The protection of the revenue and the commerce of the country against the pirates that now infest our seas. JULY 18, 1861---Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, July 17, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the resolution of the House of Representatives, requesting the "Secretary of the Treasury to employ immediately a sufficient force to protect our commerce from the pirates that now infest our seas.' The Secretary desires always to perform promptly whatever duty the House of Representaties may see fit to require of him; and he regrets therefore the necessity of observing, in relation to the request expressed in the resolution, that there are no means at his disposal for the accomplishment of the important ends proposed. The vessels belonging to the revenue marine are, for the most part, quite inefficient. The most signal exception is that of the steamer "Harriet Lane;" and this vessel was some time since transferred to and still remains under the control of the Secretary of the Navy. The remaining vessels are not sufficient for the adequate protection of the revenue, much less the protection of our commerce. The Secretary has already recommended to the House, through the proper committee, the increase of the revenue service, which seems to be indispensable for its proper objects; and he will use his best endeavors to employ whatever force may be placed at his disposal, not only for the security of the revenue, but, so far as practicable, for the objects indicated in the resolution. He respectfully submits, however, to the better judgment of the House whether the injunction contained in the resolution can be adequately complied with otherwise than through the Department of the Navy. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Hon. G. A. GROW, S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury. Speaker of the House of Representatives. 1st Session. No. 11. DESTRUCTION OF THE UNITED STATES VESSELS AND OTHER PROPERTY AT NORFOLK, VIRGINIA. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, TRANSMITTING, In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of July 16, 1861, the correspondence relative to the destruction of the United States vessels and other property at the navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia. JULY 23, 1861-Laid upon the table, and ordered to be printed. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 22, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th instant, requesting the Secretary of the Navy to communicate to the House any "information in his possession relative to the destruction of the United States vessels and other property at the navy yard at Norfolk, including copies of orders for the removal of the vessels, and the report of the commandant of the navy yard, and any correspondence relative to the same," and in compliance therewith to transmit the accompanying papers, numbered from 1 to 11, inclusive. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. G. A. GROW, Speaker of the House of Representatives. List of papers. GIDEON WELLES. No. 1, April 10, 1861.-Secretary of the Navy to Commodore McCauley, commandant of the Norfolk navy yard. No. 2, April 12, 1861.-Same to same. No. 3, April 16, 1861.-Commodore McCauley to the Secretary of the Navy. No. 4, April 16, 1861.-Secretary of the Navy to Commodore McCauley. No. 5, April 16, 1861.-Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Pendergrast, commanding home squadron. No. 6, April 17, 1861.-Secretary of the Navy to Commodore McCauley. No. 7, April 12, 1861.-Secretary of the Navy to B. F. Isherwood, engineer-in-chief of the navy. No. 8, April 18, 1861.-Engineer-in-Chief Isherwood to the Secretary of the Navy. No. 9, April 18, 1861.-Secretary of the Navy to Commodore H. Paulding. No. 10, April 24, 1861.-Commodore Paulding to the Secretary of the Navy, with enclosures; also, report of Captain Charles Wilkes to Commodore Paulding. No. 11, April 25, 1861.-Commodore McCauley to the Secretary of the Navy. No. 1. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 10, 1861. SIR: In view of the peculiar condition of the country and of events that have already transpired, it becomes necessary that great vigilance should be exercised in guarding and protecting the public interests and property committed to your charge. It is, therefore, deemed important that the steamer "Merrimack" should be in condition to proceed to Philadelphia or to any other yard, should it be deemed necessary, or in case of danger from unlawful attempts to take possession of her, that she may be placed beyond their reach. Indeed, it is desirable that all the shipping and stores should be attended to, and should you think an additional force necessary, or that other precautions are required, you will immediately apprise the department. In the mean time, exercise your own judgment in discharging the responsibility that rests on you. It is desirable that there should be no steps taken to give needless alarm; but it may be best to order most of the shipping to sea or other stations. Please keep the department advised of the condition of affairs, and of any cause for apprehension, should any exist. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Captain C. S. MCCAULEY, Commandant of Navy Yard, Norfolk, Virginia. No. 2. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 12, 1861. SIR The department desires to have the Merrimack removed from the Norfolk to the Philadelphia navy yard with the utmost despatch. The engineer-in-chief, B. F. Isherwood, has been ordered to report to you for the purpose of expediting the duty, and you will have his suggestions for that end carried promptly into effect. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, Com. CHAS. S. MCCAULEY, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commandant Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Va. No. 3. COMMANDANT'S OFFICE, Navy Yard, Gosport, April 16, 1861. SIR I have the honor to inform the department that the steam frigate "Merrimack" may now be taken and used for temporary service as soon as the necessary equipments can be put on board; all that is required to be done to the hull, for temporary service, will probably be completed by to-morrow evening. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Commandant. No. 4. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 16, 1861. SIR: The events which have transpired since my confidential communication to you of the 10th instant impose additional vigilance and care in protecting the public property under your charge, and placing the vessels and stores, if necessary, beyond jeopardy. Referring to my letter of the 10th, you will continue to carry out the instructions therein contained. The engineer-in-chief, B. F. Isherwood, who was despatched to Norfolk to aid in putting the Merrimack in condition to be moved, reports that she will be able to take her departure on Thursday. It may not be necessary, however, that she should leave at that time, unless there is immediate danger pending. But no time should be lost in getting her armament on board; and you will also place the more valuable public property, ordnance, stores, &c., on |