Besides, said Mr. G., could it be expected that six or ten frigates could convoy all our vessels? No; not a twentieth part of them. They could, therefore, be of little use, but might be the means of producing the greatest evil to the country.
Mr. Baldwin said, in all their determinations with respect to a naval force, however great the emergency, it has always been determined to build, rather than purchase vessels, and he saw no reason for departing from this mode in the present instance.
After some objections from Mr. W. Smith to the building plan, which he said would take three or four years to furnish the proposed vessels, whereas merchant vessels might be immediately purchased, which would answer the purpose of small frigates, the committee rose, reported the two resolutions, which the House took up and agreed to, and committees were appointed to report upon them by bills or otherwise.
Wednesday, June 7.
Defensive Measures.
ARMING MERCHANT VESSELS.
The 5th, which was in the following words, having been read,
"Resolved, That provision be made, by law, for regulating the arming of merchant vessels of the United States,"
Mr. Swanwick inquired, with what view these vessels were to be provided? Against whom they were to be employed? and in what cases they were to defend themselves? The information which he might receive on these inquiries, he said, would have considerable weight in influencing his vote.