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Editorial
October 14, 1811
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial critiques Washington's early war error of exposing troops to British naval support and argues against America building a large navy, favoring privateers to disrupt British trade, defensive gunboats, land victories to economically weaken Britain, and expelling them from Canada.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
A NAVY
It was the only or principal blunder imputed by military men to the great Washington in the early part of the American war, that he exposed his men in situations where the British fleet could co-operate with the British army, and bring its force to bear upon the Americans. If this was an error in Washington, what folly are they guilty of who advise America to take to the water, man a great navy, and fight the British fleets ?!!! Common sense tells us indeed, to harass the commerce of Britain by fleet-sailing privateers, manned by enterprising and expert crews. Light vessels for offence and repelling constructed floating batteries and gun boats for defence seem to be our best resort. On the land, and there only, can Britain be vanquished. Shut out her commerce, break up her monopoly, curtail her revenue, and her fleets cannot be long supported. Crown all, by driving her from Canada.—ib.
It was the only or principal blunder imputed by military men to the great Washington in the early part of the American war, that he exposed his men in situations where the British fleet could co-operate with the British army, and bring its force to bear upon the Americans. If this was an error in Washington, what folly are they guilty of who advise America to take to the water, man a great navy, and fight the British fleets ?!!! Common sense tells us indeed, to harass the commerce of Britain by fleet-sailing privateers, manned by enterprising and expert crews. Light vessels for offence and repelling constructed floating batteries and gun boats for defence seem to be our best resort. On the land, and there only, can Britain be vanquished. Shut out her commerce, break up her monopoly, curtail her revenue, and her fleets cannot be long supported. Crown all, by driving her from Canada.—ib.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Affairs
War Or Peace
Trade Or Commerce
What keywords are associated?
Navy
Privateers
Gunboats
British Commerce
Land Warfare
Washington
Canada
What entities or persons were involved?
Washington
British Fleet
British Army
America
Britain
Canada
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Critique Of Building A Large Navy In The American War
Stance / Tone
Opposition To Great Navy, Advocacy For Privateers, Gunboats, And Land Victory
Key Figures
Washington
British Fleet
British Army
America
Britain
Canada
Key Arguments
Washington's Blunder In Exposing Men To British Fleet Cooperation
Folly To Man A Great Navy Against British Fleets
Harass British Commerce With Privateers
Use Light Vessels, Floating Batteries, And Gunboats For Offense And Defense
Britain Can Only Be Vanquished On Land
Shut Out British Commerce, Break Monopoly, Curtail Revenue To Weaken Fleets
Drive Britain From Canada