Hillsborough Recorder

September 4, 1861

Page 2

EUROPEAN FLEETS ON THE AMERICAN COAST

Since the commencement of hostilities between the Northern and Southern portions of this Republic, the naval forces of England and France have gradually been receiving accessions of strength, until at present there is a more formidable array of modern was vessels hovering around and about our coasts.

From a list published in the New York Herald, it appears that the British squadron, or rather fleet, alone numbers no less than forty-two vessels, with an armament of 497 guns—some of them unequaled in point of range, power and precision—and 6,390 men.  This fleet is under the command of Sir Alexander Milne, K. C. B., an officer whose name ranks high in naval circles, and who has already served a full term on the West India and North American station.

The French fleet is not so formidable in point of guns and ships, but the vessels are all new and powerful, and are almost altogether armed with the efficient canorayees of the Emperor’s invention.  The number of vessels is only five, each carrying forty guns.  Spain has also a fleet near our coast, in the Gulf of Mexico and on the coast of Cuba.  Sweden has also ordered two vessels of war to our coast.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]