f conquest, which no devices hitherto used
in maritime warfare could resist or evade.

"That the like prejudice or incredulity which in all probability would
have scouted the invention of gunpowder, if offered to notice under the
circumstances above supposed, may exist to a considerable extent in the
present case, is extremely likely; yet I do not the less advisedly
affirm, that with this all-powerful auxiliary invasion may be rendered
impossible, and our commerce secure, by the speedy and effectual
destruction of all assemblages of steam-ships, and, if necessary, of all
the navies of the whole world, which, for ever after, might be prevented
from inconveniently increasing. Away then with the sinister forebodings
which have originated the recent devices for protruding through the
sterns of sluggish ships of war additional guns for defence in fight!
Away with the projected plans of 'protective forts and ports' of
cowardly refuge! Let the manly resolution be taken, when occasion shall
require, vigorously to attack the enemy, instead of preparing elaborate
means of defence. Factitious ports on the margin of the Channel cannot
be better protected than those which exist, respecting which I pledge
any professional credit I may possess, that whatever hostile force might
therein be assembled could be destroyed within the first twenty-four
hours favourable for effective operations, in defiance of forts and
batteries, mounted with the most powerful ordnance now in use.

"In the capacity of an officer all hope seemed to be precluded, that in
time of peace I could render service to my country. A new light,
however, has beamed through the cloud, for in the pursuit of my vocation
as an amateur engineer it has become apparent that a plan, which I
deemed available only in war, may contribute to prevent the naval
department from being paralysed by wasteful perversion of its legitimate
support. Protective harbours (save as screens from wind and sea) may be
likened to nets wherein fishes, seeking to escape, find themselves
inextricably entangled; or to the guardian care of a shepherd, who
should pen his flock in a fold to secure it from a marching army. No
effective protection could be afforded in such ports against a superior
naval force equipped for purposes of destruction; whilst their utility
as places of refuge from steam privateers is quite disproportioned to
their cost--privateers could neither tow off merchant vessels from our
sh