B.-Abstract of bids received by Major G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, for constructing new retaining-walls and excavations in the Louisville and Portland Canal, &c., and new branch of the same. Letting, April 24, 1871. Abstract of bids received by Major, G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, for certain earth and rock excavation in the new branch of the Louisville and Portland Canal. Letting, May 1, 1871. Abstract of bids received by Major G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, for moving the outer protection-wall of the Louisville and Portland Canal, at and above the railroad bridge. Letting, May 1, 1871. Abstract of bids received by Major G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, for the construction of a masonry and riprap low-water dam from the head of Sand Island to the Indiana shore. Letting, May 17, 1871. Abstract of bids received by Major G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, for the construction of the guide-wall and rock excavation just below the new locks of the Canal. Letting, May 17, 1871. Louisville and Portland Abstract of bids received by Major G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, for work to be done and material to be delivered in constructing the upper guard-gates in the land Canal. Letting, August 23, 1870. Louisville and Port A.—Abstract of the names of persons to whom contracts have been awarded. Nature of work. Constructing the new retaining-walls in Part 1 of the Louisville and Portland Canal. Constructing the new retaining-walls in Part 2 of Constructing the new retaining-walls in Parts 3, 4, Constructing the upper guard-gates in the Louisville UNITED STATES ENGINEERS OFFICE, Louisville, Kentucky, July 31, 1871. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations at the improvement of the Cumberland River, below Nashville, Tennessee, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871. On the 18th of March, 1871, I received information that $30,000 had been appropriated for the improvement of this river. This amount was not sufficient to remove either of three formidable obstructions on this river below Nashville, which are: 1. Harpeth Shoals. This includes the collection of rocky ledges and gravel bars severally known as Flax, Patch, Harpeth Island, Sycamore Creek, and Harpeth River Bar, and Reed's Reef. 2. Ingram Shoals. 3. Dover Island Shoals. I therefore concluded to expend the amount (less 10 per cent. reserved for contingent expenses) in removing the different obstructions, beginning at Nashville and going down. This method would bring us soonest to the Harpeth Shoals, which are the most formidable obstructions. Between them and Nashville there are but three small points to improve, and these I concluded to place under contract at the same time, so as to have the river improved as far as the money would permit me to go. On the 17th of June, 1871, I opened the bids for the work. I received only two bids, as per abstract A, herewith annexed. I awarded the work to the lowest bidder. He has commenced his preparations for work, and if the stage of the water in the river remains favorable, I think that he will complete his work during the present season. His contract embraces the removal of the old foundation at Nashville, the obstructions at Nashville and Gower's Island and at the Harpeth Shoals, as far as $27,000 will carry the work. The total amount required for the completion of this work, Total still to be appropriated. $248, 821 00 30, 000 00 218, 821 00 This whole amount, which would be sufficient to improve the river from Nashville to its mouth, should be appropriated, and could be profitably expended during the next fiscal year. But if this cannot be done, at least $80,000 should be appropriated to remove the obstructions at Harpeth Shoals. The river flows through several collection districts, the names of which are not known to me. The nearest port of entry is Louisville, Kentucky. The amount of revenue collected at this port during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, was $131,810 92. The commerce and navigation of the Mississippi River and all of its branches would be benefited by the completion of this work. No money was received and none expended on this work during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871. The amount of the appropriation available July 1, 1871, was $30,000. The amount required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1873, and which can be profitably expended, is $218,821. I am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, Brigadier General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C. Abstract of bids received by Major G. Weitzel, Corps of Engineers, for the improvement of the Cumberland River, at the city of Nashville, Nashville Island, Gower's Island, and Harpeth Shoals. Letting, June 17, 1871. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, GENERAL: By letter from the office of the Chief of Engineers, dated July 23, 1870, I was charged, in addition to other duties, with the sur vey of the Cumberland River. I placed Mr. S. T. Abert, civil engineer, in the immediate charge of this survey, and I herewith transmit his report. This is so full and explains the necessity for the improvement of this river so closely, that I think it necessary only to call attention to the fact that this river is second to none of the branches of the Ohio River as far as the necessity for improvement is concerned. It empties into the Ohio River only about seventy-three miles above the mouth of the latter. Between its mouth and the mouth of the Ohio there are but few obstructions to navigation in the latter river, and these few will probably soon be removed. I therefore recommend that the sum of $450,000 be appropriated for the improvement of this river, and that the further sum of $8,000 be appropriated to enable me to complete the instrumental survey of the river from Nashville to the foot of the falls. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Brigadier General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C. Total. |