A. Abstract of bids received by Major G. Watzel, Corps of Engineers, for work to be done in the construction of the retaining-walls and excavation in canal and branch of the Louisville and Portland Canal. Letting, February 28, 1971. $1.25 1751 1 35 850 9.50 8. 25 9.25 $426, 805 00 397, 523 00 $245, 155 00 328, 105 00 247,733 00 180 455 00 75 1 1 (0 10.90 12. 00 10.92 12.02 241, 745 00 419, 725 00 242, 101 9.85 11.00 10.00 11 20 204,394 00 370, 06 2-7, 064 $419,055 00 383,573 00 324,355 00 4:20,345 00 376,264 00 15 10 15 10 25 10.00 10.45 213, 559 00 350, 639 00 210, 889 356, 39 00 G. WEITZEL, Major of Engineers. 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. May 1, 1871. Letting, 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. Louisville and Portland 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. 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 Louisville and Portland Canal. Letting, August 23, 1870. 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, 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 |