Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

Senate of the United States.

February 26, 1806.

Mr. Mitchell, from the committee appointed on the subject, submitted to the consideration of the Senate, a report on those parts of the memorials from the merchants of New-York, and the chamber of commerce in New-Haven, which relate to providing a further naval armament for the public defence.

In addition to the strong reasons urged in those two memorials, the committee refer to the President's message of the 3d day of December last, informing Congress that considerable provision had been made under former authorities, of materials for constructing ships of war, that these were on hand, and subject to the will of the legislature; and to two communications from the secretary of the navy, dated December 16th, and 21st, 1805, giving information that large supplies of timber, cannon, copper and other valuable materials for that object, had been already bought and paid for.

Calculating the moderate appropriation which will be required to augment to a very respectable degree the naval force of the nation; contemplating the insults and depredations, committed by foreigners near our coasts, and at the very mouths of our most frequented harbours; and estimating the protection and security to the territory of the nation, and to the persons and property of its citizens, by an enlargement of the means of maritime defence, the committee recommend an adoption of the following resolution, viz

That it is expedient to make provision by law, for the appropriation of any balance which may remain unexpended of the Mediterranean fund, to the purpose of building ships of the line, under the direction of the President of the U. States, agreeably to the provisions of the act of February 25th, 1799.