The same objections exist in my mind to the commencement at the middle of the breakwater.

The advantages gained by commencing at the shore end are as follows:

The cribs can be constructed in the old harbor and towed around; the shore end can be firmly bolted to the rocks, which run out some distance, thus giving a strong anchorage to which the other cribs can be connected by the superstructure, and as soon as the angle is turned a small harbor is already completed, which will increase in size as we continue the breakwater. Moreover, with the present appropriation we can build about one thousand feet, and make a much greater show with the money at our command, a point which, although the Chief of Engineers may deem unworthy of consideration, I think of the utmost importance, from the fact that if the citizens can be satisfied, and at the same time the interests of the Government properly carried out, the Department will be saved a great deal of annoyance.

I do not think that the harbor protection given by commencing at the middle or eastern end will be greater than if built from the shore end, as heavy seas will roll in from the west; the shock will, however, be broken to a great extent, but will still be severe; the same is true as regards the protection of the present pier. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M. WILSON,

Brigadier General A. A. HUMPHREYS, U. S. A.

Major Engineers, U. S. A.

OSWEGO, NEW YORK, April 17, 1871. GENERAL: Differing in opinion from the report presented by the board of engineers convened in this city by Special Orders No. 42, Headquarters Corps of Engineers, United States Army, to consider the point at which the work on the new breakwater should commence, I have the honor to present my views upon the subject.

The points to be considered, as submitted by the Chief of Engineers, are as follows: Shall the work commence at the shore end, at the eastern end, or at some intermediate point, say nearest the 12-foot curve, in order that the greatest benefit may be derived to commerce, and to protection of existing works?

Two questions arise here which should, I think, be treated separately; one in reference to the greatest benefit to commerce, the other to protection of existing works.

The board summarily disposes of my original recommendation to commence at the shore end by stating that it would form an isolated harbor a mile away from the present one, and with no communication in stormy weather; they also state that the greatest benefit to commerce and protection to existing works will be gained by commencing at a point about 300 feet from the eastern end, as projected, and working to the westward, but that to protect existing works would require a section of the breakwater from 1,500 to 2,000 feet long to be constructed, which could not be built in less than three years, supposing liberal appropriations to be made; they state at the same time that this would give a convenient and accessible auchorage for vessels putting in under stress of weather.

I agree with the board in one point, namely, that no adequate protection for the existing works can be gained short of building 1,500 feet of breakwater, and that this could not be completed in less than three years; on all other points I beg to dissent, and to give my own views as follows:

Should work be carried on as recommended by the board, within three years a breakwater about 1,500 feet long could probably be built, every circumstance being favorable, at a cost of about $350,000, as the depth here at ordinary low water varies from 20 to 25 feet, and is the deepest portion of the line except at one place; the object gained by this, the board states, would be the protection of the present work and an anchorage for vessels driven in by stress of weather.

I acknowledge that protection for the present work will be gained by this, but believe that within three years the old work thus protected will require almost entire rebuilding, and that about the same amount of repairs will be required during that time wherever the new breakwater is commenced.

I do not believe that an available anchorage in stormy weather will be obtained here. In the discussion before the board allusion was constantly made to the harbor of Buffalo; the two cases are not similar; at that place there is no shore arm contemplated, and moreover I understand that the wave strikes the breakwater at right angles; here it strikes it at an angle of about 45, and the heavy sea will roll in through any opening left to the westward. I fully agree that the desired end is being carried out, and that the completion of the harbor is being forwarded, but think that the most expensive work will be done, and the least results attained, as, except to protect existing works, but comparatively little direct benefit to commerce will be extended until the shore arm is completed. Any vessel seeking this harbor in stress of weather would run right into the present one, and not remain outside in a position in which the wind and sea would be liable to make her drag her anchors and carry her on shore.

It is my opinion that if the shore arm is first constructed it will receive the full shock of the waves coming from the west, and that when the angle is turned, harbor room, although nearly a mile distant from the mouth of the Oswego River, will be at once gained, and will continue to increase as the outer breakwater is lengthened, and that in the same length of time, and with the same amount of funds as indicated by the board for 1,500 feet of breakwater, I can, by commencing at the shore end, build a safe harbor at least 30 acres in extent, 20 acres of which will be outside of the 12-foot

curve.

More harbor and dock room is what is wanted here, and as soon as the angle is turned new docks will probably be built and accommodations given for the great lumber trade with Canada.

My predecessor, Major Bowen, intended commencing at the angle and working in both directions, and had a crib constructed and ready to sink there when he was relieved in November; his successor, Lieutenant Greene, would not sink it, as he differed as to the point of beginning, and wanted to commence on shore; I was not aware of his opinion, however, until after I had formed my own.

In conclusion, I therefore respectfully submit that I believe that the greatest benefit to commerce will be gained by commencing at the shore end, and while agreeing with the board that the present old work will be more quickly protected by commencing at the point indicated, near the east, end, still think that the amount of repairs necessary to save it during the next three years, will be nearly the same wherever the work is commenced.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier General A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Engineers, U. S. 1.

JOHN M. WILSON, Major of Engineers, U. S. A.

F 9.

REPORT OF OPERATIONS IN THE HARBOR OF OGDENSBURGH, NEW YORK.

Operations were commenced July 30, 1870, under an agreement with Cornelius Daly, of Ogdensburgh, whereby his dredge, scows, and tug were hired by the United States for the sum of $60 per day. The dredge was at once placed in the channel of the Oswegatchie River, and the excava tion there completed to a depth of 12 feet at low water, with the exception of the removal of a large boulder, by the 28th of September: during this period 2,9524 cubic yards of material were removed, consisting of an aggregation of small boulders, cobble-stones, sand and gravel, closely knit together. On the 28th of September, under the same agreement, Mr. Daly's dredge was placed on the channel in the St. Lawrence River, which is to be 150 feet wide, and the inner line 25 feet from and parallel to the line of the city docks.

Operations were continued in this channel until the close of navigation, December 23, 1870, during which time 8,814 cubic yards were removed, the material being similar to that found in the Oswegatchie River.

On the 15th of February, 1871, proposals were invited for dredging the channel in the St. Lawrence, and on the 21st of March the work was awarded to Mr. Cornelius Daly, the lowest bidder, at 19 cents per cubic yard, measured in scows. Mr. Daly commenced work with two dredges on the 12th of April; one dredge was placed at work in the St. Lawrence channel, removing the quantities of sawdust, shavings, and mud that had accumulated over the harder material underneath, for which it was intended to invite proposals afterward; the other dredge commenced just east of the Prescott ferry dock, and dug within the limits indicated to the depth of 12 feet at mean low water. The contract with Mr. Daly was closed June 30, 1871, he having removed 57,437 cubic yards during the season.

100

While the dredges were at work, I observed large quantities of saw

dust and shavings were removed, and I found that the saw-mills on the Oswegatchie were in the habit of depositing their refuse into the river. The city council had passed an ordinance prohibiting such deposits, and hearing that an attempt was being made to have it repealed, I addressed a letter to the mayor of the city upon the subject; no reply was received. Shortly after, at the request of the committee on the harbor and wharves of the city, I wrote to them upon the subject; the receipt of my letter was courteously acknowledged; a copy of it marked (A) is appended.

On the 12th of June proposals were invited for removing the boulder in, the Oswegatchie, dredging that portion of the St. Lawrence channel in which the hard bottom occurs, and a portion of the remainder; it is proposed to award the boulder and the hard bottom section as entire jobs; the rest will be awarded by the cubic yard, measured in position. During this season it is proposed to remove the boulder in the Oswegatchie, and to dredge to a depth of 12 feet at low water such portions of the channel in the St. Lawrence as the means at hand will allow.

Ogdensburgh is a port of entry in the collection district of the Oswegatchie; there is a fixed white light of the fourth order near the entrance to the harbor.

Forts Ontario and Montgomery are each one hundred and twenty miles distant; the one to the southwest, the other to the east.

The amount of revenue collected here during the fiscal year was $329,466 98. The value of the imports was $1,712,968. The number of vessels entering was 928, with an aggregate tonnage of 222,551 tons. The number of vessels clearing was 965, with an aggregate tonnage of 232,609 tons.

Abstracts of proposals, with names of bidders, and abstracts of contracts are transmitted herewith.

Amount available July 11, 1870

$20,394 89

Amount expended during year

20,394 89

Amount appropriated for fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, available July 1, 1871 ...

25,000 00

Amount required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1873, to complete the dredging.

10,000 00

A.

UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Oswego, New York, June 6, 1871. GENTLEMEN: In reply to your request, communicated through Mr. Chapin, I have the honor to state that, in my opinion, the local authorities of your city should at once take prompt and energetic steps to prevent sawdust, shavings, and other refuse from being thrown into your harbor.

The Government of the United States is annually expending large sums for your benefit, and a great deal of this money has been used in removing sawdust, shavings, &c., that have accumulated in years past. It is hardly necessary to give any scientific reasoning on this subject; the facts show for themselves.

The shavings and sawdust deposited in the Oswegatchie River soon become thoroughly saturated with water, which increases their specific gravity to such an extent that they naturally sink; but the velocity of the Oswegatchie is such that this material is carried onward until it reaches the mouth of the river; here the water is no longer confined within the narrow limits of the Oswegatchie; it expands over a large surface; its velocity is decreased accordingly, and the sawdust, shavings, &c., thus far carried along, sink to the bottom and fill up the channel.

I have already called the attention of his honor the mayor to this subject, and trust that the local authorities will take prompt and effective measures to remedy this evil. I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your obedient servant,

JOHN M. WILSON,
Major Engineers, U. S. A.

To the honorable COMMITTEE ON WHARVES AND HARBOR,

Common Council of Ogdensburgh, New York.

Abstract of bids for dredging in the harbor of Ogdensburgh, New York, advertised February 15, 1871; opened at Oswego, New York, at 12 m., March 21, 1871, by John M. Wilson, Major Corps of Engineers.

Abstract of contracts for Ogdensburgh Harbor, N. Y., during fiscal year ending June 30, 1871.

No. Name of contractor.

Residence.

Date of contract.

Subject of Price per
contract. cubic yard.

Remarks.

1 Cornelius Daly... Ogdensburgh, N.Y March 25, 1871.. Dredging 19 cents... ClosedJune 30, 1871.

F 10.

REPORT OF OPERATIONS AT SALMON RIVER, LAKE ONTARIO, NEW YORK.

An examination and survey was made at this place in August, 1870, in accordance with the act of July 11, 1870, for the purpose of ascertaining what harbor improvements were necessary.

A report and map were transmitted by Lieutenant B. D. Greene, Corps of Engineers, on January 7, 1871, showing the work to be done and the cost thereof.

It is deemed necessary, in order to render this an available harbor, that two piers should be constructed; one 625 feet long, the other 1,350 feet long, extending into the lake; that 50,000 cubic yards of earth should be removed by dredging, and 820 linear feet of pier, to protect the channel dredged, should be constructed. The total cost is esti

mated at $112,741 40.

There seems to be no urgent necessity for a harbor of refuge at this place, Oswego and Sackett's Harbor being within reasonable distances. This harbor is situated within the Oswego collection district, and is a port of entry. The nearest port is Ontario, and the nearest light at Oswego; there is a light-house here, but no light kept up.

The amount of revenue collected during the last fiscal year was $1,500. The value of the imports, $18,000, and the aggregate tonnage of vessels entering and clearing, 5,500 tons.

The appropriation under which this survey was made was: "Examination and survey on northern and northwestern lakes and rivers, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts."

Amount expended during the year.

On hand July 1, 1871...

$253 88 1,746 12

All of which reports of operations upon the works on Lake Ontario are respectfully submitted.

JOHN M. WILSON,

Major Engineers, U. S. A.

F 11.

UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Oswego, New York, January 7, 1871. GENERAL: The following report, to accompany the map of the mouth of Salmon River, Lake Ontario, sent to the Department on the 27th ultimo, is respectfully submitted:

The village of Port Ontario, from which the port of entry derives its name, is situated upon the west bank of Salmon River, about a mile from its mouth. It consists of one store-house, one store, one tavern, and six houses. Its only business is the receipt of a small quantity of lumber, (ties and posts.)

The river below Port Ontario, excepting immediately at its mouth, is of sufficent depth, with a small amount of dredging, to admit vessels of any class.

The village named Selkirk, at the mouth of the river, and upon its east bank, consists of a tavern and three houses, including the old lighthouse. This village has no business whatever, in fact, beyond the result of the natural process of decay. I think no change can be reported in either village since Colonel Blunt's report of 1867, or even Lieutenant Smead's, of 1836.

Salmon River is of considerable magnitude for many miles above its mouth, and flows through a heavily timbered section of country; most of its timber, however, is shipped by the railroad, which crosses it near Pulaski, five miles from its mouth.

The crib-work of the old piers is still in good condition, and the top of it some three feet under water. The bar which has formed at the mouth, or rather about 800 feet in front of the mouth of the creek, will admit nothing drawing over 6 feet of water, and even for such the channel is narrow and crooked, although in all probability sufficient for the villages with which it has to do.

It scarcely seems reasonable that there is any urgent necessity for a harbor of refuge here, although two vessels were lost here last fall. A light kept here to warn vessels away would certainly be of advantage.

Mexico Bay, as the angle at the eastern end of Lake Ontario is called, is a dangerous place for vessels in a storm; a light which would lead them to avoid it would save many, while, on the other hand, a harbor would save many of those which might unavoidably be driven into the bay.

The old crib work would furnish a good foundation for piers, and could be built up at slight expense. But for sailing-vessels the piers do not seem to be properly located, and, besides, the cost of dredging would be very great. The plan proposed by Colonel Blunt seems preferable, with the modification that Selkirk Pond should not be dredged. This would very materially reduce his estimate of the cost. What few people there are there, desire only some improvement which shall enable them to bring a vessel into and up the river.

The river as it is furnishes room enough for a harbor of refuge for the few vessels that may be compelled to enter it; the great need is an opening into the lake.

Colonel Blunt in his estimate does not allow for dredging a bed for the piers. It is probable that he intended to place them on the bottom of the lake; this would require leaving a slope on either side the dredged channel, from the bottom of the channel up to the bottom of the cribs. As the shore is approached, then the channel would be more contracted, considerably more. The direction of the channel is about northwest;