Chapter CXXXVIII.- An Act for the gradual increase of the Navy of the United States. April 29, 1816

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That for the gradual increase of the navy of the United States, the sum of one million of dollars per annum, for eight years, is hereby appropriated, including the sum of two hundred thousand dollars per annum, for three years, or the unexpended balance thereof, appropriated by an act approved on the third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, entitled "An act concerning the naval establishment."

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized, to cause to be built nine ships, to rate not less than seventy-four guns each, and twelve ships, to rate not less than forty-four guns each, including one seventy-four and three forty-four gun ships, authorized to be built by an act bearing date on the second day of January, one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, entitled " An act to increase the navy of the United States;" and in carrying this act into effect, the President shall be, and he is hereby authorized as soon as the timber and other necessary materials are procured, and the timber properly seasoned, to cause the said ships to be built and equipped; or, if in his judgment, it will more conduce to the public interest, he may cause the said ships to be framed and remain on the stocks, and kept in the best state of preservation, to be prepared for service in the shortest time practicable, when the public exigency may require them.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That for the defence of the ports and harbours of the United States, the President shall be, and he is hereby authorized to cause to be procured the steam engines, and all the imperishable materials necessary for building and equipping three steam batteries, on the most approved plan, and best calculated for the waters in which they are to act: and such materials shall be secured in the best manner, to insure the completing such batteries in the shortest time practicable, when they, or either of them, in the opinion of the may be required for the public service; and the President is further authorized to cause to be completed and kept in the best state of preservation, the block ship now on the stocks near New Orleans.

SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That the moneys appropriated by this act shall not be transferred to any other object of expenditure, nor shall any part thereof be carried to the fund denominated " the surplus fund."

APPROVED, April 29, 1816.

By James Madison

Fort Norfolk Documents

Before 1794, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865

Source of Information

Library of Congress