Daily National Intelligencer

MORE OF THE NAVAL DEPOT

Messrs. Gales & Seaton:

I have read with great pleasure (in your paper of the 4th inst.) the opinions and observations of an OLD SAILOR on this interesting subject. The writer of this communication is also an old man—a Virginian: one, who in his youth, served during the whole of the revolutionary war in the continental army, and has now the good fortune, like the worthy Sailor (but with a shattered constitution) to be laid up, in tolerable quarters, on the western side of the Blue Ridge.

About the latter end of the year 1783, and for some years afterwards, I was employed in the custom house at Norfolk: and it became my duty to be frequently on board of the schooners Patriot, old commodore Barron, and the Liberty, capt. Michael James. With these gentlemen I had many a cruize in those waters: and, when not pressed by duty or imperious circumstances, we often landed on those beautiful shores and points of land with which nature has adorned that section of the country. Now, as far as my memory serves me, and from the comparisons and observations I am still able to make, it appears to me, that Newport News is the most eligible scite for a grand Naval Depot I ever saw. It is situated at the western extremity of Hampton Roads, nearly opposite the mouth of Nansemond river. The point of highland jets into the water from the north, sufficiently far, to form the most safe and commodious harbor against the north eastern tornadoes, so common and so destructive on our shores. This high bluff of land appears to be formed by nature for strong works at little expence. The channel is close in shore. The flourishing towns of Norfolk and Portsmouth are only eighteen miles distant: hence it follows that a ship or squadron may be fitted for sea in the most expeditious manner, as the necessary handicraftsmen, such as carpenters, sail-makers, riggers, caulkers, &c. may be had from those towns in a few hour's time: & after completing a job may return to their usual avocations. This is a very superior advantage, which St. Mary's and York can never enjoy. Riggers, &c. at either of the two last mentioned places, must either become pensioners of government, or run the risk of starvation.

I agree with the Sailor that Commodore Decatur's report merits the preference. But there is still one insuperable objection to it—which is this:—A wind that will carry a ship of the line or squadron from Newport News, or Hampton Roads, directly to the Capes, will most completely embargo any naval force which may be (otherwise ready for sea) lying at Norfolk or Gosport: where said force must remain as long as such wind prevails. In the mean time an enemy of inferior force may depredate with impunity.

Our friend, the Sailor, is certainly well acquainted with the importance of Hampton Roads. Still, I am very incredulous as to the ease with which 10 or 12 acres of land may be made on the tip of the Horse Shoe. Because (amongst other reasons) stone, the principal material necessary, cannot be found in sufficient quantities, on these shores; but must be brought from a considerable distance. Should it ever be attempted, in any way, I venture to predict that it will turn out to be a Herculean task indeed.

The writer of these crude observations has no private views in exposing them to public inspection. He asks for indulgence: loves his country, and, though superannuated in person, is still ambitious to be thought an

OLD SOLDIER.