He issues all orders and instructions relating to the professional duties of the officers of the medical staff; and calls for and receives, such reports, and returns from them, as may be requisite for the performance of his several duties.

He receives from the medical directors of armies, districts, and departments, confidential reports relative to the condition of hospitals and infirmaries-the character and conduct of the surgeons and assistant surgeons

the state of their books and accounts-the medical topography of the several posts and stations-the nature of the prevailing complaints, their probable causes, and the treatment adopted.

He receives from every surgeon and assistant, performing the duties of surgeon, quarterly reports of sick, with such remarks as may be necessary to explain the nature of the diseases of the troops, the practice adopted, and the kinds of medicines and stores required, together with a copy of the entries made, for the quarter, in the book kept for the diary of the weather, accompanied with suitable observations.

He receives from every surgeon and assistant surgeon, having charge of public property of any description for the use of the sick, duplicate semiannual returns of the same, in the form and manner prescribed, and also annual requisitions for the supplies required for each hospital, regiment, post, or garrison, for the ensuing year, and transmits them, with his instructions to the officers of the apothecary's departments.

He receives from the officers of the apothecary's department, duplicates of all invoices and supplies, put up for, and delivered or forwarded to, the several surgeons and assistant surgeons, and also a return of the several articles purchased. received, and issued by them.

It is his duty to examine the returns and accounts of the surgeons and assistant surgeons, see that proper vouchers are sent for articles issued, and that the quantities expended with the sick are according to the num ber on the sick reports, and the nature of their complaints; if found to be he shall certify it, and at the end of each year, and oftener it necessary, send the returns and accounts thus certified, to the office of the proper accounting officer of the treasury, (2nd auditor) for final settlement.

So,

It is his further duty to make to the Secretary of War such reports and returns as may be necessary to explain all the concerns of the department under his charge, with such remarks relative to the improvements in practice and police, and to the clothing, subsistence, &c. of the army, as may seem to be required for the preservation of health, the comfort and recovery of the sick, and the good of the public service.

Army surgeons have precedence in their several grades, aecording to dates of comm.issions. They nay, when necessary, be employed as Judge Advocates, but are not to be detailed as members of either general, regimental, or garrison courts martial. They are not permitted to be engaged in private practice.

The act of March 2, 1821, provides that the Medical Department shall consist of one Surgeon General, eight Surgeons, and forty-five assistant Surgeons. And the act of June 28, 1832, to increase the number of Surgeous and assistant Surgeons in the army of the United States," authorizes the appointment of "four additional surgeons, and ten additional Surgeon's Mates"

NAVY DEPARTMENT.

(Origin of the American Navy, and the Navy Department.)

LEVI WOODBURY, of New Hampshire, Secretary; $6000

per annum.

The first proposition noticed in the proceedings of the the Continental Congress in relation to the Navy, was on Tuesday, October 3, 1775, when one of the Degaletes from Rhode Island laid before the Congress a part of the instructions given them by their two Houses of Legislature, Angust 26, 1775, in these words:

"Whereas, notwithstanding the humble and dutiful petition of the last Congress, to the King, and otherwise and pacific measures taken for obtaining a happy reconciliation between Great Britain nnd the Colonies, the ministry lost to every sense of justice, liberty and humanity, continue to send troops and ships of war into America, which destroy our trade, plunder and burn cur towns, and murder the good people of these Colonies.

"Resolved, That this Colony most ardently wishes to see the former friendship, harmony and intercourse between Great Britain and these Colonies restored, and a happy and lasting connection established between both countries upon terms of just and equal liberty, and will concur with the other Colonies in all proper measures, for obtaining those desirable blessings; and as every principle divine and human, requires us to obey that great and fundamental law of nature, self preservation, until peace shall be restored upon constitutional principles; this Colony will most heartily exert the whole power of Government; in conjunction with the other Colonies, for carrying on this just and necessary war, and bringing the same to a happy issue; and amongst other measures for obtaining this most desirable purpose, this Assembly is persuaded that the building and equipping an AMERICAN FLEET, as soon as possible, would greatly and essentially conduce to the preservation of the lives, liberty, and property of the good people of these Colonies; and therefore "instruct their Delegates to use their whole influence at the ensuing Congress, for building, at the Continental expense, a Fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these Colonies, and for employing them in such manner and places, as will most effectually annoy our ene mies, and contribute to the common defence of these Colonies; and they are also instructed to use their influence for carrying on the war in the most vigorous manner, until peace, liberty, and safety are restored and secured to these Colonies, upon an equitable and permanent basis."

The Congress resolved to take these instructions into consideration, on Friday, the 6th.

On the 5th of October, Congress having received information of the sailing of two vessels from England, on the 11th of Angust, with arms and ammunition for Canada, appointed a Committee consisting of three members to prepare a plan for intercepting them for the use of the Continent. The Committee having reported the same day, a letter was directed to be sent to General Washington, giving him directions ho w to act. He was desired to apply to Massachusetts for the two armed vessels in their service, and despatch them with a sufficient number of people, atores, &c to secure the capture of the vessels. A letter was also written to Gov. Cooke, desiring him to despatch one or both of the armed vessels of Rhode Island; and another to Gov. Trumbull, requesting of

him the largest vessel in the service of the colony of Connecticut,* to be sent on the same enterprize. And it was resolved that" the said ships and vessels of War, be on the continental risk and pay during their being so employed."

On the 6th, the cousideration of the Rhode Island instructions was put off to Monday, the 16th, and was not acted on until December 11

On the 13th, it was resolved that two swift sailing vessels, (one of ten guns,) should be armed, manned and fitted with all possible despatch, for a three months' cruise to intercept transports laden with warlike stores and other supplies for the enemy. A committee, consisting of Mr. Deane, Mr. Langdon, and Mr. Gadsden, was appointed to carry the resolution into effect, and prepare an estimate of the expense. On the 30th, the Committee reported, when it was

Resolved, that the second vessel ordered on the 13th should be of such size as to carry fourteen guns, and a proportionate number of swivels and men. That two more vessels be fitted out with all expedition; the one to carry not exceeding twenty guns, and the other not exceeding thirty-six guns, with a proportionable number of swivels and men, to be employed in such a manner, for the defence and protection of the United Colonies, as the Congress shall direct.

That four members be chosen and added to the former committee of three, and that these seven be a committee to carry into execution with all possible expedition, as well the resolutions of Congress passed the 13th instant, as those passed this day, for fitting out armed vessels.

The members chosen were Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Hewes, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. J. Adams.

On the 2d of November, Congress

Resolved, That the committe appointed to carry into execution the resolves of Congress, for fitting ou four armed vessels, be authorized to draw on the Continental treasurers, from time to time, for as much cash as shail be necessary for the above purpose, not exceeding the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, and that the said committee have power to agree with such officers and seamen, as are proper to man and command the said vessels, and that the encouragement to such officers and seamen be one half of all the ships of war made prize of by them, and one third of all transport vessels, exclusive of wages.

*It may be interesting to compare with this. the strength of the Nava Armament, furnished by the same Colonies, (thirty years earlier) for the reduction of Lou sborg, which surrendered on the 17th of June, 1745. Of the sea forces engaged in this expedition, they were fitted out, by

These four vessels were the Alfred, the Columbus, the Andrew Doria, and the Cabot. The following officers were appointed by the committee, agreeable to the powers given them, on the 2d of Novembe::Ezek. Hopkins, Esq. Commander of the Fleet. Dudley Saltonstal, Captain of the Alfred Abraham Whipple, Captain of the Columbus. Nicholas Biddle, Captain of the Andrew Doria. John Burrows Hopkins, Captain of the Cabot.

John aul Jones, Rhodes Arnold, Mr. Stansbury, Hersted Hacker, and Jonathan Pitcher, 1st Lieutenants Benjamin Seabery, Joseph Obvey, Elisha Warner, Thomas Weaver, and Mr. McDougall, 2d Lieu tenants. John Fauning, Ezekiel Burroughs, and Daniel Vaughan, 3d Lieutenants

These were reported to Congress, on the 22d of December, when commissions were ordered to be given them agreeable to rank in the above order, and the committee was authorized to issue warrants to all officers in the fleet, under the rank of 3d Lieutenant; and was directed, (as a secret committee,) to give such instructions to the commauder of the fleet, touching the operations of the ships under his command as they should believe to be the most conducive to the defence of the United Colonies, and to the distress of the enemy's naval forces and vessels bringing supplies to their fleets and armies, and lay such instructions before Congress whencalled for. But on the 25th of January following, (1776.) the direction of this fleet was left to the Naval Committee, appointed on the 14th of December, 1775.

Two Battalions of Marines were ordered to be raised on the 10th of November, 1775, and it was ordered "that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good Seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serveto advantage by sea, when required: that they be enlisted and rommissioned to serve for, and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless sooner dismissed by order of Congress." A Committee cousisting of Mr. Wythe, Mr. E Rutledge, Mr. J. Adams, Mr W. Livingston, Dr. Franklin, Mr Wilson, and Mr Johnson, was appointed on the 17th of November, 1775, to take into consideration a letter of General Washington, relating to the disposal of such vessels and cargoes belonging to the enemy, as shall tali into the hands of, or be taken by, the inhabitants of the inhabitants of the United Colonies. The report of the Committee, which was made on the 234, and ordered to lay on the table for the perusal of the members, was agreed to on the 25th. Captures were authorized of all British vessels of War, and traus port vessels hang on board any troops, arms, ammunition, clothing, provisions. or military stores, of what kind so ever; and all vesses employed in earrying provisions or other necessaries to the British Army, or Navy, or any goods, wares or merchandise for the use o of such fleet or army but no master or commander of any vessel was permitted to cruise for, or capture any vessel before he obtained commission from the Congress or from some person authorized to grant them. recommended to the several Legislatures of the United Colonies, to estab

And it was

the proper courts for the trial and coudemnation of captured vessels or less took into consideration the same day, and adopted on the 28 h

"Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies," and on the 2d of December, the committee was directed to prepare a proper comoussion for the Captains or Commanders of the ships of War in their service.

The next step taken by Congress was to assign a day for the consideration of the Rhode Island Instructions, which had been before them since the 3d of October. On the 9th of December their consideration was made the order of the day, for Monday; the 11th, when

Agreeable to the orders of the day, Congress took into consideration the Instructions given to the Delegates of Rhode Island, and after debate thereon. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to devise ways and means for furnishing these Colonies with a Naval Armament, and report with all convenient speed.

Rssolved, That the committee consist of one member from each Colony, viz: Mr. Bartlett, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Deane, Mr Lewis, Mr. Crane, Mr. Morris, Mr. Read, Mr. Paca, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Hewes, and Mr. Gadsden.

On Wednesday, December 13,

The committee appointed to devise ways and means for fitting out a Naval Armament, brought in their report, which after being read and debated, was agreed to, as follows;

That five ships of 32 guns, five of 28 guns, and three of 24 guns, making in the whole thirteen, can be fitted for sea, probably by the last of March next, viz in New Hampshire, one; in Massachusetts Bay, two; in Connecticut, one; in Rhode Island, two; in New York, two; in Pennsylvania, four; and in Maryland one.

That the cost of these ships, so fitted, will not be more than $66,666 66 each, on an average, allowing two complete suits of sails for each ship, equal in the whole to $866,666 66.

That the materials for fitting them may be all furnished in these Colonies, except the articles of canvas and gun powder; and that therefore it will be proper the Congress direct the most specdy and effectual means of importing the said articles of canvass and powder; that of the former, 7,500 pieces will he wanted, and that of the latter one hundred tons.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed with full powers to carry the said report into execution, with all possible expedition, (except what relates to canvass and gunpowder,) at the expense of the United Colonies.

Resolved, That the appointment of this committee be deferred 'till to-mor

row

The next day, Thursday, December 14,

Agreeably to the orders of the day, the Congress proceeded to the appointmeni of a committee, to carry into execution the resolves of Congress, for fitting out a Naval Armament.

Resolved, That the said committee consist of a member from each Colony. Resolved, That the choice be by ballot.

The members chosen, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Hancock, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Deane, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Crane, Mr. R Morris, Mr Read, Mr. Chase, Mr R H Lee, Mr. Hewes, Mr. Gadsden, and Mr. Houston.

To this committee which was called the Marine Committee the direction of the fleet was left, and all matters connected with the Naval service were generally referred.

On the 17th of April, 1776, Congress having determined that "the appointment of captains or commanders of Continental vessels shall not establish rank, which is to be established before comissions are grauted," proceeded to the election of captains for the two frigates then