Abstract of proposals for dredging at the harbor of Cheboygan, Michigan, opened at 3 o'clock p.m, Wednesday, the 24th day of May, 1871, in accordance with advertisement, copy herewith. Work will be November 1. Yes. O.. M. POE, Major of Engineers and Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. A. DETROIT, MICHIGAN, May 24, 1871. SIR: Your bid for dredging at Cheboygan, Michigan, fails to state whether the material is to be measured in the bank or in scows. Please inform me at once. I will wait until the morning of the 27th instant for your reply. All the other bidders have named a price for the dredging measured in the bank, and another price-the measurement to be made in scows. Very respectfully, Mr. CHARLES FITZSIMONS, O. M. POE, Major of Engineers and Brigadier General, U. S. A. 37 Union Building, corner La Salle and Washington Street, Chigago, Illinois. CHICAGO, May 25, 1871. GENERAL: Your letter of the 24th ultimo, relating to dredging Cheboygan Harbor, is this moment received. In reply I would state that my bid was 30 cents per cubic yard, expecting the measurements to be made by the engineer officer in charge in any manner he pleased. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Major O. M. POE, CHARLES FITZSIMONS. U. S. Engineers, and Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. A., Detroit, Michigan. Under date of the 31st of May, 1871, the Chief of Engineers authorized me to accept the bid of Mr. Charles Fitzsimons, whereupon I notified him of the fact. DETROIT, MICHIGAN, June 8, 1871. GENERAL: A Mr. Kimball, representing himself as an agent of Charles Fitzsimons, of Chicago, (whose bid for the work at Cheboygan has been accepted,) having in his possession the contracts for the dredging at Cheboygan, called upon me a few minutes ago, and after exhibiting the contracts, began to make inquiries concerning the character of the material to be removed, and expressed a desire to have the specifications modified so as to classify the material; with a view, as I understand it, to obtain different prices for different kinds of material, though neither my advertisement nor Mr. Fitzsimons's bid contemplated anything of the kind. I once declined to hold any conversation upon the subject with any but the principal, Mr. Fitzsimons. Inasmuch as Mr. Kimball failed to leave the contracts (which I have reason to believe were duly signed and executed) with me, but carried them away with him, I infer that it is the intention of Mr. Fitzsimons to decline the award. This is without excuse, as I stood ready at any and all times, previous to the opening of the bids, to give to all applicants whatever information was in my power, and all the bidders, except Mr. Fitzsimons, did make inquiry concerning the work to be done. I had Guaranty. doubts as to the character of his bid at the time it was opened, but considered that I had no right to act upon them. Before recommending its acceptance, however, I wrote to him for an interpretation of his bid, and transmitted to the Chief of Engineers a copy of the correspondence with the abstract of bids. The bid of Fitzsimons was much more advantageous to the United States than any other, and I therefore recommended its acceptance. If Mr. Fitzsimmons fails now to enter into contract, it will cause delay and serions inconvenience. I report the foregoing facts at this time with a view to an application for authority to proceed against Mr. Fitzsimons, in case he does not complete the contracts within the specified fifteen days from the date upon which he was notified that his bid was accepted. Since Mr. Kimball's interview with me I have written to Mr. Fitzsimons, and inclosed, herewith, a copy of my communication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, O. M. POE, Major of Engineers, and Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. J. Brigadier General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Engineers, U. S. 1., Washington, D. C. Brigadier General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Engineers, Washington, D. C. GENERAL: In addition to abstract of bids for dredging at Cheboygan Harbor, Michigan, and copy of explanatory correspondence with Mr. Charles Fitzsimons, of Chicago, transmitted with my letters of the 26th ultimo and 8th June, I have the honor to now inclose a copy of further correspondence with Mr. Fitzsimons. As the fifteen days within which he was to enter into contract for the due performance of the work have elapsed, without hearing from him in reply to my letter of the 12th instant, I assume that he adheres to the tenor of his letter of the 9th instant, and declines the contract. I am satisfied that nothing will be gained by again advertising for proposals, but, on the contrary, much valuable time will be lost, and therefore respectfully recommend that I be authorized to accept the next lowest bid, namely, that of Messrs. Caskin & Stickney, at 28 cents per cubic yard, the dredged material to be measured in the scows; and, to save time, request that this authority be communicated to me by telegraph. Very respectfully, O. M. POE, Major of Engineers, and Brevet Brigadier General U. S. A. DETROIT, MICHIGAN, June 27, 1871. SIR: In accordance with instructions from the Chief of Engineers, I hereby notify you that I will proceed to put the work of dredging at Cheboygan, Michigan, under contract upon the best terms I can, and will hold you and your guarantors responsible for the difference between your bid and the price at which I am able to get the work done, together with any expenses arising therefrom, in addition to what would have been incurred in case you had conformed to the terms of your bid. Very respectfully, Mr. CHARLES FITZSIMONS, 37 Union Buildings, Chicago, Ills. The contract was then awarded to Messrs. Caskin & Stickney, deemed the next lowest bidders, at 28 cents per cubic yard, measured in the dumping-scows, and they were accordingly notified to enter into con tract. The sum appropriated will probably be all expended before the close of the present season, but the resulting improvement will fall far short of what is required. For the next fiscal year I respectfully recommend an appropriation of $50,000, which I trust will be sufficient to do all the dredging immediately necessary. Cheboygan is in the collection district of Michigan. The nearest light-house is Cheboygan, distant two miles. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, 195 vessels, representing a tonnage of 32,131 tons, and carrying 1,222 men, entered at Cheboygan, and 300 vessels, representing a tonnage of 55,517 tons and 2,545 men, cleared from the same port. The amount heretofore appropriated for this improvement is $10,000. All of which is respectfully submitted. O. M. POE, Major of Engineers, and Brevet Brigadier General U. S. A. Brigadier General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C. C 3. REPORT ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF AU SABLE RIVER, MICHIGAN. The first work done last season consisted of repairing and replacing the 18-feet wide crib at the outer end of the north pier. This was done by leveling the stone left on the bottom when the crib, originally placed there by the contractors, but not accepted, was carried away during a gale which occurred in the previous autumn, and then sinking the crib and settling it on the bottom thus formed. The stone taken up while bringing this bottom to a level were used as riprap at end of south pier until the crib was sunk, when they were put into it. The gap, G H, (see diagram No. 1 of this report,) was filled by placing and ballasting nine cribs, each 16 feet in width. The north pier was also leveled up and the superstructure on it finished, the height above mean low water being 5 feet. Except the outer crib this work has stood excellently well. This outer crib has settled toward the harbor on inner corner of a foot, on the outer corner 17% 105 feet, and on the outer corner of the back of the crib 45 of a foot, and in settling has wrenched apart the end timbers where it connects with the other work, tearing the joists out of the jams. This will have to be repaired. During the present season four of the nine cribs in gap G H, and six between F and G, have settled on the harbor-face to the extent of 12 to 18 inches, caused by the scouring action of the current, which here runs very swiftly. To overcome this tendency to settling may ultimately require riprapping. The effect of this scouring action has been to increase the depth of the water along the harbor-face of the south pier from 11 to 113 feet at the beginning of May, to 12 and 12 feet at the close of June. All work previously riprapped has stood well. Many rafts are brought out of the river, and frequent damage to the piers arises from this source. But little injury would be caused if the piers were straight; owing to the angle in them, and the very rapid current, these heavy rafts usually swing against the south pier. Several timbers have been torn off by these rafts catching on the pier, as well as by drift-logs pounding upon it. When the superstructure is built upon it, much of this difficulty will be obviated. Comparing the depth of water in the channel with that of previous years, the harbor shows a marked improvement. Closing the gap GH has increased the current so much that it has entirely removed the bar in front of the harbor mouth, and made a channel of 10 to 11 feet in depth. The river inside shows an average depth of 113 feet. The vessels used at this port are increasing in size and number every season. Three new mills have been projected, and probably will be built within a year. (One very fine mill is now ready, but for want of logs is not yet started.) Two of these mills will ship entirely from the river; the other will ship from a dock on the lake-shore; but in rough weather docks on the lake shore cannot be approached, and the river must be used as a harbor by all of them. The recommendation of last year, to extend the piers, as indicated in red on the accompanying diagram, is renewed. By act of Congress approved March 3, 1871, the sum of $10,000 was appropriated for this improvement. It was deemed best to expend this toward the superstructure of the south pier, and by advertisement dated May 19, proposals for materials and labor to the extent of the appropriation were invited. These were opened on the 22d of June, and Wm. H. Patten being the lowest bidder for the work as a whole, it was recommended that it be awarded him, and by authority of the Chief of Engineers, contracts have been entered into accordingly. Au Sable is situated between the light-houses at Sturgeon Point and Tarvas, and is about fourteen miles from the latter. It is in the collection district of Huron, Michigan. The appropriations heretofore made for this improvement are as fol lows: By act of 24 March, 1867.. By act of 3d of March, 1871. $50,000 00 2,970 00 15,000 00 10,000 00 Of which there has been expended the sum of.......... And the available amount from the act of March 3, 1871, now under contract, &c. . . . . . 10,000 64 10,000 00 Balance.... 10,000 64 The amount estimated to complete the improvement (see page 154, Annual Report Chief of Engineers, 1870) was. From which should be deducted appropriation now available. Balance.. $43, 765 14 10, 000 00 33, 765 14 Ordinarily this balance would represent the amount yet to be appropriated to complete the work, but, as is well known, the aggregate is increased by making appropriations in installments, and I therefore deem it best to recommend that the sum of $35,000 be appropriated to continue the work. If the entire amount is appropriated at one time, I think it will finish the improvement. The following statistics of the commerce of the place are only approximate, but are thought to be reliable: During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, 160 steamers and 300 sailvessels, capable of carrying from 150,000 to 300,000 feet of lumber, entered and departed from this port; 75,000,000 feet pine lumber were manufactured and shipped from this port; also, 8,000 barrels fish. The lumber-manufacturing establishments were not run to their full capacity. All of which is respectfully submitted. O. M. POE, Major of Engineers, and Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. A. C 4. REPORT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE SAGINAW RIVER. By act of Congress approved July 11, 1870, the sum of $1,500 was appropriated for this work. The estimate upon which this appropria tion was based was made to meet a contingency which might possibly arise. No complaint concerning this improvement has reached me, and it doubtless continues to prove efficient and valuable; though it is proposed to expend the appropriation now available in making a survey to determine the present condition of the channel with a view to future recommendations. No estimate is submitted, because it is not thought that any appropriation will be required. Respectfully submitted. O. M. POE, Major of Engineers, and Brevet Brigadier General, U. S. A. C 5. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Detroit, Michigan, July 21, 1871. GENERAL: By letter of instructions from the Chief of Engineers, dated March 21, 1871, I was directed to make a survey and estimate for removing middle ground at the mouth of Black River, in St. Clair River, Michigan. I immediately organized a surveying party, under charge of Colonel H. A. Ulffers, assisted by Mr. Roys J. Cram, which reached the locality on the morning of the 30th March, and at once commenced the work. The report of Colonel Ulffers is as follows: PORT HOPE, MICHIGAN, July 11, 1871. MAJOR: In compliance with instructions dated March 29, 1871, I have the honor to report that I proceeded, on the morning of March 30, in company with Mr. Roys J. Cram, to Port Huron, Michigan, for the purpose of making" a survey and estimate for removing the middle ground at the mouth of Black River, in St. Clair River, Michigan." After inaking the necessary preparations and purchases we commenced the survey of the shore lines on April 1. The natural condition of the shore, as well as the crowded state of the wharves and docks, compelled us to run our base lines in the heart of the city on Huron avenue and Military street. Stations along shore for observing lines of sounding were put up and carefully connected with the base lines. On April 6 the surveys were completed and soundings commenced in Black River, from the Huron avenue bridge downward. The river was crowded with saw-logs, the remains of a jam occasioned by the flood of March 17, and the soundings had to be made by walking across the logs. According to instructions, soundings were made at the corners of every square of 20 feet, for which purpose a tarred line 200 feet long had been prepared, with cork floats 20 feet apart. All soundings in Black River were made with an 18-foot pole, graduated into feet and tenths. Soundings in St. Clair River were commenced April 13, and were also made at intervals 20 feet apart, for a distance of 600 feet from shore, when we were compelled by the rapidity of the current, and the almost uninterrupted passage of vessels and rafts, to increase the intervals to 40 feet, or as near that as the buoys could be set. Considerable annoyance and loss of time and material was incurred by the buoys and flags being run over and carried away by vessels, and, more especially by rafts, which, at times, floated down the river in an almost uninterrupted string. The soundings in St. Clair River were carried out to the 18-foot curve, covering an area of about 80 acres. In the absence of any authenticated high or low water mark, the soundings were all referred to the 1-foot mark of the water-gauge, set up at the lower end of the ferry dock, which corresponds, as near as could be gathered from the testimony of river men, to the average stage of St. Clair River. It is 5,566 feet below the bench-mark on the |