That our system of permanent coast defences is a wise and proper one, which ought to be completed and armed with the least possible delay." "2d.

That mere individual courage cannot suffice to overcome the forces that would be brought against us, were we involved in an European war, but that it must be rendered manageable by discipline, and directed by that consummate and mechanical skill which can only be acquired by a course of education, instituted for the special purpose, and by long habit." "In the day of sailing-vessels the successful siege of Sebastopol would have been impossible.

It is evident that the Russians did not appreciate the advantages afforded by steamers, and were unprepared to sustain a siege." "This same power of steam would enable European nations to disembark upon our shores even a larger force than that which finally encamped around Sebastopol.

To resist such an attack, should it ever be made, our cities and harbors must be fortified, and those fortifications must be provided with guns, ammunition, and instructed artillerists.
To repel the advance of such an army into the interior, it is not enough to trust to the number of brave but undisciplined men that we can bring to bear against it.

An invading army of 15,000 or 20,000 men could easily be crushed by the unremitting attacks of superior numbers; but when it comes to the case of more than 100,000 disciplined veterans, the very multitude brought to bear against them works its own destruction; because, if without discipline and instruction, they cannot be handled, and are in their own way.