The Importance of a Federal Navy in the West Indies

There can be no doubt that the continuance of the Union would put it in our power, at a period not very distant, to create a navy. A few ships of the line, sent opportunity to the reinforcement of either side, would often be sufficient to decide the fate of a campaign. By a steady adherence to the Union, we may hope, air long, to become the arbiter of Europe in America. But in the reverse of this eligible situation, we shall discover that the rival ships of the parts would make them checks upon each other. In a state so insignificant our commerce would be preyed to the wanton intermedlings of all nations at war with each other.