The free market was superior to the federal government by the simple measures of ships at sea and enemy ships captured. Private ship owners and their crews assumed all risk. When it came to privateers, the government was able to seriously harass the mightiest navy and merchant marine on earth at no cost to the taxpayer. What a great system. We should use it now to combat Indian Ocean pirates.
Speaking of pirates, try to ignore the skull and crossed swords pirate flag at the link and enjoy the story of a successful American commerce raider, the Prince de Neufchatel. Much of the material there is primary source.
I was wondering if the War of 1812 had any influence on the call to establish a US Naval Academy. While ships like the one mentioned in the article are admirable, I would think that the problems with the British would of been a motivational factor. I know that in 1825 President John Quincy Adams first suggested a Naval Academy but that it wasn’t established until 1845. I do know that the Somers incident in 1842, which showed problems with how they were training Navy personnel, was a factor, but was there still a fear of the Royal Navy left over from earlier years? Perhaps somebody here is a naval historian and could answer that question.
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General Schmierkase, though not a sailor, was fascinated by nautical military history, and first mentioned this. |
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“The Prince de Neufchatel”
One of the most beautiful sailing ships ever built. Stunning.