But for inflicting upon us a sudden and severe injury by the destruction of large amounts of public and private property, our seaport towns offer inducements not likely to be disregarded.

This mode of warfare, barbarous though it be, will certainly attend a conflict with any great maritime power.

How can we best prepare in time of peace to repel these attacks?
Immediately after the war of 1812 a joint commission of our most distinguished military and naval officers was formed, to devise a system of defensive works, to be erected in time of peace for the security of the most important and the most exposed points on our sea-coast.

It may be well here to point out, in very general terms, the positions and character of these works, mentioning only such as have been completed, or are now in course of construction, and such as are intended to be built as soon as Congress shall grant the requisite funds.

There are other works projected for some future period, but as they do not belong to the class required for immediate, use, they will not be referred to.
MAINE.
Beginning at the northeastern extremity of our coast, we have, for Eastport and Wiscasset, projected works estimated to carry about fifty guns.