Yesterday Commodore PORTER left this port in the steam galley
Enterprize, to join the squadron fitted out at Norfolk, for the purpose
of suppressing piracy on the coast of Cuba. Every friend of humanity
must wish that the efforts of the distinguished officer who has been
selected to this command will be crowned with success. The means adopted
are certainly the best calculated to effect the object. Frigates and
sloops of war are totally inadequate, by means of their great draft of
water; but the vessels which have been selected by Commodore PORTER, are
precisely calculated to ferret the banditti from their lurking places.
The aid of steam we think a most valuable addition to the squadron, and
from the manner in which the Enterprize has been fitted out, we have
every reason to believe she will completely answer the expectations
formed. Commodore PORTER has been indefatigable since he came here, and
several of our citizens conversant in steam affairs, volunteered their
services to aid him in the necessary equipments for that department. We
learn that she is provided with duplicates of every piece of machinery
which might be carried away in action, and that able and experienced
engineers were also procured for her.
In a very short time we hope to hear of the Commodore’s arrival at his
cruising ground, and we doubt not he will soon put an end to the ravages
of those lawless barbarians.