HISTORY OF MARINE ARCHITECTURE.

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sailing, working, as well as general ability to sustain the shock of the sea, togetherwith the varied dangers to which ships of war are necessarily exposed.

The naval history of the United Provinc es, during the period of the war, mayhe comprized within the narrowest compass. Persevering in that system which hadweaned them from ambition, they exerted every effort to preserve their countryfrom being engaged in a contest, during which, while in an inactive state, theyderived the most consequential commercial advantages. Bound by solemn treatyto support the cause of Britain, under certain circumstances, they were compelledto furnish the force stipulated by their engagement; but, in conformity with thatconduct, which they had before so frequently manifested, they took especial carethat the ships provided by them should render as little service as possible. They,,in a very short time afterward, considerably improved on their favourite principle,with respect to their marine, the following reasons for which behaviour, publiclyand officially given, are so sufficiently explanatory of their motives and the causewhich produced them as to render any comment on them unnecessary.

Dutch Arguments for recalling their auxiliary Ships.

It is a fundamental principle,

That the protection of their navigation and commerce, whereby they subsist,is absolutely necessary, and must not be neglected ; and that it cannot be donewidiout the support of their ships of war; and that there is no time to be lost with-out rendering its support useless for this year.

That the want of sailors, even for their merchant ships, will not allow them tomake any new equipment of ships of war in proper time.

That several of the subjects of the Republic have complained of their shipsbeing taken by those of the powers in war; and that this difficulty increases bythe new prejudicial regulation ; and that they must abandon their trade withoutthe protection of the men of war.

That the expences already made by the States General are very burthensome ;and that they have made their utmost efforts, and yet, as affairs are circumstanced,they cannot attain their end, through the great want of sailors for their merchantships.

That this embarrassment puts them upon means they do not clnise, but areobliged, through necessity, to have recourse to.

That