Having, in the preceding chapter, given details for a system of French Torpedo boats, which could command the narrow parts of the British channel, I may be accused of enmity to England and partiality to France; yet I have neither hatred nor particular attachment to any foreign country. I admire the ingenuity, industry, and good faith of the English people; I respect the arts, sciences, and amiable manners of the people of France. There is much in each of those countries which we may copy to great advantage. But my feelings are wholly attached to my country, and while I labour for her interest in this enterprise, I am happy that the liberty of the seas, which I believe can be effected, will not only benefit America; it will be an immense advantage to England, to France, and to every other nation. Convinced of this, I have viewed military marines as remains of ancient warlike habits, and an existing political disease, for which there has hitherto been no specific remedy. Satisfied in my own mind, that the Torpedoes now discovered, will be an effectual cure for so great an evil. To introduce them into practice, and prove their utility, I am of opinion, that blowing up English ships of war, or French, or American, were there no other, and the men on shore, would be humane experiments of the first importance to the United States and to mankind. A VIEW _of the political economy of this invention_ At the death of Queen Elizabeth, in 1602, the royal navy consisted of the following vessels. 4 ships of 40 guns. 4 of 32 10 of 30 2 of 20 3 of 16 2 of 12 5 of 10 3 of 8 1 of 6 4 of 4 4 of 2 -- --- Total 42 180 guns, with 3 hoys. When equipped for sea, it carried 8376 men. At the death of King James I. in 1665, the royal navy amounted to sixty-two sail; the money expended per annum was fifty thousand pounds sterling, equal to 222,222 dollars, 20 cents. At the death of King William, in 1701-2, the navy consisted of Ships of the line, including fourth rates; 123 Frigates 46 Fire Ships 87 --- Total 256 The whole navy mounting about 9300 guns, and to completely man the ships, it would take 52,000 men; the sum allowed per annum for the navy, was 1,046,397 pounds sterling, equal to 4,650,653 dollars, 30 cents. Thus in one century, it increased in vessels and men six fold, and in expence twenty fold.