The Virginia Gazette

We hear that a very prudent piece of advice has been lately offered to a certain marine board, and is at present said to be under contemplation.

The above relates to the following question, which it is said was propounded from a very high quarter: Whether it would not be at this time advisable to disperse on the seas small squadrons of ships of war, as hostilities are apprehended to be the intention of certain foreign and potent powers?

And the reasons urged to enforce the propriety, and even necessity, of the measure, are these: That thereby sufficient and speedy protection would be afforded our trading vessels, and at the same time the opportunity of raking or destroying those of our enemies; and in case of war, by the union of some of these detached squadrons, a formidable fleet might soon be collected; and that, above all, the ships complement of men would be inured to service, and made more apt and ready in the working and management of the vessels than they could otherwise, if taken from shore, and immediately sent on a voyage or enterprise, possibly before.