Thomas Jefferson on creating a Navy...
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THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1787
* President Thomas Jefferson
* United States Navy
Among the articles within are: "The Situation of the First & Present Settlers in America Contrasted" "Thoughts on emigration, Particularly to America..." Mr. Jefferson's Opinion Upon the Establishment of an American Naval Force" which begins: "The sea is the field on which we should meet an European enemy, on that element it is necessary we should possess some power...".
Also: "The Utility of Fixing the Fine Arts in America..." "An Authentic Instance of the Fascinating Power of the Rattle Snake..." and much more.
Near the back is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day and includes a report of trouble with the Indians in the South, plus so much more.
Lacking the plate called for, but it still has the foldout Meteorological Table.
Complete in 52 pages, full title/contents pages, 5 by 8 inches, some light staining at margins, good condition.
Background: Thomas Jefferson believed that an American naval force was essential to protect the nation’s commerce and uphold its honor on the seas, arguing that weakness invited insult and aggression from foreign powers, especially European navies and the Barbary pirates. In letters from the 1780s, he emphasized that only a capable naval presence could deter attacks and punish offenses, framing a modest but effective navy as a necessary instrument of national defense. While he supported creating ships to defend American shipping, Jefferson was wary of maintaining a large peacetime fleet, fearing the expense and potential threat to liberty, and preferred smaller vessels like coastal gunboats for routine protection. His views were later reflected in his presidency, when he employed the existing frigates and smaller naval forces to confront Barbary corsairs, refusing to pay tribute and demonstrating that a carefully managed naval force could safeguard U.S. interests without fostering militarism.
This title has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, having begun in September, 1786 and lasting until December, 1792.
* President Thomas Jefferson
* United States Navy
Among the articles within are: "The Situation of the First & Present Settlers in America Contrasted" "Thoughts on emigration, Particularly to America..." Mr. Jefferson's Opinion Upon the Establishment of an American Naval Force" which begins: "The sea is the field on which we should meet an European enemy, on that element it is necessary we should possess some power...".
Also: "The Utility of Fixing the Fine Arts in America..." "An Authentic Instance of the Fascinating Power of the Rattle Snake..." and much more.
Near the back is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day and includes a report of trouble with the Indians in the South, plus so much more.
Lacking the plate called for, but it still has the foldout Meteorological Table.
Complete in 52 pages, full title/contents pages, 5 by 8 inches, some light staining at margins, good condition.
Background: Thomas Jefferson believed that an American naval force was essential to protect the nation’s commerce and uphold its honor on the seas, arguing that weakness invited insult and aggression from foreign powers, especially European navies and the Barbary pirates. In letters from the 1780s, he emphasized that only a capable naval presence could deter attacks and punish offenses, framing a modest but effective navy as a necessary instrument of national defense. While he supported creating ships to defend American shipping, Jefferson was wary of maintaining a large peacetime fleet, fearing the expense and potential threat to liberty, and preferred smaller vessels like coastal gunboats for routine protection. His views were later reflected in his presidency, when he employed the existing frigates and smaller naval forces to confront Barbary corsairs, refusing to pay tribute and demonstrating that a carefully managed naval force could safeguard U.S. interests without fostering militarism.
This title has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, having begun in September, 1786 and lasting until December, 1792.
Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
