upon
the vessels at present belonging to it, to the
purchase of new vessels should their active em-
ployment be required[.] A navy well fitted
and appointed is useful[.] That which is
not
possessed of these requirements must be worse
than useless, particularly to a nation not
abun-
dant of means[.]
I beg leave here to state that
I am in daily expectation of the receipt of
intelligence, that the vessels are abandoned for
want of means to maintain a crew on board.
I
have the honor etc.
(signed)
G.W. Hill
Secretary
of War and Marine
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