The Enquirer

From the N. Y. national Advocate:

The United States and Macedonian are now in our harbor, & have been examined by hundreds of our citizens, who having enjoyed this pleasure may not want any information as to the comparative size and force of these frigates; but our friends at a distance have, doubtless, some curiosity on this subject, and it may be gratified by the following statement. It is not without regret that we add, England has her friends and devotees among us, who would triumphantly correct the most trifling error we might commit on an occasion like the present.

The frigate United States is one hundred and seventy six feet deck; forty two feet beam: her gun-deck is six feet six inches high; has fifteen port holes on a side, and carries on the gun deck, twenty four pounders.

The frigate Macedonian is one hundred and sixty six feet deck, forty two feet eight inches beam; her gun deck is six feet ten inches high: her birth deck, six feet three inches; has fifteen port holes on a side; and carries on her gun deck eighteen pounders.

From this statement it will be seen that the Macedonian has more beam, and is higher between decks than the U. States; but that the latter is about ten feet longer. To men not acquainted with nautical affairs it would seem that, in this respect, the American frigate had the advantage, whereas the reverse is the fact. From the great length of the United States she will neither wear or stay as well as the Macedonian: or, in other words, she cannot be put about as soon; and so perfectly satisfied are our officers of this fact, that we are authorised in saying, some of the most intelligent of them have recommended, that the forty fours which we are about to build, shall have from six to ten feet less deck, than those now in use have. Thus adopting, in point of size, the model of the Macedonian, as best calculated for effective service.

The next consideration is the weight of metal. It is well known, that the British were formerly in the habit of carrying 24 pounders on board their large frigates;—that the Acasta mounted them, when first built; but that they have abandoned this system, and adopted the 18 pounders, as the most advantageous pieces of ordnance; because handled and managed with so much more ease and facility to the men, and consequently fired oftener; and because, it is generally admitted, that at a distance no shot can be fired with more certainty than an 18 pound ball.

On this point, however, Capt. Carden gave his opinion to Captain Decatur some months previous to the war, at Norfolk—after examining both frigates Capt. Carden preferred his own; and speaking of the weight of metal he remarked 'to Capt. Decatur, that as to 24 pounders on board frigates they had been completely tried in the British navy; that after long practice they had been abandoned in his majesty's service and the 18 pounder adopted; and, sir, added he, when the American officers have had as much experience as we have had, they too will prefer the 18 pounders.' The frigate Macedonian, is only two years old, and we venture to assert, in every respect, is one of the finest frigates that ever floated on the ocean.

Comments on the result of this action, between these two frigates, under such circumstances are useless.