Somerset, 64 Repulse, 32 Arethusa, 32 Liverpool, 28 Syren, 28 Leviathan, 26 Grampus, 26 Tortoise, 26 Glasgow, 24 Vestal, 20 Mercury, 20 Cruiser, 16 Otter, 16 Pomona, 16 Zebra, 16 Cupid, 16 Savage, 16 Pegasus, 14 Spy, 14 Swallow, 14 Viper, 14 _French._ Roland, 64 Zephyr, 32 Monarque, 64 Fox, 28 _Spanish._ Pondersoso, 70 Notre Dame, St Joseph, 70 Rosa, 30 Congres, Carmes, 36 I have the honor to be, &c. JOHN ADAMS. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Paris, July 6th, 1780. Sir, In looking over the long list of vessels belonging to the United States, taken and destroyed, and recollecting the whole history of the rise and progress of our navy, it is very difficult to avoid tears. Nevertheless, what we have done and lost, shows what we can do. Our resources of materials, artists, and seamen, are not exhausted. But it is impossible not to inquire, whether we have not committed errors in the destination of our vessels? Whether our navy is equal to the attack or defence of places? Whether our articles of war for the government of the marine, are adequate to the introduction of that obedience and discipline that are necessary? Whether cruising for the protection of our own trade, against the depredations of privateers and smaller vessels of war of our enemies, and for the purpose of making prizes of transports and merchant ships, is not the object fittest in the present stage of our naval history, to encourage seamen to engage in our service, to form officers, to supply the United States with many things, and to weaken and distress our foes? Officers who have a thirst for glory, and wish to distinguish themselves by brilliant battles, ought not to be discouraged, but I cannot but think, that at this period they would do more essential service to their country, by a line of conduct leading to fewer laurels, but more wealth.