THE NATIONAL DEFENCES. [From the Morning Chronicle, January 4.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 297, 3 June 1848, Page 2

THE NATIONAL DEFENCES. [From the Morning Chronicle, January 4.]

The following is a copy of the letter addressed by the Duke of Wellington to Sir John Burgoyne, an analysis of which has already ap-~ peared in this journal : — " Strathfieldsaye, 9th January, 1847. "To Major-General Sib Johk J. Bubgoyhe,K.C.B., &c, &c. " Mr dbab GBKEBiX, — Some days have elapsed, indeed a fortnight has, since I received your note, with a copy of your observations on the possible results of a war with France, under our present system of military preparation. " You are aware that I have for years been sensible of the alteration produced in maritime warfare and operations by the application of steam to the propelling of ships at sea. " This discovery immediately exposed all parts of the coasts of these islands, which a vessel could approach at all, to be approached, at all times of tide and in all seasons, by vessels so propelled, from all quarters. We are in fact assailable, and at least liable to insult and to have contributions levied upon