had let it prepare in time of peace. During this year the number
of vessels in commission grew from 264 to 427. Yet such a form of
expansion was much simpler than that of the enlisted men; and the
expansion of even the most highly trained enlisted personnel was
very much simpler than the corresponding expansion of the
officers. Happily for the United States Navy it started with a
long lead over its enemy. More happily still it could expand with
the help of greatly superior resources. Most happily of all, the
sevenfold expansion that was effected before the war was over
could be made under leaders like Farragut: leaders, that is, who,
though in mere numbers they were no more, in proportion to their
whole service, than the flag as mere material is to a man-of-war,
were yet, as is the flag, the living symbol of a people's soul.

Commerce protection on the high seas was an exceedingly harassing
affair. A few swift raiders, having the initiative, enjoyed great
advantages over a far larger number of defending vessels. Every
daring raid was trumpeted round the world, bringing down
unmeasured, and often unmerited, blame on the defense. The most
successful vigilance would, on the other hand, pass by unheeded.
The Union navy lacked the means of patrolling the sea lanes of
commerce over millions and millions of desolate square miles.
Consequently the war-risk insurance rose to a prohibitive height
on vessels flying the Stars and Stripes; and, as a further
result, enormous transfers were made to other flags. The
incessant calls for recruits, afloat and ashore, and to some
extent the lure of the western lands, also robbed the merchant
service of its men. Thus, one way and another, the glory of the
old merchant marine departed with the Civil War.