Our Naval officers.
Without a Navy, or anything that deserves the name, our naval officers have exhibited a degree of enterprise, fact and courage which proves that we have the flower of the old Navy, as well as of the old Army, in our service, and that the
Government ought to put them in a position where they could render still more efficient aid to their country.
The wonderful achievements of the
Sumter, the brilliant career of the
Nashville, the heroic fighting of our little fleet of tugs at
Savannah under old
Tatnall, the defiant running of the
Yankee gauntlet on the
Savannah by
Kennard, the gallant fighting at
Roanoke Island, and the magnificent victory of
Hampton Roads, all prove what our naval officers can do if they have means in proportion to their merits, and can be placed upon a theatre equal to their deserts.
Not only have these brave and patriotic gentlemen served with efficiency upon their own element, but have rendered most important services in the loud batteries.
Congress ought to provide at once for the construction of a fleet, such as the interests of the country require, and which would afford a field for the naval talent and energy of the country.