48TH CONGRESS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Ex. Doc. 1, 2d Session. ~ pt.2, vol. II. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, UNITED STATES ARMY, TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, FOR THE YEAR 1884. IN FOUR PARTS. PART I. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1584. CONTENTS. [Alphabetical Index will be found at the end of each Part.] PART I. EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR....................Xxi OFFICERS OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS -.. .... .......----....-.-....---....-.... .---- 3 SEA-COAST AND LAKE FRONTIER DEFENSES. General discussion .....-------------------------------------------------................................................. 4 ESTIMATES OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1885-6 ----.............................. 9 NORTHERN FRONTIER.-Ft. Wayne, Mich., 10; Ft. Porter, N. Y., Ft. Niagara, N. Y., 11; Ft. Ontario, N. Y., 12; Ft. Montgomery, N. Y., 13. THE PENOBSCOT, ME.-Ft. Knox, 13. THE KENNEBEC, ME.-Ft. Popham, 14; PORTLAND, ME.- Ft. Gorges. Ft. Preble, Ft. Scammel, 14; battery on Portland Head, batteries on Cow Id., batteries on Great Hog Id., 15. PORTSMOUTH, N. H., AND NAVY- YARD AT KITTERY, ME.-Ft. McClary, Ft. Constitution, battery on Gerrish's Id., battery on Jerry's Point, 16. MARBLEHEAD HARBOR, MASS.-Ft. Sewall, 17. BOSTON AND NAVY-YARD AT CHARLESTOWN, MASs.-Ft. Warren, battery at Long Id. Head, 17; Ft. Winthrop, Ft. Independence, 18. PLYMOUTH HAR- BOR, MASS.-Ft. Andrew, Ft. Standish, 19. NEW BEDFORD, MASS.-Fort at Clark's Point, 19. NARRAGANSETT BAY, R. I.-Ft. Adams, 20; defenses of Dutch Id., 21. NEW LONDON HARBOR AND NAVY-YARD, CONN.-Ft. Trum- bull, 21; Ft. Griswold, 22. NEW HAVEN, CONN.-Ft. Hale, 22. NEW YORK AND NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN.-Ft. Schuyler, 22; fort at Willets Point, 23; defenses of Governor's Id., 24; sea-wall on Governor's Id., Ft. Wood, Ft. Hamilton and additional batteries, 25; mortar battery Ft. Hamilton, Ft. Lafayette, Ft. Wadsworth, 26; fort on site of Ft. Tompkins, 27; Glacis Gun Battery (n. of site of Ft. Tompkins), Glacis Mortar Battery (s. of site of fort on Ft. Tompkins), Battery Hudson, 28; South Mortar Battery, North Cliff Battery, 29; South Cliff Battery,.Two-gun Battery near site of fort on Ft. Tompkins, fort at Sandy Hook, 30. PHILADELPHIA AND LEAGUE ISLAND NAVY-YARD.-Ft. Mifflin, 31; mortar battery at Ft. Mifflin, site for defenses at Red Bank, 32; Ft. Delaware, battery at Finn's Point, 33; mortar battery at Finn's Point, fort opposite Ft. Delaware, mortar battery opposite Ft. Dela- ware, 34. BALTIMORE, MD.-Ft. McHenry, 35; Ft. Carroll, 36. WASHING- TON, D. C.-Ft. Foote, 36; Ft. Washington, obstructions of the Potomac, 37. HAMPTON ROADS AND GOSPORT NAVY-YARD, VA.-Ft. Monroe, 37; arte- sian well at Ft. Monroe, Ft. Wool, 39. BEAUFORT HARBOR, N. C.-Ft. Macon, 40. WILMINGTON, N. C.-Ft. Caswell, 41. CHARLESTON, S. C.-Ft. Moultrie, 41; Ft. Sumter, Ft. Johnson, 42; Castle Pinckney, 43. SAVANNAH, GA.-Ft. Oglethorpe, Ft. Pulaski, 43; new fort on Tybee Id., 44. CUMBERLAND SOUND.- Ft. Clinch, 44. SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLA.-Ft. Marion, 45. KEY WEST, FLA.- Ft. Taylor and batteries, 45. HARBOR OF DRY TORTUGAS, FLA.-Ft. Jeffer- son, 46. PENSACOLA HARBOR AND NAVY-YARD, FLA.-Ft. Pickens, 46; Ft. Barrancas and redoubt, Ft. McRee, 47. MOBILE, ALA. -Ft. Morgan, Ft. Gaines, 48. MISSISSIPPI SOUND.-Fort on Ship Id., 48. NEW ORLEANS, LA.- Ft. Pike, Ft. Macomb, Tower Duprd, 49; Battery Bienvenue, tower at Proctors- ville, Ft. Jackson, 50; Ft. St. Philip, Ft. Livingston, 51. GALVESTON, TEXAS.- Batteries at the entrance to thd harbor of Galveston, 52. SAN DIEGO HAR- 3OR, CALIFORNIA.-Fort at San Diego, 52. SAN FRANCISCO, NAVY-YARD AT MARE ISLAND AND ARSENAL AT BENICIA, CAL.-Ft. Winfield Scott, 52; fort at Lime Point, 53; fort on Alcatraz Id., Ft. Mason, batteries on Angel Id., 54. DEFENSES OF THE COLUMBIA, OREG., AND WASH.-Ft. Stevens, Ft. Canby, 55. L 5908 ENG--I I CONTENTS.- THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS. Officers constituting Board; Coast defenses, 55; RECAPITULATION, 57; ESTI- MATES, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, 58; Baltimore, 59; Torpedo defense, 59; SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS, 61; estimates for heavy guns and emplace- ments, 62; estimates for gun emplacements, excluding armor, guns, and machinery, 63. BOARD OF ENGINEERS FOR THE PACIFIC COAST. Officers constituting the board.-.- ........................................ 64 BATTALION OF ENGINEERS AND ENGINEER SCHOOL OF APPLICA- TION-------------....... -----...................---.... 6 ENGINEER POST AND DEPOT OF WILLETS POINT, NEW YORK HAR- BOR................................. 65 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. GENERAL STATEMENT----- ......-------......--......-..----...... -......--............---------------.... 66 " ATLANTIC COAST. IN CHARGE OF COL. C. E. BLUNT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS-- Lubec Channel, Me., 67; Moos-a-bec Bar, Me., 68; Belfast Harbor, Me., Rock- land Harbor, Me., 69; Cathance River, Me., Royal River, Me., Portland Harbor, Me., 70; Kennebunk River, Me., Portsmouth Harbor, N. H., 71; Cocheco River, N. H., Lamprey River, N. H., 72; examinations and surveys, 73. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. CHARLES W. RAYMOND, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Newburyport Harbor, Mass., 73; Merrimac River, Mass., 74; Scituate Harbor, Mass., Boston Harbor, Mass., 75; Plymouth Harbor, Mass., 76; Provincetown Harbor, Mass., Lynn Harbor, Mass., 77; Malden River, Mass., removal of sunken vessel obstructing navigation, 78; examinations and surveys, 78. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. GEORGE H. ELLIOT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Hyannis Harbor, Mass., Nantucket Harbor, Mass., 79; Wood's Holl, Mass., 81; Wareham Harbor, Mass., 82; Taunton River, Mass., 83; Pawtucket River, R. I., 84; Providence River and Narragansett Bay, R. I., 85; Newport Harbor, R. I., 87; Block Island Harbor, 88; Little Narragansett Bay, R. I. and Conn., 89; Stonington Harbor, Conn., 90; examinations and surveys, 91. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. WALTER MCFARLAND, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Thames River, Conn., New London Harbor, Conn., 92; Connecticut River, Mass. and Conn., 93; Clinton Harbor, Conn., New HavenHarbor, Conn., 94; Break- water at New Haven, Conn., Milford Harbor, Conn., 95; Housatonic River, Conn., 96; Bridgeport Harbor, Conn., Southport Harbor, Conn., Norwalk Harbor, Conn., 97; Mamaroneck Harbor, N. Y., Port Jefferson Harbor, N. Y.,. 98; Greenport Harbor, N. Y., 99; examinations and surveys, 99. IN CHARGE OF BRIG. GEN. JOHN NEWTON, CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, BrYT. MAJ. GEN., U. S. A.- Removing obstructions in East River and Hell Gate, New York, 100. IN CHARGE OE CAPT. JAMES MERCUR, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Hudson ,River, N.Y., 101; Rondout Harbor, N. Y., Buttermilk Channel, N. Y., 102; Harlem River, N. Y., Gowanus Bay, N. Y., 103; Echo Harbor, New Ro- chelle, N. Y., 104; harbor at New Rochelle, N. Y., Port Chester Harbor, N. Y., 105; examinations and surveys, 105. CONTENTS. III IN CHARGE OF MAJ. GEORGE L. GILLESPIE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. LIEUT. COL., U. S. A.- Flushing Bay, N. Y., 106; Newtown Creek, N. Y., East Chester Creek, N. Y., 107; Canarsie Bay, N. Y., 108; Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., 109; Sumpawanus Inlet, N. Y., Cheesequakes Creek, N.'J., 110; Passaic River above Newark, N. J., 111; Passaic River'from Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge to its mouth, N. J., 112; Channel between Staten Island and New Jersey, 113; SJrewsbury River, ,N. J., 114; Rahway River, N. J., Elizabeth River, N. J., 115; Woodbridge Creek, N. J., Manasquan River, N.J., 116; Raritan Bay, N.J., 117; Raritan River, N. J., 118; Mattawan Creek, N.J., 119; Keyport Harbor, N. J., South River, N. J., 120; removal of sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation, 121; examinations and surveys, 122. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. W. H. HEUER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Delaware River, between Trenton, N.J., and Bridesburg, Pa., 122; Delaware River, below Bridesburg, Pa., 123; Delaware River, at Schooner Ledge, Del- aware River, near Cherry Island Flats, 126; Frankford Creek, Pa., Schuylkill River, Pa., 127; Ice Harbor at Marcus Hook, Pa., Ice Harbor at Chester, Pa., Ice Harbor at New Castle, Del., 128; Ice Harbor at Reedy Island, Del., 129; Wilmington Harbor, Del., Broadkiln River, Del., 130; Mispillion Creek, Del., Duck Creek, Del., 131; Cohansey Creek, N. J., Salem River, N. J., 132; Ran- cocas River, N. J., Saint Jones River, Del., 133; Maurice River, N. J., Mantua Creek, N. J., 134; Woodbnry Creek, N. J., Raccoon River, N. J., Indian River, Del., 135; north branch of Susquehanna River, Pa., 136; construction of iron pier in Delaware Bay, near Led'es, Del., Delaware Breakwater Harbor, Del., removal of wrecks from Delaware Bay and River, 137; removing sunken ves- sels obstructing or endangering navigation; Port Warden's Lines, Philadel- phia, Pa., 138; examinations and surveys, 138. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. WILLIAM P. CRAIGHILL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Susquehanna River, near Havre de Grace, Md., 139; Elk River, Md., 140; Cor- sica Creek, Md., Chester River, at Kent Island Narrows, Md., Chester River, Md., from Spry's Lauding to Crumpton, 141; improving channel to Baltimore, Md., 142; Harbor of Annapolis, Md., 143; Choptank River, between Denton and Greensborough, Md., harbor of Cambridge, Md., 144; Upper Thorough- fare, between Deil's Island and the mainland, Broad Creek, Del., from the mouth to Laurel, Wicomico River, Md., 145; James River, Va., 146; Appo- mattox River, Va., 147; Shenandoah River, W. Va., 148; New River, from the mouth of Wilson, in Grayson County, Va., to mouth of Greenbrier River, W. Va., Great Kanawha River, W. Va., 149; Elk River, W. Va., Cape Fear River, N. C., 150; removing sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navi- gation, 151; examinations and surveys, 151. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. PETER C. HAINS, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. LIEUT. COL., U. S. A.- Harbors at Washington and Georgetown, D. C., 151; Potomac River in the vicinity of Washington, D. C., 152. IN CHARGE OF MR. S. T. ABERT, U. S. CIVIL ENGINEER- Channel at Mount Vernon, Va., 154; Neabsco Creek, Va., Breton Bay, Leonard- town, Md., Nomini Creek, Va., 155; harbor at entrance of Saint Jerome's Creek, Md., Rappahannock River, Va., 156; Totusky River, Va., 157; Urbana Creek, Va., Mattaponi River, Va., Pamunkey River, Va., 158; York River, Va., Chickahominy River, Va., 159; Staunton River, Va., 160; Dan River, between Madison, N. C., and Danville, Va., Roanoke River, N. C., 161; French Broad River, N. C., 162; examinations and surveys, 163. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. F. A. HINMAN, CORPs OF ENGINEERS- Harbor at Norfolk, Va., 163; improving approach to Norfolk Harbor and the United States navy-yard, between Lambert's Point and Fort Norfolk, 164; Archer's Hope River, Va., Blackwater River, Va., Nottaway River, Va., 165; North Landing River, Va. and N. C., Meherrin River, N. C., 166; Currituck Sound, Coanjok Bay, North River Bar, N. C., .Scuppernong River, N. C., 167; Edenton Bay, N. C., Pamplico and Tar rivers, N. C., 168; Neuse River, IV CONTENTS. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. F. A. HINMAN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS-Continued. N. C., Beaufort Harbor, N. C., 169; line of inland navigation from New Berne to Beaufprt Harbor N. C., via Clubfoot, Harlowe, and Newport rivers, Trent River, N. C., 171; Contentnea Creek, N. C., Cape Fear River, from Wilming- ton to Fayetteville, N. C., 172; Lillington River, N. C., Yadkin River, N. C., 173; New River, N. C., Great Pee Dee River, S. C., 174; Waccamaw River, S. C., Santee River, S. C., 175; Wateree River, S. C., 176; Georgetown Har- bor, S. C., 177; examinations and surveys, 177. IN CHARGE OF COL. Q. A. GILLMORE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. MAJ. GEN., U. S. A.- Charleston Harbor, S. C., 178; Wappoo Cut, S. C., Edisto River, S. C., 180; Salkiehatchie River, S. C., 181; Ashley River, S. C., 182; Savannah Harbor and River, Ga., 183; Savannah River, Ga., 184; Savannah River above Au- gusta, Ga., 185; Saint Augustine Creek (Thunderbolt River), Ga., Romerly Marsh, Ga., 186; Altamaha River, Ga., 187; Brunswick Harbor, Ga., 188; entrance to Cumberland Sound, Ga. and Fla., 189; inside passage between Fernandifna and Saint John's River, Fla., Saint John's River, Fla., 190; Vo- lusis Bar, Fla., 192; Upper Saint John's River, Fla., 193; examinations and surveys, 194. GULF OF MEXICO. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. A. N. DAMRELL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Mobile Harbor, Ala., 194; Pensacola Harbor, Fla., Key West Harbor, Fla., 195; Chattahoochee River, Ga. andAla., Flint River, Ga., 196; Appalachicola River, Fla., Appalachicola Bay, Fla., 197; Tampa Bay, Fla., Suwanee River, Fla., Choctawhatchee River, Ala. and Fla., 198; Cahaba River, Ala., 199; Talla- poosa River, Ala., Old Town Creek, Miss., 200; La Grange Bayou, Fla., With- lacoochee River, Fla., Caloosahatchee River, Fla., Peas Creek, Fla., 201 ; Es- cambia and Conecuh rivers, Fla. and Ala., 202; Alabama River, Ala., Warrpior and Tombigbee rivers, Ala. and Miss., 203; Tombigbee River above Columbus, Miss.,Noxubee River, Miss., 204; Pascagoula River, Miss., Manatee River, Fla., 205; roadstead leading into Back Bay of Biloxi, Miss., removing sunken ves- sels obstructing or endangering navigation, 206; examinations and surveys, 206. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. THOMAS TURTLE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Inspection of the improvement at the South Pass of the Mississippi River, 206; Sabine Pass and Blue Buck Bar, Tex., 207; Sabine River, La. and Tex., Neches River, Tex., 208. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. AMOS STICKNEY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Pearl River from Jackson to Carthage, Miss., Pearl River below Jackson, Miss., 209; Amite River, La., Tangipahoa River, La., 210; Tchefuncte River, La., Tickfaw River, La., 211; Bayou Teche, La., connecting Bayou Teche with Grand Lake at Charenton, La., 212; Bayou Black, La., Bayou Courtableau, La., 213; Bayou Terrebonue, La., Bayou La Fourche, La., 214; Calcasieu River, La., Calcasieu Pass, La., 215; examinations and surveys, 216. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. S. M. MANSFIELD, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. LIEUT. COL., U. S. A.- Entrance to Galveston Harbor, Tex., 216; ship-channel in Galveston Bay, Tex., Trinity River, Tex., 217; Buffalo Bayou, Tex., channel over the bar at mouth of Brazos River, Tex., 218; Pass Cavallo Inlet to Matagorda Bay, Tex., Aran- sas Pass and Bay up to Rockport and Corpus Christi, Tex., 219; harbor at Brazos Santiago, Tex., protection of river bank at Fort Brown, Tex., 220. WESTERN RIVERS. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. A. M. MILLER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Red River, La., Ouachita River, Ark. and La., 221; Bayou Bartholomew, La. and Ark., Bceuf River, La., 222; Tensas River, La., Cypress Bayou, Tex. and La., Yazoo River, Miss., 223; Big Sunflower River, Miss., Tchula Lake, Miss., Tal- lahatchee River, Miss., 224; Coldwater River, Miss., Yallabusha River, Miss., Big Hatchee River, Tenn., 225; South Forked Deer River, Tenn., water-gauges on the Mississippi River and its principal tributaries, 226; examinations and surveys, 226. CONTENTS. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. MILTON B. ADAMS, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Removing snags, &c., from Arkansas River, Ark., 227; White and Saint Francis rivers, Ark., 228; Arkansas River at Pine Bluff and Fort Smith, Ark., Arkansas River between Fort Smith, Ark., and Wichita, Kans., 229; White River be- tween Jacksonport and Buffalo Shoals, Ark.,White River above Buffalo Shoals, Ark., 230; L'Anguille River; Ark., Black River, Ark, and Mo., Saline River, Ark., 231; examinations and surveys, 232. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. O. H. ERNST, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Mississippi River, between the Illinois and Ohio rivers, 232; harbor and Missis- sippi River at Alton, Mississippi River opposite the city of Saint Louis, Mo., 234; Mississippi River at or near Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Minton Point, Ill., Osage River,.Kans. and Mo., 235. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. CHARLES R. SUTER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Removing snags and wrecks from the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, 236; Mis- souri River from its mouth to Sioux City, Iowa, &c., survey of Missouri River from its mouth to Fort Benton, Mont.. Gasconade Iiver, Mo., 237. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. JAMES B. QUINN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Missouri River from Sioux City to Fort Benton, Mont., 237; Yellowstone River, Mont., and Dak., 238. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. ALEXANDER MACKENZIE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Upper Mississippi River, operations of snag-boat, &c., 238; Mississippi River from Saint Paul to the Des Moines Rapids, Mississippi River from Des Moines Rapids to mouth of Illinois River, 239; harbors of refuge oniLake Pepin, re- moval of bar in Mississippi River opposite Dubuque, Iowa, ice harbor at Du- buque, Iowa, 240; Rock Island Rapids, Mississippi River, harbor at Rock Isl- and, Ill., harbor at Muscatine, Iowa, 241; Des Moines Rapids, Mississippi River, operating and care of Des Moines Rapids Canal, 242; dry dock at the Des Moines Rapids Canal, Mississippi River at Quincy, Ill., Quincy Bay, Ill., 243; examinations and surveys, 244. TEST OF THE ADAMS FLUME .......... ............................... 244 IN CHARGE OF MAJ. CHARLES J. ALLEN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Preservation of Falls of Saint Anthony, Minn., 244; Mississippi River above the Falls of Saint Anthony, Minn., constrnuction of lock and dam on Mississippi River at Meeker's Island, Minn., 245; Chippewa River, Wis., Chippewa River at Yellow Banks, Wis., 246; Saint Croix River below Taylor's Falls, Minn. and Wis., Minnesota River, Minn., 247; Red River of the North, Minn. and Dak., lock and dam at Goose Rapids on Red River of the North, Minn. and Dak., 248; reservoirs upon the headwaters of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, 249; surveys for reservoirs at the sources of the Mississippi, Saint Croix, Chip- pewa, and Wisconsin rivers, 250; examinations and surveys, 250. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. WILLIAM R. KING, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Tennessee River, 250; Cumberland River, 252; Hiwassee River, French Broad River,Tenn., 254; Clinch River,Tenn., Duck River, Tenn., Obey's River,Tenn., 255; Caney Fork River, Tenn., Coosa River, Ga. and Ala., 256; Oostenaula and Coosawattee river', Ga., Ocmulgee River, Ga., 257; Oconee River, Ga., 258; Red River, Tenn., Little Tennessee River, Tenn., South Fork Cumberland River, Ky., 259; examinations and surveys, 260. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. WILLIAM E. MERRILL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. COL., U. S. A.- Ohio River, 260; operating and care of'Louisyille and Portland Canal, 261; falls of the Ohio River at Louisville, Ky., Monongahela River, W. Va. and Pa., Allegheny River, Pa., 262; ice harbor at mouth of Muskingum River, Ohio, harbor of refuge near Cincinnati, Ohio, 263; examinations and surveys, 263. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. JAMES C. POST, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Kentucky River, Ky., Tradewatet River, Ky., 264; Big Sandly River, W. Va. and Ky., 265; Guyandotte River, W. Va. and Ky., Little Kanawha River, W. Va., 266; examination, 267. VI CONTENTS. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. JARED A. SMITH, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Wabash River, Ind. and Ill., 267; White River, Ind., 268; examination, X69. BRIDGING NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES. Bridge across Thames River, near New London, Conn., bridge across the Ohio River, at the city of Wheeling, W. Va., bridge across the Ohio River, near Beaver, Pa.,269; bridge across the Arkansas River, at Little Rock, Ark., bridge across the Arkansas River, at Van Buren, Ark., bridge across the Saint Croix River, in the States of Wisconsin and Minnesota, 270; pile and ponton bridge across the Mississippi River, at Dubuque, Iowa, bridges across the Great Kanawha River, W. V., 271. LAKE HARBORS AND RIVERS. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. CHARLES J. ALLEN, ' CORPs OF ENGINEERS- Harbor at Duluth, Minn., 271; dredging Superior Bay,Wis., 272; harbor at Grand Marais, Minn., 273. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. J. W. BARLOW, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Ontonagon Harbor, Mich., 273; Eagle Harbor, Mich., Marquette Harbor, Mich., 274; harbor of refuge at Grand Marais, Mich., 275; Manistique Harbor, Mich., harbor at mouth of Cedar River, Mich., 276; Menomonee Harbor, Mich. and Wis., Oconto Harbor, Wis., 277; Pensaukee Harbor, Wis., Green Bay Harbor, Wis., 278; harbor of irefuge at entrance of Sturgeon Bay Canal, Wis., 279; Ahnepee Harbor, Wis., Kewaunee Harbor, Wis., 280; Two Rivers Harbor,Wis., 281; Manitowoc Harbor, Wis., Sheboygan Harbor, Wis., 282; Port Washington Harbor, Wis., 283; removal of sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navi- gation, '284. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. W. L. MARSHALL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Harbor of refuge, Milwaukee Bay, Wis., 284; Milwaukee Harbor, Wis., Racine Harbor, Wis., 285; Kenosha Haihor, Wis., Waukegan Harbor, Ill., 286; Fox and Wisconsin rivers, 287; examination, 289. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. W. H. H. BENYAURD, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Chicago Harbor, Ill., 289; Calumet Harbor, Ill., Calumet River, Ill., Illinois River, Ill., 290; examinations and surveys, 291. IN CHARGE QF MAJ. JARED A. SMITH, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Harbor at Michigan City, Ind., 292; harbor at New Buffalo, Mich., 293. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. D. W. LOCKWOOD, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Charlevoix Harbor, Mich., 293; Frankfort Harbor, Mich., harbor of refuge at Portage Lake, Mich., 294; Manistee Harbor, Mich., Ludington Harbor, Mich., 295; Pentwater Harbor, Mich., White River Harbor, Mich., 296; Muskegon Harbor, Mich., Grand Haven Harbor, Mich., 297; Grand River, Mich., Black Lake Harbor, Mich., 298; Saugatuck Harbor, Mich., South Haven Harbor, Mich., 299; Saint Joseph Harbor, Mich., removal of wrecked schooner from Charlevoix Harbor, Mich., 300; examinations and surveys, 301. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. O. M. POE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. BRIG. GEN., U. S. A.- Hay Lake Channel, Saint Mary's River, Mich., 301; Saint Mary's Falls Canal and River, Mich., operating and care of Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich., dry dock at Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich., 302; harbor at Cheboygan, Mich., harbor at Thunder Bay, Mich., 303; harbor at Au Sable, Mich., Saginaw River, Mich., 304; harbor of refuge, Sand Beach, Lake Huron, Mich., 305; ice-harbor of refuge, Belle River, Mich., repairs of Saint Clair Flats Canal, Mich., oper- ating and care of Saint Clair Flats Ship-Canal, Mich., 306; Clinton River, Mich., Detroit River, Mich., 307; examinations and surveys, 308. CONTENTS. VII IN CHARGE OF MAJ. L. COOPER OVERMAN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Monroe Harbor, Mich., 308; Toledo Harbor, Ohio, 309; Port Clinton Harbor, Ohio, 310; Sandusky City Harbor, Ohio, 311; Sandusky River, Ohio, 312; Huron Harbor, Ohio, Vermillion Harbor, Ohio, 313; Mouth of Black River, Ohio, 314; Rocky River, Ohio, Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, 315; Fairport Har- bor, Ohio, 317; examination, 318. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. EDWARD MAGUIRE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Ashtalbula Harbor, Ohio, 318; Conneaut Harbor, Ohio, Erie Harbor, Pa., 319; Dunkirk Harbor, N. Y., 320; Buffalo Harbor, N. Y., Niagara River, N. Y., 321. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. HENRY M. ROBERT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Wilson Harbor, N. Y., Olcott Harbor, N. Y., Oak Orchard Harbor, N. Y., 322; Charlotte Harbor, N. Y., 323; Pultneyville Harbor, N. Y., Great Sodus Harbor, N. Y., 324; Little Sodus Harbor, N. Y., Oswego Harbor, N. Y., 325; Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., 326; Ogdensburg Harbor, N. Y., Grass River, N. Y., Plattsburg Harbor, N. Y., 327; Swanton Harbor, Vt., Burlington Harbor, Vt., 328; Otter Creek, Vt., Ticonderoga River, N. Y., 329; examinations and surveys, 330. PACIFIC COAST. IN CHARGE OF LIEUT. COL. GEORGE H. MENDELL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Oakland Harbor, Cal., 330; Wilmington Harbor, Cal., Sacramento and Feather rivers, Cal., 331; San Joaquin River, Cal., Petaluma Creek, Cal., 332; Hum- boldt Bay and Harbor, Cal., removal of sunken vessels obstructing or en- dangering navigation, 333; examinations and surveys, 334. IN CHARGE OF COL. C. SEAFORTH STEWART, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Harbor at San Diego, Cal., 334. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. CHARLES F. POWELL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Lower Willamette and Columbia rivers, Oreg. and Wash., 334; Mouth of Colum- bia River, Oreg., 335; Upper Willamette River, Oreg., 336; Upper Columbia and Snake rivers, Oreg. and Wash., 336; Columbia River at the Cascades, .Oreg., 337; entrance to Coos Bay, Oreg., entrance to Yaquina Bay, Oreg., 338; mouth of Coquille River, Oreg., Cowlitz River, Wash., 339; Skagit, Stie- laquamish, Nootsack, Snohomish, and Snoqualmie rivers, Wash., Chehalis River, Wash., 340; Lower Clearwater River, Idaho, gauging waters of Colum- bia River and principal tributaries, 341; examinations, 342. EXAMINATIONS, SURVEYS, AND CONTINGENCIES OF RIVERS AND HARBORS. Estimate for 1885-'86.................................................... 342 WASHINGTON AQUEDUCT, ETC. IN CHARGE OF MAJ. G. J. LYDECKER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS- Washington Aqueduct, 342; increasing water supply to city of Washington, 343; erection of fishways at Great Falls of the Potomac, 344. SPUBLIC BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, ETC., DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN CHARGE OF COL. A. F. ROCKWELL, UNITED STATES ARMY .......... 344 MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION............... 344 PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION OF CHARTS OF THE NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN LAKES 3..................345 MILITARY AND GEOGRAPHICAL MAPS.............345 VIII CONTENTS. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVYS WEST OF THE 100TH MERIDIAN. IN CHARGE OF CAPT. GEORGE M. WHEELER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS ..... 346 RECONNAISSANCES AND EXPLORATIONS. Officers on duty at headquarters of the Army, of divisions, and departments, 347; reports made, 348-9; estimate for surveys and reconnaissances and publi- cations of maps, 349. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. Officers of the Corps of Engineers in charge of Divisions ............. 349,350 STATEMENT OF RANK AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ......... 351 LAWS AFFECTING THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 48TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION, 1883-'84...................... 373 APPENDIX No. 1. REPORT OF CAPT. W. H. BIXBY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Preparation of report upon investigations in Europe in 1881-'82........... 421 APPENDIXES Nos. 1 AND 2. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. H. L. ABBOT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. BRIG. GEN., U. S. A. No. 1. BATTALION OF ENGINEERS AND ENGINEER SCHOOL OF APPLICA- TION............................................................................... .......... 425 No.2. ENGINEER DEPOT AND POST AT WILLETS POINT................. 455 RIVERS AND HARBORS, ETC. APPENDIX A. REPORT OF COL. CHARLES E. BLUNT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Lubec Channel, Me., 460; Moose-a-bec Bar at Jonesport, Me., 462; Belfast Harbor, Me., 463; Rockland Harbor, Me., 464; Cathance River, Me., 465; Royal River, Me., 466; Portland Harbor, Me., 467; Kennebunk River, Me., 468; Portsmouth Harbor, N. H., 469; Cocheco River, N. H., 471; Lamprey River, N. H., 472. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Androscoggin River, below Brunswick, Me., 473; for extension and completion of the breakwater near the Third Bridge in Portsmouth Harbor, N. H., connecting Goat Island and New Castle, 474; Penobscot River and Bangor Harbor, Me., 475; breakwater at the mouth of Saco River, Me., 482; at and near mouth of the Great Bay, so called, with a view to increasing the depth of the flow of water, and improvement of the navigation of the Piscataqua River and its tributaries, 485. APPENDIX B. REPORT OF MAJ. CHARLES W. RAYMOND, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Newburyport Harbor, Mass., 493; Merrimac River, Mass., 500; Scituate Harbor, Mass., 502; Boston Harbor, Mass., 503; Plymouth Harbor, Mass., 514; Provincetown Harbor, Mass., 518; Lynn Harbor, Mass., 520; Mal- den River, Mass., 551; removal of sunken vessels or craft endangering or ob- structing navigation, 552. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-The Headland in the town of Hull, at the en- trance to Boston Harbor, Mass., 552; Ipswich River and Harbor, Mass., 557; Sandy Bay, Rockport, Mass., withi a view to construction of a breakwater for a harbor of refuge, 565; Boston Harbor, Mass., and Fort Point Channel, and the channel leading to the wharves of the New York and N1ew Edgland Rail- road, 588. CONTENTS. 1x APPENDIX C. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. GEORGE H. ELLIOT, CORPS OF ENGI- NEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Hyannis Harbor, Mass., 591; Nantucket Harbor, Mass., 593; Wood's Holl and Harbor of Refuge at Wood's Holl, Mass., 597; Wareham Harbor, Mass., 600; Taunton River, Mass., 604; Pawtucket River, R. I., 608; Provdience River and Narragansett Bay, R. I., 617; Newport Harbor, R. I., 623; Block Island Harbor, R. I., 626; Little Narragansett Bay, R. I. and Conn., 629; Stonington Harbor, Conn.,,630. ExAMINATION.-Pawtuxet Harbor, R. I., 633. APPENDIX D. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. WALTER McFARLAND, CORPS OF ENGI- NEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Thames River, Conn., 636; New London Harbor, Conn., 638; Connecticut River, Mass. and Conn., 639; Clinton Harbor, Conn., 643; New Haven Harbor, Conn., 645; breakwater at New Haven, Conn., 647; Milford Harbor, Conn., 648; Housatonic River, Conn., 650; Bridgeport Harbor, Conn., 651; Southport Harbor, Conn., 653; Norwalk Harbor, Conn., 654; Mamaroneck Harbor, N. Y., 655; Port Jefferson Harbor, N. Y., 656; Greenport Harbor, N. Y., 658. EXAMINAT[ONS AND SURVEYS. -Connecticut River, from Bellows Falls, Vt., to Pittsburgh, N. H., 659; Bissell's Cove, R. I., 663; Stony Brook Harbor, N. Y., 664; Black Rock Harbor, Conn., 665; Stamford Harbor, Conn., 670; Westport Harbor, Conn., 673; Branford Harbor, Conn., 678; channel way from River- head, on Peconic River, to Great Peconic Bay, Long Island, N.Y., 681; Duck Island Harbor, Conn., for a breakwater, 684; Madison Harbor, Conn., 685; Southold Harbor, Long Island, N. Y., 686. APPENDIX E. REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. JOHN NEWTON, CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, BVT. MAJ. GEN., U. S. A. IMPROVEMENT.-Removing obstructions in East River and Hell Gate, N. Y., 689. APPENDIX F. REPORT OF CAPT. JAMES MERCUR, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Hudson River, N. Y., 695; Rondout Harbor, N. Y., 700; Butter- milk Channel, N. Y., 701; Harlem River, N. Y., 704; Gowanus Bay, N. Y., 706; Echo Harbor, New Rochelle, N. Y., 708; harbor at New Rochelle, N. Y., 709; Port Chester Harbor, N. Y., 712. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Gowanus Creek, at Brooklyn, N. Y., 713; Min- isceongo Creek, N. Y., 714; Saugerties Harbor, on Hudson River, N. Y., 715; Peekskill Harbor, on Hudson River, N.Y., 718. APPENDIX G. REPORT OF MAJ. GEORGE L. GILLESPIE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. LIEUT. COL., U. S. A. IMPROVEMENTS.-Flushing Bay, N. Y., 724; Newtown Creek, N. Y., 726; East Chester Creek, N.Y., 728; Canarsie Bay, N.Y., 731; Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., 732; Sumpawanus Inlet, N. Y., 734; Cheesequakes Creek, N. J., 735; Passaic River, above Newark, N. J., 737; Passaic River, from Pennsylvania Railroad bridge to its mouth, N. J., 740; channel between Staten Island and New Jersey, 742; Shrewsbury River, N. J., 745; Rahway River, N.J., 747; Elizabeth River, N. J., 748; Woodbridge Creek, N. J., 749; Manasquan River, N. J., 751; Raritan Bay, N. J., 752; Raritan River, N.J., 754; Mattawan Creek, N.J., 756; Key- port Harbor, N. J., 758; South River, N. J., 760; lemoval of sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation, 762. CONTENTS. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-From Deal to Seabright, on the New Jersey coast, for a breakwater to protect the shore and harbor at Long Branch, 763; channel from Pearsall's Dock to Flat Creek, in Hempstead Bay, N. Y., 764; Newtown Creek, from its mouth to Metropolitan avenue, in Brooklyn, N. Y., 765; Shoal Harbor and Compton's Creek, N. J., 770; North River, in front of Jersey City and Hoboken, to determine what is necessary to permanently deepen the channel on the New Jevsey side, 774; Passaic River, between Pas- saic and Paterson, N. J., 780. APPENDIX H. # REPORT OF MAJ. W. H. HEUER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Delaware River, between Trenton, N. J., and Bridesburg, Pa., 792; Delaware River, below Bridesburg, Pa., 794; Delaware River, at Schooner Ledge, 808; Delaware River, near Cherry Island Flats, 809; Frank- ford Creek, Pa., 810; Schuylkill River, Pa., 811; ice Harbor at Marcus Hook, Pa., 814; ice Harbor at Chester, Pa., 816; ice Harbor at New Castle, Del., 816; ice Harbor at Reedy Island, Del., 817; Wilmington Harbor, Del., 826; Broadkiln River, Del., 828, Mispillion Creek, Del., 829; Duck Creek, Del., 830; Cohansey Creek, N.J., 831; Salem River, N.J., 832; Rancocas River, N. J., 833; Saint Jones River, Del., 835; Maurice River, N.J., 836; Mantua Creek, N. J., 837; Woodbury Creek, N.J., 838; Raccoon River, N.J., 839; Indian River, Del., 840; north branch of Susquehanna River, Pa., 842; con- struction of iron pier in Delaware Bay, near Lewes, Del., 843; Delaware Breakwater Harbor, Del., 845; removal of wrecks from Delaware Bay and River, 847; removing sunken vessels or craft obstructing or endangering navigation, 850; Port Warden's Lines, Philadelphia, Pa., 851. d54; EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Pensauken Creek, N. J., 852; Leipsic River, Del., from the Delaware River to the town of Leipsic, Delaware River, between Trenton, N. J., and Port Jervis, N. Y., 855; Delaware River in front of Philadelphia, with a view to its improvement by removal of Windmill or Smith's Island, or the bar above the same, 858; north branch of the Susque- hanna River, from Pittston to Athens, Pa., 869; Brandywine River, from its mouth to the Market Street Bridge in the city of Wilmington, Del., 879. PART II. APPENDIX I. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. WILLIAM P. CRAIGHILL, CORPS OF ENGI- NEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Susquehanna River, near Havre de Grace, Md., 888; Elk River, Md., 889; Corsica Creek, Md., 891; Chester River, at Kent Island Nar- rows, Md., 893; Chester River, Md., from Spry's Landing to Crumpton, 893; channel to Baltimore, Md., 894; harbor of Annapolis, Md., 900; Chop- tank River, between Denton and Greensborough, Md., 901; harbor of Cam- bridge, Md., 902; Upper Thoroughfare, between Deil's Island and the main- land, 903; Broad Creek, Del., from the mouth to Laurel, 903; Wicomico River, Md., 903; James River, Va., 904; Appomattox River, Va., 913; Shen- andoah River, W. Va., 927; New River, from the mouth of Wilson, in Grayson County, Va., to mouth of Greenbrier River, W. Va., 928; Great Kanawha River, W. Va., 928; Elk River, W. Va., 936; Cape Fear River, N.C., 937; removing sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation, 948. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYs.-Pocomoke River, Md., with a view to a cut-off in the bend just below Snow Hill, 949; Manokin River, Md., from its mouth to Princess Anne, 951; Pungoteague Creek, from Bogg's wharf to the ware- house, Accomac County, Va., 952; Cherrystone Creek, Va., 953; Wetipguin Creek, Md., 956; Isle of Wight and Upper Synepuxent bays, Md., and Indian River, Del., with the intervening land, with a view to connect their waters, 957 jWicomico River, Md., from its mouth to Salisbury, 959; Hunting Creek, Acconac County, Va., 961; Dividing Creek, Talbot County, Md., 962. CONTENTS. xi APPENDIX J. REPORT OF MAJ. PETER C. HAINS, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. LIEUT. COL., U. S. A. IMPROVEMENTS.-Harbors at Washington and Georgetown, D. C., 965; Potomac River in the vicinity of Washington, D. C., 970. APPENDIX K. REPORT OF MR. S. T. ABERT, UNITED STATES CIVIL ENGINEER. IMPROVEMENTs.-Channel at Mount Vernon, Va., 980; Neabsco Creek, Va., 980; Breton Bay, Leonardtown, Md., 981; Nomini Creek, Va., 982; harbor at en- trance of Saint Jerome's Creek, Md., 984; Rappahannock River, Va., 985; Totusky River, Va., 988; Urbana Creek, Va., 990; Mattaponi River, Va., 991; Pamunkey River, Va., 992; York River, Va., 994; Chickahominy River, Va., 996; Staunton River, Va., 998,999; Dan River, between Madison, N. C., and Danville, Va., 1000; Roanoke River, N. C., 1001; French Broad River, N. C., 1002. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Hull's Creek, Northumberland County, Va., 1004; Piscataway Creek, Prince George's County, Md., 1005; Chicamuxen Creek, Charles County, Md., 1005, Piscataway Creek, Essex County, Va., 1006; Port Tobacco Creek, Charles County, Md., 1008; Quantico Creek, Va., 1010; Piankatank River, Va., 1013; Great Wicomico River, from Cedar Point to Indian Point, Northumberland County, Va., 1016; Roanoke River, N. C., 1020. APPENDIX L. REPORT OF CAPT. F. A. HINMAN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Harbor at Norfolk, Va., 1028; approach to Norfolk Harbor and the United States navy-yard, between Lambert's Point and Fort Nor- folk, 1030; Archer's Hope River, Va., 1031; Blackwater River, Va., 1031; Not- taway River, Va., 1031; North Landing River, Va. and N. C., 1032; Meher- rin River, N. C., 1034; Currituck Sound, Coanjok Bay, and North River Bar, N. C., 1034; Scuppernong River, N. C., 1035; Edenton Bay, N. C., 1035; Pamp- lico and Tar rivers, N. C., 1036; Neuse River, N. C., 1037; Beaufort Harbor, N. C., 1039; line of inland navigation from New Berne to Beaufort Harbor, N. C., via Clubfoot, Harlowe, and Newport rivers,1040; Trent River, N. C., 1041; Coutentnea Creek, N. C., 1042; Cape Fear River, from Wilmington to Fayetteville, N. C., 1042; Lillington River, N. C., 1044; Yadkin River, N. C., 1045; New River, N. C., 1046; Great Pee Dee River, S. C., 1047; Waceamaw River, S. C., 1048; Santee River, S. C., 1049; Wateree River, S. C., 1051; George- town Harbor, S. C., 1052. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Milford Haven, Va., 1053; the Sound between Beaufort and New River, and of White Oak River to Smith's Mill's, N. C., 1055; Waccamaw River, between Conwayborough, S. C., and Waccamaw Lake, N. C., 1056; Broad River, from Rutherfnrdton, N. C., to South Carolina line, 1058; Alligator River, N. C., 1059; Bla:k River, N. C., 1061; the Sound be- tween Morehead City, in Carteret County, N. C., 1062; Town Creek, Beaufort County, N. C., 1063; Bay River, N. C., 1064; Cape Fear River, above Fayette- ville, N. C., 1064; Clubfoot, Harlowe, and Newport rivers, N. C., on line of in- land navigation to Beaufort Harbor, N. C., 1065; Edenton Bay, N. C., 1071. APPENDIX M. REPORT OF COL. Q. A. GILLMORE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. MAJ. GEN.. U. S. A. * IMPROVEMENTS.-Charleston Harbor, S. C., 1078; Wappoo Cut, S. C., 1089; Edisto River, S. C., 1092; Salkiehatchie River, S. C., 1094; Ashley River, S. C., 1097; Savannah Harbor and River, Ga., 1098; Savannah River, Ga., 1107: Savannah River above Augusta, Ga., 1110; Saint Augustine Creek (Thunder- bolt River), Ga., 1111; Romerly Marsh, Ga., 1111; Altamaha River, Ga., 1114; Brunswick Harbor, Ga., 1118; entrance to Cumberland Sound, Ga. and Fla., 1121; inside passage between Fernandina and Saint John's River, Fla., 1125; Saint John's River, Fla., 1126; Volusia Bar, Fla., 1134; Upper Saint John's River, Fla., 1137. XII CONTENTS. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-The channel of Saint John's River at its en- trance into and exit out of Lake Monroe, and between Lake George and Lake Monroe, for straightening and improving the navigation of said river between the said lakes, 1138; to open a passage between the north end of Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, Fla., 1143. APPENDIX N. REPORT OF MAJ. A. N. DAMRELL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Mobile Harbor, Ala., 1152; Pensacola Harbor, Fla., 1161; Key West Harbor, Fla., 1166; Chattahoochee River, Ga. and Ala., 1167; Flint River, Ga., 1170; Appalachicola River, Fla., 1174; Appalachicola Bay, Fla., 1175; Tampa Bay, Fla., 1178; Suwanee River, Fla., 1179; Choctawhatchee Rivpr, Ala. and Fla., 1180; Cahaba River, Ala., 1186; Tallapoosa River, Ala., 1189; Old Town Creek, Miss., 1191; La Grange Bayou, Fla., 1192; Withla- coochee River, Fla., 1194; Caloosahatchee River, Fla., 1195; Peas Creek, Fla., 1196; Escambia and Conecuh rivers, Fla. and Ala., 1197; Alabama River, Ala., 1200; Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers, Ala. and Miss., 1204; Tombigbee River above Columbus, Miss., 1210; Noxubee River, Miss., 1211; Pascagoula River, Miss., 1214; Manatee River, Fla., 1215; roadstead leading into Back Bay of Biloxi, Miss., 1217; removing sunken vessels obstructing or endanger- ing navigation, 1217. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Harbor at Cedar Keys, Fla., especially the northwest channel, 1218; channel inside the shoals along the coast of Florida, from Cedar Keys to Clear Water Harbor and Tampa, Fla., 1220; Saint Mark's River, Fla., 1222; harbor at Cedar Keys, Fla., 1223; shoal between Dauphin Island and Cedar Point, Ala., 1227. APPENDIX O. REPORT OF CAPT. THOMAS TURTLE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. INSPECTION.-Improvement at the South Pass of the Mississippi River, 1235. APPENDIX P. REPORT OF CAPT. THOMAS TURTLE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Sabine Pass and Blue Buck Bar, Tex., 1249; Sabine River, La. and Tex., 1255; Neches River, Tex., 1256. APPENDIX Q. REPORT OF MAJ. AMOS STICKNEY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Pearl River from Jackson to Carthage, Miss., 1259; Pearl River below Jackson, Miss., 1262; Amite River, La., 1263; Tangipahoa River, La., 1266; Tchefuncte River, La., 1268; Tickfaw River, La., 1271; Bayou Teche, La., 1272; connecting Bayou Teche with Grand Lake at Charenton, La., 1275; Bayou Black, La., 1276; Bayou Courtableau, La., 1277; Bayou Terrebonne, La., 1279; Bayou La Fourche, La., 1280; Calcasieu River, La., 1281; Calcasieu Pass, La., 1282. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Bogue Falia, La., 1283; Atchafalaya River be- tween Berwick's Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, 1285; water-route to connect Calcasien River with Sabine Pass, 1285; Pearl River, Miss., above Carthage, 1286; Natalbany River, La., 1289; Bayou La Fourche, La., 1291. CONTENTS. XIII APPENDIX R. REPORT OF MAJ. S. M. MANSFIELD, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. LIEUT. COL., U. S. A. IMPROVEMENT.-Entrance to Galveston Harbor, Tex., 1295; ship-channel in Galveston Bay. Tex., 1303; Trinity River, Tex., 1304; Buffalo Bayou, Tex., 1305; mouth of Brazos River, Tex., 1309; Pass Cavallo Inlet to Matagorda Bay, 1310; Aransas Pass and Bay, up to Rockport and Corpus Christi, Tex., 1312; harbor at Brazos Santiago, Tex., 1316; protection of river bank at Fort Brown, Tex., 1320. APPENDIX S. REPORT OF MAJ. A. M. MILLER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Red River, La., 1322; Ouachita River, Ark. and La., 1329; Bayou Bartholomew, La. and Ark., 1330; Boeuf River, La., 1331; Tensas River, La., 1331; Cypress Bayou. Tex. and La., 1332; Yazoo River, Miss., 1333; Big Sunflower River, 1344; Tchula Lake, Miss., 1335; Tallahatchee River, Miss., 1335; Coldwater River, Miss., 1336; Yallabusha River, Miss., 1337; Big Hat- chee River, Tenn., 1337; South Forked Deer River, Tenn., 1338; water-gauges on the Mississippi River and its principal tributaries, 1341. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Yallabusha River, above Grenada, Miss., 1342; Loosacoona River, Miss., 1344; Sulphur River, Tex., from its mouth to Sul- phur Station, 1345; Bayou Roundaway and Bayou Vidal, La., 1347; Oua- chita River, from Camden to Arkadelphia, Ark., 1351; Yazoo Pass, with a view to connection with the Mississippi River, 1355; Roebuck Lake, a tributary of Yazoo River, Miss., 1357; Steele's Bayou, Miss., from its mouth to Swan Lake, in Washington County, 1360; Black River, from its mouth to Trinity, La., for shortening its channel by a cut-off, 1363; Loggy Bayou, Lake Biste- neau, and the Dorcheat, La., 1363; Cane River, La., 1366; Petit Anse Bayou, La, 1369; mouth of Lake Palmyra, where it enters the Mississippi River, 1370; D'Arbonne River, La., 1372; the harbors of Monroe and Trenton, La., 1381; Ouachita River, from its mouth to Camden, Ark., 1386. APPENDIX T. REPORT OF MAJ. MILTON B. ADAMS, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.- Removing snags, wrecks, &c., from Arkansas River, Ark., 1390; White and Saint Francis rivers, Ark., 1392; Arkansas River at Pine Bluff, Ark, 1393; Arkansas River between Fort Smith, Ark., and Wichita, Kans., 1399; White River between Jacksonport and Buffalo Shoals, Ark., 1401; White River above Buffalo Shoals, Ark., 1402; L'Anguille River, Ark., 1403; Black River, Ark. and Mo., 1403; Saline River, Ark., 1404. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Arkansas River, from Wichita, Kans., to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, 1405; Little River and Saline Oreek, Ark., 1406; Big Bayou Meto, Ark., from its mouth up, 1408; White River, Ark., at the Mem- phis and Little Rock Railroad Bridge, near Duval's Bluff, with a view of re- moving obstructions from the channel, 1409. APPENDIX U. REPORT OF MAJ. O. H. ERNST, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Mississippi River, between the Illinois and Ohio rivers, 1411; Harbor and Mississippi River at Alton, Ill., 1527; Mississippi River opposite the city of Saint Louis, Mo., 1527; Mississippi River at or near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Minton Point, Ill., 1529; Osage River, Kans. and Mo., 1529. XIV CONTENTS. PART III. APPENDIX V. REPORT .OF MAJ. CHARLES R. SUTER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Removing snags and wrecks from the Mississippi and Mis- souri rivers, 1531; Missouri River from its mouth to Sioux City, Iowa, 1533; survey of Missouri River from its mouth to Fort Benton, Mont., 1538; Gas- conade River, Mo., 1540. APPENDIX W. REPORT OF CAPT. JAMES B. QUINN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa, to Fort Benton, 1541 ; Yellowstone River, Mont. and Dak., 1543. APPENDIX X. REPORT OF MAJ. ALEXANDER MACKENZIE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Upper Mississippi River, operations of snag-boat, &c., 1545; Mississippi River from Saint Paul to the Des Moines Rapids, 1550; Mississippi River frm Des Moines Rapids to mouth of Illinois River, 1560; harbors of refuge on Lake Pepin, 1570; removal of bar in Mississippi River opposite Du- buque, Iowa, 1571; ice-harbor at Dubuque, Iowa, 1571; Rock Island Rapids, Mississippi River, 1572; harbor at Rock Island, Ill., 1575; harbor at Musca- tine, Iowa, 1575; Des Moines Rapids, Mississippi River, 1576; operating and care of Des Moines Rapids Canal, 1580; drydock at the Des Moines Rapids Canal, 1586; Mississippi River at Quincy, Ill., 1588; Quincy Bay, 1590. EXAMINATIONS AND SuRVEYS.-Iowa River from Wapello to its mouth, 1591; Pecatonica River from Argyle to Wayne, La Fayette County, Wis., 1593. APPENDIX Y. REPORT OF MAJ. CHARLES J. ALLEN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Preservation of Falls of Saint Anthony, Minn., 1596; Missis- sippi River above the Falls of Saint Anthony, Minn., 1597; construction of lock and dam on Mississippi River at Meeker's Island, Minn., 1599; Chippewa River, Wis.,'1600; Chippewa River at Yellow Banks, Wis., 1603; Saint Croix River below Taylor's Falls, Minn. and Wis., 1606; Minnesota River, Minn., 1609; Red River of the North, Minn. and Dak., 1610; construction of lock and dam at Goose Rapids on Red River of the North, Minn. and Dak., 1612; reser- voirs upon the headwaters of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, 1614; surveys for reservoirs at the sources of the Mississippi, Saint Croix, Chippewa, and Wisconsin rivers, 1631. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-The source of Minnesota River, near the foot of Big Stone Lake, with a view of its being added to the reservoir system of the Mississippi and its tributaries, 1632; the lakes near the headwaters of Cannon River, in Rice and Le Sueur counties, Minn., with a view to adding the same to the reservoir system of the Mississippi and its tributaries, 1634; Minnesota River, near the village of Belle Plaine, with a view to preventing the washing away of the banks of said river opposite said village, 1637. APPENDIX Z. ftEPORT OF MAJ. WILLIAM R. KING, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Tennessee River, 1639; Cumberland River, 1644; Hiwasse River, 1649; French Broad River, Tenn., 1650; Clinch River, Tenn., 1651; Duck River, Tenn., 1651; Obey's River, Tenn., 1652; Caney Fork River, Tenn., 1653; Coosa River, Ga. and Ala., 1654; Oostenaula and Coosawattee rivers, Ga., 1656; Ocmulgee River, Ga., 1656; Oconee River, Ga., 1658; Red River, Tenn., 1659; Little Tennessee River, Tenn., 1659; South Fork Cumberland River, Ky., 1660. CONTENTS. XV EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEY.-Cumberland River and its principal tributaries above Pineville, Ky., 1661; cost of placing locks and dams on the Cumberland River, from Nashville, Tenn., to the Cincinnati Soithern Railroad, in Ky., 1662. APPENDIX A A. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. WILLIAM E. MERRILL, CORPS OF ENGI- NEERS, BVT. COL., U. S. A. IMPROVEMENTS.-Ohio River, 1678; operating and care of Louisville and Port- land Canal, 1692; falls of the Ohio River at Louisville, Ky., 1699; Mononga- hela River, W. Va. and Pa., 1699; Allegheny River, Pa., 1702; ice-harbor at mouth of Muskingum River, Ohio, 1703; harbor of refuge near Cincinnati, Ohio, 1703. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Tionesta Creek, Pa., 1704; ice-harbor at Mid- dleport, Meigs County, Ohib, 1707; Ohio River at Rochester and Freedom, Pa., for ice-breakers, 1710; channel through Grand and Little Chains in the Ohio River, 1715; Youghiogheny River, from McKeesport to Connellsville, Pa., 1716; Tygart's Valley and Buckhannon river§, W. Va., 1718. APPENDIX B B. REPORT OF CAPT. JAMES C. POST, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Kentucky River, Ky., 1723; Tradewater River, Ky., 1747; Big Sandy River, W. Va. and Ky., 1749; Guyandotte River; W. Va., 1753; Little Kanawha River, W. Va., 1754. EXAMINATION.-Louisa Fork of the Big Sandy River to Grundy Court House, Va., 1755. APPENDIX C C. REPORT OF MAJ. JARED A. SMITH, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENT.-Wabash River, Ind. and Ill., 1757; White Riher, Ind., 1765. EXAMINATION.-Stone formation in Kankakee River at Momence, Ill., 1766. APPENDIX D D. BRIDGING NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES. Bridge across Thames River, near New London, Conn., 1769; bridge across the Ohio River, at the city of Wheeling, W. Va., 1772; bridge across the Ohio River, near Beaver, Pa., 1778; bridge across the Arkansas River, at Little Rock, Ark., 1788; bridge across the Arkansas River, at Van Buren, Ark., 1792; bridges across the Great Kanawha River, W. Va., 1796. APPENDIX E E. REPORT OF MAJ. CHARLES J. ALLEN, CQRPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Harbor at Duluth, Minn., 1809; dredging Superior Bay, Wis., 1818; harbor at Grand Marais, Minn., 1822. APPENDIX F F. REPORT OF. LIEUT. COL. J. W. BARLOW, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Ontonagon Harbor, Mich., 1825; Eagle Harbor, Mich., 1828; Marquette Harbor, Mich., 1829; harbor of refuge at Grand Marais, Mich., 1831; Manistique Harbor, Mich., 1832; harbor at mouth of Cedar River, Mich., 1833; Menomonee Harbor, Mich. and Wis., 1835; Oconto Harbor, Wis., 1840; Pensaukee Harbor, Wis., 1842; Green Bay Harbor, Wis., 1844; harbor of refuge at entrance of Sturgeon Bay Canal, Wis., 1846; Ahnepee Harbor, Wis., 1847; Kewaunee Harbor, Wis., 1849; Two Rivers Harbor, Wis., 1851; Mani- towoc Harbor, Wis., 1853; Sheboygan Harbor, Wis., 1855; Port Washington Harbor, Wis., 1858; removal of sunken vessels or craft obstructing or endan- gering navigation, 1860. XVI CONTENTS. APPENDIX G G. REPORT OF CAPT. W. L. MARSHALL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Harbor of refuge, Milwaukee Bay, Wis., 1863; Milwaukee Harbor, Wis., 1866; Racine Harbor, Wis., 1867; Kenosha harbor, Wis., 1869; Waukegan Harbor, Ill., 1871; Fox and Wisconsin rivers, 1872. EXAMINATION.-Wisconsin River from Portage to Merrill, 1939. APPENDIX H H. REPORT OF MAJ. W. H. H. BENYAURD, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Chicago Harbor, Ill1., 1943; Calumet Harbor, Ill., 1946; Calu- met River, 1947; Illinois River, 194S. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-For Hennepin Canal, and for the enlargement of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, 1950; Calumet River, Ill. and Ind., 1951; Sangamon River from its mouth to Petersburg, 1952; Illinois and Des Plaines rivers, between La Salle and Joliet, 1957. APPENDIX I I. REPORT OF MAJ. JARED A. SMITH, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Harbor at Michigan City, Ind., 1965; harbor at New Buffalo, Mich., 1969. APPENDIX J J. REPORT OF CAPT. D. W. LOCKWOOD, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Charlevoix Harbor, Mich., 1971; Frankfort Harbor, Mich., 1973; harbor of refuge at Portage Lake, Mich., 1974; Manistee Harbor, Mich., 1976; Ludington Harbor, Mich., 1977; Pentwater Harbor, Mich., 1978; White River Harbor, Mich., 1981; Muskegon Harbor, Mich., 1983; Grand Haven Har- bor, Mich., 1984; Grand River, Mich., 1986; Black Lake Harbor, Mich., 1987; Saugatuck Harbor, Mich., 1989; South Haven Harbor, Mich., 1991; Saint Joseph Harbor, Mich., 1993; removing wrecked schooner from Charlevoix Harbor, Mich., 1995. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEY.-Harbor at Cross Village, Mich., 1995; for har- bor of refuge at Ludington, Mich., 1999. APPENDIX K K. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. O. M. POE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. BRIG. GEN., U. S. A. IMPROVEMENTS.-Hay Lake Channel, Saint Mary's River, Mich., 2004; Saint Mary's Falls Canal and River, Mich., 2011; operating and care of Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich., 2016; dry dock at Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich., 2030; harbor at Cheboygan, Mich., 2035; harbor at Thunder Bay, Mich., 2036; harbor at Au Sable, Mich., 2040; Saginaw River, Mich., 2041; harbor of ref- uge at Sand Beach, Lake Huron, Mich., 2046; ice-harbor of refuge at Belle River, Mich., 2070; repairs of Saint Clair Flats Canal, Mich., 2071; operating and care of Saint Clair Flats Ship-Canal, Mich., 2072; Clinton River, Mich., 2074; ,Detroit River, Mich., 2074. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Harbor at .Caseville, Mich., 2077; Sebewaing Harbor, Mich., 2079. APPENDIX L L. REPORT OF MAJ. L. COOPER OVERMAN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENT.-Monroe Harbor, Mich., 2081; Toledo Harbor, Ohio, 2083; Port Clinton Harbor, Ohio, 2086; Sandusky City Harbor, Ohio, 2088; San- dusky River, Olio, 2091; Huron Harbor, Ohio, 2092; Vermillion Harbor, Ohio, 2093; harbor at mouth of Black River, Ohio, 2094; mouth of Rocky River, Ohio, 2097; Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, 2097; Fairport Harbor, Ohio, 2108. EXAMINATION.-The channel known as the old river bed, leading from Cuya- hoga River to the harbor of refuge at Clqveland, Ohio, 2110. CONTENTS. XVII APPENDIX M M. REPORT OF CAPT. EDWARD MAGUIRE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, 2113; Conneaut Harbor, Ohio, 2118; Erie Harbor, Pa., 2120; Dunkirk Harbor, N. Y., 2124; Buffalo Harbor, N.Y., 2126; Niagara River, N. Y., 2131. APPENDIX N N. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. HENRY M. ROBERT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Wilson Harbor, N. Y., 2133; Olcott Harbor, N. Y., 2135; Oak Orchard Harbor, N. Y., 2136; Charlotte Harbor, N. Y., 2137; Pultneyville Hatbor, N. Y., 2138; Great Sodus Harbor, N.Y., 2140; Little Sodus Harbor, N. Y., 2142; Oswego Harbor, N.Y., 2143; Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., 2151; Og- densburg Harbor, N. Y., 2153; Grass River, N. Y., 2154; Plattsburg Harbor, N. Y., 2155; Swanton Harbor, Vt., 2156; Burlington Harbor, Vt., 2157; Otter Creek, Vt., 2158; Ticonderoga River, N. Y., 2160. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Harbor at Port Marshall, Lake Champlain, N. Y., 2161; Boquet River, N. Y., 2162; Champlain River, N. Y., from the lake up to Champlain Town, 2165; harbor of Port Henry, Lake Champlain, N. Y., 2168; plan and estimate for a breakwater at Rouse's Point, on Lake Cham- plain, N.Y., 2172. APPENDIX 0 0. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. GEORGE H. MENDELL, CORPS OF ENGI- NEERS, BVT. COL., U. S. A. IMPROVEMENTS.-Oakland Harbor, Cal., 2177; Wilmington Harbor, Cal., 2186; Sacramento and Feather rivers, Cal., 2191; San Joaquin River, Cal., 2195; Petaluma Creek, Cal., 2198; Humboldt Harbor and Bay, Cal., 2199; removal of sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation, 2201. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS.-Redwood Slough, San Mateo County, Cal., 2204; Alameda Creek, Alameda County, Cal., 2207; Santa Monica Bay, Cal., 2209; Clear Lake, Lake County, Cal., 2210. APPENDIX P P. REPORT OF COL. C. SEAFORTH STEWART, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENT.-Harbor at San Diego, Cal., 2213. APPENDIX Q Q. REPORT OF CAPT. CHARLES F. POWELL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Lower Willamette and Columbia rivers, Oreg. and Wash., 2215; mouth of Columbia River, Oreg., 2222; Upper Willamette River, Oreg., 2226; Upper Columbia and Snake rivers, Oreg. and Wash., 2229; Columbia River at the Cascades, Oreg., 2246; entrance to Coos Bay, Oreg., 2260; en- trance to Yaquina Bay, Oreg., 2265; mouth of Coquille River, Oreg., 2270; Cowlitz River, Wash., 2272; Skagit, Stielaquaqnish, Nootsack, Snohomish, and Snoqualmie rivers, Wash., 2274; 'Chehalis River, Wash., 2276; Lower Clearwater River, Idaho, 2279; gauging waters of Columbia River and prin- cipal tributaries, 2290. EXAMINATIONS.-Lewis, Humptuleps, and Dwamish rivers, Wash., 2293. APPENDIX R R. REPORT OF MAJ. G. J. LYDECKER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVEMENTS.-Washington Aqueduct, 2299; increasing the water supply of the city bf Washington, D. C., and erection of fish-ways at the Great Falls of the Potomac River, 2301. 5908 ENG----II XVIII CONTENTS. APPENDIX S S. REPORT OF COL. A. F. ROCKWELL, UNITED STATES ARMY. IMPROVEMENT and care of public buildings and grounds in and around Wash- ington, D. C., 2339. APPENDIX U U. REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. O. M. POE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. BRIG. GEN., U. S. A. Issue of Published Charts of the Northern and Northwestern Lakes ..... 2373 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS. APPENDIX V V. REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE M. WHEELER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Geographical and Topographical Surveys of the Territory of the United States West of the One Hundredth Meridian, in the States and Territories of Cali- fornia, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming ............. 2375 APPENDIX W W. REPORT OF MAJ. THOMAS H. HANDBURY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Division of the Missouri ............... 2379 APPENDIX X X. REPORT OF LIEUT. DAN C. KINGMAN, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of the Platte .............. 2381 APPENDIX Y Y. REPORT OF LIEUT. O. M. CARTER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of the Missouri ............ 2383 APPENDIX' Z Z. REPORT OF CAPT. H. S. TABER, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of Dakota................. 2387 APPENDIX A A A. REPORT OF MAJ. W. R. LIVERMORE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of Texas .................. 2391 APPENDIX B B B. REPORT OF MAJ. WILLIAM A. JONES, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of California .............. 2397 CONTENTS. XIX APPENDIX C C C. REPORT OF LIEUT. THEODORE A. BINGHAM, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of Arizona...............2399 APPENDIX DD DD. REPORT OF LIEUT. GEORGE W. GOETHALS, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of the Columbia.......... 2403 PART IV. APPENDIX T T. REPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieut. Col. of Engineers, Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. A., President. Q. A. GILLMORE, Colonel of Engineers, Bvt. Maj. Gen., U. S. A., CHARLES R. SUTER, Major of Engineers, U. S. A., Mr. HENRY MITCHELL, Coast and Geodetic Survey, Mr. B. M. HARROD, Civil Engineer, Mr. S. W. FERGUSON, Civil Engineer, Mr. ROBERT S. TAYLOR, Commissioners. Message of the President, 2407; letter of the Secretary of War, 2408; report of Commission, 2408; list of appendices accompanying the report, 2439; list of plates accompanying the report, 2440. [EXTRACT FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.] WAR DEPARTMENT, November 21, 1884. * * * * * * * ENGINEER BUREAU. The Chief of Engineers presents in his annual report a review of the modern requirements for the defense of our important sea-coast cities, and in his comprehensive, but brief, discussion shows not only the ur- genit necessity of beginning the defensive works which cannot be im- provised, but their small cost in comparison with our national resources. Steel forts and turrets to resist guns which can send a projectile weigh- ing a ton through sixty feet of sand,* and which must themselves have like guns, with steam machinery to load and manipulate them, cannot be built in the short time which would be given us by an enemy for preparation after the cessation of diplomatic intercourse; and, as is said by the Chief of Engineers, " the contribution which could be levied from New York alone would probably pay four or five fold the cost of all the fortifications of the important harbors of the country." I trust that the earnest attention of Congress may be invited to this subject, and that adequate appropriations may be made to carry out the views of the Chief of Engineers. The danger to the efficiency of the torpedo system without the con- struction of electrical rooms and cable galleries has been dwelt upon in my previous reports, and I cannot urge too strongly the immediate con, struction of such works. I invite special attention to the estimate submitted for the commence- ment of the system of works designed for the defense of the harbors of Portland, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Hampton Roads, and San Francisco; for the modification and continuation of construc- tion of existing forts and batteries, and for the continuation of the pur- chase of submarine mines. * The power of modern guns is illustrated by experiments made in Italy October 1, 1884. An Armstrong 100-ton breech-loading gun, having a caliber of 17 inches, was fired, with charges of 772 pounds of powder and forged steel projectiles weighing 1,841 pounds, against targets distant about 100 yards, one of which was a solid steel plate 19 inches thick backed by 20 inches of teak. The other targets varied only in mate- rial. Each target was perforated at the first round, the projectile passing through with a considerable surplus of power. XXI XXII EXTRACT FROM ANNUAL REPORT OF SECRETARY OF WAR. The funds with which the works for the improvement of rivers and harbors were prosecuted during the past year were derived from the appropriations of the act of August 2, 1882, together with such few balances as were on hand from previous appropriations. The balance in the Treasury subject to requisition July 1, 1883, for improving har- bors and rivers was $10,021,649.55. The amount appropriated during the fiscal year 1884 was $1,319,634.62, and the amount drawn from the Treasury during the fiscal year was $8,228,703.54, leaving a balance of $3,112,580.63 in the Treasury subject to requisition July 1, 1884. A full statement of unexpended balances June 30,1884, is appended to the report, and a detailed account of the steps taken to carry out the provisions of law and of the progress and condition of these works will be found in the report of the Chief of Engineers, to which I beg leave to refer. A report of the progress made between December 1, 1882, and De- cember 21, 1883, by the Mississippi River Commission in carrying out the work intrusted to it was transmitted to Congress January 8, 1884. The subsequent progress of that important work will be made the sub- ject of a special communication to Congress at an early period of the ensuing session. The examinations and surveys required and provided for in the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, have been completed. Reports of their results were transmitted from time to time to Congress during its last session. Of the 147 localities enumerated for examination or sur- vey in the act, 76 were reported as not worthy of improvement, and the results of their preliminary examination were such as to prevent their survey under the act. The examinations and surveys required and provided for in the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884, have been undertaken and are in prog- ress. The reports thereon will be submitted to Congress from time to time, during the ensuing session, as they are received. Action was taken during the year upon such plans and locations as were submitted by parties interested of bridges proposed to be built under the authority of Congress, subject to the approval of the Secre- tary of War. It has been the rule in cases where Congress has not authorized the construction of a bridge, or has not required the Secretary of War to approve the plan, &c., of a bridge as a condition to its being built, that he neither authorizes nor forbids its construction; but, if satisfied that any intended structure of that kind, or any other, will seriously impair the navigation of the channels of navigable waters of the United States, he endeavors through the Department of Justice to prevent its erection. A statement is given in the report of the Chief of Engineers of the work accomplished during the year in the removal of wrecks endan- gering or obstructing navigation, general provision for which is made in the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880. EXTRACT FROM ANNUAL REPORT OF SECRETARY OF WAR. XXIII The arrangements which have been in progress under the direction and supervision, as required by law, of the inventor, Mr. M. J. Adams, for making a practical test of a flume for increasing the depth of water of the Mississippi, for which the sum of $20,000 was provided by the river and harbor act of March 3, 1879, and a further sum of $8,000 by act of August 2, 1882, have been suspended by him before completion, for want of funds, the unexpended balance being on June 30, 1884, $139.80. The office of Survey of Territory of the United States west of the 100th meridian was closed February 29, 1884. The 13 atlas sheets referred to in my last annual report have been published, making in all 161 maps and atlas sheets, covering an area of 326,891 square miles. There was transmitted to Congress at its last session a detailed report by the Commissioner of the Third International Geographical Exhibi- tion,and Congress, at Venice, Italy, with the recommendation that the report and accompanying illustrations be ordered to be printed in quarto form, with the view to its wide distribution. (See Senate Ex, Doc. No. 9, Forth-eighth Cong., first sess.) This report contains a description and discussion of the geographical exhibits from twenty- two countries, and those acts of the congress most interesting to the United States, as well as the scope and progress of the discussion and action concerning the determination of a single initial meridian. The small appropriation asked for the next fiscal year for surveys required for military purposes, and for the publication of maps for the use of the War Department, is earnestly recommended. Improvement of the South Pass of the Mississippi River. In my last annual report the history of this work was continued to include September 9, 1883. During the four quarters ending September 9, 1884, the channel of the pass has been uninterruptedly maintained, with the required dimen- sions. From September 10, 1883, to September 9, 1884, both dates inclusive, four quarterly payments for maintenance, amounting to $100,000, and two semi-annual payments of interest on the $1,000,000 retained, amounting to $50,000, were made to Mr. Eads, making the total expenditure for the improvement to the latter date $5,000,000. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, UNITED STATES ARMY. 1 8 84. 1E REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, UNITED STATES ARMY. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, UNITED STATES ARMY, Washington, D. C., October 15, 1884. SIR: I have the honor to present for your information the following report upon the duties and operations of the Engineer Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884: OFFICERS OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS. The number of officers holding commissions in the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, at the end of the fiscal year was 101 on the active list, and 8 on the retired list; the latter, however, under section 1259 Revised Statutes, not being available for duty. Since the last annual report the Corps has lost by death and retire- ment five of its officers: Lieut. Col. Godfrey Weitzel, who died at Phila- delphia, Pa., March 19, 1884; Maj. Orville E. Babcock, who was drowned at Mosquito Inlet, Fla., June 2, 1884; Maj. Francis U. Farquhar, who died at Detroit, Mich., July 3, 1883; and Brig. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, who was retired March 6, 1884, and Col. William F. Raynolds, who was retired March 17, 1884, under provisions of section 1 of the act of Con- gress approved June 30, 1882. On the 30th of June, 1884, the officers were distributed as follows: Office Chief of Engineers, including the Chief.................................. 4 Fortifications and river and harbor works..........-........ ..... ..- .....-- ...... 18 Fortifications, river and harbor works, and Board of Engineers................. 2 Fortifications, river and harbor works, and Yorktown Monument............... 1 Fortifications, river and harbor works, and light-house duty.................. 3 Fortifications, Board of Engineers, Battalion of Engineers, and Gun Foundry Board ---......------..........................-----......--......---..........---....--....--.... .----... 1 Fortifications, river and harbor works, the Mississippi River Commission, joint board upon interior coast line of water-ways for defense of the Atlantic and Gulf seaboard .---.. ............------..----... ...--- --- 1 River and harbor works.....................................................------------------------------------------------.. 23 River and harbor works, Mississippi River Commission, and light-house duty... 1 River and harbor works and light-house duty.................................. 2 Board of Engineers and The Mississippi River Commission ..................... 1 Board of Engineers and light-house duty...-----------------------.----------1 Washington Aqueduct and Government of the District of Columbia............ 2 Washington Aqueduct------ ....-----......------------....-----......--......----....----....--......-----....--....----....-.... 1 Battalion of Engineers-----..---......------......-----....---......---------..---....--....--......-----....---....----....----.... 14 Leave of absence.......-------------..-.... ...-..............................--... .. ...... 2 Sick leave ........................ ............................................ 1 4 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Preparation of report upon investigations in Europe, 1881-'82.-............-.... 1 Detached, on duty with the Lieutenant-General of the Army, generals command- ing divisions and departments, Light-House Establishment, Military Academy, Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia, The Mississippi River Commission, and construction of building for State, War, and Navy Depart- ments, &c ............... ........-- ............................-- ........... . 22 101 The officers detached were on duty as follows: Col. Thomas Lincoln Casey, in charge of the construction of the building of the State, War, and Navy Departments; of the Washington National Monu- ment; of the improvements over the grave of Thomas Jefferson, at Monticello, Va.; of the erection of a monument at Washington's Headquarters at New- burg, N. Y.; and of the erection of a monument to mark the birthplace of George Washington; member of Advisory Board to Committee on Ventilation and Acoustics of the House of Representatives; member of the Light-House Board............................................-------------------------- 1 Maj. David P. Heap, engineer secretary to Light-House Board.................. 1 Maj. William A. Jones, on staff of Major-General Commanding Division of the Pacific and Department of California.......................---..........---......------------ 1 Maj. William R. Livermore, on staff of Commanding General, Department of Texas.---------...--------------......--......--------....-----....-....--............------....---------......---......---1 Maj. William S. Stanton and Lieut. William M. Black, on duty with Company E, Battalion of Engineers, and at Military Academy--- .... - ---......--........-----....--...... 2 Maj. Thomas H. Handbury, on staff of Commanding General, Division of the Missouri ......---..--------------------------....---......--------------....-----....--....----....----.... 1 Capt. James F. Gregory, on staff of the Lieutenant-General of the Army ....... 1 Capt. Charles E. L. B. Davis, engineer tenth and eleventy light-house districts.. 1 Capt. John C. Mallery, engineer first and second light-house districts....-----------....... 1 Capt. Albert H. Payson, engineer twelfth light-house district-... ............... 1 Capt. Joseph H. Willard, secretary and assistant to construction committee of The Mississippi River Commission--..------- - -1 1---------------- Capt. Francis V. Greene, assistant to Engineer Commissioner District of Colum- bia ....--------------------------------......-----------....----......---------......--...... 1 Lieut. Smith S. Leach, secretary and disbursing officer of The Mississippi River Commission.........------....----....-------....---......---.....--------....--......------......----......---......... 1 Lieut. Dan C. Kingman, on staff of Commanding General, Department of the Platte -- ------ ----.................--------.........---..............................--............ 1 Lieuts. Eugene Griffin and Gustav J. Fiebeger, on duty at the Military Academy. 2 Lieut. Theo. A. Bingham, on staff of Commanding General, Department of Arizona. 1 Lieut. Oberlin M. Carter, on staff of Commanding General, Department of the Missouri------ ......------......------......-------......--------......---......------......-----------....----......--................ 1 Lieut. George W. Goethals, on staff of Commanding General, Department of the Columbia-----------------------------------------------------------................................................................... 1 Lieut. John Millis, on duty under the immediate orders of Colonel Duane as his assistant in connection with experiments upon electric lighting- ....-----........... 1 Lieut. John Biddle, .on staff of Commanding General, Department of Dakota.... 1 22 SEA-COAST AND LAKE-FRONTIER DEFENSES. It would doubtless be superfluous at this late day to explain the prin- ciples upon which the system of our sea-coast fortifications should be based, but for the persistent misrepresentations made by individuals whose positions unfortunately enable them to mislead public opinion. The sole object of sea-coast forts and batteries, as constructed by the Corps of Engineers, has been to prevent hostile fleets from approaching near enough to our important seaports to destroy shipping, public estab- lishments, such as navy-yards, &c., and to lay our cities under contribu- tion. The contribution which could be levied from New York alone would probably pay four or five fold the cost of all the fortifications of the important harbors of the country. In early periods these forts on their land sides, in certain important cases, as Fort Monroe and Fort Adams, were projected so as to resist a siege for a length of time sufficient to gather and concentrate a force to SEA-COAST AND LAKE FRONTIER DEFENSES. 5 drive the invaders back to their ships; but in proportion as the facili- ties of communication and the population increased, the defenses on the land side were reduced to a minimum. Between 1812 and 1884 the transition from sail vessels to steamers and from stage coaches to steam cars, and the increase of population to fifty millions, developed such ready means of throwing large forces upon threatened points that-a hostile debarkation with the view of capturing our forts by a regular siege'on land is not considered practicable. This secures to us the advantage of being attacked only by ships, and our forts and batteries need protection on the land only sufficient to prevent a successful attempt from boating parties to take them in rear by surprise, for the purpose of spiking and disabling the guns and blow- ing up the small magazines intended for the service of the guns. This point needs to be somewhat dwelt upon as a reply to the reckless assertion that there is a sinister motive underlying the recommendations for forts and batteries for the defense of our harbors; that these may be intended to overawe our cities, and their construction also made a pretext for a large increase of the standing army to destroy the liber- ties of the country. We have already seen that the system adopted almost dispenses with defense on the land side, so that the citizen soldiers from the cities could easily take possession of the forts, and, as to any needed increase of the standing army, a small fraction of the present force, easily disposable during a time of peace, would suffice to take care of all the forts. In time of war our system requires the garrisons of these forts to be com- posed almost entirely of citizen soldiers. Informer times the forts were placed near our cities; at present the en- gineers are moving them far down the harbors to the greatest distance from the cities that the defensive features of the neighborhood will per- mit, and it is considered advisable to place them not less than 7 miles from the places to be defended. These sea-coast forts do not surround the cities like the fortifications of Paris, which are held up by the alarmists as a warning, but simply defend the narrow channels leading to the harbor. It is apparent from this explanation that the construction of sea-coast batteries will have no effect in overawing the cities, increasing the stand- ing army, or impairing the liberties of the people. The engineers have uniformly considered that batteries of cannon alone could not generally close the water approaches to our harbors against the ingress of hostile fleets, and their earliest reports contain recommendations for the placing of obstructions in the channels, as rafts, piles, sunken hulks, &c., to arrest and hold them under the fire of our guns. The passage of the forts at New Orleans by Admiral Farragut was not attempted until after the obstructions moored in the channel by the Confederates had been broken up and sent adrift by the floods of the Mississippi. The present system, by the use of torpedoes-that is, submarine mines anchored in the channels-enables the defense to stop the ingress of hostile fleets until the mines shall have been removed, or, at least, the means of exploding them destroyed. These mines consist of a shell of iron inclosing a charge of dynamite, gun-cotton, or explosive gelatine, and are so arranged as to make it im- possible for a vessel to enter without touching one or more. The explosion is regulated by electric currents communicated from the shore through cables, so as to take place from simple contact of the vessel with the torpedo, or by the act of the electrician, as he may 6 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. choose; so that a friendly vessel shall pass over unharmed, while that of an enemy immediately following would be destroyed. But unless these lines of torpedoes are defended by guns of such power as to pierce the armor of iron-clads, they may be countermined and removed with impunity, or the cables and other electrical communi- cations may be dragged for and the whole system rendered innocuous. The rooms which contain the electric apparatus and whence the cables start, as well as the tunnels through which these pass into the water and communicate with the mines, require to be shot and shell proof, for a solitary missile penetrating either the operating room or the cable tunnel might destroy electric connection with the mines and render the entire system useless. A system like this, well managed and defended against hostile at- tempts, of necessity closes the harbor against an enemy's vessels. What is needed is an amount of funds sufficient for the purchase of torpedo cases, electric cables, and apparatus for all the principal har- bors at least-these cases to be kept in store ready to be filled with ex- plosives, and moored or planted in the channels when needed. Another kind is the fish torpedo, operated from shore stations, whose motive-power and steering are effected by electrical connections from the land; this would be mainly Used against vessels engaged in attempting to remove the groups of submarine mines already noted. This kind may be very useful, but the other system, that of submarine mines, is the essential element for closing a channel, as may be clearly perceived by supposing the submarine mines to be dispensed with and our reli- Sance placed solely upon the fish torpedo. The enemy's vessel having no mines to fear under its keel enters the harbor at a great speed of 15 or 16 knots-the fish torpedo starting from the shore and with a speed of about 10 miles, encountering a strong current perhaps, will find it very difficult to strike its object. If the weather be thick or foggy, this description of torpedo would be almost useless. But these fish torpedoes are a patented invention, and such is the energy for a profit from their sale that the agents have been actually able to persuade persons who ought to know better that their torpedo is a more important element in defense than the submarine mine. The resistance of some to all measures for defense of harbors cannot be better exemplified than by their assertions at one time that guns are no longer necessary after the invention of torpedoes, and at another when the purchase of torpedo cases, of which a very large number is necessary, is asked for, they find the objection that an improved pat- tern may hereafter be found. It is impossible to conceive how an im- provement in torpedo cases could ever make a change in the results of a charge of dynamite placed under a vessel's bottom, but with those who are determined to have no defenses any excuse is sufficient. An. other plea to dispense with defenses is the well worn one that there is needed only an improvised fort or battery of earth or sand thrown up to meet the emergency. Even with the old-fashioned guns of an early date, such as 18, 24,32, and 42-pounders, it was found necessary to construct substantial plat- forms of masonry to support them, and to fasten pintles of iron into this mass of masonry to hold the carriage when the gun was fired, and a con- siderable time was moreover found necessary for the mass to harden and set. When the 10-inch and afterwards the 15-inch gun were introduced, the platforms of masonry were proportionately increased, and, in addi- tion, magazines for powder and shell were built close alongside to save the transportation of the heavy charges. SEA-COAST AND LAKE FRONTIER DEFENSES. Now that the weight of the projectile has increased from 500 pounds to 2,000 pounds, and the limit is not perhaps reached yet, in addition to magazines for powder and shell, with lifts to raise the charges, there are required engine and boiler rooms for motive power to load and manipulate the gun, and all of these-magazines, engine and boiler rooms, &c.-must be made shot and shell proof against projectiles capa- ble of penetrating 60 feet of sand, and between 30 and 40 feet of con- crete masonry. The persons who tell us to wait for war, and then to improvise a sand- heap as a fort, without making any provision of emplacements for the guns or for their service, either assume the people to be profoundly ignorant, or are so themselves. Now that by means of submarine mines the defense can compel the enemy, if he attempts to force his way, to lie under the fire of the land batteries until he can clear a passage through the groups of torpedoes, it is manifest that with the addition of guns of heavy caliber, properly protected in their batteries, the entrance to our harbors can be made impregnable to attack, and in case of disaster, through neglect of mak- ing arrangements so manifestly effectual, a terrible responsibility must rest somewhere. Some of the guns on land should at least equal the most powerful afloat on the fleet. The armor on land should be much heavier than that carried by ships. The heavier guns of the batteries should be so protected as not to be reached except by a shot coming through the port. It would be very bad judgment, iii order to save a little armor, not to make the more important batteries invulnerable to the fire of the fleet. Iron turrets for the heaviest guns, to secure the maximum field of fire; iron casemates, with ports or embrasures, for the next class of guns; the lighter guns in barbette on disappearing carriages-these, with rifled mortar batteries, would, in general, constitute the defense of the most important harbors. The necessity of complete shelter for the more important guns of a position will be rendered clearer by the consideration that a bombard- ment of the batteries by the lighter vessels of the fleet, armed with the long-range 8-inch and 10-inch guns of the modern type, which would probably be the first operations of the enemy's fleet, will serve to search out uncovered guns and put them out of service by injuries, at least to the carriages and platforms. The English, through the unfortunate choice at first of the muzzle- loading in preference to the breech-loading system, condemned them- selves to the use of bores too short to develop the full effect of the gases generated by the combustion of the powder charges. Krupp, by the opposite course, manufactured guns, caliber for caliber, superior in pen- etration and range. As the English, by multiplied experiments upon guns and armor, at- tracted at first to a greater degree the attention of the military world, and were for a time at least the prominent authorities upon these mat- ters, it is not surprising that their followers were led into error as to the possible velocities which could be imparted to projectiles, and, as a consequence, to the thickness of cover, whether of iron, earth, or ma- sonry, necessary for protection. This period of delay has passed, and the English have adopted the system of breech-loading and of long bores. It is decided also that the best gun of the future should be built up of steel in concentric tubes, or, as it now seems possible, of steel wire wound upon a steel tube and covered on the outside by tubes or jackets to ,fford longitudinal strength. 8 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, IT. S. ARMY. The gun of the present design, whether constructed by the one or the other system, will be a structure upon correct scientific principles, and future improvements will be very gradual and will not revolutionize by any great or sudden increase the scale of velocities now given to pro- jectiles. It would appear, therefore, that the time has at length come to be sup- plied with the best modern type, with the confident assurance that be- fore the list of our armament shall have been completed we will be possessed of guns all of which will be valuable, and a number of them the best that can be manufactured. Thus supplied, and until the present military art shall have passed entirely away, it does not appear possible that great changes in the armament of our forts will be necessary. Those persons are greatly in error who imagine that by diplomatic delays war may be averted until proper preparations for defense can be made. Were we as well prepared as many other nations, this might be true; but while a diplomatic delay of a few months might be necessary for a naval power to commission its ships, it would require a great many years for us to get together modern guns, without reference to construct- ing forts and batteries for their reception. Past events by no means justify the assertions made that our cotton and grain have become so necessary to the nations that they could not engage in war with us for a short period without the interruption of their supplies of these articles. It seems to be forgotten that a descent upon our coast, to hold our unprotected cities under the guns of a hostile fleet, would consume but a few months, and in the mean time cotton and grain in sufficient quantity might be obtained elsewhere. Let it be well understood that the modern system is to make war sudden, sharp, and decisive, and to make the beaten party pay expenses. It is also said by some that England, which has largely the carrying trade of the world, would be very chary of going to war with us, for fear of depredations upon her commerce by our privateers. During the war of 1812 our Baltimore clippers and other fast sailers did, it is true, distinguish themselves as privateers by their sailing qualities, in comparison to the heavy English merchantmen and men-of- war. But allis now changed; privateers must be steamers. Where are our fast steamers for these purposes ? How long would it take to build them, and might not the war terminate before one was afloat! How many fast steamers might not England put in pursuit of one of ours? England has coaling stations all over the world for her cruisers; where are ours ? The infrequent stations at which our steamers might obtain coal would be easy, comparatively, to observe, and ingress or egress to our ships, in many cases, prevented. In short, it is not so sure or easy nowadays, with all the circumstances changed, to make privateering either efficient or profitable. But granting all that is claimed for privateers, let us be thankful for delay and avail ourselves of the opportunity offered to put our house in order by fortifying our coasts, and prepare for the day when we shall have restored our shipping to the just proportions required by our national developments in other ways. Let us remember also that the growth of our shipping and the rivalry with England for the carrying trade of the world has been the cause assigned by some for the favor shown to the Confederates, and for the construction in English ports of their cruisers, which swept our com- merce from the ocean and destroyed with it her sole grievance against us. SEA-COAST AND LAKE FRONTIER DEFENSES. If a future struggle for the supremacy in shipping should result in war, let us at least enter into it with our harbors and cities well pro- tected, so that our merchantmen, and even naval vessels, may have places of refuge without fear of capture at our wharves. Should, however, the evil day come and find us without modern guns, without sufficiency of torpedoes, without fortifications except the sand heap which forms the staple quotation, without emplacements for the guns if we had them, or magazines, or machinery for loading or maneu- ver, or any facilities whatever for shelter of guns and cannoneers against shells and machine guns, it is to be feared we would not cordially wel- come the prophet who, having opposed timely preparations promised that in the supreme moment, when the hostile iron-clads, whatever their strength and power, should approach the harbor of New York, they would be turned back somehow, without explaining how, by " Yankee energy, Yankee skill, Yankee inventive genius." It is to be feared that the first flash of the monster guns would dissipate this oratorical vapor emitted when the danger was far off, and leave the deluded hear- ers to realize the fate of the blind who follow the blind. The Board of Engineers for Fortifications, under directions from this office, has prepared approximate estimates, contained in its reports herewith of August 6 and August 30, 1884, of the cost of fortifications, including the armaments of modern heavy guns and rifled mortars, for Portland, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Hampton Roads, New Orleans, and San Francisco; and another estimate, likewise approx- imate, for the preliminary works of earth and masonry (without armor, machinery, and guns) to serve as emplacements for the guns. The total estimate, including armaments, is $53,488,000. The estimate for emplacement of guns, excluding armor, guns, and machinery, is $10,388,000. Although these estimates are approximate, they have been made with care, and it is believed that the fortifications (including guns) of all harbors on the coast of sufficient importance to tempt an enemy can be prepared at a cost not to exceed $60,000,000. For the first time in the development of the modern art of war, the engineer has solved, with mathematical certainty, the problem of closing harbors and rivers against hostile ships, so that the sole question in each particular case would be whether the importance of the place would justify the cost. No doubt is entertained that, with the addition of submarine mines, the estimate above would prove sufficient to render these harbors im- pregnable to naval attack. It is necessary further to say that at the present day no mystery at- taches to the method of constructing turrets and casemates of steel or compound plate, and that the requisite plans may be easily prepared by the engineers. ESTIMATES OF APPROPRIATION REQUIRED FOR 1885-1886. FORTIFICATIONS AND TORPEDOES. For defense of Boston Harbor : Four turrets, exclusive of armor, at $220,000...............-.......... $880, 000 00 For defense of New York Harbor: Three turrets, exclusive of armor, at Narrows, at $220,000 ...$660, 000 Two turrets, exclusive of armor, at East River, at $230,000 .. 460, 000 - 1,120,000 00 10 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. For defense of Philadelphia Harbor, at Pea Patch Island: Ten emplacements for 20 to 30-ton breech-loading barbette dis- appearing rifles, at $10,000 each ....----......----......--....--...--. - 100, 000 Sixteen emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 ....---------....--------....---......-......-------......-----....-......----.....----........ -- each------ 32,000 132,000 00 For defense of Baltimore Harbor, at Fort Carroll and Hawkins' Point: Ten emplacements for 20 to 30-ton breech-loading barbette dis- appearing rifles, at $10,000 each-...................- --- 100, 000 Sixteen emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 each...-...---------------....-......-------......---......-......-----....----.....----......-------.... 32, 000 132, 000 00 For defense of Hampton Roads, Virginia : Three turrets, exclusive of armor, at $220,000 each.................... 660, 000 00 For defense of San Francisco Harbor, California : Three turrets, exclusive of armor, at $300,000 each.................-------------------.. 900, 000 00 For jetties for protecting site of Sandy Hook, New Jersey- ....---........ -75, 000 00 For acquisition of sites of two Martello Towers at Key West, Fla., by purchase or condemnation--...------------......----------..........---......-...........-.. -9, 000 00 For sea-wall at Governor's Island, New York Harbor ................. 50,000 00 Fort Marion, Florida: For restoration of the old fort to the condition substantially in which it was left by the Spaniards--------....----......-------......---.......-------......-----....---...... 10, 000 00 For the modification of existing forts and batteries and modification and continuing construction of incomplete batteries to adapt them to modern ordnance---.....-------- -----...- -__-_---500,000 00 For protection, preservation, and repair of fortifications for which there may be no special appropriation available ........-....------ - ......--.... 175, 000 00 For purchase of submarine mines and necessary appliances to operate them, for closing the channels leading to our principal seaports-....---. 300, 000 00 For needful casemates, cable galleries, &c., to render it possible to op- erate submarine mines -----------------............................................ 200, 000 00 For movable torpedoes propelled and controlled by power operated from shore stations ................................................ 30,000 00 For continuing torpedo experiments and for practical instruction of Engineer troops in the details of service............................ -30, 000 00 5, 203, 000 00 DEFENSES OF THE NORTHERN FRONTIER. Fort Wayne, Michigan, in charge of Lieut. Col. Henry M. Robert, Corps of Engineers, until December 19, 1883 ; since that date in charge of Lieut. Gol. O. M. Poe, Corps of Engineers.-This work is situated on the west bank of Detroit River, adjacent to the city of Detroit, and is intended to command thechannel of the river. It is a square bastioned work, commenced in 1841, having a scarp- wall of brick and concrete in place of the original timber scarp, a de- tached parapet of brick on the curtains and faces, and unfinished water- batteries on the up-stream and down-stream sides. The construction of the fort in its present form was commenced in 1862, and completed in 1871; its repair was begun in 1882, and was completed in September, 1883. At the date of the last Annual Report the work of repair was in prog- ress under a contract with Messrs. Rogers and Traves dated June 1, 1883, and also by hired labor. During the months of July, August, and Sep- tember, 1883, under the contract referred to 4,863 defective bricks were removed, and replaced by good ones, and the joints of 6,4074 square yards of brick scarp and casemate-walls were cleared and repointed, and DEFENSES OF THE NORTHERN FRONTIER. 11 DEFENSES OF THE NORTHERN FRONTIER-continued. a water-proof wash was applied to 1,667 square yards of coping; the injuries to slopes repaired and resodded. By hired labor the passage- way through the sallyport was widened, and the sally-port gates and engineer stables repaired. The repairs of 1883 were made under an allot- ment of $10,000 from the appropriation for preservation and repair of fortifications, 1883. These repairs left the work in tolerably good condition, except the wooden revetment of the interior slope of the terre-plein, which was re- ported in 1867 as fast decaying. Nothing of consequence has been done to it meanwhile, and the condition has grown steadily worse during the intervening seventeen years. No estimate is submitted of funds required to continue the work to completion, or to make extensive repairs. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. FortPorter,Black Rock, near Buffalo, New York, in charge of Lieut. Col. Henry M. Robert, Corps ( Engineers, until November 30, 1883; since that date in charge of Capt. Edward Maguire, Corps of Engineers.-Thiswork, commenced in 1842, is situated on the Niagara River, within the limits of the city of Buffalo, and consists of a square stone tower or keep, in ruins, surrounded by a square barbette battery. The keep was nearly destroyed by fire many years ago, and the entire work is, in its present condition, useless for offense or defense. By joint resolution of Congress, approved July 11, 1870, published in tGeneral Orders 93, July 22, 1870, permission was granted to the city of Buffalo, through its park commissioners, 1 to improve and beautify the grounds known as Fort Porter, situated in said city, and belonging to the United States, in connection with a public park to be laid out on land .adjoining the said grounds, the plans for the same to be approved by the Secretary of War; Provided, That this resolution shall not be con- strued to pass any title in the said grounds, but that the ownership and control of said grounds shall remain entirely in the United States, and shall be subject to such changes and uses for military purposes as the Secretary of War may direct." Under this authority the larger part of the United States grounds at Fort Porter has been handsomely laid out and improved by the author- ities of the city of Buffalo. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. :No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Niagara, mouth of NiagaraRiver, New York, in charge of Lieut. ,Col. Henry M. Robert, Corps of Engineers, until November 30, 1883; since that date in charge of Capt. Edward Maguire, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1839, is situated at the mouth of the Niagara River, on the south shore of Lake Ontario, about 40 miles from and east of its western extremity. It is an irregular work, having one strong land front running nearly north and south, extending from Lake Ontario at its northern extremity nearly to the Niagara River at its southern extremity. This front is half bastioned, with detached parapet, demilune, and four casemates ftr howitzers in each flank. The rest of the tracdis irregular, following the general course of the river and of the lake shore. The work contains two masonry block-houses, built by the French -about 1757, and other buildings begun by the French and finished by 12 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF THE NORTHERN FRONTIER-continued. the English after its capture by them during the French and Indian war. No money has been expended on this work since 1871, except for slight repairs. The work has no armament and no gun-platforms, excepting a tim- ber one in the south bastion for a 4k-inch siege gun. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Ontario, mouth of Oswego River, New York, in charge of Lieut. Col. Henry M. Robert, Corps of Engineers.-This work is situated at the mouth of the Oswego River on its east bank, and on the south shore of Lake Ontario, and lies within the limits of the city of Oswego. The work was commenced in 1839 and continued at intervals until 1872, at which time constructive operations ceased; since which expend- itures have been limited to minor repairs. Its condition is essentially the same as stated in the Annual Report for 1883. The fort was regar- risoned in the spring of 1884. During the past fiscal year the operations have consisted in replacing and repairing parts of the timber revetments of the interior slopes adjacent to the quarters, creosoted Georgia pine timber being used. Seventy linear feet have been rebuilt, and 80 linear feet repaired by removing the earth backing, putting in new posts and caps, and tying the revetment in place by anchors and tie-rods. A masonry revetment has also been built in the rear of the old guard house, forming a semi- circular area, instead of the former timber-revetted large pentagonal area. That portion of the old area which was outside of the masonry revetment was filled with earth. Ninety linear feet of tile drain were laid from this area to the sewer. The timber bomb proofs, which were formerly beneath the terre-plein adjacent to the quarters, have all but one been filled with earth. The guard-houses adjacent to the sally- port have been repaired by renewing the floors and repairing the walls and ceilings and painting the wood-work. A defective cushion stone of the outer gate-way arch of the sallyport has been cut out and a sound one substituted. Minor repairs have also been made to the breast-height revetment near the gate-way, and to the engineer build- ings and the reservation fences. A culvert beneath the avenue road- way, which has been blocked for many years, was repaired and cleared out. The Board of Engineers for Fortifications recommends that this work be left as it is for the present. The repair of one of the timber revetments to the interior slopes ad- jacent to the officers' quarters was omitted during the past fiscal year on account of the building of an annex to the officers' quarters in prog- ress by the Quartermaster's Department. The replacing and repair of this revetment should be made during the present season, creosoted timber having been reserved for the purpose. The scarp-wall and arches of the casemates on the gate-way front have separated, and steps should be taken to ascertain whether this is progressive. During the year no change has been made in the armament of this work, or in its condition to receive armament. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF THE NORTHERN FRONTIER. 13 DEFENSES OF THE NORTHERN FRONTIER-continued. Fort Montgomery, outlet to Lake Champlain, New York, in charge of Lieut. Col. Henry M. Robert, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work is situated on the west shore of the outlet to Lake Champlain, about one-third of a mile from the Canadian boundary, and occupies a stra- tegic point of great importance, and commands the entrance to Lake Champlain from the Richelieu or Saint John River. This work was commenced in 1841, and its rebuilding in its present form was accomplished in 1876, and completes the work, except the in. terior fittings of a part of the casemates intended for quarters, and also parts of Bastions A and E, where temporary wooden floors have been built for the second tier of casemates. During the past fiscal year forty-four sets, or eighty-eight, tie-rods were placed in Curtains [, III, IV, and V. These rods were in contin- uation of a plan previously adopted, and were for the purpose of re- straining the tendency to separation of the scarp-walls from the case- mates. To remedy the evil resulting from the flow of water over the coping and masonry of the parade-wall, gutters were placed along the drip of the coping and connected with down-spouts. To provide for the drainage of the parade, three lines of surface drains were laid, con- necting with the sewer discharging into the lake. Minor repairs were made to the drawbridge and dock. By the formation of ice during the severe winters, the methods of drainage, as now provided, become in- operative, and consequently the work is severely subjected to the de- structive action of frost and water. The vertical conductors connecting with the drains in the valleys of the arches become choked through the formation of ice, and the water, instead of being carried off by the nimeans provided, finds its way eventually through defects in the asphalt covering to the arches beneath. The casemate arches require repoint- ing, but so long as the radical difficulty lies in the proper drainage of the arches above, such work of repointing would be almost useless. This defect in the drainage of the upper surfaces of the arches is an evil which requires remedy, for if it is permitted to continue it must result in serious injury to the work. During the year no change has been made in the armament of this work or in its condition to receive armament. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF THE PENOBSCOT. Fort Knox, Bucksport, Penobscot River, Maine, in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This work, situated at the narrows of the Penobscot River, furnishes a defense for the city of Bangor, 18 miles above, and other towns bordering the river, and renders it available as a secure harbor of refuge for the shipping of the extensive eastern coast. The work, which was commenced in 1844, consists of a casemated main work and exterior earthen batteries, both requiring extensive modifica- tions. It remains in an unchanged condition, no operations having been carried on during the fiscal year except for the necessary care and preservation of the property. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. 14 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. DEFENSES OF THE KENNEBEC. Fort Popham, Kennebec River, Maine, in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This is a granite work, commenced in 1857, and was designed to command the entrance to the Kennebec River, to cover the harbor of refuge for large vessels above, and to protect the city of Bath, a place of commercial importance, as well as other cities on the interior waters, from predatory incursions by a smaller class of war- vessels. Incidentally it will cover the railroad bridges crossing the Kennebec. Its construction was commenced in the year 1862, although full title to the site was not obtained till the following year. Operations were suspended at the close of the season of 1867. The work, which requires extensive modifications, remains in an un- finished condition, no operations having been carried on during the fiscal year, except for the necessary care and preservation of the property. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF PORTLAND. Fort Gorges, Portland Harbor, Maine, in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work, commenced in 1857, is one of the series of forts designed to defend the harbor, and channels lead- ing into the harbor, of the important strategic position occupied by the city of Portland. Its construction was suspended for want of funds in 1876, and the work is in an incomplete condition. The long suspension of operations causing deterioration, the working plant must be renewed when work is resumed. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this pur- pose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Preble, Portland Harbor, Maine, in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This work occupies such a position that three- fourths of its guns command the two principal channels entering the harbor of Portland. The original work on this site was built in 1808. The new earthen batteries with parados and traverse magazines, which have been par- tially executed, are in an incomplete condition and suffering from exposure. The plans for these batteries require revision. The condition of the work is unchanged from the close of the last fiscal year. The derricks and other working machinery have so deteriorated d(ur- ing the long suspension that considerable expense must be incurred in their renewal. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this pur- pose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort &Scammel, Portland Harbor, Maine, in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This work occupies a very important position in the harbor, and commands four of the channels leading into it. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 15 DEFENSES OF PORTLAND-continued. The original work on this site (House Island), built about 1808, con- sisted of a semicircular battery, with brick scarp and block-house in rear, and a detached lunette northeast of it. About 1845 the works were connected so as to form one inclosed work, with brick scarp and earthen parapet. In 1862 the execution of the new plans was commenced, and (with some subsequent modifications in 1870) the work was carried on till the close of the season of 1875, when it was suspended for want of funds. It is an inclosed work, with detached masonry bastions and heavy earthen batteries. Plans for its modification and for additional earthen batteries have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications and ap- proved by the Secretary of War. They are only partially executed, and the work is in an incomplete condition. The plans require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Battery on Portland Head, PortlandHarbor, Maine, in charge of Gol. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This modern earthwork, commenced in 1873, will, when completed, cover by its guns all the approaches to the main channel leading into the harbor, and will prevent by its fire an enemy's fleet from taking up, unopposed, a position behind Bang's Island from which to bombard Portland or shell the shipping in the harbor. This work remains in the incomplete condition reported at the close of the last fiscal year. For the construction of the operating-room and gallery for torpedo- cables an appropriation is asked under the general appropriation for cables, galleries, &c. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- cation during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Batterieson Cow Island, approaches to the harbor of Portland, Maine.- The object of these earthworks is, with batteries designed to be placed on Great Hog Island, to prevent an enemy's occupation of Casco Bay and to guard the passage from it to Portland Harbor. Plans for the construction of batteries for the heaviest guns 'on this island have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, and it is proposed to commence work upon them as soon as funds are available. The plans require revision. No appropriation for their construction has yet been made. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Batteries on Great Hog Island, approaches to the harbor of Portland, Maine.-The object of these earthworks is, with batteries designed to be placed on Cow Island, to prevent an enemy's occupation of Casco Bay and to guard the passages from it to Portland Harbor. Plans for the construction of batteries for the heaviest guns on this island have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, 16 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF PORTLAND-continued. and it is proposed to commence work upon them as soon as funds are available. The plans require revision. No appropriation for their construction has yet been made. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF PORTSMOUTH AND THE NAVY-YARD AT KITTERY. Fort McClary, Portsmouth Harbor,New Hampshire,in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This work, together with Fort Consti- tution, opposite, forms the inner line of defense to the mouth of the Piscataqua River and to the navy-yard at Kittery, Me. The original fort was commenced early in the present century. An inclosed barbette work was commenced in 1863, but has not been com- pleted. The work remains the same as at the date of last report, no operations having been carried on except for the necessary care and preservation of the property. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Constitution, Portsmouth Harbor, New Hampshire, in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This work, together with Fort McClary, opposite, forms the inner line of defense to the mouth of the Piscataqua River and to the navy-yard at Kittery, Me. Extensive modifications are required for the casetnated work at this place before proceeding with its construction. Plans for an exterior earthern battery for heavy rifled guns have been approved by the Sec- retary of War, but it has not yet been commenced. The plans require revision. The condition of this work has remained unchanged since the date of the last Annual Report, no operations having been carried on except for the necessary care and preservation of the property. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Battery on Gerrish's Island, Portsmouth Harbor, New Hampshire, in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This earthwork, with the one opposite, on Jerry's Point, forms the outer line of defense to Ports- mouth Harbor and to the navy-yard at Kittery, Me. It was commenced in 1873. The work remains in the same incomplete condition reported at the close of the last fiscal year. Plans for the completion of this work have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications and approved by the Secretary of War, but are only partially executed. The plans require revision. An appropriation for constructing the operating-room and gallery for torpedo cables is asked under the general appropriation for cable galleries, &c. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Battery on Jerry'sPoint, PortsmouthHarbor,New Hampshire,in charge of Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers.-This earthwork is on the west- SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 17 DEFENSES OF PORTSMOUTH AND THE NAVY-YARD AT KITTERY- continued. ern side of the entrance to the harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and with the battery at Gerrish's Island, on the opposite side of the entrance, forms the outer line of defense to that harbor and to the navy- yard at Kittery, Me. It was conunmmenced in 1873. Plans for the completion of this work have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications and approved by the Secretary of War, but are only partially executed. The plans require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as tar as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF MARBLEHEAD HARBOR. Fort ASewall, Marblehead Harbor, Massachusetts, in charge of Maj. Charles W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers.-The post is an old one. The present fort was built in 1863-'65. It is intended to defend Marblehead Harbor and some of the channels of approach to Salem Harbor, Massa- chusetts. It is a small field-work, with temporary wooden platforms and maga- zines, which have decayed and are now worthless. An old brick mag- azine and a bomb-proof are in fair order, as is also the parapet, although the latter is undermined by the sea in places. No operations were in progress during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF BOSTON AND THE NAVY-YARD AT CHARLESTOWN. Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, in charge of Maj. Charles W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers.-This fort, situated on George's Isl- and, commands the main ship-channel and the anchorage of Nantasket Roads. It consists of a granite, casemated, full-bastioned enceinte, with an earthen cover-face and ravelin. It was commenced in 1833, and its plans have been modified by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications to adapt it for modern ordnance. These modified plans were partly executed when operations were sus- pended in 1875-'76 for want of appropriations. During the fiscal year operations have been confined to those repairs necessary to preserve the work, by an expenditure from the general appropriation for that purpose. The scarp of Front II was repaired for the whole length of the curtain; earth slopes were repaired where necessary, and some repointing of masonry was effected. The estimated amount required to complete the work is $185,000. The plans require revision. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Battery at Long Island Head, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, in charge of Maj. Charles W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers.-This earthwork occu- pies an important position in the outer line of defense for Boston Har- bor, and its guns bear on all the channels of entrance. It was commenced in 1871, and was designed for the reception of the heaviest modern ordnance. Nothing has been done in construction 5908 EN--2 18 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF BOSTON AND THE NAVY-YARD AT CHARLESTOWN- continued. since the fiscal year 1875-'76 for want of appropriations, and the work, the plans of which have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications and approved by the Secretary of War, is in an unfinished condition. During the fiscal year operations have been confined to the repair and preservation of the masonry and sodding of the battery, by an ex- penditure from the general appropriation for that purpose. To complete the work in accordance with existing plans it is estimated that $90,000 will be required. The plans require revision. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Winthrop, Boston Harbor,Massachusetts, in charge of Maj. Charles W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers.-This work, on Governor's Island, is one of the works forming the inner line of defense for Boston Harbor. The present work was commenced in 1844, and consists of a central casemated keep and exterior earthen batteries. The mortar battery is intended for six or twelve mortars. All of the gun-platforms of this fort, with the exception of the eleven in the exterior tower battery, are now ready for their armament. The plans of this fort have been modi- fied by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications for the reception of modern ordnance, and they have been partially executed. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, operations have been limited to those necessary for the preservation and repair of the work and its property, and consist of the following: The earth counterscarp slope of the tower was repaired and resodded where necessary. In the south battery its terre-plein and surface drains were partly regraded, and some repairs were made to the earth cover of its traverse magazines. The concrete arches of the mortar battery were replastered. In the east battery the slopes of the traverses were repaired. Sea-walls are required for the protection of the sites of the east and south batteries. For the one planned for the east battery $30,000 will probably be sufficient, but the last year has shown that the south battery site requires still further protection, and will cost at least $50,000. The estimated amount required to complete the work in accordance with present plans is as follows: Tower exterior battery .................. .................................. $75, 000 South battery........................................................... 25,000 East battery, sea-wall.... ............... ..... ......... ... ................. 30,000 South battery, sea-wall ................................................... 50,000 Total .................................................. . ........ 180,000 The plans of the batteries require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, in charge of Maj. Charles W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers.-This work is situated on Castle Island, and forms part of the inner line of defense for Boston SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 19 DEFENSES OF BOSTON AND THE NAVY-YARD AT CHARLESTOWN- continued. Harbor and the navy-yard at Charlestown. It was commenced in 1833, and consists of a granite casemated enceinte, with two exterior earthen barbette batteries. The plans of this work were modified by the Board of EngineersJor Fortifications for the reception of modern ordnance, and these plans have been well advanced towards completion, although active opera- tions have been suspended since 1875-'76 from want of appropriations. Operations during the fiscal year have been limited to those abso- lutely necessary for the preservation of the masonry and sodding of the enceinte and batteries-the expenditure being from the general appro- priation for that purpose-and the work is essentially in as good order as at the date of last report. The estimated amount necessary to complete the work in accordance with the present plans is $50,000. The plans require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this pur- pose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF PLYMOUTH HARBOR. Fort Andrew, Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts, in charge of Maj. Charles W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers.-The fort is intended to defend the outer anchorage and entrance to the harbor of Plymouth, Mass. It is a small field work, built in 1863-'65, with temporary wooden platforms and magazines, which have decayed and are now worthless. The military site is an important one, and was purchased for perma- nent defensive works in 1870. No operations were in progress during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Standish, Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts, in charge of Maj. Charles W. Raymond, Corfs of Engineers.-Thefort is intended to defend the outer and inner anchorages of Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts. It is a small field work, built in 1863-'65, with temporary wooden platforms and magazines, which have decayed and are now worthless. The position is an important one, and was purchased for permanent defensive works in 1870. No operations were in progress during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF NEW BEDFORD. Fort at Clark's Point,New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, in charge of Lieut., Col. George H. Elliot, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated wo rk, commenced in 1857, commands the entrance to the harbor of New Bed- ford. Plans.for new earthen batteries for modern heavy guns have been com- pleted by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, but nothing has been done towards their construction. The plans requ're revision. 20 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. . DEFENSES OF NEW BEDFORD-continuted. Tbe operations of the last fiscal year have been confined to work of preservation and repair. The iron work of the casemated batteries, in- cluding the embrasures and gun rails, has been painted; the parapets have been mowed; fences have been repaired; some of the temporary buildings, which were damaged by a gale in January, 1884, have been torn down and removed; new covers have been provided for the venti- lating chimneys, and repairs have been made to the dwelling of the fort- keeper and the barn used by the ordnance sergeant. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this pur- pose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF NARRAGANSETT BAY. Fort Adams, Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, in charge of Lieut. Col. George H. Elliot, Corps of Engineers.-This large and important work, commenced in 1824, defends the harbor and city of Newport, and com- mands the principal passage to Narragansett Bay, one of the best road- steads on the coast. The preparatory work for the construction of the new exterior earthen battery for modern ordnance (such as opening roads, draining the grounds , &c.) having been all completed, rapid progress can be made in construction when the necessary funds are appropriated. This im- portant ,attery at the end of the fiscal year 1875-'76 had but recently been commenced in accordance with plans approved by the Secretary of War, and no work has been done since that year for want of appro- priationls. The plan of this battery requires revision. The operations of the last fiscal year have been confined to works of l)reservation and repair, as follows: The engineer wharf (stone), which is used as a principal landing place by the garrison, and was in an un- finished and unsightly condition, has been extended 25 feet and fin- ished. The facings of six embrasures of the northwest bastion, which had become much damaged by excessive exfoliatibns, were cut out and re- newed. The portion of the shore west of the fort which was being encroached upon by the sea, has been protected by a sea-wall 627 feet long, and a commencement has been made on the protection of the eastern shore, which likewise was wearing away, by the construction of about 150 feet of sea-wall. Although these walls are of rubble-stone, quarried on the fort lands, they have been built in a very substantial manner, and it is anticipated that they will last for many years without necessity of re- pairs. The other labor of the year has been the relaying of the curbing of the walks within the fort, which had become unsightly and danger- ous by upheaval by the frost; the repair of the dock and ferry slip at which the fort laborers are landed; the replacing of steps broken by the frost in one of the masonry stairways; the moving of the parapets of the new batteries; the manuring and sowing with grass seed of the eastern slope of the glacis, on which sorrel had killed all the grass, and SlEA-COAST DEFENSES. 21 DEFENSES OF NARRAGANSETT BAY-continued. the paving of a portion of the main communication through the exterior works. No appropriation having been made, no work was done during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possi- ble with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Defenses of Dutch Island, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, in charge of Lieut. Col. George H. Elliot, Corps of Engineers.-The earthen bat- leries on this island, commenced in 1863, command the western entrance to Narragansett Bay. Nothing has been done in the constructic n of the defenses since the fiscal year 1875-'76. They are incomplete, and the plans require revision. The operations of the last fiscal year have been confined to works of preservation and repair, viz, painting the iron work of gun-platforms; painting the house occupied by 'the ordnance sergeant; making new shot-beds and skidding for the guns; repair of the ventilating chimneys of magazines; small repairs to the buildings and to the dock; provid- ing a store and paint room for ordnance purposes, and the mowing of the parapets and magazines. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifi- cation during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year ............................. DEFENSES OF NEW LONDON HARBOR AND NAVY-YARD. Fort Trumbull, New London Harbor,Connecticut,in charge of Lieut. Col. Walter McFarland, Corps of Engineers.-This is a pentagonal, masonry, bastioned, casemated work of one tier, with a barbette battery on top, hav- ing three water fronts and but four bastions-the bastion at the junction of the two land fronts being omitted. The casemates furnish positions for fourteen heavy guns and eight flank howitzers, and the barbette for twenty-four heavy guns. The northern land front, through which the sallyport passes, is pro- tected by a cover-face arranged with a place of arms and positions for six barbette guns. The north exterior earthen battery is arranged for mounting five 15-inch guns to command the channel. The platforms for these guns are ready with the exception of the traverse irons, which are on hand and ready to be laid. The south exterior water battery, which now mounts six 8-inch Rod- mans and two 100-pound Parrotts, under an approved plan of the Board of Engineers is to be fitted for 15-inch Rodmans, but no money has yet been applied towards carrying out this project. The fort is situated on a promontory on the west shore of New Lon- don Harbor, about 2 miles from Long Island Sound, and is in good con- dition, with the exception of some of the brick facing of the casemates, which has been damaged by leakage through the covering of the arches or between the arches and the scarp-wall. No work has been done during the past year on the fort itself, but out of the small allotment made for it the dry stone sea-wall has been com- pleted north of the work; the iron fence and gate have been put in or- der; the roadway repaired with coverings of cinders and oyster-shells, 22 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF NEW LONDON HARBOR AND NAVY-YARD-continued. and a new 10-inch sea-coast mortar platform has been furnished, which is to be laid by the garrison. The alteration of the south water battery, as planned by the Board of Engineers, to fit it for the use of 15-inch Rodmans, is necessary to the proper defense of the position. Fort Trumbull is garrisoned by two companies of the First Artillery. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Griswold, New London Harbor, Connecticut, in charge of Lieut. Col. Walter McFarland, Corps of Engineers.-This is an open barbette earthwork, on the east side of New London Harbor, opposite the city of New London. It was begun in 1840, as an auxiliary to Fort Trum- fbull, and from its commanding position on Groton heights 80 feet above the sea, it overlooks every part of the harbor. It has positions for six- teen guns, eleven 10-inch Rodmans and five 8-inch Rodmans; but un- der an approved plan of the Board of Engineers this battery is to be fitted for eight 15-inch Rodmans, the estimated cost of which is $418,000. No money has ever been appropriated or allotted for this purpose, and nothing has therefore been done towards making the alteration. No work has been done upon it during the past year, and it is now in very good condition. There is no garrison at Fort Griswold, an ordnance sergeant being left in charge of it. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF NEW HAVEN. Fort Hale, New Haven, Connecticut, in charge of Lieut. Col. Walter McFarland, Corps of Engines.-This is an earthwork, built near the close of the rebellion, situated on a point on the east shore of the har- bor, about 2J miles below the city, at the water level. It is a temporary work, and is rapidly falling down. Its site is valuable in a military sense only for a small work, to be used against small vessels that might enter the harbor. No project for rebuilding it has ever been made. No work has been done upon it in the last year, and no appropria- tion is asked for the next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN. Fort Schuyler, East River, New York, in charge of Lieut. Col. H. L. Abbot, Corps of Engineers.-This work occupies an important site, at the western terminus of Long Island Sound; and upon its efficiency and that of the opposite position of Willets Point must depend the security of New York City against naval operations from that direction. At present the defenses consist of a masonry fort, planned fifty years ago, and armed with old guns as much out of date as are flintlock mus- kets, and of three earthen batteries, mostly incomplete and unarmed. Ultimately a large outlay for iron turrets will be required at this site; but for the present a quicker return will result from work done at Wil- lets Point. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 23 DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-Con- tinued. The condition of the several batteries, &c., remains the same as stated in the Annual Report of 1882, since which time no change has occurred, except the gradual deterioration consequent upon exposing unfinished work to the action of the weather. The completion of the barbette tier of the main work is greatly to be desired, to check this progress and to put the fort into a condition to receive its new arma- ment promptly in case of war. The completion of the parados of the 10-gun earthen battery-a work requiring time-for a like reason should not be delayed. The necessity of immediately resuming work at this place is suffi- ciently set forth in the remarks upon the fort on Willets Point, which co-operates with Fort Schuyler in the defense of the East River en- trance of New York Harbor. Time is essential to this work, and if left until the breaking out of war the position could not be properly defended. The immense mili- tary importance of this site for the defense of New York City and the present dilapidated and unfinished condition of the fortifications have been often urged. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this pur- pose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for the next fiscal year. Fort at Willets Point, eastern entrance to New York Harbor, in charge of Lieut. Col. H. L. Abbot, Corps of Engineers.-This fort, which was commenced in 1863, is designed, together with Fort Schuyler, to close the harbor of New York City against the approach from Long Island Sound. In former years the natural obstructions at Hell Gate, the loca- tion of the navy-yard and of the great commercial interests near the southern end of Manhattan Island, and the limited range of artillery all combined to make this channel of much less importance to the defense than that through the Narrows, and the armament and emplacements were accordingly planned on a smaller scale. The modern increase in range and power of artillery, the growth of the city toward the north, and the improvements at the Hell Gate Channel have thus done rela- tively more to uncover New York City on this side than on the other, and prompt attention is now demanded to prepare for even a respect- able defense against any fleet likely to be used in attacking the city. In the present state of the defenses the torpedo lines could not be properly protected, nor could the works needful for the purpose be con- structed in haste. The site is contracted, and the concrete needful for gun-platforms cannot be subjected to heavy shocks when newly laid. It requires time to harden, and it cannot be laid in freezing weather. Time is absolutely essential to proper preparation. It will be a fatal mistake to suppose either that the work can be done promptly at the beginning of a war or that the channel can be effectively closed by torpedoes in the present state of the forts. That the great commercial metropolis of the country should be left in a condition to invite attack from any third-rate power piratically in- clined can only be explained by a widespread popular misapprehension of the actual condition of these defensive works, and of the ease with which an armored fleet could lay the city under contribution. 24 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-Con- tinued. The defensive work at Willets Point consists of four unfinished earthen batteries for barbette guns and an unfinished stone fort belonging to the old system in vogue twenty-five years ago. Fortunately, much work has already been done upon the new earth- works planned since the war, and a moderate sum would add greatly to their present value. The principal part of the grading and sodding is done, and all but three of the traverse magazines are serviceable. The stone fort, being in an unfinished condition, is gradually deterio- rating from the exposure to the weather; and it is very, desirable that the second-tier arches should be turned and asphalted to protect the casemates, which in an emergency would be of much value to the de- fense. This is doubly important since the armament has been placed in position, and requires to be kept covered with paulins on account of the leakage upon them. No progress has been made during the year in strengthening this fort, as the available funds have been only sufficient to keep the works in repair. - During the past year only ordinary repairs have been made, from want of funds; and for the same reason nothing more can be accom- plished during the coming year. It is possible during the year 1885-'86 to expend any sum not exceed- ing $200,000 in preparing the casemate for operating torpedoes, in erecting a new battery for sixteen mortars, in strengthening the earthen batteries by iron shields, and in general improvements of the site for defense. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and re- pair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this . purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Defenses of Governor's Island, New York Harbor,in charge of Maj. George L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers.-These works comprise Fort Columbus, Castle Williams, South Battery, and New Barbette Battery. They, with Fort Wood, on the opposite side of the channel, defend the entrances to the East River and the Hudson River. The fortifications on Governor's Island were commenced in 1831. The exterior heavy earthen batteries are as yet unfinished. For years past no special appropriation has been made for any of the works on this island, and the operations during the year have been limited to repairs. " The roof of Castle Williams was renewed, and an iron railing con- structed on the counterscarp steps of Fort Columbus. No other repairs were made. An exterior modern earthen battery, designed by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, and approved by the Secretary of War, is partially built. The plan of this battery requires revision. The unfinished works of defense are in about the same condition as at time of last report. The slopes and platforms are generally in good condition. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and re- pair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work' is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 25 DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-COn- tinued. Sea-wall on Governor's Island, New York Harbor, in charge of Maj. George L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers.-The project for this improve- ment, adopted in 1865, provides for inclosing the entire island by a sea-wall. A length of 700 feet was built in 1866 on the south side, and during the past year the wall has been extended eastward 206 feet, and north- ward, along Buttermilk Channel, 1,5021 feet to the coal dock near the main wharf. Forty-three thousand two hundred and sixty-seven cubic yards of grading material and 252 cubic yards of bowlders have been deposited behind the wall. The sewers of the post discharge into the sea through the wall. The local engineer repeats his earnest recommendation of last year for the completion of the wall projected for the inclosure of the entire island. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $44, 033 40 July 1, 1884, amount expended......... ....... ...... ................ 44,033 40 Amount (estimated) required for completion of sea-wall around the island ..........- ..............................---....- ......--......-.....- . 100, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30. 1886................................................... .... 50,000 00 Fort Wood, Bedloe's Island, New York Harbor,in charge of Maj. George L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1841, forms one of the inner line of defenses for New York Harbor, and with those on Governor's Island is designed to close the entrances to the East River and the Hudson River, and to protect New York, part of Brook- lyn, and Jersey City from bombardment. The exterior modern earthen battery, designed by the Board of Engineers and approved by the Secretary of War, is only partially built and should be completed. The plan requires revision. The civil committee having in charge the erection of the heroic statue of Liberty, presented by the people of France to the people of the United States, have completed the concrete foundation of the.pedestal, and expect to commence the masonry of the granite shaft early in July. The slopes and platforms are in fair condition. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for the year ending June 30, 1886. Fort Hamilton and additional batteries, New York Harbor,in charge of Maj. George L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers.-These works, commenced in 1824, are situated at the Narrows of New York Harbor, upon the Long Island side. No specific appropriation was made for the fiscal year, and the opera- tions were confined to repairs absolutely necessary for the preservation of the works. These include the construction of a cobble drain behind the 15-inch gun battery; the repair of the chimneys of the magazines, and of the slopes of all batteries by renewal of sodding, and the rebuild- ing of the wooden steps over the face-cover of the main work. The slopes and revetments of the several batteries, as well as the platforms of the guns, are in fair condition. The platforms of the mortars in the main work are much decayed. There have been but few land-slides during the year, owing to the 26 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-COn- tinued. ready flow which the water falling upon the slopes has had through the newly constructed drains, and, in consequence, the expenses of repairs for previous years have been diminished. To construct a working chamber, on the east side of the channel, for the torpedo defensive system, planned by the Board of Engineers, an appropriation is requested under the general appropriation for cable galleries, &c. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Mortar Battery at Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor,in charge of Maj. George L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers.-This battery was commenced in 1871. No operations were carried on during the year. But little requires to be done to fit this battery to receive its full armament as projected by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications. Fort Lafayette, New York Harbor.-Thisold work, commenced in 1812, and situated on a shoal at the Narrows entrance, occupies the best of all the positions for the defense of New York Harbor. It was injured by fire in December, 1868, to such a degree as to make it practically worth. less, unless repaired at a very considerable outlay; and as it was adapted to guns of small caliber only, it was not thought worth while to restore it, but to replace it by an iron construction which should meet the de- mands of modern armaments. The plans for this have been prepared. The defense of New York Harbor requires a new work on this shoal which will admit of the mounting of 80 to 100-ton guns. It will require several years in building, and should be undertaken without delay. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York Harbor, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This fort, commenced in 1847, is situated on the west side of the Narrows, and constitutes a part of the second line of defense of the southern water approach to New York. It is an inclosed work, built of granite, containing three tiers of guns in casemates, and one en barbette, the lower tier being only a few feet above the water-level. The work, in connection with those adjacent to it on either side, Fort Tompkins and the two Glacis Batteries on the hill in rear, is de- signed to throw a heavy concentrated fire on vessels approaching or attempting to pass through the Narrows, crossing its fire with that from Fort Hamilton and batteries on the opposite side of the channel. Nothing was done at this work during the past fiscal year beyond painting the guard-house and magazine roofs. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at the fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 27 DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-COn" tinued. Fort on site of Fort Tompkins, New York Harbor,in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1858, with the earthen Glacis Gun Battery on its left, and the Glacis Mortar Bat- tery on its right, crowns the hill in rear of Fort Wadsworth and the earthen batteries known as North Cliff Battery, South Cliff Battery, Battery Hudson, and the South Mortar Battery. It is an inclosed pentagonal work, having on its four land faces two tiers of casemate quarters, a deep, dry ditch, and a heavy battery to resist a land attack, and on its channel-front seventeen large casemates for storage and other purposes. It mounts its channel-bearing guns en barbette. It is intended to supply quarters for the garrison and act as a keep for all the defensive works occupying this position. Properly armed, this work will be able to throw a heavy fire from a commanding position upon vessels attempting to pass through the Narrows. The four land faces were, for all defensive purposes, finished in 1865. In December, 1869, a plan giving such increased depth to the casemates that heavy rifled guns could be mounted over them en barbette was adopted and carried into execution. Since 1876 the work has been in readiness to receive, on temporary platforms, all the heavy guns intended for channel defense. The following work was done during the past fiscal year: The masonry of the parade wall of the four land-fronts was pointed with Portland cement. The sashes of unfinished casemates not occupied by troops were glazed, and the flooring and steps of parade balcony renewed, where necessary, and painted. The exposed wood and iron work of doors of magazines on the bar- bette tier was repainted, and the flagging of the passage leading to the soldiers' latrine renewed. The parade ground was top-dressed with manure; the road which surrounds it repaired with broken trap-rock, and its drains put in work- ing order. The repairs to the road in front of the channel-front, and to its ex- tension toward the light-house were completed, and its gutters and cesspools cleaned. The parapet of the road to the light-house, and of the road from the north gate of the channel-front to the officers' quarters, was rammed and resodded where necessary. The south gate of the reservation, on New York Avenue, having be. come unserviceable, was renewed, and the road ahd fence in the vicinity repaired. Grass and weeds were cut on the parade, and on the slopes of parapets, magazine covers, coverface, and glacis. The estimates for the completion of Fort Tompkins comprise ten per- manent gun-platforms in place of the present wooden ones, four bonnets on the traverses for the better protection of guns and gunners, and fin- ishing off twenty-six casemates for quarters, and eleven large casemates on the channel-front for storage purposes. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. 28 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-cOn- tinued. Glacis Gun Battery (north offort on site of Fort Tompkins), Staten Island, New York Harbor,in charge of Gol. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.- This earthen barbette battery, built in 1872, is designed to supplement the barbette fire of Fort Tompkins, It has been in readiness to receive its armament on temporary platforms for the last six years, and may be reported as finished, although some little work remains to be done to the magazine doors and lamp closets. It is provided with timber gun- platforms and ample magazine room. The cost of substituting stone for the timber gun-platforms, and rais- ing the breast-height wall, will be $14,000. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Glacis Mortar Battery (south of fort on site of Fort Tompkins), Staten Island, New York Harbor, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This battery, built in 1872 and 1873, is intended to throw a powerful vertical fire upon vessels approaching or attempting to pass through the Narrows. It is provided with ample storage and service magazine room, and is ready for service, although a little work yet re- mains to be done to the magazine lamp closets, and the principal maga- zine requires to be lined with wood. All the mortar platforms require more or less repairs, the upper tier of oak pieces being rotten at the heart. The pine timber of lower tier is in good condition. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and Do repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Battery Hudson, Staten Island, New York Harbor,in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This work, built in 1841 to 1843, and the North Cliff and South Cliff batteries qccupy the slope of the hill between the fort on site of Fort Tompkins and the water, and are able to bring apowerful direct fire upon the channel leading up to and through the Narrows. For want of funds no work except that of preservation and repair has been done since the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876. One of the new platforms was constructed for King's depressing carriage and a 15-inch smooth-bore gun mounted thereon. The work necessary for the completion of this battery comprises twelve new permanent gun-platforms in place of old ones, the construction of a new breast-height wall in front of some of the platforms, and raising the wall to a higher level in front of others, the construction of bonnets on the traverses, and the placing of a wooden lining in one of the prin- cipal magazines. During the last fiscal year the pointing of the masonry of the breast- height wall of the channel front of the battery was completed. The permanent gun-platforms were also pointed. The doors of magazines were painted, and in some places the sodding of the traverses was re- paired. The drain from the south face of the work was opened and obstructions removed, and the cesspools cleaned out. Grass and weeds SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 29 DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-COn- tinued. were cut on parapets and slopes. The fort-keeper's house near the battery was partially repaired and the barn was reshingled. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. South Mortar Battery (in rear of Battery Hudson Extension), Staten Island, New York Harbor, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of En- gineers.--This battery, commenced in 1872, is situated south of Fort Tompkins and directly in rear of Battery Hudson Extension. It is de- signed to throw a heavy vertical fire upon vessels approaching the Narrows from the lower bay. Since 1873 no appropriation has been made for it. The work necessary for its completion consists in con- structing and laying eight timber mortar-platforms, and in fitting up the inner magazines with doors and lamp closets. Estimated cost of completing the work, $9,000. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. North Cliff Battery, Staten Island, New York Harbor, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This earthen gun battery, which was commenced in 1862, is located north of Fort Wadsworth, on the slol)e of the hill between Fort Tompkins and the water. It is designed to throw a direct fire upon vessels attempting to pass through the Nar- rows. It was intended for an armament of 15-inch smooth-bore guns or corresponding rifles, and was provided with two storae magazines, one large bomb-proof shelter, and five traverses between guns, two of them containing service magazines. Under a modification approved Decem- ber 8, 1869, the bomb-proof shelter was suppressed and some traverses and service magazines between the guns were added, the number of guns being necessarily reddced thereby. During the past fiscal year the road leading from the north gate of the reservation to the battery was repaired, and the gutters repaved. The sodding of the slopes of the battery was renewed where it had been damaged by rain-storms. The magazine doors were painted, and grass and weeds cut on parapets, traverses, and on the long slopes in front and rear of the battery. The cost of finishing this battery, by substituting six stone gun-plat- forms for those of timber, constructing six breast-height walls, two bon- nets on the traverses, lining the two principal magazines with wood, thickening the parapet, and constructing a rough sea-wall at the foot of the exterior slope, will be $50,000. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. 30 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-C0on- tinued. South Cliff Battery, Staten Island, New York Harbor, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This earthen gun battery, occupy- ing the slope of the hill between Fort Tompkins and the water directly south of Fort Wadsworth, was built in 1858 to 1861, for 15-inch guns or corresponding rifles, and was provided with two storage and two service magazines. In December, 1869, modifications were ordered, adding four new traverses, including two traverse magazines, by which the number of guns was necessarily reduced. During the past fiscal year the stone masonry of the gun-platforms which are to remain in place, under the project for remodeling the work, was pointed. The doors of magazines were painted, and grass and weeds cut on the parapet and magazine covers, and on the slopes in front and rear. The road leading from the light-house, through the battery, to Fort Wadsworth was repaired, the gutters repaved, and the sodding on the side slopes of the road partly renewed. The cost of finishing the battery, comprising the completion of four traverses, the construction of one new traverse magazine, adding to the thickness of a parapet, building a rough sea-wall at the foot of the exterior slope, lining the two principal magazines, and putting in new 6-inch pintles, will be $50,000. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Two-gun Battery (near southeast angle of channel front offort on site of Fort Tompkins), Staten Island, New York Harbor,in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This work is located on the crest of the long slope in rear of Fort Wadsworth, and to the southeast and some- what in advance of the channel front of the fort on site of Fort Tomp- kins. It was built towards the close of the late civil war, and is de- signed to throw additional fire from a commanding position upon vessels attempting to pass the Narrows. During the past fiscal year the sodding of the parapet was renewed at some places, and grass and weeds were cut on the slopes. The battery is in a satisfactory condition. It contains two perma- nent center-pintle platforms for 10-inch Rodman guns or corresponding rifles. No appropriation is asked for this work. Fort at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, in charge of Maj. George L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work, commenced in 1857, com- mands the southern approaches by sea to the harbor and city of New York, and is also designed to prevent the occupation of the Lower New York Bay as an anchorage by an enemy's fleet. No regular appropriations have been made for years past for the conm- pletion or modification of this work, and it remains in essentially the same condition as at the date of the last Annual Report. The jetties built last year on the east side caused an outward advance of the beach along the whole front covered by them; but to the west- ward of them, where no shore protection existed, the shore-line has re- ceded distances varying from 25 to 150 feet for a length of 1,620 feet. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 31 DEFENSES OF NEW YORK AND THE NAVY-YARD AT BROOKLYN-Con- tinued. Immediately at the site of the fog-sirens one of the light-house build- ings was undermined and destroyed, and the safety of the others endan- gered. To arrest the threatened destruction of the remaining buildings an allotment was made of $15,000-made up of $5,000 from the appro- priation for preservation and repair of fortifications, and $10,000 from the Light-House Department-for the construction of concrete jetties similar to those built last year. Three jetties were built by the local engineer, under the two allotments, composed of 1,200 cubic yards of concrete. The local engineer thinks that he may be able to maintain, for the present, the existing high-water line, by the construction of these short jetties, which reach only to the low-water line, but that for a more certain and permanent protection of the sites of the fort and other public buildings it may be necessary to adopt the system of long ,jetties an- chored in deep water, planned by the Board of Engineers in 1881, the necessity for which will be determined after the action of the short jet- ties has been carefully watched during the summer, autumn, and winter. The defensive work upon the Hook is the most advanced of all the defenses of the southern approaches by sea to the harbor and city of New York. The channel of entrance opposite the Hook is more than a mile wide, and of depth sufficient for the largest and most powerful armored vessels yet built or designed. The occupation by an enemy's. fleet of the capacious bay just within the Hook would prevent all egress from the harbor southward to the sea, and effectually seal up the main outlet from the city. The modification and completion of this important work for the reception of the heaviest modern rifled guns, protected by impenetrable iron armor, and the protection of the site against encroach- ments by the sea, are of very great importance. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and re- pair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. Appropriation asked for next fiscal year: For jetties for protection of site...... .................................. $75, 000 00 DEFENSES OF PHILADELPHIA AND LEAGUE ISLAND NAVY-YARD. Fort Miflin, Delaware River, Pennsylvania, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; tem- porarily in charge of First Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers.-This barbette work, originally established in 1779, is sit- uated on the west bank of the Delaware River, within the territorial boundaries of the city of Philadelphia, and constitutes a part of the inner line of works for the defense of the city and the League Island naval station. No specific appropriation has been made for this fort since 1875, when the operations which were in progress in the construction of exterior earthworks for the mounting of heavy guns, under the approved plans of the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, terminated. These plans require revision. Operations for the past year have been directed to the general care and preservation of the works, including suitable repairs to the exte- rior portions of two of the buildings (soldiers' barracks and artillery shed). A new fence was constructed on the south boundary line; about 32 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF PHILADELPHIA AND LEAGUE ISLAND NAVY-YARD- continued. 460 feet of dike south and 150 feet north of the fort were thoroughly repaired; 350 feat of wall were constructed at the foot of interior slope of dike south of the demilune and 136 feet in front of glacis abreast of northeast bastion, The scarp-wall at south face of demilune and exte- rior slope of parapet on same face were repaired; the wooden coverings over twelve gun-platforms were painted; a portion of the buildings whitewashed, and the grass cut and cured. An appropriation for con- structing the torpedo-casemate gallery is asked for under the general appropriation for cable galleries. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Mortar Battery at Fort Miffin, Pennsylvania, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; temporarily in charge of FirstLieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engi. neers.-The site of this battery is on the reclaimed land west of the main work and north of the unfinished gun battery. Operations for its con- struction began in 1871, and continued until near the close of the fiscal year 1874, since which time work has remained suspended for want of funds. This battery, the plans of which were prepared by the Board of En- gineers for Fortifications, remains in an unfinished condition, and is suffering from exposure. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Site for defenses at Red Bank, New Jersey, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; temporarily in charge of First Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engi- neers.-This site is situated on the east shore of the Delaware River, and embraces an area of 100 acres. It was purchased in 1872, with the view of erecting thereon an earthen barbette work for heavy guns, which, with the works at Fort Mifflin, would constitute the inner line of defenses of the Delaware River. A property-keeper, who is in immediate care of the property, derives his compensation from the use of the lands, &c., for agricultural pur- poses. The' dikes have sustained slight damage from storm tides; otherwise there has been no material change in the condition of the site the past year. No appropriation has been made for this work. The site is an im- portant one, the occupation of the bluff by a suitable armament, which would command the channel at short range, being indispensable to any attempt to defend the port of Philadelphia and the League Island navy- yard. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. ' 33 DEFENSI S OF PHILADELPHIA AND LEAGUE ISLAND NAVY-YARD- continued. Fort Delaware, Delaware River, Delaware, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; temporarily in charge of First Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. B. Heuer, Corps of Engi- neers.-Fort Delaware is a casemated work, with granite scarp, sit- uated on Pea Patch Island, about 42 miles below Philadelphia, and 12 miles below Wilmington, Del. The position is a very important one, commanding both channels, the eastern or main ship-channel passing within 1,000 yards of the fort. The masonry of this fort was begun in 1852. No appropriations have been made for it since 1876, and the modifications then in progress, to adapt it to the greater size and power of modern ordnance, remain sus- pended. This work and the batteries opposite on the Delaware and New Jer- sey shores form the lower line of defense for the Delaware River, but the fort is in no condition to contest the passage of modern ships of war, and the thickness of neither the scarp nor the magazine walls is sufficient to resist shot from guns now in use. The funds allotted for this work during the past year have been ap- plied to the rebuilding of a gate-frame to sluice at the side of the dock; to the renewal of floors to the small service magazines on the terre-plein; repairs to boat; repairs to old, and the construction of new fence in front of engineer buildings; repairing small bridges, and grading the glacis near the counterscarp wall. Extensive repairs are required to the fort and buildings, and the dike around the island should be raised at least 2 feet to insure safety from inundation. An appropriation for constructing a torpedo casemate is asked for, under the general appropriation for cable galleries. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. Battery at Finn's Point,DelawareRiver, New Jersey, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; tem- porarilyin charge of First Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. H. Beuer, Corps of Engineers.-The construction of this earthen barbette battery, which forms the left of the lower line of defense for the Delaware River, was commenced in 1872, under the approved plans of the Board of En- gineers for Fortifications. In 1876 work was suspended for want of appropriations, and since then only slight repairs have been made from time to time. The sea-wall and the unfinished embankments have suf- fered much damage from storms, but most of the sodded slopes and breast-height walls are in good condition. The plan of the battery requires revision. During the past year the work of repairs was applied to the stone jetties in front of the sea-wall, below and above the wharf; about 80 linear feet of sea-wall constructed, 50 feet of which were built up to its full height, and 30 feet built up 5 feet above the foundation, and 750 linear feet of dike were repaired. To afford adequate protection to the exterior slope of the battery, it 5908 EN 3 34 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF PHILADELPHIA AND LEAGUE ISLAND NAVY-YARD- continued. is necessary that the repair and raising of this sea-wall should be con- tinued. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Mortar Battery at Finn's Point, Delaware River, New Jersey, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; temporarily in charge of First Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers.-This work was commenced in 1872, under the approved plans of the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, and forms a part of the earthen battery at Finn's Point. No appropriations having been made for it since 1874, it remains in its then incomplete condition. Since then the embankments have been washed away to a great extent by severe storms, which badly damaged the sea-wall at their foot. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort opposite Fort Delaware, Delaware shqre, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; tempora- rily in charge of First Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers.-This earthen barbette battery is on the Delaware shore, opposite Fort Delaware, and commands both channels of the river below Pea Patch Island. Its construction was commenced in 1873, and continued until 1876. Since that time no appropriations have been made, and the battery remains in an unfinished condition. The completed portions, including the sodded slopes, are in fair condition. The dike on the Delaware River front needs extensive repairs. The plan of the battery requires revision. An appropriation for completing the torpedo cable gallery is requested under the general appropriation for cable galleries. No work has been done during the past year. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year, and no work is contemplated during the cur- rent fiscal year for the same reason. Mortar Battery, opposite Fort Delaware,near Delaware City, Delaware, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; temporarily in charge of First Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, until April 19, 1884; since that date in charge of Maj. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineei-s.-The construction of this battery was commenced in 1872, according to plans prepared by the Board of En- gineers for Fortifications, and in the next year two magazines were nearly completed, the terre-plein was formed, and the parapet embanked about 7 feet above that level. Nothing more was done until 1876, when a small balance of an old appropriation was applied to completing the SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 35 DEFENSES OF PHILADELPHIA AND LEAGUE ISLAND NAVY-YARD- continued. two magazines and embanking the two traverses, with the parapet in front of them, to nearly their full height. The work is in an unfinished condition. The work necessary for completion consists in the construction of a large magazine on the right, the completion of the parapet and traverses, and the building of six mortar platforms. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF BALTIMORE. Fort McHenry, Baltimore Harbor, Maryland, in charge of Lieut. Col. William P . (raighill, Corps of Engineers.-This fort forms part of the inner line of defense for Baltimore and its dependent interests, and commands with its fire the interior waters of the harbor and the channel of approach thereto, in which latter a depth of 27 feet exists at mean low water. The fortifications at this place were commenced in 1775, and in 1794 the present work was built. Although the original fort has become almost useless as a defensive work, the site is still an important one, and the water front should be occupied by a battery of modern guns, mounted behind an earthen para- pet of the most approved dimensions, and provided with bomb-proof cover for ammunition and gunners. Such a battery, the plans of which were prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, was com- menced in 1872, and is partly constructed, although all work upon it has been suspended for want of funds since July, 1876. The plan of this battery requires revision. A bulkhead of ballast having been made by the United States, with- out expense, along a line in front of the site, and at a distance from the authorized pier line of 375 feet, and a line having also been established in the rear of the site at the same distance from the pier line, it is pro- posed to fill in the whole area thus defined with ballast from ships com- ing to the port. The available limits of the site will thus be largely increased without expense to the United States. Little progress has been made in this filling during the past year, as but few vessels have applied to deposit ballast upon the area. A sea-wall should be built along the line of the temporary bulkheads referred to above, and the present wharf should be removed and a new one built near the new dry-dock. The floors of rooms on both sides of main entrance have been repaired. The scarp of the main work and the scarp and gorge walls of the demilune have been repointed, and the breast-height wall of the covered way partially repointed. The coping of the scarp walls of the main work and demilune being displaced in some parts has been taken up and reset where necessary. The slopes of the parapets of the main work and demilune and exte- rior battery, including the traverses and magazines, have been repaired and resodded in places. The gutters and drains generally have been cleaned, and paved with bricks where necessary. Slopes have been 36 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF BALTIMORE-continued. mowed. The area-wall of the large exterior storage-magazine has been repointed inside and out, and a few bricks have been cut out and re- placed. These repairs were executed partly in the autumn of 1883, and partly in the spring of 1884. The commanding officer at Fort McHenry, Lieut. Col. L. L. Langdon, United States Artillery, has greatly assisted in their supervision and execution. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. FortCarroll,Baltimore Harbor,Maryland, in charge of Lieut. Col. Will- iam P. Graighill, Corps of Engineers.-This fortification, commenced in 1847, is situated upon an exterior line of defense for the harbor of Bal- timore. It is proposed to modify this important casemated work so as to enable it to receive the heaviest modern rifled guns, protected by iron armor of such form and thickness as to be impenetrable by any guns which may be brought to our coasts. Its completion is indispensable to the safety of the rich city of Baltimore in tinme of foreign war, and the work to be done cannot safely be left until the approach ,of hostilities. It will re- quire several years and liberal appropriations to accomplish it, and it should be commenced without delay. Operations during the past year have been confined to the general care and preservation of the work and the public property stored thereat. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and re- pair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. Fort Foote, Potomac River, Maryland, in charge of Maj. Peter O(3.Hains, Corps of Engineers.-This earthwork is situated on the left bank of the Potomac River, and only 2 miles below Alexandria. It commands the water approaches to that city and to Washington. The work was commenced in 1862. In 1872 the Board of Engineers for Fortifications approved a project for the modification of the old fort, and for the construction of an additional battery. Work was in progress on the former when a suspension'became necessary by reason of the fail- ure of appropriations. No work has ever been done on the proposed new battery and none on the old fort since 1874. At the present time the condition of the work may be described as one of utter dilapidation. The magazines, which at the time of the suspension of operations were in an unfinished condition, are rapidly going to ruin. The parapet on the water front was hardly begun when work ceased; consequently there would be no cover for the two guns that could be mounted. There are five gun-platforms laid, four front, and one center-pintle. They are built of concrete and granite, and are serviceable. No guns are mounted. The plans of the work require revision. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 37 DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON-continued. The buildings are all constructed of perishable material, and are rapidly going to decay; but, as the fort is not occupied by troops, no repairs to the buildings are recommended. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortification during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this pur- . pose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Washington, Potomac River, Maryland, in charge of Maj. Peter C. Hains, Corps of Engineers.-The construction of this fort was begun in 1816. It is a casemated work, occupying a commanding position on the left bank of the Potomac River, 11 miles below the city of Wash- ington. The masonry of the old work is still in good condition, but as the fort was designed more than half a century ago, it is not adapted to receive guns of modern size, or to defensive purposes against such guns. In 1870 the Board of Engineers for Fortifications approved plans for t modification of the demilune, converting it into a battery of modern construction, with guns of large caliber. The platforms for four of these guns were built, and the magazines partially so, when work was suspended for lack of funds. Three other batteries were planned, and received the approval of the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, but no work has yet been done on them. The plans of these batteries re- quire revision. At the present time the defenses known as Fort Washington consist practically of four 15-inch gun platforms, without a parapet in front of them, and without magazines. The 24-pounder barbette guns in the old fort are practically worth- less, as they could do no harm. This fort, together with Fort Foote, a work of less strength-if that be possible-constitutes the defenses of the capital of a great nation. The buildings, unoccupied by troops, are generally in a dilapidated condition, but no repairs are recommended, as it is of more importance to mount a few guns, and to finish the magazines and parapets. There has been no special appropriation for this work since 1873-'74. The unfinished parts of the demilune battery are therefore suffering constant deterioration. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Obstructions of the Potomac, in charge of Maj. Peter C. Hains, Corps of Engineers.-The material pertaining to these obstructions was con- tinued in store at Fort Foote, Md., in charge of a watchman. The tim- ber portion has become entirely worthless from decay. The irons are in good condition. DEFENSES OF HAMPTON ROADS AND GOSPORT NAVY-YARD. Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort, Virginia,in charge of Col. Q. A. Gill- more, Corps of Engineers.-This extensive work, commenced in 1817, 38 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF HAMPTON ROADS AND GOSPORT NAVY-YARD-Continued. occupies an important position, covering, in co-operation with Fort Wool, on the opposite side of the channel, the only approach from the sea to Hampton Roads, the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, the Gos- port navy-yard, and the James River. These works, also, in offering a safe rendezvous for our own vessels of war, afford indirect protection to Baltimore, Annapolis, and Wash- ington, and all the harbors and towns on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. The work covers an area of 86 acres, and the distance around it is 11 miles. The modifications that have been planned and approved for adapting Fort Monroe to the requirements of efficient defense against war vessels of recent type contemplate arming the channel front of the advanced redoubt with heavy barbette guns,provided with suitable traverses and traverse magazines; mounting a similar armament in the re-entering place of arms, located on the right of the redoubt in advance of Front No. 5; constructing a new open battery for barbette guns to the right of the old casemated water battery; and placing a few heavy guns in the salients of the main work and covered way. There is plenty of room for mortar batteries both within and without the work. The work of making the requisite modifications has been suspended for several years past for want of appropriations. In the advanced earthen redoubt the two traverse magazines are finished, except the earth covering to one of them, and six gun-plat- forms are nearly completed. Most of the earthwork of the redoubt is also finished. In the place of arms, the concrete service magazine is finished, but not covered with earth, and the concrete foundations for the gin-platforms have been laid. The new 10-gun earthen battery has not been commenced. Among the operations carried on during the past fiscal year, the most important consisted in the construction of a circular 18-inch main sewer. It extends from the scrp-wall of Front No. 3, across the parade of the fort, through the sallyport and under the bridge of Front No. 6, to Mill Creek. Its total length is 1,596 feet. Gates were placed in the sluiceway connecting the ditch of the redoubt with the ditch of Front No. 5; also in the sluiceway from the ditch of Front No. 6 to Mill Creek. These gates are designed to maintain the surface of the water in the ditch of the fort as nearly as practicable at the level of high- water mark, so as to produce a flushing current through the sewer at and near the time of low tide in Mill Creek. The sewer is provided with stop-valves and man-holes, and at each extreme end with a self-acting trap-hole to prevent damage from storm tides. Lateral drains of 6 inches diameter, and aggregating 2,890 feet in length, have been laid from the sewer to near the several quarters in- side the fort for future connection with the buildings. The main sewer and branches had been completed at the close of the past fiscal year. Additional pipes, ventilators, traps, &c., for completing house con- nections have been stored. A frame house was built over the stop-valve of the sewer near its Mill Creek end, and partition walls were constructed in the arches of Casemate No. 3, Front No. 3, to obtain a rooin for storing articles re- quired in connection with the sewer. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 39 DEFENSES OF HAMPTON ROADS AND GOSPORT NAVY-YARD-continued. In addition to the works for sewerage the following operations were carried on: The bar which had formed in the ditch of Front No. 7 was lowered by the removal of 2,625 cubic yards of sand. A one-story frame building, 12 feet by 15 feet, covering the engine and stone-crusher in the redoubt, having become unfit for repair, was taken down and replaced by a new structure. The casemate storerooms were repaired and whitewashed. The wooden steps leading from the terre-plein to the parapet at Fronts Nos. 1, 2, and 4 were rebuilt. The railing of bridges leading to the main sallyport and to the south- west postern, aggregating 685 linear feet, was painted. One thousand nine hundred square feet of roofing of quarters were reshingled, and the roofs, gutters, and leaders of quarters generally repaired. Other miscellaneous repairs were made to quarters, store-sheds, and breakwater, and to the pumps on cisterns at quarters, shops, and sta- bles, and the new wood-work was whitewashed and painted. The kitchen, 12 feet by 15 feet, to the fort-keeper's quarters was re- built, the old structure being unfit for repairs. At the foot of the glacis of Front No. 7 about 600 linear feet of paling fence were renewed; also 200 linear feet of fencing around quarters. Grass was cut on the parapet and exterior slopes of the work, and on the glacis in front of it. A contract has been made for building a cover over the Engineers' cistern. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Artesian well at Fort Monroe, Virginia, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gill- more, Corps of Engineers.-No work was done during the last fiscal year, and none is contemplated during the present fiscal year, for want of funds. The inadequate and uncertain supply of water at Fort Monroe is an evil which, it is conceded on all sides, may at any time arise to serious magnitude. The present depth of the well is about 900 feet. It is rec- ommended that provision be made to increase this depth to 1,200 or even 1,500 feet before abandoning the project of obtaining a water sup- ply by this method. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Wool, Hampton Roads, Virginia, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This work unites with Fort Monroe in closing the sea approach to Hampton Roads, being located on the opposite side of the channel from that work, and therefore crossing its fire with it. Fort Wool is an inclosed casemated fort. It was begun in 1818 by forming an artificial foundation with stone of random sizes, unloaded upon a 10-foot shoal, selected as the site of the work. When the scarp- wall and piers had reached a height to include the lintels of the lower tier of embrasures settlement began, and work was stopped after piling a quantity of stone upon the walls sufficient to bring upon the founda- tion a pressure somewhat exceeding that of the finished work. 40 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF HAMPTON ROADS AND GOSPORT NAVY-YARD-continued. The work of construction was resumed in 1858, and when it was sus- pended 52 casemates of the lower tier, with iron-throated embrasures, were finished and ready for the guns. On the second tier the scarp- wall and piers of those portions of the work bearing on the channel had reached nearly to the height of the embrasure lintels, the embrasure irons had been set, and the floors of most of the casemates paved. On the gorge faces very little work had been done. During the past fiscal year the iron-work of the embrasures and the traverse rails in the lower tier of casemates were painted and lacquered. It is designed to modify this important work so that it may receive the heaviest modern rifled guns, protected by impenetrable iron armor. The work to be done, which will require several years for its execution, cannot be left until the near approach of war. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF BEAUFORT HARBOR, NORTH CAROLINA. FortMacon, Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina,in charge of Capt. James Mercur, Corps of Engineers, until March 31, 1884; since that datein charge of Capt. F. A. Hinman, Corps of Engineers.-This barbette work, com- menced in 1826, is situated on the south side of the entrance to the bar- bor, and defends it from the sea. The general condition of the work on June 30, 1884, was good, with the following exceptions: The cracks which have existed for some years just behind the scarp-wall in the casemate and communicating arches had not materially changed since the date of the last Annual Report. Plaster continues to fall from the rotten furring in some of the case- mates. A number of the stone window-sills were cracked. The doors, windows, and their frames were not in very good condition, and there were three leaks in the water-pipes inside the walls. The platforms and armament were in an unserviceable condition. The buildings, which are of a temporary character, require extensive repairs, if they are to be used. Nothing was done to the main work during the year, except to ,cut the grass, make minor repairs to the fences, and clean up the plaster that fell in the casemates. The jetties and sand fences for the protection of the site of the work have continued to serve admirably the purpose for which they were in- tended. Jetty No. 1 was leveled up with stone and crowned its entire length, 292 feet, with a concrete wall, laid in place, 6 feet wide and 3 feet high. Above high water cross joints every 20 feet were made, to prevent cracks in settling, and between high and low water marks,.at the outer end, advantage was taken of the tides to make, on the spot, in cheap wooden caissons, five blocks 6 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet, and one 6 feet by 3 feet by 14 feet. The whole was thoroughly riprapped where exposed. Two of the other three jetties were leveled up, and thus prepared for similar crowning walls, a portion of the materials for which is on hand. These jetties are of the same nature and bearing as those at Shackle- ford Point opposite, and serve admirably to protect the site of the fort and harbor from the action of the ocean. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 41 DEFENSES OF BEAUFORT HARBOR, NORTH CAROLINA-continued. To thoroughly protect the site inside of Jetty No. 1, one or two more jetties will be required. A dam is also required south of the fort to keep the sea from breaking through into the harbor. The present wharf is in poor condition and should be replaced by a new one extending out to deeper water-18 feet at low tide. A project for adapting this work to the requirements of modern de- fense is under consideration. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF WILMINGTON. Fort Oaswell, mouth of Cape Fear River, North Carolina, in charge of Col. Q. A. Giilmore, Corps of Engineers.-Thisbarbette work, commenced in 1826, covers the entrance into Cape Fear River, and hence the water approach to the city of Wilmington, and constitutes the only defense of that locality. Upon its evacuation by the Confederate forces in January, 1865, im- mediately after the fall of Fort Fisher, an attempt was made to blow it up. All the scarp-wall of the southeast face was overturned by a mine exploded in the scarp gallery of that face; a portion of the scarp-wall of the north and west fronts was so badly shattered by the explosion of a magazine on the covered way near northwest salient that it will have to be rebuilt, andthe citadel on the parade of the work was burned. There is now neither armament nor quarters for a garrison at the place. The subject of its modification is now under consideration. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF CHARLESTON. Fort Moultrie, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This work is located on Sullivan's Island, and co-operates with Fort Sumter in defending the water ap- proach from the sea to the city and harbor of Charleston. It is an earthen barbette work, and was commenced in 1841. The completion of the work comprises the construction of eleven per- manent gun-platforms and breast-height walls, bonnets on the trav- erses, a portion of the masonry and all the earth covering of the bomb- proof shelter, the postern gallery, a part of the earth covering of the magazines, and an earthen cover-face on the channel front. During the past fiscal year the slopes of the principal magazine were thoroughly repaired, brought up to grade, and sodded. A temporary door to the magazine of the channel front was put in order. The fort-keeper's house was repaired, and its site protected by a break- water. The fence around the parade in rear of the fort was repaired at several places, the out-buildings and fences whitewashed, and the parade cleaned. Every one of the nine wooden platforms for 15-inch guns in the fort contains some more or less rotten members, which should be removed and replaced by sound timbers to render the platforms fit for service. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. 42 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF CHARLESTON-continued. Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work is located on a shoal on the south side of the entrance into the harbor, and is guns, crossing their fire with those of Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan'stlsland, command the only channel of approach thereto practicable for vessels of war. Its construction was begun in 1829, and was nearly finished, although still wanting most of its armament, when, in April, 1861, it was capttred by the Confederate forces. It was held by them until February 18, 1865. The reconstruction of the work, with the view of adapting it to the conditions of modern defense, was begun in 1870, and is now well ad- vanced. Of the barbette gun-platforms required eight have been laid. Three of these eight are permanent and five are of timber. By replacing two platforms on the southeast face, now occupied by light guns with heavy platforms, timber for which has already been pro- vided, the work would be ready for its barbette armament. Eight case- mates on the northwest face are ready for the guns, except the traverse rails, and the nine casemates on the northeast face, one in the pan coupe between the northeast and north faces, and one adjacent thereto on the north face (eleven in all) are armed. The completion of this work comprises the construction of seven per- manent gun platforms and their breast-height walls, placing bonnets on the traverses, most of the earthwork on the gorge face and the parados and magazines adjacent thereto, the arrangement of a room for torpedo defense, and the repair and extension of the wharf and other matters of detail. The following work was done during the past fiscal year. The timber breast-height walls for guns Nos. 9 and 10, southeast face, were repaired. Coping has been placed for all the entrances of covered passages of the northwest face. The two chimneys of this front, from casemates on either side of the sallyport, have been raised to the proper height re- quired by the bonnet over the sallyport. The cisterns each side of the sallyport were cleaned and repaired, but are not yet water-tight. The slopes of the parados of guns Nos. 1 and 2, northwest face, and of the sallyport cover have been repaired, brought up to the proper grade, and sodded. Some portions of the masonry were pointed. Minor repairs were made to the fort-keeper's quarters, and to the frame building on the parade, once used as quarters for laborers. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the present fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Johnson, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This old work, situated on James Island, a little more than l1 miles west of Fort Sumter, should consti- tute one of the inner works in the system of defense for this locality. It is a fort only in name, having neither armament nor magazines, but only some irreglar mounds of earth, representing what remains of the battery found there at the close of the civil war. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 43 DEFENSES OF CHARLESTON-continued. The project for reconstructing this old work contemplates making it a battery for heavy guns and sea-coast mortars. Timber platforms for the mortars have been procured. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Castle Pinckney, CharlestonHarbor, South Carolina,in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This work, situated on Shute's Folly Island, about one mile east of the city of Charleston, is one of the interior works in the system of defense of the harbor. The work was commenced in 1829. In its present condition it is useless for de. fensive purposes, and is now in charge of the Light-House Board for light-house purposes. An expenditure of about $10,000 will be required to adapt this work to the reception of an armament. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF SAVANNAH. Fort Oglethorpe, Savannah River, Georgia, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gill- more, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1842, is situated about 4 miles from the city of Savannah, and forms the inner line of defense for that city. Modifications of this work, approved January 11, 1870, so as to fit it for the reception of heavy guns, were commenced in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1873, but they were suspended some years since for want of appropriations. The plans of the work require revision. The work done during the past fiscal year consisted in fitting up tw6 casemates as storage rooms for Engineer property. New floors were laid in them, and a door put up. The grass was cut on the parapet and slopes of traverse magazine. The four wooden platforms for 15-inch guns at this fort are rotten and unserviceable. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Pulaski, mouth of Savannah River, Georgia, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work, commenced in 1829, is located on Cockspur Island, covers the ship-channel leading from Tybee Roads into the Savannah River, and constitutes the princi- pal defense of the city of Savannah against naval attack. From 1872 to 1875 the work of remodeling the demilune was carried on at intervals and nearly completed. Its gun-platforms were built of timber, and two 15-inch guns were mounted on the north face. All these platforms are more or less decayed. No work was done at the main work during the last fiscal year. In the demilune the concrete masonry of the traverse magazine built for 44 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF SAVANNAH-continued. the service of guns Nos. 3 and 4, south face, was covered with sand up to grade, and the slopes sodded. This completes all the slopes of the demilune. The dikes which were constructed to protect a part of the site of the fort were repaired, and now afford sufficient protection against ordinary storm-tides. The seven wooden platforms for 15-inch guns in the demilune are practically unserviceable. Each of them contains a large proportion of rotten timbers; the oaken pintle-blocks are nearly all thoroughly de- cayed. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. New fort on Tybee Island, mouth of Savannah River, Georgia, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-Plans have been prepared for defensive earthen works to be constructed on the north point of Tybee Island, for the double purpose of preventing the occupation of Tybee Roads by hostile vessels and defending the channel of approach to the Savannah River. The land necessary for the work was acquired by the United States in 1875. Some work was done during the past fiscal year on the three spur- jetties built in 1882 for protecting the shore line of the Government res- ervation. Some gaps and bare places of the jetties were closed and covered, and they were raised to a somewhat higher and more uniform level by depositing 920 cubic yards of riprap stone upon them. Con- siderable filling has taken place between the jetties, and the site seems to be secure. No appropriation for their construction has yet been made. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF CUMBERLAND SOUND. Fort Clinch, Amelia Island, Florida, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work, commenced in 1847, defends the entrance into Cumberland Sound, and is in an unfinished condition. A plan for modifying the work has been prepared by the Board of En- gineers for Fortifications, which contemplates an armament of rifled guns and the construction of an exterior earthen battery for 12-inch rifled guns. During the past fiscal year, a breakwater or protection of wood was built, to preserve the lot on which stand the Engineer officers' quarters at Old Fernandina., Its length is about 200 feet, and it has so far an- swered its purpose well. The ifon roof of the blacksmith shop inside the fort was patched, and the drain leading from it cleaned. Slight repairs were made to the Engineer officers' quarters. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 45 DEFENSES OF SAINT AUGUSTINE. Fort Marion, Saint Augustine, Florida, in charge of Col. Q. A. Gill- more, Corps of Engineers.-This work is intended to defend the harbor and city of Saint Augustine. It was built by the Spaniards, and was called by theth San Marco. It was essentially completed in the year 1756, its construction having extended through a period of more than one hundred years. It is built of coquina, a natural shell concrete found in the vicinity. No money has been expended by the United States for the maintenance of the work, or in arresting the progress of ordi- nary deterioration and decay, for the reason, doubtless, that the water battery constructed in front of it in 1842-'43 will, if suitably armed, furnish a sufficient defense for this locality. The main work is not suit- able for an efficient defense. No work was done here during the past fiscal year. The sum of $5,000 having recently been appropriated " for the pres- ervation of Fort Marion, Fla., and for the inclosure and improvement of the grounds attached to the same," it is proposed, during the current fiscal year, to expend a portion of that sum in building a neat and sub- stantial fence, extending from the water's edge north of the fort, around it, inclosing the glacis slopes, to the water south of the fort. A project for expending the balance of the funds to the best advantage is now being studied. Should it be desired to restore old Fort San Marco, both main work and demilune, to the condition substantially in which it was left by the Spaniards, it can be done, so far as it is possible to attain this object, and omitting all preparations for an armament, for an aggregate sum of about $15,000. Appropriation made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................. $5, 000 10, 000 Appropriation asked for next fiscal year...............................------------- DEFENSES OF KEY WEST. Fort Taylor and batteries, Key West, Florida,in charge of Capt. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers, until February 1, 1884; and since that date, in charge of Capt. Thomas Turtle, Corps of Engineers.-These works, com- prising a main casemated work of brick upon a submarine foundation and earthen battery northeast of the main work and one to southeast of it, with two Martello Towers of brick on the south shore of the island, are for the defense of the important harbor of Key West. The main work was commenced in 1844; the citadel is complete, but the cover-face on the land faces of this is in a very incomplete condition, and only the former portion is at pitsent of any defensive value. The barracks and quarters within the fort are in very bad order and becom- ing worse through decay and neglect. About $15,000 would be re- quired to put them in good order. The walls are much in need of re- pointing, or some similar repairs, and upon this work $12,000 could be profitably expended. All the casemate platforms are generally ii good condition, and the barbette platforms on the sea-faces, except those for the 15-inch guns, which, being of wood, are decayed so as to be of no use whatever. Nearly one-half the cisterns are found to be leaky and have no water in them, and the water in those remaining is brackish and undrinkable. To overhaul these cisterns and repair them will cost the estimated sum of about $1,000. 46 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF KEY WEST-continued. The exterior earthen batteries are suffering the inevitable deteriora- tion due to their incomplete condition; the platforms, a combination of concrete and wood, are, because of the decay of the wood, utterly use- less in their present condition. The estimated cost of these batteries is $240,338, which on account of deterioration should be increased to $250,000. The Martello Towers, in fair condition, were constructed in the early part of the war of secession on private land, the title to which has never been acquired by the United States. No appropriation having been made, no work has been done at these forti- fications during the fiscal year beyond the guarding of the property and the protection of the works from depredation, and none is contemplated for the ensuing fiscal year, because of lack of funds, other than such work of protection, preservation, and repair as the general appropriation will permit. Appropriation asked for the next fiscal year: For acquisition of sites of the two Martello Towers, by purchase or condemnation.................... $9, 000 DEFENSES OF THE HARBOR OF DRY TORTUGAS. Fort Jefferson, Garden Key, Tortugas, Florida,in charge of Capt. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers, until February1, 1884; since which date in charge of Capt. Thomas Turtle, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work, commenced in 1846, perfectly commands the admirable harbor lying in the heart of this group of keys. During the past fiscal yeah operations were restricted to caring for the public property and buildings. The wharf is in a very dilapidated condition and almost useless for the purpose of landing material. The quarters are suffering from neg- lect, and the unfinished barracks should be completed. Pending the adoption of modifications which the most modern conditions demand, no appropriation is at this time recommended. The lower tier of case- mates, in which guns in casemate are alone mounted, are generally in good condition, and the barbette platforms, for the guns of the lesser calibers, are also in good condition generally, though some of them are incomplete. The wooden platforms for 15-inch guns are thoroughly decayed and are of no use. The scarp of the work is, in places, incomplete; the parapet is not wholly embanked, and the traverses, most of which are incomplete, are suffering from deterioration through loss of material; being formed of sand and mostly unprotected, or incompletely so, the winds blow it away. The galleries forming passages between the gun batteries of the bar- bette tier require renewal of planking throughout, and it is in great part blown away by the hurricanes. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year except caring for the property and pro- tecting the work and buildings from depredations, and none is contem- plated for the ensuing year. No appropriation is asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF PENSACOLA HARBOR AND NAVY-YARD. Fort Pickens, Pensacola Harbor, Florida,in charge of Maj. A. N. Dam- rell, Corps of Engineers.-Thiscasemated work, commenced in 1828, with Fort Barrancas and the proposed new batteries near the site of Fort McRee, constitutes the defenses of the town and harbor of Pensacola SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 47 DEFENSES OF PENSACOLA HARBOR AND NAVY-YARD-continued. and the navy-yard at Warrington. It is situated near the west end of Santa Rosa Island, and is at present the only work of defense of the entrance and main channel to Pensacola Harbor. Plans for the modification of this work and the construction of exte- rior sand batteries for heavy guns were prepared by the Board of En- gineers for Fortifications when Bastions C and D were modified, but since 1876 no appropriations have been made for this work, and opera- tions have therefore been confined to the preservation and repair of the buildings and works, and to the care of the public property appertain- ing to the same. The plans of the work and exterior batteries require revision. The condition of the fort and buildings remains the same as reported the previous year. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Barrancas and redoubt, Pensacola Harbor,Florida, in charge of Maj. A. N. Damrell, Corps of Engineers.-These works, commenced in 1839, are situated on the north bank of the entrance to Pensacola Har- bor, opposite to Fork Pickens, and are intended for defense of this en- trance and protection from land attacks. For many years operations at this work were confined to necessary repairs to masonry, slopes, and wood-work, until 1874, when the con- struction of four front pintle platforms for mounting new ordnance was commenced; but work was suspended before much progress was made, none of the platforms having been completed. Since that time opera- tions have again been confined to ordiniary repairs. Plans and estimates for the construction of an exterior battery on the. bluff west of the fort have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, but so far no.appropriations have been made and no work has been done. The plans require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort McRee, Pensacola Harbor, Florida,in charge of Maj. A. N. Dam- rell, Corps of Engineers.-This fort, situated on the west side of the main ship-channel to Pensacola Harbor, commenced in 1836, has been a ruin since the late war, and the greater portion has been washed away by the encroachment of the sea upon its site. Plans for the construction of batteries for the heaviest modern guns and mortars near the site of the old fort, to co-operate with Fort Pick- ens and the works at Barrancas in the defense of this important harbor, have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, but as no appropriation has been made for them no work was done upon them. The plans require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. 48 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF MOBILE. Fort Morgan, eastern entrance to Mobile Bay, Alabama, in harge of Maj. A. N. Damrell, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated fort, com- menced in 1819 and completed in 1833, is situated at Mobile Point, on the east side of the main ship-channel to Mobile Bay, and as it com- mands this channel from the outer bar to the lower anchorage, and forms, with Fort Gaines on the west side of the channel, the outer line of defenses to the harbor and port of Mobile, its site is of great im- portance, but will not be of much value as a defensive work until the contemplated water batteries for heavy ordnance along the western and southern shores are completed. As stated in former reports, the construction of these batteries was commenced in September, 1875, but work had to be suspended in April, 1876, the amount appropriated being exhausted; and as no appropriations have been made since, this work has not been resumed. The plans of the batteries require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, Alabama, in charge of Maj. A. N. Dam- rell, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenoed in 1848, is, with Fort Morgan, on the opposite side of the main entrance to Mobile Harbor, designed to command that entrance and the lower fleet-anchorage. It needs complete modification to adapt it to the use of modern heavy guns, and plans therefor have been prepared by the Board of Engi- neers for Fortifications; but no appropriations having been made for this work, the fort remains in the condition as reported in former re- ports. The plans require revision. Operations during the year were confined to the preservation and repair of buildings, rebuilding bridge across the main ditch, cleaning and repairing drains, anl to the care and :preservation of the public property. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF MISSISSIPPI SOUND. Fort on Ship Island, in charge of Maj. A. N. Damrell, Corps of Engi- neers.-This casemated fort, commenced in 1862, is located at the west end of Ship Island, on the east side of Ship Island Channel, and is de- signed for a fortified maritime depot of coal, provisions, &c., and for the defense of the navigation of Mississippi Sound and the approaches to New Orleans from the eastward. Operations during the year consisted in the construction of a fourth jetty to the eastward of the fort, in a southwesterly direction, 485 feet long, to slight repairs to the buildings and to the care of public property. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30,1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 49 DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS. Fort Pike, Rigolets Pass, Louisiana, in charge of Maj. Amos Stickney, Corps of Engineers.--This casemated work, commenced in 1819, is lo- cated on the south side of the Rigolets, a pass connecting Lake Pont- chartrain with Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. It was de- signed to guard the extreme eastern approach to New Orleans available for vessels drawing 7 feet or less. During the late civil war, while in the possession of the Confederates, with the aid of obstructions in channel, it served to prevent predatory incursions of light-draught steam gunboats of the United States Navy into Lake Pontchartrain, which, no doubt, but for it, would have cut off direct communication by the lake and by rail between New Orleans and the country east of the Mississippi River. Since 1862 the work has been kept in about the same condition it was then, except as to armament and garrison, both of which have since been removed. During the past fiscal year some small repairs were made to bridges, and grass, weeds, &c., were cut from around the walls and inclosures, and some whitewashing was done to walls, casemates, buildings, &c., and fresh shells were put on walks. A project for the modification of this work, to adapt it for the recep- tion of modern ordnance, was prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications in 1870, but no appropriation has been made therefor. The plans require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Macomb, Chef Menteur Pass, Louisiana, in charge of Maj. Amos Stickney, Corps. of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1822, is located on the south side of the "Chef Menteur," a pass connecting Lake Poit- chartrain with Lake Borgue and the Gulf of Mexico. It covers the ap- proach to New Orleans of vessels drawing 4 feet or less via the pass and Lake Pontchartrain, and also the practicable approach of a land force from the pass via the "Gentilly Ridge" and the line of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, which crosses the pass but a few hundred yards from the fort. A project for the modification of this work, to adapt it for the recep- tion of modern ordnance, was prepared by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications in 1870, but no appropriation has been made therefor. The project requires revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and, repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Tower Duprd,Lake Borgne, Louisiana,in charge of Maj. Amos Stickney, Corps of Engineers.-This tower, commenced in 1830, is located at the mouth of Bayou Dupr6, a bayou connected with Lake Borgne, and head- ing near the Mississippi River about 12 miles below the city of New Orleans. It is one of the system of works designed to command the approaches to New Orleans from Mississippi Sound. 5908 EN-4 50 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEER, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS-continued. It was mainly through this bayou that the British forces approached New Orleans in 1814 About 1873 and 1874 the bayou was converted into a canal, by widen- ing and straightening it in places and by excavation extending to within a few hundred feet of the Mississippi River. A pier was also extended into the lake. Vessels drawing 4 feet or less can now easily pass from the Gulf of Mexico via this canal to its end, near the river. Since the late civil war but little has been done to this work, and for the past few years nothing has been done. The tower is at present in a fair state of preservation. The parapet of the battery has nearly all been removed, and there is no armament. I would repeat the recommendation of Major Howell in his annual re- port for year ending June 30, 1877, that this place be abandoned as a fortification. The tower might be sold for a small sum, or converted into a light-house for entrance to Mexican Gulf Canal, if the canal should ever become a commercial route. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Battery Bienvenue, Lake Borgne, Louisiana, in charge of Maj. Amos 8tickney, Corps of Engineers.-This battery, commenced in 1826, is situ- ated in the sea marsh at the junction of the two main branches of Bayou Bienvenue, and about three miles from the mouth of the bayou. It was designed to guard against boat expeditions from Lake Borgne via this bayou to attack New Orleans in the rear of the lower portion of the city. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Tower at Proctorsville,Lake Borgne, Louisiana, in charge of Mlaj. Amos Stickney, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1856, is one of the system of works designed to command the approaches to New Orleans from Mississippi Sound. No work was done during the past fiscal year. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Jackson, Mississippi River, Louisiana, in charge of Maj. Amos Stickney, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1822, is situated on the right (west) bank of the Mississippi River, at what is known as the Plaquemine Bend, about 70 miles below the city of New Orleans. Together with Fort Saint Philip, situated on the opposite bank of the river, it was intended to serve in the defense of the very important port of New Orleans and its surrounding country against attack of a hostile fleet attempting their capture by way of the river. It is an inclosed casemated work, with masonry scarps and new ex- terior earthern batteries, which are in an incomplete condition. During the past fiscal year the grass was mowed three times; the buildings and walls were whitewashed, and portions of the officers' quarters were painted, also doors of magazines. Drains were cleaned out; twelve shot-beds were constructed, and shot and shell piled. A considerable number of guns, carriages, and chassis were moved and blocked; some repairs were made to bridges. The front levee, which was commenced last year under contract, was completed. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 51 DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS-continued. Owing to a very high river, a temporary revetment was placed to protect the new levee. The plans of the work require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Saint Philip, Mississippi River, Louisiana,in chargeof Maj. Amos Stickney, Corps of Engineers.-The location and purpose of this work, which was commenced in 1841, are sufficiently described in the preced- ing report on Fort Jackson. It is fully as important to be maintained and properly armed as Fort Jackson. Although the latter is the larger work, the position of the former is more advantageous. It is an inclosed barbette work, with masonry scarp and new exterior earthen batteries, which are in an incomplete condition. During the past fiscal year the grass was cut in the fort and willows were cut on the batture outside of the fort. All shot and shell were moved and piled, eight new shot-beds were constructed, three repaired. A number of guns, carriages, and chassis were blocked up, and the fort was generally cleaned of brick, stones, wood, &c., which were lying scattered about the work. Ditches and drains were dug and cleaned out, and; bridges repaired temporarily. A new levee was built in front of the old one from the upper end of the reservation to where the back levee be- gins, and from this point to the lower end of the reservation part of the old front levee was repaired. The back levee was rebuilt. A fence of barbed wire will be constructed to keep cattle from passing along the river front pnd on the levee. The plans of the work require; revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for, this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal] year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Livingston, Barataria Bay, Louisiana, in chartye of Maj. Amos Stickney, Corps of Engineers.-This work, commenced in 1842, is located on the west end of Grande Terre Island, at the entrance to Barataria Bay, and guards the western line of approach to New Orleans offered by the bay and the bayous and canals connecting the bay with the Mississippi River opposite New Orleans. It also secures the anchorage in the bay as a harbor of refuge for coasting or other light-draught yes sels in time of war. During the past fiscal year grass, weeds, &c., were cut from inside the fort and on the ramparts. Some whitewashing was done and a fence built to keep cattle off the slopes. Minor repairs were made to bridges; shot-beds were constructed; shots moved and piled; dis- mounted guns were raised and blocked; holes in the parade filled, &c. No work is contemplated during the current fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair as far as possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifi- cation during the last fiscal year except its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. 52 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF GALVESTON. Batteries at the entrance to the harbor of Galveston, Texas.--The object of the earthen batteries of heavy guns, recently designed by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications, to be placed on Pelican Spit, Galveston Island, and Bolivar Point, is for the defense of the entrance to the harbor of Galveston, a harbor rapidly increasing in commercial impor- tance. No appropriation for the construction of these works has yet been made. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF SAN DIEGO HARBOR. Fort at San Diego, California, in charge of Col. S. C. Stewart, Corps of Engineers.-Thisearthwork, situated in rear of Ballast Point, commands the channel at the entrance to the bay and harbor of San Diego. The first and only appropriation for it was an appropriation of $50,000 for the fiscal year 1873-'74; under it work was commenced in 1873, and considerable progress was made, but in its present unfinished state this battery is utterly worthless for defensive purposes. Its position wholly controls the entrance to the important harbor and bay of San Diego, every vessel going in necessarily passing close to the work. The embankment of the faces of the battery was raised to the level of the parade, and the concrete masonry of the walls of one service magazine built to the spring of the arch. The watchman in charge of the public property has made the repairs to embankments which have been required. To complete this work so that it may receive its armament of fifteen heavy guns requires the construction of everything above the level of the parade; that is, of parapets, magazines, terre-pleins, breast-height walls, platforms, and communication. It is estimated about $135,000 will be required for these. The plans of the work require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF SAN FRANCISCO, THE NAVY-YARD AT MARE ISLAND, AND THE ARSENAL AT BENICIA. Fort Winfield Scott, entrance to San Francisco Harbor, California,in charge of Col. C. S. Stewart, Corps of Engineers.-This casemated work, commenced in 1853, and its exterior earthen barbette batteries, begun in 1870, form the defenses of the south side of the Golden Gate, the entrance to San Francisco Harbor. The main work is garrisoned. The Quartermaster's Department dur- ing the past fiscal year has made all necessary repairs to the casemate quarters. The engineer watchman has painted the iron work of the embrasures. The disintegration of the mortar in the joints, of the scarp and in the soffits of the arches continues, particularly on the faces of the work exposed to the prevailing summer winds. The casemates of upper tier on the channel front leak. In general, the casemates are in good con- dition. The sea-wall is in good order. The apron at the foot of the wall has changed but little during the year. SEA-COAST DEFENSES. 53 DEFENSES OF SAN FRANCISCO, THE NAVY-YARD AT MARE ISLAND AND THE ARSENAL AT BENICIA-continued. The magazines are in good condition. The state of the work is much as it has been for several years past. Earthen barbette batteries exterior to the fort.-There being no special appropriation for these, the watchman has replaced part of the ground- sills and supports of the mess-house, of the quarters, and of the stable; has rebuilt bulkhead of roadway to wagon-house; put new cover to water-tank; renewed 202 running feet of redwood water-pipe; repaired fences and drains; painted doors of service magazines; lacquered iron plates of mortar-platforms, and mowed portions of slopes of parapets and traverses. The windmill has also been repaired. These batteries, after exposure in an unfinished state to the action of the weather for many years, are in fair condition. Two platforms, in addition to those which are mounted, are ready to receive their guns. Six others have been constructed, but, owing to the settlement of the terre-pleins in deep filling, two of these are not in condition to have the guns mounted. The pintle-blocks for eight plat- forms are in position, and the concrete foundations for six more have been built. Three positions for heavy guns are ready for platforms, and fourteen more have been begun. Thirteen traverse magazines are ready, and sixteen in position. The timber of these is decayed. To complete the batteries for their armament of heavy guns will re- quire, it is estimated, about $130,000. The plans require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fiscal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort at Lime Point, San Francisco Harbor, California, in charge of Lieut. Col. G. H. Mendell, Corps of Engineers.-The northern shore of the entrance to San Francisco Harbor, extending from Point Cavallo westward to Point Bonita, a distance of more than 3 miles, is known as Lime Point. The shore is bold. The position is indispensable for de- fense. The defenses projected on this shore consist of a casemated bat- tery on Lime Point proper, and detfached barbette batteries on the cliff above the point, at Gravelly Beach, atPoint Diablo and Point Bonita, and at Point Cavallo. The site for the casemated work yet requires a large amount of exca- vation. No work has been done upon it since 1868. The batteries at Point Diablo and Point Bonita have not been begun. The Gravelly Beach battery is the only one completed. The revetments and, plat- forms of this battery are of wood, and not entirely serviceable. The batteries have been under the care of keepers during the year, who have kept the parapets, slopes, platforms, and buildings in good order. The magazines are all dry and in condition for service. The wharf and large tank for water-supply are much decayed, and it will be necessary to rebuild them when operations shall be resumed. Twenty-four gun-platforms and breast-height walls for seven guns are required to complete the batteries, the construction of which has been begun. The plans of the batteries require revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for ne xt fiscal year. 54 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DEFENSES OF SAN FRANCISCO, THE NAVY-YARD AT MARE ISLAND, AND THE ARSENAL AT BENICIA-continued. Fort on Alcatraz Island, San FranciscoHarbor, California,in charge of Lieut. Col. G. H. Mendell, Corps of Engineers.-Alcatraz Island is an im- portant element in the defense of the channels of San Francisco Harbor. Its position gives it command of the channels by which a hostile fleet may approach the city. The defenses are in an incomplete condition. No construction has been carried on during the past eight years. The works are under the charge of a keeper, who, with a detail of prisoners confined on the island, maintains the defenses in good condition. During the past year storage was prepared for a considerable num- ber of torpedoes. The work done during the year was devoted with success to keeping the parapets, slopes, magazines, roads, drains, buildings, and public property in good order. The plan of the work requires revision. No appropriation having been made, no work was done at this fortifica- tion during the last fiscal year beyond its protection, preservation, and repair, as far as was possible with the general appropriation made for this purpose, and no other work is contemplated during the current fis- cal year for the same reason. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Fort Mason, San FranciscoHarbor, California,in charge of Col. G. S. Stewart, Corps of Engineers.-Duringthe late civil war two temporary earthen batteries were built on this point. In the east battery the timber platforms are decayed as well as the wood-work of the magazines, part of which has caved in. This battery is unserviceable. Projects for new earthen batteries of heavy guns and mortars for the occupation of this important point in the second line of defense for the bay and harbor of San Francisco have been prepared by the Board of Engineers for the Pacific Coast. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. Batteries on Angel Island,San FranciscoHarbor, California, in charge of Col. C. S. Stewart, Corps of Engineers.-The three earthen batteries on this island were built during the late civil war for temporary use. The timber platforms and the timber magazines are decayed, and nearly all the gun-carriages have been condemned. The batteries are practically unserviceable. Barbette eathern batteries for the heaviest guns have been planned by the Board of Engineers for the Pacific Coast, to occupy the most valuable positions on the island which bear on the channels leading to the upper part of the bay, to the navy-yard at Mare Island, and to the arsenal at Benicia. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. DEFENSES OF THE COLUMBIA. Defenses at the mouth of the Columbia River, Oregon, and Washington Territory, in charge of Capt. C. F. Powell, Corps of Engineers.-The de- enses consist of Fort Stevens, an inclosed earthwork at Point Adams, Oregon, on the south side, and the earthen batteries at Fort Canby, Cape Disappointment, Washington Territory, on the north side. THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS. 55 DEFENSES OF THE COLUMBIA-continued. The works command the channels at the entrance, the ship-channels leading to Astoria, and the anchorage in Baker's Bay under the lee of the cape on the north. The channels to the river have natural depths of 19 to 24 feet at low water, and a mean rise of tide above this plane of 74 feet. These defenses are field works in character; they were built hastily during the late civil war in anticipation of complications with foreign powers. On account of increased penetration of present ordnance, and and the decay of the greater part of the wooden platforms and maga- zine timbers, the works are of little value in their present condition ex- cept for drill purposes. Fort Stevens, Oregon.-DuringAugust and September the marsh sod revetment of the interior slope was repaired; four shot-platforms and five gun-platforms were constructed in place of decayed ones; in June the magazine was wholly rebuilt, except replacing part of the earth cov- ering. Fort Canby, Washington.-The service magazine and three gun plat- forms at the center battery were rebuilt, placing this battery in good condition throughout; minor repairs were made to the right battery magazine, and timber received for rebuilding magazine at left battery. Many of the platforms of the batteries are in an unserviceable con- dition. No appropriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. No appropriation asked for next fiscal year. BOARDS OF ENGINEERS. THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS. The Board of Engineers stationed in New York City consisted of Col. John Newton (until March 6, 1884), Col. J. C. Duane (since April 12, 1884), Lieut. Col. Henry L. Abbot, Lieut. Col. Cyrus B. Comstock, and, when so ordered, the officer in charge of the work under consideration. The Board has been engaged in the duties which have from time to time been referred to it, and has submitted the following report of its operations: Coast defenses.-The defenseless condition of our sea-coast and the urgent necessity that immediate steps be taken to remedy this evil have been so frequently and thoroughly discussed that further remarks on this subject are unnecessary. Any one who has taken the trouble to investigate the matter must be aware that our harbor defenses, which were all constructed many years since, and were designed to contend with wooden ships armed with smooth-bore guns of moderate dimensions, are utterly unable to cope with an iron-clad fleet armed with the modern rifled gun, and that in fact such a fleet could destroy our torpedo defenses, run past our batteries, and enter any harbor in this country with perfect impunity. Any system of defense which will effectually avert such a disaster will necessarily involve the employment of both batteries and obstruc- tions. Neither guns nor mines alone can stop a fleet. Without the latter, ships can run by any battery, either by taking advantage of the night or a fog, or, if well protected by armor, can even do so in broad daylight. On the other hand, if the mines are unprotected, their de- truction by the enemy is a mere question of time. 56 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The first requisite for defense is therefore the thorough obstruction of the channels by mines and the protection of the mines by batteries especially designed for the purpose. Next in order will be the estab- lishment of batteries armed with guns at least equal in power and as well protected as those carried on ships of war. Under present condi- tions this will require 100-ton rifles mounted in revolving iron turrets. This method of mounting guns is without doubt the most perfect that has yet been devised. Nevertheless, the great cost of construction and the necessity for using steam-power for working the turrets will limit their employment to the protection of guns of the heaviest caliber, such as the 100-ton rifle. The method of mounting guns of inferior caliber will depend on cir- cumstances. The modern naval vessel,in addition to its heavy batteries, is liberally supplied with small rifled guns, howitzers, and Hotchkiss or other machine guns. If the defensive battery is so located as to be ex- posed to a concentrated fire of this description, the guns must either be mounted on disappearing carriages or be protected by iron armor. In the former case the guns will have a considerable horizontal range, but must be worked by steam-power. In the latter the horizontal range is restricted, but the gun is much better protected and can be worked by hand. The rifled mortar has lately been so much improved, both as regards accuracy of fire and weight and range of its projectile, that it is des- tined to play a very important part in sea-coast defense. It is true that its fire is less accurate than that of the rifled gun firing at low angles; nevertheless, as it can be completely covered from the enemy's missiles of every description, the effect of its enormous projectile falling verti- cally on the deck of a vessel must be so disastrous that a fleet could not hold any position exposed to the fire of two or three groups of 12- inch rifled sea-coast mortars. Without doubt harbors can be effectually defended by the means above described. But in order to carry out such a design heavy steel rifled guns are required, and from present indications it will be many years before such guns are'made in this country. We have, however, certain seaports whose safety is of such vital importance to the whole country that any delay in thoroughly protecting them is inadmissible. For such points guns and armor must be imported. There is one part of this defensive project that can and should be commenced without further delay. All the material required for ob- structing the channels leading to our principal harbors should be pro- cured and stored ready for use. The operating-rooms and galleries leading from them to the mines should be built, and should be so con- structed as to be absolutely secure from attack, both by bombardment and assault. The batteries for the protection of the mines should be built and armed. There will be no difficulty in procuring the armament, as these batteries are designed to drive off the small craft sent out from the attacking fleet to destroy the mines and tear up the cables. The guns required will be of moderate size, with an ample allowance of Hotchkiss and other machine guns, and their arrangement must be such that, while their fire thoroughly sweeps the entire emplacement of the mines, they cannot be silenced by the fire from the attacking fleet. Finally, the position must be defended by a work secure from assault, and having ample bomb-proof shelter for all the force required to operate and defend the mines. This method of channel obstruction is applicable to the defense of all harbors. The selection and disposition of the guns in the batteries THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS. 57 destined to receive and return the fire from the attacking fleet will be determined by local circumstances. If the water is so shoal as to per- mit the approach of light-draught vessels only, barbette batteries may suffice. Where the channel is deep, but so narrow as to compel the ships to move up in single file and attack bow on, heavy guns should be mounted in iron casemates, supported by batteries of lighter guns mounted in barbette; but when the channel is both broad and deep, with ample room for the development of the attack, every available means of defense must be employed. As an example take the southern entrance to New York Harbor. Having thproughly obstructed the channel in the vicinity of the Nar- rows, there will be required on the site of Fort Lafayette two revolving iron turrets, each armed with two 100-ton guns; in the vicinity of Fort Hamilton an iron casemated battery mounting ten 50-ton guns, supported by batteries of ten 20 or 30-ton guns, mounted on disappearing car- riages and protected by earthen parapets; and in the same vicinity a battery of forty-eight 12-inch rifled mortars. On the Staten Island side of the Narrows a similar provision of turrets, iron casemates, barbette, and mortar batteries. With this protection it is not probable that any fleet would attempt to force its way through the Narrows. RECAPITULATION AND ESTIMATES. To recapitulate, the elements of defense for the entrance to a harbor are: 1. Lines of submarine mines or other obstructions to detain the enemy's vessels under fire. 2. A defense of these obstructions against an attack of unarmored vessels or of launches and boats, which can be effected by covered guns of moderate power aided by armed launches. 3. A defense which shall make it impossible for armored vessels to close on, the mines and silence the flanking defense, when their removal would be a simple matter. This last part of the defense is the most difficult, the most costly, and the most important, as it alone protects itself. It will only be sufficient when it employs guns equal in number, equal in power, and as well protected as those which the attacking fleets can bring against the works. With these considerations in view, the Board submits approximate estimates of cost of heavy guns and emplacements needed for some of our more important harbors. With the torpedo defense, which is rela- tively cheap, they would give a fairly good defense for these cities. The Board cannot state too emphatically that, if the money were now available, three years would be required to provide either the guns or the forts necessary for New York Harbor alone, if we were to go at once to the great private gun and armor establishments of England, Germany, and France. If they were to be obtained in this country a much longer time would be needed. It seems scarcely necessary to say that no naval power which may see fit to attack our seaports is likely to warn us of it three years, two years, or one year in advance. Considering the great increase in power of rifled guns, the estimated penetration in iron of the new 110-ton Elswick gun being at 1,000 yards 30- inches, the Board deems it advisable to make the armor of turrets or casemates not less than 36 inches thick if of wrought iron, or or equivalent resistance if of other material. 58 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. In view of the rapid improvements recently made in guns, the best of the modern types should be selected. The estimates are for steel guns, and the prices approximately those of Krupp, the largest manufacturer of guns in the world. The following are the estimates for heavy guns and emplacements needed for New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore. If the cost of torpedoes and their flanking defenses, of modification of existing works and of sites, be added, the sums given below for each work would be increased about 25 per cent. NEW YORK. NARROWS. Four 2-gun turrets at Narrows, at $600,000........................... $2, 400, 000 Eight 100-ton breech-loading rifles, at $100,000 ......................... 800,000 Twenty iron casemates, at $100,000 ..................................... 2, 000, 000 Twenty 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $50,000 ........................ 1,000, 000 Twenty emplacements for barbette disappearing rifles, at $30,000 ........ 600,000 Twenty barbette breech-loading rifles, 20 to 30 tons, at $20,000--......----.... -- 400,000 Ninety-six 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000........... 1,632,000 8, 832, 000 EAST RIVER.-WILLETS POINT AND FORT SCHUYLER. Three 2-gun turrets, at $600,000 ...................................... $1,800,000 Six 100-ton breech-loading rifles, at $100,000.................... ........ 600, 000 Ten iron casemates, at $100,000 ....................................... 1,000, 000 Ten 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $50,000 ............................. 500,000 Ten emplacements for barbette disappearing rifles, at $30,000............ 300, 000 Ten barbette breech-loading rifles, 20 to 30 tons, at $20,000............... 200, 000 Forty-eight 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000 ......... 816,000 S 5,216,000 PHILADELPHIA. AT PEA PATCH ISLAND. Ten iron casemates, at $100,000 ........................................ $1,000,000 Ten 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $50,000 ........................ ... 500,000 Ten emplacements for barbette disappearing rifles, at $30,000 ............ 300,000 Ten barbette breech-loading rifles, 20 to 30 tons, at $20, 000 .............. 200,000 Sixteen 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000.... .......... 272, 000 2,272, 000 BOSTON. Four 2-gun turrets, at $600,000.......................................... $2,400,000 Eight 100-ton breech-loading rifles, at $100,000 .......................... 800, 000 Ten iron casemates, at $100,000 ...................................... 1, 000, 000 Ten 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $50,000-............................. 500, 000 Fifteen emplacements for barbette disappearing rifles, at $30,000.......... 450,000 Fifteen barbette breech-loading rifles, 20 to 30 tons, at $20,000-............ 300,000 Ten barbette breech-loading rifles, not elevating, including emplacements, at $2.5,000............................ ...................... ........ 250,000 One hundred 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000........ 1,700,000 7,400, 000 THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS. 59 BALTIMORE. AT FORT CARROLL AND HAWKINS' POINT. Five iron casemates, at $100,000 ........................................ $500, 000 Five 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $50,000............................ 250,000 Ten emplacements for barbette, disappearing rifles, at $30,000 ............ 300, 000 Ten barbette breech-loading rifles, 20 to 30 tons, at $20,000 .... 200,000 Sixteen 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements at Sollers Point, at $17,000 .----.... .... ". .. ........------.----....-- 272,000 1. 522,000 Torpedo defense-The appropriation of $75,000, to be expended during the fiscal year 18832-'84 for providing materials to defend our coast with submarine mines, &c., was chiefly allotted, on the recommendation of this Board, to the purchase of torpedo-cases for obstructing ap- proaches to the bay of San Francisco (about $50,000), to purchasing two Sims fish torpedoes, complete except the motors ($17,000), and to continuing the investigations to perfect this torpedo for the require- ments of our service. The investigations for perfecting our system of defensive submarine mining have been continued, as heretofore, at Willets Point by, General Abbot, from whose report the following extracts are made: In the matter of new explosives considerable progress has been made. After much difficulty and delay a ton of explosive gelatine (without camphor) has been received from Nobel's Explosive Company, limited, of Glasgow; and the experiments to com- pare it with the camphorated sample of home manufacture, formerly tested, and to accurately determine its fitness for the torpedo service, are now in progress. They already indicate that in explosive intensity of action under water the uncamphorated material is decidedly the stronger, and indeed is the strongest explosive ever tested at Willets Point. At the request of the Chief of Ordnance a sample was transferred to that department for trial in shell-firing from cannon at the proving ground at Sandy Hook. Ring trials have been completed with two grades of Atlas powder, and are now in progress with two grades of Judson powder and an improved quality of Rackarock, to test their relative merits in subaqueous work. Forty-three explosions have been already measured, and it is expected to complete the tests of these powders, and per- haps of another new variety, during the present season. The general results with Atlas powder are the following: It is manufactured by the Repauno Chemical Company, at Gibbstown, N. J. Grade A is reported to contain 75 per cent. of nitro-glycerine and 25 per cent. of a compound base mostly composed of wood fiber. Grade B is reported to contain 50 per cent. of nitro-glycerine and 50 per cent. of an explosive base chiefly composed of nitrate of soda and wood.fiber. Four- teen shots (giving eighty-four gauge records) were fired in the rings with each variety, and the analysis indicates that grade A is precisely equal to dynamite No. 1 in ex- plosive intensity of action when fired under water, and that grade B has 99 per cent. of the same strength under the same conditions. The small difference between the two grades is surprising, considering the different chemical compositions, and it can only be affirmed for subaqueous explosions. There is considerable difference in price between the two grades, and the powder is worthy of the attention of officers of the corps directing blasting operations. At the electrical exhibition at Vienna, in 1883, the Danish submarine mining service exhibited a platinum wire fuze of extraordinary sensitiveness, far exceeding any made before that date. A novel system of operating mines not without promise of practi- cal value, was based upon this peculiarity, and it appeared important for us to turn our attention in this direction. Samples of the Danish fuzes or of their wire could not be procured; but I have finally succeeded in making from materials obtained in this country fuzes considerably more sensitive than those exhibited at Vienna. The Danish fuzes were thus reported: Diameter of bridge-wire, in millimeters, 0.0005 to 0.000675; length of bridge-wire, 11 millimeters, of which 2 millimeters have the above fine gauge; resistance 9 to 14 ohms; firing current, 0.38 to 0.05 amperes. 60 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. The following table exhibits the electrical tests of a sample of similar fuzes made last April at Willets Point from American wire: Tests of sensitive platinum fuzes. Current in am- Number of fuze. am- p6res toinred- fohms cold.in Current Resistance N den bridge. 1 ........................................................................ .............. I 0. 021 2.................................................. .................... 57 0.022 3........................................................................ 75 0.020 57 4........................................................................... 0.020 5...................................................................... 54 0.022 6- ...... .76 0.020 7......................... 7........................................................................ 80 0. 018 8................................. ..-...... 0.025 5........................ These figures prove that we have suceeeded in making a fuze uniform in action and of unequaled sensitiveness, which will enable us to experiment with various new modes of operating mines, and to introduce any favorable results into our service. In the matter of Sims's fish Torpedo, new and improved apparatus for electrical and mehanicagmeasurements have been procured; a better dynamo machine for supply ing the current than any formerly tested is now in position, and its performance has been thoroughly analyzed; a new motor, decidedly superior to the old one designed by Mr. Edward Weston, has been made to order by another party, and experimentally analyzed, and it is hoped that during the present season results will be reached with the 2-mile war-pattern torpedo which may solve the motor problem for the actual service. The usual practical trials with electrical cable, mine material, &c., have been con- tinued at Willets Point by the soldiers of the Engineer Battalion. The importance of the subject compels the Board to invite attention to the following extract from its Annual Report of last year: To successfully defend our coasts with torpedoes it is absolutely necessary to have at the outbreak of war, (1) a suitable supply of material on hand; (2) the needful casemates, cable galleries, &c., in our forts for operating the mines when planted; and (3) a sufficient force of engineer soldiers so well instructed in their duties as sea- miners as to be able to place the torpedoes in position before the enemy's fleet can arrive in front of any of our chief sea-ports. The first of these three needs has received recognition from Congress in the annual grant of small sums for the purchase of materials, but the second and third conditions, which are equally important to the security of the country, have been quite over- looked. An appropriation of $200,000 for constructing the needful casemates and cable galleries in our.more important harbors on the Atlantic coast is therefore strongly recommended for the coming year; also, the increase of the Engineer Battal- ion to its legal organization of 752*men from the present authorized force (200 men) imposed by the, limitation of the Army to 25,000 men, and the need of troops in the Indian country. The antiquated condition of our sea-coast defenses and our entire lack of modern guns must keep our whole sea-coast at the mercy of any maritime power for several years, even if steps be at once taken to remedy these deficiencies. Meantime, one of the elements of defense, though not of itself sufficient without heavy guns, is submarine mines. They are made in this country, are not subject to deterioration in store, and the patterns have been adopted after careful study and experiment. Time is required for their manufacture, and the casemates, galleries, &c., could not be constructed quickly enough for use in any sudden emergency. It should be added that movable fish torpedoes form no adequate de- fense by themselves. Their true function is to defend the stationary mines against parties operating to clear the channel. This is, of course, a subordinate part, and of the following sum the item which can most THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS. 61 safely be withheld is that recommended for their purchase. They are useful and necessary and should be kept in store in large numbers, but their duty is now, and must always remain, a subordinate one, Three- fourths of the torpedo appropriation available for the fiscal year 1884-'85 is restricted by the terms of the law to providing and perfecting these movable torpedoes, and it is therefore the duty of the Board to state emphatically that in its judgment they are of far less importance than the other parts of the system. In accordance with these views the following appropriations are recommended for the fiscal year 1885-'86: For the purchase of submarine mining materials to close the channels lead- ing to our principal sea-ports against the entrance of hostile fleets ....... $300, 000 For the needful casements, cable galleries, &c., to render it possible to oper- ate submarine mines for defending the principal harbors of the Atlantic coast .............------------...-------.........................-----....----....---...... ...... 200,000 For movable torpedoes, propelled and controlled by power operated from these stations-------......-------------......---......-----....-..-------....--..........------......---....-----...... 50,000 For continuing torpedo experiments and for the practical instruction of Engineer troops in the details of the service........................... 20,000 Making a total of .................................................. 570,000 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS DURING THE PAST YEAR. Reports submitted on the subject of fortifications: 1883. September 23. Upon question of altering certain embrasures at Alcatraz Island, California, for accommodation of garrison. 1884. January 26, February 4. Upon subject of examination of a new mechanical torpedo for coast and harbor defense. March 29. Upon question of acquiring additional landu the vicinity of Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor. April 15. Upon question of altering carriages for the present 15- inch gun. June 27. Submitting plan for the examination of officers of the Corps of Engineers for promotion. Rivers and harbors.-The Board has also submitted reports upon the following projects: 1883. December 31. Upon questions relating to the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. 1884. April 10-15. Upon subject of the improvement of Lynn Harbor, Massachusetts. In addition to their duties with the Board of Engineers, the individual members have been otherwise engaged, as follows: General Duane has continued in charge of his light-house duties, as engineer of the third district, and has also served on special board for the examination of officers of Engineers for promotion. General Abbot has remained in command of the Engineer Battalion and School of Application at Willets Point, and in charge of torpedo experiments and construction of the works of defense at eastern entrance to New York Harbor. He has also continued upon the joint Foundry Board, and has served on special boards for the examination of officers of Engineers for promotion. General Comstock has served throughout the year as president of the Mississippi River Commission and on special board to consider plan and location of proposed bridge over the Ohio River at Wheeling, W. 62 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Va.; also on boards for examination of officers of Engineers for promo- tion. ARMY BUILDING, NEW YORK, Augus8t 30, 1884. GENERAL: The Board of Engineers has the honor to submit, in com- pliance with instructions contained in a letter from the Engineer De- partment dated August 6, 1881, the following estimates for the construc- tion of defensive works at Portland, Newport, Hampton Roads, New Orleans, and San Francisco; also for these harbors, as well as those mentioned in the report of the Board of Engineers dated August 6, 1884t an estimate of the cost of all the masonry and earthwork required for the emplacement of turrets, including the necessary magazines, engine- rooms, store-rooms, and bomb-proof cover for the gun-detachments; also for the parapets, traverses, service-magazines, and bomb-proof cover for barbette batteries. The cost of iron-work, guns, gun-carriages, and disappearing machinery is not included in the latter estimate. Respectfully submitted. J. C. DUANE, Col. of Eng'rs and Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. HENRY L. ABBOT, Lieut. Col. of Eng'rs, Bvt. Brig. Gen'l. C. B. COMSTOCK, Lieut. Col. of Engrs., Bvt. Brig. Gent. Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C. Estimates for heavy guns and emplacements for certain harbors. PORTLAND. Twenty 50-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $50,000... $1,000,000 Twenty 20-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $20,000 ... 400, 000 Twenty emplacements for these rifles, at $40,000 ....................... 800, 000 Twenty emplacements for these rifles, at $30,000 ....................... 600,000 Forty-eight 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000......... 816,000 Total.................................................... 3,616,000 NEWPORT. Ten 50-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $50,000..-....- $500, 000' Ten 20-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $20,000....... 200,000 Ten emplacements for these rifles, at $40,000............................ 400,000 Ten emplacements for these rifles, at $30,000........................... 300,000, Forty-eight 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000 ......... 816, 000 Total.......................................................... 2,216,000 HAMPTON ROADS. Three 2-gun turrets, at $600,000 ................................... $1, 800, 000 Six 100-ton breech-loading rifles, at $100,000 ........................... 600,000 Ten iron casements, at $100,000 ..................................... 1,000,000 Ten 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $50,000. ..................... ...... 500, 000 Twenty 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $30,000... 600, 000; Twenty emplacements for 30-ton rifles, at $30,000 ....................... 600,000 Sixteen 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000............. 272, 000 Total ........................................................... 5, 372, 000 THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS. 63 NEW ORLEANS. Two floating turret batteries, with eight 100-ton breech-loading rifles... $2,800, 000 Twenty 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $50,000 ......................... 1,000,000 Twenty emplacements for 50-ton rifles, at $40,000 ...................... 800,000 Ten 20-ton breech-loading rifles, at $20,000 ........................... 200, 000 Ten emplacements for 20-ton rifles, at $30,000.......................... 300,000 Total ........................................................... ----- 5,100,000 SAN FRANCISCO. Five 2-gun turrets, at $600,000- ..-.... .. .......................... $3, 000, 000 Ten 100-ton breech-loading rifles, at $100,000........................... 1,000, 000 Twenty 50-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $50,000... 1,000,000 Twenty emplacements for 50-ton rifles, at $40,000 ...................... 800,000 Seventy-one 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $30,000. 2,130, 000 Seventy-one emplacements for 30-ton rifles, at $30,000 ...... -2, 130, ......--------..... 000 Five 20-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $20,000 ..... 100,000 Five emplacements for 20-ton rifles, at $30,000 ....................... 150,000 Ninety-six 12-inch rifled mortars and emplacements, at $17,000.......... 1,632, 000 Total--- 11,942, 000 ....-----......-----......----.......------......--....---....-.... Estimate of cost of gun-emplacements, excluding armor, guns, and machinery, for certain harbors. NEW YORK NARROWS. Four turrets, exclusive of armor, at $220,000 ........................... $880, 000 Twenty emplacements for 20 to 30-ton breech-loading barbette disap- pearing rifles, at $10,000 ...... _-...._...........-....-......-_--. 200,000 Ninety-six 12-inch rifled mortar emplacements, at $2,000................ 192,000 --------------------------------------------------- Total ...-..................................................... 1,272, 000 NEW YORK, EAST RIVER-WILLETS POINT AND FORT SCHUYLER. Three turrets, exclusive of armor, at $230,000 .......................... $690, 000 Ten emplacements for20 to 30-ton barbette disappearing rifles, at $10,000. 100,000 Forty-eight emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 .......... 96, 000 Total------------------------------------------------------- ........................................................... 886, 000 PHILADELPHIA-AT PEA-PATCH ISLAND. Ten emplacements for 20 to 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing $100,000 rifles, at $10,000............-.............................------------------- Sixteen emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000.............. 32,000 132, 000 Total.........................................................--------- BOSTON. Four turrets, exclusive of armor, at $220,000 ..................... $880, 000 Fifteen emplacements for 20 to 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappear- ing rifles, at $10,000 .......................-----...................-.... 150,000 Ten emplacements for barbette breech-loading rifles, not elevating, at $10,000---------------------- ...............................-...----------.................. 100,000 One hundred emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 ......... 200,000 Total........ ........ ....... ........ ....... ........ ....... 1,330,000 64 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. BALTIMORE-AT FORT CARROLL AND HAWKINS' POINT. Ten emplacements for 20 to 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $10,000 ... ....... --......-.................---.. ...... ....... $100, 000 Sixteen emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 .............. 32, 000 Total..................... ..... .... ................................132,000 PORTLAND. Twenty emplacements for 50-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $10,000 ............................-..................... $200, 000 Twenty emplacements for 20 to 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappear- 200, 000 ing rifles, at $10,000---------...........---..--....-----...--...---....-.... ...........--.... Forty-eight emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 .......... 96,000 496, 000 Total .....----------------...........-----...............---...-----.... NEWPORT. Ten emplacements for 50-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $10,000---------- $100, 000 ......------..................------.....................----..---- Ten emplacements for 20-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, 100,000 at $10,000 ..........--------------..--..............-------......-----......- Forty-eight emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 .......... 96, 000 Total---------------- -- 296,000 ..................----------------------....-----.................. HAMPTON ROADS. Three turrets, exclusive of armor, at $220Y000 .......................... $660, 000 Twenty emplacements for 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $10,000..................................................... 200,000 Sixteen emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 ...... ........ 32,000 892,000 Total......------------------------------------------................... NEW ORLEANS. Two floating batteries, at $1,000,000 ......------.......----..... ... ............ $2,000,000 Twenty emplacements for 50-ton breech-loading rifles, at $10,000 ....... 200,000 Ten emplacements for 20-ton breech-loading rifles, at $10,000......... 100,000 2,300,000 Total-------------------------------------------------.................. ---- SAN FRANCISCO. Five turrets, exclusive of armor, at $300,000 ......... .------- $1,500,000 Twenty emplacements for 50-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $10,000-------- ......------------......----......-----......------....-----.. -- 200, 000 Seventy-one emplacements for 30-ton breech-loading barbette disappear- ing rifles, at $10,000 ....................-..........-.................. 710,000 Five emplacements for 20-ton breech-loading barbette disappearing rifles, at $10,000-.. . ..------.---------.----.-----........----.-------. 50,000 Ninety-six emplacements for 12-inch rifled mortars, at $2,000 ........... 192,000 Total....--------..-------...------......---..............----.................... -- 2,652,000 BOARD OF ENGINEERS FOR THE PACIFIC COAST. During the year ending June 30, 1884, this Board has consisted of the following officers of the Corps of Engineers: Col. Charles S. Stew- art and Lieut. Col. George H. Mendell.- No special subjects have been laid before the Board for its action. BATTALION OF ENGINEERS. 65 BATTALION OF ENGINEERS AND ENGINEER SCHOOL OF APPLICATION. The strength of the Battalion of Engineers on June 30, 1884, was 17 commissioned officers and 198 enlisted men, commanded by Lieut. Col. Henry L. Abbot, Corps of Engineers. The Battalion is stationed as fol- lows: The field, staff, and band, and Companies A, B, C, and D (the latter existing only on paper) at Willets Point, New York Harbor; Company E at West Point, N. Y. The companies of the Battalion are recruited partly by enlistments and re-enlistments at Willets Point and West Point, and partly by assignments from the General Recruiting Service after suitable exami- nation. The numbers of the Battalion having fallen considerably below the authorized strength during the summer of 1883, a rendezvous was opened in New York City August 9, 1883, the desired number secured, and the rendezvous closed October 20, 1883. The changes in personnel during the year have consisted of 34 en- listments; 24 re-enlistments; recruits from depot, 11; transferred from other arms of service, 1; deserters apprehended, 2; transferred to other arms of service, 1; died of disease, 1; desertions, 12; discharges by expiration of service, 36; for disability, 2; by sentence of general court- martial, 2; and by order, 1. The troops have continued the duty of guarding the Engineer prop- erty at Willet's Point during the year. They have carried out exten- sive and dangerous experiments with new explosives, and have per- formed all the labor needed in developing the torpedo system of defense for our sea-coast, besides much skilled labor in remodeling ponton trains, printing confidential Engineer documents with the necessary photo- graphic or lithographic illustrations, and in constructing and repairing the public buildings at the post. -At West Point the company, besides performing the ordinary garrison duties, has aided in the instruction of the cadets in field fortifications, military bridge building, military, sig- naling, &c. The companies are equipped and well drilled as infantry, and are al- ways ready, with the other troops in the harbor, to maintain lawful authority, or suppress rioting in this and neighboring States, in addi- tion to their special duties, which are of the most important character, including submarine mining and torpedo warfare, military reconnais- sances, duplication of maps by photography and photolithography, sap- ping, mining, &c., pontoniering, and other military bridge construc- tion. The organization and methods of the Engineer School of Application situated at Willets Point have been fully set forth in preceding reports. The full course for officers covers about two and a half years, but the special course in torpedoes is open to a few officers of other arms. Dur- ing the past season four artillery officers have taken this course with credit, and are now qualified for detail in this branch of military engi- neering. (See Appendix No. 2.) ENGINEER POST AND DEPOT OF WILLETS POINT, NEW YORK HARBOR. Willets Point is our only depot for the storage of the sapping, min- ing, pontoniering, and torpedo materials of the Army, and for the vari- ous instruments pertaining to the Engineer service. It is garrisoned 5908 EN- 5 66 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. by three companies of the Battalion of Engineers, who guard, receive, and issue the property, in addition to their other duties. The usual appropriations of $1,000 for the purchase of materials for the instruction of these troops in their field duties, and of $4,000 for the current expenses of the depot, are requested. The sum of $2,000 is also requested for the repair of instruments for issue to officers of the Corps of Engineers engaged on river and harbor improvements, &c. The sum of $10,000 for the erection of quarters for two medical officers (a major and captain) is requested. At present only one medical officer can be furnished with quarters, and that, too, in a building originally constructed as Engineer quarters, under a special appropriation for that purpose. This building is needed for the object for which it was erected, and a provision for supplying two medical officers with their legal and necessary quarters is urgently recommended. For further information as to this depot, and the appropriations re- quested above, amounting in all to $17,000, I would refer to the appended report of the officer in command. (See Appendix No. 3.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. The funds with which the works for the improvement of rivers and harbors were prosecuted during the past fiscal year were derived from the appropriations of the act of August 2,1882, together with such few balances as were on hand from previous appropriations. A brief statement is given below setting forth the condition of each improvement, the extent of the work performed during the fiscal year, the amount of money expended, and, in compliance with the provisions of the river and harbor act of March 2, 1867, estimates of the probable cost of completion, together with an estimate, from the officer in charge of each particular work, of the amount " that can be profitably ex- pended" during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. Although, as a general rule, regard is necessarily had in the prepara- tion of these estimates to the more intimate acquaintance of the Engin- eer officer in charge with the requirements of each locality, they have, in a few instances, been revised and amended in this office. In view of the misapprehension that seems to prevail regarding the annual estimates, it may be advisable here to go somewhat into detail. After an interval of more than ten years, an act was passed and ap- proved June 23, 1866, " making appropriations for the repair, preserva- tion, and completion of certain public works, heretofore commenced under the authority of law, and for other purposes." (Statutes at Large, vol. 14, page 70.) This act made provision by specific appropriation for more than fifty works of improvement and directed that examina- tions or surveys be made at more than thirty other localities with a view to their improvement. It was quite full, and expressed with much detail the manner in which the sums appropriated were to be applied. It also made provision for reports both special and annual (to be submitted to Congress) in relation to the various improvements and surveys therein provided for. Among other things set forth in the act as necessary to be reported to Congress, it required that the annual report shall be ac- companied " with a statement of the amount and date of all former appro- priations for each work, and a full estimate for its entire and permanent completion, with the amount that can be profitably expended in the next fiscal year." In the following year an act was approved March 2, 1867 (vol. 14, page 418), making provision for sixty works of improvement and eighteen RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 67 examinations or surveys, and containing the same general and specific requirements as to expenditures, reports, estimates, commercial statis- tics, &c. It is proper to state that these annual estimates are made in com- pliance with the above-quoted requirements of law, and are not to be considered as carrying with them a recommendation of the officer in charge of the district or of this office, either in respect to the commercial value of the improvement or to the amount to be appropriated, other than for the most economical administration of works, the prosecution of which had already been approved by Congress. The reports of the officers in charge of the various improvements will be found in the Appendix. and to these reports special reference should be made whenever detailed information is desired concerning the prog- ress and condition of each work. The examinations and surveys required and provided for in the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, were assigned to the officers in charge of the several river and harbor districts, and have been completed. Re- ports of their results were transmitted to Congress from time to time during its last session, and will be found in the Appendix of this report. The act provided that no survey should be made of any of the har- bors or rivers therein enumerated until the Chief of Engineers directed a preliminary examination of the same by the local engineer in charge of the district, and then only when said local engineer shall have made such examination and shall have reported to the Chief of Engineers that in his judgment said harbor or river is worthy of improvement and the work is a public necessity. Of the 147 localities enumerated for examination in the above act, 76 were reported as not worthy of improvement. The examination and surveys at localities required and provided for in the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884, have been distributed and assigned to the officers in charge of the several river and harbor dis- tricts. They are in progress, and the reports thereon will be submitted from time to time during the ensuing session of Congress as far as re- ceived. Examinations were made during the fiscal year of such plans and locations as were submitted by the parties interested, of bridges pro- posed to be built over navigable waters under authority of Congress, subject to the approval of the Secretary of War. A brief statement is given below of the action had in each case, the detailed reports of which will be found in the Appendix. A statement is also given of the work accomplished in the removal of wrecks obstructing or endangering navigation, general provision for which is made in the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880. ATLANTIC COAST. IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND HARBORS IN THE STATES OF MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. Officer in charge, Col. C. E. Blunt, Corps of Engineers. 1. Lubec Channel, Maine.-The following appropriations have been made for this thoroughfare: By act of March 3, 1879 ................................................... $44, 000 By act of June 14, 1880 .................................................. 20,000 By act of March 3, 1881 ........ ..................................... 45, 000 By act of August 2, 1882......................... ..................... 20,000 By act of July 5, 1884 ... ............ . ................................ 10, 000 Total ....................................................... 139,000 68 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The project for its improvement was based upon a survey made in 1878, the object being to make it navigable in all stages of the tide by giving it a width of not less than 200 feet and a depth of 12 feet at mean low water, or about 9 feet at low water of spring tides. This required the deepening of several bars situated between the head of " The Narrows" and "Western Bar Beacon" (a distance of about 21 miles), the shoalest of which had a depth of not more than 5 feet at mean low water. In addition to this channel-dredging, a stone jetty (259 feet long) upon Gun Rock, in Lubec Narrows, has been begun for the stoppage of an inconvenient tidal current at that point. The channel having been completed as originally projected, the work during the past fiscal year has been confined to the jetty upon Gun Rock, of which 125 linear feet have been completed, it being still in progress. The increased size in tonnage and draught of vessels using this chan- nel calls for an increaseof its width and depth to 275 and 15 feet, respect- ively, which is much desired by the commercial interests. This, it is estimated, could be done at a cost of $113,000. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, the available funds will be applied to widening the channel at the bends. July 1, 1883, amount available---- ....---....----....-.......---....--......--...... ...... $15,178 89 July I, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........-.. $3, 855 98 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 207 75 4,063 73 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 11, 115 16 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 - Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885--......----....---.--........ 21,115 16 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 103, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix A 1.) 2. Moose-a-bec Bar,at Jonesport, Maine.-The project for the improve- ment of the channel through this bar was adopted in 1881, the object being to afford a safe and direct channel of not less than 200 feet in width and 14 feet in depth at mean low water, or feet at low water 1 of spring tides, the mean fall of tides being 11i feet. The main chan- nel is very narrow and tortuous, and so much obstructed by sunken ledges as to make navigation very unsafe. The estimated cost of this improvement, as amended, is $40,000. Appropriations have been made, viz: ...---......-......--......--..........---------------------.................. By act of March 3, 1881------- $10, 000 By act of August 2, 1882 ... .......................................... .. 10,000 By act of July 5, 1884.....----------..........----......---............-------....------------...... ---- 10,000 Total....................................... .......----.......... . $30, 000 Ten thousand dollars will be required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, to complete the improvement. July 1, 1883, amount available...............................------ ........ $10, 324 25 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883 ...-.....--......---....----....-----....---....----....---....---. 10,218 59 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................ ................... 105 66 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .......... ...... .. 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 10,105 66 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 69 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ........ 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix A 2). 3. Belfast Harbor, Maine.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1876, the object being to give a depth in front of the wharves sufficient to enable steamers and other vessels to arrive and depart in all stages of the tide. In the upper part of the harbor, in front of Lane's Wharf, there was not more than 4 feet at mean low water, when surveyed in 1875, and this depth increased downwards to about midway between Sanford's Boston Steamer Wharf, and McGilvery's ship-yard, where there was 12 feet at mean low water. Under the several appropriations, aggregating $22,000, made in the years 1876, 1878, and 1879, this harbor has been excavated to a depth of 10 to 12 feet at mean low water from the wharf-lines out to deep wa- ter, in completion of the project adopted. In November, 1883, an examination was made of the dredged channel in front of the wharves, which showed that no filling had taken place. No further expenditures are proposed for the present. July 1, 1883, amount available ................ .. ...... $3, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...... ............................ -......-... .. 156 95 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 2, 843 05 (See Appendix A 3.) 4. Rockland Harbor, Maine.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in January, 1881, the object being to afford a safe and convenient harbor of refuge at this place by means of two rubble- stone breakwaters, one to be built out from Jameson Point in a direction of about south 16) degrees east for a distance of feet from high- 1,900 water mark, and the other to commence at South Ledge and extend in a direction about north 9 degrees east for a distance of 2,640 feet. The estimated cost of these breakwaters was as follows: Jameson Point Breakwater ............................................. $135, 000 South Ledge Breakwater....-. ....-.-.-...--..-....... 415,000 Total ......-------......-......-- ----......---......------......--------....---......--- ..--------......-...... 550, 000 The appropriations have been- By act of June 14, 1880 ................................ ......... $20,000 By act of August 2, 1882 .............................................. 40, 000 By act of July 5, 1884................................................ 40,000 Total ......................................................... 100, 000 The total expenditure to June 30, 1884, is $57,396.63, and 1,109 feet of the Jameson Point Breakwater have been built. No work has been done on this breakwater during the past fiscal year, the amount avail- able having been too small to justify a contract. It is proposed to apply the appropriation of July 5, 1884, in continu- ing the construction of this breakwater. To complete it and commence the construction of the South Ledge Breakwater will require an appropriation of $75,000. July 1, 1883, amount available... . ........................... $3, 461 57 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.............................................858 20 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................... 2. 603 37 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 40, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885...... .......... 42, 603 37 70 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion cf existing project......---------.... 450, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 75, 000 00 (See Appendix A 4.) 5. Gathance River, Maine.-The project for the improvement of this river was based upon the survey made in 1879, the object being to afford a channel of navigable width and of not less than 10 feet depth at mean low water (or 15k feet at mean high water), from the outlet of the river into Merrymeeting Bay to the channel of Kennebec River near " The Chops," a distance of about 2* miles. The natural channel was crooked, and had but 6 feet of water at mean low water in its shoalest part. Three appropriations have been made, viz: By act of June 14, 1880.............................................. $10, 000 By act of March 3, 1881 ................................. .............. 6, 000 By act of August 2, 1882................................................. 5, 000 Total ............................................................. 21,000 Work under the first two appropriations was completed on the 22d of October, 1881. The last appropriation has been applied to the improvement of the channel at " The Outer Bar" near " The Chops." This work was nearly completed on the 30th of June, 1883, and wholly so on the 16th of July, 1883. No additional work is proposed for this river. July 1, 1883, amount available ................... .......... ......... $1,645 30 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................. 1,645 30 (See Appendix A 5.) 6. Royal River, Maine.-The channel of this river opposite Wolfe's Point, just above its mouth, was obstructed by a land-slide in March, 1882. The wing-dam projected as a part of the improvement, which was in progress at the date of the last annual report, was completed in September, 1883. The new channel, to be obtained by dredging, was commenced in August and completed November 9, 1883. Nothing more is needed for this river. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................... ......... .. $8, 080 97 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............................................. 8, 080 97 (See Appendix A 6.) 7. Portland Harbor,Maine.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1833-'36 and modified in 1866, 1872, and 1881. The building and extension of a breakwater on Stanford's Ledge for protection of the inner harbor and deepening of different portions of the harbor by dredging, have all been completed with the exception of the dredging of the "Middle Ground," which is only partially done. Work on the " Middle Ground" was in progress on the 1st of July, 1883, and continued until the 16th of August, 1883, when the existing contract was completed and the funds practically exhausted. By the removal during the year of 69,063 cubic yards of soft material a chan- nel across the " Middle Ground" was widened 90. feet with a depth of 21 feet at low water, where the original depth was about 10 feet only. The width of channel now dredged is 1,340 feet. The appropriation of $30,000 of July 5, 1884, will complete it, and the project adopted for this harbor. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 71 July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $10,694 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....-------.... ........... ..................... .... 10,520 35 July 1, 1884, amount available..... ................................... 174 03 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 30,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................. 30,174 03 (See Appendix A 7.) 8. Kennebunk River, Maine.-The improvement of the channel from the mouth of the river to Kennebunkport was completed in 1882 as pro- jected. In September and October, 1883, the ' Government Wharf" was repaired, leaving a small balance on hand available for contingencies. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................------------------------------------.. $1,028 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................---------------------------------------------.... 692 51 July 1, 1884, amount available------ ........................................ 336 34 (See Appendix A 8.) 9. PortsmouthHarbor,New Hampshire.-The project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1879, the objects being: 1. To close, by means of a rubble-stone breakwater, the channel be- tween Great Island and Goat Island, so as to prevent the strong cur- rent of flood tide from passing through that channel, as by it vessels in going up the harbor were said to have been thrown upon Goat Island Ledge, which projects into the channel, here quite narrow. 2. The removal of Gangway Rock (which lies in the channel between South Beacon Shoal and the navy-yard) to a depth of 20 feet at mean low, or 28- feet at mean high, water, the shoalest part of which has but 12 feet on it at mean low water and 9.7 feet at extreme low water of spring tides. 3. The removal in part, to a depth of 10 feet at mean low water, of the ledge at the southwest point of Badger's Island, upon which vessels are liable to be, and have been, thrown in coming down the harbor on the ebb tide. The estimated cost of this improvement is $155,000, for which the following appropriations have been made, viz: By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1879 ............................. $10,000 By the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880............................... 25,000 By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881............................... --------- 20,000 By the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882.............................. 17, 000 By the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884 ................................ 20,000 ......---.......-----......-----.. Total--------- .........---............................ 92,000 During the year ending June 30, 1884, the work done has been the removal of 500 cubic yards of Gangway Rock, and the removal of 300 cubic yards of the ledge at the southwest point of Badger's Island. The total amount expended up to June 30, 1884, in completing the Goat Island Breakwater, and removing 1,300 cubic yards of Gangway Rock, and 600 cubic yards of Badger's Island Ledge, was $63,284.90. The officer in charge asks that $50,000 be appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, for continuing the removal of Gangway Rock. 72 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1, 1883, amount available .... ........ .. .$28, 201 10 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................ $19, 931 05 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......-.................... 4,140 00 - -- 24,071 05 July 1, 1884, amount available...................... .................. 4,130 05 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.... ................ 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 24,130 05 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project..... 63, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix A 9.) 10. Cocheco River, New Hampshire.-The upper portion of the channel of this river from the Lower Narrows to the Packet Landing in the city of Dover, a distance of about 1 miles, was in its original condi- tion crooked and shallow, and obstructed by ledges, bowlders, and shoals, having at some points only from 6 inches to 2 feet depth at low water, the mean rise of tides being 64 feet at Packet Landing. No general project embracing the whole of this channel has been adopted, but partial projects for various points have been made and executed under appropriationg granted from 1836 to 1882, inclusive, amounting in all to $123,000. The work done has resulted in the widening, deepening, and straightening of the channel, the total expenditure to June 30, 1884, having been $122,975.76. Under the appropriation of $28,000 of August 2, 1882, a cut-off channel through Alley's Point, with the widening and deepening of the adjoining channels above and below in progress at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30,1883, was essentially completed on the 15th of November, 1883, when the funds were exhausted. A special report, with approximate estimate, was, at the request of the Dover Board of Trade, submitted by the officer in charge on the 18th of January, 1884, for additional work of the same general char- acter as that already executed, and as desired in the upper part of the channel. It seems to be rendered necessary by the increased size of the vessels engaged in the commerce of Dover. The amount of the estimate was $30,000. It is not yet possible to say whether the $28,000 appropriated July 5, 1884, for "completing improvements" of this river will be sufficient for that purpose. July 1, 1883, amount available- ......................................... $17, 243 16 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-------------------------.........--..-- ...... 17,228 92 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 14 24 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 28,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ...... 2............ 2,014 24 (See Appendix A 10.) 11. Lamprey River, below New Market, New Hampshire.-The project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1874, the object being to afford a channel of a navigable width and not less than 11 feet in depth at mean high water from its mouth to the head of tide-water at New Market, a distance of about 24 miles. The natural channel was, in places, narrow and crooked, and much obstructed by sunken rocks and shoals, with not more than 9 feet of water upon them at mean high water. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 73 Two appropriations have been made for this work, viz: By act of March 3, 1881. .................................................. $10,000 By act of August 2, 1882---.................----------.-------......--....--......-----....----....----......--..--. 10,000 Total---- ....-------....------....--....--..........--....-....-......--........----------------..----------......---....... -- 20,000 No work has been done during the fiscal year. The projected improvement having been essentially completed, no additional appropriation is deemed necessary. July 1, 1883, amount available.... ...................................... $308 42 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................. .................. ......--- ... 289 00 July 1, 1884, amount available....-........-............................... 19 42 (See Appendix A 11.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were examined by the local engineer in charge, Col. George Thom, Corps of Engineers, and not recommended for im- provement: 1. Androscoggin River, below Brunswick,. Maine. (See Appendix A 12.) 2. For the extension and completion of the breakwater near the third bridge in Portsmouth Harbobr, New Hampshire. (See Appendix A 13.) And it appearing, after preliminary examination by the local engi- neer, that the localities were worthy of improvement and the work a public necessity, Colonel Blunt was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress, and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 44, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. PenobscotRiver and Bangor Harbor, Maine. (See Appendix A 14.) 2. Resurvey of the breakwater at the mouth of 8aco River, Maine. (See Appendix A 5.) 3. At the mouth of Great Bay, with a view to the improvement of the navigation of PiscataquaRiver. (See Appendix A 16.) HARBORS AND RIVERS IN MASSACHUSETTS. Officer in charge, Maj. Chas. W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers. 1. Newburyport Harbor, Massachusetts.-The object of the improve- ment is to create a channel through the outer bar 1,000 feet wide, and with a least depth of 17 feet at mean low water, or 24J feet at mean high water. The project adopted was to build two converging rubble-stone jetties, so located as to give a proper direction to the current, and thereby produce and maintain the desired result. 'The project was adopted in 1880, and modified in 1883. For this work $170,000 have been appropriated, and up to June 30,. 1883, $86,105.32 have been expended. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the dike across Plum Island Basin was completed as far as at present contemplated, and some temporary leaks in it were repaired. The shore extension of the south jetty was completed and prolonged by building a catch-sand of open wooden frames filled with sea-weed. A hydrographic survey was made, which shows clearly the influence of the work already done and the necessity for its prompt completion. 74 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ($41,428.55), it is proposed to expend in continuing the construction of the jetties in accordance with the approved project. To complete the present approved project $205,000 is estimated to be necessary, all of which could be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1,1883, amount available--- ......--................----------------..--......---......----...... $43,894 68 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.............................................----------------------------------------.. 42, 466 13 July 1, 1884, amount available......-......-.............................. 1,428 55 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 40, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 41, 428 55 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 205, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 205,000 00 (See Appendix B 1.) 2. Merrimac River, Massachusetts.-The object of the work is the im- provement of the channel of the river from its mouth, near Plum Is- land Light, to the head of the Upper Falls, a distance of 211 miles. Pre- vious to the commencement of the work the channel was narrow and crooked, and much obstructed by bowlders, ledges, shoals, and the remains of old crib-work and piers. The present project was adopted in 1870, and modified in 1874. It proposes a channel of proper width, having the following depths at high water of ordinary stages of the river: from the mouth to Deer Island Bridge, 16J feet; from the Deer Island Bridge up to Haverhill Bridge, 12 feet, thence to the foot of Mitchell's Falls, 10 feet, thence to the head of the Upper Falls, not less than 4J feet, with the mill-water at Lawrence running. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $162,670.09, and resulted in improving the channel from the mouth to the head of the Upper Falls, in accordance with the adopted project. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, 101 cubid yards of the ledge called North Rock were removed to the depth of 9 feet at mean low water. The amount available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ($3,588.73), will be expended in clearing a new channel at Rock's Bridge, conforming to the new draw, as now rebuilt. To complete the improvement, so that the same depth of water which has been obtained through Mitchell's Falls can be carried to Lawrence, additional work will be required, at a cost, as estimated, of $22,500, which amount, if appropriated, can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $4,329 91 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...... .......................... ............ 4,241 18 July 1, 1884, amount available .....................................-----------------------------------------.... 88 73 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 3,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 3,588 73 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 22,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 22, 500 00 (See Appendix B 2.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 75 3. Scituate Harbor, Massachusetts.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1880. The object is to create a harbor of refuge for vessels approaching Boston from the eastward. The project consists of building two breakwaters-one from Cedar Point on the north side of the entrance, and the other from the point of the First Cliff on the south side, and deepening by dredging the area inclosed and in front of the entrance. The estimated cost of the improvement was $290,000. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $27,376.37, resulting in building the north breakwater to a height of 4 feet above mean high water for a length of 720 feet, and in protecting the beach between Cedar Point and the mainland with brush and stbne. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the balance of the avail- able funds ($123.63) was expended in examinations and surveys of the breakwater and the shore protection. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. is $75,000, which, if appropriated, it is proposed to expend in building the south breakwater and in dredging the channel. . July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $123 63 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 123 63 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-.-------------------10,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project--------.......... 252,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75, 000 00 (See Appendix B 3.) 4. Boston Harbor, Massachusetts.-The improvement of this harbor since 1866 has been in general accordance with the recommendations of the United States Commissioners, whose services terminated in that year. The objects in view have been: 1. To preserve the harbor by protecting its headlands and islands with sea-walls, aprons, and jetties of stone, &c., and, 2. To improve it by widening and deepening the channels by dredg- ing, and by removing rocks and ledges. Under the first head sea-walls, aprons, and jetties have been con- structed, or old ones have been repaired at Point Allerton and the islands of Great Brewster, Lovell's, Gallop's, Long Island, Deer, Rainsford, George's, and the Castle. Under the second head, dredging and blasting has been done- 1. In the main ship-channel (originally but 100 feet wide and 18 feet deep), securing a channel at least 600 feet wide and 23 feet deep at mean low water. 2. In Hingham Harbor (where the channel was 30 feet wide and 4 feet deep), resulting in a channel 100 feet wide and 8 feet deep at mean low water. 3. At the mouth of the Mystic River, which has been enlarged from 150 feet wide and 16 feet deep to 400 feet wide and 23 feet deep at mean low water. 4. In the Charles River; its channel originally crooked, and but 50 feet wide and 3- feet, deep, has been improved, so as now to have a least width of 80 feet, and 6 feet deep at mean low water, from its mouth to Arsenal Street Bridge, a distance of 74 miles. While up to Western Avenue Bridge, 7 feet draught can be carried at mean low water in a channel 200 feet wide. 5. Nantasket Beach Channel, originally 50 feet wide and 61 deep, has been enlarged to 100 feet wide and 9 deep at mean low water. 76 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 6. The channel between Nick's Mate Shoal and Long Island has been improved from a depth 41 feet to 12 feet at mean low water, and widened to 200 feet from about 50 feet. By far the greater part of the sums appropriated for this harbor since 1866 ($1,602,500) has been expended for its preservation. The total expenditure to June 30, 1883, was $1,483,655.87. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $87,431.90 were expended in repairing and extending the sea-walls and shore protections of LovelPl's, Gallop's, Rainsford, and Deer islands, and in completing the dredging of the Nick's Mate Channel, the Castle Island Shoal, and the channel of Charles River. The amount estimated as required for projected works is as follows: Widening the main ship-channel at the Upper and Lower Middle........ $128, 000 Repair of Great Brewster sea-wall ...................................... 2,000 Dredging in Charles River.............................................. 116, 000 Total .................................................. ...... 246, 000 July 1, 1883, amount available ...................................... 118,844 13 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883 ... ................. $87, 431 90 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......... ............... 8, 042 12 95,474 02 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... 23,370 11 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ..-................ 28, 370 11 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....---------...... 246,000 00 Amount that canbe profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 180, 000 00 (See Appendix B 4.) 5. Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts.-The object of the improvement of this harbor is to protect it by the preservation of Long Beach, and to deepen and widen the channels of approach to the city wharves. The preservation of Long Beach is essential to the existende of the harbor, and the natural channels of approach to the wharves were nar- row and crooked, with about 6 inches depth of water at mean low tide. In the preservation of Long Beach, from 1824 to 1883, inclusive, $111,846.84 were spent; in the improvement of the channels, $28,419.16 have been spent since the adoption of the project for their improve- ment, in 1875. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the balance available Julyl, 1883 ($1,121.14), was mainlyexpended in preserving Long Beach, and in making surveys of the works of improvement. Future appropriations will be expended in repairing Long Beach and in continuing and extending the dredged area. July 1, 1883, amount available .................... .... ............ $1,121 14 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......... ..................-..-..... ......... 1,070 05 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 51 09 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................... 10, 051 09 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 18, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 18. 000 00 (See Appendix B 5.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 77 6. Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts.-This most important harbor of refuge is situated at the extremity of Cape Cod. The entire com- merce and the fishing vessels of New England are directly benefited by its preservation, which depends entirely upon the maintenance of the beaches inclosing it. The project for its improvement was adopted in 1866, and modified in 1869, 1872, and 1873. It consists in constructing bulkheads of wood and stone, brush and wood jetties and dikes, catch-sand fences, plant- ing of beach grass, &c., and it has been remarkably successful. Since the resumption of work in 1866, $113,568.44 have been appro- priated and allotted for this harbor, of which, up to June 30, 1883, $108,007.83 had been expended. SDuring the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $3,333.91 were expended in extending the stone bulkhead protection of Long Point, thus com- pleting the proposed project. The works of improvement for this harbor are generally in excellent order. Some few repairs or additions are, however, needed, as follows: I. The Long Point Bulkhead should be backed with brush and stone, at a cost as estimated of-------------------- ................................................. $4,400 II. The Abel Hill Dike should be repaired, to cost......... -. . 500 III. A hydrographic survey of the harbor is needed for comparison and study, estimated to cost ................................................... 900 Total..-----------------------...........................------------------------.............-----.................... 5, 800 The amount available for the fiscal year ending June 30,1885 ($2,226.70), it is proposed to expend for the second and third of the above items, and in so far advancing the first as the funds will permit. The balance of $3,800 estimated as necessary can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available ........- $3,560 61 ---................................. July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 183.................. .......--.---. .... ....-- -.... 3,333 91 ......................................... July 1, 1884, amount available------------------------------------- -- 226 70 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 2, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885-------------------.................... 2, 226 70 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 3,800 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending Jnne 30, 1886. 3,800 00 (See Appendix B 6.) 7. Lynn Harbor, lMlassachusetts.-Thisharbor is situated about 9 miles northeast of Boston. Its entrance channels are narrow and crooked, with but 6 feet of water at mean low tide, the greater part of the harbor being flats, some of which are bare at low water. The original project for its improvement was proposed in 1881, and modified in 1884, after additional physical facts relating to the locality had been obtained. The approved project consists in dredging a channel 200 feet wide and 10 feet deep at mean low water, through the outer and inner bars from deep water near White Rocks to the harbor line, essentially follow- ing the direction of the White Rocks Channel. To aid in keeping this dredged channel open at its outer end, a train- ing-wall is proposed, starting from high-water line near Little Nahant, gradually approaching the dredged channel, to which at its outer end it becomes parallel. The upper part of the dredged channel, it is sup- posed, will require occasional dredging. The estimated cost of the improvement is $145,000. 78 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. In furtherance of this improvement there has been appropriated $60,000. - The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $2,138.07. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, a physical survey of the harbor was completed; the project was prepared and approved, and a contract was made for the expenditure of the amount available July 1, 1884, $57,144.08. For the completion of the improvement under the existing project $85,000 are required, of which $16,000 can be profitably expended dur- ing the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in the completion of the dredg- ing, it being thought best to delay the building of the training-wall until the dredged channel shall have been open at least one year. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................-------------------------------------. $57,861 93 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............---....--......----......--.....------------.-------....---......------.... -717 85 July 1, 1884, amount available ..................................... 57,144 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...... .... 85, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 16,000 00 (See Appendix B 7.) 8. Malden River, Massachusetts.-The present project was adopted in 1882, its object being to straighten, widen, and deepen the natural channel by dredging from its mouth up to the second draw-bridge, at a cost as originally estimated of $35,000. The natural channel was crooked and narrow, and had barely 7 feet of water, which the adopted project would improve to 12 feet. By act of Congress of August 2, 1882, $10,000 was appropriated. During the present fiscal year $8,689.37 was expended. The natural channel was improved from its mouth to the draw-bridge at Malden, a distance of 14 miles. Its least width is now 50 feet, with 70 feet at turns, with 12 feet depth at mean high water. July 1, 1f883, amount available ...- __.- ... . .... -.... .....- . $8, 689 37 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883............................................ 8, 689 37 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 37, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 37,000 00 (See Appendix B 8.) 9. Removal of sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation.-The wreck of the schooner Sunbeam lying in Gloucester Harbor, Massachu- setts, was, in accordance with the act of 1880, examined, advertised, re- moved, and sold. The cost of the removal was $971.52; the cost of the sale was $2.50; the receipts were $2.50. The work of removal was effected by contract. (See Appendix B 9.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. It appearing, after preliminary examination, that the localities were worthy of improvement and the work a public necessity, Major Ray- mond was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 74, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. The headland in the town of Hull at the entrance to Boston Harbor, Massachusetts,with the view to its protection. (See Appendix B 10.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 79 2. Ipswich River, Massachusetts. (See Appendix B 11.) 3. Sandy Bay, Rockport,' Massachusetts, with the view to the construc- tion of a breakwater for a harbor of refuge. (See Appendix B 12.) 4. Fort Point Channel and the channel leading to the wharves of the New York and New England Railroad, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. This locality having been recently surveyed under authority of the State, and a large part of the improvement completed under the same authority, no action was taken in the matter. (See Appendix B 13.) IMPROVEMENT OF HARBORS AND RIVERS ON THE SOUTHERN COAST OF MASSACHUSETTS, AND IN RHODE ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. George H. Elliot, Corps of Engineers. 1. Harborof Refuge at Hyannis, Massachusetts.-This harbor, on the northern shore of Nantucket Sound, is sheltered by a breakwater 1,170 feet long, constructed by means of several small appropriations which were made from time to time in the years 1827 to 1838, amounting to $70,904.82. It was not as strongly built as we would now build a break- water in a locality of like exposure, and from 1852 to 1882 the sum of $52,452.76 was expended in increasing the width of its base and the size of its facing-stones, and in repairs. It is now in fair condition, and af- fords effective shelter for the anchorage of about 175 acres, but the depth of water inside is insufficient, and complaint is made that vessels drawing more than 15 feet have to remain outside the breakwater in an exposed position. The anchorage undoubtedly needs deepening to meet the requirements of the great amount of commerce which passes through Nantucket Sound. The facilities for entering the harbor are soon to be increased by the erection of a small light on the shore to range with Hyannis Light and guide through the entrance. This is the only harbor for refuge between Cape Monomoy and Wood's Holl, a distance of 33 miles. A branch of the Old Colony Railroad ter- minates here, and considerable quantities of coal and lumber are landed at Hyannis. July 1, 1883, amount available .............................. $259 88 September 14, 1883, repayment ................................. 1 34 $261 22 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of out- standing liabilities July 1, 1883...... ......................... 40 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ............................ 12 56 -- 12 96 July 1,1884, amount available ........... .............................. 248 26 (See Appendix C 1.) 2. Harborof Refuge, Nantucket, Massachusetts.-Nantucket Harbor is on the north side of the island of Nantucket. It has deep water inside and would form an excellent harbor of refuge for vessels plying between the South and all Atlantic ports north of Cape Cod were it not for the shoal bar which obstructs its entrance. In the memorial to Congress on which the first appropriation was made for the work now in progress it was stated that more than thirty thousand vessels annually pahs through Nantucket Sound alone, and that more than five hundred ves- sels have been wrecked around the island. Before the commencement of the present works there was a shoal 14 miles in width, outside the entrance, through which shoal the channel or line of best water was very crooked and subject to changes in loca- 80 ' REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. tion. The ruling depth in the channel was about 6 feet at mean low water, and it has been about the same as far back as we have any record of it. In 1829 a project for dredging a channel through the bar was adopted, and in the years 1829 to 1832, inclusive, the sum of $40,924.12 was ex- pended in carrying it out. No permanent improvement resulted from this expenditure. The present approved and adopted project consists in extending jetties of riprap stone from the eastern and western sides of the entrance across the bar, to deep water outside, for the purpose of concentrating the strength of the tidal currents and the excavation of a deep channel by natural forces. The western jetty was to be built first and the other as developments should show its necessity. The amount expended on this project, up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstanding at that date, was $65,769, and the result was the construction of the western jetty to a point 3,075 feet from its initial point on shore. The amount expended during the last fiscal year, including liabilities outstanding June 30, 1884, was $22,412.11. The western jetty was extended 440 feet, making a total distance of 3,515 feet from the initial point on the shore. The distance, at the close of the year, of the end of the jetty from the 12-foot curve on the outer side of the bar was about 2,371 feet. With the available remainder of the appropriation of August 2, 1882, it is proposed to complete the current contract for extending the west- ern jetty. This contract will expire July 31, 1884. It will probably carry the outer end to' a point about 4,016 feet from the shore end, or to about 1,870 feet from the 12-foot curve on the outer slope of the bar. The small amount remaining after the completion of the current con- tract, about $400, will be reserved for lighting the extremity of the western jetty, until work shall be resumed, and for repair of possible damages by waves and ice. It was intended to devote the next appropriation to the commence- ment of the construction of the eastern jetty, it having been found that the scouring of a deep channel through the bar will require more con- centration of the strength of the tidal current than can be effected by a single jetty, but the inner part of the eastern jetty, which will have to be left at a low level so that it will not interfere with the proper fill- ing of the tidal prism by the flood tide, should not be undertaken before sufficient means are provided for finishing it in one working season; for otherwise its construction might prove temporarily inconvenient to the local commerce of the port. It is proposed by the officer in charge to hold the amount appropriated by the act of Congress of July 5,1884, $1Q,000, until the whole amount of the estimated cost of this portion of th4 eastern jetty, not less than $85,000, can be made available. It is hoped therefore that not less than $75,000, may be appropriated at the next session of Congress, so that by commencing early in the summer of 1885 this part of the work can be completed before the winter of that year. The original project for this important harbor of refuge was esti- mated to cost $238,000, if it should become necessary to carry both jet- ties to deep water, and the amonut (estimated) required for completion of the existing project, which will be found below, is the part of this originally estimated cost of the whole work which has not yet been ap- propriated. This estimated cost will, however, be found to fall short of the actual cost of the completed work, since the cost of riprap stone per ton delivered in the jetty on the bar at Nantucket has been found RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 81 to be much in excess of what was anticipated, and the length of the eastern jetty must be greater than that of the western jetty, instead of the same length, as was contemplated. A revision of the amount necessary to complete the works will be made as soon as the proposed location of the eastern jetty has been adopted. The amount thus far appropriated for the work is $110,000. July 1, 1883, amount available .... ................................... $34,231 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...............----------------... -$16, 707 82 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........................ 5, 704 29 .-- 22, 412 11 July 1, 1884, amount available ............................. ........ .... 11,818 89 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--------------------..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................. 21,818 89 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 128, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100,000 00 (See Appendix C 2.) 3. Wood's Holl and Harbor of Refuge at Wood's Hollt, Massachusetts.- Before the commencement of the improvement the channel of the strait, which was obstructed by bowlders that covered the bottom, was very narrow and crooked, and the tidal currents were from 4 to 5 miles an hour. Even with steam only small vessels of about 8 tons draught could pass it at all times, and for them it was dangerous. In Little Harbor there was a bar which obstructed the approach to the wharf and on which there was but 7 feet at mean low water, or 51 feet at extreme low water. In 1853 and 1854 $2,482.76 was expended in the construction of a breakwater on the northern side of Great Harbor, to close a passage through which water passed in storms between it and Buzzard's Bay. The amount was insufficient for the work, and the remainder of the cost was borne by private parties. In the years 1879-'81 there was expended $14,094.26 in cutting a channel through the bar into Little Harbor 130 feet wide and 10 feet deep at mean low water and in widening and deepening the strait into Buzzard's Bay. At no place in the main channel of the strait was it less than 120 feet in width at 9 feet depth at mean low water, or 140 feet in width at 71 feet depth at the same stage of tide. The present approved and adopted project consists in the construc- tion of retaining-walls and a hollow pier for the use of the United States Fish Commission, and to serve also as a coaling station for the Revenue Marine and other branches of the public service and as a harbor of refuge. The amount expended on the present project, at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including preliminary survey and liabilities outstanding at that date, was $2,914.64, and the result was the removal of 269.84 cubic yards of bowlders from the site of the pier and retaining walls in depths of water from 3 feet to 20 feet at mean low water. By reason of delay in procuring title to the land, and the approval of title by the Attorney-General, no other work was done during the fiscal year 1882-'83, beyond the preparation of plans and specifications for the re- taining and pier walls and the issuance of advertisements for pro- posals. 5908 EN 6 82 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, JJ. S. ARMY. The amount expended during the last fiscal year, including liabilities outstanding on the 30th of June, 1884, was $33,903.18. The eastern, southern, and western retaining-walls and the excavation of the trenches for the foundations of all the pier-walls were completed. The riprap foundation of the east pier-wall was wholly, and that of the south pier- wall was nearly, completed. About one-fourth of the masonry of the east pier-wall was completed, and the masonry of the south pier-wall was commenced. With the remainder of the funds available from the former appropri- ation, and the appropriation made by act of July 5, 1884, it is proposed to complete the pier-walls; to dredge inside the pier; to provide the wharfing required by public vessels, and to fill in behind the retaining- walls as far as the funds will permit. The estimate of the cost of improvements originally contemplated and of additional work was $77,775, and there has been appropriated $77,000. For reasons which will be found in the report of the officer in charge, this work will require an additional appropriation of $8,669. A plat of Great Harbor, Wood's Holl, showing the works in progress, accompanies this report: July 1, 1883, amount available.................------....... $49,991 10 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-....................... $24, 602 84 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 9, 300 34 33, 903 18 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 16,087 92 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 ...................... 25,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 41,087 92 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...... 8,669 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 8, 600 00 (See Appendix C 3.) 4. Wareham Harbor,Massachusetts.-Thisharbor is an estuary at the head of Buzzard's Bay. Its commerce is chiefly connected with the manufacture of iron, and depends largely on the transportation of ma- terial used therein. Before improvement, the ruling depth in the harbor was about 7 feet at mean low water in a narrow and very crooked channel. Long Beach, a narrow sand-spit at the mouth of the harbor, was washed and abraded by the waves and currents at high water, and the material was carried into and shoaled the channel inside. The original and adopted project of 1871 for the improvement, and its subsequent modification, was to straighten the channel and widen it to 100 feet in the upper and 300 feet in the lower part. The depth in the upper part was to be 9 feet, and in the lower part 10 feet at mean low water. Work under this project was finished in 1876 by the completion of a channel from 250 to 300 feet wide and 10 feet deep at mean low water in the lower part of the harbor, and a channel from 100 to 300 feet wide and 9 feet deep through and above the upper bar. The cost, including the cost of some work at Long Beach, was $40,000. The present enlarged plan, the one now in progress, provides for mak- ing a channel 250 feet wide and 10 feet deep at mean low water from Barney's Point down to the entrance to the harbor. Above Barney's Point the width of the channel is to be 350 feet, with the same depth- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 83 10 feet-as below that point. The plan includes also the raising and strengthening of Long Beach to carry it above the storm waves and currents and to hold it there, in order to prevent the filling of the im- proved channel above by material abraded from the beach. The amount expended on the present project up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstandinig at that date, was $13,008.74, and the result was a chaninel through and above the upper bar to the wharves with a width not less than 100 feet and a depth of 10 feet at mean low water. No work was done in the lower part of the harbor under this project. Long Beach, of which a large portion was originally submerged at low water, was raised above high-water storm-tides except in a few places, so that the major part of the wash of sand into the improved channel inside the beach had been stopped. By reason of the small amount available for this harbor, operations during the past fiscal year have been confined wholly to the works of protection at Long Beach. The results of the works erected during the year are very satisfac- tory. The amount expended during the year was $1,730.06. With the available remainder of the appropriation of August 2,1882, and the appropriation made by the act of Congress of July 5,1884, it is proposed to carry on the work of improvement according to the present approved and adopted project, and as far as the funds will permit. The estimated cost of this project was $44,050. Of this amount there has been appropriated $25,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ..--..--................................... $1,991 26 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................---.... - 1,730 06 July 1, 1884, amount available......---...-- ...........-----------...------------................ 261 20 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.......-.......... 10,261 20 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 19,050 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 19,000 00 (See Appendix C 4.) 5. Taunton River, Massachusetts.-Taunton,at the head of navigation, requires large quantities of coal, iron, clay, molding sand, and other heavy articles, for its extensive manufactures, which depend on water transportation for successful competition. The condition of the river before its improvement was commenced was as follows: Beginning at the mouth, near the city of Fall River, for 6 miles to Somerset, it had sufficient width and depth for the largest coasting vessels. At Somerset it is crossed by a railroad bridge with two very narrow draw-openings. Thence to Dighton the ruling depth was about 11 feet at mean high water. From Dighton to Berkeley Bridge the channel was narrow and obstructed by bowlders, with a depth of not more than 7J or 8 feet at mean high water. Berkeley Bridge has but one available draw-opening; this is 50 feet wide. From Berkeley Bridge to Weir the channel depth was not, in places, more than 5 feet at mean high water. A vessel of 30 tons burthen was as large as could go up to Weir. Just above Weir a bridge, without a draw, crosses the river. The original and adopted project of 1871, and its subsequent modifi- cations, provided for a channel not less than 60 feet wide and 11 feet 84 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. deep at mean high water above Berkeley Bridge Shoal, and not less than 80 feet wide and 12 feet deep at mean high water through and below that shoal, with additional widths at the bends. The ledge which crosses the bottom of the river at Peters's Point, and the numer- ous bowlders which laid on the bottom and sides of the channel from Weir to Dighton, were to be removed. The amount expended on the improvement of the river up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstanding at that date, was $109,561.65, and the result was a continuous channel not less at any place than 11 feet deep at mean high water from the bridge at Weir to and partly through Briggs's Shoal. The improve- ment below- Briggs's Shoal had increased the navigable depth to about 10 feet. The amount expended during the last fiscal year, including liabilities outstanding on the 30th of June, 1884, was $19,071.14. The excavalion of the 11-foot channel was continued through Briggs's Shoal, and from Briggs's Shoal to Berkeley Bridge Shoal. The 12-foot channel was carried through Berkeley Bridge Shoal and down to Wika- mount. Some hard material in the channel in the upper part of The Nook and at Wikamount, which was not covered by the existing con- tract, was left for a future appropriation. The bottom and sides of the channel were cleared of bowlders from Weir down to Berkeley Bridge. This work was thoroughly done, and it is believed that no bowlders remain in this part of the channel, al- though some may have escaped detection. With the available remainder of the appropriation of August 2, 1882, and the appropriation made by the act of Congress of July 5, 1884, it is proposed to carry on the work of improvement according to the approved and adopted project, for the completion of which it is hoped the funds will be sufficient. The completed improvement will enable three and four masted schooners carrying from 600 to 1,400 tons and barges of equal capacity to reach Taunton. The estimated cost of this project was $94,000, the entire amount of which has been appropriated. July 1, 1883, amount available..................... ...... ............. $20, 938 35 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $17, 892 89 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities............ .. ......... 2, 078 25 -- 19,971 14 July 1, 1884, amount available..----........................................ 967 21 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884......... ............ 26, 500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 27,467 21 (See Appendix C 5.) 6. PawtucketRiver,Rhode Island.-Thisis an estuary forming a contin- uation of Providence River from Providence to Pawtucket, a distance of 5 miles, and forms a shoal tidal basin of about 1 square miles. Paw- tucket is an important town, rapidly increasing in commerce and man- ufactures. Before the improvement of the river, commenced in 1868, the ruling depth of water in the channel was about 5 feet at mean low water. From 1868 to 1875 the channel was dredged to a width of 75 feet and to a depth of 7 feet at mean low water, at an expense of $51,470.42 The mouth of the river is obstructed by two bridges with badly-ar ranged draws; but Washington Bridge, which interferes with naviga RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 85 tion more than the other, is to be rebuilt by the end of this year with large draw-openings, and it is probable that the important navigation interests of Pawtucket will soon demand an amelioration of the draw of the other-the railroad bridge. The project submitted January 8, 1884, with the report on the recent survey of the river, and which was printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 46, Forty-eighth Congress, first session, contemplates excavating a channel from the deep water at Red Bridge to the rock cutting at Pawtucket, 100 feet in width and 12 feet deep at mean low water, and thence to Paw- tucket Bridge, a channel through the rock 40 feet in width and of the same depth as the channel below. The estimated cost of this project is $382,478. No work has been done on the river during the last fiscal year other than the survey just mentioned. The rebuilding of Washington Bridge with good and sufficient draw- openings having been commenced, it is proposed, with the appropria- tion'made by the act of July 5, 1884, to commence the excavation of the projected channel and to carry it as far as the funds will admit. July 1, 1883, amount available...............-------------------.--.....-.-..........--...... $529 58 July 1, 1884, amount available.... ..................... .......... .... 529 58 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 50,529 58 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 332, 478 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 75, 000 00 (See Appendix C 6.) 7. Providence River and NarragansettBay, Rhode Island.-Beforethe improvement of the river was commenced, in 1853, at one point in the channel, a place called "The Crook," at the junction of Providence River with the Pawtucket, the available low-water depth was but 4J feet, and Bulkhead Rock with but 7 to 8 feet of water upon it at low water, with deep water around it, was a dangerous obstruction between Pawtuxet Shoal and Field's Point. There was expended between 1852 and the 30th of June, 1882, $290,- 459.34, in deepening the channel, first to 9 feet, then to 12 feet, then to 14 feet, and again to 23 feet, as the increasing sizes of vessels and the growing commerce of Providence demanded. Bulkhead Rock was also removed during this period to a depth of 20 feet below mean low water. The approved project of 1882, under which we are now working, pro- vides for a channel 25 feet deep and 300 feet wide, suitable for large ocean vessels, extending from Fox Point, in the city of Providence, to the deep water of Narragansett Bay, and for an anchorage basin between Fox and Field's points, of the following dimensions in cross-section, viz, 300 feet wide at a depth of 25 feet, 600 feet wide at a depth of 20 feet, 725 feet wide at a depth of 18 feet, 940 feet wide at a depth of 12 feet, and 1,060 feet wide at a depth of 6 feet. The estimated cost of this project was $445,000. To this, in the judgment of the officer in charge, should be added the estimated cost-$115,000---of enlarging the channel below Field's Point, so that from this point to Sabine's Point Light there will not be less than 500 feet of width at a depth of 18 feet at mean low water, and 700 feet of width at a depth of 14 feet, and also the cost of removing Green Jacket Shoal, which occupies a very valua- ble portion of the harbor immediately in front of the city. It may not 86 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. be thought necessary in the first instance to excavate this shoal deeper than 20 feet at mean low water, but within a short time the commerce of Providence will doubtless demand its removal to a depth of not less than 25 feet at mean low water. The cost of this work cannot be esti- mated before the survey required to determine the quantity, and the borings to discover the character of the material to be removed, which are now in progress, are finished. The 25-foot channel just mentioned has been laid out in straight reaches (with enlargements at the angles)with a view to lighting them by range or leading lights, such as are in use in similar cases in Chesa- peake Bay, Delaware River, and, other localities, if it should be found necessary. The amount expepded on the present project up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstanding at that date, was $85,274.26, with the following results: In the straight reaches, into which the 25-foot channel had been divided, the following widths had been made: Fox Point Reach, 180 feet; Sassafras Point Reach, 230 feet; Field's Point Reach, 200 feet; in the Pomham Reach no work was done; Pawtuxet Reach, 120 feet; and Gaspee Reach, 2Q0 feet. The amount expended during the last fiscal year, including liabilities outstanding June 30, 1884, was $40,572.43. The 25-foot channel in the Fox Point, the Sassafras Point, and the Field's Point reaches was carried to its full width of 300 feet; Pawtuxet Reach was widened to 200 feet, and work on the Pomham Reach was commenced. In addition to the above; that part of the anchorage basin with a depth of 20 feet lying to the eastward of the 25-foot channel in the Field's Point Reach was car- ried as far as was contemplated in the approved project, viz, 300 feet from the axis of the 25-foot channel. It was found necessary, however, to leave a little of the point of Long Bed projecting into the 20-foot channel from the eastward, the material being found too hard for dredg- ing with a clam-shell dredging machine; and also a small amount of what was supposed to be ledge rock (a part of Long Bed), in the 25-foot channel, but this lies so deep and so close to the eastern side of this channel that it will probably not interfere with the use of its entire width. It is proposed with the available remainder of the appropriation of August 2, 1882, and the amount appropriated by the act of July 5, 1884, to carry the 25-foot channel, 300 feet wide, to the deep water of Narra- gansett Bay, if the funds permit, and, if any money remains, to excavate a portion of the anchorage basin above Field's Point, and of the beating channel for coasters and local traffic below Field's Point. It is also proposed to remove the bowlders which obstruct Providence River at the mouth of Pawtuxet River, as is provided for in the act of July 5, 1884. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................... $43, 190 23 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $40, 569 53 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities..........-................ 2 70 -- 40,572 23 July, 1, 1884, amount available---......................................... 2,618 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................--------------------.... 85, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 87,618 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 235,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 100, 000 00 (See Appendix C 7.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 87 8. Newport Harbor, Rhode Island.-This harbor is on the main en- trance to Narragansett Bay. It is one of the important harbors on the" coast, providing a safe roadstead and anchorage. Before improvement the capacity of the inner harbor was limited by shoals, and it was not adequate to the number and size of vessels seek- ing it for refuge. The southern (the main) entrance was obstructed by a bar which stretched across it from Goat Island to Lime Rock, and the general business wharves of the city could not be reached at low tide by vessels drawing more than 8 feet. The original project for the improvement and its modification of De- cember 14, 1880, under which work is now being carried on, provided for a channel of 15 feet deep at mean low water through the bar which stretches across the southern entrance, from Lime Rock to Goat Island; a channel of 300 feet wide and 13 feet deep at mean low water from the 13-foot curve to Commercial Wharf; thence outside of and along the harbor line, south, a channel 100 feet wide and 12 feet deep at mean low water; a channel north from Commercial Wharf, outside of and along the harbor line, to a point opposite BulPl's Wharf of the same di- mensions, and thence to Long Wharf, a channel 100 feet wide and 7 feet deeppat mean low water. It also provided for cutting off the point of the spit at the south end of Goat Island and the construction of a jetty on the southwest shore of that island to arrest the drift of the.lit- toral sand and gravel into the entrance. It was also intended to deepen the following areas to 13 feet at mean low water where the material of the bottom was not hard, and to lesser depths when hard pan and rock might be encountered; the area included between the 13-foot curve, Com- mercial Wharf on the north, the harbor line on the east and a line drawn from Perry Mill Wharf to Lime Rock; and the area included between the 13-foot curve and a line drawn from the northwest corner of Com- mercial Wharf to the southwest corner of Long Wharf; also to deepen to 10 feet at mean low water the area northwest of a line drawn from Lime Rock to the Spindle in the southeast part of the harbor, and the area between the harbor line and a line drawn from the northwest cor- ner of Commercial Wharf to the southwest corner of Long Wharf. The amoint expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstanding at that date, was $73,141.23, with the following results: A jetty on the southwest shore of Goat Isl- and 150 feet long has been constructed, and the northern angle between it and the shore quickly filled with sand and gravel, showing its utility; a considerable portion of the spit south of Goat Island has been exca- vated, first to 12 feet and then to 13 feet at mean low water; the channel from the 13-foot curve to the harbor line at Commercial Wharf, and the channels outside of and along the harbor lines have been exca- vated as contemplated, but varying somewhat from the originally pro- jected dimensions, and with the addition of a channel 50 feet wide and 12 feet deep at mean low water along the northern side of the harbor out to deep water; many large bowlders have been removed from the bed of the harbor; its anchorage areas of from 11 to 13 feet depth at mean low water have been increased by about 26 acres, and the dis- tance between the 13 foot curves at the southern entrance has been widened about 250 feet. For want of funds no operations have been in progress during the last fiscal year, except a survey to determine the amount, and borings to discover the character of the material of the bed of the harbor yet to be excavated, for use in the preparation of specifications for future contracts for carrying on the work. 88 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. With the appropriation made by the act of July 5, 1884, it is proposed to excavate to not less than 15 feet depth at mean low water, and to such width as may be necessary at the southern entrance to the harbor, and to 13 feet depth within the harbor; to remove the bowlders recently discovered on the bed of the harbor; to repair the jetty on the south- east shore of Goat Island, and to construct a new jetty further north on the same shore. The estimated cost of the present project was $132,000. Of this amount there has been appropriated the sum of $65,000. July 1, 1883, amount available.................... -- _....-..-..----.. $358 77 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883----. .---. ----- " -----.-.-.. ---.---.----.--.. . . 297 97 July 1, 1884, amount available........ -..... .......................... 60 80 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884............ .....--------------------.... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................... 20,060 80 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 67,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix C 8.) 9. Harbor of Refuge at Block Island, Rhode Island.-This island is 14 miles east of Montauk Point, the eastern end of Long Island, and its nearest point is about 10 miles south of the mainland. Besides the wants of the mackerel-fishing fleet and the general coast navigation, the island is an important point on our shores for ocean navigation. It has a signal station connected by submarine telegraph with the mainland. Vessels are passing the islands at all times and on all sides of it, and its position renders it of national importance. Before the construction of the present harbor of refuge, Block Island had no harbor which afforded protection for decked vessels. The only ones used were open boats which, on the approach of storms, were hauled up on the beach. The largest of these boats were of about 10 tons burden. The original project and its subsequent modification provided for a harbor of refuge on the eastern side of the island, consisting of an inner harbor for the protection of small vessels, and an exterior harbor for large ones. The former was to be about 250 by 300 feet in area, and inclosed, with the exception of an opening 80 feet wide on the sea side, by timber crib-work filled with stones, and resting on a riprap founda- tion. The exterior harbor was to be formed by a riprap breakwater designed to intercept the waves from the eastward, and the beds of both harbors were to be cleared of bowlders. The next project was to build a masonry wall on the east side of the inner harbor in lieu of the old crib-work on that side, which was in danger of breaking down in storms, and to protect the cliff which lies to the eastward of the harbor, the material of which was carried by the current into the harbor, decreasing its depth. The last project for this work provides for renewing the Government wharf within the inner harbor, and for building masonry walls on the north and west sides of the harbor, to replace the timber crib-work on those sides, which is decaying. The inner harbor, and a breakwater about 1,400 feet long, built in prolongation of the eastern side of the inner harbor, were constructed in the years 1870 to 1879, inclusive. About 300 feet from the sea end of the breakwater, which is in about 24 feet of water, an opening 200 feet wide, with a draught of water through it of 18 feet, was left for the RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 89 passage of vessels. The utility of the work at once became apparent. In stormy weather the inner harbor, especially, was often filled with coast- ers and fishermen, and it soon became necessary to increase its depth from 7 feet, to which it had been dredged in the first instance, to 9 feet at mean low water. The jetty at the foot of the cliff and the masonry sea- wall on the eastern side of the inner harbor were in progress on the 30th of June, 1883, and the total expenditure from the beginning of the con- struction of the harbor of refuge, up to that date, including liabilities outstanding, had been $295,896.33. The amount expended during the last fiscal year including liabilities outstanding June 30, 1884, was $10,963.65, and the result was the com- pletion of the jetty at the foot of the cliffs and the sea-wall on the east- ern side of the inner harbor. Both were strongly built. The former is about 140 feet, and the latter about 290 feet long. The landing wharf within the inner harbor was repaired sufficiently to serve until a per- manent wharf can be constructed. It is proposed with the available remainder of the appropriation or August 2, 1882, and the amount appropriated by the act of July 5,1884, to replace the Government wharf within the inner harbor by a substan- tial structure. To this wharf, which is in a decayed condition, all the freight carried to and from the island is brought, and at it are landed the United States mails and all the supplies for the four light-houses on the island and the steam fog signal. It is also proposed to construct as much of the harbor walls on the west and north sides of the inner harbor as the remaining funds will admit. The estimated cost of the present project was $30,000. Of this amount there has been appropriated the sum of $15,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $14,103 67 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....................... $10, 952 48 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 11 17 --- 10,963 65 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 3,140 02 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 15, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 18, 140 02 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project . ........ 15,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 15, 000 00 (See Appendix C 9.) 10. Little Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island and Connecticut.-Little Narragansett Bay lies on the north side of the eastern entrance from the ocean into Long Island Sound. Pawcatuck River, upon which is situated the flourishing commercial and manufacturing town of West- erly, R. I., empties into the eastern side of the bay, and the navigable . draught through the bay before its improvement-about 41 feet at mean low water-limited the navigation of the river. The project of 1878 for the improvement of the bay provided for a channel 200 feet wide and 7J feet deep at mean low water, extending from the entrance to the bay to the mouth of the Pawcatuck, and the removal of the bowlders which then obstructed navigation and any others which the excavation of the channel might develop. Subsequently it was determined to clear away some large bowlders which interfered with steamboat navigation between this channel and Watch Hill, an important place of summer resort. The estimated cost of the improve- ment was $51,000. 90 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstanding at that date, was $34,864.16, and the result was the completion of the project with the exception of the removal of bowlders from the bottom and sides of the main chan- nel, and from the channel leading to Watch Hill. During the last fiscal year the amount expended, including liabilities outstanding on the 30th June, 1884, was $992.80, and the result was the removal of about one hundred bowlders from the main and Watch Hill channels and some ledge rock from the latter. The main channel was left quite free of bowlders, and the Watch Hill Channel was increased, by the removal of bowlders, from 90 feet to 165 feet in width. It is probable that no fur- ther expenditure upon it will be required. The completed channel will enable steamers and vessels drawing from 9 to 10.feet of water, bound for the Pawcatuck River and Westerly, and also to Watch Hill, to cross the bay. The total cost of the improvement was $35,856.96. No further appropriation is asked for this work. There are indications that the construction of the eastern breakwater in the outer harbor of Stonington is affecting Sandy Point ,on the south- ern side of the entrance into Little Narragansett Bay, and comparative surveys should be made annually at this point. Range marks should be erected on Pawcatuck Point on the prolongation of the axis of the new channel through the bay, and the remainder of the last appropria- tion now available should, be reserved for these purposes. July 1, 1883, amount available................ .................. $1,135 84 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......................... $986 33 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........................... 6 47 - - 992 80 July 1, 1884, amount available................-----..-----....--------................ 143 04 (See Appendix C 10.) 11. Harbor of Refuge at Stonington, Connecticut.--Stonington Harbor lies on the north side of the eastern entrance from the ocean into Long Island Sound. Originally it was an open bay, unprotected from southerly storms and obstructed by a shoal having at low water a depth of but 6 feet at the shoalest part. This shoal nearly filled the inner harbor and left but a narrow channel on either side, of a depth insufficient to permit vessels of 12 feet draught to reach the upper wharves at low water. A short breakwater was constructed in 1828-'31, at a cost of $34,776.65, for the protection of the commerce of the town of Stonington. The original project of 1871, for the further improvement of this harbor and its subsequent modifications, under which the work is now carried on, embraced dredging in the upper harbor to secure an increased depth for the accommodation of the local shipping interests, and the construc- tion of two breakwaters in the outer harbor, designed to inclose a large anchorage or harbor of refuge in southerly storms for general commerce, and also to protect the shipping in the upper harbor. One of these breakwaters, the western, was to be built out from Wamphassuck Point, the southwestern limit of the harbor, and extend out about 2,000 feet, and the other, the eastern, was to extend from the vicinity of Bartlett's Reef to the Middle Ground. The western break- water was completed in 1880, at a cost of $103,190. The amount ex- pended in dredging was about $45,000. The amount expended upon the eastern breakwater up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstanding at that date, was $73,885.38, and its length at that date was 1,521 feet. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 91 The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $6,058.28, and the results were an extension of 6 feet on the eastern end of the breakwater, completing it, and the extension of 118 feet on the western end. Its total length at the close of the year was 1,645 feet. With the appropriation of $10,000 made by the act of July 5, 1884, it is proposed to carry the eastern breakwater to the westward until the funds are exhausted. The position of its western end has not been de- termined, but it will probably be found necessary in order to afford all of the protection desired to extend the breakwater at least until it inter- sects a range from Stonington Light to the middle of- the Wicopesset Island, although it may be found desirable to carry it still further, to the range from Stonington Light to the eastern end of Fisher's Island. In the former case the additional length required will be about 925 feet, and in the latter 1,625 feet. The cost to complete cannot be stated with accuracy on account of the uncertainty in regard to the prices at which future contracts may be let, but a liberal estimate would probably be $63,000 for the shorter line and $111,000 for the longer one. This does not include the cost of a foundation for a light-house and fog-signal, which will be necessary on the western end of the breakwater. .Deduct- ing the $10,000 appropriated by the act of July 5,1884, there will there- fore be required to be provided by future appropriation at least the sum of $53,000; and by reason of the great danger to navigation which the western end of the breakwater now is and will be until it is completed, and a light-house and fog-signal are erected upon it, it is very desirable that the whole amount required to finish the breakwater be granted at the next session of Congress. The completion of this work will afford a thoroughly protected an- chorage for vessels drawing 18 feet of water and a harbor of refuge for the immense commerce which daily passes between Long Island Sound and the eastward. July 1, 1883, amount available . _ .. . _.... .. . ...... . . . $6,114 62 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883 .................................. .......... 6,058 28 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................------------- 56 34 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 ...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................ 10,056 34 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 53,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 53,000 00 (See Appendix C 11.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. 1. Pawtucket River, Rhode Island.-Uponthe favorable report of a pre- liminary examination made as provided for in the above act, Lieutenant- Colonel Elliott was charged with and completed a survey of this river, the result of which was submitted January 8, 1884, and printed as Sen- ate Ex. Doc. No. 46, Forty-eighth Congress, first session. (See Appen- dix C 12.) 2. Pawtuxet River, Rhode Island.-After a preliminary examination of this river no further survey was deemed advisable. (See Appendix C 13.) 92 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. HARBORS AND RIVERS ON LONG ISLAND SOUND. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. Walter McFarland, Corps of Engineers. 1. Thames River, Connecticut.-This river extends from the city of Norwich 15 miles south to Long Island Sound as a tidal stream. The only troublesaine bars are within about 3 miles of Norwich, and on these the original depth was about 6 feet at mean low water in 1829. These bars have been repeatedly dredged to a depth of 14 feet at high water, equal to 11 feet at low water. The project for the improvement of this river, adopted in1882, pro- vides for the contraction of the channel by the construction of training. walls along the outer sides of five of its curves within 3 miles of Nor- wich, and for such dredging as may be needed to widen it to 200 feet and to deepen it to 14 feet at mean low water, the estimated cost being $208,080. To July 1, 1884, $55,000 of this amount had been appropriated, with which the two southerly training-walls have been'built and some dredg- ing has been done. The present available low-water depth to Norwich, secured under previous appropriations, is 12 feet. During the past fiscal year the training-wall below Fort Point was completed, its length being 2,988 feet; channels were dredged 14 feet deep opposite Trading Cave and between Bushnell's Reef and Perch Rock; that at the fornier place being 60 feet wide, at the latter 100 feet. The estimated amount required to complete the project is $128,080. One hundred thousand dollars could be advantageously expended dur- ing a single year in building the training-walls and in dredging. July 1,1883, amount available.................................. ........ $40, 421 66 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...................... ........ ...... 32,312 72 _......... July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 8, 108 94 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 25,000 00 Amoupt available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................ 33,108 94 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 128, 080 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100,000 00 (See Appendix D 1.) 2. New London Harbor, Connecticut.-A large shoal, consisting of sand and bowlders, lies east of the New London Northern Railroad Wharf, upon which the depth in many places is less than 6 feet at mean low water. The project of improvement for this harbor, adopted in 1880, provides for the removal of the southern part of this shoal to a depth of 16 feet at low water. The total amount appropriated for this harbor prior to July 5, 1884, is $15,800, withwhich about two-thirds of the contemplated work has been done. During the past fiscal year no money was available and no work was done. It is estimated that $6,200, in addition to the $2,000 appropriated by act of July 5, 1884, will be required to complete the project, and this amount could profitably be expended in a single year. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 93 July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $83 88 July 1, 1884, amount available-----......--......-----......----.....---------.------............------...... -83 88 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.... ............. 2,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 2,083 88 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project..-....... 6,200 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 6,200 00 (See Appendix D 2.) 3. Connecticut River, above Hartford, Connecticut, and below Holyoke, Massachusetts.-From Hartford to Windsor Locks, at the foot of En- field Falls, a distance of 104 miles, the river has a sedimentary bed and banks, and is naturally shoal at low water, having sometimes, where not improved, a depth of only 18 inches. Enfield Falls, a rocky rapid extending 54 miles, prevents all navigation at the present time; but vessels drawing 3 feet can pass around them by means of a canal, having locks 80 feet by 18 feet. This canal is owned by a corporation, which collects toll from boats passing through. It is mainly used to furnish water-power. From the head of the falls to Holyoke the navigation is good, having a low-water depth of not less than 5 feet. There is seldom any useful tide above Hartford. The total amount appropriated for improving the river above Hart- ford is $100,000, which has been expended, only partly, in building small wing-dams and in dredging. A project for permanently improving this section of the river, so as to pass vessels of 8 feet draught to Holyoke, was submitted in 1878, the most important feature of which was the construction of a canal to pass Enfield Rapids. Revised estimates for this canal, designed to bring it from the head of the rapids to deep water at Hartford, avoiding several troublesome shoals, were submitted in 1881. The estimated cost of this canal is $1,322,800. Nothing has yet been done towards this construction, the funds avail- able not being sufficient to warrant its commencement. The funds re- maining on hand from previous appropriations will be sufficient for any temporary improvement that may be required during the ensuing year. The construction of the canal should be completed within about three years from its commencement, and it ought not to be begun with less than one-third the full estimate, about $450,000. The benefit to be secured by a permanent improvement would be the reduction of the cost of transportation of bulky articles to a large man- ufacturing region now wholly dependent upon railroads. This region includes the city of Springfield, where is a United States armory, Hol- yoke, and other smaller places. July 1, 1883, amount available ....................................... $26,285 38 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................................... 26,285 38 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....... 1, 32, 804 00 Below Hartford, Connecticut.-This part of the river had formerly an available depth over the bars of about 5 feet at low water. The most troublesome bars, excepting the one at the mouth of the river, were within a distance of 10 miles of Hartford. The river dis- tance from Hartford to Long Island Sound is about 51 miles. In 1880, a project was adopted looking to the permanent improvement of this part of the river, particularly the section between Hartford and Rocky Hill (9 miles long), which provided for the protection of the caving banks by the use of mattresses, and for building wing-dams, in order to contract the channel and to concentrate the force of the currents. The estimated cost of this work was $330,000. 94 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Previous to this, dredging had frequently been done to remove the worst shoals, which generally formed again; jetties had also been built for the permanent straightening and deepening of the channel across Saybrook Bar, at the mouth of the river. The total amount applied so far to this project of permanent improve- ment is $37,500, which has been enough to build the Glastonbury wing- dam and the Hartford dike. The amounts previously appropriated for the Connecticut River below Hartford were applied to the construction of jetties at Saybrook Bar and in dredging. During the past fiscal year the Hartford dike was completed, its length being 3,698 feet; dredging to 9J feet at low water was done at Hartford Bar, at Press Barn Bar, at Glastonbury Bar, at Dividend Bar, and at Pistol Point Bar; also since the spring freshets dredging has been done at Pratt's Ferry Bar and at Hartford Bar, where work is now in progress. The contract for dredging in Salmon River was completed, the channel of 7 feet depth being widened and straightened by cutting off points of the bends. The estimated amount required to complete the permanent improve- ment is $257,500. The protection of the caving banks of this river is a work of great and immediate importance; for its rapid prosecution and for such tem- porary work of dredging as may be necessary, it is recommended that the sum of $100,000 be appropriated. July 1, 1883, amount available.....................................$32,514 47 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 29,617 92 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................... ............. 2,896 55 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 35,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 37,896.55 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 267, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100, 000 00 (See Appendix D 3.) 4. Clinton Barbor, Connecticut.-The channel of this harbor runs for nearly a mile along the inside of a beach, through which a breach was made about forty years ago. Formerly there was 8 feet depth at the mouth of the harbor, which has gradually shoaled to 4 feet. In 1882 a project of improvement was adopted, providing for the closing of the breach by a riprap and for some future dredging should the channel not clear itself. The amount of the dredging that might be required being uncertain, no estimate of its cost could be made. The total amount appropriated for this harbor is $3,000, which was expended during the last fiscal year in closing the breach by building a dike of riprap 375 feet long. The effect of this dike in strengthening the current and scouring the shoals will be better shown in another year; it can be determined whether dredging must be resorted to and the amouint, if any, that must be done. No appropriation is asked for at present. July 1, 1883, amount available ....................................... $3, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .............................................. 2,660 96 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 339 04 (See Appendix D 4.) 5. New Haven Harbor, Connecticut.-The original available low-water depth in this channel was but 9 feet. Previous to 1878 a channel 13 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 95 feet deep had been obtained, mainly by dredging, and in 1878 the pro- ject was modified to provide for a channel 16 feet deep and not less than 400 feet wide. The total amount appropriated for this harbor to July 1, 1884, was $231,000, with which the desired depth and width have been obtained except across the Fort Hale Bar. The deepening of this bar is to be accomplished by the aid of a dike running from Sandy Point, on the west shore, out into the harbor and then parallel with the channel, which will cost, according to the esti- mate $100,000. During the past fiscal year the shore connection of this dike and 254 feet of the part parallel to the channel were built at a cost of about $30,000. About 3,000 feet of the dike remain to be built, costing about $70,000. An appropriation of $100,000 is asked for to complete the dike and to widen the channel in the upper harbor. July 1, 1883, amount available ... ... .............................. $29,041 76 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......................... . .................. 28,538 58 July 1, 1884, amount available..............._................. ....... 503 18 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 10,503 18 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 100, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 90,000 00 (See Appendix D 5.) 6. Breakwater at New Haven, Connecticut.-In 1879 a project was adopted for making a large and convenient harbor of refuge here by the construction of two riprap breakwaters at the entrance to the har- bor, at an estimated cost of $1,311,134. The total amount appropriated for this purpose to July 1, 1884, was $180,000, and with it 1,817 linear feet of the east breakwater have been built, containing 161,892 tons of stone. The length built during the past fiscal year is 439 feet, which required the use of 34,903 tons of granite and gneiss. It is very desirable that the construction of this harbor of refuge should be pushed to completion with as little delay as may be, and as the east breakwater is now well advanced the construction of the west breakwater should be begun, and work upon both should be carried on henceforth simultaneously. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $42, 057 30 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July.1, 1883............ ............................... 41,449 22 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 608 08 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... 40,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 40,608 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 1,091,134 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 500,000 00 (See Appendix D 6.) 7. Milford Harbor,Connecticut.-Thisis a broad, open bay terminating in a narrow tidal stream, which extends about three-quarters of a mile to the Milford wharves. The original depth over the bar at the mouth of this stream was about 2 feet at mean low water. Between there and Milford the chan- nel ran nearly bare. 96 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Under the original project of improvement completed in 1882, the erosion of the bluffs east of the harbor had been checked by small jetties, a 4-foot channel had been made 100 feet wide from the bay to Merwin's Wharf, thence 60 feet wide to the village wharves, and two jetties had been built for preserving the channel on the outer bar, the total cost being $34,600. In 1882, under an appropriation of $5,000 for this harbor, a project for making the channel over the outer bar 8 feet deep and 100 feet wide was adopted, the estimated cost of which was $11,000. Five thousand dollars have been expended on this work, and by July 1, 1883, a chan- nel 25 feet wide was made. During the past fiscal year the completion of work under the contract already in progress increased the width of the 8-foot channel over the outer bar by 40 feet, making it now 65 feet wide. This project could be satisfactorily completed in one year at an esti- mated cost of $6,000. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $3,393 11 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 3, 009 61 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... 383 50 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 6,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 6,000 00 (See Appendix D 7.) 8. Housatonic River, Coanecticut.-The navigable part of this river, extending from Derby to Long Island Sound, a distance of 13 miles, was originally obstructed by several bars having a depth of from 3 to 5 feet at mean low water. In 1871 a project was adopted for making and maintaining a channel 100 feet wide and 7 feet deep throughout this distance; besides the necessary dredging, a breakwater over the east side of the bar at the mouth of the river was planned. The amount appropriated to July 1, 1884, was $68,700, with which the desired depth and a width of about 60 feet have been made and gener- ally maintained, except over the bar at the mouth, where no work has yet been done. During the past fiscal year no work has been done; the available appropriation was insufficient to begin the breakwater at the mouth of the river, and no other work was immediately required. It is proposed to expend the money in dredging during the ensuing year. The removal of Drew's Rock (3 miles below Derby) is recommended as being more economical in the end than the frequent dredging of the shoal which forms below it. For this and for such dredging as is neces- saryto preserve the 7-foot channel an appropriation of $10,000 is asked, and $20,000 for the proposed breakwater or dike across the bar. July 1, 1883, amount available .............. ...... $1, 997 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................................... ..... 1 15 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 1,995 85 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 2,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... -4,495 85 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 30,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30,000 00 (See Appendix D 8.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 97 9. BridgeportHarbor,Connecticut.-Originallythe available low-water depth in this harbor was but 5 feet. Under a project completed in 1882 a jetty had been built on the east shore at the mouth, to arrest the influx of sand, and a channel 12 feet deep at low water and over 200 feet wide had been made from Long Island Sound to the lower bridge. In 1882 it was decided to widen the channel between the Inner Bea- con and the Naugatuck Railroad Wharf to 600 feet, in order to relieve the crowding of the main, channel for vessels comning there for shelter. The estimated cost of this was $60,000; $10,000 have been expended under this project, making this part of the channel from 350 to 400 feet wide. During the past fiscal year no money has been available for it, and no work has been done. The amount required to complete the present project is $45,000; $25,000 of this could be profitably expended in the next year. July 1,1883, amount available ......................................... $827 23 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-.... .. ..... . -.-..- ...- . .. ..-.-..--- - 162 32 July 1,1884, amount available ......................................... 664 91 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .............. ....... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 5,664 91 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 45, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25,000 00 (See Appendix D 9.) 10. Southport Harbor, Connecticut.-The harbor is a tidal inlet open- ing into a broad bay; the original depth to the wharves, about three- quarters of a mile up the inlet, was less than 2 feet at mean low water. In 1829-'37 a breakwater and dike were built east of the channel to protect it from drifting sand. The plan of improvement for this harbor adopted in 1876 was modi- fied in 1880; it embraced repairs of the breakwater and dike, and dredging a channel 100 feet wide and 4 feet deep at mean low water from Long Island Sound to the village. Though this full width has not been attained, the improvement may be considered essentially com- pleted. During the past fiscal year no money was available, and no work was done. No further appropriation is needed at present.. July 1,1883, amount available .......................................... $314 07 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883 ................................................ 155 00 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 159 07 (See Appendix D 10.) 11. Norwalk Harbor,Connecticut.-This is a narrow tidal stream about 3 miles long, in which the depth available to Norwalk was originally less than 1 foot at mean low water. In 1872 a project was adopted for making a channel 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep at mean low water corresponding to a depth of about 13 feet at high water; from Long Island Sound to the Norwalk wharves the channel has been made 60 feet wide for one-half the distance be- tween Norwalk and South Norwalk, 100 feet wide for the other half of 5908 EN--7 98 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. that distance, and 75 feet wide with a low-water depth of 8 feet below South Norwalk. During the past fiscal year no money was available, and no work has been done. The estimated amount required to complete the project is $10,000, which sum could advantageously be expended for that purpose in a single year. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................................... $515 35 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................................................ 90 17 July 1, 1884, amoutt available .........................................---------------------------------------- 425 18 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884---............5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 5,425 18 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project--......... -- 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix D 11.) 12. Mamaroneck Harbor, New York.-This harbor is a shallow inlet, the mouth opening into a broad bay; several dangerous rocks lie in or near the channel. In 1882 a project of improvement was adopted which provided for the removal of six of these rocks and for making a channel 100 feet wide and 7 feet deep at mean low water half-way up the inlet, and 80 feet wide and 4 feet deep the remaining distance to the village, the esti- mated cost being. $43,000. The total amount appropriated for this work is $15,000, which was ex- pended during the past fiscal year in removing Bush Rock and Inner Steamloat Rock to a depth of 7 feet and Round Rock to a depth of 4 feet. The amount required to complete the project is $28,000; it could be profitably expended in a single year. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................-------------------------------------... $14,921 40 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................................................ 14, 620 17 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 301 23 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... '28,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 28,000 00 (See Appendix D 12.) 13. Port Jefferson Harbor, New York.-This harbor is a large deep bay with a narrow entrance, through which the channel depth formerly was but 3 feet. The project for improving it, adopted in 1871 and modified in 1877, provided for making the channel of entrance 8 feet deep at mean low water, and protecting it by jetties from the wash of sea. the The total amount appropriated for this work to the present time is $80,200, which has been expended in building an east jetty 1,390 feet long, which carries it out to a depth of 12 feet at mean low water, a west jetty 940 feet long, carried out to a depth of 6J feet, and in dredg- ing a channel between them 100 feet wide and 8 feet deep. During the past fiscal year 575 tons of stone were used in building 35 linear feet of the east breakwater under an unfinished contract of the previous year. It is possible that time may show that the project, which now ap- pears to be complete, must be further extended in order to secure a permanent channel. No appropriation is asked for at present. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 99 July 1, 1883, amount available......--......-------------.......................... -.... $2,662 18 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.... .-----------------.......................................... 1,542 55 July 1, 1184, amount available ......................................... 1,119 63 (See Appendix D 13.) 14. Greenport Harbor,New York.-This harbor is exposed to easterly storms, and the anchorage-ground, which was mainly sheltered by Joshua's Point, has become so filled by erosion of that point dnd by drifting sands as to be nearly useless. In 1882 a project was adopted for the construction of a breakwater extending from Joshua's Point southeasterly to the 18-foot curve for the purpose of checking this erosion and increasing the sheltered area. Its estimated cost was $46,000. The total amount appropriated for this work, including that of July 5, 1884, is $20,000, of which $10,000 was expended during the past fis- cal year in building the breakwater to a length of 805 feet, reaching to the 3-foot curve. The breakwater could be finished in a single year at an estimated cost of $26,000. July 1, 1883, amount available.......... ............................ $9,771 36 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......------................................ .. 8,952 09 July 1, 1884, amount available --.-........................................ 819 27 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ........... ....... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 10,819 27 b Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........----------. 26,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 26, 000 00 (See Appendix D 14.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were examined by the local engineer in charge, Maj. J. W. Barlow, Corps of Engineers, and not recommended for improvement: 1. Connecticut River, from Bellows Falls, Vermont, to Pittsburg,New Hampshire. (See Appendix D 15.) 2. Bissell's Cove, Rhode Island. (See Appendix D 16.) 3. Stoneybrook Harbor, Suffolk County, New York. (See Appendix D 17.) And upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made, as provided for in the above act, Lieutenant-Colonel McFarland was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress, and printed in Senate Ex. Doc. 50, Forty- eighth Congress, first session: 1. Harbor of Black Rock, Connecticut. (See Appendix D 18.) 2. Harbor of Stamford, Connecticut. (See Appendix D 19.) 3. Harbor of Westport, Connecticut. (See Appendix D 20.) 4. Harbor of Branford, Connecticut. (See Appendix D 21.) 5. Pecosin River, Long Island, New York. (See Appendix D 22.) At the following localities no survey was necessary, the information on hand being sufficient: 1. Duck Island Harbor, Connecticut,for a breakwater. (See Appendix D 23.) 100 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 2. Madison Harbor, Connecticut. (See Appendix D 24.) 3. Southhold Harbor,Suffolk County, New York. (See Appendix D 25.) REMOVAL OLF OBSTRUCTIONS IN EAST RIVER AND HELL GATE, NEW YORK. SThe Chief of Engineers retains the charge of these works, with Capt. James Mercur and Lieut. George McC. Derby, Corps of Engineers, as assistants. ~The original condition of the channel of East River and Hell Gate was the existence of many large and dangerous rocky obstructions to navigation. The depth over Diamond Reef at mean low water was 17 feet; over Coenties Reef, 14.3 feet; over Frying Pan, 11 feet; over Pot Rock, 20 feet; over Heel Tap, 12.1 feet; over reef, at the North Broth- ers, 16 feet. Ballet's Point, from the shore at Astoria, projected under water 325 feet to the contour line of 26 feet at mean low water, and em- braced an area of about 3 acres. The Middle Reef, with an area of about 9 acres, lay in the middle of the channels at Hell Gate, having a small backbone projecting above high water, and caught vessels swept upon it by the ebb currents, which passed directly over the rock. Hal- let's Point and the Middle Reef may be said to have been alternate in mischievous functions; vessels which escaped one ran a great risk of falling upon the other. 14 What added considerably to the danger from these reefs was the bend at right angles of the river at this spot. The originally adopted project for the improvement was the least ex- tensive of three projects discussed by the engineer in charge. That one now being carried out was judged by the authorities in 1867 to be too extensive and costly. The project first adopted was the removal of Pot Rock, Frying Pan, Way's Reef, Shelldrake, the rock off Negro Point, the rocks near Wolsley's Bath-house, Blackwell's Rock, portions ofllet's Point and Scaly Rock. Sea-walls were designed for the Middle Reef, Hog's Back, the Bread and Cheese, and a beacon for Ry- lader's Reef. The project most favored by the engineer in charge, which included likewise the total removal of Hallet's Point and of the Middle Reef, has, as time passed, received the approval of the authorities. The project first intended solely for Hell Gate has also been modified by incorporating with it rocky obstructions in the East River, Diamond Reef, Coenties Reef, and a reef near the North Brothers. The amount expended thereon to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $3,136,945.28. The condition of the improvement was the removal of Diamond, Coen- ties, and Way's Reefs, and Shelldrake to a depth of 26 feet at mean low water; the breaking up of Heel Tap Rock, the tunneling and explosion of Hallet's Point, and the removal of the debris to the depth of 26 feet at mean low water; the tunneling of the Middle Reef (Flood Rock) to the extent of 23,180.9 linear feet, and the removal therefrom of 70,347.9 cubic yards of stone measured in place; the removal of the reef off the North Brothers Island to the depth of 26 feet at mean low water. The amount expended during the year ending June 30, 1884, was $25,098.03, and has been for running the pumps to keep Flood Rock clear of water and for watching and preservation of property. During the year ending June 30, 1885, the available balance, $371,978.87, will be applied to extending the galleries in about three- quarters of an acre, drilling about 5,000 feet of 3-inch holes in the pil- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 101 lars for the final blast, which it is expected will take place about Sep- tember, 1885. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $500,000, and it will be applied to completing the final blast of Flood Rock, commencing operations on the removal of Negro Point, and completing the removal of Frying Pan and Pot Rock. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent comple- tion of the work of improvement in accordance with the approved and adopted project is $1,602,963.67. July 1,1883, amount available--------------------------- .............................. $35,820 42 Received from sale of fuel to Lieutenant Derby.............. 66 00 -- $35, 886 42 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................ 21,773 40 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ......................... 2,134 15 S 23,907 55 July 1,1884, amount available ......................................... 11,978 87 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 .... ................. 360,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 371,978 87 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........1,602,963 67 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886 500,000 00 (See Appendix E.) IMPROVEMENT OF HUDSON RIVER; OF BUTTERMILK CHANNEL, NEW YORK HARBOR; OF GOWANUS BAY AND HARLEM RIVER, AND OF THE HARBORS OF RONDOUT, ECHO, PORT CHESTER, AND NEW RO- CHELLE, NEW YORK. Officers in charge, Col. John Newton, Corps of Engineers, to March 27, 1884, since which time Capt. James Mercur, Corps of Engineers. 1. Hudson River, New York.-The original condition of the navigable channel gave, between New Baltimore and Barren Island, a depth at mean low water of 74 feet; at Coeyman's, 84 feet; at Mull's, 9 feet; at Castleton, 8 feet; at Cedar Hill, 74 feet; at Winnie's, 9.4 feet; on the Overslaugh, 7.7 feet; at Cuyler's Bar, 9 feet; at Round Shoal, 7.2 feet; that is, at low water, 74 feet could be carried from New Baltimore to Albany, and from Albany to Troy, 7.2 feet. The channels, however, were very crooked in places, very narrow, and of such difficult naviga- tion, that the grounding of boats was, it might almost be said, the rule and not the exception. The originally adopted project for the improvement was the construc- tion of longitudinal dikes, generally of the height of mean high water, to direct the currents and allow the flow over their tops of freshets and of ice. The amount expended to the close of the year ending June 30, 1883, was $943,802.02. No survey was made, and the condition of the im- provement was supposed to be as stated in former reports. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $27,328.11, and the removal of Austin's Reef was virtually com- pleted, giving 12 feet at mean low water in this channel. The available balance, $41,271.41, will be expended during the year ending June 30, 1885, in the construction of new dikes and necessary repairs to existing dikes and resurvey of the river. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent comple- tion of the work of improvement in accordance with the project of 1868 102 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. and the work proposed in the report for the year ending June 30, 1882, is $35,102.46. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... $16, 399 52 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........ .. .. .. . ..... ... 5, 128 11 July 1, 1884, amount available .................. ............. -...... 11,271 41 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-........ ........ 30,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 41,271 41 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 35, 102 46 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 35,000 00 (See Appendix F 1.) 2. Harbor at Rondout, New York.-The act approved March 3, 1871, directed the survey of this harbor, and the results, with a project of improvement and estimate of cost, were reported January 25, 1872. The original condition of the navigable channel gave a depth of about 7 feet at mean low water. The originally adopted project was a prolongation of the channel of Rondout Creek.into the Hudson River by the construction of two par- allel dikes; also of a branch dike to direct the current of the river and to protect the north dike from the floating ice, and there has been no modification of the original project. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $92,239.97, and the depthof the channel was 13J feet at mean low water. There were no expenditures during the year ending June 30, 1884. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent com- pletion of the work of improvement in accordance with the approved and adopted project would be about $10,000, to be used in widening the outlet between the dikes. The project is virtually completed, and will require nothing more than the widening of the outlet between the dikes and the ordinary scour for preservation and repair. With the amount available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, $1,760.03, it is proposed to make repairs to the existing dikes or remove a portion of the south dike, as may be determined after an examination of the condition of the improvement. July 1, 1883, amount available.................................. .. ..... $760 03 July 1, 1884, amount available......-................................... 760 03 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 1,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885---.................... 1,760 03 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix F 2.) 3. Buttermilk Channel, New York.-The channel in its original condi- tion was obstructed by a large shoal, with a minimum depth of 9J feet at mean low water, which lay in the direct track of navigation, too near the wharves of Brooklyn for the safe passage or maneuver of large vessels. The originally adopted project for the improvement was the removal of a sufficient portion of this shoal to the depth of 26 feet at mean low water, and thereby to increase the depth and width of the channel. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 103 The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $119,162.86. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $60,279.03. The generally expressed opinion of the shipping interest of this city and Brooklyn is that the removal of a portion of this shoal has already resulted in considerable benefit to commerce, and as this channel is in continual use by vessels of all sizes and classes the remainder of the shoal should be removed so as to provide free and safe navigation for foreign and domestic commerce. The available balance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, of $10,658.11, will be applied to continuing the dredging of the shoal in this channel. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1986, is $20,000, the b dance of the estimate, and it will be ap- plied to dredging the shoal; a larger amount than this could be profi- tably expended if it should be concluded to remove the whole of the shoal. July 1, 1883, amount available .............................. $53,172 14 ------ Received from sale of fuel to Col. John Newton .............. 100 00 $53, 272 14 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .... .-....--....-..................-..... .... 52,614 03 July 1, 1884, amount available.........-...... ........ .....--..........--- 658 11 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885------------------.................... 10,658 11 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 20,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix F 3.) 4. Harlem River, New York.-The survey of this work was directed by the act approved June 23, 1874, and on February 18, 1875, a project and estimate was reported for the improvement of the river from Ran- dall's Island to the Hudson River. The report of the commissioners to secure the right of way free of cost to the United States is still awaiting the action of the court, as stated in the last Annual Report. The lines of the improvement are given in the Annual Report for 1882, and will be found on page 655 of Part I, Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1882. July 1, 1883, amount available..................................... $400,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... 400, 000 00 (See Appendix F 4.) 5. Gowanus Bay, New York.-The original condition of the channel was inadequate for the navigation of vessels employed in the commerce of this district, the depth of water varying from 6.9 feet to 12.3 feet at mean low water. The originally adopted plan was to dredge a channel from the 18-foot contour outside the bay to the draw-bridge at Hamilton avenue. The estimated cost was $182,850. It has been recommended to the Department to dredge the existing channel from Hamilton avenue to the southwest corner of Erie Basin, and-thence to divide it into two branches, one to the north and one to the south. The cost of this revised project will be $192,564.90. 104 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount expended at the close of the year ending June 30, 1883, was $40,124.31, and a channel dredged 1,826 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 18 feet deep at mean low water. The amount expended during the year ending June 30, 1884, was $19,661.82, and the result.was the widening and deepeningthe channel of the south branch of the improvement for a distance of 1,900 feet in length and 100 feet in width, and to a depth of 18 feet at mean low water; and increasing the width of the channel from Erie Basin towards Hamilton Avenue Bridge from 100 to 200 feet for a distance of 1,20( feet, and from 50 feet to 100 .feet for a distance of 1,050 feet, and from 50 feet to 75 feet for a distance of 2,700 feet, all to a depth of 18 feet at mean low water. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $50,000, and will be applied to continuing the dredging towards Hamilton Avenue Bridge and widening the channel already made where it is 100 to 200 feet. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent com- pletion of the improvement in accordance with the approved and adopted project is $118,000, and for the proposed revised project, $127,564.90. July 1, 1883, amount available.. ................................. $19,875 69 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 19,661 82 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 213 87 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 5,213 87 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 118, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix F 5.) 6. Echo Harbor, New Rochelle, New York.-The original condition of navigation showed Rocky obstructions, Start Rock and Sheepshead Rock; the former exposed in part at low water, and the latter with a least depth over it at mean low water of 1 foot. The originally adopted project was the removal of these rocks, the former to 6 feet at mean low water and the latter to 9 feet. A change of project was made by increasing the depth of removal of Start Rock to 7 feet at mean low water. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $18,633.63, and the con- dition of the improvement was the removal of Start Rock to a depth of 7 feet at mean low water, and a portion of Sheepshead Reef to a depth of 9 feet at mean low water. There were no expenditures during the year ending June 30, 1884. No work was done during the year, as the funds available were not sufficient to continue operations on Sheepshead Reef. The estimated amount required for the completion of the improve- ment according to the adopted and approved plan is $16,955.38. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $17,000, and will be applied to the removal of the bal- ance of Sheepshead Rock. July 1, 1883, amount available ..................................... $3,366 37 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................... ..... 3,366 37 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.. . 16, 955 38 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 17,000 00 (See Appendix F 6.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS 105 7. Harbor at New Rochelle, New York.-The original condition of the channel in this harbor was narrow and interspersed with sunken reef of rocks, which made it dangerous for navigation, and in the channel proposed to be excavated by dredging the depth varied from 0 to & feet at mean low water. The originally adopted project was to remove rocky obstructions and dredge an inner channel between Hunter's and Flat islands. The estimated cost was $40,825, and this project has not been modi- fied. The expenditures to June 30, 1883, were $10,075, and a channel had been dug around Glen Island 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep at mean low water. The expenditures during the year ending June 30,1884, were $6,871.36,. and the result was the removal of Corning Rock to a depth of 12 feet at mean low water. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent comple- tion of the work of improvement in accordance with the approved and adopted project is $5,825. July 1, 1883, amount available ....-....-...................-- ..... -...... $16, 185 45 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............................... ........ . .... 6,871 36 July 1, 1884, amount available....---..... ........................... .. 9,314 09 Amounted (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 5,825 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 6,000 00 (See Appendix F 7.) 8. Port Chester Harbor, New York.-The original condition of the channel was obstructed by "Sunken" and Salt" rocks, the former with 1 a depth over it of 5.7 feet at mean low water, the latter projecting above the level of mean low water. The originally adopted project for the improvement was the removal of these rocks and the construction of a breakwater. The amount expended at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $10,075, and the condition of the improvement was the re- moval of " Salt" Rock to a depth of 9 feet at mean low water. The amount expended during the year ending June 30, 1884, was $599.20, and was for additional sutirveys. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $30,000, and will be applied to further dredging the channel leading to the town and removing " Sunken" Rock. The estimated amount required for the completion of the improve- ment of the harbor according to the adopted plan is $69,632. July 1,1883, amount available .......................................... $16, 925 00 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....................... ... ......... ....... 599 20 July 1,1884, amount available ................................ ..... . 16,325 80 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 69, 632 0(0 (See Appendix F 8.) EXAMINATIONS AND -SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. 1. Gowanus Creek, at Brooklyn, New York.-A line of canal having taken the place of this creek, it was deemed neither worthy of improve- ment nor the work a public necessity. (See Appendix F 9.) 106 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made by him, as required by the above act, Colonel Newton was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 57, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. Minisceongo Creek at its outlet into Hudson River, New York. (See Appendix F 10.) 2. Saugerties Harbor, on Hudson River, New York. (See Appendix F 11.) 3. Peekskill Harbor, on Hudson River, New York. (See Appendix F 12.) IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND HARBORS ON WESTERN LONG ISLAND, IN THE VICINITY OF NEW YORK CITY, AND IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. Officer in charge, Maj. G. L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers. 1. Flushing Bay, New York.-The original condition of the navigable channel was a depth at the shoalest part along the line leading to Flush- ing of 3.9 feet at mean low water, and it was not, therefore, available for commerce. The originally adopted project of 1879 for the improvement was the formation of a tidal basin by means of dikes, which, by its filling and emptying through one channel, will keep up a depth of 6 feet at mean low water, and even more after once having been dredged. No modifi- cation has been made in the project. The amount expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $49,991.37. At that time 3,075 feet of timber diking, forming part of the eastern side of the proposed tidal basin, had been built, and an improved chan- nel, with two branches, had been opened, 7,500 feet long, 80 to 100 feet wide, and 6 feet deep, mean low water. There being no money available for continuing the improvement, no work was done during the year. Six hundred vessels, drawing from 6 to 12 feet of water, use the har- bor; and the commerce benefited by the improvement is estimated at $5,000,000 annually. The -act of July 5, 1884, appropriated $10,000 for continuing the im- provement. It will be applied in widening and deepening the improved channel and in building a short length of dike on the west side. The appropriation ($35,000) asked for is to complete the eastern side of the projected tidal basin by the construction of 2,400 feet, more or less, of diking, and to maintain a channel from the bay to the inner harbor. An increased depth in the channel leading to Flushing will add pro- portionately to the tonnage shipped both ways through the bay, and will greatly relieve the tributary towns from excessive rates by railroads. The tonnage through the improved channel during the year was 600,000 tons. July 1, 1883, amount available ................................... ..... $8 63 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.._...-....................................... .- 8 63 Amount appropriated by act approved July 30, 1884--------------------..................... 10,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 113, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 35, 000 00 (See Appendix G 1.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 107 2. Newtown Greek, New York.-The original condition of the channel gave a depth of 124 feet, mean low water at the entrance, which was insufficient for the large class of vessels frequenting the stream. The average width was 240 feet. The originally adopted project of 1880 for the improvement was to dredge a channel about 200 feet wide and from 18 to 21 feet in depth, and no change has been made in the project. The amount expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $24,056.13. At that date the improved channel had a width, from Vernon Avenue Bridge 1,100 feet westward, of 75 feet, gradually increasing to 150 feet at the entrance, with an average depth of 18 feet, mean low water. Owing to tidal action at the mouth of the river, deposits are made unceasingly there, which the sluggish currents are incompetent to re- move. To keep the channel open, therefore, annual dredging must be re- sorted to. The amount available July 1, 1883, for continuing the improvement was $946.87. No work was done. In January, 1884, a report was made on the survey of the creek from the mouth to the head of navigation, 4 miles inland, and an estimate submitted for the improvement of the entire stream at a total cost of $230 ,000. By act of July 5, 1884, the sum of $20,000 was appropriated to com- mence the improvement, with part of the money applicable to the mouth of the stream. The appropriation asked for is to extend the improvement towards the head of navigation, and to keep open the channel at the entrance for vessels drawing not less than 18 feet. One hundred and fifty thou- sand vessels passed through the draw of the Vernon Avenue Bridge dur- ing the year, with a tonnage of 16,000,000 tons, approximately. The money value of the interests to be fostered is estimated at $20,000,000 to $25,000,000. The benefits to be expected are those accompanying the maintenance of a deep-water channel for large vessels engaged in an extensive com- merce belonging to a wealthy and prosperous city, and the extension of this commerce by the increase in the value and extent of new industries. The commerce of this stream is now so great and important that it may be properly classed with that of New York City and Brooklyn. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $946 87 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 946 87 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................... 20,946 87 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project..---....---.... -210, 569 00 Amount that can beprofitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 70, 000 00 (See Appendix G 2.) 3. East Chester Greek, New York.-The original condition of naviga- tion was, between Town Dock and Lockwood's, a draught of less than 7 feet at high water, through an intricate, crooked, and narrow channel; a draught in the channel south of Goose Island rather more than 7 feet at high water, and a dangerous reef of bowlders, &c., in close proximity to the course of vessels in passing the draw at Pelham Bridge. The originally adopted project (1872) was for making a channel of 9 or 10 feet draught at high water from Town Dock to a point 3,000 feet 108 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. above Lockwood's, which included the construction, not yet undertaken, of a tidal basin above Lockwood's. To this have been since added the dredging of the channel west of Goose Island and the removal of the reef of bowlders, gravel, &c., just below Pelham Bridge. The amount expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $46,918.20. At that date the improved channel had an approximate depth of 9 feet at mean low water from the entrance to Lockwood's, with one shoal below Town Dock. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $7,000.30. During the year a channel 2,000 feet long and, approximately, 50 feet wide has been excavated through this shoal by the removal of 18,236: cubic yards of material. The local engineer recommends that for the present the improvement stop at Lockwood's, and that future appropriations be applied to the construction of works below that point, designed for the maintenance of the channel which has been improved. An appropriation of $30,000 is asked to widen the lately improved channel between Pell Point and Town Dock, and to build 2,500 feet of diking between Town Dock and Goose Island. Amount necessary to be appropriated for the entire completion of original project, $82,500. The special benefits to be derived from the improvement are the bet- ter maintenance of the improved channel, greater facilities afforded to vessels for reaching the upper wharves of the river adjacent to East Chester, Mount Vernon, and other towns, whereby supplies may be brought and products shipped at less cost to the inhabitants of the valley. July 1, 1883, amount available-------------------------------------.......................................... $7,081 80 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 183.................................--.....- ... 7,000 30 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................ 81 50 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....----------...... 82,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in~fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix G 3.) 4. GanarsieBay, New York. The object of this improvement is to connect Canarsie Landing with the deep water of Jamaica Bay by a chan- nel having a depth of 6 feet at mean low water, the original depth be- ing only 4J feet across the flats. The original project, adopted in 1879, contemplated the construction of an interior tidal basin by means of timber dikes, and no important amendments, alterations, or additions thereto have been made. The amount expended to close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $18,000. The condition of the uncompleted improvement at that time was the excavation of a channel 50 feet wide, with 6 feet depth at mean low water, through Jamaica Bay, extending up to Canarsie Landing, and the construction of a timber dike on the north side 1,000 feet long. No work was done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. By act of July 5, 1884, $5,000 was appropriated for continuing im- provement. It will be applied in repairing and extending north dike and in deepening inner channel by dredging. The appropriation of $25,000 asked for will be applied in building the timber dike projected for the south side and in extending the dredged RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 109 channel a short distance beyond the west end of the north dike. The benefit to be expected is the better maintenance of the improved chan- nel, and an increased encouragement to the shipping and fishing indus- tries of the harbor, which are now estimated at $1,500,000 annually. Four or five hundred vessels of all classes are engaged in the fishing trade alone. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... $5,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project,......... 65,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix G 4.) 5. Sheepshead Bay, New York.-The original condition of the naviga- ble channel was, for the entrance, a depth of little over 2 feet at mean low water, and for the interior channel not less than 4 feet, except at two narrow bulkheads across said channel. The originally adopted project (1879), with a proviso, however, not to be commenced should the movement of Rockaway Inlet be likely to interfere, was to deepen the entrance by means of converging jetties, and to improve the interior channel by longitudinal dikes, so placed as in some instances to form tidal reservoirs for the scour of the channel. The project was revised in 1881, and provides for excavating a chan- nel at the outlet to connect the bay with Dead Horse Inlet and to dredge the interior channel. The amount expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $715.90, and the amount available at that date for con- tinuing the improvement was $10,284.10; $10,260.35 of which were ex- pended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. During the year a cut, 1,600 feet long and 40 feet wide, affording 4 feet depth at mean low water, was excavated between the bay and Dead Horse Inlet, and since the close of the work the channel has been well maintained. This is the first work of improvement under the project. The amount of material removed under contract was 20,000 cubic yards. By act of July 5, 1884, $5,000 was appropriated for continuing the improvement. It will be applied in widening the channel at the en- trance. The local engineer recommends $20,000 for still further widening and deepening the entrance channel and in removal of shoals from the inner harbor, so that vessels may enter with facility from the sea. This is a small sheltered harbor, used principally by fishing vessels of light draught, and with 6 feet depth at the entrance may be made an important distributing point for supplies of coal, lumber, building materials, &c., to the inhabitants on the east shore of Long Island, near Jamaica and Sheepshead Bay. The community is a growing and prosperous one, and the commerce is estimated at $1,000,000 annually. The benefit to be expected from the appropriation is greater facilities for vessels entering the harbor, better maintenance of the improved channel, and greater encouragement to a commerce just developing, and which promises to be large and lucrative. July 1,1883, amount available .......................................... $10,284 10 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883------------- .................------------------------------..................... 10,260 35 July 1,1884, amount available ......................................... 23 75 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 5,023 75 110 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ....----....--. -84,000 f0 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix G 5.) 6. Sumpawanus Inlet, New York.-The original project, which was adopted in 1880, provided for the dredging of a channel from 100 to 150 feet in width and 5 feet deep at mean low water, has not been modified. The original navigable depth was 2 feet mean low water. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $6,893.07, and at that date an improved channel existed 1,000 feet long and 75 feet wide and 5 feet deep, mean low water, connecting the long wharf with the 5-foot curve of the bay, and cuts around the wharf were made for the conveni- ence of vessels using the inlet as a refuge during easterly gales. The original amount estimated to complete the project was $23,115, but owing to increased cost of dredging under small appropriations the estimate should bp increased to $40,000. The amount available July 1, 1883, for continuing the improvement was $106.93. ,No work was done during the year. An appropriation of $10,000 is asked to extend the improved channel in accordance with the original project, so as to enlarge the area of pro- tection for vessels taking refuge in the inlet. The benefit resulting from the improvement will be an increased pro- tection to vessels making the harbor during easterly gales, and extend- ing the commerce of the harbor by enabling large vessels to go there. Babylon is a wealthy town of 5,000 souls. The tonnage of merchandise carried annually to the station by rail is estimated at 250,000 tons. Two hundred vessels use the harbor. The money value of the commerce to be benefited by the improve- ment is $500,000 to $750,000 annually. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $106 93 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ..................................... 106 93 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 33, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 188i. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix G 6.) 7. Cheesequakes Creek, New Jersey.-The original condition of the chan- nel over the bar or shoal at the mouth gives a depth of 1 foot at mean low water for about three-fourths of the length to be improved, and for the remaining portion a depth from 4 feet to l- feet at low water. The course of the creek is very crooked and requires to be straight- ened. The originally adopted project (1879) for the improvement was to change the outlet into a direction at right angles to the beach; to sus- tain this direction by parallel jetties of stone, and to straighten the course of the creek and increase the depth in the upper portions thereof. The amount expended to close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $28,534.59. At that date the east and west rubble stone-jetties had been built 925 and 995 feet long, respectively, and a channel between them 650 feet long, 65 feet wide, and 5 feet deep, mean low water, had been excavated. The amount available for continuing the improvement July 1, 1883, was $11,465.41, of which amount $11,434.14 were expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. During the year the jetties were raised to their projected level; the channel between them was widened to 100 feet and extended 500 feet beyond their outer end to the 5-foot curve of the bay, and the old out- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 111 let to creek was closed by a sheet-pile revetment 532 feet long, connect- ing on the one side with the heel of the west jetty, and on the other with the embankment of the Long Branch Rail oad. The draw across the old outlet has been closed and a new draw-bridge built over the improved channel with a draw opening 40 feet in the clear. The amount required for the entire and l)ermanent completion of the project, according to revised estimate, is $50,000. The appropriation asked for will be ,appliedin extending the jetties and maintaining them in repair, and in deepening the river on the in- side in accordance with the approved poject. The benefit to be expected is the better maintenance of the channel depth of 5 feet for vessels of that draught. The commerce of the river has not materially changed during the year. The number of vessels using the harbor is 538, with a tonnage of 46,137 tons. The money value of the commerce is estimated at $217,000 annually. $11,465 41 July 1, 1883, amrount availal le........................................------------------- July 1. 1884, amount expended during fiscal ear, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.-.. .. ... .. ..-......... . 11,434 14 July 1, 1884, amount available..... ...... ...... 31 27 ......----.....------------............. Amount (estimated) required for (ompletion of existing project.......... 50, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 5, 000 00 (See Appendix G 7.) 8. Passaic River above Newark, New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1872, and provides for the removal of rock and other ob- structions between Newark and the head of navigation, so as to afford a sufficient channel 6 feet deep at mean low water, the original navi- gable depth being 2J feet mean low water. The total amount exl)ende1 to June 30, 1883, was $111,600.88, and has resulted in securing a 6-foot channel of 75 feet width, mean low water, from Midland Bridge to Passaic. The amount available July 1, 1883, for continuing the improvement was $9,399.12. Sealed prol)posals were opened July27, 1883, and the contract awarded to the lowest bidder, for excavating a channel through the shoals between the Midland Railroad Bridge and Newark. The contract was completed December 19, after the removal of 19,190 cubic yards of sand and gravel. The amount expended during the year ending June 30, 1884, was $8,827.28. The work accomplished was the opening of a channel 1,200 feet long and 60 feet wide, with 6 feet depth, above Clark's Spool Factory, and a channel 2,300 feet long and 75 feet wide above Point Pleasant. The local engineer invites attention to the report of April 10, 1884,. transmitting chart of survey of the river from Passaic to Paterson, made in compliance with act of August 2, 1882, which will be found in Appendix G 27 of this Report. The navigation of the river is now practicable throughout the year from Newark to Passaic for river boats drawing 4- to 5- feet. At Passaic navigation is obstructed by the Dundee Dam, built by a company possessing a State charter to build a canal from Passaic to Dundee Lake above the dam. It is not advisable to improve the river above the dam until this 112 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. company opens the canial under its charter. This question is now before the State courts. The appropriation of $3,000, act July 5,1884, will be applied to main- taining the improved channel. The appropriation of $10,000 asked for will be applied towards widen- ing the channel lately opened below the Midland Railroad Bridge and in maintaining those previously opened over other obstructing bars towards Passaic. The combined manufacturing interests of Passaic and Paterson are estimated at $15,000,000. The benefit to be expected is the improved navigable facilities of the river, causing an increase of commerce with a diminution of expense to manufacturers and producers. Original estimate for improvement (Annual Report Chief of Engineers for 1872, page807) ......................................... ........ $151,349 00 Amount expended to include appropriation of July 5, 1884 .............. 124,000 00 July 1, 1883, amount available ..........-................................ ---- 9,399 12 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 8, 827 28 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................------------ .... 571 84 Amiount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 3, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 3, 571 84 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 127, 349 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix G 8.) 9. PassaicRiver, from PennsylvaniaRailroad Bridge to its mouth, New Jersey.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1880, and provides for the formation and maintenance of a channel 200 feet wide and 10 feet deep at mean low water, from the Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge, at Centre street, Newark, to Newark Bay; the navigable depth at the beginning of improvement being less than 7 feet mean low water. The amount expended to close of fiscal year ending June 30 1883, was $94,174.70; at that date there was a completed dike at the entrance 2,0034 feet long; and an improved channel was opened from the en- trance 3,300 feet above the toll-bridge. At the entrance the channel had a width of 400 feet; thence to the New York and Newark Bridge 200 feet, and thence only 100 feet wide. The amount available for improvement July 1, 1883, was $28,825.30. At that date a contract for dredging was in progress and continued to May 27, 1884, when it expired. The material removed during the year was 110,221 cubic yards, mak- ing the aggregate removed under the contract 165,288 cubic yards. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $28,816.77. The improved channel was carried to the Centre Street Bridge, New- ark, the extreme limit of the project for the river improvement, but the width of the upper reach nowhere exceeds 125 feet, or 75 feet, less than what the approved plans call for. During the winter the dike was injured slightly by the ice, and the meadow at the shore cut away by fishermen to afford a passage around the dike for row-boats. The cut was closed and the repairs made at slight expense. The local engineer reports that Newark Bay has shoaled a great deal near Passaic Light since the Coast Survey map of 1872 was prepared, RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 113 and recommends that the prqject for improvement be extended by pro- longing the dike at the entrance to Passaic River 8,000 feet through the bay below its present southern end, and by dredging a channel 200 feet wide through the shoal abreast Passaic Light, at a total estimated cost of $121,000. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriated $25,000 in continuing the im- provement of the Passaic River and the shoals in Newark Bay. It will be applied probably in Newark Bay. An appropriation of $75,000 is asked to complete the improvement projected for the Passaic River and to commence the improvement in Newark Bay projected by the local engineer. The city of Newark has a population of 150,000 souls, and the money invested in manufactures is estimated at $31,000,000. The estimated annual tonnage of the Passaic River is 1,200,000 tons, and is carried by over 22,000 vessels. The benefit to be expected by the improvement is the greater facili- ties afforded to the immense shipping and manufacturing interests at Newark and vicinity for reaching home and foreign markets by the great highway of the Passaic River and Newark Bay at diminished cost to the manufacturer and producer. Since the navigable depth in the river of 7 feet in 1878 was increased to 10 feet in 1882, the revenue collected at Newark has increased three- fold. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................------------------------------------.. $28, 825 30 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 28,816 77 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................------------------------------------------... 8 53 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 25,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885- .......--......--...... - 25, 008 53 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 181, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75, 000 00 (See Appendix G 9.) 10. Channel between Staten Island and New Jersey.-The project for this improvement, framed in 1873 and revised in 1880, provides for the excavation of a channel 400 feet wide from the east side of Shooter's Island to the deep water of Arthur's Kill, the central portion of which for a width of 200 feet shall be 13 feet deep at mean low water, and the residue 12 feet. Training-dikes were included in the project to maintain the channels once opened by dredging. The original condition of the navigable channel was a depth at the shoalest part of 9J to 10 feet at mean low water, and was not therefore available for the vast commerce passing through it. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $92,204 62, and the amount available July 1, 1883, was $1,795.38. No work was done during the year. The appropriation of $10,000, act of July 5, 1884, will be applied towards widening the existing deep-water channel. The channel has not seriously deteriorated since work on the improve- ment was suspended for want of funds. The local engineer recommends that the entire channel width of 400 feet be deepened uniformly to 13 feet, and that the projected training-dike on the south side opposite Elizabethport be built. The appropriation ($50,000) asked for will be applied to these improvements. 5908 EN-8 114 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The total annual tonnage of the channel is estimated at 16,500,000 tone, having a money value of $61,592,000. The benefit to be expected from these improvements for which an appropriation is asked is greater facilities to large vessels for the navi- gation of the channel, and the better maintenance of the improved channel. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................--------------------------------------.. $1,795 38 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................................... .... 1, 795 38 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885- ......-............ 11,795 38 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 81,705 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25,000 00 (See Appendix G 10.) 11. Shrewsbury River, New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1879 and provides for the formation of a channel 6 feet in depth at mean low water from the entrance of the Shrewsbury River to Upper Rocky Point on the North Branch, and to Jumping Point on the South Branch. The original condition of the navigable channel was 4.3 feet mean low water at the entrance, and only 2.3 feet mean low water.in the South Branch. The amount expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $181,544.94. At that time there had been built the dikes at the junction of North and South branches, 3,650 feet long; a short dike in the North Branch near Barley Point; a dike 523 feet long on the east side, and one 1,600 feet long on west side of entrance to Pleasure Bay, South Branch, and a dike on the east side of entrance to main channel at Crane Point, 4,021 feet long. Channels with widths varying from 100 to 150 feet, and 6 feet deep at mean low water, had been excavated in the main stem and both branches, affording convenient navigation to boats drawing 41 to 5 feet of water, to Branchport in the South Branch and Red Bank in the North Branch at all stages of the tide. The channel over bar at entrance below Crane Point is only 75 feet wide, and does not nearly meet the demands of commerce. The amount available July 1, 1883, for continuing the improvement was $12,955.06, and a contract was in progress for deepening the en- trance to the South Branch. The contract expired October 30, after the removal of 31,415 cubic yards of material, resulting in opening a channel 2,200 feet long, 100 to 125 feet wide, and 6 feet deep, mean low water. Owing to the want of more diking, these channels have not yet been made self. sustaining. Amount expended during fiscal year ending June 30,1884, $12,367.25. The local engineer recommends the appropriation of $50,000 for build- ing 1,400 feet of diking in the North Branch, for deepening South Branch to Seabright, and for deepening and widening the channel at the en- trance to the main river below Crane Point, of which $25,000 is asked for the next fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. The annual tonnage of the river is estimated at 520,000 tons, having an estimated value of $3,000,000. Four steamboats and thirteen hun- dred sailing vessels do the carrying trade. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 115 The benefit to be expected is a more convenient navigation of the river for the increasing fleet of vessels which use it, the encourage- ment afforded to a large and healthy commerce, and the relief from ex- cessive rates of railroad companies which have oppressed producers. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $12,955 06 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities, July 1, 1883........-----------------......-------......-----....------....--......-......---....-.... 12, 367 25 July 1, 1884, amount available............------------------.......-...--..........-...... 587 81 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........----------. 50, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25,000 00 (See Appendix G 11.) 12. Rahway River, New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1878, and contemplates a channel 8 feet deep at high water, and vary- ing in width from 125 to 100 feet from Bricktown up to Main Street Bridge, in the town of Rahway. The original depth in shoalest places before improvement was 4 feet mean high water. The amount expended up to close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $33,464.98. At that time the channel through east draw had reached a point 75 feet above Chamberlain's Rock, and that through the west draw had been carried 450 feet beyond the bridge. The amount available July 1, 1883, for continuing the improvement was $3,535.02, and a contract was in pi ogress. The contract expired August 31, 1883. During the fiscal year $3,334.32 were expended, and 4,144 cubic yards of material were removed, and under the contract 8,309 cubic yards. The improved channel is now 100 feet wide from Milton Avenue Bridge to a part 100 feet above the lower end of Brewster's Dock; be- yond that part the east channel has been extended 350 feet, with a width of 50 feet. The local engineer recommends an appropriation of $3,000 to extend the west side of channel to the limit of improvement reached by the east channel, and to widen the channel below Tappan's Wharf to 100 feet. Rahway has a population of 8,000 and is a manufacturing town of importance. The annual tonnage of the river carried in canal barges and small sailing craft is 50,000 tons annually. The benefit to be expected from the improvement recommended is the increased facility which will be afforded for the navigation of the river. July 1, 1883, amount available ......-..----------... ..... .................. $3, 535 02 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...........------------.--------....---....--......----....--....-----..--....--.. -3, 334 32 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 200 70 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ..-...... 29,250 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 3.000 00 (See Appendix G 12.) 13. Elizabeth River, New Jersey.-The improvement of this river was commenced in 1879 in accordance with the authorized project, which contemplates the formation of a channel 60 feet wide and 7 feet deep at mean high water from the mouth of the river to the head of navigation at Stone Bridge, at the Broad-street crossing. 116 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The original depth in shoalest part before improvement was 3 feet mean high water. The amount expended up to close of fiscal year ending June 30,1883, was $21,553.05, and the improved channel, 25 to 50 feet wide, and 7 feet mean high water, was carried to a point 1,600 feet above South Bridge. The amount available July 1, 1883, for continuing the improvement was $5,446.95, and a contract was in progress for its expenditure. The contract expired August 21, 1883. The amount of material removed during the fiscal year was 6,952 cubic yards, and the total under the contract was 11,094 cubic yards. The amount expended during the year was $4,845.31. The approved project was completed so far as the present wants of commerce require by the extension of the improved channel 50 feet wide and 7 feet deep mean high water, to near Bridge Street Bridge. The annual tonnage of the river is 30,000 tons, approximately. The boats are canal barges and small sailing craft. July 1, 1883, amount available..............................._........$5,446 95 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............... ................................ 4,845 31 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 601 64 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.:........ 16,160 00 (See Appendix G 13.) 14. Woodbridge Greek, New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1878, and contemplates the formation of a channel 80 feet wide and 12 feet deep at mean high water, from the entrance to Town Dock. The original depth at the entrance before improvement was 91 feet mean high water, and at Town Dock 61 feet mean high water. The amount expended up to close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $19,000 and the improved channel had been carried, 50 feet wide and 12 feet deep mean high water, to Cutter's Clay Dock, and thence 25 feet wide to Valentine's Dock. The channel between Valentine's Dock and Town Dock, the present head of navigation, is 80 feet wide and 9 feet deep mean high water. The result of improvements has been to give 12 feet mean high water at the entrance, and 9 feet mean high water at Town Dock, where originally only 9J feet mean high water and 6J feet respectively existed. The stream is a very important one, owing to the valuable clay de- posits on its banks, where many manufactories exist. The average annual tonnage of the river for a series of years has been 120,000 tons and is carried in 1,200 vessels of all classes. The money value of the manufacturing interests is estimated at $500,000. The local engineer recommends an appropriation of $10,000 for com- pleting the project by extending the improved channel to the head of navigation at Town Dock. of which $4,000 is asked. The benefit to be expected, based on the experience of the past two years, is a great encouragement to the manufacturers of the valley and increased commercial facilities. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ............ 10, 000 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886.. 4,000 (See Appendix G 14.) 15. ManasquawRiver, New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1879, and has for its object the opening of a direct channel-way across RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 117 the beach, and protecting the same from the flow of the tidal currents between the river and the ocean so as to obtain and maintain a suitable depth for the passage of vessels similar to those now employed on the basins of the river above its mouth, and for coaster's of light draught, the original depth oin the outer bar varying from 1 foot to 1 feet mean low water. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $38,998.47. No work was done during the year. At the date of suspension of work the oondition of the improvement was the construction of the north jetty 1,515 feet long, and of the south jetty 475 feet. The channel between the jetties is 200 feet wide, and the water therein is 6 feet deep at mean low water; the least water on the bar is 3 to 31 feet mean low water. The inner harbor has 4 to 6 feet depth mean low water. During the year the shoal near Stump Point on the inside has grown to the southward, forcing the currents toward the south jetty during ebb tides, and causing a small cutting around the shore end of that jetty. The local engineer recommends that the shoal be removed, the south jetty extended inshore to a proper and secure anchorage in the adjacent meadow, and that both jetties be extended outwards a distance of 300 feet. An appropriation of $30,000 is asked for these improvements. The benefit to be expected is an increased depth of water over the bar, an improved and more convenient harbor for coasting vessels, a better maintenance of the improved channel, and the development of an im- portant commerce with New York Harbor. The Manasquan and tributaries drains 80 square miles. The farms are rich and productive, and the commerce is small only because pro- ducers have no convenient outlet to sea. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................----------------------------------------... $1 53 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................................................ 1 53 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 33,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix G 15.) 16. Raritan Bay, New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel 300 feet wide and 21 feet deep at mean low water to connect the deep water to the west of Seguine Point with the deep waters at the Amboys. The least depth on the shoal at the time the improvement began was only 141 feet at mean low water, and the channel was not therefore available for deep-draught vessels at all stages of the tide. The amount expended up to close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $62,984.81. At that date a channel had been opened 8,000 feet long, 135 feet wide and 21 feet deep, mean low water. The amount available for continuing the improvement, July 1, 1883, was $37,015.19, and a contract was in progress. The contract expired October 31, and the improved channel, 8,000 feet long, had been carried entirely across the shoal for a full width of 240 feet, except on the western end for the last 2,000 feet, where it is only 200 feet wide. Amount expended during year ending June 30,1884, was $35,324.03. The appropriation of $20,000 of July 5, 1884, will be applied in widen- ing arhd deepening the channel. 118 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U., S. ARMY. The local engineer recommends $45,000 for completing the project and for widening and deepening the channel around Ward's Print, Staten Island, so that vessels drawing 20 feet may reach Perth Amboy at all stages of the tide. The annual tonnage of the channel is estimated at 2,000,000 tons, it is carried in about 5,000 vessels and steamers, and has an estimated value of $10,000,000 annually. The benefit to be expected from improvements is the increased facil- ities which will be given to deep-draught vessels in reaching the wharves at Perth Amboy, at all stages of the tide, without necessitating their detention in the lower bay. July 1, 1883, amount available------- $37, 015 19 ...... .--.....-----.....-......-------.---------....- July 1, 1484, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .............-...... . .. ................ 35,324 03 ... July 1, 1884, amount available.... ................................... 1,691 16 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 21, 691 16 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 45,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 45, 000 00 (See Appendix G 16.) 17. Raritan River, New Jersey (in charge of Col. John Newton, Corps of Engineers, to March 27, 1884).-The original condition of the navigation was an intricate channel at the Stakes of 7 feet at mean low water, and of 6.1 feet on the Middle Ground and of 7 to 8 feet at mean low water upon the other shoals as far up as New Brunswick. The originally adopted project was to dike and dredge at the Stakes and Middle Ground and to remove other shoals up to New Brunswick, so as to make a channel 200 feet wide and at least 10 feet deep at mean low water, and no modification has been made. The amount expended to close of fiscal year 9 nding June 30, 1883, was $394,200.53. The c6ndition of the improvement at that time was the completion of the dikes at the Stakes and Middle Ground, the channel at the Stakes everywhere over 12 feet at mean low water except for a short distance where it was dredged to only 9feetdeep, mean low water; the dredging of a channel at the Middle Ground 5,300 feet long, average width 130 feet, and 12 feet deep mean low water; the dredging of the South Chan- nel 2,520 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 51 feet deep mean low water; and the excavation of a channel through the rocky shoal at Whitehead's Sand Dock, by drilling, blasting, and dredging 1,000, feet long, 134 feet wide, and 12 feet deep at mean low water. The amount available July 1, 18,83, was $15,979.47. The amount ex- pended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $15,239.59. The channel at Whitehead's Sand Dock has been widened to 160feet by the removal of 3,173 cubic yards of rock in place, and theecut in the South Channel has been extended to 4,000 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 5- feet deep mean low water, by the removal of 6,929 cubic yards of ma- terial by dredging. By act of July 5, 1884, $35,000 was appropriated for continuing the improvement. It will be applied towards the widening of the cut through the shoal above Whitehead's Sand Dock so as to make it full 200 feet wide, affording 12 feet depth at mean low water. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent comple- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 119 tion of the work of improvement in accordance with the approved and adopted projects is $1,648,662.05. The appropriation of $60,000 asked for will be applied towards the removal of 5,000 cubic yards of rock in place by drilling, blasting, and dredging; and the dredging of 65,000 cubic yards of gravel and sand from rocky shoals so as to extend the navigable channel beyond Mar- tin's Dock. The annual tonnage of the river is 2,000,000 tons, approximately, and is carried in over 20,000 vessels, average draught 7 feet. The money value of the commerce benefited by the improvement is estimated as $40,000,000 annually. The benefit to be expected from the improvement is that accruing to a large local commerce between New Jersey and New York, and to that extensive inter-State commerce which exists between Now York and the States to the southward which are reached by the Delaware and Raritan Canal. July 1, 1883, amount available, ....................................... $15,979 47 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ------------------------------------------ 15,239 59 July 1, 1884, amount available.............................. 739 88 ........---------------------------------------- Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--------------------.................... 35,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 35,739 88 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-------........ 1,648, 662 05 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscalyear ending June30,1886. 60,000 00 (See Appendix G 17.) 18. Mattawan Greek, New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1881, the object being to afford a channel 100 feet wide and 4 deep at mean low water from the mouth to railroad crossing in the town of Mattawan. The original depth was 2 feet mean low water in a narrow channel, and it was not therefore available for commerce. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $21,000. At thatdate the improved channel 60 feet wide and 4 feet deep at mean low water was extended to 600 feet above Brick Factory, and thence to the head of navigation 30 feet wide, except at Ellis's Dock, where it was 60 feet wide. No money was expended during the year and no work done. The channel is in fair navigable condition, but is too narrow just be- low Ellis's Dock for vessels to reach easily the town dock of Mattawan. The sum of $9,000 will be required to widen and deepen the upper part of the river and at or near mouth of Winkson's Creek; the project will then be completed. Five thousand dollars is asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. This improvement benefits an area of 50 square miles, which has a population of 9,000 souls approximately. The tonnage is 132,000 tons gross tonnage capacity of vessels annu- ally, and the money value of freight carried is $2,700,000 annually. The direct benefit to the people arising from the improvement is the relief from high transportation rates of the railroads for the transporta- tion of products and supplies, a more conveniently navigable channel, and an increased coinmerge of the river. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-- ....-----.... -$12,120 00 Amount that canbe profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix G 18.) 120 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 19. Keyport Harbor,New Jersey.-The present project was adopted in 1873, and provides for a channel 200 feet wide, 4,700 feet long, and 8 feet deep, mean low water, from Keyport Wharf to the 8-foot curve, mean low water, of Raritan Bay. The original condition of the navigable channel was a depth of only 5J feet, mean low water, and was not, therefore, available for com- merce except at half-tide. The appropriation of $30,475, act of August 2, 1882, was the first made for this improvement. The amount expended to close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $803.77, and resulted in the removal of 1,863 cubic yards of mate- rial. The amount available for continuing the improvement July 1, 1883, was $29,671.23, and a contract was in progress for its expenditure. During the year 112,299 cubic yards of material were dredged, aggre- gating under the contract 114,162 cubic yards, resulting in the open- ing of a channel 500 feet long and 8 feet deep, mean low water, from the city steamboat dock to the 8-foot curve of the bay. This channel has a uniform width of 200 feet, except for a short length on the inside between the two wharves. Amount expended during fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $28,368.29. The gross tonnage of the vessels using the channel is estimated at 1,800,000; the money value of the freight carried is estimated at $5,000,000. Three regular steamers, with an average tonnage of 500 tons each, and 125 sloops, varying in tonnage from 15 to 100 tons, do the carrying trade. The local engineer recommends an appropriation of $10,000 for completing the project. The benefit to be expected from the im- provement is the securing of more efficient port for the shipment of the products of a rich agriculturaldistrictcomprising seven townships, with a population of 21,000 people, and for the importation of supplies, merchandise, coal, and lumber. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $29,671 23 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883------------........ -------...... -----.... -- ---------....---.......... ----. 28,368 29 July 1, 1884, amount available.....-........................---......-..... 1,302 94 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix G 19.) 20. AS'outh River, New Jersey (in charge of Col. John Newton, Corps of Engineers, to March 27, 1884).-The original condition of the navi- gable channel was: A false direction of the canal mouth; a depth there at mean low water of 3. feet; thence up to Little Washington depths varying from 3.1 to 11.6 feet at mean low water; thence to Bissett's brick-yard depths varying from 2.8 to 10.1 feet at mean low water; and thence to Old Bridge depths varying from 2.1 to 12.5 feet at mean low water. There are'also several sharp bends above Little Washington, where it will be expedient to straighten the course occasionally by cuts. The originally adopted project, which has not been modified, was: To change the outlet of the canal; to close the natural course of the river below Tetits; to dike and to dredge in order to obtain 8 feet at mean low water up to Little Washington; thence to straighten the course, dike, and dredge up to Bissett's brick-yard in order to obtain 6 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 121 feet at mean low water; and, finally, to straighten the course, dike, and dredge to Old Bridge in order to obtain 4 feet at mean.low water. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $52,109.32. At that date the condition of the improvement was the removal and reconstruction of a portion of a wharf at the junc- tion of the Raritan River and the South River Canal, the construction of Dikes A, B, C, and D at the north end of the canal-the last one filled with stone and the others only partially filled-and aggregating in length 2,779 feet. During the year, under contract in progress July 1,1883, Dikes E and F were built, the former on right bank of South River, above head of canal. The aggregate length of these two dikes is 3,117 feet. The con- tract was closed in September. A small shoal above Little Washington, in the channel, abreast the head of Little Ditch, was cut away by the pump of the drill-scow, by which the channel was widened 40 feet for a distance of 300 feet. The amount of material removed was 2,222 cubic yards. The amount expended during the year was $3,538.11, with some ad- vantage to commerce. The estimated amount for the entire and permanent completion of the work, in accordance with the approved and adopted project, is $138,695. The appropriation of $5,000 asked for will be applied to continuing the improvement. The commerce of the river amounted during the year to 350,000 tons, having a money value of $1,600,000. On the South River and tributaries interested in the improvement there are in active operation thirty-six manufactories of different kinds. It is expected that the execution of the plans of improvement pro- jected will increase the tonnage arising from all, and give encourage- ment to the erection of other establishments. July 1, 1883, amouit available.......................................... $3, 920 74 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 3,538 11 ----------- July 1, 1884, amount available .........-................................ 382 63 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 138,695 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix G 20.) 21. Removal of sunken vessels or craft obstructing or endangering navi- gatio.-The contractor for the removal of the wreck of the iron steamer Nankin, lying in the Swash Channel at the entrance of New York Har- bor, began work on the 4th of August, 1883, and up to the close of the fiscal year has removed 430 tons of iron, taken principally from the forward part of the vessel. The portion of the wreck which has been removed comprises the stem and 87 feet of keel, covering 100 feet of forward part, 135 feet of star- board side, 190 of port side, the boiler and the main deck aft of the boilers to within 40 to 50 feet of the stern. The local engineer in charge has sold, during the year, to the highest bidder, under authority of the Secretary of War, 287 tons of iron, from which $4,052 were realized, and covered into the Treasury without rebate. The contract has been extended to January 1, 1885, and advance payments will be allowed in future to the contractor, based upon the 122 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OH ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. amount of iron he removes, conditioned that the wreck shall be wholly removed, and that the aggregate of the advance payment shall not exceed the sum of $27,000, the gross contract value of the original contract. (See Appendix G 21.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were, after preliminary examination, reporte by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement.by the General Government, and the work not a public necessity. 1. From Deal to Seabright, on the New Jersey coast, with a view to building a breakwater to protect the shore and harbor at Long Branch. (See Appendix G 22.) 2. Channel from Pearsall's Dock to Flat Greek, in Hempstead Bay, Queens County, New York. (See Appendix G 23.) Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made by him, as required by the above act, Major Gillespie was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 80, Forty-eighth Con- gress, first session. 1. Newtown Creek, from its mouth to Metropolitan avenue, in Brooklyn, New York. (See Appendix G 24.) 2. ShoaI Harbor and Compton's Creek, New Jersey. (See Appendix G 25.) And also printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 118, Forty-eighth Con- gress, first session. 3. North River, in front of Jersey City and Hoboken, to determine what is necessary to permanently deepen the channel on the New Jersey side. (See Appendix G 26.) And pi'inted as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 164, same session. 4. Passaic River between Passaic and Paterson,New Jersey. (See Appendix G 27.) IMPROVEMENT O DELAWARE AND SCHUYLKILL RIVERS, AND OF NORTH BRANCH OF THE SUSQUEHANNA-OF RIVERS IN NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE--HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS IN DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY-CONSTRUCTION OF PIER AT LEWES-DELAWARE BREAK- WATER. Officers in charge, Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, until his death, March 19, 1884; Lieut. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, from that date to April 12; since which time Maj. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers, with Lieutenant Casey under his immediate orders. 1. Delaware River between Trenton, New Jersey, and Bridesburg, Penn- sylvania.-A survey of this part of the Delaware River was authorized by act of July 11, 1870, limited to that portion between Trenton and Bordentown. It was made in the fall of 1870, and developed the fact that in the original condition of this portion of the river there was only a single serious obstruction, situated at Periwig Island, about 3 miles below the Trenton Bridge. This obstruction consisted of a shoal about 800 yards in length, with only 3 feet of water over it at low tide. The original project adopted for the improvement was to excavate a cut through the shoal so as to provide a channel 200 feet wide and 6 feet deep at low water, at an estimated cost of $75,000. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 123 To the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876, the sum of $45,000 had been expended on this portion of the river, and none since, because it had become evident that dredging alone would not suffice to maintain a. good channel at Periwig Island. The channel, which at the end of the work had been found to be 120 feet wide and 6 feet deep at low water, had Aiminished in August, 1878, to 75 feet in width and from 4 to 4J feet in depth. Nothing has been expended on this part of the river since the close ,of the work in 1876. No further appropriations were made until June 18, 1878, when $10,000 were granted, with the limits extended to White Hill, the next point below Bordentown. The title of the appropriation had been changed by the act of 1 78 to improvement of Delaware River between Trenton and White Hill. On September 16, 1878, a project was adopted for the expenditure of this appropriation in deepening the eastern channel of the river in front of Bordentown to 7 feet. The original condition of the navigable channel at this point was such that only from 4 to 41 feet could be carried to the mouth of the Dela- ware and Raritan Canal. The amount expended on this additional project and accessory works to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $42,724.28. At that date the channel in the vicinity of Bordentown, which had a least depth of 7 feet and least width of about 50 feet on June 30, 1882, had been further increased and improved. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $3,042.95 was expended, and resulted in the removal of 6,120 cubic yards of material. A total of 17,548 cubic yards were removed under the last appropria- tion in a further increase and improvement of the improved channel near Bordentown. The advantages and benefits to navigation will be to facilitate the large commerce of the Delaware and Raritan Canal from or to its en- trance to and from Philadelphia and other points, and facilitate the navigation of the river to Trenton. The appropriation for Delaware River by the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884, is in one sum, instead, as heretofore, separately made for different parts of the river, and amounts to $200,000 for improve- ments between Trenton and the mouth, of which not exceeding $10,000 shall be expended above Bridesburg. A project for the application of this is under consideration. July 1, 1883, amount available.-..-....................................... $2,825 56 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 2,592 79 July 1, 1884, amount available---- --------------.-..-..-...... 232 77 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...... .............. 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 10,232 77 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 65,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886.* (See Appendix H 1.) 2. Delaware River, below Bridesburg, Pennsylvania.-Duringthe past fiscal year operations with the funds from the appropriation of August 2, 1882, have been continued near Petty's Island in the main ship- * Included in the estimate of $300,000 for improving Delaware River from Trenton to its mouth, as printed in Book of Estimates. 124 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. channel opposite Port Richmond, at Smith's Island Bar, Mifflin Bar, and Bulkhead Shoals, and the survey of the Delaware River in front of Philadelphia. At the head of Petty's Island, near Five-Mile Point, there was but 6 to 7 feet depth originally. There is now a channel 9 feet deep at low water anid 200 feet wide, and it is proposed to deepen this to 12 feet. The work at Petty's Island Bar was commenced in 1879. There were but 14 feet at low water in the channel. The original project contem- plated the deepening of the channel to 24 feet, and of ample width to accommodate the heaviest draught vessels seeking the upper part of the port'of Philadelphia. The dhannel was dredged to this depth, and to a width of about 225 feet, by the removal of upwards of 200,000 cubic yards of sand, gravel, and bowlders. Between the deep-water channel and the Philadelphia shore, or rather the ends of the piers projecting from the shore, the depth of water is much less than 24 feet; it has, therefore, been the object to push or widen this channel as close as pos- sible to these piers, so as to accommodate the rapidly increasing com- merce of this part of the city of Philadelphia. The improvements made by private capital in this locality, by build- ing wharves, elevators, &c., in anticipation of the work inaugurated by the Government, have been much more rapid than our work could be pushed with the limited apprppriations available. A small portion of the channel cut has deteriorated, and may continue to do so until much more material is dredged away, or until some means are taken to force an increased volume of tidal water through the cut channel to produce a scour sufficient to prevent accumulation of sand and probably aid in producing, as well as maintaining, a channel; and it is thought by the officer in charge that this can be safely and econonm- ically done by means of a deflecting dike extending from the Jersey shore towards the head of Petty's Island, the dike to be as long as may be necessary to produce the required result. The estimated cost of dredging alone to get deep water close to the Port Richmond piers is $250,000, besides the $116,000 already spent there; but a dredged channel without auxiliary aids will require a large annual expenditure for maintenance. The dike itself is estimated to cost about $30,000, and will probably produce effective results. The extension and widening of this channel past Port Richmond has thus far been of immense benefit to the commerce of the port, and is probably the most valuable improvement on the whole river. At Smith's Island Bar there was a navigable capacity of 6 feet across the bar. The river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, provided that $11,000 of the $136,000 appropriated for the Delaware River below Bridesburg should be expended here. A survey of the Delaware River in front of Philadelphia, authorized by the same act, was finished and a report thereon submitted. On January 22 last a project was adopted for the improvement of Smith's Island Bar, and the work of making a channel directly to the northward of the island is now in progress. Up to June 30, 1884, 23,394 cubic yards of material had been removed, and the channel was 225 feet wide and not less than 10 feet deep at mean low water. A shoal near Greenwich lies in midchannel opposite the lower part of the city of Philadelphia, and -has 17 feet of water on it, and to get 24 feet depth of water over it requires the removal of about 250, 000 cubic yards of material. No work has been done:on this obstruction for the reason that the other improvements above and below were far RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 125 more important. It is thought by the officer in charge that if the shoal was removed the improvement would be permanent. Opposite the lower part of the city of Philadelphia the river widens and makes a bend of nearly 90 degrees, and large shoals extend from both banks. This part of the river is known as "The Horseshoe." In winter the ice gorges on these shoals, and were it not for the ice-boats owned by the city of Philadelphia, navigation in the winter would have to cease. It has been suggested that a dike be built across the con- cavity on the Jersey side, so as to flatten the curve of the river, de- crease its width, and prevent the ice from grounding on that side. This will be an expensive work, for which no detailed estimate has yet been made, and the improvement contemplated can wait until the other im- provements above and below, which are in progress, have been further advanced. Work at Mifflin Bar was commenced in 1873; it had a depth of 17 feet of water over it, and the project aimed at dredging a channel through the bar, so as to get 20 feet depth, then was amended to get 22 feet depth, and in 1876 this was again modified so as to get a channel of 26 feet ii depth. In 1879 a channel of 26 feet depth was obtained; in 1880 this had shoaled 'to 24 feet, and in 1881 again shoaled to 22 feet. By continuous dredging since, when weather and funds would permit, this has been again deepened, and during the past fiscal year 89,154 cubic yards of material were dredged. The result was that at the close of the year the 26-foot channel was 310 feet wide. It is intended to in- crease the width of this channel, and maintain it to 26 feet depth. Since the last annual report the improvement at Bulkhead Shoals was continued; and 111,281 cubic yards of material were dredged, so as to widen the channel to 385 feet its least depth is now 24 feet. It is proposed to increase this width to 600 feet, at an estimated cost of $62,000. The original depth was about 21 feet. The improvement at Dan Baker Shoals has not yet been commenced. The shoals are about 50 miles below Philadelphia, have a depth of water a little less than 20 feet over them at low water. The project made March 1, 1883, recommended a cut through these shoals 900 feet wide and 25 feet in depth, requiring the removal of about 466,000 cubic yards of material at an estimated cost of $205,000. The necessity of making this improvement is very great; heavy- draught vessels are frequently detained at this obstruction from eight to ten hours. To the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, the sum of $569,760.08 was expended since the beginning of the improvements in 1873. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $113,453.89 was expended, with results as above stated. The appropriation of July 5,1884, is in one sum, $200,000 for the whole river from Trenton to its month. The apportionment of this and pro- jects for its application are under consideration and will be made the subject of a future report. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is included in the estimate of $300,000 for the whole river, as printed in the Book of Estimates. The amount estimated on June 30, 1884, for completion of the existing projects is as follows: Petty's Island Bar, $280,000. Mifflin Bar, $273,000. Bulkhead Shoals, $62,000. If the channel at the upper end of Petty's Island is deepened to 12 feet the total would be $620,000, and Dan Baker Shoals improved, it would be $825,000. 126 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY.. July 1, 1883, amount available.... - .................... $121,239 92' July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....................... -110, 073 20 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.... .......... .......... 3, 380 69 ---- 113,453 89' July 1, 1884, amount available ---.. -- . . .......------------ 7,786 03 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884............190,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 197,786 03 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 430, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886* (See Appendix H 2.) 3. Delaware River at Schooner Ledge.-Operations under contracts existing at the beginning of the last fiscal year were completed, and 28& cubic yards of rock were removed. Work was commenced in 1879. The depth of water at the ledge was 18 to 19 feet; the project was to deepen it to 24 feet by the removal of rock and other obstructions, at an estimated cost of $227,000. The amount required to complete the existing project is $X7,000. Up to June 30, 1883, the sum of $162,431.81 was expended. At that date the channel had been widened from 220 to 330 feet. The amount expended during the last fiscal year was $6,698.67, and t the channel was impr oved by the removal of 288 cubic yards of rock. This has been of great benefit to large vessels navigating the river. July 1, 1883, amount available- ---............. . ............ $7,568 19 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883_ --..- - -.....................................6,698 67 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................... .............. 869 52 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 57,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886* (See Appendix H 3.) 4. Delaware River near Cherry Island Flats.-The original project was for a channel 900 feet wide and 24 feet deep, at an estimated cost of $304,000. Work was commenced in 1879, when the depth was 18 to 19 feet, and since then 1,594,740 cubic yards of material were dredged; of this amount 141,601 cubic yards were removed during the past fiscal year. To complete existing project, the estimate is $122,720. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $356,316.27. During the past fiscal year the sum of $41,042.15 was expended. The channel is now 470 feet wide and of the desired depth. July 1, 1883, amount available ... _......................-............ $43, 683 73 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding ; #+r liabilities July 1, 1883--............................................ 41,042 15 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 2,641 58 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 122,720 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886* (See Appendix H 4.) * Included in the estimate of $300,000 for improving Delaware River from Trenton to its mouth, as printed in Book of Estimates. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 127 5. Frankford Greek, Pennsylvania.-This creek flows eastwardly through the northern portion of the city of Philadelphia, and is in close proximity to the Frankford Arsenal. The act of Congress of August 2, 1882, appropriated $10,000 for the purpose of dredging a 7- foot channel from the mouth of the creek to Horseshoe Bend, near the bridge at Bridge street. This work was accomplished soon after; the number of cubic yards dredged amounted to 35,178. Previous to June 30, 1882, no work had been done on this improve- ment, the primitive condition being a low-water width of 100 feet and a depth of 5 feet at the mouth, which became too shallow for purposes of navigation at the Frankford Avenue Bridge at the head of tidal flow. The creek is now being regulated by the city of Philadelphia, and no further appropriation by the United States is recommended. Up to June 30, 1883, there had been expended the sum of $8,600.34, which resulted in obtaining the channel as above stated. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $485.89 for contingent expenses. July 1, 1883, amount available- ......................................... $1,399 76 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....-.. ... ............... . 483 04 July 1, 1884, amount available.........................---........ ...... 916 72 (See Appendix H 5.) 6. Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania.-Dredgingwas continued between the mouth and Girard Point, 90,864 cubic yards of material having been removed. When work was originally commenced there was a low-water chan- nel entrance to the river of only 15 feet. The project was to obtain a low-water channel depth of 20 feet by 100 feet wide from the month to Gibson's Point, and above that to Chestnut Street Bridge a low-water depth of 18 feet. In 1875 this was modified so as to provide for a low- water depth of 24 feet with a width of 300 feet from the mouth to Girard Point, and in 1883 the officer in charge recommended that this width be increased to 400 feet and that the 20-foot low-water channel from Girard Point to Gibson's Point be widened to 250 feet, at a total esti- mated cost for completion of $160,000. The sum of $295,780.18 has been expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883. At that date there was a 24-foot low-water channel 270 feet wide from the mouth to Girard Point piers; from Girard Point piers to Gibson's Point 150 feet in width and 20 feet low- water depth, and an 18-foot low-water channel from thence to the Chest- nut Street Bridge. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $25,060.37 was expended, and the 24-foot low-water between the mouth and Girard Point piers was widened from 270 feet to 300 feet. The commerce on the river is increasing more rapidly than the im- provements can be made. It is proposed during the present fiscal year, when funds become available, to continue the work from Penrose Ferry Bridge to Point Breeze. The sum of $75,000 can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. If appropriated, it is proposed to expend it in widening the artificial channel, to the great benefit and advantage of the large vessels that now desire to enter the river. The estimated amount required for the completion of the project recommended by the officer in charge is $160,000. 128 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1, 1883, amount available.........-----------------... ............ $29,219 82 ---.............. July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ -------------------------- 25,060 37 July 1, 1884, amount available--------------------------------.......................................... 4,159 45 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-----------------...................... 2,5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 29,159 45 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 75,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1866. 75,000 00 (See Appendix H 6.) 7. Ice-Harbor at Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.-This work was com. menced in 1867, and in 1871 four piers were completed. In 1880 the original project was modified so as to enlarge the harbor to double its area, or about seven acres, by building an additional line of piers further down stream. In 1881 two of the additional piers were com- pleted. The project was then again slightly modified so as to build another pier 500 feet below the third line of piers. This pier was com- pleted in November, 1883. During the past fiscal year the inner ice- pier in third line was protected by clusters of piles and a new pier on crib-work commenced, to replace one that had been destroyed in Sep- tember, 1882. This work was done by contract, and the pier will be completed during the first half of the present fiscal year. It is proposed to dredge the ice-harbor so as to obtain deeper water, and the dredging required is estimated at $9,000. This harbor is very serviceable, and during the months of January and February, 1884, nineteen steam vessels and seventeen sail vessels found shelter therein. The sum of $154,048.84 was expended up to June 30, 1883. At that date the recovery of the material of the wrecked pier was nearly com- pleted, and the new pier, No. 7, under construction. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there was expended the sum of $20,484.06. At that date pier No. 7 was completed to the twenty-seventh timber course. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $9,000, and if appropriated it will be used in dredging, as stated above. July 1,1883, amount available................. .... .................... $29, 951 16 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883. ....................... $6,889 77 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 13, 594 '29 - 20, 484 06 July 1, 1884, amount available..-.................... -----.......-------.......... 9,467 10 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...... - -....- 50,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 9, 000 00 (See Appendix H 7.) 8. Ice-Harborat Chester, Pennsylvania.-Nothinghas been done at this point during the past fiscal year, and, for reasons given in previous re- ports, nothing is recommended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. (See Appendix H 8.) 9. Ice-Harbor at New Castle, Delaware.-This iinportant harbor of refuge was finished August 8, 1882. It is now complete according to the existing projects, but is greatly in need of repair in various direc- tions. Those most urgently to be recommended are, that the shallow portions, now amounting to about one-fourth of the entire area, and which RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 129 are practically useless for the vessels which generally make use of the harbor, be dredged, and in addition that repairs be made to two of the piers. There should also be rows of piles driven to afford mooring facil- ities to vessels maneuvering in the inclosed area. The estimated cost of the additional works recommended above is $12,400. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................. ...... $2, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of proposed project.......... 12,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 12, 000 00 (See Appendix H 9.) 10. Ice-Harbor at Reedy Island, Delaware.-The river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, appropriated $25,000 for commencement of work on the ice-harbor at head of Delaware Bay, to include the removal of sunken piers in the channel back of Reedy Island, Delaware. The.project submitted for the expenditure of this sum was modified, and embraced, as finally approved, the removal of the piers and the ob. taining of more definite information respecting the location and manner of construction of the proposed harbor. At the beginning of the fiscal year of 1883 nothing further had been done in carrying on the work than the letting of the contract for the removal of the piers, at the price of $3,700; the contract to be com- pleted October 1, 1883. The removal of the piers, six in number, was completed October 29, 1883. They had for years formed a dangerous obstruction to navigation, and their removal has been of great benefit and relief to vessels using the channel back of Reedy Island as an anchoring place and to those that run regularly to the piers at Port Penn and Saint Augustine Beach. During the next fiscal year it is proposed to locate the site for the har- bor, to prepare the plans of construction, and to begin operations if the appropriation warrants. The urgent necessity of providing an ice-harbor at the head of Dela- ware Bay for the shipping of the Delaware River and Bay has been repeatedly stated in former reports, and it is recommended that suf- ficient appropriations be made to carry the work to an early completion. The sum of $100,000 can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in commencing the work. From the recent surveys and examinations it is thought that a much more satisfactory ice-harbor can be constructed opposite Liston's Point than at Reedy Island. As this locality possesses every advantage of economical construction, permanence and probably little or no expense for maintenance after completion, and as the site is as well adapted for the convenience of vessels seeking protection from ice, as any other, it is recommended by the officer in charge that the site near Liston's Point be adopted. No detailed estimates of what a harbor here will cost have yet been made. Up to June 30, 1883, the sum of $74.78 had been expended. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the amount expended was $7,425.22, in removing the sunken ice-piers and in making the necessary examination for a site for the proposed harbor. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $24, 925 22 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ... .................... $7, 408 70 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities...-....................... 16 52 7,1425 22 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 17,500 00 5908 EN- 9 130 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 381,090 47 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 100, 000 00 (See Appendix H 10.) 11. Wilmington Harbor,Delaware.-Operationshave been continued during the past fiscal year in completing the jetty at the mouth of the Christiana River. The original entrance into the harbor was a narrow channel from the Delaware River, with a minimum depth of 9 feet at low water. The originally adopted project for this work provided for a low-water channel of 12 feet in depth, its width varying from 75 to 150 feet from Market Street Bridge, Wilmington, to the mouth of the river. The project was amended so far as to provide a low-water channel 15 feet in depth, of suitable width, from the mouth of the Christians River to above the city of Wilmington. In 1871 a new project, including the construction of the above mentioned, was approved, and operations have been in progress under it since then. At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, the total amount expended was $179,195.58. At that date a 12-foot low-water channel, 150 feet wide, extending from the mouth to Harlan and Hollingsworth's ship-yard, thence 100 feet wide to the Delaware Western Railroad Bridge, thence 90 feet wide to a point about 200 yards below the Pulp Works, and thence 40 feet wide through the remaining distance This already afforded great relief to the large commerce of Wilmington. During the year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $1,896.94 was ex- pended. On that date the condition of the work was as above stated, and the jetty was completed. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $75,000. If this sum is appropriated it is pro- posed to expend it in removing the old light-house piers at the mouth; to rip-rap the foot of the jetty, and to continue the enlargement of the artificial channel; all of which will be of benefit to the work, and in- crease the facilities for commerce. July 1, 1883, amount available..................................... $3, 804 42 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..... ........................................ .. 1,896 94 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 1,907 48 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................. 25, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .............. 26, 907 48 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project... ... 166,384 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 75, 000 00 (See Appendix H 11.) 12. Broadkiln River, Delaware.-This is a narrow, shallow and crooked creek entering Delaware Bay nearly at the point of junction of Lewes Creek. About twenty vessels are trading on this creek, measuring or carry- ing an average of nearly 100 tons each. In September, 1872, a report was submitted based on surveys and thereafter $11,022.42 was expended in dredging the main shoals and in making a re-examination of creek.. The depth of water at the mouth is about 18 inches; at high water the depth is about 6 feet. The pro- ject for improvement contemplated cutting through a sand-spit and forming a new mouth for the creek, and as the amount of money appro- priated was altogether too small to do this, it was recommended to defer RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 131 further expenditures until further appropriations should*be made. Con- gress made no further appropriations, and the unexpended balance of former appropriations was therefore not used, and no work has been done for several years. To complete the project outlined in previous reports will cost $31,500, in addition to the $13,977 now available. The dredging which was done was not as beneficial to commerce as was expected, and it is reported that much of the channel cut has since refilled. As the case now stands, nothing further can be done until Congress appropriates money sufficient to complete the work. If this amount be appropriated it can be expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available ................... ................. $13,977 58 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 13, 977 58 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 31,500 00 (See Appendix H 12.) 13, Mispillion Greek, Delaware.-Thisis a small creek entering Dela- ware Bay about 15 miles north of Lewes, Delaware. The head of naviga- tion is at the town of Milford, 18 miles above its mouth. In its original condition it was about 90 feet wide at Milford, increasing to 240 feet at the mouth. The entrance had a depth of 1J feet at low water. There were several shoals in it on which the depth of water ranged from 4 to 5 feet. The original estimate of cost of the improvement was $10,000, $7,000 of which was to be employed in dredging a channel through the bar at the entrance, and $3,000 in improving the bed of the stream. This es- timate was found to be much too low and was revised. The sum of $13,000 was expended up to June 30, 1883, and nothing since. On that date the entrance to the creek was unchanged, but the improvements in bed of the stream appear to be permanent and have materially improved its navigable capacity and have been of much benefit to the ship-building and commercial interests of the locality. Until the bar at its entrance id suitably dredged and the channel pro- tected by deflective dikes, no lasting benefit can be expected. If it is desired to continue the work as per existing project, it will cost to complete the improvement the sum of $58,500, which can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... $58, 500 00 (See Appendix H 13.) 14. Duck Creek, Delaware.-Duck Creek is a narrow stream entering Delaware Bay at a point about 5 miles above Bombay Hook Point. Short's Landing, about 2 miles from the mouth, is the head of present navigation for large vessels. From this point to the mouth the chan- nel is very tortuous, and, like most tidal streams flowing through swamp lands, has a singularly great depth of water in proportion to its width; these depths in the present instance range from 6 to 15 feet, with occa- sional holes in which depths of 20 feet or more are obtained. The com- merce to be benefited is very small, and no appropriation is recom- mended in view of the fact that the depth of water over the bar at the entrance is 6 feet at low water, with a range of tide of 6 feet, giving a sufficient depth for all the purposes of navigation needed in this sec- tion. The total length of the stream is about 15 miles, and the object of the improvement was to obtain a navigable depth of 8 feet at low water to the town of Smyrna, lying 12 miles from the mouth. In its original condition the stream was navigable, at high water, for vessels drawing 7 feet, to Smyrna Landing, 8 miles from its mouth. 132 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The fourth cift was nearly completed through the bar when the ap- propriation of $2,000, made by the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, was exhausted. The cuts are rapidly filling up because of tidal action in the bay. This can only be prevented by deflective dikes built at considerable expense. Up to June 30, 1883, the sum of $10,000 hadbeen expended. On that date the 8-foot low-water channel, 600 yards in length and 75 feet in width, which had been previously made across the bar, had been widened to 100 feet, as far as the money would allow. It does not seem advisable to expend any more money here until a re-survey of the entrance to the creek can be made. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... $12, 000 00 (See Appendix H 14.) 15. Cohansey Greek, New Jersey.-Cohansey Creek in its original con- dition was navigable to Bridgeton, 20 miles above its mouth, through a tortuous channel of ample depth. The obstructions to its free navi- gation were found at Bridgeton and at its mouth, when the creek dis- charged across a soft mud-bar without any well-defined channel. The gas and water mains of the city of Bridgeton cross the creek at Broad street at a level of only 4 feet below low water, and prevent the use of any further deepening of the channel above them. In the event of the city authorities lowering the pipes to a proper depth, as is con- templated by them, the amount required to complete the project by carrying a 6-foot low-water channel to the "Nail -Works" Bridge would be about $5,500. The original project contemplated the construction of a channel at Bridgeton 130 feet wide and 4 feet deep at a total cost of $30,000. This was modified to reduce the width to 80 feet and to increase the depth at mean low water to 7 feet from the lower steamboat landing to the bridge, and above that point to 5 feet. This project was again amended in June, 1880. It contemplates bringing the 7-foot low-water channel from deep water below the lower steamboat landing upward as far as the Commerce Street Bridge, and thence to the "Nail Works" Bridge a low-water channel of 6 feet, the channel to be 100 feet wide at its lower end, and decrease to 50 feet at the upper bridge. The total amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $35,302.24; at that date the 7-foot low-water channel had been widened and straightened, and it is now 90 feet wide between the upper and lower steamiboat wharves, and 70 feet above that to the bridge. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $187.03 was expended for contingencies. No more money can be advantageously expended until the gas and water pipes are lowered or removed. If this is done the amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $5,500, and if this sum is appropriated, it is proposed to complete the improvement according to the existing project. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $697 76 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................ -....... ........ 187 03 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 510 73 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 5,500 00 (See Appendix H 15.) 16. Salem River, New Jersey.-The original navigable capacity of this RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 133 stream was 6 feet at loy water over the bar in Salem Cove, and 3 to 4 feet at low water on the shoals at Biddle's Landing. The originally adopted project consisted in dredging an 8-foot low- water channel, as wide as the vessels needed, through the bar in Salem Cove. Subsequently the field of operation was changed to the shoals in the canal and river above the latter. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $13,009.34. On that date a low-water channel of 8 feet and 110 feet wide had been dredged through the bar in Salem Cove, and a channel 60 feet wide and from 6 to 7 feet deep at low water had been dredged from the head of the canal to a point about 200 feet above Biddle's Landing. Nothing was expended during the past fiscal year. The estimated amount required to complete the work according to the existing project, that is, to Hoxie's Landing, is $4,000. If the im- provement is carried up to Sharptown, the amount will be $37,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $1,490 66 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 1,490 66 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 1,500 00 (See Appendix H 16.) 17. Rancocas River, New Jersey.-The Rancocas is a comparatively large and important stream, 200 yards wide at its mouth and narrows to about 400 feet at a distance of 8 miles above. As is usual with rivers entering into the Delaware Bay and River, a bar exists at the mouth difficult to treat effectively and cheaply on. account of the liability of the cuts to close up unless protected by deflection dikes. There is, how- ever, low water navigable depth of nearly 8 feet over this bar at pres- ent. The original project provided for a low-water channel from 150 to 200 feet wide, and 6 feet deep at low water, to Centreton, 74 miles above the mouth; and eventually a 5-foot low-water channel to Mount Holly, 51 miles above Centreton. The estimated cost of the whole was $82,000. The amount expended up to June 30, 1883, was $19,148.10. On that date a dike had been built from the head of HamilPl's Island to the north bank of the river, and a 64-foot low-water channel, 150 feet wide cut through Coates's Bar. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to expend the amount appropriated in carrying the improvement up-stream by dredging the shoals in the order in which they appear. The sum of $387.40 was expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, for contingencies. July 1, 1883, amount available ............................... ........ $851 90 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.............................. ................ 387 40 July 1l1884, amount available ......................................... 464 50 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 62, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix H 17.) 18. Saint Jones River, Delaware.-Ithaving been decided to defer the expenditure of the $5,000 appropriated for this work in the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881, until further action by Congress, nothing has been done towards applying the amiount now available. Over the bar at the mouth of the river there is but little water at low stages of the tide, although a draught of 6 feet can be carried to Leb- 134 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. anon and 5 feet to Dover, the capital of Delaware, which is situated at the head of navigation. . The original project consisted in obtaining a 3-foot low-water channel through the bar at the mouth, at an estimated cost of $35,000. The amount expended up to June 30, 1883, was $117.90 for contin- gencies. Nothing has been expended since. July 1, 1883, amount available ............ ...... ... ............... $4, 882 10 July 1, 1884, amount available... ............................... 4,882 10 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 14,882 10 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 20, 000 00 (See Appendix H 18.) 19. Maurice River, New Jer.sey.-This is a considerable stream in the southern part of New Jersey, flowing through extensive swamps into Delaware Bay. The portion embraced in the scheme of improvement is the lower reach of 24 miles from the thriving town of Millville to the mouth of the river. From a point 4 miles below the town to the mouth, the depths vary from 10 to 20 feet or more and the chief obstructions are in the 4 miles just below the town and in the bar at the entrance. The widths are ample, varying from 500 to 1,000 feet. The low-water depth over the bar is about 5 feet with a range in the tide of 6.1 feet. The original project consisted in improving the navigation of the 4 miles above referred to by a 6-foot low-water channel, 100 feet wide as far up as Millville, and a short distance along the city front a 4-foot low- water navigation. The estimated cost of the improvement was $112,000. Nothing has been expended to June 30,1883, and nothing since. If the work is to be done, not less than $20,000 can be profitably ex- pended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. With this sum it is proposed to commence the artificial channel below Millville. July 1, 1883, amount available... ......... .....-.......... $3, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available. ...................................... 3,000 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 17,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 20,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 92, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix H 19.) 20. Mantua Creek, New Jersey.-The original project for this improve- ment contemplates the construction of a low-water channel 10 feet deep and 80 feet wide at the mouth of the creek, which is to diminish to 4 feetin depth and 40 feet in width at the town of Mantua, situated some 11 miles from the mouth, at an estimated cost of $35,000. The stream in its primitive condition possesses good depth of water for a distance of 3 or 4 miles from the Delaware River, having a low- water depth of 9 feet throughout this distance. Above this, however, the channel depth slowly diminishes until at Mantua there is a low- water depth of only 2 feet. No money has yet been expended on the work. amount available ... . ......................... $3,000 00 July 1,1883, July 1, 1884, amount available s.... ...,... .... .... .... ...... ....... .... 3,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 32, 000 00 (See Appendix H 20.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 135 21. Woodbury Creek, New Jersey.-The lower part of Woodbury Creek from its mouth to the Crown Point Road Bridge is considered to have sufficient depths of water at high stages of the tide for the needs of nav- igation. The portion which should be improved is the reach extending from this bridge to the Broad Street Bridge.in the town of Woodbury, the head of navigation. At low tide this portion of the creek is almost entirely devoid of water, but the range of tide being between 5 and 6 feet, small vessels can ascend at high stages. It is proposed to dredge a channel affording a high water depth of 8 feet and a width of 40 feet through this section at an estimated cost of $15,000. This channel when once made is to be maintained by the parties interested. The sum of $450.31 was expended up to June 30, 1883, for a survey of the creek. Nothing was expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $4, 549 69 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 4,549 69 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 10,500 00 (See Appendix H 21.) 22. Raccoon River, New Jersey.-This river has a high-water width at its mouth of about 450 feet, gradually diminishing to 100 feet at Swedesborough, about 91 miles up-stream. There is a good 4-foot low- water channel and a high-water channel of from 9 to 10 feet from the mouth of the river to more than half the distance to Swedesborough. The serious and extensive obstructions are found within 2 miles of that town. There are four bridges across the stream. Two of these are located at Bridgeport, about 2 miles above the mouth of the river, and the other two at Swedesborough. The lower one of the two latter is the Swedesborough Railroad Bridge, and barges can pass under it; the upper one is the Main Street Bridge, and is the head of navigation. The project submitted with the report on the survey, dated February 26, 1883, contemplates making the navigation up to Main Street Bridge in Swedesborough more safe and less difficult, for the class of vessels now navigating the stream, by dredging, at an estimated cost of $179.40. The sum of $757.23 was expended up to June 30, 1883, for surveys. Nothing was expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. If this work is to be executed the sum of $8,000 can be profitably ex- pended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, upon the improve ment. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................... ............ $2, 242 77 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................ .. . . 2,242 77 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 16,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 8,000 00 (See Appendix H 22.) 23. Indian River, Delaware.-The main obstruction in the Indian River in its original condition consisted in " The Bulkhead," over which there was a depth of only about 2 feet at low water; the bar at its mouth, with a depth over it of only about 2 feet at mean low water, and a few obstructions in Indian River proper. The original project consisted in dredging a channel 80 feet wide and 4 feet deep through " The Bulkhead"; thence a channel straight to the inlet, protecting it by means of a dike on its northern side, through to the outer or sea-beach, and to construct a >-shaped dike to bring the currents on each side of Burton's Island into more regular confluence. The estimated cost of this project was $50,000. 136 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Up to June 30, 1883, the sum of $1,392.16 was expended and 2,476 cubic yards of material were removed from "The Bulkhead." The sum of $8,307.84 was expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, and 20,850 cubic yards of material were removed. The cut through Bulkhead Shoal was completed, but not to the full width originally contemplated. The cut is 60 feet wide with 4 feet depth at low water for one-third of its length and 80 feet wide with the same depth through the other two-thirds. The total length of the cut is 3,300 feet and stands well. If this work is to be completed, the sum of $35,000 should be ap- propriated to be expended on "1TheBulkhead," the channel through the beach, and to begin the dike. The dredging here will amount to more than the original estimate, and will certainly cost $60,000. Its entire completion, therefore, will require the sum of $50,000 additional. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... $8, 607 84 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................ ............... 8,307 84 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 300 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 50,000 00 (See Appendix H 23.) 24. North Branch of Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania.-A channel 55 feet wide and 4 feet deep at low water was dredged at the head of Richards Island; 2,520 cubic yards of gravel were removed. Chan- nels of like dimensions were also dredged at the head and foot of Wilkes-Barre Island and 1,157 cubic yards of gravel removed; 307 cubic yards of gravel were dredged from the channel near Gas House Riff. Two string dikes 230 and 220 feet long were built of sawed tim- ber and filled and backed with quarried stone. From between the dikes 273 cubic yards of gravel were dredged and deposited behind the stone backing of the dikes. The dike at the head of Wilkes-Barre Island was repaved and secured; 125 cubic yards of stone were used. The North Branch of the Susquehanna River is a stream which is only navigable at high stages of the water. At low stages there are over 12 miles of bars and shoals which are nearly dry. It is crossed by numerous bridges. A preliminary examination of the stream was made in 1879, and a report submitted under date of January 22, 1880, in which the cost of obtaining a 2 to 3 foot low-water navigation from Athens to Nanticoke Dam was placed at $200,000. No general project for the improvement has, however, been made, and the various appropriations have been expended under projects submitted for each. The total amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $37,931.62. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $6,966.90 was expended with the results above stated. In a commercial point of view this river has no standing except ix the rafting of timber, and this is gradually becoming smaller yearly. July 1, 1883, amount available ....................................... $7, 068 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............. .................................... 6,966 90 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................................... 101 48 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ........ 205, 000 00 (See Appendix H 24.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 137 25. Constructionof Iron Pierin DelawareBay, nearLewes, Delaware.- During the past fiscal year, eight new stringers, sixty-three floor joists, twelve new cross-beams and railway track and sidings were added to the superstructure. Some small repairs were also made to the sub- structure. Early in the year, on account of the exhaustion of the funds, work had to be. discontinued. It will require $15,000 to complete the pier and make it serviceable. Delay in the appropriation of funds increases the final cost, for the wood-work of the pier, unless properly protected, rots rapidly. The sum of $15,000 can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. The original project to build it of a combination of wrought-iron screw-pile shafts, and cast-iron caps and screws, with.a superstruc- ture of yellow pine, has been adhered to. The sum of $363,184.47 was expended up to June 30, 1883. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $3,476.66 has been expended with the results as stated above. July 1, 1883, amount available, .................. ---------------....................... $5, 315 53. July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......................... $3, 431 66 July, 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities. ........-................ 45 00 -- 3, 476 66 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 1,838 87 (See Appendix H 25.) 26. Delaware Breakwater Harbor, Delaware.-The object of the im- provement is to close the gap between the ice breaker and breakwater, it an estimated cost of $550,000. The project was adopted and an ap- propriation of $125,000 made in 1882 to commence the work. SThe details of the project have been amended since with a view of expediting the work, and possibly of reducing its total cost. During the past fiscal year operations were confined to purchasing rock, brush, cordage, and timber, making the brush mattresses to pre- vent scour of the bottom of the gap, and in getting the plant ready for putting the material in place. This has been essentially completed. The sum of $76,701.75 was expended to June 30,1883. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $26,246.95 has been expended in the purchase of material, &c., as stated above. As the rock required for closing the gap could all be placed in position in one year, and if bought in large quantities by contract would be de- cidedly cheaper than when bought in small quantities, it is recommended Sthat an appropriation of $250,000 be made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, and the work be hastened to completion. July 1, 1883, amount available.................. $48, 298 25 ............ ........------------------------------------.. July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .................... $16, 935 70 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities...... .................... 9, 311 25 26, 246 95 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................... 22,051 30 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884......................75,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 97,051 30 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 350, 000 00 Anmount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1866. 250, 000 00 (See Appendix H 26.) 27. Removal of wrecks from Delaware Bay and River.-Under the pro- vision in the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, authorizing the 138 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. application to localities in Delaware River and Bay of any unexpended balance of appropriation of January 13, 1880, for removal of wrecks in Delaware Breakwater Harbor, the following-named wrecks have been removed during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, viz: Canal-boat Hereules, from the eastern channel of the Delaware River near Bordentown, N. J. Canal-boat Kate Monaghan, from the eastern channel of the Delaware River near Burlington, N. J. Schooner Trade Wind, from the channel at entrance to Maurice River, New Jersey, and schooner Cora, from channel of Delaware River near New Castle, Del. July 1, 1883, amount available...... ...... . ...... $5, 29 47 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 2,626 38 July 1, 1884, amount available....... ..................... ............ 2,663.09 (See Appendix H 27.) 28. Removing sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation.- The preliminary measures looking to the removal of the wreck of the schooner John S. Detwiler from Delaware Bay, near Cross Ledge, by publishing a notice to owners thereof, as required by section 4 of the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880, have been taken. Orders have also been given to make an inspection of the wreck of the ship Parkfield, lying off Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, and re- ported to be a dangerous obstruction to navigation. It is expected that both of these wrecks will be removed during the coming season. (See Appendix H 28.) 29. Port Warden's lines, Philadelphia,Pennsylvania.-The Port Ward- en's line for the Delaware River is still under discussion and study. The line for the Schuylkill River is established, as agreed upon by the Board of Harbor Commissioners and the United States Advisory Commission. (See Appendix H 29.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, The following localities were, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement by the General Government and the work not a public necessity: 1. Pensauken Greek, Camden and Burlington counties, New Jersey. (See Appendix H 30.) 2. Leipsic River, Delaware,from the Delaware River to the town of Leip- sic. (See Appendix H 31.) 3. Delaware River between Trenton, New Jersey, and Port Jervis, New York. (See Appendix H 32.) Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made by him the late Lieut. Col. G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmit- ted to Congress, and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 59, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. Delaware River in front of Philadelphia,with a view to its improve- ment by the removal of Wind Mill or Smith's Island or of the bar above the same. (See Appendix H 33.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 139 2. North branch of the Susquehannafro.n Pittston to Athens. (See Ap pendix H 34.) 3. Brandywine River from its mouth to Market Street Bridge, in the city of Wilmington, Delaware. (See Appendix H 35.) For report on survey of Newton Greek, New Jersey, see Annual Re- port Chief of Engineers for 1882. IMPROVEMENTS OF HARBORS AND RIVERS ON EASTERN SHORE OF CHESAPEAKE BAY, AND OF THE SUSQUEHANNA AltND PATAPSCO RIVERS IN MARYLAND; OF BROAD CREEK, DELAWARE; OF JAMES AND APPOMATTOX RIVERS, VIRGINIA; OF GREAT KANAWHA, ELK AND SHENANDOAH RIVERS, WEST VIRGINIA; OF NEW RIVER, VIR- GINIA AND WEST VIRGINIA; AND CAPE FEAR RIVER, NORTH CARO- LINA. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. William P. Craighill, Corps of Engineers, having under his immediate orders Capt. Thomas Turtle, Corps of En- gineers, until January 7, 1884, and Lieut. C. McD. Townsend, Corps of Engineers, the whole year. 1. Susquehanna River near Havre de Grace, Maryland.--The history and circumstances of this work have been very fully given in the last and previous Annual Reports. The two important interests of that sec- tion of the river, the navigation and fishery, are somewhat in antago- nism, as the means deemed necessary for securing a permanently deeper channel below Havre de Grace, viz, jetties and other regulating works, are greatly opposed by those engaged in the fisheries. The alternative was submitted to Congress in the last Annual Report of appropriating at once $100,000 for these regulating works to be put in to the detri- ment of the fishery interests, or to appropriate $20,000 annually for dredging. The appropriation of August, 1882, of which a large portion was ex- pended in the fiscal year ending June 30,1884, was of the following tenor: Improving Susquehanna River above and below Havre de Grace, Maryland, $25,000; of which sum $7,500 shall be expended above the bridge,and $5,000 for the com- pletion of the channel to the Fishing Battery light-house, and for strengthening and extending the piers and break-water for the protection of said channel. The shoal near Watson's Island, above the bridge of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Company, was dredged down on its eastern edge to a depth of 8 feet at mean low water over a width of 200 feet. The object of this was to give a freer passage for ice and pre- vent the hurtful gorging which has sometimes happened there. The effect has been good. This dredging.was in the autumn of 1883. The main channel above Spesutie Island was brought again by dredg- ing to a depth of 13 feet at mean low water, with a width nowhere less than 200 feet. The side channel leading into the Basin of the Fish Commission at the station at Donohoe's Island was excavated to a depth of 9 feet at mean low water for a width of 50 feet. Under designs and arrangements of the United States Fish Commis- sioner about 400 linear feet of wooden apron have been built on the south and east faces of the basin at the station, to facilitate the draw- ing of seines. Some small repairs of sheet piling were made at exterior ends of entrance cribs. The appropriation of July 5, 1884, is in the following words: Improving Susquehanna River above and below the railroad bridge, Maryland: Continuing improvement, $20,000; of which sum $5,000 shall be expended for the com- pletion of the channel to Fishing Battery light-house, and for repairing, strengthen- ing, and extending the piers and breakwaters. 140 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. This appropriation will be expended in a manner similar in general to the previous one. The amount expended up to June 30, 1883, was $103,676.76, and up to June 30, 1884, $122,386.06. July 1, 1883, amount available.................... .... ............ $18, 713 24 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 18, 709. 30 July 1, 1884, amount available.. ........ ,............................ . 3 94 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ................... 20, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 20,003 94 Amount (estimated) required for annual dredging (see Report for 1883, pages 664-665)... ................................................ 20,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix I 1.) 2. Elk River, Maryland.-Thefirst appropriation by the United States for this river was in 1874, previous to which the channel in some places was not over 12 inches deep at low water, with an average rise of tide of only about 24 feet. In much of the river, however, the depth was great in some places, being not less than 24 feet. The width near the town of Elkton is 100 feet, and for 2j miles below averaged about 200 feet. The width in- creases to three-fourths of a mile at the mouth, which is 16 miles below Elkton. The plan for the improvement was the building of a dike 900 feet long on the right bank of the stream, beginning about 1,100 feet below the bridge; the dredging of a channel 8 feet deep at mean low water, 60 feet wide, with a turning basin at the town. The amount expended up to June 30, 1882, was $15,000, with the re- sults stated above. An appropriation of $6,500 was made August 2, 1882. A part of this was applied in March, 1883, to the removal of the old dike, which had become decayed. The earth which had been dredged from the river and put behind the dike, having been consolidated, was at the same time sloped back. The river has thus a better bank than by nature, as it has also a better direction. A resurvey of the river in 1883 showed the importance of widening the channel for the accommoda- tion of the vessels trading on it. This was expected to be done in 1883, but it was impossible to get a dredge on the river in that year. The work was, however, vigorously begun in March, 1884, and has been suc- cessfully continued. It will be completed before the close of 1884. An old crib-pier at Frenchtown, the end of the railroad formerly terminating there, having decayed and become a serious obstruction to navigation, will be removed. The effect of the improvement has been to increase notably the amount of freighting on the river and to cheapen the rates by allowing success- ful competition with the railways. The available balance of funds will be expended before the close of 1884. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................$5,555 58 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......................... $2, 447 41 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ........................... 206 86 -- 2, 654 27 July 1, 1884, amount available..., .................................... 2, 901 31 (See Appendix I 2.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 141 3. Corsica Creek, Maryland.-Corsica Creek, on the eastern shore of Maryland, enters Chester River about 13J miles from its mouth. The distance from the mouth of the creek to Centreville Landing, the head of navigation, is about 5 miles. There is a good shipping business done to and from the stream. At Centreville Landing there are good wharves and several large ware- houses. Several new wharves have lately been built. The town of Centreville, in Queen Anne County, in the midst of a fertile and produc- tive country, is about a mile from the landing. The cost of light rage of grain and other products is a heavy tax on the community interested in the improvement. To make a channel to the landing 100 feet wide, 8 feet deep at mean low water, with a turning basin of the same depth, 200 by 300 feet, was found to require the removal of 110,000 cubic yards of material, at a cost of $30,000. The first appropriation of $5,000 for this locality was made August 2, 1882, but it seemed inexpedient to spend it until in the summer of 1883 renewed attention was called to the question of doing so, owing to the very decided increase of the trade on the creek, which in England would be considered a river of importance. A careful resurvey of the stream was made, when it was decided in August, 1883, to expend the appro- priation under contract in making a channel from a point opposite Hooper's Wharf to a point about 1,600 feet below Centreville Landing. This was done, a width of 50 feet being given and a depth of 8 feet at low water. The appropriation of $5,000, made July 57 1884, will be used iu extending the channel. July 1, 1883, amount available..... .................................. $4,995 70 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 4,961 38 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 34 32 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .......... .......... 5, 034 32 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project. ...... 20,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix I 3.) 4. Chester River at Kent Island Narrows, Maryland.-Nothing done at this locality since September, 1877. There has been a balance of funds available, but it has not been found necessary to expend it. July 1, 1883, amount avaliable ..... ..........-........................ $2, 500 00 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................... 2, 500 00 (See Appendix I 4.) 5. Chester River, Maryland, from Spry's Landing to Crumpton.-This portion of Chester River is only 2 miles long. It is on the eastern shore of Maryland, nearly opposite the city of Baltimore. Seven feet of water can be carried at all stages of the tide to Spry's Landing, which is 7 miles above Chestertowp, the most important town in that section. From Spry's Landing to Crumpton only 6J feet could be carried at high water. The range of the tide in that part of the river is about 2 feet. The bridge at Crumpton is somewhat of an obstruction to navigation, the width of the draw being but 371 feet. Above Crumpton the chan- nel is narrow and considerably more shallow than below. A report to Congress relative to this'river was made early in the session of 1880-'81. Estimates were presented for making a channel 8 142 REPORT OF THE CIEF OF ENGINEER,, U. S. ARMY. feet deep at mean low water, and with widths, respectively, of 100 and 120 feet, which amounted to $11,000 and $13,000. An appropriation of $6,500 was made March 3, 1881. With it a chan- nel was dredged between November, 1881, and the middle of March, 18M2, through the shoal above Spry's Landing and the two bars above. The channe'l was made 70 feet wide and 8 feet deep at mean low water, the length dredged over being 3,85)0 feet. Between Spry's and Crumpton the river is of a width varying from 1,600 to 2,000 feet, with a natural 8-foot channel of a width varying from 150 to 300 feet between the bars and the shoal, where dredging has been done. The navigation of a dredged channel 70 feet in width is somewhat difficult, and the appropriation of $6,500 of August 2, 1882, was applied to widening that channel to 120 feet, as originally proposed. Chester River separates the counties of Kent and Queen Anne, both of which are naturally rich and fruitful, producing large amounts of grain and fruit. The river is the natural route of these products to a market. Its decided improvement, which has been effected with the funds available, will doubtless increase the facilities for moving these crops. Besides two regular lines of passenger and freight steamers be- tween Baltimore and Crumpton, and several sailing vessels which carry freight, there are other steamers and sailing vessels making occasional trips in busy seasons. July 1, 1883, amount available..... ....... ............................ $3,113 31 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 2,654 77 July 1884, amount available............................................ 458 54 (See Appendix I 5.) 6. Improving Channel to Baltimore, Maryland.-The depth in this channel has been by successive steps increased from 17 feet at mean low water to 27 feet, with an average rise of tide of about 18 inches. The project of improvement at first adopted, and commenced in Octo- ber, 1853, had for its object to give a channel 22 feet deep at mean low water, with a width of 150 feet. Little was done before the late war, but afterwards these dimensions were increased, a depth of 24 feet at mean low water being determined upon, with a width of channel ranging from 250 to 400 feet. This chan- nel was completed in 1874, important changes of position having been given to a portion of it, by which the distance was materially lessened and the expense of maintenance decreased. The object of this improvement was to permit the approach to Balti- more at mean low water of vessels drawing from 22- to 23 feet, and at ordinary high water of vessels drawing 24 and 24J feet. The last appropriation previous to 1884 was in August, 1882, $450,000r there being none in 1883. This has been expended in giving a depth of 27 feet in the Fort McHenry, Brewerton, and Craighill branches of the channel, and in the "Cut-off" between the Brewerton and Craighill branches, by which last a saving of nearly a mile in distance has been made, besides an improvement in direction and diminution in cost of maintenance. The work of 1883 greatly exceeded what was ever accomplished in one year before, and probably more of its kind than was ever executed at any other locality in the United States in a single year. The large amount of 3,083,804 cubic yards of material was removed. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 143 At the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 1884, the widths in the several divisions of the channel were as follows: Fort McHenry to Fort Carroll, 250 feet; Brewerton Channelto Cut-off, 250feet; Cut- off to Craighill Channel, 225 feet, except for a space of one-half mile in length in the central portion where it is but 160 feet wide. Craighill Channel 200 feet wide. But little work has been done in the first half of 1884, for want of money. The improvement will be vigorously pushed during the re- maining portion of the working season of 1884, and in 1885. It is a very fortunate circumstancethat the material through which the channel has been excavated has been for the most part quite soft and yielding, so that it a vessel happens to touch the sides of it she need not suffer serious damage unless she be moving at too great speed or be very care- lessly handled. Though the depth of 27 feet at low water has been reached and seems to suffice for present needs, the width is too little for easy or safe nav- igation by very large vessels whose length is considerably greater than the width of the channel. Up to June, 1883, the United States had expended $1,844,070.74, with the results indicated above. The city of Baltimore and the State of Maryland, chiefly the former, had contributed to the same object $584,000. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................ $310, 882 33 July 1,1884; amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883....................... $236,501 22 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities. ......................... 3, 917 46 240,418 68 July 1,1884, amount available ................................. 70, 463 65 7...... Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .....-............. 250, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.. 320, 463 65 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 200,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886 200,000 00 (See Appendix I 6.) 7. Harborof Annapoli8, Maryland.-Thereare two bars, with not more than 18J feet water on them at mean low water, which prevent very large ships from passing into the deeper water (24 feet and more) of the Severn River, just abreast of the Naval Academy. The commerce of Annapolis is small. Its importance arises mainly from its being the seat of the Naval Academy, and from its strategic relations to the capital of the nation. The project adopted for the improvement of the harbor and the en- trance to it has been the excavation, by dredging, of a channel 24 feet deep at mean low water, with a minimum width of 150 feet. The rise of the tide is only about 1 foot. The cost of this improvement has been estimated to be $66,000. Two appropriations have been made, one of $5,000, June 14, 1880, the other, also of $5,000, March 3, 1881. As the expenditure of $10,000 would not affect any substantial improvement, it has been decided to await further action of Congress in this case. If any additional appropriation be made, it should be for the balance required to complete the estimate for the channel 150 feet wide, 24 feet deep, $56,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ............. ..................... $9, 205 98 July 1, 1884, amount available ............. .................... 9, 205 9 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... .56,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 56, 000 00 (See Appendix I 7.) 144 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 8. Choptank River between Denton and Greensborough,Maryland.-A de- scription of this river and of the progress of its improvement was given in full in the last annual report. Nothing was done upon it in the year ending June 30, 1884. The amount expended up to that date was $15 ,000. The appropriation of $5,000 of July 5, 1884, will be expended in carrying the channel towards Greensborough. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... $50 33 July 1, 1884, amount available ................... ..... ................ 50 33 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884. ................ 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 5,050 33 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 20,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix I 8.) 9. Harbor of Cambridge, Maryland.-The town of Cambridge, the county-seat of Dorchester County, is situated about 18 miles from the mouth of the Choptank River, on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake, about 70 miles from the city of Baltimore. Communication with Balti- snore is maintained by two lines of steamboats. The town is also the terminus of the Dorchester and Delaware Railroad, which connects it with the railroad system of Delaware, and brings it into direct and speedy communication by rail with the principal cities of the Middle Atlantic region. The original survey by the Engineer Department was made in October, 1870, which showed the harbor and the entrance to it from the Chop- tank River to be very shoal. The citizens of the place had previously endeavored to improve the harbor themselves, but they had not money enough, and what they did amounted to little in the way of permanent improvement. The plan of improvement carried out by the Engineer Department has been to make a channel from the deep water of the Choptank to the railroad wharf in the inner harbor, and to increase the dimensions of that harbor, the outer channel to be not less than 100 feet wide, and the depth of all the dredging to be 8 feet at mean low water. The plan was completed in March, 1879. There seemed to be no necessity for more work until in December, 1883, it was reported that the channel to the harbor needed enlargement in order to the proper accommodation of the greatly increased number of vessels using it. A resurvey having been made as soon as the weather was suitable, it was decided to widen the channel as far as the available funds would allow, about $2,500. This has been done. The Choptank is a fine river; 20 feet can be easily carried for some distance above Cambridge. The town has considerable advantages for ship-building and has engaged to some extent in that business. The western terminus of a, favorable route for the proposed ship-canal be- tween Chesapeake and Delaware bays is on Ferry Creek, a tributary of the Choptank very near Cambridge. The amount expended up to June 30, 1884, was $30,001.68. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................... ........... .... $2, 687 70 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................ .................. 189 38 July 1,1884, amount available........................................ 2, 498 32 (See Appendix I 9.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 145 10. Upper Thoroughfare between Deil's Island and the mainland.-This water passage separates Deil's Island from the mainland of Somerset County, Maryland. What has been supposed to be needed in that vicinity was a harbor of refuge for small vessels, and to provide a place at which steamers could stop and bring the people and their abundant crops from the land and water into quick communication with the markets of Baltimore and Philadelphia. In the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881, Congress made an ap- propriation of $5,000 for the Lower Thoroughfare, which is between Deil's and Little DeiPl's Island, about 3 miles from the Upper Thorough- fare. This appropriation was expended early in 1882 under a contract made in 1881. The main object was the same as at the Upper Thorough- fare, the making of a harbor of refuge. An al)propriation of $5,000 for the Upper Thoroughfare was made August 2, 1882. It was thought to be a better place for the harbor of refuge in that vicinity than the Lower Thoroughfare, and it was so stated in the reports, but Congress made an appropriation first for the lower and none for the upper until after work had been commenced and was well advanced on the lower. The necessity for another har- bor of refuge so near that at the Lower Thoroughfare has not been perceived, and no work has yet been done in spending the appropria- tion of $5,000 at the Upper Thoroughfare. July 1, 1883, amount available-.......................................... - $4,810 26 July 1, 1884, amount available....... ................................... 4,810 26 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ....-..... -15,000 00 (See Appendix I 10.) 11. Broad Creek, Delaware, from its' mouth to Laurel.-Nothing was done on this stream in the year ending June 30, 1884, for want of money, and the act of July 5, 1884, contained no appropriation for it. A de- scription of it and of what had been previously done for its improve- ment with the appropriatioas of June 14, 1880, March 3, 1881, and Au- gust 8, 1882, in all $20,000, may be found in full in the last Annual Re- port. (See Appendix I 11.) 12. Wicomico River, Maryland.-The natural channel of this river for some distance below the town of Salisbury was quite crooked and nar- row, and at the shoalest places did not afford more than a few inches of water at low tide. Much injury had also been done by the saw-mills pouring their dust into it. A considerable portion of the shoals was found to be composed of water-soaked sawdust mixed with mud and sand. It should be stated here that this supply of sawdust to the river has, for several years, been entirely cut off The project for improving this river was adopted in 1871, and had in view giving a depth of 7 feet at mean low water in a channel about 70 feet wide for a distance of about 2 miles below the bridge at Salisbury. The project also included some dikes for the contraction of the water- way and as a place behind which to deposit material dredged from the channel. At the end of June, 1883, the amount expended had been $38,616 95, and a channel 65 feet in width, 7 feet deep at mean low water, had been carried to the bridge. A good turning basin had also been excavated near the town in both forks of the river. A small balance, about $1,300, remained June 30, 1883, of the last appropriation of $2,000 which had been made in March, 1881. This was 5908 EN- 10 146 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. expended in the autumn of 1883 in widening and straightening the chan- nel for a distance a little less than 2 miles below Salisbury. The United States balance being insufficient to complete what was necessary over that space, the people interested carried it through at their own expense of about $1,700 more. The straight places are now 70 feet in width and the crooked parts 80; depth 7 feet at mean low water, which becomes 3 feet more at high water. The business of the town of Salisbury and along the river have very much increased, and the need is represented as urgent for further in- crease in the dimensions of the channel, in order to the use of boats of a larger class than those now navigating the river. The appropriation of $10,000 of July 5, 1884, will be expended accordingly. $1,385 38 July 1, 1883, amount available.............................. .... ....--------------------------------------. July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstandling liabilities July 1, 1883--.... . .. ._...---------------------1,385 38 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884---------......----......------....--...... 10, 000 00 (See Appendix I 12.) 13. James River, Virginia.-A very full statement was made in the last Annual Report as to the history of the improvement of this river and its condition. A part of it is repeated below, to save ti ouble of reference to other documents. Previous to 1870 the first 4 miles below Richmond were shallow except in short reaches, the general depth being 8 feet in channel at low tide. The reef at Rocketts and the sand-shoal known as Richmond Bar had but 7 feet. Warwick Bar, 5 miles below the city, had 13 feet. The channel below Richmond was tortuous and obstructed with a large num- ber of rocks, mostly bowlders, besides the ledges at Rocketts and Goode's. Many vessels, sunk during the war of 1861-'65, especially at Drewry's Bluff, were very sei ious obstructions. The Dutch Gap Cut-off, which now saves 5J miles of difficult navigation, was not open. After the flood of 1870 but little over (i6 feet could be carried over Richmond Bar at low tide. The original project for improvement was for 18 feet at high tide, with a channel width of 180 feet from the Richmond Dock to below Barrison's Bar. The mean rise and fall of tide is about 3J feet, and the excavations in rock were to be carried to 15 feet at low water. In re- moving sand-shoals, where the operation is aided by wing-dams, the intention has been to so contract that the scour would produce a chan- nel of the same depth. The only intentional change in plan has been to make the channel below Warwick Bar, 5 miles below Richmond, 200 feet by 18 at low tide instead of high tide. The amount expended by the United States to June 30, 1882, was $585,668.18, and by the (city of Richmond about $387,500. At that date, at high water of spring tides the channel afforded the following depths: 20 feel from the sea to City Point, 19 feet thence to Warwick Bar, and of 17 feet from the latter point to vharves at Rocketts, though the depths of ordinary high eater were less. The method of improvement from the beginning, which has been adhered to, has consisted mainly in removing the sand and mud bars by dredging and contracting the width of the river adjacent by wing-dams and training-walls for the maintenance of the depth, and in removing bowlders and rock in beds by drilling and blasting. Under the pressure of the demands of com- mnerce for immediate results much money has been spent on this and other rivers in quickly giving depth and width of channel by dredging when it was well foreseen that permanence could only be expected through the aid of contracting works, for which there had been not sufficient RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 147 funds available. Thus the same bars have been dredged over and over again. The amount expended in the year ending June 30, 1883, by the United States was $7,252.54, and by the city of Richmond about $7,000. The amount expended by the United States in year ending June 30, 1884, has been $42,873.42, and by the city of Richmond $8,588.46, making a total for the United States up to June 30, 1884, of $635,794.14, and by the city of Richmond of $403,058. As directed by Congress, a survey was made to determine the prac- ticability and cost of procuring a channel 25 feet deep at full tide from Richmond to the mouth of the river. A report was rendered and printed in the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1882, Part I, page 870. This survey demonstrated the practicability of the project, and from the data obtained the cost thereof was estimated at $4,500,000, the width in artificial channels from the sea to City Point being 400 feet, from City Point to Drewry's Bluff 300 feet, and from Drewry's Bluff to Richmond 200 feet. Estimates were made for two other projects, de- nominated in the report second project and third project, that for the second )roject being $2,100,000 and that for the third project being $2,500,000. In the report these projects are fully described. Congress in the act of July 5, 1884, gave an indication of its will as to the point about which there had been doubt, viz, whether the Engi- neers were to continue the prosecution of the existing project for 18 feet at high water or were to take steps towards the beginning of that for gaining 25 feet at high water. The words of the law are as fol- lows: Improving James River, Virginia, continuing improvement on the plan for deep- ening the channel to 22 feet at mean low tide. The last appropriation and the balance remaining of the preceding one will therefore be applied in the manner indicated. July, 1, 1883, amount available------- ---- ......-------......------......---......--------....---......----...... $72,109 28 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-- -- --- ----...................---....... .-- . 42, 873 42 July 1, 1884, amount available ............ .......................... 29,235 86 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 75,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 104,235 86 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 425, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 500, 000 00 (See Appendix I 13.) 14. Appomnattox River, Virginia.-At the close of the war the naviga- tion of this river was in such a condition that the depth of water on more than one of the shoals did not exceed 6 feet at high tide, and this depth was diminished by 3 feet at low tide. The plan of improve- ment adopted in 1870 was to attain a depth of 12 feet at high water, with as much.width of channel as the river would bear. This plan has been steadily adhered to, constant progress being made towards its completion fi om year to year by the use of the money granted by Con- gress. The means depended on have been jetties, wing-dams, and train- ing-walls, with resort to the dredge only when the needs of commerce required immediate work in the channel to give more width or depth than had been attained under the slower operation of the structures mentioned, of which the system has not yet been fully carried out for want of sufficient money. This use of the dredge has been less from 148 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. year to. year, indicating an increased nearness to a permanently im- proved condition of the river. A new dredge has been finished, and is now owned by the City of Petersburg. This is of great importance, as the occasions for the use of a dredge as indicated above generally come after freshets. It has hitherto been difficult to procure one as soon as needed to repair dam- age to the channel. The details of operations of the fiscal year are given in full in the report of the officer who has been in charge of the work. The following is a summary of it: Timber dikes constructed ...................................... 1,060 linear feet. Wattled dikes constructed .................................... 2, 400 linear feet. Mat protection constructed...................................---------------------------------.. 17,800 square feet. Timber dikes repaired ...................................... 133 linear feet. Wattled dikes repaired ...................................... 250 linear feet. Material dredged .......................................... 26,727 cubic yards. The city of Petersburg has dredged a turning-basin in the harbor at the city and 987 cubic yards from the channel within the limits of the city. The amount expended in the year ending June 30, 1884, has been $15,518.59. The total amount expended by the United States in the ex- ecution of the adopted project has been $350,130.72. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................-------------------------------------.. $22, 479 41 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....-...-- . ...... ..... --............. .... ..... .... 15,518 59 ....-----......-------......---......------....---......------....--.... -6,960 July 1, 1884, amount available------- 82 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 25, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 31,960 82 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 46, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 46, 000 00 (See Appendix I 14.) 15. ShenandoahRiver, West Virginia.-Congressgranted $15,000, June 14, 1880, for the portion of the river in West Virginia which includes the single county of Jefferson. A second appropriation of $2,500 was made March 3, 1881, but a proviso to the latter prohibited the expenditure of either until the surrender to the United States of any corporate rights or franchises over the river held under State authority. After considerable delay an opinion was given in June 1883 by the United States district attorney for West Virginia, that the conditions imposed by Congress had been satisfied, which opinion was approved by the Secretary of War. The next step seemed to be for the United States to enter upon the sites lately occupied by the navigation company organized in 1872 under the authority of the State of West Virginia, and, in order to this, the definition of these sites and the procurement of abstracts of the titles seemed necessary for submission to the Attorney-General of the United States. The United States district attorney for West Virginia has been engaged upon this duty, which was not completed at the close of the fis- cal year. The details of the investigation are intricate and tedious. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $17, 312 20 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............. .................................. 6 00 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 17,306 20 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 7,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 7, 500 00 (See Appendix I 15.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 149 16. New River,from the mouth of Wilson, in Grayson County, Virginia, to the mouth of GreenbrierRiver, in West Virginia.-Nothing was done on this river in the year ending June 30, 1884, and the act of July 5, 1884, contained no further appropriation for it. The balance, $3,079.08, reported as available, pertains by special designation in the law of Au- gust 2, 1882, to the portion of the river above Foster's Falls, which are not passable. Its expenditure has seemed of very small benefit and has not been made. July 1, 1883, amount available..... ................................. . $3, 086 66 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--------------------------------------------............................................... -- 7 58 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................--------------------------------------.. 3,079 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ..- -....-.... 169, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix I 16.) 17. Great Kanawha River, West Virginia.-This river flows through a fertile and picturesque region, filled also with mineral wealth, especially coal and salt. It was by nature divided into a number of pools, some of considerable length and depth, separated by shoals of gravel and coarse sand, which were the principal obstructions to navigation in low water, there being often on them at such seasons but a few inches of water. In some of the pools were found shallow places also obstructing navigation. There were also snags and loose rock in the channel. The navigation above Charleston was more obstructed than below. Above, it was almost suspended in summer. The coal and salt were generally sent out on rises, which enabled the boats to pass safely over the ob- structions which otherwise would stop their movements entirely. The use of the river for the movement of these valuable products was there- fore unsatisfactory and intermittent. By the agency and superintend- ence of a board acting under the authority of the State, first of Virginia and then of West Virginia, considerable improvement in the river was from time to time effected, tolls being charged on the commerce for pay- ment of expenses. The object of the improvement begun several years ago by the United States was to give a constant navigable depth of at least 6 feet through- out the whole length of the Kanawha to its mouth at the Ohio River, to be accomplished by large locks and dams. Those already built have been about 350 by 50 feet. The peculiarity of most of the dams is that they can be lowered when the stage of water in the river will suffice over the shoals. This gives them the name of "movable dams," and enables an open river to be had when the water is high enough. Dams 3 and 2, both above Paint Creek, are fixed, as the declivity of the river in that section is too great to permit the advantageous use of the movable system. Dam 1 would also be fixed if constructed, but it will probably not be necessary to build that dam for many years, if eyer. Up to June 30, 1883, the amount expended has been $1,327,473.50. At that date Lock and Dam 3, 21 miles above Charleston Ferry, had been completed, as also Locks and Dams 4 and 5, which are respectively 9 and 15 miles above the same point. Lock 6, 4 miles below Charles- ton, was under contract and well advanced towards completion. The tedious negotiations for the procurement of Site 2, a mile below Cannel- ton, and 26 miles above Charleston, had been completed, and Lock 2 had just been commenced. 150 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount expended in the year ending June 30, 1884, was $84,265.65, which has been applied to the completion of Lock 6, commencing Lock 2, and operating Locks 3, 4, and 5, and movable Dams 4 and 5. The next work in order is the completion of Lock 2 and the building of movable Dam 6 and permanent Dam 2 After these would come the occupation of Site 7 by a lock and dam. The site already belongs to the United States. -- July 1, 1883, amount available.---------------------------------.....--......--......--...................... $210,526 50 July 1, 1n84, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......... $80,859 05 July 1, 18b4, outstanding liabilities .... ... . ........... 3,406 60 -- 84,265 65 July 1, 1884, amount available----- ............----------------......------......-.........------...... 126,260 85 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884................-200,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ........- -- - ....-.... 326, 260 85 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 1,857,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 ------------------------------------------------...---- 500,000 00 (Appendix I 17.) 18. Elk River, West Virginia.-The work of the fiscal year, which was executed in September and October, 1883, consisted mainly in blasting and removing some large rocks that interfered with and in some instances prevented the movement of lumber down the stream-a very important industry in that section. Similar work will be done in the current fiscal year to the extent of the funds available. --- July 1, 1883, amount available.--..-..--....-----....-............................ $2,963 00 July'l, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 . ...... .. ..............................-- ----.... 1,783 77 July 1, 1884, amount available..........-----------------------....-----....--......-......-----......--...... 1,179 23 (See Appendix I 18.) 19. Improvement of Cape Fear River, North Carolina.-The principal work of the year has been the placing of the mattress foundation of the long dam from Zeke's Island southward towards the large marsh below, and putting on it a partial covering of stone. This has been delayed by causes mentioned in the appended report of Mr. Henry Bacon, who has continued in the local supervision of the improvement. Other mat- ters are also treated by him in detail. (See Appendix I 19.) The dredging in the new channel along and above Snow's Marsh, with the object of shortening the length and increasing to 16 feet at low water the depth of the channel to Wilmington, was suspended in December, 1883, for want of funds. The total amount expended up to June 30, 1883, was $1,334,107.48, and in the year ending June 30, 1884, $138,995.42. July 1, 1883, amount available.. ------------------------------------ $168,392 52 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 -- - -- .-.-- $137, 394 14 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities -....-..... 1, 601 28 - 138, 995 42 July 1, 1884, amount available . ... .... .. ---... --.- 29,397 10 Amount appropriated by act approved July 6, 1884..................... 200,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................. 229,397 10 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.... .... 282, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 282, 000 00 (See Appendix I 19.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 151 20. Removing sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation.-. Two cases of this kind have received attention under the provisions of section 4, act of June 14, 1880, amended by act of August 2, 1882. The wreck of the Cascatelle having been represented as endangering the navigation of the lower Chesapeake Bay, and appearing to have been abaudoned by her owners, proposals for her removal were called for by advertisement in June, 1883. Mr. E. M. Stoddard, of Norfolk, Va., being the lowest bidder, the contract was awarded to him. He entered promptly upon the work, and the removal to the required depth-35 feet below the plane of mean low water-was soon completed. Petition having been also presented for the removal, from Chinco- teague Bar, Maryland, of the hull of the wrecked barkentine Wolverton, examination was made of her. It was found she was obstructing and endangering navigation. Her owners having been written to, prom- ised to effect her removal. It being afterwards discovered that under the action of winds and currents the wreck was working in towards the beach and out of the way of vessels, further action was postponed. It was finally reported in April, 1884, that the wreck had been broken up and submerged to such an extent as to be no longer dangerous. (See Appendix I 20.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were examined under the direction of the local engineer in charge, Lieutenant-Colonel Craighill, and not recom- mended for improvement, viz: 1. Pocomnoke River, Maryland, with a view to a cut-off in the bend just be- low Snow Hill. (See Appendix I 21.) 2. Manokin River, Maryland,from its mouth to Princess Anne. (See Appendix I 22.) 3. Pungoteague Creek, Accomack County, Virginia. (See Appendix I 23.) 4. Cherrystone Creek, Virginia. (See Appendix I 24.) 5. Wetipquin Creek, Maryland. (See Appendix I 25.) 6. Isle of Wight and Upper Synepuxent Bay, Maryland, and Indian River, Delaware, and the intervening land, with a view to connecting their waters. (See Appendix I 26.) The following were reported as worthy of improvement, but the work not a public necessity : 1. Wicomico River, Maryland,from its mouth to Salisbury. (See Ap- pendix I 27.) 2. Hunting Creek, Accomack County, Virginia. (See Appendix I 28.) 3. Dividing Creek, Talbot County, Maryland. (See Appendix 1 29.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS AT WASHINGTON AND GEORGE- TOWN, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IMPROVEMENT OF THE POTOMAC RIVER AT WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Officer in charge, Maj. Peter C. Rains,Corps of Engineers. 1. Harbors at Washington and Georgetown, District of Columbia.-The improvement of the navigation of Washington and Georgetown harbors was first undertaken by the corporation of Georgetown, D. C. A dredge was maintained at this work by the corporation for a number of years. In 1833 an appropriation was made by the United States to enable the citizens of Georgetown " to remove the obstructions to their navi- 15 2 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. gation by causing the cut already made through the bar below the town to be enlarged and deepened, and for other purposes." Of this appro- priation the sum of $48,266.60 was expended in excavating a channel through the bars above and below Long Bridge. The first regular appropriation by the United States for the improve- ment of the harbors of Washington and Georgetown was made in 1870. The project then adopted had in view the securing and maintaining of a navigable channel from Easby's Point, in the city of Washington, D. C., to Giesboro' Point, D. C., 200 feet wide and 16 feet deep at mean low tide; the removal of rocks in Georgetown Harbor, and the securing and maintaining to the wharves in Georgetown a channel of the dimensions requisite for navigation. Previous to this time, the natural channel over the bar below George- town was only 8 feet at mean low tide. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was ........................... $246,291 86 Expepded during the fiscal year June 30, 1884 ......................... 11,609 01 Total expenditures to June 30, 1884-............--...... 257,900 87 --....-........ These expenditures have resulted in securing in the approaches to Georgetown a navigable channel from 15 to 17 feet deep and 200 feet wide; and a channel to the wharves along the Washington front from . 15 to 16 feet deep and 190 feet wide. The improvements now in progress under the appropriation for im- proving the Potomac River at Washington, D. C., having reference to the improvement of navigation, the establishment of harbor lines, and the raising of the flats, have increased the depth and width of the chan- nel approaches to Georgetown to 20 feet and over 300 feet, respectively, so that during the past year no dredging was required to be done un- der the appropriation for improving Washington and Georgetown har- bors; operations were restricted to the removal of rocks that render navigation unsafe in Georgetown Harbor. The greater parts of three groups have been removed to a depth of 20 feet at mean low tide. It is proposed to continue the removal of these and such other rocks as form obstacles to navigation. The project at first contemplated the removal of the group designated as C, C2, C3, 04, C5, to a depth of 20 feet. It was found, however, that this group extended close in to the wharf line, and that there was no immediate necessity for their entire removal to a depth of 20 feet. The project was, therefore, modified to require the removal only of the highest two projecting points to a depth of 16 feet at mean low tide. The modified project can be carried out with the funds now available, so that no additional appropriation will be needed. July 1, 1883, amount available ....-.............. ................... . $45, 693 79 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $3, 709 01 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ........ ............... 7,900 00 - 11, 609 01 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 34,084 78 (See Appendix J 1.) 2. Improving Potomac River at Washington.--The present project for the improvement of the Potomac River in the vicinity of Washington, D. C., was adopted by act of Congress, August 2, 1882, wherein it is enacted that the sum of $400,000 is appropriated for "improving the Potomac River in the vicinity of Washington, with reference to the im- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 153 provement of navigation, the establishment of harbor lines, and the rais- ing of the flats, under the direction of the Secretary of War, and in accordance with the plan and report made in compliance with the river and harbor act approved March 3, 1881, and the reports of the Board of Engineers made in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of December 13, 1881." The object of the improvement is to secure a depth of water up as far as Georgtown as great as will accommodate the largest class of vessels that can reach Giesboro' Point; to establish the harbor lines, beyond which obstructions, such as wharves, &c., should not be built, and at the same time fill up the flats or marshes, in front of the city of Wash- ington, raising them above the highest freshets, thereby improving its sanitary condition, the material taken from the river in improving the navigation to be used in filling up the flats. The expenditures under this appropriation have thus far resulted in opening a channel for navigation about 300 feet wide and 20 feet deep at low tide from the deep water off Giesboro' Point to the wharves at Georgetown, covering not less than 120 acres of marshes with the material taken from the river, reclaiming that area from overflow by ordinary freshets, and improving the healthiness of the localities near the reclaimed areas. About 20,000 linear feet of railroad, used for conveying material to the dumping ground on the flats, have been built, and about 7,000 feet of the foundation for the slope-wall finished. The work during the past fiscal year has progressed favorably-the amount of material dredged from the river and deposited on the flats being, in round numbers, 1,315,000 cubic yards. The amount available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, is $553,141.35. It is proposed to apply this in continuing the dredging of the Virginia channel and the deposit of the dredgings on the flats, so as to increase the width of the channel and complete the reclamation of Section 1 to a height of 6 feet above mean low tide; to dredge the Washington Channel from Long Bridge to the mouth of the Eastern Branch to a depth of 20 feet at mean low tide, and a width of about 250 feet or more-the dredgings to be deposited on Section 3 of the flats; to begin the construction of the tidal reservoir in Section 2, in order to supply fresh water to the Washington Channel when the latter is closed above Long Bridge; to construct the inlet-gates for taking fresh water into the tidal reservoir; to fill that portion of Section 2 of the flats between the northeast margin of the reservoir and the Monu- ment grounds and between the northwest margin and the sewer canal; to complete the revetment of the slope on the outer edge of Sections 1, and 3; and to commence the construction of the wall on the Washing- ton side of Section 3. The amount asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, will be applied to continuing the work already begun and in accordance with the approved project. The officer in charge believes that the entire work can be completed within the estimate, and that when completed the land reclaimed will be equal in value to the cost of reclamation. He also calls attention to the necessity of building retaining-walls to the sewer canal at the foot of Seventeenth street. Provision should be made for the construction of these walls at an early day, either by the General Government or the District authorities. Under the provisions of the act of Congress of June 21, 1870, giving the possession of the Long Bridge to the Baltimore and Potomac Rail- 154 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. road Company, it was enacted that the United States should have the right to alter or amend the law. The bridge should be rebuilt, as it is a serious obstruction to the flow of water through it in times of freshets. When the Washington Chan- nel is closed all the water of the river will be conceiitrated into the Virginia Channel, the sectional area of which must be enlarged. The officer in charge of the improvement suggests that, if no pro- vision be made for building a new bridge, it should at least be put in a condition to cause as little damage as possible to private property in the city in times of freshets. The removal of about 400 feet of the cause- way at the south end of the bridge and the deepening of the water be- tween the piers northeast of the draw would afford some relief; but the only radical cure for the evil effects of Long Bridge is a new one. July 1, 1883, amount available---------....-----......--......------....-------....---............---.... $346,590 17 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...-..-......-- ...... $265, 231 85 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities...-.....--........-.. .... 28,216 97 -- 293, 448 82 July 1, 1884, amount available.....................................--------------------------------------.. 53, 141 35 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ........-.... - 500, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................. 553,141 35 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 1, 816, 365 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 .....--------..--......-----....------....--....-----....--......-..----------------------. 500, 000 00 (See Appendix J 2.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS AT BRETON BAY AND SAINT JER- OMEIS CREEK, MARYLAND ; OF THE CHANNEL AT MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA; OF RAPPAHANOCK RIVER ; OF YORK RIVER; OF TRIB- UTARIES OF THE LOWER POTOMAC, AND OF CERTAIN RIVERS IN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA. Engineer-in-charge, Mr. S. T. Abert, United States Civil Engineer. 1. Channel at Mount Vernon, Virginia.-Previous to the commencement of this improvement there was a depth of but 4 feet at low water over the wide flat between the wharf at Mount Vernon and the main channel of the Potomac River. The present project for the improvement of this channel was adopted in 1879, the object being to excavate a channel from deep water of the Potomac River to the wharf at Mount Vernon 150 feet wide and from 6 to 7 feet deep at low water, with turning basin at the wharf. The amount expended thereon to the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1882, was $8,442.86, which resulted in securing a channel 145 feet wide, with a depth varying from 7 to 9 feet from the Potomac Channel to the wharf, and a circular turning basin at the wharf of the same depth and with a radius of 150 feet. The appropriation of $5,500 asked for is to be applied to widening the channel and enlarging the turning basin, and will complete the proposed plan of improvement. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................................... $57 14 July 1, 1844, amount available....................... .................... 57 14 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project............ 5, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5, 500 00 (See Appendix K 1.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 155 2. Neabsco Creek, Virginia.--The obstruction to navigation in this stream consisted of a wide flat at the mouth about lI miles in length, over which but 21 feet could be carried at low water, and several short bars in the upper part of the creek, where the channel is narrow and tortuous. The present project for the improvement was adopted in 1881, and contemplated the excavation of a channel through the bars 100. feet wide and 7 feet deep at low water from the Potomac River to Atkin- son's Upper Landing (including a channel to Atkinson's Lower Landing and Willis's Wharf), a distance of about 14,800 feet. The amount expen- ded to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $4,942.73, and has resulted in securing a channel 50 feet wide and from 4 to 5 feet deep at low water from the Potomac River to a point 1,800 feet above Willis's Wharf, where the creek is narrow and has a sufficient depth, although other bars still exist above this point. For continuing the improvement an appropriation of $5,000 is recommended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1882, amount available....................-------------------....----......-----....-......... $57 27 July 1, 1884, amaunt available.-------...---------....--......--......------..........-----.....------......---. 57 27 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.-....51,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix K 2.) 3. Breton Bay, Leonardtown, Maryland.-The harbor of Leonardtown, at the upper end of Breton Bay, prior to the commencement of the pres- ent improvement, had a least depth of 5 feet at low water, which was in- sufficient for the passage of steamers to and from the Leonardtown Wharf. The present project for the improvement was adopted in 1878, the object being to excavate a channel 150 wide and 9 feet deep between the 9-foot curve in the bay and Leonardtown Wharf. The amount ex- pended to June 3u, 1883, was $19,984 04, and during the fiscal year end- ing June 30, 1884, $15.96 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $20,000. These expenditures have result d in securing a channel 115 feet wide for a distance of 2,700 feet, and 120 feet wide on a curve for a distance of 1,000 feet, with a basin at the wharf 285 feet wide for a distance of 340 feet, then contracting gradually to 115 feet width, where it joins the steamboat channel. The depth of the new cut is from 9 to 10 feet at low water. No work has been done during the fiscal year closing June 30, 1884. The appropriation of $7,000 asked for will complete this improvement, and will be applied to widening the channel. July 1, 1883, amount available ......----.................................. $15 96 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 15 96 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 184.... ................. 3,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 7, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 7, 000 00 (See Appendix K 3.) 4. Nomini Creek, Virginia.-The first surveys at Nomini Creek were made in 1873. The stream is an important tributary of the Potomac, 82 miles below Washington, draining a large area of productive country. The navigation was, however, obstructed by a bar of sand and oyster shells at its mouth, over which but 3 feet could be carried at low water, and the danger in passing the bar was further increased by the cross- tide and an exceedingly rapid current. 156 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The present project for the improvement was adopted in 1873, the object being to excavate a channel through this bar 100 feet wide and 9 feet deep at low water, and was modified in 1879 so as to provide for a width of 150 feet. During the fiscal year closing June 30, 1884, the sum of $1,878,54 was expended in removing several lumps which had formed in the channel. The total amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $32,500. This resulted in securing a channel from 9 to 10 feet deep at low water, with a width varying from 85 to 140 feet. The dimensions of the channel dredged in 1882 varied from 105 to 160 feet in width, but these dimensions have been reduced by the inflowing sand. After passing the bar, 8J feet can be carried to INomini Ferry, 3 miles above the mouth. The Engineer in charge recommends widening the channel to a uniform width of 150 feet, to secure its permanency, and the dredging of a training-channel and sinking a mattress, to divert a cross-current detrimental to the integrity of the main channel. The delay in the work has greatly increased the cost of execution. Much of the dredging done each season is for the purpose of removing the sand which has drifted into the cut. For these reasons the Engineer thinks hbat from $28,000 to $30,000 will be re- quired to complete the work, and he recommends an appropriation of $10,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available, . . . . ... . ... . . $1,878 54 July 1, 1e84, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883,----------------....................--------------....-.----------..................... 1,878 54 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project, --......--.... 30,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix K 4.) 5. Harbor at entrance of Saint Jerome's Creek, Maryland.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1881, and contem- plated dredging a channel 100 feet wide and 9 feet deep at low water through the outer bar at the mouth' of the creek, and a channel 40 feet wide and 6 feet deep through the south prong of the creek, the material therefrom to be thrown up into a dike, if practicable, so as to form a pond of a portion of this south prong for the purpose of the United States Fish Commission. Progress in both channels was made in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1882. Five thousand dollars were appropri- ated by act passed August 2, 1882. Work was recommenced on the inner channel, which has been opened to the Fish Commission Wharf in the upper pond, a distance of 3,050 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $11,372.26 and during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $73.67 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $11,445.93. The appropriation of June 5, 1884, will be applied to the completion of the existing project. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $127 74 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 73 67 July 1, 1884, amount available ....-....-...-.. . -..--.. ..- .... .....--....--......... Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--- ----... 54 07 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 15,054 07 (See Appendix K 5.) 6. Rappahannock River, Virginia.-The present project for the im- provement of this river was adopted in 1871 and modified in 1879, the ob- ject being to provide a channel 150 feet wide and 10 feet deep through the RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 157 bar at Fredericksburg, channels 100 feet wide and 10 feet deep through the bars between Fredericksburg and Port Royal, and channels 200 feet wide and 15 feet deep through two bars between Port Royal and Tappa- hannock, where a larger class of vessels will need to be provided for. In the Report for 1883 the engineer presents a detailed history of the operations for the improvement up to that date, and estimates for its completion in accordance with the plan of 1879. Between March 3, 1871, and June 30, 1879, $90,500 were expended on the first project. The amount expended under the present project be- tween June 14, 1880, and June 30, 1884, is $56,949.07. This expendi- ture has resulted in securing, by means of dredging at various times and the construction of longitudinal and spur dike s, navigable channels at Fredericksburg, Pollock's, Pratt's, Spottswood, and Castle's Ferry bars, and the removal of wrecks, drift logs, and snags at other points. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, dikes were constructed at Fredericksburg, Barnard's, Castle's Ferry. and Farleyvale bars, and dredging at Fredericksburg, Pollock's, and Castle's Ferry bars. No al)propriation was made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1x84. The amount asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $50,000, to be applied to the continuation of the improvements between Fred ericksburg and Port Royal, and if found practicable the coimmencement of operations on the two bars below Port Royal. July 1, 18K3, amount available...............------------------..................... -------------- $2,504 67 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive ofoutstaneing liabilities July 1, 1883......--------....--......-------....---......--......--------....---......-...... 2,453 74 July 1, 1884, amount available ................................ ...... 50 93 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... _0, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885---..............-.-- . 10, 050 93 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----....----...... z214, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix K 6.) 7. Totuskey River, Virginia.-The obstructions to the navigation of this river consisted of a bar at its mouth, which forms a part of the wide flat between the outlet of the river and the navigable channel of the Rappahannock, having a least depth of 4- feet and a bar about 2J miles above the mouth, known as Booker's Bar, having a ruling depth of 3 feet. The improvement at Booker's Bar is needed for the purposes of navigation. The first appropriation was made June 14, 1880, amounting to $2,500, but, being too small to accomplish economical results, its expenditure was deferred. An additional appropriation of $2,500 was made March 3, 1881, and proposals for building a dike at Booker's Bar were invited. But a single proposal was received, and this was too high to permit the accomplishment of the work under the amount then available. It was therefore decided to defer the expenditure of the appropriation until an additional amount should be granted by Congress. On August 2, 1882, an additional appropriation of $5,000 was made, making the fund available about $9,945. This being sufficient, the pro- posed longitudinal dike was built. The effect of this dike will be to concentrate the current and to scour out the channel, but this action will be dilatory. The channel should be dredged if prompt improvement of the naviga- tion is desirable. For this object $12,000 will be required. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $8,296.84, and during the fiscal year end 158 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. ing June 30, 1884, $936.20 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $9,233.04. July 1, 1883, amount available- ............ ...... .. ............... $1,703 16 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.... .... --- ----------- $925 20 -------------------------- July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities-.............. 11 00 936 20 July 1, 1884, amount available............---......--....................------------------.... 766 96 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........---------.- 1'2, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 12,000 00 (See Appendix K 7.) 8. Urbana Creek, Virginia.-Prior to the commencement of this im- provement the navigation was obstructed by a bar at the mouth, over which but 6 feet of water could be carried. The present project for the improvement was adopted in 1879, the object being to excavate a channel through this bar 150 feet wide and 10 feet deep at low water. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $11,890.24, and during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $3,541.17 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $15,431.41. This expenditure has resulted in securing a channel through the outer bars of 10 feet in depth at low water, and a width of 120 feet at the narrowest part, with the ends of the channel widened for facility in entering. A turning-basin 200 feet wide, 300 feet long, and 10 feet deep has also been made at Urbana Wharf, and a channel of approach within the creek 1,090 feet long, 80 feet wide, and 10 feet deep at low water. The engineer in charge asks, for the completion of this work, an ap- propriation of $5,000 for the year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available............-.............................. $3, 609 76 July 1, 18r4, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.... ........................................... 3, 541 17 July 1, 1884, amount available---.. --..-...................................... 68 59 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 5, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix K 8.) 9. Mattaponi River, Virginia.-Previousto the commencement of this improvement, the Mattal)oni River was obstructed by numerous bars and by snags, wrecks, and overhanging trees. The present project for the improvement was adopted in 1880, the object being to provide a channel 40 feet wide, and 5J feet deep at low water, by the removal of the snags, drift-logs, wrecks, and overhanging trees, and by dredging through the bars. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $5,800, which was expended in snagging operations, and the removal of wrecks, logs, and overhanging trees for a length of river of about 24 miles. An appropriation of $10,000 is recommended to be applied to the continu- ation of the improvement. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884... .......... $2, 500 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........----------. 25, 800 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 (See Appendix K 9.) 10. Pamunkey River, Virginia.-The present project for the improve- ment of this river was adopted in 1880, the object being to provide a channel 40 feet wide, and from 5 to 6 feet deep at low water, by the RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 159 removal of snags, logs, wrecks, and overhanging trees, and by dredg ing through the bars. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $5,171.98. This sum was expended for snagging operations and the improvement of 20 miles of the river, 8 wrecks, and 1,721 snags, logs; and trees, hav- ing been removed. The appropriation of $10,000 asked for is to be applied to continuing the improvement by dredging through the worst shoals. July 1, 18-3, amount available ......................................... $2, 500 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...........--------........------------------....------..-...... 171 98 .......................................... July 1, 1884, amount available-------------------------------------- 2,328 02 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix K 10.) 11. York River, Virginia.-The navigation of York River, Virginia, prior to the commencement of the present improvement, was obstructed by a bar at the mouth of Potopotank Creek, having a least depth of 19 feet at low water, and a bar about 81 miles above at West Point, Vir- ginia, having a least depth of 14 feet. The present project for the im- provement of this river was adopted in 1880, the object being to provide a channel, by dredging 22 feet deep and 200 feet wide (to be increased afterwards to 400 feet wide), through the bars, and also a basin of the same depth at the wharves at West Point. The first appropriation for this improvement was made June 14, 188=, of $10,000, which was applied to the improvement of the Potopotank Bar. A channel 105 feet wide and 22 feet deep has been secured by dredging through Potopotank Bar. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $55,206.87, and during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $2,390.83 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $57,597.70. This has secured through the West Point Bar, in addition to the im- provement of the Potopotank Bar, a channel 120 feet wide from the upper end of the bar, a distance of 7,800 feet; 146 feet wide for 1,700 feet at a turn; and 100 feet wide for 1,600 feet to lower end of bar; a total distance of 11,100 feet with 22 feet depth. It is desired to increase the width of this channel to 400 feet according to the original estimate. An appropriation of $68,000 is asked for to continue the improvement at West Point during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available ..... ............................ --...... $4.,793 13 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1863-------....--------.............-------. $2, 355 83 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 35 00 2, 390 83 July 1, 1884, amount available ......... .............................. 2,402 30 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 22, 402 30 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project---------.......... 176, 000 00 Amount that can be protitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 68,000 00 (See Appendix K 11.) 12. Chickahominy River, Virginia.-The present project for the im- provement of this river was adopted in 1878, the object being to dredge channels 100 to 150 feet wide through Binn's, Old Fort, and Windsor- 160 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Shades bars to a depth of not less than 8 feet at low water, and to re- move snags, logs, &c., from points above Windsor Shades. The least depths on these bars, prior to the commencement of the improvement, were 4 to 5 feet at low water. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $14,448.83, and during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $551.17 have been expended, mak- ing a total to June 30, 1884, of $15,000, which expenditure has resulted in securing a channel through Binn's Bar 150 feet wide and 8 feet deep, and through Windsor Shades and Old Fort Bars 100 feet wide and 8 feet deep, and through the bar at the mouth of the river 90 feet wide and 14 feet deep at low water. For the completion of the project for the improvement of the upper part of the river $1,000 are still required. For the completion of the project for improving the river at the mouth, an appropriation of $13,000 is recommended; $5,000 appropri- ated August 2, 1882, was expended in dredging a channel through the bar 90 feet wide, 14 feet deep, and 1,800 feet long. July 1,1883, amount available ......-.................-....-...... -......$551 17 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-----......------......------....---.......-....-..-.-...---....-....------.... ------ 551 17 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 13,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 13, 000 00 (See Appendix K 12.) 13. Staunton River, Virginia, between Roanoke Station and Brookneal.- The present project for the improvement of this river between Roa- noke Station, on the Richmond and Danville Railroad, and Brookneal, 31 miles above, was adopted in 1879, the object being to secure a navi- gable channel not less than 35 feet wide, and 2 feet deep at low water, through the various ledges and sand-bars which obstruct the naviga- tion, with a slope of water surface at rapids not greater than 10 feet to the mile. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $18,751.23, and during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $3,262.62 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $22,013.85, which has resulted in securing a survey of the river from Roanoke Station, at the crossing of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, to Brookneal, the construction of derrick-boats and quarter-boats, the improvement of Hawk Mountain Shoal, Horseback Shoal, and a portion of Clark's Shoal. The channel has been improved for a distance of 7 miles by the ex- cavation of rock and for 2 miles by the construction of spur dikes. An appropriation of $15,000 is asked to continue the improvement during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, between Roanoke Station and Brookneal. July 1,1883, amount available ....------......--....-......---....---..--......------......-----..--.. -$3, 748 77 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 183... .. .. .... ........................ 3,262 62 July 1,1884, amount available.......................................... 46 15 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 -.-----.-.-------.. 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 5,486 15 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 41,200 00 Amount that can be profitably expended infiscal year ending June30,1886. 15,000 00 - (See Appendix K 13.) 14. Staunton River, Virginia, between Brookneal and Pig River.-The present general project for the improvement of this river between Brook- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 161 neal and Pig River was adopted in 1882, the object being to secure a navigable channel for bateau navigation not less than 14 feet wide and 14 to 2 feet deep at low water, with a slope of water surface at rapids not greater than 10 feet to the mile. After a survey in 1882 of the river from the bridge of the Virginia Midland Railroad to Pig River, a distance of 231 miles, Clement's Falls was selected as most in need of improvement. The project for improving Clement's Falls was adopted in 1883, the object being to secure a channel 14 feet wide and 1 feet deep at low water, with a water-surface slope of about 5 feet to the mile. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $508.94, and during the fiscal year ending June 30,1884, $1,385.85 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $1,894.79, which has resulted in the improve- ment of 24 miles of the river above the Virginia Midland Railroad Bridge, including Clement's Falls, of 1,000 feet through Brown's Shoal, and 200 feet in Tuck's Shoal. To continue the improvement $10,000 should be appropriated. July 1,1883, amount available .......................................... $1, 491 06 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding 1,385 85 liabilities July 1, 1883............................................------------ July 1,1884, amount available .......... ............................ 105 21 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 38, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix K 14.) 15. Dan River, between Madison, North Carolina, and Danville, Vir- ginia.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel for navigation not less than 35 feet wide, and not less than 1 feet deep in the pools and 2 feet deep in the rapids at extreme low water. The project was afterwards modified to a channel of not less than 16 feet wide and 2 feet deep in the rapids at extreme low water, which have been the dimensions excavated. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $21,243.23, and during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $3,804.28 have been expended, making a total to June 30, 1884, of $25,048.51. These expenditures have resulted in securing an efficient outfit of derrick-boats, quarter-boats, scows, &c., and the improvement of about 4.8 miles of the river above Danville. An appropriation of $10,000 is recommended for continuing the improvement during the year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $4,255 77 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......................... $3,764 28 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .........................---------------------- 40 00 - 3, 804 28 July 1,1884, amount available.--..........-.......................... 451 49 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 5, 451 49 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 21,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expendedin fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix K 15.) 16. Roanoke River, North Carolina.-The project for the improve- ment of this river was adopted in 1871, the object being to improve 5908 EN--li 162 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. navigation by the removal of rocks near Weldon and Halifax, and all wrecks, snags, and overhanging trees at various other points, and dredging channels through the numerous bars and shoals. In the re- port dated April 28, 1871, an estimate amounting to $269,000 was sub- mitted for a channel 5 feet deep, and another estimate amounting to $519,000 for a channel 8 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1878, was $45,000, and since this date no funds have been available for the continuation of the work until August 2, 1882. Up to that period the work consisted in the re- moval of rocks at Weldon, and many wrecks, logs, overhanging trees, and building three dikes at Indian Highland Bar. The appropriation of $5,000 made August 2, 1832, was expended in repairing two dikes at Indian Highland Bar. A survey was also made to ascertain the changes which have taken place since 1871, and a re- port dated November 26, 1883, has been submitted. . The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $46,274.81, and during. the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $2,748 have been expended, mak- ing a total to June 30, 1884, of $49,022.81. The Engineer recommends that the work should be limited for the present to the building of snag. boat, the removal of snags, and to the careful examination of certain bars. For this work an appropriation of $17,000 is asked for the fiscal year closing June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $3, 725 19 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................. ................ 2,748 00 July 1, 1884, amount available........ ............................... 977 19 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ................. - 3, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 3,977 19 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 17,000 00 (See Appendix K 16.) 17. FrenchBroad River, North Carolina.-Thefirst project for the im- provement of this river was adopted in 1878, the object being to secure a channel 35 feet wide, and not less than 21 feet deep at low water, be- tween Brevard and Big Buck Shoal, a distance of 31.64 miles. The amount expended to June 30, 1882, was $37,780.22, with which expenditure the following results have been attained: A survey of the river between Brevard and Big Buck Shoal, the im- provement of the various shoals and rapids, by means of rock and gravel excavation, and the construction of wing-dams for a distance of 26 miles below Brevard. For the completion of the improvement from Brevard to Big Buck Shoal $7,500 will be required. The act of August 2, 1882, appropriated $5,000 for improving the river " from Smith's Bridge up." A survey from Smith's Bridge (near Ashe- ville) to the foot of Long Shoals, a distance of 12.09 miles, was made in 1882 and a project adopted for securing a channel 30 feet wide and not less than 24 feet deep at low water for this distance. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the river was improved for a distance of 4- miles above the bridge. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $39,355.52, and during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $3,432.71 have been expended, mak- ing a total to June 30, 1884, of $42,788.23. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 163 For continuing the improvement $10,000 is asked. July 1, 1883, amount available...................................... .... $3, 644 48 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, L883......... ........ .......................... ,3,432 71 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................----------------------------------------.. 211 77 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 24,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix K 17.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement by the General Government and the work not a public necessity: 1. Hull's Creek, Northumberland County, Virginia. (See Appendix K 18.) 2. Piscataway Creek, Prince George's County, Maryland. (See Appen- dix K 19.) 3. Chicamuxen Creek, Charles County, Maryland. (See Appendix K 20.) 4. Piscataway Creek, Essex County, Virginia. (See Appendix K 21.) Where improvements would be advisable but not a public necessity : 1. Port Tobacco Creek, Charles County, Maryland. (See Appendix K 22.) Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made by him, as required by the above act, Mr. Abert was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Con. gress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 64, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. Quantico Creek, Virginia. (See Appendix K 23.) 2. PiankatankRiver, Virginia. (See Appendix K 24.) 3. Great Wicomico from Cedar Point to Indian Point, Northumberland County, Virginia. (See Appendix K 25.) 4. Roanoke River, North Carolina. (See Appendix K 26.) IMPROVEMENT OF HARBORS OF NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, AND BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA; OF CURRITUCK SOUND, COANJOK BAY, AND NORTH RIVER AND BAR; IMPROVEMENT OF CERTAIN RIVERS IN VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA, AND SOUTH CAROLINA. Officers in charge, Capt. James Mercur, Corps of Engineers, to March 15, 1884, since which time Capt. F. A. Hinman, Corps of Engineers. 1. Harbor at Norfolk, Virginia.-Priorto the commencement of this improvement, the harbor proper had much deteriorated by filling up, due to many causes. The projectfor improvement, which consisted in dredging, was adopted in 1877, and, with slight modifications, all operations have been con- ducted in accordance therewith. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $326,817.32, which resulted in securing a channel having a least width of 200 feet and 25 feet deep at low water, from Hampton Roads to Norfolk, and also the general improvement of the harbor proper, affording additional anchorage ground. 164 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. There was expended in the fiscal year ending June 30,1884, $30,030.54 which was applied to improving the channel with Southern Branch of Elizabeth River, the approach to the United States navy-yard, and the improvement of the Eastern Branch, with good results to navigation and commerce. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30,1886, is $75,000. It is proposed to expend this in dredging Berkley flats, which is necessitated by the great increase of commerce, requiring additional wharf facilities, and also in deepening and widening the channels of the Eastern and Southern Branches, which the increase in the draught of vessels requires. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent comple- tion of the work of improvement in accordance with the approved and adopted project has been exceeded. Since the original estimate was made, the conditions upon which it was based have materially changed, owing to increased commerce, necessitating new wharves and increased anchorage room. The difficulty of correctly judging of the future requirements of this harbor, which is growing in importance yearly, renders the separation of estimates based on a comprehensive plan for its entire and permanent completion quite impracticable at this time. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $33,182 68 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $29,980 54 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 50 00 -- 30, 030 54 July 1, 1884, amount available ...-..... ............................. 3,152 14 Amount received from an officer for fuel ................................ 33 75 Amount appropriated by an act approved July 5, 1884 .................. 25,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 28,185 89 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75,000 00 (See Appendix L 1.) 2. Improving approach to Norfolk Harbor and the United States navy- yard between Lambert's Point and Fort Norfolk.-The original condition of the channel was good, with the exception of a bar opposite the mouth of the Western Branch of Elizabeth River, on some parts of which there was a depth of only about 15 feet at mean low water. The project for the improvement adopted in 1878 was to dredge this bar for a distance of 4,800 feet to a width of 500 feet and a depth of 25 feet at mean low water. It is not known what amount has been expended at this particular locality, as it cannot be separated from the sum total of the general expenditures for the improvement of the harbor at Norfolk and its ap- proaches, of which this is a part. The result obtained from the expenditures at this point was a channel 4,400 feet long, 265 feet wide, and 25 feet deep at mean low water, which greatly facilitated navigation and commerce. No work has been done in this locality since November, 1880. The act of July 5, 1894, appropriated $50,000 specifically for widening the channel. There can be profitably expended on this work, during the fiscal year ending June 30,1886, the sum of $100,000, which it is proposed to apply to continuing the improvement by widening the channel. The advan- tages and benefits to be derived therefrom will be a better approach to the harbor and more room for anchorage. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 165 A project for the application of this appropriation is under considera- tion by a Board of Engineer Officers. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................$50,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100,000 00 (See Appendix L 2.) 3. Archer's Hope River, Virginia.-Priorto commencement of this work there existed a shallow natural channel in the river which could not be reached on account of the bar near its mouth where it enters the James River. The project adopted in 1881 contemplated the dredging of a channel 6 feet deep and not less than 50 feet wide from the mouth of the river to Williamsburg, 5 miles above. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $9,805.79, which resulted in securing only a channel of ample width and depth through the sand- bar at the entrance, but as no dredging was done in the river proper, no material benefit has resulted to navigation. The amount expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $69, which, of course, did not materially benefit the work. The amount asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, will be applied to dredging in the river, although it is doubtful whether the river can be permanently improved except by an expensive system of dikes near the entrance. July 1. 1883, amount available ......................................... $194 21 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................................................ 69 00 July 1, 1884, amount available .................................. ..... 125 21 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 9,400 70 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix L 3.) 4. Blackwater River, Virginia.-This river originally had a channel with a minimum depth of 8 feet scant, much obstructed by logs and leaning trees, sunken wr.ecks, shoals, and projecting points, which rendered nav- gation exceedingly difficult. The original project, adopted in 1878, was to dredge bars andel points, remove logs, and trim the banks of overhanging timber. There was expended up to June 30, 1883, $12,395.57, which resulted in securing a channel 9 feet deep, and of ample width except at projecting points. There was expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $1,604.43, which was applied to taking out additional logs and trimming the banks of leaning trees. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 18861 the sum of $1,000 can be profitably expended. July 1, 1883, amount available ..................................... $1, 604 43 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......................................... ...... 1,604 43 Amount (estimated( required for completidn of existing project ......... 8i 0 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 1,000 00 (See Appendix L 4.) 5. Nottoway River, Virginia.-Priorto improvement, this river could not be said to have any channel except on the lower 19 miles of its course. In this portion there was from 9 to 25 feet of water, much obstructed by wrecks, snags, and leaning trees. The remaining 31 miles was so much blocked by snags, &c., that it was with difficulty that fiat- boats of 12 inches draught could pass over it. The original project was adopted in 1881, and proposed the removal 166 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. of all obstructions, both natural and artificial, to Peters's Bridge, 50 miles from its mouth, to obtain a good depth in the lower portion and a channel of 2 feet depth through the upper portion of the river. The amount expended to June 30, 1882, was $6,420.30, which, by re- moving wrecks, &c., secured a good channel not less than 9 feet in depth in the lower portion of the river. The upper portion was also cleared and the channel improved, but the careless manner in which timber has been rafted since has caused it to fill up again with logs, &c., and con- sequently navigation has not been permanently benefited. No further appropriation is asked for this river. July 1, 1883, amount available............. ........................... $579 70 July 1, 1884, amount available.... .................................... 579 70 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 2,000 00 (See Appendix L 5.) 6. North Landing River, Virginia and North Carolina.-This river, prior to improvement, was much obstructed by logs, snags, &c., and also by shoals and abrupt bends. The original project, adopted in 1879, contemplates the dredging of the shoals, cutting off projecting points at abrupt bends, and removing logs, snags, &c. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $46,249.08, which secured a channel not less than 80 feet wide and 9 feet deep throughout its entire length, 17 miles. There was expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $3,528.26, which was applied to the removal of logs, snags, &c. There can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, $15,000, which will be applied to redredging some of the shoals and taking out such logs, snags, &c., as may be encountered. As this, work is not susceptible of entire and permanent completion, no estimate can be made for that purpose. Small periodical expendi- tures will be required to maintain it. July 1, 1883, amount available . .......................................... $9, 250 92 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...............-----------...... $3, 495 76 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ......................... 32 50 - 3,528 26 July 1, 1884, amount available................................... ...... 5,722 66 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 15,000 00 (See Appendix L 6.) 7. Meherrin River, North Carolina.-Previousto the commencement of operations on this improvement the channel was so much obstructed by logs and leaning trees as to make navigation difficult and dangerous; there were also some shoals having a ruling depth of less than 8 feet. The original project for the improvement, adopted in 1883, confined operations to the removal of logs, &c., the appropriation not being suf- ficient to undertake dredging in addition. The amount expended up to Juhe 30, 1883, was $163.19, the work being but just commenced. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there was expended $3,970.71, which, by clearing the river of logs and leaning trees, resulted in making navigation free and uninterrupted for the steamers at present engaged on the river. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $7,500, wi h which it is proposed to dredge the shoals as originally estimated for and to remove any logs that may be encountered. It is expected to complete the improvement as estimated, securing a channel of ample width and 9 feet in depth at low water. RIVER .AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 1.67 Small periodical appropriations will be necessary to maintain the work, as it is not susceptible of permanent completion. July 1, 1883, amount available---......................------------.................----------------------.. $4,836 81 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883.. ........ ............................. 3,970 71 July 1, 1884, amount available-.-..................... . ....-. .... .. 866 10 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 7,500 00 (See Appendix L 7.) 8. Currituck Sound, Coanjok Bay, and North River Bar, North Car- olina.-Prior to commencing this improvement there was no channel proper in Currituck Sound. Dredging had been done in certain por- tions and a cut made through Coanjok Bay by a private company. The original project, adopted in 1878, which has only been modified so far as relates to Coanjok Bay, contemplated dredging a channel 80 feet wide at bottom and 9 feet deep at low water. Up to June 30, 1883, the amount expended was $112,953.49, which re- sulted in securing a channel 9 feet deep and 50 feet wide the entire length of the upper sound, 10.5 miles, the partial widening and deep- ening of the channel through Coanjok Bay, and the construction of a shell dike 9,600 feet long on the west side of this channel, tor its pro- tection. There was expended in the year ending June 30, 1884, $4,046.01, which secured a channel from 40 to 80 feet wide and 9 feet deep through Coanjok Bay. There can be profitably expended in the year ending June 30, 1886, $15,000. This sum it is proposed to expend in furtherance of the orig- inal project, as modified. July 1, 1883, amount available.. . . . . .. ................. $7, 040 51 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................. 4,046 01 July 1, 1884, amount available.--....................................... .. 3,000 50 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 8, 000 50 Amount that can be profitably expendedin fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 15, 200 00 (See Appendix L 8.) 9. $cuppernongRiver, North Carolina.-Before work was commenced on this river there was a bar at the mouth of it with about 5 feet of water thereon. The upper portion of the stream was obstructed by logs, snags, overhanging trees, &c., and by projecting points at abrupt bends, permitting navigation for small vessels only with difficulty. The project adopted originally in 1880 for its improvement was to dredge the bar and make cut-offs at projecting points to a depth of 9 feet, and also to remove the various obstructions. The amount expended up to June 30, 1883, is $6,000, and resulted in dredging the bar and two cut-offs at projecting points, and also the removal of the obstructions so far as practicable, thus materially assist- ing navigation. There have been no expenditures since. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriated $2,000 for this work, which it is proposed to expend in dredging other cutoffs and the removal of any obstructions that may be encountered, thereby completing the work, as far as can be foreseen now. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................. $2,000 00 (See Appendix L 9.) 16 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEURS, U. S. ARMY. 10. Edenton Bay, North Carolina.-The navigable channel through this bay was originally obstructed by an extensive sand-shoal, with a depth thereon of 6J feet. The project originally adopted in 1878, and modified in 1879, was to dredge a channel 9 feet deep, and as wide as funds would permit, from the 9-foot curve in the bay to the wharves at the town of Edenton, and also to dredge a turning-basin of the same depth near the wharves. The amount expended thereon up to the close of the fiscal year end- ing June 30, 1880, is $5,000, and resulted in dredging a channel 100 feet wide and 9 feet in depth, as projected, and also the partial construction of the turning-basin, allowing free access to vessels at all times, thus materially aiding navigation. There have been no operations since, no funds being available, ex- cept to make the survey directed by the act of August 2, 1882. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriated $10,000 for this work, which will be applied to further improving the channel and turning-basin by dredging. The sum of $8,000 can be profitably expended on this work during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, which will complete it in accord- ance with the plan and estimate given in the report on the survey, for which see Appendix L 37 of this Report. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... $10,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 8,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 8,000 00 (See Appendix L 10.) 11. Pamplico and Tar rivers,North Carolina.-ThePamplico River was originally obstructed by rows of piles, placed during the late war near Hill Point, and also by stumps and shoals just below Washington. The Tar River was likewise obstructed by piles so placed near Washington, and also by shoals, snags, &c., further up, which made navigation diffi- cult and uncertain. The original projects for the improvement of these rivers contemplated removing these obstructions, and also widening, deepening, and straight- ening the channel of the Pamplico River below Washington by dredging. Previous to the act of June 14,1880, the appropriations for them were distinct and separate. Since then they have been consolidated in one appropriation. The amount expended thereon to June 30, 1883, is $39,863.47, and resulted in securing a channel 9 feet deep at low water, and from 108 to 175 feet in width up the Pamplico River to Washington. Nothing further is desired except to widen the channel. The results on the Tar River were an increase in depth and width of channel, making it more available for and better adapted to the pur- poses of navigation and commerce. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $5,802.86. This was all expended on the Tar River, and resulted in a further slight improvement of the channel. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $5,000. It is proposed to apply this to continu- ing the improvement by removing shoals, snags, overhanging trees, &c. The work on these rivers has exceeded the amount originally estimated. The Tar River is not susceptible of entire and permanent completion, as the jetties require repairs, new shoals form, and logs, snags, &c., are constantly appearing. An annual appropriation of $5,000 is therefore required to maintain the work. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 169 July July 1, 1883, amount available................. .................. $8, 136 53 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....................... $5, 771 86 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......................... 31 00 - 5,802 86 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 2,333 67 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 7,333 67 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix L 11.) 12. Neuse River, North Carolina.-Beforethis improvement was com- menced, navigation was practically impossible except at high water. At low stages, not to exceed 1 foot could be carried over the shoals. In addition the lower portion of the river, both above and below New Berne, was very seriously obstructed by works of various character placed dur- ing the late war. The original project of 1878 contemplated the clearing out of all these works, as well as snags, logs, &c., and the contraction of the water-way by means of jetties up to the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad Bridge. This was afterwards modified by extending the clearing out up to Smith- field, 62 miles above the railroad bridge, or 175 miles above New Berne. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $172,218.51, which has resulted in clearing out all the war obstructions, logs, snags, &c., and in constructing some jetties, thereby securing a channel in no place less than 50 feet wide, and not less than 4 feet deep where jetties exist. The amount expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $11,918.52, and was applied to the construction of jetties for channel improvement. When the improvement was commenced, one small steamer sufficed for the traffic. Now steamers run the entire year to Kinston, except at very low water. In the busy season from six to eight are engaged. There can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, -1886, the sum of $10,000. As this work is not susceptible of permanent improvement, no esti- mate can be made for its entire and permanent completion. An annual expenditure of, say, $5,000, will always be required to maintain it. July 1, 1883, amount available .... . ... -.... ..... _..... ........ .... $22,781 49 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .... .................... $11,903 52 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......-- ... ......-........ 15 09 Amount "applied to the improvement of the line of inland navigaton from New Berne to Beaufort Harbor" by act of August 2, 1882 ..---------................... ............ 5,000 00 -- 16, 918 52 July 1, 1884, amount available....................... ................ 5,862 97 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 25,862 97 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix L 12.) 13. Harborat Beaufort, North Carolina.-Theoriginal condition of the harbor, previous to the commencement of work, was as follows: The bar afforded a depth of 15 feet at mean low tide. This was deepened sufficiently to give a channel of good width and nowhere less than 25 feet in depth to Morehead City, the railroad terminus. The tidal range is from 3 to 4 feet. 170 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The navigable channel lies between Fort Macon Point on the west and Shackleford Point on the east, and nearer the former, since the date of the earliest surveys. The normal width of the entrance was about 2,200 yards. A tendency to erode Fort Macon Point was checked, shortly before the war, by five spar-jetties of stone, of which (in 1881) two remained intact, two had settled, and one had disappeared. Shackleford Point had never been protected, and showed a tendency to wear away, thus opening a wider passage and perhaps endangering the depth on the bar by reducing the velocity of flow of the tidal currents. Although the deep channel had remained for sixty years fixed in posi- tion near Fort Macon Point, the bar had undergone great changes. The usual direction of the channel outside the point had been nearly south, but was liable to be diverted toward the east. In the former position Shackleford Point was liable to erosion; in the latter it was restored. In 1881 the depth on the bar was apparently greater than in 1821, when the opening was 650 yards narrower; so that the depth on the bar appears to depend on other causes than this erosion. Within the harbor the only natural change since 1821 was the shoal- ing of the channel from Fort Macon Point eastward to Core Sound. The original project, adopted in 1881 and modified in 1884, for the im- provement of this harbor, was to protect Shackleford Point by a system of jetties at right angles to the shore. The amount expended thereon to June 30, 1883, was $37,930.61, by which date there was built one jetty 535 feet in length, starting from the point, another one inside 100 feet long, and also some sand-fences. The action of these has been very satisfactory, building out the shore for several hundred feet by causing an extensive filling of sand. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $5,870.43. This was applied to building and repairing sand-fences, and also to raising and strengthening the large jetty. Some work was done preparatory to crowning this jetty with a concrete wall 6 feet wide by 3 feet high, with cross-joints every 20 feet to prevent cracks in set- tling above high water, and blocks at least 6 by 3 by 4 feet, thence to low water, all laid in place by means of cheap wooden caissons. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $20,000, which it is proposed to expend in further protecting Shackleford Point. As this work is somewhat experimental and progressive in character, no estimate can be made at present for its entire and permanent com- pletion. Work of a similar nature and bearing has been done, and more will be required, to protect Fort Macon Point, opposite. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $22, 069 39 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $5, 870 43 Amount "applied to the improvement of the line of inland " navigation from Beaufort to New Berne" by act of August 2, 1882 ...----...-----......---....--......--............................ 5,000 00 -- 10, 870 43 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 11,198 9t6 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1834...................... 20, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................... 31,198 96 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20, 000 00 (See Appendix L 13.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 171 14. Improvement of the lines of inland navigationfrom New Berne to Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina,via Clubfoot, Harlowe, and Newport rivers, North Carolina.-There is no navigation by this route. The project adopted in 1884 for its improvement is to dredge a channel 30 feet wide at top and 5 feet deep at mean low water, in Clubfoot, Har- lowe, and Newport rivers, connected by the New Berne and Beaufort Canal, which belongs to a private company. The amount expended thereon up to the close of the fiscal year end- ing June 30,1884, is $194.40, and was applied to advertising for propos- als for dredges, in order to commence work in accordance with the project. A contract has since been made for this purpose, and the work of dredging will be commenced shortly. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $10,000, and will be applied to making a navi- gable channel by dredging. The plan and estimate for the entire and permanent completion of this work is given at length in Senate Ex. Doc. No. 63, Forty-eighth Congress, first session, and in Appendix L 36 of this report. July 1, 1883, amount available (see money statement for Neuse River and Beaufort Harbor, N. C.) ............ .. ... ...... .. _ ..-...... _ 10, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $100 65 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 93 75 194 40 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 9,805 60 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 491,330 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix L 14.) 15. Trent River, North Carolina.-Theoriginal condition of this river was as follows: There was no navigable channel above Quaker Bridge, owing to snags, shoals, &c. Below this the channel was very much obstructed by logs, snags, overhanging growth, &c., and good naviga- tion existed only at high stages. The original project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1879 and modified in 1880, its object being to secure a navigable chan- nel, at least 3 feet deep at all stages, from its mouth to Trenton, at the head of navigation, by the removal of snags, logs, shoals, &c., at a total estimated cost of $22,000. The expenditures to June 30, 1883, have aggregated $23,597.38, and have produced good results. The amount expended for dredging, removing logs, snags, &c., in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $8,402.62, and resulted in afford- ing a channel navigable at all seasons, 3 feet deep and not less than 30 feet in width, above Quaker Bridge, below which the channel is 9 feet deep and at least 50 feet wide, except at one point, where it is proposed to widen it by dredging. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $10,000. It is proposed to expend this in fur- ther improving the channel by widening it, &c. As this work from its nature is not susceptible of entire and perma- nent improvement, no accurate estimate can be made for it. An annual expenditure of $2,500 will be required for its maintenance. 172 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1,1883, amount available. .......... .. ................ .......... $8, 402 62 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..................... .......................... Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... ---------------- "10,1000 8,402 62 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix L 15.) 16. Contentnea Greek, North Carolina.-When this improvement was commenced there was practically no navigation on this stream. An occasional fiat-boat, hand-propelled, brought down or took up such articles as were shipped down the Neuse River, to which it is a tribu- tary. The project for improvement contemplated clearing out snags, logs, &c., to Stantonsburg, a distance of about 75 miles. The amount expended to June 30,1883, is $19,129.88, with which the stream was cleared and a channel 30 feet wide and 3 feet deep secured, for about two-thirds of the year, to Snow Hill, about 40 miles from its mouth, over which small steamers run regularly. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there was expended $870.12, with which logs, snags, &c., were removed. There can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, $10,000, which it is proposed to apply to clearing the stream up to Stantonsburg. In addition, to make the improvement what it should be, the mouth and its immediate vicinity, for about 1 miles, needs dredging and diking. This work will probably cost $30,000, but addi- tional examinations will be necessary to determine with sufficient accu- racy the manner and cost of the improvement. No estimate can be made for the entire and permanent improvement of this work, as it is not susceptible of it. Like all rivers of this char- acter, a small annual expenditure will always be required to maintain it. July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... $870 12 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883... ................... .....-....-....- .... 870 12 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 15,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix L 16.) 17. Cape Fear River,from Wilmington to Fayetteville, North Carolina.- Before the improvement the channel for some 60 miles below Fayette- ville was obstructed by numerous snags and an almost continuous suc- cession of sand-shoals, and navigation rendered dangerous by overhang- ing trees. The project for the work contemplated the clearing of the channel and banks, and the construction of jetties to contract the water-way and scour a channel through the shoals. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $27,801.41, with which the greater portion of the river was cleared of snags, &c., and leaning trees pulled back from the banks. During the year ending June 30, 1884, the amount expended was $14,701.13, which by jetty construction and removal of obstructions secured a fair channel for the steamers navigating this river. It is proposed to devote future appropriation to the construction of jetties where needed and to such clearing of the channel and banks as may be found necessary from time to time. The sum of $5,000 can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, with which it is proposed to continue the work as commenced. It is estimated by the officer in charge that a small appropriation, RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 173 say $5,000, will be required annually to maintain the work, as it is not susceptible of permanent completion. July 1,1883, amount available .... ..... ...... ............. .......... $32, 198 59 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............... ........ $14,691 13 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 10 00 14,701 13 July 1, 1884, amount available------ ----------.............-............................. 17,497 46 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 22,497 46 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix L 17.) 18. Lillington River, North Carolina.-Before the improvement was commenced navigation was almost impossible, except for small boats. The original project contemplated the clearing of the river of snags, &c., and cutting off projecting points at abrupt bends to enable vessels to pass them. The amount expended to June 30,1883, is $2,898.90, with which dredg- ing was commenced and the channel and banks were partly cleared of obstructions. There was expended in the fiscal year ending June30, 1884, $3,101.10, which resulted in securing a good navigabl#channel from 30 to 32 feet in width and from 6 to 10 feet in depth from the mouth of the river to Lillington. No more work is required at present. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $3,101 10 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................ ...... ...................... 3,101 10 (See Appendix L 18.) 19. Yadkin River, North Carolina.-Originallythere was no naviga- ble channel whatever, as the river was obstructed by numerous shoals, rock ledges, and mill-dams. It was contemplated to improve the por- tion of the river from the North Carolina Railroad Bridge near Salis- bury up to the foot of Bean Shoals, a distance of 641 miles, over which it was proposed to obtain a low-water channel the entire year from 2J to 3 feet in depth and of ample width for the trade seeking it. To ac- complish this the project was to blast and remove the rock, construct jetties, and take out the mill-dams. Up to June 30, 1883, there was expended $44,128.11, which resulted in securing an indifferent channel from 40 to 70 feet wide and from 2 to 2J feet in depth, for eight months of the year, up to Barnes's Shoals, 16 miles. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there was expended $9,573.29, which was applied to that part of the river between the North Carolina Railroad Bridge and Swicegood's mill-dam, 21- miles, in the construc- tion of wing-dams and the removal of rock ledges, which resulted in further improving the channel. It is proposed to apply a sufficient sum, about $4,671.85, of the funds available to completing this portion of the work, to which part it is necessarily restricted until right of way through the dams above it is granted or secured without cost to the United States, or specific legis- lation causes the removal of them, as heretofore reported. No action 174 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. has been taken as yet, but it is probable that the right of way will now be acquired in due time, as the act of July 5, 1884, provides- Garolina, That the sum of $6,000, authorized by the act approved June 14, 1880, to be expended for the removal of dams in Yadkin River, North may be used by the Secre- tary of War for acquiring the right of way by removal or otherwise of such dams as may be necessary for the contemplated improvement, the said right of way or removal to be obtained by agreement with the parties interested, or, in event of failure, to make a reasonable agreement, by condemnation, as provided for by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Therefore, under the existing circumstances, no stated amount can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, and no estimate can be made for the entire and permanent completion of the work of improvement above Swicegood's mill-dam. July 1, 1883, amount available.............................. ............ $32, 871 89 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 18'3............................................... 9,573 29 July 1,1884, amount available......................................... 23,298 60 (See Appendix L 19.) 20. New River, North Carolina.-The act of August 2, 1882, appro- priated $5,000 for this river, which amount was not deemed sufficient to justify beginning work at this point, since the danger attendant upon taking machinery to it, which can only be done by going to sea and entering through a shoal ,nd dangerous inlet, would cause dredge- owners to charge a prohibiory price for the work, the estimated cost of which, if all done under one contract, is $40,000. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriated $5,000 more for this work, mak- ing $1,000 now on hand. Under the existing circumstances, as above stated, it is not considered advisable to begin work until a sufficient sum of money is available for the purpose. July 1, 1883, amount availabl3........................................ $5, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................... 5, 000 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 10,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 30,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 15, 000 00 (See Appendix L 20.) 21. Great Pee Dee River, South Carolina.-The project for this im- provement was adopted in 1880 and modified in 1881, its object being to secure a navigable depth of 9 feet from the mouth of the river, at its confluence with the Waccamaw, to Smith's Mills, a distance of 46 miles, and a depth of 31 feet to Cheraw, a further distance of 103 miles, at an estimated cost of $25,520. The natural channel had, at favorable stages of water, about these depths, but was so much obstructed by snags, logs, fallen and obstructing trees as to be extremely difficult and dangerous to navigate. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $18,827.47, which has re- sulted in enabling the three steamers navigating the river to reach Cheraw for a small portion of the year during high stage, and Gardner's Bluff, the head of navigation, at all times; forty-eight schooners, with a load draught of 12 feet, go up the river some 75 miles above George- town. There were no expenditures in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, except that of $18 for care of property. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 175 It is proposed to expend any future appropriation in clearing out the river, as heretofore done. The amount that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $10,000. This will be applied to the furtherance of the work in accordance with existing projects, which it is expected will materially benefit navigation. As th'is work is not susceptible of entire and permanent improvement, it is estimated that an annual expenditure of $5,000 will be required to maintain it. July 1, 1883, amount available................ ........................ $172 53 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......................... $16 00 July 1, 1834, outstanding liabilities........................... 2 00 18 0 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 154 53 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................... 8, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 8, 154 53 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix L 21.)-• 22. Waccamaw River, South Garolina.-The original project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1880 and modified in 1881, the object being to afford a channel 12 feet in depth, at high tide, from Winyah Bay to Conwayborough, 66 miles. The channel, previous to commencing work, at its shoalest part, was only 7 feet in depth at high tide. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $27,123.13, and resulted in securing a channel at low water but little, if any, better than it was originally, so far as depth is concerned, on account of the failure of the jetties, but navigation was materially benefited by the removal of snags, leaning timber, &c. The amount expended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $1,946.05, and has resulted in much benefit to the smaller steamers navigating the river by the removal of timber overhanging the channel. It is believed that the amount of $10,000 can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. It is designed to expend this sum in better adapting the jetties to securing the desired channel and to remove any scattering snags, &c., that may exist. As this work is not susceptible of entire and permanent improvement, an annual expenditure of fully $5,000 will be required to maintain it. July 1, 1883, amount available..................................... $2, 276 87 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....................... $1, 942 05 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities................................. ...... 4 00 1,946 05. July 1,1884, amount available........................................ 330 82 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 6,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 6,330 82 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix L 22.) 23. Santee River, South Garolina.-Theoriginal condition of this work was as follows: Mosquito Creek, the outlet of Santee River, to Winyah Bay, was so tortuous, narrow, and shoal as to be entirely unnavigable. The original project adopted in 1881 for its improvement was to re- place the county bridge over this creek by a wooden draw-bridge, and 176 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. to deepen, widen, and straighten it by dredging a cut 30 feet wide at top, 16 feet at bottom, and 6 feet deep at low water, as soon as free right of way should be granted to the United States. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $1,793.81, and resulted in taking all the preliminary steps required for beginning the work. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $23,156.61, and resulted in making a cut 7,860 feet in length. The amount asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is pro- posed to expend in prosecuting the improvement as comtemplated in order to open communication between Santee River and Winyah Bay, after which the cut should be widened to 60 feet at top, 40 feet at bot- tom, and deepened to 9 feet at mean low water and properly revetted in places to adapt this important work to the commerce and navigation that will naturally seek it. The right of way for two of the proposed cut-offs has not yet been secured, as the title thereto is disputed. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................... .......... $40, 206 19 July 1, 1*84, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities, July 1, 1883........................ $23, 135 11 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 21 50 - 2:3, 156 61 July 1, 1884, amount available.............................17,049 58 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ................... 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 32,049 58 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 47, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 15,000 0 (See Appendix L 23.) 24. Wateree River, South Carolina.-The present project for the im- provement of this river was adopted in 1882, the object being to ulti- mately secure a navigable channel 4 feet deep at low water. Previous to commencing work there was no channel, the river being filled with a network of logs. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $10,339.62, and resulted in the partial clearing out of the river of snags, &c. The amount ex- pended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $12,498.57, and re- sulted in securing a channel 60 feet wide and 4 feet deep for 45 miles below Camden. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $10,000, with which it is proposed to continue the existing project, and to open an additional portion of the river to navigation. This work is not susceptible of permanent improvement. That al- ready done indicates that after the original project is completed, an an- nual sum of $5,000 will be required to maintain the work. July 1, 1883, amount available ...... .............-... $12, _......... 660 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ---------------------- $12,495 57 July 1, 1u84, outstanding liabilities.......................... 3 00 - 12,498 57 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 161 81 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ............. . 5,161 81 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 oS (See Appendix L 24.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 177 25. Georgetown Harbor,South Carolina.-Theamount heretofore avail- able for this work has not been large enough to justify beginning it, as, owing to its expensive character and the absence of proper machinery, it could not be completed. If commenced and not finished, that done would soon be destroyed, in all probability. Therefore no work has been done. As the act of July 5, 1884, appropriated $5,000 for this work, making $12,000 in all, the work will be commenced. It will consist in dredging the bar (2,850 feet long, with a depth of 9 feet at low tide) at the mouth of the Sampit River, so as to afford a channel 200 feet wide and 12 feet deep at low water, at an estimated cost of $14,151 94. There are now a number of navigable rivers discharging into Winyah Bay directly and indirectly, and on the completion of the improvement at Mosquito Creek several more will have communication with it, mak- ing, in the aggregate, about 965 miles of navigable river. July 1, 1883, amount available ................ ......................... $7, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................... .... _.-...-.... . 7,000 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...... .............. 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.-........--......... 12, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for co,,pletion of existing project.......... 2, 151 94 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 2,100 00 (See Appendix L 25.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE R1VER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement, and the work not a public necessity : 1. Milford Haven, Virginia. (See Appendix L 26.) 2. The sound between Beaufort and New River and White Oak River, to Smith's Mills, North Carolina. (See Appendix L 27.) 3. Waceamaw River, between Conwayborough, South Carolina, and Waccamaw Lake, North Carolina. (See Appendix L 28.) 4. Broad River, from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, to South Caro- lina line. (See Appendix L 29.) 5. Alligator River, North Carolina. (See Appendix L 30.) 6. Black River, North Carolina. (See Appendix L 31.) 7. The sound between Morehead City, in Cartaret County, North Caro- lina.-(No opinion is given, owing to the defect of definition in the lan- guage of the act.) (See Appendix L 32.) 8. Town Creek, Beaufort County, North Carolina. (See Appendix L 33.) 9. Bay River, North Carolina. (See Appendix L 34.) 10. CapeFearRiver, above Fayetteville, North Carolina. (See Appen- dix L 35.) Upon favorable reports from the preliminary examinations made by him, as required by the above act, Captain Mercur was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 63, Forty-eighth Congress, first session. 1. Clubfoot, Harlowe, and Newport rivers, North Carolina, on line qf inlandnavigation to BeaufortHarbor. (See Appendix L 36.) 2. Edenton Bay, North Carolina. (See Appendix L 37.) 5908 EN- 12 178 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND HARBORS ON THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA AND THE ATLANTIC COAST OF FLORIDA. Officer in charge, Col. Q. A. Gillmore, Corps of Engineers, having under his immediate orders Capt. W. T. Rossell, Corps of Engineers, and Capt. Thomas N. Bailey, Corps of Engineers. 1. Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.-The works of improvement now in progress of construction comprise two jetties, composed of rip- rap stone, resting on a broad foundation mattress of logs and brush, with a mattress hearting wherever deemed expedient and advantageous. The two jetties spring, respectively, from Sullivan's and Morris Isl- ands, and converge towards each other on curves in such manner as to cross the bar on parallel lines at a distance of about 2,900 feet from each other. The object of the work is to establish and permanently maintain a practicable channel across the bar of not less than 21 feet navigable depth at mean low water, where heretofore the available low-water depth has not usually exceeded 11 feet. A greater navigable depth than 21 feet at mean low water can be ob- tained. by increasing the length of the jetties and building them higher. Previous to the adoption of this project, in 1878, there had been ex- pended in improving this harbor since the close of the Civil War, from 1871 to 1878, the sum of $93,700 in taking up the wrecks of fourteen iron-clad and wooden vessels, and for other purposes. North jetty.-Nothing was done on this work during the past fiscal year. South jetty.-IDuring the past fiscal year the bottom course of the south jetty was extended 816 feet seawards, of a uniform width of 108 feet and a height varying from 2J to 3 feet, composed of a log and brush mattress, about 18 inches thick, overlaid with riprap stone. The work was laid in low-water depths, varying from 13 to 8J feet, the latter depths being at the outer end. On either side of the exten- sion the foundation course of spurs was laid about 200 feet from center to center, each course 50 feet wide along the edge of t bjetty, and ex- tending about 100 feet from it, north and south, respectively. The bottom course of the jetty was also extended 513 feet landwards to the present high-water line on Morris Island, mattresses 40 feet wide and about 18 inches thick, covered with 20 inches of riprap stone. A second course of mattresses, 40 feet wide, was laid upon the founda- tion course, beginning at the original shore end, extending 446 feet outward. A second course of mattresses, from 44 to 50 feet in width, was also laid for a continuous length of 1,972 feet upon the bottom course of the south jetty, extending seaward from a point about 7,050 feet from shore. The jetty here crosses the deep-water pocket east of the present main ship-channel. The quantity of log and brush mattress, 18 inches thick, laid during the fiscal year amounted to 33,159 square yards; and 17,299 cubic yards of riprap stone were distributed over the mattresses. At the close of the fiscal year the seaward end of the south jetty had reached a point 14,109 feet from high-water mark on Morris Island, measured along the axis of the work, and about 4,600 feet within the 18-foot curve on the outer slope of the bar. No work having been done on the north jetty, its seaward end remained at a point 14,327 feet, cor- rected measurement, from the shore of Sullivan's Island, measured along the axis of the work, and about 1,000 feet inside the 18-foot curve on the outer slope of the bar. The examination of both jetties, commenced in June, 1883, was com- pleted. They were generally in a satisfactory condition. The riprap RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 179 stone, however, was found to be unequally distributed over the mat- tresses, the larger portion being piled up on the inner sides. Sand had freely accumulated over the jetties at many places, and the logs are here quite sound, but where exposed they are worm-eaten. The con- solidation of the stone-work is progressing well, and is materially aided by the growth of shell-fish. Scouring has taken place along the channel edges of the seaward por- tions of the jetties, more especially the north jetty, which is not yet pretected by spurs. The shoals in the channel between the jetties continue to move sea- ward, and the depth of water over them is gradually increasing. The available low-water depth in the new channel is at present about 12 feet. Pumpkin Hill Channel, 31 miles south of the south jetty, is shifting further to the southward. The available low-water depth in the chan- nel is now 12.3 feet. No material change of the shore line of Sullivan's Island has taken place during the last fiscal year. The recession of the shore line of Morris Island, which is known to have been going on for at least sixty years, was arrested during last year, in the vicinity of the south jetty, by extending its bottom course landwards for a contiderable length. Within the inner harbor, Hog Island Channel has gradually increased in width since 1825. The further progress of this widening threatens to have an injurious effect on the depths of water in front of the line of wharves on the east side of the city of Charleston, and it will probably be necessary soon to take some preventive measures. The shore of Mount Pleasant, 3 miles east of the city, has been washing away to some extent for a number of years, due most probably to the increased flow of water from the enlarged Hog Island Channel. The protection of the site will be begun during the present fiscal year by building two of the eight spur-jetties recommended by the engineer officer in charge. During the present fiscal year it is contemplated to extend the bot- tom course of the south jetty farther seaward, to apply a system of spur- jetties to the north jetty where required, and to raise the works to a greater height, especially at such points where an increase of height may be most advantageous. Some dredging may be necessary between the jetties to aid the current in developing the new channel. For reasons given by the engineer officer in charge, over which neither he nor this Department has any control, the ultimate cost of the improve- ment will considerably exceed the original estimate. Indeed, under the system of small appropriations, and frequent and sometimes prolonged stoppages of work, the cost may be doubled. An aggregate sum of $1,295,000 has thus far been provided by Con- gress for this work, including the latest appropriation made by act ap- proved July 5, 1884. From the beginning of operations to June 30, 1884, the expenditures, including outstanding liabilities, aggregated $1,044,768.25. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $99, 468 01 July 1, 1.84, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883---------------------......................... $98, 645 20 July 1, 1884,outstanding liabilities........................... 591 06 99,236 26 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 231 75 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884....................... 250,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 250,231 75 180 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. 8. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 600,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 600, 000 00 (See Appendix M 1.) 2. Wappoo Gut, South Carolina.-By the river and harbor acts of March 3, 1881, August 2, 1882, and July 5, 1884, respectively, the ag- gregate sum of $23,000 was appropriated for the improvement of Wap- poo Cut. r Wappoo Cut is a narrow, tortuous tidal stream, separating James Island from the mainland and connecting Stono and Ashley rivers. The project of improvement submitted by the engineer officer in charge contemplates the establishment of a straighter channel, 6 feet by 90 feet, low-water dimensions, at an estimated cost of $34,000. In its unimproved condition only 2 to 4 feet could be carried over the principal shoals at mean low water. The plan of improvement comprised dredging at the entrances from Ashley and Stono rivers and through a portion of the cut; a cut-off through the marsh about 2J miles from Ashley River; closing three small tidal branches; and the construction of a short jetty at both the Stono and Ashley rivers. Prior to July 1, 1883, the sum of $16,704.80 was expended in improv- ing Elliott's Cut, the westerly section of Wappoo Cut, obtaining a low- water depth of 6 feet on a width of 60 feet. The cut-off through the marsh was made to the same depth, on an average width of 80 feet. Some dredging was done in the shallow reaches between the two places named, resulting in low-water-channel depth of 6 feet and about 50 feet wide. During the past fiscal year some dredging was done for finishing the Marsh Cut, for improving the entrance to Elliott's Cut and upon the bar in Ashley River. A bulkhead of broken stone, resting upon a brush mattress foundation, was built across Pompey's Cut, one of the tidal branches entering Wappoo Cut, and a number of snags and overhang- ing trees were removed from the channel. Some shoaling has taken place at different points during the year, but there is at present not less than 6 feet depth of water at low tide anywhere, on. a general width of 60 feet. To complete the project, the channel-way requires further widening, two lateral streams need to be closed, and a jetty at each end of the cut has to be constructed. With the sum of $3,000 appropriated by act of Congress approved July 5, 1884, it is proposed to enlarge the existing water-way where most needed, and, if possible, close the remaining two lateral streams. The total amount expended to July 1, 1884, is $19,972.16. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $3, 296 20 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......-----...--....---..........--.-........ ............ 3,267 36 July 1, 1884, amount available........................ ................. 27 84 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 3,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 3,027 84 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 11,000 00 Amount that.can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 11,000 00 (See Appendix M 2). 3. Edisto River, South Carolina.-Two appropriations have thus far been made by Congress for improving Edisto River, South Carolina, aggregating $13,000. The first one, amounting to $8,000, was provided RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 181 by act passed August 2, 1882; the seqond, of $5,000, by act approved July 5, 1884. The Edisto is one of the principal rivers in South Carolina. It is formed by the junction of the north, and south forks, which unite in the southern partof Orangeburg County. The South Fork, commonly known as the South Edisto, is the main river. The obstructions to navigation consist of numerous bends, logs, snags, overhanging trees, and piles; also of shoals, generally of sand, but in some places of hard clay. The plan of improvement contemplates the establishment of a safe navigation channel at all seasons of the year for light-draught steam- boats from the sea to the junction of the North and South forks, a dis- tance of 183 miles, and from that point to Guinguard's Landing, 77 miles higher up, for rafts and flat-boats. The plan embraces enlarging and clearing all the new channels now in progress of formation, cutting off bends, shutting off lateral arms of the river, removing shoals, snags, logs, piles, and other obstructions, and building a deflection jetty. The cost of the project is estimated at $33,385. Prior to July 1, 1883, the United States snag-boat Toccoa was em- ployed for some months on the river. The channel was cleared of a considerable number of piles, snags, and overhanging trees. A narrow cut-off, only 18 feet long, through the neck of a bend three-quarters of a mile around, was widened and deepened, and now forms the regular channel of the river at that place. The operations extended from the mouth of the river to Russell's Lake, a distance of 110 miles. The total cost of this work to June 30, 1883, was $1,945. During the fiscal year just closed the snag-boat was employed for a few months from the mouth of the river to Saw-Mill Landing, 75 miles above Jacksonborough, removing from a number of points about 200 snags, piles, and overhanging trees. During the present fiscal year operations will be continued by means of the appropriation of $5,000 made by act of Congress approved July 5, 1884. The total amount expended on this improvement to June 30, 1884, including outstanding liabilities, was $6,139.80.• July 1, 1883, amount available.............. ........- ...........-- .... $6, 055 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883 .. ................... $3, 317 10 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 877 70 -- 4,194 80 July 1, 1884, amount available .................... . ..... ............ 1,860 20 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 6,860 20 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 10,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix M 3.) 4. Salkiehatchie River, South Carolina.-Theoperations for imnproving Salkiehatchie River have been thus far carried on by means of an ap- propriation of $5,000; the first one made for this work by act of Con- gress passed August 2, 1882. A second appropriation of $3,000 has be- come available since the beginning of the present fiscal year. The Salkiehatchie, known as the Big Salkiehatchie, to distinguish it from its principal tributary, the Little Salkiehatchie, rises in Aiken County, South Carolina, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The two 182 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. rivers unite about 80 miles from the sea-coast. The lower part of the river is known as the Combahee. Above a point named Hickory Hill, about 44 miles from the sea-coast, the river is obstructed in many places by piles, logs, and sand-shoals. The project of improvement contemplates the establishment of a con- tinuous channel, suitable for flat-boats and rafts, from a point 5 miles above Toby's Bluff down to Hickory Hill, a distance of about 77 miles by river. The work comprises the removal of logs, shoals, and piles, and cut- ting a navigable channel through two places known as Murdoc Sand Drags, and Weekly Sand Drags, where the river at present is divided into numerous small streamlets, unfit for any kind of navigation. The cost of the project is estimated at $18,000. But little work was done previous to July 1,1883. The United States snag-boat Toccoa was employed for a few weeks, and removed a number of piles at Hickory Hill, and some snags and overhanging trees for 9 miles higher up. During the past fiscal year the contemplated improvement of the twelve-mile reach of the river, from the Charleston and Savannah Rail- road bridge down to Hickory Hill, was completed. From the bridge up to the "Roots," a distance of 32 miles, a large number of snags, trees, and similar obstructions were removed, giving decided relief to raft navigation on this portion of the river. With the new appropriation lately made by Congress for this work, it is proposed to continue operations during the present fiscal year, in conformity to the existing project. It is desirable that the next appropriation made should be of sufficient amount to complete the project. The total expenditures to June 30, 1884, was $3,589.65. July 1, 1883, amount avaliable ...................... .................. $4,412 50 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883----------- $2, 989 33 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 12 82 - - 3, 002 15 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 1,410 35 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .....----------.... 3,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 4,410 35 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fical year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix M 4.) 5. Ashley River, South Carolina.-Ashley River is about 40 miles in length, and runs in a generally southeasterly direction. At its mouth the city of Charleston occupies its left bank. A general description of the locality will be found in Appendix J 3, Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers, 1880. The only appropriations ever made by Congress for improving this river were those of June 14, 1880, of $1,000; March 3, 1881, of $1,500; and July 5, 1884, of $2,000. The plan of improvement comprised- 1. The removal of a shoal at a place known as Accabee, about 8 miles above the city of Charleston, where, according to survey made in 1873, there was then only 9 feet of water at mean low tide; and 2. The removal of a shoal just below the Wando Phosphate Works, where only 6 feet of water was found at low tide. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 183 During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1882, a channel of about 100 feet width and over 1,000 feet in length was cut by dredging through the shoal, at the crossing near the Wando works to a depth of 11 feet at mean low water. In doing this 13,558 cubic yards of material were removed. The channel excavated has thus far remained in good con- dition, but it is not at all certain that the depth of 11 feet will be main- tained by the scouring power of the stream. Dredging from time to time will probably be necessary, unless the stream is contracted by suitable works. No estimate of the cost of such works are submitted by the engineer officer in charge. There are other shoals lower down, where the channel requires deep- ening. With the funds now available it is proposed, during the present fiscal year, to do some dredging at Accabee Shoal, and, if necessary, at the crossing below the Wando works, to establish a low-water depth of 10 to 11 feet. The total amount expended on this improvement to June 30, 1884, was $2,414.93. July 1, 1883, amount available.................--.................... $85 07 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 85 07 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 2,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 2,085 07 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 1,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 1,000 00 (See Appendix M 5.) 6. Savannah Harbor and River, Georgia.-Duringthe past fiscal year operations were carried on in conformity to the enlarged project of January 16, 1882. The existing plan of improvement contemplates the establishment of a channel from Tybee Roads to the city of Savannah, navigable for vessels of 22 feet draught, and the widening of the river opposite the city to 600 feet, of uniform depth with the balance of the channel. This is to be accomplished by improving the north channel in prefer- ence to the south channel, from the head of Elba Island to the head of Long Island, closing with dams all the lateral channels connecting the north and south channels from Elba Island to Tybee Roads; construct- ing a low dam across the south channel above Saint Augustine Creek, in order to increase the volume of ebb-flow down the north channel; raising the dam at the Cross Tides, 4 miles'above the city of Savannah, to a higher level, possibly to the level of high water; narrowing the river between Savannah and Tybee Roads by wing-dams where the widths are excessive and the navigation poor; constructing a low jetty or training-wall from some point on either Jones or Turtle Island in a southeasterly direction to the Red Light Beacon; and protecting Saint MichaePl's Channel below that beacon by a similar wall or by some other device. Works of shore protection will be built and dredging done wherever deemed necessary. The estimated cost of the improvement, according to the plan submitted January 16, 1882, is $730,000. Prior to July 1, 1883, the Cross Tides Dam had been built to a height 3 feet above mean low water, but it is now below that level from settle- ment; a portion of the Old King's Island Jetty was removed; three substantial wing-dams were constructed opposite the lower part of the city and a fourth lower down, near the lower end of Fig Island, for re- 184 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. ducing the width of the water-way; a training-wall was built extend- ing 6,000 feet down stream from the lower end of Fig Island, with its crest about 3 feet above low water, and eleven short spur-jetties added to the wall on its south side; a submerged dam was laid across the south channel near the head of Elba Island, two side channels north- west and southeast of Barnwell Island above Elba Island, and three side channels below that were closed by dams; a wing-dam was con- structed to improve the channel between Barnwell Island No. 3 and the head of Elba Island; a pair of wing-dams were built in the north channel at and opposite the foot of Spirit Island, and another pair some distance lower down partly finished. Dredging was done at various places on the river between the Cross Tides Dam and Tybee Roads ag- gregating 1,509,894 cubic yards. During the past fiscal year the wing-dams below Spirit Island, partly finished in the preceding year, were completed, two new wing-dams opposite each other were commenced near the lower end of Elba Island, and about 2,300 feet lower down a wing-dam was completed for two- thirds of its length. The closure dam at Philbrick's Cut, which had settled somewhat, was again raised to the level of high water by put- ting riprap stone upon it. The quantity of material excavated by dredging aggregated 79,616 cubic yards, of which 67,016 yards were removed from the upper and lower fiats, and the balance from the channel at the "Wrecks" and from Garden Bank Shoal. It is found that as the work of improvement progresses, very satis- factory results are beginning to be developed, especially in those reaches wherethe wing-dams are finished or in a stage approaching completion. At these places the river is now in better condition than it has been at any former time, as far as known. During the present fiscal year operations will be carried on with the appropriations lately made by Congress, and in conformity to the pro- ject submitted January 16, 1882. Additional wing-dams will be built and some dredging will be done where most needed. The total estimated cost of the work is $1,212,000. The appropria- tions made for the improvement since 1874-now aggregate $882,000. The total expenditures from the beginning of operations to June 30, 1884, were $680,926. July 1, 1883, amount available . .......... ... .$61,018 95 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $58, 725 05 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 1,219 90 -- 59,944 95 July 1, 1884, amount available-------..... ...........-..... -.....-... -.. 1,074 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 200,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 201, 074 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 330, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886 330, 000 00 (See Appendix M 6.) 7. Savannah River, Georgia.- Three appropriations, aggregating $55,000, have been made by Congress for improving Savannah River, between the cities of Augusta and Savannah, since the present plan-of improvement was adopted. On this section of the river navigation was seriously obstructed at several places during the dry season by exten- sive shoals or sand-bars with only 2 or 3 feet of water over them, and RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 185 at many other places by snags, floating and overhanging trees, and piles. The plan of improvement contemplates the creation of a low-river channel of 5 feet depth over all shoals of less depth, and clearing the river of other obstructions to navigation. For these purposes wing- dams were to be built for narrowing the river where the widths are excessive; deposit of silt to be promoted along the banks by light hurdle works; caving banks revetted where necessary; protecting points to be cut away; snags and other obstructions to be removed, and dredging to be done where necessary to assist the formation of a low-river channel. The cost of the project is estimated at $91,000. Prior to July 1, 1883, operations consisted chiefly in the construction of a ' suitable snag-boat and in the improvement of Gardner's Bar and Course's Bar, just below the city of Augusta, by means of wing-dams constructed from the bank opposite to the city, and in strengthening the caving banks on the city side. The work on Course's Bar was not com- pleted. The snag-boat was employed in removing a considerable num- ber of snags, piles, floating and overhanging trees, and some wrecked flats. During the past fiscal year the United States snag-boat Toccoa oper- ated on the river when the stage of water permitted, and removed an additional number of snags, piles, and other obstructions. At those places where work has been completed, as proposed, the navigation has been materially benefited. The total expenditures from the beginning of operations to June 30, 1884, including outstanding liabilities, were $41,455.88. With the appropriation of $15,000, recently made by Congress for this improvement, it is proposed to complete the works at Course's Bar, build other wing-dams lower down the river where necessary, and re- sume the work of removing snags and other obstructions from the river. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $1,112 15 December 31, 1883, reimbursements from other appropriation for use of snag-boat----....--....-......----------------......------......------....---......-----....--......----....----....-...... 2,500 00 3, 612 15 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883. ........................ $2, 430 34 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 137 69 2,568 03 July 1, 1884, amount available ....-..---.......---....-....-.....-----------.------.............--------. 1,044 12 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................... 16,044 12 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.....-_..-. 36,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 36,000 00 (See Appendix M 7.) 8. Savannah River above Augusta, Georgia.-The work during the past fiscal year was done in conformity to the first of two projects submitted by the Engineer Officer in charge under date of February 8,1879, which contemplates the improvement of the river, for pole-boats only from Augusta up to Trotter's Shoals, a distance of 64 miles. The cost of the project was estimated at $45,000. The obstruction to pole-boat naviga- tion consisted chiefly in rock ledges running across the channel, bowl- 186 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. ders of various sizes, and shoals of gravel. On many shoals there was but 1 to 2 feet of water during low-river stages. The project is designed to create a clear channel of 30 feet width and 3 feet depth at low water. Nearly alLthe work thus far undertaken on the river above Augusta was performed prior to July 1, 1883. At numerous points the channel- way has been improved, especially in the lower reaches. From the ca- nal lock, 7 miles above the city, to Barkdale Ferry, a distanice of 50 miles, a channel has been established through the obstructions, 20 feet wide and 2J feet deep at summer low water. For this purpose a large quan- tity of ledge rock and some bowlders and gravel had to be removed, and a considerable number of wing-dams built. Operations during the past fiscal year were confined to the month of July, 1883, in which time 302 cubic yards of ledge rock were removed. The appropriations thus far made for this improvement aggregate $39,000. The total expenditures to June 30, 1884, have been $38,122.94. No appropriation was made for continuing the work during the present fiscal year. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $2, 395 59 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...................... ...... ................ 1,518 53 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................ 877 06 (See Appendix M 8.) 9. Saint Augustine Greek (Thunderbolt River), Georgia.-No work was done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, and no appropriation is asked for. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $3, 417 66 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................................... 3, 417 66 (See Appendix M 9.) 10. Romerly Marsh, Georgia.-By the act of Congress passed August 2, 1882, the sum of $10,000 was appropriated for improving Romerly Marsh, Georgia, "by the route designated in the survey of Engineers as route numbered four." This was the first appropriation made by Con- gress for this work. Another appropriation of the same amount was made by the act approved July 5, 1884. The water-route through Romerly Marsh forms part of the inland passage between the Savannah River, Georgia, and the Saint John's River, Florida. The marsh is situated between Wassaw Sound on the north and Ossabaw Sound on the south. The existing route is objectionable from its excessive crookedness and deficiency in depth of water. Vessels drawing 5 feet of water can- not pass through on less than half-tide. In his report of an examination of Romerly Marsh, the Engineer officer in charge described four different routes that- might be adopted in preference to the existing passage. Either one of the lines suggested was designed and recommended to receive a low-water depth of not less than 7 feet on a bottom width of 48 feet. Route No. 4, named in the act, is the most easterly one of those exam- ined and nearest to the ocean. By this route Dead Man's Hammock Creek, which flows through the marsh and empties into Wassaw Sound, is to be connected by a solid cut of about 1,160 yards' length with Was- saw Creek, which flows into Odingsell River near the point where the RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 187 latter discharges into Ossabaw Sound. The cost of establishing Route No. 4 was estimated at $38,720. When the first appropriation was made it was not deemed advisable to commence work, as the amount was too small. In January, 1883, the Georgia and Florida Steamboat Company offered to add $5,000 to the appropriation to secure a beginning of operations, which offer was accepted. On June 30, 1883, the new route had been opened to a length of 252 feet, with a low-water depth of 7 feet, a bottom width of 50 feet, and a width of 110 feet at the surface of the marsh. During the last fiscal year the cut was extended 1,398 linear feet, with a bottom width averaging 50 feet. On the surface of the marsh the widths varied from 103 to 135 feet. At the beginning of the cal- endar year 1884 the cut had generally a depth exceeding 6 feet, except at its extreme southern end, where the depth was less. With the appropriation of $10,000 recently made the work will be continued according to the approved project. It is desirable that the next appropriation should be sufficient to complete the existing project, since the cut is of no benefit whatever to commerce and navigation until it is fully carried through from end to end. The total amount expended on this improvement to June 30, 1884, was $9,970.59. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $7, 362 87 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................ .............. 7, 333 46 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................ 29 41 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885..................... 10,029 41 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...,....... 14,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 14,000 00 (See Appendix M 10.) 11. Altamaha River, Georgia.-Operations for improving this river have thus far been carried on by means of two appropriations, aggre- gating $20,000. A third appropriation, amounting to $15,000, has be- come available since the beginning of the present fiscal year. The Altamaha is the most important river lying entirely within the State of Georgia. It is formed by the confluence of the Oconee and Ocmulgee. Its length is 155 miles; it has a southeasterly course, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean through Altamaha Sound below the town of Darien. It has been badly obstructed by rock-ledges, sand- bars, and snags; and the plan of improvement provides for their re- moval, so as to secure a navigable low-river channel 80 feet wide and 3 feet deep, at an estimated cost of $60,000. Prior to July, 1, 1883, nothing was done beyond expending about $5,000 in part payment for the construction of a snag-boat, in making special examinations of the river to select those points that should first be improved, and concluding a contract for removing rock and building wing-dams in the upper portion of the river. During the past fiscal year an improved channel of 100 feet width, and 4 feet depth at summer low water was opened through the rock- bars at Town Bluff and Piney Bluff, 1 miles and 191 miles, respectively, below the junction of the Oconee and Ocmulgee. Nearly 1,800 cubic yards of rock were here removed. From Darien up to Ohoope White Bluff, a distance of 115 miles, the 188 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. United States snag-boat Toccoa removed 508 snags and leaning trees, and a few piles. The work done at Town Bluff and Piney Bluff, and in the 55-mile reach from Steamboat Cut to Darien, has effected a material improve- ment, and a good channel exists there now for rafts and steamboats during summer low water. A new appropriation having become available for this improvement, operations are to be resumed as soon as practicble, and will be carried on in conformity to the approved project. The total expenditures to June 30, 1884, have been $19,625.25. July 1, 1883, amount available------- ......................................... $14,868 21 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 183........................... ..... ........... 14,493 46 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 374 75 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.. ............. 15, 374 75 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 25,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25, 000 00 (See Appendix M 11.) 12. Brunswick Harbor, Georgia.-No work has been done for improv- ing the harbor at Brunswick, Ga., since May, 1883. The operations up to that date were carried on in general conformity to the project submitted by the engineer officer in charge April 29, 1876, modified in his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880. That plan comprises the construction of ajetty starting from the north- easterly end of Buzzard's Island, and located approximately parallel to and 1,000 feet distant from the established pier-head line on the oppo- site shore, for the purpose of contracting the water-way and concentrat- ing the current upon a shoal about 1 mile below the town of Brunswick. The bottom being hard and tough, expensive dredging has been neces- sary. The object of these works is to establish and permanently maintain a channel not less than 15 feet deep at mean low-tide over the shoal, on which heretofore the navigable low-water depth was only 9 feet. The cost of the project was estimated at $73,187. This estimate did not in- clude works that might eventually be needed at the upper end of East River, a loop of the main stream, on which Brunswick is situated. An appropriation of $10,000 was made for this locality in 1836, and expended in dredging on the shoal referred to. The appropriations made for carrying out the existing project, includ- ing one of $10,000 made by the act approved July 5, 1884, aggregate $70,000. The following is a summary of world done to the present time: The main line of the jetty, or the jetty proper, was laid to a length of 4,199 feet, and reaches now the 18-foot low-water curve of the main stream, or Turtle River. At the upper end the jetty is connected with shore by a spur or return face 310 feet in length. This.spur and the next adjoin- ing 780 feet length of jetty are formned of palmetto cribs, filled with brush and with material obtained by dredging, and topped off with rip- rap stone. The outward portion of the jetty, a length of 3,419 linear feet, is composed of double-raft mattresses covered with brush and rip- rap stone. The ridge of the stone covering upon the crib-work is a few feet below the level of low water; that of the mattresses reaches up to that level for the greater part of their length, but in approaching the- outer end of the work it gradually drops lower down. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 189 The material removed by dredging aggregate 80,502 cubic yards. The dredging operations were carried on upon a line about parallel to the jetty and 720 feet east of it. Three cuts were made through the shoal to a low-water depth of 15 feet, each cut being from 4,400 to 4,800 feet in length, and from 20 to 25 feet in width.. A fourth cut was made to a length of about 1,500 feet, and 12 feet depth at low water. The jetty is in good condition, and has settled only, to some extent, at the extreme end in Turtle River. The deep cuts made by dredging have shoaled more or less since operations were suspended. From McCullough's Wharf down-stream, the available minimum low-water depths are now from 11.4 to 12.1 feet; above, the shoalest surroundings are about 10 feet. The total expenditures to June 30, 1884, were $59,751.94. The Engineer officer in charge repeats in his annual report the state- ment previously made by him that the original estimate for works be- low the city of Brunswick needs to be increased in consequence of the largely increased cost of dredging, small appropriations, and frequent and sometimes long stoppages of work. In his opinion the works at the upper end of Buzzard's Island, designed for permanently augment- ing the flow of water from Turtle River into Brunswick River, should soon be commenced. The cost of all the works proposed to be con- structed, both above and below the city, is now estimated at $185,000. An aggregate sum of $70,000 has already been provided by Congress to the present time. A further examination of the upper end of Buz- zard's Island, may render a revision of the estimate for that locality necessary. July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... $498 90 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......................... $1 57 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 249 27 ----- 250 84 July 1, 1884, amount available................ . ...................... 248 06 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 10,248 06 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 75, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75,000 00 (See Appendix M 12.) 13. Entrance to Cumberland Found, Georgia and Florida.-No work was done here during the past fiscal year for want of funds. Operations were principally carried on in conformity to the plan described in gen- eral terms in a report of the Engineer officer in charge, dated June 30, 1879, contained in Appendix I 8, Annual Report of the Chief of Engi- neers for 1879. The project consists essentially of two low jetties composed of riprap stone resting on a broad foundation mattress of logs, or logs and brush, starting respectively from the opposite shores of the entrance, and ex- tending seaward across the bar upon lines so directed that the outer ends will be approximately parallel to each other, and from 3,000 to 3,500 feet apart, or such distance as may hereafter be adopted. The estimated cost of the improvement, with two long jetties, is $2,071,023. They are calculated to maintain a low-water depth across the bar of not less than 20 to 21 feet, or a high-water depth of 26 to 27 feet. Hereto- fore the depth on the bar has not usually exceeded 13 to 133 feet at mean low water, and at times has been as low as 114 feet. 190 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The following work has been done to the piesent time : The founda- tion sourse of the north jetty, consisting of a log and brush mattress, ballasted with riprap stone, has reached a point 7,372 feet from the shore of Cumberland Island. Its width varies from 25 to 52 feet, and its thickness, through log and brush, from 19 to 22 inches. A second course of mattresses of similar thickness, from 20 to 25 feet width, covered with riprap stone, of an aggregate length of 1,490 feet, was laid upon the foundation course along the deeper portions of Cumberland Channel. Foundation mattresses for two spurs were also laid here, on the south side of the jetty. The bottom course of the south jetty now extends to a point 4,167 feet from the east shore of Amelia Island. The mattresses vary from 40 to 87 feet in width, and are about 21 inches thick. This work has reached the deep-water pocket east of Amelia Island; its seaward end rests in a low-water depth of about 23 feet. The jetties were examined in June, 1884, and were found, generally, in a satisfactory condition. They have settled but slightly. At some points of the seaward portion of the north jetty, the stone covering of the mattresses has become dislodged by gales, and the exposed logs are beginning to be worm-eaten. Sand is accumulating upon and alongside the works, especially the south jetty. An appropriation of $75,000 having recently been made for this im- provement, operations will be resumed at an early date of the present fiscal year, and carried on in accordance with the existing project. The appropriations now aggregate $255,000. From the beginning of the work to June 30, 1884, the expenditures were $179,186.22. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $1,285 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $417 61 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ........................ :. 54 46 472 07 July 1, 1884, amount available.................. ................ ........ 813 78 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 75,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 75,813 78 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project--------- ......... 600,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886.. 600,000 00 (See Appendix M 13.) 14. Inside passage between Fernandinaand Saint John'sRiver, Florida.- Work on this improvement was not resumed during the last fiscal year, for the reason given by the Engineer officer in charge that there seemed to be not only no urgent need for its continuance, but no prospect of securing any permanent improvement from the expenditure of small appropriations. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $4, 434 45 July 1, 1884, amount available...... ................................... 4, 434 45 (See Appendix M 14.) 15. Saint John's River, Florida.-Operationsfor improving the chan- nel over the bar at the mouth of Saint John's River, Florida, were car- ried on during the first six months of the past fiscal year, in conformity tc the plan submitted by the Engineer officer in charge June 30, 1879, printed in Appendix, I 7, Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1879. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 191 The plan consists essentially in the construction of two low jetties, starting, respectively, from the opposite shores of the entrance, and so directed that the outer ends on the bar will be approximately parallel to and about 1,600 or 1,800 feet distant from each other, or such amended distance as shall hereafter be adopted. By means of these works it is expected to maintain a practicable low- water depth of 15 feet upon the bar, where previously the navigable low- water depth has not usually exceeded 6 to 7 feet. The following is a brief statement of work done prior to July 1,1883: The foundation course of the north jetty was laid for a length of 1,115 feet, beginning on the shore of Fort George Island. The mattresses forming that course were log-rafts covered with brush or poles, overlaid with riprap stone. The mattresses varied from 19 to 22- inches in thick- ness through log and brush or pole, and from 42 to 60 feet in width. The foundation-course of the south jetty was laid to an aggregate length of 4,813 feet, including a shore branch or return face 874 feet in length. Where it crosses the deeper part of the south channel it had at first been raised by four additional courses of mattresses and stone. The bottom course varied from 20 to 87 feet in width. The mattresses of each of the upper courses were about 8 feet narrower than those of the next course below. They were of the same description as the mat- tresses used on the north jetty. Eight spur-jetties, four on each side, were built against the south jetty to arrest the scour alongside of the work. They were built in two courses. The scouring currents, both parallel to and across the south jetty, having gradually increased in strength, caused a large portion of the work to settle considerably, and special measures were adopted to avert the danger that threatened the structure. An apron of revetting mats, varying from 40 to 60 feet in width, was laid along the south edge of the foundation-course of the jetty, begin- ning at low-water mark, and extending 2,113 feet eastward. This apron was still further widened for a length of 1,509 feet, where it was not needed by mattresses 40 feet wide. At the most important points the sunken part of the jetty was raised to a higher level by placing on it from one to three courses of mattresses of 30 feet width, covered with riprap stone. This operation extended a length of about 870 feet east- ward from a point about 1,100 feet from the angle of junction of the jetty with the shore branch. During the past fiscal year operations were confined to the south jetty, and were carried on, in a large measure, with a view of insuring the stability of the work, which had been seriously threatened by violent currents and storm-waves. An apron of revetting mattresses, from 80 to 100 feet in width, bal- lasted with riprap stone, was laid along the north edge of the bottom course of the jetty, extending 1,950 feet seaward from Spur No. 2. At some points these mattresses had to be sunk in low-water depths ex- ceeding 40 feet. The revetment on the south side of the jetty, commenced during the previous fiscal year, was extended seaward about 400 feet, using mat- tresses 60 feet wide. This part of the apron was laid in low-water depths varying from 8 feet to nearly 50 feet. A course of mattresses, covered with stone, was laid for a continuous length of nearly 600 feet over that more or less sunken portion of the jetty which is crossed by the existing sailing line. This new work, 192 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. in conjunction with the recently laid apron on either side, now forms a broad foundation for building up the jetty in this locality. The sunken parts of the work, from the angle of junction with the shore branch to Spur No. 4, a distance of 1,700 feet, were raised nearly up to the level of low water by means of alternate courses of log- mattresses and riprop stone. As an extra precaution, the compara- tively high and steep portion of the jetty between Spurs Nos. 2 and 3 was supported on the south side for a length of about 120 feet by a sort of buttress, built up of six courses of mattresses, each well covered with riprap stone, its base resting on the south revetment already mentioned. The Engineer officer in charge states that owing to small appropriations and frequent stoppages of work the cost of this improve- ment will be considerably in excess of the original estimate. With the appropriation of $150,000 made by act ofOCongress approved July 5, 1884, it is proposed, during the present fiscal year, to raise and extend seaward the south jetty, particularly in raising the low section over which the channel now in use passes. No work will be done on the north jetty unless it should be found necessary to protect it against injury. Some dredging may be done in the channel between the jetties to give direction to the currents for its development. The appropriations for this improvement aggregate $525,000. The total expenditures to June 30, 1884, were $372,836.04. .. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $74,401 51 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................ $71,795 05 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......................... 442 50 - 72,237 55 July 1, 1884, amount available ..................................... 2,163 96 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..... ......... .. 150, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 152, 163 96 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 600,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 600, 000 00 (See Appendix M 15.) 16. Volusia Bar, Florida.-No work was done during the past fiscal year for improving Volusia Bar, for want of funds. Operations have been carried on here at intervals since December, 1880, in conformity to the project submitted by the Engineer officer in charge, July 16, 1879, printed in Appendix I 9, Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers, 1879. Volusia Bar is located at the southeast end of Lake George, about 162 miles from the mouth of the Saint John's River, at a point where the water of the river discharges into the lake. The plan of improvement comprises the construction of two converg- ing brush and stone jetties, with a view of establishing and maintain. ing a channel 6 feet deep over this bar, where heretofore the low-water depth has ocoasionally not exceeded 3J to 4 feet. The cost of the project was estimated at $15,000. The following work has thus far been done: The west jetty now reaches a point 2,206 feet from shore. It is generally formed of a single course of brush-mattresses from 6 to 12 feet in width, covered with broken stone, except at its outer end, where a length of 159 feet is over- laid with a second course 6 feet wide. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 193 The east jetty has been carried to a length of 3,459 feet from shore. Its shore end is about 2,400 feet from that of the west jetty; it con- verges toward it as it approaches the bar. The outer portions of both jetties upon the bar are about parallel to each other and 240 feet apart. The east jetty is constructed substantially like the west jetty; 247 linear feet of its extreme outer end is formed of two courses of mattresses, with broken stone covering. One hundred and fifty piles had been driven on the bar between the jetties, nearly all of them in clusters of three and four in two rows 75 feet apart, through which space the boats had to pass in crossing the bar. Seventeen of these piles were broken and removed. The jetties are in a satisfactory condition, but all the guide-piles have been knocked out of position by passing steamboats. A recent exam- ination showed a 6-foot channel across the bar, except for a short space, where the depth is about 3 inches less. No delays have been caused by the bar during the past fiscal year as far as known. The appropriation of $2,000 made available by the act approved July 5, 1884, will be expended irr driving a number of new guide-piles and in making such miscellaneous repairs as may become necessary. The Engineer officer in charge states in his report that his original estimate of $15,000 will have to be increased probably to $25,000, owing to the necessity of extending the jetties beyond the points at first se- lected, of raising their outer portions to a higher level, and of doing some dredging on the bar. The latter kind of work and the driving of guide-piles formed no part of the first project. The expenses were also iiecessarily increased because the sum originally asked for was furnished in three small appropriations. The sum of $2,000 now available is not considered sufficient for ad- vancing the improvement materially. Additional appropriations, ag- gregating at least $7,500, are estimated to be required to establish a permanent channel of 6 feet depth at low-river stages. The appropriations for this improvement have aggregated $17,500. The total expenditures to June 30, 1884, were $15,069.04. ..............----------------------------....................... July 1, 1883, amount available--------- $510 96 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1583.....................----------....--------------------.............. 80 00 July 1, 1884, amount available -...... -----......---....-......-.... ....-------......-...... 430 96 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884---------------------...................... 2,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885...... ............. 2,430 96 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... ---- 7,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 7,500 00 (See Appendix M 16.) 17. Improving the Upper Saint John's River, Florida.-By the river and harbor act approved July 5, 1884, the sum of $5,000 was appropri- ated for improving the Upper Saint John's River, Florida, this being the first appropriation ever made by Congress for this work. The part of the Saint John's River referred to in the act extends from Lake Monroe to the head of Lake George, a distance of about 45 miles. The stream has sufficient depths for the class of vessels adapted to navi- gating the Upper Saint John's, but is very crooked. The engineer officer in charge, in his report of October 5, 1883 (see Appendix M 18 of this report), recommended to confine the work of improvement to the four most prominent bends, establishing a straighter channel, by suitable cut-offs, to be made 6 feet deep at low-river stage 5908 EN-13 194 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. and 100 feet wide at the bottom. Two estimates were submitted, one for straight cut-offs, at a cost of $43,000, and one for curved cut-offs, at a cost of $38,800. The work would consist chiefly in dredging, but some light closure dams and some grubbing will also be-required. The engineer officer in charge is not certain whether operations should be begun during the present fiscal year, in view of the comparatively small sum appropriated. The shortest of the four cuts can possibly be completed with the means on hand, if reasonable proposals for dredg- ing are made. If no favorable bids are received, he recommends to postpone operations until another appropriation is made. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... $5, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ........ 33, 800 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 33,800 00 (See Appendix M 17.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. Upon favorable reports from the preliminary examinations made, as required by the above act, Colonel Gillmore was charged with and com- pleted the following, which were transmitted to Congress, and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 65, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. The channel of the Saint John's River at its entrance into and exit from Lake Monroe,and between Lake George and Lake Monroe,for straight- ening and improving the navigation of said river between the said lakes. (See Appendix M 18.) 2. To open a passage between the north end of Indian River and Mos- quito Lagoon, Florida. (See Appendix M 19.) GULF OF MEXICO. IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS OF MOBILE, ALABAMA, AND KEY WEST AND PENSACOLA, FLORIDA; OF 'APPALACHICOLA AND TAMPA BAYS, FLORIDA; AND OF CERTAIN RIVERS IN GEORGIA, ALABAMA, FLORIDA, AND MISSISSIPPI, EMPTYING INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO. Officer in charge, Maj. A. N. Damrell, Corps of Engineers. 1. Mobile Harbor,Alabama.-The present project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in March, 1880, the object being to afford a channel of entrance from the Gulf of Mexico to the city of Mobile of 200 feet width and not less than 17 feet depth at mean low water. The channel before was 200 feet wide through Dog River Bar, and 300 feet wide through Choctaw Pass Bar, with not more than 13 feet at the shoalest part, and was obtained by dredging under previous appro- priations for 1870 to 1878, amounting in the aggregate to $401,000. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $459,625.43, and has re- sulted in obtaining a channel of not less than 17 feet depth at mean tide and 75 feet wide from the 17-foot curve in Mobile River to the curve .of same depth in the lower bay, a length of 26.33 miles; in the widening of this dredged channel to not less than 105 feet for a distance of 18.02 miles; in widening the portion of the latter located in Choctaw Pass to a minimum width of 145 feet for 3,820 feet; and, finally, the sharp bend "RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 195 on the upper gap of the obstructions to a width of 240 feet for a distance of 1,000 feet. The portion of the channel that was dredged only 75 feet was found, upon examination during January and February, 1884, to have increased in width to 100 feet and diminished in depth to 161 feet, except at the southern entrance, where the depth is only 151 feet,.with a width in- creased to 200 feet. Where dredged originally to 105 feet the width has increased to 115 feet, with a depth of 17 feet generally maintained at mean tide; where dredged, respectively, 145 feet and 240 feet the width is increased to 150 feet with depth of 20) feet, and 250 feet and 22 feet depth. The amount available and the appropriation asked for is to be expended in widening the above channel, and it is expected that the com- bined amounts will complete it. July 1, 1883, amount available...................................... $89, 736 52 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................ ...... ....... ... 89,361 95 July 1, 1884, amount available.............. ........................ 374 57 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 200,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 200,374 57 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 240,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 240, 000 00 See Appendix N 1.) 2. Pensacola Harbor,Florida.-The present project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1881, the object being to open a channel 300 feet wide and 24 feet deep at mean low water by dredging through a shoal which has formed inside the outer bar, and to construct such jetties and shore protections as might be necessary to prevent the further abrasion of the beach near Fort McRee, on the western side of the entrance to the harbor, and to maintain the dredged channel. The channel when the project was adopted had a depth of not more than 20 feet at the shoalest part at mean low tide. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $111,620.49, and has resulted in obtaining, by dredg- ing, a channel 80 feet in width across the 1 inner bar," with a minimum depth of 221 feet at mean low water, affording a passage at mean high water for vessels drawing 24 feet and less, or the maximum draught that can be carried over the outer bar; in stopping the abrasion of the beach, advancing it 250 feet on the south side of the south jetty at Fort McRee, and advancing the 12, 18, and 24 foot curves of the western channel slopes fronting the shore line of the south jetty. The shore line north of the work at Fort McRee has not materially changed. The amount available is to be applied to continuing work on the jetties proposed and completing the dredging of the "inner bar." July 1, 1883, amount available..--........................... . ........ $66, 304 72 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....................... $37,156 57 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities..........-................ 1,438 39 38, 564 96 July 1, 1884, amount available.... ...................................... 27, 709 76 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 55,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 82,709 76 (See Appendix N 2.) 3. Key West Harbor, Florida.-The present project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1882, the object being to afford a 196 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. channel of entrance from the Gulf of Mexico into the "northwest" channel to Key West, so as to give a depth of 17 feet at mean low water when the project was adopted, which was not sufficient for commercial pur- poses. The principal object to be gained by the improvement is in the great saving in distance for all vessels plying between Key West and the Gulf ports. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $25,000, and has resulted in obtaining by dredging one cut entirely through the bar on the " northwest" channel, having a width of 60 feet at bottom and 65 feet at top, with a depth of 15 feet at mean low water. No appropriation is asked for, at least until a further examination can be made, as it is believed that there has been some filling in the dredged channel. July 1, 1883, amount available ............ ............. ............ $23,573 12 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 . ....................................... 23, 573 12 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 115,000 00 (See Appendix N 3.) 4. Chattahoochee River, Georgia and Alabama.--The present project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1873, the object being to afford a channel 100 feet wide and 4 feet deep at low water, from its mouth, near Chattahoochee, Ga., up to Columbus, Ga. The chainel, before the improvement was commenced, was impassable at times be- tween Columbus, Ga., and Eufaula, Ala., and the least depth on tho bars varied from I to 3 feet; it was at other places narrow and danger- ous from snags and rocks. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $140,953.38 (estimated, as no separate account was kept of the expenditure for the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers, when the appropriations were made for both rivers together), and has resulted in giving a fair, navigable channel from Columbus to its mouth during the entire year, except during an unusual low stage of water. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be applied to continuing the improvement according to the project, and it is thought will complete it. July 1, 1883, amount available .. . . . . .$26, 415 36 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding 17,370 74 liabilities July 1, 1883................... ........................-------------------------------------------.... July 1, 1884, amount available ............ -...... . ........... _.... -.... 9,046 62 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 35,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885----------------- ................... 44, 046 62 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 115, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscalyear ending June 30, 1886. 75, 000 00 (See Appendix N 4.) 5. Flint River, Georgia.-The present project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1873 and modified in 1880, the object of the original project being to afford a channel 100 feet wide and 3 feet deep at ordinary low water from its mouth up to Albany, Ga., and the modification to improve for high-water navigation that portion of the river between Albany and Montezuma, about 100 miles above. The channel before the improvement was commenced was only navigable at low water from its mouth up to Bainbridge, and even that portion was narrow, crooked, and dangerous. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $94,389.89, and has resulted in obtaining a completed high RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 197 water channel from its mouth up to Albany; a completed low-water channel of the projected width and depth from its mouth up to Rope- work Shoals, a distance of 70 miles; also a partially completed high- water channel over that portion of the river between Albany and Montezuma. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be applied to continuing the improvement according to the project on both sections of the river. July 1, 1883, amount available .... ..................................... $11,271 53 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 10,661 42 July 1,1884, amount available ....................... ....... ......... 610 11 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 20,610 11 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 107,829 52 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 75,000 00 (See Appendix N 5.) 6. Apalachicola River, Florida.-Theproject for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1874, the object being to afford a channel of 6 feet depth and navigable width its whole length, avoiding the worst por- tion by utilizing Styx River and Moccasin Slough. The channel at that time had sufficient depth, and generally sufficient width, but was ob- structed by snags and overhanging trees, and the portion through Moc- casin Slough was narrow, crooked, and difficult. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $37,189.31, and has resulted in the complete execution of the project, and in addition, the opening of Chipola "C ut-off" to White's Bluff, a distance of 9 miles, the wid- ening of the canal at Moccasin Slough, and the removal from the river of the yearly accumulation of snags, logs, and sunken timber. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to preserving the improvement by the removal of such logs, snags, and sunken trees as may be found to be an obstruction to navigation. July 1, 1883, amount available....-..........-............................ $3, 322 97 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .. ..................................... ...... 2,012 28 July 1, 1884, amount available ....... .. .. ..... .. 1,310 96 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 1,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 2,310 96 Amount (estimated) required for preservation of improvement annually-..- 2, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 2, 000 00 (See Appendix N 6.) 7. Apalachicola Bay, Florida.-The present project for this improve- ment was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel of en- trance from Apalachicola Bay into Apalachicola River up to the wharves of the city of Apalachicola, 100 feet wide, and 11 feet deep at mean low water. The channel before the improvement was commenced had a depth of 4 feet at the shoalest place. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $45,000, and has resulted in securing a channel 6,060 feet in length, 5,200 feet of which has a width of 75 feet, and the remainder, 860 feet, has a width of 60 feet, with an average depth of 91 feet at mean low water, thereby increas- ing the depth available for commerce from 4 feet to 9 feet at meaa low water. *198 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to extending and widening the cut already made, and will proba- bly complete the improvement. July 1, 1883, amount available------------------------.................-------......................... $658 05 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......... ..---------------------------------------------- 658 05 Amount'appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .-...... .... 10, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ........----------.. 45, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 45, 000 00 (See Appendix N 7.) 8. Tampa Bay, Florida.-Thepresent project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel from Tampa Bay, through the bar at the mouth of the Hillsborough River, 150 feet wide and 9 feet deep at mean low water, and of the same depth and 200 feet wide up the river to the port of Tampa. The chan- nel before the improvement was commenced had a depth in the shoalest place of not more than 5 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $40,000, and has resulted in securing a fair but somewhat narrow channel of 9 feet depth, from the bay to the wharves at Tampa, with the exception of two small shoals, extending from a point about 300 feet north of Spanish Town Creek to a point about 300 feet below the upper curve, a distance of 1,000 feet, which has a depth of only 7J feet. The appropriation asked for is to be applied to cutting through the shoals above mentioned, and to widening the channel throughout, and the amount is believed to be sufficient to complete the work. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... $20, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.. -.. -.... 37, 002 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 37,000 00 (See Appendix N 8.) 9. Suwanee River, Florida.-The present project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel of entrance through both East and West Passes from Suwanee Bay into Suwanee River, of navigable width and of not less than 5 feet depth at mean low water; and to improve the river above so as to give a channel 500 feet wide with a least depth of 4 feet, from Roland's Bluff up to Ellaville. Before the improvement was commenced the channel across the bar had a depth in the shoalest place of about 3 feet at mean low water; from inside the bar up to Roland's Bluff, there was a least depth of 5 feet, and from Roland's Bluff up to Ellaville a least depth of l J feet, and much obstructed with snags and overhanging trees. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $13,000, and has resulted in obtaining a channel 2,400 feet long, 65 feet wide, and 6 feet deep, at mean low water, from Suwanee Bay into Suwanee River. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the work according to the project. July 1, 1883, amount available ..............----....-....----....-..........---.... $4, 789 67 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...------.-------..------........ -4,789 ....-----......------....----.. 67 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.... ................... 5,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 37, 158 00 Amount that can beprofitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix N 9.) 10. Chotawhatchie River, Alabama and Florida.-Thepresent project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1872, the object being to improve the navigation by the removal of snags, wrecks, overhang- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 199 ing trees, and other obstructions to accommodate the trade at that time between the mouth of Mitchell's River and Geneva. It was modified in 1880, so as to extend the improvement up to Newton, about 40 miles above Geneva (for which an appropriation was made), and to make a more thorough improvement of the river below Geneva, including the improvement of another mouth, or pass, called Oypress Top, having a little better water on the bar to meet the wants of the rapidly increas- ing and changed character of the commerce on that portion of the river since the improvement was commenced. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $55,000, and has resulted in the improvement of two passes or mouths of the river, and the main river up to Pates' Creek, 235 miles, so that boats drawing 41 feet of water can run at all times during an ordinary stage of river from the mouth up as far as Jones' Old Ferry, about 27 miles above Geneva, Ala., and boats drawing 2 feet from Jones' Old Ferry to Pates' Creek, at a medium stage. With a full river 5 feet can be carried safely up to Pates' Creek. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to extending the improvement up to Newton from Pates' Creek, 164 miles, to thoroughly improving that portion of the river between Geneva and the railroad station at HaltMoon Bluff, so that boats draw- ing 4J feet can safely run between those two points (40 miles) during the lowest stage of water, day or night, and will probably nearly com- plete the projected improvement. July 1, 1883, amount available -------..............................-------......-...... *$9,159 96 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................................... .. 8, 387 69 July 1, 1884, amount available ......----....-....-..........-......-............ 772 27 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-----......-----......-----....-...... ---- 15, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 15, 772 27 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......----.... - - 51,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix N 10.) 11. Gahaba River, Alabama.-The project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1883, the object being to afford a channel over the lower portion of the river from its mouth up to the town of Centre- ville, a distance of 88 miles, with channel in open river 100 feet in width, a least depth of 3 feet at low water, with a width in soft rock and bar cuts of 60 feet, and a least depth of 3 feet at low water. Before the improvement was commenced the condition of the river was such that it was extremely dangerous to navigation during high water, owing to the large number of overhanging trees and the ob- structions caused by two fixed railroad bridges crossing the river, one at 8 and the other at 21 miles above its mouth. At low water the chan- nel was so obstructed by snags, logs, sunken trees, rock shoals, gravel and sand bars that navigation was a matter of impossibility. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $17,375.29, and has resulted in the partial improvement of 17 miles of river above its mouth, for low- water navigation, and the improvement of 88 miles of river from its mouth to Centreville, for high-water navigation. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ex- * $2,000 of this amount allotted to La Grange Bayou. 200 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. pended in continuing the improvement in accordance with the project adopted. July 1, 1883, amount available.-............................... ...... .. $11,075 06 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...... .......................................... 8,450 35 July 1, 1884, amount available.............................. ......... 2,624 71 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................ 12,624 71 Amount (estimated)' required for completion of existing project---- ......... -- 165,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100,000 00 (See Appendix N. 11). 12. Tallapoosa River, Alabama.-The project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1883, the object being to afford a channel from the mouth of the river to the foot of Tallassee Reefs. 2 miles below Tallassee, the head of navigation, a distance of 48 miles, with a channel in open river of 200 feet in width and a least depth of 3 feet at low water. Before the improvement was commenced the river was naviga- ble for steamboats only during a considerable rise; during the low- water season it was impassable. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $8,437.92, and has resulted in the complete improvement of some points and the partial improve- ment of other points over about 8 miles of river, from its mouth up- stream, making a fair navigable low-water channel in that distance. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied in continuing the improvement upon the project adopted, and will probably complete the work. July 1, 1883, amount available..................................... $15,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................ 8,237 92 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... 6,562 08 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 16,562 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 15,125 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 15,000 00 (See Appendix N 12.) 13. Old Town Greek, Mississippi.-The project for this mprovement, adopted in 1883, is to improve this stream for high-water navigation by the removal of snags, logs, and overhanging trees from its mouth to City Point, a distance of 30 miles. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $3,000, and has resulted in obtaining, by the removal of overhanging timber from the banks, logs and stumps from the bed of the river, a fair high-water channel from its mouth up to Camargo, 16 miles. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the improvement according to the approved plan, by removing obstructions to high-water navigation, working as far up in the direction of City Point as possible. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................--------------------------------------.. $3,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........ . ...... -................. ...... 3, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 7,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 7,000 09 (See Appendix N 13.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 201 14. La Grange Bayou, Florida.-The present project for the improve- ment of this bayou was adopted in 1882, the object being to deepen the channel through the bayou from its present depth of 31 feet to 5 feet, to save vessels the detention they met with, often of several days at a time, waiting for high water. The amount expended to June 30,1884, is $1,227.73, and has resulted in securing a channel of 5 feet depth at mean low water and 22 feet wide through the bayou. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ex- pended in continuing the improvement according to the projected plan, and will probably complete it. July 1, 1H83, amount available ...................................... $2, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883------- ......----....---................................. 1,227 73 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 772 27' Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.-....... 5,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix N 14.) 15. Withlacoochee River, Florida.-Theproject for this improvement, adopted in 1881, is to improve the river by the removal of snags, loose rocks, and overhanging trees, the deepening of some of the worst shoals and of a bar near the mouth of the river, so as to enable boats draw- ing 2 feet of water to navigate the river during about half the year. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $7,500, and has resulted in improving, according to estimate by United States land surveys, about 67 miles, but by the examining Engineer's estimate 100 miles, of river. 1No work was done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, for want of funds. The amount asked for is to be applied to continuing and completing the improvement. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884....... .. . $3, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------........... 13,400 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 13,000 00 (See Appendix N 15.) 16. Galoosahatchee River, Florida.-The present project for the im- provement of this river was adopted in 1882, the object being to so im- prove the river from the bar at the mouth up to Fort Meyer as to accom- modate vessels of 6-foot draught. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $5,000, and has resulted in improving the bar at the mouth of the river by the removal from the channel on the bar of several small shoals and the cutting through of a number of projecting oyster-reefs and sand-bars. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the improvement in accordance with the project. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................... $4,996 41 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883_-..... ............................. 4,996 41 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ....-....-................ 5,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project..-......... 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix N 16.) 17. Peas Greek, Florida.-Theproject for this improvement, adopted in 1881, is to improve this stream for high-water navigation by the re- 202 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. moval of snags, overhanging trees, and loose rocks from the channel from its mouth up to Fort Meade. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $10,363.18, and has resulted in the improvement of about 64 miles of the river from its mouth up- stream. The balance available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to the care and preservation of the public property, and to con- tinuing the improvement of the river up towards Fort Meade, and it is thought will complete the improvement. July 1, 1883, amount available ...... ..........................-.... ...... $4,063 83 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-----------------------------......................................-------- 3,427 01 July 1, 1884, amount available.........----------.-------......---------......---------......--......---...... 636 82 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........----------. 5,700 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,700 00 (See Appendix N 17.) 18. Escambia and Gonecuh rivers, Floridaand A labana.-a. Escambia River.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel of entrance from Escambia Bay into Escambia River of 150 feet width and 5 depth at mean low water, and to improve the river above to the Alabama and Florida State line. The least depth on the bar at the month of the river before the improvement was com- menced was 1.9 feet; the river above had sufficient depth and width, but was obstructed by snags and log-booms. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $13,000, and has resulted in securing, by dredging, a channel 100 feet wide and 51 feet deep through the bar at the mouth of the river, and the removal of snags, logs, and overhanging timber, forming obstructions to navigation, throughout its entire length, a distance of 85 miles to the Alabama and Florida State line. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to the prosecution of the work of removing accumulated obstruc- tions and construction of dams and bank protection, and it is expected will complete the improvement. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... $3, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 3, 000 00 Amountthat can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 3,000 00 b. Gonecuh River.--The project for the improvement of the Conecuh River was adopted in 1882, and is to improve the river from the Florida a State line up to Indian Creek by the removal of snags and overhang- ing trees, closing cut-offs by dams, and cutting through rock shoals by blasting, to facilitate the transportation of lumber. The river in its present condition is not navigable for boats, and even the transportation of timber and saw-logs is difficult in high water. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $11,407.20, and has resulted in the improvement of about 4 miles of the river above Brewton, Ala.; the removal of obstructions on that part of the river from the Alabama and Florida State line up-stream a distance of 294 miles; the removal of obstructions on that part of the river from the junction of the Pat- saligo River to a point 3 miles above the mouth of Sepulgah Creek, a distance of 34 miles. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the improvement in accordance with the project. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 203 July 1, 1883, amount available...... ..............-. -- . $8,622 06 .-.-..-..-.--- July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1. 1883 ----------------------------------..------.... 8,029 26 July 1, 1884, amount available.........................................----------------------------------------. 592 80 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................... 12, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ........ 12, 592 80 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........... 38, 430 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25,000 00 (See Appendix N 18.) 19. Alabama River, Alabama.-The project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1876, the object being to afford a channel 200 feet wide and 4 feet deep at low water, from its mouth 50 miles above Mobile, to Wetumpka, Ala. The channel, before the improvement was eommenced, had sufficient width, but a least depth of about 2 feet on some of the shoals, and was badly obstructed by snags and overhanging trees. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $117,432.82, and has re- sulted in clearing the river of all dangerous snags and overhanging trees and the improvement of the worst bars; in opening 20 miles of the river below the " Cut-off," before inaccessible during low water; in ren- dering that part of the river below Montgomery easy of navigation during low water; in increased safety to navigation by day or night; greater regularity and reduction in time of trips between Mobile and Wetumpka, and enabling steamboats to carry larger loads during low water. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to keeping the river free from snags and overhanging trees, keep- ing jetties and dams already built in repair, and improving as many of the remaining bars, having less than the projected depth of water, as possible. July 1, 1883. amount available.......................................... $10, 607 39 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...........---------.------------......------........-----------.......-----...... 8, 040 21 July 1, 1884, amount available . .. .. . .. . 2,567 18 --- Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884---------...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 12,567 18 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... -99, 741 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year endingJune 30,1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix N 19.) 20. Warrior and Tombigbee rivers, Alabama and Mississippi.-a. Tombigbee River, below Columbus, Mississippi and Alabama.-The pres- ent project for the improvement of this section of the river was adopted in 1871, and modified in 1879, the object being to afford a low-water channel of navigable width and 4 feet depth from its mouth up to Demopolis, and of not less than 3 feet depth from Demopolis to Colum- bus. Before the improvement was commenced this section of the river was navigable at low water, practically, for regular business, only 95 miles of 366 miles of river. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..........$25,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 75,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 75, 000 00 b. Warrior River, Alabama.-The present project for the improve- ment of this river was adopted in 1875 .the object being to afford a 204 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. channel 80 feet wide and 4 feet deep at low water from its junction with the Tombigbee up to Tuscaloosa. The channel at that time was not navigable at low water. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $188,719.68 for both rivers, and has resulted in obtaining on the Warrior River a low-water channel, from its mouth up to Eastport, 50 miles, navigable for light-draught steamboats during the entire year, and a par- tially improved low-water channel from Eastport to Tuscaloosa, naviga- ble for about ten months in the year. On the Tombigbee River low-water navigation for light-draught steam- boats has been extended to Demopolis, 243 miles above Mobile; two and three months has also been added to the boating season on that portion of the river from Demopolis to Columbus, 416 miles above Mobile; the time required to make trips has been materially reduced, and facility and safety to navigation have been greatly increased. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the improvement in accordance with the projects adopted. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 . ........-... $12, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ...... .... 65,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 65, 000 00 (See Appendix N 20.) 21. Tombigbee River above Golumbus, Mississippi.-The present project for the improvement of this portion of the river was adopted in 1873, the object being to give a good high-water navigation from Columbus, Miss., to Fulton, Miss., by the removal of snags and overhanging trees. The channel before improvement was not navigable at all from Ful- ton down to Cotton Gin Port; from Cotton Gin Port to Aberdeen, about 35 miles, it was navigable only for small barges, carrying about 125 bales of cotton; from Aberdeen down to Columbus, about 65 miles, naviga- tion was difficult when the water was 12 feet above ordinary low water. The project may be considered accomplished, as there is now easy navigation for steamers of 300 tons from Columbus up to Aberdeen when the water is 4 feet above ordinary low water, and from Aberdeen up to Fulton when it is 8 feet above. The improvement is not permanent, but will require about $2,000 annually to keep the channel in its improved condition. July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... . $824 84 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883---------------------------------------------................................................ 442 27 July 1, 1884, amount available ............................... .................. 382 57 Amount (estimated) required for preservation of improvement annually.. 2,000 00 (See Appendix N 21.) 22. Noxubee River, Mississippi.-The present project for the improve- ment of this river was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel for small river steamers from its mouth up to Macon, Miss., of navigable depth and width, during about nine months of the year, when the water is above the ordinary low-water stage. Before the improvement was commenced the river was navigable for steamboats only after a consid- erable rise, and then only for a short distance above its mouth. The amount expended to June 30,1884, is $29,382,09, and has resulted in clearing the river of all overhanging trees, and the removal of a large number of logs, snags, and sunken trees from the bed of the river, making a navigable high-water channel from its mouth up to Macon, Miss., the entire distance contemplated in the plan of improvement. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 205 Advantage has been taken of the partial improvement of the river, several steamtboats having made successful trips during the high-water seasons of the last two years. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the improvement in accordance with the project adopted, and will probably complete the work. July 1, 1883, amount available ...... .................... ...... ........ $645 31 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .... -..................................... ..- . 27 40 July 1,1884, amount available......................-......-.....-........ 617 91 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-................... 7,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 8,117 91 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 27,745 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25,000 00 (See Appendix N 22.) 23. Pascagoula River, Mississippi.-The present project for the im- provement of this river was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford a channel 200 feet wide and 7 feet deep at mean low water from Missis- sipppi Sound into East Pascagoula River, and to improve the river above by the removal of snags, overhanging trees. The channel be- fore the commencement of the improvement had a depth of not more than 3 feet at mean low water at its shoalest place. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $55,723.92, and has resulted in securing a channel 180 feet wide and 74 feet deep at mean low water, from Mississippi Sound into Pascagoula River, and the improvement of the river above for a distance of 50J miles. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the improvement up the river, and it is expected will complete the improvement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................-------------------------------------... $3, 358 31 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......-- ................................. 3, 082 23 July 1, 1884, amount available.... .. ... ........ .. .. 276 08 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884---------------------...................... 3,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 3,276 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 7,000 00 Amount that can]be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 7,000 00 (See Appendix N 23.) 24. Manatee River, Florida--Thepresent project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1882, the object being to afford a channel of entrance from Tampa Bay into Manatee River, so as to give a depth of 13 feet at mean low water from Tampa Bay up the river to Shaw's and McNeil's Point. The least depth on the bar at the mouth of the river before the im- provement was 8 feet at mean low water, not sufficient for the class of vessels engaged in the commerce between the river and outside ports. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $12,000, and has resulted in securing a channel 2.150 feet in length, 1,750 feet of which has a width of 60 feet and a depth of 124 feet, and 400 feet of which has a width of 35 feet and depth of 114 through the bar at the entrance of the river from Tampa Bay. 206 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount available and the appropriation asked for are to be ap- plied to continuing the improvement in accordance with the project. July 1, 1883, amount available .....--.................................... $8, 784 78 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... .. .... ... _........... 8,784 78 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 58,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 29,000 00 (See Appendix N 24.) 25. Roadstead leading into Back Bay of Biloxi, Mississippi.-No project has been adopted for the improvement of this roadstead, the amount appropriated being deemed insufficient for an economical pros- ecution of the work. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................ $4,988 55 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 4,988 55 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ....... 30,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix N 25.) 26. Removing sunken vessels obstructing or endangering navigation.- The wrecks of the lighter Arlington, the brigs New York and Uncle Sam, and the steamboat Gertrude, forming obstructions to or endangering the navigation of Mobile River at or near Mobile, Ala., were removed dur- ing the months of February, March, and April, 1884. (See Appendix N 26.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement and the work not a public necessity : 1. Harbor at Cedar Keys, Florida, especially the northwest channel. (See Appendix N 27.) 2. For a channel inside the shoals along the coast of Floridafrom Cedar Keys to Clearwater Harbor and Tampa, Florida. (See Appendix N 28.) 3. Saint Mark's River, Florida. (See Appendix N 29.) Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made by him, Major Damrell was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 128, Forty-eighth Congress, first session : 1. Harborat Cedar Keys, Florida. (See Appendix N 30.) 2. The shoal between Dauphin Island and CedarPoint, Alabama. (See Appendix N. 31.) INSPECTION OF THE IMPROVEMENT AT THE SOUTH PASS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. Inspecting officers Capt. W. H. Heuer, Corps of Engineers, to Feb- ruary 1, 1884, and Capt. Thomas Turtle, Corps of Engineers, since that date. Examinations and surveys to ascertainthe depths of water and widths of channel secured and maintained by James B. Eads at South Pass of the Mis- sissippi River.-The inspecting officer, in his annual report dated July 22, 1884, states that during the year covered by the quarterly certificate, June 10, 1883, to June 9, 1884, inclusive, there has been maintained a RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 207 channel through the jetties at the mouth of the South Pass of the Mis- sissippi River, " 26 feet in depth, not less than 200 feetin width at the bot- tom, and having through it a central depth of 30 feet without regard to width"; also that during the above-mentioned period a channel having " a navigable depth of 26 feet" was maintained through the shoal at the head of the South Pass and " through the Pass itself." These channel depths and widths were maintained by the works al- ready in place, supplemented by repairs thereto, and some others con- structed from time to time, wing-dams and extension of Inner East Jetty, and without the assistance of dredging. The least depth existing from deep water in the river to deep water in the Gulf has varied between 264 feet and 29 feet, with a general in- crease in these depths during the year. Shoaling has occurred in some of the area immediately above Head of the Passes, with a deepening in other portions, the depth of approach of full 30 feet noted last year be- ing maintained. The channel through the Pass has generally improved during the year with an approximation to uniformity of depth. Seaward of the jetties there has been a general advance of the slope,. the fill for the year over the area heretofore adopted for comparative estimates of fill or deepening being 3.61 feet; for the period from June,. 1876, to 1884, the entire fill over the area has been 8.29 feet. Congress requires examinations and surveys to ascertain depths and widths of channels maintained at South Pass, &c. The estimate for this. purpose of the amount required for the next fiscal year is $17,420. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $5, 948 94 Amount appropriated by act approved March 12, 1884................... 6, 000 00 11,948 94 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities Jaly 1, 1833.......... ..................... .............. 8,652 14 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 3,296 80 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 ...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending 4une 30, 1885.................... 13,296 80 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 17,400 00 (See Appendix O.) IMPROVEMENT OF SABINE PASS AND BLUE BUCK BAR, AND OF SABINE AND NECHES RIVERS, TEXAS. Officer in charge, Capt. W. IH. Heuer, Corps of Engineers, to Febru- ary 1, 1884, since which Capt. Thomas Turtle, Corps of Engineers. 1. Sabine Pass and Blue Buck Bar, Texas.-Surveys were made in 1853 and again in 1872-'73, and the report of the later survey showed that there was a depth of 61 feet over the bar at mean low tide. Dredging operations upon the bar were carried on at intervals in the years 1876 to 1881, inclusive, when the unsatisfactory results obtained induced the adoption in 1882 of a project for permanent improvement by means of jetties from the points Texas and Louisiana, the estimated cost of which was $3,177,606.50; the balance available at that time was $301,296.12, and work was begun in December, 1882, and prosecuted under contract till the end of November, 1883. A report of the work done from the end of the fiscal year June 30, 1883, to the completion of the contract was made by Captain Heuer, January 14, 1884, for which, with the report the assistant, Mr. Thomas L. Raymond, see Appendix P 1. Condition of the improvement June 30, 1884.-The jetty so far placed 208 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. seems to be undisturbed and intact, except perhaps one or two lengths of mattresses of the top layer between the wreck of the Clifton and the shore. There seems to be some movement of the crest of the bar sea- ward and a slight decrease of depth. It is too early in the improve- ment, and the work itself is too incomplete, for any important changes in the bar to be expected. July 1, 1883, amount available ....................................... $153, 009 23 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................ ............. 151,042 94 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... ... 1,966 29 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... 200,000 06 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................. 201,966 29 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 2,676,220 44 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 ................................... .............. .. .. ...... 500,000 OS (See Appendix P 1.) 2. Sabine River, Louisiana and Texas.-At the commencement of the improvement of the river there was a depth of 3 - feet on the bar at its mouth in Sabine Lake and above Orange; the obstructions of the Nar- rows, and logs, snags, &c., interfered with the navigation of the river. A cut through the bar having a depth of 6 feet and more, and 70 to 100 feet in width, was completed in June, 1880, and cuts, one from the main river into the narrows 60 to 75 feet wide, with a depth of 5 feet, and one at Dead Bend about 70 feet wide, with a depth of 7 feet, together with the removal of sunken logs and snags, were completed in November, 1881. The total expenditure on the river to June 30, 1884, has been $29,553.44. The cut made at the bar is now much obstructed by logs, but the depth therein is sufficient for present needs. No work was done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, and no appropriation is asked for the next fiscal year. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ _$4, 546 56 July 1, 1884, amount available....... .. ... .. ...... 4,546 54 (See Appendix P 2.) 3. Neches River, Texas.-At the commencement of the improvement of this river there was a depth of about 3 feet of water over the bar at its mouth in Sabine Lake, and in the river between Yellow Bluff and Bevilport the navigation was obstructed by snags and fallen trees. A channel was excavated across the bar to a depth of 5 feet and more, varying from about 30 feet in width to 60 feet in 1879, and in 1881 ob- structions between Yellow Bluff and Bevilport were removed, in which work the total sum of $20,892.43 was expended to June 30, 1884, at which date the depth of water in the cut across the bar was about one foot less than in the lake near its outer entrance sufficient for present needs. No work was done during the fiscal year endiig June 30, 1884, and no appropriation is asked for the next fiscal year. July 1, 1883, amount available--......................................... ----- $5,156 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 - - -----....------------ 49 28 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 5, 107 57 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 7,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 12,107 57 (See Appendix P 3.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 209 IMPROVEMENT OF PEARL RIVER, MISSISSIPPI, AND OF VARIOUS WATER-COURSES IN LOUISIANA. Officer in charge, Maj. Amos Stickney, Corps of Engineers. 1. Pearl River, Mississippi,from Jackson to Carthage.-The natural channel was much obstructed by logs, snags, drift; standing trees in the water, and overhanging trees on the banks. The present project was adopted in 1880, the object being to obtain a channel of navigable width and 5 feet depth at low water. The amount expended on the work up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $699.24. The river is navigable for small steamboats over the distance improved. The amount expended during the past fiscal year is $10,993.34 for the construction of plant and prosecution of the work resulting in the removal of some of the worst obstructions over the entire distance. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $2,500, to be applied to the continuation of work under the existing project. This will result in the further im- provement of the navigation between Carthage and Jackson. July 1, 1883, amount available .. -..-................................... $17, 800 76 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $9, 791 23 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 1, 202 11 10,993 34 July 1, 1884. amount available ......................................... 6, 807 42 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project -....... 2, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 2, 500 00 (See Appendix Q 1.) 2. Pearl River below Jackson, Mississippi.-The natural channel is much obstructed by snags, sunken logs, rafts, standing trees in the water, and overhanging trees on the banks, and a number of shoals in the lower portion. The original project was adopted in 1880, the object being to obtain a navigable channel 5 feet deep at low water from Jack- son down to the mouth of the river. The amount expended on the work to the close of the fiscal year end- ing June 30, 1883, is $60,543.49. SThe river is not navigable at present at extreme low water, on account of the shoals and snags. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $3,166.18, and has resulted in the closure of twelve run-out bayous, and the removal of some of the obstructions. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $16,000, to be applied to the carrying on of the existing project. By closing run-out bayous and side channels the water will be confined to one channel and the shoals swept away by the current. Total amount appropriated.............................. .............. $80, 000 00 Total amount expended ............................................ - .. 63,709 67 July 1, 1883, am6unt available..... . .......... .............. .. .... 9,456 51 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..................--- .. $3,103 88 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ......-----......---.....-..... 62 30 3,166 18 July 1, 1884, amount available...................... ................ 6,290 33 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .....----...-.......... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 16, 290 33 5908 EN- 14 210 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 16,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 16, 000 00 (See Appendix Q 2.) 3. Amite River, Louisiana.-Thenatural channel was much obstructed by snags, sunken logs, standing trees in the water, and overhanging trees on the banks. The original project was adopted in 1880. the object being to obtain a channel of navigable width and 5 feet depth at low water, or as near that as possible without dredging, from the junction with Bayou Man chac continuously up-stream as far as the appropriation would permit. This project was modified or amended in 1883 so as to extend the work to the mouth of the Amite River in Lake Maurepas, instead of continuing it on the upper part of the river. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $8,466.90. The river is navigable for all vessels that can cross the bar at the mouth to Bayou Manchac, and above that for 17 miles, with a slight rise, for boats of lighter draught. The amount that has been expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $4,128.71, and was for part payment of plant to be used on Amite, Tchef'uncte, and Tickfaw rivers, and for work resulting in the partial removal of the obstructions from a point 8 miles above the mouth to Bayou Manchac. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $5,000, which will be expended in carrying on the amended project, clearing the lower river of all obstructions. Total amount appropriated- ........ _....-....-......... ............... $13, 000 00 -12,595 Total amount expended ....---......------....--.....--.....------.....----..... 61 July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... 4,533 10 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.._...........$4,083 71 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities....-....-....-....-.... .... 45 00 - 4,128 71 July 1, 1884, amount available-..-....-...................... -... ......... 404 39 Amount (estimated) required for completion of amended project.......... 5, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal yearending June 30,1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix Q 3.) 4. TangipahoaRiver, Louisiana.-The natural channel was much ob- structed by snags, sunken logs, rafts, standing trees in the water, and overhanging trees on the banks. The original project for this work was adopted in 1880, the object being to obtain a channel of navigable width and 5 feet deep at low water, or as near that as possible without dredging. The amount expended on this work up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $5,016.25. The river was navigable for 34 miles for vessels of very light draught. The amount that has been expended during the fiscal year is $1,769.77, resulting in the removal of the obstructions for 74 miles. An appropriation of $1,700 is asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, to be expended in removing new obstructions from the lower por- tion of the river. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 211 $9,000 00 Total amount appropriated----------------------------------................... ...-------------------------...... Total amount expended---- 6,786 02 ----................ July 1, 1883, amount available------.. ....--------------------...... $1,983 75 - -......- ......------................- July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ..................... $82 25 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 1,687 52 -- 1,769 77 - July 1, 1884, amount available- ........................................ 213 98 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 2, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885 -----------................... 2,213 98 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......-.... 1,700 00 Amount that can be profitably expended infiscal yearending June 30, 1886. 1,700 00 (See Appendix Q 4.) 5. Tchefuncte River, Louisiana.-Thebar at the mouth of the river has but 4J feet of water during north winds, and from Old Landing to Cov- ington the river was obstructed with snags and overhanging trees. The existing project for this work was adopted in 1880, the object being to dredge the bar at its mouth, and the removal of snags and overhanging trees up to Covington. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $545.76. The river is navigable for steamboats to Old Landing, and to Cov- ington for schooners. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $1,101.59 for the part payment of working plant to be used on Tche- functe, Amite, and Tickfaw rivers, and for payment of expense of ex- amination. The estimate of cost under a new project, submitted but not yet de- cided, is $20,400. Total amount appropriated .....-.......-............................... $3, 000 00 Total amount expended .-......................... ................... . 1,647 35 July 1, 1883, amount available.--------------------------------------2,454 24 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 1,101 59 July 1, 1884, amount available ....--....--...........-------------...--------............ 1,352 65 Amount (estimated) required for completion of project, submitted....... 19, 000 00 (See Appendix Q 5.) 6. Tickfaw River, Louisiana.-The natural channel was much ob- structed by snags and overhanging trees. The original project was adopted in 1881, the object being to obtain a channel of navigable width and depth for a distance of 26 miles up stream. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $2,004.64. The river was then navigable for 181 miles for ves- sels drawing 4 feet. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $1,955.14 for part payment of plant for Amite, Tickfaw, and Tchefuncts rivers, and for work resulting in the removal of all obstructions for a distance of 20 miles from the mouth, 18k miles of which has been pre- viously worked by contract. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $6,230, to be expended in carrying on the ex- 212 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. istiitg project, which will result in increasing the navigable length of the river. July 1,1883, amount available .......................................... $1,995 36 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883------... -...-...---....---.--...-. 1,955 14 July 1, 1884, amount available.- ------------------.---. ---.. ......... 40 22 ......... -- Amount (estimated) required for cormpletion of existing project------- 6,230 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 6,230 00 (See Appendix Q 6.) 7. Bayou Teche, Louisiana.-The natural channel is much obstructed by shoaling, snags, and overhanging trees. The original project for this work was adopted in 1880, its object being to secure low-water navigation from Saint Martinville to Leonville. An amended project has been proposed to give navigation to the head of the bayou. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $10,348.62. The bayou is navigable with a slight rise to Leonville. The anount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $1,096.30 and has been for completing map of surveys and preparation of plan for locks and payment of tide-gauge keepers. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $50,000, and will be applied to obtaining slack- water navigation by means of locks in the bayou. Total amount appropriated............................................. $32, 500 00 Total amount expended-- ..............-................-------------------------------...---.....--...... 11,444 92 July 1, 1883, amount available...-..... ..... ....----...... ................ 15,651 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $1, 036 30 60 00 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.................. .......---------------------------.. -- 1,096 30 July 1,1884, amount available........---................. ............. 14,555 08 - 6,500 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884-.---- - - -.-..........--.....----. Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885------......-----.... --......---.... -21,056 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.. - -....-.... 123,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 50.000 00 (See Appendix Q 7.) 8. Connecting Bayou Teche with Grand Lake, at Charenton, Louisiana.- The original project was adopted in 1880, the object being to connect Bayou Teche with Grand Lake at Charenton, by the construction of a canal about 1 mile in length, 50 feet wide, and 5 feet deep. The amount expended on this work up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $2,095.70. The amount expended during the past fiscal year is $471.75 for the payment of tide-gauge keeper and office work. The amount that can be profitably expended during the year ending June 30, 1886, is $50,000, to be applied to the completion of the canal. No advantage can be derived from the improvement until its comple- tion. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 213 July 1, 1883, amount available ................................... 22, 904 30 $...... July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of out- standing liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................... $446 75 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ............................. 25 00 - 471 75 July 1, 1884, amount available..........................................------------------------------------- 22,432 55 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 50, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix Q 8.) 9. Bayou Black, Louisiana.-The natural channel was very much ob- structed by logs, shoaling, and overhanging trees. The original project was adopted in 1882, the object being to dredge a low-water channel 50 feet wide and 6 feet deep, commencing at Tiger- ,Villeand going as far toward Houma as possible, and to clean the banks of overhanging trees. The amount expended on this work up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $8,611.49. The bayou is not navigable for any considerable distance above the point to which it has been dredged except for small fiat-boats at high water. The amount that has been expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $8,351.58, and was for running line of levels from tide water to determine depth of cut, dredging in the bayou, and removing logs from the channel and overhanging trees from the banks. The ex- penditure has resulted in obtaining a good channel 50 feet wide and about 6 feet deep for a distance of about 4- miles. The amount which can profitably be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $10,000, to be applied to continuation of work : ng project, and obtaining a navigable channel over that e bayou dredged. -$25, Total amount appropriated......----......---......----......-----......----.....--......------.... 000 00 Total amount expended .-... ...--.............. ................ 16,963 07 ...............................----------.......... July 1, 1883, amount available--------------------------- 11,388 51 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of -$7, outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............-............ 820 52 . July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities . ...-.......... ......... - 531 06 - 8,351 58 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 3,036 93 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .............. ...... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 8, 036 93 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 22, 520 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix Q 9.) 10. Bayou Courtableau, Louisiana.-The bayou at low water is much" obstructed by a sand-bar at its mouth, which frequently cuts off all water communication with the Atchafalaya, and also many snags and overhanging trees from Port Barre down to the Atchafalaya. The original project was adopted in 1881, the object being to secure low-water navigation between the Courtableau and Atchafalaya by the removal of Little Devil Bar, and up the Courtableau by a dam and lock at the proper point. The amount expended on the work up to June 30, 1883, is $12,106.44. The bayou is navigable for steamboats for its entire length when the water is high enough to pass over Little Devil Bar. 214 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. 8. ARMY. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is only $205.75, the amount available not being sufficient to undertake work. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $45,000, which will be applied to the carrying on of the existing project, inclosing the larger run-out bayous, so as to entirely remove Little Devil Bar by an outward current, and building a lock to give navigation to the head of the bayou at low water. Total amount appropriated. ............................................ $19, 000 00 Total amount expended .......... ............. ...... ............... 12,312 19 July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... 2,893 56 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 205 75 July 1, 1884, amount available ......-................................... 2,687 81 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884. . . .. 4,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 6,687 81 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 59,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 45, 000 00 (See Appendix Q 10.) 11. Bayou Terrebonne, Louisiana.-The natural low-water channel was very much obstructed by shoaling and sunken logs. The original project was adopted in 1880, the object being to obtain a channel of a navigable width and 4 feet deep at low water from Houma down. The amount expended on this work up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 18,43, is $25.706.58. The bayou is navigable for vessels of 5 feet draught as far as the im- provement has been carried. Abo7e that it is navigable to Houma, with a slight rise, for vessels of very light draught. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $88.50, and was for running line of levels from tide-water to determine depth of cut. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $10,000, to be applied to the continuation of ex- isting project, which will give a navigable channel at low water over that portion of the bayou dredged. Total amount appropriated .....- ......-..... $25, 800 00 Total amounted expended.................. ...... ...................... 25, 795 08 July 1, 1685, amount available.......................................... 93 42 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .... ... ........... ............................ 88 50 July 1, 1884, amount available .....................-- ...... ......-...... 4 92 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....-...... 13,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1866. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix Q 11.) 12. Bayou La Fourche, Louisiana.-Thenatural channel was much ob- structed by snags, sunken logs, overhanging trees, and wrecks and shoals at the head. The original project for this work was adopted in 1879, the object be- ing to improve low-water navigation of the bayou by the removal of these obstructions. RIVER AND HARBOR IMRROVEMENTS. 215 The amount expended on this work up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, is $24,324.99. The bayou is navigable for steamboats, with a slight rise, from the Mississippi River to the Gulf. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $674.25, which was for the services of a watchman on wrecking-boat, the funds available not being sufficient for work. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $5,000, which will be applied to the carrying on of the existing project by removing the obstructions to navigation. Total amount appropriated------....-----......--......------....--......-............---....... $30, 000 00 Total amount expended ................. .. ...... 24,999 24 July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... 675 01 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $643 75 July 1,.1884, outstanding liabilities ......------......----......---..------- 30 50 - - 67425 July 1, 1884, amount available---- ....-----....-------....--......-------....------....--....----....---........ -76 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884......-...... ....-....... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................... 5,000 76 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........----------.. 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix Q 12.) 13. CalcasieuRiver, Louisiana.-Thenatural channelis much obstructed by snags, sunken logs, overhanging trees, and one bar. The original project for the work was adopted in 1881, the object be- ing to obtain a channel of navigable width and depth from Phillips Bluft to Lake Charles. It is proposed to amend the project so as to include an 8-foot channel through the bar at Calcasieu Lake, which will give a continuous channel of 8 feet to Lake Charles. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $203.16. The river is navigable for vessels drawing 5 feet to the town of Lake Charles. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $5.75 for payment of office expenses. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $29,580, which with available funds on hand would be applied to carrying out amended project. July 1, 1883, amount available ..----....--......----......--..........----...---------....... $9, 796 84 Juyl 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .-- -.....--.............-..- ----- --- 5 75 July 1, 1884, amount available . ........ - ----...................... 9,791 09 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884. ........-............ 6, 500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 16,291 09 Amount (estimated) required for completion of amended project .... 29,580 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 29,600 00 (See Appendix Q 13.) 14. Galcasieu Pass, Louisiana.-The original project for this work was adopted in 1872, and modified in 1881, the object being to obtain a chan- nel of navigable width and depth across the flat at the foot of Calcasieu Lake. 216 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount expended on this work up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is $5.75. The channel dredged in 1882 is not reported to have filled up, and no appropriation is asked for the next fiscal year. Total amount appropriated-- -----......----....------....-----....---..---..... ......-----......---...... $15, 000 00 Total amount expended .---..... .. .... .............................. . 12,005 75 July 1, 1883, amount available............ 3..................... 3, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 -............-........... ............ ....... 5 75- July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 2,994 25 (See Appendix Q 14.) 15. Examination of Bogue Falia,Louisiana.-Provisionfor an exam- ination of this river, from its mouth to a point 25 miles above Coving- ton, was made in the river and harbor act of June 30, 1880, but deferred for want of funds. It was recently made in connection with an exam- ination of the Tchefuncte River, of which it is a tributary. (See Appendix Q 15.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WI'IH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement by the General Government and the work not a public necessity: 1. Atchafalaya River, between Berwick's Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. (See Appendix Q 16.) 2. Water-routeto connect the Calcasieu River with Sabine Pass. (See Appendix Q 17.) Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made by him, Major Stickney was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress: 1. Pearl River, Mississippi, above Carthage. (See Senate Ex. Doc. No. 89, Forty-eighth Congress, first session, and also Appendix Q 18.) 2. Natalbany River, Louisiana. (See Senate Ex. Doc. No. 192, Forty- eighth Congress, first session, and also Appendix Q 19.) And also, not transmitted to Congress at its last session- 3. Bayou La Fourche, Louisiana. (See Appendix Q 20.) IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND HARBORS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. Officer in charge, Maj. S. M. Mansfield, Corps of Engineers, having under his immediate orders Lieut. W. L. Fisk, Corps of Engineers. (During the interval between August 1, 1883, and October 1, 1883, the works were tempGrarily in charge of Lieutenant Fisk.) 1. Entranceto Galveston Harbor, Texas.-The adopted plan (project of 1874, modified 1880) covers the work of deepening the bars by con- tracting the outflowing current upon a less extent of bar, to thereby effect its removal and prevent its re-formation. The amount expended to June 30, 1884 (including $100,000 of Gal- veston City funds), was $1,496,522.81. Of this amount, and under the project of 1880, $980,662.51 was applied to jetty construction, viz: 90 feet on the north side and 22.551 feet on the south side of the entrance prolonged Gulfwards. The expenditure of the gross amount has resulted RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 217 in obtaining and maintaining a good channel over the inner bar, and a very apparent improvement in depth over the outer bar. The work of the past year was that of building up the south jetty, $100,000 of the city funds having been applied thereto. The estimate of 1880, $1,825,813, contemplated the obtainment ofa channel across 'the outer bar of at least 25 feet deep, conditioned upon continuous work under annual appropriations of $500,000. The condi- tions governing the estimate not having been observed for the past four years, the work has dragged in consequence. About one-half the estimated work is completed, and with its accom- plishment is gained not only valuable experience, but results of such importance as strengthen confidence in the plan established looking to the full improvement expected. The estimated amount required for the entire and permanent com- pletion of the work of improvement, in accordance with the project of 1880, is $1,000,813. July 1, 1883, amount available . .. ......-----........--... ----......-...... $32, 240 77 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...... ... ......... $25, 656 62 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ....................... 1,106 96 - 26,763 58 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................... 5, 477 19 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 1,000,813 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 500,000 00 (See Appendix R 1.) 2. Ship-channel in Galveston Bay, Texas.-The project of 1871 (modi- fied in 1677) proposed the deepening and widening of the channel from the head of Bolivar Channel to the cut through Morgan's Point, to afford a channel of 12 feet deep at mean low tide, with a width at bottom of 100 feet. The natural channel had a depth of not more than 7 feet at the shoalest places. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $286,629.50, which se- cured a navigable channel from the Gulf entrance to Morgan's Cut of 8.9 feet at mean low tide. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, no work whatever was done, owing to the reserving of the money available for such action as Congress might deem best, the recommendation of this office, concurred in by the honorable Secretary of War, being to that effect, because of the probability that the improvement demanded could not be made a permanent one at any reasonable cost; that the cost of maintenance would be relatively excessive; and that the necessity for the channel was far less than formerly, and that it was not called for in the interests of commerce for the present. One hundred and fifty-nine thousand eight hundred and seventy dollars and fifty cents is available for this work, and this sum will be expended in completing the improvement in ac- cordance with the existing plans, and in the manner required by law. July 1, 1t83, amount available ......................................... $159, 870 50 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................------------------------------------.. 159,870 50 (See Appendix R 2.) 3. Trinity River, Texas.-The project of 1871 (modified in 1873) had for its object the opening of the river to navigation so as to admit the entrance of vessels drawing 5 feet. At the mouth of the river the nat- ural channel was shoal (4- feet) and extremely narrow across the bar. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $19,869.09, by which was 218 REPORT OF THE GHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. gained a channel of entrance over the bar at the mouth and thence up the river to Liberty of at least 5 feet depth. The amount expended to and including June 30, 1884, $826.70, was simply applied to contingencies of office. Thirteen thousand eight hun- dred and four dollars and twenty-one cents is available for expenditure upon this work. A project for the application of this money is under consideration. The officer in charge makes no estimate of the amount required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. The work is not susceptible of permanent completion. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $14,630 91 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... ................... . 826 70 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 13,804 21 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... '14,541 00 (See Appendix R 3.) 4. Buffalo Bayou, Texas.-The project of 1880 proposed the opening up of the channel between Simms' and White Oak bayous for commercial purposes. The original channel-way below Houston in 1880 was navi- gable for vessels drawing 6 feet of water. The approved project carried an estimate of $385,299.75, for a channel 12 feet deep and 100 feet wide, clear of all obstruction to navigation between the points above named. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $74,413.61, which re- sulted in developing the channel to quite an extent along the bayou; deepening and widening the shoalest and narrowest places, and clear- ing the stream of stumps and sunken logs, &c. One hundred thousand dollars can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in deepening and enlarging the present channel to the advantage of commercial interests. July 1, 1883, amount available ............................... :......... $3, 160 82 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............................................--.... - 2,574 43 July 1, 1884, amountavailable........... .......... .................... 586 39 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 25, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 25,586 39 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....-...... 285,299 75 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100, 000 00 (See Appendix R 4.) 5. Channel over the bar at mouth of Brazos River, Texas.-The project of 1880 has for its object the maintenance of a good navigable channel across the bar; the natural channel afforded a depth of not over 8 feet, being subject to changes due to winds, tide, and stages of water in the river. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $129,196.67, has been applied to constructing jetties. No funds being available for this improvement during the fiscal year 1883 and 1884, nothing in the way of jetty work was accomplished. Neverthe- less, it is understood that the improvement made prior to July 1, 1883, effected a result which has given a very constant depth of 8 feet for crossing the bar at the mouth. One hundred thousand dollars can be RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 219 profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in continu- ing jetty construction. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $1, 509 99 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 706 66 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 803 33 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 10,803 33 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.. ........ 382,890 44 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100, 000 00 . (See Appendix R 5.) 6. Pass Cavallo Inlet to Matagorda Bay, Texas.-The project of 1879 proposes the obtaining of a 12-foot channel across the bar and the pro- tection of the head of Matagorda Island. The amount expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, $234,255.09, has been applied to constructing a jetty on the south side of the pass entrance, and has resulted in making a marked im- provement in depth of channel across the bar and in giving the channel permanency of position in a direction more suitable for navigation. Two hundred thousand dollars can be very profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in continuing jetty construction-ex- tending and raising the south jetty in accordance with approved plan, July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................-------------------------------------... $5, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available .......... . ............... ....-.......... 5, 000 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 55,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ... ......- 749,280 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 200, 000 00 (See Appendix R 6.) 7. Aransas Pass and Bay up to Ro'ckport and Corpus Chrisli. Texas.- The project of 1879 has for its object the maintenance of a 12-foot (at mean low water) channel over the bar and the protection of the head of Mustang Island up to and beyond Turtle Cove. The channel across the bar was maintained at from 7 to 8 feet (only 5 feet during part of 1879) by natural causes. The amount expended to June 30, 1884 (including $9,938.93 of the fund subscribed by private parties), $288,850.31, has been applied to protecting, by means of groin jetties, the head of Mustang Island up to and above Turtle Cove, in conjunction with a brush and stone re- vetment along the channel-face of Mustang Island, and the partial con- struction of a south channel jetty. The effect of this amount of work has resulted in a fine straight channel of entrance across the bar of not less than 10J feet at mean low tide, and quite constant in position. The officer in charge renews his recommendation of previous years, viz, for sufficient funds to complete the south jetty, and to commence and hasten the development of the interior channels, to accommodate shipping up to the wharves at Rockport and Corpus Christi. Four hun- dred thousand dollars can be very profitably expended in the fiscal year 220 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. ending June 30, 1886, in constructing jetty at the pass and improving interior channels. July 1, 1883, amount available...... ... ...---...--....--......------.............. $2, 055 76 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.............................................----------------------------------------------... 967 14 July 1, 1884, amount available--- ...---..-.................................... 1,088 62 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ....-......-............ 100, 000 01 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 101,088 62 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 820,722 75 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 400, 000 00 (See Appendix R 7.) 8. Harbor at Brazos Santiago, Te as.-The project of 1881 (only partly adopted) proposed the deepening of the channel across the bar and the maintenance of a suitable harbor inside the pass. The depth of water over the bar maintained by natural causes alone was 74 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, $157,666.61, has been applied to constructing a jetty on the south side of the entrance channel, and hasresulted (work still incomplete) in obtaining and maintaining a great- ly improved channel of entrance. Two hundred thousand dollars can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in construct- ing the works originally estimated for. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $60,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883... .................. $23,312 87 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ...... .............. . 34, 353 74 -- 57,666 61 July 1, 1884, amount available ............................ ......... . 2, 333 39 - Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...------...... .. 25, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 27,333 39 Aimount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 493,084 54 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30,1886. 200, 000 00 (See Appendix R 8.) 9. Protection of river-bank at Fort Brown, Texas.-This work was de- signed to arrest the progress of encroachment which threatens, not only to destroy the most valuable buildings at the post, but to break through into the lagoon, which would entirely change the channel of the river and leave the greater portion of the post on the opposite side of the channel. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $16,769.96. The results attained have not been commensurate with the expenditure, and for reasons (explained in report of the officer in charge, for which see Ap- pendix R 9) it has been considered best not to attempt to control the Rio Grande at this point by artificial works, and that it would be more ex- pedient to move from time to time such of the buildings as may be in actual danger. No further appropriation for this work is recommended. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................... ...... .............. $1,230 04 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 1,230 04 (See Appendix R 9.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 221 WESTERN RIVERS. IMPROVEMENT OF RED RIVER AND OF RIVERS IN LOUISIANA AND ARKANSAS-IMPROVEMENT OF CERTAIN RIVERS IN MISSISSIPPI AND TENNESSEE, TRIBUTARY TO THE MISSISSIPPI-WATER GAUGES ON THE MISSISSIPPI AND ITS PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARIES. Officer in charge, Maj. A. M. Miller, Corps of Engineers. 1. Red River, Louisiana.-The improvement of this stream was com- menced in 1872, and appropriations were made for carrying on the work under the following heads: " Removing raft in Red River and closing Tones Bayou, Louisiana," " Removing obstructions' from Red River, Louisiana," and "Improving Upper Red River from Fulton, Ark., to head of raft." These items of improvement were all combined in the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, under the title " Improving Red River, Louisiana," and it includes the whole river from the mouth of the Atchafalaya to Fulton, Ark. The improvement of the river has consisted in the removal of snags and other obstructions, in the removal of the raft, in the opening of a channel through the falls at Alexandria, La., and the deepening of the water over the shoal places. The navigation has been greatly improved thereby and boats are now enabled to navigate the river from its mouth to Fulton, Ark., during the whole year. During the fiscal year the United States snag-boat C. W. Howell and the United States steamer Thomas B. Florence were employed in remov- ing obstructions above and below Shreveport, as long as the funds re- maining unexpended from former appropriations would permit. The removal of rock from the bed of the falls at Alexandria, La., un- der the contract entered into last year, has progressed slowly, on ac- count of high water and lack of proper plant on the part of contractor. During the coming fiscal year it is proposed to complete the work at Alexandria, and to remove obstructions to navigation with the snag- boats both above and below Shreveport, and, if necessary, to build brush wing-dams at the shoal crossings. The officer in charge states that it would also be very advisable to have a complete survey of Red River made from its mouth to Fulton, Ark. This was included in the examinations and surveys provided for in the act of August 2, 1882, but not undertaken for want of funds. It is therefore recommended that the sum of $45,000 be appropriated for this purpose, in addition to the sum required for the improvement of Red River. With the amount asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the improvement as heretofore. AMOUNTS EXPENDED TO JUNE 30, 1883. For removing raft and closing Tone's Bayou............................ $402, 933 98 For removing obstructions from Red River ......... .................... 117,500 00 For improving Upper Red River ........................... .......... 20,000 00 36,466 59 For improving Red River, Louisiana.........-................------------..--.... 576,900 57 Total------------............------...-----------..................................----...... July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... 15,099 43 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................ ...................... ..... 15,099 43 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ............. .... 75,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886 75,000 00 And in addition for survey of Red River, Louisiana................... 45,000 00 (See Appendix 5 1.) 2. OuachitaRiver, Arkansas and Louisiana.-The improvement of this stream was commenced in 1871. The first project adopted for the im 222 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. provement was by means of locks and dams, but this was abandoned, and operations were confined to the removal of obstructions and the im- provement of the shoal' places. The navigation has been greatly improved thereby and a constantly increasing fleet of steamers navigate the stream. No work was done during the past season for want of funds. Amount expended on present project, including cost of iron-hull snag- boat and outfit, to June 30, 1883, $161,412.13. With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fis- cal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the snagging operations and the improvement of the shoal places. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--. ..-.. -.. $15, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal yearending June 30,1886. 40,000 00 (See Appendix S 2.) 3. Bayou Bartholomew, Louisianaand Arkansas.-The improvement of this stream was commenced in 1881, and the project adopted consisted in the removal of obstructions from bed and banks of the stream. The navigation of the bayou has been greatly improved, and boats now run regularly during high water to Baxter, Ark., the present head of navigation. No work was done during the fiscal year for want of funds. Amount expended to June :30, 1863.................................... $11,394 55 The original estimated cost of this improvement was..-.................. 26,862 00 With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fis- cal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the improve- ment as heretofore. July 1, 1883, amount available ......--......-----......--......--............--....-.- $1,605 45 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 483 75 -- July 1, 1884, amount available - --......--...........--..................--...... 1,121 70 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--......--......-....--......-. 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.-... -.......... 6,121 70 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 8, 862 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 9,000 00 (See Appendix S 3.) 4. Bweuf River, Louisiana.-The improvement of this stream was be. gun in August, 1881, and copsisted in cutting down leaning trees along. the banks and removing obstructions from the bed of the river. Navigation has been greatly improved thereby, so much so that boats now run regularly to Jefferson, La., the head of navigation, during the high-water season. No work was done during the last season, no money having been ap- propriated for that purpose. Amount expended to June 30,1883 ...-................................ $9, 743 99 The original estimated cost of this improvement was .................... 20, 000 00 With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fis- cal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the improve- ment as heretofore. -$256 July 1, 1883, amount available.----------------............-----..........-----.............. 01 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 256 01 Amount appropriated by act July 5,1884........-.................... 5, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 5, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix S 4.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 223 5. Tensas River, Louisiana.-Work upon this improvement was com- menced in 1881, and continued only during that season, and consisted in the removal of obstructions to navigation, by means of which the navigation was greatly improved for steamboats. No work was done last season, no money having been available. Amount expended to June 30, 1883....-....-.................... ...... $3, 000 00 The original estimated cost of this improvement was ..--...-...--..-..... 23, 000 00 With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fis- cal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the improve- ment as heretofore. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--- .......- ........... $4,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 33, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 186. 10,000 00 (See Appendix S 5.) 6. Cypress Bayou, Texas and Louisiana.-The first project for the im- provement of Cypress Bayou consisted in cutting and dredging a chan- nel through the lakes and bayou, thus affording a good high-water channel from Jefferson, Tex., to Red River, La. This work was com- pleted in 1880, but since then the timber has grown up again, and for the purpose of removing itthe United States steamer Thomas B. Florence made one trip to Jefferson, Tex., doing as much work as the high stage of water would permit. The second project for the improvement of this bayou consists in con- structing a dam across the lakes at Albany Point, and making a cut through to Red River. The estimated cost of this project was $372,580, and, should it be desirable to adopt it, the whole amount should be appropriated at once for the successful execution of the work. The result of this work will be to give good navigation to Jefferson, Tex., nearly all the year round, and also to improve the navigation of Red River in the vicinity of Shreveport. An examination of this bayou was made in July last, the result of which will be found in Appendix S 6 of this report. Amount expended to June 30, 1883 .................. ............. $92,261 20 July 1, 1883, amount available............................... .......... 1,738 80 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................................ .............. 932 31 July 1, 1884, amount available. .............-------------------.-........ -- 806 49 (See Appendix 8 6.) 7. Yazoo River, Mississippi.-The improvement of this stream, which was commenced in 1874, has consisted in the removal of wrecks, snags, logs, and other obstructions to the safe navigation of the stream. The navigation has been greatly improved thereby, and the boats navigate the stream with much less difficulty. No work was done during last season for want of funds. Amount expended to June 30, 1883. .................................... $132, 698 82 The appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the sum asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, will be applied to the removal of obstructions from the river as heretofore. July 1, 1883, amount available-------........-------------........-------------....------.... $301 18 July 1, 1884, amount available-.......................................... 301 18 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885...--......-.... 10, 301 18 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix S 7.) 224 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 8. Big Sunflower River, Mississippi.-The work upon this stream was commenced in 1879, and has been continued up to the close of the last fiscal year. The navigation of the stream has been greatly improved by the removal of snags, logs, and leaning timber, and by the deep- ening of the water over the shoal places by, means of wing-dams. k No work was done upon this stream during the past season for want of adequate funds. The original estimated cost of this improvement was ................... $66, 000 00 Amount expended to June 30, 1863 .-.................................. 34,985 92 With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the snag- ging operations and the deepening of the channel. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $2,014 08 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1-83... . . .. -......-......-......-........... 120 50 July 1, 1884, amount available ...-................................. .... 1,893 58 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 6,893 58 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 24,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30.1886. 15, 000 00 (See Appendix S 8.) 9. Tehula Lake, Mississippi.-Work upon this stream was commenced in 1881, and consisted in the removal of obstructions to navigation in the shape of logs, snags, leaning timber, &c. This work has greatly benefited navigation, and boats now enter the lake at a much lower stage of water, and are also enabled to run for a much longer period. No work was done during the past season for want of funds. With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the im- provement as heretofore. The original estimated cost of this improvement was ................... $10, 000 00 Amount expended to June 30, 1883...................................... 5,228 54 July 1, 1883, amount available........................ ............ ..... $271 46 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 271 46 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 1,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 1,771 46 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 3,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 3,000 00 (See Appendix S 9.) 10. Tallahatchee River, Mississippi.-The project for the improve- ment of this stream was adopted in 1879, its object being to give in- creased facilities for navigation by the removal of obstructions such as snags, logs, and leaning timber. The result has been that the naviga- tion has been greatly improved and boats make more frequent trips up the river than heretofore. A boat has also been built for the naviga- tion of the river between Batesville and mouth of Coldwater River, this being the first boat that has navigated the upper river since the war. The original estimated cost of this improvement was $40,000, and the amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $20,681.72. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 225 With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the im- provement, as heretofore. July 1, 18n3, amount available .--.....-----.............................. $318 28 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, t883............ -...... ..... ..........--....... 318 28 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 3,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 16, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix S 10.) 11. Goldwater River, Mississippi.-Thisimprovement was commenced in 1879, and consisted in the removal of obstructions to navigation. .No work has been done for the last three seasons, no appropriations having been asked, as the officer in charge states that to put the stream in a navigable condition would require the expenditure of a larger amount of money than the commerce of the country will warrant. Amount expended to June 30, 1883 ..................................... $10,006 09 No appropriation is asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available-------- .......------..........--..---.................. $993 91 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............ ...........................---------------------------------------------....... 508 07 July 1, 1884, amount available .......... ................-............. 485 84 (See Appendix S 11.) 12. Yallabusha River, Mississippi.-The project for the improvement of this stream was adopted in 1881, and consisted in the removal of ob- structions to navigation from the stream. The navigation has been greatly improved thereby, and boats now navigate the stream regularly during high water. The original ebtimated cost of this improvement was .................. $7, 000 00 Amount expended to June 30, 1883...................................... 6,900 24 With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the improve- ment as heretofore. Although the amount of the original estimate for this improvement has been appropriated and expended, owing to the nature of the stream continual changes are taking place, which require constant work in the way of snagging and removing fallen timber, and for this purpose $3,500 is asked, to be expended during the next fiscal year. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................---------------------------------------... $99 76 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.-....----........ .... . .... ............... 99 76 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .-.-..--...-........... 2,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 3,5500 00 (See Appendix S 12.) 13. Big Hatchee River, Tennessee.-The improvement of this stream -was commenced in 1880, and the project adopted consisted in the re- moval of snags, logs, and other obstructions from the bed and banks of the river. The work has resulted in giving greatly increased facili- ties for navigation. The original estimated cost of this improvement was.................... $30, 000 00 Amount expended to June 30, 1883 .................................... 16,238 74 With the appropriation of July 5, 18M4, and the amounit asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the improve ament as heretofore. 5908 EN- 15 226 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 26 July 1, 1883, amount available ......---...------...........----.......---......... -$261 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding .............. .... liabilities July 1, 1883.---.....---... ........... 14 07 247 19 July 1, 1884, amount available ...... .... ................---------............... Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 2,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1884................... 2,747 19 - Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project- ......--.... 11, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 11,000 00 (See Appendix S 13.) 14. South Forked Deer River, Tennessee.-The project for the improve- ment of this stream consists in the removal of logs, snags, leaning tim- ber, &c., and was adopted in 1882. Work was carried on during the past season from the mouth to the head of navigation at Jackson, Tenn., and has resulted in giving greatly increased facilities for navigation. More particular attention was paid to the removal of overhanging timber, as the funds available would not permit of any extensive work. The original estimated cost of this improvement was ...................$19, 250 00 With the appropriation of July 5, 1884, and the amount asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to continue the improve- ment as heretofore. July 1, 1883, amount available .............................----....-----.... $3,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............. .....- -....... ...... 3, 000 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... .. 2, 000 00 14, 250 09 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project- ......-----.... Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix S 14.) 15. Water-gauges on the Mississippi River and itsprincipaltributaries.- Observationswere continued at all the gauges, and repairs made where necessary. Inspections of the gauges on the Mississippi River were also made nearly every month. New high-water-marks were established at Baton Rouge, La., and Louisville, Ky., as the floods this year exceeded all previous records. July 1, 1883, amount available........................ ................. $1,861 94 Amount appropriated by act approved March 12, 1884.................... 2, 100 0 3, 961 94 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............ .......................... ...... 3, 207 41 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 754 53 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885--------------- --- ................... 5,754 53 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix S 15.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were examined by Major Miller, the local engineer in charge, and not recommended for improvement, viz: i. Yallabusha River, above Grenada,Mississippi. (See Appendix S 16.4 2. Loosascoona River, Mississippi. (See Appendix S 17.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 227 3. Sulphur River, Texas, from its mouth to Sulphur Station. (See Appendix S 18.) 4. Bayou Roundaway and Bayou Vidal, Louisiana. (See Appendix S 19.) 5. Ouachita River, from Camden, to Arkadelphia, Texas. (See Appen- dix S 20.) 6. Yazoo Pass, with a view to connecting the pass with the Mississippi River. (See Appendix S 21.) 7. Roebuck Lake, a tributary of Yazoo River, Mississippi. (See Appen- dix S 22.) 8. Steele's Bayou, Mississippi,from its mouth to Swan Lake. (See Appendix S 23.) 9. Black River, from its mouth to Trinity, Louisiana,for shortening its channel by a cut-off. (See Appendix S 24.) 10. Loggy Bayou, Lake Bisteneau, and the Dorcheat, Louisiana. (See Appendix S 25.) 11. Cane River, Louisiana. (See Appendix S 26.) 12. Petit Anse Bayou, Louisiana. (See Appendix S 27.) 13. Mouth of Lake Palmyra where it enters the Mississippi. (See Ap- pendix 5 28.) And upon favorable report, after preliminary examination in each case, Major Miller was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 69, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. D'Arbonne River, Louisiana. (See Appendix S 29.) 2. Harbors of Monroe and Trenton, Louisiana. (See Appendix S 30.) 3. Plan and estimate for continuing the improvement of OuachitaRiver, from its mouth to Camden, Arkansas. (See Appendix S 31.) 4. Survey of Red River from its mouth to Fulton. NOTE.-The estimates submitted by the officers in charge of the cost of all the surveys required by the above act, including that of Arkan- sas River, amounted to $98,065, of which the estimated cost of the survey of Red River, including Bayou Pierre, was $45,441. The excessive cost of this, itself greater than the whole amount available, compelled its abandonment for the present. REMOVING SNAGS, ETC., FROM THE ARKANSAS RIVER; IMPROVEMENT OF ARKANSAS RIVER BETWEEN FORT SMITH AND WICHITA, AND AT PINE BLUFF; AND OF RIVERS SAINT FRANCIS, WHITE, L'AN- GUILLE, SALINE, AND BLACK, IN ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI; AND SURVEY OF ARKANSAS RIVER BETWEEN FORT GIBSON AND WICHITA. Officers in charge, Capt. Thomas H. Handbury, Corps of Engineers, until December 11, 1883; after that date, Maj. Milton B. Adams, Corps of Engineers. 1. Removing snags, &c., from Arkansas River, Arkansas.-Operations under this head consist in the removal of snags and like obstructions to navigation, and the cutting of trees along the banks which are likely to be carried into the river by falling where the banks are eroded. The United States snag-boats O. B. Reese and Wichita were used dur- ing the season. The operations of the former boat were confined to the reach below Little Rock, while those of the latter were upon the reach of the river above that place. Owing to the smallness of the balance of the ap- propriation fox the prosecution of work under the above head these 228 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. a boats could only do the work that was pressingly needed, and could only be kept at work, the former for four months and the latter for one month during the year. There were 519 snags and 6 drift piles removed in the lower reach of the river, and 135 snags and 3 drift-piles removed on the upper reach during the time they were operating. The work has been of great benefit, and has given entire satisfaction to those engaged in the commerce of the river. It is proposed to continue these operations from year to year as funds will permit. It is impossible to predict a time when operations of this character on these heavily wooded streams will cease to be required in order to render their navigation free and safe, since each recurring flood-water makes new deposits of snags in the channel, which ought to be removed. With a view to the possible general improvement of the Arkansas River below Little Rock by dikes, &c., so as to afford, as near as may be, a uniform depth in the channel, the officer in charge renews the recommendation of last year for an appropriation of $21,000 for con- tinuing the survey of the Arkansas River from Little Rock to its mouth, including the cut-off and outlet through White River. In addition to which he estimates that $30,000 could be profitably expended below Little Rock, and $16,000 between Little Rock and Fort Smith, in snagging operations during the year. July 1, 1883, amount available................ ....- ...... .. ..........- $18, 143 13 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...........................................17, 121 19 July 1, 1884, amount available.... ............................. .... .... 1,021 94 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 36, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 37,021 94 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 67,000 00 (See Appendix T 1.) 2. White and Saint Francis rivers, Arkansas.-The object of this work is the removal of'snags and logs from the channel, and trees from along the banks which form or are likely to form obstructions to the free navigation of these rivers. Some work was done on the White River during the month of June, but the balance of funds available only admitted of three weeks' operations there, when the snag-boat Reese, engaged on this work, had to be laid up in ordinary, to await a'lditional appropriations. No work whatever could be done on the Saint Francis River, on ac- count of insufficient funds. The officer in charge represents that the White and Saint Francis rivers are so dissimilar in character, location, &c., as to render it injudicious to ally them in providing for their im- provement, while at the same time he regards the Saint Francis and L'Anguille as in every way susceptible of being considered together in appropriations and operations for their improvement and he recom- mends accordingly. He also states that the commerce of the Saint Francis has recently been divided, and that there is now a lower river trade, from the cut-off to the mouth, including the L'Anguille River, and an upper river trade, which is confined entirely to that portion of the river above the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad crossing. On the Lower Saint Francis River it is estimated that $6,000 could be advantageously expended in removing snags, logs, &c., which now ob- struct the channel; in the execution of which work a lighter-draught RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 229 snag-boat than such a one as can best work in White River should be used. The upper reach of the Saint Francis River is stated to be in a fairly good condition, and it is thought that no further work there is at present required. Total amount appropriated to date, $[54,000. July 1, 1883, amount available...-.......................: ............ $3,141 96 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 2,417 29 July 1, 1884, amount available.......--------.-----....--......---....--.......-....... 724 67 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 (White River, $35,000; Saint Francis River, $12,000)........-............. _ .............. . 47,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 47,724 67 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 (White River, $17,000; Saint Francis River, $24,000)............. 41,000 00 .(See Appendix T 2.) 3. Arkansas River at Pine Bluf' and Fort Smith, Arkansas.- wing to the small balance of appropriation remaining available, no active op- erations could be undertaken during the fiscal year. The high water of February last caused considerable erosion along the entire front of the town, occasioning much apprehension, and, in reply to a resolution of the House of Representatives of April 29, calling for information, a special report from the officer in charge suggesting plans for protection was submitted and printed as House Ex. Doc. No. 151, Forty-eighth Con- gress, first session. (See also Appendix T 3.) The appropriation of $55,500 by river and harbor act of July 5 will be applied towards the prevention of further inroads, by the construction of jetties at intervals along the bank, so as to arrest the course of the water and deflect it across the river to the opposite side. July 1, 1883, amount available .-..................................... $2, 053 83 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................-------------------......--.....-......-...... -1,340 97 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 712 86 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 55,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 56, 212 86 (See Appendix T 3.) 4. Arkansas River between Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Wichita, Kan. sas.-The object of the work under this head is the removal of snags and other obstructions in the channel, and the cutting of such trees along the banks as are likely to be carried into the river and form obstructions there. The United States snag boat Wichita was working on this reach of the river after August, 1883, until the winter season made it necessary to discontinue operations, when this boat was taken to Little Rock and laid up for the season. The early part of April found operations again renewed in the same field. An accident to the boat, however, occasioned some delay and cost for repairs just at the commencement of the present season of work. Repairs were made at reasonable cost and with promptness, considering the location of the accident-in the lndian Territory--and since then, up to the close of the fiscal year, the operations have been satisfactory. There were 391 snags and 2 drift-piles removed and 2,699 trees cut or deadened by this boat during these two short seasons of work. The 230 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. officer in charge recommends that, in addition to snagging operations on this reach of the river, there should be some dikes constructed, in order to perfect the improvement and effect a deepening of the water over six troublesome shoals between the mouths of the Canadian and Grand rivers. It is estimated approximately that the entire cost of the improvement of these places will not exceed $40,000. At the same time a special survey of each locality, with a view to their improvement in the manner stated, is necessary in order to arrive at a more accurate estimate of cost. Total amount appropriated to date, $79,000. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $21,571 01 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.... .......................... .. .... .... - .. 13, 695 06 July 1, 1884, amount available ..... ................................... 7,875 95 (See Appendix T 4.) 5. White River, between Jacksonport and Buffalo Shoals, Arkansas.- The object of this improvement is the removal of snags, logs, &c., from the channel, the overhanging trees, and others from the banks which are likely to affect the free navigation of the channel, and the contrac- tion of the water-way so as to alfford an increased depth in the channel at places. A small party did a little work on this reach of the river in the month of November, while bringing the boats and other plant from the reach above down to Newport, Ark., for storage during the winter. The officer in charge recommends a complete survey of the river from Forsythe, Mo., to the mouth, having in view a systematic and radical improvement to that place, a distance of 600 miles, which survey is estimated to cost $25,000, and which could be profitably expended in one season. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................------------------------. --......-........-.... $6, 118 88 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .............................................--------------------------------------------... 1,809 82 July 1, 1884, amount available.........................................---------- -- 4,309 06 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884, for the whole river-.. 35,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 39,309 06 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, for the whole river................. ..----------------------------------........................ 17,000 00 (See Appendix T 5.) 6. White River above Buffalo Shoals, Arkansas.-The existing project for this improvement comprises the removal of loose rocks, the blasting of others, and the construction of dams at certain troublesome places, besides the removal of snags, logs, overhanging trees, &c. A small force, working with a United States plant, was operating on this reach of the White River during the months of August, September, and Octo- ber, 1883. Buffalo, Red-Bud, and Summer Shoals were worked on during this brief period of operations, when, from the fact of the appropriation being about exhausted, they dropped down into the next reach into which this river's improvement is subdivided, and soon after arrived at Newport, Ark., and stored the property there for safe-keeping. No further work can be undertaken until additional funds become available. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 231 July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $5,532 84 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....................---........-------....----....--....--.... -- 4,654 47 July 1, 1884, amount available...... .... ............................... 878 37 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884, for the whole river.. 35, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 35,878 37 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, for the whole river.............................................. 17,000 00 (See Appendix T 6.) 7. L'Anguille River, Arkansas.-No work was done on this stream during the ear. It is proposed to expend the funds available for this improvement in such removal of obstructions, in the short reach of 10 miles which comprises the navigable portion of this stream up to the thriving town of Marianna, as the exigencies of commerce may require. The officer in charge, after a personal examination of this river, in connection with an examination of the Saint Francis River made at the same time, recommends that they be considered together in the matter of providing for their improvement and conducting the operations on them, inasmuch as they are so closely allied in commerce and charac- teristics. July 1, 1883, amount available ..... ............--....................... -------- $3,149 47 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................... 3,149 47 (See Appendix T 7.) 8. Black River, Arkansas and Missouri.-Operationswere commenced the early part of August, between which time and the last of November, which comprised the entire season's operations, the following work was accomplished: 1,429 snags or logs removed, 2,480 trees cut, and 1,393 trees deadened. The property pertaining to this work was taken to Newport, Ark., for storage at the end of the season, the small balance of the appro- priation that remained being insufficient for further operations. July 1, 1883, amount available--....................... .... ....-....... $4,878 60 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........----------..-------..............---...........----------.... --- 3,824 68 July 1, 1884, amount ax ailable.................- _....... ... .... ..-..... 1,053 92 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885..... :............. 21,053 92 (See Appendix T 8.) 9. Saline River, Arkansas.-No operations were undertaken on this stream until the opening of the present season of work. Since then a small party has been engaged in the construction of a boat suitable for the prosecution of the work to be done, and the officer in charge expects that all the logs, snags, trees, &c., which form obstructions to the stream where steamboats are now at any time of the year justified in running will have been removed by the middle of September. The officer in charge reports a decided falling off in the commerce of this stream during the last year or two, which is attributed to the advent of rail- roads to the country bordering on it. The officer in charge submits no estimate for any further appropriation for this stream, since it is thought that, until the country immediately along the river bank be- comes more improved, the commerce which would be tributary to the river will not justify it. 232 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1, 1883, amount available, .. .................... --............ 2 346 07 $2, July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............................................... 1,713 25 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 632 82 Amount adpropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1835... .... ......... 5,632 82 -- Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 5,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix T 9.), 10. Continuation of the survey of the Arkansas River from Wichita, Kansas, to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory.-A survey party commenced work in the field at Wichita, Kans., the latter part of March, where the necessary outfit had been provided, and to date have worked over all that portion of the river between there and a point somewhere in the vicinity of Tulsa, Ind. T. It is expected that the party will have reached Tulsa by the 10th of July, and that the entire work assigned them well be completed by the early part of August. (Eee Appendix T 10.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement and the work not a public necessity: 1. Little River and Saline Creek, Arkansas. (See Appendix T 11.) 2. Big Bayou Metre from its mouth up. (See Appendix T 12.) Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examination made by him, Captain Handbury was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Sen- ate Ex. Doc. No. 104, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. White River, Arkansas, at the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad Bridge, near Duvall's Bluf, with the view of removing obstructions from the channel. (See Appendix T 13.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BETWEEN THE MOUTHS OF THE ILLINOIS - AND OHIO RIVERS - IMPROVING HARBOR AND MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT ALTON-MISSISSIPPI RIVER OPPOSITE THE CITY OF SAINT LOUIS, AND AT OR NEAR CAPE GIRARDEAU AND MINTON POINT-IMPROVEMENT OF OSAGE RIVER IN KANSAS AND MISSOURI. Officer in charge, Maj. O. H. Ernst, Corps of Engineers, having un- der his immediate orders First Lieut. F. V. Abbot, Corps of Engineers. 1. Mississippi River, between the Illinois and Ohio rivers.-Work was carried on at Horsetail, Twin Hollows, Pulltight, Chesley Island, Jim Smith's, and Foster's Island. All of these works constitute parts of one connected whole, carried on under the general scheme of making the improvement continuous, beginning at Saint Louis and working down-stream, reducing the river to an approximately uniform width of about 2,500 feet, and protecting its banks from erosion. Horsetail.-Thepresent project for the improvement of this locality was adopted in 1873 and modified in 1879, the object being to afford as RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 233 channel not less than 8 feet deep. The natural channel was often not more than 4 feet deep, and was tortuous. The amount expended dur- ing the year was $103,817.88. The total amount expended to June 30,. 1884, is $765,374.49, of which, however, but $540,308.18 has been em- ployed upon the system adopted in 1879. It has resulted in securing a direct navigable channel with a depth of about 8 feet. Further- work will be required to preserve these results, the amount of which is a matter of future contingency. Twin Hollows, west bank.-The present project for the improvement of this locality was adopted in 1881, the object being to afford a channel not less than 8 feet deep. The natural channel was often not more than 4 feet deep in the shoalest parts. The amount expended during the year was $29,743.71. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is. $226,380.87, and has resulted in securing a navigable channel in which the depth during the year has not been less than 94 feet, but which is still tortuous. It is intended during the coming year to keep the work alrea y constructed in repair. Twin Hollows, east bank.-The present project for the impr'ovement of this locality was adopted in 1881, the object being to stop the caving,. which extended over a length of 8,400 feet of the bank, and the conse- quent deterioration of the navigation. Before the work was begun the caving was progressing at the rate of several feet per day. The amount expended during the year was $4,719.84. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $100,648.78, and has resulted in the protection of 8,725 feet of bank, of which about half is completed and the remainder well advanced. It is proposed during the coming year to complete the unfinished portion and to extend the entire work down stream in case the point of attack of the river be so altered as to make that necessary, as now seems probable. Pulltight.-The present project for the improvement of this locality was adopted in 1881, the object being to afford a channel not less than 8 feet deep. The natural channel was often niot more than 4 feet deep in the shoalest parts. The amount expended during the year was. $39,639.94. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $86,105.41, and has resulted, in connection with the works at Twin Hollows, west bank, in securing a navigable channel in which the depth during the year was not less than 9- feet. Much further work will be required be- fore the result can be considered permanent. It is proposed during the coming year to extend the works down-stream to connect with Beard's Island. Ohesley Island.-The present project for the improvement of this lo- cality was adopted in 1881, the object being to stop the erosion of the east side of the island and the consequent deterioration of the naviga- tion, and also to close the chute west of the island in order to afford, in connection with the works at Jim Smith's, a channel not less than 8feet deep. The bank was caving at the rate of several feet per day, and the natural channel was often not more than 4 feet deep in the shoalest parts. The amount expended during the year was $16,100.47. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $63,501.86, and has resulted in the protection of the east side of the island for a length of 4,305 feet and in partially closing the chute, affording, in connection with the works at Jim Smith's and external causes, a navigable channel in which the depth during the year was not less than 8 feet. It is proposed during the coming year to complete the closure of the chute. Jim Smith's.-The present project for the improvement of this locality was adopted in 1881, the object being to afford a channel not less than 234 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, TI. S. ARMY. 8 feet deep. The natural channel was often not more than 4 feet deep in the shoalest parts. The amounit expended during the year was $24,90L69. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $139,388.43, and has resulted in securing a navigable channel in which the depth during the year was not less than 8 feet. External causes contributed to this depth, which is not regarded as permanent without much fur- ther work. It is proposed during the coming year to reconstruct the works, which have suffered greatly from the failure of the appropriation last year, and to extend them down-stream. Foster's Island.-The present project for the improvement of this locality was adopted in 1881, its object being to stop the caving of the west Side of the island and the consequent deterioration of the naviga- tion. Before the work was begun the caving was progressing at the rate of several feet per day. The amount expended during the year was $38,516.84. The total amount expended to June 20, 1884, is $44,296.02, and has resulted in the partial protection of 5,864 feet of the bank. It is proposed during the coming year to complete the work by extending it up the face of the bank. The river and harbor act of July 5, 1884, provides that the sums therein appropriated for the Mississippi River from the Des Moines Rapids to the mouth of the Ohio shall be expended under the direction of the Secretary of War, in accordance with the plans, specifications, es- timates, and recommendations of the Mississippi River Commission. July 1, 1883, amount available..........................................$195,245 58 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883... .. ......-. ._ . ...- $185, 276 43 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 4,614 64 - 189,891 07 July 1, 1884, amount available................----------------....-....-......-..-----------------..---....--.... 5,354 51 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 520, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 525,354 51 (See Appendix U 1.) 2. Harbor and Miississippi River at Alton.-The present project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1881, the object being to remove a shdal in front of the down-stream portion of the landing. There were no expenditures during the year. The total amount ex- pended to June 30, 1884, is $67,324.70, and has resulted in entirely re- moving the shoal. To preserve these results some repairs are required in the dike, which it is proposed to make during the coming year from funds made available by Congress from the appropriation for the general improvement of the Mississippi between the Illinois and Ohio rivers. No further appropriation for this work is at present required. (See Appendix U 2.) 3. Mississippi River opposite the city of Saint Louis, Missouri.-The present project for the improvement of this locality was adopted in 1882, the object being to increase the available length of river front opposite Saint Louis by reclaiming the land occupied by Calhokia Chute; also to stop the erosion at high water of the Illinois shore in Cahokia Chute, and, furthermore, to perpetuate the good results previously obtained under a different project in the channel' depth. Befog e the work was begun a considerable body of water passed through Cahokia, Chute at the higher stages and a small body at low stage, preventing access to RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 235 the navigable water west of Arsenal Island; a slight erosion of the Ill- inois shore occurred at the higher stages, destroying land of considerable -value, and a portion of the west side of Arsenal Island was in need of protection in order to perpetuate the good channel already existing there. The amount expended during the year was $17,581.66. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $58,455.54, and has resulted in very largely decreasing the flow through Cahokia Chute, and in par- tially protecting the west side of Arsenal Island. It is proposed during the coming year to simply keep in repair the works already existing, for which funds are available from the appropriation for the general im- provement of the Mississippi between the Illinois and Ohio. No special appropriation for this work is at present required. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................... .............. $26,096 06 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................-.............. 26, 096 06 (See Appendix U 3.) 4. Mississippi River at or near Cape Girardeau,Missouri, and Minton Point, Illinois.-The present project for the improvement of this lo- cality was adopted in 1881, the object being to remove a large and growing bar in front of the Cape Girardeau Landing, and to provide an 8-foot channel between that place and Minton Point. The bar was dry at a stage 16 feet above low water, and the channel depth was lia- ble to be as little as 4 feet. There were no expenditures during the year. The total amount ex- pended to June 30, 1884, is $65,366.55, of which $35,366.55 was added to the special appropriation from the funds provided for improving the Mississippi between the Illinois and Ohio, and has resulted in wholly removing the bar and securing a channel as high up as Minton Point, in which the depth during the year was not less than 8 feet. Further work will be required to perpetuate these results, for which an appro- priation is recommended. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... $41, 820 04 (See Appendix U 4.) 5. Osage River, Kansas and Missouri.-Since the discontinuation of the system of open-channel improvement, begun in 1871, there is no de- finite project for the improvement of this stream, except to remove overhanging trees from the banks and snags from the channel. Fresh supplies of these obstructions are found annually in uncertain quanti- ties. It is thought that $5,000 will be sufficient to accomplish such of this work as may be required during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available----......----....----....---..-............----....--....- .....-- . $1,660 65 MIiscellaneous receipts ...........----...------......------....---...............---...... 31 66 1,692 31 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-......... ............ $1,493 45 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 55 12 1,548 57 July 1, 1884, amount available. ......................................... 143 74 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix U 5.) 236 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. REMOVING SNAGS AND WRECkS FROM THE MISSISSIPPI AND MIS- SOURI RIVERS-IMPROVEMENTS AT VARIOUS POINTS ON MISSOURI RIVER-SURVEY OF MISSOURI RIVER FROM ITS MOUTH TO FORT BENTON, MONTANA-IMPROVEMENT OF GASCONADE RIVER, MIS- SOURI. Officer in charge, Maj. Charles R. Suter, Corps of Engineers. 1. Removing snags and wrecks from the Mississippiand Missouririvers.- Mississippi River.-During the past year one snag-boat worked on the Mississippi from the mouth of the Missouri to Waterproof, La., a dis- tance of 860 miles. Operations extended over a period of three months, all that was possible with the small balance remaining over from the previous year's appropriation. During the present fiscal year thirteen months' work is contemplated. The officer in charge recommends that the remaining wooden snag- boat, now worn out and useless, be rebuilt and fitted up for working purposes, and submits an estimate therefor. This work is deemed of much importance, as the loss of this boat's services will be severely felt this season. ESTIMATES. For rebuilding one wooden snag-boat and fitting it up for wrecking pur- poses .... . .. .................... $50, 000 00 For working expenses of three boats, ten months each, at $4,000 per month each.......... ...................................................... 120,000 00 Total ............................ ................................ 170,000 00 July 1, 1h83, amount available .......................................... 19,290 71 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..... . . ...... .......................... 18, 390 48 July 1, 1884, amount available ................-............-........-..... 900 23 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.....................60,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 60,900 2, Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 170,000 00 (See Appendix V 1.) Missouri River.-One snag-boat was employed on this river between Kansas City and the mouth, 375 miles, for a period of 2- months, the longest the funds available would justify. During the present fiscal year five months, work is contemplated, and it is also expected that another snag-boat will be built. The officer in charge renews his recommendation that a stern-wheel snag-boat, to carry the machinery of one of the old boats, be built for especial service on the Missouri River, and submits an estimate there- for. ESTIMATES. For building light-draught snag-boat......................... .......... $80, 000 00 For operating three boats nine months each, at $4,000 per month, each... 108,000 00 Total..........--------------............---------..--------......---......-----...---......----......----....----....--. 188, 000 00 July 1, 1883, amount available..........-................................ 98,338 65 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883... ... ................................. ...... 16,693 90 July 1, 1884, amount available.................................... .... 81,644 75 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 131,644 75 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 188,000 00 (See Appendix V 1.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 237 2. Missouri River from its mouth to Sioux City, Iowa, including such harbors on said river now in the course of improvement as, inthe judgment of the Chief of Engineers, will benefit commerce and navigation..-But lit- tle work has been done under this appropriation during the past fiscal year as the balance remaining available from the appropriation of 1882, was deemed insufficient. The work done in 1882 and.1883 at Saint Joseph, Mo., Atchison, Kans., Kansas City and Lexington, Mo., remains in fairly -good condition. At Omaha, Nebr., the revetment in front of the city has been completed, as also that at Saint Charles, Mo., unfin- ished at date of last report. Nothing has been done at other points along the river. The new plant has been completed and equipped and is now ready for service. Under the act approved July 5, 1884, this work now passes into the hands of the Missouri River Commission. July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... $150,200 08 Amount received from sales of fuel to officers .......................... 116 98 150, 317 06 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive ofoutstanding ing liabilities July 1, 1883........................................... 116,497 94 33, 619 12 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... (See Appendix V 2.) 3. Survey of Missouri River from its mouth to Fort Benton, Montana.- During the past season a steamboat reconnaissance was made from Fort Pierre to Fort Benton to ascertain the character and extent of the still unsurveyed portion of the river. There still remain about 1,000 miles to be gone over. From the mouth to Fort Pierre, 1,174 miles, the work is finished and the maps have been published. Under the act of July 5, 1884, this work now passes into the hands of the Missouri River Commission. 'July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... -- $15, 612 04 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......---......------------......--.......---.....---......--......-..--- 5,221 70 July 1, 1884, amount available ............................ .............. 10,390 34 (See Appendix V 3.) 4. Gasconade River, Missouri.-Nothing except office work was done on this improvement during the past season, the balance remaining from the previous year's appropriation being too small. During the present fiscal year it is proposed to continue snagging operations on the lower 70 miles of the river from the mouth to Indian Ford. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $508 62 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 508 62 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 20, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1866. 20, 000 00 (See Appendix V 4.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE MISSOURI RIVER FROM SIOUX CITY, IOWA, TO FORT BENTON, MONTANA-IMPROVEMENT OF THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER, DAKOTA AND MONTANA. Officer in charge, Capt. James B. Quinn, Corps of Engineers. 1. Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa, to Fort Benton, Montana.- During the year work was limited to the portion of the river between 238 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Bismarck and Fort Benton, and has consisted in the removal of rock obstructions from the channel, and the construction of wing-dams to contract the channel at shoal places. The work is of a comparatively permanent character, and has resulted in an extension of the low-water navigation to Coal Banks Landing, and a prolongation of over two months in the possible navigation to this point. The system of improvement has proved to be quite successful, and its continuance is greatly desired by steamboat men. The sandy portion of the river below that under improvement has as yet received no attention, though greatly in need of it. Under the act of July 5, 1884, this work now passes into the hands of the Missouri River Commission. July 1, 1883, amount available............ .............................. $63, 917 36 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............ ... ............................... 47, 474 92 July 1, 1884, amount available..................................... 16,442 44 (See Appendix W 1.) 2. Yellowstone River, Montana and Dakota.-During the year work was limited to the repair of dikes opposite Glendive, and the completion of ,the reconnaissance of the river, from Diamond Island to its junction with the Missouri. The improvement of the river between Glendive and the Missouri would afford a short down-stream navigation for freights to Buford, from the railroad at Glendive, instead of the 300 miles of up-stream nav- igation from Bismarck as at present. July 1, 1883, amount available ..................-............ ....... $5,284 77 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............ ................................ 4,428 55 July 1, 1884, amount available............................ 856 22 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50,000 00, (See Appendix W 2.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE NAVIGATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BE- TWEEN SAINT PAUL AND THE MOUTH OF THE ILLINOIS, INCLUDING IMPROVEMENTS AT SPECIAL LOCALITIES BETWEEN THOSE POINTS- OPERATING AND CARE OF THE DES MOINES RAPIDS CANAL. Officer in charge, Maj. A. Mackenzie, Corps of Engineers. 1. Upper Mississippi River, operations of snag-boats, &c.-During the year the snag-boat General Barnard was employed as heretofore in re- moving snags, wrecks, and other obstructions. In November, 1883, she made a trip to New Orleans and the jetties with the special Senate Com- mittee on Mississippi River, and in April, 1884, was employed in dis- tributing supplies to sufferers from overflow of the Lower Mississippi. In June, 1884, the Barnard removed from the channel the wreck of the Grand Pacific, a large stern-wheel steamer, sunk below Burlington Bridge. The new snag-boat J. G. Parke was employed July and August, 1883,. in construction work at Marion City and Hannibal. In September she performed excellent service in removing snags from the channel between Saint Paul and Hastings, her light draught making her especially serv- iceable il this section of the river. In April and May, 1884, she was engaged in connection with the work of construction at Quincy, Ill. RIVER AND HARBOc IMPROVEMENTS. 239 The officer in charge submits an estimate of $30,000 for operating the snag-boats during fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, and an addi- tional estimate of $30,000 for a dredging plant to be used as an adjunct to the snag-boats in removing wrecks, &c., in cutting temporary chan- nels, and in aiding the formation of permanent ones in hard bottoms. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $10,187 86 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.- ----------------------.--..------- - -.. 9, 213 48 July 1, 1884, amount available July 1, 1883 ........................... 974 38 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 60, 000 00 (See Appendix X 1.) 2. Mississippi River from Saint Paul to the Des Moines Rapids.-Dur- ing the year the work of improvement was carried on in the construc- tion of brush and stone dams antl shore protections between Saint Paul and Hastings, between Homer and Queen's Bluff, near Winona, at Fort Madison and Montrose. A small island below Minneiska, very trouble- some to raft navigation, was removed by dredge. On account of the small amount of money available no extensive works could be prose- cuted. Though the river reached a very low stage during the year the large boats were able to reach Saint Paul throughout the season, owing to improvements made in former years. The work is no lohmger experimental but certain of good results, and the Government is now provided with several equipments in the way of steamboats, barges, &c., and can expend to great advantage, in con- junction with contract work, the amount, $1,000,000, recommended by the officer in charge. The construction of a dredging outfit is also recommended. July 1, 1883, amount available...... ----......---..........--.....----........... $103,749 96 Received from sale of fuel.......-------.--------....----------....--..........---....-........----....--.... 97 89 103, 847 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $80, 245 61 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......................-------------------.... 652 '21 -- 80, 897 8 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................---......-----......-------......-...-22,950 03 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 250, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885-.......--......... 272, 950 03 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 500, 000 00 (See Appendix X 2.) 3. Mississippi Riverfrom Des Moines Rapids to'mouth of Illinois River.- During the year works of improvement by means of brush and stone dams and shore protections were carried on at Louisiana, Quincy, Gil- bert's Island, Alexandria, Marion City, Hannibal, Canton, Denmark Island, and Dardenne Island. All the work except that at Marion City and Hannibal had been commenced in previous years, the amount avail- able being too small to inaugurate any new work. Further experiments in construction of gravel dams were made at Howard's Bar and with very satisfactory results. The work of former years has been produc- tive of excellent results, and the Government being now provided with a large and well-equipped plant will be able to expend to great advant- age the amount asked for. 240 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The river and harbor act of July 5, 1884, provides that the sums therein appropriated for the Mississippi River from Des Moines Rapids to the mouth of the Ohio shall be expended under the direction of the Secretary of War in accordance with the plans, specifications, estimates, and recommendations of the Mississippi River Commission. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... $144, 427 01 .July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883"........................................... 131,763 63 .July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 12,663 38 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 200,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................ 212, 663 38 (See Appendix X 3.) 4. Harbors of Refuge in Lake Pepin.-The project for this work pro- poses the building of breakwaters at Stockholm and Lake City to pro- tect and facilitate the landing of steaihboats, and which will admit of such extension in the future as to afford safety to rafts caught in the lake by storms. The estimate is as follows: For Lake City, $154,583; for Stockholm, $73,370. The amount appropriated by act of August 2, 1882, was too small to justify a beginning. The officer in charge is now engaged in revising the plans with a view to presenting a project for partial relief under the appropriation already granted. July 1, 1883, amount available .................. .................. $20, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available.............................................. 20,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...... .... -- 208, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 40, 000 00 NoTE.-Under act of July 5,1884, $15,000 was appropriated for Stockholm and $15,000 for Lake City, under separate heads of appropriation. (See Appendix X4.) 5. Removal of bar in Mississippi River, opposite Dubuque, Iowa.-A small amount of dredging was performed during the year in removing the higher points of the middle ground bar and in clearing the landings at East Dubuque. An examination of the bar shows that although there has been some change, there is no serious alteration for the worse. The work heretofore accomplished has consisted in dredging away the bar in front of the Dubuque wharf, thereby affording ample depth at all stages of the river, and furnishing a wide and deep entrance to the ice harbor. As the balance available will be sufficient for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, no appropriation is asked for for that period. July 1, 1883,. amount available ....................... ................ $10, 374 32 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........ .................................... 3, 097 40 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................... 7,276 92 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 9, 770 03 (See Appendix X 5.) 6. Ice-Harbor at Dubuque, Iowa.-The project for a winter harbor at Dubuque proposed the dredging of a portion of Waple's Cut, a natural * $10,000 for Stockholm and $10,000 for Lake City. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 241. 2 basin, so as to afford 6 feet depth at extreme low water over an area of about 500,000 square feet. Since the original .project was made the city has acquired title to all the ground surrounding the basin, and made excellent regulations for care of they harbor. In view of this change of circumstances the officer in charge recommends a modification of the project by which the available area is increased one-third and the landing space more than doubled, at a comparatively small additional expense. The modified estimate is $50,000, of which $20,000 was appropriated by act of August 2, 1882. The amount of dredging already done is 92,725 cubic yards. During the winter of 1883-'84 there were laid up in the harbor 10 steamboats, 2 wharf-boats, 2 dredges, 33 barges, and 1,000,000 feet of lumber, valued at $292,400. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $7, 840 68 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.--------------------------------------------7,840 68 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 0,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of modified project ......... 10, 00000 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix X 6.) 7. Rock Island Rapids, Mississippi River.-During the past year the system of buoys for guidance of navigators was maintained. A survey of Duck Creek Chain developed the existence of certain patches of rock above grade, the estimated cost of removing which is $8,00(. To provide for the removal of this rock and for the expense of maintenance of buoys and permanent channel-marks, and for the continuance of such inspection and superintendence as is required in the interest of present and future navigation, the officer in charge recommends an appropria- tion of $13,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $2, 154 19 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 188:......------......-------......-------- ......--------....----......--... 2,154 19 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 13,000 00 (See Appendix X 7.) 8. Harbor at Rock Island, Illinois.-No work was done during the year other than a survey of the harbor. This survey has developed the advisability of certain dredging work, and it is proposed at an early day to expend the available balance in carrying it out The funds now available being sufficient for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, no appropriation is asked for. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $6, 669 62 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................. 399 95 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 6,269 67 Amount (estimated) required for completion of exisiing project.......... 14,759 15 (See Appendix X 8.) 9. Harbor at Muscatine, Iowa.-The object of this improvement is by dredging to keep the steamboat landings free from deposit. The bal- ance, $2,920.26, available, July 1,1883, was expended in dredging along the city front. A survey made at the close of work showed the harbor in good condition except along the line of the city water pipes. These should be relaid at a greater depth. No further estimate is submitted. 5908 EN---16 242 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1,1883, amount available .... ................................... $2,920 26 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.................. ..........................--------------------------------------------.. 2,920 26 (See Appendix X 9.) 10. Des Moines Rapids, Mississippi River.-This work was begun in 1866. The adopted plan consisted in building a canal 8 miles long and in cutting a channel in the rocky bottom of the river the remaining 4 miles. The canal was opened August, 1877, although not fully coinm- pleted, and has been in operation since that time. The work of the past year consisted in laying 1,355 cubic yards rip- rap and 2,296 cubic yards riprap face stone on the outer face of the canal embankment, in raising the east wing-wall at foot of canal 4 feet above the lock-walls, and completing the foundation for similar work at the west wing wall, in dredging rock and sand from Montrose Chain and from the channel near Nashville. The existing project for this work covers an estimate of $4,492,680, and this project is now modified by adding the cost, $5,000, of an office building, much needed in connection with the canal, and $40,000 for constructing sluices to draw off the mud and sand brought into the canal by the creeks emptying into it, the removal of which, under the system now followed, causes a very large annual outlay for dredging. This addition brings the modified project up to $4,537,680. There has been expended on this work to present date $4,393,003.43; there is now a balance on hand of $2,932.37, and there is required to complete the work $141,745.80. The good of the work requires that this amount be appropriated for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in order that arrangements may be made for completing it within a reasonable time. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $23, 110 73. July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding 20,177 76. liabilities July 1, 1883......------......------......-------....-....-----....-. July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 2,932 97 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 52,932 97 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 46,745 00 Autount added for comphletion of modified project------......------....---......-----....--....-45,000 00 Aniount that can be profitably expended in fiscal yearending June 30, 1886. 91,700 00' (See Appendix X 10.) 11. Operating and care of Des Moines Rapids CanaL-Duringthe year the canal was operated as heretofore, being open 245 days. There passed through the canal 913 steamboats and 705 barges, carrying 13,057 pas- sengers, 54,215 tons merchandise, and 470,580 bushels of grain; 9,399,- 764 feet of l9gs, 57,018,151 feet lumber, 25,182,500 shingles, and 15,- 924,645 1athswere also floated through. The canal embankment required less work than heretofore, and it is hoped that in time this embankment will be brought to such a condition as to need no further repairs. The machine shop at the lower lock, operated by the regular canal force, performed good service in repairs to canal machinery, and also to. that of the Government boats wintering there. The amount of deposit brought into the canal by freshets during the year was very great, re- quiring the services of two dredges during a portion of the season;. 52,616 cubic yards of material were dredged and removed during the year. There has been expended to July 1, 1883, for operating and care $326,348.28. There was expended during the past fiscal year, includ- RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 243 ing outstanding liabilities July 1, 1884, $49,085.42, which includes the construction of four new dump-boats. The standing estimate for oper- ating and care, including ordinary repairs, is $40,000. The future expenses of the canal are provided for in the act of March 3, 1881, which authorizes the Secretary of War to draw from the Treas- ury from time to time such amounts as may be needed. Amount received from Treasury year ending June 30, 1884............... $47,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................... ..... $43, 283 42 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.................. ........ 5,802 00 - 49,085 42 ....----............--- July 1, 1884, amount not yet drawn from Treasury----- -...... 2,085 42 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 45, 000 00 (See Appendix X 11.) 12. Dry Dock at Des Moines Rapids Canal.-The project for this work provides for the building of a dry dock near the middle lock of the canal, 400 feet long by 100 feet in width, with gates of 80 feet opening. The estimate of cost is $125,000. During the year ending June 30, 1884, the following work was ac- complished: Seven hundred and forty-five linear feet of the outer embankment was built and partially covered by riprap face stone. About 4,000 cubic yards of material were excavated from the chamber of the dock and re- moved to the lower end to form a platform for working and storage pur- poses. In order to make a water-tight connection with the rock bottom a ditch 6 feet wide was dug down to the rock and filled with clay puddle. Above the ditch the main embankment is built. July 1, 1883, amount available....-............... $24,607 05 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,.1883................--------------------....-------......-........---------....---...... 22,583 55 July 1, 1884, amount available --------.--. . ----------------------- 2, 023 50 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 30, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending 30, 1885......................... 32, 023 50 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 65, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 65, 000 00 (See Appendix X 12.) 13. Mississippi River at Quincy, Illinois.-The balance available for this work was expended in repairing and strengthening the two wing- dams built in 1879 and in protecting the head of Island 427. A brush fence dam extending from Island 427 to the Missouri shore was also built. Work is still going on at this point under an allotment from the appropriation for improving Mississippi River from Illinois River to Des Moines Rapids. As future work in this vicinity will be provided for from the general appropriation, no further amount is asked for. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................--$12,491 22 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ..--.-- ".---...--- --.--------....---.---. 12, 491 22 (See Appendix 1X 13.) 14. Quincy Bay, Illinois.--The original project for this work was pre- sented in 1879, and contemplated the expenditure of $224,000. The 244 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. work proposed was the dredging of about 700,000 cubic yards of material, some shore protections, &c., in order to affobrd a large and safe winter harbor capable of accommodating all the vessels that may seek refuge there. The amount expended to date on this project is $45,000, which has resulted in the removal of 206,000 cubic yards of material and affords a depth of 44 feet at low water over an area of about 80 acres. No work was done during past year on account of lack of funds. July 1, 1883, amount available.............. ........................... $202 11 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 202 11 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... .154, 109 87 (See Appendix X 14.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. Thefbllowing localities were examined by the local engineer in charge, Maj. A. Mackenzie, and not recommended for improvement: 1. Iowa River from Wapello to its mouth. (See Appendix X 15.) 2. PecatonicaRiver, from Argyle to Wayne, La Fayette County, Wiscon- sin. (See Appendix X 16.) TEST OF THE ADAMS FLUME. Preliminary arrangements for making a practical test of the flume invented by Mr. M. J. Adams for improving rivers have been continued under his "supervision and direction" during the year. Preparations for the test contemplated by Congress are still incomplete, and the unexpended balance ($139.80) of the $28,000 appropriated for it by the acts of March 3, 1879, and August 2, 1882, is, it is understood, deemed by him inadequate for continued prosecution of the work. PRESERVATION OF THE FALLS OF SAINT ANTHONY AND IMPROVE- MIENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI ABOVE THE FALLS-IMPROVEMENT OF CHIPPEWA AND SAINT CROIX RIVERS, WISCONSIN, AND OF MINNE- SOTA RIVER AND RED RIVER OF THE NORTH, MINNESOTA AND DAKOTA-RESERVOIRS AT THE SOURCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI. Officer in charge, Maj. Chas. J. Allen, Corps of Engineers. 1. Preservationof the Falls of Saint Anthony.-The plan for the pres- ervation of the falls, adopted in 1874, contemplated the construction of a concrete dike beneath the limestone ledge forming the bed of the river, to prevent percolation through, and consequent destruction of, the soft underlying sand-rock; the construction of rolling dams to keep the upper surface of the limestone ledge flooded during the win- ter; and a timber apron and wings to prevent retrocession of the crest of the falls and destruction of the dike, &c. The dike was completed in 1876, and the other works by 1878. Since 1878 work has been con- fined mainly to the preservation and repair of the timber structures. Owing to a lack of funds, no work was done during the past fiscal year. The last appropriation was made by act passed August 2, 1882. Considerable erosion has occurred in and about the east angle since 1881, mainly due to an attempt at tunneling under an adjoining mill- pond, and the deposit of material in the channel above the crest of the falls, by private parties. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 245 If the work is to be continued the sum of $50,000 will be needed for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, to be expended in extending the line of submerged crib-work at the toe of the apron, repairs to the tim- ber-work in he angle, and general repairs. Amount expended to June 30, 1884 (including outstanding liabilities), under the present project..................-.................--...... $395,000 00 July 1, 1883, amount available......................---------------------------............... 1,461 22 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....................... $938 38 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ......................... 136 83 -- 1,075 21 -------......................................----... July 1, 1884, amount available 386 01 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................. 10, 386 01 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project (as cor- ......------....---------....----....--....--....--......---....----...-----....-----..--......--..---...... rected)------ 74,792 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 3, 1886 50, 000 00 (See Appendix Y 1.) 2. Mississippi River above the Falls of Saint Anthony, Minnesota.-The present project, adopted in 1880, contemplates the improvement of the river mainly between Aitken and Grand Rapids by the removal of snags, bowlders, leaning trees, and bars, so as to afford from 3 to 5 feet depth of water for navigation. The cost is based upon the results of a survey made in 1874, and re- ported upon February 8, 1875, the estimate for improving the extent of river from Conradis Shoals (35 miles below Brainard) to Grand Rapids being placed at $54,127.50. Before the work of improvement commenced in 1880 boats drawing 2 feet of water frequently experienced difficulty between Aitken and Grand Rapids. The work thus far has given generally a 3-foot depth between those points, though bowlders yet remain requiring removal, and snags are always liable to form. The amount expended under this plan (including outstanding liabil- ities) to June 30, 1884, is $34.)48.57. The sum of $10,000, asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is to be expended in removal of snags, leaning trees, bowlders, and bars. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $6, 031 80 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-----------------------......................... $4,976 70 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities------ ......---------....----......-----....--...... 103 67 - 5,080 37 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 951 43 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project, viz, im- provement between Grand Rapids and Conradis Shoals......... 19, 127 50 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix Y 2.) 3. Construction of lock and dam on Mississippi River at Meeker's Island, Minnesota.-The project for this work is given in the report of the Chief of Engineers for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874, and the cost esti- mated at $922,121.46, the object being to connect with the improvement of the Mississippi River below Saint Paul, so as to secure steamboat navigation up to the Falls of Saint Anthony. 246 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. No improvement of the river between Saint Paul and the site of the proposed lock and dam has been authorized by Congress. The act approved July 23, 1868, made a grant of 200,000 acres of pub. lic lands to the State of Minnesota to aid in constructing a lock and dam at this point in accordance with plan and estimate previously sub- mitted. The act of March 3, 1873, appropriated- For construction of the lock and dam on the Mississippi River at Meeker's Island, Minnesota, according to the surveys and plans of the War Department, $25,000: Pro- vided, That all rights and claims in and to the land grant made to the State of Minne- sota for the above work by act approved July twenty-third, eighteen hundred and sixty-eight, shall be fully relinquished to the United States before any of this appro- priation is expended. None of this appropriation has been used, the required relinquishment not having been made, and the appropriation has been lying unused for eleven years. No appropriation is recommended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available...... .................................... $25, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available ......--......-----.........--...--.............. 25,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 922,121 46 (See Appendix Y 3.) 4. Chippewa River, Wisconsin.-This work consists in the construction of dams and jetties to narrow the water-way and the revetment of banks, in accordance with the plan adopted in 1876, the costof which was based upon results of a survey reported upon January 30, 1875. The cost was placed at $75,790; revised estimates, 1883, placed cost of completing necessary improvements at $49,476.35. With the balance of funds re- maining from the appropriation of $35,000, by act of August 2, 1882, re- pairs were made to the east jetty at mouth of the river and Flower-Pot Dam extended and repaired. Where works have been constructed and maintained the low-water depth, which was originally about 18 inches, has been increased to about 3 feet. The sum of $25,000 can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in continuing the work under the present plan. Total amount expended to June 30, 1884 (including outstanding liabil- ities), $81,902.89. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................--------------------------------------... $6, 523 13 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ..........-....-............ $5, 416 02 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities............................ 10 00 - 5,426 02 July 1, 1884, amount available----------------------........................-.---.....--..--....... 1,097 11 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884............--.......... ---- 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 16, 097 11 Amount (estimated) required for completion of improvement per revised estimate--..--....---....--...----...............-----....---..----..---...--- -34,476 35 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25, 000 00 (See Appendix Y 4.) 5. Chippewa River at Yellow Banks, Wisconsin.-The project for this improvement was adopted in February, 1883, the cost based upon the results of a survey reported upon January 30, 1875, and a revision of the same in 1883. Object of the work is to prevent the wearing away RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 247 of the high sand-banks, or bluffs, bordering the river between its mouth and Eau Claire. The protection work consists of revetment of brush, sand, and piles at foot of the slope. Total linear feet protected since commencement of work.................. 4,969 Total linear feet partially protected ..........-..-.-......-....-.... ... 3,145 Total linear feet remaining to be protected .............................. 14, 575 Total expended to June 30, 1884 .....................................-----------------------------------.... $29, 214 88 The appropriation of $30,000 asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, to be applied in continuing the work as begun. July 1, 1883, amount available .................................... ...... $16,879 30 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $16,064 18 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 30 00 - - 16,094 18 July 1, 1884, amount available...... ................................... 785 12 Amount (estimated) required for completion of revised estimate.......... 66, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix Y 5.) 6. Saint Croix River below Taylor's Falls, Minnesota and Wisconsin.- The present project, adopted in 1880 and modified in 1882, contemplates the improvement of the stream by the removal of snags, bowlders, and sand-bars between Taylor's Falls and Prescott. The removal of obstructions continued during the season of 1883. Before improvement was undertaken 2 feet of water was the ruling depth on the bars at extreme low water above Stillwater and below Stillwater less than 4 feet. Wherever work has been done 3 feet has been the ruling depth above Stillwater and 4 feet below it at low-water stage. There is much interruption to navigation in the upper half of this piece of river from the operations of the log-booms. The appropriation of $26,450, asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is to be applied to removal of obstructions to navigation below Taylor's Falls. Estimated cost of improvement as amended............................. $83,450 00 Amount expended before its adoption_.. _1.-......-.... ---........- 1., 000 00 Total amount expended under present project to June 30, 1884, including outstanding liabilities..........-................._... .... ....... .... 47, 161 27 July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................... 12,674 67 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $11, 627 62 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ...................... . 208 32 -- 11,835 94 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 838 73 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884"-........... 9,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 9,838 73 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 26,450 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 26,500 00 (See Appendix Y 6.) 7. Minnesota River, Minnesota.-No work was done during the fiscal year for want of funds. The last appropriation for this stream was $10,000, made by the river and harbor act of June 18, 1878. There has been expended (including outstanding liabilities) since the commencement of work the sum of $117,467 in clearing the river of obstructions. The stream has no corn- 248 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S.-ARMY. merce worth reportipg. No appropriation is asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $33 00 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 33 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 703,868 63 (See Appendix Y 7.) 8. Red River of the North, Minnesota and Dakota.-The present project for the improvement of this river, adopted in 1879 and modified as to cost of same in 1883, consists in dredging the clay bars and mud lumps and removal of snags, &c., between Breckenridge and the Manitoba bound- ary line. There having been no appropriation for this work since that of August 2, 1882, no work of improvement could be done during the past fiscal year for want of funds. The dredging, commenced in 1879 and continued to the close of the season of navigation 1882, resulted in 98 miles of improved river, as follows: Eighty miles below Moor- head, an assured depth of 3 feet at low water; 18 miles below Grand Forks, assured depth of 4 feet at same stage.- Before the work of im- provement commenced the ruling depth in the stretch below Moorhead was 1 feet, and in that below Grand Forks, 2 feet. Total amount expended to June 30, 1884, $110,862.61. The appropriation of $30,000 asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is to be expended in dredging the bars between Fargo and Saint Vincent. July 1, 1883, amount available - ...- ..--....----..........--......----............ $4, 504 02 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...................... $2,111 63 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 255 00 2, 366 63 -2, July 1, 1884, amount available .......-..............-----------------------...........-.... 137 39 Ameunt appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 12,137 39 Amount (estimated) required for completion of improvement per revised estimate, not including lock and dam at Goose Rapids. ...... - -.....----.... 56, 310 18 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix Y 8.) 9. Lock and dam at Goose Rapids on the Red River of the North, Minne- sota and Dakota.-The original estimate for this proposed work, 1877, was $219,287.99. Object, to overcome the fall at the worst obstructions near the head of the rapids, so as to connect with the dredging improve- ment of the river above afid below the rapids. Congress, by acts March 3, 1881, and August 2, 1882, appropriated a total of $50,000 for the work. This sum being small in proportion to the probable cost of the work, and more detailed information in regard to the entire extent of rapids than was at hand being needed, a survey was made during the season of 1883, in order that a close estimate of the cost of improvement might be available for consideration. The re- port of the survey which was transmitted to the House of Representa- tives March 12, 1884, presented three plans, with estimates of cost, as follows: 1. Locks and dams at Buffalo Neck and Isabella Island, and necessary dredging............-----.---........------------............-----------......-...------....... ...---... $481,128 49 2. Lock and dam at Buffalo Neck, and necessary dredging ............... 274,128 49 3. Dredging the bars on the rapids, and utilizing the dredged material for dams, training-walls, &c........................................... 30,000 00 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 249 The report suggested the advisability of substituting an improvement by dredging for that by locks and dams, and consideration of the advis- ability of rendering the appropriations already made available for the work of dredging. Should, however, the improvement by a lock and darn with dredged approaches (cost $274,128.49) be decided upon, the sum of $100,000, in addition to the sums already appropriated, can ber profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in pre- liminaries, excavation, foundations, &c. Amount expended (in examinations) to June 30, 1884, is $3,052.35, which also is the total amount expended. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $49, 404 76 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..............................................--------------------------------------------.. 2,457 11 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................... ... ...... ..... .... 46,947 65 Amount (estimated) required for completion of projected lock and dam, &c., if ordered to be built............................................ 224,128 49 (See Appendix Y 9.) 10. Reservoirs upon the headwaters of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.-The object of the reservoirs is to collect surplus water, principally from the precipitation of winter, spring, and early summer, to be systematically released, so as to benefit navigation during the season of drought upon the reaches of the several streams below the dams, and also that of the Mississippi below Saint Paul. This project may be said to have been adopted in 1880 following an appropriation by Congress for the work by act approved June 14, 1880. The wock upon the dams at the outlets of Lake Winnibigoshish and Leech Lake, and at the Falls of Pokegama, was continued throughout the fiscal year, and these dams and accessories are now finished. Pre- liminary work was begun during the past winter on the Pine River Dam at the outlet of Cross Lake, Minnesota. During a portion of the spring months and the month of June the gates of the Winnibigoshish and Leech Lake dams were closed more or less, and mainly for the pur- pose of facilitating work upon the dams. During the short time that the gates were thus closed, the surplus water collected in the two res- ervoirs was about 12,000,000,000 of cubic feet, an encouraging result. The reservoirs have been ordered by Congress in the interest of river navigation, and they should not be diverted from this purpose. Amount expended since the adoption of the project, $418,367.38. It is proposed to apply the sum of $140,000, estimated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in continuing work upon the reservoirs on the- headwaters of the Mississippi River and its tributaries above Crow Wing, Minn. Estimated cost of the system, exclusive of land damages, $1,809,083.50. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $312,118 67 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 18,3 ........................ $182, 546 47 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 22,939 58 - 205, 486 05 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 106, 632 62: Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 ..................... 60,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 166, 632 62 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........-1,224,083 50 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 140, 000 00 (See Appendix Y 10.) 250 REPORT OF THE CHIEF' OF ENGINEERS, U. 8, ARMY. 11. Surveys for reservoirs at the sources of the Mississippi, Saint Croix, Chippewa, and Wisconsin rivers.-The officer in charge reports that if the reservoir work now begun in Minnesota at the headwaters of the Mississippi river is to extend to the Saint Croix, Chippewa, and Wis- consin rivers, it will be necessary, in order to meet questions constantly arising, as well as to be enabled to make closer estimates of cost of dams, &c., to continue hydrological observations, to continue borings at proposed dam-sites, to recontour some of the sites, and to work up maps, drawings, and estimates. He estimates the cost of such examina- tions for one year at $50,000. There having been no appropriation for such work during the past fiscal year, nothing was done under this head. Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. $50, 000 00 (See Appendix Y 11.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WTTH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following locality was examined by the local engineer in charge and not recommended for improvement: 1. The source of Minnesota River, near the foot of Big Stone Lake, with a view of its being added to the reservoir system of the Mississippi and its tributaries. (See Appendix Y 12.) And upon a favorable report, after preliminary examination in each case, Major Allen was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 76, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. T1he lakes near the headwaters of Cannon River, in Rice and Le Sueur counties, Minnesota, with a view to adding the same to the reservoir system of the Mississippi and its tributaries. (See Appendix Y 13.) 2. Minnesota River,°near the village of Belle Plaine, with a view to pre- vent the washing away of the banks of said river opposite said village. (See Appendix Y 14.) IMPROVEMENT OF TENNESSEE AND CUMBERLAND RIVERS, AND OF CERTAIN RIVERS IN EASTERN TENNESSEE, GEORGIA, AND KEN- TUCKY. Officer in charge, Maj. W. R. King, Corps of Engineers, with Capt. Eric Bergland, Corps of Engineers, under his immediate orders. 1. Tennessee River.-a. Above Chattanooga.-Examinationsof the river were made in 1830 and 1872 from Chattanooga to Knoxville, 189 miles. The present project for the improvement of this section is based upon the latter examination. The obstructions, some twenty-nine in number, were found to consist of gravel bars, rock reefs, rapids, and shoals, with about 15 inches of water over them. The project of improvement contemplates the removal of these ob- structions by blasting a channel through the reefs, and building stone wing and retaining dams to scour out the gravel, or deepen the chan- nel by reducing its width, so as to secure a depth of 3 feet at low water. The total amount expended up to June 30, 1884, is $215,408.45, which has resulted in the removal of many obstructions and greatly im- proved others. There is now a depth of 2 to 3 feet at low water as far as Knoxville. No work has been done during the fiscal year. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 251 The estimate for the improvement of this section made in 1872 and 1874, and modified in 1877, was $225,000. On account of the small amounts of the annual appropriations it will not be possible to com- plete all the work that should be done within the modified estimate, and as the work is of great importance, the Engineer in charge of the work recommends that the estimate be increased to $300,000, and that the additional amount ($75,000) be applied to the completion of the ex- isting project, and to the repair and extension of some of the dams al- ready built. July 1, 1883, amount available......----..............-......--................ $287 05 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $160 83 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 34 67 -- 195 50 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 91 55 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 3,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 3,091 55 Amount (estimated) required for comnipletion of existing project...... .... 81,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 1.) b. Below Chattanooga.-The original condition of this portion of the river was as follows: From Chattanooga to Brown's Ferry, 162 miles, about 3 feet of water for nine months of the year; thence to Florence, 39 miles (including the Muscle Shoals obstructions), not navigable; from Florence to mouth of river, 255 miles, 10 to 20 inches over numer- ous shoals, with navigable pools between them. The present project, adopted in 1872 and modified in 1877, consists in building a canal, 70 to 120 feet wide and 6 feet deep, around the Big Muscle Shoals, with nine locks, 300 feet between gates and 60 feet wide, to replace the old canal built by the State of Alabama nearly fifty years ago; and in extending the improvement in a similar manner around Elk River Shoals, where two locks and 1 miles of canal are required; Little Muscle 'Shoals, and minor obstructions between Chattanooga And Paducah, to be improved by channel excavation, wing-dams, &c. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $2,345,500, and has resulted in the improvement of the river as follows: Several of the more serious obstructions between Chattanooga and Decatur have been removed, and others greatly reduced. On the Elk River Division the ,channel excavation is completed; stone for one lock and half of the other has been quarried, cut, and placed near the sites of the locks. On the Bluewater and Shoal Greek Divisions the nine locks are com- pleted. ready for the gates; one pair of iron gates has been constructed; the masonry of the Shoal Creek Aqueduct, 900 feet long, is completed; permanent bridges have been built over three creeks; the canal trunk is well advanced and can be easily completed in one year. The Little Muscle Shoals have been put in navigable condition by rock excavation and wing-dams. Snags and other obstructions have been removed, and considerable heavy work has been done at Colbert Shoals and other points below Florence. Work during the year was mostly confined to the Elk River Division, where stone was moved from Trinity Quarry to Decatur by rail, thence to lock-sites by water. Dams injured by high water were repaired, and two iron lock-gates were constructed in 'Chattanooga and sent down the river to Lock No. 1. 252 REPORT OF THIE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount available and the appropriation herein estimated for can be profitably expended in continuing operations at the Muscle Shoals, and in removing minor obstructions in other parts of the river between Chattanooga and Paducah. July 1, 1883, amount available ....................................---------------- $23,650 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................... 18,579 15 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ....................... 5, 070 85 23, 650 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..... .............. 350, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ....... 1, 437,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 ..........--...-------------------....--....---..-------....--......--- 550, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 1.) 2. Cumberland River.-The States of Tennessee and Kentucky made appropriations for the survey and improvement of the Cumberland in 1830, and in 1870, 1875, 1879, 18'0, 1881, and 1883 surveys and exami- nations were authorized by Congress, upon which the present plans of improvement are based. (a) Below Nashville (192 miles).-The project for the improvement of this section consists of blasting out a channel through the rock reefs, and removing bowlders, gravel bars, snags, and overhanging trees, in order to prolong the season of navigation. During the year work was carried on at Little River Shoals, Lower Nash- ville Island, Harpeth Shoals, Palmyra Island, and Race-Track Shoals. The work at the last three points is completed; at the first two it is res- pectively one-fourth and nine-tenths finished. Also snag-boat work be- tween Nashville and Little River Shoals. Before improvement there was an average depth at the shoals of about 14 inches at low water. The work done has resulted in a lengthened season of safe navigation for steam- ers drawing from 3. to 4 feet, enabling them to make more trips with less difficulty and in less time than before improvement, and making it practicable to run light-draught boats during the low-water season. The entire amount expended on this section to June 30, 1884, is $284,938.86. The amount available and that herein asked for can be profitably expended in continuing work upon the shoals below Nash- ville, including the bar at the mouth of the river, in accordance with the present plan. The original estimate for the improvement of this section was made in 1871, and was $248,821. On account of the small amounts appro- priated from year to year, the cost of improvement will exceed the esti- mate. For this reason, and with a view to the more thorough improve- ment of some of the most serious obstructions, the Engineer in charge of the work recommends that the original estimate be increased to $348,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ..-...........................-........... $5,268 26 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-.................. ...... $5, 044 76 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 162 36 5, 207 19 July 1, 1884, amount available..... ............................ ....... 61 14 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884- ....-.... _.......... 7,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 7,561 14 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 105, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix Z 2.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 253 (b). Above Nashville.-FromNashville to thefoot of Smith's Shoals (327 miles).-Work was in progress at the beginning of the fiscal year, and was continued until the appropriation was exhausted, September 1, 1883. Building of riprap dams, dredging in the channel, and snag- boat work were carried on at several obstructions. The work of im- provement has resulted in a cleared channel, having an increased depth of from 6 to 8 inches at the principal obstructions, by which the season of navigation is lengthened. Larger boats are now making regular trips to Point Burnside than were used before the improvement, al- though the work is not yet completed. The project for improvement hitherto followed consists in blasting out a channel through rock reefs, removing gravel bars, bowlders, snags, and overhanging trees, and building riprap dams where a contraction of water-way is necessary. The original project and estimate have been modified by recent survey-as set forth in Senate Ex. Doc. No. 129, first session Forty-eighth Congress-which also includes Smith's Shoals. The amount expended up to June 30, 1884, was $162,000. The ap- propriation now available and that herein asked for can be profitably .expended above Nashville in building locks and dams, and in such open channel work as will be needed whether the lock system be carried out or not. A small portion of the funds now available may be used to ad- vantage in making detailed surveys necessary for locating the first locks and dams. July 1, 18.3, amount available --------------------------.--.----.--.- $2, 388 23 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive ... of outstanding liabilities July 1, 183------------ ------- $2,212 05 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........... -176 .. -....... 18 -- 2, 388 23 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884------.... --------......... 50,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 4,027,922 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 .------------------------------------------------------ 400, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 2.) (c) Smith's Shoals (8 miles long).-These embrace four rapids, with an aggregate fall of 55 feet, which form a positive barrier to upstream and a serious obstruction to down-stream navigation. The original plan of improvement, based on the survey of 1875, was to deepen the channel and make it as smooth as practicable by excavat- ing through the reefs, remove bowlders, contract the channel, and change the direction of the current, where necessary, by the use of riprap dams. The amount expended up to June 30, 1884, was $115,000, which has resulted in completing the improvement as contemplated. These shoals are now in as good-condition as those higher up, and are available for navigation, as shown by the increased number of barges and rafts which passed over the shoals during the year. As these shoals are included in the new project for the Cumberland River above Nashville, no further estimate or project for their improvement is necessary. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $771 50 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $690 90 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ........................... 80 60 771 50 (See Appendix Z 2.) (d) Above the mouth of the Jellico (110 miles).-The principal obstruc- tions consist of eleven mill-dams, and snags, bowlders, &c., in the chan- nel. The latter have been removed, but no work has been done on this 254 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. section during the last two years, because of the nature of the remain- ing obstructions, and the fact that the legislature of Kentucky has granted a charter to a company to build locks and dams on this part of the Cumberland, and operate the same for fifty years. The amount expended up to June 30, 1884, was $9,638.44. No further appropriation is asked for this part of the Cumberland River. July 1, 1883, amount available ....-........-............................. $5, 727 56 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........-.............. $282 00 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... 84 00 - - 366 00' July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................--------------------------------------.. 5, 361 50' Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 35, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 2.) 3. Iliwassee River, Tennessee.---This river is' tributary to the Tennes- see, and is navigable for about 33 miles from its mouth. An examina- tion was made in 1874, upon which the present plan of improvement was based. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $28,868.47, which has secured a greatly improved channel from Savannah Ford to its mouth, but all of the shoals have not yet been improved according to the proj- ect. No work was done (luring the year. The appropriation asked for ($5,000) can be profitably expended in completing the projected work if it be made in one appropriation, for with a smaller amount the work cannot be economically done, and there is no commercial necessity for an outlay of money not so expended. ............-..........--.................. July 1, 1883, amount available---. $149 27 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ................-................... 17 74 July 1, 1884, amount available ......... ...... .... .............. 131 53 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 2,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 2,631 53 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 5, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 3.) 4. French Broad River, Tennessee.-This river joins the Holston about 4J miles above Knoxville, Tenn., forming the Tennessee 'River. It has a course of about 121 miles in Tennessee, 90 miles of which, from the mouth to Leadvale, are capable of being improved under the existing project. Above Leadvale slackwater navigation, involving enormous cost, is the only practicable improvement possible. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $18,500, and has secured the improvement of eleven principal obstrucyons, giving an additional depth of water of not less than 10 inches, the present plan being to provide a 21-foot channel at low water, ate high as Leadvale. The amount asked for ($15,000) can be profitably expended in con- tinuation of work under the present project. July 1, 1883, amount available ............................ ........... _-. $27 87 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities...------------------------------------.................................. 27 87 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 3,600 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 128, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 15,000 00 (See Appendix Z 4.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 255 5. Clinch River, Tennessee.-The Clinch River rises in Virginia and flows into the Tennessee River near Kingston, Tennessee. The plan of improvement is based upon the examinations made in 1875 and 1881, and consists of excavating a wide channel through the rock and gravel bars, in removing snags, bowlders, &c., and in building rip-rap dams where necessary to provide a channel at ordinary low water sufficient for the demands of the commerce of the river. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $15,919.25, and has resulted in the permanent improvement of some dangerous shoals, especially at. Bletcher's, Cloud, and Llewellyn shoals, so that rafts and boats can be safely passed at stages of water from 2 to 3 feet lower than formerly. The amount asked for ($5,400) is the unappropriated balance of the original estimate, and can be profitably expended in improving the channel according to the present project. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $535 10 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................- . $434 55 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities--------------------------.......................... 19 80 454 35 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 80 75 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5, 000 0, Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 5, 080 75 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ...... Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. ---... 5, 400 00 5, 400 00 (See Appendix Z 5.) 6. Duck River, Tennessee.-This stream joins the Tennessee about 141 miles above Johnsonville. An examination was made in 1879, upon which the present plan was based, which consisted in removing snags, rock, and gravel bars, and building brush dams, so as to obtain about 3 feet of water from four to six months of the year, which has been prac- tically secured, the total amount expended to June 30, 1884, being $13,000. No work was done during the year. The pr9perty pertain- ing to the improvement has been sold. No appropriation was made by act of July 5, 1884, and the Engineer officer in charge recommends that none be made at present unless Congress deems it best to give at least $10, 000. July 1, 1883, amount available ....-..... ........ ........... _-.... ...... $119 62 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .......................... 71 40 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities............................ 48 22 - 119 62 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........... 22, 118 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 x (See Appendix Z 6.) 7. Obey's River, Tennessee.-The Obey's River is a tributary of the Cumberland River, which it enters at Celina, Tenn., near the Kentucky State line. An examination was made in 1879 from head of navigation to its mouth. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $11,500, which has resulted in the removal of channel obstructions so as to se- cure safe navigation for small steamers not drawing more than 3 feet, and rafts may pass safely during high water. The work of improve- ment is completed according to the project, and no further plans nor estimates are submitted. 256 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... $3,657 35 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... 3, 632 74 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 24 61 3, 657 35 (See Appendix Z 7.) 8. Caney Fork River, Tennessee.-This is a tributary of the Cumber- land, which it enters atCarthage, Tenn. An examination was made in 1.879 from its mouth to the head of navigation, at Sligo's Ford, a distance of about 80 miles. The obstruc- tions were found to be gravel reefs, logs, snags, and overhanging trees, a crooked channel, with about 3 feet 5 inches of water at numerous shoals at a stage of 3 feet above low water. The effect of these was to make navigation insecure at all seasons. The present plan is to clear and straighten the channel, and build necessary wing-dams to secure 3 feet of water during the five months when the Cumberland River is at a good boating stage. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $13,996.71, and has se- cured a comparatively safe channel from the mouth to the head of navi- gation, so that steamers now ascend and descend with confidence on a 3-foot stage of water, whereas three years ago it was thought unsafe to ascend more than a few miles at less than a 10-foot stage. Some outlay from year to year will be required to maintain a channel clear of the snags, logs, &c., brought down by heavy floods. During the year the improvement of Hall's Rock Island and Trousdale's Ferry Bar were completed, securing an increased depth of about 5 inches at low water. Snag-boat work was done along 58 miles of the river. The amount available and that herein asked for can be profitably ex- pended in continuing the improvement as projected. July 1, 1883, amount available.. .......... ............................ $3, 033 93 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...................... $3,012 64 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ........................ ... 18 00 3,030 64 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................... 3 29 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 3, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................ 3,003 29 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 13,228 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 13, 200 00 (See Appendix Z 8.) 9. Goosa River, Georgia and Alabama.-This river, which is formed by the confluence of the Oostenaula and Etowah rivers, near Rome, Ga., by its confluence with the Tallapoosa in Alabama forms the Alabama River. Examinations were made in 1870, 1872, and 1875. The present improvement was begun with the appropriation of 1876, at which time the river was navigable for boats drawing 24 feet from Rome to Greensport, Ala., a distance of 164 miles, except during very low water, when there was but 14 to 18 inches at several shoals. Below Greensport there is a succession of very broad and shallow reefs, ex- tending over 5 miles, and having a total fall of 24 feet. These and reefs at other points obstructed navigation. A plan was adopted in 1875 to provide a channel not less than 80 feet wide and 3 feet deep at low water between Rome and Greensport, and the improvement of the shoals and reefs below Greensport by channel excavation and locks and dams. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 257 The amount expended to June 30, 1884 ($334,177.49), has resulted in securing a fair navigable channel through the Greensport reefs. The masonry of two locks and the dams connecting these locks with the shore are completed; the lock-gates for the upper lock are finished; for the third lock the stone is cut and foundation excavated. The work done during the year was confined to the Ten Islands Shoals Canal, and channel excavation at Hart's and Rock Island reefs, below Lock No. 3; the lock-gates for Lock No. 1 have been completed; and the title to the land on which Lock No. 3 is located was perfected during June, 1884. The funds available and the appropriation asked for can be profitably expended in completing Lock No. 3, putting in lock-gates, and continu- ing the improvement at other points between Rome and the Selma, Rome and Dalton Railroad bridge. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................................-...... $48, 017 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....................... $11,923 56 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......................------------------------.... 1, 570 93 13, 494 49 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 34,522 51 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.-------------------50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 84, 522 51 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 133, 647 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30,1886. 100,000 00 (See Appendix Z 9.) 10. Oostenaula and Coosawattee rivers, Georgia.-These streams are tributaries of the Coosa River in Northwestern Georgia. Examinations were made in 1872 and 1874, and the improvements then projected have been practically finished. No work has been done since August, 1881, and no appropriation was made by act of July 5, 1884. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $24,858.14, which has resulted in removing the most dangerous channel obstructions and in reducing the gravel bars. Good channels were obtained for about nine months in the year; that on the Oostenaula having a depth of 3 feet, and on the Coosawat- tee a depth of 2 feet of water. The available funds will probably be expended near the mruth of the Oostenaula, and perhaps in some slight repairs and extensions of work already done. No commercial' necessity exists for any further appropriations for these rivers. July 1,'1883, amount available ......................................... $1,163 71 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ..............-....-..........-........ - 21 85 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................... ..........-..... 1,141 86 (See Appendix Z 10.) 11. Ocmulgee River, Georgia.-The Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers form the Altamaha. These three rivers constitute the principal water high- ways of the State, and furnish a natural outlet for the lumber, cotton, and other products of Central Georgia. During the first half of this century Georgia appropriated at least $60,000 for the improvement of this river. The present plan of improvement is based upon an examination made in 1875, when the obstructions were found to be snags, sand and gravel bars, rock reefs, overhanging trees, and submerged rafts, in a shifting and tortuous channel, with a varying depth of from 22 inches to 4 feet 5908 EN-17 258 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. at low water. The project for the improvement of the river contem- plates the removal of these obstructions. The amount expended up to June 30, 1884, was $53,987.86, which has resulted in securing a tolerably straight, clear, and useful channel, having about 31 feet depth at low water between Hawkinsville and the junction of the Oconee, while many of the most serious obstructions have been removed. Steamboatmen and raftsmen report the river as having been greatly improved by the work already done. A small force will be required from time to time to remove recently formed ob- structions. During the year snags and overhanging trees were removed from 65 miles of channel. The amount available and the appropriation asked for can be profit- ably applied in continuing operations with the snag-boats, removing surface obstructions, and building booms or crib-work at a few points to assist rafts in keeping the main channel. July 1, 1883, amount available ....... ............... .. ....---...... --- $1,159 19 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..............-.................................. 1,147 05 July 1, 1884, amount available...... --..........- -----..........................---------- 12 14 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 3,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 3, 012 14 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 24,240 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 11.) 12. Oconee River, Georgia.-TheState of Georgia appropriated during the first quarter of this century over $35,000 for the improvement of this river. The first examination made by the United States was in 1874. The obstructions to navigation were found to consist of snags, overhanging trees, and bars formed by sunken logs. The channel depth at the shoal- est places varied from 18 inches to 2J feet at low water. The adopted project for the improvement of the river is to remove obstructions from the channel, blasting through rock reefs where necessary, in order to secure a depth of about 3 feet at low water. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $20,047.76, which has resulted in greatly improving navigation, securing a comparatively clear channel from the head of Carr's Shoals to the junction with the Ocmulgee, with an increased depth of about 3 feet at low water. The improvement of Carr's Shoals was completed during the year, giving a channel depth of over 24 feet at low water. The appropriation available and that herein asked for can be profit- ably expended in continuing the proposed improvement of the river channel. July 1, 1883, amount available-----------------.......................-----.-------........ ---- $2,228 81 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .-------------.. .... $1, 756 57 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................---------------------------.. 20 00 1,776 57 July 1, 1884, amount available .. . . . . . .. 452 24 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 ..........-...----........ 3, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885...........---..........3, 452 24 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 26, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 12.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 259 13. Red River, Tennessee.-This river is a tributary of the Cumber- land, which it enters near Clarksville. An examination was made in 1880 below Port Royal, a distance of about 38 miles. The approved plan was to remove channel obstructions and build wing-dams. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $5,000, and has resulted in giving an increased depth of about 4 inches at the improved shoals. No appropriation has been made since 1881. The commerce being lim- ited, and the several bridges spanning the lower river being serious ob- structions, it is not deemed advisable or necessary to recommend any further expenditure of money upon this stream at present. July 1, 1883, amount available ............ -$43 ................ ............... 57 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .......................... 19 98 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities............................ 23 68 - 43 57 (See Appendix Z 13.) 14. Little Tennessee River, Tennessee.-The Little Tennessee River rises in the Blue Ridge; is a tributary of the Tennessee River, which it enters at Lenoir's. Three examinations have been made of this stream, the highest point reached being at Rabun's Gap, Georgia. In 1882 the examination ex- tended from its mouth about 13 miles to mouth of Jellico River. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $4,935.87, and has resulted in clearing the channel of surface obstructions and greatly im- proving six of the most difficult shoals. Rivermen express much satis- faction at the results so far obtained, especially in the increased length of the season for navigation. The appropriation asked for ($10,000) can be profitably expended in carrying on the work under the approved project. July 1, 1883, amount available-------------------------------------.......................................... $2,799 46 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......................... $2, 692 83 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .......................... . 42 50 - 2, 735 33 July 1, 1884, amount available.........................................-----------------------------------------. 64 13 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ----...... .... 18,724 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 14.) 15. South Fork of Cumberland River, Kentucky.-This is a tributary of the Cumberland, and enters it at Burnside, Ky. An examination of the river was made by the United States in 1881. The obstructions, from the Kentucky -and Tennessee boundary to its mouth, consist of reefs, bowlders, gravel-bars, &c. The river has a width of from 200 to 400 feet, and a slope of 76 feet in the last 31 miles. The plan of improvement contemplates the removal of obstructions, so as to secure safe navigation when there is a tide of at least 3 feet above low water. The total amount expended up to June 30, 1884, was $1,744.72, and has been applied in fitting up and caring for the necessary boats and materials and in the partial improvement of Sloan's Shoals. No work has been done since May, 1883. The balance available and the additional sum asked for can be applied to carrying forward the present plan of improvement from the mouth of the river to the Kentucky State line. 260 REPORT OF .THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1, 1883, amount available-.......................................... $1,303 68 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 48 40 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................--------------------------... 1,255 28 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...... . ........... 4, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885------......--.. ........ 5,255 28 - Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-----.......... 55,803 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 10, 000 00 (See Appendix Z 15.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were examined by the local engineer in charge and not recommended for improvement: Cumberland River and its principal tributaries above Pineville, Ken- tucky. (See Appendix Z 16.) And upon a favorable report, after preliminary examination, Major King was charged with and completed the following, the result of which was transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 129, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: Survey to ascertain the cost of placing locks and dams on the Cumberland River from Nashville, Tennessee, to the Cincinnati and Southern Railroad, in Kentucky. (See Appendix Z 17.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE OHIO RIVER; OPERATING AND CARE OF LOUIS- VILLE AND PORTLAND CANAL; IMPROVING FALLS OF OHIO RIVER AT LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY; IMPROVEMENT OF THE MONONGAHELA AND ALLEGHENY RIVERS; CONSTRUCTION OF AN ICE-HIARBOR AT MOUTH OF MUSKINGUM RIVER, OHIO7 AND OF A HARBOR OF REGUGE NEAR CINCINNATI. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. William E. Merrill, Corps of Engineers, having under his immediate orders Capt. Frederick A. Mahan, Corps of Engineers. 1. Ohio River.-Davis Island Movable Dam.-Duringthe year the fixed dam behind Davis Island was completed. The whole of the movable dam is completed except a few trestle floors, which can be added at any time. The whole work is practically finished, except the lock-gates, the machinery for moving them, and the movable dam across the head of the lock. Dike at the Trap.-The root of the dike at this place was repaired. Dam at Brown's Island.-This work was completed, but some of the paving was washed out during the winter and will be replaced during present season. Dike at Twelve-Pole.-This work was completed. Dike at PortlandBar.-This work was completed. Dike at Puppy Creek Bar.-This work was completed. Upper Dike at the Grand Chain.-The substructure of this dike is complete for a length of 2,700 feet and the superstructure for a length of 2,670 feet. The dike is to be 3,000 feet long. Lower Dike at the Grand Chain.-This work has been completed. Dredging and snagging.-No work of either kind was done during the fiscal year. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 261 Removal of rocks.--About 700 cubic yards of rock were removed from the bar at the mouth of the Licking. Falls of the Ohio.-The middle chute in the dam at the head of the falls was widened from 300 to 500 feet by an addition of 200 feet to the Boul6 movable dam. Another section of Boul6 movable dam, 160 feet long, was placed in the Indiana Chute. The result of these changes has been to reduce the current so that ascending boats no longer have any trouble in getting above the dam whenever the stage of the river per- mits them to get to it. A training-wall has been extended down-stream from the north end of the Middle Chute, which has answered a good purpose. The original condition of the Ohio River as to depth, width, and nav- igability cannot be stated in definite figures, as there is no defined plane from which to measure, both the low-water line and the elevation of the river-bed being variable. There has undoubtedly been a gen- er41 improvement. The general method of improvement has been to remove snags and rocks, to close up duplicate channels by low dams, to hold up and guide the water by dikes where the river is too wide, and to remove hard bars and projecting points. The radical improvement of the river so as to secure a minimum depth of 6 feet in low water has been begun by the construction of the Davis Island Dam. The amount appropriated for the improvement of the Ohio River, from the first appropriation in 1827 to July 5, 1884, is $3,770,479.25. In additipn to this there has been allotted to this river a portion of twenty-three different combined appropriations for the Ohio, Missis- sippi, Missouri, and Arkansas rivers, which aggregate $1,947,000, but the amount thus allotted is unknown. The amount asked to be expended during the next fiscal year is $600,000. July 1, 1883, amount available-----------------------------..............................----........$111,213 37 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...................--------------------..... $82, 926 08 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......................------------------------.... 9,205 29 92,131 37 July 1, 1884, amount available-----.......................................... -------------------------------- 19,082 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.-....-............. 600, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ....----.----....----....-.... 619, 082 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 600,000 00 (See Appendix A A 1.) 2. Operating and care of Louisville and Portland Canal.- During the fiscal year the canal was in operation for 275 days; it was closed for 48 days on account of high water, and for 43 days by ice. During the year 4,346 vessels, representing an undertonnage of 1,070,650 tons, passed through the canal. The total expenditures for the year ending June 30, 1884, were $53,189.18, of which sum $2,135.42 was for repairing damages caused by the great flood of February, 1884. The estimated amount required for operating and maintaining the canal during 1884-'85 is $94,340, and during 1885-'86, $88,340. The great improvement in navigation caused by the changes in the dam at the head of the falls seems to have removed the necessity for a high-water lock. It is proposed to postpone this work until the ques- tion of its necessity can be decided by longer experience. 262 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The plan for enlarging the entrance to the canal, presented in the last annual report, having been adopted by Congress, it is expected that this work of enlargement will be begun during the present season. (See Appendix A A 2.) 3. Improving .Fallsof the Ohio River at Louisville, Kentucky.-Work on this improvement, which is the much-needed enlargement of the harbor of Louisville, and the upper portion of the Louisville and Portland Canal, has not yet been begun, as the first appropriation was made by the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884. It is estimated that $500,000 can profitably be expended on this work during the next fiscal year. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ------------------- $ 300,000 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project -......... 1,035,363 Amount thatcan be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 500, 000 (See Appendix A A 3.) 4. Monongahela River, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.-Owing to lack of funds, nothing was done on this river except to receive stone from the contractor. Before work was begun on the Upper Monongahela it was unnavi- gable except in freshets. The originally adopted project contemplated the construction of three locks and dams, so as to extend the existing slackwater from New Geneva to Morgantown. Of these No. 7 was to be built by the Monon- gahela Navigation Company, and Nos. 8 and 9 by the United States. The amount appropriated up to July 5, 1884, towards carrying out this prqject is $307,000, of which sum $259,840.74 had been expended up to June 30, 1884. The result obtained is the construction of one masonry lock and dam and the commencement of another. The finished dam gives at least 6 feet of water throughout its pool during all stages. The amount that can be profitably expended during the next fiscal year is stated below. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... --------- $23,299 3 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...................----------------------..... $15, 872 26 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 5,267 83 --- 21,140 09 July 1, 1884, amount available....... ..............-.................-... 2,159 26 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 45,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 47,159 26 Amount (estimated) required for comple~lon of existing project.........----------. 48,901 17 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 48,900 00 (See Appendix A A 4.) 5. ,Allegheny River, Pennsylvania.-Owing to lack of funds no work was done on this river during the last fiscal year. The amount that can be profitably expended during the next fiscal year is $35,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................... ................. $816 69 July 1, 1884, amount available...................-...................... 816 69 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ........ .......... 35,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ....---.---...---........ 35,816 69 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 35, 000 00 (See Appendix A A 5.) 'RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 263 6. Ice-Harbor at mouth of Muskingum River, Ohio.-Owing to the lack of funds no work was done during the last fiscal year. The amount that can be profitably expended during the next fiscal year is $51,400. July 1, 1883, amount available .................................... -$7,916 96 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $2, 326 79 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ............- ............ 67 27 2, 394 06 July 1, 1884, amount available......- ........-...... ............ 5,522 90 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 55,522 90 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 51,400 00 (See Appendix A A 6.) 7. Harbor of Refuge near Cincinnati.-No work was done during the last fiscal year. With the funds on hand and the appropriation made by the act approved July 5, 1884, it is proposed to build a third dike on the Ohio shore which will complete the project for this place. No further appropriation is needed. July 1, 1883, amount available ........ ........... ... ,.............. $16,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......... ................. ................. 63 00 July 1, 1884, amount available .........................-........-........ 15,937 00 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-------.......--- . 17,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885------------------ ................... 32,937 00 (See Appendix A A 7.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following locality was examined by the local engineer in charge of the district and not recommended for improvement : 1. Tionesta Creek, Pennsylvania. (See Appendix A A 8.) Upon a favorable report after pre iminary examination Lieutenant- Colonel Merrill was charged with and completed the following, the re- sults of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. I)oc. No. 77, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. Ice-Harborat Middleport, Meigs County, Ohio. (See Appendix A A 9.) 2. Ohio River at Rochester and Freedomfor ice-breakers. (See Appendix A 10.) 3. Survey and estimate of cost of excavating a channel through Grand and Little Chains in the Ohio River sufficient to pass boats and give a depth of 6 feet at low water. (See Appendix A A 11.) 4. Youghiogheny River,from McKeesport to Connellsville, Pennsylvania. (See Appendix A A 12.) 5. Taggart's Valley River, West Virginia, above Grafton, to the Three Forks of Buckhannon. (See Appendix A A 13.) 2 64 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. IMPROVEMENT OF KENTUCKY AND TRADEWATER RIVERS, KENTUCKY ; BIG SANDY RIVER, KENTUCKY AND WEST VIRGINIA ; AND OF GUY- ANDOTTE AND LITTLE KANAWHA RIVERS, WEST VIRGINIA. Officer in charge, Capt. J. C. Post, Corps of Engineers. 1. Kentucky River, Kentucky.-The present plan of improvement adopted contemplates slackwater navigation on this river from its mouth to the junction of the Three Forks, at Beattyville, a distance of 252 miles. This required the repair of five locks and dams, constructed by the State of Kentucky, and the construction of twelve new locks and dams. The operations of the past year have been confined to the repairs of the first four locks and dams, and maintaining slackwater navigation by their means for a distance of 82 miles, or 17 miles above the city of Frank- fort. The latter has been practically continuous, the only interruptions being during the season of extreme low water in the Ohio and the freshet of February, 1884. A survey has also been made for the location of locks and Dams Nos. 7 and 8. The project of the construction of a lock and movable dam at Beattyville, Ky., was submitted to a Board of Engineers for discussion. Their preliminary report was printed as House Ex. Doc. No. 36, Forty-eighth Congress, first session, and will be found in Appendix B B 1 of this Report. No work was done upon this dam beyond preparation of the necessary drawings in conformity with the report of the Board. During the present fiscal year such repairs as are yet unfinished will be made upon the four Locks and dams now in operation; Lock No. 5 will be repaired, and Dam No. 5, and that at Beattyville will be con- structed as soon as the land needed for the latter can be acquired. The land for Lock and Dam No. 6 will also be obtained, and their con- struction will be advanced as far as the appropriation will permit. A survey will be made for locating the remaining locks and dams. The attention of Congress is invited to the necessity of obtaining the required land for the additional locks and dams that are to be built at an early date. Delays, oftentimes of a year or more, in the construc- tion of the works can in this way be avoided. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is proposed to com- plete the construction of Lock and Dam No. 6, and construct four addi- tional locks and dams. Total amount appropriated to date .................................... $800, 000 00 Total amount expended to date....................................------------------------------------.. 475,547 94 July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... 107,772 03 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-----......--...---.. ....-.- ...... -----....--....-......-...... 33, 319 97 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................-------------------------------------... 74,452 06 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................... 250, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending Jube 30, 1885-................ 324,452 06 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.. ...... 2,221,639 26 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 500, 000 00 (See Appendix B B 1.) 2. Tradewater River, Kentucky.-The present project for improving this river was submitted January 21, 1881. This had been commenced RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 265 and the improvement extended 7 miles. During the past fiscal year a distance of 12 miles was cleared of snags and overhanging trees, and the river has now an unobstructed channel for 19 miles. Several steam- ers have been running upon this river during the present season. This improvement will be continued with appropriation made by the act of July 5, 1884, and it is proposed to extend it with the amount asked for. Total amount appropriated to date--------------------------------- .................................... $8,500 00 Total amount expended July 1, 1884 ..........-..... ....-....--......... 6,441 22 July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... 3,502 92 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................... ..................... 3, 444 14 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................----------------------------------------.. 58 78 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................-----------------..... 2,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885--------............---------........- 2, 058 78 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 8, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886- 5.000 00 (See Appendix B B 2.) 3. Big Sandy River, West Virginia and Kentucky.-The project for im- proving the natural channels of this river and its forks, by the removal of snags, bowlders, and overhanging trees, and the concentration of the water at low stages into narrow channels, was adopted in 1878. This has been continued, and a clear channel was formed 50 feet wide and 2 feet deep, at ordinary low water from Louisa, Ky., to 100 miles above, on the Louisa Fork, or 15 miles above Piketon, Ky., the head of steam- boat navigation. A channel of the same dimensions has also been formed from Louisa up the Tug Fork, 108 miles. This latter includes the Roughs of Tug, and extends 6 miles above it. A project for build- ing a lock at Louisa, to form a pool extending several miles up the two forks, was approved in 1880. During the past year a contract was made for the delivery of the stone needed for the lock, and 2,768.58 cubic yards of stone of the required kinds have been received. The excavation for the foundation of the lock was commenced June 1, and 2,132.34 cubic yards of rock and 1,623.3 cubic yards of earth have been removed. The Louisa Fork was cleared of obstructions for a distance of 36 miles from its mouth, and the wing-dams that had formerly been constructed were repaired. New wing-dams were constructed at White House and Lost Creek Shoals. With the $50,000 appropriated by act of July 5, 1884, the construc- tion of the lock will be continued as far as practicable. With the $10,000 of this sum designated by Congress for continuing the improvement upon the Tug and Louisa forks, $5,000 for each, these streams will be cleared of obstructions as far as practicable, and the wing-dams already constructed will be repaired. It is estimated that it will require an additional amount of $10,000 for each of the forks to complete their improvement. This amount has been added to the estimate for the completion of the present project. It is proposed to apply the amount asked for to the construction of the lock and dam and to the improvement of the Tug and Louisa forks. 2f6 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Total amount appropriated fur this river to date. ........................ $204, 000 00 Total amount expended to June 30, 1884 ................................ 74,225 99 July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... 101,564 72 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....-....-....-....-..........-....-.............. - 21, 790 71 July 1,1884, amount available........-- ........--.......................... 79, 774 01 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................. .. 129,774 01 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 92,645 31 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix B B 3.) 4. Guyandotte River, West Virginia and Kentucky.-The project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1878, and operations have been continued in conformity with it. This consisted in removing ob- structions, both natural and artificial, and opening a clear channel 30 feet wide and 18 inches deep at the lowest stages of water. During the past fiscal year operations were carried on upon that por- tion of the river extending from Dam No. 1, 7 miles from the mouth of the river, to Sand Lick Bar, a distance of 914 miles. Snags, trees, and rocks were removed, and new channels were formed where necessary. The completion of the present plan of improvement is estimated at $10,000. Of this amount $2,000 was appropriated by act of July 5, 1884. During the present fiscal year this improvement will be contin- ued. It is proposed to complete the project with the amount asked for. Total amount appropriated to date.... ................... ........ $12, 500 00 Total amount expended to July 1, 1884 ................................ 10, 500 00 July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... 1,418 88 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883-.................. ....................... 1,418 88 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................. 2,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 8,000 00 Amountthat can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 8,000 00 (See Appendix B B 4.) 5. Little Kanawha River, West Virginia.-Thepresent project, adopted in 1880, proposes, by the construction of an additional lock and dam, to extend the slackwater navigation upon this river a distance of 12 miles. No other operations than receiving the stone contracted for April 17, 1882, and preparing it for laying have been carried on during the past fiscal year. One thousand one hundred and fifty-four cubic yards of dimension stone and 1,404.2 cubic yards of rubble have been received. As the small amount of stone that remained to be received under this contract at the close of last season could be obtained at less cost than the contract price, and the contractor requested to be released, his appli- cation was granted. An examination of all the works constructed in the upper portion of the river for open river navigation in 1879 and 1880 was made. This developed that they needed repairs, which are estimated to cost $4,500. This sum has been added to the amount required for the com- pletion of the present project. With the $31,000 made available by act of July 5,1884, it is proposed to commence the construction of the lock. It is proposed, with the amount asked for, to complete the lock and RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 267 dam and make the necessary changes required for the improvement of the navigation of the upper river. Total amount appropriated for this river to date...... ..- ........ $129, 300 00 Total amount expended to June 30, 1884 ................................. 88,323 05 July 1,1883, amount available ........................................... 62,267 70 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 21,290 75 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 40,976,95 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 55,173 02 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 55,200 00 (See Appendix B B 5.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENT, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following locality was examined by the local engineer in charge of the district and not recommended for improvement: Extending the survey of the Louisa Fork of the Big Sandy River to Grundy Court-House. (See Appendix B B 6.) IMPROVEMENT OF WABASH RIVER, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS, AND OF WHITE RIVER, INDIANA. Officer in charge, Maj. Jared A. Smith, Corps of Engineers. 1. Wabash River, Indiana and Illinois-a.Below Vincennes.-With the small balance available at the beginning of the fiscal year the only ex- tended work which could be continued was at Little Chain. Through the reef at this place a new channel has been blasted and dredged 1,610 feet long and 35 feet wide, with an additional length of 250 feet 45 feet wide. The stone has been placed in a dike on the Indiana side, with ring- bolts at intervals of 200 feet, to assist ascending steamers if needed. The channel should be further widened to 100 feet or more, and it is expected to give at least 3J feet of water at the lowest stage. With the present channel, boats can pass with great care at stages when it has never before been possible. Some small repairs have been made to the planking of dam in New Harmony Cut-off. The detailed survey of the river has been continued to Mount Carmel, Ill. Improvements thus far have been followed by greatly reduced freight rates to all within the adjacent counties, whether shipping by boat or rail. The channel is fairly good for a distance of 80 miles below Mount Carmel, and the benefits have fully justified the outlay. The entire amount expended to June 30, 1884, has been $389,354.26. The principal points requiring further improvements, besides remov- ing snags and making various small wing-dams and bank protections, are Widow Goss' Bar, Skidmore Bar, Little Chain, Grand Chain, and Grand Rapids. Several other points require attention, but they are not extensive. The lock and dam at Grand Rapids, the estimate for which is $130,000, is the only expensive work required. It is hoped to commence its con- struction the ensuing year. 268 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates $30,000, and a further appro- priation, for this purpose, of $100,000 is recommended by the officer in charge to continue the work, in addition to $70,000 required to com- plete works at Little Chain, Widow Goss' and Skidmore bars, and to continue other improvements. July 1, 1883, amount available-...........----------.----------......---......---------......---......---...... $18, 093 93 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding ---------------------- liabilities July 1, 1883--------------------.................................... 16, 337 86 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 1,756 07 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884......-.......... 30,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 31,756 07 Amount (estimated) required for completion of works indicated- ......... 200, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 170, 000 00 (See Appendix C C 1.) b. Above Vincennes.-The removal of snags from channel between Vincennes and Terre Haute was continued from July 1 to October 31, 1883. Six hundred and ten large snags and 186 overhanging trees were removed, cut in pieces, and put out of the way. A substantial dam, 200 feet long, of piles, brush, and stone, with shore protections above and below at each end, has been nearly com- pleted across the cut-off at Horseshoe Island. The survey of the river was extended to Vincennes and then continued below to Mount Carmel, Ill. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, has been $53,021.14. The channel from Vincennes to Terre Haute has been so far improved that steamers make regular trips the entire distance during nearly all the year. A few points only are difficult to navigate at extreme low water, and the improvements required are comparatively inexpensive. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates $10,000 for this portion of the river. The removal of snags should be continued, and various small wing- dams and shore protections constructed, for which an estimate of $40,000 for the year ending June 30, 1886, is submitted. July 1, 1883, amount available...........- .......--......-....-.......-...... --- $13, 820 46 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-.............................................---------- 11,841 60 July 1, 1884, amount available.. . ..... .......................... .... 1,978 86 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--..------................. 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885------- ................... 11,978 86 Amount (estimated) required for works indicated....-....-................ 50, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 40, 000 00 (See Appendix C C 1.) 2. White River, Indiana.--As the dredge procured for the Wabash and White rivers was employed on the former work all the season of 1883, and the available funds were small in amount, no work save the necessary care and repair of plant was undertaken until the spring of 1884. The drilling, blasting, and dredging of a new channel at Kelly's Ripple was commenced May 28. June 30, the first cut, 35 feet wide, had been extended 664 feet. Until the cut is entirely through the reef no benefit can be realized therefrom. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 269 The work will be continued with the appropriation of July 5, 1884. The improvements already made on the river have very greatly bene- fited navigation, and small steamboats are now running regularly over a distance of 45 miles or more. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, has been $81,110.01. A great many snags are still in the river, and should be removed. The work at Kelly's Ripple should be completed, and several wing- dams and shore protections constructed. July 1, 1883, amount available......-....-....--....... -.................... $6, 530 19 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...................... ........... ... ........ 2, 640 20 July 1, 1884, amount available................----......-......-........-...... 3,889 99 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 13, 889 99 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 55,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix C C 2.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENT, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. An examination was made by the local engineer in charge of the stone formation in Kankakee River, at Momence, Illinois,and the improve- ment of the locality in question was reported as not a public necessity. (See Appendix C C 3.) BRIDGING NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES. 1. Bridge across Thames River near New London, in the State of Con- necticut, authorized by act of Congress of March 3, 1883.-The joint Board of Army and Navy officers appointed, as provided for in section 2 of the above act, rendered a report approving, with certain conditions, the project for the construction of this bridge submitted by the New York, Providence and Boston Railroad Company. The action of the Board having been approved by the Secretary of War, the company was so informed July 28, 1883. (See Appendix D D 1.) 2. Bridge across the Ohio River at the city of Wheeling, in pursuance of the act of Congress of December 17, 1872, and of the act of February14, 1883, supplementary thereto.-A fiall statement of all matters relating to the erection of this bridge, when plans therefor were submitted by the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway Company, will be found in Appendix B B of the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1882, and the subsequent action thereon, in the Appendix of this Report. The conditions and requirements of the Board having been approved by the Secretary of War, were accepted by the Wheeling and Harris- burg Railway Company November 12, 1883. (See Appendix D D 2.) 3. Bridge across the Ohio River near Beaver, Pennsylvania.-The Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad Company having failed to comply with the requirements of the law of December 17, 1872, authorizing the construction of bridges across the Ohio River, at the request of the 270 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. general solicitor of that company a Board of Enginar officers was constituted to further examine the questions at issue with the view to avoiding all litigation between the United States and the railroad com- pany The Board failed to effect arrangements with the company, and in consequence the Department of Justice has been requested to instruct the United States district attorney for the western district of Penn- sylvania to continue proceedings in the case and press them to final completion. For report of the Board and action thereon, see Appendix D D 3. 4. Bridge across the Arkansas River at Little Rock, Arkansas.-The authority to bridge the Arkansas River claimed by the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railway Company is derived from an act of the general assembly of the State of Arkansas of January 22,1855, and from an act of Congress of July 28, 1866 (United States Statutes, volume 14, page 338). It does not appear that there is authority granted by this last act to bridge the Arkansas River at Little Rock except by implication, and certainly there is no authority given to the Secretary of War to approve or disapprove the plan or location of any bridge constructed by the above.company. It has been assumed by the War Department in cases where Congress has not authorized the construction of a bridge or has not required the Secretary of War to approve the plan, &c., of a bridge as a condition to its being built that he cannot authorize or forbid its construction, but when satisfied that any intended structure of this kind, or any other, will seriously impair the navigation of the channels of the navigable waters of the United States the Secretary of War has not failed, through the Department of Justice, to endeavor to prevent the erection of such structures. The parties interested in the above bridge have been informed that if some slight changes suggested are made, no objection would be inter- posed to its construction. (See Appendix D D 4.) 5. Bridge of the Saint Louis and San FranciscoRailway Company across the Arkansas River at 'Van Buren, Arkansas.-The construction of this bridge was authorized by act of Congress of July 3, 1882. The plan and location submitted to the Secretary of War was referred for examination to a Board of Engineer officers, who recommended a change in the pro- posed location of the bridge. Objection was urged by the railway com- pany against such change as involving an increase of expenditure which, it was claimed, the company could not afford. The location originally proposed was finally approved by the Secre- tary of War February 1, 1884, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, and upon the following conditions, which have been accepted by the company, viz, that in case the building of the bridge shall occa- sion any obstruction to navigation, the company shall construct, at its own expense, such works as the Secretary of War may direct to remove such obstructions, this obligation being in addition to the requirements of section 6 of the act authorizing the construction of the bridge and relating to works to be constructed and maintained by the company for guiding steamboats, rafts, &c., " safely through the passage-way." (See Appendix D D 5.) 6. Bridge of the Chippewa Falls and Western Railway Company across the Saint Croix River, in the States of Wisconsin and Minnesota, author- ized by the act of April 28, 1884.-The design and drawing of this bridge, RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 271 with map of the proposed location, were submitted to the War Depart- ment by the vice-president of the company May 2, 1884, as required by law, and approved by the Secretary of War May 8, on the recommenda- tion of the Chief of Engineers. 7. Pile and ponton bridge across the Mississippi River at Dubuque, Iowa.-The secretary of the East Dubuque Bridge Company trans- mitted to the War Department July 6,1882, plans and specifications for the proposed bridge, which, having been referred to Maj. A. Macken- zie, Corps of Engineers, were by him returned with a report, dated July 31,1882, recommending certain modifications of the plan, reducing the draw-opening to about 400 feet. These were concurred in by this office and the War Department, and adopted by the bridge company August 21, 1882. The plan, however, could not at the time receive the approval of the Secretary of War, for the reason that the act of March 3, 1875, author- izing the bridge, fixed the width of the draw at not less than 500 feet. The difficulty was obviated by the act of May 29, 1884, which author- izes for the bridge, a draw of not less than 400 feet in width, and thus permitted the approval by the Secretary of War, June 6, 1884, of the modified plan above referred to. For the correspondence on this subject see Appendix C C 2 of the last Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers. 8. Bridges across the Great KanawhaRiver, West Virginia.-In reply to a reference to this office of a letter of April 30, 1884, from the chair- man of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate, referring to the War Department a bill (Senate 1441) " to authorize the construction of bridges across the Great Kanawha and to prescribe dimensions for the same," with the request that it be referred to a Board of Engineer officers for consideration and report. The Board constituted in compli- ance thereto submitted a report covering all of the points in the case, with its views and conclusions thereon, which were fully concurred in by the Chief of Engineers. In view of its importance to the general subject of bridging naviga- ble waters, the report was printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 114, Forty- eighth Congress, first session. (See Appendix DD 6.) LAKE HARBORS AND RIVERS. IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBOR AT DULUTH, MINNESOTA, AND OF THE ENTRANCE TO SUPERIOR BAY,LAKE SUPERIOR-IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBOR AT GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA. Officer in charge, Maj. Chas. J. Allen, Corps of Engineers. 1. Harborat Duluth,Minnesota.-The presentplan of improvement was adopted in 1881, and is based upon the report and estimates of a Board of Engineers convened in January, 1881, which contemplated the main- tenance of the dredged areas and enlargement of the harbor by dredg- ing, as follows: 1. On a line from Rice's to Minnesota Point; 2. On a line past the Blast Furnace Docks to intersection with the channel of the Saint Louis River; 3. On a line parallel to Minnesota Point; and, 4. Along the west side of Rice's Point, in Saint Louis Bay. The dredging to provide for a depth of 16 feet at low water. The cost of the plan, including the maintenance for the present of the canal 272 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. piers, placed at $212,988.36. This estimate, for reasons stated in ap- pendix, was increased to $305,424. The inner (present) harbor of Duluth is an artificial one, succeeding the cutting of a canal in 1870 and 1871 by the city of Duluth through Minnesota Point. The work came under the charge of the Government in 1873 in consequence of an act of Congress making appropriation for the same. The original depth in the harbor where the dock lines now are aver- aged 9 feet. Before the adoption of the present project (1881) the har- bor area was much restricted. The proposed dredged basin averages 3,200 feet in length by 1,450 feet in width. The area dredged over under the present project averages 3,000 feet in length by 850 in width. The areas dredged have required retouching more or less since 1873. During the summer and fall of 1883 certain of the shoals were removed twice. Over the dredged area the depth varies. Three-fourths of this area, mostly near the docks, has depths of 16 feet and more, some scat- tering shoals excepted. The channel to the Blast Furnace has a width of about 100 feet, with a narrow channel of 14 feet in depth. Between the Blast Furnace and the submerged dike the channel is 12 feet deep and 50 feet wide. From the dike to the Saint Louis River the width of channel is 50 feet, with depth of 144 feet. These channels are not completed. Amount expended under present project to June 30, 1884 (including outstanding liabilities), $99,826.50. The appropriation of $125,000 asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is to be applied to dredging and maintenance of piers border- ing the canal. July 1, 1883, amount available .........................................---------------. $21,326 72 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...... - - -----...... --...... $20, 662 30 $....... July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities. .. - -.: .... . 93 53 20,755 83 July 1, 1884, amount available-......................................... 570 89 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884......................45,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 45,570 89 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project per revised estimate ----------------------------------------------...------- 175, 424 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 75, 000 00 (See Appendix E E 1.) 2. Dredging Superior Bay, Wisconsin.-The present project for the im- provement of this harbor was adopted in 1881, and contemplated provid- ing a depth of 16 feet of water by dredging, as follows: 1. Deepening the channel between the piers at the entry. 2. Dredging channel from the entry past the mouth of the Nemadji River around and parallel to the shore of Superior Bay, to Quebec Wharf. 3. Thence from Quebec Wharf along the west side of the bay to an intersection with the channel of the Saint Louis River, opposite Connor's Point. 4. Up the Nemadji River for about half a mile. The deepening of the old Quebec Wharf Channel was afterwards added. Total estimated cost, $312,080, including preservation of the piers at the entry. The condition of the harbor and works at the close of the fiscal year RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 273 was as follows: A least depth of 16 feet throughout the entry; and in the Quebec and Northern Pacific Dock Channel generally 16 feet depth, though parts of the channel have shoaled to 13 feet since October, 1883. Before the work of improvement commenced, in 1881, under the present project, the ruling depth in the entry was 11 feet. Amount expended since adoption of the present project, $53,847.45. The sufn of $50,000 asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, to be expended in dredging and maintenance of piers. July 1, 1883, amount available -------.................. -- ...-----.................. $23,326 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 -$14,----....-............. -----..--...... 763 96 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities .. ----.... ---............---....-.... 4,538 95 ------ 19, 302 91 July 1, 1884, amount available...............------------..-------...... .--...-.......-------------.----...... 4,023 09 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-----------------......................-45, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 49, 023 09 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project, adopted in 1881....------------------------------------------------------- 217,080 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75,000 00 (See Appendix E E 2.) 3. Harbor at Grand MJarais, Minnesota.-The project for improvement adopted in 1879 provided for a breakwater, and for dredging within the area bounded by Mayhew's Point and the inner shore-line, to afford an- chorage for vessels drawing 16 feet. Work upon the breakwater was completed August 31. Dredging was resumed August 1, and continued until the 6th (lay of September, when the allotment for dredging was exhausted. In addition, the shore end of breakwater was strengthened. Before improvement commenced there was but a narrow space under the )protectionof the Point for vessels seeking refuge during storms, and the entrance was of insufficient depth. ,Vessels drawing 16 feet of water can now make the harbor. The harbor area should be considera- bly enlarged by dredging. The appropriation of $20,000 asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is to be expended in deepening and enlarging the harbor area and in maintaining the breakwater. Total amount expended to June 30, 1884 (including outstanding liabilities). $57, 283 30 Estimated cost of original project ..................................... 139,669 40 July 1, 1883, amount available.........----------.------------......--......-......----......------........ 19,811 29 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..------------------------------------------17,094 59 .--...........-......------.----------------.... July 1, 1884, amount available---- 2,716 70 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ......... ......... 12,716 70 -- Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 69,669 40 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix E E 3.) HARBORS ON LAKE SUPERIOR (EAST OF SUPERIOR CITY), ON GREEN BAY, AND ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF LAKE MICHIGAN NORTH OF MILWAUKEE. Officer in charge, Maj. J. W. Barlow, Corps of Engineers. 1. Ontonagon Harbor,Michigan.-Previousto the improvement of this harbor the channel at the river mouth was but 7 feet deep at the shoal- 590S E,--1S 274 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. est point, and the shifting nature of the lake bottom caused frequent changes in its position. The project of constructing piers extending from each bank of the river mouth lakeward to the 18-foot curve, and dredging a channel not less than 12 feet deep between them, was adopted in 1867.- During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the east pier was ex- tended 250 feet, and 200 linear feet of superstructure was built over the same pier. The amount expended during the year was $16,828.67. The total expenditures, amounting to $257,355.81, have resulted in the construction of an east pier 2,265 feet in length and a west pier 2,275 feet in length, and the removal-of 10,5461 cubic yards of sand from the outer bar, forming a channel 100 feet wide at its narrowest point, with a depth of about 12 feet at low water. It is proposed to apply the appropriation of $15,000 made at the last session of Congress in pier construction. The appropriation of $60,000 asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is for further pier extension. July 1, 1883, amount available .... ..... ...... ....... ................. $15,932 16 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--- .--.-. --... . .-- ----. ..--. . 15,787 97 July 1, 1884, amount available......................---------------------------.......... -...... 144 19 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-...................... 15, 000 00 - Amount available fox. fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ......-...... ...... 15, 144 19 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 91,170 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 60,000 00 (See Appendix F F 1.) 2. Eagle Harbor, Michigan.-Previousto the improvement of this har- bor the entrance was obstructed by a rocky reef, having about 9 feet of water at the shoalest point. The project for its improvement was adopted in 1866, and modified in 1868, 1874, and 1877. It included the blasting of a channel 130 feet wide and 14 feet deep through the reef, which has been marked by a guiding-crib on each side. The modified project was completed in 1879, and meets the present demands of commerce. The expenditures to June 30, 1884, have been $93,211.07. No work has been done during the fiscal year. The funds available are reserved for repairs which may be necessary, and will probably be sufficient for some years to come. No appropriation is asked. July 1, 1883, amount available............------------------------------------........................ $3,802 53 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...------.-----......-----....---------....---....-......------....----......----....----.... 13 60 July 1, 1884, amount available.................. ---......-....--....- --....-...... 3,788 93 (See Appendix F F 2.) 3. Marquette Harbor, Michigan.-Previousto improvement this harbor afforded no protection to vessels during easterly and northerly gales. The original project of improvement was adopted in 1866, and con- sisted in the construction of a breakwater 2,000 feet in length, varying from 25 to 40 feet in width, and built to a height of 6 feet above water, at an estimated cost of $385,129.58. The project was subsequently mod- ified by reducing the width to 20, 25, and 30 feet, and the work was completed during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876, a length of 2,010 feet having been built, at a cost of $290,646.55. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 275 The breakwater now affords an excellent protection for a limited num- ber of vessels during bad weather, but should be extended 400 feet fur- ther, at an estimated cost of $68,000, to provide the necessary anchorage room for the largely increased commerce of this port. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $307,062.68, of which $2,955.82 was 'expended during the last fiscal year for riprap and re- placing deck-plank. It is proposed to expend the appropriation of $5,000 made at the last session of Congress in further extension of the breakwater. Sixty-three thousand dollars can be profitably expended during the year ending June 30, 1886, in extending the breakwater so as to increase its advantages as a harbor of refuge, which will complete the project as recommended. July 1, 1883, amount available-..................-....-.................... $10, 123 14 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding. - liabilities July 1, 1883--............--- --...... -.................... ........ 2, 955 82 July 1, 1884, amount available...............------------------.-..-..--......-......-...... 7,167 32 Amount appropriated by.act approved July 5, 1884----- ......------......-----......---.;.. 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................------------------.... 12,167 32 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project--....-...... 63, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 63, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 3.) 4. Harbor of Refuge at Grand Marais, Michigan.-The object of this improvement is to provide a harbor of refuge for vessels navigating Lake Superior, in accordance with the recommendation of a Board of Engineers, adopted in 1881, the design being to form an artificial en- trance to the harbor by the construction of parallel piers, 500 feet apart, and dredging a cut through the sand-spit north of the harbor and be- tween the piers, making a channel 18 to 20 feet deep and 300 feet wide. The natural channel was variable, with a depthof not more than 6 feet. SDuring the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the west pier was ex- tended 450 feet, and the east pier was begun and built to a length of 600 feet, and 13,075 cubic yards of material were removed by dredging. The expenditures during the year were $54,663.29. Total expenditures since the beginning of the work, $64,495.06, re- sulting in the construction of 700 linear feet of west pier, 600 linear feet of east pier, and the removal of 32,104 cubic yards of material by dredging. It is proposed to apply the appropriation of July 5, 1884, to further pier extension. The appropriation of $200,000 asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is for further pier extension. The importance of a harbor of refuge at this place for the safety of the annually increasing commerce on Lake Superior, the isolated loca tion of the work, and the fact that no advantage will accrue from it to commerce until about $300,000 have been expended, are reasons for urging large annual appropriations. July 1, 1883, amount available .---......---...------...-..---......---......-----......----.... $57, 728 25 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883...... ...................................... 52,723 31 July 1, 1884, amount available.......--------.-------.....----......---------......--......------......----.... 5, 004 94 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 --...... ---...... ----....-...... 35, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ---.....-----.............. 40,004 94 276 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....---------...... 345, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 200, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 4.) 5. Manistique Harbor,Michigan.-ManistiqueHarbor is at the mouth of Manistique River. The natural channel of entrance to the mouth of the river was 7 feet deep. No work has been done during the year. By private enterprise 3,000 linear feet of slab-pier was built at the river mouth, and the chafinel was dredged to a depth of 10 feet previous to any appropriation having been made by the Government. By the acts of 1880 and 1881 the sum of $6,000 was appropriated for this harbor in order to dredge a channel 150 feet wide and 12 feet deep between piers built by a local lumbering company. Dredging was done to the amount of 11,780 cubic yards, and the work was then suspended by reason of the refusal of the company controlling the harbor to rectify their pier lines when rebuilding the same. No appropriation is asked for this harbor. -- July 1, 1883, amount available---......---....-......--......-................... $3,583 11 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..................................... ........... 81 32 July 1, 1884, amount available.................................... ---- ------ 3,501 79 (See Appendix F F 5.) 6. Harborat mouth of Cedar River, Michigan.-An examination of the mouth of Cedar River made in 1881 indicated the existence of a bar at the entrance, covered with less than 3 feet of water. Since then a channel has been dredged by private enterprise about 50 feet in width by 14 feet in depth, from the 14-foot curve in the bay to the steamboat dock in the river. The project of improvement is to form a channel of navigable width from the shore-line to the 16-foot curve in the bay by building piers, each 1,200 feet in length, and dredging between them to 14 feet depth, at a cost of $138,000. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $13,880.18, of which $13,299.56 was expended during the last fiscal year in beginning the improvement by the construction of 553 linear feet of pile pier, extend- ing outward from the north bank of the river mouth. A temporary light was placed.on the outer end of this pier by author- ity of the War Department. When the extension contemplated under the appropriation of July 5, 1884, is built it is thought that the pier will be completed to a suf- ficient extent to warrant the establishment of a permanent light by the Light-House Board. It is contemplated to expend the appropriation of $15,000 made July 5, 1884, in extending the north pier 200 linear feet, and in beginning the construction of a south pile pier and in dredging. The appropriation of $40,000 asked for during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is for the further extension of the pier already begun and dredging. ....-........... July 1, 1883, amount available---- .........-.--- .. $14,419 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.................... ...... --............. .... 13,299 56 July 1, 1884, amount available........-- .................................. 1,119 82 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 15, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 16, 119 82 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 277 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-------..........-108, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 40, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 6.) 7. Menomonee Harbor, Michigan and Wisconsin.-Previous to the im- provement of this harbor the natural channel was obstructed by a bar opposite the mouth of the Menomonee River, over which there was a depth of only 6 feet of water. The project of improvement was adopted in 1871 and modified in 1874, its object being to afford a channel of navigable width and not less than 14 feet depth, by pier extension and dredging. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the south pier was ex- tended 200 feet, and partial superstructure was built over 300 linear feet of the same pier. The north pier was extended 50 feet. Expenditures during the year were $13A,476.90. Total expenditures, amounting to $189,078.39, resulted in the con- struction of a north pier, 1,854 feet long; of a south pier, 2,710 feet long, and the removal of 205,828 cubic yards of material by dredging, making a channel 200 feet wide, with a depth of not less than 12 feet at low water, including a depth of 14 feet for a width of 100 feet. The rapid shoaling of the bay in the vicinity of the entrance to the channel between the piers will render it necessary, in order to meet the demands of commerce, to extend the piers to the 18-foot curve in the lake, at an estimated increase of $88,000 over the original estimate. The south pier is extensively used by the Menomonee River Lumber Company for storing lumber; such use is injurious to the pier. The sum of $10,000 appropriated at the last session of Congress will be devoted to further pier extension. The appropriation of $12,000 asked for the year ending June 30, 1886, is for further pier extension and necessary dredging. July 1, 1883, amount available-..-------......--------....---....-...------......----....-......-......-14,398 51 July 1, 1884, a, ount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--....--............... ...........-------------------------.----......-----....-.....-. 13,476 90 July 1, 1884, amount available------------------ ------ 921 61 -----.......................................... Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...........-............ 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ..--------.....--------.......... -10,921 (01 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----....---...... -12, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 186. 12, 000 01) (See Appendix FF 7.) 8. Oconto Harbor,Wisconsin.-In its natural condition the channel at the entrance to Oconto River was obstructed by a bar with less than 2 feet of water over it. Previous to 1881, when the first Government ap- propriation was made for its improvement, the citizens had, by the con- struction of a small amount of slab-pier and by dredging, increased this depth to 3. feet. The project of improvement proposes to secure an 8-foot channel from deep water in Green Bay to the city of Oconto by dredging, and the construction of piers, at an estimated cost of $150,000. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $24,804.85, of which $17,263.75 was expended during the last fiscal year. These expendi- tures have resulted in the construction of two slab-piers, one north of the harbor entrance 1,100 feet long, and one south of the harbor en- trance 1,900 feet long; the removal of 54,780 cubic yards of dredging by the United States dredges, making an 8-foot channel in the river, and the repair of the south pier where it had been damaged by ice. 278 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. All of this work, with the exception of the construction of 300 linear feet of the south pier, was done during the last fiscal year. It is proposed to expend the appropriation of $15,000 made at the last session of Congress in strengthening 1,000 linear feet of the south pier by close piling, and in further pier extension and dredging. The appropriation asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, should be applied to pier extension and dredging. July 1, 1883, amount available---------......----......---------.......--------.....----......-----...... ...... $16,626 79 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883----__..-- -------....---- ----. -- 16,431 64 July 1, 1884, amount available------- ....-----......-----.... -- 195 15 ----.----.....-......----....-----....- Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884--......-......---......-.... 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 15, 195 15 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.... ...... 85,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 8) 9. Pensawkee Harbor, Wisconsin.-The first appropriation for this har- bor was made in 1882; at that time the facilities of the natural chan- nel had been increased by private enterprise from a depth of 2 feet of water to a depth varying from 7 to 9 feet for a width of 30 feet, by the construction of 1,600 linear feet of continuous slab-pier and by dredg- ing. The project of improvement is for the extension of this 1,600 feet of pier a distance of 2,500 feet further, and the formation of a channel 100 feet wide and 10 feet deep from the bay into the harbor, at an estimated cost of $50,000. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $9,144.20, of which $8,499.05 was expended during the last fiscal year in building 1,300 linear feet of the proposed extension by contract, and in excavating 5,968 cubic yards of material from the channel and placing the same on the pier, by use of the United States dredges and hired labor. There now exists a channel 25 feet wide, with a depth of 10 feet at low water. The officer in charge having reported that there are at present no commercial or navigation interests to be benefited by improving this harbor, and that it is not necessary as a harbor of refuge, and having recommended that further expenditure upon its improvement be de- ferred until more satisfactory evidence of the necessity of the work is received, with the concurrence of the Chief of Engineers in this opin- ion, the recommendation was submitted to the Secretary of War, and approved by him. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $9,314 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883. ..- - .... .. 8,499 05 July 1, 1884, amount available--- 815 80 ....--....--......--......--....----....-----....--- Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884......-............... 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885----....-----....-----....----....--.... 5, 815 80 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 35, 000 00 (See Appendix FF 9.) 10. Green Bay Harbor, Wisconsin.-Before the improvement of this harbor was begun the channel between the mouth of Fox River and the deep water of Green Bay was circuitous and narrow, with but 6 feet of water at its shoalest point. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. The project of improvement was adopted in 1866, and modified in 1872 and 1881, its object being to secure a channel 200 feet wide, 14 feet deep, and 2 miles long in place of the natural channel, including a revetted cut across Grassy Island. During the past fiscal year, 31,476 cubic yards of material was dredged from the channel by contract and 20,7.5 cubic yards by the two United States dredges, a total of 52,211 cubic yards. Expenditures for the same period amounted to $9,044.51. The total expenditures since the beginning of the improvement amount to $256,686.33, resulting in a channel 10,600 feet long and 200 feet wide; for one-half of this width there is 10 feet of water; the rest of the channel has a depth of 14 feet at low water except where occa- sional shoals, which are now being removed, reduce the depth to 121 feet; 1,320 linear feet of pile and timber revetment has been built on the sides of the cut through Grassy Island. It is proposed to apply the appropriation of $10,000 made July 5, 1884, to the repair of the revetment, which is in very bad condition, and to dredging. The money asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, will also be applied to dredging ard repairs. July 1, 1883, amount available---------..------....---....--....-----....---------......-......-............ $12, 168 27 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883---------..------....---------....---....-....-.....--......----...----..---......-----...... 8,304 60 July 1, 1884, amount available---------....----------...-------....----...---....................-----...... 3,863 67 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885--....---....---......---...... ---- 13, 863 67 .Amotint (estimated) required for completion of existing project---.......... 37, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 10.) 11. Harbor of refuge at entrance of Sturgeon Bay Canal, Wisconsin.- The project of constructing a harbor of refuge at this point was adopted in 1873, and modified in 1879 and 1880. The modified project provides for the construction of two piers, each 1,200 feet long, 850 feet apart at the shore-line, enclosing the lake entrance to the canal and converging so as to make the harbor entrance 235 feet wide. Beyond them are placed two detached piers, each 150 feet long and 335 feet between their outer ends at the 18-foot curve in the lake; each detached pier connected with the adjacent main pier by a double row of fender piling. The proj- ect also includes dredging a channel 16 feet deep. The pier work has been completed with the exception of a small amount of superstructure, filling, and planking. During the fiscal year ending June 30,1884, the United States dredges removed 51,744 cubic yards of material from the channel, 200 linear feet of the north pier was riprapped, and 2091 cords of stone were placed in the cribs. The expenditures during that period amounted to $9,887.45; the total expenditures from the beginning of the work have been $148,894.10, resulting in the completion of the piers in accordance with the modified project of 1880, given above, with the exception of a small quantity of superstructure, planking, and filling, and the removal of 90,159 cubic yards of material by dredging. It is contemplated to expend the appropriation of $10,000 made July 5, 1884, in completing 350 linear feet of superstructure over the south pier, filling with stone and decking open superstructure on both piers and in dredging. 280 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The amount asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, should be applied to dredging and repairs. July 1, 1883, amount available................---....--..........--......-- .....-. $8,358 60 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883----...-------------------------------------........................................... 7,252 7) July 1, 1884, amount available----......................................... 1, 105 90 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 11, 105 90 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 20, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 18~6. 20, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 11.) 12. Ahnepee Harbor,Wisconsin.-Previous to the improvement of this harbor, the depth of water at the river mouth was only about 2 feet. The project of improvement adopted in 1875 provides for the formation of a small artificial harbor and a channel with not less than 12 feet of water, by the construction of piers and dredging. No work was done during the year ending June 30, 1884, the appro- priation of 1882 having been almost exhausted. Total expenditures amounting to $124,907.27 have resulted in the construction of a north and south pier, respectively 800 and 975 feet long. The space between the piers near the shore is 230 feet wide, con- tracted by the divergence of the north pier to 125 feet, whence the p)iers are parallel the remaining 200 feet of their length. The first 350 linear feet of the north pier and 625 linear feet of the south pier consist of pile construction 14 feet wide; the rest of the piers are constructed of crib-work 20 feet wide filled with stone. In addition to the work of pier construction there have been removed from the channel, by blasting, about 15,800 cubic yards of rock, and by dredging 77,865 cubic yards of sand and mud, forming a channel 50 feet wide, with a least depth of 10 feet. The piers originally estimated for were intended to reach the 18-foot curve, but owing to the filling in that has occurred, together with a lowering of the datum plane seven-tenths of a foot, they will only ex- tend to the 16}-foot curve. This length, however, is thought to be sufi- cient to give the depth of water required to meet the present wants of commerce. It is proposed to expend the appropriation of $15,000 made at the last session of Congress, and also the amount asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in pier extension, blasting, and dredging. July 1, 1883, amount available---------....---......-------......-......-------......---......--.--..--....-- 125 77 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ -------------- 33 04 July 1, 1884, amount available-----------------------.......................................... 92 71 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..... ....-......-...-. 15, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885----.............-----...... --- 15, 092 71 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 35, 000 0, Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 35, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 12.) 13. Kewaunee Harbor,Wisconsin.-The natural entrance to this harbor was via Kewaunee River. The river mouth was not more than 20 feet wide, with a depth of about 2 feet at its shoalest )oint, and obstructed by submerged bowlders. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 281 The project of improvement was adopted in 1881. Its design was t, cut a channel through a neck of land between the river and the lake, at a point abqut 2,000 feet south of the river mouth, and to continue this channel to deep water in the lake by the construction of two par- allel piers 200 feet apart, extending from each side of the cut lakeward to the 18-foot curve. The cut through the spit has not been begun. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the north pier was ex- tended 450 linear feet. The amount expended during the year was $8,224.28. The total amount expended by the United States amounts to $16,124.76. In addition to this, the harbor commissioners have expended $8,042.72, These expenditures have resulted in the construction of 700 linear feet of a north pile pier, 14 feet wide, and in 275 linear feet of a south pier of the same width. Under the appropriation of $18,000, made July 5. 1884, further pier extension and dredging is contemplated. The appropriation asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is also for pier extension and dredging. No harbor facilities can be obtained until the piers are further ex- tended and a cut dredged across the spit separating the river from the lake. $8, 981 2' 4mount July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................-------------------------------------... July 1, 1884, expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883----------......-------......----....--......---..-------......-...... .-----.....--...... 8,105 9 July 1, 1884, amount available-------.... ---......---------.... ----.---..--............----....----..--..-.... 875 24 Amount appropriated by act ap)proved July 5, 1884--------------------...................... 18,000 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 18,875 24 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... - -- 156,957 2i Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886- 50, 000 04 (See Appendix F F 13.) 14. Two Rivers Harbor, Xisconsi.-Previous to the improvement or this harbor the natural channel was ob)structed by a bar covered by but 2 or 3 feet of water. The project of improvement adopted in 1870, and modified in 1877. provided for the formation of a channel of navigable width and not less than 12 feet deep. This was to be accomplished by the construction of two piers extending from the river mouth lakeward to the 18-foot curve and by dredging. No work was done during the year ending June 30, 1884. The total expenditures to that date were $185,148.70, resulting in the construction of two parallel piers as follows : A north pir 1,810 feet long, the inner 1,060 linear feet of which consists of pile pier and the outci 750 feet of crib-pier; a south pier 1710 feet long, 960 linear feet of which is pile pier, and the outer 750 feet crib-pier. The crib sections of the two piers begin at points opposite, and are 230 feet apart; the 1)ile sec tions are 270 feet apart. One hundred and eighty thousand five hun- dred and forty-two cubic yards of material have been removed by dredg- ing. The channel varies in width from 75 to 200 feet and had a depth of 10 feet at low water; this depth has been reduced in places to less than 8 feet by shoaling during the last year. It will be dredged during the present season with, the funds on hand from the appropriation of 1882. It is proposed to expend the appropriation of $8,000 made at the last session of Congress in completing unfinished superstructure over both piers. 28 2 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The appropriation asked for the year ending June 30, 1886, should be applied to further pier extension and dredging. July 1, 1883, amount available---------..........-----------....----....--......----...----......------------....-----.... $4,991 56 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--- ---...------.----.------ ---- --- 145 (5 July 1, 1884, amount available..... ---------- ----------------..................-------------.............. 4,846 51 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-----........---- 8,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .....-.....-......--. 12, 846 51 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 67,588 80 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 14.) 15. Manitowoc Harbor, Wisconsin-Previous to the improvement of this harbor, but 3 feet of water existed at the shoalest point over the bar at the river mouth. The project of forming a channel of not less than 14 feet depth by the construction of parallel piers extending from the river mouth lake- ward, and by dredging between them, was adopted in 1866 and modi- fied in 1872 and 1881. No work was done during the year ending June 30, 1884. The total expenditures to that date, amounting to $259,974.96, have resulted in the construction of a north and a south crib-pier, 1,720 and 1,650 feet long respectively, 228 feet apart at the shore-line and 250. feet apart at the lake extremities; also in the formation of a channel 100 feet wide, with a depth varying from 13 to 16 feet, by the removal of 156,877 cubic yards of material. The appropriation of $15,000 made July 5, 1884, and also the appro- priation asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, should be ap- plied to pier extension and dredging. July 1, 1883, amount available....-------....------......--......----......---......---.......... $2,508 15 July 1, 184, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-----......------......----....-......-----.... --...-------------------- 668 86 July 1, 1884, amount available.........................................---------------------------------------. 1,839 29 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 16,839 29 Amoumt (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 39, 362 54 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1S86. 39,000 00 (See Appendix F F 15.) 16. Sheboygan Harbor, Wisconsin.-Previous to the improvement of this harbor, the natural channel had a depth not exceeding 4 feet on the bar at the entrance to the river. The project adopted in 1852 had for its object the formation of a 12- foot channel by the construction of piers and dredging. This was modi- fied in 1873, so as to secure a deeper channel by further pier extension and dredging. Both projects were completed within their estimated cost, and a channel was formed 100 feet wide with a depth of 15 to 16 feet between the piers. The existing project was adopted in 1881; its object being to deepen the channel still further by extending the piers to the 20-foot curve, and dredging to a depth of 18 feet between the outer ends, the depth decreasing to 14 feet at the shore-line: During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the forth pier was ex- tended 150 feet; 250 linear feet of superstructure was placed on the same RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 283 pier and 6,425 cubic yards of material were dredged from the channel. The amount expended during the year was $18,704.20. The total expenditures, amounting to $245,104.87, have resulted in the construction of a north and a south pier, 1,844 and 1,910 feet in length respectively, composed of crib-work, with the exception of less than 300 feet inside the shore-line. The width of the piers increases from 14 feet at the shore-line to 20 feet in subsequent extensions. The distance between them also increases gradually from 175 feet at the shore to 275 feet, at which distance apart they will be continued paral- lel to each other. There has been dredged from the channel 136,676 cubic yards of ma- terial. In June of this year the channel had a general depth of from 11 to 12 feet, except at the bar near the extrance where the depth was only about 104 feet. The only means of securing a permanent channel is by the rapid ex- tension of the piers to deep water; hence a liberal appropriation is urged as a matter of economy and of necessity to the commerce of this im- portant harbor. Several vessels have been lost and others have sus- tained damage while seeking entrance to this harbor within the past two years; these disasters might have been avoided had it been pos- sible to prosecute the work more rapidly. One wreck was removed from the channel at the expense of the United States. Necessary changes in the method of construction from pile to crib- pier, and the extraordinary scour taking place in the vicinity of the pier extension, require a revised estimate, increasing the original estimate, under which the present improvement is being made, from $150,000 to $195,000. It is contemplated to apply the appropriation of $28,000, made July 5, 1884, to pier extension and to such dredging and repairs as may be absolutely necessary. Pier extension should be continued with the appropriation asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available--...........................--........-...... $14,631 61 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 14,287 57 July 1, 1884, amount available---- - ......-----.....-----....-----....-.............----....-.... -344 04 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 28,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885............-........ 28,344 04 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 112, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 60, 000 00 (See Appendix F F 16.) 17. Port Washington Harbor, Wisconsin.-The natural channel at the mouth of the Sauk River was narrow and at the shoalest point had a depth of but one foot of water. The project for the improvement of the harbor, adopted in 1869 and modified in 1870 and 1876, was for the formation, by dredging, of two interior basins having a combined area of about 54 acres, with a depth of 12 feet and a channel of same depth connecting them with the lake. The channel entrance to the basins to be north of the mouth of the Sauk River, inclosed between two piers, so constructed that the flow of the river would be separated from the channel, and the debris brought down by freshets, instead of shoaling the channel, would re-enforce the south pier. 284 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. There were no operations during the year ending June 30, 1884. Up to that date $154,439.50 had been expended, resulting in the construction of two crib-piers, 870 and 820 feet long respectively, and about 400 linear feet of pile revetment along the north bank of the river, extend- ing to the inner end of the south pier; also in the formation, by dredging of two interior basins, with an average area of 2@ and 3 acres respect- ively, with an available depth of from 8 to 12feet, and of a channel 75 feet wide and 10 feet deep between the piers connecting the basins with Lake Michigan. It is contemplated to expend the $10,000 appropriated by act of July 5, 1884, in building from two to. five courses of superstructure over 15 cribs already sunk and in repairing piers and dredging. The appropriation asked for the year ending June 30,1886 ,is for the purpose of completing the project and making necessary repairs to the old work and dredging. July 1 1883, amount available.......................................... $82 95 July 1 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--.............------------------....---....--...-...-------..............----------..---.... -22 45 July 1, 1884, amount available-------------------------------------.....................................----.... 60 50 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.---------....----. ....--......-----...... -10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 10, 060 50 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... - -- 17,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886----------......----......---------......----.....-----. ......---------......---......---.------......-----....---............ 17, 000, 00 (See Appendix F F 17.) 18. Removing sunken vessels or crafts obstructing or endangering navi- .ation.-Removal of wreck of schooner Petrel, Sheboygan Harbor, Wisconsin. The schooner Petrel was wrecked and sunk between the piers in October, 1883. The delay caused by advertising legal notices for her removal made it unadvisable to begin work upon the wreck until spring. On the opening of navigation in 1884, it was entirely removed in six working days at a cost of $563.84. Offers received in the fall of 1883 for doing this work ranged from $1,500 to $2,500. CONSTRUCTION OF HARBOR OF REFUGE, MILWAUKEE BAY-IMPROVE- MENT OF THE HARBORS OF MILWAUKEE, RACINE, KENOSHA, AND WAUKEGAN, LAKE MICHIGAN-IMPROVEMENT OF FOX AND WVIS- CONSIN RIVERS. Officers in charge, Lieutenant-Colonel D. C. Houston, Corps of Eng.- neers, and since March 17, 1884, Captain W. L. Marshall, Corps of Et.- gineers. 1. Harbor of Refuge, Milwaukee Bay, Wisconsin.-The project for this harbor was adopted in 1881 and contemplates the formation of an art- ficial harbor by inclosing a portion of Lake Michigan within an outlet breakwater of crib work upon a stone foundation The harbor will fuir- nish 417 acres of safe mooring ground beyond the 18-foot curve. Work was begun in 1881, and up to June 30, 1884, there has been ex- pended $188,901.98, resulting in the completion of 2 450 linear feet of the north arm of the breakwater, except superstructure, which is but partially completed. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 285 During the fiscal year ending "June 30, 1884, the north arm of the breakwater was extended 300 feet. Superstructure was built for a length of 850 linear feet. The depth of water at the present end of the break- water is 27.7 feet. It is proposed to expend the present available balance and the funds appropriated by the act approved July 5, 1884, in extending the break- water southward 600 feet more or less, and in continuing the building of the superstructure upon cribs already placed. The funds asked for the fiscal year ending June 30,1886, are to be ap- plied to the extension southward of the east arm of the breakwater. The harbor will niot begin to be available as a harbor of refuge until after the first section of the east arm of the breakwater is completed. July 1, 1883, amount available---------......---......---------......--------......--......-------......-...... $90, 744 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883 79, 646 83 --......-......------......-......---..........-----......-.... 11,098 02 July 1, 1884, amount available--------......---......------.....---..........-. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884...................... 85,000 00 Amount availablJe for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885----................... 96,098 02 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....---------...... 515, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, ------ -------......-----....---............ 1886------....----......----..................-----------............. 280,000 00 (See Appendix G G 1.) 2. Milwaukee Harbor, Wisconsin.-The present project was adopted in 1852 and was directed to securing 12 feet of water at the entrance to the river, and to protecting this channel by parallel piers. Since that date, a channel of 18 feet in depth and of sufficient width has been se- cured by extending the piers and dredging out the channel. The proj- ect is completed. The original depth of water at the mouth of the river was at times not more than 31 feet. There has been expended upon this harbor by the United States Gov- ernment up to June 30, 1884, $273,602.35 in addition to $321,355.66 by the city of Milwaukee. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, currentrepairs.,have been made to pier-work where needed. The present available funds and the money asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, are to be applied to the maintenance of the pres- ent piers and channel and to replacing the superstructure of the north and south piers built in 1871 and 1872, which are now rotten. July 1, 1883, amount available-......................................... $14,128 53 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883......---....----....-----..................-.. 2, 882 81 -- July 1, 1884, amount available---.......-----------------------.......................-----...... 11,245 82 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 20, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 20, 000 00 1886......--------------....------......--......-----....--......----....- (See Appendix G 2.) 3. Racine Harbor, Wisconsin.-The entrance to this harbor was orig- inally varied in depth from absolute closure after storms to about 6 feet. The present plan was adopted in 1843, and contemplated originally a channel of 12 feet in depth, maintained by dredging between parallel piers at the river's mouth, extending into the lake. The piers have since been further extended and the channel deepened to 16 feet. At present the channel is 134 feet in depth. 286 REPORT OF THIE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, minor repairs to piers have been made and channel deepened to 16 feet by dredging; but the channel has deteriorated as shown above. 'There was expended on this harbor up to June 30, 1884, $214,659.28. It is proposed to apply the available funds for the year ending June 30, 1885, to replacing superstructure on 340 feet of the north pier built in 1869 and 1870, now much decayed, and to maintenance of the chan- nel. The funds asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, are to be applied to the extension of the south pier, as explained in the annula report for 1883, and to dredging the channel. It is estimated that an annual expenditure of $8,000 is necessary to maintain the existing work and channel. July 1, 1883, amount available .......--......--......------..........-----......-...... $6, 887 79 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .... ..... . ........ . .. . . . . . . .... 4,507 85 July 1, 1884, amount available..------------------........................................ 2,379 94 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 7.000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885- .............- .... 9, 379 94 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project--......... 28, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 28,000 00 (See Appendix G G 3.) 4. Kenosha Harbor, Wisconsin.-The original depth of water at the en- trance to this harbor was 4 feet or less. Sometimes it was entirely closed. The present plan of improvement by parallel piers and dredging was at first directed to the securing a channel of 12 feet in depth. At pres- ent the depth of water is 11.5 feet. It is now intended to increase the navigable depth to 15 feet by extending the piers and dredging. During the past year 170 feet of the north pier have been sheet-piled to prevent the passage of sand through the pier into the dredged chan- nel. The north wall of the north pier was also raised 1 foot in height for 162 linear feet, and minor repairs have been made as needed. There was expended on this harbor up to June 30, 1884, $211,004.19. It is proposed tt apply the funds available for the year 1885 to re- placing the superstructure of the outer section of the south pier 355 feet in length, now dilapidated, and to maintaining the present chan- nel. The funds asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, are to be applied to replacing the superstructure over 415 linear feet of the inner section of the south pier, to pier extension, and dredging. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................-------------------------------------... $2, 341 25 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883. .-. .. . .. . . .. .. ... ... 1,391 87 July 1, 1884, amount available.... ..... -.. -.. -.. ". 949 38 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 5,949 38 - Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-....-...... 46, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 20, 000 00 (See Appendix G( G 4.) 5. Waukegan Harbor,Illinois.-The present project was adopted in 1880 and, as since modified, consists in a small basin excavated in the RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 287 low ground between the lake and the bluffs to form the harbor, and an entrance between parallel piers from the lake to the basin-the entrance and basin to be formed by dredging. The harbor here is to be created, and will not be available for com- mercial purposes until the piers can be sufficiently extended into the lake to allow the entrance to be dredged with hope of permanency, and the basin excavated. During the year ending June 30, 1884, the pile pier limiting the south side of the proposed entrance to the basin has been extended 179 feet. There has been expended upon this harbor up to June 30, 1884, $49,201.46. It is proposed to expend the appropriation for the year ending June 30, 1885, in extending the north pier into the lake as far as the money will allow. The amount asked for the year ending June 30, 1886, is needed to complete the pier-work at the entrance to the basin and to dredging in the entrance and basin. It is important to proceed rapidly with the work as the filling in with drifting sand is rapid. The cost will be, therefore, increased by delay, and the work already done being of wood will deteriorate without benefit therefrom, if not made available by suffi- cient progress. The estimated cost of the work to be done is $111,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ...... ...................... .......... $8, 678 21 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...-------------------- 7,879 67 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................... ................ 798 54 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 -----...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 20,798 54 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 91, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75, 000 00 (See Appendix G G 5.) 6. Fox and Wisconsin rivers, WVisconsin.-The works for the improve- ment of the Fox River were purchased by the United States from the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company in 1872. These works were all, excepting one stone lock, of a temporary character, and many of them in bad condition. There was no low-water navigation on the Upper Fox and navigation on the Lower Fox was irreguYar and interrupted. The project for the improvement of this river adopted by the United States contemplated the rebuilding of the old locks and dams in a per- manent manner; the construction of five additional locks on the upper Fox and the widening and deepening the channel and canals through- out the improvement to 6 feet deep and 100 feet width. The estimates for this work, including the Wisconsin River, made in 1874 and 1876, was $3,745,663, since which time there has been appropriated $1,780,000, leaving for completion $1,965,663. The amount expended on the Fox and Wisconsin rivers up to June 30 1884, is $27429,229.92. The result of this expenditure has been- On the Fox River.-The construction of 13 new locks of stone, 12 dams, four of which are temporary, 12 cut-offs, and 10 miles of canals dredged and deepened. Over 2,000,000 cubic yards of material have been dredged from the Upper Fox, and all of the temporary structures on the Lower Fox repaired and put in working order. The navigation 288 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. has thus been made continuous throughout the season from Portage to Green Bay, on the Upper Fox there being 3 feet navigation, and on the Lower Fox 5 feet except at the entrance to Lake Winnebago, where there,is 41 feet. The old locks are fast becoming unserviceable, some of them tumbling down, demanding immediate replacement. There remain to be built 12 locks, 8 dams, 5 guard-locks, sluices, or weirs in all dams not provided with them, deepening navigation by dredging and rock excavation to 6 feet throughout, and widening the channels to 100 feet, erecting lock-fenders, dwellings, and slope-walling or paving canal banks. On the Wisconsin River.-The method adopted has been to contract the channel-way by wing-dams of brush and stone to gain increased depth by scour due to the increased current produced by contraction. To date, 108,312 linear feet of wing-dams have been constructed over a distance of 50 miles, of which a section of 9.2 miles below Portage is com- pleted. The result has been an increased depth of navigation wherever the works have been applied. There has not been and is not now any navigation on the Wisconsin, due to the prevalence of sand-bars and the lack of a defined channel for considerable distances. The general subject of the improvement of te Fox and Wisconsin rivers has been referred to the Board of Engineers, who have not yet announced their condusions. During the past year the following work has been done: Wisconsin River.-No work has been done. Fox River.-On the Upper Fox the work was confined to the.mainte- nance of existing navigation by timely repairs to mechanical structures, to operating the locks and to repairs to plant. On the Lower Fox.-Appleton first lock was completed sluice-ways and gates placed in Appleton Dam, canals and water over bars deepened by dredging; and general overhauling and repairing of old locks, dams, and canal blanks made. Navigation was maintained during the season except for a short time, three weeks, when navigation was suspended on account of the breaking of the canal bank at Little Kaukauna. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, it is proposed to apply avail- able funds for the Fox and Wisconsin rivers to the maintenance of ex- isting navigation, to current repairs to mechanical constructions, to purchasing sites for Menasha Dam, to making alterations in that damn recommended by the Board of Engineers and approved by the Secre- tary of War in 1882, and to the construction of a new lock at Governor Bend on the Upper Fox. The funds asked for, for the year ending June 30, 1886, are to be ap- plied to the furtherance of the approved project and the maintenance of existing navigation. It is necessary to call attention to the fact that the appropriations for this work are altogether inadequate to meet the pressing demands of the case. The old structures are fast degenerating, a large part of the money is absorbed in repairs, and consequently diverted from the main project, and the balance is insufficient to forward successfully and economically the work on permanent constructions. The appropriations for several years have been almost entirely ab- sorbed in maintaining old works, which are fast rotting to pieces. The money expeided upon them is wasted, inasmuch as their life cannot be materially lengthened by repairs. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 289 July 1, 1883, amount available . ....--------... .---. $134,767 07 Fuel sold to officers deposited to credit of appropriation................ - 108 50 134,875 57 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883.--.... .... ..... ... . -. ... .. . 67,972 26 July 1, 1884, amount available..................... ................. 66,903 31 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5. 1884.....---.----.-....--...... 160, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year (ndingJune 30, 1885.................. 226,903 31 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 1, 965, 663 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 500,000 00 (See Appendix G G 6.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUG1UST 2, 1882. The following locality was, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement for purposes of navigation and the work not a public necessity: Wisqonsin River from Portage to Merrill. (See Appendix G G 7.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS OF CHICAGO AND CALUMET, LAKE MICHIGAN-IMPROVEMENT OF ILLINOIS AND CALUMET RIVERS- SURVEY FOR HENNEPIN CANAL AND FOR THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. Officer in charge, Maj. W. H. H. Benyaurd, Corps of Engineers. 1. Chicago Harbor Illinois.-The project of improvement now in course of execution at this harbor, was adopted in 1870 and modified in 1878. The objects sought are, first, the formation of an outer harbor, adjoining the entrance to the Chicago River, and designed also to fur- nish increased commercial facilities by relieving the river from its over. crowded condition; second, the creation of a harbor of refuge affording a good anchorage in deep water and safe access to the harbor and river. The amount expended upon the work for harbor at Chicago since 1870 is $1,226,982.64, and has resulted in the completion of the outer harbor (except the dredging necessary to afford the contemplated depth of 16 feet) and the completion of 3,236 feet of the exterior breakwater, with the exception of the superstructure on the westerly end thereof. In addition to needed repairs the material on hand and funds now avail- able will complete the superstructure on the westerly end of the break- water; will allow the building and sinking of 6 cribs; also dredging operations in the outer harbor and the purchase of additional material for next season's work. There will then remain to be completed about 1,600 feet of the exterior breakwater, the raising of the entire structure, and the dredging of the outer harbor. For carrying on these operations the sum of $225,000 will be required. July 1, 1883, amount available ...... ......--... $45,651 40 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883---- ......--------....---......------....---.... $28, 106 55 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......................... 10, 440 16 38, 546 71 July 1, 1884, amount available- - - --................... --...................- 7, 104 69 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884................... 100, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 107,104 69 5908 EN---19 290 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 284, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 225, 000 00 (See Appendix H H 1.) 2. Calumet Harbor,Illinois.-The present project for the improvement of this harbor has for its object the creation and maintenance of a chan- nel 300 feet wide and 16 feet deep from Lake Michigan to Calumet River. The amount expended in the execution of this project to June 30, 1884, is $361,754.39; 5,160 feet of pier-work have been completed and 384,376 cubic yards of material have been dredged from the channel. During the coming season, with the funds now available, the south pier will be extended a further distance of 250 feet, and certain repairs will be made to the old work. The appropriation of $21,400 asked for is to be applied to extending the south pier, and to the repair and preservation of the existing piers. With the completion of this work it is believed that no further appro- priation will be needed, except for maintaining the dredged channel, and for keeping the work in good condition. July 1, 1883, amount available.. ......---........------......----......--......-...... $6, 372 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................. 6, 126 77 July 1, 1884, amount available .........-............................... 245 61 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 20,245 61 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project -......--.... - 21,400 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1e86. 21,400 00 (See Appendix H H 2.) 3. Improving Calumet River, Illinois.-The project for the improve- ment of this river was recommended by a Board of Engineer officers in accordance with certain requirements of the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882. It is proposed to dredge a channel 200 feet wide and 16 feet deep, from the harbor to the forks of the river at Lake Cal- umet; no work to be undertaken, however, until the right of way shall have been conveyed to the United States free from expense, and the United States released from all liability for damages to adjacent prop- erty owners. Arrangements are being made to obtain the releases required, and upon the approval thereof by the Secretary of War, as required by the act, the work will be commenced and carried on as far as the funds avail- able will permit. For continuing the improvement, including the purchase of plant, the officer in charge submits an estimate of $100,000. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ........ . ......... $50, 000 00 175,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 100,000 00 (See Appendix H H 3.) 4. Illinois River, Illinois.-Previous to the adoption of the present project the improvement of the Illinois River, as carried on by the Gen- eral Government, consisted chiefly in constructing wing-dams and dikes, and in dredging through the worst bars. The amount expended in that way up to June 30,1880, was $550,450.55. The State of Illinois has constructed two locks, each 75 feet wide by 350 feet long between gates, situated at Henry and Copperas Ci eek. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS, 291 .The present project contemplates the extension of this slackwater sys- tem 100 miles below by the construction of two more locks and dams,. situated respectively at La Grange and Kampsville. It is also pro- posed to dredge the channel of the river where needed, from the State lock, at Copperas Creek, to the mouth of the river. The foundations of both of the locks are now completed, and the masonry of the lock walls at La Grange is raised to a height of 4 feet 4 inches. With the funds now available it is expected that at the end of the present fiscal year these walls will be finished, and the gates and other fixtures will be in position. The amount of $350,000, required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, will be expended in purchasing stone for the Kampsville lock, and in the construction of the same, also in the purchase of material for the dams at both places. The officer in charge states that it is necessary to have sufficient funds on hand, as the material for the lock walls and dams has to be con- tracted for a season in advance. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $290, 514 18 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................. $168,258 47 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........................ 116,120 57 ,- 284,379 04 July 1, 1884, amount available ................ ......................... 6,135 14 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 100,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ............... 106, 135 14 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 447, 150 55 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 350, 000 00 (See Appendix H H 4.) 5. Surveys for the Hennepin Canal, and the enlargement of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.-Work was carried on in the office upon the maps, which were not completed at the time the reports were rendered, and certain level lines were run in the field for the purpose of obtaining the difference of level between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi, at the terminal point of the survey. July 1, 1883, amount available ........................................ $10, 083 79 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................. 1, 072 87 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................... 9,010 92 (See Appendix H H 5.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENT, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGITST 2, 1882. The following locality was, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as worthy of improvement, but the work not at present a public necessity: Calumet River, Illinois and Indiana. (See Appendix H H 6.) Upon a favorable report from the preliminary examinations made by him, Major Benyaurd was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 134, Forty-eighth Congress, first session : 1. Sangamon River, Illinois,from its mouth to Petersburg. (See Ap- pendix H H 7.) 2. Illinois and Des Plaines rivers between La Salle and Joliet, Illinois. (See Appendix H H 8.) 292 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS AT MICHIGAN CITY AND NEW BUF- FALO, LAKE MICHIGAN. Officer in charge, Maj. Jared A. Smith, Corps of Engineers. 1. Harbor at Michigan City, Indiana-Outer Harbor.-The pier east of entrance has been extended 100 feet, making an entire length of 250 feet. The design is essentially the same as that for the breakwater, but it has been found necessary to make the foundation more secure, by close piling under the outer walls and outer end of each crib. A large amount of repairs have been required upon the superstructure of the breakwater. A large quantity of stone which the sea had drawn from compartments of the pier has been replaced. The undermining and settling of end of pier caused by the unprecedented gale of April 2, 1884, has been repaired. The contract for timber outstanding at last report was satisfactorily completed in July, 1883, and the balance on hand June 30, 1884, will construct 150 feet of breakwater or pier. The improvements thus far have transformed into a harbor capable of admitting all classes of lake vessels, in all weathers, a place which was formerly a small creek, obstructed by bars. There has been expended in construction, maintenance, and repairs, from June 30, 1872, to June 30, 1884, the sum of $465,404.58. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates $40,000 for this improvement; since it will require $425,000 to complete the work as a harbor of refuge according to the project it would be an ultimate economy to appropriate $200,000 for the year ending June 30, 1886. It is proposed to apply the appropriation of July 5, 1884, to comple- tion of present breakwater, and towards the extension of the pier or the new breakwater, as may be found most expedient. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... $19,467 45 July 1, 1884, amount exuended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......... .......................... ...... 14,838 98 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 4,628 47 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 40, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................. 44, 628 47 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......---------.... 425,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 200,000 00 Inner Harbor.-The upper winding basin has been completed and the channel has been further extended 100 feet. Various points where the water had shoaled have been deepened to 17 fee. The heaviest loaded vessels can pass without obstruction to any part of the inner harbor. The entire amount expended to June 30, 1884, for construction and maintenance, has been $84,482.15. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates $10,000 for this work, and the additional amount required to complete the project is $5,000. July 1, 1883, amount avlailable.......................................... $9,308 55 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883._....................................... .... 8, 790 70 July 1, 1884, amount available.......... .......................... .... 517 85 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 10, 517 85 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 5, 000 00 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS 293 (See Appendix I I 1.) 2. Harbor at New Buffalo, Michigan.-The appropriation of $5,000 by act of August 2, 1882, has been applied to the extension of the east pier 100 feet. The work was undertaken in the spring of 1884, and nearly completed at the close of the fiscal year. At this harbor there has been expended at various times since 1852 a total amount of $82,270.11. It is now used mainly by a few small fish- ing vessels, and generally has a depth of not exceeding 3 feet at the entrance. An expenditure of $150,000 would be required to make it available for commercial purposes. July 1, 1883, amount available............-............-.................. $5, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.........................................-...... 4,270 11 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................ 729 89 (See Appendix I I 2.) IMPROVEMENT OF HARBORS ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF LAKE MICH- IGAN AND OF GRAND RIVER BELOW GRAND RAPIDS. Officer in charge, Capt. D. W. Lockwood, Corps of Engineers. 1. Charlevoix Harbor, Michigan.--The average width of the original channel of entrance was 75 feet; the depth varied from 2 to 6 feet. The present project for its improvement, adopted in 1868 and re- vised in 1875 and 1876, is to dredge a channel 100 to 150 feet wide to a depth of 12 feet, and to protect both sides with close piling; this was modified in 1876 by substituting crib-work for pile piers. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $56,134.60, and resulted in obtaining a channel of navigable width and 12 feet depth leading into Round Lake and the same depth for a narrow channel between Round and Pine lakes. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $3,844.03, and resulted in securing 12.1 feet mid-depth between the piers and in building plank-beam revetment on north side of chan- nel and in converting pile-work on south side of same into plank-beam revetment. The depth remains about the same as last year. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $40,000, to be applied to pier extension in ac- cordance with approved project and to completing revetment in lower channel, and on both sides of channel between Ro nd and Pine lakes. The results to be obtained are, an easier entrance and deeper water between piers, and in channel leading into Pine Lake. July 1, 1883, amount available.............................. ... $4, 865 40 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 18r3 .. ....... ............... $3, 674 03 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........ ............... 160 00 _- 3,834 03 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 1,031 37 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 11,031 37 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 115, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 40,000 00 (See Appendix J J 1.) 294 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 2. Frankfort Harbor, Michigan.-The natural channel of entrance to this harbor was not more than from 3 to 4 feet deep. The present project for its improvement adopted in 1866 was to dredge an outlet through a strip of land separating Lake Aux Becs Scies from Lake Michigan and to build two parallel piers, 200 feet apart, extending from 12 feet soundings in the inner lake to the same depth in Lake Michigan. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $232,517.54, and resulted in securing a channel of entrance 195 feet wide. with an available depth of 13 feet. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $2,773.51, and resulted in placing modified superstructure on end crib of south pier, and making general repairs. The depth of water is 14 feet, the water surface being 1.8 feet high. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $50,000 to be applied to pier extension under approved project and renewing revetments now badly decayed, above the water-line. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $5, 420 81 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................$2, 514 38 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........... ............ 259 13 _ - 2,77351 July 1, 1884, amount available... .. .............................. 2,647 30 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................. 7,647 30 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 80,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix J J 2.) 3. Harbor of Refuge at Portage Lake, Michigan.--No natural channel existed prior to the beginning of the improvement. The project for improvement adopted in 1879 was to make this a har- bor of refuge, with a navigable channel 300 feet wide and not less than 18 feet deep. The piers as constructed, however, are 370 feet apart. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $44,886.17, and resulted in completing the north revetment to Portage Lake, making its entire length 1,393 feet, and building 573 feet of south revetment; the depth of water 9J feet, width 50 feet. The amount expended during fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $4,530.64, and resulted in placing superstructure on a crib 50 feet long by 24 feet wide at end of north pier, and completing work on north pier. General repairs, where needed, were also made. The depth in channel has deteriorated to about 8 feet, the stage of water being +1. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $50,000 to be applied to pier extension and dredging to secure greater depth in accordance with approved project. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $10,113 83 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883........................................4,530 64 July 1, 1884, amount available..... . ............. ........... . 5,583 19 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 12,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 18,083 19 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 295 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 197,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix J J 3.) 4. ,Manistee Harbor, Michigan.-A narrow channel not more than 8 feet deep was obtained at this harbor by the slab-piers built by local enterprise. The present project for its improvement, adopted in 1866 and modi- fied in 1870 and 1874, was to afford a channel of entrance of navig'ble width not less than 12 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $203,689.27, and resulted in securing a channel 180 feet wide at entrance, with a depth of 12.8 feet, the depth on the bar being 13 feet. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $11,642.43, and resulted in placing a crib 50 feet long by 30 feet wide, on pile foundation, in extension of south pier, and in removing 14,202 cubic yards of material from between the piers, giving 15 feet depth between the piers. The depth on the bar was 14.6 feet, the stage of water being + 1.0 foot. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $40.000, which it is proposed to apply to ex- tending pier to secure greater depth on bar and at entrance in ac- cordance with approved project. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $14, 310 73 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...........................------------................. 11,642 43 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 2,668 30 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 12,668 30 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 102,700 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 40, 000 00 (See Appendix J J 4.) 5. Ludington Harbor, Michigan.-The channel made by local enter- prise at this harbor was narrow and not more than 7 feet deep. The present project for its improvement, adopted in 1867, was to afford a channel of entrance of navigable width and not less than 12 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $220,101.95, and resulted in securing a channel about 200 feet wide with an available depth of 13 feet. The amo nt expended during fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $4,490.80, and resulted in removing 10,338 cubic yards of material from between the piers, giving a depth of 14.3 feet. The depth on bar is 18.2 feet, the stage of water being + 1.6 feet. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending .June 30, 1886, is $30,000 to be applied to pier extension and dredging with a view of securing 18 feet of water. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................-------------------------------------.. $6, 083 05 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883......................................... 4,490 80 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 1,592 25 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .... ................ 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 11,592 25 296 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 132, 408 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1' 6 . 30,000 00 (See Appendix J J 5.) 6. PertwaterHarbor, Michigar.-Theoriginal channel of entrance was narrow and not more than 4 feet deep in its shoalest part. The present project for its improvement, adopted in 1866, was to af- ford a channel of navigable width and not less than 12 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $185,969.53, and resulted in securing a channel of navigable width, but which in the spring had shoaled to about 7 feet. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, was $4,026.83, and resulted in removing from between the piers 12,838.5 cubic yards of material, giving a depth of 10.8 feet, the stage of water being+1.5 feet. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $25,000, to be applied to extending south pier in order to secure and maintain an increased depth of entrance. July 1, 1883, amount available...................................... $6,850 47 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ..................... $3,868 95 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 157 88 4,026 8:3 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 2, 823 64 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884... ............. 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ...... .............. 17, 823 64 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 55,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25,000 00 (See Appendix J J 6.) 7. White River Harbor, Michigan.-The old channel was narrow, crooked, and too shoal to accommodate any but very small vessels. The present project for its improvement, adopted in 1866, was to af- ford a channel of navigable width not less than 12 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $219,900.84, and resulted in obtaining a channel of navigable width and available depth of,9 feet. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $4,885.72. This sum has been expended in general repairs and in completing the superstructure on the three end cribs of south pier. The present depth of water is 11 feet, and this depth can be carried over the bar. The water-surface is, however, 1.4 feet high. The amount that can be profitably expended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $40,000, to be applied to pier extension and renewing superstructure on pile revetments and overhauling and renewing filling to stop leakage of sand. Increased depth and greater certainty of main- tenance are expected as the result of this expenditure. July 1, 1883, amount available............... ... ..... .............. $7,649 16 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883............................................ 4,885 72 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................ 2,763 44 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 12,763 44 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 94, 225 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 40,000 00 (See Appendix J J 7.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 297 8. Muskegon Harbor,Michigan.-The original channel was irregularly defined by slab-piers, which gave fair access, but a bar just at the end of the piers, on which there was only 7 feet of water, obstructed navi- gation. The present project for improvement, adopted in 1866, was to obtain a channel of entrance of navigable width, and to extend the piers over the bar to 17 feet soundings, modified in 1880, so as to secure 300 feet width of entrance. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $193,015.82, and resulted in securing a channel of entrance 300 feet wide for 150 feet, and an available depth of 14 feet. The width of channel previous to change of plan was 186 feet. The amount expended during fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $5,725.38, which, together with the $10,249.68 stated as " outstanding liabilities" in Annual Report for 1883, resulted in renewing the super- structure on 250 feet of south pier; in placing two cribs 50 feet long by 30 feet wide, in extension of detached sections of north pier, and in general repairs to filling of piers and revetments. The depth of water at close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was 16 feet; the water surface, however, was 1.3 feet high. The amount that can be profitably expended for the fiscal year end- ing June 30, 1886, is $50,000, to be applied to pier extension to carry out approved project. The results expected to be attained are increased depth and a better entrance. July 1, 1883, amount available .......... ....... ...................... $8, 484 18 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883.. .. ..... ........................ ........ 5,725 38 July 1, 1884, amount available......-........... ... _......-......-........ 2,758 80 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.............-.... --------- . 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ......... ........ 22, 758 80 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 113, 625 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50,000 00 (See Appendix J J 8.) 9. Grand Haven Harbor, Michigan.-The natural outlet was wide but shoal, the water being only 9 feet deep in the best course. The present project for its improvement, adopted in 1866, was to ob- tain a channel of navigable width with a minimum depth of 18 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $429,487.40, and resulted in obtaining a channel of entrance 400 feet wide and from 16 to 17 feet deep. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. was $13,550.32, and resulted in placing two cribs each 50 feet long by 30 feet wide in extension of south pier, and in completing the new superstructure on portion of same, with the exception of filling. The depth of water on bar in advance of piers at close of present fis- cal year was 20 feet, the water surface at time of survey, however, being 1.5 feet high. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $100,000, to be applied to extending the piers over the bar, and to general repairs of north pier and revetments. 298 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1, 1883, amount available .................................... $14, 878 75 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities, July 1, 1883........................ $13,114 01 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 436 31 - 13,550 32 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 1,328 43 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 51,328 43 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 210,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100, 000 00 (See Appendix J J 9.) 10. Grand River, Michigan.-The portions of channel below Grand Rapids to be improved have less than 4 feet depth of water at low stage. The original project, adopted in 1881, is to give relief to light navi- gation, by securing 4 feet depth of water at low water stage. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $14,534.78 and resulted in securing at least 4 feet depth of water over some of the shoals above the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway bridge. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $10,079.18, and resulted in removing 18,029.35 cubic yards of ma- terial from shoal places above the bridge mentioned and in securing 4 feet depth of water in the channel above that place. No appropriation is asked for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available ....................................... $10,465 22 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .......................... ................... 10,079 18 July 1, 1884, amount available .................................. 386 04 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... 25,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 25,386 04 (See Appendix J J 10.) . 11. Black Lake Harbor, Michigan.-The channel made by the harbor board of the city of Holland was narrow, irregular, and only 51 feet deep. The project for its improvement, adopted in 1866 and modified in 1873, was to obtain a channel of entrance of navigable width and not less than 12 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $230,706.36, and resulted in obtaining a channel of navigable width and 9 feet deep. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $7,966.87, and resulted in renewing superstructure over 460 feet of north pier and in cutting down and replacing superstructure over end crib of same. The depth remains about the same as last year between the piers, but has improved on the bar. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $20,000, to be applied to placing a crib on pile foundation at outer end of each pier to secure same, and in renewing superstructure of south pier, and on revetments on both sides of chan- nel. This will complete the work required at this harbor for the pres- ent. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 299 July 1, 1883, amount available......................................-------------------------------------.... $8,908 95 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ......................... $7,445 21 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........................... 521 66 7,966 87 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................................... 942 08 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... 15.000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 15.942 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 20,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886 . 20,000 00 (See Appendix J J 11.) 12. Saugatuck Harbor, Michigan.-The channel originally made by local enterprise was narrow, and not more than 7 feet deep in the best water. The project for its improvement, adopted in 1869, was to obtain a channel of entrance of navigable width, with a minimum depth of 10 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $116,390.53, and resulted in obtaining a narrow channel with about 8 feet middle depth inside, with the same depth on the bar outside. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $5,318.88, and resulted, from dredging, in securing a channel of navigable width and 8 feet deep; 11 feet can be carried across the bar. The water surface was 1.5 feet above low water when the above figures were obtained. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $8,000 to be applied to securing south revet- ment. July 1, 1883, amount available ....................................... $7,048 47 July 1, 1884, aniount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................ ......... ......... 5, 318 88 July 1, 1884, amount available .... .................................... 1,729 59 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884........................ 4,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885..................... 5,729 59 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........... 8, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886.. 8, 000 00 (See Appendix J J 12.) 13. South Haven Harbor,Michigan.-The channel was originally made by private enterprise; was narrow, and not more than 7 feet deep in the deepest place. The present project for its improvement, adopted in 1866 and modified in 1879, was to obtain a channel of entrance of navigable width not less than 14 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $165,815.10, and resulted in obtaining a channel of navigable width and a depth of 9.5 feet. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $843.29, and resulted in obtaining a depth of 10.5 feet in river to railway docks, and removing middle ground from between inner end of piers. The amount that can be profitably expended during fiscal year end- ing June 30, 1886, is $20,000, to be applied to repairs of piers and ex- tending them to secure greater depth according to project. 300 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................... $3,684 90 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1863................._ . . . ............. 843 29 July 1, 1884, amount available............... ........................... 2,841 61 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-------------------....................... 7,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885--....-----....-----....----..--...... 10,341 61 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....-....-..- _ . 82,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20, 000 00 (See Appendix J J 13.) 14. Saint Joseph Harbor, Michigan.-The natural channel was about 250 feet wide and 12 feet deep at the entrance, shoaling to 9 feet in the river above. The present project for its improvement, adopted'in 1866 and 1874, was to obtain a channel of entrance of navigable width and not less than 16 feet deep. The amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $308,508 24, and resulted in securing a channel of entrance of about 14 feet depth. A canal 100 feet wide, 12 feet deep, leading up to Benton Harbor, and partial revet- ment of same; also in the construction of sand fences. The amount expended during fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $2,369.45, and resulted in the purchase of material for rebuilding north pier. No work was done during the year, as the amount of money on hand would not warrant commencement. The depth of water remains about the same as in 1883. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $45,000, to be applied to completing north pier and repairing south pier in lower harbor. This will complete this part of the work, further improvement being dependent upon future action with regard to the Chicago and West Michigan Railway bridge. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $8, 604 7G July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................... ............... 2, 369 July 1, 1884, amount available.......... .................. ....... 6,235 31 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 21,235 31 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 51,015 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 45, 000 00 (See Appendix J J 14.) 15. Removal of wrecked schooner from Charlevoix Harbor, Michigan.- This vessel sank at the end of north pier July 17, 1883, from coming in Collision with the pier. August 1, when partly raised, she swung around in a gale and went down directly across the channel between the piers. Contract, after due formalities had been observed with regard to own- ership, &c., was entered into November 16, 1883, for the complete re- moval of the wreck for $1,200. The contract was completed December 31, 1883. AllotmentDecember 21, 1883 ........................................... $1,420 09 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............ .................................... 1,413 49 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 6 51 (See Appendix J J 15.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 301 EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882.s Upon a favorable report, after preliminary examination, Captain Lock- wood was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 75, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: 1. Harbor at Cross Village, Michigan. (See Appendix J J 16.) And also- 2. Plan and estimate for a harbor of refuge at Ludington, Michigan, transmitted to Congress (together with a copy of a report to the House of Representatives March 24, 1882, in answer to a resolution of January 24, 1882, calling for a report as to the necessity for a harbor of refuge at Ludington with plans and estimates therefor) and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 81, Forty-eighth Congress, first session. (See Appendix JJ 17.) IMPROVEMENT OF SAINT MARY'S RIVER-ENLARGEMENT OF AND OPERATING SAINT MARY'S FALLS CANAL-IMPROVEMENT OF CER- TAIN HARBORS ON L&KE HURON AND OF SAGINAW RIVER-CON- STRUCTION OF HARBOR OF REFUGE ON LAKE HURON AND OF ICE- HARBOR AT BELLE RIVER-REPAIR AND PRESERVATION OF SAINT CLAIR FLATS CANAL-IMPROVEMENT OF DETROIT RIVER. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. O. M. Poe, Corps of Engineers. 1. Hay Lake Channel, Saint Mary's River, Michigan.-At present this channel is not available for any vessels except those of the lightest draught. The original project was to obtain a channel 300 feet wide and 17 feet deep, sufficiently straight to admit of navigation at night when provided with suitable lights and other aids, thus saving about 12 miles in distance, and much time now lost because of the impractica- bility of navigating the present route after dark. The amount of the original estimate was $2,127,292, of which there was appropriated by act of August 2, 1882, the sum of $200,000. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $122,824.70, and has been applied to digging test-pits, surveys, repairs of crane scow, and tug, con- struction and fitting out of quarter boat, engineering, drilling, and blast- ing rock, dredging, &c. Up to the 30th June 120,380 cubic yards of material had been re- moved from the Middle Neebish, of which 118,180 cubic yards were excavated after the 1st July, 1883. This part of the work was done by contract, which extends to the ist November, 1884. The amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, is $500,000, to be applied to continuing the ex- cavation at Middle Neebish, and beginning operations on the Flats at the lower end of Hay Lake and at Little Rapids. July 1, 1883, amount available ......----- ---......-........ .......---. ...-- .. $186, 316 97 Received from sale of fuel.-.. .....-.............. ....--..... ...... 6 00 186,322 97 July 1, 1883, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.................... $84,404 12 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ....................... 24, 698 17 109,102 29 July 1, 1884, amount available...... .................................. 77,220 68 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... 125 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 202,220 68 302 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 1, 802, 292 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 500,000 00 (See Appendix K K 1.) 2. Saint Mary's Falls Canal and River, Michigan.-When the work of improving Saint Mary's River and Saint Mary's Falls Canal was begun in 1870, only about 1l1 feet could be carried through the channel be- tween Lakes Huron and Superior. The project approved at that time was to deepen this channel to 16 feet. This has been practically accomplished by an .expenditure to June 30, 1881, of $2,405,432.83. Statistics show that the commerce using this route is increasing so rapidly that if the rate of increase be maintained for eight years, the present lockage system will be insufficient to pass all the vessels. It is therefore proposed to begin at once the construction of a new lock upon the site of the old ones, to be 70 feet in width, 700 feet be- tween gates, and to have 21 feet of water on the miter sills, and to deepen the canal prism and approaches to correspond. The estimated cost of the work projected is $1,609,085, and of this amount not less than $250,000 should be appropriated to begin opera- tions, with a similar annual appropriation until the work is completed. If this is done, the canal will be ready to take care of the larger class of vessels that will come into use with the improvement of Hay Lake Channel. July 1, 1883, amount available................... .................... $3,125 16 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883 .......................................... 2,113 12 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities................................... 1,012 04 3,125 16 Amount (estimated) required for proposed existing project.......... 1,609,085 00 (See Appendix K K 2.) 3. Operating and care of Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Michigan.-During the past year the canal was open for navigation 233 days. It was closed December 11, 1883 (six days later than ever before), and opened April 23, 1884. Four thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight vessels and rafts, hav- ing a registered tonnage of 2,333,257 tons and carrying 2,540,799 tons of freight and 49,263 passengers, passed through. The staple articles transported were 764,915 tons of coal, 33,536 tons of copper, 891,291 barrels of flour, 7,490,938 bushels of grain, 936,107 tons of iron ore, 93,103 tons of pig and manufactured iron, 92,638,000 feet B. M. of lumber, 109,731 barrels of salt, and 204,451 tons of miscel- laneous or unclassified freight. The expenses of operating and care of the canal for the fiscal year 1883 and 1884 was $31,212.93. The estimated amount required on this account for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, is $35,000, all of which,is already provided for by indefinite appropriation. (See Appendix K K 3.) 4. Dry Dock at Saint Mary's Falls Canal.-Under the provisions of the act of the legislature of Michigan, in accordance with which the Saint Mary's Falls Canal was transferred to and received by the Gen- eral Government, it seems to be obligatory upon the United States to construct a dry-dock (see Annual Report Chief of Engineers for 1881, RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 303 page 2268, Part III) at Sault Ste Marie. Four projects have been dis- cussed : 1. For converting the upper chamber of the old locks into a dry-dock.- This is deemed inadmissible, for the reason that nothing should be done which would interfere with the lockage system. No detailed estimate has been made. 2. For a dry-dock north of the canal.-This location is objectionable, for reasons stated in detail in the report. The estimated cost of a dry- dock in this location is $313,818. 3. For a dry-dock on the south side of the canal, near the new lock.- This location is objectionable for reasons given in the detailed report. The estimated cost of a dry-dock here is $291,492. 4. For a dry-dock near the east end of the area transferred from the Fort Brady military reservation to the canal reservation.-This location is free from most of the objections to the other sites mentioned, but it would be more costly to build and to operate. The estimated cost of a dry-dock at this site is $323,872. Whatever site is selected the sum of $150,000 should be appropriated with which to begin operations. To this should be added the $65, 000 (more or less) which the State of Michigan holds in readiness to trans- fer to the United States for the purpose of constructing a dry-dock at Saint Mary's Falls Canal. ESTIMATED COST OF PROJECT. No. 1 ............-------......------.....-----......-......-------....--......---...----........... No estimate. No. 2 ... ................................. ...... ....... ................ $313,818 No. 3---------- ......----..................................................------------------.... 291,492 No. 4 ................ .......... . ...... ........................... 323,872 Amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year end- ing June 30, 1885, $215,000, of which $150,000 should be appropriated by the United States and $65,000 (more or less) transferred by the State of Michigan. (See Appendix K K 4.) 5. Harbor at Cheboygan, Michigan.-The present project, adopted in 1871 and modified in 1882, has for its object to deepen the basin oppo- site the steamboat landing and to complete a channel into the Straits of Mackinac 15 feet deep and 200 feet wide with a pile and edging revetment on the west side. There is now a depth of 15 feet in the basin, and a 15-foot channel to the straits, but it is only 90 feet wide for a considerable portion of the distance. For lack of funds, nothing was done towards the project during the last fiscal year. The original estimate for the work was $395,000. The total cost is now estimated at $163,003, or less than half the original estimate. It is recommended that sufficient funds be appropriated to push the work to completion. July 1, 1883, amount available .................................... $121 02 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 121 02 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 5,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 45, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 26, 000 00 (See Appendix K K 5.) 6. Harbor at Thunder Bay, Michigan.-The project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1876 and subsequently modified, the object being to obtain an entrance channel of navigable width and 304 REPORT QF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. a depth of 14 feet from a depth of 11 feet. The expenditure during the fiscal year was $6,125.62. The total amount expended by the United States on this work to June 30, 1884, was $14,393.40, and has resulted in the completion of the project. The channel obtained can, however, only be maintained by attention from time to time, and an estimate of $5,000 is submitted to meet the expenditures which will probably become necessary before the 30th June, 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available.....................................$10,667 58 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 6,125 62 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 4,541 96 Amount (estimated) required for maintaining existing project........... 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix K K 6.) 7. Harbor at Au Sable, Michigan.-The present project for the im- provement of the harbor was adopted in 1866 and modified in 1879, the object being to obtain a channel of not less than 10 feet in depth for a width of 100 feet. A full report upon the subject is printed in the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1883, page 1854, and it is therefore not repeated. Nothing short of the work proposed in that report will accomplish the object.. Its estimated cost is $32,121.60, and should now be appro- priated in one sum to insure satisfactory results. It includes a modifi- cation of the project aiming to increase the available depth in the chan- nel to 12 feet, the width remaining the same. Attention is invited to the fact that the project now proposed is not expected to permanently secure the depth indicated, but only for a suffi- cient length of time to justify the expenditure. The physical characteristics are such as to render the duration of any improvement quite limited. July 1, 1883, amount available............................................ $4, 900 55 July 1, 1884, amount available....................................... 4,900 55 Amount;(estimated) required for completion of existing project-..-.... 32, 121 60 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886- 27, 000 00 (See Appendix K K 7.) 8. Saginaw River, Michigan.-The present project aims to secure a channel of 200 feet in width and 14 feet in depth from Saginaw Bay to Bay City, and 12 feet in depth from there to the head of navigation in Saginaw River. During the last fiscal year work has been in progress in accordance with this project. Under the appropriation of $125,000, made by act of Congress of August 2, 1882, 247,185 cubic yards of material were re- moved by dredging under three contracts at a cost for the same of $99,676.37, of which $47,816.50 were expended in front of Bay City and at the mouth of the river, and $51,859.87 above Bay City. The result is a narrow, but navigable, channel of a projected depth from Carrollton to the mouth of the river, which is already of great benefit. The works extend over such great distances that a large plant can be used, and as the interests involved are so very large, it is recom- mended that corresponding appropriations be made. The amount of material remaining to be removed is estimated at 712,992 cubic yards, and the cost of doing it at $421,000. The sum of RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 30O $200,000 could be used with advantage during the fiscal year 1885 and 1886. July 1, 1883, amount available.........................................------------------------------------$116, 294 19 Error in vouchers redeposited to credit of appropriation ................. 2 00 116,296 19 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.....-----------.. July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities-..-..--. ............$112,1, 967 .... 56 722 00 -- 114,689 56 July 1, 1884, amount available ....-....---............ ...... ............ 1,606 63 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 51,606 63 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ...... .... 371,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 200, 000 CO (See Appendix K K 8.) 9. Harbor of Refuge, Sand Beach, Lake Huron, Michigan.-The pres- ent project for the construction of this harbor was adopted in 1873. Its object is to afford a harbor of refuge to the vessels engaged in the navigation of the northern and northwestern lakes when caught by -heavy weather near the dangerous Point Aux Barques. Previous to 1876 vessels so caught were compelled to run a distance of 60 miles and find refuge in the Saint Clair River. The total amount expended to June 39, 1884, was $899,139.42, and has resulted in completing the substructure for 8,130 linear feet of breakwater and the superstructure for 5,205 linear feet, leaving 2,925 linear feet of superstructure yet to be built. From inside the harbor 49,039 cubic yards of material were removed last season by dredging. The amount of dredging remaining to be done to meet early require- mnients of the harbor is estimated at 200,000 cubic yards. The expenditures during the fiscal year were $45,526.75, and resulted in building 1,235 linear feet of substructure, together with the dredging reported above and the necessary repairs, as well as the management of the harbor and all incidental expenses. The amount required to complete the work according to the present project is as follows: Superstructure of main pier .......................................... $60, 000 (0 Superstructure of south arm ... ....... .. .. Dredging and repairs ................................................ .... ................... 40,000 00 75, 000 00 Total .................... -..................... ................. 175, 000 00 The original estimate of the work was ................................ 1,442, 500 00 Appropriations, to include July 5, 1884.................... $975, 000 00 Received from sale of fuel ................................ 174 37 Estimated amount required to complete .................. 100, 000 00 1,075,174 37 Cost less than original estimate. ...................................... 367, 325 63 With sufficient funds the work can all be put under contract and com- pleted by the 30th June, 1886. It is therefore recommended that the entire amount be appropriated in one sum. 5908 EN- 20 306 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1,1883, amount available .....-..... ......-. . ......... .......-.... $46,561 70 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883......................... $45, 526 75 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities............................ 3 87 45,530 62 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 1,031 08 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884 ...................... 75,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 76,031 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 100,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100, 000 00 (See Appendix K K 9.) 10. Ice BHarbor of Refuge at Belle River, Michigan.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1880, the object being to make a chan- nel 50 feet wide, 13 feet deep to the first bridge, and 12 feet deep from there to the second bridge, affording a safe harbor against running ice. Twenty-eight thousand two hundred and thirty-five cubic yards of material have been removed by dredging. The project is completed, except one cut for about half the distance between the first and second bridges, and such other work as may be found necessary upon resum- ing operations. The estimated cost of the part of the project remaining is $2,000. July 1,1883, amount available ....-.............. ....... .. ... ...... _.... $120 76 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........ ............. ........ ......... _........ 120 76' Amount appropriated by act approved July 5,1884...................... 2,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 2,000 00 (See Appendix K K 10.) 11. General repairs and renewals at Saint Clair Flats Canal, Michi- gan.-The canal was projected in 1866, with a view to obtaining a straight channel 13 feet deep and 300 feet wide across Saint Clair Flats. This project was modified in 1873 so as to secure a channel of 16 feet in depth and 200 feet in width lying half on each side of the axis of the canal. On either side of the canal is a dike of nearly 7,300 feet in length, an aggregate of nearly 14,600 feet. These dikes consist of tim- ber cribs resting upon piles driven into the original bottom of the shoal and filled with the material dredged from the channel to maintain a channel bank; a single row of sheet-piling was driven along the chan- nel.face of the cribs, previous to dredging. The lake sides of the dikes were protected by shorter sheet-piling. The superstructure is now much decayed and ought to be renewed. The single row of sheet-piling proves to be insufficient for the in- creased depth of the channel, and requires to be re-enforced. The estimated cost of these is $132,908. The channel lakeward is gradually shoaling and ought to be improved by dredging. The estimated cost of this is $10, 000. (See Appendix K K 11.) 12. Operating and care of Saint Clair Flats Canal, Michigan.-This improvement gives a straight channel 300 feet wide and varying from 16 feet deep along the middle to 13 feet at the sides, and is in charge of a custodian who lives at the work. The necessity for repairs is constant, but their extent cannot be foreseen, consequently they must be attended to as occasion arises. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 30T The cost during the fiscal year 1883 and 1884 was as follows: Custodian's salary --....---------......-......-------....----......---.....--......--....-----........ $1, 00 00 Material and labor used in making current repairs ...................... 1,032 15 Total-------.... -----...... ---------....----....------------....----....----.................. --.... ------.. ---......--....2, 632 15 All of which, under the law, was defrayed by requisitioni upon the Treasury, it being provided for as an indefinite appropriation. (See Appendix K K 12.) 13. Clinton River, Michigan.-In 1870 the channel over the bar at the entrance to this river afforded a depth of only 31 feet, whilst the depth in the river above was 10 feet. The present project for this improvement was adopted in 1870 and modified in 1880. It aims at obtaining a channel of entrance of 60 feet in width and 8 feet in depth. This was practically accomplished iii 1882, since which time no examination of the work has been made. No reports have been received of insufficiency of water in the channel, which indicates that it still proves to be satisfactory, but experience teaches that it cannot long remain so. July 1,1883, amount available .....................................-. . - ... $422 29 Credit to appropriation by Treasury Department in statement of accounts of late Maj. F. U. Farquhar .................................. 13 12. 435 41 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883------- ...---------..... $422 29 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 13 12 435 41 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........----------. 25,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 o00 (See Appendix K K 13.) 14. Detroit River, Michigan.-Originallythe channel at this point could be depended upon for only 13 feet of water. The original project for its improvement was adopted in 1874 pro- viding for a curved channel of 300 feet in width and 20 feet in depth across the limestone ridge which forms the obstruction. This project was modified in 1883 with a view to obtaining a straight channel of the same depth. This modification will increase the cost of the completed work, but itwill still be less than one-half the amount of the original estimate. Amount of original estimate ....................................... . $1,166, 500 Estimate addition on account of modification of the project...--.......... 40, 000k Total estimate------------..................----------....---......-............-------......... 1,206,500 Amount appropriated to include July 5, 1884--......----.......... - $535, 000 Amount (estimated) required to complete the project ....... 27,700 Total cost (actual and estimated).... .. ................................ 562,70(5 Actual cost less than estimate......-------............--......-- .......--.. 643, 800 The work will be of but little, if any, benefit until the whole is con- pleted. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................................... $7,517 56 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...------.. --... .................... ...... ... .... 7, 403 77 July 1, amount available............................................. 113 79 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 200, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 200,113 79 308 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........----------.. 27,700 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year endingJune 30,1886. 27,700 00 (See Appendix K K 14.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following localities were, after preliminary examination by the local engineer, reported as not worthy of improvement and the work not a public necessity: 1. Harbor at Caseville, Michigan. (See Appendix K K 15.) 2. Sebewaing Harbor, Michigan, resurvey to obtain 12 feet water in chan- nel from Saginaw Bay. (See Appendix K K 16.) IMPROVEMENT OF HARBORS ON LAKE ERIE WEST OF ASHTABULA, OHIO-IMPROVEMENT OF SANDUSKY RIVER. Officer in charge, Maj. L. Cooper Overman, Corps of Engineers. 1. Monroe Harbor, Michigan.-The original project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1835, when Monroe was a town of considerable importance, and when the navigable waters of the river Raisin were separated from the waters of Lake Erie by extensive shoals. It provided for cutting a canal between the river and the lake, 4,000 feet long and 100 feet wide, through the peninsula called "River Raisin Point," and protecting the entrance into the lake by parallel piers run- ning out to a depth of 10 feet, the object being to afford a channel of entrance of navigable width with a depth of 10 feet. Work was com- inenced in 1835, and has been continued from time to time since that date. At the close of the present fiscal year there was a good channel, with a least depth of 10 feet up to a point below Monroe, which is deemed sufficient for the present commerce of the port. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, repairs have been made to the United States canal and minor repairs to piers. The total amount appropriated for this harbor has been $213,515.27, which has resulted in securing a navigable channel, with a least depth of 10 feet, up to a point just below the docks at Monroe, where rock bottom occurs. If this harbor is to be kept up, there is need of extensive repairs to piers and revetment, in order to prevent their ultimate destruction or more expensive renewals in later years. These are estimated to cost $20,000. The present commerce of Monroe is not sufficient, in the opinion of the officer in charge, to justify such a large expenditure. Hence, he considers a small annual appropriation for repairs sufficient until an increase of commerce demands the extensive renewals. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................... ................ $494 39 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................................... 494 39 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 20,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 3, 000 00 (See Appendix L L 1.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 309 2. Toledo Harbor, Ohio.-When operations were commenced at this harbor in 1866, the channel through the bay was narrow and intricate, presenting a depth of only 11 feet. The original project provided for cutting a channel 200 feet wide and 12 feet deep through Maumee Bay, and this was amended from time to time until the present project provides for a channel 200 feet wide at bottom and 16 feet deep at low water between the city of Toledo and deep water in Lake Erie. In 1868 there was a channel 100 feet wide and 12 feet keep; in 1875, the depth had been increased to 14 feet, and at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there was a good channel 200 feet wide at bottom on the ranges and from 260 to 350 feet wide at the angles, with a depth of from 15 to 17 feet at low water be- tween Toledo and deep water in the lake. The total amount appropriated for this harbor since 1866 to close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, has been $684,700, of which sum $676,356.91 has been expended. This expenditure has resulted in ob- taining a good 15k-foot channel where before there was a narrow, intri- cate channel with but 11 teet for vessels. During the fiscal year the sum of $35,176.09 has been expended in maintaining the channel and in deepening and widening same at various places by the removal of 78,355 cubic yards of mud, clay, sand, &c. Operations will be resumed during the season of 1884 as soon as new contracts can be made for the expenditure of the $20,000 appropriated by act of July 5, 1884. The sum of $60,000 is required to complete the existing project, the whole of which can be expended during the period ending June 30, 1886, in deepening and widening the channel between Toledo and 16 feet of water in Lake Erie; after which an annual expenditure of about $30,000 will be needed to maintain the dredged channel through the open bay. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates $25,000 to commence the work of making a straight channel for the Maumee River from its mouth to Lake Erie, in accordance with the second plan recommended by Major Wilson in report dated November 19, 1881. This plan is estimated to cost $2,363,923, which amount includes item for contingent expenses amounting to $214,902. Assuming a definite, reasonable, and liberal length of time for doing this work, say eight years, we should have the average contingent ex- penses at $26,862.75 per year, or $1,862.75 more than the amount allotted by act of July 5, 1884, to coninence the work. A work of such magnitude should not be commenced unless with a sum bearing due proportion to the ultimate cost, else the annual loss would largely increase the estimated cost, and, in the present case, the conditions are such that the amount of work practicable with $25,000 would be obliterated by the elements before another appropriation be- comes available. It has therefore been deemed advisable to await until further appropriations make a sum large enough to commence the work with advantage. The act of July 5, 1884, also appropriates the sum of $20,000 for To- ledo Harbor, continuing the improvement, which sum will be expended during the fiscal year in dredging the natural channel through Maumee Bay, in accordance with existing project; but judging from experience of previous years this amount will hardly be sufficient to remove the deposits of the last winter and spring in said channel, so that the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, will not mark any progress towards comple- tion of the old project 310 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Toledo Harbor, Ohio. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................... $42,819 18 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 -- ... .. ... . . . ....... 35,176 09 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... ---------------------- 7,643 09 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 20, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 27,643 09 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 60,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 60, 000 00 (See Appendix L L 2.) Toledo Harbor, Ohio-straightchannel. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... $25, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 25,000 0 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project. ....... 2, 363,923 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886........................................................50, 000 00 3. Port Clinton Harbor, Ohio.-The first survey of the harbor under the General Government was made in 1867, but no action was taken upon it. In 1870 a new survey was made, which showed the channel at the entrance to be narrow and intricate, with a depth of only 5 feet. The original project provided for cutting a channel 8 feet deep through the outer bar, and constructing piers from the shore out to the necessary depth. Effolbrts were made, without success, during the years 1872, 1873, and 1874 to obtain a channel by dredging only, but the required depth could not be maintained. The present project, adopted in 1875, provides for a pile revetment, running from the north shore of the Portage River, opposite the town, 967 feet out into the lake in a direction north 57 degrees east; then inclining towards the north, a pile pier, about 1,500 feet long, extends to the depth of 10 feet in the lake; parallel to this, and 200 feet from it, an east pier, 2,600 feet long, to run out from the south shore of the river. It is expected that a full depth of 9 feet can be maintained by confining the waters of the Portage River between these piers. The total amount appropriated for tis harbor to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, has been $46,000, of which sum $45,970.62 has been expended. This expenditure has resulted in ob- taining a depth of 9 feet from the lake to the town, where there was originally but 5 feet. During the fiscal year there has been expended $5,965.79, making a total of $5,690.16 for the season of 1883, under contract with John Stang, including incidental expenses. The west pier was extended 150 linear feet. The east revetment was extended 150 linear feet, and both struct- ures fully repaired. The channel has deepened somewhat between piers, but a bar has formed in the lake beyond end of piers, with least depth of 7J feet for a short distance. As the act of July 5, 1884, made no appropriation for this harbor, no work can be done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. The original estimate for the work was $122,000, a revised estimate $90,000, of which $46,000 has been appropriated, but the engineer in charge questions the advisability at present of expending the remaining $44,000, as the commerce, present or )rospective, is not such as to jus- tify such an expenditure. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 311 If it is deemed best to continue the improvement as projected the sum of $20,000 can be expended (lhring the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, extending the piers and repairing same. July 1, 1883, amount available ............. ....... ..... ...... .... $5, 995 17 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ............ -............ .................. 5,965 79 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 29 38 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 44,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix L L 3.) 4. Sandusky City Harbor, Ohio.-The original survey of this harbor was in 1826, but no appropriation was made until 1844. In the latter year the depth in the channel through the outer bar was 10 feet, and the greatest depth in the bay was about 12 feet. There was an exten- sive breach in the peninsula which protects the harbor on the west and northwest; the original project provided for closing this breach by crib-work and deepening the channel through the outer bar to 12 feet. The appropriations of 1844 and 1852 were applied to closing the breach in the peninsula, but the failure of further appropriations left the work unfinished, and in 1864, when operations were resumed, the old work was found to have been destroyed. In 1864 a project was submitted for opening a channel 400 feet wide and 12 feet deep through the outer bar; this has been amended from time to time, and at present the project calls for a channel through the outer bar and the bay up to within 50 feet of the line of docks and then parallel to the docks; the portion through the bar and bay to be 200 feet wide, and that parallel to the docks 100 feet wide, the whole to be 15 feet deep. In 1869 the channel through the outer bar was 240 feet wide and 12 feet deep; in 1872 the depth was increased to 13 feet, and work was commenced upon the channel within the bay; in 1875 there was a channel 100 feet wide through the outer bar, and one 150 feet wide and from 13 to 15 feet deep within the bay up to a point about 1* miles from the docks at Sandusky City. At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $244,256.04 had been expended on this harbor, and there was a channel through the outer bar about 150 feet wide, with a depth of about 14 feet, and depth of 15 feet for a width of 50 feet, and through the bay up to a point 50 feet from line of docks, with a width of 200 feet, and depth of about 15 feet. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $2,552.63 has been expended; 10,000 cubic yards of mud, clay, sand, &c., have been removed from the channel through outer bar, which was only sufficient to remove the filling-in of the previous spring, and it was therefore only restored to a similar condition as at the close of 1882, which would indicate that an annual removal of at least 10,000 cubic yards is necessary to maintain the unfinished channel, after which the additional dredging can be applied towards the com- pletion of the channel to 200 feet in width and 15 feet in depth. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, it is proposed to widen and deepen the channel through the outer bar, and remove any deposits from the channel through the bay and parallel to city docks, so far as the amount deemed available from the appropriation of July 5, 1884, will admit. The sum of $10,000 is required to complete the existing project, the whole of which can be profitably expended during the period ending June 30, 1886, in widening and deepening the channel from deep water in the lake to the docks at Sandusky City. 312 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. An increased depth of 16 feet at low water has been recommended for this harbor on account of the increased size of vessels navigating the lakes. The estimated cost of this extra depth is $61,000 additional, and if this project is favoirably considered, the sum of $30,000 additional (making $40,000 in all) can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. The act of July 5, 1884, contains the following proviso in connection with the appropriation of $20,000 for this harbor : "one-half of said sum to be expended in deepening the channel and the other half in the repair of existing works." Since 1855 there has been no work carried on by the United States for the improvement of Sandusky Harbor, other than dredge-work. Previous to and during 1855 a number of rough crib$ had been located along the then existing sand-bar or peninsula which protected San- dusky Bay on the north and west from the winds and lake waves, but during the winter of 1859 the crib-work was nearly all destroyed, and no expenditure has since been made towards replacing it. At present there is not a vestige of the cribs to be seen. There are therefore no "' existing works" in the improvements of the harbor of Sandusky City; and only one-half of the whole appropriation is deemed applicable to continuing the work on the existing channel. If it is determined to gain a depth of 16 feet, the amount that can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, will be $40,000. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $3, 376 59 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883-................................................ 2,552 63 July 1, 1884, amount available .................------------------......... ......-........ 8-------823 96 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... '20, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 20,823 96 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10,000 00 (See Appendix L L 4.) 5. Sandusky River, Ohio.- -During the years 1867 and 1872 the sum of $30,000 was expended in opening a navigable channel, with a depth of 8 feet, from Sandusky Bay to Fremont, a distance of 17 miles; since 1872 the cuts then made through the various bars have filled up. The present project, which was based on a survey made August, 1880, provides for opening a channel 100 feet wide and 9 feet deep, be- tween the town of Fremont and the depth of 9 feet in Sandusky Bay, at an estimated cost of $44,000. At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the sum of $21,500 had been appropriated for the project of 1880, of which amount $20,871.53 has been expended, and by the expenditure there was at the close of the season of 1883 a good channel, with least depth of 9 feet, from Fremont (the head of navigation) to the lake." The balance on hand is too small to attempt any further work this season, but will be held for an emergency or until further appropriations are made. Up to the present date $51,500 has been appropriated for this river, of which $50,871.53 has been expended. The sum of $22,500 will be required to complete the existing project, the advisability of which is deemed doubtful by the officer in charge. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 313 The act of July 5, 1884, made no appropriation of funds for this river, hence no work can be done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. July 1, 1883, amount available.......--------.-----......-............-----......-......---.... $628 47 July 1. 1884, amount available ................--....--.............-- -....... 628 47 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......-.... 22,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886.. 10,000 00 (See Appendix L L 5.) G. Huron Harbor, Ohio.-The present .plan for the improvement of this harbor consists of parallel piers, 140 feet apart, running out into the lake. It was adopted in 1826, and modified in 1871, the object be- ing to afford a channel of entrance of navigable width and of not less than 14 feet in depth. When work was commenced in 1827 there was a bar at the mouth of the river, dry at low water. In 1839 the channel was 130 feet wide and not less than 91 feet deep; in 1844 this depth was found to have been maintained, but in 1852, as very little work had been done for fourteen years, the piers were in a dilapidated condition, and the channel had shoaled. In 1866 there was a depth of 11 feet at the entrance. At the close of the present fiscal year there was a good channel through the outer bar with a depth of 13 feet, and between the piers with a depth of from 16 to 17 feet. The superstructure of both piers, except where repaired last season, was in a decayed condition, and needed immediate renewal. The heavy gales of the spring of 1884 did considerable damage to the piers and to the beaches, so that a breach was made between inner end of east pier and shore. Extensive and immediate repairs are much needed. Up to the end of the fiscal year' the sum of $106,773.71 has been appropriated for this harbor, of which amount $106,766.93 has been expended. A good wide channel, with least depth of 14 feet, has been obtained where originally there was a sand-bar, dry at low water. ' The act of July 5, 1884, appropriated the sum of $7,500 for this har- bor, which will be expended in repairing piers and dredging. The estimated cost of renewing the superstructure of the piers is $22,000; $13,500 has been appropriated, but owing to the extra repairs made necessary by the storms of 1883 and 1884, the estimate to com- plete the renewals should be $15,000, rather than the remaining balance of $8,500, which increased amount can be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in rebuilding superstructure, repairing piers, &c. July 1,1883, amount available.......................................... $45 63 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding ....--------......---......--......---......------......---........--...... ---- liabilities July 1, 1883------------- 38 75 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 6 88 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884......................7,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 7, 506 88 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 15, 006 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 8,000 00 (See Appendix L L 6.) 7. Vermillion Harbor, Ohio.-The'original project for this improve- menrit, which was presented in 1826, when the mouth of Vermillion River was closed by a sand-bar, upon which there was a depth of less than 2 feet, consisted of parallel piers running out to a depth of 12 feet 314 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. in the lake from each side of the mouth of the river, in order to secure a depth of 10 feet. This project has been amended from time to time, and now provides for a depth of 14 feet. In 1838 there was a channel 50 feet wide and 6 feet deep. No appro- priations were made between 1838 apd 1866, and in the latter year the piers were found to be dilapidated and, the depth at the entrance to be 7 feet. In 1878 the channel was about 70 feet wide, with a depth of about 12 feet. During the present fiscal year some repairs were made to the piers, at a cost of $1,592.58. At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the piers were in fair condition; the depth in channel was about the same as at the close of the previous fiscal year. The amount appropriated to close of fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, has been $114,942.32, of which sum $114,027.24 has been expended. The act of July 5, 1884, made no appropriation of funds for this har- bor, hence but a limited amount of repairs can be done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, with the small balance of funds on hand. The amount estimated for the completion of the proposed project is $14,000, which can be expended during the period ending June 30, 1886, in removing rock, shale, sand, &c., from the channel and repair- ing the piers, but the engineer in charge is doubtful as to the advisa- bility of such an expenditure. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $2,507 66 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--------------------------------------------................................................ 1,592 58 July 1, 1884, amount available.---..... ........ ...... .------------------ 915 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....-...... -- 14,000 00 Amount that cah be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 14,000 00 (See Appendix L L 7.) 8. Mouth of Black River, Ohio.--The present project for the improve- ment of this harbor consists of parallel piers, 200 feet apart, running out to a depth of 16 feet in the lake; it was adopted in 1828, modified so as to gain increased depth in 1873, and again in, 1880, the object being to afford a channel of entrance of navigable width, and not less than 16 feet in depth. When work was commenced in 1828, there was a depth of only 3 feet at the entrance; in 1839 there was a least depth of 9J feet. But one appropriation of $5,000 was made between 1839 and 1865, and in the latter year the piers were found to be in a dilapidated condition, but a narrow channel with a least depth of 7 feet remained near the west pier. In 1871 there was a depth of 12 feet; in 1874 of 14 feet; and at the close of the present fiscal year there is a good wide channel, with a least depth of 164 feet, from the lake up into the river. Up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there had been appropriated the sum of $190,138.73, of which $189,987.16 had been expended, with which a channel with least depth of 161 feet has been obtained where originally there was but 3 feet at the entrance. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, about 693 linear feet of the superstructure of the west pier was renewed, 308 linear feet of pile revetment at inner end of east pier was rebuilt, and 138 linear feet ot superstructure of west pier was repaired and strengthened, and minor repairs made to both of the piers. All this was done under the contract of October 16, 1882, and modi RIVER AND HARBOK IMPROVEMENTS. 315 fications of same, dated March 29, 1883, with John Stang, of Lorain, Ohio. The amount expended during the fiscal year was $8,976.04. The piers, so far as repaired, were left in good condition at the close of the season's work, but the storms of the winter and the spring of 1884 have done still further damage to the old portion of both piers, so that extensive and extra repairs are now needed. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates $10,000 for this harbor, which will be expended in repairs to piers and renewing superstructure so far as funds will permit, all in accordance with the existing project. The unexpected and extra repairs made and to be made at this har- bor will increase the estimate for repairs and renewal and prolonging piers at least $12,000, so that the sum of $30,000 is still needed to com- plete the existing project. July 1, 1883, amount available......------------------............--.................. . $9, 127 61 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......................... --............ ...... 9,876 04 July 1, 1884, amount available...-----------------.....................--.....-.......... 151 57 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 10, 151 57 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 30,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 18, 000 00 (See Appendix L L 8.) 9. Rocky River Pier, Ohio.-The project for the improvement of this river was adopted in 1871, the object being to afford a channel of en- trance 100 feet wide and from 6 to 12 feet deep; it required the con- struction of a pier 500 feet long, and a large amount of excavation. The pier as projected was constructed, but only a small amount of excavation was done, and no further appropriations were made for con- tinuing the work after March 3, 1875. By the act of June 14, 1880, an appropriation of $4,000 was made for repairs, and during the years 1880 and 1881 portions of this amount were expended in placing the pier in good condition. The storms of 1883 did considerable damage to this pier, and it was repaired during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, by hired labor and purchase in open market, at a cost of $1,248.61. At the close of the season the pier was in fair conditibn, but the storms of the spring of 1884 have again damaged the pier, and considerable repairs are now needed. As the act of July 5, 1884, made no appropriation for this harbor, and as the balance on hand, $131.87, is too small to attempt any repairs, there will be no work practicable during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, and the damaged pier will be still further impaired. The sum of $2,000 is required for immediate repairs. July 1, 1883, amount available...... -............-.............. _....... $1,585 31 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.....................---......--......--------------....-... 1,453 44 July 1, 1884, amount available .. ......-........ -.. ..........-....- .... -- 131 87 (See Appendix L L 9.) 10. Cleveland Harbor, Ohio.-The present project for the improvement of the mouth of the Cuyahoga River was adopted in 1825, and has been amended from time to time to gain increased depth; it consists of par- allel piers about 200 feet apart, running out to a depth of 16 feet in the lake. 316 REPORT OF THE CHIEF' OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. When operations were commenced in 1825 there was a long, low sand-bar where the river now empties into Lake Erie, and the entrance was through a narrow, intricate channel with a depth of about 3 feet. At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there had been expended about $363,000, and there was, as the result, a good wide chan- nel at the entrance to the harbor with a depth of from 17 to 20 feet between the lake and the railroad bridge at the inner end of the piers, with a pile-protection work 620 feet long at the inner end of the west pier, constructed in 1882 to prevent vessels getting on the old sunken pier. During the present fiscal year the sum of $2,688 has been expended in repairs to piers and dredging of material from channel between piers and in lake beyond piers. The storms of the winter and spring of this year did some damage to piers, and their use by vessels to lay up to also destroyed many timbers, all of which had to be repaired during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, at a cost of $100. The freshets of February and March, 1884, also eaused a bar with a least depth of 13 feet to form in the lake beyond the end of piers and between them near their outer end. This occasioned considerable annoyance to vessels. Dredging to remove the bar was at once undertaken and was in progress and nearly completed at the close of the fiscal year, when about 10,770 cubic yards had been removed, leaving about 2,500 cubic yards yet to be excavated. When completed there will be a good channel as above stated, with least depth of 17 feet, with the piers in fair condition. The new breakwater.-The present project for a harbor of refuge pro- vides for an outer breakwater, starting from the lake shore about 700 feet west of the upper end of the old river-bed. This breakwater runs out in a direction about due north a distance of 3,130 feet to a depth of 28 feet; the angle is then turned and it runs for 4,030 feet nearly parallel to the shore, with a spur 100 feet long on the north side of the lake arm and 200 feet from its eastern end in a depth of from 28 to 30 feet. The entrance to the harbor on the east side will be protected, as at present proposed, by extending the east pier at the mouth of the river 1,400 feet. During the present fiscal year the sum of $233,824.22 has been ex- pended, and at its close 2,055 linear feet of breakwater had been finished, which completed lake arm of the breakwater, leaving but the eastern protection to be built to complete the harbor of refuge. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates $100,000 for the harbor of Cleve- land. The engineer in charge has suggested that the plan for the closing of the eastern side of the harbor of refuge be changed, that instead of pro- longing the east pier, another lake arm of breakwater be built to the eastward, leaving an opening opposite the piers of 350 feet for an en- trance. This plan will give about 80 per cent. additional harbor room, will give as much protection to the original harbor as the present plan. The increased cost will be proportionally small, and the entire cost of the harbor of refuge thus enlarged will be about the amount of the revised estimate for completion upon the present plan and nearly $600,000 less than the original estimate. Since no change in the approved and adopted plan upon which the improvement is now in progress can be made without the sanction of Con- gress, it is proposed to refer this suggestion to a Board of Engineer Officers for examination and report, and the subject will be duly sub- mitted for your consideration in a future communication. The balance on hand February 1, 1884, when all outstanding contracts RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 317 were completed, was only $24,685.82, too small a sum to invite proposals for continuing the breakw ater this season; hence there has been no work done this season up to July 18, 1884, and the late date at which con- tracts can be perfected under the appropriation of July 5, 1884, will render it impracticable to prepare for and continue construction in the lake before March, 1885, thereby causing over twelve months' delay in the work. July 1, [883, amount available .........................................$250, 734 34 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................ $228, 856 08 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities......................... 2,638 53 231,494 61 19, 239 73 July 1, 1884, amount available--......--..-..........---....--....-----------------......- Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 100, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................. 119,239 73 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-.......... 300, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 300, 000 00 (See Appendix L L 10.) 11. FairportHarbor, mouth of Grand River, Ohio.-The present pro- ject for the improvement of this harbor consists of parallel piers, 200 feet apart, running out into the lake. It was adopted in 1825, and has been modified by prolonging the piers from time to time, so as to gain increased depth, the object being to afford a channel of entrance of navigable width, and not less than 16 feet in depth. When the work of improvement was commenced, in 1826, the mouth of the river was closed- by a sand-bar 1,200 feet wide, at times so hard and dry that teams could be driven across. In 1829 the depth in the channel was about 8 feet, and in 1839, when work was suspended, there was a depth of 11 feet, and any vessel then navigating the lakes could enter at any time without danger. In 1865 the piers were found to be seriously dilapidated; in 1870 there was a depth of 12 feet in the channel; in 1879 this depth was increased to 14 feet; in 1881 to 15 feet, and at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, there was a good channel between the piers, with least depth of 16 feet at low water; but a bar had formed in the lake beyond piers, with least depth of 12 feet at ordinary level of the lake. During the fiscal year the work under the contract of October 6, 1882, was completed, by which the west pier was extended 160 feet, the su- perstructure of west pier repaired and leveled up where settlement had taken place, and minor repairs made to east pier. The sum of $13,170.69 was expended during the fiscal year. The total amount expended for this harbor is $227,245.41. The act of July 5, 1884, appropriates the sum of $10,000 for this har- bor, which will be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, in dredging bar in the lake, in extending and repairs to piers. The sum of $30,000 can be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in prolonging the piers and in dredging in accordance with existing project. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $13, 595 77 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883 ..------------------------------------------- 13,170 69 July 1, 1884, amount available....................................... 425 08 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 10,425 08 318 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. - Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project-----....---...... 50,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix L L 11.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. An examination was made in October, 1882, by the local engineer then in charge, Maj. John M. Wilson, Corps of Engineers, of the chan- nel known as the Old River-bed, leading from Cuyahoga River to the har- bor of refuge, now under construction at Cleveland, Ohio, and reported as worthy of improvement, but the work not a public necessity at this time. (See Appendix L L 12.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS ON LAKE ERIE, AT ASHTABULA AND CONNEAUT, OHIO; ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA; AND DUNKIRK AND BUF- FALO, NEW YORK; IMPROVEMENT OF NIAGARA RIVER. Officer in charge of Niagara River and Buffalo Harbor, Lieut. Col. H. M. Robert, Corps of Engineers, to November 30, 1883. Since that date, Capt. Edward Maguire, Corps of Engineers. Officer in charge of harbors at Ashtabula, Conneaut, Erie, and Dun- kirk, Maj. M. B. Adams, Corps of Engineers, to November 27, 1883. Since that date, Capt. Edward Maguire, Corps of Engineers. 1. Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio.-The original project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1826; the rock bottom was then found at 9 feet below the water surface, and there was a depth of only 2 feet of water on the bar at the entrance when operations were commenced. The project provided piers running out on either side of the mouth of the river from shore to 12 feet water in the lake. The present project contemplates the extension of the piers out to 16 feet water, the removal of the decayed portions of both piers, and re- building with new material, at the same time straightening the line of the west pier so as to afford a uniform width of 160 feet in the channel. Operations were commenced in 1826, and have been prosecuted with more or less interruptions and suspensions (no work was done between 1839 and 1865) and have resulted in a much improved harbor. The close of the present fiscal year leaves a good, wide channel, 154 to 16 feet deep, from the lake into the harbor. There has been appropriated a total of $349,901.21 up to the close of the fiscal year Jung 30, 1884, of which amount the. sum of $344,082.17 has been expended. During the fiscal year the west pier was extended shoreward 280 linear feet. Some repairs were made to the east pier and a portion of the channel was dredged. Revised estimates submitted by the officer in charge give the sum of $80,250 as required to complete the existing project, of which amount the sum of $35,000 can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, in removing and extending the piers, and in dredg- ing and rock excavation. It is probable that dredging will have to be carried on at this harbor as frequently as once in two years, in order to maintain a depth of 16 feet in the channel. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 319 July 1, 1883, amount available ...................................... . $21,169 43 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of Soutstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $15,350 39 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 3,123 62 18,474 01 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 2,695 42 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ... .... ............... 22, 500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 25,195 42 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.--.....- 80, 250 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 35,000 00 (See Appendix M M 1.) 2. Conneaut Harbor, Ohio.-The original project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1829. Operations were carried on during the years 1829 to 1832, and from 1836 to 1838, inclusive, which consisted in the construction of piers 125 feet apart, running from shore out to a depth of 12 feet of water in the lake, and in dredging. The design was to afford a depth of 12 feet of water through the bar at the mouth of Conneaut Creek, which bar was dry at low water when work was com- menced. The improvements have been prosecuted at this harbor with more or less interruptions and suspensions; no work was done from 1839 to 1844, from 1845 to 1852, from 1853 to 1866, and none last year or this. The best channel depth ever obtained was 11 feet, and the more usual depth has been 8 or 9 feet. The present depth of water on the bar is 10 feet. Up to the close of the present fiscal year the sum of $112,629.39 has been appropriated for this harbor, of which sum $112,609.71 has been expended. The present project for this improvement contemplates rebuilding the east pier and renewing the superstructure of the west pier at an estimated cost of $35,090. The commerce of the port has always been small. --------------------------------------- July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $53 18 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...... .................---------....... --..........-........ 33 50 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 19 E8 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project----------.......... 35, 090 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 35, 000 00 (See Appendix M M 2.) 3. Brie Harbor, Pennsylvania.-The original survey of this harbor was made in 1819, at which time the channel was narrow and tortuous, with a depth of only 6 feet. In 1823 a plan for the improvement of the harbor, proposed by a Board of Engineers, was adopted, Which constitutes the present pro- tection at the entrance of the harbor, excepting some changes which have been required either on account of the age of the structure orig- inally built or other causes. The piers have been extended from time to time and are now in good condition." The present project contemplates their extension out to 16 feet of water in the lake, and the maintenance of 16 feet of water in the chan- nel from the harbor inside to the lake outside. Operations have been prosecuted with more or less interruptions and suspensions (no work was done from 1838 to 1842', from 1846 to 320 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 1853, and none from 1855 to 1864), and have resulted in much benefit to the harbor and its channel entrance. The close of operations in 1883 left a good channel 300 feet wide and 17 feet deep, which has been maintained throughout the fiscal year. The work during the fiscal year was confined to the construction of a sand-catch jetty at the eastern end of the peninsula, designed to ar- rest the accretions of sand which threaten to block up the entrance to the harbor. The original plan was to build 1,200 feet, but in August, 1883, 420 feet of the 770 which had been completed were demolished by a storm, and the original plan was modified to rebuilding only the 420 feet. These were constructed, but in November the outer 280 feet were again wrecked. To carry out the recommendation of the Board of Engineers of .June 14, 1882, $10,000 of the amount available for the harbor are set apart to provide for the prompt construction of a dike at the neck of the peninsula in case of necessity. The existing project is to extend the north pier 700 feet, and the south pier 1,350 feet, which, at a cost of $65 per linear foot, will amount to $133,250. The total amount appropriated for this harbor up to the close of the fiscal year is $681,367.23, of which $669,320.17 have been expended. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $21,276 53 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ........................ $9, 229 47 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities- -10 --......--.......--......-....... 00 -- 9,239 47 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... 12,037 06 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 62,037 06 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....-...... 83,250 00 Amount thatcan be profitably expended in fiscal yearending June 30, 186. 50,000 00 (See Appendix M M 3.) 4. Dunkirk Harbor,New York.-The existing project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1870; the object being to form an artificial harbor by constructing a breakwater 2,860 feet long and nearly parallel with the shore, and by excavating a channel so as to afford a depth of 13 feet into this harbor, the estimated cost of which was $350,000. The breakwater construction has been carried out in part, 1,341 feet having been completed at a cost of $98,000, and the channel has been excavated to 13 feet in depth, but is quite narrow, besides presenting the ragged edges of the unblasted rock, jutting out on either side, and being exposed to wind and waves from any direction between northwest around to northeast; it is therefore somewhat dangerous at times for a vessel to make the entrance. In case any further extension of the break- water is deemed advisable the officer in charge recommends its exten- sion to the westward 560 feet, as contemplated in the original design, which woild diminish in some degree the dangers of the entrance and at the same time create additional shelter within the harbor. A total of $449,079.38 has been appropriated, of which amount $449,070.09 have been expended to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. The breakwater, if extended 560 feet to the westward, might also, with benefit to the harbor, be extended 300 feet eastwardly, a total of 860 feet; it would then be 659 feet shorter than its original estimated length. The cost of such extensions, with present prices of materials, RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 321 would be some $70 per linear foot, and would amount to $60,200, of which $10,000 was appropriated July 5, 1884. July 1, 1883, amount available----- ......---...........----.............----------------......-----......-$54 09 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--------------- . . ............ 44 80 July 1, 1884, amount available---- .--................-----............------....--.... -9 29 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 10, 009 29 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 50, 20Q 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 50, 000 00 (See Appendix M M 4.) 5. Buffalo Harbor, New York.-The original project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1826, the date of the first appropria- tion, and as modified at various times provided for the construction of a north and south pier at the mouth of Buffalo Greek, a masonry sea-wall running south from the inner end of the south pier and a breakwater less than half a mile in front of the Buffalo light-house, its long arm extending nearly parallel with the shore. The present project was adopted in 1874, and provides for the con- struction of a breakwater of crib-work, 7,600 feet long, running parallel to the shore and a shore arm of pile and crib-work, 4,100 feet long, run, ning out towards the southern end of the main or detached breakwater, leaving an opening about 150 feet wide between them. The total amount appropriated for this harbor up to the close of the fiscal year was $1,661,880.41, of which $1,487,352.41 have been expended, resulting in the construction of the north and south piers, the sea-wall, 4,891 linear feet of detached breakwater, and 870 linear feet of pile pier. The main breakwater is now being extended 800 feet and will be fin- ished early in the coming fiscal year. The south pier, the pile pier, and the northern portion of the main breakwater are very much in need of repairs. July 1, 1883, amount available ..-.................... 1.................. $191,395 98 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities, July 1, 1883 ...............--. - $15, 034 82 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities....... . ..... .. 22,347 58 37,382 40 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 84,013 58 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 100, 000 p0 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 184,013 58 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ended June 30, 1, 230, 000 00 ........ 1886 ................--..-----......----...... .............................. 300 000 00 (See Appendix M M 5.) 6. NiagaraRiver, New York.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1881, the object being the removal by dredging of the bars in the channel south and east of Tonawanda Island, and the removal of submerged rocks in the outer channel west of the island, so as to afford a channel of navigable width and 13 feet depth at low water. The natural channel was from 13 to 16 feet in depth, but narrowed by bars and rocks. The amount expended was $5,000, and resulted in the formation of a channel of navigable width and a depth of 13 feet at low water. All the work contemplated on this portion of the river has been done. 5908 EN -21 322 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. July 1,1883, amount available.... ............. .. ................. $1,500 00 July 1,1884, amount available.................. . .... 1,500 00 (See Appendix M M 6.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS ON LAKES ONTARIO AND CHAMPLAIN AND THE SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER-IMPROVEMENT OF GRASS AND TICONDEROGA RIVERS, NEW YORK, AND OTTER CREEK, VERMONT. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. Henry M. Robert, Corps of Engineers. 1. Wilson Harbor, New York.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1873, and modified in 1877, the object being to afford a. channel of navigable width and 12 feet in depth, by the extension of two parallel piers from the mouth of Twelve-mile Creek to the 12-foot curve in the lake, with the formation of a protected chan- nel between the piers. The mouth of the creek was originally obstructed by a bar, upon which there was a depth of about 1 foot. Before the commencement of operations by the United States the piers had been carried about 400 feet into the lake by private enter- prise. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $49,866.75, and has re- sulted in the extension of the piers to the 8-foot curve in the lake, and the formation of a protected channel between the piers of navigable width and a depth of 8 feet at low water. The appropriation of $30,000 asked for will be applied to pier exten- sion and maintenance, and such dredging as may be necessary. July 1, 1883, amount available---.......................................... $7, 945 06 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..................-......-....-.......... 7,811 81 133 25 July 1, 1884, amount available............................ ............----------------------------------------.. 50, 000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...... ..----------. Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 (See Appendix N N 1.) 2. Olcott Harbor,New York.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1866, at the date of the first appropriation, and proposed to connect the deep water in the lake with deep water in Eighteen-mile Creek by the extension of two parallel piers from the mouth of the creek to the 11-foot curve in the lake, with the formation of a dredged channel between the piers. The project was modified in 1874 and 1881 to provide for the removal of rock found to exist in the channel between the piers, and for additional pier extension. The natural channel between the mouth of Eighteen-mile Creek and the lake was covered by a bar upon which there was a depth of about 11 feet of water. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $118,000, and has resulted in the extension of the piers to about the 9-foot curve in the lake, and the formation of a protected channel between the piers of navigable width, with a depth of about 7J feet at low water. The appropriation of $30,000 asked for is to be applied to the exten- sion and maintenance of the piers and the deepening of the channel be- tween the piers. Amount (estimated) required for comnpletion of existing project.......... $30,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30,000 00 (See Appendix N N 2.) 3. Oak Orchard Harbor, New York.-The earliest project for the im- provement of this harbor was adopted in 1836, at the date of the first RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 323 appropriation, and proposed the construction of an east and west break- water approaching to within 200 feet of each other, and connecting at this opening with parallel piers extending into the lake. Subsequent modifications were extensions of the original project, to provide for rock removal, and to adjust it to the increased requirements of com- merce. The present project was adopted in 1881, the object being to extend the piers to the 12-foot curve in the lake, with the formation of a channel of navigable width between the piers, carrying 12 feet depth at low water. The natural channel of entirance to Oak Orchard Creek was narrow, with a depth of from 2 to 4 feet. The total amount expended from the date of the first appropriation, in 1836, to June 30, 1884, is $173,500. Nothing has been expended since the adoption of the present project in 1881. The total expenditure has resulted in extending the piers to the 9-foot curve in the lake, securing a protected channel between the piers of navigable width and 9 feet depth at low water. The appropriation of $40,000 asked for is to be applied to the exten- sion and maintenance of the piers, and such dredging as may be neces- sary. July 1, 1883, amount available. -- .....------------ .... -.. $3, 000 00 3,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount available......-------- ...............................----------. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 8,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 92,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 40,000 00 (See Appendix N N 3.) 4. Charlotte Harbor, New York.-The earliest project for the improve- ment of this harbor was adopted in 1828, at the date of the first appropriation, and proposed to connect the deep water in the Genesee River with the deep water in the lake by parallel piers about 360 feet apart. The subsequent modifications were extensions of the original project so as to adjust it to the increased requirements of commerce. The present project was adopted in 1881, the object being to extend the piers to the 15-foot curve in the lake, with the formation, by dredg- ing, of a protected channel between the piers of navigable width aind 15 feet depth at low water. The natural channel over the bar was tortuous, and in calm weather would admit, at ordinary stages of the lake, vessels drawing 8 feet. The total amount expended from the date of the first appropriation, in 1828, to June 30, 1884, is $350,648.46. The amount expended from the adoption of the present project, in 1881, to June 30,1884, is $32,570.06. The total expenditure has resulted in extending the piers to the 13-loot curve in the lake, securing a channel between the piers of navigable width, and of not less than 12 feet depth at low water. The appropriation of $80,000 asked for is to be applied to the exten- sion and maintenance of the piers, and such dredging as may be necessary. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $32, 051 82 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....................................... 29,621 88 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 2,429 94 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 22, 429 94 324 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ........ 99, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 80, 000 00 (See Appendix N N 4.) 5. Pultneyville Harbor, New York.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1870, at the date of the first appropria- tion, and proposed the construction of a breakwater running easterly from the west shore and thence northerly into the lake, with an east pier parallel to and about 200 feet from the northerly arm of the west breakwater. The project was modified in 1875 to provide for increased dredging. The object of the improvement was to furnish a protected channel of navigable width and not less than 10 feet depth. The natu- ral channel was not more than 2 feet deep. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $70,607.96, and has resulted in the extension of the piers to the 10-foot curve in the lake, the formation of a channel 6 feet in depth at low water, of navigable width between the piers, and a narrow channel of entrance to the creek, about 5 feet in depth. Should Congress deem further appropriation expedient, it is recom- mended by the officer in charge that the first work undertaken should be the construction of a sand-tight pier starting from the shore east of the mouth of Salmon Creek and running about parallel to the present shore arm of the pier on the west of Salmon Creek to a point from 50 to 100 feet from the present east pier, and redredging the channel, the entire cost of the pier and dredging being estimated at $30,000. July 1,1883, amount available .......................................... $3, 548 59 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ..................... .... ...-.. ..----....--....-.- .... 3,156 55 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 392 04 (See Appendix N N 5.) 6. Great Sodus Harbor, New York.-The earliest project for the im- provement of this harbor was adopted in 1828; the first appropriation was made in 1829. The original project proposed the construction of two breakwaters from the east and west shores, approaching to within 500 feet of each other, and connecting at this opening with parallel piers extending into the lake. SSubsequent modifications were extensions of the original project, to adjust it to the increased requirements of commerce. The present project was adopted in 1881, the object being to extend the piers to the 15-foot curve in the lake, and dredging a channel be- tween the piers 15 feet deep at low water. The natural channel would admit vessels drawing 8 feet at oirdinary stages of the lake. The total amount expended from the date of the first appropriation in 1829 to June 30, 1884, is $382,462.95. The amount expended from the adoption of the present project in 1882 to June 30,1884, is $20,691.15. The total expenditure has resulted in the extension of the west pier to the 13-foot curve in the lake, the extension of the east pier to the 9-foot curve, securing a channel between the piers of navigable width and 10 feet depth at low water. The appropriation of $40,000 asked for is to be applied to the exten- sion and maintenance of the piers and for such dredging as may be necessary. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 325 July 1, 1883, amount available......................-....-....-............ $21,552 54 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..........................................-------------------------------------------...... 17,243 69 July 1, 1884, amount available-----......-........-......-....--.................. 4, 308 85 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885................. 14,308 85 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 65, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 40, 000 00, (See Appendix N N 6.) 7. Little Sodus Harbor, New York.-The earliest project for the im- provement of this harbor was adopted in 1829, and has since been vari- ously modified. The first appropriation was made in 1852. The early projects proposed the partial closing of the opening between the bay and the lake by lateral dikes connected with two parallel piers extending into the lake. The present, which is an expansion of the earlier projects, was adopted in 1881, and is designed to afford a channel of navigable width and not less than 15 feet depth at low water. The total amount expended from the date of the first appropriation in 1852 to June 30, 1884, is $255,325.75; the amount expended from the adoption of the present project in 1881 to June 30, 1884, is $20,883.98. The total expenditure has resulted in the extension of the piers to the 12-foot curve in the lake, securing a channel between the piers of navigable width and 14 feet depth, with a channel through the outer bar 12 feet deep at.low water. The appropriation of $40,000 asked for is to be applied to the exten- sion and maintenance of the piers and such dredging as may be neces- sary to maintain a channel through the outer bar. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $21,494 75 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.............. ......... . .................... 17, 378 73 July 1, 1884, amount available---- ...... _....-.......................... 4,116 02 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885------------------................... 14,116 02 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 45,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 301886. 40, 000 00 (See Appendix N N 7.) 8. Oswego Harbor, New York.-The earliest project for the improve-. ment of this harbor was adopted in 1827, and proposed to inclose an area at the mouth of the river by extending jetties from the shore into the lake, joining the outer ends bya breakwater, but leaving an opening through which to enter the harbor. This project was completed in 1869, and forms the present inner harbor. The present project was adopted in 1870, and consists of a breakwater 5,800 feet in length, parallel to the old west breakwater and 1,100 feet in advance of it. The estimated cost was $1,161,682. It was modified in 1879, 1880, 1882, and 1883 by the proposed construction of an east breakwater 2,700 feet in length, the reduction to 350 feet of the opening between the east end of the west breakwater and the'north end of the light-house pier, the use of creosoted timber in repairs to the old break- water, the construction of spurs along the face of the outer west break- 326 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. water to reduce the effect of accumulated seas, and for deepening, by dredging, the inner harbor at the mouth of the Oswego River. The object of these improvements was to give protection to the city docks and wharves and to the commerce of the harbor and lake suitable for the heaviest draught of vessels on the lakes. The natural entrance to the mouth of the river was shallow and difficult of access. The total amount expended from the date of the first appropriation, in 1826, to June 30, 1884, is $1,452,134.82; the amount expended from the adoption of the present project to June 30, 1884, is $978,771.95. The total expenditure has resulted in the completion of the originally projected harbor, the completion of the west breakwater, with 1he reduc- tion to 350 feet of the opening between the east end of the west break- water and the north end of the light-house pier, the construction of 213 linear feet of the east breakwater, and the deepening of the river mouth to a depth of 15 feet at low water; securing full protection to the docks and wharves west of the river mouth, and channels of entrance 16 feet deep and 350 feet wide each to the inner harbor and to the outer harbor, and 15 feet deep at low water. The appropriation of $70,682 asked for, which exhausts the original estimate, is to be applied to repairs and the extension of the breakwater. July 1, 1883, amount available ... ............... ................. $64, 861 57 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....................----------------------..... $32,633 52 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 21,924 22 -- - 54,557 74 - July 1, 1884, amount available ....-..... _....-............. ........... 10,303 83 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 80,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ........-......-. 90, 303 83 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 70, 682 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 70, 700 00 (See Appendix N'N 8.) 9. Sackett's Harbor, New York:-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1881, and proposed the deepening of the harbor over an area of about 15 acres to a depth of 12 feet at low water. The depth previously existing was less than 8 feet over a large part of its area. In 1826 and 1828 the sum of $6,000 was expended in " cleaning and deepening" the harbor. The total amount expended from 1826 to June 30, 1884, is $12,382.88; the amount expended from the adoption of the present project to June 30, 1884, is $6,382.88, and has resulted in the removal of 24,010 cubic yards of sand, mud, and gravel. With the completion of this work the harbor had a depth of 12 feet at low water over its available area. To protect the harbor from the shore drift around Ship House Point, the officer in charge recommends the construction of low jetties, and to this work it is proposed to apply the appropriation of $2,000 asked for. July 1, 1883, amount available ............-....-......................... $4,850 82 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......................... $4, 233 70 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities-..........-- ................ 187 71 - - 4,421 41 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................ 429 41 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 15,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 2, 000 00 (See Appendix N N 9.) RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 327 10. Ogdensburg Harbor, New York.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1867 and 1868, and proposed the deepen. ing of the channel of the Oswegatchie River below the bridge, and deepening the channel in the Saint Lawrence River along the city front to a depth of 12 feet, and the construction, if subsequently deemed nec- essary, of dikes to confine and direct the river currents. The project was modified in 1882 by increasing the depth of the hitherto proposed channels to 15 feet at low water. The natural or unimproved channels had a depth of from 5 to 12 feet. The total amount expended from the date of the first appropriation, in 1852, to June 30, 1884, is $119,516.28; the amount expended from the adoption of the present project to June 30, 1884, is $9,510.72. The total expenditure has resulted in the formation of a channel along the Saint Lawrence River front, one mile in length being 12 feet in depth, and one-haltf a mile 14 feet in depth at low water; the deepening of the Oswegatchie channel to the depth of from 12 to 15 feet at low water, and the deepening of the channel between the lower end of the city front channel and deep water in the Saint Lawrence to 15 feet at low water. The appropriation of $40,000 asked for will be applied to deepening the channels as hitherto proposed. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $7, 409 49 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exciusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883....-..........-.... . .......... .... .... 6,920 21 July 1, 1884, amount available ....-....-....-....-......-................ 489 28 Amount appropriated by act approved. July 5, 1884...................... 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .-................. 15,489 28 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 51,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 40, 000 00 (See Appendix N N 10.) 11. Grass River, New York.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1881, its object being the formation of a 4-foot channel from the mouth of the river to the landing for the village of Massena, a dis- tance of 7 miles. The natural depth at the shoalest points in the chan- nel was about 2 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $51.40, and has been ex- pended in the necessary preparation for the work proposed. But a sin- gle bid was received in response to advertisement for dredging, in 1883, and since the funds available would not permit the accomplishment of more than one-fourth the required work, it was considered best to defer the work until additional appropriations would permit it to be done economically. The appropriation of $9,000 asked for, together with unexpended bal- ance, will be applied to deepening the channel. July 1, 1883, amount available ...... ...................................-- $2, 948 60 July 1, 1884, amount available ..........--------............... ............. 2,948 60 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 9, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 9,000 00 (See Appendix N N 11.) 12. Plattsburg Harbor, New York.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was probably adopted about 1836, the date of the first appropriation. This and the subsequent modifications proposed the construction of a breakwater about 1,000 feet distant from the docks and wharves, and giving protection to them from easterly and southerly 328 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. storms. The last modification was made in 1870, and proposed an addi- tional extension of the breakwater to the southeast, with the dredging of shoal areas behind the breakwater, and the protection by revetment of a part of the adjacent beach. The total expenditure from the date of the first appropriation in 1836 to June 30, 1884, is $137,221.15, and the amount expended from the adoption of the present project in 1870 to June 30, 1884, is $51,721.15. The total expenditures have resulted in the construction of 1,250 linear feet of breakwater. The breakwater was completed in 1874-'75, and since then expenditures have been limited to dredging and repairs. The appropriation of $5,000 asked for will be applied to such repairs as may become necessary. July 1, 1883, amount available...................................... $1,403 95 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....... .......................................... 125 10 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................1,278 85 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 12, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix N N 12.) 13. Swanton Harbor, Vermont.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was adopted in 1873, its object being the construction of a breakwater to give protection to anticipated docks and wharves. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $69,970.59, and has resulted in the extension of the breakwater to a length of 259 feet. The site of the breakwater was selected before the location of the existing docks and wharves, which are three.fourths of a mile from the breakwater, thereby receiving very little if any protection therefrom. In view of this fact and the uncertainty of the future location of docks and wharves, it is recommended that further appropriations be withheld until the establishment of docks and wharves shall give indications of requirement for further extension of the breakwater. July 1, 1883, amount available.... .................................. $4, 644 82 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...... .................................... 4, 115 41 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 529 41 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 169,500 00 (See Appendix N N 13.) 14. Burlington Harbor, Vermont.-The project for the improvement of this harbor was probably adopted about 1836, the year in which the appropriation was made, and subsequent modifications were an exten- sion of the original project, the object being to afford protection to the docks and wharves and shelter to the commerce of Lake Champlain by the construction of a breakwater about parallel with and 1,000 feet dis- tant from the docks and wharves. The last modification was made in 1874, and proposed an additional extension of the breakwater north- ward for a distance of 2,000 feet. In its natural condition the harbor was unsheltered from northerly, west, and southwesterly winds. During the spring of 1884, 1,100 linear feet of the oldest part of the breakwater, which was greatly impaired by decay, was seriously in- jured. By the appropriation of July 5, 1884, $25,000 was appropriated for repairs. The total expenditure from the date of the first appropriation in 1836 to June 30, 1884, is $458,079.44, and the amount expended from the RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 329 date of the present project in 1874 to June 30, 1884, is $111,599.24. The total expenditure has resulted in the construction of about 3,300 linear feet of breakwater. The appropriation of $80,000 asked for will be applied to the exten- sion of the breakwater and such repairs as are required for the preserva- tion of the work. July 1, 1883, amount available---------------------.............---------........ -$6,141 51 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.. ........ $5, 740 75 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........................... 17 50 5, 758 25 July 1, 1884, amount available ......-----......-----......--..........------------ 383 26 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 50,383 26 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 203,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 80,000 00 (See Appendix N N 14.) 15. Otter Greek, Vermont.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1872, and modified in 1882 and 1884, its object being to af- ford a channel of navigable width, with a depth of 8 feet at low water, between Vergennes aid Lake Champlain. In its natural condition the creek was obstructed with snags, shoals, and reefs, which reduced its available depth to less than 5 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $30,148.08, and has re- sulted in the removal of all snags, the deepening of a channel through Vergennes Basin, and the improvement of several bars. The appropriation of $20,000 asked for will be applied to the deepen- ing of the channel through the rocky reefs, and dredging through obstructing bars. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $4, 035 97 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 184 05 July 1, 1884, amount available...................................... .. 3,851 92 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ....... - . 39,748 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix N N 15.) 16. Ticonderoga River, New York.-The project for this improvement was adopted in 1881, its object being to afford a channel of navigable width, with a depth of 8 feet at low water, between Lake Champlain and the falls at Ticonderoga Village, a distance of about 2 miles. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $10,000, and has resulted in the partial' improvement of the channel from the lake to the head of navigation. The appropriation asked for will be applied to deepening and widen- ing the partially dredged channel. July 1, 1883, amount available- ....-.--............................---.... $1, 514 20 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .............................................. 1,514 20 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 32,516 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5, 000 00 (See Appendix N N 16.) 330 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882: The following localities were, after preliminary examination by the local engineer, reported as not worthy of improvement, and the work not a public necessity: 1. Harbor of Port Marshall, on Lake Champlain, New York. (See Appendix N N 17.) 2. Boquet River, New York. (See Appendix N N 18.) And the following as worthy of improvement, but the work not a public necessity: 3. Champlain River, Clinton County, New York, from the lake up to Champlain Town. (See Appendix N N 19.) 4. Harborbf Port Henry, on Lake Champlain, New York. (See Ap- pendix N N 20.) Upon a favorable report after preliminary examination by the local engineer, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert was charged with and completed the following, the results of which were transmitted to Congress and printed as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 73, Forty-eighth Congress, first session: Plan and estimatefor a breakwater at Rouse's Point,on Lake Champlain, New York. (See Appendix N N 21.) PACIFIC COAST. IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS OF OAKLAND AND WILMINGTON ; OF SACRAMENTO AND SAN JOAQUIN RIVERS; OF PETALUMA CREEK, AND OF HUMBOLDT BAY AND HARBOR, CALIFORNIA. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. G. H. Mendell, Corps of Engineers, with Lieut. S. W. Roessler, Corps of Engineers, under his immediate orders. 1. Oakland Harbor, California.-Therewere delivered on the jetties by contract during the year, 12,586 tons of stone, and facing was laid on 24,317 square feet. The contract for dredging the tidal basin was satisfactorily ended on June 10. The total amount dredged and put ashore during the year was 503,223 cubic yards. The contractor removed 493 piles, the ruins of a wharf, which were in the way of present improvement. A contract for 14,000 tons of stone and for facing the south jetty was made April 21, and bids were opened March 25 for dredging the channel in front of the city. The award was made to the lowest bidder, but the contract was not signed until July 7. Both of these contracts are to be fulfilled during the present working season, and will consume the bal- ance of $63,950.29, remaining unexpended at the close of the fiscal year. The sum of $100,000 appropriated by act of July 5, 1884, and the sum asked in this report are to be applied to increase of tidal prism, to be secured by continued dredging of the tidal basin and by the construc- tion of the San Leandro Canal. The total amount appropriated for this work is $874,600, of which $671,049.71 has been expended. The present depth of the entrance is 14 feet. The original depth before the improvement was begun was 3 feet. The average draught of vessels has grown from 5 feet before the improvement to 12 feet now. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 331 July 1, 1883, amount available ........-........-........................ $188, 083 68 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883....................---------------------.....$123, 814 82 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 318 57 -- 124,133 39 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 63,950 29 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 139,600 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 203,550 29 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...... .... 939,929 20 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 300,000 00 (See Appendix 0 0O1.) 2. Wilmington Harbor, California.-The depth upon the bar at the entrance is now 10 feet at mean low water, being increased 1 foot since the date of the last Annual Report. During the year 11,851 cubic yards of reef material and sand were excavated. The reef material proved unsuitable for use on the west jetty. The appropriations have been ......................................... $705, 000 00 The expenditures------- ....-----......-----....--......------.....-----.....----......----....----....-----....-----....---. 654, 982 13 At the beginning of the improvement there was 1 foot at mean low water, and now the depth is 10feet. Vessels drawing 15 feet enter readily at high water. The coasting trade passes almost entirely into the harbor.. The sand which has been accumulating on the seaward side of the principal jetty, with more or less steadiness ever since the work was begun, has been carried away during the past year, exposing timber- work which had previously been regarded as secure. It may be nec- essary to incur additional expense on this account not hitherto foreseen. In other respects the developments are favorable. The funds iow available, and those asked herein are to be applied to dredging the sand in channel above and below Deadman's Island; to extending, raising, and protecting the jetties, and to incidental ex- penses. July 1, 1883, amount available--------------------------------- ......................................... --- $29, 916 34 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883---. . ......................................... .. 29, 898 47 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 17 87 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 50, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30,1885.................... 50, 017 87 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 150, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 150, 000 00 (See Appendix OO 2.) 3. Sacramento and Feather rivers, California.-The snag-boat was in commission 175 days. The work of the season consisted in the removal and destruction of 1,138 snags and 35 trees on the Sacramento River. A wing-dam was built at Morris Island, and the old dam at Call's Bend wasi repaired. The bar just below the city of Sacramento, and that above, known as Six-mile Bar, were improved by scraping. The wants of navigation seen to have been fully met, although the stage of the river became unusually low. The barges now used to carry wheat are built to carry 1,000 tons on 4 feet draught. This depth was fully maintained below Colusa, thence to Butte City 3 feet, and above Butte City 30 inches. 332 REPORT OF THE ,CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. These depths are better than previously maintained. The snag-boat is well designed to meet the emergencies of navigation in a river when the absence of fixed banks forbids permanent improvement at reasona- ble cost. The appropriation asked is to be employed in maintaining the snag-boat and employing her and her crew in destroying snags, scrap- ing bars, and in building temporary wing-dams, called for by the ever- changing emergencies of navigation. No work was done on the Feather River. The total amount appropriated for these rivers is.......................$445, 000 00 The amount expended is ............................................... 194,963 24 July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... 230, 466 80 July 1,1884,amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ....--.......... .................... ..-- ...... 20, 430 14 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 210, 036 66 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884................ ...... 40,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885............ ........ 250,036 66 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 40, 000 00 (See Appendix 0O 3.) 4. San Joaquin River, California.-StocktonSlough was dredged to a depth of 9 feet for a distance of 3,700 feet, the width varying from 100 to 150 feet. The material was placed ashore, and amounted to 53,639 cubic yards. The excavation of a new channel or cut-off at the DeviPl's Elbow was begun August 27, and prosecuted slowly during the winter. The time for completion was extended by request to May 15, at which date, the work not being half completed, the contract fell in default. The amount of work done was 23,594 cubic yards placed ashore. The amount remaining to be done is estimated to be 23,930 cubic yards. The work was readvertised, and will be completed in the autumn. On the upper river a dam 230 feet long was built near Crow's Land- ing, which is claimed to have extended the season of navigation above Grayson ten days. Six snags were removed. The appropriation asked for the coming year will be expended in dredging portions of the river as required, and Stockton and Mormon sloughs, and to the improvement of bars and removal of snags as the necessity arises. July 1, 1883, amount available.................................. ....... $29, 497 74 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883--. --...-........................... ........... . 18,500 37 July 1, 1884, amount available ...................................... 10,997 37 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .......-.............. 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 30,997 37 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 40, 000 00 (See Appendix 0O 4.) 5. Petaluma Greek, California.--Theimprovement of Petaluma Creek, as outlined in the original report and estimate of December 2, 1879, was completed May 2, 1884, by the excavation during the year of 43,267 cubic yards of earth, which is deposited upon the banks. A cut-off 800 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 3 feet in depth was made and the channel dredged. The channel before improvement was for 2 miles below Peta- luma bare at low water, and not covered until the tide had risen 2 or 3 feet. Within this distance there were three abrupt bends that seriously RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 333 embarrassed navigation. The channel is now straightened by three new channels, cutting off the bends. The channel was deepened by dredging to 3 feet at low water through the whole length, except for 2,600 feet at the upper end, where the depth was made 2 feet. Some filling has taken place, caused by wash from the land in freshets. The amount appropriated is ...........-...................---....-- ...... - $30,000 00 The amount expended is......-.......................................... 27,656 91 This improvement has been and will continue to be of great advan- tage to a considerable commerce and to a large number of industrious people occupying a fertile tract of country. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... 15,029 54 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......................................... .. 12,686 45 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 2,343 09 (See Appendix 0 0O 5.) 6. Humboldt Bay and Harbor,Galifornia.-Duringthe year there were 11,520 cubic yards of material dredged in widening the channel in front of the Arcata Landing to 110 feet where the width was less. The length so widened was 1,900 feet and the depth made was 10 feet. The channel fronting the town of Eureka was deepened to 13 feet over a distance of 3210 feet, requiring dredging of 26,080 cubic yards. The widths vary from a maximum of 150 to a minimum of 50 feet for a shoit distance. The depth adjoining this channel is usually 10 feet. Studies of physical conditions at the entrance were kept up during July and August. The funds now available and asked for are to be expended in the con- struction of a low wall on the south sands, projected to fix the bar channel, now unstable, in position, and to increase its depth, now insuffi- cient. It may also be necessary to widen channels at Eureka and Ar- cata by dredging. The amount appropriated is.................. .... ....... ...... $80, 000 00 The Amount expended is ............................................... 79,918 32 July 1,1883, amount available ...................................... 17,993 99 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........... ..................................... 17,912 31 July 1, 1884, amount available ......................................... 81 68 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 62,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 62,581 68 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 537,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 200,000 00 (See Appendix OO 6.) 7. Removal of sunken vessels obstructingor endangeringnavigation.-An examination of the wreck of the iron steamer Escambia on San Fran- cisco bar was made in May, 1884, by divers and by dragging under favorable conditions of weather. The shoalest depth on the wreck at mean low water was found to be at least 33 feet, and probably a foot more, which is the governing depth on the adjacent sand. The wreck is not considered to be at present a danger to passing vessels. (See Appendix 0 0O7.) 334 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following locality was, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as worthy of improvement so as to admit the passage of small vessels, but the work not a public necessity: 1. Redwood Slough, San Mateo County, California. (See Appendix 008.) And the following were reported as not worthy of improvement: 1. Alameda Creek, Alameda County, California. (See Appendix 00 9.) 2. Santa Monica Bay, California. (See Appendix 0 0O10.) 3. Clear Lake, Lake County, California. (See Appendix 0 0O 11.) IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBOR OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. Officer in charge, Col. C. S. Stewart, Corps of Engineers. The object of this improvement is to prevent the deposit in this har- bor of the sand and soil brought down during floods by the San Diego River. A project was formed in 1875 to turn the river back into False Bay, its former outlet. The work was done in 1876. An artificial channel was cut from a point in the river bed near Presidio Hill to a slough from False Bay; the old channel was dammed; and a levee, faced with stone and crossing the valley from bluff to bluff, was built between the artifi- cial water-way and San Diego Bay to retain the overflow during floods. Thus far the improvement has been a success. The rainfall the past season has been unprecedented, amounting to 25.97 inches, of which 9.05 inches fell in February. The annual average rainfall heretofore has been but 9.32 inches. The floods have been nu. merous and high, carrying into the ocean a vast body of materials. The damage by the flpods to the work has been slight. The usual injury has been done to the embankment by the burrowing of badgers and the gul- lying of reverse slopes by surface water. Owing to high water in the river, no repairs have been made. The cost of extra services during the storms has been $132. The total expenditure from the beginning of the improvement to June 30, 1884, has been $80,372.50. The amount still available from the appropriation for repairs made in 1879 will probably last for several years. July 1, 1883, amount available--- ................................ ....-.... $759 50 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................ ....... . ...-- ... .... .......... ... 132 00 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... . 627 50 (See Appendix P P.) IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND HARBORS IN OREGON AND WASHING- TON TERRITORY-CONSTRUCTION OF CASCADES CANAL, COLUMBIA RIVER-IMPROVEMENT OF LOWER CLEARWATER RIVER, IDAHO. Officer in charge, Capt. C. F. Powell, Corps of Engineers, with Lieut. Willard Young, Corps of Engineers, under his immediate orders. 1. Lower Willamette and Columbia rivers, Oregon and Washington.- The present project for this improvement was adopted in 1877, and modified in 1879 and 1882, the object being to afford a ship-channel of RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 335 20 feet depth at low water. The project consists in a permanent con- traction of water-way for improvement of the four bars from Portland to Saint Helen's, Oreg.; in dredging and stirring up the bottom at these bars during construction of permanent works, and also at shoal places below Saint Helen's and in snagging operations. The natural depth of channel at the shoalest place was about 9 feet, and on six other bars 104 to 15 feet, at low water. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $505,363.02, and has re- sulted generally in maintaining a ship-channel of a least depth of 17 to 18 feet at low water from Astoria, near the mouth of the Columbia River, to Portland, 100 miles inland. Operations during the year consisted mainly of temporary improve. ment at two places where permanent contraction of water-way had not been commenced; about 29,000 cubic yards were dredged at one place, and about 35,000 cubic yards sluiced at the other. Preservation of permanent works, repairs to the incomplete ones from damage, and minor snagging operations were also conducted. The city of Portland carried on dredging in conjunction with the Government dredging, and in about double the extent of the latter. The appropriation estimated for, $354,000, is for completion of the permanent structures projected, temporary improvement and preserva- tion during the year, extension of the plan of permanent contraction to the bars below Saint Helen's, and for removal of a rock obstruction; for an explanation of which see report of the Engineer in charge, in Appen- dix Q Q 1. The completion of the improvement will dispense with an expensive lighterage and delay now necessary at low stage. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $12,167 85 -- Amount received by transfer of property to other improvements-..-....-.... 600 00 12, 767 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 12, 765 87 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 1 98 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.... .............. 100, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 100,001 98 Amount (estimated) required.for completion of existing project (exclusive of annual expense of temporary improvement and maintenance).... .... 83,635 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, as explained above................................................... 354,000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 1.) 2. Mouth of the Columbia River, Oregon and Washington Territory.- The plan of this improvement, as required by the act of July 5, 1884, is the construction of a low-tide jetty, about 44 miles long, from near Fort Stevens, on the South Cape, to a point about 3 miles south of Cape Dis- appointment. The natural channel is shifting, sometimes good and sometimes poor, but always unreliable. Of late years the channel has carried about 19 feet at low water and for an insufficient width; 26 feet are required on the bar in a wide and direct channel, and 30 feet are desirable on account of the heavy seas of the locality, for the deep ves- sels needed by the Columbia River trade. Preceding appropriations have been made for surveys, expenses of a Board of Engineers, and minor temporary improvement. The amount expended therefor is $17,500. It is expected that the present appropriation will permit the construc- 336 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. tion of elevated tramways from the Fort Stevens Landing, along high water, to the point from which the jetty is projected into the breakers; the purchase of plant, including a fleet of sea-going dump-scows; re- quired wharf extension; construction of needed buildings; extensive brush work at the base of Clatsop Spit; and generally preparations for work on the jetty proper. The appropriation asked for, $500,000, is for building about 11 miles of the structure, which it is believed will check a present shifting tend- ency of the channel southward, increase the channel depth, and give prompt relief to a large and increasing shipping. July 1, 1883, amount available...................-....................$2,965 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883 ...................................-..-.... 2, 965 38 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...--------------------100,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........ 3,710,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886 ---.------------------------------------------------------ 500, 000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 2.) 3. Upper Willamette River, Oregon.-The project for this improve- ment was adopted in 1870, modified in 1878, and application extended in later years. The object is to afford and maintain an easy light- draught navigation from Portland to Eugene City and on 12 miles of tributaries, making a distance of 184 miles. The work consists in snag- ging operations, bar scraping, and for the reach between the Willa- mette Falls and Corvallis, in the contraction of water-way by low cut- off or wing dams and in rock removal. The natural channel from Port- land to Willamette Falls, 12 miles, was generally deep and wide; above the falls it was narrow, tortuous, and much obstructed. The mouth of the Yamhill, 28 miles from the falls, was the head of an inconvenient low-water navigation on a draught of 2J feet; 1 foot only could be carried above. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $145,499.46, and has resulted in making and generally keeping an easy channel, with a least depth during the year of 2J feet to Corvallis, 1021 miles from the falls, and also, except during extreme low stage, to Harris- burg, 34J miles further. The reach from Harrisburg to Eugene, on ac- count of railroad facilities and difficult access from the farming region to the landings, has been abandoned during late years for navigation. Limited operations were conducted during the year for one and a half weeks by the snag-boat, and subsequently by a small boat party. Two buoys which had been carried away from Rock Island Rapids were replaced by new ones; gauge readings were taken at four stations during a season of unusually low water. The amount asked for, $20,000, is to be applied to the construction of a snag-boat and 2,000 feet of low dams, operation of the boat for a year and rock removal, for part completion of the present project and main- tenance of the channel for a year. July 1, 1883, amount available............................... $196 07 Amount received by transfer of property to other improve- ments. .................. ........... .................... 126 42 $322 49 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ................................................ 321 95 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................... 54 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 10, 000 54 RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 337 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project (exclusive of annual expense of temporary improvement and maintenance).......- 33, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 20, 000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 3.) 4. Upper Columbiaand Snake rivers, Oregon and Washintgton Territory.- The plan of this improvement, adopted in 1877, consists in rock re- moval at numerous rapids, to give channel depths, at low water, of 5J feet in the Columbia and 4 in the Snake on a reach of river of 266 miles from Celilo, at the head of the Dalles obstructions on the Columbia, to Lewiston, Idaho, at the junction of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, and was made when the Upper Columbia navigation was confined to that route. The natural channel was narrow, tortuous, and dangerous, with a swift current and depth at low stage of 2 to 4 feet. On reaches between the rapids the depth is ample, and throughout the banks are stable. The amount expended to June 30,1884, is $213,944.97, and has resulted in improvement at fifteen localities. Seven places remain for work under the present project. Contract work was executed during the year at Five-Mile Rapids and at reef next below Five-Mile, on the Snake River. Work at Little Goose Island and Log Cabin Island Rap- ids, also on the Snake, is included in the present contract, whose expi- ration is October 31, 1884. The amount asked for is to complete the present project, requiring $36,000, and to extend the improvements on the Snake River above Lewiston, and on the Columbia River above the mouth of the Snake; for an explanation of which, see report of the engineer in charge. July 1, 1883, amount available......--.................-.................. $5, 140 29 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ..................... $3, 085 26 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.... ...................... 130 57 3,215 29 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 1,924 46 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 20,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 21, 924 46 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 36, 000 00 Amountthat can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending Junq30, 1886. 36, 000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 4.) 5. Columbia River at the Cascades, Oregon .- The plan for this improve ment, adopted in 1877 and modified in 1880, is to give lockage around the main rapid, and open river navigation through the minor rapids below, for stages, at the foot of the canal, of 20 feet above low water. The plan is arranged for easy extension for higher stages. The canal will be about 3,000 feet long; the low-water lock will have a lift of about 24 feet; the lock capacity will be 90 by 462 feet, with a least draught of 8 feet. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $799,252.10. Work during the year consisted in preparing stone for and laying 4,075 cubic yards of dry squared masonry face and rubble backing in the side wall on the left at upper entrance to the canal, and 2,997 cubic yards of dry stone pavement on the slopes and berm on the left side of the canal; exca- vating 13,302 cubic yards of material on the canal line, and quarrying about 1,500 cubic yards of bowlders for building stone. Work of river improvement was also conducted, and to the extent of removing 3,160 cubic yards of rock by submerged blasts and breaking and loosening 45,814 cubic yards by drill-hole charges. The appropriation asked, $500,000, is for guard-gate and part lock 5908 EN--22 338 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. construction, building structures accessory to the canal excavation at the upper entrance to the canal, and for additional river improvement, if required, otherwise on lock construction. July 1, 1883, amount available.................- ..........--..--- $79,284 07 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...............------------------... $73, 536 17 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities..................-...... 50 75 -- 73,586 92 July 1, 1884, amount available......... .. _._. ........._... 5,697 15 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... 150, 000 00 AMnount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................. 155,697 15 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ....... 1,505,397 31 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1866 .... ........... .......... ................ .............--------.--. 500, 000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 5.) 6. Entrance to Coos Bay, Oregon.-The present project for this im- provement, adopted in 1879, is to build a half-tide jetty or training-dike from near Fossil Point inside of the entrance, for making a deeper and more direct channel across the sea-bar. The natural channel was shift- ing, usually tortuous, and sometimes with not more than 7 to 8 feet depth at mean lower low water; the mean rise of tide above this plane is 5.6 feet. The amount expended to June 30,1884, is $99,977.96, and has resulted in the construction of an incomplete jetty, in deep water, of a length of 1,689 feet, affording during the last three years a straighter and more stable channel. The general effect of the jetty on the sand-spits and on the direction of the ebb has been to partly erode the north spit and to deflect the ebb about one-half from its original direction to that de- sired. The appropriation asked for is to be applied in extension of the jetty. It is expected with this amount to make the depth permanent which will have been gained and to further improve the channel direction, giving much benefit to a large and increasing coasting trade. July 1, 1883, amount available ..... Amount received by transfer of property to other improve- $........................ $2,812 37 ments ---- ---------....-----------.---.----.----....... 2, 400 00 - $5, 212 37 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.---------------.....------- ......... 5,190 33 July 1,1884, amount available.......................................... 22 04 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-------------------...................... 30,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 30, 022 04 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.-......... -- 470,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 150, 000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 6.) 7. Entrance to Yaquina Bay, Oregon.-The project for this improve- ment, adopted in 1879, is to build a jetty 3,700 feet long on the south side of the entrance for closing the south channel and making a per- manent central channel of a depth of not less than 12 feet at mean lower low water. The mean rise of tide is 7.1 feet. Of three natural shifting channels the best one gave a depth from 7 to 9 feet reduced, the two others' are obstructed by rock. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $109,990,01. A brush RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 339 mattress jetty 2,042 feet long was constructed; it has caused the former south channel leading near dangerous rocks to completely close and to open a middle channel, having a present depth of 12 feet, reduced, for a width of 300 feet. The appropriation asked is to continue the jetty for making the depth permanent which has been obtained, and to blast knobs of rocks which may be uncovered if the channel is scoured out to a greater depth or width than now obtained. July 1, 1883, amount available.................- --................... $19,025 11 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...............-----------------------------.............. 19,015 12 July 1, 1884, amount available..............-... ---. ------------- 9 99 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... 50,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................. 50,009 99 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project....---------...... 415, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1866. 140,000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 7.) 8. Mouth of Goquille Riven, Oregon.-The present plan for this im- provement was adopted in 1880, the object being to afford by a jetty a direct channel of navigable width and not less than 10 feet depth at menu low water; the mean rise of tide above this plane is 4 feet. The nat'- ural channel was tortuous, greatly obstructed by rocks, somewhat shift - ing, and rarely carried more than 3 feet, reduced. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $19,989.87. With this amount a low jetty was built, of a total length of 1,365 feet, and crossing the former channel, which has completely filled to above high water; a new, straight, direct, and good channel, of 61 feet depth, reduced, was cut through the original north cape of the entrance. No active operations were conducted during the year from want of funds. A seaward section of the jetty, about 300 feet in length, and of temporary construction, has been broken, permitting a portion of the outflow to escape from the direct channel and diminishing the scour upon it; this has caused a loss of 2 feet in depth on the bar, as com- pared with that existing a year ago, leaving a gain of nearly 2 feet over the original depth. The improved channel has caused a considerable reduction of freight charges to and from San Francisco, to which place the coasting trade of the river is directed. The appropriation asked is to be applied to continuing the jetty and commencing a short structure on the north side of the entrance. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $96 73 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...................................... --.......... 86 60 July 1, 1884, amount available ..... _................-.......... ........ 10 13 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ............ 10, 010 13 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 134, 200 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 60,000 13 (See Appendix Q Q 8.) 9. Cowlitz River, Washington Territory.-Theproject for this improve- ment, adopted in 1880, consists in snagging operations and moderate scraping of bars, annually, to give an easy and safe light-draught navi- gation at all stages to Cowlitz Landing, 30 miles from the river's mouth. 340 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The natural channel was narrow, tortuous, shoal, and much obstructed. Navigation was suspended on the upper portion during low stages and rafting generally difficult. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $3,997.27, and has facili- tated transportation and rafting by making them more safe, permitting low-water navigation, and has promoted rapid settlement of the fertile and productive valley of the river. No active operations were conducted during the year from want of funds. The appropriation asked is to complete the present project, to extend its application 20 miles up-stream to the head of desired navigation, and to maintain the channel for the year. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $72 73 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 7 00 July 1, 1884, amount available.................. .......................... 2 73 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1684..................... 2, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 2, 002 73 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project (including expense of maintenance for one year)................................. 5,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 6,000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 9.) 10. Skagit, Steilaquamish,Nootsack, Snohomish, and Snoqualmie rivers, Washington Territory.-The project for these improvements, adopted in 1882, consists in snagging operations and moderate scraping of bars annually, to give an easy and safe light-draught navigation at all stages to the heads of natural navigation. The natural channels are deep in the tidal sections, shoal and generally rapid in the upper portions, and much obstructed throughout by drift. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $19,993.21. With this amount a wooden snag-boat was built having temporary quarters for the crew, but lacking some appliances, and snagging work conducted on the Snohomish River, by an expe- rienced party working from small boats and on shore, from above and near Snohomish City to the mouth of the river. The appropriation asked is to complete construction and appliances of the snag-boat, and to operate her for a year on each of the rivers named, reserving $2,000 for a fund for rebuilding the boat at the end of ten years. The country tributary to the rivers is rapidly being settled, and there is an urgent call for removal of jams and drift to give trans- portation by boats. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $18, 936 33 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .. ....................................... 18, 929 54 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 6 79 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 10, 006 79 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 15, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 22, 000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 10.) 11. Ohehalis River, Washington Territory.-The plan of this improve- ment, adopted in 1882, consists in annual snagging operations below Claquato, 82 miles from the river's mouth. The natural channel was RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 341 much obstructed by drift and at places closed by jams. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $2,982.44, and has resulted in partly open- ing a channel, on a length of about 42 miles down-stream, from the Chehalis Indian Reservation Landing to Montesano, the head of coast- ing navigation. This was done last year by an experienced party work- ing from small boats and from shore. Two jams and two drift-heaps were broken and many snags removed, making a total of 1,611 pieces of drift removed. The appropriation asked is to continue the snagging begun and to ex- tend operations to the mouth of the Chehalis and up-stream to Cla- quato, and on a few miles of tributaries. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $2, 904 45 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........-......-.............. ........----.......... 2, 886 89 July 1, 1884, amount available-- .--....-............................. ...... 17 56 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 2, 500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885..................... 2, 517 56 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 5,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 11.) 12. Lower Clearwater River, Idaho.-The present project, adopted in 1878, is to make a channel through the rock reefs and cobble-stone bars from Lewiston, at the mouth of the river, to the North Fork, a distance of 40 miles, of 4 feet depth at low stage, and of a navigable width for small steamers. The natural channel was impracticable for boats and difficult for rafts. The amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $15,000, and has resulted in improvement more or less complete at Reuben's Rapids, Kent's Chute, and Big Eddy Rapids, on the lower 30 miles. Work during the year was at Reuben's Rapids; 154.48 cubic yards of solid rock were removed. The appropriation asked is for continuation of the work. July 1, 1883, amount available--...... ............ ...... ............- .. $4,395 23 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883- .................---............... ......-------..... 4, 395 23 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 19, 434 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 20,000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 12.) 13. Gauging waters of the Columbia River and principal tributaries.- A self-registering gauge was operated at Astoria during July, August, and September, and record of reports of pilots made, to test the value of the gauge record in measuring the bar condition. From a study of the observations, in connection with others on the adjoining coast, it is reported that a definite relation exists between the tide-gauge curve and the movements of the sea volume other than tidal movements, and that this relation furnishes an indication of the state of the bar with regard to its roughness. The appropriation asked for ($5,000) is for the ordinary Astoria gauge service; for giving information about the bar to pilots, masters, and fishermen calling for it; to establish water-gauges at points above As- toria, on the Columbia and principal tributaries, and to gauge the river's outflow. 342 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY July 1, 1883, amount available ..................... .... ........ - $48 52 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883----------------------------------...........................................----- 48 33 July 1, 1884, amount available._......................................... 19 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884....................... 1,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 185.............. .. ..- 1,000 19 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 5,000 00 (See Appendix Q Q 13.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE RIVER AND HARBOR ACT OF AUGUST 2, 1882. The following locality was, after preliminary examination, reported by the local engineer as not worthy of improvement, and the work not a public necessity: 1. Humptuleps River, Washington Territory. (See Appendix Q Q 14.) And the following as worthy of minor improvement, but work not a public necessity: 2. Lewis River, Washington Territory. (See Appendix Q Q 14.) 3. Dwamish River, Washington Territory. (See Appendix Q Q 14.) EXAMINATIONS, SURVEYS, AND CONTINGENCIES OF RIV- ERS AND HARBORS. For examinations and surveys for improvements, and for contingen- cies, and for incidental repairs of harbors for which there is no special appropriation, an appropriation of $150,000 should be made, of which sum $50,000 for surveys and $100,000 for contingencies, including inci- dental repairs of harbors. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF WASHINGTON AQUEDUCT-INCREAS- ING WATER SUPPLY OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON-ERECTION OF FISH-WAYS AT THE GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. Officer in charge, Maj. G. J. Lydecker, Corps of Engineers, with Capt. R. L. Hoxie and Capt. T. W. Symons, Corps of Engineers, under his immediate orders. 1. Washington Aqueduct.-The appropriation for the year was $20,- 000, of which one-half was contributed from the revenues of the Dis. trict of Columbia. It has been applied to the usual routine work neces- sary for the care and preservation of the aqueduct and its accessory structures. • The consumption of water in twenty-four hours, as measured on the 27th of June, was 24,827,013 gallons, being about the same as that shown by the measurements made in June, 1883, and 5,000,000 gallons less than for 1882. The following is a money statement for the year ending June 30, fiscal 1884: Amount available July 1, 1883-------------------------------------.......................................... $20, 000 00 Amount expended during the year........................... 19,724 61 Outstanding liabilities June 30, 1884......-.....-..----.......-. 275 39 - - 20,000 00 The amount required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, is $22,- 000, being $2,000 in excess of the last appropriation. Experience has RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 343 shown that it is impossible to maintain and keep in repair the aqueduct, aqueduct road, dam, reservoirs, gate-houses, supply-mains, bridges and buildings, and attend properly to the distribution of the water supply, at an expenditure of less than $20,000 annually. But the Construction of an overflow at the receiving reservoir has now become an imperative necessity, and for this purpose $2,000 is required. (See Appendix R R 1.) 2. Increasing the water supply of the city of Washington.-This work is being done in pursuance of an act approved July 15, 1882. The project, approved by this office July 30, 1883, consists, first, in the extension of the Washington Aqueduct from the distributing reservoir to the site of a new reservoir near Howard University, by a tunnel 20,715.8 feet long; second, the completion of the dam above the Great Falls, entirely across the Potomac River, to a height of 148 feet above mean high tide at the navy-yard; third, constructing a new distributing reservoir in the valley east of Howard University, capable of holding about 300,000,000 gallons; and, fourth, laying cast-iron water-mains 75 and 48 inches in diameter from the new reservoir to the center of distribution in the city of Washington. In August, 1883, the lands needed for carrying out this project were taken by due process of law, the honorable Attorney-General publishing the fact, with descriptions of the parcels taken. In September contracts for the supply of about 3,000 tons of cast-iron water-pipe were made, and its delivery was completed in the early spring. In October contracts for the construction of the tunnel, dam, and reser- voir were entered into at prices which makes the estimated cost of the general works as follows: Dam ................ .................... .............................. $94,293 75 ......-------......--------............-----......---......-----....--....--...-...------......--------.... Tunnel------ 648,100 00 Reservoir ......----.... " . .............................................. 298,980 00 Active operations under these contracts were commenced in Novem- ber, and continued to the close of the fiscal year, with such progress as justifies the expectation of completing all essential parts of the work during the fall of 1885. The work of laying mains has been carried on by hired labor; it was commenced May 1, and up to the close of the year 3,600 linear feet of 48-inch main had been laid. The following is a money statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884: Aalbe Expended Avial Title of appropriation. 883 during 0 1883. JnAvailable June 30, . the nAvailable4. June 3U,1884. year. Land to extend aqueduct.................................. $51, 370 00 .............. $51,370 00 Extension of aqueduct .................................... 597, 886 98 $62,715 22 535,171 76 Main connections .......................................... 31, 574 34 139, 403 77 25,170 57 Land for reservoir ... . ........................ 3-5,250 00 13, 447 05 21, 802 95 Constructing reservoir and gate-house ..............-...- . 419, 450 42 50, 009 44 369, 440 98 Water rights and land to extend dam at Great Falls ....... 45, 000 00 ...... . 45, 000 00 Completion and extension of dam at Great Falls ........... 144, 273 29 17, 043 49 127, 229 80 Protecting the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal ................ 12,300 00 12, 300 00 .............. Aggregate .................... - ................ 1. 470, 105 03 294, 918 97 1,175, 186 06 An additional appropriation of $87,500 is imperatively required for completing the payments for lands actually taken for the reservoir, this being the sum necessary to make up the amount awarded by the arbi- trators, from whose award there can be no appeal by the United States. With this exception it is believed that the amounts already appropri- 344 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, UT. S. ARMY. ated will suffice to complete the works on hand. The United States is charged'with one-half the cost of the work only, the other half being charged against the District of Columbia. (See Appendix R R 2.) 3. Erection of fish-ways at Great Falls.-The act for increasing thWe water supply of Washington also included a provision for the erection of fish-ways at the Great Falls of the Potomac, on plans to be prepared by the Commissioner of Fisheries. The subject was held under advise- ment in the office of the Commissioner until June 7, 1884, when detailed plans and specifications approved by him were forwarded to Major Lydecker. Nothing has yet been done in execution of these plans. The amount appropriated for the work was $50,000, and is believed to be totally insufficient for the accomplishment of the work on the plans submitted. The following is a money statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884: Amount available July 1, 1883............................... ....... $49, 132 67 Amount expended during year.... ........................-.........--------------.----.... 1,283 75 Balance available June 30, 1884.........- -----.............................. 47, 848 92 No estimate is submitted for any additional appropriation. (See Appendix R R 2.) PUBLIC BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AN]) WORKS IN AND AROUND WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Officer in charge, Col. A. F. Rockwell, United States Army. In addition to the work performed for maintaining in good condition the improved portions of the public grounds in the District of Columbia, satisfactory progress was made in continuing the improvement of the western side of the grounds south of the Executive Mansion, and an additional green-house for the accommodation of palms and' crotons was erected in the nursery in the Monument Grounds. Additional and much needed drainage facilities were provided in the Smithsonian Grounds; the small triangular reservation at the intersection of Mas- sachusetts avenue and Seventh and B streets northeast was graded and inclosed with park post-and-chain fence; and the work of improv- ing Reservation 17 was continued, an area of about 15 acres having been graded and sown down in grass seed. Attention is invited to the detailed report of the officer in charge, which embraces a statement of the number, area, location, and present condition of the public reservations in the city of Washington, and his estimates for the coming fiscal year are recommended, as follows: For improvement and care of public buildings and grounds.............. $171,750 For compensation of persons employed on and around public buildings and grounds-------.... ---......--------.... ----..---.... --....-------.... ----.. --...... ---..--..--..-.... --.... ---..--....-. 49, 060 For contingent and incidental expenses...............................-------------------------- .. 500 For rent of office public buildings and grounds--- .-----..................... 900 Total ......--..........................---- ..........--- - -- ---......------......-----...... 222,210 (See Appendix S S.) MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION. This Commission, organized under the provisions of the act of June 28, 1879, reports to and receives instructions from the Secretary of War, through this office. MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION-LAKE SURVEY-MAPS. 345 Information regarding the progress of the Commission in its duties was transmitted to Congress, as required by the above act, in a report dated December 21, 1883, which was printed as House Ex. Doc. No. 37, Forty-eighth Congress, first session. This report embraces the following subjects and subdivisions, viz: 1. Progress of surveys and examinations since December 1, 1882. 2. Construction. 3. Remarks on the subjects of levees and outlets. 4. Legislation. 5. Financial statements and estimates of funds for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, for " Surveys and expenses of the Commissiou," and for "' Improving the Mississippi River." (See Appendix T T.) PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION OF CHARTS OF THE NORTH- ERN AND NORTHWESTERN LAKES. Under the supervision of this office the following engraved plates of the Lake Survey have been electrotyped: Lake Erie- Coast Chart, No. 7. Sandusky Bay. South end of Lake Huron. Sand Beach. Saginaw Bay. Saginaw River. L'Anse and Keweenaw Bay. Grand Island. Presque Isle and Middle Islands. Saint Lawrence River, No. 3. Saint Lawrence River, No. 5. The following have been placed in the hands of the electrotyper: Huron Island. Marquette Harbor. During the year, 7,426 charts were issued under the supervision of Lieut. Col. O. M. Poe, Corps of Engineers. Amount appropriated by act approved March 3, 18-3, for fiscal year 1883-'84. $3, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year ...................... 1, 555 51 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities"... ....... ..................... 1,211 34 2,766 85 Amount available for fiscal year 1884-'85................................. 3, 000 00 Amount required for survey of Northern and Northwestern Lakes for fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, namely, for printing and issuing charts for the use of navigators, and electro-typing copper plates for chart print- ing ......---------......--...----......-.....-----.......--------........ ......----------....--....--......----. 3, 000 00 (See Appendix U U.) MILITARY AND GEOGRAPHICAL MAPS. The new map of the territory of the United States west of the Mis- sissippi, scale 2z o-noo, has been engraved on stone and an edition printed. The compilation of an outline map of the United States, scale so-owo, has been completed. The northeastern and northwestern sheets are now in the hands of the engraver. A map of the Military Department of the Missouri, on a scale of 16 miles to 1 inch, by Lieut. O. M. Carter, Corps of Engineers, 1884, has been photolithographed and an edition printed. 346 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. A map showing the field of operations of the cavalry at the battle of Gettysburg, surveyed under the direction ot John B. Bachelder, scale ioo , has been engraved on stone, and an edition printed. GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS OF THE TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES WEST OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH ME- RIDIAN. Officer in charge, Capt. George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, until March 6, 1884. Lieutenant Macomb, Fourth United Stated Artillery, was in tempo- rary charge from July 1 to October 1, and was relieved from duty with the survey on December 31, 1883. During a leave of absence for two months, ending March 1, 1884, this officer voluntarily assisted in the final preparation of maps for reproduc- tion and completion of reports for the press. The office of the survey was closed during February, the records and property being transferred to the custody of the Engineer Department. Work during the year. consisting mainly of completion of all topo- graphical plots, construction and final drawing of regular atlas sheets, preparation of data and completion of manuscript for unfinished reports, and distribution (until January 1, 1884) of maps and reports, has been entirely confined to the office. The remaining work on six topographical maps was completed, which concludes all that can be done, with means at disposal, upon the regu- lar topographical atlas sheets. The manuscript of the special volume of positions, distances, &c., was placed in the hands of the Public Printer on February 1, and that for the final report (Volume I) would have been forwarded except for the illness of the officer in charge. The Secretary of War transmitted to Congress the detailed report upon the Third International Geographical Congress and Exhibition at Venice, Italy (mentioned in last annual report), with the recommenda- tion "that the- report and accompanying illustrations be ordered to be printed in quarto form, with the view to its wide distribution." (See Senate Ex. Doc. No. 9 , Forty-eighth Congress, first session.) This report contains an account of the acts of the Geographical Con- gress, a description and discussion of the exhibits from twenty-two sepa- rate countries, a summary of the scope and progress of the discussion touching the establishment of a single initial meridian and standard or cosmopolitan time, for the uses of the entire civilized world, as well as information concerning the origin, organization, functions, history, and progress of the topographic, hydrographic, and geologic surveys of the several governments. So far as practicable the cost of specific works was obtained, thus af- fording information valuable for comparison in relation to minute sur- veys of an extended character. This information, grouped in a single view, facilitates the appreciation of the great permanent increase of exact geographical data, which forms a part of the results of these surveys, and defines the comparatively small portion of the total land area (about 6,000,000 out of 52,000,000 square miles) that has undergone alone a detailed topographical survey. The information relating to the works of more than thirty foreign countries has been drawn largely from translations from official publi- cations, as also from original memoirs, introduced in full, prepared by several chiefs of foreign surveys, these data (entirely official) having been RECONNAISSANCES AND EXPLORATIONS. 347 obtained through the individual courtesy of foreign officials, the per- sonal efforts of Captain Wheeler, and the assistance of the State De- partment and its representatives abroad. Attention is again invited to this useful and interesting report. A photolithographic edition of each of 13 original and finished atlas sheets (scales, 1: 506,880, 1:253,440, and 1: 42,240), final results of the labors of the survey, representing an aggregate area of 73,788 square miles, turned over to the Engineer Department on February 29, 1884, has since been issued at this office. Topographic plots of areas, in certain atlas sheets, which were but partly covered by the operations of the survey, have also been received at this office. The special volume of geographical positions, &c., awaits proof- reading, which, together with Volume I of the quarto series, completes the reports that include the final results of the survey. The funds for the prosecution of this work are exhausted. The following is a summary of completed results from the field expe- ditions from 1869 to 1879, inclusive. Surveyed topographically of the mountain area west of the 100th meridian, 359,065 square miles. Topographical maps of above area, published in atlas-sheet form, each 19 by 24 inches=326,891 square miles. Part of above surveyed area, original data of which are reduced upon partially filled atlas-sheet plots, 32,174 square miles. Total number of publications of all kinds (quarto, royal octavo, and octavo), including annual reports separately issued and two not yet in print, 41. Total number of published maps and atlas sheets of various scales (topographic, land classification, and geologic), including those bound with reports, 161. (See Appendix V V.) RECONNAISSANCES AND EXPLORATIONS. The following-named officers have been on duty at the headquarters of the Army and at the headquarters of the divisions and departments, and have been engaged during the year in preparing such maps and making such surveys as were required by their respective commanding officers. Lieut. Col. O. M. Poe (colonel and aid-de-camp to the General of the Army) at headquarters of the Army until February 8, 1884, and Capt. James F. Gregory (lieutenant-colonel and aid-de-camp to the Lieutenant- General), at same headquarters from November 1, 1883. Capt. James F. Gregory (lieutenant-colonel and aid-de-camp to the Lieutenant-General) at headquarters Division of the Missouri until Octo- ber 23, 1883, and Capt. Thomas H. Handbury at same headquarters from December 15, 1883. Capt. W. R. Livermore at headquarters Department of Texas. Lieut. Dan C. Kingman at headquarters Department of the Platte. Lieut. O. M. Carter at headquarters Department of the Missouri. Capt. H. S. Taber at headquarters Department of Dakota. Maj. W. A. Jones at headquarters Division of the Pacific and De- partment of California. Lieut. G. J. Fiebeger at headquarters Department of Arizona until August 9, 1883, and Lieut. T. A. Bingham at same headquarters since that date. 348 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Lieut. George W. Goethals at headquarters Department of the Co- lumbia. Capt. Thomas H. Handbury, Corps of Engineers, on duty at head- quarters Military Division of the Missouri, reports that no field work was in progress during the year, and that office work has consisted in collecting, compiling, and plotting geographical information for the im- provement of existing maps, making reductions, enlargements, and copies of maps of military reservations, posts, scouts, reconnaissances, &c., for use at headquarters, for file, and forwarding. (See Appendix W W.) Lieut. Dan C. Kingman, Corps of Engineers, on duty at head- quarters Department of the Platte, reports that the work of his office has consisted in the construction of roads and bridges in the Yellow- stone National Park, in accordance with the provisions of an act of Congress approved March 3, 1883; surveying and marking the bound- aries of the military reservation of Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo.; making certain surveys at Fort Omaha, Nebr.; plotting the above surveys and making tracings and photographic copies; making a map of the De- partment of the Platte and vicinity for the use of disbursing officers; supplying such information and data as is called for by the department commander, and collecting geographical information, and supplying instruments, &c., for use in the department. (See Appendix X X.)4 Lieut. O. M. Carter, Engineer officer at headquarters Department of the Missouri, made a reconnaissance, covering about 3,000 square miles, in Western Colorado in 1883, to ascertain a suitable location for a per- manent military post, and in 1884 surveyed the eastern boundary of the Navajo Indian Reservation as extended by Executive order of Jan- uary 6, 1880. He reports that surveys were made of the reservation and post of Fort Reno, and the timber reservation at headquarters of the department; that a reconnaissance was made in Northwestern New Mexico, and that surveys are in progress of the enlarged military reser- vation at Fort Supply, Ind. Ter., and the military reservation at Fort Bayard, N. Mex. An outline map of the department was completed in his office and printed copies distributed to officers serving in the de- partment. Maps of reconnaissances in Western Colorado, and explorations in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico have also been completed, and work continued on map of Northwestern New Mexico. Blue prints of these and other maps have been made and distributed. (See Appendix Y Y.) Capt. H. S. Taber, Engineer officer at headquarters Department of Dakota, reports the following work done: Determination of the meridian at Fort Sisseton, Dak.; survey of por- tion of the Fort Snelling reservation; resurvey of boundary of the Fort Sisseton military reservation; completion of work on the military road from Yankton to Fort Randall; the preparation and mounting of maps, and the plotting of new data on the department map. (See Appendix Z Z.) Maj. W. R. Livermore, Engineer officer at headquarters Department of Texas, submits a report of his operations in the department since 1878. By means of the reconnaissances and surveys that have been made, the existing maps have been corrected and new maps compiled. A pre- RECONNAISSANCES AND EXPLORATIONS. 349 liminary plot of his work, on a scale of 1 inch to 2 miles, has been com- pleted, and a new map of Western Texas is in progress, on a scale of 1 inch to 16 miles. (See Appendix AA A.) Maj. W. A. Jones, Corps of Engineers, on duty at headquarters Di- vision of the Pacific and Department of California, reports that opera- tions have been carried on as follows: Surveys of Rancho Ojo de Agua de Figueroa and Presidio reservation. Observations for determination of latitude and telegraphic longitude of Yuma Depot, Ariz., and The Needles, Cal. (See Appendix B B B.) Lieut. Theodore A. Bingham, Engineer officer at headquarters Depart- ment of Arizona, reports having surveyed the northern boundary of the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, and the western boundary of the same from Sombrero Butte to mouth of San Pedro River, the running of levels, survey of 1,000 yards rifle range, and resurvey of post reservation at headquarters of the department. Office work has con- sisted of plotting the above work, the preparation of-maps and plans, and the redrawing of the large map of the Territory. (See Appendix C C C.) Lieut. George W. Goethals, Engineer officer at headquarters Depart- ment of the Columbia, reports the following field work, office work, &c.: Engaged on examining trails from Fort Colville to Lake Osoyoos, for projected wagon-road, July 1 to 25; accompanied General Sherman's party to Lake Osoyoos, August 1 to August 12; accompanied party to Methow country, commanded by Lieutenant Backus, First Cavalry, Au- gust 13 to September 27; assisted in selecting site for bridge across the Spokane River in October; attempted exploration of Pend d'Oreille, December and January; reported on extension of wharf at Fort Stevens, Oreg., and breakwater at Fort Canby, Wash., February; worked on roads, locating buildings, &c., at Vancouver Barracks. Office work consisted in drawing plans, tracings, making solar prints, compiling table of distances, &c., and compiling new information for department map. (See Appendix D D D.) ESTIMATE FOR AMOUNT REQUIRED FOR SURVEYS AND RECONNAIS- SANCES IN MILITARY DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS. For military surveys and reconnaissances, and surveys of military reservations by the engineer officers attached to the several headquar- ters of military divisions and departments, being an average of $5,000 for each of eight military.divisions and departments west of the Mis- sissippi River, $40,000; for publication of maps for use of the War De- partment, $10,000; total, $50,000. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. In the labors of the office the Chief of Engineers was assisted on the 30th of June by the following officers in charge of the several divisions: Lieut. Col. John M. Wilton, brevet colonel, U. S. A. FIRST DIVISl oN.-Fortificationsand Surveys relating thereto-Arma- ment of Fortifications-Sitesfor Engineer Defenses-Boards of Engineers for Defenses. 350 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. SECOND DIVISION.-Battalion of Engineers-EngineerSchool of Ap- plication, and Engineer Depot and Post-Professional Papers and Infor- mation-Personnel-Orders-MilitaryReservations-Land Files. Col. John G. Parke, brevet major-general, U. S. A. THIRD DIvsIoN.-Inprovement of Rivers and Harbors and Surveys re- lating thereto-Bridging Navigable Waters of the United States-Public- Buildings and Grounds and Washington Aqueduct. Capt. Henry M. Adams. FOURTH DivisION.-Accounts for Disbursements-Returns of Engi- neer Property and Instruments-Applicationsfor Remittances-Appropri- ations and Estimates-Blank Forms. FIFTH DIYISIoN.-Survey of the Lakes-Explorations and Surveys- Reconnaissances--Maps-Instruments-Claims. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN NEWTON, Chief of Engineers, Brig. and Bvt. Maj. Gen. Hon. ROBERT T. LINCOLN, Secretary of War. STATEMENT SHOWING THE RANK AND THE DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. i BRIGADIER-GENERALS AND CHIEFS OF ENGINEERS. Horatio G. Wright ..... In command of the Corps of Engineers and in charge of the Bit. Major General. Engineer Department. Charged with the supervision of such matters connected with construction of jetties and other works at South Pass, Mississippi River, as require the action of the Secretary of War. Member of joint com- mission to supervise the construction of the Washington National Monument. Member of the Lighthouse Board. Directed by the President to co-operate with the author- ities of the State of New York in examining and deciding upon exterior pier and bulkhead lines on Hudson River from State dam at Troy to the city of Hudson. Retired from active service March 6. 1884. John Newton........... President of the Board of Engineers. In charge of the im- Bvt. Major General. provement of the harbors at New York, Rondout, Port Chester, New Rochelle, and of Echo Harbor, N. Y. In charge of the improvement of the Hudson River, Harlem River, Buttermilk Channel, and channel in Gowanus Bay, N. Y.; South and Raritan Rivers, N. J.; and re- moval of obstructions in the East River, including Hell Gate, N. Y. In charge of the manufacture and supply of mastic. In charge of the removal of wreck lying below Sing Sing, Hudson River. In charge of examina- tion and survey of Minisceongo Creek and Saugerties and Peekskill harbors, N. Y. Member of Boards of En- gineer Officers on improvement of Charleston Harbor, S. C.; on improvement of Pass Cavallo Inlet, Aran- sas Pass and Bay, and entrance to Galveston Har- bor, Tex.; on improvement of Savannah River and Har- bor, Ga.; and to examine the officers of the Corps of Engineers with view to their promotion. Member of a joint board of Army and Navy officers upon plans and lo- cation of a bridge over Thames River at New London, Conn. Directed by the President to co-operate with the authorities of the State of New York in examin- ing and deciding upon exterior pier and bulkhead lines on Hudson River from State dam at Troy to the city of Hudson. In command of the Corps of Engineers and in charge of the Engineer Department. Charged with the supervision of such matters connected with construction of jetties and other works at South Pass, Mississippi River, as require the action of the Secretary of War, from March 6, 1884. Member of joint commission to supervise the construction of the Washington National Monument. Member of Joint Board of Army and Navy Officers to re- port upon an interior coast-line of water-ways for the de- fense of the Atlantic and Gulf Seaboard. Member of Gen- eral Court Martial to meet at Washington, D. C., for the trial of such persons as may be brought before it. Mem- ber of the Lighthouse Board. * 351 352 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Statement showing rank and duties of officers of Corps of Engineers-Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. COLONELS. William F. Raynolds... On detached service; Engineer 4th Lighthouse District. Bvt. Brig. General. Retired from active service March 17, 1884. Charles S. Stewart...... In charge of the construction of Fort Winfield Scott, and batteries at Fort Mason, and Fortifications at Angel Isl- and, in San Francisco Bay, and at San Diego, Cal. In charge of the improvement of the harbor at San Diego, Cal. Senior member of Board of Engineers for the Pacific Coast. Charles E. Blunt ...... In charge of the construction of forts Gorges, Preble, Scam- mel, Popham, Knox, and Battery at Portland head, Me., and forts Constitution and McClary, and batteries on Jer- ry's Point and Gerrish's Island, Portsmouth Harbor, N. H. In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Belfast, Portland, Rockland, Richmond (Kennebeck River), Me., and Portsmouth, N. H. In charge of the improvement of the rivers Cathance, Back, (at "Gut" opposite Bath), Royal, and Kennebunk, Me., Lamprey and Cocheco, N. H., Lubec Channel, and Moose- a-bec Bar at Jonesport, Me., and of Lake Winnipiseogee, N.H. In charge of examination or survey of Penobscot River and Bangor Harbor, Me.; at and near mouth of Great Bay, with view to increasing depth of flow of water and im- provement of navigation of Piscataqua River and its tributaries; and of rbsurvey of breakwater at mouth of Saco River, Me. James C. Duane........ Member and President of The Board of Engineers; En- Bvt. Brig. General. gineer 3d Lighthouse District. Member of Board of Engineer Officers to examine officers of the Corps of Engineers with view to their promotion. Quincy A. Gillmore..... In charge of the construction of forts Wadsworth, Tomp- Bvt. Major General. kins and its batteries, N. Y., Monroe and Wool, Va., Cas- well, N. C., Moultrie, Sumter, and Johnson, and Castle Pinckney, S. C., forts Oglethorpe and Pulaski, Ga , and Clinch and Marion, Fla. In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Charleston, S. C., and Savannah and Brunswick, Ga. In charge of the improvement of Ashley River, and Wap- poo Cut, S. C., of the barat themouth of St. John's River and Volusia Bar, Fla., Cumberland Sound, Ga. and Fla., Savannah and Altamaha rivers, and Romerly Marsh, Ga., and Edisto and Salkahatchie rivers, S. C. In charge of examination or survey of channel of St. John's River at its entrance into and exit out of Lake Monroe, and between lakes George and Monroe, and of the north end of Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, Fla. Member of Boards of Engineer Officers on improvment of Charleston Harbor, S. C.; on improvement of Pass Ca- vallo Inlet, Aransas Pass and Bay and entrance to Gal- veston Harbor, Tex.; on improvement of Savannah River and Harbor, Ga.; on further improvement of Cape Fear River, N. C., and on improvement of the Potomac River, near Washington, D.C. Member of "The Mississippi River Commission" created by act of Congress approved June 28, 1879. Member of Joint Board of Army and Navy Offi- cers to report upon an interior coast line of water-ways for the defense of the Atlantic and Gulf Seaboard. RANK AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 353 8tatement showing rank and duties ofofficers of Corps ofEngineers-Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. COLONELS. (continued.) Thos. Lincoln Casey.... On detached service; in charge of the construction of the building for the State, War, and Navy Departments; of the Washington National Monument; of ihe improve- ments over the grave ot Thomas J, fferson, at Monticello, Va.; of the erection of a monument at Washington's head- quarters at Newburg. N. Y., and of the erection of a nmonu- ment to mark the birthplace of George Washington. Mem- ber of Advisory Board to Committee on Ventilation and Accoustics of the House of Representatives, and of a::Board to investigate causes which led to the fire in the War I'e- partment building March 26, 18S4. Member of the Light- house Board. John G. Parke-- - - In charge of the Third Division, Office of the Chief of En- Bet. Major-General. gineers. LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. George H. Mendell ..-. In charge of the construction of fort on Alcatraz Island, and Bvt. Colonel. of defenses at Lime Point, San Francisco Bay. In charge of the improvement of the harbor at Oakland, Humboldt Harbor and Bay, and of the construction of the break- water at Wilmington Harbor, Cal. In charge of the im- provemnent of Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and Petaluma Creek, Cal. To investigate causes tending to decrease depth of water and diminish the commercial value of San Francisco Harbor. In charge of examina- tion or survey of Redwood Slough. In charge of the re- moval of wreck of steamer Escambia from entrance to San Francisco Harbor, Cal. Member of Board of Engin- eers for the Pacific coast. Henry L. Abbot .. Member of the Board of Engineers. In charge of the con- Bet. Brig. General. struction of Fort Schuyler and fort at Willets Point, N. Y., and of experiments with torpedoes. Commanding Engineer depot and post of Willets Point, Engineer School of Application, and Battalion of Engineers. Mem- ber of Joint Gun Foundry Board of Army and Navy Offi- cers. Member of Board of Engineer Officers to examine officers of the Corps of Engineers with view to their pro- motion. William P. Craighill ... In charge of the construction of defenses of Baltimore, Md. In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Balti- more, Annapolis, and of the inner harbor at Cambridge, Md. In charge of the improvement of the channel of Susquehanna River above and below Havre de Grace, and work at the fishing battery light station near Spe- sutia Islanid; of the Chester, Wicomico, Elk, and Chop- tank rivers, Corsica Creek, and water-passage between Deil's Island and Little Deil's Island, and upper thor- oughfare at Deil's Island, Md.; Broad Creek, Del., James and Appomattox rivers, Va., New River, Va. and W. Va., Great Kanawha, Shenandoah, and Elk rivers, W. Va, and Cape Fear River, N. C. In chargeof the surveys across the peninsula of Maryland and Delaware to connect by canal the waters of the Delaware and Chesapeake bays. In charge of the building of the monument at Yorktown, Va. To take preliminary steps for removal of wreck of brig Cascatelle from channel of the Chesapeake Bay. Member of Boards of Engineer Officers on further improvement 5908 EN----2 3 354 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY Statement showing rank and duties of officers of Corps of Engineers-Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. { LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. (continued.) of Cape Fear River, on improvement -of the Potomac River near Washington, D. C., and on bridge over the Ohio River near Beaver, Pa.; on proposed lock and dam at junction of Three Forks of Kentucky River; to exam- ine and report upon such models, plans, &c., of movable dams as may be placed before it, and to consider and re- port upon Senate bill 1441 to authorize construction of bridges across the Great Kanawha River, &c. In charge of removal of wreck of barkentine Wolverton from Chin- coteague Inlet. Cyrus B. Comstock .... Member of the Board of Engineers. Member of Boards of Bvt. Brig. General. Engineer Officers on further improvement of Cape Fear River; on improvement of the Potomac River near Wash- ington, D. C.; on bridge proposed to be erected over the Ohio River at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Wheeling and Harrisburg Railway Company, and to examine officers of the Corps of Engineers with view to their promotion. Member and president of "The Mississippi River Com- mission" created by act of Congress approved June 28, 1879. Godfrey Weitzel........ In charge of the construction of forts Delaware, Del., and Bvt. Major-General. Mifflin, Pa., battery and mortar battery at Finn's Point, N. J., and fort and mortar battery opposite Fort Delaware, Del. In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Wilmington, Del., and Delaware Breakwater; ice-harbors at Marcus Hook, Pa.; New Castle, Del., and the head of Delaware Bay, and removal of sunken piers in channel back of Reedy Island; of the Salem, Rancocas, Maurice, and Raccoon rivers, Cohansey, Mantua, and Woodbury creeks, N. J.; Christiana, Broadkiln, Indian, and Saint Jones rivers, Duck and Mispillion creeks, Del.; Chester and Frankford creeks, Schuylkill River, Susquehanna River above Richard's Island, and north branch of the Susquehanna River, Pa.; Delaware River below Brides- burg, Pa, between Bridesburg and Irenton; near Cherry Island Flats; and at Schooner Ledge; and of the construction of pier near Lewes, Del. In charge of the examination of survey of Delaware River, of Five Mile Point below Bridesburg on the Delaware River, and the harbor at the Delaware Breakwater and the entrance thereto. In charge of examination or sur- vey of Newton Creek, N. J.; Delaware River above and in front of Philadelphia; north branch of the Susque- hanna River from Pittston to AthensM; and the river Brandywine from its mouth to the Market street bridge in Wilmington. To take steps for removal of wreck of schooner Trade Wind from mouth of Maurice River, N. J., and of wreck of the canal boat Hercules, in Delaware River at Bordentown, N. J.; chairman of Commission Advisory to Board of Harbor Commissioners of Philadel- phia, Pa. Member of Board of Engineer Officers on bridge over the Ohio River near Beaver, Pa., and on bridge over the Ohio River at Wheeling, W. Va. Died March 19,1884: Orlando M. Poe......... On detached service; aide-de-camp on the personal staff of Bvt. Brig. General. the General of the Army with the rank of colonel. Mem- ber of the Lighthouse Board. In charge of the construc- tion of Fort Wayne, Mich. In charge of the improve- ment of the harbors at Cheboygan and Au Sable on Lake RANK AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 355 Statement showing rank and duties of officers of Corps of Engineers--Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. I LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. (continued.) Huron, and Alpena at Thunder Bay, and of the construc- tion of harbor of refuge on Lake Huron; of the improve- ment of the Saint Mary's Falls Canal, and of the rivers Detroit, Saginaw, and Clinton, Mich., and Hay Lake Channel of the Saint Mary's River; of removing bar at ice-harbor of refuge at Belle River, Mich.; and construc- tion of dry dock, Saint Mary's Falls Canal. In charge of Saint Clair Flats Canal and Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich. In charge of issuing charts of Northern and North- western Lakes, and of water-level observations on Lake Huron. Member of court of inquiry to investigate the organization and fitting out of the Greely relief expedi- tion party transported by steamer "Proteus," &c. David C. Houston...... In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Milwaukee, Bvt. Colonel. Racine, and Kenosha, Wis., and Waukegan, Ill., and har- bor of refuge at Milwaukee Bay, Wis. In charge of the improvement of the rivers Fox and Wisconsin. In charge of water-level observations on Lake Michigan. Member of Board of Engineer Officers concerning the channel of the Lower Fox River between Lake Winnebago and upper government darn at Appleton, and the dams at Menasha and Appleton. On seven months' leave of absence from March 18, 1-84. George H. Elliot ....... In charge of the forts at Clark's Point, Mass., and Dutch Island, R. I., and of the construction of Fort Adams, R.I. In charge of the construction of harbor of refuge at Wood's Holl, Mass. In charge of the improvement of the harbors of Nantucket, Wood's Holl, Wareham, and Hy- annis, Mass., Newport and Blbck Island, R. I., and Ston- ington. Conn. In charge of the improvement of the rivers Taunton, Mass., Pawtucket, and Providence, and Narra- gansett Bay, R. I., and Little Narragansett Bay, R. I. and Conn. Member of Advisory Council to the Rhode Island State Board of Harbor Commissioners. Member of Joint Board of Army and Navy officers upon plans and location of a bridge over Thames River at New London, Conn. In charge of survey of Pawtucket River, R. I. Henry M. Robert ....... In charge of the construction of Fort Wayne, Mich., and forts Porter, Niagara, Ontario, and Montgomery, N. Y. In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Buffalo, on Lake Erie; Wilson, Olcott, Oak Orchard, Charlotte, Pultneyville, Big Sodus, Little Sodus, Oswego, and Sack- etts, on Lake Ontario; and Ogdensburg and Waddington, on the river St. Lawrence; Plattsburg, N. Y., and Bur- lington and Swanton, on Lake Champlain. In charge of the improvement of Niagara, Ticonderoga, and Grass rivers, N. Y., and Otter Creek, Vt. In charge of exam- ination or survey for breakwater at Rouse's Point, on Lake Champlain. In charge of water-level observations on Lake Ontario. Member of Board of Engineer Officers concerning the channel of Lower Fox River between Lake Winnebago und upper Government dam at Appleton, and the dams at Menasha and Appleton. To take steps for removal of portion of wreck of schooner Falmouth from Buffalo Harbor, N. Y. William E. Merrill ..... In charge of the improvement of the Ohio River, the Falls Bvt. Colonel. of the Ohio, the Louisville and Portland Canal, and har- 356 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Statement showing rank and duties of officers of Corps of Engineers-Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. (continued.) bor of refuge near Cincinnati, Ohio. In charge of the improvement of the Monongahela River, W. Va. and Pa., of the Allegheny River, Pa., and of the construction of an ice-harbor at the mouth of Muskingum River, Ohio. In charge of examination or survey of the Ohio River at Rochester and Freedom, Pa., for ice-breakers, and for ice- harbor at Middleport, Ohio. Engineer 14th Lighthouse District. Member of Boards of Engineer Officers on pro- posed lock and damn at junction of Three Forks of Ken- tucky River; to consider and report upon Senate bill 1441, to authorize construction of bridges across the Great Kanawha River, &c.; to examine and report upon such models, plans, &c., of movable damrns as may be placed before it, and on bridge over the Ohio River at Wheeling, W. Va. Walter McFarland- ....- In charge of Forts Griswold and Hale, and the construction of Fort Trumbull,Conn. In charge of the improvement of the harbors of New London, New Haven, Bridgeport, Milford, Clinton, Southport, and Norwalk, Conn., and Port Jefferson, Greenport, and Mamaroneck, N. Y., and of the construction of breakwater at New Haven, Conn. In charge of the improvement of the rivers Housatonic and Thames, Conn., and Connecticut, Mass. and Conn. In charge of examination or survey of harbors of Nor- walk, Black Rock, Stamford, Westport, and Branford, Conn., and Southold, and channel-way of Peconic River entering Peconic Bay, and channel-way from Riverhead to Great Peconic Bay, N. Y. To remove wrecks from harbors at New Haven and Bridgeport, Conn. Member of Joint Board of Army and Navy Officers upon plans and location of a bridge over Thames River at New London, Conn. Supervising officer, under the Department of the Interior, in connection with examination and measure- ments of work under contract at Hot Springs, Ark.; on three months' leave. John M. Wilson........ In charge of the 1st and 2d Divisions, office of the Chief of Bvt: Colonel. Engineers. On special duty on the Pacific coast. John W. Barlow ..... In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Ontonagon, Bvt. Lieut. Colonel. Eagle Harbor, Marquette, Manistique, Cedar River, Mich.; Menomonee, Green Bay, Ahnapee, Two Rivers, Manito- woc, Sheboygan, Port Washington, Kewaunee, Pensau- kee, and Oconto, Wis.; and harbors of refuge at entrance to Sturgeon Bay Canal, Lake Michigan, and at Grand Marais, Mich. In charge of water-level observations on Lake Superior. Advisory Engineer for improvement of Kewaunee Harbor, Wis. On six months' leave of ab- sence from January 23, 1884. To take necessary steps preliminary to removal of wreck of schooner Petrel in Sheboygan Harbor, Wis. In temporary charge of the im- provement of the harbors at Milwaukee, Racine, and Ke- nosha, Wis., and Waukegan, Ill., and harbor of refuge at Milwaukee Bay, Wis. In temporary charge of the im- provement of the rivers Fox and Wisconsin. In tempo- rary charge of water-level observations on Lake Michigan. MAJORS. Orville E. Babcock .... On detached service; engineer 5th and 6th Lighthouse Dis- Bvt. Brig. General. tricts. Died June 2, 1884. RANK AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 357 Statement showing rank and duties of officers of Corps of Engineers-Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. MAJORS. (continued.) Peter C. Hains ......... In charge of Forts Foote and Washington, Md. In charge Bvt. Lieut. Colonel. of the improvement of the harbors at Washington and Georgetown, D. C. In charge of the improvement of the Potomac River in the vicinity of Washington, the estalb- lishment of the harbor lines, and the raising of the river flats. Francis U. Farquhar ... In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Cheboygan, Bvt. Lieut. Colonel. Au Sable, and Sebewain on Lake Huron, and Alpena at Thunder Bay, and of the construction of harbor of refuge on Lake Huron; of the improvement of the Saint Mary's Falls Canal, and of the rivers Saint Mary, Detroit, Sagi- naw, arind Clinton, Mich., and Hay Lake Channel of the Saint Mary's River; of renovi ,g bar at ice-harbor of refuge at Belle River, Mich. ; and construction of dry dock, Saint Mary's Falls Canal. In charge of Saint Clair Flats Canal and Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich. In charge of issuing charts of Northern and Northwestern Lakes, and of water-level observations on Lake Huron. Died July 3, 1883. George L. Gillespie..... In charge of the construction of forts Columbus, Wood, Bvt. Lieut. Colonel. Latayette, and Harniltou, and additional batteri s, Castle Williams, south battery, ,ew barbette battery, and sea- wall at Governor's Island, mortar battery at Fort Hatinil- tor, N. Y., and fort at Sand(ly Hook, N. J. In charge of the improvement of Keyp(ort Harbor, N. J. In charge of the iruprovement of the Slhrewsbury, Rahway, Elizabeth, Mnasqluan, South, Raritan, and Passaic ri ers, Raritan Ba , and Woodbridge, Cheesequake, and Mattawan creeks, N.J.; Flushing, Sheepshead, and Canursie havs, S npawvanus Inlet, and East Chester and Newtown creeks, N. Y., and channel between Staten Isla: nid and New Jersey. In charge of the m ,anifacture andl supply of mnatic. Member of Boardl of Engineer Otfficers to x- anti ne certain officers of the Corps of Engineers with view to their promotion. In charge of the removal of the wreck of steamer Nankin at entrance to New York Har- bor, and of bark Samarang near Sandy Hook,N. .J. uIn charge of examinatiorn or survey f Passaic River be- tween Passaic and Paterson, N. J., North River in front of Jersey City and Htobokeri, N. J., Newtown( Cre k, N. Y., and of Shoal Harbor, and Corn(n)ton's Creek, N. J. Merilmer of the Board of Engineers while c)isidi-rinig tile adlvisalbility of the purchase of land n ear Foi t Haniiilton, N. Y., for d, fensivepurpos, s irfor other military ofuj ects To represent the General Government in th, arrangement for, and. the erection of, a pediestal t o be built receive the colossal bronze statue of Liberty En ighlteni g the Worldl, to be erected upon Bedloe's Island, No w York Haribor. Charles R. Suter........ In charge of the irnprovenment oft the rivers Mississippi and Missouri-remuoval ofsnags, &c.; and ofl the Missouri River from its mouth to Sioux ( ity, and at the t'illowing licali- ties: St. Charles, Cedlar City, Glasgow, Lexington, Kansas City, FortLeaven worth,Atlh isoin, St. Jioseph, Brownville, Nelbaska City, Eastport. Plat tsrr nlh, Omaha, Cornncil Blialut, a ii Sioux City; an of'GasconadeRiver. In charge of the sutrvey of thie Missouri Ri verfro its ioh I to Siioux City, Iowa, and to Fort Benton, Mont. Member of " The 358 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Statement showing rank and duties of officers of Corpsof Engineers-Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. MAJORS. (continued.) Mississippi River Commission" created by act of Congress approved June 28, 1879. Engineer 15th Lighthouse Dis- trict. Jared A. Smith......... In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Michigan City, Ind., and New Buffalo, Mich. In charge of the im- provement of the rivers Wabash, Ind. and Ill., and White, Ind. On detached service. Engineer 5th and 6th Light- house Districts from June 20, 1384. Samuel M. Mansfield ... In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Galveston Bvt. Lieut. Colonel. and Brazos Santiago, Tex. In charge of the improvement of ship-channel in Galveston Bay, Pass Cavallo, Aransas Pass and Bay up to Rockport and Corpus Christi, Brazos River, Buffalo Bayou, deepening channel at mouth of Trinity River, and removal of obstructions to Liberty, and the protection of river-bank at Fort Brown, Tex. William R. King ....... In charge of the improvement of the rivers Tennessee, Tenn. and Ala., Cumberland above and below Nashville, Ky. and Tenn., Red, Hiawassee, Caney Fork,Obey's, Duck, French Broad, Clinch, and Little Tennessee, Tenn., South Fork of the Cumberland, Ky., Oostenaula, Coosawattee, Oco- nee, and Ocmulgee, Ga., and Coosa, Ga. and Ala. In charge of examination or survey for placing locks and dams on Cumberland River from Nashville, Tenn., to the Cincinnati Southern Railroad in Kentucky. Win. H. H. Benyaurd.... In charge of improvement of the harbors at Chicago and Calumet, Ill. In charge of the improvement of the Illi- nois River. In charge of survey of the Hennepin Canal, and for enlargement of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In charge of examination or survey of Sangamon River, Ill., from its mouth to Petersburg; Illinois and Des Plaines rivers between La Salle and Joliet, Ill. ; and Cal- umet River, Ill. and Ind. Member of Board of Engineer Officers concerning channel of Lower Fox River between Winnebago and the upper Government dam at Appleton, and the dams at Menasha and Appleton. Garret J. Lydecker..... In charge of the Washington Aqueduct, increasing water supply of the city of Washington, and the erection of fish-ways at Great Falls of the Potomac River. Engineer Commissioner of the District of Columbia. Amos Stickney ........ In charge of the construction of Forts Jackson, Saint Philip, Livingston, Pike, and Macomb, Tower Duprd, Battery Bienvenue, and Tower at Proctorsville, La. In charge of the improvement of the harbor at New Orleans, La. In charge of the improvement of the Amnite, Vermillion, Tan- gipahoa, Tickfaw, Tchefuncte, Bogue Falia, and Calcasieu rivers, and the Mississippi River at Natchez and Vidalia; bayous Terrebonne, Teche, Black, and Courtableau, Cal- casieu Pass, and of mouth of the Red River, La., Pearl River, Miss., and of removal of obstructions in bayou La Fourche, La. In charge of fourth district of the Mississippi River, from Warrenton to Head of the Passes, for the purpose of improvement and the construction and repair of levees, to include levees and special work on the river, and the rectitication of the Red and Atchafalaya rivers at month of Red River. In charge of the exami- nation or survey of Grand Lake, Bogue Chitto River from RANK AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 359 8tatementshowing rank and duties of officeers of Corpsof Engineers-7 Cont'd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. i MAJORS. (continued.) its mouth to Franklinton, and Bogue Falia from its mouth to 25 miles above Covington, La., and West Pearl River. Pearl River, Miss., above Carthage, and Natalbany River, and bayou La Fourche, La. Member of Board of Engi- neer Officers on building and repair of levees on the Missis- sippi River. In charge of removal of wrecks in Missis- sippi River in front of the wharves at New Orleans, La. Alexander Mackenzie... In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Fort Madi- son and Muscatine, Iowa, and Rock Island, Ill. In charge of the improvement of the Mississippi River from St. Paul to the mouth of the Illinois River; at Quincy, Quincy Bay, and Andalusia, Ill., and Alexandria, Mo.; the Upper Mississippi River, and Rock Island Rapids and Des Moines Rapids of the Mississippi River; Cuivre River; and of removing bars in Mississippi River opposite Dubuque and Guttenberg, Iowa. In charge of the construction of a dry-dock at the Des Moines Rapids Canal; of ice-harbor at Dubuque, Iowa, and of harbors of refuge on Lake Pepin at Stockholm, Wis., and Lake City, Minn. In charge of operating the Des Moines Rapids Canal. Member of Board of Engineer Officers on bridge over the Ohio River near Beaver, Pa. Oswald H. Ernst........ In charge of the improvement of Mississippi River between the mouths of the Illinois and Ohio rivers, opposite Saint Louis, Mo., and at Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Min- ton's Point, Ill., and of Osage River in Missouri and Kan- sas. In charge of improvement of harbor and Mississippi River at Alton. David P. Heap ......... On detached service; Engineer Secretary to the Lighthouse Board. William Ludlow........ On leave of absence from March 6, 1883, to April 1, 1885, Bvt. Lieut. Colonel. inclusive, under provisions of joint resolution of Congress approved February 28, 188.3. William A. Jones ...... On detached service; Engineer Officer Division of the Pacific and Department of California. Andrew N. Damrell .... In charge of the construciion of defenses of Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla., and of fort on Ship Island, Miss. In charge of the improvement of the harbors at Pensacola and Key West, Fla., and Mobile, Ala. In charge of the improvement of the rivers Chattahoochee, Appalachicola, Suwanee, Withlacoochee, Manatee, and Caloosahatchee, Fla., Flint, Ga., Alabama, Cahaba, Mobile, and Talla- poosa, Ala., Pascagoula and Noxubee, Miss., Warrior and Tomibigbee, Ala. and Miss.,Appalachicola and Tampa bays, and Pease Creek, Fla., Escambia and Conecuh rivers, La Grange Bayou, and removal of obstructions in the Choc- tawhatchee River, Ala. and Fla.( the roadstead leading into Back Bay of Biloxi in Mississippi Sound, and Old Town Creek, Miss. In charge of examination or survey of shoal between Dauphin Island and Cedar Point, Ala., and of harbor at Cedar Keys, Fla. To take preliminary steps toward removal of wrecks of the lighter Arlington, the brigs New York and Uncle Sam, and the steamer Ger- trude, in Mobile River. 360 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U S. ARMY. Statement showing rank and duties of officers of Corps of Engineers-Contd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. MAJORS. (continued.) Charles J. Allen....... In charge of the improvement of the harbors of Duluth, Grand Marais, and Superior Bay, on Lake Superior. In charge of the improvement of the Chippewa River, and protection .f sand banks on the same; of the Minnesota and St. Croix rivers, and the Red River of the North; of the Mississippi River above the Falls of St. Anthony; of the Falls of St. Anthony; construction of Meeker's Island lock and dam, and lock and dlam at Goose Rapids on Red River of the North, Minn. and Dak. In charge of the construction of reservoirs at hieadwaters of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. In charge of the t xamination and surveys of the sources of the Mississippi, St. Croix. Chippewa, and Wisconsin rivers, with the view to ascertaining the practicability and cost of creating and maintaining reservoirs, &c. In charge of examina- tion or survey of Minn. sota River near Bille Plaine, and the lakes near headwaters of Cannon River, Minn., with view to adding same to the reservoir system of the Mis- sissippi River and its tributaries. Charles W. Raymond... In charge of the construction of Forts Winthrop, Independ- ence, and Warren, work on Long Island Head, and field works on the coast from Provincetown to Salem, Mass. In charge of the iniprovement of the harbors at Newbury- port, Li n, Boston (including sea-walls on Point Aller- ton, Great Brewster Island, Lovell's Island, Long I-land Head, Rainsford Island, and Deer Island; als,, channel leading to Nantasket B. ach), Provincetown, Plymouth, and Scitnate, Mass. In charge of the inmprovement of the rivers Merrinac, Malden. Mystic, and Charles, Mass In charge of examination or survey of Boston Harbor; head- -f land in town of Hull, at entrance to Boston Harbor; Ips- wich River and Sandy Bay, at end Cape Ann, Mass.; and Sandy Bay, Rockport, Mass., with view to construc- tion of a breakwater for lharborof refuge. Engineer 1st and 2d Lighthouse Districts until December, 183. To take nec. ssary steps preliminary to removal of wreck of schooner Sunbeam in Gloucester Harbor, Mass. L. Cooper Overman..... In charge of the improvement of harbors at Port Clinton, Monroe, Toledo, Sandusky, Huron, Vermillion. mouth of Black River, Rocky River, Cleveland, and Fairport on Lake Erie. In charge of improvement of Sandusky River, Ohio. In charge of water-level observations on Lake Erie. Alexander M. Miller... In charge of the improvement of Tensas River, La., Ona- chita River and Bayou Bartholomew in La. and Ark., and Bayou Boeunf, La., and Cypress Bayou, La. aid Tex.; Red River, La., South Forked Deer River, Tenn.; of the rivers Big Sun Flower, Coldwater, Yazoo, Yallabusha, and Tal- lahatchie, and Tchula Lake, Miss., and the Big Hatchie River, Tenn.; ofremoval of raft, snags, and other obstruc- tions from Red River, and of closiI g Tones' Bayou. In charge of 2d District of the Mississippi River, from foot of Island No. 40 to mouth of White Rever. for the purlpose of improvement and the construction and ,epair of leve s. In charge of the water-gauges on the Missis ippi River and its principal tributaries. In charge of examination or survey of Red River from its mouth to Fulton, and D'Arbonne River, La.; Ouachita River from its mouth to Camden, Ark.; harbor of Monroe, La.; Red River, La., RANK AND) DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 361 Statement showing rank and duties of f icers of Corps of Engineers-Contd. RANK AND NAME. DUTIES. MAJORS. (contin ued.) from Atchafalaya to Fulton, Ark., includirng relieving the town ,f Alexandria from encroachments of river, remov- ing snags Iron ( ainie Riv er, alnd closing outlet of river kno\wn as " Sale and Murphy (Canal;" and Bayou Pierre, La. Member oft BJoard of Engineer Officers on bulldilng and repair of levees on the Mississippi River Milton B. Adams .......- In (charge of the inmprove melnt of the harlbtors at Duikirk, N. Y., Ashtabula and Conieant, Ohio. aid Erie, Pa.. nit il Novenler "27, 18.t. Front Decemliet 11, it-:3, in charge of the inl ovenment of the Arkansas River-removal of snags, &c., Arkansas River 1 et e en Fort Smith, Ark., and Wichia, Kans , and at Pine Bluff, and of rivers St. Francis, White. L'Angiille, an d Salin . Ark , andi Black, Ml. and Ark. In charge of exaltiii atlion or survey of White iiv r, Ark., an(d (onutinuatlo of slirvey of Arkan- sas Ri er fromn Fort Gilbson to Wichita. Kans. Win. R. Livermore ..... On (ietaclied service; Engineer Otflic r. i elpartinent of'T'exas. William H. Heuer ..... Iii charg, of thle constructi ii of Forts Jteetesonat al i Taylor, Fla. In charge tofthe inilroveneit tof Saline Pass, Blue Bii k B:ar, a d Neches RivIr, T x., and Salite River, La. and Tex. To' relport upon the delpth and witih of a chan- n i secirel anid taintaiinel li jeliest cotstrtctel by James B. Eadls at the mouth tof thle Mississippi River. Eingineir 7th :anl 8th Lightlholi)se D)ist riicts. In clharge of forts I)o-laware, Del., and Mitlit , Pa.. ar< 21. 90 22.63 I,22. 30 ......... ........ _ ......... ......... 442 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. LATITUDE BY THE WURDEMANN AND LINGKE INSTRUMENTS-continued. Initials of observers. Star1 c Lingke instrument. Wurdemann instrument. .. .F.class.. J.G.W. E.B. O.T.C. B. G.D.. EJ.S. SJ. B. H.F.H. J. G. W E. B. O.T.C. L. H. B. G.D.F. E. J.S. 11 II it ~ 631...... B 18.35 . . . . . . . . . . 650...... C -------- I ......... .19.16 640...... A 21.77 20.85) 21. 82> .......... 19.64 648..... B 22.84 22. 55) ........- ....... " . S20. 53 S15.67 .....---- ......... 56...... B 25.11 S20. 19 19. 37 667..... B 19. 00 5 19.59r 19.01 .. ...... 24. 00 20.45 675..... 084..... 25. 26 676..... AA 23. 96 S18. 76 698...... AA 20. 66 697...... A 23. 82 719...... A 24.48 I.......... .......... I........... I.......... I.......... 22,41 711...... 727..... 19. 70 21.71 23.72 .......... 18. 46 743...... A 21. 05 22.48 24. 68 751...... C 24.46 5 C 20. 49 752..... 24. 57 758..... B 20. 63 A 755 ..... 19.78) 18. 70 778...... 20. 71 21. 61 21. 67 A 19.41 20. 52 769...... A 21. 53 783..... 18.24 797...... B} 16. 87 800..... 3......41 ........ .................. .......... .......... C Ak 797..... 843...... .......... 23. 41 .. ......... 800...... 25. 46 801..... 22. 27 20.29 .......... AA 801..... 22.42 20.97 S43..... AA ...... 21.02 21.18 20.05 21.64 A 818..... 18. 55 825... 20.17 A 830..... 20. 55 21.45>............... 833..... 23. 17 A 5 843..... A 19.41 860..... 861...... S 18.47) ( C184, 19. 55) .893...... ..... ............. . 37 18.49 k 17.97 20. . ......... .......... 19. 83) .871..... 21.73 18. 11 -876...... 20. 94) "881...... 21.93) 893...... 18. 5$ 20. 03 A 21.76) 18.26) "44.. 920.... A 5. 23. 83 24.15 23.18 23.84$... 19.63> 22.27) APPENDIX 2-REPORT OF GENERAL ABBOT. 443 LATITUDE BY THE WURDEMANN AND LINGKE INSTRUMENTS-continued. m b Initials of observers. F+ WD Star Lingke instrument. Wurdemann instrument. class. ao a3 ea J.B. H.F.H. J.G.W. E.B. O. T. C. L. H. B. G. D. F. E.J. S. a -- I I I It 922...... B 22. 22 20. 93 21.59 932...... 925..... B Z S19. 78 "" 18. 28 X32..... A 3 .. . . . . . . . . 21.65 A 949..... S19.69 A .. . . . . . . . . 21.70 960..... 23.70 959..... C 22.17 19.141 18. 60 20 27 971..... C A 19.91 23. 07 19. 87 20.97 969..... B 22. 91 21. 13> 987..... 21.28) A 20.32) 9831.... B 19.11 18.42 20. 63 ). 19. 36 20. 82 995..... A 19. 09 20. 44 19. 02S 20.35) 997...... A 21.11> 1000..... AA {19. 21.62) 1013...... A 34 21. 95 19.37) S20.98 21.60 21. 56 21.35 20. 09 21.61 18. 28 1035...... 19.72 23.46 19.56 20.03 1000..... B .......... 15. 38 1056..... ......... .......... AA 23.47) 1047..... C 24. 27 19.10 22.73 1065..... C 22. 21 l 20.57) 1054..... .......... 20. 31 1072..... 23.15 1071.... B 20.14 21. 69 A 23. 67 18. 51 18. 60 1094...... B5 20. 97 21.23 22. 20) 1099..... C 20. 82 23. 04 21. 40 19.41 19. 52 1144..... C 20. 22) 22.13 21.89 20.48 23.92) 22. 34) 1129...... A 19.70> 18.54 20.78 19.16 25.41> 19. 92 1139..... B 5 20.97 19. 02 5 18. 29) 20. 92) *41.15 18.25) 1150...... A 23.40 21.40 23. 99 21. 03 21.40 1154..... AS A *26. 79 21.61 21. 67 S 24.63) 21.38 A 1158...... A 19. 50 1180...... A5 .......... .......... 1169 ...... 22. 89 25. 28 23. 27 1176..... 21.54 21.10 24. 78 21.31) 1204...... B { 21.91 21.81> 25.95 1211-..... B 20. 93 22. 90) 1209...... .1 A S20. 88 22.251 *32.02 1216...... 20.79 U -........ AA 22.18 1220...... 19. 74 22. 38 19.72 1226...... 20. 35 22. 28 20. 03 21. 02 21. 51 A 1235 ...... A S21.49) 22.45 21.12 22.38 1241 ...... 20. 89> 21. 635 20.72 18. 93 19.16 23.16 A 21.99) 444 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. LATITUDE BY THE WURDEMANN AND LINGKE INSTRUMENTS-continued. Initials of observers. ct.r Lingke instruments. Wurdemann instrument. J. B. H. F. H. J.G: W. E. B. O. T. C. L. H. B. G.D.F. E. J. S. 1260...... 1266..... ......?r. .. t {23.46 21.511 22. 24( 19.41 20.79 S22.80 22. 37 27.90 A 20. 12J B .......... 1253...... 23.141 1266...... 2188 "......... 1272...... 1275..... A .......... .......... 20. 01 20. 32 *30. 31 1272..... AB S20.54) 1276...... A 20. 56 20. 06 17.72 22. 13 1275...... 21.96 1283..... 18. 16 1275...... 1285...... A 21.832 ......... A 22.39 1276...... 1283..... AA 22. 02 21.58 21.94 22. 26 ( 20.10 21.93 19. 09 15.84 S*7. 39) 1276......AA 21. 54 21.04 S24. 02 16. 82' 1285...... AA 20.60 16. 00. 1270..... 1293...... 20.16 S19. 04 1297...... S21.13 23.83 S 14. 43 1299..... " .""" I 21.81 20.58 21. 38 20. 11 S 17.05 18.89 1310...... 1333...... { 20.60 22.22 21.27 22.40 20.13. 1310...... 22.45 22.83 1335...... 21.705 1313...... 1333...... {19.21.956 031 17.15 24.68 AA 1313...... S19.32 22.23 19.32 25.32 21. 89 1335...... A 21.28 23. 73 S 20.11 1342..... 18. 05 1351..... A 9 19.20J 2Ic37. .: 21.43 24.11 22.81 18. 82 1860...... 1386...... 24.42 18.29 17. 97 .......... 1368...... 1389..... 22. 19 .......... 20. 38 1375...... 18.13 16.79 1886...... .. .......- 22.82 24.68 18. 29 18. 00 23.87 1397...... 19.89 ......... 20. 07 S 20. 06 19.22 1406...... 20.82 19.72 20.61 1386...... 1390...... 22.34 26.34 19.48 19.88 1416...... 21.80) 21.99 1431...... 22. 64 24.02 21. 68> 23. 92 21.37 21. 65) 21.91 1456 ..... I 16. 99 1458 ...... I.......... l.......... 21.78 ......... 24. 43 *36.15 21.29 APPENDIX 2-REPORT OF GENERAL ABBOT. 445 LATITUDE BY THE WURDEMANN AND LINGKE INSTRUMENTS-continued. Initials of observers. aStar Lingke instrument. Wurdemann instrument. c .ass. B.n.kF H . J.B. H.F.H. J.G.W. E.B. O.T.C. L.aH.B. G.D.F. E.J.S. It it 11 11 I 1464 ...... 20.21 1468...... B .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 23. 69 21.36 1493...... A 22.50 1499..... .. . . . . . . . . 21.11 21.10 19. 00 A 22. 06 1511...... 19. 08 1517...... .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 20.71 C 20.29 1518:.:: 4531...... .. . . . . . . . . 24. 46 23.81 BA S 20.19 -1540 .. A .... .. .... . . . . . . . . . . 21. 07 22.17 24. 54 1541...... 1549..... A 20.43 22.89 1553...... A . . . . . . . . . . 23.05 1551...... 1565..... . . . . . . . . . . 19.14 19.92 1567-... B 1571...... A . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... 27.05 1567...... 1572...... B ---------- . . . . . . . . . . 22.59 21.14 I............... 1583...... 1600...... B .......... . . . . . . . . . . 21.43 ........ I .-----... 18. 08 1622 ... 1624...... .......... . . . . . . . . . . -......- 21. 51 1622..... 1629..... B 24.30 ..... o..... 11640...... *27.88 20.19 1653...... - . --- . 1667...... 11669..... C .......... 21.72 23.38 1684..... 1687.... A .......... . . . . . . . . . . 22.46 .......... 1694...... 1702...... A B $ .......... . . . . . . . . . . 22.58 21.52 1704... 1713 ...... B .......... . . . . . . . . . . 19.53 20. 81 :1715...... 1724. . . . . . . . . . . 18.61 18. 88 A B .......... 1732 ...... 1747...... B . . . . . . . . . . 19.67 20. 34 B .......... 1749...... 1751...... AA 18.65 _....... 19.69 1770...... -1773...... 21.09 ........ ,795 ...... .......... 1801 ...... ... . .. . . . . 24.28 1807 ...... 1826...... .......... . . . . . . . . . . 22.68 .......... 1838...... i 1840 ...... 19.76 ----.... 1873...... '1875...... .......... is 20.29 .......-- .......... Mean .............. 21. 56 21. 08 21.44 21.40 21.60 20. 65 21.16 20. 87 Probable error..... -0.16 - C.18 f 0.11 - 0.13 +-0.13 + 0.19 - 0.20 - 0.18 ~Good observations. 60 60 57 69 67 57 54 70 Wrong pairs....... 2 0 8 4 0 4 0 0 Peirces Criterion rejects..........- None. None. None. 1 None. None. None. 3 446 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The grand mean of all the observations made this season is the following, giving all pairs hnd observations equal weight: Wurdemann (317 observations on 72 pairs), latitude ° 400 47' 21".04. Lingke (177 observations on 57 pairs), latitude 40 47' 21".36. Grand mean giving observations and instruments equal weight, latitude 400 47' 21".15. The following results of the observations for previous years are added for compari- son. One second of arc corresponds to about 101 feet: Latitude. ............. In 1880 (326 observations on 84 pairs)----------- 400° 47' 21".59--0.082. In 1881 (591 observations on 104 pairs) ........... 40 47' 21".47. In 1882 (235 observations on 60 pairs) ............. 400 47' 21".37. In 1883 (497 observations on 118 pairs) ........... 400 47' 21".15. Grand mean (1649 observations) ................. 400° 47' 21".38. Transferred from old observatory................. 40 47' 21".38. OBSERVATIONS FOR LONGITUDE. The methods usually practiced here are the following: Occultations by the dark limb of the moon, lunar culminations, eclipses of Jupiter's satellites, and lunar dis- tances. It should be borne in mind that one second of time corresponds to about 384 yards in the latitude of Willets Point. The adopted longitude, fixed b by m time signals sent from the Naval Observatory at Washington in May, 1878, is 4 55 07.58. Occultations by the dark limb of the moon.-These observations were omitted; indeed, no work was done with the equatorial telescope during this season. Lunar culminations.-The American Ephemeris was used in reducing these observa- tions, and both observations and reductions were made with especial care. No record was rejected unless noted as doubtful or thrown out by Peirce's Criterion. No obser- vations were made this season by officers serving their second year with the Battalion, although usually required.. LONGITUDE BY LUNAR CULMINATIONS. Stars. Moon. Longitude. Computed. Error. 1883. A. m. a. seconds. E.B ............. Sept. 14 14 0.08 5 0.07 4 55 14.3 6.8 0.T.C ............. Sept. 14 6 0.03 5 ......... 4 55 03.7 3.9 L. H.B .............. Sept. 15 12 0.18 3 0.05 4 55 10.6 3.1 G. D. F...... ........ Sept. 15 13 0.04 3 .......... 4 54 59. 5 8.0 E. J. S.............. Oct. 11 13 0.15 5 ........... 4 55 02.2 5.8 Lunar distances.-The method recommended by Professor Chauvenet is adopted in reducing these observations. The altitudes of the bodies are computed, observations being limited to measuring with a sextant the distance between the moon and one or more of the stars given in the ephemeris, and to determining the error of the chro- nometer by observing ten altitudes of an east and ten of a west star. The following table exhibits the longitudes submitted by each officer. The corresponding times have already been reported. LONGITUDE BY LUNAR DISTANCES. No. of Observer. Date.j Stars. obser- Longitude. Error. vations. 1883. h. m. a. m. a. H.F. H................................. July 11 Sun............. 18 4 54 57.6 0 09.9 J.G.W ............................... Oct. 9 Sun............. 15 4 57 44.9 2 37.4 E.B ..................................... Oct. 7 Sun............. 14 4 54 35.0 0 82.5 O.T.C ............................... Dec. 4 Sun............ 10 4 54 59.0 0 08.5 L.H.B ................................ Sept. 26 Sun............ 7 4 54 09.38 0 58.2 G.D.F ............................... Dec. 4 Sun............. 10 4 56 16.7 1 09.2 E.J.S ................................ Oct. 9 Sun............. 15 4 54 40.0 0 27.5 APPENDIX 2-REPORT OF GENERAL ABBOT. 447 Eclipses of Jupiter'ssatellites.-No observations were made, owing to the unfavorable position of the planet during the working season. AURORA BOREALIS. The regular series of records of the displays of the aurora borealis, begun in 1870, has been continued, as heretofore. Three sentinel posts widely separated from each other are guarded nightly by soldiers of the Battalion of Engineers specially selected as watchmen. Eight men are thus permanently detailed. Three of them remain on duty from sunset to sunrise, and are required to report, when relieved, whether they have seen any auroral light during the night; and if not, whether the sky has been suffi- ciently clear to permit any to be visible. These records for the past year are pre- sented in the following consolidated table-which, considering the difficulty of dis- tinguishing the fainter displays, is regarded as establishing the trustworthy character of the record by the general accordance between the three independent observers. It appears that out of 215 favorable nights, 24 auroras were noted; and, if we may assume the same ratio to apply to the cloudy nights, about 41 auroral displays occurred during the twelve months. AURORAL DISPLAYS IN 1883. Auroras. Clear nights. Cloudy nights. Month. cl m Cl ao -6.2 0 040 H0 0 January................. 0 0 0 0.0 11 8 11 10.0 20 23 20 21.0 February................. 2 3 2 2.3 16 15 1515.3 12 13 13 12.7 March...................4 4 233.3 22 23 2122.0 9 8 10 9.0 April.................... 3 3 2 2.7 16 15 15 15.3 14 15 15 14.7 May..................... 0 0 1 0.3 17 16 17 16.7 14 15 14 14.3 June......................1 1 1 1.0 16 17 18 17.0 14 13 12 13.0 July..................... 5 6 5 5.3 22 22 21 21.7 9 9 10 9.3 August .................. 1 1 2 1.3 26 26 27 26.3 5 5 4 4.7 September.................4 3 3 3.3 15 16 17 16.0 15 14 13 14.0 October.................. 2 3 2 2.3 20 18 17 18.3 11l 13 14 12.7 November............... 2 2 2.0 17 19 20 18.7 .13 11 10 11.3 December............... O 1 0 0.3 19 17 17 17.7 12 14 14 13.3 Total for year ..... 24 27 22 24. 1 217 212 216 215. 0 148 153 149 150. 0 These observations were undertaken to throw light upon the supposed connection between the number of solar spots and the frequency of auroras and of magnetic dis- turbances. They have now been continued long enough to give interest to the fol- lowing summary compiled from the annual astronomuncal orders. It will be noted that there is a marked correspondence between the epochs of maximum and minimum auroras, and of maximum and minimum solar spots as given by Professor Fritz, of Zurich, viz: Epoch of maximum solar spots .......................................... 1870.6 Epoch of minimum solar spots............................................ 1878.9 Epoch of maximum solar spots ............................................. 1882.4 The column headed "average number of sun spots" is derived from the observa- tions of Prof. D. P. Todd, director of Lawrence Observatory, Amherst, Mass., published by the United States Signal Office. 448 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. SUMMARY OF AURORAL RECORDS FOR FOURTEEN YEARS. Clear sky. Cloudy sky. Year. Nights. Observed Nights. Probable ' 0g , Remarks. auroras. auroras. Q 1870.................. 184 50 150 41 99 ...... 11 months. 1871.................. 211 60 154 44 104 .... 1872................. 234 60 132 34 94 .... 1873.................. 214 54 151 38 92 .. 1874.................. 190 18 175 17 35 .... 1875.................. 189 14 176 13 27. 1876 ................. 195 9 171 8 17. 1877 ................... 191 7 174 6 13 2.6 Began June, 1877. 1878..-................ 185 2 180 2 4 2. 2 1879 ................. 204 9 161 7 16 2.0 1880................. 216 13 150 9 22 14.3 1881.................. 191 23 174 21 44 26.7 1882............. .... 201 55 164 44 99 28.3 1883................. 215 24 150 17 41 27.4 By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Abbot. HARRY F. HODGES, First Lieutenant of Engineers, Adjutant. [Printed Orders, No. 3.J BATTALION OF ENGINEERS, Willets Point, New York Harbor,April 21, 1884. The following are announced as the results of the meteorological observations taken at Willets Point from January 2 to March 3, 1884. They form part of the regular series, of which former results have been announced annually in Battalion orders since 168. The observations were taken hourly from 7 a. m until 11 p. m., both inclusive, dur- ing sixty days-beginning at 7 a. min.on January 2. The observers were the lieuten- antsand the non-commissioned officers of the Engineer Battalion. The following table exhibits the horary corrections deduced from the arithmetical means of the hourly observations corrected for temperature and reduced to level; the air temperature; the force of vapor; the relative humidity and amount of clouds from 7 a. m. to 11 p. min.,inclusive. Maxima and minima points are indicated by the signs* and t respectively; which are placed so as to coniform to the general sweep of the curves. The aneroid barom- eter was a pocket instrument by Casella. MID-WINTER HORARY CORRECTIONS FOR 1884. Horary corrections. Psychrometer. Temper. - Amount Hour. Mercu. Aneroid Fahe, Force of Relative clof. rial ba- ba- vapor. hu- rometer. rometer. vapor. midity. Inches. Inches. o Inches. Inches. 7 a. m............................... +. 007 -1.09 26. 8t 0. 122t 0. 687* 6.4 8 a. m................................-.010 -0.22 27.6 0.121 0.673 6. 5 9a. m................................ -. 011 -0.33 28.5 0.124 0.647 6.6 10 a. m................................. -. 014 -0.28 30.0 0.128 0.659 6.7 11 a. m.................................. -. 008 -0.34 31.1 0. 132 0.656 6.9 12 noon ................................-. 010 ±0.11 31.5 0.134 0.657 6. 6 1 p. m................................ . 013 ±0. 19 32.0 0. 132 0.638 6.6 2 p. m............... . 027 +0. 25 32.5 0. 133* 0.642t 6.7 3 p. m................................. . 029* -+0.28* 32.5* 0.131 0.641 6.9 4 p. m.................................. +.012 +0. 17 32.1 0. 133 0.666 7.0 5 p. m .................................-. 015 +0. 18t 31.3 0.130 0.677 6.5 6 p. m.................................. +.023 +0.11 31. 0 0.128 0.663 6.0 7 p. m................................. -. 003 -0.01 30.2 0.127 0.684 5.7 8 p. m.................................. -. 008 -0.04 29.8 0.125 0.676 5. 3 9 p. m.................................. +. 024* -0.02* 29.5 0.124 0.680 5.6 10 p. m................................. -. 030 -0.02 28.9 0.123 0.680 5.6 11p.m................................. -. 037 -0.05 28.9 0.123 0.677 5.4 Means ........................... 30.048 30.088 30.2 0.127 0.665 APPENDIX 2-REPORT OF GENERAL ABBOT. 449 The extremes of air temperature during the hours of continuous observations for the sixty days were +510.0 Fah. (February 13, 7 p. m.) and +60.0 Fah. (February 29, 7 a. min.). The lowest temperature recorded by the minimum thermometer was +40.0 Fah. on February 29. The extremes of the hourly barometric readings reduced to 320 Fah. were 29.105 on January 9, 8 a. m. and 30.784 on January 27, 11 a. min. The barometer hung 54 feet above mean tide. The following table exhibits the force and direction of the prevailing wind, re- corded upon the usual scale; 0 representing a calm and 10 a hurricane. The table is computed-for force, by dividing the sum of the hourly records of force for each point of the compass, by the number of hours during which the wind blew from that direction; and for direction, by giving the number of hours during which the wind held from each point of the compass : Time and force. N. NE. E. SE. S. SW. W. NW. Calm. Hours...................................... 85 177 63 62 58 128 98 248 98 Mean force................................ 1.87 1.40 3.11 3.40 1.50 1.74 2.17 2.95 0.00 By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Abbot. HARRY F. HODGES, First Lieutenant of Engineers,Adjutant. [Printed Ord 'rs No. 4.] BATTALION OF ENGINEERS, Will< Point, New York Harbor, April 22, 1884. The following will be the course of instruction and drills for the Battalion of En- gineers during the coming season. WILLETS POINT, NEW YORK HARBOR. Officers in charge.-The following assignments to special duties other than those per- taining to their military commands are announced for the coming season at the En- gineer School of Application. The officers named will be excused from duty as officer of the day. Captain Ruffner : To take charge of the magnetic observations; the use of the Rep- sold base apparatus; all surveys, other than the company practice in reconnaissance ; the tidal and current measurements; and the compilation of the accurate map of the vicinity of Willets Point. Captain Price: To take charge of the observations at the Astronomical Observatory, and to supervise the computations-the results of which will be submitted by him in a weekly report. Captain Palfrey: To direct the experiments in military mining and the practice in pontoniering; and to take charge of the instruction in submarine mining, and of the construction and breaking of a temporary bridge. Lieutenant Lusk : To continue in charge of the photographic laboratory. Lieutenant Hodges: To act as captain of the Battalion team for any matches at Creedmoor, and as instructor of rifle practice for all officers junior to him in rank. Ia military engineering.-1lst. Verbal instruction by the company officers in the no- menclature and dimensions of the siege battery and model fronts of fortifications, in- cluding the reasons therefor. 2d. A course of instruction in the molding room, in- cluding the making of modern siege batteries and saps upon a scale of 1: 6. This drill will be by company, each in turn being entitled to the use of the room for one month. A commissioned officer of the company must always be present. 3d. A full course of trestle and wooden ponton drill, including boat maneuvers. For this drill the companies will be consolidated under command of Captain Palfrey, two lieuten- ants being detailed by the Battalion adjutant, in turn. 4th. The construction and experimental breaking of a temporary wooden bridge over a dry ravine. 5th. The preparation and firing of a military mine. In the torpedo service.-Practicalinstruction in the service of torpedoes will be given under the special supervision of Captain Palfrey. A weekly detail of two commis- 5908 EN--29 450 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. sioned officers will be made. Battalion staff officers will spend six hours, and lieuten- ants on company duty seven hours daily on this duty (Saturday and Sunday excepted). They will be excused from all other duties except dress parades and inspections, and will be governed by General Orders No. 4, series of 1873, from Battalion headquarters. A weekly detail will be made of one non-commissioned officer from the Battalion for two consecutive weeks, and of six privates from the companies in turn for one week. These details will .be so arranged as to include, in succession, every man in the Battalion not especially excused by the commanding officer. On certain specified weeks this detail will be constituted entirely of non-commissioned officers, when special attention will be given to covering the entire ground as nearly as possible. In the absence of commissioned officers, Serg. William H. Brown. Company A, senior assistant instructor in submarine ruining, will be in general charge of this detail. During fatigue hours (except on Saturday and Sunday) the men will be under the orders of Captain Palfrey, whose duty it isto see that, when not engaged in assisting in the torpedo trials now in progress, they are instructed (1) in the duties of the boat serv- ice, and (2) in those of the loading-room, as prescribed in the proof edition of the Manual. The following system will be observed as closely as the weather permits. Any omitted drill will be had on Friday, if possible. 1st. MONDAY. Judgment torpedo drill.--The mapping drill will first be practiced- then the judgment firing drill. A few steamers or sailing vessels should be tracked at every drill, and the diagrams will be neatly finished and preserved. 2d. TUESDAY. Placing the junction boxes.-This drill will be simulated on land until the principles are fully understood by every member of the detail. It will then be executed in the river, using the base line between the fort and engineer wharf. Care must be taken, by providing buoy ropes of sufficient length, to avoid the loss of anchors. 3d. WEDNESDAY. Planting single mines.-One weekly drill will be had in planting and raising a buoyant mine, and another in planting and raising a ground mine of the model of 1873. The steam-launch will be used for this purpose. 4th. THURSDAY. Automatic firing drill.-This drill must first be practiced at the wharf, in the manner prescribed in the Manual. Subsequently it may be combined with the judgment drill on the river. 5th. Daily instruction in rowing.-This drill (weather permitting) will be under the direction of Lance Corporal Lane, Company C, assistant instructor in submarine mining, and will be had between morning fatigue call and 8.30 a. m. 6th. In unfavorable weather the detail will be exercised in the duties of the loading- room, in the shore duties pertaining to the boat service, and in the use of the dial telegraph. Verbal instruction will be given respecting the fuzes, explosives, torpedo material-except that of the operating room-simple electrical testing, and the prac- tical use of the ordinary forms of apparatus for the electrical ignition of mines. This may be done in the torpedo museum by reading and elaborating portions of the text of the Manual. On each Saturday Captain Palfrey will submit the plots of the mapping drills, and a report giving the names of the detail, what theylhave been drilled in, and their classification as to proficiency. Printed blank forms will be supplied. Before the end of the season the grand group of mines planted in 1881 will be raised and replanted, and trial runs and dock trials with the fish torpedo and experi- ments with new explosives will be continued under special directions from the lieu- tenant-colonel commanding. In military map-making.-Each lieutenant on company duty who has not already done so, and each non-commissioned officer and five selected privates from each com- pany, will make a satisfactory foot reconnaissance at least 5 miles long, in the vicinity of the post. The instructions laid down in General Orders No. 12, series of 1868, from these headquarters, will be strictly followed, including the contouring. Especial at- tention will be given to making the scales correctly; (1) no attempt being made to change the natural let gtlh of step in the field work; (2) the plot being made in terms of this natural unit; (3) its absolute length being determined carefully by pacing several times over a known distance; and (4) a correct scale being constructed from these data with 100 yards as the unit, the zero being between the first and second divisions on the left, and the first division being subdivided into ten equal parts. The plot will distinctly show the beginning and end of the reconnaissance, without any at- tempt at compromising discrepancies. The captains will be the instructors in these reconnaissance drills; and they will submit to these headquarters, on or before the termination of the season, the several maps and drawings-each duly approved by themselves. The following instrumental surveys will be executed under the direction of Captain Ruffner. They will begin at once, and officers will be excused from all other duty APPENDIX '2-REPORT OF GENERAL ABBOT.1 451 when detailed for this purpose. The detail will be made by the adjutant upon the application of Captain Ruffner, and will take precedence over other rosters. Each lieutenant on company duty, who has not already done so, will make 'nd plot a careful instrumental survey of at least 1 square mile of ground on the peninsula of Great Neck-connecting with the former surveys in that vicinity. The work will in- clude contours with a surveyor's level. He will be assisted in the field work by de- tails of non-commissioned officers and privates from his company. The work will be plotted on a scale of 12 inches to the mile with contour planes 10 feet apart, and may be executed upon any recognized system preferred by the officer. Good level bench marks should be made and located on the map, the references being given in a column of notes. The names of residents should be recorded. The finished maps will be sub- mitted on or before the termination of the drill season. An extension of the careful hydrographic survey of last season towards the main channel will be made by the lieutenants on company duty serving their second year with the battalion. In field photography.-The officers' laboratory will be open daily from 1.30 p. m. un- til 4 p. m. The building, apparatus, chemicals, &c., will be under the charge of Lieutenant Lusk, battalion quartermaster, whose duty it is to furnish any desired assistance, and who will be held responsible for the judicious use of the property. Officers are invited to avail themselves of the advantages of the laboratory, making such arrangements with the officer in charge as shall insure no confusion in his official duties, or in those of the men under his instruction. The instruction of non-commissioned officers will be restricted to the following class, selected from those who have displayed special aptitude during the winter course. They will be detailed singly for one week in turn, and will receive such in- struction as in the judgment of the officer in charge is best suited to perfect their knowledge of the subject. DETAIL OF NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Company A, Company B, Company C, Corporal Wunder. Corporal Griffin. Corporal Grenier. In field astronomy.-All the lieutenants who have not already completed the course, and been excused from further observations, will constitute the observers, a roster being kept by the adjutant. In addition, when officer of the day (except on Sundays, and weather permitting) they will observe the sun or stars for time. These observa- tions will be computed at once in the book prepared for the purpose, and the error of the mean solar chronometer will be distinctly recorded there and on the guard report- where, in case no observations are taken, the cause should be stated. The following system will govern the observations at the observatory. The course covers two seasons-the first including sextant work, and transit and zenith telescope work with the instruments in the east wing and on the outer pier; and the second in- cluding sextant work, practice with the new combined instruments in the west wing, and with the equatorial. Advantage will be taken of every suitable night for ob- serving. Officers wishing to use the instruments for special observations or practice, must apply for authority to do so. Officers will usually be detailed for astronomical duty for one week in turn, but in case of bad weather the roster will be arranged so as to give each an equal chance to accomplish the work required of him early in the season. When this work is com- pleted, and when in the judgment of the instructor he has become an expert observer, his name will be removed from the roster. Special note books will be provided for each officer; which, after the end of the season, and inspection by the commanding officer, will become his personal property. Suitable blank forms will be printed, both for observations and computations; and these original records will be pasted into the books, thus rendering them valuable for future reference. The computations will receive special attention (1) as to methods employed; (2) as to the values adopted for the instrumental constants; and (3) as to rejection of doubt- ful observations. The latter is more than usually important, because knowledge of the correct results is likely to bias the judgment. The following rules will be strictly observed. No correction of the original record is to be made subsequently-if clearly wrong the observation must be rejected. No rejection of an observation is allowed, unless (1) it was marked doubtful at the time; (2) it is thrown out by Peirce's criterion; or (3) its discrepancy is so largely in excess of any probable limit, as to render some exceptional cause certain-for instance, a discrepancy of 1 minute in a zenith telescope latitude. Every rejection under this third case must receive the approval of the officer charged with supervising the computations. 452 RFPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The following allowance of time will be made for computations. Three days for a set of latitude observations with the sextant, for a set of time observations with the transit, for a longitude by Jupiter's satellites, for the value of'a level division, or for a micrometer turn with the zenith telescope; ten days for a longitude by moon culmi- nation or by lunar distances, or by an occultation by the moon or for latitude by the zenith telescope. These limits as to time must be strictly obseried, and daily reports will be submitted in writing to the instructor explaining the reason of any delay. The following will be the ordinary routine of observations with the several instru- ments:% SEXTANT.-After becoming skillful in the use of this instrument upon the sun, ob- servers will deduce at least one satisfactory latitude by observing a north and a south star, using the time deduced from an east and a west star-each based on ten alti- tudes taken on the same night. Finally, they will deduce one longitude by the method of lunar distances, using starsand not the sun, computed by Chauvenet's method. These observations are not designed for the regular observatory details, but may be made when officer of the day or at such other times as may be convenient. They must be made near the observatory, and the time results must be reported for the Lukens' chronometer. No other method will be accepted. The results will be reported to Captain Price, and are under his direction. TRANSIT.-A set of time observations for rating the chronometer will be made about once a week, observing a star above and a star below the pole for deviation, and about five south stars for time. Occasionally an observation on a slow circum- polar star will be made for determining the collimation constant. Every moon cul- mination occurring before 1 a. m. will be observed, until each officer has secured at least one satisfactory result. At first, time will be recorded by the instructor; then the observer will take his own time; lastly, the field chronograph will be used. ZENITH TELESCOPE.-Observers will first determine the level correction by daylight, using a distant terrestrial object, or at night using a slow circumpolar star. They will then find the value of a turn of the micrometer by observing Polaris at elonga- tion. Lastly, they will observe for latitude, until they have obtained a satisfactory determination based on three nights' work on not less than twenty pairs. THE COMBINED TRANSIT AND ZENITH TELESCOPES.-These instruments will be used only by officers serving their second year with the battalion-the object being to give familiarity with the latest special patterns in use by the Corps of Engineers. EQUATORIAL TELESCOPE.-Every practicable occultation of a star of the sixth or higher magnitude by the dark limb of the moon will be observed; also every eclipse of Jupiter's satellites, either with this instrument or with an astronomical telescope, until each officer serving his second year has obtained one satisfactory result. Suit- able lists will be prepared in advance, so that no opportunity may be lost. PERSONAL EQUATION MACHINE.-Each officer will occasionally take a set of observa- tions (80 to 100 transits) to determine his personal equation. This work will be done on cloudy nights. (See Battalion Order No. 3, series of 1882, for form of record.) Infield magnetic observations.-This course is for officers serving their second year with the -battalion, and will be carried out as fully as the facilities at hand will permit. In the use of the Repsold base apparatus.-Practicewill be had with this apparatus by officers serving their second year with the battalion. In tidal and current measurements.-This course will comprise observations with the self registering tide-gauge, with the electric current-meter, and with double floats. It will be confined to officers serving their second year with the battalion, and will include a full set of observations and a discussion of the same. In Infantry.-Instructions in the revised infantry tactics, including the school of the soldier, the company, and the battalion; and in target practice according to the prescribed system (see Battalion Orders Nos. 7 and 11, series of 1880). Each company commander is responsible for the instruction of his own company. He will see that a commissioned officer is present at and supervises all target practice. WEST POINT, NEW YORK. It is desired that, so far as circumstances will permit, .the men of Company E, sta- tioned at West Point, may receive instruction similar to that of the rest of the bat- talion. The company commander at the end of the season will report fully how far this has been practical. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Abbot. HARRY F. HODGES, First Lieutenant of Engineers, Adjutant. APPENDIX 2-REPORT OF GENERAL ABBOT. 453 [Printed Orders No. 5.] BATTALION OF ENGINEERS, Willets Point, New York Harbor, May 10, 1884. The'following is announced as the standing of the non-commissioned officers of the several companies of the Battalion, as determined by their recitations to their com- pany officers during the past winter season: IC n Recon. Pontonier- Field for- Infantry Subma- Military Surveying and trigo- nais- in.n. sgaig nometry. Cs sance. ng. tification. tactics. signaling. Names. . b I a . u 9 .. 9 9 0 '5 a a2 Cs cc P2 COMPANY A. 2 Sergeanits : Royston........... 3 9.93 1 9.86 2 9.96 1 9.751 Kelly ............... Renaud............ 1 10.00 1 7 9.20 5 9.89 5 9. 42 _ _... _ Gentner ........... 2 10.00 2 10.00 5 9.40 3 9.94 8 9.08............ Brown ............. Corporals: Wunder .. ..... 4 9.93 2 9.53 1 9.97 7 9.25 ..... ....... .. Newman........... 6 9.16 8 9.33 8 8.73 8 9.39 6 9.33 . . . . . . . 4 8 Doyle............... 4 9.91 5 9.80 6 9.33 7 9.78 4 9.58 ........... Duffy. .............. 5 9.83 6 9.80 3 9.53 4 9.92 3 9.66 .......... ... 0 Left corporal: 3 10.00 7 9.75 9.53 6 9.79 2 9.75.......... 3 Collins.............. 4 Privates: Kearney............ .. , ..... ..... 7 ..... 1 Kennedy ........... . .. 5 Stork ............... . ..... . ...... Bell................ ..... 69 6 9.66.... ...... COMPANY B. 1 Sergeants: 1 10.00 4 McKenna.......... 1 10. 00 1 9.93 1 9.97 2 9.66 .......... 4 Warford............ 2 9.92 2 9.87 5 9.66 6 9.66 7 9.66. McCormack ........ 4 9. 58 6 9.73 7 9.60 9 9.37 1 9 89 .... ..... 6 3 9.80' 9.73 5 9.69 2 9.89 .......... 7 5 Doolan ............ 3 Barrett............ 9.50 4 9.80 6 9.66 2 9.88 3 9.89.......... 3 Lance sergeants: Lees .............. 71 9.42 7 9.73 9 9.27 4 9.70 9 9.44 .... Moore.............. 8 7 Corporals: Neid............... 6 9.50 10 6.66 10 8.66 10 9.36 10 9. 4456......... 2 3 Griffin .............. Daly ................ Kline........... ... 3 8' 9.42 9' 9.33 9.75 5 8 9 9.80 9.66 8.20 2 8 4 9.80 9.33 7 9.73 3 8 9.85 9.52 9.42 5 54 .. 9.78 .......... 8 9.89 ! .. _. 10 5 10 9 Privates: Hutchinson ... :... .: .. ......9 8 Krebs .............. 1 2 COMPANY C. Sergeants: Bensen........... 3' 9.93 10. 00 3' 9.80 3 9.96 S 10.00 2 1 Miller .............. 1 10. 00 9.93 9.86 4 9.96 1 10.00 .I..... 1 5 2 4 Turner............. 2 10. 00 9.86 5 9.73 5 9.96 8 9.50 5 9.33 3 Farley ............. 4 9.93 2 10.00 3 10. 00 1 9.86 1 10.00 4 9.63 5 Lance sergeant: Beck............ 7 12 Corporals: Boyle ............... 7 9.80 9.80 9.47 8 9.78 3 10.00 8 9.00 9 6 8 Grenier............. 6 9.87 9.86 9.80 2 10.00 4 10.00 2 10.00 2 4 4 Newburg ........... 5 9.93 9.93 7 9.47 6 9.96 5 1.00 3 10.00 6 13 Byron .......... 9 9.60 9.66 8 9 06 7 9.93 6 10.00 9 10 Lance corporal: Kirwan ............ 8 9.67 9.33 9 7.67 9 9.71 7 10.00 7 9.33 Privates: Boyle.............. 12 Dixon ............. 8 Reeker ............ 11 Kemball ........... 10 i . . . . I 454 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Gemeryfrs sc Trigo- Engi- Geometry first sec- Geometry second nometry neering Infantry tactics. tion. section. and sur- drawing. Names. veying. Standing. Average. Standing. Average. Standing. Standing. Standing. Average. CoMPANY E. Sergeants: Marquart...... 3 9.57 12 Kierran........ 6 9.26 10 .......... 8 McEnany ...... .......... 64 .......... 7.......... Patterson..... 10 7.64 4 Emerick ...... 5....... 9 Lance sergeant: Murphy ....... 5 9.52 1...................- 5 Corporals: O'Connor ...... 2 9.73-------- .. -------... 1 2 Weber-......... . . . . 7. .. . 9.16 ................... - ....................... .......... .6 6 SQuaid......... 11 .. . . . . Lance corporals : Mayer......... 9.60 7 1 9.89 Lindner........ 9.08 ......... 10 4 9.26 Privates: Zeigler ....... 4I 2 1 3 9.33 Brechbeil ...... 11 3 3 2 9.44 By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Abbot. HARRY F. HODGES, First Lieutenant of Engineers, Adjutant. [Printed Orders No. 6.] BATTALION OF ENGINEERS, Willets Point, New York Harbor,June 30, 1884. None of the General Orders of the War Department having revoked existing orders authorizing the appointment of company and regimental prizemen under the old sys- tem, the competition has been continued, as heretofore, upon the conditions prescribed in Battalion printed order No. 6, series of 1883. The results of this competition for the Battalion and company prizes for the year ending June 30, 1885, are accordingly announced-the following being a list of the strings in ten shots, fired off-hand at 200 yards, in the competition for the Battalion prize: Company A prizeman, Serg. Charles Renaud, 75.0 inches. Company B prizeman, Serg. Charles Barrett, 57.0 inches. Company C prizeman, first class Private John Cavanagh, 81.1 inches. Company E prizeman, Serg. James Kierran, 79.2 inches. Serg. Charles Barrett, Company B, is accordingly announced as Battalion prize- man for the year ending June 30, 1885; he will receive the silver stadia in front of the Battalion from the hands of the commanding officer at the parade when this order is published. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Abbot. HARRY F. HODGES, FirstLieutenantof Engineers, Adjutant. APPENDIX No.3. ENGINEER DEPOT AND POST OF WILLETS POINT. ANNUAL REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL tH. L. ABBOT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. BRIG. GEN., U. 8. A., OFFICERIN COMMAND, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884. ENGINEER DEPOT AT WILLETS POINT, July 5, 1884. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following as my annual report upon the Engineer Post and Depot of Willets Point for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. The only new construction during the past year has been the sapping or molding shed for use in instructing Engineer soldiers in siege opera- tions and field fortification. It is a nearly circular building 110 feet in diameter, having a light iron roof supported in part by a central pier of concrete cased in iron. The building is essentially completed, and will soon be ready for use. Its total cost will be $6,385, of which a large part has been for materials already in depot which could be util- ized in its construction. The usual labor of repairing public buildings with materials supplied by the Quartermaster Department has been performed by the Engineer troops. PROPERTY IN STORE. As heretofore, the instruments, tools, bridge equipage, &c., in depot, have been guarded and cared for by the Engineer troops. The costly geodetic, astronomical, and surveying instruments, and the electrical apparatus belonging to the torpedo service, are all stored in two rooms (capacity, 37,000 cubic feet) in a brick fire-proof building. Formerly much trouble was experienced with dampness deposited from the moist air coming from the ocean, but the use of crude calcium chloride, introduced several years ago as an experiment, has proved entirely successful. About 100 gallons of water have been removed from the air of these two rooms by this method during the past year, as appears from the following table. Both rooms are kept carefully closed, and this represents only the moisture which unavoidably enters round the doors and windows. 455 456 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Drying by calcium chloride. Weight of Weight of Amount of Date. solution. anhydrous Difference. Amont of Remarks. salt. 1881. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Gallons. July 11................................ 305 180 125 15.0 August 14.............................. 315 203 112 13.4 August 28 ............................ 315 230 85 10. 2 Boiled on September 11............................ 100 58 42 5. 0 an average October 2................ ................... 210 87 123 14.7 of six hours; October 23 ............................ .140 69 71 8.5 fuel, wood. 1884. May 26................................. 315 183 132 15. 8 June19 ...... ......................... 315 170 145 17.4 Total........................... 2,015 1,180 835 100.0 WORK OF THE DEPOT. The printing of confidential Engineer documents, and the binding, drafting, photolithographing, and similar work of the depot have been actively prosecited during the past year. The operators are all Engi- neer soldiers, of whom six have been employed at a total cost of $593.60 for extra-duty pay. This work is of great utility in connection with the Engineer School of Application, and especially with its submarine mining division. The receipts and issues of instruments for the use of officers of the corps engaged in geodetic, astronomical, surveying, and other work of like nature, are reported in the following table. This labor also is per- formed entirely by soldiers of the Battalion without extra compensa- tion. Statement of receipts and issues of instrumentsfor the Engineer Depot, Willets Point, New York Harbor,for 1883-'84. Articles. Received. Issued. Articles. Received. Issued. ASTRONOMICAL. GEODETIC. Astronomical transits...No. ........... 1 Compasses, solar.......No.. ...... I Chronometers .......... do. . 12 .......... Theodolites, medium., do.. 1 1 Chronometers, break-circuit, Theodolites, 3 inch .... do.. 1 2 number ................... .. ......... 3 Plumb-bobs for large theodo- Sextants ................ No. 1 7 lites..............No.. 1 1 Artificial horizons-......do. ............ 8 Transits, railroad ...... do.. 2 1 Chronograph scales, glass, Planimeters ........... do.......... 1 number ................... 1 1 Chains, 100-foot........do.. 1 Lanterns .............. No. .. ......... Chains, 50-foot......... do.. 1 3 Mercury, bottles ........ do. . 1 .......... Chains, 33-foot........ No.. 2 1 Pins................sets.. 4 2 MAGNETIC. Self-registering tide-gauge Theodolite magnetometers, paper...............rolls.. .- .- number ................ 1 ........ . Dip-circles .............. No. 1 .......... RECONNOITERING. METEOROLOGICAL. Spy-glasses, smallN...... o. 2 2 Barometers, aneroid ... No. . 7 2 Binocular field-glasses..do.. 1 ......... Barometers, mercurial cis - Odometers . ... .. do.. 13 tern ...-----.---------... No. . 4 3 Compasses, prismatic .. do.. 14 3 1 Anemometers .......... do. ........... 1 Compasses, box do........do............ 3 Psychrometers ......... do. ..... - 2 Compasses, pocket, square, Thermometers...........do. S 1 3 number .......... ........ 33 8 Thermometers, maximum, HRand-levels, reflecting, num- number ................. . ......... ber...... ..................... 2 Thermometers, minimum Pocket sextants....... No.. 2 1 number .................. ........... 2 W atches............... do.. 1 APPENDIX 8-REPORT OF GENERAL ABBOT. 457 Statement of receipts and issues of instruments, 4@c.-Continued. Articles. Received. Issued. Articles. Received. Issued. DRAWING. MISCELLANBOUS. Protractors, circular .... No. 5 1 Instructionsinphotography, Protractors, wooden, horn, Lieutenant Abney. -No---..--- 1 number .....--........ 1 4 Lanterns, ball's eye ..... do.. 2 2 Protractors, Abbot's.....No.. 1 16 Packing cases for chronom- Drawing instruments. boxes. 10 8 eters ................. No.. 12 12 Scales .... ... ..... No.. 1 .......... Blow-pipes ............ do.. 1 .... .. Scales, boxwood, triangular, Watch-chain, gold......do.. 1..... number .................... - 2 ..........- - Triangles, 'wooden.......No.. 2 .......... Total................... 118 113 During the past year, and for the current fiscal year as well, the an- nual sum of $1,000, estimated for repairing these instruments to fit them for reissue, has been stricken from the usual appropriation ($4,000) of the depot. An accumulation of instruments needing repairs is the result. This action not only obstructs the available space for storage here, but also involves the purchase of new instruments from the sev- eral specific appropriations for surveys, thus wasting considerable sums of public money. I would respectfully suggest that this matter be brought to the notice of the appropriation committees of Congress when the next bill is drafted. STATEMENT OF FUNDS. Congress appropriated the sum of $7,000 for the post and depot dur- ing fiscal year. Of this, $3,000 was for the molding shed, $3,000 for current expenses, and $1,000 for the purchase of materials for the in- struction of the Engineer troops in their special duties. The following is a summary statement of funds for the depot: Expended in fiscal year 1883-1884........................................ $4,859 87 On hand pledged for same ............................................... 2,140 13 Available for fiscal year 1884-1885 ...... .............. "................. 5,200 00 Desired for fiscal year 1885-1886 ......................................... 17,000 00 In explanation of the last item, I respectfully submit the following: I. For the usual annual appropriation for the purchase of materials for the instruction of the three companies of Engineer troops at Wil- lets Point in their special duties as sappers, miners, and pontoniers, $1,000. II. For the usual annual appropriation for the incidental expenses of depot, such as fuel, forage, chemicals, stationery, extra-duty pay for soldiers employed in wheelwright work, engine-driving, printing, bind- ing, photographing, and lithographing Engineer documents, repairs of public buildings, repairs of instruments in depot to fit them for reissue, &c., $4,000. III. For repair of the surveying and other instruments accumulated in depot in consequence of the reduction of the preceding item in each of the appropriations for the fiscal years 1883-1884 and 1884-1885 from the usual and necessary sum of $4,000 to $3,000, $2,000. IV. For constructing a double house as quarters for the surgeon (a major) and assistant surgeon (a captain). This building is greatly needed. At present, at my urgent request, only one medical officer (a captain) is assigned to duty here, although the Surgeon-General consid- ers that two officers are needed, because there is only one set of quar- ters available for assignment. Even the quarters now occupied by the 458 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. surgeon are wanted every winter for officers ordered here for a six months course in submarine mining at the School of Application. In fine, the present buildings are insufficient for the actual needs of the garrison. The cost of the proposed double house will be $10,000. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY L. ABBOT, Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON, Chief of Engineers, United States Army. RIVERS AND HARBORS, ETC. APPENDIX A. IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND HARBORS IN THE STATES OF MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. REPORT OF COLONEL CHARLES E. BLUNT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OFFI- CER IN CHARGE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884, WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WORKS. IMPROVEMENTS. 1. Lubec Channel, Maine. 7. Portland Harbor, Maine. 2. Moose-a-bec Bar at Jonesport, Maine. 8. Kennebunk River, Maine. 2. Belfast Harbor, Maine. 9. Lamprey River, New Hampshire. 4. Rockland Harbor, Maine. 10. Cocheco River, New Hampshire. 5. Cathance River, Mane. 11. Portsmouth Harbor, New Hampshire. 6. Royal River, Maine. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS. 12. Androscoggin River, below Bruns- 15. Breakwater at the mouth of Saco wick, Maine. River, Maine. 13. For extension and completion of the 16. At and near mouth of the Great Bay, breakwater near the Third Bridge so called, with a view to increasing in Portsmouth Harbor, New Hamp- the depth of the flow of water, and shire, connecting Goat Island and improvement of the navigation of New Castle. the Piscataqua River and its tribu- 14. Penobscot River and Harbor, Maine. taries. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland,Me., July 15, 1884. GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith my annual reports of operations for fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, on the several river and harbor improvements, as well as the examinations and surveys of rivers and harbors under my charge in the States of Maine and New Hampshire. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. E. BLUNT, Colonel of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. 459 460' REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Ai. IMPROVEMENT OF LUBEC CHANNEL, MAINE. Lubec Channel forms the eastern boundary of the State of Maine, betwen the town of Lubec and Campobello Island. For a length of over 2 miles (i. e., from about 850 feet below the " Western Bar Beacon" to the head of " Lubec Narrows") it was obstructed by bars having but 5 to 12 feet of water at mean low water, and for the most part only 5 feet at mean low water, or 22 feet at mean high water-the mean rise and fall of the tides being 17 feet--whilst at extreme low water at spring tides there was but 1 foot of water over their shoalest parts The condition of the channel, therefore, was such that at and near mean low water, vessels were unable to navigate it, and were forced to take a circuitous route, 16 miles longer, from West Quoddy Head to the eastward of Campobello Island, through British waters, in order to reach Lubec, Eastport, Calais, Pembroke, and other ports in Maine, on the Saint Croix and Pembroke rivers. Similar difficulties also occurred to vessels coming down from Calais and other places on the river Saint Croix, which, leaving there at or near high water (as they have to do), reach Lubec Channel in a low stage of the water, either to be detained until a rise of tide, or else were forced to take the circuitous route to the eastward of Campobello Island. With a view to the improvement of this channel, so as to make it nav- igable in all stages of the tide for steamers and other vessels that for the most part would use it, it was surveyed in 1878 with great care and accuracy from deep water, above the head of " the Narrows," to the deep water below the " Western Bar Beacon," a distance of about 21 miles. On this survey 5,529 soundings were taken and located, and numerous borings made to ascertain the character of the bottom, in which no ledges were encountered or any other material difficult to be excavated by dredging. The original project for its improvement consisted in excavating it for a width of not less than 200 feet, to a depth of 12 feet at mean low water of spring tides. In mylastannual report this minimum channel was reported completed. A jetty upon "Gun Rock," a ledge projecting into Lubec Narrows at the northeast point of the town of Lubec, was begun (under contract of April 28, 1884, with Mr. William S. White, of Rockland, Me.) on the 28th of May, 1884, and at the close of the fiscal year 125 feet of it had been completed. Its total length will be 259 feet. Its object is to stop the rapid tidal current which sweeps across this ledge to the great incon- venience of passing vessels. It was represented to me last year by parties interested that a still wider and deeper channel is desirable. A perfectly straight one is im- practicable, but increased width, especially at the bends, would much add to the thecility of navigation in the strong tidal currents of the locality. To attain this object the channel thrbugh the shoal D-E should be 275 feet wide, with an additional width of 25 feet at the bends above " West- ern Bar Beacon" and Cranberry Point. A desire for a mean low-water depth greater than 12 feet was also made known to me. It is stated that propellers drawing fully that have now occasion to pass through, and that a depth of 15 feet at mean low water is what is wanted. I To atee~ompnaiy- annual report .for the d'eia/ year e'~dirq Janre 30 N' 1834- G *Lu3E C CHANNEL MAINE'* DUCK LAD SKETCH SHOWING IMPROVEMENTS MADE AND. PROPOSED. -0i0 Made urnder the direetion of ;o ' COLONE~L CHAS.E.BIJNT, U.S.E. 01,~ o 00,. 0.69. 17O.1 6(6 AD 0.4 G S 3 3 ' 114-1Xo !7 F, 31 = "277 7 ?wrt. ' ..;.;...... "" 1.37 ~J\ 2k 4 Z 28.1 354 \N 1 4E U .Z\\ Sao.4~ ' 1 .. ~.... °.~ : s.-."aiN S3 s . i14.z 11125; X ]6 lg'-F 299Z50 S 410 O S 33 ,, PE'S . a1 ', *~ + FOLLY.26;91 .... 2-' 462333 .6. N-1 oo 7e x9, 1616 63 3.64 54'g 4 1"S\ to_2 73:3. ~ lfg 2.6 . 3 dt2o 5 U.4. D Y" ." .. 2 9 2 6. 1 kLlax , rGOJ \; 23 p1 ~s'N .. 5 ak, x n-] 2.Y6ti _ 3 ,-30. -' Os . (Y1df0d1.7th,. :/' .,ai'6"" 22 2MPz oil4161N, cvtJ/ o" ! 258 s \ 2o1T. " RO:CK'' .d7 r l . e " %%@ Z9A) gx'v'o.r.s d to ev / Li? 133 34 Z4S Fl 41 i.u qp t e. ie',e.' t e.v'oe ,eeke .t* . . ii . Si' e'fr~vee7. lowsorct Q;'{ya \ , B'3'9 0 u ~ c'eiedi~ys. wu £~l /i~s' ~.6 /8/72_ ___ 4120') l~ie'' f'e".~L/EO Idi'e .~v- 5.6 ?0 6. 3'8 \ . ' a 7 S ORE.',T~.64,- GU.6OC r....'reS9 o. tzpov 0*,e'o Of0o ' * 0 o f{T ttr. t.x r .M. . .. ,, ..-.-...- wc ucacr s : uvv 1.: SOU I AC ) _'U Ek( tO L n LINIU APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 461 To make this additional improvement in width and depth will require the removal by dredging of 280,000 cubic yards of material at 35 cents.........................-- ...... $98, 000 Contingencies .----- ----- - ------------ ------- ---"................ ....... 15,000 Total----------------------------113, 000 Total . ....... .... .... .... .... ...... ...... .................. ..... 113, 000 Fifty thousand dollars of this sum could be advantageously expended during the working season of 1885 and early in 1886, and I therefore respectfully recommend the appropriation of that amount at the next session of Congress. The appropriations for the work have been as follows: By act of March 3, 1879...............---------------------------- ---...... $44,000 By act of June 14, 1880.........................................-----------------------------------------........ 20, 000 By act of March 3, 1881....._..-........................................... 45,000 By act of August 2, 1882....--............................ ................... 20, 000 By act of July 5, 1884........................................._............ 10,000 ....---....-...---...---........................------.---.----............... 139,000 Total--- The total expenditures to June 30, 1884, are $117,677.09. The following information has been furnished by the United States collector of customs at Eastport, Me., for the year ending December 31, 1883: Amount of revenue collected ................--............- - ....... ...... $71, 084 Value of imports.---------------------------------.........................-------.----.. --........ 860,163 Value of exports ..........-----......-----........................------ ......------....--.... 482,715 Number of foreign arrivals .................................................... 487 Number of foreign clearances..-.....-............................-.......... 558 One vessel built, tonnage.----- --------------.---- 461 .---------------------- The above report does not include the vessels engaged in the coasting and fishing business, which are largely benefited by the improvement of the Lubec Channel. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available- ....-......---....---. -----...... $15, 178 89 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ... . .............-... $3, 855 98 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities -...... -.............. 207 75 -- -- 4, 063 73 July 1, 1884, amount available ...... .................................... 11,115 16 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884............-----------.... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 21,115 16 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project- ......... 103, 000 00 Amount that cani be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50, 000 00 Abstract of proposals received April 15,1884, for construction of jetty on " Gun Rock" for improvement of Lubec Channel, Maine. Granite Black stone, No. Bidders. Residence. grout 2,500 with gran- tn. ite coping, to. 2,500 toss. Per ton. Per ton. S1 Charles H. Edwards.......................... Boston, Mass ......... $1 94 .............. 2 Silas F. Hamilton ........... .......... Chebeague, Me ... 3 78 $2 39 3 Hugh Bowen and Alfred C. Hamilton ......... do ................. 3 60 2 35 4 William S. White ........ Rockland, Me............ ............ 1 75 5 Bodwell Granite Company ............... .... do................. .......... 1 87 Contract awarded to William S. White; dated April 28, 1884. 462 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. A 2. IMPROVEMENT OF MOOSE-A-BEC BAR AT JONESPORT, MAINE. Moose-a-bee Bar is at the eastern part of Moose-a-bee Reach, near Jonesport, Me., and is the only obstruction to the safe navigation of that reach in all stages of the tide. By a survey made in 1879 it was ascertained that this bar had only 5- feet of water on it at mean low water and 34 feet in low water of spring tides, which compelled the coastwise steamers and other vessels of greater draught to take a very tortuous course to the southward among the ledges, as shown on the map accompanying the annual report of 1880. Navigation is thereby rendered difficult and dangerous, especially at night, and in dense fogs, common on this part of the coast. The plan adopted for the improvement of this bar consists in opening through it, by dredging, a channel 200 feet in width and 14 feet in depth at mean low water (or 114 feet at low water of spring tides) for an aver- age length of about 1,900 feet. The mean rise and fall of the tides is 11.53 feet. Near the western end of this projected channel to the south- west of " Steamboat Buoy" is a sunken ledge which has only 104 feet of water on it at mean low water, but with 18 feet all around it; which ledge it is projected to remove to a depth of 15 feet at mean low water. The estimated cost of this improvement (as amended) is as follows, viz: 85,000 cubic yards of dredging (measured in scows), at 35 cents per cubio yard--------......----......-----------......-......------..................-----......--......--.........---..... $29, 750 Removal of 1361 cubic yards of sunken ledge, at $40 per cubic yard in situ.... 5, 460 Adding for engineering expenses and contingencies ......................... 4,790 ----- Total ......--------......---.......----------......---......---------......---..........-------------..---..-............ 40, 000 The following appropriations have been made by Congress for this work, viz: By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881...-............................ $10, 000 By the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882 .............................. 10,000 By the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884................................. 10,000 ....---------......---......-------......------......---------....--......-...--...---..---....----....-.... Total-------. 30, 000 The total expenditure to June 30, 1884, was $19,894.34. Under the first appropriation the new channel was opened to a width of 85 feet. Under contract with Moore and Wright, reported last year, work was commenced August 3, 1883, and closed September 25, 1883, resulting in the removal by dredging of 20,983 cubic yards of sand and mud, with an increase of width of 56 feet in the new channel. This improvement is in no sense local, as the channel is a general thoroughfare, and it is very desirable that it should be completed as soon as possible. Jonesport is the nearest town to this improvement, but has no special connection with it. The nearest light-house is Moose Peak light. It is estimated that upwards of 2,500 vessels pass over this bar and through Moose-a-bec reach annually. It is the regular route of the steamers of the Portland, Bangor, Mount Desert, and Machias line, and the boats are often delayed waiting for the tide, not daring to venture over the bar at low water. The steamers of the International line, plying between Boston, Mass., and Saint John, N. B., via Portland and Eastport, frequently make use of this passage in rough weather, and would do so oftener were it not for the risk incurred in crossing this bar. APPENDIX A---REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 463 A new steamboat line just established between Annapolis, N. S.. and Sullivan, Me., running in connection with the Mount Desert branch of the Maine Central Railroad, will derive great benefit from the improve- ments contemplated, as will also the large fleet of sail vessels trading between New York, Boston, and Portland, and the ports in Eastern Maine and the British Provinces. Ten thousand dollars are asked for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, for completing the improvement. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ......................................... $10, 324 25 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding ------ liabilities July 1, 1883-----------------.....................------....................... 10,218 59 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................... 105 66 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 10, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 10,105 66 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 10, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal yearending June 30, 1886. 10 000 00 A 3. IMPROVEMENT OF BELFAST HARBOR, MAINE. The following appropriations have been made by Congress for the improvement of this harbor, to wit: By the river and harbor act of August 14, 1876 .............................. $5,000 By the river and harbor act of June 18, 1878............................... 12,000 By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1879................................ .5,000 By the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880 ............................. 3, 000 Total............................................................ 25, 000 The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $22,156.95. The work projected for the improvement of this harbor under the above-named appropriations consisted of the removal of the sunken ledges and shoals in front of the wharves from Lane's Wharf down to McGilvery's ship-yard, so as to have a depth of not less than 10 feet at mean low water (or 191 feet at mean high water) down to the Boston Steamer Wharf, and thence down to McGilvery's Wharf a depth of 11 to 12 feet at mean low water. This work was commenced in August, 1877, and completed in September, 1879.- In November, 1883, an examination was made of the dredged channel in front of the wharves, which showed that no filling had taken place. No further expenditures are proposed. Belfast Harbor is the only port of entry in the district of Belfast, Me. The nearest light-houses are those on Dice's Head, near Castine, and on Fort Point, both about 10 miles from Belfast; and the nearest fort is Fort Knox, opposite Bucksport, about 18 miles from Belfast. The following information in regard to the revenue and commerce of the district of Belfast for the year ending December 31, 1882, has been furnished by the United States collector of customs at that port, viz: Revenue collected......----------------......---......--------....--....-----...--....----...... ....----....--....--. $1,362 27 Value of imports.................................-------------------............--.. 7,768 52 Value of exports...-----------------------.........................---....-------................. 4,478 23 Foreign entrances----------------------------...............................---------------------............ 66 American entrances ........................................ ........ ... 7 Foreign clearances ............................ -----...---............... 72 American clearances ............................---..................... 46 - Vessels built, 12; tonnage, 6,708.49. 464 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available .................. ...................... $3,000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 156 95 July 1, 1884, amount available...... ...... ........ 2,843 05 A 4. IMPROVEMENT OF ROCKLAND HARBOR, MAINE. The improvement proposed for this harbor was the construction of a harbor of refuge, by means of two rubble-stone breakwaters-one ex- tending southerly from high-water mark on Jameson Point 1,900 feet, the other isolated on South Ledge and 2,640 feet long in a nearly north and south direction. They are to be 5 feet above mean low water, and 10 feet wide on top. The revised estimate for these breakwaters is as follows: Jameson Point breakwater .............. .. 135, 000 tons of stone. South Ledge breakwater ......................... 420, 000 tons of stone. Total ...................................... 555,000 tons at 90 ents..$499,500 Engineering and other contingent expenses, say ......- ...... ............... 50,500 Total of estimate...............--------------------......---........................ 550,000 The appropriations made have been: By act of June 14, 1880............................................ $20,000 By act of August 2, 1882 ...... ..........-.............................. _- 40,000 By act of July 5, 1884..................................................... 40,000 Total ...... ............. ........... .......................... .... 100,000 The total expenditure to June 30, 1884, was $57,396.63, and 1,109 feet of Jameson Point breakwater have been built, commencing at high- water mark. No work was done during the year ending June 30, 1884, the sum available being too small to justify contract. With the last appropria- tion it is intended to continue the construction of this Jameson Point breakwater. To complete it and commence the South Ledge break- water an appropriation of $75,000 is asked. Rockland is a port of entry in the collection district of Waldoborough, Me. Owl's Head Light is 2 miles distant. The following information has been received from the United States deputy collector of customs at Rockland: Customs received for year ending 31st December, 1883...................... $4, 900 Number of arrivals (American and foreign)--- ........ ...................... 290 Number of clearances (American and foreign) ...... ......................... 309 Vessels built, 5; tonnage, 1,865. The coastwise movement of tonnage is greater than for the year ending December 31, 1882. As the work on the breakwater progresses the more apparent is its importance, and it is now the rule in the fall, winter, and spring months for all vessels in the vicinity, on the approach of a storm or stormy-looking weather, to seek shelter under the Rockland breakwater. APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 465 Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.- ..... .-........ .-................. $3, 461 57 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 858 20 July 1, 1884, amount available ..... .....------------....--------....................... 2, 603 37 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 40,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 42,603 37 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 450,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75,000 00 A 5. IMPROVEMENT OF CATHANCE RIVER, MAINE. The following appropriations have been made by Congress for the improvement of this river, viz: By the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880 ............................... $10,000 By the river and harbor act of "March 3, 1881 ..................-.......... 6, 000 By the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882.............................. 5,000 Total.................. ...------- ..........---------- --...... ...... -................ 21,000 The head of navigation of this river is at the bridge at Bowdoinham, Me., from which to its outlet into Merrymeeting Bay (a distance of sbout 21 miles) the river has a navigable channel of not less than 19 feet depth at mean low water, or 24J feet at mean high water. From its outlet into the bay the channel continues in an indirect course, with depths varying from 25 to 6 feet at mean low water for a distance of about 2* miles to its junction with the main channel of Kennebec River, near " The Chops." The principal obstruction to its navigation was found by the special survey of 1879 to be at " the outer bar," where the channel enters the Kennebec River, on the shoalest part of which there was but 6 feet of water at mean low water, or 11t feet at mean high water. But owing to the shifting character of this bar it was not be- lieved that any work, unless attended by a cost too great to be war- ranted by the object of the improvement, would effect a permanent im- provement of 4the channel at this place. At the other two shoals, lying between " the outer bar" and the outlet of the river into the bay, it was believed that the channel could be widened and deepened in a more effectual and satisfactory manner. A channel with a depth of 10 feet at mean low water (or 15- feet at mean high water) for a width of not less than 200 feet was projected for the improvement of this river, at an estimated cost of $25,000. The appropriations of 1880, 1881, and 1882 were expended on "the outer bar" and on Bar III, as specified in the Annual Reports for 1882 and 1883. The work of dredging the channel at Shoal No. 4, which was in pro- gress at the beginning of the year, was finished on the 16th of July, 1883, giving a depth at that point of 10 feet at low or 15- feet at mean high water. No further improvements are proposed, and no additional funds are asked for. As no information has been obtained in addition to that given last 5908 EN- 30 466 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. year as to the " extent to which the commerce and navigation of the country" would be benefited by this improvement, the statement of res- idents of Bowdoinham, furnished through the collector of customs at Bath, is here repeated, viz: The people interested are the towns of Bowdoinham and Bowdoin, to enable them to ship their cargoes in vessels of large size and deeper draught of water. The car- goes outward, now shipped in schooners and scows, are chiefly spruce lumber, deals, frame stuff, &c., say 2,500,000 feet, which would be doubled if we could load a ship here, say 1,000 tons ground feldspar rock, 500 tons quartz rock, 100,000 bricks, hay, wood, and bark; inward, say 1,000 tons of anthracite coal, 500 tons plaster, rock, &c. Since 1850, twenty vessels, having an aggregate of 17,000 tons, have been built on the banks of Cathance River. It was also stated that a large quantity of ice is cut and stored on this river for shipment; that in 1863 about 50,000 tons were cut and stored, but not all shipped, as vessels of sufficient size could not pass the bar. Total amount expended on the improvement of thisriver, $21,000. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available......................................... $1, 645 30 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 1,645 30 A 6. IMPROVEMENT OF ROYAL RIVER, MAINE. Three appropriations have been made for this river, viz, $10,000 in 1871, $10,000 in 1872, and $10,000 by act of August 2, 1882. The first two were expended in widening and deepening the channel through Gravel Point Bar, 2- miles below the head of navigation at Yarmouth, and in blasting and removing several dangerous ledges near that vil. age. These improvements greatly benefited the navigation of theriver in giving, up to Yarmouth wharves, the head of navigation, a safe and unobstructed channel not less than 100 feet wide, with a depth of 4 feet at mean low water and 14 at mean high water. In March, 1882, a slide occurred from the high southern bank of the river, opposite Wolfe's Point, about 2 miles below Yarmouth, and as it completely obstructed the channel at low water an apprbpriation was made for the river in the river and harbor act passed August 2, 1882: The project submitted by Col. George Thom, Corps of Engineers, then in charge, was to construct a rubble-stone wing-dam from the southern bank, just above the slide, 195 feet long and 3 feet above high water, its object being to deflect the current from the dangerous bank and into a new channel to be dredged on the northern side of the river, close to and partly out of the flat beach of Wolfe's Point, and connect- ing with the deep water of the old channel above and below the slide. This project was approved in February, 1883, and contract was made with Silas F. Hamilton, of Chebeague, Me., for the construction of the wing-dam at the rate of 71 cents per ton. He began operations in May, 1883, and completed the work September 25, 1883. Contract for dredging the new channel was made with A. R.Wright, of Portland, August 7, 1883, at the rate of 26 cents per cubic yard, measured in scows, for 20,000 cubic yards, more or less. His contract was fully executed and the new channel completed on the 9th of No- vember, 1883. APPENDIX A---REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 467 The total amount expended for this river since 1871 is $30,000. No further work is proposed. No commercial statistics relating to Yarmouth have been obtained. Quite a number of vessels have been built there, and access to the sea is, of course, necessary. A bark was launched in the summer of 1883. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available .........------------------...------....--....------.......-..-..-....... $8, 080 97 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding ..----------------------------------------.............................................. liabilities July 1, 1883--- 8,080 97 Abstract of proposals received July 25, 1883, for dredging opposite Wolfe's Point,for im- provement of Royal River, Maine. About 20,000 cnu- Bidder. Residence. bic yards,meas- ured in scows. Per cubic yard. $ 0 26 Augustus R. Wright ....................... Portland, Me ...............-.. Contract awarded to Augustus R. Wright; dated August 7, 1883. A 7. IMPROVEMENT OF PORTLAND HARBOR, MAINE. In the annual reports for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1880, 1881, 1882, and 1883, will be found a history of all the appropriations made and all the work done for the improvement of this harbor up to the 1st of July, 1883, and that there was then available for thefurther improve- ment of the harbor the sum of $10,694.38, which was being applied to the partial removal of the " Middle Ground" in the lower part of the harbor to a depth of 21 feet at mean low water (or about 30 feet at mean high water), under a contract made September 19, 1882, with Messrs. Moore and Wright, of Portland, Me., at 131 cents per cubic yard, measured in scows. Under this contract 170,347 cubic yards have been removed up to 1st of July, 1883. Dredging was continued under the same contract until the 16th of August, 1883, 69,0631 cubic yards of material having been taken out, completing the contract, under which 239,4101 cubic yards in all were dredged. The total expenditures in this harbor from 1836 to June 30, 1884, have been $406,091.47. With the appropriation of $30,000 made July 5, 1884, the dredging of the "Middle Ground" up to the " Commissioner's line" will be finished, thus completing the existing project for this harbor. The following, in regard to the revenue and commerce of this port for the year ending December 31, 1883, has been furnished by the United States collector of customs, viz: Amount of revenue collected ......................................... $736,286 82 Value of exportations.............................................. 11,936, 628 00 Value of importations ......-....-.................................. . 8, 275,548 00 468 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Arrivals, clearances, &c. Number. Tonnage. Crew. American vessels arrived from foreign ports......................65 238,153 591 Foreign vessels arrived from foreign ports....................... 273 141, 558 4, 876 American vessels cleared for foreign ports.......................228 87, 351 1,970 Foreign vessels cleared for foreign ports............................ 273 139, 069 4,056 Arrivals coastwise.................................................. 389 394, 500 9,423 Clearances coastwise ................................................. 389 394, 500 9, 423 Vessels built within the district .................................... 10 4,088.49 .......... Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ............................ .... ..... $10, 694 38 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................................ ... 10,520 35 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 174 03 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 18F4...................... 30,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885..... ............ 30,174 03 A 8. IMPROVEMENT OF KENNEBUNK RIVER. MAINE. The project originally adopted for the improvement of this river con- ,sisted in the erection, in 1829-'52, of two granite piers at its mouth, to afford a permanent entrance to the river, and of a wharf a short distance above, for the security of vessels when detained by tides and storms. With the appropriations made in 1870 and 1871, aggregating $10,000, these piers were extended and repaired, and the wharf above was also repaired. This project was modified in 1876, the object being to afford a channel of navigable width from the mouth of the river up to Kenne- bunkport, a distance of about 1 mile, and of not less than 4 feet in depth at mean low water, or 13 feet at mean high water. In September and October, 1883, the "Government Wharf" was re- paired by day labor and purchase of materials in open market. The face of the wharf, 340 feet in length, was sheathed with 3-inch plank, the piles secured, several holes in the wharf filled up with gravel, &c., and a number of ring-bolts and staples attached to the capping. The amount expended from 1870 to June 30, 1884, is $20,663.76. The small balance of funds remaining is applicable to similar minor repairs which may be required. This river lies in the collection district of Kennebunk, of which Kennebunk is the pdrt of entry. The following information has been furnished by the United States deputy collector of customs of Kennebunk in regard to the revenue and commerce of that port for the year ending December 31, 1883, viz: No revenue collected, and no exports or imports. Vessels built 3, with a tonnage of 897.04. No record kept of domestic arrivals or departures. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $1, 028 85 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883......-....-............... ............-.. 692 51 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 336 34 APPENDIX A--REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 469 A 9. IMPROVEMENT OF PORTSMOUTH HARBOR, NEW HAMPSHIRE. The work projected for the improvement of this harbor was: 1. A rubble-stone breakwater for closing the side channel between Great Island and Goat Island, parallel and close to the "Third Bridge." It was represented that the strong tidal current through this channel forced vessels coming up the harbor towards Goat Island Ledge, with the risk of striking upon it. This breakwater was completed in No- vember, 1880. 2. Breaking up and removing Gangway Rock, lying in the channel between " South Beacon Shoal" and the navy-yard. The shoalest part of this rock has but 12 feet of water on it at mean low water, and 20J feet at mean high water, and only 9.7 feet at extreme low water of spring tides. Owing to the strong tidal currents in this harbor Gangway Rock has proved to be a serious difficulty to navigation, and especially so to United States vessels which have visited this port and the navy-yard. It is projected to remove this rock to a depth of 20 feet at mean low water (making 281 feet at mean high water), especially in the interests of United States vessels, a greater depth not having been adopted on account of the great increase of cost attending it. This improvement will increase the width of the channel for the projected depth about 300 feet, which will be of great benefit to this part of the harbor. Less than one-half of this rock has been thus removed. 3. The removal, in part, of the ledge at the southwest point of Bad- ger's Island. This ledge projects into the channel about 150 feet, where it has only about 4 feet of water at mean low water. It thereby pre- sented serious difficulties to vessels coming down the harbor on the ebb- tide, which after passing Noble's Island, and in their endeavors to avoid being thrown by the powerful current upon the projecting point of Ports- mouth opposite Badger's Island, were very liable to be, and sometimes have been, thrown upon the point of ledge which projects from Bad- ger's Island. To prevent this difficulty it is projected to remove this ledge for a length of 135 feet to a depth of 10 feet at mean low water, which will give 7.7 feet at extreme low water at spring tides. About one-half of this ledge has been thus removed. The original estimates for these improvements were: 1. Breakwater parallel to "Third Bridge" .-.....-....-.................... $12, 600 2. Removing 2,840 cubic yards of gangway rock, at $30 per cubic yard ...... 85,200 3. Removing 1,190 cubic yards from ledge at southwest point of Badger's Island, at $30 per cubic yard ..................................... ....... 35,700 Contingencies, to include engineering expenses, superintendence, &c ....... 16,50Q Total ..................................... .......................... 150, 000 Of these items No. 1 has been completed (in November, 1880); of item No. 2, 1,300 cubic yards, and of item No. 3, 600 cubic yards have been removed, involving a total expenditure up to June 30, 1884, of $63,284.90, the appropriations having been as follows: By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1879........................... $10,000 By the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880 ............................... 25,00Q By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881 .......... .......... 20, 000 By the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882 .............................. 17, 000 By the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884 ................................. 20,000 Total .......... -...................................................... 92, 000 At the beginning of the past fiscal year Mr. Solon S. Andrews, ot Biddeford, Me., was at work on Gangway Rock (item No. 2) under 470 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U, $. ARMY. his contract of October 16, 1882, for the removal of 700 cubic yards, at $34.50 per yard. He closed operations on the 12th of December, 1883, and resumed them on the 15th of April, 1884. During the year he has removed 500 cubic yards, and will probably complete his contract by September 1, 1884. The work upon this rock is a slow and difficult operation, on account of the violent tidal currents. It is now nearly half completed. Mr. James Andrews, of Biddeford, Me. (who, at the beginning of the year, was at work on the southwest point of Badger's Island under his contract of April 15, 1882, for the removal of 600 cubic yards of rock), completed that contract on the 28th of November, 1883, having removed during the fiscal year 300 cubic yards. I deem it advisable to renew my recommendation of last year that operations in this harbor should be strictly confined to one item of im- provement until completed; and Gangway Rock being less than one- half removed, and being of the greatest importance, nothing else should be touched, in my opinion, until it is out of the way. With the proba- ble annual appropriations this will require two or three seasons more. Badger's Island Ledge should next be completed. If it should then appear that there are other points in the harbor of sufficient importance to call for attention at the expense of the national Treasury, they may then, and in my opinion should not until then, be estimated for and taken in hand under further appropriations. The several works above named are located in thb collection district of Portsmouth of which Portsmouth is the port of entry. The nearest light-houses are Portsmouth Harbor Light, and Whalesback Light at the outer entrance of the harbor. The nearest forts are Fort McClary and Fort Constitution in the lower harbor. The United States navy-yard at Kittery, Me., is also in this harbor. The following information, as to the revenue and commerce of the port of Portsmouth, N. H., for the year ending December 31, 1883, has been furnished, by the United States collector of customs at that port, viz : Amount of revenue collected .................. $50, 775 72 Value of imports.......................... ..... ............... ........... 24,492 93 Arrivals. Number. Tonnage. Foreign ... ----------------------.... -47 7, 653 Coastwise ... ........... .................................................. 757 176, 844 No exports. As to the amount of commerce and navigation that will be benefited by the improvement proposed and in progress, all navigation at this port is materi- a lly affected by such. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available............................... ..... $28, 201 10 July 1 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ...................... .. $19, 931 05 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities ........................... 4,140 00 -- 24,071 05 July 1, 1884, amount available......................................... 4,130 05 Amount appropriated by at approved July 5, 1884...................... 20, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 24,130 05 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 63,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 50, 000 00 -MAP 0F LAMPREY RIVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, FROM THE IEAD OF NAVIGATION AT NEW-MARKET TO ITS JUNCTION WiTH THE CIIANNEL OF EXETER RIVER IN GREAT BAY, SHOWING IMPROVEMENTS MADE UP To 1884 AND NEW CHANNELS SUOOESTED AT THE JUNCTION WITH EXETER RIVER. Scale of Feet. w r.0 10 000 FT. 300 400 250906o 700 000 X oo000 1oo0 j V.S.Engineer Office. Portland,-M~aine. Jc 4/S /54 To accompany, annual report of 6oZonei C.Eiunt,. Corps ofP nineer. for the year ending' June 30-&1884. IMPROVEMENTS . .J canneZ of a width of 40 feet and a depth of l feet at mean high water was exca. warted through the Lower Narrows and chaanels 60 ft wide 11± f deep front "J Coy Rocks"to the "DeepHole" and through t e Upper. Xarrows,3 the outer end of the'Point of .Z#edge was reduced to a depth of 10 feet at mean high water ;above the" Upper Narrows and in front of the wharves the dredged channel has a. width of 50 NOTE. feet and a depth of 11 f. at mean highk water. The soundings are expresed in feet and tentks they are referred Numerous scattered boulders were removed from, the bed of the river. to the plane ofmean. high water and show the depths before the- The-areas thus improved are shown by skading, hu s: fiUmMt covnmrzncemnen& of improvements in 2881. the Outlet of the river in Great .Bay it is suggested that either the present: The mean rise and fall of tides is 66 at .l'*-Aarh'et, and a.laout 40 narrow 12 ft. channel be widened at the "Point of lats". width of 180 feet, qr, that a straiyhi as to givea channel 150 feet. wide "and12.ft. deep at mean hzgh water, be cut through the f/azs. connectiLg with the channel l eaet . 7.'o in Great Bay. general survey of the river was made in-487#, and. speciaL serveys froony the foot of theLower Narrow. to the head of of Exeter River, as shwwn by shading. thus : navigation. i-n1881&c82. APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 471 A io. IMPROVEMENT OF COCHECO RIVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Cocheco River runs through the city of Dover, N. H., and 3 miles below the lowest bridge empties into the Piscataqua River, which sep- arates the States of Maine and New Hampshire. The Piscataqua and Cocheco rivers are navigable in the lowest sum- mer stages, with not lees than 6 feet of water at mean low water, or about 13 feet at mean high water, from Portsmouth Harbor up to the foot of the Lower Narrows in Cocheco River, distant about 14 miles be- low the lowest bridge at Dover. At the Lower Narrows, and above, navigation has been much impeded by ledges, bowlders, and shoals, having from 6 inches to 2 feet only of water on them at mean low water; the mean rise and fall of the tides being 64 feet at the Packet Landing, the head of navigation. The first project for improvement, by deepening, widening, and remov- ing bowlders, ledges, and shoals at certain points, had an immediate effect in increasing the commerce of the place, which in turn demanded increased facilities, so that later improvements have been carried on under new projects, which have in their turn aided in the further de- velopment of business. The appropriation of August 2, 1882, $28,000, was expended in making a cut-off across Alley's Point (thus avoiding an inconvenient bend), and in deepening and widening adjacent parts of the channel. This work was in progress at the beginning of the fiscal year, and was satisfactorily completed on the 15th of November, 1883; so satisfactorily, that with one insignificant exception all the work ex- pected to be accomplished with the appropriation was completed. I mention this because when my last annual report was written it seemed doubtful, for reasons given, whether this could be done, and I asked for an additional $4,000. The materials removed during the fiscal year in completing the work referred to were 10,600 cubic yards of hard gravel and clay and 135 tons of bowlders. A communication from the Dover Board of Trade, giving information as to the business of Dover and setting forth the necessity of further improvement of the channel of the Cocheco, was received by me just at the close of the fiscal year 1883, and submitted and printed with my annual report for that year. An examination, drawing, and approxi- mate estimate for the additional improvements desired in that communi- cation were made in the month of October, 1883, and submitted to the Department in a special report, dated January 18, 1884. This report is here repeated, viz: UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland,Me., January 18, 1884. GENERAL: With my annual report on the improvement of Cocheco River, New Hampshire, I gave a copy of a letter from the, river and harbor committee of the Dover Board of Trade, towards the close of which they call my "attention to several points," which "to them are of great importance." They ask for "the same depth of water beween Clement's Point and Clement's Wharf as between Alley's Point and Clement's Point; also that the sides of the 40-foot channel at the 'Gulf' may be trimmed off, being now ledge, and very sharp and dangerous for vessels passing through; also, the same at east end of ' Steam-mill Wharf,' and widening and straight- ening the channel at the west end of Steam-mill Wharf, where the channel is narrow and has a very short turn." I stated in my annual report that I was not then prepared to estimate the cost of these additional improvements, but would endeavor to make an examination later in the season and report the result. I now respectfully report that it was practicable without additional expense to examine these various localities in connection with the 472 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. final survey of the contract work done during the season in a manner sufficiently accurate for provisional estimates of the cost of the additional improvements desired by the commercial interests of Dover, and I have the honor to mail to-day, on a sepa- rate roll, a drawing showing clearly the work already done in the upper part of the navigable channel of the Cocheco River and the additional work desired. It is hardly practicable at this time to arrive at a very accurate estimate of the cost of these new improvements on account of the variable and uncertain nature and extent of the different materials expected to be encountered, but as nearly as can now be ascertained the probable cost will be as follows: 4,911 cubic yards sand and logs, at 35 cents....... '................... $1,718 85 1,471 cubic yards hard pan, at $1.50...................................... 1,935 50 2,997 cubic yards hard pan and ledge, at $7 .............................. 20,979 00 1,383 cubic yards hard sand and bowlders, at $1------------------------ .......................... 1,383 00 Engineering and office expenses 15 per cent.............................. 3,983 65 Total....----....--......---......---..........-------------------......-----....--.................. 30,000 00 The localities of these different classes of work are shown on the drawing. With regard to the commerce of Dover, I respectfully submit the following papers: A communication marked A, from the river and harbor committee of the Dover Board of Trade, and signed by the principal manufacturers, merchants, and busi- ness men of Dover, and a communication marked B, signed by C. H. Trickey & Co., of Dover. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. E. BLUNT, Colonel of Engineers. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineeers, U. S. A. An appropriation of $28,000 for completing the improvementof this river was made in the act passed July 5, 1884. It was undoubtedly based upon the special report just quoted. But whether the additional work desired by the mercantile community of Dover and described in that report can be executed for that sum is a point which cannot be decided until after a careful examination, with borings, can be made. These were impracticable last year for want of funds. They must now be made, as a necessary preliminary to specifications for a conitract. Even when made there will be uncertain elements in the case, due to the peculiar variability in the character of the strata, which will make bidding to a certain extent guess-work. Under the circumstances, I can at present say nothing as to addi- tional appropriations for this river. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, was $111,430.81. Money statement. July 1,1883, amount available ........................................-------------------------------------.. $17,243 16 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883 ......--..........-................--.....-----------.----.......... 17,228 92 July 1,1884, amount available .......................................... 14 24 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 28, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ............... 28, 014 24 A II. IMPROVEMENT OF LAMPREY RIVER, BELOW NEW MARKET, NEW HAMP- SHIRE. This river empties into Great Bay at a point about 10 miles distant by water from Portsmouth, N. H. From a survey made in 1874, and again in 1881, it was found that this river was navigable at high water from its mouth up to New Market wharves, at the head of tide water, a distance APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 473 of about 21 miles, the mean rise and fall of the tides being about 7 feet at its mouth and about 61 feet at New Market. From its mouth up to the head of the Lower Narrows (a distance of 14 miles) the channel had a navigable depth of 12 feet at mean high water, but was obstructed in several places by a large number of sunken bowlders, which made navi- gation difficult and dangerous; and above the Lower Narrows it had a navigable depth of not more than 91 feet at mean high water in its shoal- est places, and was obstructed in several places by numerous bowlders, ledges, and shoals, whilst in front of the wharves at New Market there was a shoal on which the depth varied from 4 to 10 feet at mean high water. The project proposed for the improvement of this river consisted in making a safe and unobstructed channel, not less than 40 feet in width, and to have a depth of not less than 114 feet at mean high water up to the lower wharf in New Market, and thence a depth of 11 feet up to the upper wharves of that place. Two appropriations have been made for this improvement, viz: By act of March 3, 1881.................................................. $10,000 By act of August 2, 1882 .......................................... 10,000 The original detailed estimate for this improvement included an item of dredging at "Point of Flats," near the junction in Great Bay, of the channels of Lamprey and Exeter rivers, at a cost, including contin- gencies, of $2,400. No work has been done at this point, and I am dis- posed to think that there is no pressing necessity for any. Everything else required for this improvement having been completed no further appropriation is asked at this time. SNo statistical information in addition to that given in previous years has been obtained. Lamprey River lies within the collection district of Portsmouth, N. H., of which Portsmouth is the port of entry, and the nearest light-houses and forts are at and near the entrance of that harbor. Total amount expended on the improvement of this river, $20,028.58 Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... $308 42 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 289 00 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 19 42 A 12. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER BELOW BRUNS- WICK, MAINE. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland, Me., October 7, 1882. GENERAL: In compliance with instructions contained in Department letter of the 27th of September, I have the honor to state in further re- sponse to Department circular of August 11, in relation to the proposed survey of Androscoggin River below Brunswick, Me., whether, in my opinion, this river is " worthy of improvement and that the work is a public necessity." By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881, a survey of this river was provided for; and it was made, under my instrictions, by Lieut. W. T. Rossell, Corps of Engineers, in June and July of that year, and his 474 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. report thereon accompanies my special report to the Department dated December 13, 1881. (See, also, Senate Ex. Doc. No. 45, Forty-seventh Congress, first session.) At the time of making my report I was unable to obtain any informa- tion from interested parties as to the necessity for this improvement, or the benefit that it would be to the business of that section of the country. In my report the following facts and opinions were stated, based upon the report of Lieutenant Rossell, viz: The head of tide-water and navigation of this river is at "the Falls" in the village of Brunswick, Me., from which place to its mouth in Merrymeeting Bay is a distance of about 6 miles; and thence to the channel of Kennebec River (near " the Chops") is an additional distance of about 4 miles. At Brunswick the mean rise and fall of the tides is about 2 feet, and in Merry- meeting Bay it is about 54 feet. In the channel through Merrymeeting Bay the depth of water that can be carried by vessels over the shoalest part is about 4 feet at mean low water, or 9i feet at mean high water, whilst in the channel of the river itself not more than 3 feet of water at mean low water, or 54 feet at mean high water, can be carried up to Brunswick. The obstructions in the river consist of several shoals, which lie between "the Falls" and the head of Foster's Island, about 21 miles below. The shoals are composed chiefly of sand, saw-dust, and slabs. The river below Foster's Island is unobstructed and navigable for a depth of not less than 4 feet at mean low water, or about 9 feet at mean high water, nearly the same as in Merrymeeting Bay. It would not, therefore, be advisable to give a greater high-water depth to the channel through the shoals above Foster's Island, and this would require it to have a depth of 64 feet at mean low water. To open a channel to this depth for a width of 150 feet would require the excavation, by dredging, of, say, 100,000 cubic yards, measured in situ, the estimated cost of which, at 25 cents per cubic yard, is $25,000; adding for engineering expenses and other contingencies $3,000; total, $28,000. Owing to the shifting character of the shoals, it is not probable that a channel dredged through them would have any permanency unless aided by a system of wing-dams, the cost of which it isbelieved would not be warranted by the limited commerce, present and prospective, of this river. Moreover, this channel would be liable to alteration, owing to the changes that are constantly occurring in the banks of the river, caused by freshets and ice, to prevent which would necessitate their protection by dikes, as well as the closing of the chan- nel (now nearly dry at low water) on the north of Cow Island; the estimated cost of which is $6,000, making the total estimated cost of this work $34,000. I am unable to report on the necessity of this improvement, or the benefit that it would be to the business of this section of the country, as no responses have been re- ceived to the inquiries made by me in regard to this matter. For the reasons thus stated, this river, in my opinion, is not worthy of improvement, nor is the work a public necessity. Respectfully submitted. GEO. THOM, Colonel of Engineers, Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. A 13. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION FOR EXTENSION AND COMPLETION OF THE BREAKWATER NEAR THE THIRD BRIDGE IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOR, NEW HAMPSHIRE, CONNECTING GOAT ISLAND AND NEW CASTLE. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland, Me., October 7, 1882. GENERAL: In compliance with instructions contained in Department letter of the 27th of September, I have the honor to state, in further response to Department circular of August 11, in relation to the pro- APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 475 posed survey for the extension and completion of the breakwater near the third bridge in Portsmouth Harbor, New Hampshire, connecting Goat Island and New Castle, whether in my opinion this breakwater is " worthy of improvement, and that the work is a public necessity." An accurate survey of this locality was made under my direction in 1878, and the projected breakwater was completed in 1880 to the extent deemed necessary for the purpose for which it was built, viz, closing the side channel at that place so .as to prevent vessels on coming up the harbor on flood-tide from being thrown upon Goat Island Ledge. For the above reasons the proposed extension of the breakwater is not, in my opinion, worthy of improvement, and is not a public necessity in the interests of navigation. Respectfully submitted. GEO. THOM, Colonel of Engineers, Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. A I4. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF PENOBSCOT RIVER AND BANGOR HAR- BOR, MAINE. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland,Me., October 7,1882. GENERAL : In compliance with instructions contained in Department letter of the 27th of September,I have the honor to state, in further re- sponse to Department circular of August 11, inrelation to the proposed survey of Penobscot River and Bangor Harbor, Maine, whether in my opinion this river and harbor are " worthy of improvement and the work is a public necessity." A very accurate survey was made of this river and harbor under my direction in 1872, and great improvements have since then been made, based upon said surveys. It isnow represented that, owing to freshets and tidal currents, some important changes have since occurred by which the channel of the river in the harbor of Bangor has been materially changed and obstructed by new shoals and sunken rocks, and that for this reason a survey has been applied for, with a view to the removal of those obstructions. Owing to the large amount of shipping in this harbor and the great interests that are involved in keeping this harbor free from sunken rocks and shoals and other dangerous obstructions, it is,in my opinion, worthy of further improvement (wherever it may be found necessary) and the work is a public necessity. Respectfully submitted. GEO. THOM, Colonel of Engineers, Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. 476 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. SURVEY OF PENOBSCOT RIVER AND BANGOR HARBOR, MAINE.' UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland,Me., October 31, 1883. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report, with two accompanying tracings,* marked A and B, of the "Survey in Penobscot River and Bangor Harbor, Maine," called for by the act of August 2, 1882 (appropriating for rivers and harbors, &c.), which was made under my instructions in September last by Mr. A. C. Both, assistant engineer. Considerable improvements have been made in the Penobscot River between 1870 and 1879, at an aggregate cost of $198,000. They were preceded by very accurate surveys, under direction of Bvt. Brig. Gen. George Thom, colonel of Engineers, in charge of this district up to Jan- nary last. These improvements (with a map) are given indetail in that officer's annual report for the year ending June 30, 1880, contained in the Report of the Chief of Engineers for that year. Inquiries among the business men of Bangor developed the fact that the improvements so far made are entirely satisfactory as far as they ex- tend, and also that no complaint is made of any injurious changes in the channel of the river since the last work was done. What is now desired by the mercantile community is more room in the channel opposite Bangor. Complaint is made that the present chan- nel, when partly occupied, as it frequently is, by vessels at anchor, is inconvenient for moving craft; a widening is therefore desired. Besides this widening of the channel opposite the city, there is a point on the Penobscot about 31 miles below, just above "Crosby's Narrows," where no work has ever been done, and where the channel, though suffi- ciently deep, is too narrow and crooked. The following copy of a communication received by me from the Ban- gor 3oard of Trade bears directly upon these points: BANGOR BOARD OF TRADE, Bangor, September 1, 1883. DEAR SIR: Being personally interested in the trade and commerce of Bangor, and painfully conscious during our busy season of our restricted harbor facilities, we feel it our duty to call your attention to the fact that some additional improvements should be made in the Penobscot River at Bangor, and between Bangor and Crosby's Nar- rows. We would especially suggest that the present channel be widened 150 feet, so that it shall be 350 feet wide instead of 200 feet wide, as it now is. This improvement would allow vessels to lie at anchor without impeding navigation, as they now fre- quently are obliged to do. We would also respectfully suggest that the narrow and crooked channel at the head of Crosby's Narrows be widened and straightened. Trusting that you will give this subject your early and careful consideration, we are, Yours, very respectfully, HENRY LORD. CHAS. HAMLIN. THOMAS J. STEWART. JOHN L. CUTLER. WM. FLOWERS. DAVID BUGBEE. JOHN S. JENNESS. EDw. B. NEALLEY. WM. T. PEARSON. E. C. HINCKS. DAVIS R. STICKNELL. D. F. DAVIS. LYSANDER STRICKLAND. C. A. BOUTELLE. NATHAN C. AYER. G. L. BOYNTON. P. A. STRICKLAND. C. F. WOODARD. GEO. W. LADD. F. A. WILSON. CHAS. HAYWARD & Co. H. HAMLIN. Col. C. E. BLUNT, Corps of Engineers, U. 8. A. I remark, in connection with this communication, that the addition of 150 feet to the width of the channel opposite the city is, in my opinion, hardly practicable, certainly unadvisable. I have reduced this to 100. * Omitted; printed in Sen. Ex. Doc. No. 44, 46th Congress, first session. APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 477 I would further invite attention to the fact that the difficulties near Crosby's Narrows are mainly due to the deposit of "s labs and edgings," the refuse of the saw-mills which line the river just below Bangor. This deposit is an old one, and I understand that the practice of throw- ing these materials into the river has been discontinued. I could not otherwise recommend their removal at the expense of the United States. With these remarks, I respectfully submit estimates for the desired improvements, as follows: ESTIMATES. Widening channel opposite Bangor 100 feet, 101,529 cubic yards, in Situ, at 40 cents ................................................... ......... $40,611 60 Widening, straightening, and deepening near Crosby's Narrows, 45,030 cubic yards slabs and edgings, in situ, at 60 cents ..................... 27,018 00 Engineering expenses and contingencies of all kinds.... ...- ... 7, 370 40 Total............................................................ 75. 000 00 The tracings A and B, accompanying this report, are based upon the maps of surveys executed by direction of Bvt. Brig. Gen. George Thom, colonel of Engineers. The additional surveys necessary for the esti- mates for the further improvements desired by the commercial interests of Bangor were executed under my direction in September, 1883, by Mr. A. C. Both, assistant engineer, who has done his work with his usual thoroughness and accuracy. These two maps indicate clearly the proposed improvements. The smaller map, marked C, also trans- mitted, shows the river from Bangor to Crosby's Narrows, with the im- provements already executed, as well as the additional ones desired. I respectfully suggest that this small map be published with this report. The accompanying extracts from an official pamphlet published in May, 1883, by the Bangor Board of Trade, though somewhat volumi- nous, are deemed of value, as furnishing the information and commercial statistics required by law in connection with surveys and projects of improvement based thereupon. Should this project be approved, an appropriation of not less than $40,000 to commence operations is recommended. Respectfully submitted. CHAS. E. BLUNT, Colonel of Engineers. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. EXTRACTS FROM AN OFFICIAL PAMPHLET PUBLISHED IN MAY, 1883, BY THE BANGOR BOARD OF TRADE., Bangor, the capital of Penobscot County, Maine, and a port of entry, is situated in latitude 440 45' north, and longitude 680 west, at the head of ship navigation on the Penobscot, the largest river of Maine, about 39 miles from its entrance into the bay of the same name, and same 60 miles from the sea. It is distant northeast from Boston nearly 250 miles by rail, and west from Saint John, New Brunswick, a little more than 200 miles. The distance from either of these point by water is about the same as by land. It is reached from the west by day and night trains from Boston and Portland, and by a line of first-class passenger steamers, making daily trips each way between Boston and Bangor during the summer months, and from two to four trips weekly the remainder of the year. Two trains daily, to and from Bangor, furnish eastern con- .nections with Saint John, Halifax, and all important points in the maritime prov- inces. It is built on the western bank of the Penobscot River, at the head of tide- 478 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. water, and on both sides of the Kenduskeag stream. It has a fine, deep harbor, with a frontage of about 3 miles, not including the Brewer shore, which is of equal extent. A portion of the town of Brewer, on the opposite or eastern side of the river, with which the city is connected by toll-bridge and by ferry, properly belongs to the port of Bangor, and for the general purposes of this report will be so considered. ** * * * * The city, together with that portion of Brewer contiguous and identified with it, now has a resident population of nearly 20,000. The census of 1880 places the popu- lation of the county at 70,478. *** * * * The value of real and personal estate is $10,407,833, as follows: Taxable real estate, $6,414,703; personal property, $2,893,130; property exempt from taxation, $1,100,000. The number of polls is about 4,600. The assessed valuation, it will be understood, represents only about two-thirds of the actual value of personal and real estate, and it should also be stated that many of our largest manufacturing establishments, in- cluding all the large saw-mills but one, are located outside the city limits, and are therefore taxable in other towns; while a large proportion of Bangor's wealth con- sists of timber lands in Northern Maine. * * * * * * * The customs receipts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1882, were between $77,000 and $78,000. The value of merchandise entered for consumption during the calendar year of 1882 was $487,418; for export to foreign ports, $133,837. The number of ves- sels of all classes registered and enrolled at the port of Bangor is 183, including 174 sailing vessels, 8 steamers, and 1 excursion barge-with a total tonnage of 28,777.94 tons. * * * * * * * Ther are five national banks, with a combined capital of $950,000, and two savings banks with deposits aggregating upwards of $2,000,000; also two private banking institutions. There are three local insurance companies, one fire and two marine, as follows: Bangor Mutual; Merchants' Marine, capital, $150,000; and Union Marine, capital, $100,000; all of which are in a prosperous condition and have an excellent reputation. Bangor is known all over the world for her production of manufactured lumber and as a city of saw-mills, which, in fact, she really is. * * * * * * * The Boston and Bangor Steamship Company own three magnificent steamers, which operate a daily line between Boston and Bangor in the summer season, and make from two to four trips weekly during the remainder of the year, as the weather per- mits. This line carried 90,081 passengers and upwards of 40,000 tons of freight in 1882. The gross earnings for last year were $350,704.55, an increase of $55,095.40 over 1881. The steamer Penobscot, the latest addition to the fleet, was built last season at a cost of $183,000. The company own a fourth boat which plies between Rockland and Mount Desert, in connection with the Boston steamers, and a fifth has just been launched and will come on the same route about the first of June. The Bangor and Bar Harbor Steamboat Company's fleet consists of three steam- boats, which, during the season, make regular trips from Bangor to Mount Desert and all the principal landings on the bay and river. The line is very popular, does a large passenger and freight business, is in a prosperous condition, and pays good dividends. * 0 * **0w0* A first-class line of steam tugs is kept busily employed during the season in tow- ing vessels back and forth between this port and the mouth of the river. The Penob- scot is, however, so broad and deep and free from obstructions that vessel-captains familiar with its navigation frequently avail themselves of favorable winds to sail either up or down the entire distance. IMPORTS BY VESSELS. In the season of 1882 the port of Bangor was opened to navigation 243 days, during which time the total number of arrivals, including vessels of all classes, was 2,078, of which 628 passed through the European and North American Railway draw-bridge into Kenduskeag stream. The foreign arrivals numbered 19, foreign clearances, 40. The leading imports were as follows, viz : Corn ..... ................................................ bushels.. 306, 433 Salt.... ...... ....-- .- ...-.-.-- . ...... ..- . ..- ...- ....... . do... 81,641 Flour .... ........................................................ barrels.. 684 Kerosene oil ................................... :...................... do.. . 4,860 Cement ............................................................ do... 6,120 APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 479 Lime ........-....-....-......-...................................... barrels.. 9,430 Lime rock ....................................----------....-------......----- tons.. 1,110 Superphosphate ................... ......-............ ................ do... 523 Plaster rock ......................................................... do... 1,040 Coal ..................... ................ ......................... do... 37,308 Pig iron....... ................... ................................ do... 1,405 Iron ore ................... ... . .. . . ......... . .... ...... ........ do... 475 Steel rails .............................................................. do... 800 Molding sand ......................................................do... 780 Potter's clay............................ ............................. do... 448 Nails......... ........................................ ...kes.. 3, 456 Hard pine ...... ............. ........................... 875 FOREIGN EXPORTS. Value of merchandise exported from the customs district of Bangor during the calendar year of 1882 ................... ......................... $133,837 Composed mainly of the following-described merchandise: Bricks......... .......... ........................................ 2,651 Ice .................... .... ... .. .3,045 Wood, and manufactures of...............................................125, 355 FOREIGN IMPORTS. Value of merchandise imported into the Bangor district, free of duty, during the calendar year of 1882................ ............................. $215, 546 Composed mainly of the following-described merchandise: Barks used for tanning.................................................. 35,754 Chemicals, drugs, dyes, &c.............................................. 16,871 Fish, not of American fisheries ....................................... 69,262 Fur skins, undressed .................................................... 5,658 Hides and skins................ .......................................... 19,53$ Wood, unmanufactured .............................. ...... ..... . 26,558 Eggs ......... ................................................... 16,976 Value of merchandise imported into the Bangor district, subject to duty, dur- ing the calendar year of 1882...................................... ......... 271,872 Composed mainly of the following-described merchandise: Animals, living ......................-......... .............. 58,464 Chemicals, drugs, dyes, &c..........................................52,047 Potatoes............................................................... 51,887 Provisions, meats, poultry, &c. .................... .......................... 24,134 Hay ................................................................... 28,755 Lime .................................................................. 2, 277 Wood, and manufactures of ........................................... 18,633 Salt ............................................................. . ... .. 5,920 Vegetables ................................................................................ 1,427 * * * * * * * About 20,000 squares of roofing slates, valued at $100,000, were handled in this city and shipped mostly by water in 1882. These came from the Brownville and Monson quarries, but include only a portion of their shipments, as the bulk of their produc- tion is shipped through by rail direct to Boston and other points west. Five principal dealers and shippers purchased and shipped from this port during last year 7,100 tons of hay, valued at about $100,000. The Bangor brick are noted all over New England for their cherry-red color, smoothness and beauty and superior quality. The facilities for their manufacture and shipment are first class, and the business is destined to become of great impor- tance. The several brick-yards in operation on both sides of the river manufactured and shipped from this port last year 14,000,000 brick, valued at about $91,000. The burning of these bricks required the consumption of upwards of 5,600 cords of wood. * * * * * * * Seven hundred thousand orange and lemon boxes, valued at $60,000, were shipped to Sicily; also upwards of 200,000 to Florida and the West Indies. Other shipments in shooks were 70,000 onion and tomato boxes to Bermuda. * * * * * The lumber industry is still the most important of Bangor's manufacturing inter- ests, and is likely to remain so for a long time to come. The figures given below will how the approximate amount and value of last year's production, all of which was 480 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. handled and sold at this port. The mills, as elsewhere stated, are mostly outside the city limits, but the offices are all here. Four of the steam mills and one water- power mill (as also the three large planing mills) are situated on the harbor front; one mill run by botl, water and steam power is located on the Kenduskeag stream, nearly in the center of the city; and the others are on the several water-powers a few miles above the city. The larger mills are all connected by telephone with the offices here. Long lumber. Description. Amount. Value. Feet. Pine (including box boards), about...................................... 33, 000, 000 $412, 500 Spruce, about ..... . .................................... 122, 000, 000 1, 342, 000 Hemlock, &c., about ...... ................................. 16, 000, 000 144, 000 Total.............................................................. 171,000,000 1,898,500 Short lumber. Shingles................................................................. 147, 760, 000 $443, 280 Laths....................... .......................................... 86,483,500 129,725 Clapboards ........................................................ 4,460, 875 95, 920 Pickets........................ 1, 271, 980 15, 264 Staves, cement, fish, and sirup barrels.................................. 7, 395, 860 61, 675 Broom-handles ......................................................... 50, 000 4,000 Total...................................................... .................. 749,864 From 2,500 to 3,000 men and some 2,000 horses are employed during the winter mouths in cutting and hauling to the streams the logs to supply these mills, an d about an equal number of men are employed on the drives in the spring and early summer in getting the logs to market. To feed and clothe this small army of work- men immense quantities of provisions and supplies are sent in from this city by rail- road and tote teams to the various camps. From 1,000 to 1,500 men are employed at and about the mills during the six months or more they are in operation during the year, and the several boom companies furnish employment to probably from 300 to 500 more. At the Bangor boom- alone, where only the steam-mill drivers (so-called) are rafted, 70 men were employed for 130 days last season in rafting and driving, and the total amount paid out in wages was upwards of $14,000. The amount of rafting at the Bangor boom for the season of 1882 was 48,225,000 feet. The total rafting at this boom for 1881-'82 was the largest of any two years on record. * * * * * * One million spool bars, valued at $21,000, were shipped from this port to Glasgow, Scotland, last year; also 250,000, amounting in value to $5,250, to Pawtucket, R. I., and other coastwise ports. A large amount of spool timber sawed at Howland, some 30 miles above this city, is brought down by rail and shipped from here by water to Searsport, on Penobscot Bay, where it is manufactured into spools for the Conant Thread Company, Pawtucket, R. I. The Willimantic Thread Company, whose exten- sive thread-works are located at Willimantic, Conn., also have an immense establish- ment for the manufacture of spools at the head of Sebec Lake, now known as the town of Willimantic, Me. This product all comes through Bangor. * ,. * * * ** Six firms in 1882 sold 50,000 ship-knees, valued at $82,750; 60 white-pine masts, value, $10,000; spruce spars and poles, $8,500; and juniper, hackmatack, pine, and hardwood ship timber to the value of $51,500; total value $152,750. There are five ship-yards and ship-building firms, who in 1882 carried on building to the value of some $100,u00, and repairing to the amount of $30,000. The vessels built included schooner F. C. Pendleton, three masts, 388.25 tons regis- ter; schooner Isaiah K. Stetson, three masts, 297.76 tons; schooner Clara May, 60.71 tons; steamer Cimbria, 289.14 tons; steamer Florence, 39.27 tons; and steamer Electa, 54.59 tons. Steamer Cimbria and Florence are owned by the Bangor and Bar Harbor Steamboat Company, and the Electa by the Frenchman's Bay Steamboat Company. The Clara May was built for the Danish Government, and is now in the revenue serv- ice in West India waters. Last year was an "off" season in ship-building. This year the port will do a little better, and signs are not wanting of an early revival of this former extensive indus- try on the Penobscot. One vessel has been launched--schooner Hattie H. Barbour, APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 481 three masts, 286.76 tons register; a brig and three large three-mast schooners are now on the stocks in various stages of construction, and at least one other large vessel will be commenced this season, to be off next spring. There is also a steam yacht on the stocks in one of the yards. This port possesses every possible advantage for building and repairing wooden vessels, and with the repeal or a modification of the present oppressive laws which have caused the decline of this great interest in the United States, must again become an important ship-building center. The river is broad and deep, with shores admirably adapted for the purpose; material and skilled labor are abundant and as cheap as anywhere in this country; large stocks of spars, knees, hard pine, treenails of all kinds, &c., are always on hand, and copper can be bought here as cheaply as in Boston. (Seven vessels were coppered at one of the yards here last year.) There are four sail and two rigging lofts, fully equipped for every department of work in their line upon an extensive scale. There are also good beaches with first-class facilities for repairing and cleaning vessels' bottoms, for such as may not care to go on the railway. There are two marine railways, one having a capacity of hauling up vessels of a thousand tons; also a canal especially for retopping vessels. In fact all the facilities for ship-building and repairing are first class, and the vessels built here are not excelled in either model or construction. -There are four sail-making establishments, employing about thirty hands, which make up about 125,000 yards of canvas yearly, and do an annual business of about $45,000. One rigging loft employs from ten to twelve hands, and carries on an extensive business. Three boat-builders last year employed five men, and turned out thirty batteaux, average value $55; twenty-five yawl-boats, average value $65; and twenty-five can- vas canoes, average value $25; total value, $3,910. These are sold in all parts of the country. One manufacturer employs seven hands, and turns out 75,000 feet of spruce and ash oars yearly, valued at $4,500. They are sold in all parts of the world, several of the largest customers being in Halifax, California, Brazil, and Australia. The ice trade of this port is beginning to assume considerable importance. Pre- vious to 1880 but little ice had been cut on the Penobscot for shipment. In that year the crolp in the Middle States was a short one, and quite a number of companies and individuals went into the business here with gratifying results. About 135,000 tons were harvested, and shipped during the season to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other points in the Middle and Southern States. Selling prices ranged fromnt $1.25 to $5.50 per ton, the total value of the entire crop being about $270,000. The two succeeding seasons were exceptionally favorable to full harvests in the Middle States, and as a consequence the cut here has been much smaller, and the shipments of 1881- "82 have fallen considerably below those of 1880. The permanent houses on the river in and about Bangor have a capacity of some 135,000 tons, and there are stacks or temporary houses capable of holding 75,000 to 100,000 tons more. The ice business is destined to become one of our most important industries. It has passed the experimental stage, and it has become an established fact that even in ordinary seasons it may be made fairly profitable, while once in every three or four years the crystal crop proves a veritable bonanza to the harvesters. The weather on the Hudson and in the Middle States is so unreliable that during the past decade there have been three or four short years, when prices have ranged from $5 to $15 per ton by the cargo. The trade south of New York and Philadelphia must be supplied from Maine and Massachusetts, as no shipments are made from New York or Penn- sylvania. The entire harvest on the Hudson, even in favorable years, is consumed by the cities of New York and Brooklyn alone. Several large companies in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington own locations in Maine, principally on the Kennebec, which are made available in short years, and to some extent in ordinary seasons; but the business of harvesting ice in Maine for shipment to Southern States and the West Indies, although already large, is yet in its infancy. The Penobscot River ice is the purest in the world, and nowhere can the facilities forharvesting and shipment equal those afforded by thislocality. There are manymiles of available shore privileges in and below this city, where the largest-sized vessels may load at all times direct from the houses, and sawdust required in storing may be pro- cured in any quantity from the various mills on the river. The average cost of har- vesting and housing ice on the Penobscot does not exceed 16 to 18 cents per ton. There are four ice companies and firms in Bangor whose business is confined ex- clusively to supplying the local demand. Prior to 1816 but little lumber had been cut on the Penobscot. In that year 1,000,000 feet were probably cut. The business increased slowly till 1822, when it began to make more rapid advances, and in 1831 the cut was estimated at 30,000,000 feet. It is estimated that prior to 1832 there had been cut 2000,000000 feet. From 5908 EN-31 482 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 1832 to 1855 the records of the surveyor-generaPl's office show 2,969,847,201 feet sur- veyed; and from 1855 to 1883 the amount as given below foots up 4,842,197,717 feet (almost 5,000,000,000). The grand total, then, of long lumber manufactured and sold at the port of Bangor up to the present time is approximately as follows: Feet. Prior to 1832 (estimated)---- ......--------......--......-----......---.....---------.----....-......--.... 200, 000,000 From 1832to 1855 ..-----..-..................................-....-..... 2,969, 847,201 From 1855 to 1883 ............................. .. .. ---............ 4,842,197,717 Grand total...........-....----......------......-------....--.....--....-----...... 8,012,044,918 This grand total of almost 5,000,000,000 feet is made up as follows: Feet. Pine ...........---- -- ................................ Spne---- "--- ---- "--- ---- ------ ......------.............. ------- ---------- 1,376,865,289 13,65,24,89 Spruce ................................................ 3, 025, 744,389 Hemlock, &c -------------------------......---------------..........------.... ... -439,588,039 Total-------....-----....---..--....-------....--....--......------....-.....------....-.....-----....----.... 4,842. 197,717 The amount surveyed in 1882 was as follows: Feet. Pine ..................................----..........-----....-......--........... 33, 408,035 Spruce ............................................................... 122,548, 230 Hemlock, &c ................................................ - -..... 16,154,829 Total ....................... ..................................... 172,111,094 A 15 . PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE BREAKWATER AT THE MOUTH OF SACO RIVER, MAINE. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland, Me., October 7, 1882. GENERAL: In compliance with instructions contained in Department letter of the 27th of September, I have the honor to state, in further re- sponse to Department circular of August 11 in relation to the proposed survey of the breakwater at the mouth of Saco River, Maine, whether in my opinion this work is "' worthy of improvement and that it is a public necessity." Accurate surveys were made of this locality in 1867, based on which a rubble-stone breakwater, 4,200 feet in length, was built in 1870-1873 at the mouth of the river, by which the entrance to the same was very much improved in depth and directi n. It is now represented that new shoals have formed at the outer end of this breakwater or jetty, as was supposed would be the case, which may, at no distant day, tend to obstruct the entrance to this river and necessitate a further extension of the breakwater. Should it be found by the proposed resurvey that new shoals have formed by which navigation is or may hereafter become obstructed, the entrance to this river is, in my opinion, worthy of improvement, and the work is a public necessity. Respectfully submitted. GEO. THOM, Colonel of Engineers, Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. Brig. Geni. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 483 [First indorsement. ] OFFICE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. AitiY, October 11, 1882. Respectfully returned to Col. George Thorn, Corps of Engineers, whose attention is called to the specific wording of the first proviso attached to the clause relating to surveys and examinations, found on page 24 of the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, from which it is clear that a survey can only be made after the officer in charge has made an examination and reported "that in his judgment said harbor or river is worthy of improvement, and that the work is a public neces- sity." On this categorical report depends the question of survey or no sur- vey, and such report is requested in the case of mouth of Saco, and at and near mouth of Great Bay. By command of Brigadier-General Wright. JOHN G. PARKE, Lieut. Col. of Engineers, Bvt. Maj. Gen., U. S. A. [Second indorsemnent.] UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland,Me., October 13, 1882. Respectfully returned to the Chief of Engineers with the statement that, in my judgment, both the mouth of Saco River, Maine, and the Great Bay, at and near its mouth, are worthy of improvement, and that works for their improvement are a public necessity. GEO. THOM, Colonel of Engineers, Bet. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. SURVEY OF THE BREAKWATER AT THE MOUTH OF SACO RIVER, MAINE. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland, Me., August 3, 1883. SIR: The act of Congress l)assed August 2, 1882, "'makingappropri- ations for the construction, repairs, preservation, and completion of cer- tain works on rivers and harbors, and for other purposes," directed a "resurvey of the breakwater at the mouth of Saco River, Maine." The local engineer in charge of the district, Col. George Thom, Corps of Engineers, having made the preliminary examination and report that the river " was worthy of improvement and the work a public necessity," the duty of making the survey devolved upon me as his successor, and I have the honor to transmit herewith a map * exhibiting the results thereof, and showing what repairs and further improvements are deemed by me to be required at the locality. The field work and map of the survey were executed under my direc- tion in the months of June and July, 1883, by Mr. Carl Berrer, acting assistant engineer and draughtsman. The breakwater at the northern side of the entrance of the Saco River was built between 1869 and 1873, but has never beein completed to the fall dimensions called for in the original approved project. Its object is to stop the encroachment of moving sands on the channel of the river *Omitted; printed in Senate Ex. Do. No. 44, 48th Congress, first session. 4A4 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. AEMY. at its mouth. This object seems to have been only partially attained, the failure being due in part to the insufficient height of the work, which has been carried up on an average scarcely to high-water mark, and in part to its inadequate length. Great changes in the bed of the river, due to sand which has been carried over the breakwater in gales and also round its extremity, are shown by a comparison of previous sur- veys with the one just executed. To remedy these difficulties it will be necessary to raise the work throughout its length to the full dimensions of the original project, to close several gaps near its shore end, and to fill up with small stone on the windward side at those points where the work does not appear to be sufficiently solid, or more correctly, where its open structure appar- ently permits the sand to pass through it too easily. In addition to this repair of the present breakwater, an extension appears to be neces- sary as a further obstacle to the sand moving from the northward and eastward into the channel. The length necessary for this extension must be determined by further actual experience, the extreme limit, however, being shown on the drawing. The results of the survey seem to me to indicate the advisability of some structure on the south side of the channel for the purpose of con- fining and directing the current of the river and thus keeping open a more definite and continuous channel than at present. A stone jetty for this purpose is indicated upon the map of the survey. This jetty should be about 3,000 feet in total length, 1,500 of which would be upon the beach above low water. It will be seen by the subsketch on the map that this jetty on the south side of the river would be but little exposed to the force of the sea, and need not be very heavy. It is deemed advisable as an immediate, though probably not a per- manent remedy for the actual difficulties of navigation, to dredge a new channel in the river as shown on the map. If the present breakwater is not extended, and the proposed new jetty is not built on the south side, it is thought almost certain that constant dredging must be re- sorted to to keep a convenient practicable channel. The following estimates are submitted, the works to be undertaken in the order given: ESTIMATES. 1. For repairs and completion of the present breakwater, 50,000 tons of stone (quarry grout), at $1.25.............................. $62,500 ...................... Contingencies---------- 7,500 ..--------------------------............. -- $70,000 2. For dredging a channel 200 feet wide, with 5 feet depth at mean low water; 29,400 cubic yards of sand, at 35 cents............. 10,290 Contingencies ---.....----------...............-------------.......-----.............----........ 1,210 -- 11,500 3. For extension of breakwater 2,200 feet to Sharp's Ledge, requiring ......----....--......----....------....---....-----....-----... -200,000 200,000 tons of stone, at $1--- Contingencies, 10 per cent-------------------------------------......................................... 20, 000 - 220, 000 4. For stone wing-dam or jetty on south side of channel, 50, 000 tons of stone (quarry grout), at $1...... ------------------------- 50,000 Contingencies...--..............-................................... 5, 000 55,000 Grand total................................. ........................ 356, 500 The map of the survey, with the proposed works indicated upon it, appears to me to render unnecessary any more elaborate report. The fact that the improvement of this river has already been recog- APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 485 nized by Congress as important, by several appropriations for the pres- ent breakwater, and for dredging and other work in the channel above its mouth, amounting in all to $162,500, and that the flourishing towns of Saco and Biddeford (the latter the third in the State in population) lie but a few miles above, at the head of navigation, seem to render unnecessary any extended statements as to the commerce benefited. I have been able to procure, however, the following official statement: Receipts and shipments at port of Saco for 1880, 1881, and 1882. Articles. 1880. 1881, 1882. Coal. ............................................ tons.. 21, 287 27, 325 32, 333 Cotton ............ bales.. 4,603 ...........................--.-.............. 5,896 3,006 Bricks .....------------------------------------------------ M..) 388 874.. Timber ....-...-.- .... ....... ..............-...... . M .. 830 403 446 Plaster ..........................................................tons.. 600 1,000 1,200 Lime.........................................................barrels. 4,200 6,550 5,800 Cement ........................................................do .. 2, 000 4, 300 2, 800 Ice .............................................................tons.. 6,500 6,500 1,800 Stone ..........................................................do.... 150 500 .. Number of vessels .................................................. 172 210 . i86 JOHN QUIMBY, Port Warden and Wharfinger. Item No. 1 of the estimates, relating to the " resurvey of the break- water," as ordered by Congress, should, as has already been suggested, be first executed, and $35,000 of the amount could be advantageously expended in the repairs as soon as made available. Respectfully submitted. C. E. BLUNT, Colonel of Engineers. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. A i6. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION AT AND NEAR MOUTH OF THE GREAT BAY, SO CALLED, WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING THE DEPTH OF THE FLOW OF WATER AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE NAVIGATION OF THE PISCAT- AQUA RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland,Me., October 7, 1882. GENERAL: In complance with instructions contained in Department letter of the 27th of September, I have the honor to state, in further response to Department circular of August 11, in relation to the pro- posed survey at and near the mouth of the Great Bay, so called, with a view to increasing the depth of the flow of water and improvement of the navigation of Piscataqua River and its tributaries, whether in my opinion this river and its tributaries are "worthy of improvement and that the work is a public necessity." As it is understood that the.proposed survey is called for with a view to the improvement of the navigation of Piscataqua River and its tribu- taries, as well as to the improvement of Portsmouth Harbor, at the mouth of Piscataqua River, by diminishing the strong and dangerous tidal 486 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. currents in that harbor, it is my opinion that, if by the proposed survey the work is found to be practicable, these waters are worthy of improve- ment and the work is a public necessity. Respectfully submitted. GEORGE THOM, Colonel of Engineers, Bet. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. NOTE.-For further remarks respecting importance of this work, see indorsements on report of preliminary examination of breakwater at the mouth of Saco River, Maine, page 483. SURVEY AT AND NEAR IRE MOUTH OF THE GREAT BAY, SO CALLED, WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING THE DEPTH OF THE FLOW OF WATER AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE NAVIGATION OF THE PISCATAQUA RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Portland, Me., November 28, 1883. GENERAL : Congress, in the act passed August 2, 1882, appropriating for the improvement of rivers and harbors, directed an examination or' survey " at and near the-mouth of Great Bay, so called, with a view to increasing the depth of the flow of water and improvement of the navi- gation of Piscataqua River and its tributaries." Like other surveys conditionally directed by the same act, this was coupled with the general proviso that " in the opinion of the local en- gineer the locality is worthy of improvement and the work is a public necessity." A report in the affirmative having been made by Bvt. Brig. Gen. George Thom, colonel of Engineers, the survey itself, under your instructions, devolved upon me, as his successor, and the following re- port (with maps* and general project of improvement) is respectfully submitted. Great Bay is an expanse of water covering about 12 square miles, which communicates with the Piscataqua River (New Hampshire and Maine) abeut 5 miles above the city of Portsmouth, N. H. It is alter- nately filled and emptied by the tidal current twice in every twenty- four hours, and, acting like a great reservoir, isthe principal cause of the rapidity and violence of this current in the lower part of the Pisca, taqua, and in the harbor of Portsmouth, formed by the mouth of that river. These currents are so violent and rapid as to cause the principal, in- deed the only, difficulty in the navigation of that harbor. Two important tributaries of the Piscataqua-the Lamprey and the Exeter-empty directly into Great Bay, near its southwestern corner. Both these rivers have been improved at the expense of the United States, in connection with the interests of the towns of New Market, South New Market, and Exeter. The Cocheco, the largest affluent, de- bouches directly into the Piscataqua about 5 miles above the outlet of Great Bay. Considerable expenditures have been made b% the United States in its improvement just below the city of Dover, N. H., which lies at the head of its navigation. Above Salmon Falls, about 4 miles above the mouth of the Cocheco, and at the head of navigation of the Piscataqua, that river takes the name of Salmon Falls. No river im- provements have been made in this locality, and none are supposed to be required. Doc. No. 44, 48th Congress, first session. * Omitted; printed in Sen. "Ex. APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 487 The object and character of the improvements for the benefit of Ex- eter, New Market, South New Market, and Dover have been essentially the same, viz, to give, by dredging, straightening, and the removal of obstructing ledges and bowlders, practicable and convenient channels of access from the river entrances to the proximity of the wharves. Some of these improvements are still incomplete, but as far as exe- cuted they give about 5 feet depth at low water, whereas before im- provement they were crooked, and at low water almost impracticable from insufficient depth, in some places only 1 or 2 feet. As the details of these improvements will be found in the Annual Reports of the Chief of Engineers since 1871, it seems unnecessary to enter into them in this place, and it is sufficient to say that they have resulted very advantage- ously to the commerce of these towns, especially to that of Dover, the largest and most important. The rise of the tide in these four rivers does not vary much from 7 feet, so that at high water sea-going vessels drawing 11 feet have now easy access. If, however, a constant depth of 12 feet were maintained, it is clear that the facilities for navigation at all times would be very much improved. Great Bay, which is so shallow as to be in some parts almost dry at low water, and the chan- nels leading through it to the Exeter and Lamprey, also shallow and crooked, would, if it had in these channels a constant depth of 12 feet, be at all times navigable for good-sized vessels bound to the places men- tioned. The object, then, of slackwater navigation through Great Bay and its affluents-the Lamprey and Exeter-and in the Cocheco River up to I)over, seems to have been the main one in view of those inter- ested in p)rocuring the survey which has now been made. A secondary object seems to have been the improvement of the navigation of Ports- mouth Harbor. In this harbor, as has already been stated, the tidal currents are so violent as to cause great inconvenience and risk to ves- sels, and any improvement which would cause their decrease would, of course, remove a great drawback to its value. Operations have been going on there for several years, at the expense of the United States Treasury, for the removal of ledges dangerous to vessels on account of these currents. The only means of attaining these objects is the construction of a lock and dam across the Piscataqua just below the mouth of Great Bay, and the survey was accordingly limited to that portion of the river. Previous to the commencement of the work, I made, by steamer, two reconnaissances of the river and Great Bay, taking soundings at various points. These resulted in the provisional selection for the dam of a line across the river at a small islet called "Frank's Fort," about a mile be- low the outlet of Great Bay, the principal consideration governing this selection being the facilities which this islet offered for the construction of the lock. These facilities were, in my view, so great as to practically decide the general location of the dam, unless the results of the survey should develop features of other lines outweighing them. Having come to this conclusion, I decided that the principal work of the survey should be in the vicinity of Frank's Fort Island. The survey itself and the drawing based on its results were executed, under my instructions, by Mr. Carl Berrer, acting assistant engineer, who has performed his important duties with his usual accuracy, good judgment, and fidelity. He began early in August by measuring a base line 2,367 feet in length along the track of the Portsmouth and Dover Railroad, which fortunately is here straight and nearly parallel to the river, crossing the mouth of Great Bay on a pile-bridge with a draw. Starting from this base his triangulation included Dover Point and 488 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. Great Bay outlet, and extended down the river a short distance below Frank's Fort. The portion of the river thus included embraced every possible advisable location for the proposed dam. The usual bench-marks were established and a convenient tide-gauge station selected on a large rock in the river, near the New Hampshire shore, where day and night tidal observations were made during a whole lunation. The Piscataqua being here simply a tidal estuary, current observations, as in a fresh water stream, were neither necessary nor practicable. Some observations in mid-stream opposite the island, and below the railroad bridge across the mouth of Great Bay, were made, to get an idea of the velocity of the flood and ebb tidal currents. Nu- merous lines of soundings were carefully run over the portion of the river embraced in the triangulation, and borings made as far as prac- ticable to determine the nature of the bottom. The great depth at many points, together with the strong currents, prevented very detailed information everywhere as to this matter. The outlines and levels of the island where accurately ascertained, with a view to the construction of the lock and the quantity of available material. As a necessary item of information, the difference of level between the tail-race outlets of the Dover mills and the bench marks of the survey was determined by a line of levels run along the railroad track from the site of the dam to the head of navigation of the Cocheco at Dover. These outlets fix the maximum level of the water above the dam. The results of the survey, including the observations which have been specified, are clearly shown on the tracing herewith submitted, taken from the drawing made by Mr. Berrer and on the files of this of- fice. In addition to the survey itself, I have caused to be placed upon the drawing a general sketch, compiled from the best attainable authorities outside of and including my office records, and showing the relation which Great Bay bears to its affluent streams, and to the Cocheco and Piscataqua rivers and the harbor of Portsmouth. A careful study of the notes and map of the survey has confirmed my opinion that the best line for the proposed dam should be through the small islet of "Frank's Fort," which should be utilized in construct- ing the lock. I have accordingly plotted upon the drawing the dam as I proposed it, with the general outlines of the lock and reconstructed islet. The main river along this line is 1,480 feet wide, from the islet to the large rock near the New Hampshire shore, used as a tide-station, and the short lines of dam from that rock to the west bank, and from the islet to the Maine bank, will be about 275 and 560 feet long, respect. ively. The depth of the river along the main line varies from 49 feet to 12 feet at low water, the deepest point being near the island and the shoalest on a ledge near the middle. The average depth of this line is 26 feet at low water (33 feet at high water). No instance is known to me of a construction for the same object in any locality similar to this. The great width and depth of the river and the rapid tidal currents are elements which, so far as I am aware, have nowhere else been met with. In my opinion, they practically for- bid the construction of the lock in the middle of the river, which other- wise would be the most convenient for vessels. Though feasible, the immense expense involved in such a location seems to me to prevent the selection of any line but the one proposed, or one which, like it, should include the islet as the site for the lock. Indeed, were it not for the existepce of this islet, I should not consider the work practicable within any reasonable limit of cost. APPENDIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT 489 In making the estimates I have not thought it necessary at this time to give or to study minor points of detail, which can, and should be, carefully worked out at a later date, whenever the scheme shall be ap- proved and appropriated for by Congress. The dimensions and general construction of the lock and dam have been carefully studied. Two methods of construction are suggested for the latter. The first, wholly of rubble-stone fragments, gravel, and puddle below low water, is shown in plan on the map of the survey. A cross section is also given. A section of another construction is also given, in which timber cribs, filled with small stone and gravel, are placed in two lines 10 feet apart, the space between being filled with puddle. Either of these methods will oiffer difficulties of execution, owing to the great depth and almost constant motion of the water. Both are deemed practicable, but these difficulties cannot well be wholly under- stood and estimated for in detail in advance. In both cases a wall of concrete is adopted above low water. All the dimensions are given on the drawing. The line of dam from Frank's Fort Island to the Maine shore is pro- posed to be raised 3 feet above high water and finished for a roadway, as it will be used as such during the construction of the work, and probably after its completion. The lock chamberis proposed to be 200 feet in length and 40 in width, with a depth of 13 feet over the miter-sills, and a lift of 7 feet. Two sets of gates, 50 feet between those of each pair, are shown. The mate- rial of the walls is proposed to be mainly concrete, using, however, stone masonry for miter-sills, gate-recess quoins, and parts of lift and wing walls. The lock, as shown on the drawing, will occupy the present site of the island. It is believed that the coffer-dam necessary for excluding the water during its construction may be built of the material of the island, with the addition of the blue clay of the vicinity. This coffer-dam will be mainly at about the low-water line on the beach of the present island. After the completion of the lock, the material of the coffer-dam will make the filling of the plateau or level area between the lock and river, which, with a portion of the original island not removed, will form a conven- ient site for the lock-tender's dwelling, and other necessary permanent buildings. The direction and position of the lock, relatively to the island, h:ave been fixed with a view to the most convenient entrance and exit of ves- sels above and below. A little dredging will be found necessary for the channels of approach on both sides. The estimates for the project are as follows, viz: ESTIMATES. Main dam, 1,480 feet long, first construction : 98,000 tons of small quarry grout, at $1.25--- ....................... $122,500 63,000 tons of gravel, at $1.25 ................................... 78,750 13,980 cubic yards of clay puddle, at 50 cents .................... 6, 990 1,936 cubic yards of concrete wall, at $6 ........................ 11,616 29,600 cubic feet granite flagging, at $1.......................... 29,600 $249, 456 Small dams next the Maine (560 feet) and New Hampshire (275 feet) shores: 16, 920 tons of rubble and gravel, at $1.25........................ 21,150 1,396 cubic yards of puddle, at 50 cents......................... 698 5,500 cubic feet of flagging, at $1............................... 5,500 27, 348 Total for dam ...................................................... 276, 804 490 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Lock: Cutting down Frank's Fort Island and excavation of lock-pit, 64,000 cubic yards, at 50 cents--------- ...----......--------....---....-----....---......---......---...... 32, 000 Coffer-dam, 18,000 cubic yards, at $1 ..........---....---------....--....--....----.. -18,000 Concrete masonry of walls and bottom, 6,311 cubic yards, at $6.... 37, 866 Stone masonry of coping, lift wall, wing walls, gate recesses, miter- sills, &c., 491 cubic yards, at $25-- - -_.....-.- ------------- 12,275 Flagging (protection of bottom) outside of entrances. 3,000 cubic feet, at 50 cents ............................ .... ..... ....... 1,500 Four sets of gates............................................... 12,000 Total for lock ................................ .................. 113,641 *15 Retaining-wall of plateau : cubic yards, at $15---------------------................----------.......------................. Earth filling of plateau, 11,343 cubic yards, at 50 cents ............ 12,225 5, 671 17,896 One-and-a-half-story frame dwelling for lock-tender....................... - ---- 4,000 Engine-house . . --------------------- -------- 1,000 Dredging of approaches to lock, 2,000 cubic yards, at 30 cents- ..------------ 6, 000 On acre of land on Maine shore for depot of construction, with right of way ...-.....-------------------------------------------------- 200 Frank's Fort Island----------- ...........-------......-------.......--.----------.----....-..-------...... 500 Carpenter's shop, smithy, and store-houses .. .-........-.... .............-... 3, 000 Pumping-engine and boiler and auxiliaries.......--------.----------....--......--......---........ 5,000 428, 041 Conatingencies of all kinds, including temporary quarters for working force, engineering and office expenses, pay of inspector, &c., 20 per cent- .-- -- 85, 609 513,649 Or, say, $515,000. If,. however, the second construction of the main dam (with timber cribs filled with stone and gravel), which I deem the preferable one, is adopted, the additional cost will be $132 per running foot, and 1,480 feet......-.... 195,360 709, 009 Say $710,000. This estimate is based on the assumption that the whole amount is made available in one appropriation; but as this is hardly to be ex- pected, the probable actual cost of execution of the project, under the usual conditions of insufficient and irregular annual appropriations, would exceed this amount by at least $100,000. In any event, nothing should be commenced, in my opinion, with a less appropriation than $100,000. The requirements of the law for " information concerning the com- mercial importance, present and prospective, of the improvement con- tenmplated as the result of the survey," is not easy to comply with. .The prospective importance is little better than speculation. 1 have failed to obtain either facts or well-grounded opinions on this head. It is thought by many that the dam would be a good thing," but even this Qpinion is not universal. It has been suggested to me that it might deprive Portsmouth of some of its business as a distributing center for coal, &c. It has also been suggested that although the present trouble- some tidal currents in Portsmouth Harbor would doubtless be entirely stoppled, the freedom from ice, which is now one of the great advan- tages of that harbor, would, on the other hand, become seriously affected. This argument has some weight. Only actual experience could decide this point, however. The present commercial importance and the gen- eral statistics of commerce required by law can be best given by quot- ing from the annual reports of the progress of the improvements made at the expense of the United States Treasury at the localities interested, as follows: APPE DIX A-REPORT OF COLONEL BLUNT. 491 PORTSMOUTH. (Population 1860, 9,335-1880, 9,690.) Revenue collected in year ending December 31, 1882, $50,217.24. Principal imports on which duty was collected, wool, barley, coal, and salt. No merchandise exported. Foreign arrivals, 68. Foreign depart- ures, 61. Coastwise arrivals and departures, 850. One vessel built- tonnage 591. (Portsmouth has at present no important manufacturing interest ex- cepting beer. The Kittery navy-yard is opposite the city.) NEW MARKET. (Population 1860, 2,034-1880, 2,368.) General Thom's statement, in his special report dated December 5, 1874, and repeated in his annual report for 1881 and 1882, is as follows: As I have been credibly informed it (New Market) has forty stores, four large cotton factories (the largest of which is driven by steam), one steam lumber-mill, and within about 2 miles two large paper-mills, which draw their material and supplies from New Market. New Market and the immediate vicinity, as I am informed by the same au- thority, consumes annually about 5,000 tons of coal, which comes largely by water from Portsmouth, and would entirely if the navigation of the river were improved as proposed. In addition to which, lime, salt, iron, plaster, cement, fish, and other heavy articles are also brought to New Market by water, while wood, hay, and lumber in large quantities, annually, are taken back to Portsmouth and other places along the coast. In my own annual report for 1883 I state as follows: Assuming the correctness of these statements (i. e., those made to General Thonm), I am not able to add anything thereto, although, so far as my own information goes, the factories at New Market are the immediate and principal gainers by the improvu- ment (of the Lamprey River) in the increased facilities for their coal supply. EXETER. (Population 1860, 3,309-1880, 3,569.) SOUTH NEW MARKET. (Population 1860, 786-1880, 829.) General Thorn states as follows, in his special report of December 9, 1874: The manufacturing towns of South New Market and Exeter both lie upon this river (the Exeter), and are benefited by its navigation. * * South New Market is a thriving village, and has a very large iron machine-shop and foundry, in which are manufactured a great many steam-engines and a great many castings. * * * Exeter is also a thriving village, of about 3,500 inhabitants. It has a large iron machine-shop and foundry, with several other manufacturing concerns, with some thirty or forty stores; also a very large cotton factory, driven to a great extent by steam. It is estimated that about 5,000 tons of coal are used there annually, which, with other heavy articles, are carried there by water from Portsmouth. Large quantities of hay, fruit, and potatoes are also shipped from these river towns to Boston and other places farther south. In the transportation of coal it costs about $1 per ton extra for its transshipment in gondolas and small vessels at Portsmouth. which would be saved if brought direct to these river towns, and so with all the heavy freight for the cot- ton-mills, foundries, and other manufactories on and near this river. (Compare these latter remarks with the suggestions made to me (see ante) as to the possible effect of the proposed dam on the business of Portsmouth.) 492 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. General Thorn repeats these statements in his annual reports for 1880 and 1881. I have no later information. DOVER. (Population 1860, 8,502-1880, 11,687. In his annual report for 1879 General Thorn says: An attempt has been made to ascertain the nature and extent of the commerce on this river, but to no purpose. It has, however, greatly increased during the last two years, owing to the improvements already made in its navigation, and arrangements are being perfected for a much greater increase of it by the building of new wharves and storehouses, with a view to direct importation of coal, lime, and other articles, which have hitherto been brought up in limited quantity on barges, on which they were transshipped at Portsmouth. The italics are my own. In my own annual report for 1883 I give a copy of a communication made to me by a committee of the Dover Board of Trade on the sub- ject of the business of Dover. After enlarging on the increase due to the improvements made in the Cocheco River (which are still in prog- ress), these gentlemen say that- There were in 1882 106 coal arrivals, bringing 20,000 tons; 62 other arrivals, cover- ing lumber, cement, lime, stone, and general merchandise, including reshipment at Portsmouth. As Dover is the largest, most active, and most prosperous of the towns whose business would be affected by the execution of this proj- ect, it is believed that her citizens are the most interested therein. As has already been said, the most economical expenditure for this work would be under one appropriation for its whole estimated cost; but as that is not to be expected, a grant of not less than $100,000 for the commencement of operations is recommended in case the project meets the approval of Congress. A large tracing of the results of the survey, scale ao0o is transmitted herewith. A much smaller drawing, on a reduced scale (but showing all the important points of the survey), and a sketch showing the posi- tion of Great Bay and the places and rivers connected with it, are also sent. It is respectfully suggested that the latter two be printed with this report. Respectfully submitted. CHAS. E. BLUNT, Colonel of Engineers. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. ERRATA. APPENDIX B OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, 1884. n s Page 575, Eq. (I) last term, for o.4n3 read 0,4 , Page 579, line 5 from top, for have read had. Page 583, line 20 from top, for (i) read (l). P Page 585, Eq. (7) for Ns= i +II55A+ read Ns = 1+ I.1 5 5A P. 1* 2r r 2r Page 587, Eq. (9) for - read +. Page 587, line 9 from top, for A read AI For r= I + 3dand s = I + 3D read r = l+ 3dand s = l+ 3D, where- ever they occur in the paper. APPENDIX B. IMPROVEMENT OF HARBORS AND RIVERS IN MASSACHUSETTS. REPORT OF MAJOR CHARLES W. RAYMOND, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OFFICER IN CHARGE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884, WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WORKS. IMPROVEMENTS. 1. Newburyport Harbor, Massachusetts. 6. Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts. 2. Merrimac River, Massachusetts. 7. Lynn Harbor, Massachusetts. 3. Scituate Harbor, Massachusetts. 8. Malden River, Massachusetts. 4. Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. 9. Removal of sunken vessels or craft en- 5. Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts. dangering or obstructing navigation. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS. 10. The Headland in the town of Hull, 13. Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, and at the entrance to Boston Harbor, Fort Point Channel, and the chan- Massachusetts. nel leading to the wharves of the 11. Ipswich River and Harbor, Massa- New York and New England Rail- chusetts. road. 12. Sandy Bay, Rockport, Massachusetts, with a view to construction of a breakwater for a harbor of refuge. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Boston, Mass., July 30, 1884. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report for the works of river and harbor improvement and surveys under my charge during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. RAYMOND, Major of Engineers. The CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A. B I. IMPROVEMENT OF NEWBURYPORT HARBOR, MASSACHUSETTS. The object of this improvement is to create at the outer bar a perma- nent channel 1,000 feet in width at its entrance, with a least depth of 17 feet at mean low water, or 24) feet at mean high water, so that yes- 493 494 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. sels of as large draught as can reach Newburyport may enter the river. Previous to the commencement of the work there was, on the bar, a depth of about 7 feet at mean low water. The adopted project is to build out from the shores, north and south of the harbor outlet, two converging rubble stone jetties, so located as to give proper direction to the channel, and by scour to produce and maintain the desired depth. The location of these jetties is shown on the map in the report of the Chief of Engineers for the year 1883. Their form and dimensions are shown on the map in the report for the year 1881. The project further contemplates the protection of the shores in the vicinity of the jetties, if necessary, and the construction of a dike across the basin at Plum Island to prevent the opening of a new channel should the outer shore be broken through. The location and the details of construction of the dike are shown on the map in the report of the Chief of Engineers for the year 1883. The cost of this improvement as originally estimated is $365,000. This, however, does not include the cost of dike, the construction of which was not contemplated when the original estimate was made. It was estimated to cost $10,000, making the total estimate $375,000. The following appropriations have been made by Congress, to wit: By the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880 ..............-----------------................. $50, 000 By the rivcr and harbor act of March 3,1881............................ 40,000 By the river and harbor act of August 2,1882 .............................. 40,000 By the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884................................. 40,000 Total ............................................................-------------------------------------------------------.. 170,000 The total amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $86,105.32. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the following work has been done: Under contract of December 28, 1882, with Messrs. Isaac Hamilton and Samuel Teague, both of Portland, Me., the dike across the basin at Plum Island was completed, with the exception of the central part, which was left partly open, for reasons stated in my letter of November 13, 1883, a copy of which is hereto appended. The contract was closed December 17, 1883. The central opening having been closed by ice during the high-course tides of March, 1884, the leaks resulting from the increased pressure were repaired by hired labor. The necessity of this work is set forth in my letter of March 28, 1884, a copy of which is hereto appended. Under contract of January 23, 1883, with Messrs. Thomas A. Rowe and Robert G. Sylvester, both of Boston, Mass., the shore extension of the south jetty at Plum Island was completed and the jetty was finished, with its full dimensions, for a distance of 1,077 feet. This contract was closed December 10, 1883. A catch-sand, consisting of open frames containing sea-weed, was con- structed by hired labor in the prolongation of the shore-extension of the south jetty, for the purpose of checking the eroding action of wind. The main line is now 468 feet in length. The spurs aggregate 426 feet in length. The necessity of this work and its details are set forth in my letter of May 6, 1884, a copy of which is hereto appended. During the months of April and May, 1884, a hydrographic survey was made and plotted for the purpose of comparison with the surveys of 1878, 1880, and 1883, in order to study the changes in progress, and the relations of the jetties thereto. Comparative charts exhibiting these changes were constructed, and the relative quantities of fill and scour were computed. APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. 495 The present condition of the works of improvement is shown on the map herewith transmitted. The north jetty, upon which no work has been done during the fiscal year, is in good condition, although its reg- ularity was somewhat injured by the great freshet of April, 1884. On the north side the shore has rapidly advanced, and for some distance the surface has attained a level considerably higher than the top of the jetty. Within the jetty the high-water line has receded, and the area of inclosed high water northwest of the beach has increased. Between high and low water an immense amount of sand has filled in between the jetty and the beach. Salisbury Point does not appear to change its position permanently, although it has fallen back a little. The south jetty, which has been extended for a distance of 500 feet beyond the high-water line during the fiscal year, is in good condition. The method of construction employed, which is described in my letter of March 8, 1883 (see Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1883, page 436), proved successful, and the work was executed by the con- tractors in the most satisfactory manner. On the outside of the jetty the shore has advanced rapidly, and the surface is nearly on a level with the top of the shore-extension. Within the jetty the high-water line has retreated. The low-water line has straightened and advanced. There appears to be no permanent change in the high-water line directly opposite Salisbury Point. The jetties are not yet sufficiently advanced to produce decided bene- ficial results. Nevertheless the projection of the south jetty beyond the shore-line has exerted a marked influence, as is shown by the recent survey. It has completely arrested the sand moving from the south- ward, which was previously caught and held by the north jetty, and to remove which the outflowing current had not sufficient power. Between the ends of the jetties the average depth has increased about six-tenths of a foot. The depth has increased along the axis of the channel and the sand has been rolled up along its sides, forming natural parallel jetties whose crests are between high and low water. These sand jetties will greatly assist in the concentration of the current. The axis of the channel, which was bent southward by the influence of the north jetty, has now been straightened. The depth of water on the bar has increased about eight tenths of a foot; but this deepening may not be due to the influence of the jetties, since similar changes occurred before their con- struction. In brief, the effects produced by the jetties, so far as they can be interpreted at this early stage of the work, are satisfactory, and seem to promise the ultimate success of the improvement. The falling back of the high-water lines within the jetties requires special notice. On the north there is danger of a breach forming a con- nection between the high water of the outer harbor and the high-water area within the beach; on the south the sea threatens to turn the shore- extension of the jetty, cutting through the ground in rear of it, which has gradually been lowered by the erosive action of the wind. These effects are due to two causes. The jetties in their present condition do not protect the shores from the run of heavy seas; indeed, to some ex- tent they act as training-walls by which the action of the waves is con- centrated and directed. The wear thus produced is no longer compen- sated for by the supply of new material moving along the beaches, since this material is now arrested by the jetties. The effects due to the action of the sea can only be checked by rapidly pushing out the jetties. As long as they converge they can furnish only a partial protection, but when they become parallel (as contemplated by the project of the SBoard of Engineers) the shelter may be made practically pefect. When 496 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. the sand outside the jetties has risen above their upper levels (as for some distance it already has at the north jetty) the supply from the outer beaches will be renewed. These changes are most to be feared on the inner side of the South Jetty, for here they are most rapid and the consequences of a break would be most disastrous. In order to strengthen this position as much as possible the catch-sand filled with sea-weed was constructed in rear of the shore-extension of the jetty. It is hoped that this will check the erosive action of the wind and raise the surface sufficiently to guard against danger from the ordinary action of the sea. It is, however, to be observed that in this locality, where the material is clear sand of the most unstable character, the extraordinary action of the sea and river often produce changes of great importance and extent. As examples I may mention the great spring freshets, bringing with them the ice from the shores, the waters of which move with such velocity that the flood tide at the river's mouth is often suppressed for weeks together, and the violent seas produced by the winter gales. When such forces as these are considered, the danger of allowing the sand-masses within the jetties to be diminished becomes apparent. The only safe course is to extend the jetties rapidly to completion. While the jetties are not in process of construction there is a continual scour going on at their extremities. The holes thus formed must be filled with stone, thereby increasing the expense of construction. Every consideration of safety and economy calls for the rapid prosecution of the work. -The dike which closes the mouth of the basin at Plum Island is in good condition. It is not considered safe at present to close the central opening completely. The effect produced by the dike is highly satis- factory. The basin has shoaled on an average nearly 1 foot over its whole extent, 160,000 cubic yards of sand having been collected in it during the past year. The amount required for the completion of the existing project is $205,000, all of which can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. If a less sum is appropriated, the total cost of the work will be increased. It is proposed to apply these funds to the rapid construction of both jetties, pushing them out together. The amount asked will suffice to complete the jetties to the points where con- vergence ceases (see a, a, on accompanying map). Probably they will have to be further extended in a direction parallel to the axis of the channel; but the amount and cost of this additional work cannot be estimated until the converging portions have been completed and the effect, as regards the protection of the shores and the scour upon the bar, has been observed. To form a perfect shore-protection, the jetties would require extension to the points c c, a distance of 1,040 feet. It is not probable that such an extensiorn will be found practically neces- sary. To produce the desired deepening on the bar they should, ac- cording to the Board of Engineers, be extended to the points b b, a dis- tance of 6t0 feet. SThis work is located in the collection district of Newburyport, Mass., of which Newburyport is the port of entry. The nearest light-house is on Plium Island, at the entrance to the harbor. The accompanying commercial statistics for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, have been furnished by the collector of customs for the port of Newburyport, Mass. U r - NEWBURYPORT HARBOR, MASS. 1,64 \ 6 % 726 PLAN showing changes in shore lines at entrance, the location and condition of the jetties, and the details of the GCatch- Sand in 7 1 B '1 N rear of the South Jetty \ 26. t TO ACCOMPANY ANNUAL REPORT OF 73 Major C.W. Raymond, Corps of Engineers, 4'., for 1884 32 2 M/k 2~G. 19 ~ j 8.5 ! s k SCALE OF PLAN. 11. 1000 so O 1000 000 * 3000T. f 157 -1$j ". 01 . E 2 #-.. ~,1C 1c: 0 6 ***8 " .4 6I~ N.1 .1 ;6. S 80 . lal.. C R1 11 , 'sk '.,2 10, g.L o4.R Z~--4. loo l*4 85 10 X1 1.. as, 3 0,-' ' :.. , '.- S N 2 &g j = ...... t,%.0",...,...- . .E 5 18.5 1 I. 25.1 The.uno ury, are erwe.d Ar', vd to let ph/,, e oftra i, e and o, aver. sas a (ArJ/ydAsrvgy of ed ore re- 4 , i '7 8 8 1 j .2 . ll ---------------------- "e, A . .. .. .rneI81,U.,'S.I. 8 4 4L 4 # 10-- 3 30.0~ ~ e J ------- OP...P-- "13 --- te/_ 2 g 25. 23 ' Jrazicar scale aovnle. 5o 0 . 0o 50 0so 00PT. Ifoizotalexcaof*le. 2a9 100 s0 0 100 300 00 0001? r o i'/o7 CATCH SAND IN REAR OF J 0 P' , 5\3,22, ! 2 b SHORE EXTENSION OF SOUTH JETTY. / r rrrC - ,,, 0 4s . 1 25.4 25" i! S p- 24.0 26.7 8 'I E LEVATION CROSS SECTION 77 ~ 1$SSete 4 PT- - :257.s -2 _2g $E 8 1. i8, , "j "Ia. // " i N..... / Uiiiiiriiii/iHhiiiJJrii!iA ri!/IIi/i l i ILJI [Iit ,U vK 1a. //// ////////iA . 1a i APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. 49 T Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $43,894 68 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883.......---.--....................__ 42,466 13 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................--------------------------------------.. 1,428 55 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .. -----................ 40, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885...... .............. 41,428 55 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 205, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 205, 000 00 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. CUSTOM-HOUSE, NEWBURYPORT, MASS., Collector's Office, July 10, 1884. SIR: In reply to your letter of June 23, 1884, I would respectfully report that the amount of revenue at this customs district from June 30, 1883, to June 30, 1884, was as follows, viz : Duties on imports..........................----......--......-......--.......... --- $3, 097 86 ....----........-----......------....-......-----....-......-........--..----------------....---.... -368 Hospital tax------- 40 Tonnage dues.-----------.....-......--.......-----......----......-------......------......--------....------....--.... -- 444 48 Steamboat inspection fees...........................................-------------------------------------------... 403 92 --- Total--------------------------------------------------............................................................ 4,314 66 Tons. Number of foreign entries 37 vessels .................................... 5, 574. 15 Number of foreign clearances 50 vessels ....................... ........ 7, 167.12 Number of domestic entrances 353 vessels ..... ......................... 117, 046.00 Clearances 329 vessels..........------------------....---..........---.................-...... 97,432. 00 -517.87 River steamers 16----------......----......--------.....-----......----------....----....--....----......---------....----....------.... Several hundred vessels came over the bar for sand and other domestic purposes not definitely reported. The completion of the work in our river and harbor would greatly facilitate the commerce of our district. I am, very respectfully, yours, &c., DANIEL P. PIKE, Deputy Collector. CHARLES W. RAYMOND, Major of Engineers. SPECIAL REPORTS OF MAJOR CHARLES W. RAYMOND, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. 1. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Boston, Mass., November 13, 1883. GENERAL : I have the honor to submit for your consideration the fol- lowing special report of operations upon the dike designed to close the entrance to the basin at Plum Island, Newburyport Harbor, Massachu- setts. A contract for the construction of this dike under the orders of the Department, and in accordance with the plans of the Board of Engi- neers, was made by my predecessor, Col. George Thom, Corps of En- gineers, with Messrs. Isaac Hamilton and Samuel Teague, December 5908 EN" -- 32 498 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. 28, 1882. Drawings showing the adopted plan were sent to the De- partment November 8, 1882, with letter of that date. This work was commenced by the contractors on May 2, 1883, and proceeded satisfactorily until the first length of horizontal planking in the central opening was put on. The water then forced itself under the south wing, causing a settlement about 65 feet in length. Upon examination it was found that water passed under the planks, the sheet- piling being tight. This break was soon repaired by dumping sand and fine quarry chips. The central opening was then closed with horizontal planking in ac- cordance with the project; but the water then forced its way under the center, 150 feet of the sheet-piling being underwashed, the body of stone settling on both sides. The planking was immediately removed and the leak was soon controlled. Examination shows that the sheet-piling is now water-tight, and per- haps there would be no danger in completing the work in accordance with the original plans. I do not, however, think it safe to close the central opening to its full height at present, for should another break occur, it could not be readily repaired at this season. This whole difficulty arises from the fact that the sheet-piling is too short. Its depth in the sand is only 6 feet. 1 do not see how this could have been foreseen, until the extreme instability of the sand in this lo- cality had been ascertained by experience. Under the circumstances, I deem it advisable to leave the central open- ing partly unclosed for the present. It can be readily closed by day labor at slight expense, when the mass has become consolidated in posi- tion. In the mean time, in my opinion, the dike will for the present, in its present condition, perfectly subserve the purpose for which it was designed. I have, therefore, the honor to request authority to immediately close the contract entered into by Col. George Thom, Corps of Engineers, with Messrs. Hamilton & Teague. I am informed that the contractors are satisfied with this arrangement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. RAYMOND, Major of Engineers. The CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A. 2. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Boston, Mass., March 28, 1884. GENERAL: By authority of the Engineer Department of December 15, 1883, the contract with Messrs. Hamilton & Teague for the construc- tion of a dike across the basin at Plum Island, Newburyport Harbor, Massachusetts, was closed and final payment made December 17, 1883. The central opening of the dike was left partly unclosed for the reasons set forth in my special report of November 13, 1883, the Department having approved this course in letter of November 16, 1883. During the winter the dike has stood well, although it has been often severely tried. During the high course tides of March 11 and 12 the shore ice (some of it 5 feet thick) was floated off and the central opening was choked. APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. 499 An exceptionally heavy pressure was thus brought upon the dike, and the sheet-piling was washed in the center for a distance of 75 feet. The necessity being immediate, I have commenced repairs by dump- ing in sand, and the leak is already stopped. The cost of this work will probably not exceed $100. About 200 tons of rubble-stone ought to be added to the base of the dike on the side towards the river as soon as possible. This will cost about $350. I have the honor to request authority to purchase this material in open market, and to do the necessary work by hired labor. I am of the opinion that it will be possible to complete the dike suc- cessfully in accordance with the original plan during the coming season, but I do not think it prudent to close the central opening at present. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (HAS. W. RAYMOND, Major of Engineers:. The CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A. 3. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Boston, Mass., May 6, 1884. GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a sketch showing some important changes now in progress at the south jetty, Newbury- port Harbor, Massachusetts. Previous to the construction of the jetty, the shore-line was rapidly advancing to the westward, as indicated by the high-water lines shown on the sketch. After the construction of the jetty and its shore extension, the shore advanced rapidly on the east side, while on the inner (west) side the high-water line retreated. The present positions of the high-water lines are shown on the sketch. By the action of the wind sand has been removed in rear of the shore extension so that in some places the surface has been lowered 3 or 4 feet. If these actions continue, there is danger that the water may force its way in rear of the shore-extension, in some high course tide when there is a heavy sea. After giving the problem a very careful study on the ground, I am of the opinion that it is not at present desirable to attempt to check the action first mentioned (i. e., the falling back of the high-water line on the west side of the jetty) for the following reasons: 1. The low-water line is remarkably permanent, hence it seems prob- able that the rate of this action Will diminish. 2. From a study of the changes in the vicinity of the north jetty it seems probable that the sand will eventually fill up to the level of the top of the south jetty, and then pass over the shore-extension, thus re- newing the supply now cut off by the jetty. 3. Any attempt to arrest this action would necessarily be expensive; and sufficient money for such a purpose is not now available. I am, however, of the opinion that an effort ought to be made imme'- diately to check the eroding action of the wind in rear of the shore-ex- tension. This I think can be done at small expense by constructing a sand-catch in the prolongation of the axis of the jetty, as indicated in plan on the sketch. The arrangement which I propose to employ is a double row of pickets, driven into the sand and projecting 1 or 2 feet 500 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. above the surface, inclosing sea-weed held in position by wires. Vast quantities of coarse sea-weed have been beached at Salisbury Point during the late freshet. The material can be obtained without cost -other than that of bringing it across the river in scows. It seems well adapted to the purpose, since it holds a great deal of water and will keep the sand near it damp. It is proposed also to throw out short spurs of similar construction from the general line of the sand-catch. The work proposed will not probably cost more than $300. It is, however, an experiment. Should it be successful, the surface should be raised still higher by further constructions of a like character. More- ever, the constant and rapid changes taking place in these shifting sand masses may at any moment call for immediate protective action, not -only at Plum Island, but also near the north jetty at Salisbury Point. I have, therefore, the honor to request authority to expend a sum not to ceed $1,000 in the construction of sand-catches where they appear to be immediately necessary, the materials to be purchased in open market, the work to be done by hired labor, and the expenditures to be charged to the appropriation for "improving harbor at Newburyport, Mass." Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. RAYMOND, Major of Engineers. The CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A. B 2. IMPROVEMENT OF MERRIMAC RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS. The object of this work is the improvement of the channel of the river from its mouth near Plum Island light to the head of the Upper Falls, a distance of 21J miles. Previous to its commencement the channel was narrow and crooked in several places, and much obstructed by bowlders, ?ledges, shoals, and the remains of old crib-work and piers. The present project was adopted in 1870, and modified in 1874. It provides for a channel of navigable width, its various parts having the following depths at high writer of ordinary stages of the river: From the mouth near Plum Island Light to Deer Island Bridge, 16) feet; from the Deer Island Bridge up to Haverhill Bridge, 12 feet; thence to the foot of Mitchell's Falls, 10 feet; thence to the head of the Upper Falls, mot less than 4J feet with the mill waters at Lawrence running. The estimated cost of the improvement under the amended project of 1874 was $147,000. The following appropriations have been made by Congress, to wit: By acts from July 11, 1870, to June 18, 1878............................... $132, 000 By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1879 .........- _ ...- ...-.. -. . . 5, 000 By the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880.............................. 12,000 By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881...... - ...... .................. 9, 000 IBy the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882............-.............-... 9,000 IBy the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884 ........-----....---- ...... -- -.. ..... -- .... -..--- 3,500 Total ..-- .-....-. ...-...-....-.. ..-.. .-...-....-... -...... . 170,500 The total amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $162,670.09. Under the contract with Mr. George W. Townsend, of Boston, Mass., dated October 4, 1882, 101 cubic yards of the ledge known as North Rock have been removed to a depth of 9 feet at mean low water, corn- APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. 50! pleting the work proposed. This contract was closed September 11,. 1883. The present condition of this work is as follows: The channel from the mouth to the head of the Upper Falls has been completed in accord- ance with the adopted project. The excess of expenditure over the orig- inal estimate in the execution of this work is $15,670.09. This excess is explained by the fact that about $16,000 Jihas been expended in the re- mnoval of rocks and other obstructions whose existence was unknown or whose removal was not contemplated when the original estimate was made, and in the making of an examination of the upper part of the river at an expense of $800. In the further improvement of this part of the river the following work, proposed in the annual report of last year, is again recommended. 1. Removing sunken rocks and shoals from the falls above Haverhill ....----.... -- $1, 500 2. Clearing a new channel at Rocks Bridge, conforming to the new draw recently built----- ........------------....------....---....-----....---.......-----....--........------....---....----...... 3, 50(P 3. Removing the "Boilers" in Newburyport Harborto a depth of 5 feet at mean low water, 350 cubic yards, at $25 ..................................... 8, 750' Engineering and contingencies ............................................. 1, 250 . Total.... .... ..................................... .... .-.... ..-........ 15, 000' To complete the improvement so that the depth of water obtained through Mitchell's Falls can be carried to Lawrence (distant 5 miles froni the head of the falls) additional work is required, which was estimated for in 1882 by Col. George Thorn, Corps of Engineers, as follows: Dredging channel through Gage's Ferry Shoal and Andover Bar and removing; bowlders and ledges, $11,000. To recapitulate: For the improvement of the channel from its mouth at Plum Island Light to Law- rence, a distance of 26J miles, the amount required is as follows: From the mouth to head of the falls--------------------...................................... $15,000 From the head of the falls to Lawrence .................................... 11,000 ....-----......------......----....-----....---......--------....--....-----....---..---........-......---....--. Total------ 26, 000' This amount can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 18M6. The sum of $3,500 having been appropriated by the act approved July 5, 1884, the total amount recommended for appropriation is $22,500. This work is located in the collection district of Newburyport, Mass., of which New- buryport is the nearest port of entry. The nearest light-house is on Plum Island, at. the mouth of the river. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ........... ............................ $4, 329 91 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .................. ..... ......... ....-..- .... .. 4,241 18 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 88 73 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 3,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 3,588 73. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 22, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 22,500 00 502 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. B 3. IMPROVEMENT OF SCITUATE HARBOR, MASSACHUSETTS. This harbor is situated on the west shore of Massachusetts Bay, about midway between Boston and Plymouth lights, distant about 14 miles from each, and about 25 miles from Race Point, in a direction norlth 220 west. The object of its improvement is to create a harbor of refuge for vessels seeking Boston from the eastward, the intermediate coast being densely studded with dangerous shoals and sunken rocks. Before the commencement of the work this harbor had a low-water area of 57 acres, over 6 acres of which there was a depth of at least 3 feet. It was much exposed to the action of easterly winds. The project adopted in 1880 is to build two breakwaters, one from Cedar Point, on the north side of the entrance, and the other from the point of the First Cliff on the south side; and to deepen, by dredging, the area inclosed and in front of the entrance. The breakwaters are to .be of rubble-stone, with a width of 20 feet at top, and are to be carried to a height of 4 feet above mean high water, except at the channel ends, which are to be raised to a height of 10 feet, so as to afford a conspic- nous guide to the entrance. The total amount of excavation proposed is 500,000 cubic yards, giving a depth of 15 feet at mean low water in the channel outside the breakwaters, from 12 to 15 feet between them, 12 feet immediately in rear ofthem, and 10 feet for the main basin within the harbor. The estimated cost of the breakwaters was $100,000, of the dredging, $190,000, making the total estimated cost $290,000. In furtherance of this project the following appropriations have been made by Congress, viz: . By the river and harbor act of June 14, 1880 ...... ........................ $7,500 By the river and harbor act of March 3, 1881 .............................. 10, 000 By the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882.............................. --- 10, 000 By the river and harbor act of July 5, 1884..-..........-.............-........ 10, 000 Total..----------.............--------..........----------------.........--.............----........... 37,500 The total amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $27,376.37. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the north breakwater has been examined and leveled to determine the amount of settling and the quantities needed for its completion. The beach protection has also been examined. Owing to want of funds, no other work has been pos- sible. The present condition of the improvement is as follows: The north breakwater has been constructed to a height of about 4 feet above mean high water and for a length of 720 feet, 14,977 f o tons of rubble-stone having been put in place. A portion of the beach between Cedar Point and the land has been protected by a brush and stone bulkhead for a total length of 450 feet, in front of which a stone apron, 10 feet wide and 385 feet long, has been constructed. It is proposed to apply farther appropriations to continuing the im- provement under the approved project, as delineated in the map accom- panying the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers of 1881. To this end $75,000 can be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, which, if appropriated, it is proposed to expend as fol- lows: "Toplace 20,000 tons of stone in south breakwater, at $2.15.................. $43, 000 Uredging a channel 2,300 feet long and 100 feet wide, 83,000 cubic yards, scow measurement, at 30 cents . ........ - - - ..- ... 24,900 Engineering and contingencies .......... ................................ 7, 100 Total . ......................................................... . 75, 000 APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. 503 This work is located in the collection district of Plymouth, Mass. The nearest port of entry is Plymouth. The nearest light-hnlue is Minot's Ledge Light, distant about .5 miles. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... $123 63 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883... ..... . ......... .................. .. 123 63 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884............ .......... 10,000 00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 252, 500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 75,000 00 B 4. IMPROVEMENT OF BOSTON HARBOR, MASSACHUSETTS. The improvements in this harbor undertaken by the General Govern- ment since 1866 were projected from time to time as the interests and necessities of the harbor demanded, being in general conformity with the recommendations of the United States commissioners, whose labors terminated with that year. The objects of these improvements have been- 1. The preservation of the islands and headlands by permanent sea- wall or aprons and jetties of rubble-stone, for the purpose of protecting the channels against encroachment, controlling the resultant tidal scour, and securing shelter to vessels in roadsteads. 2. The widening, straightening. and deepening of the main ship-chan- nel by dredging, and the removal of dangerous sunken rocks, thereby securing a channel of not less than 600 feet in width, with a depth of 23 feet at mean low water. 3. The widening, deepening, and straightening of the channel in Hingham Harbor, and the removal of sunken ledges for a width of 100 feet and depth of 8 feet at mean low water. 4. The opening of a channel at the mouth of the Mystic River for a width of 400 feet and depth of 23 feet at mean low water. 5. The widening, deepening, and straightening of the channel from the mouth of Charles River up to the dam at the head of tide-water, as follows: (a) From its mouth up to Western Avenue Bridge, for a width of 200 feet and minimum depth of 7 feet at mean low water, or about 17 feet at mean high water. (b) From Western Avenue Bridge up to Market Street Bridge, for a width of 80 feet and minimum depth of 6 feet at mean low water, or about 16 feet at mean high water. (c) From Market Street Bridge up to the dam at the head of tide- water, for a width of 60 feet and minimum depth of 2 feet at mean low water. 6. The widening and deepening of the channel leading up from the harbor to Nantasket Beach wharves, for a minimum width of 100 feet and depth of 9[ feet at meari low water. 7. The removal of sunken rocks and ledges endangering navigation in the main channel, its borders and approaches. In furtherance of this project $1,602, 500 have been appropriated by Congress, as follows: 504 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. By acts frpm March 2, 1867, to March 3, 1879 ............... .......... $1,331, 000 By act June 14, 1880 ($30,000 to be expended in Boston Harbor; $22,500 at the m6uth of Charles River in said harbor, and up to Watertown; $17,500 at the mouth of Mystic River, in said harbor, and $5,000 from said har- bor to Nantasket Beach)..-.-----..-------..--- ......----....----....-......--.......----..-...... -75. 000 By act March 3, 1881 ($40,000 to be expended in said harbor; $35,000 at the mouth of Charles River, in said harbor, and up to Watertown; $20,000 in said harbor, at mouth of Mystic River, and $5,000 from said harbor to Nantasket Beach) ...-----------------------------.. . ..--------------. 100,000 By act passed August 2, 1882, for completing improvement.............. 96,500 Total.---.......................................-----------...---------.............. 1,602,500 The total amount expended to June 30, 1883, was $1,483,655.87. By aid of these appropriations permanent sea-walls have been built at the various islands and headlands in the harbor, and rubble-stone has been spread in apron in front of walls and at their junctions with shore banks. These have been repaired from time to time, protecting the island against sea encroachment, and furnishing shelter for vessels in the roadsteads. The channels of the harbor and its tributaries have been much improved by dredging, and many surveys and examinations have been made. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, the following work has been done for the improvement of this harbor, viz: I.-BOSTON HARBOR (PROPER). 1. Channel between Nick's Mate and the North Head of Long Island.- Under contract, dated August 27, 1883, with Augustus R. Wright, of Portland, Me., 19,899- cubic yards, measured in scows, were dredged from this channel during September and October, 1883. A depth was thereby obtained of 12 feet at mean low water, and 211 feet at mean high water, for a width of 200 feet. 2. Removal of the Spur of Castle Island Shoal.-After due advertise- ment, bids were opened for this work on May 21, 1883. All the bids received were rejected, being regarded as excessive. The work was therefore readvertised; bids were again opened on August 20, 1883, and contract was entered into on August 27,1883, with Augustus It. Wright, of Portland, Me., he being the lowest bidder. Under this contract, 31,950 cubic yards, measured in scows, were removed by dredging in September, October, and November, 1883. Thereby the width of the main ship-channel, 23 feet deep at mean low water, has been increased from 630 feet to 870 feet at this locality. Under a special agreement with John Olsen, submarine contractor, about 20 tons of rock, discovered during the dredging, have been removed at a cost of $200. 3. Repair and extension of sea-walls, aprons, and jetties.- (1) Gallop's Island.-The northern shore of the eastern end of the island has been thoroughly protected by a rubble-stone apron and five jetties. The apron is 1,108 feet long; its average width is 30 feet, and its crest is 18 feet above mean low water. The average length of the jetties is 30 feet. The total quantity of stone placed in these works is 5,626 tons. During the fiscal year, 878 linear feet of this apron and four jetties were built, 4,319 tons of stone being placed in position. (2) Lovell's Island.-Forthe protection of the foundation of the north- ern sea-wall, 390 linear feet of rubble-stone apron and two jetties have been constructed. The average width of the apron is 19 feet. The jetties are 15 feet in length. For the protection of the shore between the northern and eastern sea- wall, 1,440 linear feet of rubble-stone apron and six jetties have been APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. constructed. The average width of the apron is 30 feet, its crest being 19 feet above mean low water. The average length of the jetties is 30 feet. For the protection of the eastern shore south of the eastern sea-wall, the existing apron has been widened, lengthened, and increased in bulk and height, and two jetties have been constructed. The apron was 190 feet long, and has been extended 304 feet. Its width is 30 feet and its crest is about 20 feet above mean low water. The jetties are 30 feet long. The total quantity of stone placed in these aprons, in front of the northern wall, and on the eastern shore is 11,185 tons. The total length of aprons constructed is 2,324 feet. The total amount ofi this work done during the fiscal year is as fol- lows, viz: Location of work. Apron. Jetties. In front of northern wall ........................................................ 390 2 On eastern shore, between northern and eastern walls........................... 1, 200 5 On eastern shore, south of eastern wall.......................................... 494 2 Total.................................................................... 2,084 9 The total quantity of stone placed in these works is 10,035 tons. (3) Bainsford Island.-The repairs and partial reconstruction of the sea-wall which protects the northern portion of the island have been carried on during May and June, 1884. The following work has been done, viz: A dry wall of five and six courses, the average height being 10 feet, has been rebuilt on a concrete foundation for a distance of 138 feet. In front of the wall, and in an apron 63 feet long at the junction of the northern end of the wall and shore, 300 tons of granite grout have been placed. The wall was backed with cobble-stones and gravel, 250 square yards of granite paving were relaid behind it, and 300 linear feet of the coping course were reset. (4) Deer Island.-Duringthe fall of 1883 the repairs most necessary were made to the sea-wall at the North Head. All the work above mentioned was done by hired labor and with materials purchased in open market. The works of preservation in this harbor, being massive sea-walls and aprons and jetties of rubble-stone, are of a permanent character. Moderate expenditures, however, are annually required for the repair of injuries inflicted by storms or the continued wear of the sea. The condition and needs of these works at the present time are as follows: 1. Point Allerton.-This sea-wall was completed in 1873. It is 1.202 feet in length. Its concrete foundation, for a distance of 1,005 feet, is protected by an apron and eight jetties of granite grout. The work is in excellent condition. Under the instructions of the Engineer Department an examination of the northern shore of Point Allerton, between the western end of the sea-wall and Rocky Beach was made in January, 1884, but no serious abrasion was found. A second inspection, made in June, showed no material change in the condition of the wall or adjoining shore. 2. Great Brewster Island.-This wall was completed in 1869. It is 2,840 feet in length. It is in fair condition, but needs some small re- pairs, which it is proposed to make during the present season. The 506 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF 'ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. cost of these is estimated at $150, and will be paid from funds now available for Boston Harbor. The stones forming the southeast angle of this wall have been cracked and started from their beds by the action of the waves. - It will proba- bly be necessary to rebuild this corner in the course of a year or two. When this is done, the wall should be repointed"throughout, and about 300 linear feet of the coping-course should be reset. The cost of these repairs is estimated at $2,000. 3. Lovell's Island.-The northern sea-wall was completed in 1843. It is 750 feet long. This wall is in fair condition. During the fiscal year its foundation has been protected by a rubble-stone apron and two jetties. The eastern sea-wall was completed in 1869. It is 800 feet in length. It is in excellent condition. The eastern shore is well protected by an apron of rubble-stone 1,440 feet long, built between the northern and eastern sea-walls in 1883, by the eastern sea-walls, and by an apron 494 feet long, and two jetties south of the eastern wall. For the protection of the southern part of this shore about 870 linear feet of apron remain to be constructed under the approved project. The cost of this work is estimated at $10,000, which is to be paid from funds now available for Boston Harbor. South of the western end of the northern wall the shore is protected by a slight apron of rubble-stone, built in 1873. It is 620 feet in length. This apron has been partly undermined in front, and isolated from the shore crest, which has retreated for a distance of from 12 to 15 feet. To secure this shore from serious abrasion, the apron should be length- ened, widened, and raised in heiglit as soon as possible. The cost of this work is estimated at $3,000. It is recommended that this amount be expended from funds now available for Boston Harbor. 4. Gallop'sIsland.-This sea-wall was completed in 1871. It is 1,785k feet in-length. Its foundation is protected by an apron of rubble-stone and nine jetties. In 1874 this apron was 1,655 feet in length. It has since been extended along the wall and beyond its western end, and in 1883, along the northern shore of the eastern end of the island. The total length of the apron is 3,050 feet, and thirteen jetties project from it. The wall, apron, and jetties are in good condition. 5. George's Island.-This sea-wall was completed about 1835, and was designed for the protection of the site of Fort Warren. It stands, however, in very important relations to the preservation of the main ship-channel. It is 2,150 feet in length. It is in good condition, but needs some repair. The estimated cost is $100. Some of the paving in rear of this wall should be renewed. The estimated cost is $1,200. A portion of the southeastern shore of the island is protected by an apron of rubble-stone, built during the construction of the fort. This apron is 600 feet in length. It requires additional stone. The estimated cost is' $600. A similar apron, situated at the northern end of the sea-wall next the main ship channel requires strengtening and extension. The estimated cost is $800. 6. Rainsford Island.-This was completed in 1840. It is 1,500feet in length. The extensive repairs recommended in previous reports are now in progress and will soon be completed. The wall will then be in good condition. The work remaining to be done will cost about $1,500, and will be paid for from funds now available for Boston Harbor. 7. Long Island.-The sea-wall for the protection of the North Head of this island was completed in 1874. It is 2,081k feet in length. Its APPENDI)IX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. 507 foundation is protected by a rubble-stone apron, originally 975 feet in length, and 10 stone jetties, which were also cominleted in 1874. The front and ends of the wall are further protected by aprons which were completed in 1883. All the aprons aggregate 1,375 feet in length. The wall and aprons are in good condition. 8. Deer Island.-Three walls protect the prominent heads of this island. The one at the North Head is 1,740 feet, that at the Middle Head 840 feet, and that at the South Head 380 feet in length. They were built under appropriations made in 1827, and rebuilt, using old materials, between 1865 and 1869. These walls are imperfect and in poor condition; but since the material is unfit for first-class masonry, extensive repairs, involving reconstruction are not recommended. Slight repairs were made in 1883, and are again needed during the pres- ent season. The cost will not exceed $250, which will be paid out of funds now available for Boston Harbor. 9. CastleIsland.-Thiswall was completed about 1835. It was designed for the protection of the site of Fort Independence. It stands, however, in very important relations to the main ship-channel. Its length is 3,300 feet. It is generally in good condition, but requires repairs. The estimated cost is $350. A portion of the southeastern shore is protected by 300 feet of riprap, which is in excellent condition. A detailed description and history of most of these walls will be found in the Repi)rt of the Chief of Engineers for 1876, Part I, page 169. As regards the improvement of the navigable capacity of Boston Harbor, I respectfully submit the following remarks and recommenda- tions: 1. LOWER HARBOR. The deep-water entrance to the harbor is through two channels-one, called Broad Sound Channel, situated north of LovelPs Island; the other, called the Narrows, situated between Lovell's, Gallop's, and George's islands. The Broad Sound Channel is little used by vessels of large draught, owing to its rocky character, especially along its northern edge. The Narrows is therefore the actual main ship-channel of the Lower Harbor, and accordingly the improvements designed to facili- tate entrance to the harbor have all been made in this locality. Between 1867 and 1877 a channel width 600 feet, with a depth of 23 feet at mean low water, waS secured by dredging at the southeast and southwest points of LovelPl's Island, at Cape Cod Shoal, and at the western end of the Brewster Bar, and by removing the Corwin, Tower, and Channel rocks. This work has greatly facilitated navigation through the Nar- rows, but further improvements are desirable, and will become urgently necessary should the shoaling of the channel continue at the present rate. During recent years a marked change has been in progress in the for- mation of the western end of the Brewster Bar. From examinations made in the summer of 1882 and in May, 1884, it appears that since 1876 (when this end was cut off for a-width of 150 feet) the bar has extended in a southwesterly direction at the rate of about 20 feet a year. The whole extension amounts to more than 150 feet, and to that extent the width of the main ship-channel has been reduced. Several European steamers and many sailing vessels have grounded, and the danger will increase should the growth of the bar continue. The difficulty is most serious in the case of sailing vessels, which generally hug the end of the barelosely in order to have plenty of room when meeting the strong flood 508 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. current in the Black Rock Channel, which tends to sweep them upon the eastern point of Gallop's Island or the George's Island Flats. Moreover, the changes now in progress seriously threaten the site of the Narrows light-house. Shoaling has also been observed near the southwest point of Lovell's Islapd. A great source of danger and inconvenience exists in the flats south of the main wharf of Lovell's Island, which project into the main ship-chan- nel about 100 feet beyond the general direction of the 23-foot contour. Upon these vessels are frequently swept by the strong ebb current, a branch of the ebb which sets through the passage between Gallop's and George's islands, and is deflected from its oblique course across the main ship-channel by the southeast point of LovelPl's Island. The rocky char- acter of the flats renders the danger still more serious. In the first project for dredging in this part of the channel the removal of this projection was included, but the excavation was suspended when the existence of rock was discovered. Before the preparation of a project for the further improvement of the main ship-channel at the Narrows careful investigation and study is necessary. This is specially the case as regards cutting off the supply of the material for the further extension of Brewster Bar. For this pur- pose a survey of the Brewster Bar and its slopes and a resurvey of some portions of the Narrows are required, and the directions and velocities of currents should be observed. These surveys will also be useful in ascertaining the effect upon the Narrows of the sewage matter, which the city of Boston is discharging into the harbor at Moon Head. Vessels entering the harbor have frequently grounded south of Bos- ton light, on the eastern end of the Nick's Mate Bar, and on the flats west of Lovell's Island. A survey of these localities is therefore neces- sary. The cost of all the surveys required is estimated at $2,500. Should the Department approve, the field work will be executed during the present season with funds already appropriated for Boston Harbor. The channel dredged during the fiscal year between Nick's Mate and the North Head of Long Island is of great value. It is 200 feet wide and 12 feet deep at mean low water. The steamboats running to Hing- ham, Downer's Landing, Hull, and Nantasket Beach (which carry crowds of people) regularly use it, as well as the Government steamer running to Fort Warren, the quarantine boat running to Gallop's Island, the light-house tenders, and many tugs and small coasters. The danger of the navigation of the main ship-channel through the Nar- rows has thereby been much diminished. The further improvement of the entrance to Boston Harbor by the amelioration of Broad Sound Channel or the Narrows, or by widening and deepening the new channel between Nick's Mate and Long Island Head, will be the subject of study when the necessary surveys are com- pleted. 2. UPPER HARBOR. In this part of the harbor the main ship-channel between Governor's and Castle islands narrows to a minimum width of 600 feet. The in- adequacy of a channel of this width to the commercial purposes of the harbor becomes evident when we consider that at a distance of 7 miles (measured from the Charlestown navy-yard) the aggregate width of channel having a depth of 23 feet at mean low water is 1,700 feet; at 6 miles, 2,300 feet; at 5 miles, 4,600 feet; at 4 miles, 2,600 feet; at 3 APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAIMOND. 509 miles, 640 feet; at 2 miles, 1,250; and at 1 mile, 2,100 feet. Thus all vessels of deep draught are crowded into this narrow defile. But this isniot all; for the 12-foot channel narrows correspondingly at this point, so that the passage is still further embarrassed by the concourse of smaller vessels plying between the city and various points within the harbor. Vessels frequently get aground when changing their course in this vicinity, and the necessity of a light-house upon the shoal to guard'against this danger has been considered. This serious danger to navigation was early recognized. Accordingly the first plan of improvement, submitted by the late Lieutenant-Colonel Foster in 1867, provided for a channel at the Upper and Lower Middle of a width of 1,000 feet and a depth of 23 feet at mean low water. For economical reasons this project has never been fully carried out, a chan- nel width of 600 feet only having been excavated. Although this im- p)rovement has been of great benefit, the channel has always been insuf- ficient, even for vessels from 200 to 300 feet long. Its navigation is dangerous, for close to its southern border there is a depth of but 31 feet at mean low water. The rapid growth of commerce, especially of the heavy export trade, and the change in the size and character of vessels engaged in the ocean traffic render the further widening of this channel urgently necessary. It is too contracted for the ships of the present day, especially at its turns and in the vicinity of the wharves of a large sea-port. In my opinion its width should be increased to 1,000 feet. In conformity with these views, and with the approval of the Engineer Department, about 32,000 cubic yards of material were removed by dredging from the spur of Castle Island Shoal during the fall of 1883. The main ship-channel in this locality was thereby widened from 630 to 870 feet, with a depth of 23 feet at mean low water. This widening has been of decided benefit to navigation, especially as it led to the discov- ery and subsequent removal of a sunken rock, the existence of which was unsuspected. Above this rock there were but 16J feet of water, and many fragments of copper torn from vessels were found around it. I respectfully renew the recommendation made in my last annual report that the main ship-channel at the Upper and Lower Middle be widened to a minimum width of 800 feet, in conformity with a general project for increasing the width to 1,000 feet in the future. This re- quires the removal of 189,900 cubic yards, measured in place. The esti- mated cost is $128,000. I trust the remarks above sufficiently indicate the immediate necessity of this improvement. There is, however, a practical reason why this work should be executed at the present time, if it is ever to be under- taken. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is now engaged in filling in the South Boston Flats, a work of the highest importance in the im- provement of the upper harbor. The close proximity of these fiats to the main ship-channel makes them a convenient and economical place of deposit for the dredged material. The cost of dredging in the upper harbor is greatly enhanced by the difficulty and expense of disposing of this dredged material. If the proposed dredging is undertaken at the present time there will be a great saving of expense to the United States, and a work which, from its importance in connection with the main ship-channel, the General Government might have been reasonably expected to execute, but which is now being carried on by the State, will be cheapened and encouraged. It is desirable that the full amount recommended be appropriated at once; indeed, the estimate is based upon the supposition that it is to 510 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. U. S. AUMY. be so appropriated. The work cannot be economically accomplished unless the contracts for dredging provide for the removal of large quan- tities. Responsible parties, provided with the best machinery, will iot otherwise undertake the work, and low rates cannot be obtained. The following estimates of the cost of this work, on the supposition of one, two, three, four, or five equal appropriations, are based on prices actually obtained for dredging in this harbor: Number. Amount Total cost. One appropriation............................... .............................. $128, 000 $128, 000 Two equal appropriations ................................................... 67, 000 134, 000 Three equal appropriations .................................................. 47, 200 141, 600 Four equal appropriations................................................... 37, 500 150, 000 Five equal appropriations.................................................... 32, 000 160, 000 II.-HINGHAMi HARBOR. In the appropriation of 1875 for Boston Harbor provision was made for the improvement of Hingham Harbor, at an expense not to exceed $10,000. In accordance with a project based upon a careful survey made in 1874, 25,160 cubic yards of material were removed from the channel by dredging, and 80 cubic yards of ledge were excavated. An unobstructed channel leading up to the wharves of Hingham, having a width of 100 feet and a depth of 8 feet at mean low water, was thereby supposed to have been secured. The total expenditure for these im- provements was $9,116.58. Since the completion of this work some small outcroppings of ledge have been discovered. Their existence was previously unknown, as they escaped. detection during the survey. With the approval of the Department, about 3 cubic yards of rock were removed from these points in May, 1884, at an expense of $200. The required depth of 8 feet at mean low water has thereby been obtained III.-CHARLES RIVER. The project for the improvement of this river is based on surveys made in 1879 and 1880, extending from its mouth up to the head of tide-water, at Watertown, a distance of about 91 miles. It consists in straightening, widening, and deepening the channel-first, from its mouth up to the Western Avenue Bridge (a distance of about 4J miles), so that there shall be a minimum depth of 7 feet at mean low water, with a width of 200 feet; second, from Western Avenue Bridge to Mar- ket Street Bridge (an additional distance of 34 miles), so that there shall be a minimum depth of 6 feet at mean low water, with a least width of 80 feet; and, third, from Market Street Bridge up to the dam at the head of tide-water (an additional distance of about 11 miles), so that there shall be a depth of 2 feet at mean low water, with a width of 60 feet. The original estimate of the cost of this improvement was $85,000. This low estimate was based by my predecessor upon representations made by prominent residents of the towns along the river, who were interested in its navigation. They stated that the gravel, which con- stitutes most of the material to be dredged, would find a ready market at from 10 to 15 cents per cubic yard. There is considerable low marsi land along the river banks, and it was presumed that the parties own- ing it would be glad of an opportunity to improve their property at a APPENDIX B-REPORT OF MAJOR RAYMOND. 511 moderate cost. This was found generally not to be the case. Accord- ingly the estimate was moditied in 1881 (see Annual Report of 1881, Part II, page 517) to conform to the rates actually obtained under con- tract. The estimated cost as revised was $125,000. The following amounts were specially appropriated for the improve- ment of this river, viz: By act of June 14, 1880 ...... -- --.........-.. - ..... ........ ............ $22, 500, By act of March 3, 1881---..----------....----....--------....---....---....---..................-..--...... 35,000 Total------ ......------......------......-------....---......--........-----........---------------..--......-----......----.... 57, 500 The total amount expended to June 30, 1883, is $28,365.18. Under a contract made August 27, 1880, with Messrs. Moore & Wright, of Portland, Me., 50,4981 cubic yards were dredged below Brookline Bridge, at a cost of 39 cents per cubic yard, measured in scows. Under a contract made June 14, 1881, with the Eastern Dredging Company of Portland, Me., 12,500 cubic yards were dredged, at a cost of 37 cents per cubic yard, measured in place, thereby completing the im- provement as far up, as Western Avenue Bridge, a distance of about 4J miles from the river's mouth. This contract called for the removal of 100,000 cubic yards, measured in place. Dredging was commenced above Western Avenue Bridge, but before much progress had been made the work was abandoned by the contractors and the contract was annulled by the Department on July 22, 1882, the retained percentage being de- clared forfeited. Proposals for the completion of this work were*sub- sequently invited by my predecessor on two separate occasions, but all bids were rejected, the prices being considered excessive. Under the appropriation made by the act of August 2, 1882, for the improvement of Boston Harbor, the sum of $67,500 was recommended by my predecessor to be applied to the completion of the improvenment of this river. Proposals were invited on August 31, 1882', for dredging from Market Street Bridge to Watertown Bridge, but no favorable bids were obtained. In view of the fact that no appropriation was made in 1883, the above sum, recommended by my predecessor to be applied to the improvement of the Charles River, was set aside, by authority of the Department, for the works of preservation and improvement in Boston Harbor proper. Contract was entered into on May 22,1883, with Mr. John McDermott, of Cohoes, N. Y. (he being the lowest bidder), for the removal of 42,000 cubic yards, from a point near Stickney's Wharf, above Western Avenue Bridge, up to the wharf of the Brighton Abattoir. This dredging was completed on June 7, 1884. The work was only carried up to the Arsenal Street Bridge, as the draws and piers of this bridge do not conform to the channel projected above it. The con- tract was modified to conform to this change on May 16, 1884, by au- thority of the War Department. The total quantity of material removed under this contract is 57,631k cubic yards, measured in scows. The channel has been widened and deepened thereby from a point opposite Stickney's Wharf, in Cambridge, up to Arsenal Street Bridge, a distance of 1# miles, so that its minimum width is now 80 feet in the straight parts and 100 feet at turns, and its minimum depth is 6 feet at mean low water. The total quantity of material removed from the channel from 1880 to 1884, inclusive, is 127,971 cubic yards, measured in scows. Thereby the projected improvement has bees completed from the mouth of the river up to Arsenal Street Bridge, a distance of 74 miles. A sketch 2 REPOR V OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. indicating the improvements completed and projected is hereto ap- pended. The total amount expended to June 30, 1884, is $54,628.85. It appears from the history of this work that it has proved much more expensive than anticipated, and that reasonable bids have been- obtained with difficulty. The dredging has been advertised five times. Twice all the bids have been rejected, the prices being excessive. Con- tract has been entered into three times. The work has been once aban- doned and the contract annulled. On the other two occasions the work has been completed with difficulty. In the case of every contract en- tered into the difficulties encountered have compelled the extension of the time for completion. The reasons for the trouble and expense in carrying on this work are briefly as follows: 1. The material removed from the channel can rarely be sold. Indeed, the owners of low lands along the river are generally unwilling to re- ceive it, to their own benefit, on condition that they will so dispose of it that it shall not eventually fall back into the channel. 2. The dredged material must, therefore, generally be disposed of by carrying it in scows, for considerable distances, through the numerous draw-bridges which obstruct the river. Accidents in the draws have been frequent, and have involved much expense. 3. The cutting is irregular, much of it being "skimming work" (that is, work where the cut is of small depth), and therefore expensive; and the material varies greatly in consistency and character. The cost of the 'work is, therefore, very hard to estimate to any reasonable degree of approximation. It will be observed that, as the projected improvement of the river has been completed for a distance of 7k miles, the population of Cam- bridge, Brookline, Belmont, and Watertown (by far the greater part of the population it was intended to benefit) should now enjoy the commer- cial advantages to secure which this work was executed. The object of improving the channel of the Charles River was to facil- itate the transportation of heavy freights, such as coal, lumber, stone, .&c., and thereby cheapen these materials to the large population situ- ated along its banks. It would be difficult if not impossible to obtain reliable statistics with regard to all these materials, but as regards coal steamers of this line have been frequently detained in the channel between Lime Rock and Goat Island at low tide drawing 13 feet of water; that an additional 2 feet or a total depth of 15 feet is necessary at all times to meet the requirements of the draught of water of the steamers of this line. The depth of water in channel as in- dicated on chart at mean low water is 13 feet; but inasmuch as there are times, par- ticularly in stormy weather, that there would be instead of 13 feet, as marked on chart, but 12 feet of water in mid-channel, I would suggest dredging the channel until a depth of 15 feet is obtained below your present low-water mark. This would insure plenty of water at all times of tides for vessels drawiug 13 feet to pass through. Any of the steamers of this line with an ordinary load will ground in present channel at extreme low water." GEORGE PIERCE, Supervisor Old Colony Steamboat Company. GEORGE H. ELLIOT, Lieut. Col. of Engineers, U. S. A. LETTER OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, OF THE NEWPORT AND WICKFORD RAILROAD ANI> STEAMBOAT COMPANY. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, NEWPORT AND WICKFORD RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANY, Newport, R. I., June 11, 1884. DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 9th instant is before me, and I have to say, in reply to your inquiries, that there were carried by the steamer of this line during the year 1883, 65,168 passengers; also 1,690 tons merchandise. All of which is respectfully submitted. Yours, truly, THEO. WARREN, Superintendent. GEo. H. ELLIOT, Lieut. Col. of Engineers. C 9. HARBOR OF REFUGE AT BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND. This island is a part of the State of Rhode Island. It is 14 miles east of Montauk Point, the eastern end of Long Island, and its nearest point is about 10 miles south of the mainland. Besides the wants of the mackerel-fishing fleet and the general coast navigation, the island is an important point on our shores for ocean navigation. It has a signal station, connected by submarine telegraph with the mainland. Vessels are passing the island at all times and on all sides of it, and its position renders it of national importance. A plat of the harbor was published in the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1880, page 390. ORIGINAL CONDITION. Before the construction of the present harbor of refuge Block Island had no harbor which afforded protection for decked vessels. The only ones used were open boats, which, on the approach of storms, were hauled up on the beach by oxen. The largest of these boats were of about 10 tons burden. The mean rise and fall of the tide is about 3 feet. PLANS OF THE WORKS. The original project and its subsequent modifications provided for a harbor of refuge on the eastern side of the island, consisting of an inner APPENDIX C-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. ELLIOT. 627 harbor for the protection of small vessels and an exterior harbor for large ones. The former was to be about 250 to 300 feet in area, and in- closed, with the exception of an opening 80 feet wide on the seaside, by timber crib-work filled with stones and resting on a riprap foundation. The exterior harbor was to be formed by a riprap breakwater, designed to intercept the waves from the eastward, and the beds of both harbors were to be cleared of bowlders. The next project (1881) was to build a masonry wall on the east side of the Inner Harbor in lieu of the old crib-work on that side, which was in danger of breaking down in storms, and also to protect the cliff which lies to the eastward of the harbor, the material of which was car- ried by the current into the harbor, decreasing its depth. The last project for this work provided for renewing the Government wharf within the Inner Harbor, and for building masonry walls on the north and west sides of the harbor to replace the timber crib-work on those sides, which is decaying. AMOUNT EXPENDED AND RESULTS TO JUNE 30, 1883. The Inner Harbor and a breakwater about 1,400 feet long, built in prolongation of the eastern side of the Inner Harbor, were constructed in the years 1870 to 1879, inclusive. About 300 feet from the sea end of the breakwater, which is in about 24 feet, of water, an opening 200 feet wide, with a draught of water through it of 18 feet, was left for the passage of vessels. The utility of the work at once became apparent. In stormy weather the inner Harbor especially was often filled with coasters and fishermen, and it soon became necessary to increase its depth from 7 feet, to which it had originally been dredged in the first instance, to 9 feet at mean low water. The jetty at the foot of the cliff and the masonry sea-wall on the eastern side of the Inner Harbor were in progress on the 30th June, 1883, and the total expenditure from the beginning of the construction of the harbor of refuge up to that date, including liabilities outstanding, had been $295,896.33. OPERATIONS DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. The operations of the last fiscal year were confined to the completion of the construction of a sea-wall on the eastern side of the Inner Har- bor and of the rip-rap jetty at the foot of the cliffs. The landing wharf within the Inner Harbor was repaired during the year, and the decayed wharfing on the eastern side of the Inner Harbor was removed. Mr. Joseph E. Cranston was the local inspector of the work from April 10 to September 30, 1883, and Mr. A. H. Dickens from November 14 to December 29, 1883. AMOUNT EXPENDED AND PROGRESS DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. The amount expended during the last fiscal year, including liabilities outstanding June 30, 1884, was $10,963.65, and the result was the com- pletion of the jetty at the foot of the cliffs and the sea-wall on the east- ern side of the Inner Harbor. Both were strongly built. The former is about 140 feet and the latter about 290 feet long. The landing wharf within the Inner Harbor was repaired sufficiently to serve until a per- manent wharf can be constructed. 628 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. OPERATIONS CONTEMPLATED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1885. It is proposed, with the available remainder of the appropriations of August 2, 1882, and the amount appropriated by the act of Congress of July 5,1884, to replace the Government wharf within the Inner Harbor by a substantial structure. To 1his wharf, which is in a decayed condi- tion, all the freight carried to and from the island is brought, and at it are landed the United States mails and all the supplies for the four light- houses on the island and the steam siren (fog-signal). It is also proposed to fill the gap in the breakwater to exclude the heavy sea which now rolls through it, in easterly storms, into the an- chorage, and of which complaint is made. The estimated cost of the last project was $30,000. Of this amount there has been appropriated the sum of $15,000. Block Island is in the Newport collection district, and Newport is the nearest port of entry. There is no duty collected at the island. The value of the harbor is mainly as a harbor of refuge for coasting vessels. There are three light-houses on the island, the north and south lights and the breakwater light. The nearest fortification is Fort Adams, Newport, R. I. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available......-.................. ............... $14,103 67 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of 10, 952 48 outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...-...-...................----------- July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities.......................... 11 17 10, 963 65 July 1, 1884, amount available........-................................. 3, 140 02 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...... ................ 15,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 18,140 02 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 15,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 15, 000 00 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. BLOCK ISLAND, R. I., June 30, 1884. MY DEAR SIR: Your circular letter of June 7, stating that "the act of Congress of .June 23, 1866, referring to works of river and harbor improvement, requires the Sec- retary of War to state annually, and as far as practicable, what amount of commerce and navigation would be benefited by the completion of each particular work," and that "you were directed to furnish, with your reports of the river and harbor works in this district, statements of the staple articles of freight, such as coal, iron, cotton, grain, lumber, and other merchandise received and shipped, and of the character, number, tonnage, draught, &c., of vessels, whlether steam or sail, which arrived and .departed during the same time," was received by me in due time and has received my careful consideration. Inclosed please find my report, which I do not claim to be .correct, but will be quite as near as it is possible to get it with no data to refer to. Trusting that the report may answer both your and the Department's purposes, I remain yours, very respectfully, NICHOLAS BALL. Lieut. Col. GEORGE H. ELLIOT, AMOUNT OF MERCHANDISE RECEIVED AND EXPORTED FROM BLOCK ISLAND DURING THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1883. Coal received, about.-.....-.........................................tons.. 3, 500 Iron received, about...... .......................................... do--... 100 Grain received, about .......................................... bushels.. 9,500 Lumber received.... ..................................... ........ feet.. 2,500, 000 General merchandise, not included in the above, shipped and received, 10,000 tons. Arrivals and departures of steam-vessels, 1,500, of from 1,000 to 50 tons and from 3 to 10 feet draught; arrivals and departures of sailing vessels, 105,000, of from 10 to 200 tens and from 2 to 10 feet draught. APPENDIX C--REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. ELLIOT. 629 C o'0. IMPROVEMENT OF LITTLE NARRAGANSETT BAY, RHODE ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT. Little Narragansett Bay lies on the north side of the eastern entrance from the ocean into Long Island Sound, and is inclosed on the southern and eastern sides by a long and narrow tongue of land, extending from the mainland at Watch Hill, first westerly and then northerly, to the entrance to the bay, which is from the outer harbor of Stonington. Pawcatuck River, upon which is situated the flourishing commercial and manufacturing town of Westerly, R. I., empties into the eastern side of the bay, and has been improved by the United States. A map of Little Narragansett Bay was published in the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1879, page 314. ORIGINAL CONDITION. The navigable draught of water through the bay before improvement was about 41 feet at mean low water, and this depth limited the navi- gation of Pawcatuck River. PLAN OF IMPROVEMENT. SThe project of 1878 for the improvement of the bay provided for a channel 200 feet wide and 71 feet deep at mean low water, extending from the entrance to the bay to the mouth of the Pawcatuck, and the removal of the bowlders which then obstructed navigation, and any others which the excavation of the channel might develop. Subse- quently it was determined to clear away some large bowlders which interfered with steamboat navigation between this channel and Watch Hill, an important place of summer resort. The estimated cost of the improvement was $51,000. AMOUNT EXPENDED AND RESULTS TO JUNE 30, 1883. The amount expended up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstanding at that date, was $34,864.16, and the result was the completion of the project, with the exception of the removal of bowlders from the bottom and sides of the Main Chan- nel and from the channel leading to Watch Hill. AMOUNT EXPENDED AND RESULTS DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. During the last fiscal year the amount expended, including liabilities outstanding on June 30, 1884, was $992.80, and the result was the re- moval of about one hundred bowlders from the Main and Watch Hill channels, and some ledge rock from the latter. The Main Channel was left quite free from bowlders, and the Watch Hill Channel was increased by the removal of bowlders from 90 to 165 feet in width. It is probable that no further expenditures will be required upon it. The completed channel will enable steamers and vessels drawing from 9 to 10 feet of water bound for the Pawcatuck River and Westerly, and also to Watch Hill, to cross the bay. Mr. A. H. Dickens was local in- spector of the work. The total cost of the improvement was $35,856.96. No further appropriation is asked for this work. 630 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. 9. ARMY. There are indications that the construction of the eastern breakwater in the outer harbor of Stonington is affecting Sandy Point, on the south. ern side of the entrance into Little Narragansett Bay, and comparative surveys should be made annually at this point. Range-marks should be erected on Pawcatuck Point, on the prolongation of the axis of the new channel through the bay, and the remainder of the last appropria- ation now available should be reserved for these purposes. Little Narragansett Bay is in the collection district of Providence and Stonington, the dividing line passing through the bay. Providence and Stonington are the near- est ports of entry. The revenue collected in the last fiscal year was: Providence, $202,227.57; Stonington, $3,418.23. The nearest light-houses are the Stonington and Watch Hill lights. The nearest fortification is Fort Trumbull, New London, Conn. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available..--------------------------------------$1,135 84 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................. $986 33 July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities........................ 6 47 - 992 80 July 1, 1884, amount available........................................... 143 04 C II. HARBOR OF REFUGE AT STONINGTON, CONNECTICUT. Stonington Harbor lies on the north side of the eastern entrance from the ocean into Long Island Sound. ORIGINAL CONDITION. Originally it was an open bay, unprotected from southerly storms and obstructed by a shoal, having at low water a depth of but 6 feet at the shoalest part. This shoal nearly filled the inner harbor, and left but a narrow channel on either side, of a depth insufficient to permit vessels of 12 feet draught to reach the upper wharves at low water. The mean rise and fall of the tide is about 21 feet. PLANS OF THE WORK. A short breakwater was constructed in 1828-'31, at a cost of $34,776.65, for the protection of the commerce of the town of Stonington. The original project of 1871 for the further improvement of this harbor, and its subsequent modification, under which the work is now carried on, embraced dredging in the upper harbor to secure an increased depth for the accommodation of the local shipping interests, and the con- struction of two breakwaters in the outer harbor, designed to inclose a large anchorage or harbor of refuge in southerly storms for general commerce, and also to protect the shipping in the upper harbor. One of these breakwaters, the western, was to be built out from Wamphas- suck Point, the southwestern limit of the harbor, and extend out about 2,000 feet; and the other, the eastern, was to extend from the vicinity of Bartlett's Reef to the Middle Ground. The western breakwater was completed in 1880, at a cost of $103,190. The amount expended in dredging was about $45,000. APPENDIX C-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. ELLIOT. 631 AMOUNT EXPENDED AND RESULTS TO JUNE 30, 1883. The amount expended upon the eastern breakwater up to the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, including liabilities outstand- ing at that date, was $73,885.38, and its length at that date was 1,521 feet. OPERATIONS DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. At the beginning of the last fiscal year the construction of this breakwater was being carried on under the contract of October 18, 1882, with Mr. F. K. Ballou, which was described in the last Annual Report. Mr. Ballou continued the work until September 28, 1883, when the con- tract was completed. The amount of riprap stone used during the fiscal year in extending the work to the westward and in "topping out" the eastern end was 4,9861 tons. Mr. A. H. Dickens was local inspector of the work. AMOUNT EXPENDED AND PROGRESS DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, was $6,058.28, and the results were an extension of 6 feet on the east- ern end of the breakwater, completing it, and the extension of 118 feet on the western end. Its total length at the close of the year was 1,645. feet. OPERATIONS CONTEMPLATED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1885. With the available remainder of the appropriation of August 2, 1882, and the appropriation of $10,000 made by the act of Congress of July 5, 1884, it is proposed to carry the eastern breakwater to the westward until the funds are exhausted. The position of its western end has not been determined, but, in the judgment of the officer in charge, it will probably be found necessary, in order to afford all of the protection de- sired, to extend the breakwater at least until it intersects a range from Stonington Light to the middle of Wicopesset Island, although it may be found desirable to carry it still further to the range from Stonington Light to the eastern end of Fisher's Island. In the former case the ad- ditional length required will be about 925 feet, and in the latter 1,625 feet. The cost to complete cannot be stated with accuracy, on account of the uncertainty in regard to the prices at which future contracts may be let, but a liberal estimate would probably be $63,000 for the shorter line and $111,000 for the longer one. This does not include the cost of a foundation for a light-house and fog-signal which will be necessary -on the western end of the breakwater. Deducting the $10,000 appro- priated by the act of Congress of July 5, 1884, there will therefore be required to be provided by future appropriation at least the sum of 453,000, and by reason of the great danger to navigation which the western end of the breakwater now is, and will be until it is completed and a light-house and fog-signal are erected upon it, it is very desira- ble that the whole amount required to finish the breakwater be granted at the next session of Congress. The completion of this work will afford a thoroughly protected anchor- age for vessels drawing 18 feet of water, and a harbor of refuge for the immense commerce which daily passes between Long Island Sound and the eastward. A plat of Stonington Harbor accompanies this report. Stonington Harbor is in the Stonington collection district, and is a port of entry. The amount of revenue collected in the last fiscal year was $3,418.23. The nearest lights are Stonington Light and Eel Grass Shoal light-ship. The nearest fortification is Fort Trumbull, New London, Conn. 632 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.................................... $6,114 62 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883............................................... 6, 058 2S July 1, 1884, amount available....................................... 56 34 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884...................... 10,000 00' Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 .................. 10,056 34 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ...... .... 53,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 53,000 00 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. CUSTOM-HOUSE, STONINGTON, CONN., Collector's Office, July 1, 1884. SIR: In reply to your favor of June 7, I herewith respectfully furnish commercial statistics for this port: Number of vessels entering from foreign ports.......................... 7 Number of vessels clearing for foreign ports ............................. 5. Value of merchandise imported-......-.... ...... .......................... $8,377 53 Amount of duties collected ... .................................. 240 00 Hospital dues collected--......-............-................--......-....--...... 946 58 Miscellaneous items.... ... _ .... ....... ... .....-..- ..- -..-.... 2,231 65. Entrance and clearance, coastwise steamers................ .............. 655 . Entrance and clearance, coastwise vessels------------------------------. 10 ESTIMATED VALUE OF CARGOES AND VESSELS ENTERING AND CLEARING COASTWISE.. Received ...................................... .................... $3.4,750, 000 Shipped ----------------- -----. ..-------....------. 31,500,000. Value of product of fisheries ....................-....-....-.............. 138,300 Number of vessels seeking harbor for refuge ..... 2..................... 9,200 Number of vessels registering in district-............................... 102 Tonnage of vessels registering in district .... .................... tons.. 10,458.54 ESTIMATED TONNAGE OF FREIGHT RECEIVED AND FORWARDED FROM THE WHARF OF THE STONINGTON STEAMBOAT COMPANY FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884. By regular boats of Stonington line ....-...............-............-........ 429,000, By extra boats .........-------....---...... ..---....--......-----......--....-......-..--...... 53,200 By occasional boats --------------------- ---------------------------- 84,000' H. N. TRUMBULL, Collector. GEORGE H. ELLIOT, Lieut. Col. of Engineers, U. S. A. Return of vessels which have passed by or in vicinity of the light-vessel No. 12 at Eel Grase Shoal during the year ending June 30, 1884. Quarter ending. Ships. Barks. Brigs. Schooners. Sloops. Steamers. Total. 1883. September 30 .......... 8 5 11 3, 824 927 1, 907 ............ December 31 ........... 2 9 11 2,379 482 1,088 .......... 1884. March31 ............... 1 10 5 1,135 247 481 ............ June 30 ................ 6 25 15 3,043 759 1,421 ............ Total............. -17 49 42 10,381 2,415 4, 897 17, 8013 CHARLES E. P. NOYES, PrincipalLight-keepe L/ rrTLE" NAR RA GA M/VE.TT BAY. i ti f ' r - r . HARB OR OF REF U CE 8 'S STONING T ON C ONN. S CAL E .. a s sw * ee1oo69ee *Goon i 42 6' .. ley 4~ . d £ £ "F. 9 / j ' 10 .3, 0 /3 '3o s) i' J Jr 4'o 'P- S / q7 "' QCK97 /5 3% .i 0a .- 27 ,a r.' 48 2 CH ENG APPENDIX C-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. ELLIOT. 633 C 12. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF PAWTUXET HARBOR, RHODE ISLAND. In compliance with the requirements of the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, I visited Pawtuxet, R. I., October 27, and made a per- sonal inspection of the harbor. This harbor is at the mouth of the Pawtuxet River, a small stream which enters Narragansett Bay from the west, about 5 miles south of Providence. The river has considerable fall just before entering the bay, and at this point a dam has been built, above which the tide does. not flow. The harbor proper is about 600 yards in its longest dimen- sion (north and south) and 150 yards wide; it is well sheltered, being protected from the east along its entire length by a high rocky penin- sula. Off the end of this peninsula and in the mouth of the harbor are a number of bowlders which obstruct the entrance and render its nav- igation difficult and dangerous. The current from the river enters and crosses the harbor near its upper end; it is then deflected to the west shore and back again to the east; this action produces a series of bend- in the channel where the depth is sufficient, with shoal spots between. The improvement desired is the removal of these shoals and of the bowlders at the harbor's mouth. Should this be accomplished the har- bor would be a convenient one for the business of the place, which, though not large, I am told by those interested is of considerable im- portance. The principal industry carried on is the fish and oyster business. The village and adjoining country receive by water their- supply of coal and building materials, which now they are obliged to- land by means of scows. There is one factory in the place producing cheap jewelry in large quantities. The water-power was formerly val- uable, but has suffered by the supply having been diverted to the city of Providence. This harbor would appear to be one of those where the interests in- volved, though small, are really of a public character, and one which would be worthy of improvement provided the cost, determined by a survey, is found to be moderate. It is sought by a variety of small craft, and it is believed that, if improved, the navigation would be con- siderably increased. The nature of the improvement is dredging and the removal of the before-mentioned bowlders, and the result, it is believed, would be rea- sonably permanent. I have, therefore, to recommend that a survey be made to ascertain the cost of the necessary work; the sum of $200 is sufficient for the survey and map. Respectfully submitted. J. W. BARLOW, Major of Engineers. NEW LONDoN, CONN., November 10, 1882. APPENDIX D. IMPROVEMENT OF HARBORS AND RIVERS ON LONG ISLAND SOUND. BEPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WALTER McFARLAND, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OFFICER IN CHARGE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884, WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WORK. IMPROVEMENTS. 1. Thames River, Connecticut. 7. Milford Harbor, Connecticut. 2. New London Harbor, Connecticut, 8. Housatonic River, Connecticut. 3. Connecticut River, Massachusetts and 9. Bridgeport Harbor, Connecticut. Connecticut. 10. Southport Harbor, Connecticut. 4. Clinton Harbor, Connecticut. 11. Norwalk Harbor, Connecticut. 5. New Haven Harbor, Connecticut. 12. Mamaroneck Harbor, New York. 4. Breakwater at New Haven, Connecti- 13. Port Jefferson Harbor, New York. cut. 14. Greenport Harbor, New York. EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS. 15. Connecticut River, from Bellows Falls, '22. Channel-way from Riverhead, on Pe- Vermont, to Pittsburgh, New conic River, to Great Peconic Bay, Hampshire. Long Island, New York. 16. Bissell's Cove, Rhode Island. 23. Duck Island Harbor, Connecticut, for 17. Stony Brook Harbor, New York. a breakwater. 18. Black Rock Harbor, Connecticut. 24. Madison Harbor, Connecticut. 19. Stamford Harbor, Connecticut. 25. Southold Harbor, Long Island, New 20. Westport Harbor, Connecticut. York. 21. Branford Harbor, Connecticut. ENGINEER OFFICE, UNITED STATES ARMY, New Haven, Conn., July 29, 1884. GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith my annual report upon the river and harbor works in my charge for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WALTER MCFARLAND, Lieut. Col. of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. 635 636 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. D i. IMPROVEMENT OF THAMES RIVER, CONNECTICUT. This river, formed by the confluence of the Yantic and Shetucket rivers at Norwich, Conn., is a tidal stream from that point to Long Island Sound, a distance of 15 miles. There is no navigation above Norwich, and improvement has been needed only in a section extending 3 miles below that city. In 1836, under a project for making a channel 100 feet wide and 14 feet deep at mean high water, dredging and the construction of piers were begun. The desired results were obtained in 1873, but the shoals subsequently formed again, and in 1878 their removal was again under- taken, the project being modified by requiring a depth of 14 feet at mean low water instead of at high water-an increase of depth of about 3 feet. Dredging proved to be only a temporary benefit, and in 1882 the project was further modified by providing for the construction of five training-walls along the outer sides of the channel curves, with addi- tional low walls on the inner sides, should they be found necessary; at the same time the projected width of channel was increased to 200 feet. The total estimated cost of work under this project was $208,080, of which sum $55,000 has been already appropriated. By July 1, 1883, the Trading Cove training-wall, about 21 miles below Norwich, on the west side, had been finished and work was in progress on the wall op- posite Mohegan and below Fort Point, about 3J miles below Norwich and lowest, or nearest the sea, of the five to be built; 800 linear feet had been completed, and as much more was in various stages of prog- ress. The work was completed November 10, the channel length being 2,754 feet, with a shore connection 178 feet long. The wall was built of a double row of piles driven closely, 6 feet apart from out to out, cut off at high-water mark, and filled in between with stones. In addition a part of the shore connection, 56 feet long, was built of riprap, making the total length 2,988 feet. The work was done by Frederick K. Bal- lou, of Boston, Mass., under contract dated October 8, 1882, the price being $8 per linear foot. Work on this training-wall was begun May 1,1883, and was finished November 10, 1883; the total cost of the wall, including the riprap section, was $23,686. The dredging which was in progress in front of Trading Cove at the time of the last annual report was continued until the channel was made 60 feet wide and 14 feet deep at mean low water over the shoal, a length of about 3,000 feet. A channel was also dredged between Bushnell's Reef and Perch Rock, 1,150 feet long, 14 feet deep at mean low water, 100 feet wide for the first 900 feet, below BushnelPl's Reef and 125 feet wide for the remaining distance. This dredging was done by the Hartford Dredging Company, of Hart- ford, Conn., under a contract dated July 15, 1882, extended to Novem- ber 1, 1883, the price being 14$ cents per cubic yard. Work under this contract was begun July 20, 1882, and was completed October 26, 1883, 95,016 cubic yards of material, principally sand, having been removed from the channels, as follows: Cubic yards. At Thamesville ----.------------------------------------------------- 42, 932 At Trading Cove--. ...... .. .... . ..- . .. .. .29, 729 At BushnelPs Reef ........................................................ 22, 355 Total .....-.... .... ..... ..-.--... ..... -...-. -.. ..... ..... ... 95.016 Of this amount, all at Bushnells Reef and 19,464 cubic yards at 0 A 4'4 Zk4s' 30, 1884. / 44a--A' ~ to L f vA' .4 .&w as ~- Low ,qro X444$i4Avo w £o v -w ;.pV i .moosacs s 4.Lc~ tE4looC ,f 4&w11 4ft4 4 taW% ^t.~ wgot 48-2 CH ENG APPENDIX D--REPORT OF LIEUT.-OOL. MCFARLAND McFARLAND APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. 637 Trading Cove were removed within the past fiscal year. Total, 41,819 cubic yards. The dredged material was deposited behind the training-walls, which reduced the cost of dredging about 10 cents per yard below what it would have been had the material been carried to Long Island Sound, as was done before the training-walls were built. Thus these walls have incidentally saved the Government on the above amount of dredg- ing nearly $10,000. Under the appropriation of $25,000 made by act of Congress approved July 5, 1884, the work of constructing these dikes or training-walls and deepening the channel will be continued as provided for by the project adopted March 22, 1882. The project should be executed with as little delay as possible in order to obtain the best results economically, and $100,000 can be profitably expended upon it in the next fiscal year. Appropriations for the improvement of Thames River have beeh made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. March 3 1821 ....................... $150 Removal of obstructions placed during war of 1812. March 2, 1829 ........................ 150 Survey. July 4, 1836 ...................... 10, 000 Piers and dredging. March 3,1837 ..................... 20, 000 Do. July 7,1838 ......................... 10, 000 Do. June 23,1866 ........................ 10, 000 Dredging and survey. March 3,1867 ....................... 72, 000 Dreding. March 3,1871...................... 15,000 t)o. June 10, 1872 ..................... .10,000 Do June 18,1878 ....................... 10, 000 Do. March 3,1879 ......... __... .... _ - 12, 000 Do. June 14,1880 ...................... 22. 500 Dredging and training-walls. March 3, 1881 ...... ......... .... 30, 000 Do. August 2,1882 ...................... 35, 000 Training-walls, July 5, 1884 ....................... 25, 000 Total ........................ 281,800 Thames River is in the collection district of New London. The nearest light-house is at the mouth of the river on the west shore. Forts Trumbull and Griswold over- look the mouth of the river from either shore. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $40,421 66 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883..........................................32,312 72 July 1, 1884, amount available ................................. ........... 8,108 94 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 .................... 25,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................ 33,108 94 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ......... 128, 080 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 100,000 00 Abstract of contractfor improving Thames River, Connecticut, in force during thefiscal year ending June 30, 1884. INo. Names and addresses. Date. Subject. Price. Remarks. 1882. 1 Frederick K. Ballou, Bos- July 5 Constructing '$1 25 Extended to November 1, ton, Mass. stone dikes. 1883; completed October 26, 1883. 2 Hartford Dredging Cornm- July 15 Dredging ...... tl4j Extended to October 1,1888. pany, Hartford, Conn. 3 Frederick K. Ballou. Bos. Oct. 18 C on struc t in g t8 00 Extended to November 10, ton, Mass. \ pile and stone 1883; completed November dike. 10, 1883. _e o.Prcbcyr.Prlna ot * Per ton. t Per cubic yard. j Per linear foot. 638 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. 8. ARMY. COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. The following statement of the commerce of the port of New London, Oonn., for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is, by the courtesy of the collector of customs, fur- nished from the records of the custom-house: Foreign entries: Tonnage- ..................................................... ...... 3,10& Value of cargoes ----...... .... .------.....-----......-------....---------....----....--......-----.....---....... $122, 540 Foreign clearances: Tonnage-------....---------...-......----.....--......-------......--------......---..--..-------......--......--.. -966 Value of cargoes--------------------------------....................................----------------................. $4, 878 Chief imports: Guano, logwood, sugar, molasses, bay-rum, lumber. Chief exports: Cooperage. Total amount of custom-house receipts, $20,866.79. This covers all collections made in the district and includes both Norwich and New London. D 2. IMPROVEMENT OF NEW LONDON HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. The plan for the improvement of this harbor, adopted in 1880 and modified in 1882, contemplates the removal of a part of a shoal of gravel and sand, containing many large bowlders, lying east of New London Northern Railroad Wharf. It is designed to remove as much of the shoal as lies west of a line running south-southeast from a point 600 feet above the south end of the wharf, making the depth 16 feet at mean low water, where it previously varied from 4 feet to 16 feet in depth. No money was available for this work during the past fiscal year, and nothing was done, therefore. The dredged channel is in good condition, and is reported to be al- ready a great convenience to those who had occasion to use it. About two-thirds of the projected work is completed. The appropriation of $2,000 for this harbor, made by act of Congress approved July 5, 1884, will be applied to the continuation of this work. The amount required to complete the work of dredging under the estimate of 1881 is $6,200. Appropriations for the improvement of New London have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. June 14, 1880 ........-... ...................... $2, 500 Dredging shoal east of railroad wharf. M ar. 3, 1881 ..................................... 4,300 Do. Aug. 2, 1882 ..................................... 9, 000 Do. July 5, 1884 ..................................... 2,000 Total...................................------------------------------17, 800 New London, the port of entry for the collection district of New London, is situated about 2J miles from Long Island Sound. The harbor is the mouth of the Thames River. New London light-house is located at the entrance to the harbor on the west shore. Forts Trumbull and Griswold command the harbor from either side. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available....................................... $83 88 July 1, 1884, amount available.................... . . .. 83 88 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.............. ........ 2, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 2, 083 88 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project........... 6,200 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 6, 200 00 APPENDIX D---REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 639 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. t'he following statement of the commerce of the port of New London, Conn., for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is, by the courtesy of the collector of customs, furnished from the records of the custom-house : Foreign entries: Tonnage ............................................................. 3,10& Value of cargoes ..................................................... $122, 549 Foreign clearances: Tonnage .... ........- --......--- -----............---.....-....-.... --.... 96& Value of cargoes-------------------------------------------------...................................................... $4,878 Chief imports: Guano, logwood, sugar, molasses, bay-rum, lumber. Chief exports: Cooperage. Total amount custom-house receipts, $20,866.79. This covers all collections made in the district and includes both Norwich and New London. D 3. IMPROVEMENT OF CONNECTICUT RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS AND CON- NECTICUT. ABOVE HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, AND BELOW HOLYOKE, MASSACHU- SETTS. In 1881 revised plans and estimates were submitted for the construc- tion of a canal around Enfield Rapids, 101 miles above Hartford, and extending to the mouth of the Hockanum River, opposite Hartford, this being deemed the most practicable way of obtaining the desired 8 feet depth of water in that part of the river. The cost of this canal was estimated to be $1,322,805, and it was not considered advisable to begin its construction with a smaller sum of money than $45b,000. This amount has not yet been appropriated, only about $26,000 being now available for the Connecticut River above Hartford, and the work has not therefore been begun. No dredging has been needed here during the year, and no work has been done. The money now available will be sufficient for all needs of the ensuing year, unless it be decided to begin constructing the canal, in which case $450,000 could be advantageously expended. The commerce of the river above Hartford is not large, on account of the difficulty of navigating it with anything but very small boats. When the water is high a good deal of freight seeks the water route, which at other times is moved by rail. Were the river improved as proposed, this traffic would become very large, as the greater part of the heavy freight used in and near the manufacturing towns of Springfield, Hol- yoke, and Chicopee would be carried by water. Appropriations for the improvement of Connecticut River above Hart- ford, Conn., have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. July 11, 1870 ............................................ $20, 000 (Dams at Scantic ,River, Strong's March 3, 1871....._...................*...... ... t. 20,000 Island, Farmiigton River and June 10, 1872 ......................................... 25, 000 Barber's Landing; dredging March 3, 1873................................. 20, 000 at Barber's Landing and sur- June 14, 1880..............15, 000 t veys. Total ........................................... 100, 000 4640 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available...................-----------.................-*$26, 285 38 July 1, 1884, amount available ....................................... 26,285 38 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project...... 1,322, 804 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886.... ................ ......... .. .......................... 450,000 00 BELOW HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT. The project for the permanent improvement of this part of the river -which was adopted in 1880 provides for the protection by the use of mattresses of the caving banks, which are found chiefly on the outer sides of the river curves between Hartford and Rocky Hill, a distance of . 9 miles; for the rectification of the banks at Clay Banks, 1 miles below Hartford, and at Glastonbury Bar, 8 miles below Hartford; for the con- struction of wing-dams at Hartford Bar, at Pratt's Ferry Bar, 4 miles below Hartford, at Press Barn Bar, 5. miles below Hartford, at Glas- tonbury Bar, 8 miles below Hartford, and at Dividend Bar, 101 miles below Hartford, the estimated cost of this work being $330,000. The project also provides for such additions to the jetties at Saybrook Bar, at the mouth of the river, 51 miles below Hartford, and such annual dredging as may become necessary, the cost of which cannot now be estimated. Prior to July 1, 1883, the only work of permanent improvement un- der this project which had been completed was the Glastonbury wing- -dam, which was built in 1881. at a cost of $11,374.60. Under a modi- fied project approved September 29, 1882, a riprap dike or wing-dam at Hartford Bar was, however, in progress of construction at the begin- ning of the present fiscal year, under the contract of Ezra H. Williams, .of Hartford, Conn., dated November 20, 1882, for furnishing and deliv- ering stone in the dike at the rate of $1.10 per ton. This contract, which should have been completed June 30, 1883, but which had been extended to October 1, 1883, was completed September 29, 1883, 23,750 tons of stone being put in the work, of which amount 10,307.29 tons were put in during the previous year. This dike is now 3,698 feet long, extend- ing from just below the mouth of Park River to the old pier at Colt's Ferry; it was made 3 feet wide on top, with side slopes of about 1 on 1, and averaged 15 feet in height. Ii October, 812 tons of stone were added under special agreement, at the contract price, to repair parts of the dike that had been undermined or washed down. The total cost of the Hartford dike was $27,018.20 for a length of 3,698 feet, or about 7.30 per running foot; the estimated cost was $14,100 for a length of 1,300 feet, or $10.85 per running foot. (See Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1880, Part 1, page 419.) The work of dredging in the Connecticut River under the contract made May 12, 1883, with the Hartford Dredging Company, of Hartford, Conn., which was in progress at the close of the last fiscal year, has been continued; in July there were removed from the channel at Hart- ford Bar 4,563 cubic yards of sand, making the total dredged at that place 20,399 cubic yards. During July and August 7,084 cubic yards were removed from Glastonbury Bar, 8 miles below Hartford; 7,629 cubic yards from Dividend Bar, 101 miles.below Hartford; 4,906 cubic yards from Press Barn Bar, 55 miles below Hartford; and 3,884 cubic yards YAppropriated as follows : On or above Eafield Falls (act of June10, 1872), $10,702.92; -above Hartford and below Enfield Falls (act March 3, 1873), $1,912.66; between Hartford and Holyoke (act of June 14, 1880), $13,669.80; total, $26,285.38. APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 641 from Pistol Point Bar, 14 miles below Hartford. The channels were in all cases made not less than 9J feet deep at low water, and 50 feet wide. The contract was completed August 1, 1883, 43,902 cubic yards of sand having been dredged from these bars. The appropriation act, passed August 2, 1882, specified that $5,000 from the Connecticut River appropriation should be expended in dredg- ing in Salmon River, a small tributary which empties into the Connec- ticut River about 32 miles below Hartford. A contract for performing this work was entered into November 20, 1882, with H. N. and A. J. Beardsley, at the rate of 13 cents per cubic yard; the time of comple- tion was extended from June 30, 1883, to September 30, 1883. Work under this contract was begun August 7, and was cormpleted September 1, 30,058 cubic yards of mud and sand having been removed. The work done-was the widening and deepening of the channel at and below Moo- dus Wharf, and the cutting away of the points of two bends in the channel at the " Ox Bow," about three-fourths of a mile below Moodus; the depth made was 7 feet at low water. This leaves the channel to Moodus in fair condition and amply sufficient for the commerce of the place. No further appropriation is needed for the Salmon River. During the past spring there were two freshets in the Connecticut River, during which the water rose more than 20 feet at Hartford; and these, in connection with ice-jams, resulted in the shoaling of the cb n- nels previously dredged, to such an extent that it was evident that'the navigation of the river would be stopped unless these obstruction, were removed before the water fell to its summer level. At Pratt's Ferry Bar the low-water depth was redue - to less than 5 feet, and other shoals of less magnitude w"v r.ed at Hartford Bar, and at Clay Banks, Press Barn . ' aIonoury, and at Dividend Bars. It was iml)ortant that these should be dredged as soon as the water fell low enough to admit of it, and in order to avoid delay authority was given to do the work by hired labor. Accordingly on May 28 work was begun at Pratt's Ferry Bar, under special agreement with C. C. Goodrich, of Hartford, Conn., to dredge at the rate of ten cents per cubic yard, which is very low, as the contract rates heretofore paid on this river are from 14 cents to 30 cents per cubic yard. During May and June 19,922 cubic yards of sand were removed from this bar, mak- ing a channel about 1,500 feet long, 70 feet wide and 94 feet deep; dur- ing June 13,354 cubic yards of sand were removed from Hartford Bar, where work at the close of the present fiscal year was still in progress, the desired channel being about hlialf finished. Among the permanent works projected for the Connecticut River, the protection of the east bank at Glastonbury Bar is of the first impor- tance and ought to be undertaken without delay. About $10,000 could be expended to advantage in repairing and lengthening the jetties at Saybrook Bar. They have been damaged somewhat by heavy seas, and though they yet serve their purpose well, it will be more economical to repair them now than to wait until they sustain further injury. Besides the annual dredging required on the bars near Hartford, it is now desired to dredge between the Saybrook jetties; the bottom is hard and contains stone and gravel too heavy to be scoured out by the current, but it is believed that a channel once cut through would be reasonably permanent. For the work indicated above, I recommend that an appropriation of $100,000 be asked for. The Connecticut River is in the collection district of Middletown. By the course of the river the distance from Holyoke, Mass., to Hartford, Conn., is about 34 miles. 5908 EN--41 642 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY From Hartford to Long Island Sound about 50 miles. There is a light-house on Say- brook Point, on the west shore of the river, at its mouth. The nearest work of de- fense is Fort Trumbull, New London Harbor, Connecticut, about 16 miles east from Saybrook Point. Appropriations for improvement of Connecticut River, below Hart- ford, Conn., have been made as follows: Date. Amount. Application. . March 2, 1867.......Unknown. Survey. July 11, 1870 ..... $20, 000 Dredging at Mouse Island, Pistol Point, and Pratt's Ferry. Piling at Hartford. March 3, 1871 ....... 35, 000 Dredging at Hartford, Clay Banks, Pier I, Pier J, Pratt's Ferry, Glastonbury, Pistol Point, and Chester Rock. June 10, 1872........ 40, 000 Dredging at Pistol Point and Pratt's Ferry, Saybrook Jetty. March 3, 1873 ....... 20, 000 Dredging at Hartford, Pratt's Ferry, and Glastonbury, Saybrook Jetty. June 23, 1874........ 20, 000 Dredging at Hartford, Pratt'sFerry, and Saybrook. Saybrook Jetties. March 3, 1875 ....... 20, 000 Dredging at Glastonbury, Hartford, and Pratt's Ferry, Saybrook Jetties. August 14, 1876..... 20, 000 Dredging at Glastonbury, Hartford, and Pratt's Ferry, Saybrook Jetties, Salmon River dredging. 4, 203 Compensation for previous dredging. June 18, 1878.... 30, 000 Saybrook Jetties and survey from Hartford to Rocky Hill. March 3, 1879 ....... 10, 000 Dredging Glastonbury, Hartford, and Press Barn. June 14, 1880........ 10, 000 Dredging at Glastonbury and Hartford, Saybrook Jetties. March 3, 1881 ....... 30, 000 Dredging at Glastonbury, Pratt's Ferry, and Hartford, Glastonbury Pier, Saybrook Jetties. August 2, 1882 ...... 45, 000 Dredging at Glastonbury, Clay Banks, Press Barn, Dividend, Pistol Point, Hartford, and Pratt's Ferry; Salmon River Dredging; Hartford Dike. July 5, 1884 ......... 35, 000 Total ......... 339, 203 Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ----. ..---.-.-.-.--.-... ..... --. . . $32, 514 47 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .. . _-..........---- ....... - .......- 29,617 92 July 1, 1884, amount available- ....................................---------------- 2,896 55 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.............. 35,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885----- 37,896 55 ....-----.....------.......... Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.--------......... 257,500 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 100,000 00 Abstract of contracts for improving the Connecticut River below Hartford, Conn., in force during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. No. Names and addresses. Date. Subject. Price. Remarks. 1 H. N. & A. J. Beardsley, Nov. 20,1882. Dredging Salmon *$0 13 Extended to September 30, Bridgeport, Conn. River. 1883; completed Septem- ber 1, 1883. 2 Ezra H. Williams, Hart- Nov. 20,1882. Dike at Hartford ftl10 Extended to October 1, ford, Conn. Bar. 1883; completed Septem- ber 29, 1883. 3 Hartford Dredging Com- May 12,1883. Dredging below *11t Commenced June 4,1883; pany, Hartford, Conn. Hartford completed August 13, 1883. * Per cubic yard. t Per ton. APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT. COL McFARLAND. 643 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. * The following statement of the commerce of the Connecticut River for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is by the courtesy of the collector of customs at Middle- town, Conn., furnished from the records of the custom-house: cNumber of Total Value of Entries and clearances. vessels. tonnage. cargoes. Entries, coastwise: Steamers ...----- ------------------------.-------.. .. 291 401, 253 $50, 000, 000 Sailing craft----------------------------------------16.................................................. 16 ..... .................................. Clearances, coastwise, steamers----------------------------- 291 399, 471 ............ Other passenger steamers .............---------------------------- 70 34, 600............ i Total amount of custom-house receipts, $62,570. Chief articles of commerce: Coal, iron, grain, lumber, stone, fertilizers, salt, lime, and manufactures of iron, cotton, wood, and silver. Number of ship-yards on the Connecticut River, 5. A detailed statement of the total commerce of the river during the calendar year of 1882, prepared by C. C. Goodrich, agent of the Hartford and New York Transporta- tion Company, sho .vs that in that year it amounted to 1,403,000 tons. Mr. Goodrich estimates the increase for 1883 as not less than 5 per cent., which would make a total for that year of 1,473,000 tons. He also presents the following statement of arrivals of vessels for 1883: Passenger steamers--- .......-.................... ................. 740 Propellers and tugs ............ .................... 650 Vessels and barges.......................... ..... .......................... 1,960 ......---------....--------....---......--------....--....-------....---..........---..........--...... -- Sloops, scows, &c------ 600 ---- Total....------------....---....---......------......-----......-----......----..--............-----------......----..... 3,950 D 4. IMPROVEMENT OF CLINTON HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. Thechannel of this harbor lies inside and around a long beach through which a breachwas made about forty years ago, resulting in a diversion of part of the tidal current and a consequent shoaling of parts of the channel and of the outer bar. The project for improvement, adopted in 1882, provided for the closing of this breach with a dike of riprap, and if it were found that this did not cause scour enough to deepen the channel to the extent desired, then a channel 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep at mean low water was to be dredged. The available low-water depth before the existence of this breach was, it is claimed, about 8 feet; the rise of the tide is about 4 feet. Before the close of the last fiscal year the work of building this dike had been awarded to D. V. Howell, of New York City, but on account of the difficulty which he experienced in securing suitable bondsmen, his contract was not executed until July 17, 1883. Under this contract he was to furnish and deliver stone in the work as required, at the rate of $1.41 per ton. The first stone was delivered September 8, but many delays occurred in the prosecution of the work, owing apparently to lack of means, and of facilities for quarrying and procuring stone, and it was not until December 5, 1883, that the dike was completed, after an extension of the contract. Its total length is 375 feet, 75 feet of this 644 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. being above high-water mark to prevent the water cutting around the ends. It was built 3 feet wide on top, and rose 1 foot above mean high water, with side slopes of about 1 on 1, and contained 1,574 tons of stone, nearly all quarried in the vicinity. The dike is now in good condition; at one place, near the west end where the bottom was rather soft, it has settled about a foot for a length of 12 feet. It has already caused the accumulation of a good deal of sand at the east end, and has increased the current to such an extent that it has scoured away some shoal points projecting into the channel, making it straighter. No noticeable effect has yet been produced on the outside bar. There is quite a fall of water through the dike at half tide, which shows its effectiveness in keeping back the current. It may prove nec- essary to fill up the crevices in the riprap with quarry chips or shingle before the beach will form continuously along the dike, and also to re- pair the settled portion. It is not proposed to undertake dredging until a sufficient time has elapsed to secure the full effect of stopping the breach. No appropria- tion is asked for the year ending June 30, 1885. Appropriations for the improvement of Clinton Harbor, Connecticut, have been made as follows: Date. Amount. Application. March 3, 1881 ....................... ............. .... ..... .... *$500 Survey. August 2,1882 .................................................... 3, 000 Construction of dike. Total ......................-----------------------------..............------------------- 3, 500 * Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. Clinton Harbor, Connecticut, is in the collection district of Middletown, on the north shore of Long Island Sound, 9 miles west of the mouth of the Connecticut River. The nearest light-house is on Falkner's Island, 8 miles southwest. Fort Trumbull, New London Harbor. Connecticut, is 23 miles east, and is the nearest work of defense. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ....--............................. .... $3, 000 00 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 .. ...... -.. ........- - 2,660 96 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 339 04 Abstract of contract for improving Clinton Harbor, Connecticut, in force during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. Price Name and address. Date. Subject. per Remarks. ton. David V. Howell, New July 17,1883 Construction of $1 41 Work begun September 8, 1883. York, N. Y. riprap dike. Work completed December 5, 1883, under an extension of contract. APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 645 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. The following statement of the commerce of the port of Clinton, Coun., for the fiscal year ending June 30. 1884, is obtained through the courtesy of the collector of customs of Middletown, Conn.: Chief articles of commerce: Coal, oysters, and various manufactures. A number of vessels are owned in Clinton which, with others, do a large business in oysters, for which the harbor is noted. D5. IMPROVEMENT OF NEW HAVEN HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. The available depth of te water in the channel of New London Har- bor before the Government began work upon it was 9 feet at mean low water. This had been increased to 13 feet in 1871, and in 1875 it was decided to increase the depth to 16 feet, and now this depth exists above Fort Hale in a channel from 400 to 600 feet wide. To increase the depth on the bar below Fort Hale a dike was projected in 1882 extending out- ward from Sandy Point, on the west shore, and thence parallel to the channel, and this work was begun in May, 1883. July 1, 1883, work on this dike was in progress under two contracts, dated March 22, 1883: one with David V. Howell, of New York City, for constructing the rip- rap part nearest the shore, for which he was to be paid $1.37 per ton; the other with A. M. Newton, of New York City, for constructing about 1,100 linear feet, to consist of a double row of piles, the space between the two rows to be filled with stone, all the wood-work being creosoted, for which Mr. Newton was to be paid $21.83 per linear foot of dike. The riprap part was completed September 6, 1883, an extension of time hav- ing been granted. It is 1,294 feet long, and contains 3,669 tons of gran- ite; the piled part was completed August 27, 1883, 1,100 linear feet being built, of which 846 linear feet formed a part of the shore connection, and the remaining 254 feet ran parallel with the channel. On the night of September 1, four days after its completion, the pile section of the dike was run into by a tow, apparently, and damaged; it is not known by what vessels. The dike is far out of the usual channel, and the acci- dent must have been the result of gross carelessness. The damage was repaired without delay, and barrel beacons 15 feet high were erected at each of its channel ends to mark its position clearly at high water, when it is nearly submerged. The dike as far as built is still in good condi- tion. The channel section has settled a little, about 8 inches at the lowest part. At a point on the riprap section about three-quarters of the way from the shore end, several stones weighing altogether about 30 tons have been moved out of place on either side by some one un- known. No great harm has been done, and repair may be delayed until work in the harbor is again resumed. About 3,000 feet of dike, parallel to the channel, have yet to be built. All of this is to be of piles and stone, and at the rates obtained last year will cost about $70,000. The high cost of this work is due to the cost of creosoting the timber. The dike could readily be completed in one year, and in the interest of economy and safety this ought to be done. The present channel of this harbor is frequently obstructed by the anchoring in it of vessels trading to the port of New Haven or running in to the harbor for shelter; and it is very much desired that the chan- nel may be widened in order to give some relief to its navigation. For this work and for the completion of the dike $100,000 could very profit- ably be expended during the ensuing year. 6346 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Appropriations for the improvement of New Haven Harbor have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. August 30,1852 ........................ $6, 000 Removal of Middle Rock, not expended until 1867. July 11, 1870 ........................... 15, 000 Removal of rocks. March 3, 1871......................... 40, 000 Dredging (13 feet) above Fort Hale. June 10, 1872........................... 35,000 {Dredging (16 feet) below Fort Hale. Removal of rocks. March 3,1873.......................... 25, 000 Dredging (16 feet) below Fort Hale. March 3, 1875 .......................... 10, 000 Dredging (13 feet) above Long Wharf. June 18, 1878........................... 25, 000 Dredging (16 feet), Long Wharf to Fort Hale. March 3, 1879 .......................... 15, 000 Dredging (16 feet) above Long Wharf. June 14,1880 ........................... 15,000 Dredging (16 feet) above Long Wharf. March 3,1881 ........................... 15, 000 Dredging (16 feet), Long Wharf to Fort Hale. August 2, 1882 ......................... 30, 000 Dike opposite Fort Hale. July 5,1884 ............................. 10, 000 Total........................... 241, 000 New Haven, the port of entry for the collection district of New Haven, is situated at the head of New Haven Harbor, about 3+ miles from Long Island Sound. There is a light-house on Southwest Ledge, at the mouth of the harbor. Fort Hale, 2 miles below the city, commands the channel. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $29, 041 76 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883........................-- . ................---. 28,538 58 July 1, 1884, amount available ..------............-.....----------------.................... 503 18 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884-----..-----....------....---......--...... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 10, 503 18 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 100,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June30, 1886. 100, 000 00 Abstract of contracts for improvement of New Haven Harbor, Connecticut, in force during thefiscal year ending June 30, 1884. No. Names and addresses. Date. Subject. Price. Remarks. 1 David V. Howell, New Mar. 22,1883 Riprap dike..... * $1 37 Extended to September15, I York City. I I 1883; completed Septem- ber 6, 1883. 2 A. M. Newton, New York Mar. 22,1883 Pile and stone .. t 21 83 Completed August 27, City. 1883. * Per ton. t Per linear foot. COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. The following statement of the commerce of the port of New Haven, Conn., for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is by the courtesy of the collector of customs fur- nished from the records of the custom-house : Number of foreign vessels entered .........................-------...... 69 Number of foreign vessels cleared................................... . 32 44. 9O, 1854 ,... :«. I... ... 4o.. . 'N £ "o b( - 8 4.2 wv42 4A it on&4 7 t of 4*S4i 6.t.4 $s. ' .tVt I ua cwa.'8 sowe ioow sav au ~a~w a A8 woe 48 2 CH ENG APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. MCFARLAND. 647 Value of merchandise imported ................. >................... $767,936 11 Value of merchandise exported.................................... 128, 409 43 .....---......-------....------....---......----....----.... Total-------- --- ------ --..-... -....--- ......- --...... 896,345 54 Coastwise entries, steamers ........................ ................ 2, 200 Coastwise entries, sailing vessels and barges ........................ 3, 919 Value of coastwise merchandise received....-------.... -------.... --....-........$84, 385,249 00 ---.... Value of coastwise merchandise shipped ...---...----......----......---..........-68, 917, 152 00 Total value of coastwise merchandise ....-.................. 153, 302, 401 00 Total value of foreign merchandise............................ 896,345 54 Total value of merchandise. .................................. 154,198, 746 54 Total amount of custom-house receipts...................... .. 265,797 18 D 6. CONSTRUCTION OF BREAKWATER AT NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT. The approved plan of this work, submitted by the Board of Engi- neers for Fortifications and for River and Harbor Improvement No- vember 24, 1879, provides for the construction of two breakwaters at the mouth of New Haven Harbor : the first, or easterly one, to extend from the light-house on Southwest Ledge northeasterly 3,300 feet to Quixes Ledge; the second one to be in the vicinity of Luddington Rock and to extend northwesterly about 4,200 feet. The exact location for this is not yet determined. Work was begun on the east breakwater at Southwest Ledge in April, 1880, and by July 1, 1883, the part built was 1,378 feet in length. At that date work was in progress under two contracts: one with Fred- erick K. Ballou, of Boston, Mass., dated October 18, 1882, for furnishing and delivering in the breakwater about 10,000 tons of granite, at $1.141 per ton, and one with John A. Bouker, of Jersey City, for furnishing and delivering about 38,000 tons, at $1.15 per ton. For convenience in discharging stone the two contractors were allowed to work at the same time on different sections of the breakwater, separated by a short interval. This interval was closed before the contracts were completed. The stone delivered by Mr. Ballon built about 120 feet in length of break- water, and his contract was completed October 31, 1883. That delivered by Mr. Bouker built about 472 linear feet of break- water, and under an extension his contract was completed December 4, 1883. The total amount of stone delivered in the breakwater since July 1, 1883, under these two contracts, is 34,903 tons, building 439 linear feet. The total length of the breakwater at the present time is 1,817 feet, and it contains 161,892 tons of stone. It has cost about $99 per running foot. The importance of this improvement would seem to warrant its being pushed towards completion more rapidly than has heretofore been done. The east breakwater is now so well under way, that the westerly one might properly be begun and the two carried on at the same time. This is in accordance with the views of the Board of Engineers, as ex- pressed when submitting their project. Five hundred thousand dollars could be profitably expended on the two breakwaters during the ensuing year. 648 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The total cost of both breakwaters, as estimated by the Board of Engi- neers in 1879, was $1,311,134. They can probably be completed within this estimate. Appropriations have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. March 3, 1879............................................$30, 000 Building 348 feet of breakwater. June 14, 1880 ........................................... 30, 000 Building 342 feet of breakwater. March 3, 1881............................................ 60, 000 Building 535 feet of breakwater. August 2, 1882.......................................... 60, 000 Building 592 feet of breakwater. July 5, 1884............................................. 40, 000 Total ............................................. 220, 000 New Haven, the port of entry for the collection district of New Haven, is situated at the head of New Haven Harbor, about 4 miles north of the breakwater. There is a light-house on Southwest Ledge, the west terminus of the east break- water, and Fort Hale, 2 miles north from the breakwater, cotumands New Haven Harbor. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ...................................... $42,057 30 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...... .......................................... 41,449 22 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................................ 608 08 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884..................... 40,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 40,608 08 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ........ 1, 091,134 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 500,000 00 Abstract of contractsfor construction of breakwater at New HavSen, Conn., in force during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. No. Names and addresses. Date. Subject. Price. Remarks. Per ton. 1 Frederick K. Ballou, Oct. 18, 1882 Delivering of stone.. $1 141 Completed October 31, 1883. Boston, Mass. 2 John A. Bouker, Jer- Oct. 20,1882 Delivering of stone.. 1 15 Extended to December 5, sey City, N. J. 1883; completed Decem- ber 5, 1883. D 7. IMPROVEMENT OF MILFORD HARBOR, CONNECTICTT. The original plan for the improvement of this harbor adopted in 1872 was reported completed two years ago. Under the appropriation of $5,000 made by act of Congress, passed August 2, 1882, a project was adopted for deepening the entrance channel at Milford Harbor to 8 feet at mean low water, for a width of 100 feet, and at the beginning of the present fiscal year, July 1, 1883, work upon this project was in progress under the contract of October 19, 1882, with Henry James Lewis, of Meriden, Conn., to deepen the channel, at the rate of 14J cents per cubic yard. This contract was extended to August 1, 1883, and was completed July 24, 30,868 cubic yards of material, chiefly sand, having been re- moved, forming a channel 8 feet deep and 40 feet wide, from deep water 30 $$4 nc .ira- , _ i '2 \ ,... 'U...4B 26, 8 N/ -. "J; w. , 9" 499 At I14 4 I* 48 2 CH EIG APPENDIX D---REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. M FARLAND. 649 in the harbor to a point opposite Merwin's Wharf, a distance of 2,750 feet. A channel of 25 feet in width had previously been dredged over this distance, partly by the United States and partly by private par- ties, so that the channel is now 65 feet wide. At the bend in the chan- nel near Burns's Point the width was made 100 feet. About $6,000 will be required to complete this work and make the channel 100 feet wide. Appropriations for the improvement of Milford Harbor have beem made as follows, viz : I Date. Amount. Application. June 10, 1872_............. *$1, 500 Survey. June 23, 1874..............l 5, 000 Jetties on east shore. March 3, 1875 .......... 13, 000 Long jetty and dredging mouth of river. June 18, 41878............. 10, 000 Dredgingto Town Wharf. June 14, 1880................ 5, 000 Dredging above Town Wharf and below Merwin's Wharf. March 3, 1881.............. *100 Survey for breakwater. August 2, 1882.............. 5, 000 Dredging (8 feet) below Merwin's Wharf. Total-----------------................. 39, 600 * Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. Milford Harbor, Connecticut, is in the collection district of New Haven, on Long Island Sound, about 9 miles west of Fort Hale, New Haven Harbor. The nearest light-house is on Stratford Point, 4 miles to the westward. With the exception of the oyster business, which is conducted on a rather large scale, and one fish-oil works, the harbor is of only local importance. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ....-....-............................-.... - $3, 393 11 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...------------------- 3,009 61 July 1, 1884, amount available ---------------------------------------- 383 50 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 6,000 00. Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 6,000 00 Abstract of contractfor improvement of Milford Harbor, Connecticut, in force during fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. Name and address. Date. Su bject. Price. Remarks. 1882. Percu. yd. Henry James Lewis, Meriden, Oct. 19 Dr edging $0 14j Extended to August 1, 1883; Conn. completed July 24,1883. COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. For the following statement relating to the commerce of Milford Harbor, Connect- icut, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, I am indebted to Mr. W. M. Merwin, of Milford, Conn.: Entries and clearances. Number. Tonnage. Coastwise entries: Steamers ... ..... .................................................... 0560 23,520 Sailing craft .............................................................. 318 12,720 Coastwise clearances: Steamers .................. ..............-- 5................................ 560. -. Sailing craft................................................................. 318 . Chief articles of commerce: Oysters and menhaden. The steamers are mainly engaged in fisheries and the oyster business; the sailing vessels are mostly yachts. The annual value of the trade in oysters is estimated at $78,750. 650 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. D 8. IMPROVEMENT OF HOUSATONIC RIVER, CONNECTICUT. The object sought in this improvement is the maintenance of a chan- nel 7 feet deep at low water, and 100 feet wide, from Long Island Sound to Derby, Conn., a distance of 13 miles. The project submitted by General Warren, in 1871, provided for a breakwater across the bar at the mouth of the river, designed to prevent the channel which was to be dredged from being filled again by the action of the sea. So far work has been confined to dredging the channels in the river. No work has ever yet been done on the bar at the mouth of the river, where the depth is about 4 feet at mean low water. In place of the breakwater proposed by General Warren a riprap dike was suggested by Major Barlow, the cost of which was estimated at about $20,000. It is probable that a channel dredged across this bar will not keep open unless protected by such a structure, and I therefore include it in this year's estimate, though it has not been included here- tofore. The most troublesome shoal in this river is the one that forms every year at Drew's Rock, 34 miles below Derby, where, in 1872, a riprap embankment was built to connect the rock with the east shore. This was considered more economical than removing the rock. Since that time $7,709 have been spent in dredging there, which is more than the estimated cost of removing the rock. If the rock were removed the shoal would not be likely to form again. I renew the recommendation which I made in my last annual report, that an appropriation of $10,000 be asked for for the removal of Drew's Rock and to do such dredging as may be necessary. No work has been done during this year. The appropriation of $2,500, made by act of Congress approved July 5, 1884, in addition to the unexpended balance remaining from the appro- priation of 1882, will be applied to dredging on the bar and in the river. An offer to do the work of dredging the bar without other compensa- tion than the privilege of using the dredged material on their oyster beds was made within the past year by some of the oyster dealers of Bridgeport, and, upon my recommendation, I was authorized to make an agreement accordingly; but the oystermen declined subsequently to carry out their offer, and nothing, therefore, was done. Appropriations for the improvement of Housatonic River have been made as follows, viz : Date. Amount.I Application. July 11, 1870 ........-......-............................. . *$2, 700 Survey. March 3, 1871..................... , ..... ............... 15, 000 Sow and Pigs Jetty, dredging. June 10, 1872............................................... 15, 000 DI)rew's Rock Jetty, dredging. March 3, 1873 ............................................ 10, 000 Dredging. June 23, 1874............................................... 10 000 Do. March 3, 1875 .............................................. 5, 000 Dredging by hired labor. June 18, 1878...........................:................... 5, 000 Dredging. June 14, 1880.............................................. 2, 000 Do. M arch 3, 1881............................................. . 2,000 Do. August 2, 1882............................................. 2, 000 July 5, 1884................................... .......-..... 2, 500 Total .................................... .......... 71, 200 *Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. The Housatonic River is the boundary of the collection district of New Haven and Fairfield; Derby and Binghamton are in the collection district of New Haven, and APPENDIX D-REPORT OF ILIEUT.-COL. MCFARLAND 651 Shelton is in the collection district of Fairfield. The nearest light-house is on Stratford Point, at the mouth of the river, and the nearest work of defense is Fort Hale, New Haven Harbor, 13 miles east. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available ............... - ....................... $1,997 00 July 1,1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...-------------------------------.-------- ......- 1 15 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 1,995 85 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.................... .2,500 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885................... 4,495 15 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project......... 30, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 30, 000 00 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. Through the courtesy of the collector of customs at New Haven, Conn., the follow ing statement of the commerce of the Housatonic River during the past fiscal year has been obtained. Entries and clearances. Number. Tonnage. Value of cargo. Entries, coastwise : Steamers...................................................... 143 14, 300 $165, 000 Barges and sailing craft........................................ 110 12, 300 140, 000 Clearances coastwise: Steamers-.. .-... .. ....................................... . 143 14,300 Barges and sailing craft------ ------------- ....................................... 110 12, 300 Chief articles of commerce: Coal, iron, brick, and lumber. D 9. IMPROVEMENT OF BRIDGEPORT HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. The history of this harbor is to be found in the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1879, page 350. In 1882 a project was adopted for widening the channel between the inner beacon and the Naugatuck Railroad Wlharf, to relieve the crowd- ing of the main channel by vessels which anchor there in large numbers when caught by stormy weather. The estimated cost of increasing the width of this channel to 600 feet was $60,000; $10,000 have been ex- pended on this work in increasing the width from 300 to 350 feet for the upper half, and to about 400 feet for the lower half of the distance. No money has been available for this harbor during the past fiscal year, and no work has been done upon it. According to the estimate, the completion of this channel to the width of 600 feet, will cost about $50,000 additional; half this sum, or $25,000 could be profitably expended during the fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 652 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Appropriations for the improvement of Bridgeport Harbor have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. July 4, 1836.......................... $10, 000 Dredging outer bar. August 30, 1852....................... 10, 000 Dredging outer and inner bars. June23, 1866.......................... Unknown Survey. July 11, 1870..... ................ Unknown Do. March 3, 1871......................... 20, 000 Dredging and 521 feet'of jetty. June 10, 1872 ......................... 40, 000 Dredging and 859 feet of jetty. March 3, 1873.......................... 30, 000 Dredging inner bar and upper harbor. June 23, 1874 ....................... 20, 000 Dredging bridge to Long Island Sound (9 feet). March 3, 1875......................... 15, 000 Dredging bridge to Long Island Sound (12 feet) August 14,1876 ....................... 10, 000 Dredging upper harbor (9 feet). June 18, 1878........................... 10, 000 Dredging above bridge and outer bar (9 and 12 feet). March 3, 1879...... ................ 10, 000 Dredging, bridge to Long Island Sound (12 feet). June 14, 1880 ....... ............. 10, 000 Dredging, bridge to Long Island Sound (12 feet). March 3, 1881 ........................ 10, 000 Dredging, above inner beacon (12 feet). August 2, 1882....................... 10, 000 Dredging, between inner beacon and railroad July 5,1884---------------- ..................-----...... 5, 000 wharf (12 feet). Total............................ 210, 000 Bridgeport, the port of entry for the collection district of Fairfield, is situated about 2 miles from Long Island Sound, at the head of Bridgeport Harbor. There is a light- house at the entrance to the harbor, and Fort Hale, New Haven Harbor, the nearest work of defense, is 18 miles east. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available........................................ $827 23 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1,1883 ................................................ 162 32 July 1, 1884, amount available---------------------------............................----------.............. -664 91 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 --...................... 5, 000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 5,664 91 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project .......... 50, 000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1886. 25,000 00 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. The following statement of the commerce of the port of Bridgeport, Connecticut, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, is, by the courtesy of the collector of customs, furnished from the records of the custom-house : Entries and clearances. Number. Tonnage. Foreign vessels: Entered ................................. .............................. 17 3,149 Cleared.................................. ................................ 14 2, 65.3 Coastwise arrivals and departures: Steamers ................................................................. 3, 793 806, 220 Sail vessels, barges, &c............................................... - 3, 207 292, 876 Value of imports .................................................. $8, 098 04 Value of exports ............................................ 852 00 Total foreign merchandise .................................... 8, 950 04 APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 653 Value of coastwise merchandise received ............................ $34, 330, 000 00 Value of coastwise merchandise shipped ......................... ... 34,660, 000 00 Total coastwise merchandise......... .....-......... ...... 68, 990,000 00 .------------------------------------. Total foreign merchandise.................................. 8,950 04 Total value of merchandise ...........................----------.... 68.998,950 04 Total amount custom-house receipts....-............-........... 4, 844 36 Estimated number of vessels entering the harbor for refuge, 900. D Io. IMPROVEMENT OF SOUTHPORT HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. The project, adopted in 1876, and modified in 1880, under which the improvement of this harbor has been conducted, contemplates excava- ting a channel 100 feet wide and 4 feet deep at mean low water. corre- sponding to about 10. feet at high water, from Long Island Sound to a point opposite the upper wharves, a distance of a little less than a mile. The channel has been made 95 feet wide from Long Island Sound to the south end of the breakwater, 0 feet wide from there to White Rock, and 50 to 60 feet wide above White Rock. At the request of those inter- ested in navigation in this harbor, the channel was prolonged in a Y, bringing it near the principal warves instead of increasing the width above White Rock. The improvement of this harbor may be considered completed as far as at present desired. During the past fiscal year no money has been available for this harbor, and no work has been done upon it. Appropriations for the improvement of Southport Harbor have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. March 2, 1829........................................ $6, 097 00 Breakwater, dike, and dredging. July 3, 1832 ......................................... 4, 490 23 ) Completingbreakwateranddike, July 4, 1836.......................................... 1, 500 00 building beacons, and a small March 3, 1837........................................ 1, 000 00 ) amount of dredging. July 11, 1870......................................... *Unknown. Examination and report. March 3, 1875...................................... 5, 000 00 Repairs on breakwater. August 14, 1876........................... ........... 5,000 00 Repairs on dike and dredging. June 14, 1880....................................... 2, 500 00 Dredging upper harbor. March 3, 1881.....................-------------............... 2, 500 00 Dredging on bar. August 2, 1882...................................... 3, 000 00 Dredging upper harbor. Total........................................ 31, 087 23 * Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. Southport Harbor is in the collection district of Fairfield, on the north shore of Long Island Sound, about 6 miles west of Bridgeport. The nearest light-house is on Pen- field's Reef, 31 miles east of the harbor. Fort Hale, New Haven Harbor, 24 miles east, is the nearest work of defense. I have as yet been unable to obtain any statement of the amount of commerce at Southport, Conn., during the past fiscal year. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available .......................................... $314 07 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883...........................................155 00 July 1, 1884, amount available .......................................... 159 07 654 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. DII. IMPROVEMENT OF NORWALK HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. The project for this improvement, adopted in 1872, contemplates mak- ing a channel 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep, from deep water at Greg- ory's Point to the NorWalk wharves, a distance of 2J miles. The depth at Norwalk originally was about 1 foot. The progress already made gives a channel 6 feet deep and 60 to 100 feet wide above the railroad bridge, and a channel below that bridge 75 feet wide and 8 feet deep. A survey of the lower part of the Norwalk River should be made with the view of determining what improvement is needed in the channel leading to South Norwalk. During the past fiscal year no money has been available, and no work has been done upon this harbor. It is proposed with future appropriations to widen the present channel, in accordance with the project. According to previous estimates the cost of its completion will be about $10,000; this sum could be profitably expended in a single year. Appropriations for the improvement of Norwalk Harbor have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. March 3, 1829.......................... $80 00 Survey. March 3, 1871......................... *1,166 66 Do. June 10. 1872.......................... 10, 000 00 Dredging (6 feet) above South Norwalk. March 3, 1873......................... 10,000 00 1)o. June 23, 1874 ......................... 10, 000 00 Do. March 3, 1875 ......................... 7, 000 00 Dredging (6 feet) below South Norwalk. June 18,1878.......................... 6, 000 00 Do. March 3. 1879.......................... 10, 000 00 Dredging (6 feet) aboveandbelow South Norwalk. June 14, 1880........................... 5, 000,00 Dredging (8 feet) below South Norwalk. March 3, 1881.......................... 5,000 00 Dredging (8 feet) below and (6 feet) above South Norwalk. August 2, 1882......................... 5, 000 00 Dredging (6 feet) above South Norwalk. July 5, 1884........................... 5,000 00 Total ............................ 74, 246 66 *Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. Norwalk Harbor is in the collection district of Fairfield, 11 miles west of Bridge- port. Norwalk light-house is on Sheffield's Island at the entrance to the harbor. The nearest works of defense are at fortifications at Throgg's Neck, 29 miles distant. I have as yet been unable to obtain any statement of the amount of commerce in Norwalk Harbor, Connecticut, during the past fiscal year. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $515 35 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstand- ing liabilities July 1, 1883 ................................. ... ....... 90 17 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 425 19 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ...................... 5,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.................... 5, 425 18 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project ....-...... 10,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 10, 000 00 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF NORWALK HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. Dredging in Norwalk Harbor has been continued each successive year, with two exceptions, since 1872, and, including the cost of the original surveys, a total of $68,080 has been appropriated by the United States APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT -COL. MCFARLAND. 655 for the improvement. During this time several examinations of the whole or of parts of the river have been made to determine the con- dition of previous work, and also to lay out proposed work. In this way my acquaintance with the river has become such as to obviate the need of a personal examination of the locality. In the original project for the improvement of the river it was pro- posed to make a channel 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep, at mean low water, from Long Island Sound to Norwalk; the full depth has already been obtained for a width of 60 feet. It appears now that this width of channel can be kept open only by frequently dredging the shoals that form during winter, and in my opinion a width of 100 feet would require much more expenditure for its preservatiop. The commerce of Norwalk is fairly well accommodated by the channel as it now exists, but the business of South Norwalk, which is increasing very rapidly (the village being about 2 miles nearer Long Island Sound than Norwalk), calls for both greater depth and width than the present plan affords. For this reason I had purposed at an early day requesting authority to make a survey, in connection with the improvement, to ascertain the cost and desirability of enlarging the channel below South Norwalk beyond what was originally contemplated, with a view to modifying the project for improvement accordingly. This, I am informed, is the object for which the survey is desired. The fact that the importance of this improvement has been so fre- quently recognized by Congress in appropriations which have been recommended by myself and by other officers of the Engineer Corps, shows that the desired improvements are considered public benefits and worthy to be made. Therefore I recommend that the survey be ordered to be made, and that $300) be allotted from the general appropriation for surveys for this purpose. J. W. BARLOW, Major of Engineers. NEW LONDON, CONN., November 8, 1882. D 12. IMPROVEMENT OF MAMARONECK HARBOR, NEW YORK. The plan of this improvement, proposed in 1881, provides for the re- moval of one rock to a depth of 4 feet, five rocks to a depth of 7 feet below the surface at mean low water, the dredging of a channel 7 feet deep and 100 feet wide to the old steamboat wharf and 4 feet deep and 80 feet wide above that wharf, and the building of a sand-dike to close the channel east of Grassy Knoll, the total estimated cost of this being $43,000. Under the appropriation of $15,000 made by act of Congress passed August 2, 1882, a contract dated June 6, 1883, was entered into with John H. Fenner, of Jersey City, N. J., for removing Round Rock to a depth of 4 feet, and Bush Rock and Inner Steamboat Rock to a depth of 7 feet below mean low water, for the sum of $13,000. Work was begun August 13, 1883, and was completed December 22, 1883, the three rocks being removed to the required depth. A steam- drill was used for drilling, and Atlas powder, a nitro-glyceine prepa- ration, for blasting. The ddbris were gathered up as far as they could be found, and placed above high-water mark or deposited in deep water in Long Island Sound. 656 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The estimated amount required to complete the project is $28,000; it could be profitably expended in one year. Appropriations for the improvement of Mamaroneck Harbor, New York, have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. March 3, 1881.....-. ..............-........... -...................... . *$500 Survey. August 2, 1882................... ,........-.... ....................... 15, 000 Removal of rocks. Total............................ . .. ................... 15, 500 *Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. Mamaroneck Harbor, New York, is in the collection distict of New York, on the north shore of Long Island Sound, about 4 miles southwest of the Connecticut State line. Its commerce is chiefly of local importance. The nearest light-house is on Sand's Point, Long Island, 4 miles south; the fortifications at Throg's Neck, 8 miles southwest, are the nearest works of defense. I have as yet been unable to obtain any statement of the amount of commerce of Mamaroneck, N. Y., during the past fiscal year. Money statement. July 1,1883, amount available....................... ................ $14, 921 40 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................................................ 14, 620 17 July 1, 1884, amount available ........................... ............. 301 23 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.......... 28,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 28,000 00 Abstract of contractfor improvement of Mamaroneck Harbor in force during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. Name and address. Date. Subject. Price. Remarks. John H. Fenner, Jersey June 6,1883 Removing Round. *$13, 000 Completed December 22, 1883. City, N. J. Bush, and Inner Steamboat rocks. * For whole work. D 13* IMPROVEMENT OF PORT JEFFERSON HARBOR. NEW YORK. The object of this improvement is to make a channel 100 feet wide and 8 feet deep at mean low water at the entrance to the harbor, and to protect the same by jetties so as to make it permanent. In 1877 and 1879, after the jetties were well advanced, the channel was dredged to the required depth and width. The east jetty has now been carried out to a depth of 10 feet at mean low water, with a total length of 1,390 feet and a height of 5 feet above mean high water. The west jetty is 940 feet long and extends to a depth of 6) feet at mean low water; 550 9Ut j.iQf 4 44 '&4%40V, a'- 46-"cof &3,t- . '~ ft mot. .y p.e4 - a ?2 5, 1883 ; 35 seko?,k; aw:t4A ae .v~c1- WZ utii A, AV -O 48 2 CH ENG APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. MCFARLAND. 657 feet of the shore end is built to a height of 11 feet above mean low water. The rest of the work is but 2 feet above mean low water, except a small pile 11 feet above that level in the middle of the low section, and a larger pile at the end of the jetty, built 14 feet above mean low water, to serve as a beacon. At the beginning of the past fiscal year the work of extending the east jetty was in progress under a contract dated June 6, 1883, with John Beattie, of Leete's Island, Conn., for furnishing and delivering riprap granite in the east jetty, or dike, at the rate of $1.541 per ton. The amount of stone delivered during the past fiscal year was 575 tons, adding 35 feet to the length of the east jetty. The contract was completed July 25,1883, 3,988 tons of stone having been delivered under it and 150 linear feet of jetty built, besides repairing parts that were previously not up to the full dimensions. In the last annual report 35 linear feet of these repairs were erroneously added in the reported length of the jetty. Its length is now 1,390 feet. The last appropriation made was the amount estimated for the com- pletion of this project. It is by no means certain that the work has yet reached a permanent condition; it will not suffer injury, however, by a delay, during which the effect of the jetties will be thoroughly tested, and if further work be found necessary, a plan for its continuance will be submitted. No appropriation is asked for at present. Appropriations for the improvement of Port Jefferson Harbor, New York, have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. August 30, 1852. 1, 200 Survey. $------------------------------------- July 11, 1870.....------------------------------------* Unknown. Examination and report. March 3, 1871............................................. 15, 000 East jetty. June 10, 1872----------------------------------------..............................................15, 000 Do. March 3, 1875............................................ 15, 000 East and west jetties. August 14, 1876-------------------------......................--------------................... 6, 000 East jetty and dredging. June 18, 1878.............................................. 8, 000 East and west jetties. Maroj 3, 1879 ............................................. 5, 000 Dredging. June 14, 1880................. ........... ...... .. _....... 3, 000 East and west jetties. ............................................ March 3, 1881---------------------------------------- 4,000 Eastjetty. August 2, 1882............................................ 8, 000 Do. Total................... . .......... ........ - 80, 000 * Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. Port Jefferson, a port of delivery in the collection district of New York, is on the north shore of Long Island, about 50 miles by a straight line east of New York City, and nearly opposite Bridgeport, Conn. There is a light-house on Old Field Point, just west of the harbor entrance. Fort Hale, New Haven Harbor, 23 miles distant, is the nearest work of defense. I have as yet been unable to obtain any statement of the amount of commerce at Port Jefferson, N. Y., during the past fiscal year. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available.......................................... $2,662 18 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883................ ...... ....... .......... _.... 1,542 55 July 1, 1884, amount available....-......................-............... 1,119 63 5908 EN-42 658 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Abstract of contractfor improving Port Jefferson Harbor, New York, in force during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. Name and address. Date. Subject. Price. Remarks. Per ton. John Beattie, Leete's Island, Jan. 6,1883 Delivery of rip- $1 541 Completed July 25,1883. Conn. rap granite. D 14. IMPROVEMENT OF GREENPORT HARBOR, NEW YORK. The plan for this improvement, proposed in 1881, provided for the con- struction of a breakwater extending in a southeasterly direction from Joshua's Point, for the purpose of protecting the point from erosion and of affording shelter to the vessels anchored behind it. It is designed to carry the breakwater out to the 18-foot curve, a distance of 1,697 feet, the estimated cost of the work being $46,000. Work on this breakwater had just begun July 1, 1883, under a con- tract dated June 11, 1883, with Luce & Hoskins, of Niantic, Conn., for furnishing stone and building the breakwater, at the rate of $1.59 per ton. Since that time 4,047 tons of stone have been delivered, and the contract, which had been extended to October 30, was completed Oc- tober 13. The breakwater contains 4,986 tons of stone and is 805 feet long, ex- tending from high water out to the 3-foot curve. Work upon it was very slow, on account of the shallow water, which made it necessary to lighter nearly all the stone. The additional amount estimated as necessary for carrying the break- water to the 18-foot curve is $26,000. The work could be advantageously completed in one year. Appropriations for the improvement of Greenport Harbor, New York, have been made as follows, viz: Date. Amount. Application. March 3, 1881............................................. - *$500 Survey. August 2, 1882...................-------------------------------.. 10, 000 Expended on breakwater. July 5,1884.---..... .................................. 10,000 Total------------............-..........--...--------------------........-... 20, 500 *Allotment from general appropriation for surveys. Greenport, situated on Shelter Island Sound, near the east end of Long Island, is a port of delivery in the collection district of Sag Harbor. The nearest light-house is on Long Beach Point, 3 miles to the eastward. The nearest work of defense is Fort Trumbull, New London Harbor, Connecticut, by a straight line 21 miles distant. I have as yet been unable to obtain any statement of the amount of commerce at Greenport, N. Y., during the past fiscal year. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available...... ............................. .. $9,771 36 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883 ... ...... ---------.................. ....... 8,952 09 July 1, 1884, amount available.......................................... 819 27 Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884 ..................... 10,000 00 Amount available for fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 ................... 10, 819 27 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.........-26,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 26, 000 00 APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL McFARLAND. 659 Abstract of contractfor improvement of GreenportHarbor, New York, in force duringfiscal year ending June 30, 1884. Name and address. Date. Subject. Price. Remarks. Per ton. Luce & Hoskins, Niantic, June 11, 1883 Delivery of rip- $1 59 Extended to October 30, Conn. rap granite. 1883; completed Octo- ber 13, 1883. D 15. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF CONNECTICUT RIVER FROM BELLOWS FALLS, VERMONT, TO PITTSBURGH, NEW HAMPSHIRE. In compliance with the requirements of the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, I made, from October 30 to November 4, an examina- tion at various points of the Connecticut River between Bellows Falls, Vt., and Pittsburgh, N. H. T. G. Ellis, assistant engineer, who for several years has had charge of improvements of this river below Holyoke, Mass, and had some knowledge of the river above, accom- panied me on this duty, and assisted in the notes and observations which were secured. One half-day, the 31st October, was spent at Bellows Falls in exam- ining that locality. We then proceeded by rail to North Stratford, and the following morning drove along the river to Pittsburgh, at the outlet of the Connecticut Lake, a distance of 38 miles, and returned to North Stratford the day after. A very satisfactory examination of this part of the river was thus accomplished. On the morning of November 3 we went from North Stratford by rail to Lancaster, 22 miles down the river, and from there drove down the west shore to Barnet, a distance of 30 miles, including the Fifteen-Mile Fall. From Barnet the remainder of the return journey was made by rail. No navigation other than the driving of logs down the river appears to be possible between the points named in the act. From our personal observation and from information derived from other sources the fol- lowing description of the physical characteristics of the river is ob- tained. From Stratford Hollow to below Bellows Falls the heights of fall, slopes, and distances are taken from a profile accompanying a paper by Prof. James D. Dana on the Glacial Floods of the Conhecticut River Valley, published in the American Journal of Science, VoL XXIII, February, March, and May, 1882. FIRST-ABOVE PITTSBURGH. (25 miles to the source of the river.) The Connecticut River rises in the extreme northern part of New Hampshire, and flows southwardly through Lake Sophy, or Third Lake, Lake Carmel, or Second Lake (which latter also receives the waters of three small streams), into Connecticut Lake, a distance of about 25 miles. Pittsburgh lies at the outlet of the last-named lake. SECOND-PITTSBURGH TO WEST STEWARTSTOWN. (17 miles distance; 680 feet fall; 75 feet width.) At Pittsburgh there is a dam with a fall of about 30 feet. Not far below three streams, known as Perry's, Indian, and Hall's rivers (the 660 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. latter being part of the boundary between New Hampshire and Canada), enter the river from the north. These, as well as the streams entering Second Lake, flow through the spruce-timber lands, and are used in getting logs down to the river. The whole area of timber country which will furnish material for "log navigation" is estimated at 180 square miles. Below the dam at Pittsburgh the river has a width of about 75 feet, in a rocky bed, with an estimated fall of 40 feet to the mile to West Stewartstown, which is thus about 680 feet below the level of the lake. In this section of the river are Perry's Falls, 2 miles below the lake, and Terrell's Falls, 7 miles below, where dams are located. Also just above West Stewartstown is a rapid, with fall of about 20 feet. THIRD-WEST STEWARTSTOWN TO NORTH STRATFORD. (21 miles distance; 42 feet fall.) The river ismore level over this section, having an estimated fall of 2 feet to the mile. About 2 miles above North Stratford is a rapid called Lyman's Falls. The fall, however, is but slight. FOURTH-NORTH STRATFORD TO STRATFORD HOLLOW. (8 miles distance; 20 feet fall.) In this section there are some islands, said to be obstructions to the free passage of logs. h FIFTH-STRATFORD HOLLOW TO LANCASTER. (14 miles distance; 23 feet fall; 150 feet average width.) The bed of the river here runs mostly in a winding course through meadows, except that 6 miles above Lancaster there is a fall of about 10 feet, over rocks. SIXTH-LANCASTER TO JOHN'S RIVER. (7 miles distance; 7 feet fall; 150 feet average width.) The width and general character of the river-bed are the same as in the preceding section. SEVENTH-JOHN'S RIVER TO PASSUMPSIC RIVER. (20 miles distance; 370 feet fall; 200 feet average width.) John's River, near Lunenburg Station, is at the head of "Fifteen-Mile Fall," and Passumpsic River, near Norrisville, is at its foot, so that the fall is wholly included in this section. The bed of the river is straighter, rocky, and to a great extent filled with cobbles, which, as well as the rocks, run bare at low water. For a considerable portion of the lower, which is also the steeper, part of this fall, the river runs through a gorge with high banks. The width varies from 100 to 400 feet, averaging perhaps 200 feet. EIGHTH-PASSUMPSIC RIVER TO WELLS RIVER. (14 miles distance; 53 feet fall.) For the first 10 miles the river is steep and rapid, with a rocky bed, but gradually diminishing slope; for the remaining 4 miles the bed is gravelly, the water deeper, and the slope much less. APPENDIX D---REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 661 NINTH-WELLS RIVER TO OLCOTT'S FALLS. (39 miles distance; 35 feet fall; 300 feet average width. Through all this section the bed of the river is gravelly and the cur- rent gentle. TENTH-OLCOTT'S FALLS TO WHITE RIVER JUNCTION. (3 miles distance; 39 feet fall.) At Olcott's Falls the river falls over rocks, then continues the rest of this section in a gravelly bed. It is said that a dam is to be built at the falls to utilize the water-power. ELEVENTH-WHITE RIVER JUNCTION TO HEAD OF BELLOWS FALLS. (37 miles distance; 50 feet fall; 300 feet average width.) Through this section the bed is generally of gravel mixed with cob- blbs, and an occasional rocky rapid; the width averages about 300 feet, perhaps a little less. TWELFTH-AT AND BELOW BELLOWS FALLS. At Bellows Falls the river flows through a rocky gorge and has a narrow bed; the narrowest place is, at low water, only about 20 feet wide. Within 1 mile from the head of Bellows Falls the river falls 53 feet. Thus, from Connecticut Lake to below these falls, a distance of 181 miles, the total fall is 1,370 feet. The foot of Bellows Falls is about 154 miles from the mouth of the river and 230 feet above the mean level of the sea. Navigation from the ocean to this point is entirely cut off at Holyoke, Mass., where there is a fall of 59 feet without locks, and at Turner's Falls, where there is a fall of about 60 feet, also without locks. There were formerly canals at these points, and also at Bellows Falls, by which small boats could go up the river, and at one time 3 feet draught could be carried up as far as Wells River, but these canals and locks are now all destroyed and in part built over by factories. There is no probability that they will ever be replaced. Holyoke is now the head of boat navigation; boats 75 feet long and 18 feet beam, drawing 3 feet, can reach there, passing the locks of the canal around Enfield Rapids. The logging interest is the only present navigation above Bellows Falls. The Connecticut River Lumber Company brings annually to Hartford about 35,000,000 feet board measure of logs to be sawed; Van- dyke & Merrill bring about 12,000,000 feet to McIndoe's to be sawed, and -- Beattie brings down about 2,000,000 feet, which he sells. The logs average about seven to 1,000 feet of lumber, so that about 343,000 logs are annually put into the river. The chief obstructions to the passage of logs are the Fifteen-Mile Fall and the gorge at Bellows Falls. There are minor obstructions at many places along the river, some of which are, Terrill's Falls, 7 miles below Pittsburgh; Lyman's Falls, 2 miles above North Stratford; the islands about 2 miles below North Stratford; Guildhall Falls, 6 miles above Lancaster; McIndoe's Falls, 8 miles above Wells River; Dodge's 662 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Falls. 4 miles above Wells River; Olcott's Falls, 2 miles above White River Junction, and Queechy Falls, at Hartland, 6 miles below White River Junction. The gorge at Bellows Falls is apparently the worst place on the river; it might be somewhat improved by the removal of the projecting points of rock just below Tucker's Bridge, at an expense of $1,000 to $1,500. The Fifteen-Mile Fall is the most difficult of improvment, and it is not plain how this long fall can be rendered any better for the passage of logs without very great expenditure. The whole length of 20 miles, with a fall of 370 feet, has many places where logs become stranded at ordinary stages of the water in summer. A dam for flushing down the logs has been suggested, but one suitable to perform this work would involve great expense, probably $50,000 to $100,000, and would inter- fere with the manufacturing interests below, which are of much more value than the lumber. The only feasible plan appears to be to clear out the obstructions in the channel as far as practicable, both at this place and at all the others, in doing which, as much or as little could be expended as desired; the more money spent, the better the channel. The driving of logs down the river appears to be directly opposed to the manufacturing interests along the river, and to navigation from Holyoke to Long Island Sound. The clearing off of the forests is said to have the effect of bringing down greater freshets and of diminishing the quantity of water during the dry season, as well as diminishing the amount bf rainfall. In order to allow logs to pass over the dams, the factories cannot use the whole of the water in dry times. If a sluice is left in the dams, a large amount of water is lost for manufacturing. At the present time, during the lowest stages, all the water-power is used at Holyoke; so that logs cannot pass over the dam, and there is no water in the rocky channel below to carry them forward, if they had passed over the dam and lodged. The placing of boo.ms across the river between Hartford and Holyoke, obstructs the navigation on that part of the river, and the loose logs are dangerous to boats. The valley of the Connecticut is cleared of its best timber as far up as the lake, and the logs now brought down are small. This will not continue many years before the forests will be entirely cleared of timber that will pay for bringing down; so that any improvement made would be of but temporary value. To ascertain with any definiteness the cost of the required improve- ments, surveys at a number of points would be necessary. A survey of Fifteen-Mile Fall alone would cost $2,000; at the several other points at least $1,000 more would be needed. A careful consideration of the facts above given would seem, in my judgment, to point to the conclusion that the improvement of the upper Connecticut River for the purposes stated is one which is not worthy to be made by the United States, and that the work is not a public ne- cessityin the sense contemplated in the law. Respectfully submitted. J. W. BARLOW, Major of Engineers. NEW LONDON, CONN., November 10, 1882. APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 663 D 16. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF BISSELL'S COVE, RHODE ISLAND. In compliance with the requirements of the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, I visited and examined this harbor on the 27th October. Bissel's Cove is a small, shallow inlet of Narragansett Bay, on the west side, about opposite the north end of Conanicut Island. The length of the harbor is 1,200 yards, and at high water it is about 400 yards wide. At low water, the rise of tide being about 4 feet, the greater part of the area is bare, leaving a narrow and crooked channel from the entrance to the wharves at the head of the harbor, where a dam has been built across the Annaquatucket River, furnishing power for the mills located at this place. The average depth in the harbor channel is from 2 to 3 feet at low water, and spreading out from the entrance there is also a bar with but 2 feet depth at that stage of tide. At the entrance the harbor is nearly closed by a sand spit extending from the north side, which leaves a passage for the tidal current of not more than 40 yards in width. The velocity of the current here is very great and the channel deep. The improvement desired is the excavation of a channel 6 feet deep and 60 feet wide from Narraganset Bay to the wharves, a distance of about 1,200 yards. The material is sand mixed with gravel. In my judgment the deposit of material at the entrance, including the ridge of sand and gravel which divides the harbor from the bay, is due to wave and drift action in northerly and easterly storms. The in- terior deposit has probably been brought down to a great extent by the river. The dam may have the effect of preventing any further accu- mulation from that source, so that a channel dredged through the har- bor might be fairly permanent. Outside it is probable that the wave- action must continue, unless cut off by an artificial barrier, as the beach to the northward (which was well exposed when I examined it) seemed to have been washed clean of all fine material, leaving only shingle ex- posed to view. Farther out in the bay it is quite probable that the ma- terial is sand, which will be driven up towards the entrance to the harbor and will have a tendency to fill any channel that may be cut through the present bar. The benefits to be derived from an improvement here are stated to be as follows: The township of North Kingston has a population of 4,000, two-thirds of which would receive or ship supplies and produce by this harbor rather than by way of Wickford, which is 2 miles farther. The community is generally engaged in farming, and needs coal, lumber, grain, &c. At Bissell's Cove are three cotton factories, having a pay- roll of about $7,000 per month, and consuming annually about 2,000 bales of cotton, 2,000 tons of coal, and supporting a population of about 600 persons. Two other mills, one cotton and one woolen, are located at Shady Lee and Silver Spring, 1 miles south of this point. These mills employ about 150 operatives, supporting 400 people, and would receive benefit from the improvement of the harbor. It is estimated that a saving on freight of $4,000 to $5,000 annually would result from the permanent improvement of this harbor to the extent desired. Though to a limited extent the farming community will be benefited by an improvement here, it is evident that the mills, and particularly those located at the cove, are the interests especially involved. It is therefore a question whether these interests constitute a public neces- sity. 664 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. Should it be considered desirable to have estimates made of the cost and permanence of the improvement, a survey would be necessary, which would cost about $300. Respectfully submitted. J. W. BARLOW, Major of Engineers. NEW LONDON, CONN., November 10, 1882. D 17. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF STONY BROOK HARBOR, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK. For'the purpose of making the preliminary examination required by the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, I visited Stony Brook on the 12th October, in company with Mr. P. H. Butler, a resident of the place and a gentleman to whom I am indebted for much valuable in- formation. With Mr. Butler I went from the' head of the harbor to the outlet and examined the general features of the locality. The next morning I visited the beach at the foot of Rassepeague Point to ascer- tain the character of the material there deposited. During my stay at Stony Brook I conversed with several persons who had views and opinions to offer; among them, Mr. Thomas S. Mount, with whom I had previously corresponded on the subject. From my own observations and the information obtained from others, I am able to present the following facts: This harbor is situated upon the north shore of Long Island, about 50 miles east of New York City. It lies behind a low sand beach which stretches out from Rassepeague Point, in an easterly direction, a dis- tance of about 2 miles towards the west face of Crane Neck, which has a direction nearly at right angles with the face of the beach. This bluff (Crane Neck) projects 3 miles to the north of the beach, affording a well-known anchorage for large vessels in easterly storms. Inside the beach lies the harbor of Stony Brook, having but a narrow and shallow entrance near its eastern extremity. The harbor is cres- cent-shaped, and is about 21 miles in length and half a mile wide. The mean rise and fall of tide is about 7 feet; at high tide the whole area is submerged, showing a fine expanse of land-locked water surrounded on all sides, except towards the sound, by steep and well-wooded hills. At low water, large grassy islands emerge towards the eastern part, between which the tide ebbs and flows in several channels, uniting in a single outlet. The business portion of the village does not present a thriving ap- pearance, and the commerce and navigation of the harbor have nearly all died away, on account, it is claimed, of the filling up of the harbor and the shoaling of the entrance. It is also claimed that the former use of the harbor for commercial purposes was considerable; that many vessels were built here; that a large quantity of wood was shipped an- nually, and return cargoes of manure and ashes were brought in for fer- tilizing the adjoining farms. It is stated, too, that this region is very productive, yielding fruits and vegetables in abundance, which would give large returns could these products be transported by water, with the aid of better harbor facilities, to New York City or to Connecticut. The people feel that their harbor, which it is said was once an excel- APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 665 lent port, has been almost ruined by natural causes, and will, in a com- paratively short time, be wholly useless if something is not speedily done to arrest the action of these causes. Just above the entrance to the harbor the current washes the foot of a high sand bluff, about 1,200 feet in length, carrying material into the harbor to a considerable extent, and depositing it also on the flats out- side; to this cause is attributed the shoaling at the entrance. The pro- tection of this bluff from further erosion, and dredging a channel through the shoal to deep water beyond, are thought by the citizens to be the necessary remedies. It is, however, questionable if these means would be sufficient. Stony Brook Beach, nearly 2 miles in length, rising 15 to 20 feet above low water, and the numerous shoals and flats behind, were deposited by the same natural causes which are now increasing the shoals at the entrance to the harbor. These causes are probably the waves and cur- rents of Long Island Sound acting upon the headlands on either side of Smithtown Bay. Crane Neck, on the east, a sandy bluff upwards of 100 feet high, and Rassepeaque Bluffs on the west, from 40 to 60 feet high, plainly show the effect of this action. The ddbris from these bluffs has been driven into the bay, forming a succession of wave and drift bars, the largest being the long beach above referred to, which nearly closes the harbor, a small channel being kept open by the preponderance of the ebb tide, due to drainage from the back country. It would require a thorough survey to give even a fair idea of the proper method and approximate cost of the desired improvement, with- out which I cannot understandingly make the recommendation required by the Department circular letter of August 11. My opinion, however, formed on the above facts, which are all that I have been able to obtain, is that the improvement would be necessary to the commerce of a small community only, and that the cost of permanently completing the work will be so great that it is not worthy to be made. From an engineering point of view the questions presented by this harbor are very interest- ing, and the information to be obtained by a careful survey, it is be- lieved, would be of great value. For this reason I would recommend that a suitable survey be made, including an examination of the cur- rents and tides. It may be possible then to devise a plan of improve- ment which the present information does not afford, and which will meet the wants of those interested, at a moderate expense. It is estimated that such a survey will cost $600, the field-work to be done in the spring or summer, as it will be impracticable to accomplish it this fall. J. W. BARLOW, Major of Engineers. NEW LONDONN, CONN., November 8, 1882. D x8. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF BLACK ROCK HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. On the 6th of October I visited Black Rock Harbor for the purpose of making the preliminary examination required by act of Congress of August 2, 1882. I met several gentlemen who are interested in this harbor, and from them learned the nature of the improvement desired, and also something of the magnitude of the interests to be benefited. Black Rock Harbor has long been known as one of the safest and 666 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. most accessible harbors of refuge on the Connecticut shore. It is 4 miles west of Bridgeport, and is formed by the projecting mainland on the west and Fairweather Island on the east side. It is thoroughly land-locked, except from the south, from which direction it is also well sheltered by Penfield Reef. There is a light-house at the southern ex- tremity of Fairweather Island, and another on Penfield Reef, rendering the entrance to the harbor safe and easy at all times. The anchorage behind the island is about 2,800 feet in length and 1,200 feet in width. During the years 1836-'38, $21,550 was expended in the construction of a breakwater across a break in the island about its middle point, which had made the harbor almost useless. This work was well built and is still in good condition. The island is joined to the mainland at its northern end by a sand beach about 2,700 feet in length, bare at low water, over which the tide flows, and in stormy weather carries large quantities of sand and gravel into the upper part of the harbor. This deposit has become so great that it has spread southward over a large portion of the best anchorage, to its very serious injury. Besides the value of this harbor as a port of refuge, it is now becom- ing of great importance from a commercial point of view. At its north- ern end several creeks flowing through a marsh bottom enter the har- bor; upon and near these there have recently been built a number of very large manufactories which desire to utilize these streams for navi- gation, provided the harbor below shall be protected from further in- jury, so as to insure a permanent outlet to Long Island Sound. The protection needed is a breakwater or dike along' the sand beach from Fairweather Island to the main shore. The length of structure required is about 3,000 feet, and as its height need not exceed 7 feet, the cost is quite small in comparison with the interests involved. The region to receive benefit from this improvement will soon be entirely devoted to manufacturing purposes. It would therefore appear that this work is one of public necessity and an improvement worthy to be made. To enable me to present a more detailed project for this improvement, I respectfully recommend an allotment of $400 for survey. J. W. BARLOW, Major of Engineers. NEW LONDoN, CONN., November 8, 1882. SURVEY OF BLACK ROCK HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. ENGINEER OFFICE, UNITED STATES ARMY, New Haven, Conn., December 12, 1883. GENERAL: I have the honor to report as follows upon the survey of Black Rock Harbor, Connecticut, made under authority of the act of Congress relating to river and harbor improvements, passed August 2, 1882: Black Rock Harbor is a harbor on the Connecticut shore of Long Island Sound, lying 3 miles west of the city of Bridgeport, with the western part of which it connects by means of two salt-water creeks, the most easterly of which is known as Cedar Creek, upon whose banks a number of Bridgeport factories have been built. It is claimed that the harbor has been very much used as a harbor of refuge for vessels passing through the sound, but that its waters have shoaled a good deal by the washing down of Fairweather Point, which forms its eastern APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 667 border; and that the commercial interests of the city of Bridgeport, as well as of the sound, require its restoration, preservation, and improve- ment. This would involve the construction of a breakwater about half a mile long to prevent the washing away of the half-submerged sand- bar which connects Fairweather Point with the mainland, and the dredging of a part of the harbor and of Cedar Creek. The factories already established on Cedar Creek have nearly $500,000 invested in buildings and machinery, employ about 1,000 hands, and use up about 28,000 tons of iron and coal and 1,000,000 feet of timber an- nually. It is stated that the city of Bridgeport is growing towards the west, and that its population is now about 34,000, having increased about 5,000 in three years. The construction of a riprap breakwater half a mile long, 10 feet high, and 6 feet wide on top, with the usual side slopes, built of granite blocks of about half a ton in weight, would cost as follows: 19,000 tons, at $2.75 per ton ............ ......................... .......... $52,250 Contingencies---- --- 5,750 ......-------....-------....------....---......--------......--. 58,000 The dredging of 80,000 cubic yards of material from the harbor and creek, at 25 cents per cubic yard, adding 10 per cent. for contingencies, would cost..- 22, 000 --- Total ............................ .------------------------------......---------------------................. 80, 000 I send herewith the report of Assistant Engineer Henry N. Babcock, who made the survey, and copies of letters from the harbor-master of Bridgeport, the Bridgeport Forge Company, and the Bridgeport Board of Trade, relating to the commercial and other statistics of Black Rock Harbor and the interest which the city of Bridgeport has in its preser- vation and improvement. • Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WALTER MCFARLAND, Major of Engineers. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. REPORT OF MR. HENRY N. BABCOCK, ASSISTANT ENGINEER. ENGINEER OFFICE, UNITED STATES ARMY, New Haven, Conn., November 30, 1883. MAJOR: I have the honor to present the following report on a survey of Black Rock Harbor, made under your direction in October, 1883. Black Rock Harbor is on the north shore of Long Island Sound, 3 miles west of Bridgeport, Conn.; it is about 1 miles long (north and south) and three-eighths of a mile wide at the widest. No fresh-water stream discharges into the harbor. At its north end is a salt marsh of considerable extent, with two creeks running through it. This harbor has been long known to coasters as a safe and accessible harbor of refuge from storms from any quarter, and has been much frequented; since the improve- ments in Bridgeport Harbor, however, many vessels that formerly would have sought refuge in Black Rock Harbor have anchored in the Bridgeport channel. The available low-water depth of Black Rock Harbor for anchorage is from 6 to 8 feet. The harbor is sheltered on the east by Fairweather Island, a long sandy island con- nected with the mainland at the northeast by a sand-bar, nearly bare at half-tide. It is said that this bar is wearing away and the material being deposited in the harbor. On the sonth end of the island is Black Rock light-house. From a point northeast of the light-house a breakwater of 1,790 feet long was built several years ago; it is still in good condition, except at a few points within 200 feet of the north end, where it has fallen, apparently the result of undermining on the west side. It ought to be 668 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. repaired and extended about 100 feet farther north; the cost of this would be about $2,500. I am informed that this breakwater was built by the Light-House Depart- ment. The improvements desired are: 1st. The construction of a sea-wall, 2,600 feet long, on the bar between Fairweather Island and the mainland; and, 2d. Dredging a navigable channel in the easterly one of the creeks at the head of the harbor. Probably in the near future a channel up the west creek will also be asked for. The material of the bar north of the island is hard sand, amply firm enough to sup- port any kind of a sea-wall. I tried the character of the sand with an iron rod. Out of eighteen trials I was unable to find a place where the rod could be worked down more than 3 feet by hand, and this distance in each case was through firm sand, with no admixture of mud. Near the mainland there are a few places where patches of marsh-grass appear, suggesting that the bar might be formed over an old marsh. If it is, the mud is too far down to endanger the safety of a wall. I am informed that if the Government build the sea-wall, the city of Bridgeport or the town will build a wagon-road behind it, which would add something to its effective breadth and se- curity. Whether or not material from the bar is being washed into the harbor I am unable to say. There is some noticeable shoaling since the coast survey of 1848, but it is in the southern part of the harbor, farthest away from the bar. It is certain that a large amount of tide-water flows in and out over the bar, and if any dredging in the upper harbor is to be done, a sea-wall would be a necessity for the security of the channel. The channel desired at present should be 3,300feet long, extending from deep water in-the harbor up the east creek as far as the Forge Company's buildings; it is not improbable that an extension farther up the creek will be asked for in the future. The bottom is of mud, except at the mouth of the creek, where there is some sand mixed with it, but all easy digging. The desired depth is 6 feet at mean low water, which, with the rise of tide (6.76 feet), would give an available high-water depth of over 12 feet. The present depth at low water is 1 foot. Eighty feet would be a suf- ficient width for this channel. Nearly all of Long Island Sound in the immediate vicinity of Black Rock Harbor has been taken up as oyster-ground under a State law; to avoid injury to these grounds it will be necessary to deposit the material against the shore east or northeast of Fairweather Island or in deep water not less than 5 miles from the work. ESTIMATES For a sea-wall to connect Fairweather Island with the mainland 2,600 feet long, 6 feet on top, with side slopes of 1 on 1, and rising to 10 feet above mean low water, or about 31 feet above mean high water, to be built of carefully piled riprap gran- ite, in pieces averaging one-half ton weight or over: 18,860 tons granite, at $2.75 per ton.......................... ...... $51,865 Add for contingencies...................................................... 5,135 Total ................ ...................................... . 57, 000 A shorter line (about 1,600 feet long) might be selected, which would connect the island with a tongue of marsh standing at or nearly up to high-water level; the cost of this would be $35,000, but it is not an advisable economy; the tide would flow in and out around the north end of the wall and cut a new opening through the marsh. For a channel up the east creek, known as Cedar Creek, to be 3,300 feet long, 80 feet wide, and 6 feet deep at mean low water: 70,000 cubic yards excavation, at 25 cents per cubic yard . .... $17, 500 Add for contingencies...... ............................................. 2,500 Total ....................................................--....... - .. 20, 000 The commerce of Black Rock Village consists chiefly of the fuel, building materials, and fertilizers used by a population of about 1,500 people. These improvements are demanded principally by the manufacturing interests of the city of Bridgeport. The land at the head of Black Rock Harbor is especially desirable for manufactories, and has already been taken advantage of by six or seven companies; many others would locate there if the channels in these creeks were opened. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY N. BABCOCK. Maj. WALTER MCFARLAND, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 669 EXTRACTS FROM LETTER OF CAPTAIN JOHN M'NEIL, HARBOR-MASTER AT BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT. BRIDGEPORT, CONN., December 26, 1883. SIR: * * The petition of property-holders and manufacturers of Bridgeport, Conn., in the western part of the city, to Congress, which called forth the act of sur- veys, asks for a breakwater or riprap outside of the beach bet*een Bridgeport and Fairweather Island (Black Rock light), for the prevention of the filling up of Black Rock Harbor and the creeks and inlets leading from the same to the numerous man- ufactories now in operation and proposed. This city (Bridgeport), co-operating in the proposed improvement, has ordered a full survey of the inside waters for the purpose of establishing harbor lines. While the proposed breakwater would be of great value to our growing city, we believe that the general coasting trade will receive a most decided benefit, in prevent- ing the further filling up of what was once the best harbor of refuge on Long Island Sound between New York and New London. * * * * . * *x The bulk of the freightage (in Black Rock Harbor) is of that nature and character that naturally seeks water transportation, and now comes largely by rail on account of the want of a channel. One of the factories has employed a steam-dredge to enable them to partially utilize the natural way now existing, but their labor will be of but temporary benefit, as the wash in and over the beach will fill in faster than they can remove it. * * * * * * The manufacturing interests now located in the immediate vicinity of Cedar Creek are as follows: Raw mate- Hands rial (iron Name. Capital. employed. and coal) employed, Capital. used per year. Tons. The Bridgeport Malleable Iron Company .................... :... $100, 000 400 10, 000 The Bridgeport Forge Company.................................. 65,000 70 7, 000 The Bridgeport Organ Company ............................. 100, 000 200 * 1, 000 R.H. W olfe & Co ................................................. 100, 000 200 6, 000 , Wilmot Hobbes & Co--------------------------------------- ............................................ 50, 000 30 2. 000 The Cornwall & Patterson Manufacturing Company.............. 20,000 30 500 The Silver Plate Cutlery Company............................... 20.000 70 1,000 455,000 1, 000 27, 500 * Feet of lumber. Others will shortly occupy in this section. The Wheel and Wood Bending Company, for many years in occupancy of almost an entire square in the center of the city, are making arrangements to remove to the east side of the creek, to secure water privileges and lower freight rates. The Fairfield Chemical Works, located a mile interior (northwest), will avail them- selves of a nearer water privilege than land carriage by team to Bridgeport for re- ceiving and delivering. As new business seeks this city as a desirable location for manufacturing purposes, on account of its nearness to New York and .its rail and water facilities, the western portion is naturally selected as the available spot, located back of Black Rock Harbor, on the creeks leading from it. * * * * * * * While new building is general all over the city, by far the larger number are in the immediate vicinity of the proposed improvement. You will readily appreciate, by noticing the peculiar exposure of this particular point of the beach to the most violent storms, the constant wearing away of the same. The deposits thrown in and having to find another outlet must necessarily leave a portion, and I might almost say daily lessens the depth of water, and indicates the importance of the work. First, then, the breakwater to prevent this; then the deep- ening of the channel. The sooner the work is done the less will be the expense to accomplish the same depth. In fact, it can hardly be called new work; it is keeping and restoring a once fine harbor provided by nature, always a welcome port to the storm-bound mariner, 670 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. now needed by them more than ever on account of the increased towage through the sound, as well as for the commercial interests of our growing city. Or, to state the facts by an inverse proposition, advancing a city's interest, con- tributing to a State's industry, benefiting a nation's commerce. I annex a letter received from the Bridgeport Forge Company. Remaining, very respectfully, yours, JOHN MCNEIL, Harbor Mas Maj. WALTER MCFARLAND, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. LETTER FROM THE BRIDGEPORT FORGE COMPANY TO CAPTAIN JOHN M'NEIL. OFFICE OF THE BRIDGEPORT FORGE COMPANY, Bridgeport, Conn., August 15, 1883. DEAR SIR: We invite your special attention to the pressing need of a better water- way through Cedar Creek. The business interests now centering in this vicinity call for your best efforts in this matter. On our own part we are constantly receiving coal, iron, &c., by water, but suffer unexpected delay and expense for need of a better channel. It will be quite useless for us to dredge, however, until the "break of the beach," so called, has been properly filled, and so stop the filling up of our channel. This matter has already been well presented and urged, and, as we understand it, the survey of the break has heen ordered. It is the object of this letter to urge you to present in person to the United'States engineer in charge the immediate need of this survey and its important bearing upon the business interests of our portion of the city. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THE BRIDGEPORT FORGE COMPANY, By W. F. PINKHAM, Treasurer. Capt. JOHN MCNEIL, Harbor Master. LETTER FROM THE BRIDGEPORT BOARD OF TRADE. [City seal.] OFFICE OF CITY CLERK, NO. 446 MAIN STREET, Bridgeport, Conn., November 28, 1883. DEAR SIR: The Board of Trade of this city are greatly in favor of and anxious for the early completion of the proposed improvements to Black Rock Harbor and Cedar Creek, as asked for in petition recently presented to you by Harbor Master McNeil. Yours, respectfully, DAVID M. READ, President Board of Trade. ROWLAND B. LACY, Secretary Board of Trade. L. N. VAN KENREN, Treasurer Board of Trade. Maj. WALTER MCFARLAND. D ig. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF STAMFORD HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. In compliance with the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, I visited Stamford on the 5th October and made a personal examination of the harbor. Mr. George Baker, of that place, accompanied me down the harbor in a boat manned by Capt. Mark Pryor. From Mr. Baker and Captain Pryor I obtained much information of interest, and APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAND. 671 the examination being made at low water, the general characteristics of the locality were very intelligible. The harbor is a large well-sheltered bay on the north shore of Long Island Sound, about 30 miles east of New York City, the outer portion near the Sound having sufficient depth for vessels of moderate draught, and, being well sheltered by Shippan Point, is a practicable harbor of refuge. The entrance is now much improved by the recent construc- tion of a light-house on the middle shoal. An additional improvement, and, one much desired to be made, would be a beacon on or near Forked Rocks, off the extremity of Shippan Point. The upper part of the harbor is quite shoal, there being for a distance of about three-fourths of a mile below the city wharf an average depth of but 3 feet at mean low water. The nature of the bottom is such ,how- ever, that dredging would be an easy method of increasing the depth to any desired extent, and as there is little probability of a rapid de- posit, the work, when once accomplished, would be reasonably perma- nent. At the east side of the harbor, about 1 mile above Shippan Point, a canal was excavated many years ago, by private enterprise, communicating, at first through an arm of the bay and beyond through a heavy marsh cutting, with the business part of the town. This canal has not proved thoroughly successful, its original cost being far more than was anticipated and its permanence not as great as was hoped. A survey and favorable recommendation for the improvement of this harbor was made by Lieutenant Boyce in 1834. The plan then pre- sented contemplated the excavation of a channel to the wharves 60 feet wide and 12 feet deep, with an alternative depth of 10 feet at ordinary high water. The estimated amount of material to be excavated to gain the deeper channel was 22,490 cubic yards. As a channel of the same depth, though somewhat wider, is now desired, the cost of the improvement In order that the city of Newark may reap the full benefit of the im- wide and 12 feet deep, with an alternative depth of 10 feet will not be excessive. The amount of freight annually received by water at Stamford is esti- mated at from 75,000 to 100,000 tons. There is also a line of steamers which carries a large number of passengers to and from New York City. There are several large manufactories at Stamford, among them theCol- lender Billiard Table Company and the Yale Lock Company. The gen- erat character of the business dependent on water transportation is traffic in coal, stone, lime, cement, brick, hat, pottery, and lumber, which, it is said, would be largely increased if the channel were im- proved. In view of the importance of the interests involved in the improve- ment of this harbor and the simple and inexpensive character of the work required, I beg to express the opinion that, in my judgment, this harbor is worthy of improvement and the work a public necessity. To ascertain more fully the nature and amount of dredging needed and to determine the best locality for the work, I would recommend that the harbor be surveyed at as early a day as practicable, and that the sum of $400 be allotted for this purpose. J. W. BARLOW, Major of Engineers. NEW LON]ON, CONN., November 8, 1882. 672 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. SURVEY OF STAMFORD HARBOR, CONNECTICUT. ENGINEER OFFICE, UNITED STATES ARMY, New Haven, Conn., December 12,.1883. GENERAL; I have the honor to report as follows upon the survey of Stamford Harbor, Connecticut, made under authority of the act of Con- gress relating to river and harbor improvement, passed August 2, 1882: Stamford Harbor is a small harbor on the north shore of Long Island Sound, about 5 miles east of the New York boundary, 38 miles from New Haven, and 35 miles from New York. Mill Creek, which is dammed near the Oliver Street Bridge at Stamford, flows into the harbor at its north- west corner. This stream, which has less than 3 feet of water in it at low tide, reaches the 6-foot low-water curve of the harbor about 6,600 feet from the bridge. The low-water depth increases to 9 feet in the next 2,000 feet, to 12 feet in the next 800 feet, and to 15 feet abreast of the light-house, 2,000 feet further out. The rise of the tide here is nearly 8 feet. To give the channel of Mill Creek, from the bridge to the 6-foot curve, a low-water depth of 5 feet, corresponding to a high-water depth of nearly 13 feet, would require the removal of about- 80,000 cubic yards of mud, which, at 20 cents per cubic yard, would cost.... $16, 000 Contingencies------------......-----......---...-----......--------......--------......--......--.............. 4,000 Total .------...--........ .......................................... ---- ...... 20,000 It does not appear that there is any necessity for excavating a basin 9 feet deep in the harbor, as has been suggested. The commerce of the harbor during the past year was, according to the statement of the Hon. J. D. Smith, of Stamford, about 50,000 tons. I inclose herewith the report of Assistant Engineer Henry N. Bab- cock, who made the survey. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WALTER MCFARLAND, Major of Engineers. Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. REPORT OF MR. HENRY N. BABCOCK, ASSISTANT ENGINEER. STATES ARMY, ENGINEER OFFICE, UNITED New Haven, Conn., November 30, 1883. MAJOR: I have the honor to present the following report on a survey of Stamford Harbor, Connecticut, made under your direction in September, 1883. The harbor is in the western part of the State of Connecticut, about 5 miles east of the New York State line; the population of the township is about 12,000. Stamford Harbor consists of a bay about a mile long and a mile broad. A middle ground, a half mile long, extends north and south from the mouth of the harbor; it is a ridge of hard sand and stones with many large bowlders and possibly some ledge rock. Near the south end of the middle ground is Stamford light-house, a harbor light recently erected; the main channel lies east of the light, and has an available depth of about 5 feet at low water to the upper end of the harbor. The Mill River enters the harbor from the north; it is a small stream 15 miles long, and for 1 mile above th9 harbor or to the southern part of the village, it is a tidal inlet; here it is crossed by a bridge without a draw, and under the bridge is a dam rising to high- water level and completely closing to navigation the stream above. The low-water depth in Mill River decreases from 3 feet at the mouth to 0.5 foot a short distance be- low the bridge. East of the Mill River is the canal, a channel dredgdd about twenty years ago in the bed of a marsh creek; it extends about a mile north from the harbor to the southern part of the village, and is said to have a low-water depth of 6 feet and APPENDIX D-REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. McFARLAN width of 60 feet all its length; it is a private work, though I understand no toll is charged for its use other than wharf rates. A steamer making daily trips to and from New York lands near the head of the canal, and a large part of the commerce of Stamford is carried through that channel. There are wharves at Mill River where coal, lumber, and building materials are re- ceived. Formerly the steamer landed at a wharf on the east side of the harbor; this wharf was completely wrecked, and nearly all carried away by ice about two years ago. Now there is no wharf at all in the harbor proper. The mean rise of tide in Stamford Harbor, determined by consecutive daily observations for one-half luna- tion, is 7.855 feet. The improvements desired are the excavation of a basin as near the head of the harbor as may be, to be 60 acres in area and 9 feet deep at mean low water, the basin to be used for general anchorage; and the dredging of a channel 5 feet deep at mean low water and 80 feet wide from the head of the harbor, or from this basin, up the Mill River to the wharves near the bridge. Such a channel would be 6,600 feet long. The material to be removed would be mostly mud, and it would have to be depos- ited in deep water about 2 miles southwest or south-southwest of the light-house. There is every probability that a dredged channel up the Mill River would be reason- ably permanent. The fresh-water discharge of the river is small, and the dam at the head of tide-water would stop any material brought down during freshets. The an- chorage basin, if made 9 feet deep, would be liable to receive material washed around Shippan Point by easterly storms. It is said thatthe point has perceptibly worn away as the result of such storms within a few years past. A breakwater 1,200 feet long, extending southwest from Shippan Point would prevent this erosion, It would cost about $25,000. ESTIMATES. For a channel from the village wharves to deep water in the harbor, 6,600 feet long, 80 feet wide, and 5 feet deep at mean low water: Removal of 80,000 cubic yards of mud, at 20 cents..........----....-.......----------------...--......-...... $16,000 Add for contingencies ...... ................................................ 2,400 Total--- ......--------......----......------......-----.......------..--....----....---....----................--------. 18,400 For an anchorage basin of 58 acres area, 2, 800 feet long, 1,200 feet wide at the middle, and 500 feet and 700 feet wide at the outer and inner ends respect- ively, to be 9 feet deep at mean low water : Removal of 435,000 cubic yards of mud, at 18 cents---------....-----------....----....-......-............---....---....----....---....--------........ 78,300 Add for contingencies .......................------------...---....-----....--......---......------------...-... 11, 700 Total------....-----....--.--......------......---.---..------....----......---......---------......---......--------....---....-90, 000 The area of this basin could be reduced at about a proportionate reduction of ex- pense and of usefulness. I have not been able to get any accurate information relating to the necessity of the -desired anchorage basin at Stamford. If either of the above-mentioned projects be undertaken, it seems to me that the channel up Mill River has the best claim, by reason of the evident benefits that would ensue, its comparative prospect for perma- nence, and its reasonable cost. The principal articles received and shipped by water at Stamford are coal, lumber, we find, conforming with the above, the river-bed mainly consisting of gravel. A permanent improvement of this portion of the river is possible only if the head of tide can be shifted farther up, the situation of this point directly determining the situa- tion of the lower boundary line of greatest shoaling. The lighter parts brought down from above will be held in suspension, or will settle only temporarily, being rescoured by the next current. The ebb current traveling farther than the flood current (in the vicinity of Philadelphia this difference appears to range between 1+ and 3 miles), each ebb will carry the material farther down, until it settles permanently on the broad flats of Delaware Bay or is carried out to sea. This general occurrence will be locally modified if the material being thus carried down arrives at a place offering favorable conditions for permanent settlement. Such conditions are created- 1. By the flood and ebb current not traveling in the same path. 2. By too great a size of cross-sectional area. The first event will happen wherever two inverted bends of the river meet or are connected by a straight reach somewhat in this form : Each current following the concave side of the bend into which it first enters, it is clear that between the two bends they must run on opposite shores, leaving between them a middle region of comparatively weak ebb and flood currents. If such an event takes place in a part of the river where the cross-sections are too great, then the con- ditions are favorable for either "building up a shoal" by depositing material carried down from above, or for "leaving a shoal stand" through the inability of the weaker middle currents to cut a channel. In one of these two ways, or by a combination of both, numerous shoals in the Delaware have originated, I believe. In the lower part of the river, for instance, we find the above-named two conditions clearly defined at Reedy Island, at Bulkhead Shoal, and at Chester Bar. In that part of the river under consideration here the shoaling conditions are as clearly defined at nearly all the bars. Whether a shoal is "built up" by deposit comining down from above, or whether it is " loft standing" through the inability of the weaker middle currents to cut a chan- nel, in both cases the advancing process tends towards a state of permanence. In the first case the reduction of cross-sections incident on the depositing necessarily creates stronger currents, which finally will prevent any further permanent settling of ma- terial. In the second case, the middle currents will be strong enough to scour until the cross-section has attained a certain size; then they will cease scouring, and the bar will remain, generally speaking, in a state of permanence. Although this process of formation of bars in the Delaware, in the main, has doubt- less long since terminated, yet this does not exclude variations and alterations in their extent or position that may be brought about either by natural causes, such as severe storms, unusual tides, strong freshets, or by those artificial causes that are incident on the river-front being altered for the purposes of navigation and commerce. Such shiftings and variations are found more or less to have taken place in all the shals within the limit of our survey as compared with that of 1878. The second of the above-named conditions by which shoals are generated, viz, "too great an area of cross-sections," raises the question: What is the correct size of cross- sectional area at the various points of the river under consideration here ? APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR I4EUER. 863W For the lower portion of our survey the reply to this question is given by the river itself in a very satisfactory manner. While above Kaighn's Point the current has. scoured, according to our survey as compared with the one of 1878, and while below Gloucester it has deposited, the region between Kaighn's Point and Gloucester has remained almost unchanged. The following table gives a historical review of the conditions in this region, its data having been computed from- 1. A survey made by D. McClure in 1819. 2. A survey made by A. L. Marindin in 1878. 4. The present survey, made in 1882 and 1883: TABLE A.-Cross-sectionalareas and widths in Delaware River at half-tide. 1819. 1878. 1882. No. of cross-sections. Width. Area. Width. Area. Width. Area. Feet. Sq. feet. Feet. Sq. feet. Feet. Sq feet. 209...................................... 3, 370 60, 100 2, 800 60, 00C 2, 800 50, 600 30....................................... 3, 200 62, 600 2, 200 60, 430 2, 200 60, 650 31...................................... 3,100 70,300 2,550 60,250 2,550 60,500 32...................................... 2, 760 69, 300 2, 700 61, 600 2, 700 61, 600' 33....................................... 2, 530 65, 100 2, 200 63, 230 2, 200 63, 250 34.................................... 2, 440 61, 300 2, 300 63, 600 2. 300 62, 850 35....................................... 2, 600 62, 300 2, 300 58, 200 2, 300 59, 300 36................................... 2, 300 52, 400 2. 200 56, 250 2, 200 56, 600 37.................................... 2, 630 54, 900 2, 400 60, 600 2, 400 61, 000 Means ...................... 2, 770 62, 033 2, 406 60, 462 2,406 60, 594 Mean depth...................... 22. 4 23.1 25.2 The situations of the various cross-sections, as given here, are indicated on the gen eral chart. The significance of this table is obvious. Between 1819 and 1878 the width of the river has been considerably restricted. The cross-sections have, however, diminished in a much smaller ratio; in other words, the river has accommodated itself to the restricted widths by scouring out to a greater mean depth. In 1878 a state of perma- nence, with a cross-section only slightly smaller than 1819, had thus been regained, as the comparison with 1882 shows. The inference, then, is justified that, in the region of cross-section 33, the cross sectional areas are suited to the amount of service they are called upon to perform- and a determination of the proportion between such amount of service and the cross, sectional area must be a standard of what the river requires in this vicinity in order- to secure permanence. To determine this proportion the next step will be the computation of the tidal prism, and therefrom the discharge and mean velocity at the place in question. This has been done by dividing the entire 42 miles of river from Trenton to Fort Mifflin into sections of 2,000 feet length each, then computing the high and low water sur- face areas for each of these sections, and finally from this and the height of the tidal prism at each section finding the cubic contents. The maps available for the computation of the surface areas were the following: 1. From Trenton to Bordentown, 5* miles, Captain Bache's map of 1830; scale, 12 inches to 1 mile. 2. From Bordentown to Five-Mile Point, 23j miles, Coast Survey map of 1848; scale, 1: 80,00u0. 3. From Five-Mile Point to Fort Mifflin, 121 miles, United States Engineer Survey of 1882 and 1883; scale, 400 feet to 1 inch. The tidal data necessary were obtained from observations made at Bordentown, Five-Mile Point, Windmill island, and Fort Mifflin, there being unfortunately no ob- servations available for Trenton. The tidal prisms were then computed for the following locations, and found as fol- lows: TABLE B.-TIDAL PRISM ABOVE. Million cubic feet. 1. Five-Mile Point ....................................................... 1,448 2. Upper end of Petty's Island............................................. 1, 513 3. Lower end of Petty's Island. ..................... ................. 1,613 4. Coast Survey, section 33................................................. 1,952 5. Upper end of Horseshoe (section 38) ..................................... 2, 068 6. Lower end of Horseshoe (section 43).................................... 2,273 864 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEEES, U. 8, ARMY. In order now to obtain the entire discharge during an ebb tide it remained to de- termine the average fresh-water flow. Our tidal computations show the duration of rise and fall in the vicinity of Phila- .delphia to be, respectively, 4 hours 56 minutes and 7 hours 29 minutes (appended dia- gram of tides); our current observations show the duration of flood currents to be about 15 minutes longer than the rise, and the duration of ebb current to be about 15 minutes shorter than the fall (appended diagram of currents). We therefore have: Duration of flood cufrrent - 5h 11m -= 18,660 seconds. m t Duration of ebb current -7h 14 ' =26,040 seconds. Multiplying these figures with 12,600, which is the mean fresh-water flow in cubic feet per second, as given by Mr. Merriman, Report of 1873, page 906, we now obtain- Million cubic feet. Amount of fresh water coming down during flood............................ 235 Amount of fresh water coming down during ebb ............................. 328 The flood amount is contained in our tidal prism already; the ebb amount, how- ever, has to be added in each case to obtain the entire discharge. Proceeding now to compute mean discharge and velocity for the above-described region of permanence, we obtain- Million cubic feet. Tidal prism above section 33 .................................................. 1,952 Fresh water coming down during ebb....................................... 328 Entire discharge during ebb....-....................................... 2,280 Mean discharge, per second, of ebb, 87,560 cubic feet. Mean area of cross-section, Table A, 60,594 square feet. Consequently mean ebb velocity, 1.445 feet per second. In order to test this latter result the following attempt has been made to obtain it in quite a different way: The mean of all surface velocities on a line across the river at the time of maximum current is here called mean maximum surface velocity, and designated V8. The mean of all velocities in an entire cross- section at the time of maximum current is here designated Vc. The mean of all velocities in an entire cross-section during the entire duration of ebb is here designated VIn, and called the mean ebb velocity. From the United States Coast Survey Report for 1878, Appendix No. 9, we obtain the mean maximum surface velocities Vs for the cross-sections in question. Vs. Feet per second. Cross-section 29..-----------....--------......--......-----....----....-----....---........--.............--....-------...... 2. 428 Cross-section 30...................................-- -......--------------....-----.....----.... --- 2. 930 Cross-section ......---------....-----......-......---......------.....--....---.....--...... 31------....-...--------. 2. 503 Cross-section 32.............................................................. 2. 355 Cross-section 33..........................................................--- 2. 853 Cross-section ....--------...... 34------ -------......-----....------....--.... ...... -----......-- - -....-...... ........ 2.450 Cross-section 35........-----------------......--------......--......---....-----....---....------....---....----....----.....----...... 2. 880 Cross-section 36 .................... .... ....-------..---.... ------. ......----....---....-.-.... 3. 006 Cross-section 37 ......------....-----------................--------......---...........--- ......--------......---......... 2. 407 - Mean V. .................... ...................................... 2.646 This latter figure represents the mean maximum surface velocity for the entire river section in question. From it we obtain the mean maximum velocity of the entire body of water vc, through the formula- Vc=V1+0.2676 Vd 1--0.40 14 Vd- wherein d is the mean depth, which we know to be 25 feet. This renders- 1-+-0.2676 /25 -2646 0.772.037 vc=2.646 1--0.4014 25 .646 x 0772.037 This, then, is the mean maximum velocity of the entire body of water, and to find from it the mean velocity during the entire duration of ebb tide, the appended dia- gram of current velocities has been employed. The black full line on it represents the surface velocities in feet per second as they were obtained from our observations in August and September, 1863, during the various stages of the ebb tide. It may reasonably be supposed that the curve of mean velocities will have a similar form. Its highest ordinate has been found above to be 2.037, and from this highest point, as APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 865 given, the red broken line representing the curve of mean ebb velocities has been con- structed in close resemblance to the dark full curve. The ordinates of the so con- structed curve are entered on the diagram in red ink, and their mean has been computed at 1.489, a result which agrees pretty closely with the mean velocity as found above by means of the tidal prism. It should be mentioned, however, in the first place, that the above-employed form- ula for finding vc from v' is of disputed value, and secondly that the observations of the Coast Survey have been made with a 12-foot pole float, and have, therefore, strictly speaking, not rendered surface velocities, but velocities of strata about 6 feet beneath the surface. Our first result, therefore, must be looked upon as the more reliable; and the second result merely serves to verify that we are not far out of the way by assuming that a state of permanence in the vicinity of Gloucester requires a mean ebb velocity of 1.445 feet per second and admits of a mean depth of 25.2 feet at half-tide. Having thus obtained a criterion in the principal preliminary question in regard to any improvement in this region, I now proceed to discuss the various shoals within the limit of the survey. 1.-THE HORSESHOE SHOAL. Two inverted bends of the river meeting at this place, we find the strength of ebb and flood current traveling on opposite shores, the first on the Jersey, the second on the Pennsylvania side. The cross-sectional areas being wide and great, a shoal has formed in the region between the path of the two currents. The difficulties of navi- gation here are greatest in winter. The vast masses of ice contained in the lake-like expanse of water are apt on a flood tide to jam the narrow passage at Gloucester and the use of powerful ice boats is frequently necessitated to break these blockades. No better remedy can here be employed, I believe, than that of contracting the widths in about the way contemplated by the proposed pier lines. The construc- tion of dikes in about the way indicated by these lines will have the twofold advan- tage of closing the flood channel, thus bringing the path of the flood current nearer to that of the ebb current and of reducing the surface area to such an extent that the masses of ice that can form on the so reduced area will probably pass Gloucester on the flood tide without difficulty. A computation of the required clear width in this region on the basis of our stand- ard figures, renders the following result: (1.)-DETERMINATION OF WIDTH AT UPPER END, NEAR S1: TION 38. :Million cubic feet. -2,068 Tidal prism above section 38..................--------------..................--- Fresh water coming down during ebb ...... ....- ------ ------......--........................ 328 Entire discharge during ebb ............................................ 2,396 Mean discharge per second, of ebb, 92,010 cubic feet. Required mean ebb velocity (as above), 1.445 feet per second. Consequently required cross-sectional area: 92010 1.445 -63,670 square feet at half-tide. Admissible mean depth at half-tide = 25.2 feet. 63670 _- 530 feet. Consequently required width 25.2 (2.) -DETERMINATION OF WIDTH AT LOWER END, NEAR SECTION 43. Million cubic feet. 2,273 Tidal prism above section 43---------------------------.......................... ------------ Fresh water coming down during ebb-------------------------------------......... 328 Entire discharge during ebb -------------------------.. --------- .2,601 Mean discharge, per second, of ebb, 99,885 cubic feet. Consequently required cross-sectional area: 69,120 square feet at half-tide =99885 1.445 and required width = 69120 = 2,740 feet; 2,530 feet at the uppper, and 2,740 feet at the 25.2 lower end of the Horseshoe would be the required clear width of the river, and accord- ing to those figures the lines have been laid out on the map. The pier line as shown on 5908 EN-55 866 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. the Pennsylvania shore is identical with the one proposed by Mr. Marindin, of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey; it is drawn parallel to the line of mid-area. The Jersey line has been determined from this by means of the required computed width. I am aware that this includes an alteration of the present lines as proposed for the Jersey shore, and a consequent understanding between the authorities on both sides, which probably will be difficult to obtain. Any project for the rational improve- ment of the harbor, however, must assume the united action of.the authorities on both sides as something absolutely given. While these lines would form the outer pier lines, I would propose for the Pennsyl- vania shore the construction of a dike 400 feet farther in-shore, as shown on the map, so as to allow room for the building up of the pier-line. On the Jersey shore, where the construction of piers in this vicinity cannot be expected in a near future, I would propose the dike to be constructed on the line itself, leaving an outlet for Big Timber Creek, the exact location and form of which would have to be determined by an ex- amination of this creek. Both dikes would form basins with openings at their lower ends. The absence of scouring currents in them would gradually tend to fill them, without immediately interfering with such fishing and commercial interest as there is on the Jersey shore. So far as the difficulties of winter navigation are concerned, the advantages would show themselves at once, the possibilities of ice-blockades form- ing on the flood tide at Gloucester being diminished in the same proportion as the quantity of ice is reduced that the flood can freely float up-stream. The construction of piers on the Pennsylvania shore would, in the course of years, gradually restrict the river to the contemplated width, at the same time producing deeper water along the upper half of the Pennsylvania dike. Along the lower half, I have no doubt that the flood current, diverted, by the dike, would at once erode a good channel, which would unite with the ebb channel somewhere near the center of the shoal (at about section 40), and thus widen this now inconveniently narrow part of the channel. The final entire filling or closing of both basins would materially reduce the tidal prism for the lower end of the Horseshoe, and the widths should then there be contracted by allowing the Jersey piers to be built somewhat farther out than indicated by the present line. The length of dike required by this project would be about as follows: 6,000 linear feet of dike on Pennsylvania shore. 11,500 linear feet of dike on Jersey shore. This would mostly be in water ranging from 3 to 6 feet deep at low water, in a few places only the depths being as much as 10 and 12 feet. The entire length of dike could, I believe, be constructed for less than $300,000. An improvement at this point, with a view not only of getting better water, but with a view also to diminishing, as much as practicable, the difficulties of winter navigation, I believe to be one of the most important questions for the harbor of Phil- adelphia at present. 2.-THE MIDDLE GROUND EXTENDING FROM NEWTON'S CREEK TO WINDMILL ISLAND BAR, AND THE 18-FOOT SHOAL AT ITS LOWER END. The middle ground in 1819 was an 18-foot shoal in its entire length, owing its ex- istence to the same circumstances as described above. Through the gradual contrac- tion of widths between sections 28, and 32 (see Table A), the scouring action of the currents in the middle of the river was increased, and the shoal has, since the above- mentioned time, been deepened to between 22 and nearly 24 feet at low tide, with the exception of a small slip of 18-foot bar at its lower end, in the regions of sections 33 and 34, which was left standing partly because the reduction of widths in this re- gion was not so great as farther up (Table A); partly, perhaps, because the material at this lower end was of a somewhat tougher character. I am inclined to lay the greater stress on the first circumstance, and doubt whether a removal of this shoal would prove permanent. The conditions for its re-forming (perhaps not in the same place) would certainly remain, ebb and flood traveling on opposite shores, and the cross-sectional areas 33 and 34 being considerably beyond the mean already (Table A), entirely apart from the increase they would receive through the removal of the shoal. Above this 18-foot shoal, up to the commencement of the Windmill Island Bar, the middle ground can scarcely be called an obstruction, its depth being, as mentioned above, very nearly equal to the general channel depth of 24 feet. 3.-WINDMILL AND SMITH'S ISLANDS AND THE BARS NAMED AFTER THEM. These bars and the two islands between them reduce the harbor space at a place where probably the navigation in and out and from shore to shore is greatest. They deprive the Philadelphia wharf-owners of the possibility to lengthen their short piers APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 867 as suited to present navigation, an extension toward the river not being admissible on account of the water-way being too narrow already, and an extension to the rear not being possible on account of the streets of the city. The conditions on Windmill Island Bar have changed much to the better since 1819, due no doubt to the contraction of shore-lines. While in 1819 the 6 and the 12 foot curve extended respectively about 2,500 and 5,500 feet below the island, in 1882 they only extended as far as 1,200 and 2,700 feet, respectively. On Smith's Island Bar changes for the better are not so noticeable. The extent of that part of the bar lying above low water, it is true, is much reduced, but the 6-foot curve extends about as far up-stream as it did in 1869. Besides, the entire shoal has shifted considerably to the Pennsylvania shore, a movement which seems to be going on yet, as a comparison between the surveys of 1878 and 1882 indicates. During this time the highest point of the bar has advanced nearly 300 feet towards the Phira- delphia shore, thus considerably narrowing the main channel in the region off Race street. This movement is due to the strength of the flood current, which here comes up between the, islands and the Jersey shore and therefore has the tendency to shift the bar towards the Philadelphia shore, while the strength of the ebb current coming down on the other shore has the tendency to shift the bar in the opposite direction. The actual position of the bar will therefore be in that region where those two oppos- ing forces balance each other, and if through any cause one or the other is increased or diminished or changed in direction, then the bar will shift correspondingly. The dredging of the channel toward Shackamaxon street has, I believe, had the result of shifting the strength of the flood current more toward the middle of the stream by removing a barrier which formerly directed the current more towards Cooper's Point. I therefore believe that the great shoreward movement of the bar since 1878 is the direct consequence of the dredging of this channel. How to counteract this move- ment, and if possible to cause a retrograde movement, is, in my opinion, the important question at this point of the harbor at present. It can be done, I think, by cutting off a strip of Smith's and Windmill islands, as shown on the map, and thus extending the range of the currents on the Philadelphia shore more toward the middle of the stream. An excavation on this line to a depth of 12 feet below mean low water would necessitate the removal of about 55,000 cubic yards of mud, sand, and possibly bowlders. Until this has been done, I do not believe it advisable to further increase or deepen the channel towards Shackamaxon street. The execution of this project, for a very moderate outlay, will not only prevent the otherwise possible further contraction of the main channel in the region off Race street, but it will, I believe, cause the bar to retreat towards the middle of the stream. At the same time I look upon it as the introductory step towards the entire removal of the islands and the bars (the latter not being possible without the first), which in a sooner or later future will be demanded imperatively by the growing necessity of longer piers in the vic'nity of the islands. Without entering into a detailed discussion of this latter project, I would mention that its execution to a depth of 12 feet at low water will require the removal of about 1,500,000 cubic yards of material. On the islands and on Smith's Island Bar, rock is not likely to be encountered, as the borings show. On Windmill Island Bar no bor- ings have been taken. 4.-PETTY'S ISLAND AND FIVE-MILE POINT BAR. In the vicinity of Richmond the 24-foot channel is blocked by Petty's Island Bar, and near Five-Mile Point it runs out into about 7 feet. This channel is called the North Channel. The channel between Petty's Island and Jersey, the so-called South Channel, is deeper, having 121 feet of water, but it is also longer. The heavy navigation of the port does not as yet extend up here; the channel has therefore only to accommodate the up-river and coastwise trade, and this will be fully , done by the already commenced construction of a new 12-foot North Channel close to the shore of the upper part of Petty's Island. But the foreign trade of the port will in time probably expand northward, and in doing so will urgently demand better water in this region; the mode of improvement here will thus become a question of importance. The forking of a stream into two branches, like that of the Delaware at the upper end of Petty's Island, always produces a region of shoals. The force of the flood-tide comes up in the North Channel, that of the ebb tide runs down in the South Channel, and between both, a northward prolongation of the island itself, we find shoals stretch- ing far up towards Five-Mile Point. To remove the conditions of existence of these shoals the river must be regulated into one bed, and this can be done by closing the South Channel by means of a dike from the east end of Petty's Island to Fisher's Point, and furthermore, by opening the North Channel sufficiently to accommodate by itself the entire flow, which will ne- cessitate the partial removal of Petty's Island. 868 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S ARMY. The execution of this project, if it is ever taken in hand, will not probably be a mat- ter of a near future. Its details will demand a great deal of further study and work. In the following it is merely attempted to give the general outlines of it. To obtain the necessary constants for computing the required cross-sectional area, we cannot here rely on the constants found for a lower region of the river. We are so much more up-stream now that the amount of fall and spring freshets is much greater in proportion to the tidal prism, and therefore a greater cross-sectional area mroust be needed than the above-mentioned constants would yield. The mean of four cross-sectional areas in the immediate vicinity of Five-Mile Point renders this result: MEAN CROSS-SECTIONAL AREAS AND WIDTHS NEAR FIVE-MILE POINT AT HALF TIDE. 1878: feet.. 2, 330 Width .-----------......-------......------....---......-----......---....----..--....--...--....------ -......--.......... Area .....---------....---....--......--......---....---................------....--------...... square feet.. 51,345 Mean depth .....---........-......--------........-......----......--....--..........--......-----.... -22.0 1883: Width ...... .- feet.. --------...---..........---....--........................ 2,330 Area ..................................................-------------------........ square feet..- 54,017 Mean depth......---------------......-----............------......------......-----------....-----....--......--......----......-.. 23. 1 The river has scoured considerable since 1878, and we are not in a position to find what area is here required in order to secure permanence. We can therefore merely attempt a rough approximation by basing an estimate on the figures for 1883. Considering the increase in the tidal prism, I believe that the cut will require ap- proximately an average cross-sectional area of 55,000 square feet at half tide, and an average width of probably 2,350 feet. According to these figures the lines of the project have been entered on the map, taking as a basis the present authorized line on the Philadelphia side as far up as the elevator wharf; thence, however, the new line proposed by Mr. Marindin, of the United States Coast Survey. An excavation of Petty's Island according to this line to a depth of 15 feet below mean low water would about render the required cross- sectional area, and would necessitate the removal of upward of 6,000,000 cubic yards of material. The borings taken on Petty's Island render it unlikely that in its lower portion rock would be encountered. The upper portion of the island, as well as the river-bed, would have to be further investigated by borings. The length of the proposed dike would be about 7,000 feet. This dike has been drawn 400 feet inside the pier line, so as to enable the parties interested to construct their piers out from it. The upper part of the basin formed behind the dike and Petty's Island would, through the absence of strong currents, gradually fill and finally be reclaimed entirely, thus more than compensating for the )partial removal of Petty's Island. The lower end of the South Channel would be- come the outlet of Cooper's Creek and could be maintained navigable. The commer- cial interest existing in that region would, therefore, not be impaired. Although the enormous cost of the project for the present excludes all thought of its execution, yet I believe a time will come when the commercial interest in this region has increased to such an extent that even this large expenditure will be jus- tified. I would, before leaving the subject of Petty's Island and Five-Mile Point, respect- fully call attention to the great restriction of the river authorized by the present pier line at Five-Mile Point. The comparison between 1878 and 1883 showing that the river has scoured considerably in this region, it is not likely that the present dimen- sions are too large. Yet a further contraction of 500 feet is here permitted by the authorized pier line. If this is ever carried into effect, by the construction of longer piers, it will doubtless cause a very strong erosion at this point, and shoaling above and below possibly in very inconvenient places. I would finally add that the tidal and physical data at my disposal of the river above Five-Mile Point were very scanty; the computations given in the report are therefore necessarily approximations only. A very thorough examination of the river between Five-Mile Point and Trenton will be necessary to test and probably correct them. As a matter of general interest, I would mention that the accompanying diagrams of semi-menstrual inequality of tides at Fort Mifflin seem to indicate the age of the tide there to be one lunar day more than the generally accepted corrected establish- ment of thirteen hours. If this is correct, then the tidal wave arriving on the sea- shore near the capes was created, not by the last, but by the third lunar transit be- lore it. APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 869 Appended to this is a small sketch* showing the location of the Coast Survey cross- sections, frequently referred to in this report, and also setting forth generally the changes of the river bed, as found by comparing this survey with the one of 1878. Respectfully submitted. E. A. GIESELER, Assistant Engineer. Lieut. Col. G. WEITZEL, Corps of Engineers, V. S. A. H 34. REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL G. WEITZEL, CQRPS OF ENGINEERS, ON SURVEY OF THE NORTH BRANCH OF THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER FROM PITTSTON TO ATHENS, PENNSYLVANIA. This survey was ordered by circular letter from the office of the Chief of Engineers, dated August 11, 1882. It was conducted under my di- rection by the assistant, Mr. John H. Dager, in local charge of the im- provement of the river. I was authorized to defray the expense of this survey from the $15,000 appropriated for the improvement of the river by the river and harbor act which passed August 2, 1882. The report of this survey, dated March 3,1883, which was made by Mr. Dager, is so complete that I have very little to add to it, and I attach it hereto as a part of- my report. The people interested in the improvement of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River think that if this stream were properly improved it would relieve them from the monopoly of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which they claim is offensive, and that the commerce on the stream would so increase as to justify the cost of meeting it. There is no com- merce on the river now which would justify such an expenditure. REPORT OF MR. JOHN H. DAGER, ASSISTANT ENGINEER. ENGINEER OFFICE, UNITED STATES ARMY, Philadelphia,Pa., March 3, 1883. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report on the survey of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River from Pittston to Athens, Pa., together with numerous extracts and statistical items, mostly taken from the archives of the com- monwealth of Pennsylvania, referring to propositions and former attempts to improve the natural channel of the river; the construction of the North Branch Canal by the State; the sale of the same a few years after its completion; the abandonment of the canal by the purchasers between Nanticoke and its New York connections, substitut- ing therefor a railroad known as the Pennsylvania and New York Canal and Railroad. SURVEY. The survey was authorized by act of Forty-seventh Congress. Instructions received from you under date of September 5, 1882, charged me with making the same; accordingly parties were quickly organized and field work began September 15, 1882. The distance covered by the survey was nearly 100 miles, and was completed in sixty days. A meander line was run closely following the stream, upon which was based a net- work of triangles, covering the opposite shore and all prominent features. Triangu- lation parties noted the topography, located the sounding lines, benches, &c. Hy- drographic parties determined the relative elevations of benches and the surface of the water daily, made the soundings with rods graduated into feet and tenths, every 25 feet on a graduated steel tape stretched from shore to shore, on lines about at right angles to the axis of the river. Omitted; printed in Senate Ex. Doc. No. 59, 48th Congress, first session. 870 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U, S. ARMY. A level corps preceded the other parties, establishing numerous benches for refer- ence, taking frequent elevations of the surface of the water, the height of bridges, &c. This was repeated over the whole line, giving a good set of test levels. Water-gauges were established at different points within the limits of the survey, from which was taken a daily record of the fluctuations of the river; these observa- tions were used to reduce the soundings to a uniform stage. Gaugings for volumes of discharge were made at the following localities, viz: Wilkes Barre, Tunkhannock, Meshoppen, Wyalusing, Standing Stone, Milan, and of both the Chemung and Sus- quehanna above their junction at Athens. All observations were taken during the period of lowest water. MAPS. The field notes of the survey have been mapped to a scale of 1 inch to 400 feet, and occupy two rolls, each about 60 feet in length, each roll representing one division of the survey, the first extending from Pittston to Laceyville, the other from the latter place to Athens. On these maps are shown the triangulation; the shore topography and immediate vicinity; the soundings (about 35,000 in number); the character of the bottom; con- tour lines representing depths, respectively, of 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 feet; the location of towns, villages, old dams, bridges, ferries, and the line of the Pennsylvania and New York Canal and Railroad, which for the most part of the distance is laid within or on the berme bank of the abandoned North Branch Canal, and closely hugs the river; also a profile of the water slope drawn to a horizontal scale of 1 inch to 400 feet, and a vertical scale of 1 inch to 500 feet. IMPROVEMENTS. Any project for the improvement of the Susluehanna Rivermust deal withitsthree great characteristics, viz, first, a limited supply of water during several months yearly; second, a decidedly steep slope; and, third, occasional high and damaging floods, sometimes accompanied with heavy ice. Features of minor importance will also require consideration, as the result of per- manent works, raising the flood line and inundating lands now comparatively free; the probable loss throughout the valley by the destruction of any such structures; the relative benefits in a commercial sense compared to the outlay and the cost of operation and maintenance. Taking the former into consideration, it is evident that a slackwater navigation by locks and dams is the only positive improvement that can be made, as attempted corrections of streams with much less slope, by opening channels through shoals, constructing dikes and chute walls, have been practically failures. As to the style of dams, if they are fixed, objections will always be raised by the owners of the lower lands which may be flooded during times of freshets; if movable, allowing of an open river during high stages, the former objections would fall, but the outlay for con- struction would be largely increased, and perhaps serious trouble in operating them might arise from deposits of stone, coarse gravel, and drift-wood after floods. There is no commerce now warranting any great expenditure of money, nor can plausible figures be given by the most sanguine as to the commercial importance of the river after improvement. The objections to fixed dams could be overcome by purchase or condemnation of lands liable to overflow. The object of a slackwater improvement would be to give a 4-foot navigable depth throughout from Pittston to Athens; between Wilkes Barre and Pittston, a section covered by prior surveys, dams and locks will be required. Steamboat navigation is now confined between Nanticoke and Wilkes Barre, and has only existed at low stages since the recent improvements were made. The amount of water would be ample if utilized by collecting the supply by dams, making a low-water series of navi- gable pools connected by locks. LOCKS AND DAMS. Below is given a list of locks and dams, which is simply approximate as to cost and location. No definite estimate can be made without definite locations being determined upon and the sites carefully examined; those given are only general estimates, based on the assumed locations, &c., as noted. APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 871 Details of features of locks and dams assumed to be in the best possible location. a1 '0 b Lift of Lengtlh of Nature of material to be ex- Location of lock and dam. 0i lock. dam. cavated for foundations. 12 Feet. Feet. 6.0 800 Gravel....................... 12 Gas-House Ripple. 12Feet. 2 6.0 1, 200 do ......................... .... 12 Ram's Horn Ripple. 3 6.0 1, 200 Gravel and rock .............. 12 Foot of Wintermoot Island. Those above are below the limits of the present survey, but the locality is included in a prior survey. 4 6.0 1, 000 Gravel....................... 14 Near Station 12. " 5 10.0 850 .... do ........................ 18 Near Station 23. 6 8.0 750 Gravel and rock.............. 16 Near Station 53. 7 6.0 1, 200 Gravel....................... 14 Near Station 68. 8 10. 0 850 Gravel and rock ............. 15 Near Station 79. 9 10.0 1, 050 Gravel........................ 16 Near Scanon 85. 10 8.0 750 ... do ........................ 16 Near Station 106. 11 7.0 650 .... do ........................ 15 Near Station 120. 12 11.4 250 .............................. 40 Break in old Horse-Race Dam. 13 9.5 550 Gravel and rock ............. 22 At Station 158. 14 8.5 800 Gravel........................ 18 Near Station 175. 15 11.0 450 ... do..................... 17 At Station 360. 16 12.5 850 .... do ........................ 20 At Station 328. 17 10. 0 700 .... do..... ................ 17 Near Station 264. 18 10.0 650 .... do ........................ 18 At Station 241. 19 10. 0 700 .... do ........................ 18 Near Station 214. 20 11. 0 850 .... do ........................ 20 At Station 183. 21 11. 0 550 .... do ................. ....... 22 At Station 157. 22 7.0 800 .... do ........................ 12 At Station 120. 23 11.0 600 .... do ...................... 18 At Station 92. 24 10. 0 400 .... do ........................ 18 At Station 65. 25 5.5 750 ... do ...................... 16 At Station 30. 26 5.5 800 .... do ........................ 12 At Station 13. Total number, twenty-six; total lockage, 226.9 feet. ESTIMATES. Approximate cost of twenty-six dams................................... $2, 555,000 Approximate cost of twenty-six locks, 150 X 40.......................... 1,950, 000 In addition to the estimated cost of these locks and dams, located as sketched, would be required for the removal of 200,000 cubic yards of gravel by dredging..................----------------------....................-...-------------....... 100, 000 Total cost of improvements ...................................... 4,605, 000 Most of the towns and villages lying along the Susquehanna possess varied indus- trial works, and from all these places the shipments by railroad of agricultural pro- ductions in the aggregate is very large. The population and products of the counties bordering the river will be found farther on. The Susquehanna River flows mainly over a gravel and bowlder bottom, intersected occasionally by a rocky ledge, and generally between banks ranging from 15 to 25 feet in height, though casually washing the foot of a mountain spur, and having a width of from 400 to 1,300 feet, with a depth of about 1 foot on the shoals on low water. Ordinary floods range in height from 15 to 25 feet, the highest recorded flood being 33 feet above low water. The highlands and mountain sides have been heavily timbered with the various native hard and soft woods, but are now nearly denuded. The proximity of this sec- tion to the various lumber markets of the eastern portion of the country caused a rapid consumption of the better class of timber, and the requirements of the coal-min- ing fields are rapidly clearing off the remainder. 872 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. The present commercial value of this section of the river is confined to the rafting of timber, which is yearly becoming more limited, and a small amount of agrictiltural products, which find ready market in the mining regions. The estimated quantity of lumber descending by raft is as follows: Logs, 500,000 linear feet; sawed lumber, 2,000,000 feet, board measure; and of pfoducts of the soil, by arks, annually, 10,000 bushels of potatoes and 3,000 of corn. Below the limits of the survey, between Nanticoke and Wilkes Barre, three steam- boats run regularly for a season of seven months, carrying in the aggregate 70,000 passengers, besides a very limited amount of freight. An extensive merchandising business is carried on throughout the Susquehanna Valley, which cannot be tabulated nor the value inferred. The manufacturing industries of this region compare favorably with those of any other section of the State. STATISTICS OF PRODUCTS. Coal.-In 1880 the production of bituminous coal of that portion of the Pennsylvania coal field drained by the North Branch of the Susquehanna River was 1,484,482 tons, and the total product of the State was 18,425,163 tons. The anthracite tonnage the same year, for the same territory, was 16,843,898 tons, the total amount mined in the State being 27,433,329 tons. Cereals.-The following amounts of cereals were raised in 1880 in the region drained by the North Branch above Nanticoke Dam: Regions. Barley. wheaf. Corn. Oats. Rye. Wheat. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. In Pennsylvania............ 75, 448 1,369, 445 2, 643, 608 4, 242, 827 315, 323 568, 243 In New York ............... 948, 676 1, 163, 621 3. 706, 742 7, 689, 965 122, 310 1,114,339 1, 024, 124 2, 533, 066 6, 350, 350 11, 932, 792 437, 633 1, 682, 582 POPULATION. Population of the territory tributary to the North Branch of the Susquehanna River: In Pennsylvania ............................ ...... ...... ...... .... . 429,951 In New York..... .............................. ...................... 541,180 Total ........................................................... 971,131 DRAINAGE. The drainage area of the North Branch above Nanticoke Dam is approximately as follows: Square miles. In Pennsylvania ...... ...................... 3........................ 3, 500 In New York.............. ................................................ 5,500 Total ...................................................... 9,000 RAINFALL. [Measurements taken at Wilkes Barre, Pa.J 1881. 1882. Inches. Inches. June .......................... 4.00 January ........................ 3.25 July ..... ......................... 4.58 February. .......................... 5.37 August............................ 1.86 March ........................... 2. 27 September ..................... 3.35 April............................. 2.10 October .......................... 1.70 May ............................. 6.76 November ......................... 2.70 June ... ........................ 5. 76 December ...................... 4.85 July ............................ 4.65 APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 873 Total rainfall for one year, from June 1, 1881, to May 31, 1882, inclusive, was 42.79 inches, and that given by the record for the first half of 1882 was exceedingly large. For these records I am indebted to the kindness of the observer, General E. L. Dana, of Wilkes Barre. DISCHARGES. Cross-sections of the river for discharges were plotted on separate sheets, and cal culations made from the gaugings give the following results, viz: Feet per second. Discharge of the Chemung River at Athens .................................. 157.5 Discharge of the Susquehanna River at Athens ...... ......................... 447.3 Combined discharges-------......-------....--............------....-----....------....---......-----......----.... 604. 8 Discharge of the Susquehanna River : ...-----------......------------------------......---....--......-------....-630.0 Below Milan---- Above Standing Stone------.....-----......-------....--....-------....---....--......-----....----......-----......--.. 753.3 Below Wyalusing Creek....---........-------------......---..................-------......--....... 768.6 Above Meshoppen Creek..................................------------------------------------------------- 795.6 Below Bowman's Creek----------......-------....---......----------....---......-......----................----.. 900.9 Below Wilkes Barre Creek ....-......-................................... 930.0 Tables of distances and elevations of water-surface of the SusquehannaRiver between stations on the Pennsylvania and New York Railroad. Stations. Distances. Fall. Total Fall per fall. mile. Miles. ""' vv. v Feet. Feet. Feet. Athens................................................ 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Milan......................................................... 4 12.9 12.9 3.2 Ulster ........................................................ 4 11.6 24.5 2.9 Towanda, Lehigh Valley Railroad Bridge ..................... 7 17.9 42.4 2.5 Wysox............................................ 4 14.7 57.1 3.7 Rummerfield ...................................... 7 16.4 73.5 2.3 Frenchtown .................................................. 4 17.1 90.6 4.3 W yalusing.................................................... 6 8.7 99.3 1.4 Laceyville ...................... .............................. 10 18.8 118.1 1.9 Skinner's Eddy............................................... 1 4.3 122.4 4.3 Meshoppen ........................................ 7 11.6 134.0 1.6 M ehoopany ................................................... 3 3.3 137.3 1.1 Vosbnrg ................................................................... 7 18.0 155.3 2.5 Tunkhannock ................ ................................. 5 9.6 164.9 1.9 Falls ...................................... .. ................ 11 24.0 188.9 2.2 Ransom..................................................... 6 11.2 200.1 1.9 Pittston ..................................................... .i 6 12.7 212.8 2.1 Total .................................................. 92 ....... 212.8 .......... Average fall in feet per mile from Athens to Skinner's Eddy .................... 2.6 Skinner's Eddy to Pittston ................................................ 2.0 Athens to Pittston ........................................................ 2.3 GEOLOGICAL. Pittston, the starting point of the survey, is located in the center of the great Lack- awanna and Wyoming coal basin, which extends from Nanticoke on the southwest, where the river breaks out of the coal measures, to Carbondale on the northeast, a distance of about 50 miles in length, averaging 3+ miles in width, and is surrounded by chains of the Alleghany Mountains, composed of the Catskill Rocks and the out- croppings of the carboniferous system, through which the Susquehanna River enters the valley. In this vicinity there are six workable seams of coal, ranging from 3 to 14 feet in thickness, and at depths varying from nothing at the outcrop to between 600 and 800 feet; the seams are from 10 to 200 feet apart vertically, and the interlying strata are mostly of sandstone and a soft material called fire-clay. From the outcroppings of the coal measures just above Pittston to the New York State line the country is traversed by long, narrow, parallel ranges of mountains, whose axes are nearly at right angles to the general direction of the river. At bends on the convex side there rise from the shore abrupt cliffs, from 200 to 400 feet in height, opposite which, with one or two exceptions, are gently-sloping cultivated lands. 874 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The Catskill rocks are the prevalent formation from Pittston through Wyoming County to about Wyalusing, just inside of the borders of Bradford County, where the Chemung Group commences and continues into New York State. The dip of these formations being to the southward, the farther up we go the more of the lower rocks in their geological order are exposed. It is, perhaps, owing to a large proportion of the surface of Bradford County being covered by the Chemung Group that the soil produces a better quality of cereals, &c., than the surrounding counties, which have more of the next higher formation, the Catskill, which consists of harder and coarser rocks and which forms a sterile and less valuable soil for agricultural purposes. Fifteen miles west of Wyalusing the Alleghany Mountain plateau is capped by the Barclay and Blossburg semi-bituminous coal basin, which is about 1,300 feet above the Susquehanna River at Towanda. The coal of this basin has a large percentage of carbon and contains a limited amount of volatile matter, and is valuable for steam purposes. The compilation under the head of "Historical" is given to show what has been heretofore proposed and accomplished to make the Susquehanna River navigable, and as far as possible has been divested of all matter not relating to the North Branch, except to retain sufficient to disclose the general character of the river to its mouth. HISTORICAL. The following facts have been gathered from the official records of the State of Pennsylvania, and various papers published in the region contiguous to the North Branch, relative to the projects for and expenditures made for improvement of Itavi- gation on this branch of the Susquehanna River, of the stream proper, for utilization of the waters thereof, or by canals. As far as possible these are given in chronologi- cal order. The records of the State, the older ones particularly, are in such confusion as to make it an impossibility to give a continuous detailed description of the same. Efforts were made to collect the older projects, the amounts of money subscribed or appropriated therefor, where expended, and what accomplished, with the following imperfect success: The Susquehanna River and its tributaries were from a very early date looked upon as feasible of improved navigation, mainly descending to the markets for the pro- ductions of the agricultural regions above. On the 9th March, 1771, an act was passed declaring this river a public highway as far down as Wright's Ferry, and, by the act, commissioners were appointed, who were authorized to receive subscriptions and collect and. appropriate the same toward cleaning this section of the river. By a supplement passed March 31, 1785, the SusquehannaRiver throughout the State was declared a public highway. April 11, 1791, £6,290 were appropriated to the improvement of the navigation of the Susquehanna. By act February 19, 1801, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company, or any other corporate body or individual, was authorized to remove obstructions in this river. In 1805 authority was asked of the legislature to incorporate the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Canal Company. Though having no direct bearing upon this part of the river, the fact is simply noted as appearing to have been the first recorded legal action toward the construc- tion of canals in the State. This year, and almost every subsequent year up to the time of the act of construction of State canals, petitions were introduced in the leg- islature to improve the navigation of the Susquehanna, and appropriations asked for the same, and, when acted upon, the record seldom discloses the amounts granted or where expended. It is believed, however, that the State of Pennsylvania was not so much wanting in liberality toward internal improvements as in an efficient system in the application of funds to these important objects, as $1,000,000 had already been expended and no principal rivers made easy and safely navigable to any extent. Work was begun in detached parts on almost all the streams, and not connected or perfected anywhere. In 105 300,000 bushels of wheat descended the river to Middletown. April 11, 1807, $3,000 were granted by the State to be applied between Columbia and the mouth of the Juniata River. No means are at hand of ascertaining whether the appropriations heretofore noted were ever fully applied, or, if so, a description of the results attained. Much interest was taken by the citizens of the commonwealth to prevent the erect- ing of obstructions, mainly dams, in this river and its navigable tributaries, and also in the removal of those existing which interfered with the 'free navigation of the same. A communication in 1811, speaking of the interest of the State, reproves it for not taking an active part in clearing the Susquehanna and Lehigh, and says, "The importance of the former is already known, for by clearing a channel, and do- APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR BEUER. 875 ing away with the impediments which at present exist in its bed, the water com- munication would be open from the State line of New York, through the heart of Pennsylvania to Maryland, which would be of incalculable benefit to its citizens and the nation." Public announcement was made that "Friday, April 10, 1812, at 2 o'clock p. in., there will be launched from the ship-yard at this port (Wilkes Barre) the vessel now on the stocks, a sight everywhere so interesting, but here so novel." In 1816 communications setting forth a desirability of improved navigation of the Susquehanna River passed between the legislatures of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and resulted in the appointment of a Board of Commissioners in behalf of each State to investigate the same. In 1817 the commission on the part of the latter State re- ported to the legislature that "we recommend a division of the river into sections as follows: First, from Columbia to the mouth of the Juniata; second, from the lat- ter point to Northumberland; third, thence to Wilkes Barre; fourth, from Wilkes Barre to Tioga Point; fifth, from Northumberland to the mouth of Anderson's Creek, in Clearfield County," and then submitted the following general statement of places needing improvement, and estimates of cost in each place, as follows: On the main stream (falls and ripples), $8,100; North Branch (four falls and ripples), $1,900; then twenty-eight ripples from Wilkes Barre to Tioga Point, $5,000; West Branch (rocks, falls, and ripples), fourteen places, $3,780. Total amount, including $1,500 for superintendence, $20,280 to remove natural obstacles to navigation. In addition, the Board asks the legislature to appropriate $5,000 annually for three years, to be expended with such sum as the authorities of Maryland might donate, to re- move obstructions from Columbia to tide-water. It is questionable whether these sums were granted, and it is presumed they were not, and action perhaps retarded on such methods of improvement as must necessarily have been employed by the great spreading furor for canaling the internal waters of the State. A report of the same Board, acting jointly with the commissioners of Maryland to consider methods of improvement of the Susquehanna, states the continuance of a canal from the head of that existing in Maryland to Columbia is impracticable, though the river may be improved by wing-dams, towing-paths, and chains, and in a couple of places short canals and locks; but it will always be tedious and dangerous navi- .gating it. They also believed no part of the internal improvement could be carried out so effectually and cheaply as on the Susquehanna from the mouth of the Juniata to Northumberland. March, 13, 1817, $3,000, to be expended between Columbia and Northumberland, were granted. February 17, 1818, the Board of Pennsylvania Canal Commissioners submitted a re- port on the exploration of a route for a canal from Tioga River to Seneca Lake, in New York State, thus connecting the above lake with the Susquehanna River. Favor- able to this scheme, an enactment was passed by the Commonwealth of New York al- lowing Pennsylvania authorities to construct said canal. In 1820 the west passage around Elicot's Island, at Conawago Falls, was improved by the commissioners by opening a passage 40 feet wide. The removal of a few more rocks and deepening this passage 1 foot more was estimated would cost from $300 to $500. In October, 1821, the ark channel at Conawago Falls was improved and made safely passable; by money appropriated by the legislature the winter previous, rocks were removed aid bottom leveled. At this remarkably dry season, where formerly there were but 5 inches of water, 13 were made, and 30 inches could be had if necessary. The river was also improved for 36 miles, from Northumberland to the mouth of the Juniata, removing obstructions in bed of river, allowing boats drawing 14 inches to run. A committee of the Maryland legislature, in their report on improving the Susque- hanna River, compute that 925 rafts of lumber, averaging 25,000 feet each, and 935 arks, loaded with various products, descended to Chesapeake this year; but from dif- ficulty in ascent only about one-tenth of the value of the above was expended for re- turn goods in Maryland, and considerable interest was manifested that measures be taken to assure complete navigation from New York to the Maryland line. On the 25th January the governor transmitted to the house a copy of an act passed by the State of Maryland for improving the navigation of the Susquehanna River, which invited co-operation on the part of the authorities of Pennsylvania, and wherein it was stated that the mayor and city council of Baltimore (city council having passed an ordinance ratifying the legislative act) were authorized to create stock, and issue certificates not exceeding the sum of $50,000, bearing interest at 6 per cent., to be re- deemed at any time after fifteen years and within twenty years. Of this amount not more than $5,000 shall be expended by the commissioners in any one year; but the whole sum shall be expended in making navigation safe, convenient, and easy. A statement from Port Deposit says that from the opening of the season of 1822 to June 16 there descended through the canal 388 arks, and by river, 99, making a 876 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. 3JvvI total of 487 arks, worth $195,750, not including lumber. Estimated total down trade for the year 1822, from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 in value. At a mass meeting held in Wilkes Barre court-house, November 4, 1822, a preamble and resolutions were adopted on the propriety of adopting means to facilitate clean- ing the Susquehanna, laying great stress on the value of an improved river to the farmer, manufacturer, merchant, and general public; and recited at length as follows: "The Northeast Branch.of this river rises in Lakes Otsego and Canandaigua, and flows in nearly a southern direction through some of the finest and most flourishing settle- ments in the State of New York. In its course it receives the Unadilla and Chenango, entefs Pannsylvania, and forms the Great Bend in Susquehanna County; again enters New York State, and after a course of 60 miles re-enters Pennsylvania at Tioga Point, where it receives the Chemung; the latter is a considerable river, formed by the Tioga, or southern branch, which is navigable about 30 miles, the Canisteo, or Middle Branch, and the Conhocton." The following extracts are taken from the report of the Maryland commissioners in 1823, as they cover some of the physical features of the river: "Above Conawago, when the river is low, the current is 2 miles per hour; when high, 4 miles; but from Conawago to the tide it is 6 miles when low, and 10 miles per hour when full. The principal branch (North Branch) of the Susquehanna heads in Otsego Lake, making a stream some 400 miles in length above Conawago. "From Otsego to Nanticoke there is no dashing water; sluggish at places, then accelerated over a gravelly or stony bottom, there being no torrents. "Nanticoke is a straight sluice, falls 5 feet in height and 400 yards in length, and is not dangerous. "Nescopec Falls have the same features, dropping 6 feet in 300 yards." The report refers to many other places having similar peculiarities on the main stream of the Susquehanna. General Sullivan, to punish the Six Nations, late in August, 1779, organized a force of 3,000 men and moved north from Wyoming, the artillery and stores being drawn up the North Branch in one hundred and fifty boats. At Tioga he was joined by Gen- eral Clinton with 1,000 New York troops. The latter had marched from Albany to Otsego Lake, where, finding the water too low to float his bateaux, he built a dam across the stream, by which the lake was raised several feet, and when the dam was cut away the discharge wave floated his boats down to Tioga. The Indians fled in dismay at the sight of a flood in the midst of a summer drought, believing it a signal proof of the displeasure of the Great Spirit. From this it might be inferred that Otsego Lake could be made a reservoir, to pay tribute to the river when there was an insufficient flow. In the spring of 1824 there passed through the canal, near the mouth of the Susque- hanna River, for Baltimore, 338 loaded arks and 509 rafts, exclusive of a large num- ber that passed down the river. By act of March 25, 1825, of the Pennsylvania legislature, additional commissioners were to be appointed to ascertain the navigable capabilities of the Susquehanna River throughout, and carry out measures for opening up communication by the same with the west and north. Among other surveys and estimates ordered to be made by the authorities of New York was one for a connection between the Erie Canal and the Susquehanna by the valley of the Chenango, a distance of 150 miles; another between Lake Seneca and this river; and still another between Lake Cayuga and the Susquehanna. The pur- pose of these projects was the delivery of plaster and salt, and to reach the bitumi- nous coal-field about Bradford County for a supply of this fuel for the interior of York State. The first annual report of the committee on navigation and internal improvements, made January 16, 1826, was strongly in favor of the construction of canals. Much in- formation on this subject had been collected for them by an agent sent to Europe authorized to inquire into the building of canals, roads, railways, bridges, steam- engines, &c. An act of assembly passed in April authorized the beginning of the Pennsylvania Canal, and included an appropriation of $20,000 for improving the natural channel of the North Branch of the Susquehanna between Northumberland and the northern State line; but not more than one-half of which was to be expended in one year. April 7 the governor approved a resolution of the assembly for making a survey of the Susquehanna River and the North Branch to the State line; $20,000 were granted for the payment of the services of engineers and surveyors. The value of trade on the Susquehanna passing Columbia downward, in 1826, on rafts, keel-boats, and arks, was $5,000,000; and from the 3d March to 3d July there passed the above-named place, bound for tide-water, 1,037 arks, 164 keel-boats, and 1,090 rafts. The following prices paid by the canal commissioners for the various classes of work -''> .. APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 877 specified under contract on the eastern division of the Pennsylvania Canal, during the year 1826, may be of interest at this day for comparison with prices for like work: For excavation per cubic yard : Common earth.....-------------------------------------------- $0 071 to $0 121 Rock ....----------....---------....---......----------......--......---------..--....---...........-......----......--.. 35 to 70 Hard-pan ...............-----------------------------..........-...-------------------.........................-- 12 to 14 Slate ..----....---------....--....----....----...---............-...-....-...-------.----------......---....--.. 12 to 20 For embankment, per cubic yard .................................. 12 to 16 Puddling, per cubic yard ....................................... . 06 to 37$ Wall, per perch----- ......------......------------....-----....--......---------.....-----......--......-...... 40 to 50 The canal commissioners made their second annual report in 1827, and in it advo- cate canaling the North Branch to the New York line. They state that "both branches of the Susquehanna and the main stream run across ranges of mountains at low places, and have carried away everything soluble, rock remaining making rapids and shallow water." The estimated cost per mile for canaling the Susquehanna was $8,000. The appropriation made by the legislature the last year for improving the natural channel of the North Branch was, by act, suspended for one year. Property to the value of $4,500,000 descended the river this season (1827); 1,500 arks arrived at Port Deposit, and 500 were sold above; 175,000,000 feet of lumber were rafted. From Bennett's report on the North Branch, made February 6, it is learned that the whole distance from the New York line to the junction of the North and West branches is 160 miles and 50 chains, and the total fall 337.093 feet. Seventy-eight streams, large and small, enter on the east side, and one hundred and one on the west side in this distance. Judge Scott, a member of the Board of Commissioners, says the average fall for the whole distance mentioned above is 2 -+-feet per mile, while from the head of the Wyo- ming Valley it is 1 feet. Trczulney, in his report of March 5, 1827, referring to surveys and explorations from Maryland to the State line of New York by the North Branch, for determining the relative advantages of steamboat navigation and a canal formed near or on its banks, favored the former, and proposed to gain a 3$-foot channel, but thought more could be had and that it could be slackwatered for steamboats as the easiest improvement. Partial slackwater was the least expensive and most advantageous, by excavating a channel and forming a towing path along the margin of the river, the width of the channel to be 60 feet in the main river and 50 feet in the branch and 3$ feet deep. Hie proposed erecting a number of dams, 3 feet in height, with sunken locks 6 to 8 feet in lift, thereby giving a 3$-foot continuous channel and which would not interfere in times of freshets; by thus doing, the sudden falls would be of advantage, as deep water existed above and the locks might be put in at the falls without dams. Another advantage he claimed was that the water would not fall so low, and would give a gentle current of about 4 inches fall per mile. April 9 the commissioners were ordered to make surveys and examinations for the location of and to determine the cost of canals and locks from Northumberland up the North Branch of the Susquehanna to the State line. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania expended on roads, bridges, railroads, and in- land navigation, from 1791 to July, 1828, the sum of $22,010,554; to which should be added $10,000,000 (estimated) to complete the State canal and railroad for a grand total of cost of improvements. Application was made in 1829 for a charter from the State of New York to make slackwater navigation in the Susquehanna from Cooperstown to the Pennsylvania State line. In 1830 the legislature of Pennsylvania appropriated "to certain routes for this year, and the payment of prior indebtedness for canals and railroads, $3,459,532." Act of January 4, 1831, granted $205,000 for canal purposes. March 21, the canal commissioners, among other duties, were ordered to complete a water-way on or along the North Branch division by canal or slackwater from Nanticoke Dam for a distance of 15 miles, for which $100,000 were allowed. The North Branch Canal between Northumberland and Nanticoke, 55$ miles,was fin- ishbed September 27, 1831, and soon after boats passed through from Philadelphia to Wilkes Barre. The Nanticoke Dam is 712 feet long, and has 636 feet of water-way, including the chute. Governor Wolf, in his report of December 7, 1831, says: "The people of the North Branch present as strong claims as those of any other region for attention in the dis- tribution of improvements." "A canal or slackwater navigation from the end of the canal now constructing to the New York State line, then by canal 16 miles to Elmira, would give connection, through the Chemung and Seneca Canal and the Seneca and Cayuga Canal, with the 878 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. great Hudson and Erie Canal, and open up communication with all the interior of New York." In 1832 $38,680 were appropriated for canal construction; and by act of June 9 a portion of the sum of $300,000 bequeathed by Stephen Girard for internal improvements was to be applied to the same purpose. February 16, 1833, a further sum of $621,045.61 was appropriated for building canals, of which amount $115,202.46 was allowed for the Wyoming line of the North Branch division. The canal commissioners were authorized in 1834 to make surveys of the Chemung and the North Branch of the Susquehanna from their first entrance into the State to the head of the Pennsylvania Canal, to improve the same for steam-towing purposes, or from the Lackawanna River upward to the State line for the same purpose.- Among other things ordered April 5, they were to complete the Lackawanna feeder for the Wyoming line of the North Branch division, for which $17,400 were granted. On July 4, 1826, Pennsylvania began her great system of internal improvements, and on December 3, 1834, all lines of railroads and canals admitted of transportation. It was then claimed that the Pennsylvania water-ways could be navigated five weeks earlier in the spring and three weeks later in the fall than those of New York; and this, combined with the control that the State had of the Ohio River, the great chan- nel of communication with the West, gave these lines superior advantages over any others. More petitions were received at this session of the assembly asking for action towards making steamboat navigation on the North Branch above Wilkes Barre. In the list of appropriations made for 1835 was one of $87,500 for building canals, $40,500 of which was specially given for the Wyoming line, on the North Branch; $200,000 were allowed for general repairs and $30,000 for damages. A part of the latter was applied to covering the damages cause by the flood of 1833, making a breach in the Nanticoke Dam and guard-wall. 'The commissioners reported that in nine years they had completed nearly 600 miles of canals and slackwater navigation, and 120 miles of railroads, and had put 400 miles more of canal under contract. They speak of in- sufficient water supply at certain places, one of them being below Nanticoke. The whole of the North Branch extension of the canal from Lackawanna River to the New York line was located in 1836, and the act of assembly authorized the commis- sioners to put under contract the ensuing year from 20 to 40 miles of this extension, beginning near the State line; $150,000 were appropriated therefor. October 5, 1837, measurements made of the water supply of Fishing Creek, on the North Branch, gave a discharge of 40 cubic feet per second. Occasional records contain notes of a limited water supply for canal service at dif- ferent points. The appropriations of 1838 for the Erie extension and the North Branch Canal amounted to $700,000. Acts of assembly of February 9 and July 19, 1839, out of a total of $1,565,000 for canals, allowed $695,000 for the North Branch and $800,000 for the various Erie ex- tensions. In 1840 the grants made were $600,000 towards completing contracts on the Erie division, and a like sum for extending the canal along the North Branch of the Sus- quehanna River. The canal commissioners in their report for 1842 suggest further internal improve- ments. In their report for 1843 they refer to the value of the water-power on the canals. The total appropriations by the State of Pennsylvania for the several works of in- ternal improvement from 1826 to 1843, inclusive, was $53,352,648.72, exclusive of the sum of $1,842,414.38 for turnpikes, bridges, State roads, &c. The following is taken from a list which gave the cost of separate works, and also the estimated cost of unfinished improvements, as being identified with the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. The North Branch Canal, 73 miles of which are completed, cost $2,484,939.60, and the estimate for the extension thereof $1,580,670.87. The amount of the loans effected by the State for internal improve- ments from the commencement thereof in 1826 to April 1, 1844, was ......------------------------------------------------------.......... $46,736,601 18 And the premiums on the same amounted to----- 1,358, 778 36 ......---------......------.....----..... Total amount received ........................................ 48, 095,379 54 On April 26 of the latter year both houses of the assembly adopted the report of a special committee to reduce the State debt and to incorporate the Pennsylvania Canal and Railroad Company, the committee in the mean while being charged to consider the sale of all the canals and railroads which were the property of the State. In 1845 the aggregate tonnage passing the Nanticoke Dam through canal and chute was 600,000. The estimated receipts from public works in 1884 were $1,700,000. APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 879 In 1849 work was resumed on the North Branch Canal. This extension was from the head of the Wyoming Valley to the New York State line, a distance of 94.21 miles, and included a lockage of 211.5 feet. An additional 17 miles would connect with the Chemung at Elmira. This extension was a work of great magnitude and difficulty. One-third of its length was along the foot of steep rocky bluffs, and required over 31 miles of slope wall for the protection of its banks. From March 22 to April 17, 1849, 268 arks and 2,243 rafts passed Wilkes Barre, the latter containing 100,000,000 feet of lumber, valued at $600,000. Since this date the number has gradually diminished, owing to the scarcity of timber and the diversion of trade by the many railroads. The total cost of the North Branch extension of the canal was, up to the 30th No- vember, 1857, $4,658,491.12. In 1858 the legislature disposed of the State canals, mainly to railroad corporations. The North Branch extension, from Pittston to the State line, was abandoned about 1868 or 1869. The Pennsylvania and New York Canal and Railroad occupied its line. The canal from Pittston down was used until the fall of 1874. In the spring of 1875 the ice floods damaged it greatly, and no boats were run after that date farther up than Wilkes Barre; but the Lackawanna served as a feeder for the Wilkes Barre Branch until the spring of 1882, when the latter was abandoned to the Nanticoke Dam. RECENT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE NORTH BRANCH. A few years ago some improvement was made to the navigation of the river between Plymouth and Wilkes Barre by the Wright Steamboat Company, by deepening chan- nels through the shoals and putting up cricket-damns, closing certain passages, and directing the flow of water to a single course where it was formerly divided. Between $3,000 and $4,000 were thus expended. IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. An act of Congress, passed June 14, 1880, appropriated $15-000 for the improvement of the Susquehanna River above Richard's Island, Pennsylvania, which was expended in making a survey of the river between that island and Pittston; in dredging for deepening the natural channel at shoal places between Richard's Island and Wilkes Barre; and in constructing a dike connecting the head of Wilkes Barre Island with the north shore, for the purpose of conveying the entire low-water flow through the improved south channel. By act of Congress dated March 3, 1881, $15,000 additional were appropriated for further improvement of the Susquehanna River, under which the following has been abcomplished, viz: The building of a brush and gravel dike between the north shore and the large shoal, dry at low water, at the Gas-House Ripple; dredging a channel through the latter ripple, relieving somewhat the fall there, but not sufficient for easy navigation; the blasting and removal of a rocky ledge known as Hillmnan's Ripple; and the opening of a uniform channel through the long reach of Forty Fort Shoal. Active operations on this river are confined to a limited time during the year, mainly on account of the long and severe winters and the fluctuating stages produced by freshets. In conclusion, I wish to testify to the energy and ability of my assistant, Mr. John W. Berry, civil engineer, both in the field and the office. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN H. DAGER. General GODFREY WEITZEL, Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers, U. S. A. H 35. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE BRANDYWINE RIVER FROM ITS MOUTH TO THE MARKET STREET BRIDGE IN THE CITY OF WILMING- TON, DELAWARE. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Philadelphia,Pa., December 12, 1882. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith the report of an examina- tion, made under my direction, of the Brandywine River from its mouth to the Market Street Bridge in the city of Wilmington, Del. The ex- 880 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. amination was conduted by Mr. E. A. Gieseler, assistant engineer. His report-is annexed hereto and forms part of this. The portion of this river which was examined lies wholly within the limits of the city of Wilmington, Del. This is a very enterprising, steadily growing manufacturing center, and many articles manufactured here are found in almost every portion of the country. For this reason and others so fully stated by Mr. Gieseler in the an- nexed report, I consider that this portion of the Brandywine River is worthy of improvement and that the work is in the nature of a public necessity. I recommend its survey at an expense not to exceed $500. Respectfully submitted. G. WEITZEL, Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers. The CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A. REPORT OF MR. E. A. GIESELER, ASSISTANT ENGINEER. PHILADELPHIA, September 29, 1882. GENERAL: I have the honor to report as follows upon a preliminary examination of the river Brandywine, Delaware. The examination extended over that part of the river lying between the point where it empties into the Christiana River and the Market Street Bridge, a distance of about 2 miles by water and about 1j miles in a straight line. The river in this entire stretch flows through the city of Wilmington, Del., with an average width of from 200 to 300 feet, and a mean rise and fall of tide of about 6 feet. It is crossed by three bridges, viz: 1. The Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Bridge. 2. The Twelfth Street Bridge. 3. The above-mentioned Market Street Bridge. The two first-named are draw-bridges, with openings of somewhat more than 30 feet width, while the last named is permanent and forms the head of navigation. The railroad bridge, which is about 1 mile from the mouth, divides the portion of the river under consideration into two parts of about equal length, that show marked differences. In the lower part the channel has about 5 feet mean low-water depth, interrupted in some places by small individual obstructions. The bottom here seems to be uni- formly soft, with perhaps a few bowlders here and there. In the upperpart the channel has no more than 3 feet, and even this is in various places reduced considerably by obstructions. The, river bed here contains many bowlders and possiblybed-rock. From the above it appears that at present a high-water navigation only is possible in the river with a channel depth throughout of, say, 7 feet over all obstructions. Aside from the difficulties and disadvantages necessarily involved by a navigation that can only be carried on at high water, even this depth is by no means sufficient to ac- commodate the trade of the river. Much of the freight destined for it has to be re- loaded on light-draught barges, the vessels that originally carried it not being able to go up to the points of destination of their cargo. The aim of the parties interested is to secure a low-water navigation of 6 feet throughout, thereby obtaining a high-water navigation of 12 feet; and the propriety of asking a Government appropriation for such an improvement is based, in the first place, on the present considerable trade carried on the river to and from numerous industrial establishments situated on its banks. In the second place, it is claimed that an improvement of the navigation will open such inducements to the manufact- uring enterprise of Wilmington, that large tracts of hitherto unimproved land on the banks of the river will then become the sites of new important industrial establish- ments. The following is a list of the industrial establishments located on the banks of the river at present : APPENDIX H-REPORT OF MAJOR HEUER. 881 A.-NORTH SHORE. 1. Flour-mill of William Lea & Son. 2. Iron foundry. 3. Paper-works of Jessup & Moore. 4. Car factory of Bowers, Dure & Co. 5. Canning factory of J. Morrison. 6. Phosphate factory. 7. Coal-yard of Adam Gruble & Son. B.-SOUTH SHORE. 8. Flour-mill of William Lea & Son. 9. Ship-yard of Jackson & Sharpe. 10. Michiuery shop of Heller & Jones. 11. Rolling-mill of Hastings. 12. Coal-yard of Hamilton & Co. 13. Cotton factory and coal-yard of Pusey Bros. The following extract from a letter addressed by Mr. Warner (coal merchant at Wilmington) to Col. William Ludlow will further illustrate the present state of trade on the Brandywine: " Of the sloops and schooners included in my report, 261 landed on the Brandywine side; and of the barges 815 were landed on the Brandy wine. Of the flour and meal trade, 5,000 tons were from the Brandywine, and of the grain 8,400 tons were landed on the Brandywine." Summing up, the leading features of the Brandywine River and its trade may be stated as follows: 1. The river flows through the populous manufacturing city of Wilmington, and is already the medium of a considerable trade by water to and from industrial establish- ments situated on its shores. 2. This trade doubtless would be much increased if, by a channel improvement, water facilities were given to those factories that now have to depend on railroad transportation, or ori hauling to and from the Christiana River water front. 3. The claim is made, and apparently not unreasonably, that a rapid building up of the banks of the river with industrial establishments would be a necessary conse- quence of a suitable channel improvement. 4. An improvement of the lower mile of the river apparently can be effected at a moderate expense. The upper mile is obstructed to a much greater extent, and pos- sibly the existence of great areas of bed-rock may here swell the cost of an improve- ment to an amount out of proportion to the advantages attainable. Aside from the doubts involved by Ihislatter point, which can be settled one way or another by a survey only, it appears that the improvement of the Brandywine River is in the nature of a public necessity, and I would respectfully recommend a survey to be made of it, which can be done at a cost of about $500. Subjoined to this is the full text of the above cited letter of Mr. Warner to Col. William Ludlow, as well as Mr. Warner's statement in regard to the trade of the port of Wilmington during 181-'82. All of which is respectfully submitted. E. A. GIES$LER, Assistant Engineer. General GODFREY WEITZEL, Lieutenant-Colonelof Engineers. LETTER OF MR. E. T. WARNER TO MAJOR WILLIAM LUDLOW, CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON, DEL., September 28, 1882. DEAR COLONEL: Herewith I have the pleasure of handing you an estimate of the business of this port from the first (lay of June, 1S81, to the first day of June, 1882. I regret to say that it is not as authentic as I should be pleased to make it, but I can candidly say that in my judgment the business is not overestimated. It has been my desire to keep within the limits of the actual trade. As regards the arrival of vessels reported, they are only such as have been towed by tugs, owners of which have given us access to their accounts. All sailing vessels coming up under own sail are excluded from this report. They would probably add one or two hundred arrivals of small craft. Of the sloops and schooners included in my report, 261 landed on the Brandywine 5908 EN- 56 886 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. ARMY. The minimum width and depth of channel at low water ought to be not less than 5 feet deep and 75 feet wide. Six feet deep and 100 feet wide would be still more de- sirable. Respectfully, LEA PUSEY. Mr. JOHN H. DAGER, Assistant United States Engineer. LETTER OF MESSRS. SEIDEL, HASTINGS & CO. THE WILMINGTON PLATE-IRON ROLLING MILLS, Wilmington, Del., November 3, 1883. DEAR SIR: Your valued favor of 31st ultimo was duly received. In reply we would say that the improvement of the Brandywine Creek by deepening and widening its channel is, in our judgment, not only very desirable, but absolutely necessary for its navigation by vessels of the size which we generally require to carry our freights. In the present condition of the stream we find it very difficult, and frequently impos- sible, to obtain vessels of sufficiently light draught of water to reach our wharf loaded. In regard to the proper depth and width of the channel, we should say that, for the amount of business done on the creek, at least 8 feet deep at low water and from 100 to 150 feet wide should be obtained. Yours, very respectfully, SEIDEL, HASTINGS & CO. JOHN H. DAGER, Esq., Assistant United States Engineer. LETTER OF THE WILLIAM LEA & SONS COMPANY. THE WILLIAM LEA & SONS COMPANY, BRANDYWINE MILLS, Wilmington, Del., Novenmber 12, 1883. DEAR SIR: Your favor received. We think it quite important to the city of Wilming- ton that the improvements to the Brandywine Creek should begin at once. With the present depth of water it is almost impossible to charter vessels of any size to bring grain to our mills. We think it desirable that you should attain a depth of 6 feet at low water from Eleventh Street Bridge to the Market Street Bridge, and a width of 75 feet at Market Street Bridge, gradually widening to 100 feet at Eleventh Street Bridge. From Elev- enth Street Bridge to the mouth of the creek a depth of 9 feet at low water, and a width of 100 feet at Eleventh Street Bridge, widening to 150 feet at the mouth of the creek. These improvements, we think, would induce large manufacturing establishments to locate on the Brandywine, and would lead to a very large increase in the tonnage of this stream. We sincerely hope that a sufficient appropriation will bemade by the next Congress to begin these improvements. Yours, truly, PRESTON LEA, President. JOHN H. DAGER, Esq., Assistant United States Engineer. INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. A. Adams' flume for river improvement, test of --------- 244 Ahnapee Harbor, Wis., improvement of ------------- 280 1847 Alabama River, improvement of-.. 203 1200 Alameda Creek, Cal., examination of- ------- 334 2207 Allegheny River, Pa., improvement of -------------- 262 1702 Alligator River, N. C., examination of - ----- 177 1059 Alpena Harbor, Mich., improvement -- - 303 2036 Altamaha River, Ga., improvement of-_--- -- 187 1114 Amit6 River, La., improvement of_ 210 1263 Anchorage capacity of harbors --------------------- 579 Androscoggin River below Brunswick, Me., examina- tionof ---------------------------------------- 73 473 Anguille River, Ark., improvement of .- . 231 1403 Annapolis Harbor, Md., improvement of----------- 143 900 Apalachicola Bay, Fla., improvement of ------------ 197 1175 Apalachicola River, Fla., improvement of ------------ 197 1174 Appomattox River, Va., improvement of 147 913 Aransas Pass and Bay, Tex., improvement of -------- 219 1312 Archer's Hope River, Va., improvement of --------- 165 1031 Arkansas River from Fort Gibson to Wichita, survey of 232 1405 Arkansas River at Little Rock, bridge across--- ..... 270 1778 Arkansas River at Pine Bluff, Ark., improvement of 229 1393 Arkansas River at Van Buren, Ark., bridge across . 270 1792 Arkansas River, improvement of, between Fort Smith, ----------------- 1399 Ark., and Wichita Arkansas River, operations of snag-boats on - Armor plates and turrets, &c., information in relation --- 229 227 1390 thereto ------------------------------------ 421 Ashley River, S. C., improvement of- ------- 182 1097 Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, improvement of ------------ 318 2113 Atchafalaya River, between Berwick's Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, examination of --------------- 216 1285 Au Sable Harbor, Mich., improvement of ------------ 304 2040 B. Baltimore, defenses of. 35 -----------..... Baltimore Harbor, improvement of entrance to - -. 142 894 Bangor Harbor, Me., examination and survey of-- ... 73 475 Battalion of Engineers _ ___-----------------------------65 425 Bay River, N. C., examination of------------------ 177 1064 Bay of Superior, Wis., improvement of ----- 272 1818 Bayou Bartholomew, Ark., improvement of . .---------- 222 1330 Bayou Black, La., improvement of ----------------- 213 1276 Bayou Bceuf, La., improvement of __---------- 222 1331 Bayou Courtableau, La., improvement of ------------ 213 1277 Bayou Dorcheat, La., examination of_ ---------.-- 227 1363 Bayou La Fourche, La., examination of ------------- 216 1291 Bayou La Fourche, La., improvement of ------------ 214 1280 Bayou Petit Anse, La., examination of___---------- 227 1369 Bayou Pierre, La., survey of-- .--------- 221 227 Bayou Roundaway, La., examination of_-- - .227 1347 Bayou Teche, La., connecting with Grand Lake--..... 212 1275 5908 2 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Bayou Teche, La., improvement of _ - -- 212 1272 Bayou Terrebonne, La., improvement of_ 214 1279 Bayou Vidal, La., examination of-_----__-- -- 227 1347 Beattyville, Ky., report on lock and dam in Kentucky River at- --. 1728 Beaufort to New Berne, N. C., inland navigation be- tween, survey of and improvement of._-- 171 177 1040, 1065 Beaufort, N. C., defenses of ------ 40 Beaufort Harbor, N. C., improvement of_ 169 1039 Beaufort and New River, N. C., examination of sound between ----------------------------------- 177 1055 Beaver, Pa., bridge across Ohio River near-__--__- 270 1778 Belfast Harbor, Me., improvement of.. __ 69 463 Belle Plaine, examination and survey of Minnesota River near- - .--- - . - . - . - --.. -------- . . . 250 1637 Belle River, Mich., ice harbor at.-..... ___-__ 306 2070 Benton Harbor, Saint Joseph's River, Mich., improve- ment of----------------------------------- 300 1993 Big Bayou Meto, Ark., examination of------------ 232 1408 Big Hatchie River, Tenn., improvement oL -------- 225 1337 Big Sandy River, examination of Louisa Fork of the.. 267 1755 Big Sandy River, W. Va. and Ky., improvement ofL .. 265 1749 Big Stone Lake, examination of Minnesota River near.._ 250 1632 Big Sunflower River, Miss., improvement of_ ..... 224 1334 Biloxi, Miss., improvement of harbor at. _ . 206 1217 Bissell's Cove, R. I., examination of--------- 99 663 Bisteneau Lake, La., examination of. -- 227 1363 Black Bayou, La., improvement of_ .......... .. 213 1276 Black Lake Harbor, Mich., improvement of_....... 298 1987 Black Rock Harbor, Conn., examination and survey of_ - 99 665 Black River, Ark. and Mo., improvement of_ -........ 231 1403 Black River, from its mouth to Trinity, La., examina- tion of---------- . ..---------------------.--. 227 1363 Black River, N. C., examination of__.........._ -__ ... 177 1061 Black River Harbor, Ohio, improvement of_______--_ 314 2094 Black Warrior River, Ala., improvement of.- _ _ __ 203 1204 Blackwater River, Va., improvement of__.-....... 165 1031 Block Island, R. I., construction of harbor at ........ 88 626 Blue Buck Bar, Tex., improvement of_.... 207 1249 Board of Engineers for Fortifications and for River and Harbor Improvements.-----------.......... 55 Board of Engineers for the Pacific coast._- ----- 64 Boeuf River, La., improvement of. _ _ 222 1331 Bogue Falia River, La., examination of... 216 1283 Boquet River, N. Y., examination of---....... 330 2162 Boston, Mass., defenses of _ --- - 17 Boston Harbor, Mass., examination and survey of Fort Point Channel.--------- 79 588 Boston Harbor, Mass., improvement of._._ 75 503 Brandywine River, Del., examination and survey of. -- 139 879 Branford Harbor, Conn., examination and survey of ..--.. 99 678 Brazos River, Tex., improvement of mouth ofL .. 218 1309 Brazos Santiago, Tex., improvement of harbor at.. 220 1316 Breakwater at New Haven, Conn., construction of. -- 95 647 Breton Bay, Md., improvement of._........ 155 981 Bridge across Arkansas River at Little Rock, Ark .... 270 1788 Bridge across Arkansas River at Van Buren, Ark .. 270 1792 Bridging Great Kanawha River, W. Va__. . 271 1796 Bridge across the Mississippi River at Dubuque, Iowa. 271 Bridge across Ohio River near Beaver, Pa._ 269 1778 Bridge across the Ohio River at Wheeling, W. Va .... 269 1772 Bridge across Saint Croix River ...................- 270 INDEX. 3 Page. SUBJECT. PartI. Part II. Part III. Bridge across Thames River at New London, Conn ... 269 1769 Bridging navigable waters of the United States - - . 269 1769 Bridgeport Harbor, Conn., improvement of-...-. 97 651 Broad Creek, Del., improvement of ----------------- 145 903 Broad River, N. C., examination Of -..-- ----- 177 1058 Broadkiln River, Del., improvement of- 130 828 Brown, Fort, Tex., protection of river bank at------- 220 1320 Brunswick Harbor, Ga., improvement of------------- 188 1118 Buckhannon River, W. Va., examination of- --- 263 1718 Buffalo Bayou, Tex., improvement of ------- Buffalo Harbor, N. Y., improvement of------------- 218 321 1305 2126 Burlington Harbor, Vt., improvement of ---------- 328 2157 Buttermilk Channel, New York Harbor, improvement of -------------------------------------- 102 701 C. Cahaba River, Ala., improvement of----------------199 1186 Calcasieu Pass, La., improvement of_..----.--- - 215 1282 Calcasieu River and Sabine Pass, examination for wa- ter-route to connect----------------------------216 1285 Calcasieu River, La., improvement of --- 215 1281 Caloosahatchee River, Fla., improvement of ------ 201 1195 Calumet Harbor, Ill., improvement of-------------- 290 1946 Calumet River, Ill. and Ind., examination of- 291 1950 Calumet River, Ill., improvement of_ ---- 290 1947 Cambridge Harbor, Md., improvement of_- - - 144 902 Canal at Des Moines Rapids, Mississippi River .. __ 242 1580 Canal at the Cascades, Columbia River, Oreg., construc- tion of--- ----------------------------------- 337 2246 Canal, Hennepin, surveys for_ - -- ------- 291 1950 Canal, Louisville and Portland, operating and main- taining -------------------------------------- 261 1692 Canal, Muscle Shoals, Tennessee River, construction of_ 251 1641 Canal, Saint Clair Flats, Mich., operating and care ofL . 306 2072 Canal, Saint Mary's Falls, Mich., construction of- .. 302 2011 Canarsie Bay, N. Y., improvement of- --------- 108 731 Cane River, La., examination of------------------ 227 1366 Caney Fork River, Tenn., improvement of.---------- 256 1653 Cannon River, Minn., examination and survey of lakes near headwaters of--- ---------- 250 1634 Cape Fear River above Fayetteville, N. C., examination of -----------.- - ---------- 177 1064 Cape Fear River, N. C., improvement of entrance to --150 937 Cape Fear River, N. C., improvement of, from Wilming- ton to Fayetteville --------------------------- 172 1042 Cape Girardeau, improvement of Mississippi River at _- 235 1529 Caseville Harbor, Mich., examination of-------------308 2077 Cathance River, Me., improvement of -------------- 70 465 Cedar Keys Harbor, Fla., examination of northwest channel.------------------------------------- 206 1218 Cedar Keys Harbor, Fla., examination and survey of_- 206 1223 Cedar Keys to Clearwater Harbor, examination for channel from---------------------------------206 1220 t Cedar Point and Dauphin Island, Ala., examination and survey of shoal between----- ------------------- 206 1227 Cedar River, Mich., improvement at mouth of .....-------- 276 1833 Champlain River, N. Y., examination of------------- 330 2165 Channel between Staten Island and New Jersey, im- provement of-__ _--- ---- - I-113 742 Charenton Canal, Saint Mary's Parish, La., improve- inent of- -----------.-..--------- .--- 212 1275 Charleston, S. C., defenses of. . ------ 41 4 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Charleston Harbor, S. C., improvement of.- _--- 178 1078 Charlevoix Harbor, Mich., improvement of ------------ 293 1971 Charlevoix Harbor, Mich., removal of wreck in ..-------- 300 1995 Charlotte Harbor, N. Y., improvement of- .-- 323 2137 Chattahooche River, Ala. and Ga., improvement of - 196 1167 Cheboygan Harbor, Mich., improvement of---------- 303 2035 Cheesequakes Creek, N. J., improvement of-- -. 110 735 Chehalis River, Wash., improvement of-.. ---- 340 2276 Cherrystone Creek, Va., examination of_ 151 953 Chesapeake Bay, removal of wrecks in--------------- 151 948 Chester, Pa., ice-harbor at_----------- -. 128 816 Chester River, Md., at Kent Island Narrows, improve- ment of-- .--.-------. ----------------------- . 141 893 Chester River, Md., improvement of - --- 141 893 Chicago Harbor, Ill., improvement of.- ----- 289 1943 Chicamuxen Creek, Md., examination of 163 1005 Chickahominy River, Va., improvement of ----------- 159 . 996 Chippewa River, Wis., improvement of-------------- 246 1600 Chippewa River, at Yellow Banks, Wis., improvement of_ 246 1603 Choctaywhatchee River, Fla. and Ala., improvement of. 198 1180 Choptank River, Md., improvement of ------- 144 901 Cincinnati, Ohio, construction of ice-harbor near- -- Clear Lake, Cal., examination of ------------------- 334 263 1703 2210 Clearwater Harbor, Fla., examination of channel from Cedar Keys to-------------------------------- 206 1220 Clearwater River, Idaho, improvement of ------------ 341 2279 Cleveland, Ohio, examination of channel of Old River Bed at -------------------------------------- 318 2110 Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, improvement of ------------- 315 2097 Clinch River, Tenn., improvement of ---------------- 255 1651 Clinton Harbor, Conn., improvement of-------------- 94 643 Clinton River, Mich., improvement of entrance to .. 307 2074 Clubfoot River, N. C., examination and survey of -.. 177 1065 Clubfoot River, N. C., improvement of -------------- 171 1040 Coanjok Bay, N. C., improvement of----------------167 1034 Cocheco River, N. H., improvement of--------------- 72 471 Cohansey Creek, N. J., improvement of 132 831 Coldwater River, Miss., improvement of ------------- 225 1336 Columbia River, Oreg., construction of canal at the Cascades ------------------------------------- 337 2246 Columbia River, Oreg., defenses of- .------- 54 Columbia River, Lower, Oreg., improvement of-------- 334 2215 Columbia River, Oreg., mouth of .- __---------335 2222 Columbia River, Upper, and Snake River, Oreg., im- provement of-------- ----- ----------------. 337 2229 Columbia River, Oreg., water-gauges on Lower 341 .-------- 2290 Compton's Creek, N. J., examination and survey of 122 770 Conecuh River, Ala., improvement of--_ Conneaut Harbor, Ohio, improvement ofL -319 __-----202 1198 2118 Connecticut River, above Hartford, Conn., improve- ment of--------------------------------------93 639 Connecticut River, below Hartford, Conn., improve- ment of -------------------------------------- 93 640 N. Connecticut River, from Bellows Falls, Vt., to Pitts- burg, H., examination of-- ------- Contentnea Creek, N. C., improvement of ------ 99 172 659 1042 Coosa River, Ala. and Ga., improvement of- ---- 256 1654 Coosawattee River, Ga., improvement of ------------- 257 1656 Coos Bay, Oreg., imprdvement of entrance to--------- 338 2260 Coquille River, Oreg., improvement of mouth of 339 2270 Corsica Creek, Md., improvement of. . -- - 141 891 Courtableau Bayou, La., improvement of- ------ 213 1277 Cowlitz River, Wash., &c., improvement of........ 339 2272 INDEX 5 Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Cross Village Harbor, Mich, examination and survey of 301 1995 Cumberland River above Pineville, Ky., examination of ------------- -.. ------------ 260 1661 Cumberland River from Nashville to the Cincinnati Southern Railroad in Kentucky, examination and survey of ------------------------------------- 260 1662 Cumberlanid River, Ky., South Fork of, improvement of---- ------------ -------------------------- 259 1660 Cumberlanpd River, Tenn. and Ky., improvement of- 252 1644 Cumberland Sound, Fla. and Ga., defenses of ..-------- 44 Cumberland Sound, Fla. and Ga., improvement of en- trance to_ ------------------------------------- 189 1121 Currituck Sound, improvement ofL------ - 167 1034 Cuyahoga River, examination of channel of Old River Bed leading from- -- - - 318 2110 Cypress Bayou, Tex. and La., improvement of -------- 223 1332 D. Dan River, Va. and N. C., improvement of . --- 161 1000 D'Arbonne River, La., examination and survey of -- __227 1372 Dauphin Island and Cedar Point, Ala., examination and survey of shoal between --------------------- 206 1227 Davis Island, Ohio River, movable dam at. ----------- 260 1678 Deal's Island, Md., water-passage at, improvement ofL 145 903 Deal to Seabright, examination for breakyvater at har- bor of Long Branch, N. J. -------------------- 122 763 Defenses of the northern frontier -------------------- 10 sea-coast and lake frontier, general remarks on and estimates for-------------- 4 55 torpedo --------------------------------- 59 Delaware Breakwater Harbor, improvement of_ .--..137 845 137 847 Delaware Bay and River, removal of wrecks from -- 138 850 Delaware River: at Schooner Ledge, improvement of_ -126 808 below Bridesburg, Pa., improvement of- -- 123 794 between Trenton and Bridesburg, Pa., improve- ment of -------------------------------- 122 792 between Trenton and Port Jervis, examination bf_ 138 855 in front of Philadelphia, examination and survey of, for removal of Windmill or Smith's Island _138 858 near Cherry Island FlatS, improvement of -------- 126 809 Des Moines Rapids Canal, Mississippi River, operating and care of_ -------------------------------- 242" 1580 Des Moines Rapids Canal, Mississippi River, dry-dock at ------------------------------------------ 243 1586 Des Moines Rapids, Mississippi River, improvement at 242 1576 Des Plaines River, examination and survey ---------- 291 1957 Detroit River, Mich., improvement of_ -- -- 307 2074 Dividing Creek, Md., examination of-- ----- 151 962 Dorcheat Bayou, La., examination of ----- 227 1363 Dry Tortugas Harbor, Fla., defenses of --- 46 Dubuque, Iowa, bridge across Mississippi River at .- 271 Dubuque, Iowa, improvement of harbor at ----------- 240 1571 Duck Creek, Del., improvement of_- -- -- 131 830 Duck Island Harbor, Conn., examination of- --- 99 684 Duck River, Tenn., improvement of--- -------------- 255 1651 Duluth Harbor, Minn., improvement of_ 271 1890 Dunkirk Harbor, N. Y., improvement of- .----.-- 320 2124 Duties and rank of officers of the Corps of Engineers 351 Dwamish River, Wash., examination of ------------ 342 2296 6 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. E. Eagle Harbor, Mich., improvement of--------------- 274 1828 East Chester Creek, N. Y., improvement of -- 107 728 East River, N. Y., removal of obstructions from-... 100 689 Echo Harbor, New Rochelle, N. Y., improvement of_ 104 708 Edenton Bay, N. C., examination and survey of Edenton Bay,'N. C., improvement of --------------- -- 177 168 1071 1035 Edisto River, S. C., improvement of ---------- 180 1092 Elk River, Md., improvement of ----------------- 140 889 Elk River, W. Va., improvement of _ -150 936 Elizabeth River, N. J., improvement of------------ 115 748 Engineer depot and post at Willetts Point, N. Y- 65 455 Engineers, battalion of .------------------------ 65 425 Engineers, Board of, for Fortifications and for River and Harbor Improvements_ --------------------------- 55 Engineers, Board of, for the Pacific Coast ----------. 64 Engineer school of application at Willets Point, N. Y Erie Harbor, Pa., improvement of .... -----. _ 65 319 425 2120 Escambia River, Ala. and Fla., improvement of 202 1197 Estimates for surveys and examinations and contingen- cies of rivers and harbors --------------------- 342 Explorations and reconnaissances in military divisions and departments --- - ------------- 347 Explorations and reconnaissances, estimates for, in mil- itary divisions and departments-- -- - - 349 Explorations and surveys in Department of Arizona_ _349 2399 Explorations and surveys in Department of California 349 2397 Explorations and surveys in Department of the Colum- bia ----------------------------------------- 349 2403 Explorations and surveys in Department of Dakota.. 348 2387 Explorations and surveys in Department of the Mis- souri ----------- ----.. -348 2383 Explorations and surveys in Department of the Platte 348 2381 Explorations and surveys in Department of Texas.. 348 2391 Explorations and surveys in Division of the Missouri 348 2379 Explorations and surveys in Division of the Pacific.. 349 2397 Explorations,-geographical, &c., west of 100th meridian 346 2375 F. Fairport Harbor (Grand River), Ohio, improvement of 317 2108 Falls of Saint Anthony, Minn., preservation of _-- 244 1596 Falls of the Ohio River, improvement of navigation at 261 1681 Feather River, Cal., improvement of----------------331 2191 Fernandina and Saint John's River, Fla., deepening the inside passage between.------------------------- 190 1125 Fish-ways at Great Falls of Potomac River- ---- 344 2311 Flint River, Ga., improvement of-------------------_ 196 1170 Flushing Bay, N. Y., improvement of --------------- 106 724 Fort Brown, Tex., protection of river bank at 220 .-------- 1320 Fort Point Channel, Boston Harbor, Mass., examina- tion and survey of --------------------------- 79 588 Fox and Wisconsin rivers, improvement of----------- 287 1872 Frankford Creek, Delaware River, improvement of .... 127 810 Frankfort Harbor, Mich., improvement of ---. 294 1973 Freedom, Pa., examination and survey of Ohio River at, for ice-breaker-- --------------------------- 263 1710 French Broad River, N. C., improvement of ._ - 162 1002 French Broad River, Tenn., improvement of --- 254 1650 INDEX. 7 Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. G. Galveston, Tex., defenses of ----------------------- 52 Galveston Bay, ship-channel in, improvement ofL.. 217 1303 Galveston Harbor, Tex., improvement of entrance to_ 216 1295 Gasconade River, Mo., improvement of -------------- 237 1540 Geographical explorations and surveys west of 100th meridian ------------------------------------- 346 2375 Georgetown and Washington harbors, D. C., improve- ment of-------------- ---------------------- 151 965 Georgetown Harbor, S. C., improvement of- --- 177 1052 Gloucester Harbor, Mass., removal of wrecks in .-. 78 552 Goose Rapids, Red River of the North, Minn. and Dak. 248 1612 Gowanus Creek, N. Y., examination of------------- 105 713 Gowanus Bay, N. Y., improvement of ------- 103 706 Grand Haven Harbor, Mich., improvement of ...... 297 1984 Grand Marais, Minn., improvement of harbor at .. 273 1822 Grand Marais, Mich., harbor of refuge at ------------ 275 1831 Grand River, Mich., improvement of-- ----- 298 1986 Grass River, N. Y., improvement of, at Massena -- 327 2154 Great Bay, N. H., examination and survey of -------- 73 485 Great Kanawha River, W. Va., bridging ----------- 271 1796 Great Kanawha River, W. Va., improvement of.... 149 928 Great Peconic Bay, N. Y., examination and survey of channel-way from Riverhead to ------ 99 681 Great Pee Dee River, S. C., imprqvement of- --- 174 1047 Great Sodus Harbor, N. Y., improvement of---------- 324 2140 Great Wicomico River, examination and survey of, from Cedar Point to Indian Point, Va. _ _ _ -- 163 1016 Green Bay, Wis., improvement of harbor at -.----- 278 1844 Greenport Harbor, N. Y., improvement of_ ---------- 99 658 Guyandotte River, W. Va., improvement of_ 266 1753 H. Hampton Roads, Va., defenses of-------------------- 37 Harbor of refuge, Belle River, Mich., construction of 306 2070 Harbor of refuge near Cincinnati, Ohio, construction of .----------------------------- --- 263 1703 Harbor of refuge, Grand Marais, Mich- ....... 275 1831 Harbor of refuge, Lake Huron, construction of-------- 305 2046 Harbor of refuge in Lake Pepin, Mississippi River, con- struction of --------------------------------- 240 1570 Harbor of refuge, Milwaukee Bay, construction of- .284 1863 Harbor of refuge, Portage Lake, Lake Michigan, con- struction of ----------------------------------- .. 294 1974 Harbor of refuge, Sturgeon Bay Canal, Wis., construc- tion of. -------------------------------------- 279 1846 Harbors, anchorage capacity of-------------- 579 Harlem River, N. Y., improvement of__--- -103 704 Harlowe River, N. C., examination and survey of -...- 177 1065 Harlowe River, N. C., improvement of__-- ---- 171 1040 Hell Gate, N. Y., improvement of navigation at 100 --- 689 Hempstead Bay, N. Y., examination of channel in .. 122 764 Hennepin Canal, surveys for__ ___------ .------ 291 1950 Hiwassee River, Tenn., improvement of.. ------------ 254 1649 Housatonic River, Conn., improvement of- - -. 96 650 Hudson River in front of Jersey City and Hoboken, examination and survey of -------------. --- 122 774 Hudson River, N. Y., improvement of -------------- 101 695 Hull, Mass., examination and survey of headland at 78 552 8 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Hull's Creek, Va., examination of -163 1004 Humboldt Bay and Harbor, Cal., improvement of... 333 2199 Humptulep River, Wash., examination of------------_ 342 2294 Hunting Creek, Va., examination of_..-- -- -- 151 961 Huron Harbor, Ohio, improvement of_--------------- 313 2092 Hyannis Harbor, Mass., improvement of-------------- 79 591 I. Ice-breakers at Rochester and Freedom, Ohio River, examinations and surveys for_ - - - Ice-harbor Ice-harbor at Belle River, Mich., construction of- at Chester, Pa., condition of _ -306 _-----263 ------------- 128 816 1710 2070 Ice-harbor near Cincinnati, Ohio, construction of- 263 1703 Ice-harbor head of Delaware Bay.-- -_ - 129 817 Ice-harbor at Dubuque, Iowa-_-- --------- 240 1571 Ice-harbor at Marcus Hook, Pa., construction of_.. --- 128 814 Ice-harbor at Middleport, Ohio, examination and sur- vey for ------------------------ 263 1707 Ice-harbor at mouth of Muskingum River-_-- - 263 1703 Ice-harbor at New Castle, Del ----------------------- 128 816 Illinois River, examination and survey of- 291 1957 Illinois River, improvement of--------------------- . 290 1948 Indian River, Del., examination of- ---------------. 151 957 Indian River, Del., improvement ofL-..... ---- 135 842 Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, Fla., examination and survey of passage between ------------------- 194 1143 Inside passage between Fernandina and Saint John's River, Fla., improvement of-..........- - - 190 1125 Iowa River, examination of_ ---------------------- 244 1591 Ipswich River, Mass., examination and survey of-- 79 557 Isle of Wight, Md., examination of----------------- 151 957 J. James River, Va., improvement of----------------- 146 904 Jeffersonville, Ind., estimate for a levee 1689 Jetties at South Pass of the Mississippi River, inspec- tion of. -------------------------------------- 206 1235 Jonesport, Me., improvement of Moose-a-bec Bar at. 68 462 K. Kanawha River, Great, improvement of ------------- _ 149 928 Kanawha River, Little, improvement of-- ----------- 266 1754 Kankakee River, examination of stone formation at Momence, Ill---------------------------------269 1766 Kennebec River, Me., defenses of_ -.. . .... . 14 Kennebunk River, Me., improvement of- ----- 71 468 Kenosha Harbor, Wis., improvement of 286 1869 Kent Island Narrows, Md., improvement of ---- 141 893 Kentucky River, Ky., improvement of. ------------ 264 1723 Kentucky River, Ky., lock and dam at Beattyville, re- port on ------------------------------------------ 1728 Kewaunee, Mich., improvement of harbor at .--------- 280 1849 Keyport Harbor, N. J., improvement of------------- 120 758. Key West, Fla., defenses of_-------------------- 45 Key West, Fla., improvement of harbor at 195 1166 L. La Fourche Bayou, La., examination of_ ---- 216 1291 La Fourche Bayou, La., improvement of-------------214 1280 La Grange Bayou, Fla., improvement of- ------.-- 201 1192 INDEX. 9 Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Lake Bisteneau, La., examination of --------------- 247 1363 Lake City, Minn., construction of harbor of refuge at.__ 240 1570 Lake Huron, harbor of refuge on, at Sand Beach, Mich 305 2046 Lakes, Northern and Northwestern, issue of charts of_ 345 . 2373 Lake Palmyra, La. and Miss., examination of mouth of 227 1370 Lake Winnibigoshish, experimental dam at --------- 249 1614 Lamprey River, N. H., improvement of -------------- 72 472 L'Anguille River, Ark., improvement of-------------231 1403 Laws of Forty-eighth Congress, first session, affecting Corps of Engineers------------- ----. -- 371 Leipsic River, Del., examination of-----------------138 854 Leonardtown Harbor, Md., improvement of ------ 155 981 Lewis River, Wash., examination of --------------- 342 2293 Lewes, Del., construction of piers at ----------------- 137 843 Lillington River, N. C., improvement of------------- 173 1044 Little Egg Harbor, N. J., removal of wreck off-------- 138 850 - Little Kanawha River, W. Va., improvement of --..- 266 1754 Little Narragansett Bay, R. I. and Conn., improvement of --------------------------------------------- 89 629 Little River, Ark., examination of---------------- --- 232 1406 Little Rock, Ark., bridge across Arkansas River at .-- 270 1788 Little Sodus Harbor, N. Y., improvement of--------- 325 2142 Little Tennessee River, improvement of ------------- 259 1659 Loggy Bayou, La., examination of------------------ 227 1363 Long Branch Harbor, N. J., examination of coast from Deal to Seabright for breakwater at---------------122 763 Loosacoona River, Miss., examination of--------------- 226 1344 Louisa Fork, Big Sandy River, examination of_.------. 267 1755 Louisville and Portland Canal, operating and main- taining -------------------------------------- 261 1692 Lower Clearwater River, Idaho, improvement of.- . 341 - 2279 Lower Willamette and Columbia rivers, Oreg., im- provement of----- ------------ -------------- -- 334 2215 Lubec Channel, Me., improvement of ---------------- 67 460 Ludington Harbor, Mich., plan and estimate for harbor of refuge---- -------------------- --- 301 1899 Ludington Harbor, Mich., improvement of------- -295 1977 Lynn Harbor, Mass., improvement of.------------- 77 520 1I. Madison Harbor, Conn., examination of-------------100 685 Malden River, Mass., improvement of---------------_78 551 amaroneck Harbor, N. Y., improvement of.--------- 98 655 anasquan River, N. J., improvement of ------------ 116 751 Manatee River, Fla., improvement of --- _-----205 1215 Manistee Harbor, Mich., improvement of_ -------. 295 1976 Manistique Harbor, Mich., improvement of_ . 276 1832 Manitowoc Harbor, Wis., improvement of ------------ 282 1853 Manokin River, Md., examination of---1 ..... 151 951 Mantua Creek, N. J., improvement of---- -134 837 Maps, military and geographical, preparation of_.. 345 Marblehead Harbor, Mass., defenses of -------------- Marcus Hook, Pa., improvement of ice-harbor at- Marquette Harbor, Mich., improvement of-----------__ -- 17 128 274 814 1829 Massena, N. Y., improvement of Grass River at-... 327 2154 Matagorda Bay, Tex., improvement of entrance to . 219 1310 Mattaponi River, Va., improvement of__---------.-- 158 991 M ttawan Creek, N. J., improvement of--. -- . 119 756 Maurice River, N. J., improvement of-- _-- -------- 134 836 Meeker's Island, Minn., lock and dam at. -------- 245 1599 Meherrin River, N. C., improvement of -------- . 166 1034 10 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Menomonee Harbor, Mich. and Wis., improvement of_ 277 1835 Merrimac River, Mass., improvement of-------------- 74 500 Michigan City Harbor, Ind., improvement ofL ..- 292 1965 Middleport, Ohio, examination and survey for ice-har- bor at --------------------------------------- 263 1707 Milford Harbor, Conn., improvement of- - - 95 648 Milford Haven, Va., examination of estuary at ..... 177 1053 Milwaukee Bay, construction of harbor of refuge at__. 284 1863 Milwaukee Harbor, Wis., improvement of ...-- -- .285 1866 Minnesota River, near Belle Plaine, examination and survey of ------------------------------------ 250 1637 Minnesota River, Minn., improvement of- .. 247 1609 Minnesota River, examination source of, near foot of Big Stone Lake ------------------------------- 250 1632 Minisceongo Creek, N. J., examination and survey of_ 106 714 Mispillion Creek, Del., improvement of_ ------ 131 829 Mississippi (Lower) and Missouri rivers, operations of snag-boatson - ------- ---------- 236 1531 Mississippi River: above Falls of Saint Anthony, improvement of__ 245 1597 at Alton, Ill., improvement of. -------------- at Cape Girardeau, improvement of-------------235 234 1527 1529 at Des Moines Rapids, improvement of --- 242 1576 at Dubuque, Iowa, improvement of ------------- 240 1571 at Dubuque, Iowa, bridge across_ --- -- 271 at Falls of Saint Anthony, improvement of------ 245 1597 in Lake Pepin, construction of harbor of refuge . 240 1570 S at Meeker's Island, Minn., construction of lock and dam__------------------------------------- 245 1599 at Muscatine, Iowa, improvement of_ --- - 241 1575 at Quincy Bay, Ill., improvement of- -243 1590 at Quincy, Ill., improvement of ---------------- 243 1588 at Rock Island Harbor, improvement of- ---- 241 1575 at Rock Island Rapids, improvement of- ---- 241 1572 opposite Saint Louis, Mo., improvement ofL.... 234 1527 between the mouths of the Illinois and Ohio rivers, improvement of ---- - 232 1411 from Des Moines Rapids to mouth of Illinois River, improvement of .--------------------------- 239 1560 from Saint Paul to Des Moines Rapids, improve- ment of ----------------------- 239 1550 improvement of South Pass, inspection of -------- 206 1235 reservoirs at sources of_--_249 -_---- 1614 snag-boats on, operation of- ------------------- 236 1531 Upper, operations of snag-boats on ----------- 238 1545 water-gauges on----------------------------- 226 1341 Mississippi River Commission, report of ------------- 344 Part IV. Mississippi Sound, defense of --------------- 48 Missouri River: between Sioux City and its mouth, improvement of -------------------------------------- 237 1533 from Sioux City to Fort Benton, improvement of__ 237 1541 snag-boats on, operations of------------------ 236 1531 from its mouth to Fort Benton, Mont., survey of-- 237 1538 Mobile, Ala., defenses of---------------------------48 Mobile Harbor, Ala., improvement of_ _ -194 1151 Mobile River, Ala., removal of wrecks in_ ---------- 206 1217 Momence, Ill., examination of stone formation in Kankakee River at ------.- -------.. 269 1766 Monongahela River, improvement of---------------- 262 1699 Monroe Harbor, La.. examination and survey of- 227 1381,1383 Monroe Harbor, Mich., improvement of-------------308 2081 INDEX. 11 Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Moose-a-bec Bar, Jonesport, Me., improvement of .... 68 462 Morehead City, N. C., examination of sound iear ... 177 1062 Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River, Fla., examination and survey for passage between ----- _-194 - 1143 Mount Vernon, Va., improvement of channel at --- 154 980 Movable dam at Davis Island, Ohio River 260 1678 Muscatine, Iowa, improvement of harbor at---- ...--- 241 1575 Muskegon Harbor, Mich., improvement of---------- 297 1983 Muskingum River, construction of ice-harbor at -...263 1703 Muscle Shoals Canal, Tennessee River, construction of 251 1641 N. Nantucket Harbor, Mass., improvement of _---- 79 593 Narragansett Bay, defenses of------ ---------------- 20 Narragansett Bay, R. I., improvement of ------------ 85 617 Natalbany River, La., examination and survey of.. 216 1289 Neabsco Creek, Va., improvement of-- ----- 155 980 Neches River, Tex., improvement of- - - Neuse River, N. C., improvement of - -- 208 169 1256 1037 New Bedford, Mass., defenses of -------------------- 19 New Berne to Beaufort, N. C., inland navigation be- tween, survey of and improvement of ------------- 171 177 1040, 1067 New Buffalo Harbor, Mich., improvement of- -- - 293 1969 Newburyport Harbor, Mass., improvement of -------- 73 493 New Castle, Del., ice harbor at 128 816 New Haven Harbor, Conn., construction of breakwater at .------------------------------------------ 95 647 New Haven Harbor, Conn., defenses of ------------ 22 New Haven Harbor, Conn., improvement ofL--- 94 645 New London, Conn., bridge across the Thames River at ----------------------------------------- 269 1769 New London Harbor, Conn., defenses of-_ ---- 21 New London Harbor, Conn., improvement of - 92 638 New Orleans, La., defenses of ---------------------- 49 Newport Harbor, R. I., improvement of-------------- 87 623 Newport River, N. C., examination and survey of.. 177 1065 Newport River, N. C., improvement of -------------- 171 1040 New River, N. C., improvement of ----------------- 174 1046 New River and Beaufort, N. C., examination of sound between - -- 177 1055 New River, Va. and W. Va., improvement of -------- 149 928 New Rochelle Harbor, N. Y., improvement at --- 105 709 Newton Creek, N. J., examination of--------------- 139 Newtown Creek, N. Y., examination and survey of. 122 765 Newtown Creek, N. Y., improvement of- ----- 107 726 New York Harbor, defenses of---__ _-- --- 22 New York Harbor, removal of wrecks in - -- 121 762 Niagara River, N. Y., improvement of-------------- 321 2131 Nomini Creek, Va., improvement of ---------------- 155 982 Nootsack River, Wash., improvement of 340 2274 Norfolk Harbor, Va., and its approaches, improve- ment of ----------------------------------- 163 1028 Northern and Northwestern Lakes, issue of charts of -345 2373 North Landing River, Va. and N. C., improvement ------------------------------------------ of ... 166 1032 North River Bar, Currituck Sound, N. C., improvement of ------------------------------------------ 167 1034 North River, in front of Jersey City and Hoboken, ex- amination and survey of ------------------------ 122. 774 Norwalk Harbor, Conn., improvement of--_. --- 97 654 Nottoway River, Va., improvement of - ----- Noxubee River, Miss., improvement of----.----.- 165 204 1031 1211 12 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. 0. r Oakland Harbor, Cal., improvement of -------- 330 , 2177 Oak Orchard Harbor, N. Y., improvement of--------- 322 2136 Obey's River, Tenh., improvement of --------------- 255 1652 Ocmulee River, Ga., improvement of --------- 257 1656 Oconee River, Ga., improvement of----------------- 258 1658 Oconto Harbor, Wis., improvement of ... 277 1840 Office of the Chief of Engineers--------------------- 349 Officers of the Corps of Engineers, number of, duties of_ 3 351 Ogdensburg Harbor, N. Y., improvement of -327 2153 Ohio River, bridge across near Beaver, Pa ------------ 269 1778 Ohio River, bridge across at Wheeling, W. Va --. 269 1772 Ohio River, improvement of_- -_- ------- 260 1677 Ohio River, improvement of Falls of ...------- 262 1699 Ohio River at Jeffersonville, Ind., estimate for a levee 1689 Ohio River at Rochester and Freedom, Pa., examinations and surveys for ice breakers ------------------- 263 1710 Ohio River, survey for channel through Grand and Little chains --- - - - 263 1715 Olcott Harbor, N. Y., improvement of-------_ 322 2135 Old Town Creek, Miss., improvement of_ 200 1191 Old River Bed, Cuyahoga River, examination of- 318 2110 Ontonagon Harbor, Mich., improvement of------------ 273 1825 Oostenaula River, Ga., improvement of 257 1656 Osage River, Mo. and Kans., improvement of -------- 235 1529 Oswego Harbor, N. Y., improvement of- 325 2143 Otter Creek, Vt., improvement of- . 329 2158 Ouachita River at harbors of Monroe and Trenton, La., examination of -227 1381 Ouachita River from Camden to Arkadelphia, Ark., ex- amination of .- 227 1351 OtUachita River from its mouth to-Camden, Ark., ex- amination and survey of- -------_ 227 1386 Ouachita River, La. and Ark., improvement of-------- 221 1329 P. Palmyra Lake, La. and Miss., examination of mouth 227 1370 Pamplico River, N. C., improvement of- 168 1036 Pamunky River, Va., improvement of,_ Pascagoula River, Miss., improvement of - ----------- -- 158 205 992 1214 Paccaic River between Passaic and Paterson, N. J., ex- amination and survey of_- -- _- .--- 122 780 Passaic River, N. J., above Newark, improvement ofL 111 737 Passaic River, N. J., below Newark, improvement ofL 112 740 Pass Cavallo Inlet, Tex., improvement of ----------- 219 1310 Patapsco River, Md., improvement of------ __ 142 894 Pawtucket River, R. I., examination and survey of -- 91 609 Pawtucket River, R. I., improvement of--------------84 608 Pawtuxet River, R. I., examination of- .... . 91 633 Pearl River, Miss., above Carthage, examination and survey of . . ....---------------------------------- 216 1286 Pearl River, Miss., improvement of, below Jackson-... 209 1259 Pearl River, Miss., improvement of, above Jackson- -._201 1196 Pease Creek, Fla., improvement ofL ..----------- 209 1262 Pecatonica River, Wis., examination of------------- 244 1593 Peconic River, N. Y., examination and survey of-.... 99 681 Pee Dee River, Great, S. C., improvement of ..--------- 174 1047 Peekskill Harbor, N. Y., examination and survey ofL 106 718 Penobscot River, Me., defenses of_ . .. ... . . 13 Penobscot River, Me., examination and survey of 73 475 INDEX. 13 Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Pensacola Harbor, Fla., defenses of------------------ 46 Pensacola Harbor, Fla., improvement of ----------- 195 1161 Pensaukee Harbor, Mich., improvemnent of. .. 278 1842 Pensaukin Creek, N. J., examination of. ------------- 138 852 Pentwater Harbor, Mich., improvement of ----------- 296 1978 Petaluma Creek, Cal., improvement of-------------- 332 2198 Petit Anse Bayou, La., examination of. ------------- 227 1369 Philadelphia, Pa., defenses of_ ------------- 31 Piankatank River, Va., examination and survey of . 163 1013 Pier at Lewes, Del., construction of ---------------- 137 843 Pierre, Bayou, La., survey of ------------------- 221 227 Piscataqua River,.N. H. and Me., examination and sur- vey of ---------------------------------------- 73 485 Piscataway Creek, Md., examination of ------------- 163 1005 Piscataway Creek, Va., examination of -------------- 163 1006 Plattsburg Harbor, N. Y., improvement of-327 2155 Plymouth Harbor, Mass., improvement of ---------- 76 514 Plymouth Harbor, Mass., defenses of- --.- -- 19 Pocomoke River, Md., examination of------ - 151 949 Portage Lake, Mich., construction of harborof refuge at 294 1974 Port Chester Harbor, N. Y., improvement of --------- 105 712 Port Clinton Harbor, Ohio, improvement of 310 2086 Port Henry Harbor, N. Y., examination of ----------- 330 2168 Port Jefferson Harbor, L. I., N. Y., improvement of__ .. 98 656 Portland Harbor, Me., defenses of- _------- 14 Portland Harbor, Me., improvement of- _-----70 467 Port Marshall Harbor, N. Y., examination of . 330 2161 Portsmouth Harbor, N. H., defenses of- -- 16 Portsmouth Harbor, N. H., examination of _..... 73 474 Portsmouth Harbor, N. H., improvement of.--- - 71 469 Port Tobacco Creek, Md., examination of ----------- 163 1008 Port-warden's Line at Philadelphia ----------------- 138 851 Port Washington Harbor, Wis., improvement of .. 283 1858 Potomac River, D. C., improvement of, in vicinity of Washington ------------- -------------- 152 970 Potomac River, fish-ways at Great Falls of- -- -- 344 2311 Potomac River at Mount Vernon, improvement of _-.. 154 980 Post and depot at Willets Point .... .. - 65 455 Providence River, R. I., improvement of ------------ 85 617 Provincetown Harbor, Mass., improvement of 77 518 .-------- Public buildings and grounds, District of Columbia . 344 2339 Pultneyville Harbor, N. Y., improvement of.-_ .. - . 324 2138 Pungoteague Creek, Va., examination of ------------- 151 952 / Q" Quantico Creek, Va., examination and survey of-- 163 1010 Quincy, Ill., improvement of Mississippi River at .243 1588 Quincy Bay, Ill., improvement of 43 2------------------ 1590 R. Raccoon River, N. J., improvement of -------------- 135 .839 Racine Harbor, Wis., improvement of-- ----- 285 1867 Rahway River, N. J., improvement of_--- -- 115 747 Rancocas River, N. J., improvement of Rank and duties, officers of engineers__- -133 - - 351 833 Rappahannock River, Va., improvement of- - 156 985 Raritan Bay, N. J.,improvement of ----- -. 117 752 Raritan River, N. J., improvement of_ 118 754 Reconnaissances and explorations_ . - ..- -347 Red River, from its mouth to Fulton, survey of--------221 14 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. " Part I. Part II. Part III. Red River, La., improvement of-------------__ 221 1322 surveyofL.. 221 297 Red River of the North, improvement of---------- 248 1610 Red 'River of the North, construction of lock and datn at Goose Rapids - -- 248 1612 Red River, Tenn., improvement of _ .. 259 1659 Redwood Slough, Cal., examination and survey of ---- 334 2204 Reedy Island, Delaware River, ice-harbor at .....- 129 817 Reservoirs at sources of the Mississippi and its tributa- ries, construction of -. - - 249 1614 Reservoirs at sources of the Mississippi and its tributa- ries, surveys for_ - - - - - 250 1631 River and harbor improvements ... ___ ._ 66 Roanoke River, N. C., examination and survey of --- 163 1020 Roanoke River, N. C., improvement of------------ 161 1001 Rochester, Pa., examination and survey of Ohio River at for ice-breaker ----------------------------- 263 1710 Rock Island Harbor, Mississippi River, improvement at 241 1575 Rock Island Rapids, Mississippi River, improvement at_ 241 1572 Rockland Harbor, Me., improvement of-.......-.-.-- 69 464 Rockport, Mass., examination for harbor of refuge at Sandy Bay . .....---------------------------------.. 79 565 Rocky River Harbor, Ohio, improvement of-----_- 315 2097 Roebuck Lake, Miss., examination of_ ............ 227 1357 Romerly Marsh, Ga., improvement of water-route through-------------------------------- 186 1111 Rondout Harbor, N. Y., improvement of__ ._ . 102 700 Roundaway Bayou, La., examination of._ _ 227 1347 Rouse's Point, N. Y., examination and survey for break- water at----------------------------------- 330 217 Royal River, Me., improvement of ------- 70 466 S. Sabine Pass and Calcasieu River, examination forwater- route to connect . ._ -- -- - 216 1285 Sabine Pass, Tex., improvement of_ ............ 207 1249 Sabine River, Tex., improvement of------_ _ 208 1255 Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., improvement of 326 2151 Saco River, Me., resurvey of-------------------- 73 482 Sacramento River, Cal., improvement of. 331 2191 Saginaw River, Mich., improvement of_ 304 2041 Saint Anthony, preservation of Falls of 244 1596 Saint Augustine Creek, Ga., improvement of_ .... 186 1111 Saint Augustine, Fla., defenses ofL---- _ _ 45 Saint Clair Flats Ship-canal, Mich-_ ---- 306 2071 Saint Croix River, Wis. and Minn., improvement of -- 247 1606 Saint Croix River, bridging ----------------------- 270 Saint Francis and White rivers, Ark., improvement of 228 1392 Saint Jerome's Creek, Md., improvement of harbor at 156 984 Saint John's River and Fernandina, Fla., deepening in- side passage between - ---------------- 190 1125 Saint John's River, Fla., examination and survey be- tween Lake George and Lake Monroe -- 194 1138 Saint John's River, Fla., improvement of bar at mouth of ------------------------- .---------------- 190 1126 Saint John's River, Fla., Upper, improvement of_- . 193 1137 Saint Jones River, Del., improvement ofL----- 133 835 Saint Joseph Harbor, Mich., improvement of .---- .--- 300 1993 Saint Mark's River, Fla., examination of- .-- 206 1222 Saint Mary's Falls Canal and Saint Mary's River, Mich., improvement of_.-- --- ------------ 302 2011 INDEX. 15 Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich., dry-dock at --------- 302 2030 Saint Mary's Falls Canal, Mich., operating canal Saint Mary's River, Mich., improvement of Hay Lake - 302 2016 Channel ------------ 301 2004 Salem River, N. J., improvement of ------- 132 832 Saline River, Ark., examination ofL........ 232 1406 Saline River, Ark., improvement of-_--- -- 231 1404 Salkiehatchie River, S. C., improvement of 181 1094 Sand ]each, Mich., Lake Huron, harbor of refuge at- 305 2046 San Diego, Cal., defenses of .--------------------. 52 San Diego Harbor, Cal., improvement of - ---- 334 2213 Sandusky City Harbor, Ohio, improvement of -311 2088 Sandusky River, Ohio, improvement of -------------- 312 2091 Sandy Bay, Rockport, Mass., examination and survey for harbor of refuge at --------------- 79 565 San Francisco, Cal., defenses of -__----- 52 San Francisco Bay, Cal., deposit of dredged material in 2183 San Francisco Harbor, Cal., removal of wreck from .- 333 - 2201 1952 Sangamon River, Ill., examination and survey of- . 291 San Joaquin River, Cal., improvement of ------------ 332 2195 Santa Monica Bay, Cal., examination of_ --- 334 2209 Santee River, S. C., improvement of ----------------- 175 1049 Saugatuck Harbor, Mich., improvement of ----------- 299 1989 Saugerties Harbor, N. Y., examination and survey of__ 106 715 Savannah, Ga., defenses of ------------------------- 43 Savannah River and Harbor, Ga., improvement of . 183 --- 1098 Savannah River, Ga., above Augusta, improvement of_ 185 1110 Savannah River, Ga., below Augusta, improvement of_ 184 1107 School of Application, Battalion of Engineers --------- 65 425 Schuylkill River, Pa., improvement of -------------- 127 811 Scituate Harbor, Mass., improvement of-_- -- 75 502 Scuppernong River., N. C., improvement of ... . 167 1035 Sea-coast and lake frontier defenses, general remarks on and estimates for -------------------------------- 4 55 Sebewaing Harbor, Mich., re-survey of------------- 308 2079 Sheboygan Harbor, Wis., improvement of Sheboygan Harbor, Wis., removal of wreck in- -- --- - 282 284 1856 1860 Sheepshead Bay, N. Y., improvement of ------------- 109 732" Shenandoah River, Va. and W. Va., improvement of_ 148 927 Shoal Harbor, N. J., examination and survey of-. 122 770 Shrewsbury River, N. J., improvement of-_--.....114 745 Skaget River, Wash., improvement of------------- 340 2274 Smith's Mills and White Oak River, N. C., examina- tion of sound between ------------------------ 177 1055 Snag-boats on the Arkansas, operations of----------- 227 1390 Snag-boats on the Lower Mississippi and Missouri, oper- ations of .------------------------------------- 236 1531 Snag-boats on the Upper Mississippi, operations of___ 238 1545 Snake River, Wash., improvement of_--- -- 337 2229 Snohomish River, Wash., improvement of----------- 340 2274 Snoqualmie River, Wash, improvement of__ - -- 340 2274 Sodus Harbor, N. Y., Great, improvement of - . 324 2140 Sodus Harbor, N. Y., Little, improvement ofL-- ...... 325 2142 South Forked Deer River, Tenn., improvement of 226 1338 South Haven Harbor, Mich., improvement of -.... 299 1991 Southold Harbor, N. Y., examination of ---- 100 686 South Pass, Mississippi River, inspection of improve- ment at ------------------------------------- . 206 1235 Southport Harbor, Conn., improvement of.- 97 653 South River, N. J., improvement of 120 760 Stamford Harbor, Conn., examination and survey of - 99 670 16 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Staten Island, N. Y., improvement of New Jersey Chan- nel ---------- ---- 113 742 Staunton River, Va., improvement of.- --- 160 998 Steel's Bayou, Miss., examination of --------. 227 1360 Steilaquamish River, Wash., improvement of 340 2274 Stockholm, Wis., construction of harbor of refuge at 240 1570 Stonington Harbor, Conn., improvement of- -- --- 90 630 Stony Brook Harbor, N. Y., examination of --------- 99 664 Sturgeon Bay Canal, Wis., harbor of refuge at 279-------- 1846 Sulphur River, Tex., examination of ---------------- 227 1345 Sumpawanus Inlet, L. I., N. Y., improvement of ... 110 734 Sunflower River, Miss., improvement of ------------ 224 1334 Superior Bay, Wis., improvement of ------------- 272 1818 Survey of Northern and Northwestern lakes, issue of charts of- ----------------------------------- 345 2373 Surveys and examinations for improvement of rivers and harbors, estimates for __---------------342 Surveys and explorations west of 100th meridian- 346 2375 Surveys for Hennepin Canal.-. - ---------- 291 1950 Susquehanna River, examination and survey of North Branch of _ ._-- _---_-- -_-_188 869 Susquehanna River, Pa., improvement of North Branch of----- ------------------------------------- 136 842 Susquehanna River, near Havre de Grace, Md., improve- ment of.- ------------------------------- _ 139 888 Suwannee River, Fla., improvement of__ 198 1179 Swanton Harbor, Vt., improvement of_-- 328 2157 Synepuxent Bay, Md., examination of -------------- 151 957 T. Tallahatchie River, Miss., improvement of_ 224 1335 Tallapoosa River, Ala., improvement of------------ 200 1189 Tampa Bay, Fla., improvement of__- -- - -198 1178 Tangipahoa River, La., improvement of ------------- 210 1266 Tar River, N. C., improvement of-- -- • -- - 168 1036 Taunton River, Mass., improvement of--------------- 83 604 Tchefuncte River, La., improvement of- ----. --- 211 1268 Tchula Lake, Miss., improvement of. ----- 224 1335 Teche, Bayou, La., connection with Grand Lake at Charenton ----------------------------------- 212 1275 Teche, Bayou, La., improvement of-----------------212 1272 Tennessee River, above Chattanooga, improvement of.- 250 1639 Tennessee River, below Chattanooga, improvement of -251 1641 Tensas River, La., improvement of ----------------- 223 1331 Terrebonne, Bayou, La., improvement of ------------ 214 1279 Tickfaw River, La., improvement of . ---------------- 211 1271 Thames River, Conn., at New London, bridge across_ - 269 1769 Thames River, Conn., improvement of_------------ 92 636 Thunder Bay Harbor, Mich., improvement of -------- 303 2036 Thunderbolt River, Ga., improvement of-- __ - 186 1111 Ticonderoga River, N. Y., improvement of ----------- 329 2160 Tionesta Creek, Pa., examination of ...----------------- 263 1704 Toledo Harbor, Ohio, improvement of- - - Tombigbee River, Ala., above ,Columbus, Miss., im- -309 - 2083 provement of_ . .. 204 1210 Tombigbee River, Ala., improvement of------------- 203 1206 Torpedo defense -------------------- 59 Totusky River, Va., improvement of_ 157 988 Town Creek, N. C., examination of- .177 1063 - Tradewater River, Ky., improvement ofL__ - -- 264 1747 Trenton Harbor, La., examination of .--------- 227 1381 INDEX. 17 Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part IIL Trent River, N. C., improvement of ..-------------.... 171 1041 Trinity River, Tex., improvement of ---------------- 217 1304 Turrets and armor-plates, &c., information in relation thereto -------------------------------------- 421 Two Rivers Harbor, Wis., improvement of-----------281 1851 Tygart's Valley River, W. Va., examination and survey of------------------------------------------ 263 1718 U. Upper Columbia and Snake rivers, Oreg. and Wash., improvements of -------.-.----.--------- 337 2229 Upper Mississippi River, operations of snag-boats on_ -_ 238 1545 Upper Saint John's River, Fla., improvement of .-. - 193 1137 Upper Thoroughfare, Deal's Island and mainland, Md., improvement of ------------------------------- 145 903 Upper Willamette River, Oreg., improvement of------ 336 2228 Urbana Creek, Va., improvement of ---------- 158 990 V. Van Buren, Ark., bridge across Arkansas River at... Vermillion Harbor, Ohio, improvement of-_ Vidal Bayou, La., examination of ------------------ ----270 313 227 1347 1792 2093 Volusia Bar, Lake George, Fla., improvement of- . 192 1134 W. Wabash River, Ind., improvement of -------------- 267 1757 Waccamaw River, N. C. and S. C., examination of .. 177 1056 Waccamaw River, N. C. improvement of ------ 175 1048 Wachita River, Ark. and La., improvement of .-------- 221 1329 Wappoo Cut, S. C., improvement of---------------- 180 1089 Wareham Harbor, Mass., improvement of ------------ 82 600 Warrior River, Ala., improvement of..... ------ 203 1204 Washington Aqueduct, D. C_-.__..... -----..- 342 2299 Washington, D. C., defenses of --------------------- 36 Washington and Georgetown harbors, D. C., improve- ment of----_ 151 965 ..-------------------------------- Washington, D. C., improvement of Potomac River at_ 152 970 Washington, D. C., increasing water-supply of-........ 343 2301 Wateree River, S. C., improvement of --------------- 176 1051 Water-gauges on Mississippi River and tributaries..... 226 1341 Water passage, Deal's Island, Md., improvement of-. 145 903 Waukegan Harbor, Ill., improvement of-------------286 1871 Westport Harbor, Conn., examination and survey of__ 99 673 Wetipguin Creek, Md., examination of------------- 151 956 Wheeling, W. Va., bridge across Ohio River at-------- 269 1772 White and Saint Francis rivers, Ark., improvement of 228 1392 White Oak River to Smith's Mills, N. C., examination of ------------------------------------- 177 1055 White River, Ark., above Buffalo Shoals, improvement of ------------------------------------------230 1402 White River, Ark., near Duvall's Bluff, examination and survey of -------------------------------- 232 1409 White River, between Jacksonport and Buffalo Shoals, Ark., improvement of__ _.------ .----- 230 1401 White River Harbor, Mich., improvement of_ ........ 296 1981 White River, Ind., improvement of ---------------- 268 1765 Wicomico River, Great, Md., examination and survey of, from Cedar Point to Indian Point ... ..-------------... 163 1016 Wicomico River, Md., examination of_ _.-----..--151 959 Wicomico River, Md., improvement of----....---- 145 903 5908---2 18 INDEX. Page. SUBJECT. Part I. Part II. Part III. Willamette River, Lower, Oreg., improvement of .. 334 2215 Willamette River, Upper, Oreg., improvement of- Willets Point, N. Y., engineer post and depot at -- 336 65 455 2226 Wilmington Harbor, Cal., improvement of----------- 331 2186 Wilmington Harbor, Del., improvement of ------ Wilmington, N. C., defenses of--------------------- 41 130 826 Wilson Harbor, N. Y., improvement of -------------- 322 2133 Winnibigoshish Lake, experimental dam at ---------- 249 1614 Wisconsin and Fox rivers, improvement of__ - --- 287 1872 Wisconsin River, from Portage to Merrill, examination of ------------------------------------------ .. 289 1939 Withlacooche River, Fla., improvement of__,-...... 201 1194 Woodbridge Creek, N. J., improvement of 116 749 Woodbury Creek, N. J., improvement of ------------ 135 838 Wood's Holl Harbor,* Mass., improvement of---- ...... 81 597 Wreck in Charlevoix Harbor, Mich., removal of- 300 1995 Wrecks in Chesapeake Bay, removal of-------------- 151 948 Wrecks on coast of New Jersey, removal of -- 138 .------ 850 Wrecks in Gloucester Harbor, Mass., removal of ------ Wreck off Little Egg Harbor, N. J.,removal of-------- 138 78 552 850 Wrecks in Mobile River, removal of 206 1217 Wrecks in New York Harbor endangering navigation, removal of - ----------- --- 121 762 Wreck in San Francisco Harbor, Cal., removal of WVreck in Sheboygan Harbor, Wis., removal of -- --- 333 284 2201 1860 Y. Yadkin River, N. C., improvement of 173 1045 Yallabusha River, Miss., examination ofL- - -226 1342 Yallabusha River, Miss., improvement of_---- 225 1337 Yaquina Bay, Oreg., improvement of entrance to 338 2265 Yazoo Pass, Miss., examination oL --------------- 227 1355 Yazoo River, Miss., improvement of---------------- 223 1333 Yellowstone River, improvement of----------------- 238 1543 York River, Va., improvement of __------------------ 159 994 Youghiogheny River, examination and survey of- 263 1716 0