ond have also entered the
principal ports from Cronstadt to Lisbon, Including
the cnpltttls or Sweden and Denmark.
The reception ol this force wherever it has appeared,
and especially In Kussia. where all classes were im
pressed with the friendly sympathy evinced by our
Government toward the Emperor and people, was ot
a most Haltering character. Tlie Assistant Secretary
and the oilicers of the navy were welcomed with les
tiviiips snd extrordlnurv courtesy uud attention for a
succession of duvs, not only at St. Petersburg but at.
Moscow, mid throughout the empire, and wunu friend
ship wns everywhere manifested for onr country uud
(?rcat courtesy lias been shown the squadron In tbe
ions of those countries from which our men-of-war
md for several years been excluded, aud every faci
lity has been extended lit their dock-yards and else
where for the accommodation uud repairs of uny of
our vessels.
Contagious disease has prevailed at many places,
which our vessels could not visit unless required to do
so by absolute necessity.
In order that the activity and service of this and all
our squadrons mav bo known mid appreciated, an
enumeration ol the ports wliieh they have respectively
visited Is given.
During the year the flag of the navy has be m shown
at Uueenslowu, Kingston, Hellust, Liverpool, Swan
sea, l-'almuuth, l'oit.snioiilb, Southampton, Plymouth,
Hieernihs, Sptthead, t'hutliam, uud other points in
Great llrlluin; Marseilles. Toulon, Jlrest,. Cherbourg,
I.'orienl, ltochclort, I.oiinonl hour Jlordeuux, aud
Ylllu l-'i unca, In 1- ranee; JSarccloua, Muluga, Larlha
gonn. Corunnii, Valencia, Clbraltur. Torragona, Cadiz,
l'ei-iol, Port Million, Vigo aud other ports in Spiln;
l.l.-bon and Oporto in lorlugal; Messina, Pulermo,
and Syracuse, In Sicily; Naples, Hpezla. Leghorn,
and Civitu Vecclila, in lluty: Miiu, Athens, and
I'lneus, In Greece; Constantinople aud the islands of
Cundiu and Cyprus, lu the Turkish dominions; Syria,
Bey roul, Trieste, Venice, Alexandria, Tripoli, Tunis,
Algiers, Tangieis, Antwerp, klol. Hamburg, Flushing,
Nleuwe-Dlep, sierra Leone, Monriivla, tlie Cape tie
Yerd Islands, the Canaries, the Azores, Porto Pi-.tya,
St. lugo, the ports on the Klbiymd Weser, In Gei-iimuy,
uud many others of lesser uoto. m
Asiatic Squatlroii.
The Asiatic Squadron embraces tlie eastern oust of
Atrka and Asia, and tlie Islands which stud tho seas
and ocean eastward of the Cape of Good Hope. The
squadron is commanded by Ki-ui-Adiiilrul 11. H. Hell,
who reached Jiutaviu. within Ihe limits of his com
mand, on the '.Mill ol December, IWB. The voxels of
the squudron are:
(7in. Cliins.
Hartford, Hag-ship..... i' Shenandoah
Witcliui-elt liij Wyoming 7
Monooiiey U):8upply
Ashuelot luiKollef. . 3
All the open ports ol China, Including some which
no American mau-of-wiir had ever entered, have
been visited by the vessels of this squadron. Heir
Atliniiul Hell in April proceeded to ('union, where he
had a friendly reception uud an ugreeahlo interview
Willi Ihe Governor-General oftheOuantiing provinces.
The disposition manifested toward our cuuntry and
countrymen was of ft gralilylng character. Unlike
the great maritime nations of Europe: llieCnineiO
Government and people guve no euio-irugeiiient or
recognition lo tlie rube is id uieir war upuii mu iii.uii.
Ainericiiu residents In Hint lar distant quarter of the
globe have not been interfered with lu tholr leal
pursuits, or molested by the natives, save in a simile
Instance. The exception was that of the United
Sliues Consul at New Chwaiig, who was assaulted by
a ptuiy of dissolute characters. The tWintntn-tt was
despatched lu June to that port for the purpose or so
curing Ihe arrest ami piinlshnunt ot the parlies who
were ennagod in the outruae. Ly tho considerate, yet
deteiinined course of Cimujniiniler TownsHiid, llio
trial ot eight of I horn was scoured uud convl.dioii fol
lowed. Thouinlb, und chief Instigator, whom the
nut horllles seemed powerless to arrest, wus seued by
I oiiiiuuiider Townuend and delivered over tor trial.
While walling the decision of the courts in the case
of these outlaws. Commander Townsend. at the re
quvht of the Chinese otiHlnm authorities, availed hliu
sell nf the occasion to survey Hie bur at the mouth of
the Man river. The channel was ascertained uud
buoyed for Ihe beiieut of tho commerce of the world.
't'lie lucreuse or 'renewal ol piracy In Ihe Chinese
wuters bus rendered the Institution of decisive bod
vigorous measures for its arrest n necessity, ftear
Admirul Loll bus rteen till I v mntu.riv. il to si-t. in coii
teil wlililne i.aval coiniiuinii,.i of oilier e.nl inns on
Unit staUwu.ln the bupp: psnif..i t.l pi!ii'.ui o .rt la
iois, I
Tho Pinn.Il number of onr vessels In thoss waters as
riuupHi-ed with Ibe English and l' Tsneli fleets -Bi well
i s the fl':" ol our ships, has not iiilm.'"-eil of enlarged
and complete i'rrniu:eim)n's for puisuhrg the laivles
deoiedal'-is, who seek slielter among tbe Mioiilcd nnil
mi si iiuric oe wateis. A class of smiiller vessels will
scon reinforce this squadron. In the meiintim s, Il;ir
Ann.lrnl Lell Is giving tils earnest eff irts to this sr.-at
i b i el, nnd the fi rce under 1,1s command Is nn'l 'r
i ret is lo pursue wivh vigor nnd destroy all idr.iuoiil
vessels, und deliver the cantureil Ireebjoturs to the au
tlioilth s in tbe nearest consular ports.
Luring the summer, Iteur-Ailmlral It ll has visited
tin-(-overnl open ports ol Japan In his Hag-ship, the
lli rfinnl. taking with him onpor more ol the o.her
vessels ol his squadron. lie passed through tho
t-tinils ol Simonosakl mid the inland sea, when no
Aineilcan man-ol-war bad been since lsifci. There
were apprehensions tlnit he might meet Willi
some opposition in that quarter in consequence
of Hie rebellious Hltttiidq of the Prince or Nugotn
towards the Government of the Tycoon nnd
the cAl-tence of war between them. He met w ith
nope, however, ami Ihe pass igo was made quietly,
w Ithi. lit holding conimunlculloii w ith tho citizens of
Hie disaffected province, In accordance with his detnr
II I m ii t li ii announced to the Governor of Nagasaki
belore departing from that port. This pass Is an Im
poi taut one to Hie commerce of the Unlied states, and
Hie UNSiigo of our vessels through It. during a season
nfliostllity, Indicates thai there Is u disposition on tho
pnitofthn people of Japan to reciprocate thn kind
feelinpn w liich w e entertain towurds them aud to ru
spei t uur flag.
Tho nianifclatlnns of tho Japanese towards
Americans luive been more friendly than lo anv
other nation. While Europeans were excluded
lrom Intercourse with thiju, they entered In in
1 1 ful ton with the 1'nlted (states and opened
their ports to our trade. It Is Important In every point
of view that these amicable relations should be culti
vated and sustained, ami that there should be no ag.
gross i vn act on our part to Interrupt or disturb them.
In the not distant fuiure II w ill be of Importance to
Hits country to secure the commerce of Japan, a'ld we
should not permit ourselves to become complicated in
ihecontrnverFilfs of other powers with this peculiar
pe pie. Such Is the policy of this Department.
Tho Shnuiniltuih on her way lo the Asiatic coast
visited n'ahy points, nti'-r leaving Ihe Cape of iinu t
Iloie,iinli'cqtic!iied by vessels of the Hulled status
Navy. 'I he Intercourse between the ottleers nnd the
authorities 111 all instniiccs was mutually pleas int.
While at Tnmainy, in the Island ot Madagascar, (' ip
tain Cioldshorongb, In company with tho United
states Consul and a large number of ollleers of the
,V iimirlnnh, made on ollicial visit to the Governor of
tin province, by whom, surrounded by his counsel
lors, he was received in the council chamber. Tlie
t-ovei nor expressed his grnl Ideation and pleasure in
sceoig nn American vessel-oT-war for the first time In
a iort of Madagascar, and offered any assistance in
his power which the Vessel might require. The treat
ment received frum the uulivos was most kind and
hospitable.
Proceeding up the Arabian sea, the .SVnnii'foai an
chored in the cove of Muscat on the 13th ol Septembor
last, where she remained until the 18th. Immedi
ately on the arrival ol tho vessel, an olllcer came on
board with the compliments of the Iman, toextend
w elcome to the port, to offer the facillilc or the place,
and to express the desire of bis Highness to e xchange
the customary courtesies. A salute of twenty-one
guns was tired by tlie Mrnanrtimh, aud promptly re
turned. Tbo commanding olllcer and others ot the
vessel called on the Iman, who, surrounded by Ilia
Governor of the Province, the Councillors of state,
and several military officers, received them In a dig
nified manner. The I man was particular In bis In
quiries us to Hie health of tbe President and the peo
ple ot the United States, with whom he hoped to tie
always on terms of peace. There are no American
residents at thli place, but our commerce, which we
desire to encourage and extond to every sea . wai not
alwent lrom this distant quarter, there being two ves
sels at the time belonging to our countrymen waiting
cargoes lu Hie cove of Muscat,
In May last the head-quarters of the squadron were
removed from Macon and re-established at Hong
Kong, which Is considered the most convenient and
best adapted locality tor that purpose.
The following ports, onionj others, have been visited
by the vessels of Hear-Admiral Hell's command:
Macao, Swatow, Amoy, Eoo-Chow, Ningpo, Shang
hai, hampoa. Canton, New Chwang, Choe-Foo,
Tang-Chow and Taskee, in China: the ports of Japan:
Manilla. In the Philippine Islands; Ambong, in ii ir
neo, ond Batavla. On her way out the Stienni'lnni
touched at Euyal. Funchal, Santa Cruz, Porto Grande
Porlo Praya, Simonstnwn, Mauritius, Tamatav, In
Madagascar: Mahe, one ot tbe Seychelles group;
Muscat, In Arabia; Bombay, Ceylon, Calcutta, Pe
naug und Singapore.
North Atlantic SnjnftUroii.
During the greater part or the year the service re
quired of the Navy on the North Atlantic coast and in
the West Indies has been divided between three
squadrons, but on the 1st or November last the Atlan
tic const aud West India squadrons were consolidated,
and thereafter designated the North Atlantic squad
ron, Ihe combined forces being commanded by Hear
Adml .,1 Puliner. The vessels are as follows:
Gim. Ourw,
Ilhodo Island iflag ship)..l-2! Monongahela M ..
iseeolu lo ; 1 le Soto 9
Saoo 12, Rienvllle B
M,in2w.::::::::r::vvf3 XWtfffiaugi...:.......;...;.... S
Aguwaui 10 1 Florida ....a
I.enapee 10 Daffodil 1
V hlckopee lol
Until the union ot the West India and Atlantic coast
squadrons, the former was under tbe command of
lu in-Admiral Palmer, and the latter under Com.
Joseph Lnnman. The vessels or these suiiadrons,
besides guarding the coast, have visited the following
points outside the United States: Havana, 8t. Jago
de Cuba, Matanzas, Bah I a Honda Cave, Cardenas,
end the principal cays und islands on the north side
ot t uba; the Anguilla group, the Cayman Islands,
Deiiuiida, SU Thomas, Port an Prince and Cape ilay
tleu, in Hayli: St. Domingo city: St. John's and Mava
gnez. lu Porto IUeo: Kingston and Port Royal, In Ja
maica; Santa Cruz, St. Christopher, Nevis, Antigua
and St. Bartholomew's, or the Leeward Islands; ll.tr
bndoes, Trinidad, Martinique, Tobago, St, Lucia and
St. Vincent, of tbe Windward Islands; Demarara, in
British Guiana; La Guayra and Porto Cabello, In
Venezuela: Curacoa and the Island of Nevazit. Some
ot these points have seldom or never been visited by
on American man-of-war. There has always been a
vessel at Aspinwall, prepared to give assistance and
protection to the immense numbers or our country
men. and the vast wealth crossing the Isthmus. A
portion of thesquadrom has been on the northeastern
coust, and visited llalilux, St. John's, Pictou, the
Msgdulen group, Prince Edward's Island and other
points.
Itevolutlonnry movements and civil disturbances
hi llaytl and St. Domingo, which threatened to place
In Jeopardy Ihe lives nnd property of American resi
dents, or made them apprehensive of d mirer, hitvo
culled lor visitations of our navnl vessels and the ex
hibition of the flug at frequent intervals in those quar
ters. There bus, however, b-jen no occasion for In
terference, tor the rights ot our countrymen bave
been respected.
Bear-Admiral Palmer, In April last, was ordered
from the West Indies with a portion ol his command
Id the northern limits of his station In consoquenco of
np rehensioiis then prevalent In regard to tue condi
tion and treatment of our fishermen on the oastorn
coast. But tbe liberal nnd conciliatory policy of the
J imll:di Government dissipated all npprehendol
dllliculties, and the questions were early in
such train or adjustment that no necessity
arose requlr'ng the presence of u naval force
on the fishing banks; other threatening ques
tions were also quietly disposed of. During Hie sum
mer, Admiral Palmer visited Halifax In the steamer
J.'lKHle Jalimil, Bed the irfrioo.-i. in June nnd July,
niitde a cruise among the lishing fleets in the Gulf or
St. Lawrence. OurclJzens engaged In the fisheries
were found pursuing their avocation quietly, and good
feeling between them and their neighbors, pre
vailed. The Intercourse between the oilicers of our
service and the author!! les at the British ports visited
was most friendly, and the former were the recipients
of gratifying attentions.
The vessels on the West India station were In
structed to exercise vigilance lu detecting slavers and
preventing the slave trade provided any linjering re
mains of that nefarious traffic still existed. But no
captures have been Hindu, und It is lo be hoped tills iu
fniiioiij truue is cxti ii aiusueu, - -
Mou ill Atlantic Sqmulroii.
The South Atlantic squadron, which embraces the
southeastern const of South America, and the west
roust of Africa from the Cape ot Good Hope to Saint
Paul de Loando. Is commanded, as ut the date ot the
ln-t annual report, by Keur-Adiuiral Godoii. The ves
sels arc the
fntnu.' Gunt.
Brookly n'llag ship 21 Nipslo s
Juniata 1 ij.Sliaw mat .........il
Shumokiu mIu Wasp ......3
Kansas Ouwurd .)
Tbe vessels of this s. mad roil have, durlnu Biu year.
Visited Itio de Janeiro, Bahia, St. Catherine's, Ceara,
MaiHiihaui, Pernumbtico uud Santos, In Brazil:
liuenos Ayres uud ltosarlo, in tlie Argentine Repub
lic: Montevideo, Colonlu und Posandre,. two hundred
miles up the Uruguay river. In Uruguay: Coucepcloit,
lu Paraguay: St. Paul de Louudo, Benguelu, Little
und Great Elsh Bays, and other points on tho coast of
Allien, the l-'ulUlund Islands and St. Helena.
'the duties of this command httvo been faith
fully und promptly perlormed, without any
extiuordlnory Incident to record. The re-establishment
of the squadron In that quarter has
hi en productive of friendly and bcnetlclul Intercourse
between tho officers and seamen ef our service and
tin so of other powers in whose waters our vessels
hnve appeared. JCiude Janeiro has been selected KS
the head-quarters ot the squadron, and at, St. Paul tie
Louudo, which Is now embraced within Its limits, a
Joint depot of stores and supplies for tueSoutb At
lantic and 1 uropeun squadrons has been estaolished.
It is believed that so fur us the former squadron, par
ticularly, u concerned, the arrangement will he pro
ductive of economy, and thiki advantage Is follow
I r oui embracing a put Hon of the soulliwest cu:st of
A fi ll u and the east c.iuj.1 ot South America In one
squadron. The saving of fuel one oi the most cosily
unifies on our foreign stations is a subject worthy of
tlie closest attention, aud Is oue of Ibe objects which
the department hud In view In tlx lug Hie present
limits ol the squadrons. A vessel taking its departure
friiiu some polnto.i the i-ouiheitst coast of South Ame
rica ca H run belore Hie w ind over to the African coust,
follow that coast under sleam lo the depot at St. 1'uul,
uiidllivii In Wo tho trade winds buck to the cousiof
lU-B.il I.
The Jimliild arrived ut lllo on Ihe tilth ol September,
having made it successlul cruise to Hie southwest
coast of Africa. The Information obtained by her gone
far to confirm the impressions that Hie ina ntenaiics
of a permanent soon. Iron on the Alricun coust will no
longer be required. But one slaver hud been tilted
out eu the southern const of Africa within (bo past
veer, mid she hud been captured on the coust ol Cuba
with her ciugo. It was the opinion of prominent oill
i uls at l.oando. iin-lildiiit; the l-'rencli utliulral on that
union. Hint thvMtuvp trade hud ex-,, red mid that llils
i-iui i,y civ .l,.u."ii iioit ih- imq ti 'sit., a mat ter or
I, she
In n"lgnlne to Mm Kuroiionn and Snulli A ilnnt.e-
F'liiiidrons the duties heretofore performed hv what
v hs known and miilntnined bh the Alrican sq'iB'tron.
Hint distinct on-Biiizattoii lias been dispensed with,
und the seiylcs Is more economically perlorui"il.
'1 be prevailing wnr between the" allied powers ot
I ru.ll, Uruguay, and Hie Argentine ltepiihlic and Pa
runout has rendered It advisable to keep one or nmro
yctels In the vicinity of the i.a I'lalle. The II ig-shlp
Imn been mi st of the lime In Hint locality, und Am-H-iii
citizens and intero-ts have received dun care nnd
n:li ntlou, old and encouragement being always ner
ut Lund uud ready to be extended In their bhalr.
In April hist Rear-Admiral God in uscende l 11:8
t rnguHV river as far as Pa-iandrc, some two UuudrcJ
inl.es above Montevideo,
orlh I'nHfto Niinnriron.
1 he extensive limits or Hie Pacific Squadron, and
the important nnd i-apldljr Increasing Americm Inter-e-ds
on Die western coast ol this continent, which re
oillre lo be protected, rendered a division ol the naval
force advlsenblo. By this division the North P.tcilic
sqradron was made lo embrace the coast ot North
America and the Sandwich Islands, ond was place I
under the command of Itear-Admlral Thatcher, tins
officer hoisted his ling at San Francisco on tlie lilli
liny of August, lww. The following vessels have beeu
allotted to this squadron:
"ton.! fitmn,
Vanderbllt, flag-ship l.v Jamestown ri
l'ensocola 21; Lackawanna 0
Suranac (temporarily).. Is Mohican 8
Snwaneei li Hes,ica M 8
Mohongn 10. Saginaw, 4
'1 he J'intiicola. Mohican and Kmum have not yet
reached their ilesllnaiions, and the .Vo;ii,iw. under au
thority or an act of Congress, Is aiding the Western
Union Telegraph Company In laying a tolegraphlo
cable on the northwestern coast.
The vessels of the squadron hove visited the
Sandwich Islands, the ports or Central America,
l'nget sound, and Acupiileo, Guavmas, M-i-znHun,
San Bias and La Pax. In Mexico, Ar.
nil times one or more vessels have been at San
I'rmicisco. and also at I'anume, ready lor any emor
g, ncv, ni d theie has oeen almost constantly a vessel
Hi or in Hie vicinity ol Acapulco. Hie most Impnrtaut
I olnt to our Interests on the wsjt coast of Mexico.
In the hitler part of September a conveyance to
Honolulu In Hip I'mi.fal.n wiw tendered to and bc
cepted by ijneen I nims. and tbe vessel sailed lrom
San l'rancleo on the l;u h of October on that service.
A more thorough exploration ot the Paclllo Venn,
with n view of correcting the charts and thereby les
piniiig Ihe dangers to navigators. Is Important, and
our cruising vessels are expected to render themselves
uselul in ocean surveying service. Under the special
direction of the Bureau ot Navigation, which is In
trusted with the details or such work, much valuable
inimical Intormallon may be obtained hv competent
mid elllclent ollleers, who. with the means furnished
to each vessel, will be able to correct some existing
errors and establish with approximate correctness Hie
g.-ngnuphlcal position and actual extent of many of
the daucers which are now Imperfectly stated. Tlie
cruising vessels of this squadron, when not on special
service. Instead of avoiding these reported but doubt
ful and Ill-defined dangers, will make It their duty to
ascertain, by actual observation and search, the exact
facts In regard to them, and report lull particulars to
the Department.
Noiith Pacific Sqnnilron,
The South Pacific Squadron extends from Panama
to Cope Horn, und includes within Its limits Austiollu.
'I his fcquadron is under command ot Rear-Admiral
Peal-sou, who, until tlie division or the squadron, had
charge of the entire force in the Paclilc Ocean. He is
to be relieved by Rear-Admiral Duulgren, who sailed
from New York ou the 1st Instant. The Vossels com
posing the squad ro u are the following;
Wunj. Oiom.
Powhatan (flag-ship)..... 22 Dacota. 7
Tuscarora lu Farallones 6
Wateree 10 Fredouia 4
Nyuck 8;
The J.anrattrr, recently attached to this squadron,
is on her return to the United State. Die following
j. onus bave been visited during tho vear: Valpa
raiso, Callao, and the commercial ports between
those points; the Clilncha Islands, Payla, Uuayaquil,
Panama nnd the Straits of Magellan.
Events transpiring on tho coast of Tortl nnd Chill
have rendered the presence of the greater part of the
Pacific squadron necessary In that vicinity. In the
absence oi Rear-Admiral Pearson, on a cruise to the
Sandwich Islands, war was declared and entered into
between these powers andSpain. Information of this
fact was despatched to Rear-Admtral Pearson, with
orders to proceed wltnout loss ot time to Peru and
Chili. These did not reach him until his return to
San Francisco. With as little delay as possible he
proceeded to execute the orders he received, but he
lore be arrived at Valparaiso the Spanish fleet bad
bombarded the city, Inflicting great damage.
In anticipation of active hostilities between Spain
and the Southern Republics, whereby American In
terests, and especially the shipping Interest ut the
hincha Islands, might be put In Jeopardy, the De
partment had iBken, the preceding autumn, mea
sures lor reinforcing our squadron in the Pacific by
sending thither a special force, consisting ot thetur
reted iron-clad 31tattnock VamlTbilt. ltcarora and
J'ovliatnn, under the command or Commodore John
Rodgers. This officer reached Valparlso previous to
the bombardment or that city, and apprehending the
views or the Department, remained on that station
IjicliF-Alfmlral PeiTr'soST"! appearance of so dis
tinguished a commander, with a formidable squad ron,
on the eve of so Important an occasion and In tho
nosence of Itear-Admlral Pearson, was opportune and
fortunate.
The course pursued by Commodore Rodgers In pro
tecting American interests, and in ob-erving and pre
serving neutrality In the harbor, met with ap
proval. Wbutever may have been bis opinions
or feelings as regards the course which the
Spanish admiral thought proper to pursue, ' he
was not required to Interpose his force against
or tor either party. As ttiQurmed representative of
this Government, which was on friendly terms with
each of the belligerents, It became his duty, even while
endeavoring to mitigate the harsh severities of war, to
maintain a strict neutrality. His friendly offices in
tlie cause ot humanity were manifested so long as they
could be effective: but the officers or other neutral
powers hovlng declined to unite in any decided steps
to protectthe city, no alternative remained for him to
pursue, consistently with the position of this Govern
ment towards the pnrtles. than that which be adopted.
Alter the bombardment of Valparaiso, which took
placeon tqeSlstof March, the Spanish fleet retired
lrom before thut city and proceeded to Callao. Itear
Admlral Pearson, who reached Valparaiso on the 17th
ot April, ulto proceeded to Callao, nnd was present
(lorimr the attack on tbe defenses of that Dorton the
2d day of May. No occasion wos presented for hltn to
depart from the neutral position which hud been tnken,
and which has been strictly observed throughout the
coutest, towurds these bolllgereuts.
On If Stiiiatlrotr.
Aflalrs of public policy required thot an organized
squadron should be continued in the Gulf of Mexico.
Commodore John A. Winslow was selected for that
command, and entered upon his duties on the 7th day
of May, ltloti. The vessels of this squadron consist of:
irt'TIS. ir,,,ra
3 Chociira tf
......Ifl.Talionia 4
lo Yucca. 2
20 Glasgow it
8 Charlotte
Estrclla f (lug-ship).
Mahaska
q'tilliipoosa
Potomac
Paul Jones..
The vessels I. live Patrolled the Gulf of Mexico, and
repeatedly visited all the ports on our coast lrom Key
West to the Rio Grande; o-lso. Havana, Matttnzas and
Cardenaa.on the north side of Cuba, and the waters
of the Rio Grande and Tamplco, in Mexico.
On repeated occasions during tlie year one or more
vessels of this squudron have been sent to Tamplco.
Apprehensions were at times entertained by Ameri
can residents in that city as to their entire security
und safety. The reports of the commanding officers
to whom the service was-assigned Indicate t but neither
American citizens nor American Interests have suf
fered violence from either or the contending parties.
During the spring and slimmer, reports were circu
lated of the Intentions ot lawless partlos to seize
colored persons on the southern coasts ot the Gulf
States and carry them Into sluvery. the nel rhborlng
Island of Cuba being their alleged destination. Such
contemplated violations of our laws and Hie rights ot
liutiinnltv were sufficient of themselves to arou-e the
vigilunceof the Gulf and coast squadrons, each ol
which bud lis iittcntioncalled to tbe subject aud was at
all times vigilant lo detect such schemes, If they
exl-tod, and to Intercept those who should
venture to engage In them. Jud'cious inquiry and
anxious wutchuig have fulled to bring to light any at
tempt to corrv on this detestable traffic. Precaution
wiiS taken, bv despatching a vessel for the especial
purpose, to warn our consular representatives at the
neighboring ports ot Cuba of suspected movements of
Ibe kind referred to. and from on expression of opinion
obtained from t hose oilicers and others after diligent
liniulrv, it Is dltllcoltr lo believe that, even If an expe
dition ol thut character were suecessrul in departing
from our shores, It would be permitted lo laud or be
ricaived into Cuba.
Kpccial Service.
Besides the vessels nttuched to the several squadrons,
a number ure on speciul service. The Su'io . tho ap
prentice ship of the navy: tlie tUiuurhimrtl; Mniwhu
and .Vcicomi, which are used In conveying supplies
mails, and officers and seamen to und i from Mm
tqiuidrons on the- ooastt the l'urveyur. which lias re
cently relurucd from St. Paul de uoaudo, where she
landed a ciugool stores for the Europeau and South
Atlantic squadrons; the Von nnd Ainihif.n. used
for towing und other service between tlie yurds and
stations: the sanuiunUn, on a special cruise and under
Miechil i instructions to the coast of China uud Japan,
lo idling at vaeloiui localities ill the route lor tbe
purpose of her misalou, and the Mu-hiuan, employed
"vm i(rhns her bead-quarter at New London,
witli her field lor rrnfcltig extending lrom the coast of
Maine lo the Capes ot Hie Delaware.
Tlie Mickivim. as soou as the Ice permitted the re
sumption of navigation, early In May, whs about pro
ceeding on u cruise through the lukes, wheudiaturu
anceson the frontier assumed such proportions us to
require the eo-operation ot that vessel will the mil -tai'v
end civil authorities to preserve In rood tuitb
the neutrality laws. The M j-,ifmi was engaged In
this duty from early in May uniil June delaying
lu-r annual cruise to the upper lukes. V hu the armed
lon e which Invaded Canada wos deleateil, the fugi
tives, driv.ii lrom their positions by the lorce
directed ucaaist them, were about seven hundred
ol i hem, captured In H-'ir retreat by tho Jfcri,i.iM on
the ailot June. In Niugura river, otr Lower llUck
l. ni..,. u,An .ctttln4.il and orovlsluncd on board
the fliirhiiia'n until the Bib, when they were turned
over to li t civil authorities. On the intli of June Cap
.. ... n...,o,. .. ... ..iind hv the military commander
oVuie district that the co-pperallou pi
was no longer required at thai point, the difficulties
;..r.i..r ....nn n ma front or having terminated.
SU.i-tlv ultttrwarda the 3icnjj,i made a circuit or the
tipper hikes, visiting Cleveland. Detroit. Mackinaw,
cr'-en Uay. Milwaukee, Raoine, Grand llaveu, aud
returning to Krle and Buffalo. ... T
II e sicam frigate N1..r,e -in'iMO. !ommodors Jamej
Alden. is on spw-lal service, having been fcrdored to
idnvey our minister to the Mexican repulule and l,inl
twisut Cencrnl Sherman lq Vera Cm., or vtctt pout
as ioibl be i-equlrodl
MonmliiocU" nnd "Mlnnlonom h.' I
Tbo lui rr-tcd or monitor class or vet'els were never I
rins i-ned I,.- ii, - i, . . f
l , i" t. , " i" ' meiii, nir i-niiiiTin inrFwpi.
"til I' r Harbor defense nod opera' Ions upon onr coast,
jn 11 ao ncot for which they wero Intended, these ves
sels nr.- as formidable and cllicienl as was a nl impaled,
nnd will furnish security lo uny port, and be alilu to
dispcise, r destroy nuy blockading Heel which inn
appear In onr waters. The peculiar formation ol our
eos d is n llsell a protection against the heavy and
loriiifdnhlo Iron-cliuls of Immense tonnage and deep
diaught which F.uioiwao constructors have devised
hi cause, except hi a few points, It will hedliliciili fr
liiem lo iippioach within ennuon-shot ol our slioro-i,
and there Is but n single port which they can enter
lioin Ihe Capes or Ihe ( besapeuke to I he Rio Grand".
Bui, w Idle in Ihe estimation or onr best naval ollleers
onr monitor class or vessels ar more than a maicli
for Hie monstrous and expensive iron-clad structures
ol l.urope. I hey are ot such draught that they can
enter all of our principal harbors, and are, there
for", peculiarly adapted to our ooa.it defense.
Tlie Impression sought to be created that
these vessels could not venture outside the
harbors where they were constructed, or at all
events, that Ibev could not proceed on a distint
Voyage, has been dispelled hv the cruise of the
Miivn-lnnek. which, after navigating Hie Atlantto and
Pacific, reached San Francisco In safety. The Miant't
iionoi,, another monitor of the same tvpe as the M
nmliHirk; crossed the Atlantic, passed up the B ilticto
CronslAiIt. and bos visited many or the principal
pons of Kurope. 'i'hese vessels have. In those two
voy lures, disposed in a treat degree or the niisreiire
senlittlons and prelndlces which had been created,
and proved Ihe nbilltvof Hie t arreted vessels to per
form long voyages, when required.
ill eat credit Is due to Commodore John Rodgors and
the ollleers and crew who were charged with Ilia
hiber, responsibility and risk of vindicating the navi
gating power and rapiibilily o! these American navnl
vessels. To Lieutenant Commander Francis M.
Buiice, who volunteered to navigate Hie ,Vni.bio.-fc
to San Frnncieco, and performed that duty, which
iiuii.y deemed hazardous, and not a few denounced as
mi Impossibility, honor, and praise and promotion are
line for persevering and successful dailng. Servlca
sucli as bis cannot be otherwise than appreciated and
rewarded bv the country.
Hear Admiral Goldsboronsrh. In a despatch dated
tbe 7lb of November. Issi, says:" The pilot who went
lrom Cherbourg to Brest with the veisels, a man of
large experience, told me that he never in his lile saw
0 vessel behave better tb&u the Jlftnnnonuilt, and for
his port, ns lar as safety was concerned, he would be
willing to go round the world In her. N ice Admiral
i'opoffofthe Russian navy, who took passage in the
Jfiitntmmmnh from Hamburg to Cherbourg, also told
me I bat he wns particularly struck with her good sea
qualities lu the midst ofa heavy blow and sea encoun
tered Just niter leaving the Kibe, aud that If be was
iu toy place he would prefer being on board of her to
to M e ( Yiloratlo. Indeod he spoke in the highest terms
with regard to her merits on the occasion."
Naval Depot for Iron Clailst,
Tn consequence of the fellure ot the Senate to act on
tho bill which passed the House of Representatives,
for the acceptance of League Island lor naval pur
poses, the Government remains without a dopot or
Htm ton for our Iron and armored naval vessels. Most
01 them have been permitted to remain In the back
channel at League Island, wnere they were placed
uller the c ose ol the war, as the best and most avail
able location for their security and preservation. It
Is desirable thai the bill lor tbo acceptance of League
Island, which has beon unfortunately delayed In lis
passage through the senate, should receive the early
action ofthnt body, that the necessary appropriation
may be made for deepening the channel, preparing
suitable docks, and making other necessary arrange
ments, at an early period, for the proper care and
protection of the large number nf costly vessels whicli
are there In a precarious condition, and from which
tbev are llableat any time to be warned away by the
proprietors ol the adjacent shores,
The vessels lying in the back channel are there on
sufferance. Being of Iron, it Is essential that Ibev
should he laid up in fresh water, and in consequence
of the omlppion of Congress lo provide any suitable
Place, the Department selected this location as by far
Hie' most eligible in tbe country for that purpose.
They are there, however, under many disadvantages,
for no preparations or Improvements for them have
been made, nor Is tbe Department authorized to make
any, for the safe keeping, protection and preserva
tion of vessels which have cost the Government seve-
ral millions. Deterioration and permanent Injury
must be tbe consequence of this delay, and, notwith
standing every precaution has been taken. It is but
reasonable to expect that they have already beeu
damaged to some ex leu t from their exposed coudilluu.
. Enlargement of Navy Tards.
Tlie purchase of Seavey's Island, adjacent to the
Navy Yard at Klttery, authorized by the act or April
17, IMM, has been consummated, unci thut Uluud now
constitutes a port of the Klttory Navy Yard. This
acquisition enlarges tbe heretofore, restricted limits at
but station, and will obviate some or the difficulties
which have been experienced In cousequenoe or in
sufficient room for tbe shops, sheds aud storehouses
which are wanted to store materials. The annual
loss at this aud other yards by the deterioration ot
materials unavoidably exposed lo the weather, or
stored, with much luconvaulenco, in temporary sheds,
has been very great. Tbe want ot sites Siii60'
IliSyiiftfrW Tor aQ&ugnouenadTi7ouar story to the pre
sent buildings.
operations at most of the yards have been much
embarrassed fur want ot room, but at no one has
there beeu so much difficulty and Inconvenience from
this cause as tit Philadelphia. Until the introduction
of steam the Philadelphia Yard was of secondary im
portance, on account of Us Interior location, which
rendered Ingress nnd egress to vessels propelled ex
clusively by Halls difficult and dilatory. But tho revo
lution wrought by steam the manufacture of iron
vessels, and engines, and armature the advantage ot
an Interior location which whs formerly an objection
the facility with which Iron and coul can be obtained
on the Delaware, and the necessity that our Iron uud
armored vessels should be laid up in fresh water, will
make the navy establishment on the Delaware river
Important beyond any other in the country. It is
impossible, however, to carry on the operations which
ere essential at thlscentral point within the limits of
the present yard, which bas scarcely one-sixth of the
areu of any other, almost all being too restricted. Nor
cun the present yard, which Is wlihln the thickly
populated purt of Philadelphia, bo enlarged except at a
cost which precludes the idea of its accomplishment
Another locution must be obtained. Ten times the
water front, and twenty times the area of the present
Philadelphia Yard ure wanted for the naval estab
lishment on the Delaware. There is no doubt that the
pi esc nl yard will be abandoned, nud the sooner an
other locution Is secured, with ample room for the
necessary works, to which ttie present establishment
t un he transferred, the better will It be tor the service
und the country. Should the Sonata confirm the luw
w hich was pussed by the House at the last session,
incepting League Tslund for naval purposes, ample
ground und wuter front will be obliuued,
Peiibioiia.
On the first of November last the navy pension roll
was lis follows:
P,a7 invalids, with annual ponslons amount
ing to 4 V7S,(jJ7-OS
2n3 widowsandorpbans, annually receiving.. 1:12,1112 00
:i,J persons receiving a totnl amount of f-JVu.TOTD
! his nmoiint will he somewhat Increased by Virtue ot
the provisions of tbeucts of June 0 and July 20. Wyi.
Expenses nnil Estimates,
The available resources of the depart
ment for the nscai year enaing June wi,
1S.. were H42.-id.oi9-4n
l xpendltures..... 4.i,:k4,.'W-4J
Leaving nbalnnee nt the commencement
of the present fiscal year of. ,
007, 392-98
The appropriations lor the current year
amount 10
Mnkincr the 'total available resources for
lS.97f,667Tt)
the fiscal year ending June W. 1HU7. 117, till. (V.0-IS
Ah several ot the bureaus will have unexpended ap
propriations, which will be ample tor some time to
tome, they have made no estimates for the fiscal year
end ng June 30, 1H6S.
The following amounts are asked for:
Pny of ollleers and men of the navy 10,320,250-00
l ay lor laoor ami superiiiieuueucw 111 uuvy
yurds
Borintles 10 discharged seamen
Navigation, Naval Academy, Observa
tory, Ac
Maj.a.ines
Sen eons' necessaries aud hospitals
Contingent expenses
Support of Uuriue Corps ......
7,0711,102-00
500,1 WOO
6I2.ITO-15
KO.OOO-Oll
I.Wt.51'1-00
ljiy&oeo-iN)
.... l.aro.ziz'ui
Total '. tilSiW,4.i6-m
The large unexpected balance lu the Treasury at
the close of the last fiscal .year is embraced in ap
propriations under more than one hundred dif
ferent heads. Many of these are-continuous, have
boon made for years, their expenditures wilt
be protracted: though -years to come, and, though
assisting to make una large balance, can be dispensed
Willi. Tnere are large amounts, however, under
Ibe- beads of "construction," "steam engineering,"
'ordnance,' "provisions and clothing" and "liial."
which can with propriety revert to the Treasury. No
appropriations under these beads were made fur tho
current year, and for the ensuing year none are asked,
lu the course ot time the appropriations would bo ex
hausted, but It Is not believed to be in accordance with
sound public policy In time of peace to coutlnu tuch
iai f o uiuounts at the disposal of the Department.
Liberal appropriations tor the naval servixie were
nuule during tlie existence of the war, but Hie funds
of the Department were always carefully aud
economically expended. This tact Is attested by the
iiunieemis claims of contractors for relief now belore
Congress; and tbe result is, that the ltepartment Is
aide to complete all tlie vessels and eiiglae contracted
lor before the close of tb war, and detdgnale uppro
uriiitiniis 10 iheamount or about fifty millions ot dol
lni that can be rxl'iutuohed lo the T reaoury, or mivy
hei il.ei wise disposed or by Congress.
Ii has heretofore been deomed essential to correo
ndb.imst ration that there should beauuual estimate
tor proposed expenditures, und specitio appropriation
llitl'elor alter exuminatlou by Congress, and this De
pac ment has no desire to evade this, auuual soruiiuy.
The nn realist.
Tlie reports of tho several clilers ot bureaus, and of
tht Colonel Commandant of tbe Marine Corps nro ap
pe ded, and are referred to tor full information of the
opi rations ot their several depurttnout. A brief ab
straotunly cnu bore be given. ' ,.
Tlie chief of the Bureau ot Yards nad Docks gives In
deji 11 a statement or the repairs and Improvement
t the navy yaids, the preaont condition of the work-.
mid 111s views 01 luture w slits. 1 1. expenditures r ,,.
pel . j'uient improvements were necessarily ur,Ri
dm dig the last four years, and now that tbe w jr u
ciesed, it is thought to be sound policy to t miuly
many of tbe wants, and correct the ti(;ctH -hicfi f
sist jot war lis developed. The Pnrlsmo-jth yart
has been axteudMl by lbs purchase of sohv yi Hfund
aud firrsht'ftiiienls have been made, siibjor t only to a
(sriiul of pirisdieHoii by tho New Y(ir, Legislature
iui (vtepdlng the Hiool.l'" ysid by jn, , -,,r ui h,
Into it properly known ns Hie Tttipgles Hale. Tun
means lor executing w,-g t n, piiiindflpbla yard
are very ni l.id rt in , ,-,.. ..:,
? L o'"1 '' ""." Inrve muintltip ol work bave
."L "e I'nvate esiaiiiishmenls which conld
pmv 1? Vi ',',J'"n,,", " economically and per
eeilv In Hie ovv yard had tbo fui liittes exlnled. It
Is also recommended Mint the Washington vard I
m"1"1 i.'y 'l!e, bbrchase ol addition properly"
fourteen beneficiaries have been admitted to Ilia
Naval Asylum during the year, nine have died and
one has been sent lo the Insme Asvlum. Tntl num
ber on the rolls, Including oilicers and attendants. 17
expenses, KAllMras.
The Bureau of Navigation has under lis Immediate
supervision Ihe Naval Academy, Naval OhsnrvS lory,
llydrogrnphlo Ollire, Nautical Almanac, aoo lh
School lor Naval A pprentices, nnd a survev ol oiaera
llons In ench ol these departments Is given tt Ihe
report of ihe Chief of the Purpart. The so'ilmTt of
the local deviation or compasses, arising from tdw a se
01 large quantifies of Iron in the construction or v s-seis-oi-WBr,
is occupying Hie attention or the Hiirem
ami tue results of some Important ofiservati.ins wit I
soon bp mode public. To collect daU for this purprms
Js especially sMit to San Frnnclso . In ttVt
p.i ,.m II ''"""''"i-. A HynroeraphlcOHioo has hoe
, '"'is cltv, under authority or an act of
tr ,friTV'''1 Rl "" ,,v,l session. It will be the cen
nn , iiJuPh!. 1, "? w,""h charts, salllnn d I rent Inns an
buVifor lh rs-v,.e'rr,,iwill'fi',,,p- T"n "lld
.,i?; T t nl Aodniy authorised bv Oonirriws
Spin V., i,wCT"!!P"c'"' '"r Improvements bav
been completed. The Superintendent of Ihe Naval
Observatory reports that there has been added to thi
Ins riiments or that Institution a great Ua , it circle
which restores the observatory to the rank of nt-'
class Institution, and will Inriroly extend Its sphere tot
usefulness. The result thus far or the naval appren
tice system has not. In the opinion ot theohlal ot trier
Bureau, disnppoin led the expectations oi Its most sau
guliip advocates.
I he chief of the Rurenti ofoftlnanre reports the
sale, during the past year- of unservlccotile cannon
and surplus powder to the amount of IS7.s'i4, Other
ordnance material whicli the close of the war has lea
on bond, and is not needed lor tho present or Prospec
tive wants or the squadrons, will be ;d Is posed of, ll
states that the most satisfactory results have been
attained with guns cast either solid or hollow, and
nothing bas transpired abroad, In the effort
to pi educe a steel or steel and wrought Iron
better than ours, to I ml nop a fear that
cast-iron ordnance will be surpassed In nnv essential
of endurance, either ns smooth-born or rides.- In gun
carriage a decided Improvement has been made In
the substitution of iron lor the cumbersome wood
ones so long In use. and a carriage has recently been
designed upon which 11 tifteen-lneh gun can be safely
handled In nny weather In which au action may ba
fought nt sea.
The ChlPt of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruit
ing report that seven rumored and thirty-one tons of
hemp, of a value or 2!if,4S(i, have been used at tbo -Government
ropewnlk at Churlestown. A board has
been organized to examine and lest the comparative
strength or wire and hemp rope, with a view to li
more general Introduction Into the navy, should the
report be favorable. It Is believed that by the use
ol wire Instead or hemp rope, a vessel or the Wahntlt,
class will be relieved ot over tour tons' weight ulolt,
and that there will be a large saving In the original
cost, as well ns Increased durability iu the rigging nf a
vessel. The coal contracts for the current veararn
for 40,000 tons delivered at Philadelphia, at V;-6I per
ton, and 12.0C0 tons dellvored at New Vook, at tJDt
per ton. But little coal bas been sent abroad during
the year. Kspeolal attention Is Invited to tbe sugges
tions relative to the enlistment of seamen, both for
the naval and merchant service.
ThereHrtol the Chief of the Bureau of Construc
tion and Repair is chiefly occupied with the prospec
tive wants or his department. To place the Govern
ment dock yards In such a condition as tbe experience
of the past few years has shown to be necessary for
elllclent service will require the erection o a number
01 new buildings. The views of the Chief or the Bureau
are detailed wltn some minuteness, and should com
mand attention. During the war it became necessary to
build many vessels of unseasoned limber, but such
vessels are ot short durability, and true economy will
be consulted by laying In for future use a large supply,
particularly ot oak and yellow pine timber. Special
appropriations for a tew years for this purpose am
recommended. During the year the force In the navy
yards hns been principally engaged In placing in effi
cient Icondltlon the vessels which had been almost
constantly employed during the war, and but littln -progress
baa been made upon the bulla ot the new
vessels. The Chief of the Rurenn or Steam Engineering re
ports that no new work has been undertaken during
the year In his department. All the new work under
construction was commenced before the close or thn
war. ai.d a number or engines are now completed, tor
which the vessels have not been commenced. This
win betaken off the contractors' hands and stored.
The machinery for the Idttho and Alnonquin, designed
by E. N. Dickerson, has proved a rail ure In each case,
and been rejected. As the navy is almost wholly a
steam navy. It Is suggested that increased facilities b
afforded tor the construction and repair of steam
machinery In our navv yards, and to this end esti- -mates,
amonntlng to about one million and a half of
dollars, aresubmltted. The Chief of the Bureau sug
gests that In view or the Importance of the K"'r.?
1'r,, 1 1- n n u. ...4 - . . ... v , uuicPfs So on Id be
ncreased; also, that the age qualification far oadol en
gineers he extended to twenty-one years.
The Chief of the Bureau or Provisions and Clothing:
calls attention to the very great evils of the present
svsiem of supplying a sailor with his outfit. Tim
market rate lor tbe various articles he Is compelled to
purchase la now so high that, when a sailor has re
ceived bis advance in money, and drawn bis clothing
and small stores, he finds a dobt of about a hundred '
dollars standing against him, which he cannot expect -to
work out, after leaving a half-pav allotment for hla
family. In less than a year. The Chief of the Bureau '
recommends the erection of an additional storehouse,
nt a cost ot lluO.ooo. upon the new purchase at Brook- -lyn,
known as the " Huggles property,'
TheCbiefot the Bureau ol Medicine and Surgery
calls attention to the necessity for Increased hospital
accommodations at the Naval Academy, Annapolis. -.
and suggests that a sufficient sum be appropriated-to- -purchase
a proper site, and to erect a hospital com
mensurate with tbe necessities or the institution He
represents the hospital now In use as wholly insulU
cieut for tbe present number connected with the aca
demy. He also urges an appropriation or $i5e,nea
additional to the amount already appropriated to build -a
hospital at Hare Island, to answer the growing ne
eessltiesof that distant station, lie represents that: tha
budding In which the naval laboratory is curried on is .
small, and so inconvenient as to seriously embarrass,
its operations; that the machinery, apparatus, man 11-.
Picturing department, store-rooms, packi ig and dis
pensing rooms, are all crowded In one small build--
lug. He submits an estimate of tso.onh lor additional '
laboratory accommodations. Interesting table. con 3
m eted with the casualties of the navy during the
Rebellion, and showing its sanifury condition,, are -given.
The number of persons wounded during, this
period was 4U'u, ot which 82iG were lrom gunpowder? ,
4."ii were scalded In battle, and 3D drowned In bat
tle. The casualties Incident to service in the navy,
not connected with battle during the same tln
were r70. The aggregate number of deaths .In .the
nuvy from casualties of all kinds during the Iteliaihfca
was 2:172. as follows: From gunshot iractures.4i5; frof , q
gunshot flesh wounds, I.108: from incideutul cajuaUi 4
b;tf: died in Rebel prison-pens, trt.
The d touei commandant or ine aiarine corps
ports that ut his annual inspection he -founev m
order, and discipline sufficiently marked .to rust
credit apon both .oilicers and men. One-hoU nt
re-
od
ect
1 tha
upon
strength of the corps Is attached to vessels 1
loreign service; ine remaiuuer ! euiiiuyeu iik. . uarti.
lug the nary yards and naval magazines, ami h,,
.... . ,..t ,.. V .l.,,l.. ol,lln TU-n HHt.ir ?el"
umuuvicu It, ,11V WUWW V, D, . v. u..
experienced in getting a sufficient numlivr
cruits, and a better ciuss than formerly. 't'
mandant of the corps recommends thut new
be erected lu Washington to displace thuM
sent occupied, which were reeled iu lsu.i,.u,uJ -
. ulty i
of re
te com
arracks 1 at pre
besides. being dilapidated and net adapted to UI
health
una comiort 01 1110 men, ure cuiiaiiivxr , whollv
inadequate for the wuuts of the. se .. e " Ufa
BIHll rVUUUI lllt,liuei nil,, vtv no. tOWIirdS
securing a convenient site for marine ba-rrar :k, , Nor.
folk, where there are 110 suitable oucotuiix ,u,.ions ir
the inariues. Attention is ouUed to the-f ,h"t al
though the corp . k a uiilitary ornanilio- u niimberinir
some thirty-six hundred men. Its .coutui , mutant holds
but the commission of a Colonel, S:p ,,r(,,, M
felt that the grude of Brlgnirlf r-Oenerlr Bll"Uj bacon
ferred upon the highest officer In a nosy wi,ose num.
" f er and service would Seoul to Justiiy 'n, portioulurly
at a lime when ua mauy army uusuf ar8 aooored
M,l,l, Mint iiAuilinil. .
1 have In this reiHirt presented tM Ui ana glfttaa for
the liilorniullop of Congress, the l:lt Mnl oonditlou of
onr naval force at home, where. I lS proparatiou lor
HMcloiicy Is still pjeceeding. J hotigli on a pro
perly reduced scale, and- It, r arrangements and
operations abroad, where, oAr JWinir in tlie track
of our expanding oomiueruM, it Pe. faiiuriil
watch over our uullonal iitere . , um honor I have
added to this description aucjw' gesiions as I deemed
most worthy of fuvjiable iMuitg, ratlou, looking, with
a due ntwervnnce ol ecououtif to further iuiprove
inantot its organfa-atiou.. w j cuni which succeeds
the great tempest- throjg! which our country has
passed, gives m the cfttU ,yi opportuully. while
stutiiiK the movwmeuts ot 0r naVui foico In distant
seas, lo suspeiidrfor thl-Jf Br the five times resumed
nurruiiveof its might Bp jw-th and ever memorubl
iichtevemenlSv Ytlu.QliK dug this report I again ex
hort the Government! f ,nd tho country to realise,
promptly nna-prnclieally' that the mulnieiiaooe of our
nuvy In un aniililudn power udoquaie to uny emor
gvney, is iiitlmxitely bi nded with our hopes of lasting
peace, with the aii!H 'niutlon of our vast oommerciul
eiileii.rise nnd proi .-rlt-, aud, above ajl, with that
grand niia'imposlHO;'llBvai reuown whicli-lius come lu
our nge to be nianiw -stiy ma surest and the cheapest,
dulciMieof-a, greai utlou. G1DKON WKr.I.lis,
Secretary of the Navy.
.rGAL NOTICES.
TK THE. V'OTJBT OK COMMON PLEAS FOR
X. THIS ' fy AMD COTJNTV OF PHILADELPHIA.
Iu Uhs ai'atter 01 the peti'loo- tor the- sle of real
tstate Us-'.he tie' man LutUerau Cont resation
Ihe u-V.enegned. appoint i-by the StWd c art to lvr
and rer ;rt upon the claims f nersoM holt log lots la
1 lif war y lug ground of the above cong rogation, situata
rn Vijf east Hile of Cbht. street, between Bae aud
viii streets in the cltv of Philadelphia, hereby hi
tec ,rdanee with the ortlwr of Court of hoveuib ir It,
jU gives notice to all parties holders ot lots, or Inte
f jsted therein, to ap tear before bku at his ot!lea,i4os
433 Walnut Btreet.lu said city, on TrtUKf-Oaif. tha
tUirteci.th da' ot December, A. D. lHiifi, at I o'cloak .
1-. M . then and there present their several claim.
1 bis notice Is given for the purpose ot enabling Bet
tor, having relation burled In said ground, of having -rights
ot burial grouted to them by sa d corporation to
p.-i a.'ut their obleetiuu 10 tuo sole of tba gioaail anil
reuiovsl of the ilosd. -s-J
IliBTit' THOMAS WORaftt. rxantoer
TfTsON 1 0 J'UISL rCATIONS. -II K A.1) 'JU AU -1
1 tent for masonic, IjiijIvh, t M'JNS A (:). Kq,
i ll r:ltr?s,NI,)T HffW-t I0U nM
tffWsttaTwislilliliifcl WWihwpr it