Слике страница
PDF
ePub

SEN. AND H. OF REPS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

Tennessee. This improvement was deemed important to keep a regular and certain intercourse between the Western States and New Orleans-Memphis being a point on the Mississippi to which steamboats can come at all seasons of the year: it being contemplated to extend this line to New Orleans by steamboats, as soon as the means of the Department will justify, and the public interest shall require it. To give greater utility to this improvement, a weekly line of coaches will also be established at the same time, from Florence, in Alabama, (where it will connect with the line from Huntsville,) to Bolivar in Tennessee, at which point it will form a junction with the line from Nashville to Memphis.

Such improvements are also provided in the transportation of the mail through Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, as that the lines of stages three times a week between Louisville, in Kentucky, and St. Louis, in Missouri, will connect the correspondence and the travelling in a period of two days less than the time now occupied; and continue the line to Fayette, beyond the centre of Missouri, within the same time which is now allowed for reaching St. Louis. A weekly line of stages will also go into operation on the first of January next, from Fayette to Independence, near the western boundary of that State.

[21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.

received and disbursed by one of the Assistants, while the Postmaster General was held responsible in law, for their proper application. The Assistant had it in his power at all times to withdraw, or furnish for the use of others, the funds of the Department, to a large amount, without the knowledge of its head or of any other person attached to it. There was no check upon any such transactions, nor any thing connected with the system calculated to bring them to light. The Assistant made deposits of part of the funds in different banks, subject to his individual checks; and retained a part in his own hands, but to what amount is not shown by any document or record in the Department. On the change of the system, there was found in an iron coffer, in his possession, the sum of $19,876, 89, consisting of $199 in specie, and $19,857 794 in bank notes, certificates, and checks. Of this sum $2,633 76 were found to be counterfeit, and $1,672 62 were in notes of broken banks, and of no value. A part of the remainder is of very doubtful character. Such as was not ascertained to be good, has been sent to the different States from which it issued, for the purpose of determining its value, and rendering it available; but what proportion of it will be found worthless or depreciated is not yet learned.

The necessity of an entire change in the mode of conducting this business was most obvious.

These, with other improvements provided for by the contracts which have just been made, will add 277,992 Directions have been given, that the money approprimiles to the annual transportation of the mail in stages. ated by law for the payment of salaries shall never be Notwithstanding the increased expense which these united with the funds of the Department, but that it shall additional services would require, the new contracts have be drawn by an agent appointed for that purpose, and been made, including all the improvements, for $19,195 37 applied directly to the object for which it is appropriated; per annum less than the sum paid under the expiring conso that the persons receiving it shall have no accounts tracts for the transportation of the mail in that section. The advantageous terms of these contracts will effect a saving to the Department of about twenty-five per cent. in proportion to the services to be performed.

opened on the books of the Department. This will effectually prevent advances and over payments, on that head, in future.

It was important to devise a system by which no moneys should be received, or disbursed, or in any manner come within the control of any one individual; but that all moneys should be paid into the Department by certificates of dedeposites, not even by the head of the Department, without the signature of two distinct officers of the Department, each acting independently of the other, and both certifying to the correctness of the act. Also, that the transfer of moneys from Postmasters to Contractors should be subject to the same guard, and require, in like manner, the investigation and signature of two distinct officers of the Department. It was likewise necessary that the system should embrace a rule which should require Postmasters to account promptly for the proceeds of their offices, and prevent an accumulation of postage in their hands. This has been done; and it is believed that the moneys of this Department are now as effectually protected as those of any other Department in the Government.

On entering the Department, my attention was, at an early day, drawn to the manner in which its funds were received and disbursed. Circumstances transpired at the very threshold of this inquiry, which indicated a loose-posite in banks, and that nothing could be drawn from such ness and irresponsibility entirely incompatible with that system which ought to characterize every branch of the public service. Moneys had been advanced to different persons contrary to law; and persons in the immediate employment of the Department, who receive stipulated salaries, defined and appropriated by law, had received moneys in advance from the funds of the Department, beyond the allowances so provided, and which had not been appropriated. There stands at this day, on the books of the Department, a balance of $2,164 16, for moneys formerly advanced out of the funds of the Department beyond the compensation provided by law, to different officers and clerks who had been employed, but who have left the service: the greater part of which will probably never be collected. A considerable number of accounts stand open against other individuals for moneys advanced, some of whom are now unknown to the Department. An act of Congress of April 21, 1806, appropriated $6,400 for repairing the road from Athens on the route to New Orleans, and $6,000 for the road between Nashville and Natchez, to be expended under the direction of the President, who designated the Postmaster General to carry the law into effect. The moneys appropriated were mingled with the general funds of the Department, out of which the expenses of the road were defrayed; and there are now standing on the books of the office, a balance of Hon. JOHN H. EATON, Secretary of War: $1,405 67 against the first, and against the other of these SIR: In obedience to your instructions of the 12th roads a balance of $1,946 65, making together the sum September, I have the honor to report the progress of of $3,352 32, on account of moneys advanced by the De-all the operations under the Engineer Department during partment, and for which it is still accountable as so much the year ending the 30th September, 1829, and to premoney in hand, though these accounts originated twenty-sent an estimate of the funds which will be required for three years since. These facts evinced a radical defect in their prosecution during the ensuing year. This report is the system of financial operations of the Department. also accompanied by two statements, marked A and B, It appeared that all the funds of the Department were of which the first is an exhibit of the fiscal concerns of

The observance of the system which has been adopted, will require additional labor, but it is deemed essential to the security and prosperity of this Department. I have the honor to be, with great regard, your obedient servant, W. T. BARRY. REPORT OF THE CHIEF, ENGINEER.

ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, 18th November, 1829.

21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[SEN. AND H. OF REPS.

the department during the past year, showing the amount cover that tier. The amount estimated for the next year, of funds appropriated for each work, the amount drawn is therefore intended to be applied principally to constructfrom the Treasury and remitted to the disbursing officers, ing the outworks on the front of attack. and the amount of accounts rendered and settled within the same period: the second statement shows the fortifications not yet commenced, for which plans have been prepared; arranged in the order in which it is recommended that the works be commenced.

The operations under this department, during the year, have been as follows:

I. FORTIFICATIONS.

7. Fort Calhoun, Hampton Roads, Virginia.—The extent of operations on this work has corresponded with what was contemplated at the beginning of the season.

No contracts have been made for the supplies of materials, during the past year, at the works in Hamp ton Roads, but they have been obtained by purchase in open market; the supplies have been, except in the arti cle of freestone before mentioned, very abundant, and of superior quality; they have been obtained principally 1. Sea wall for the protection of George's Island, Boston from the country bordering on the waters of the Chesa Harbor, Massachusetts.-This work, the object of which is peake. to preserve an important site for one of the defences 8. Fort Macon, Beaufort, North Carolina-The proof Boston Harbor, has been completed, and a small ba-gress of operations on this work has not been so great as lance of the appropriation remains unexpended, which was expected, owing, as the superintending engineer rethe agent has been instructed to retain in his hands, in presents, to difficulties which have arisen in procuring a order to apply it, if necessary, in the Spring, to the re-sufficient supply of bricks of a suitable quality; and this pair of any injury which the masonry may sustain in con- being the chief material used in the construction, the work sequence of the violent storms to which that part of the has been necessarily retarded. It is hoped that arrangecoast is liable in the Winter, as well as to give additional ments will soon be made to obviate any further difficulty strength to those parts of the construction which may be on this subject. found to require it.

2. Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island. The progress of operations on this work has been as great as the amount of the appropriation for the year would permit; the funds have been applied in the most efficient manner, and the materials and workmanship are of an excellent character. An abundant supply of materials is obtained from Rhode Island and the neighboring States.

3. Fort Hamilton, New Utrecht Point, New York. The materials used in the construction of this work, are chiefly obtained from the Southern part of the State of New York; the supply is abundant, and the quality, both of materials and workmanship, very good; the progress made in the construction has been such that the completion of the work may be expected during the next year, and the estimate is founded on that expectation.

4. Repairs of Fort Lafayette, Narrows, New YorkSome difficulty was experienced in obtaining a sufficient number of workmen to carry on these repairs at the same time with the construction of Fort Hamilton, owing partly also to the unhealthiness of the situation during the Summer, which deters workmen who can find advantageous employment elsewhere. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, much work has been done, and the repairs will probably be completed this Winter, or early in the Spring; the funds available are ample for this purpose.

9. Fort at Oak Island, North Carolina-During the past year, the construction of this work has been continued in a satisfactory manner, and a great portion of its masonry is now completed.

10. Fortifications in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. As contemplated at the time of my last annual report, an officer of engineers was assigned last winter to the Charleston station: he has been, as yet, chiefly occupied with the preparatory arrangements for the construction of a fort on the shoal opposite to Fort Moultrie. The work has been traced out, and preparations made at Fort Johnson, on James's Island, for receiving materials and quartering the persons to be employed. A contract has been made for the delivery of 30,000 tons of stone for the foundation of the new fort, and active operations will be forthwith commenced.

As Castle Pinckney enters into the system of defences projected for Charleston Harbor, the Superintending Engineer has been instructed to put it into a state of thorough repair, agreeably to a project approved by the Department. The cost of the repairs will be about 10,000 dollars. In addition to the funds now available for fortifications in Charleston Harbor, the sum of 25,000 dollars is estimated for, in order to enable the Superintending Engineer to take advantage of all the facilities that may be presented by transient vessels, for obtaining a further supply of stone on the most reasonable terms.

5. Repairs of Fort Delaware, Delaware River. A considerable part of the working season had elapsed, before 11. Fort on Cockspur Island, Savannah River, Georgia. an officer became disposable for this work; and that cir-The operations on this work have also been chiefly of a cumstance, combined with the sickness which prevailed at preparatory nature, such as an examination of the site, Fort Delaware during the Summer, has prevented the laying out the work, the construction of the wharves and completion of the repairs this season, but they will be in a great measure finished by the close of the year. The work consists principally of repairs to the embankments and wharves, necessary for the protection of the island, and for the service of the garrison.

temporary quarters, and the excavation of a short canal to facilitate the delivery of materials. The small sum required for the next year, is to be applied to the purchase of the site which could not be concluded, for want of the special authority required by law in such cases.

6. Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort, Virginia-The 12. Fort at Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Bay, Florida. masonry of the body of this work is nearly completed, -For the same reason which delayed the commenceand would have been closed, but for a failure in the sup- ment of operations on the two last mentioned works, viz: ply of freestone, owing to the death of the person who the want of disposable officers, a considerable time elaphad engaged to furnish it; 60,000 cubic yards of earth sed, after the appropriation for this fort was made, before have been placed in the embankments, which will be near- the officer charged with its construction could repair to ly completed to the extent at present contemplated, dur- his post. Preparatory arrangements were commenced in ing the ensuing Winter. In order that the masonry November last; and in June, the excavations were begun. of the revetments may have time to consolidate Since that time, the work has been prosecuted with great before it is subjected to great pressure, occasioned activity, and to the entire satisfaction of the depart by embankments of sand, it is proposed to raise ment. The estimate for the service of this work, during these embankments at present, only to the level of the the ensuing year, is rather greater than usual; the reasons terre plein which is to receive the upper tier of guns, for which are, that, as a general rule, the construction leaving for a future time the formation of the parapet to of such works can be carried on with more economy

[ocr errors]

SEN, AND H. OF REPS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.

when circumstances will permit of its being done in a and represent the importance of early appropriations, in short period; and in case of works on our Southern fron- securing the most efficient and economical application of tier, such is the mildness of the climate, that, where the the funds for public works. This remark applies with site is sufficiently healthy, the operations are uninterrupt peculiar force to the works situated in the Southeru reed during the year, and the facilities for applying a large gion of our country, where the Winter season, the most sum are consequently very great. In addition to this con- favorable, and, in some instances, the only one in which sideration, it is also urged that, in justice to the officers the work of construction can be carried on, is frequently and other persons employed on the construction of these lost, in consequence of the appropriations being made works, they should be completed as rapidly as possible: at a late period of the session of Congress. To obviate for, even in situations comparatively healthy, many of this inconvenience, as far as practicable, this year, with them, being necessarily not inured to the climate, con- regard to Fort Jackson, it was suggested that a portion of tract diseases which, if not fatal, produce an effect on their the contingent fund for fortifications should be applied to constitutions which may never be removed. The loss of the service of that work, that the engineer might make valuable lives, which the corps cannot cease to regret, immediate engagements for the purchase and delivery of bears testimony to the truth of this remark, and affords materials during the Winter; but the idea was abandoned the strongest argument in support of the principle pro- in consequence of the opinion of the President, that such posed to be adopted. an application of the fund was unauthorized by law, and that it would be better to defer the completion of the fort for another year.

13. Fort at Mobile Point, Alabama.-The memoir explanatory of the progress of this work, during the past year, has not yet been received; but, on reference to the annual statement, it appears that the funds advanced have been applied agreeably to the project offered at the commencement of the year.

14. Tower at Bayou Dupré, Louisiana.-A contract has been made for the construction of this work, which is now in progress, under the direction of an officer of engineers, and will probably be completed during the ensuing Winter.

15. Fort Jackson, Plaquemine Bend, Louisiana-At the date of my last annual report, it was supposed that no additional appropriation would be required for the completion of this work, and consequently none was made for the year 1829. The following extracts from the annual memoir of the Superintending Engineer, will explain the causes which have defeated this expectation, and made it necessary to ask for the further sum introduced into the estimate for next year.

66

Many causes have tended to lead me from a correct estimate, particularly in the article of bricks. They have varied in size, from ‍64 to 76 cubic inches; and, of these different sizes, millions have been received from year to year. No correct idea was therefore formed of the total number required, as has proved to be the case; nor could a uniformity in size have been secured, owing to the inequa lity of shrinkage of the clay of which they are made. At all the Northern Atlantic ports, from whence they are drawn, the size of the mould was made uniform; this, however, did not secure the desired result.

16. Repairs and Contingencies of Fortifications.—About one-third only of this appropriation has been drawn from the Treasury; that sum has been applied chiefly to the payment of a small arrearage due at Fort Delaware; to repairs at Fort Columbus, New York; Fort M'Henry and Fort Washington, Maryland; and Fort Moultrie, South Carolina; to the completion of a cistern at Fort Monroe; to the service of fortifications on the Gulf of Mexico; to defraying expenses of the Board of Engineers for fortifications; and the expenses incidental to a resolution of the Senate, relative to the examination of certain sites for an armory on the Western Waters.

II. CIVIL CONSTRUCTIONS.

1. Pier at La Plaisance Bay, Michigan Territory-The construction of this pier was completed on the 30th September, with the exception of a part of the planking, which will be finished as soon as the materials can be obtained from the mills.

2. Huron River, Ohio. One of the piers intended to form a channel at the entrance of this river, has been extended to the length contemplated, and the other requires an addition of 150 yards of pier work to complete it. A small additional sum is required for planking and raising these piers in some parts, where the action of the current has caused them to settle.

8. Black River, Ohio.-As stated in the last annual Re port, the works for removing the sand-bar at the entrance of this river, were commenced in the autumn of 1828, since which time satisfactory progress has been made in their construction.

"Another cause was the impracticability of ascertaining the number of this material remaining on hand, at any particular period-the quantities always exceeding mil- 4. Cleveland Harbor, Ohio.-To the length of the piers lions, did not justify the expense of counting them. Ano- forming the entrance of this harbor, 262 yards have been ther fruitful source of error, has been the vast difference added during the past year; the sum stated in the esti in bulk between the soil when first taken from the ditch-mate will complete the work.

es, or its natural position, and after it had completely 5. Grand River, Ohio,—No funds have been appropridried, when its bulk is very materially reduced; added to ated this year for the works at the mouth of Grand River, which is the settling of some inches of the whole mass a further sum is now asked for to complete them; the proof the embankments, owing to the compressibility of the gress of the construction, during the last year, has been as soil beneath, in a ratio nearly equal to the shrinking of the great as the means would permit-270 yards having been earth excavated. Various other causes have tended to added to the length of the piers. The beneficial effects retard the progress of this work, as detailed from time to resulting from the works, as stated in my last annual retime in the monthly reports, and made its cost exceed any port, continue to be felt. sum I had supposed requisite. Hence, then, the necessity 6. Cunningham's Creek, Ohio.-The pier at the mouth for the present estimated amount. The inconvenience and of this creek was nearly finished on the 30th of Septemincreased expense of suspending works of this description ber, and will be completed this year. from time to time, together with the impracticability of 7. Ashtabula Creek, Ohio.-The construction of piers giving orders for the manufacture of materials, until after at the entrance of this creek having been completed, a the appropriations are made, have been so repeatedly made safe harbor has been formed, and the required depth over known to your Department, as to make further mention of this subject unnecessary."

I would here respectfully call your attention more particularly to the last paragraph just quoted from the memoir of the Superintending Engineer at Fort Jackson,

the bár, mentioned in my last annual report, will be ob tained by means of a dredging machine now in operation.

Coneaut Creek, Ohio.-The construction of piers at the entrance of this creek, for which the first appropriation was made at the last session of Congress, was commene

[ocr errors]

21st Cong. 1ST SESS.]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[SEN. AND H. OF REPS.

ed during the Summer, and has been successfully con- tide Rock" and the "Sunken Rock," for the removal of tinued.

9. Presqu' Isle Bay, Pennsylvania.-The works forming the harbor of Erie have been completed, and the operation is attended with complete success in forming a spacious and commodious anchorage for the largest class of vessels navigating Lake Erie. Over the bar, which had formerly but one and a half feet of water, seven feet may be now carried, even at a lower stage of water than is usual in the lake, and the effect of closing the breach in the peninsula, which has been done this year, will no doubt be to improve the entrance still more.

10. Dunkirk Harbor, New York. The pier construct ed as a breakwater to secure this harbor is found to have the desired effect. A small sum is introduced into the estimate in order to enable the engineer to complete the planking of the pier, which would suffer injury from being left in its present unfinished state.

As

which, contracts were made last Winter. That for
deepening the water on the "Sunken Rock," the
smaller of the two obstructions, has been accomplished,
but the Agent has informed me that the Contractor will
abandon the "Half-tide Rock," being convinced that he
cannot, without loss, comply with his engagements.
the work is one concerning which no person in the vicinity
had any experience, but one offer was made for the con-
tract, and for the same reason no penal bond was required
of the Contractor. To effect the object of removing
these obstructions, a further appropriation is therefore
required.

18. Harbor of Saco, Maine.-One of the piers for the improvement of this harbor remains to be constructed, and one of those completed will require some repairs, in consequence of injury it received from storms. It is believed

that the funds now available will be sufficient for these 11. Buffalo Harbor, New York.-The balance remain-purposes, and that the works will have the desired effect ing from the appropriation of 1828, has been advanta- of protecting the harbor. geously applied during this year; and, to complete the improvement of the harbor, a further sum is now required, as stated in the general estimate. The importauce of this harbor to the commerce and navigation of Lake Erie is considered such as fully to justify the expense incurred in making it safe and easy of access.

12. Black Rock Harbor, New York.-The object of the appropriation made at the last session of Congress for improving the entrance to this important harbor, which forms the Western termination of the Erie Canal, has been in a great measure accomplished by the erection of suitable works, of a substantial character. For the completion of the works which have been thus commenced, the additional sum, stated in the general estimate, which falls below the original estimate of their cost, is required; and with a view to the further security of the harbor, agreeably to the plan originally contemplated, the expediency of asking for an appropriation to construct a mole on the Eastern side of the entrance, is respectfully submitted.

18. Gennessee River, New York. The construction 14. Big Sodus Bay, New York. ( of piers for the improvement of these two harbors was commenced during the last Summer, under the direction of one agent, and has been continued in an approved manner as far as the funds appropriated have availed. By the close of this year about one fifth of the work at each place will have been finished.

19. Kennebunk River, Maine.-The pier at the entrance of this river has been completed, except a small part of the sheathing, which could not be done before the close of the working season, but will be finished early in the Spring.

20. Berwick Branch of Piscataqua River, Maine.—The operations for improving the navigation of this river, near Berwick, has been conducted with intelligence and success, during the year past, and it is believed that the funds available will be sufficient to complete the removal of the obstructions so as to afford a navigation of six feet water at mid tide, which will effect the object for which the appropriation was granted.

21. Merrimack River, Massachusetts.-The construction of works at the mouth of this river, for improving the harbor of Newburyport, was commenced last Spring, materials for the purpose having been prepared during the preceding Winter. These works differ from those on the Lakes in the material circumstance of being constructed in tide water, and hence the project was considered in a great measure experimental. It is not surprising, therefore, that the experiment should not have been at first attended with complete success. A portion of the mole across the lateral channel has been undermined, and swept away by the tide. Measures have been taken to repair the injury sustained; in consequence of which, an additional appropriation will be required for the completion of the work agreeably to the original design.

15. Oswego Harbor, New York.-The calm season on Lake Ontario has been too short to enable the contractor to complete the piers at the entrance of this harbor, and the work has also sustained some damage by storms, which it was necessary to repair. An inspection of the works in this harbor was made last year by the Officer of Engineers, who surveyed the several harbors on Lake Ontario, and he recommended the construction of a pier head as requisite for their security. The estimate for next year embraces, therefore, three items; the first for indemnifying the contractor for damages sustained in storms; the second for completing the piers; the third 23. Plymouth Beach, Massachusetts.-The expendifor the pier head; which is submitted for approval. Ostures on the work for the preservation of this beach have, wego Harbor is the outlet of a Canal which connects for two years past, been very small; about $500 having Lake Ontario with the Erie Canal of New York, and is been applied to keeping them in repair; and it is desirable therefore an important point in the navigation of the to have a small sum disposable, to be used in checking the Lake. encroachments of the sea, until, by the effect of natural causes, constantly operating, the work shall have acquired complete permanency.

22. Deer Island, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts.-Satisfactory progress has been made during the past year in the construction of the sea wall for the preservation of that island. As before remarked, with respect to George's Island, the works in Boston Harbor are liable to injury, whilst incomplete, from the effects of violent storms. Such a oue occurred on the 31st of last month, and the action of the Sea displaced a part of the upper course of stone on the more exposed part of the wall, the replacing of which will cause an expense of $1,200 or $1,500.

16. Sackett's Harbor, New York.-The operations for the improvement of this harbor were placed, in the Spring of this year, under charge of the Assistant Quartermaster at that post, and are now conducted under the direction of the Quartermaster General.

17. Lovejoy's Narrows, Kennebec River, Maine.-The obstructions to the navigation of this river at the Narrows, consisted of two masses of rock, called the "Half

24. Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts.-The appropriation for the preservation of the point of land forming this harbor was first made in 1826, and reverted last year to the surplus fund, in consequence of the want of success which attended the endeavors of the Department to procure a local agent for directing the works, and the

SEN. AND H. OF REPS]

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

[21ST CONG. 1ST SESS.

same cause has still prevented the application of the fundment of much work previously to the 30th September which was re-appropriated at the last session of Congress. last. 25. Hyannis Harbor, Massachusetts.-The construction of the Breakwater for the protection of this harbor has been continued during the year, and a small balance of funds is still in the hands of the agent, to be applied, next Spring, to the same object.

26. Nantucket Harbor, Massachusetts.-In order to try the experiment of opening a deeper channel over the bar at the entrance of this harbor, a dredging machine, with the necessary apparatus, was purchased last Spring, and advantage has been taken of all the favorable weather which has since occurred for using it. The agent reports that the channel already excavated remains open, and that he has no doubts of a satisfactory result from the continuance of the operations.

27. Edgartown Harbor, Massachusetts.-An appropriation was made last Spring for extending the pier on which the light-house at the entrance of this harbor is built, and the object has been accomplished in a satisfactory man

ner.

28. Warren River, Rhode Island.-The erection of a pier and beacon on Allen's Rocks, in this river, has been effected. The work is done in a substantial manner, and the expense has fallen a little short of the sum appropriated for the object.

29. Stonington Harbor, Connecticut.-The construction of a Breakwater for the improvement of this harbor has been well conducted, and, from the protection which the work, even in its present unfinished state, is represented to have afforded during the last equinoctial gales, the best results are anticipated from its completion.

30. Mill River, Connecticut.-A portion of the funds appropriated for the formation of a harbor at the mouth of this river, and for improving its navigation, has been applied during the last season, to the construction of a Breakwater, and the balance will probably suffice to effect what remains to be done next Spring, to complete the projected works.

31. 32. 33. Marcus Hook, Fort Mifflin, Port Penn, Pennsylvania

34. New Castle, Delaware.

The Annual Report of the officer who superintends the construction of these places has not been received, but from his monthly reports of progress, it is concluded that the piers in the Delaware, at the several points, are very nearly, if not quite finished; some further funds may be required for deepening the harbors around them.

37. Inland passage between the St. Mary's River, Georgia, and St. John's River, Florida-The operations for improving this navigation have been satisfactorily carried on during the last season, and it is expected that, by the middle of December, they will be completed as far as the available funds will suffice for that object. The additional sum estimated for, is intended to cover the expense of superintendence and other contingencies.

38. St. Mark's River, Florida-For want of a suitable Agent to conduct the work for improving the navigation of this river, nothing has yet been done towards that object.

39. Apalachiocola River, Florida-On the 3d of September, the Agent assigned to superintend the improvement of the navigation of this river reported, that, in consequence of the high stage of the water throughout the Summer, he had been unable to operate, but expected to do so during the months of October or November. He also states that the good effects of the work done last year have been sensibly felt in the navigation. 40. Bay of Mobile. The operation for deepening

41. Pass au Heron.

these several channels of na42. Pascagoula River.) vigation is, for want of a sufficient number of officers, all placed under the charge of the Engineer who superintends the construction of a Fort at Mobile Point; the last is alone sufficient to occupy him very fully, and time has, therefore, been wanting for him to prepare his Annual Reports up to the 30th of September, and transmit them to this Department. It is known, however, that a dredging machine has been in operation on each channel for some time past.

43. Red River, Louisiana and Arkansas.-Under the direction of the commanding Engineer on the Gulf of Mexico, a careful examination of the part of this river, which includes the Raft, was made last Summer, and a project proposed for improving its navigation. An officer of Infantry has been since detailed, to take charge of the operations for that purpose, which will be carried on this Winter.

44. Mississippi River.-To conduct the operations for improving the navigation of this river, with more effect, the superintendent, Captain Henry Shreve, was authorized to construct a steamboat of such strength, and furnished with such apparatus, as can be applied to the removal of snags. This boat having been completed, and 35. Ocracock Inlet, North Carolina.-The operations, put in operation, has, according to the superintendent's under the acts appropriating funds for the removal of the report, fully answered the purpose. By means of its shoals that obstruct the navigation of this inlet, bave machinery, a snag or sawyer of the largest dimensions is been as yet confined to the construction and preparation removed in a few minutes; and it is expected that the of the necessary machinery. The Superintending Engineer continuance of the operations will go very far to effect at Fort Macon, under whose directions this was commenc- the important and highly desirable object of freeing the ed, being unable, on account of his distance from Ocra- navigation of the Mississippi from those dangerous impecock, to devote sufficient time to that object, without inter-diments. fering with his other duties, the direction of the opera- 45. Ohio River-The operations for improving the tions has been assigned to another Officer of Engineers, navigation of this river have been this year confined to by whom they will be commenced on the completion of deepening the channel through the "Grand Chain,” near the machinery, which has been somewhat delayed by the its mouth; the charge of them was entrusted to the superfailure of Contractors. intendent on the Mississippi river. On the 24th of September, the boats and machinery for this purpose were in readiness to take advantage of the first low stage of water in the river to commence operations.

36. Cape Fear River, North Carolina.-To avoid, if possible, imposing new duties on the Superintending Engineer at Oak Island, it was at first proposed to place the operations for improving the navigation of this river 46.-Repairs of the Cumberland Road, between Cumber under the direction of the State Authorities, but the land and Wheeling. The superintendent appointed to Board of Internal Improvements of North Carolina hav- direct this work was instructed to adopt the MacAdam ing requested that a different course might be pursued, system of road-making, and to apply the funds to repair they were afterwards given in charge to the abovemen- ing the worst parts of the road; the sum appropriated tioned officer, who has made suitable arrangements for being entirely inadequate to effect a complete repair of carrying them on. The lateness of the season at which it. With respect to the manner in which these instrnche was put in charge, and the unhealthiness of the river tions have been complied with, information is expected shores in the Summer, has prevented the accomplish-in a few days from an officer of Engineers, who is now

VOL. VI-D

« ПретходнаНастави »