United States Statutes at Large/Volume 3/14th Congress/1st Session/Chapter 138
[Obsolete.]
Chap. CXXXVIII.—An Act for the gradual increase of the Navy of the United States.
First section repealed by act of March 3, 1821, ch. 47.
Increase of the navy provided for, 1815, ch. 81.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.”
Ships to be built.Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized, to cause to be build nine ships, to rate not less than seventy-four guns each, and twelve ships, 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 build by an act bearing date on the second day of January, one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, entitledAct of May 17, 1826, ch. 64.
1813, ch. 6. “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 soon as the timber and other necessary materials are procured, and the timber properly seasoned, to cause the said ships to be build 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.
Three steam batteries to be procured for harbour defence.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,The block ship at New Orleans to be completed. or either of them, in the opinion of the President, 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.
Appropriation.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.