fA" ^ -z;^! s v>^/»i*»'^ irf*^^'^^ ^.^ 4 » vr; ' i PART I. Comprising all the Documents transmitted to the President from the WAS DEPARTMENT. 18th CONGRESS,! [ 2 ] 1st Session. J D©©irMiii:^^9 ACCOBIPAKTIN& THE MESSAGE PKESIDENT OP THE UNITED STATES, TO BOTH HOUSES, AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE FinST SESSION OF THE EIGHTEESTH CONGHESB, December 2, 1823. Referred to a committee of the whole on the state of the Union. WASHINGTON : raiNTEll BY (JALKS & SEATON, 182j. [21 ^ DOCUMENTS FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT. Department of War, JVovembei' 29, 1823. Sir: In compliance with your directions, I herewith transmit statements from the Major General of the Army, and the several subordinate branches of this Department, lettered from A to M, which contain, in detail, a view of the administration, for the three jfirst quarters of the year, of the various branches of the public ser- vice entrusted to this Department, comprising the Army, Military Academy, Fortifications, Ordnance, including the Armories, Milita- ry Pensions, Bounty Lands, and Indian Affairs. The statements afford satisfactory proof, that order, accuracy, economy, and accountability, have been introduced into every branch of the Military service. It will be seen, by them, that the money appro^ priatedby Congress had been applied with economy to effect the ob- jects of appropriation; that the accounts have been made up with accuracy, and transmitted with promptitude to the proper Depart- ments for settlement, and have there been settled without delay. The observations are true, with scarcely a single exception; and the result has been, that, of the entire amount of money drawn from the Treasury in the year 1822, for Military service, including the Pen- sions, amounting to g4, 571. 961 94, although it passed through the hands of no less than 291 disbursing Agents, there has not been a single defalcation, nor the loss of a cent to the Government; and that the whole has been accounted for at the Treasury, except a smaJl amount, which remains in the hands of the disbursing agents, ready to be applied to the objects for which it was drawn. Tlic disburse^ xnents of the three first quarters of this year, have been equally satisfactoiy; and, there is evcty reason to beiieve, that no defal- cation, nor any loss, will occur in the year. The administration in relation to Indian Affairs, tliough greatly improved, and tJiecx})end- iture reduced fully one-half, is not as j)crfect as that of t!ie Military branch of the Department, nor can it be made so, unless rendered equal- ly perfect in its organization. It is impossible, under the presetit ar- rangement, that the minute and constaiit attention to its details, which is indispensable to a perfect administration, can be bestowed. 4 [2] But, it is not only in its disbursements tliat the Military Service has attained ;i hi.a;l» perfection. The condition of the Asai\, in Q\evy bran.h. !>()t!t of the Line and Staff, in its material and personal, and in its discipline and administration, is highly respectable. If there is any exceptior, it is in the discipline of the Artillery. Though the otFicrrs of that branch of service are equal in skill to any other, and are distinguished for their attention to their duty, yet, it is found impracticable, dispersed as the Artillery is, in commands of single companies, to render the discipline of the corps as perfect as is de- sirable. It is contemplated, during the next year, to concentrate a sutricietit number of Artillerists, for discipline, at some pi-oper poiiit, and, by rendering their discipline perfect, gradually extend the per- fection, thus acquired, to the whole corps. It «ai- be effected with- out additional expense to the public; and, it is believed, without ma- teiial inconvenience to the service. Of the Military Academy, it may, with confidence be said, that it has attained a state of perfection as great as it is practicable, under the existing legal provisions; and that it is not inferior to any simi- lar institution in any country. Under the appropriations of the last session, Forts Washington, Delaware, and the one at the Rigolets, will be completed; and it is contemplated, should appropriations be granted, to commence, in the next year, the works projected at New Utrecht, which is intended to cover Fort La Fayette, which commands the Narrows at New York, and those at Bi enton's Point, far the defence of Narragansett Bay. The Board of Engineers, besides its ordinary duties, were, during last summer, engaged in executing several special orders ; and, among others, in piojecting a break water at the mouth of the Dela- Avare, under tlie act of the 7th of May, 1820, and the forming a plan for the im])rovenient of the entrance into the harbor of Piesque Isle, on Lake Erie. In relation to both these imj)ortant subjects, it made very interesting leports, with plans and estimates, whit h accomp^any the sty.temerit from the Engineer Department, herewith transmitted. The completion of the new fortresses, and those to be erected, will require an appropriation in order to fabricate the cannon and car- riages necessary fur their armament. It is estimated, that an annual appropriation of gl no, 000 will, in ten years, furnish a sufficient num- ber for all of t!ie works contemplated for the defence of the coast. 1 here would, undoubtedly, be great economy in granting a permanent ap- pro{)riation instead of an annual one, as contractors wou'd vest their capital at much less profit, under the assurance which would be atl'irdcd by the former. Under the appropriation to fix on a site for a National Armory on the Vi estej'n waters, made the last session, a commission, consisting of Cx)!. iM'iiee, Col. Lee, and Capt. Taicott was coiistitut»d, wi:ich has been incessantly engaged in exploring the country on the Western wacrs, ill order to make the location. It has not yet reported, bur [2] 5 it is expected that it will make its report in the early part|of the session of Congress. In the month of June last, the Ricaree Indians, who inhabit the country on the Missouri, a little below the Mandan Villages, attack- ed General Ashley, with his party, while peaceably engaged in trad- ing with them, at their request, under licence from the government, and killed and wounded several of his party. Colonel Leavenworth, who commanded Fort Atkinson, at tlie Council Bluff, adopted imme- diate measures of redress. AVith a part of his command he made a successful attack on the village, and compelled the Ricarees, after a considerable loss on their part, to sue for peace. Statement marked L, contains the correspondence in relation to the transaction, and exhibits a full view of the facts. The Report from the Adjutant General's office, marked M, con- tains tlie returns of the Militia, according to the latest reports to that odice. Returns from only three states have been received in the course of the year, though every effort has been used to ensure punc- tuality in making them. I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, J. C. CALHOUN. The Pjiesidea^t of the United States. [2] LIST OF DOCUMENTS Transmitted from the War Department to the President, to accompany his Message to Congress. A. Report of Major General Brown, concerning the organization, distribution, aud disbursement, &c. of the Army , from A toE. B. Report of the Quartermaster General, with accompanying Statements A and B. C. Report of the Commissary General of Subsistence, with State- ments A and B. D. Report of Paymaster General. E. Report of Surgeon General. F. Statements of the Commissary General of Purchases, 3, 4, and 5. G. Report of the Engineer Department, with Tables D, E, and F. H. Report of the Ordnance Department, with Statements from A to E. I. Statfemeiit concerning Pensions. J. Statement of Bounty Lands. K. Statement of Indian Affairs. L. Correspondence relative to hostilities of the Arickaree Indians, M, Return of the MilHia of the United States. [2] A. Head Quarters of the Army, Washington, J\''ov. 22, 1823. Sir: In obedience to your order of the 5th instant, I have the honjor to snbmit to you the following returns and statements, viz: A. A statement of the organization of the Army, agreeably to ' the act of Congress of tiic second of Marcli, 1 821. B. A return of the strength of the Army, from the last Regi- mental and othei' returns, received at Head Qua'ters. C. A statement of the distribution of the troops in the Eastern Departmenf. D. A statement of the distribution of the troops in tiie Western Department. E. A statement showing the number of men eulisted, the amount of money advanced for tlie |^urposes of recruiting, and the amount for which recruiting accounts ha\ e been i-endered for settlement, from first of Januai y to first of October, 1823. It will be perceived, from the last mentioned statement, that % 7,653 99 remains unapplied in the hands of recruiting officers. This sum is actually employed in the recruiting service, and will he cm- braced by returns not yet due. The uniform punctuality of the re- cruiting officers, in rendering their accounts, justifies the belief that it will, at the pro]>er time, be regularly accounted for. The tours of inspection, presci'ibed by the Army llegulations to the Commanding Generals of Departments, have been prevented, by unavoidable circumstances. In the early part of the year, a change of commands was arranged between these two officers; but, on the point of executing the arrangement, their movements were suspended by a rupture with the Indians on the Missouri, and they were both kept under orders at tlieir respective Head Quarters, awaiting tlie issue of the military operations which were performed during the summer and autumn. They are now engaged in making the con- templated change of commands, but will not have time to comply with the regulation on the subject of Inspections before the close of the year. Colonel Wool has performed a course of Inspections, extending from Fort M'Henry, Baltimore, by the way of the Morth River and the Lakes, to Green Bay and St. Marjs', and embracing the inter- mediate positions. His first inspection was made on the 26th of April, and the Jast, included in his report, during the month of Oc- tober. He is now on a short tour to the New England States. Colonel Archer commenced his tour of Inspection on the third of April, at Norfolk, Virginia, and has inspected the Tosts on the At- 8 [2] laiitic coast, from East Florida to the State of Maine. Since my re- port of November last, lie has also jjerfurnied a rigid inspection of the National Armory and works of construction at Harper's Ferry. He is now engaged in a tour of inspection to the extreme Southern posts. As far as my information extends, the commanding officers of the artillery regiments have regulaily performed the duties of inspec- tion required of them. Their official returns are not yet due. and 1 have consequently no certain basis for a report in relation to the ex- ecution of this part of their duty. The Inspectors speak favorably of the condition of the army in all that relates to its discipline, instruction, service, and administratitm; and it affi)rds me pleasure to state, from tlieir observations, as well as iny own, that there is a progiessive amelioration, througiiout the different departments of the army, in every thing connected with its military character. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, sir, your obedient ser- vant, JAC. BROWN. Hon. J. C. Caluoun^, Secretary of War. /I 8 [2] laiitic coast, from East Florida to the State of Maine. Since my re- port of November last, he has also performed a rigid inspection of the National Armory and works of construction at Harper's Ferry. Ee is now engaged in a tour of inspection to the extreme Southern posts. As far as my information extends, the commanding officers of the artillery regiments have regularly performed the duties of inspec- tion required of them. Their official returns are not yet due, and I have consequently no certain basis for a report in relation to the ex- ecution of this part of their duty. The Inspectors speak favorably of the condition of the army in all that relates to its discipline, instruction, service, and administration; and it affi>rds me pleasure to state, from tlieir observations, as well as my own, that there is a progressive amelioration, throughout the diffisrent departments of the army, in every thing connected with its military character. I have the honor to he, most respectfully, sir, your ohedient ser- vant, JAC. BROWN. Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War. ORGANIZATION of the Armkr of the United States, according to the Act of 2d March, 1821- •2, 1 -1 ti 3 < V c 0 1 1 s 1 1 1 S 0 1 .a c es s 5 0 s I. 1 - £ 3 0 1 C n 11 £. S3 £ 0 c 0 5 0 CO c g s 0 s 1 B B in s sc 0 p> c H c "0 s 0 "S s 3 i3 % i s S -g s c C8 S 1 -a s 0 ■ a 0 'J? s « "s? in c 03 a « 3 1 0 c M s 2 3 a. a c 1 0 c a c 5 £ 0 ^■ 0 0 s c E c ■ -0 '0 Is — t m s si !:i 1 t so Ge En r 1 c lerai Staff ... - ^ineer Department - '1st Regiment - - 2d Regiment - - 3d Regiment - - 4th Regiment - - .Super, for Ordnance "1st Regiment 7 - 2d Regiment - - 3d Regiment - - >4th Regiment - - 5th Regiment - - 6th Regiment - - ^7th Regiment - - 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 8 45 10 - - 2 6 9 9 9 9 4 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 6 18 18 18 18 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 6 18 18 18 18 10 10 10 10 lb 10 10 36 36 36 36 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 36 36 36 36 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 2 2- 2 2 2 2 2 18 18 18 18 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 56 27 27 27 27 378 378 378 378 420 420 420 420 420 420 420 82 32 48 4S 48 48 4 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 497 497 497 497' 56 514 514 514 514 514. 514 514 82 32 .545 545 545 545 60 547 547 547 547 547 547 547 1 , I 1 a 1 2 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 8 45 10 12 12 13 116 148 148 11 11 354 424 14 212 56 108 4,452 541 5,642 ,6,183 Adjutant Generai-'s Office, Washington, JS'ovember 20, 1823. XHARLES J. NOURSE, •Adjutant General, Acting Head Quarteks, Washington, November 20, 1823. JACOB BROWN. i \ 6f ttlf ral l^tltjrM of the Army of the United States, taken fr om the latest retur IS on file in the Adjutant General's Office. .i I a c J i , \ 1 t : 1 1 i 1 1 1 s - 1 1 1 3- 1 . 1 J 1 - '■ J ^ 'i 1 ' 1 1 1 1 3 £ (2 I i t 1 J PRESENT 1 ™.„... .„•.,... "'."';!,;t''° »-- "• -»»-°»«~"- ■3 i i 1 a a ^ i 1 1 6 1 1 1: i ■i s iii:gimunt3 and coups. ] .6 S 1 = is ■= 1 1 ■i: 1 1" 2 1 E ■& 1 1 i 1 f 1 , 1 i i 1 1 -a j i 1 i ■| 1 5 i 1 1 •i I II 1 1 1 1 1 »' 1 ■ 2 1 ■a 1 i .a 1 a 1 1 i 1 C.,n. 1,-1 siMr on till ir »-ay 2 I ■ 2i 1 2 (! 4 I 1 1 14 8 -ij 2 - 2 6 8 •i 3 4 6 5 8 5 3 6 5 6 3 12 3 4 2 2 2 4 r 11 9 7 7 4 9 6 5 4 4 8 2 1 1 28 25. 20 IS 18 ■a 15 10 15 19 19 2^ Yl . 19 17 26 23 24 13 22 19 23 13 16 14 13 11 11 13 r 13 11 20 13 16 11 55 272 249 197 120 228 213 229 113 177 179 204 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 1 2 3 7 2 1 3 7 3 2 3 1 6 1 3 2 2 ' 2 1 2 2 1 11 15 59 35 72 18 33 15 103 71 2 1 1 3 5 3 6 1 2 6 2 1 4 2 11 11 5 33 4 40 42 63 47 1 1 - 1 2 1 1 6 12 28 20 38 25 21 9 51 10 24 406 362 305 55 402 376 320 285 335 349 422 91 23 430 415 387 322 59 419 399 343 302 350 365 443 1 1 4 1 4 5 3 3 2 5 4 19 12 17 23 8 7 11 10 10 1 4 i 1 1 1 3 4 2 3 1 29 23 64 78 CO 12 13 3 56 6 9 437 411 430 390 5S 473 393 339 •289 403 347 438 1,(109 91 23 486 456 476 459 59 502 4S7 375 323 436 379 468 1,009 1 1 2 f> i 1 1 ■ U 8 45 2 9 6 8 , 9 70 53 ?3 9 4 201 230 142 115 2,181 1 1 8 25 31 14 3 463 1 1 32 22 262 1 2 6 6 9 238- 4,001 4,348 3 6 4 42 124 33 19 9 353 5,424 5,949 •JdJuUmt GcnevaVs Ojfice, Washington, 20«7i JWr. 1823. Charles J. Nouiisu, Mj. Gen. Acting. I ! Head ftcARTEHS, Washington, November 20, 1828. JAC, BBOWN. f . \ r c. DISTRIBUTION of the Troops iri! the Eastern Department, under the command of Brevet Major-General "Winfield Scolt, shewing their strenjrih by Posts ami •• Garrisuus; -taken from the hitest returns on file in this offic*. i COMMISSIONED OVFl- "JSCMM'S'IONEH rosTS. SITDATIOK. COMMANDAirrs. Tnoops. CER8 ASn STAVF. "'j^"'"- """ClANS. AKjD rniV.VTBS. Fort Sullivan . . - - Eastpoil, Maine - . - Lieutenant Dimick - . - 1 company 1st regiment artillery i 5 .'>4 59 Foi't I'rrblo .... I'ortlanJ. Maine Major Brooks I company 1st artillery 5 35 nil Fort Conntitution I'orliBDioulb, New-Hampsbire Captain F, Whiting 1 company 1st artillery 5 45 50 Fort Indppcndoiico - - . - Bostofi. Massachusetts Colonel House . . - a companies istartillery 10 102 112 FortWolcott .... Ncwpbit, Rbnde Island Major Crane .... 1 company 1st artillery 5 45 50 I'nrt Trumbull New London, Connecticut Captain Baker .... 1 company 1st artillery 5 47 32 New York Harlior No.wVork . - - . Major Fanning . . - 1 comp*y. Islanded, of 2d artillery IS 121 139 Fort La Fayctto New Toik Harbor Captain Churchill 1 company 1st artillery 5 .17 42 West Point - . - - Ncwl'Vork .... Lieutenant Colonel Thayer 1 company 2d artillery 5 54 59 Watcrvliot Arsenal Ncw/YoT'k .... Major Daliba .... ^, company 2d artillery 5 48 33 PliittsburRli .... NcwTork .... Captain Gales .... 1 ciimpany 2d ai'tillery S 53 60 Fort Niagara .... FortMiiBin . . - - New York . . . : Captain Heilcraan 1 company 2d artillery 3 37 40 NcauFhiladclphia, Pennsylvania Captain Roach 1 company 2d artillery 6 49 55 Fittsburch Arsenal Fort M'Hcnry Peiinaylvania Lieutenant Drane - - - 1 company 2d artillery 5 51 56 Baltimore. Maryland Major Belton 1 company 2d artillery 4 47 .51 Mackinac .... Micbl^an Territory ... Major Whistler ... 1 company 3d infantry 5 S3 58 FiaiiUrortl Aiscnal Pennsylvania Colonel Hindman . - - Field and staff 3 1 4 Fort Severn .... Annapolis, Maryland Lieutenant Colonel Jones 1 company 3d artillery 5 38 43 Fori Wnsbini-ton On Potomac, Maryland Colonel Armistead . _ _ 1 company 3d artillery 8 48 36 Bi'lloiiD Arsenal Near Richmond, Virginia Captain Welch - - : I company 3d artillery 4 58 62 Ni>rl'olli Ilurbui' Virginia .... Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay 1 company 3d artillery 5 44 49 . Fortress Monroe ... Hampton Roads, Virginia Lieutenant Colonel Graliot 1 company 3d artillei'y 4 48 52 Fort Jolinson ... Smithville, Nortli Carolina Captain Spotts 1 company 3d artillery 5 64 69 Cbarlrston Harbor ... South Carolina Major Bankhead .... 2 companies, 3d and 1st, of 4th art. 14 104 118 AuRusta Arsenal Georgia . . . - Captain Mackay 1 company 3d artillery 5 35 60 Fort Jackson .... Savannah, Georgia - - - Lieutenant Monroe - . r 1 company 4th artillery 5 52 57 St. Augustioo East Florida Captain Erving 2 companies 4th artillery 14 96 MO Sackctt's Harbor New York - - General Brady 6 companies ed infantry 16 174 190 Saiilt (le St. Marie North West Territory - Maj.or Cutler .... 6 companies 2d infantry 15 222 237 So^iiaiio .... Michigan Territory ' - Major Baker .... 2 companies 3d infantry , - 6 88 94 Green Bay - - - Colonel Pinkney 7 companies Sd infantry 25 198 223 230 2,190 2,420 1 Adjctant General's Office, Washington, 21th J^ovcmhev, 1823. CHARLES J. NUUBSE, MJutant General, Acting. Head CIuarters, Washington^ 20th Xovemher, 182.3. JACOB BROWN. .^rf^xANT General's Office, Washingtoiiy JVovember 20f IS^S, Ca. J. NoiiRSE» Mj. Geii. ^ding. II \\ D. DISTRIBUTION of the Troops in the Western Department, under the command of Brevet Major General Edmund P, Gaines, showing their strength by posts and gar- risons, taken from the latest returns on file in this Office. St. Marks Barrancas Fort St. riiiirp - Baton Roiigo Naichoz - Belle Funtftino - Cantonment Clinch St. Anthony Fort Ci-awfoi'd - Fort EdwarilH - Fi.rt Armstrong Cantonment Taylor Cantonment Jcsiip Foil Smith Council Bluffs - SITUATIONS. Eaat Florida Pennsacola. W. F. - • Nfw Orleans, La. Louisiana Missouri On the Missouri Near Pcnsacola, W. F. Ufipcr MiHsissippi On llic Mi-ssisfiippi - On the Mississippi - On Ihe Mississippi - Louisiana On the Arkansas' Missouri COUMAKBjfcNTS. Captain M-Clintock - Colonel Fcnwick Major Humphrey Lieutenant Cnlohcl Taylor Captain Powell Colonel Chambers Lieutenant Colonel Brooke Colonel Saelling - . - Lieutenant Colonel Morgan - Major Mat'ston Major Vose - - - Captain Berryman Lieutenant Colonel Many . - Colonel Arbuckle Lieutenant Colonel Leavenworth Adjctant General's Office, Washington^ 20th J^ovember, 1823. CHAS. J. NOURSE, Adjutant General^ Actings One company fourth artillery Three companies fourth artillery One companj! fourth artillery Three companifs first infantry - One company first infantry Six companies first infantry Fourth regiment of infantry ■ Six companies fifth infantry Two'companies fifth infantry One company fifth infantry One company fifth infantry One company seventh infantry - Four companies seventh infantry Fivp companies scvmth infantry Sixth regiment of infantry OOMMIBfllONED OFVIOERS AND STA^F. KON-CONMIflBION- ED OFFIOEItS, MDSICIANS^AND PUIVATES. AOOREGATB. iHcAD Quarters, Washington, 20th JVor. 1823. JAC. BROWN. 526 251 199 218 S79 IkU [23 » E. i STJTEMEM'T shewing the whole number of recniMs enlisted in thf Jirmy from the \st of January, 1833, to \st Oct. 1823, 1st Regiment of Artillery . . ^ 142 2d Regiment of Artillery - - -125 3d Regiment of Artillery ... 86 4th Regiment of Artillery - - - 29 1st Regiment of Infantry . - , 245 2d Regiment of Intantiy - - - 89 3d Regiment of Infantry - • - 18 4tli Regiment of Infantry - - - 6 5tli Regiment of Infantry ... 44 6tli Regiment of Infantry - - • 38 7th Regiment of Infantry - , - 6 828 ^ilistments made at theprincipal rendezvous since the i st January , 1 8£^, Boston, Massachusetts - , . 239 Providence, Rhode Island ' - - 27 ' New York City - - - - 351 Albany, New York - - - - 170 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ... 190 Baltimore, Maryland - -. - lOS 3,908 mount of money advanced sinoe the 1st of January, 1823, to otBcers on account of the recruiting service - 1?»24,070 mount of recruiting accounts which have been rendered for settlement since the 1st of January, 1823, - 16,416 11 Hkad Quauteks, ffashingtoih M)v. QOf 1823. JACOB BROWN. Adjutant General's Office, Washington f J^ovember 20 f 18Q.3. Cn. J. NotJRSE, Mf Gen. Jding^ id* C 2 3 B. Report of the (luartermaster General, tvith accompanying State- meiits A and B. QUAllTeHMASTER GeNERAL's OfFICE, JVovember 22, 1823. Sir* In complianee with your instructions, I have the honor to siibmtt the accompanying statements A and B. The former exhibits the amount of money drawn from the Treasury, and received from other sources, by the oificcrs of the Qiiartei'master's Department, during the yeai- 1822, with the amount disbursed during that year. The latter exhibits the amount drawn and received by tliem, prior to the 30th of September of the present year, with the amount disbursed; so far as accounts have been received. As this is an oHice, notof settlement, but of administration, it does iiot afford the data, on which a statement can be made, which shall be strictly correct in all its details. Those can be furnished only at the oflice where accounts are finally adjusted; but it is believed, the statements submitted are so near the truth, that the only difference ■which shall be found between them, and the detailed accounts of the Treasury, will consist of the amount suspended oi- disallowed at the Tieasury, during the pei'iod which they embrace. The best test of the efficiency of a department, is to be found, not in minor details, but in general results; and if we cismpare the expenditures of the l)resent year, with those for the same objects in corresponding pe • riods of pi'eceding years, the lesult will be found much in favoi* of tli^ presesit — though, during tlie year, nearly tv.o regiments have been cantoned, and many changes have been made in the stations of troops: besides, an expeditino lias been carried on against the Indians pf the Missouri, in wliich tiie trooj)s engaged moved upwards of fif- teen hundi-fd miles, and tiio sustainiiig C(ir})s moi-e tiian a thousand. Or. the subject of accountability, I think I am warranted in saying, tliat as inucli pi! lection has heea attained as possible, without further kgislHtivc provision; and I let! coniident that every cent placed at the jlisposa? ^fthe otliccrs of liie Department, during the whole period embi"acrd by the statements A and K, either has been disbursed, or is actual'y ii^ their hands, appiicahle to the public service, and will be accouKfed for (iuiing the year. I feel it to be my duty, before closing my report, to point out brlf'fly, some of tlie drfc^cts in the organization of the Department, a^nu to suggest such charges as experience has shewn to be necessary. In 1820, when the military frontier was not so extensive as at pre- sent, there were attached to the Departmpnt, in addition to the Quartermaster General and two deputies, sixteen assistants, besides eighteen regimcfital and bf^ttalion quartermasters. Tlie act of Con= [2] 11 gress of March 1821, reorganizing the army, abolished the r%imen- tal and battalion quartermasters, and reduced the number of assret.- ants from sixteen to ten; 8o that of thirty-seven officers, thirteen only were retained. The same act reduced the purchasing department to one Commissary General and two Storekeepers; and the duties re- lative to the administration and accountability of army clothing, were necessarily transferred to the Quartermaster's Department; thus nearly doubling its labors and responsibility, though its force had been reduced nearly two-thirds. The lavv, it is true, authorized the employment of Subsistence Commissaries in the Quartermaster's Department; but they have the duties of tlieir own Department to perform; which, at stations Where their services are most necessary, give them sufficient employment. Besides, tlie experience of every Department proves, that the only way to ensure strict accountability, is, to confine officers to tl»e duties of their own branches of service — . to compel them to pei'form them, and positively to prohibit their in- terference with those of others. The reduction of the rank and file of the Army from ten to six thousand men, by no means warranted a corresponding reduction in the disbursing departments; for it is well known to every intelligent military man, that the labors of most branches of the Staff, and particularly of the Quartermaster's De- partment, depend, not on the number of troops in service, but On the number and remoteness of the posts occupied, the extent of the fron- tiers, and the dispersed state of the military resources of the nation. The officers at present attached to the Department, are entirely inadequate to the proper and efficient discharge of the duties required of them, and the compensation of the assistants, on whom necessarily devolves most of the laborious details of the Department, does not bear a just proportion to their duties and responsibility. The officers of that grade now in the Department, are e^ual iii capacity and intelligence to those of any other grade or corj>s in the army; but I fear that, unless measures be adopted to render their iiituation more desirable, they will, for the most part, abandon their stations and return to their companies. They should be allowed a oompensation, which would not only afford them a competent sup- port, but be an equivalent for the talents and labor required in the discharge of their duties. But, it may be said, let those who are dissatisfied, retire — there are others who would gladly fill their places — true, there are — and if the importance of a station depeniled upon the number of applicants to fill it, and the merit of those api)li- cants upon the clamorous assertion of their pretensiojis, this might be good reasoning — but every day's experience proves, that the number of applicants does not depend upon the value of the stiition sought: — reduce the compensation one half, and they would not be dimiuibhed. The difference would then consist in the character, and not in the number; — for even if an office be set up to the Lowest bid- der, there will always be bidders enough. I would, therefore, propose, that in addition to the officers now attached to the Department, there be authorized three quarternias- 12 L^J ters. and eight assistants, to be taken from the line of the army. This change, with an allowance of forage to the assistants by pre- senting sufficient inducements to men of character to enter, and re- main in the Department, would better secure a strict acconntubility, than all the restrictive laws on the statute book. It is called for by every consideration of policy as well as economy; for the best gua» rantee the nation can have, for the proper application of its fiJnds, will be found in the honor, intelligence, and abilities, of its officers. Let it not be said, that the system of bonding affords this guarantee^ Experience proves the contrary. It may secure the payment of du- ties at the Custom House, or afford ultimate security against de- faulters, but can never insure good faith in the public expenditures. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant. TH. S, JESUP. Brig. Gen. and ^ar, Mas. Gen, oj the Army. To the Hon, J. C. Calhoun. Secretary of War. \ 12 L^J ters, and eight assistants, to be taken from the line of the army. This chans|^e. with an allowance of forage to the assistants by pre« senting suificient inducements to men of character to enter, and re- main in the Department, would better secure a strict arconntiibility, than all the restrictive laws on the statute book. It is called for by every consideration of policy as well as economy; for the best gua- rantee the nation can have, for the proper application of its funds, will be found in the honor, intelligence, and abilities, of its officers. Let it not be said, that the system of bonding affords this guaranteci Experience proves the contrary. It may secure the payment of du- ties at the Custom House, or afford ultimate security against de- faulters, but can never insure good faith in the public expenditures. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant. TH. S. JESUP. Brig. Gen. and ^ar. Mas. Gen, oj the Army. To the Hon. J. C. Calhoun. Secretary of fVor. page 12 — a — Doc. 2. STJiTEMEiffT showing the amount of Fiinds remitted to Oncers of the ^artermaster's BepaHment, in the year 1822, and the umount for which accounts were rendered for that year. Amount remitted in tlie first quarter of the year* ..... Do. do. second quarter, ...*.. Do. .,do. third quarter, - - . . Do. do. fourth quarter, - - - * - Amount received by officers from the sales of public property authorized during the year> Amount disbursed per accounts rendered for tlio first quarter, ... Do. do. do. do. second quarter, ... Do. do. do. do. third quarter, ... Do. do. do. do. fourth quarter, ... 856,655 148,4IS 81,334 79,608 366.015 9,163 60,683 117,426 77,838 92,542 8375,183 Excess of remittances, &c. beyond the actual disbursements of the year, Note. In consequence of the short appropriation for 1 82 1 , there were no funds of consequence in the bands of officers at the close of that year to be taken into view in this statement. The above excess was in the hands of tlie officers of the Oepartment at the expiration of the year 1822, and was carried to tlie service of the year 1823. Tlie public property noticed above as sold, consisted of various small articles of supplies which had become damaged from unavoidable accidents or of no I Page 12— ft.— Doc. 2. B. shewing the amount of funds i-emitted to the Officers of the Quarter-Master's Department in the first three quarters of the year 1823, and the amount for which accounts have been rendered for the same period. Amount in the hands of tlic several Officers, from the year 1822, g26,694 00 Amount remitted in the first quarter of 1823, 52,57000 " "• second quarter . - - ,- 71,450 00 " " third quarter -' 98,648 00 Amount received hy Officers from the sales of public property, authorized during the period embraced ahovc, ....--.. 2,12200 251,484 Amount disbursed, per accounts rendered for the first quarter, .- 61,617 02 " " « second quarter, --.------------- 89,161 93 " " " third tuarter, - - . - . . - ' , - - 79,1 12 36 ^ . 229,891 Excess of remittances, 821,593 JVo(ft....The above excess is made up of small unexpended balances in the accounts of the several Officers at the close of the third quarter, which have been carried to the service of the succeeding quarter. The amount was, on the 30th September, chiefly deposited in the various Banks designated for the reception of public funds. The residue was in the hands of Officers stationed remote from those institutions. t 2 ] iS C. Ueport of the Commissary General of Subsistence, tvith Statements A. and B« Office of the Commissary General of Subsistence, li as/ungtoUf JVov. 22, 1823. Sir: In obedience to your orders of the 7th April last, and 5th inst. 1 liave the honor of j)i'esenting to >our view two statemeursj the one marked A, exhibiiint? the exi)en(liture8 in this Department for the entire year 1822, ami that marked B, shewing the disburse- ments in the three first quarters of 182S. The whole amount remitted and charged in the year 1822, is ^284,764 11; the amount disbursed and accounted for, §270,850 46^ leaving a balance of Si 3,9 13 65, from uhich the following sums are to be deducted, viz: S73 83 in the hands of the Assistant Commis- gapy at Fort Osage, received by him in paper of the Kdwardsville Bank; S6,500 remitted to the Assistant Commissary at New Or- leans, on the 28th of December, 1822, only three days previous to the expiration of the year, and intended to meet the expenditures of the 1st quarter of 1823; S861 69, the amount of provisions actuaU ly pur( based and issued to the tro«»p8; but, for which purchase, the vouchers have been lost on their route to this place. These three sums, collectively, deducted from gl3,9lS 65, will leave a balanw of §6,478 13, to be accounted for in the first quar- ter of 1823; and the whole of which, including the §6,500 remit- ted to the Assistant Commissary at New Orleans, on the 28th of December, 1822, has been accounted for in the first quarter of the present year. The Vk^hole amount remitted and charged in the three first quar- ters of 1823. is §276,519 70; the amount disbursed and settled, §254,278 93, leaving a balance of §22,240 77. It may not be improper for me to remark, that, owing to the great distance which the military stations on the Upper JLakee, Upper Mississippi, and Red River, are from any post route, that the u«^ counts for the 3d quarter of the year have not yet been received from those posts; it is, however, justly due to the Assistant Com- missaries and Agents tate, that their accounts and iTturns are promptly and regularly rendered; and that of the moneys charged and disbursed in 1822, the loss of one cent has not accrued to the United States; and there is every reason to believe, that the same will be the result of the disbursements for 1833. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, GEOllGE GIBSON, Commissury Generui of SiibsistenCt^ The Hon, J. C. Calhoun, • Secretary oj' War. '~^_ -J. A. STATEMENT exhibiting the Maneys remitted to Contractors in 1822, and the amounts accounted for by themj the Moneys remitted to the Assistant and Actino- Assistant Commissaries of Subsistence, for the same period; the charges against them for sales of provisions at auction to officers on the frontier Posts, or otherwise, inaladmg the outstanding balances 31st December, 1821, and the amount accounted for by them in 1822. i ■ REMITTED.. CHABOED ON ACCOUST TOTAL CHABGED. ACCOUNTED EOB. BBUARKSi NAMES. OF SALES OB OTHER- WISE. Milliain Hill and Brothers, Contractors h S 7,837 90 g 1,846 78 Sfl,684 68 , 89,674 84 Cave Jiiliiisoii do - » 11,553 10 2,410 14 13,943 24 13,943 24 Jesse Smith do - I - - 8,168 19 8,168 19 8,168 19 Hciirj- J. Hunt do - «■ - - 14,389 16 - 14,589 16 14,389 16 Wor(liine;t- 640 37 . . 640 37 640 37 1 llo|je]t M-Ciiy do - 465 81 -, 465 81 465 81 1 'nmolliv Winn do - - - - 6,353 12 . 6,353 12 6,353 12 Robert H. Oilman & Co. do - 6,119 £6 S 79 6,128 05 6,128 05 Nathaniel W. Strong do - ;- 2,136 76 - ^,136 76 2,136 76 'I'bomas M'Knight do - - 8,001 97 8,001 97 8,001 97 Abraham Edwards do - 568 00 568 00 568 00 Robert S. Barr & Co. do L - - 89,010 88 3^,010 88 29,010 88 1 Ezra Meccli do - - .. 1.465 27 ,465 27 1,465 27 Napier & Wilbur do L 6,670 .91 i,679 91 • 6,670 91 John & Daniel Hinsdale do L . . 2,829 68 - !.829 68 2,829 68 John Napier do ¥ 8,887 75 - 1,887 75 8,887 75 Lieut. Wra. D. M'Ray, acting assistant commissar of subsistence - 659 29 «59 29 585 46 /The balanced 73 83, is in paper c 1 he is ready to refund. Disbursing f the Edwardsville Bank, whlchr Zaimon C. Palmer, assistant commissary o subsistence . 2,825 52 !,aS5 52 2,990 27 Andrew Lewis do ^ . . i 2,166 13 !,166 13 1,569 91 Do Captain Alexander R. Thompson do . . 6 43 6 43 6 43 Closed Lieut. John C. Kirk do . 1,989 28 2,260 98 4,250 26 4,250 26 Do John \. Webber do r 1,056 00 217 11 1,267 11 1,332 47 Disbursing L'h.irles D. Espenville, act'g do - f- - - 431 53 r 431 53 431 53 Closed John S. Pierce acting do - - ■201 52 201 52 201 52 Do 'i'imothy Gicen do - 635 00 1 10 636 10 621 71 Disbursing ;\Iartin Thomas, Jr. acting do - 250 00 77 76 327 76 236 72 Do Elijah Lvon do - - - - 707 31 536 41 1,243 72 1,185 51 Do John B. V. Russell do - - - - 649 21 649 21 266 81 Do Walter Bicker do - 486 36 1,411 58 1,897 94 786 99 Do Charles Burbidgc do - - - 276 64 276 64 111 99 Do Henry Saunders do - ■ ... 440 00 41 45 481 45 484 S3 Do Andrew M'lntyre do - • - - 1,290 00 1,030 SO 1 3,320 30 2,241 94 Do Charles S. Merchant do - - - - 765 24 566 02 - 1,331 26 1,227 95 • Do V Richard Baclie do - - 460 00 37 74 497 74 497 74 Closed 1 V.' alter Smith do . i. . . 580 00 66 86 646 86 646 46 Disbursing diaries Mellon do - ;- 2,771 12 77 59 1 2,848 71 2,715 05 Do JacoiSchmuck acting do - j- M. A. Patrick do - L 110 00 681 06 791 06 791 06 Closed 525 00 73 55 598 55 570 35 Disbursing Allen Lowd do - 1- 2,415 00 141 87 1 2,556 87 2,567 37 Do Richard Delafield acting do - - 2,027 50 309 44 2,336 94 2,210 02 Do James Siraonson acting do - - 643 00 - 643 00 643 00 Closed James Young do - 1,960 00 252 25 2,212 25 2,151 25 Disbursing Peter Melendy do - 7,805 91 ■ 1,297 80 i9,103 71 9,103 71 Closed G. Powell acting do . j- 1,200 00 40 85 1,240 85 1,240 85 Do Lieut. Cul. James B. Many, acting do .... 500 00 . 500 00 500 00 Do Cajilain John Rogers, military storekeeper 934 22 381 00 tl,315 22 1,315 22 D ^NT — Continued. KEMITTED. CUAROED ON AfCOVNT TOTAli CHABGEtl. ACCOUNTED FOR. BEMAKKS. NAMEa. OF SALES OB THEH liicut. D. Wilcox, acting-assistant commiRsary of subsistence . 1,043 12 1,043 12 1,043 12 Closed Wni. S. Colquhoun, assistant commissar)' of subsistence s^oro 18 60^ 34 8,672 52 8,672 52 Do William R. Joiiett acting do - I SB 40 152 40 132 40 Do Major William Hopkins acting do - . f 03 7 03 7 03 Do Lieut. P. Andrews acting do - 192 60 192 60 191 62 Isaac Clark do - 5,1311 86 B,134 86 5,134 86 Closed Thomas W. Lendrum do - 645 00 211 66 666 66 662 08 Disbursing Captain H. Bradley acting do - - - _ 322 40 322 40 115 98 Do Lieut. Arthur W. TliorntoB do - 3,440 00 676" 83 ISJi 48 4,117 83 4,490 13 Do Miijor William Bradford acting do 115 38 247 76 247 76 Closed Captain Samuel Spotts acting do - . 18S 41 182 41 182 41 Do Lieut. L. A. Rigail do - 976 08 222 02 1,198 10 t,198 10 Do N. G. Dana do - 472 00 20r 80 679 80 575 80 Disbursing . Jacob Brown do - - - 16,555 84 29ll 37 16,847 21 18,116 86 Do ' James A. Chambers - - . - 5lb 83 510 83 125 30 Do 1 Joseph P. Taylor do - 970 00 208 39 1,178 39 1,159 58 Do 1 Thomas Barker do - 3,100 00 2,838 50 5,938 SO 4,695 44 Do George W. Gardiner do - 1,815 59 8 85 1,S24 44 1,693 39 Do "William L. M'Clintock do - - . - 15,622 46 1,284 87 i 16,9(i7 33 10,051 35 Do S6,500, remitted pec. 28, 1 822, to meet expense oflstqr. 1823 Hugh K.. Meade do - - - . too 00 63k 90 735 90 629 39 Do John B. Clark do - - - . 500 00 871 45 1,371 45 1,371 45 Closed Thomas J. Baird do - 610 HO 67 92 677 92 665 31 Disbursing Upton S. Frasier do - 770 00 40ll 18 1,171 18 1,122 92. Do John Munroe do - - 200 00 237 10 437 10 471 60 Do Horatio N. Baker do - 1,131 13 1,131 13 1,131 13 Closed Wiliiam Wells do - - - . 625 00 625 00 585 39 Disbursing Thomas ChiHs do • . . . 1,205 00 5) 00 1,255 00 1,198 25 Do E. J. Lambert acting do - 250 00 40fe 31. 655 31 655 31 Closed P. Morrison acting do - . 31 06 34 06 34 06 Do Nathan Clark do - - . 1,00 : 67 1,001 67 l,0i>2 33 Disbursing H. J. Keltus acting d» - _ 1 1 > 22 113 22 113 22 Closed Captain James R. Stubbs acting do - - - . 3< i 57 ■ 343 57 33 37 Lieut. John PhUbrick do - 1,000 00 1,8!) 16 2,889 16 724 66 f Disbursing— S 861 69 of the moneys remitted have been furnisheilin X provisions, but vouchers not received. H.W. Fitzhugh do - 2,020 00 37 5 70 2,39S 70 2,657 07 Disbursing Captain James VI. Hook acting do 14,270 46 . 14,270 46 14,270 46 Closed Lieut. James R. Blaney acting do - - . . e/o 24 680 24 6S0 24 Do George C. Mutter acting A,, . - _ . 1,950 00 0^3 85 2,625 85 1,092 49 Disbursing Csptaifi James Green acting do - . - . 82 63 82 63 211 10 Do Lieut. Harvey Brown do - S50 00 912 91 1,262 91 1,273 9l" Do John L'Engle do - 610 00 SH6 81 636 ai 830 38 Do Otis Wheeler acting do - 277 20 1^9 64 406 84 313 78 Do B. L. E. Bonneville do - - - - - 830 00 850 00 496 71 Do g 238,924 03 S 45,B-tO 08 8 284,764 11 S«70,850 40 RECAPITULATION. Total amount charged ...... Total amount expended --.-,- Balance in thehiindsiif the assistant and acting assistant Commis* Diiayai'les of Subsistence, 31st Decembei'> 18S2 . . - 2 284.764 11 270,850 46 OFriCS OF TUB COMUISSABT GENERAL OF SUBSISTENCE, fFaahington, JVovember 22, 1823. GKORGE GIBSOX, Com, Gen. of Subsistence^ Page M — Hoc. 2. — e. B* y^ Exhibiting the Moneys remitted to Contractors, from the 1st of January to the 30th September, 1823, and the amounts accounted for by them; the Moneys remitted to the Assistant and Acting Assistant Commissaries of Subsistence, for the same period ; the Charges against them for Sales of Prorisions at Auction, to Otficers on the Frontiers, or otherwise, in- chiding the outstanding balances 31st December, 1822; and the Amount accounted for by them, in the 1st, 2d, and 3d quar- ters of 1823, - — AMOUNT CHABGED ON tl OTAt AMOUNT TOTAL AMOUNT AC- NAMES. AMOUHT BEMITTED. ACCOUNT OF SAIES, &0. CUAUOED. COUNTED POR. KEMARKS. Cave Jolinaon, Contractor _ - - - - SI, 946 84 22,956 64 g4,903 4B 84,903 48 Jesse Smith do - - - - - 2,516 95 . 2,516 95 2,516 95 Uonry J. Hunt do - - - - - 2,292 ir . 2,222 17 2,292 17 Martin Andrews do - 4,077 29 . 4,077 29 4,077 29 Silas Butler do - - - - - 1,232 36 . 1,232 36 1,232 56 Adam G, Goodlct do 2,593 49 232 42 2,825 91 - 3,275 91 g4S0, due the Contractor, for which a bill of exchange has been Latlirop A. G. B. Grant do - - - - - 473 99 . 473 99 473 99 drawn, but was returned for endorsement. Robert M'Coy do - - - - ),3S9 02 3 43 1.392 4 5 1,592 45 Pliilo L.Mills do 5,477 64 60 00 5,507 64 5,507 64 Robert H. Gilman & Co. do - , - 4,912 77 . 4,912 77 4,912 77 Robert S. Barr & Co. do 4,852 53 ■ . 4.852 5i5 4,852 53 Ezi-a Mcech do - - - - - 1,3S9 S3 . 1,389 58 1,389 38 Napier and Wilbur do - - - - - 5,468 15 114 69 5,582 84 5,582 84 Robert J. Ward do 15,525 20 . 15,525 20 15,525 20 ■ Carey Sclden do - - - - - 11,968 31 . 11,928 31 11,926 31 William and John James do ..... 5,269 55 . 5,269 55 .5,269 55 Heman A. Fay do - 988 00 . 988 00 9S8 00 Cumberland D. Williams do . . ■- 6.132 61 . 6,132 61 6,132 61 Yarnall and M'Wllliams do - ... - 4,515 95 . 4,515 95 4,515 95 Stcrett Ramsey do - - . . - 3,219 00 - 3,219 00 3,219 00 R. and J. J'ogue do 10,051 51 . 10,051 51 10.051 51 Yarnall and Pemberton do .... . 13,398 44 . - 13,398 44 13,398 44 Lyman Farwell do . . . . - 1,297 54 1,297 S4 1,297 34 Thomas Worthington do ..... . 3,440 42 . : 3,440 42 ' 3.440 42 Jidni Jl'Curdy do . . . . 6,522 64 6.522 64 6,522 64 Gilts Sanfoid do - . - . - 11,179 49 . 11,179 49 11,179 49 Balance in the bands of the assistant and acting assistant comrais-l sarics of sub.^isfnce, on tlie 31st December, 1822 - . -J " 15,939 65 13,939 65 13,939 65 Lieut. Zatmon C. Palmer, assistant coinniissary of subsistence 1,323 42 . 1,477 45 2,800 87 2,815 94 Disbursing Andrew Lewis do - . . ' - . 1,052 5S 1 1,052 59 59 21 Uo Capt. H. Bradley, acting do ... . 675 00 347 52 1,022 52 422 52 Do Lieut. J. A. Webber do . . 850 00 23 63 873 53 1,070 95 Bo Timothy Green do ^ i. . 530 00 14 59 544 39 515 .97 Do Martin Thomas, jr. acting do - 455 00 108 47 563 47 518 75 Do Charles S. MoicliaTU do . 335 24 131 07 466 51 446 58 Do Richard Delatteld, acting do 2,653 00 271 99 2,926 99 2,769 35 Do Giles Poi-ter do do ... 7,702 23 39 69 7,741 92 7,741 93 Closed William R. Jouett do do - ! . M. A. Patl'ick do do . 1^ . 5 87 5 S7 5 87 Do 425 00 2S 22 455 22 450 73 Disbursing Thomas W. Lendi'um do - ' . 405 00 4 58 409 58 405 15 . Do Arthur W. Thornton do - i - 5,780 00 361 12 6,141 12 5,8.31 49 Do L. A. Rigail do 200 00 111 66 511 66 280 78 Do James Young do • . - 300 00 1,376 14 1,676 14 809 06 Do Ji-rob Brown do - j - 7,600 00 554 1.6 7,s54 16 8,920 32 Do James A. Cliamhcrs do .. ■ - 250 00 421 03 671 03 671 03 Closed Thomas Barker do . . 5,400 00 1,229 95 4,629 95 3,58/ 89 Disbursing Hugh K. Meade do ... . 480 00 155 71 615 71 619 52 ■ Do John B. Clark do ... - 7,024 SO 855 07 7,879 57 2,494 94 Do Upton S. Frascr do - - - . 675 00 100 85 775 85 542 70 Do John Munroe do ... . 185 00 416 32 ■ 601 32 533 47 Do £* A. Hitchcock, acting do . 100 00 100 00 100 00 Closed 1 [23 15 D. Report of the Pmjmaster General. Paymaster General's Office, TFar Department^ JVbv. 20fA, 182S. Sir : In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to report; that, in the year 1 822, there was drawn from the Treasury on war- rants in favor of Paymasters of the army of the United States, the sum of nine luindred and eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy five dollars and seventy-four cents, the whole of which was expended in paying the tioope, and has been accounted for. I have also the honor to submit a statement of the sums received by the several Paymasters in the three first quarters of the present year, the amount unexpended and applicable to the payments of the fourth quarter, and the balance not yet accounted for. I am confident, from the reports of the Paymasters, that, by this time, all the troops have been paid to the first of September, the othcers generally and several companies to the first of November, and that the accounts will be received before the close of the year. Respectfully, your obedient servant, N. TOWSON, Paymaster General. Hon. J. C. Calhofn, Secrefnrv of TVar, 7 tment, and r r the fourth )Y the three first t^^hich the troops eved the balance will )m ' to 1st November, 1! to 1st October. to 1st September, iny at Sulphur Fork* of the company at Sul- t September, 1823 ^vo payments in the year. e expiration of the three kcember. r to 1st October, 182| do. »anies at Sagana, frow^ovember, 1863, but the :tober, 1823. \ter General STATEMENT of the amount of money drawn from the appropriation for the Pay Department, and remitted to the disbursing officers, on account of payments for the three first quarters of tiie year 1823; the amount unexpended and deducted from the estimates for the fourth quarter; the balance to be accounted for; and the periods to which the troops have been paid, and accounts rendered. KAMES or PAYilASTERS. AMOUNT OF FUNDS REMITTED IN THE THREE FIRST - - , - . . 102 95 102 95 189 15 Disbursinc- John I'hilhiick d„ . : . . 2,951 72 2,951 72 1,996 27 Uo Cliai'Ips Thomas, atliiig rin - - . - . 142 56 142 56 99 42 Do Gcui'gc C. Huttcr do do - - - - 2,023 98 2,025 98 2,021 80 Do J. Uogers do do .... . 870 00 870 00 Do Cnpt. Jumps Green do do 4G0 00 6 81 466 81 . 466 81 Closed Lieut, J. Hopson do do ... - . 324 87 "■324 87 117 75 Disbursinc Thomas Cliilds do - ' - 1,140 DO 97 74 1,237 74 1,330 00 Do William Wells 1,8; 0 00 190 62 2,060 62' 2,044 94 Do Hciir-y Saundei's do - - . - 400 00 eo 70 420 70 410 58 Do Gt rii'j;c W. Gardiner do - - - - ' 3,230 00 131 05 3,361 05 3,095 22 Do Ilarvnj Brown do - - - - 7,920 00 - 7,920 00 3,443 83 Do ■ Allrn Lowd do ... - • ' 1,550 00 5 00 li655 00 1,533 55 Uo N. G. Dana do . - - 440 UO 112 40 ,'552 40 573 12 Do Thomas J. Baird do . . - 575 00 , 13 62 1588 62 652 72 Do 1 11. W. Filzlnmh do . 2,325 00 . 2i325 00 2,346 70 Do William L. M-Clintock do - - - . 2,665 06 8,509 64 . 11^173 70 10,812 86 Do 1 Capt. Joseph I'lympton do ... - 800 00 800 00 800 00 Closed Lieut. Walter Smith do ... - 525 00 12 00 ,537 00 565 20 Disbursing Otis Wheeler, acting do, - . - - . 142 92 142 92 142 92 Closed Elijah Lyon do - - - - . 1,610 17 1,610 17 776 44 Disbursing John B. Triplet! do do - - . 481 90 481 90 481 90 Closed Capt. James U. Hook do do . ■ . 7,000 00, 7,000 00 7,000 00 Da Lieut. B. L. E. Bonneville do do 1,900 00 1,041 82 2,941 82 1,086 78 Disbursing John B. Ilohliilk do do 479 00 97 65 576 65 315 OS Horace Bliss do do . '- 300 00 . 300 00 300 00 Closed Jeremiah Yancey do do - . , - - 800 00 800 00 351 63 Disbursing Wni. N. Bronaugh do do . 499 78 . 499 78 270 02 Do Ciipt. G. I'owoll do do 300 0() 63 55 363 55 45 00 Do Lieut. Washington Wheelright do do . 4,418 09 4,418 09 4,418 09 Closed Charles Mellon do - - . . 954 31 100 52 1,054 83 1,054 83 Do Andrew M'Intyre do - - - - 2,120 00 133 11 2,2S3 11 2,304 49 Disbursing Joseph P. Taylor do - ; - •■ - : 595 00 ■ 30 81 625 81 761 16 Do Joseph N. Chambers do - ' - 470 00 142 95 ■ 612 95 612 95 Closed Clifton Wharton do ■• - - - 637 85 337 25' 337 25 Do Campbell Graham do - - . - 300 00 226 79 526 79 526 79 Do J. B. P. Russell do ... . 379 64 1,069 57 1,449 21 1,449 21 Do Walter Bicker do ... . 1,070 AK l,Q7n AS 748 27 Disbursing / Richard Bnche do ... - 160 00 17 06 177 06 173 31 Do 1 John Pickeir do . . . . 167 18 167 18 167 18 1 William Day do ... . _ 16 02 16 02 14 50 f Major Heni-y Stanton, acting do 1,800 00 . 1,80(1 00 Lieut. Aaron M. Wright do do - . . 238 75 238 TS Capt. Joshua B. Brant do do 5,471 04 . 5,471 B4 5,471 04 Lieut. J. R. Wilcox do do . . - 148 82 :148 82 Samuel Wragg do do - - * . . 45 00 ' 45 00 45 00 Closed H. J. Fcltus do do . - . - 271 99 S7I 99 271 99 Do \ 1 8221,119 93 g55,399 77 8276,619 70 g254,278 93 BBCAPITULATION. Total amount charged - . - . - - 8276,519 70 Total amount expended and accounted for - . . . 254.278 93 Balance in the hands of the Assistant and Actin,g Assistant Commis. saries, to bo accounted for in the 4tli quarter of the year - 822,240 77 Office of the Commissary General of Subsistence, Washington, 22d J\''ovembei; 182.3. GEO. GIBSON, Commissary General of Subsistence. [21 17 E. llejwrt of the Surgeon General. Surgeon General's Office. JV'ovember 24, 1823. Sir: In compliance with your orders, I have the honor to state., that the amount disbursed on account of the Medical Department, in the three first quarters of the present year, was gl 5,056. All the bills presented during this period, have been paid; all moneys ad- vanced have been expended, and were regularly and satisfactorily accounted for, without loss to the United States; and but S200 have been advanced during the present quarter. The supplies for the year were forwarded to the several posts at an early period; and were in general reported to have been receivedi in good order, and to be of a good quality. They also appear to have been abundant in quantity, an extra requisition having been made at but few posts, in consequence of an unexpected increase of the num- ber of troops, or unusual expenditure from the prevalence of summer complaints. Nearly all the surgeons have been constantly on duty during the year, with the exception of those confined by sickness; and the fur^ loughs granted have been for short periods. Returns have regular- ly been made of every article of public property under their charge, and, on examination, have been found strictly correct, and the quan- tity expended to be duly proportionate to the reports of sick. With the exception of those stationed at Baton Rouge, the troops have in general been healthy. The number of deaths reported at all other posts, during the two first quarters of the year, was but 43, of which seven were from casualties. From the returns and reports of the Surgeons, as well as from other sources of information, it appears that the hospitals are well furnished viith every thing necessary for the comfort and recovery of the sick; and from tlie talents, acquirements, and industry of the me- dical attendants, it is confidently believed, that the soldier has now a much better opportunity for recovery, than he could have in any other situation in which he would probably be placed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. LOVELL, Surgeon General Hon. J. C. Caihoun. 18 [2] F. Statement of the Commissartj General of Purchases — 3, 4 ^* 5. No. 3. &TATEMEJVT of moneys received and disbursed during the three first quarters of the year 1823, on account of the Purchasing Department. To amount of sundry warrants issued by the Secre- tary of the Treasury, in favor of Cailender Irvine, Comm'y General of Purchases, to the 30th of Sep- tember, 1823, as per statement. No. 1. - By amount of disbursements during the first quarter of 1823, passed to the cre- dit of the Commissary General by William Lee, Esq. Second Auditor, Treasury Department By ditto during the second quarter of 1823 By amount of my accounts for the third quarter of 1823, now before the Second Auditor for settlement )33,282 35,825 G8 31 23,612 98 S92,720 37 By a transfer to the appropriation for the purchase of woollens for 1823, directed to be made, per Wm. Lee, 2d Auditor 30,059 05 gll6,206 00 122,779 42 J. C. Calhoun, Esq. Secretary of War. Commissary General's Office, Philadelphia^ Mvember 15, 1823. C. IRVINE, Comm'y Gen. Purchases. [ 2J 19 No. 4. STATEMEJVT of monep received and disbursed during the three Jirst quarters of the year ISZSi on account of the " appropriation of 1822, for the purchase of Woollens , for 1823." To amount of transfer from tKe Purchas- ing Department, per order of Wm. Lee, Second Auditor, - - g 30,059 05 To amount of warrant issued by the Se- cretary of the Treasury, in favor of Callender Irvine, Commissary Gene- ral of Purchases, to the 30th Sept. 1823, as pep Statement No. 2, - 22,600 00 By amount of purchases during the se- cond quarter of 1823, passed to the credit of C. Irvine, Commissary Gen- eral, per William Lee, Esq. Second Auditor, Treasury Department, g 20,123 99 By amount of my account for the third quarter of 1 823, now before the Second Auditor, for settlement, - - 24,350 95 g 52,659 05 ,474 94 Commissary General's Office, Philadelphia, JYov. 15ih, 1823. C. IRVINE, Comm. Gen. of Purchases. J. C. Calhoun, Es - - - Worsted Wings, per pair. Grey Woollen Overalls, - - . Drilling Overalls, Privates, - - - Drilling Overalls, Sergeants, Cotton Jackets with Sleeves, Infantry Privates, 0 40 Ditto Ditto Ditto Woollen Jackets, Artillery, Ditto Infantry, Cotton Shirts, Pnvates, Ditto Sergeants, Flannel Sliirts, Flannel Drawers, Fatigue Frocks, Fatigue Trov,'sers, Laced Bootees, per pair, Shoes, Stockings, Socks, Leather Stocks, Blankets, Woollen, - Great Coats, Infantry Coats, Privates, Ditto Sergeants, Ditto Musicians, Sergeants, Artillery Privates, Sergeants, 1 50 0 45 0 20 0 12 0 6i 0 8 0 60 0 55§ 27 0 87 01 05 22 11 28 2 93 £ 82 0 72 0 75 1 27i 1 00 1 10 0 78* 1 62 i 1 25 0 40 0 21 0 14A 2 70 7 00 5 81 5 81 [2] 21 Statement Continued. Artillery Coats, Privates, - - - - 6 00 Ditto Sergeants, - - . - - 6 00 Ditto Musicians, - - - - 7 73 Commissary General's Office, Philadelphia, JWjvemher 15, 182S. C. IRVINE, Commissary General of Purchases. J. C. Calhoun, Esq,. Secretary of War. 22 [ 2 ] G. Report of the Chief Engineer f with Tables D, E, andF, Engineer Department, November 20, 1823. Sii^ : Id pursuance of your order of the 5th instant, I have the ho- nour to report the application of the appropriations of this year, referring to the several fortifications, aiul the Military Academy; the works projected by the Board of Engineers, which have not been commenced, and the estimates of their cost; the present state of the fortifications under construction; the duties upon which the Soard of Engineers, and the Topographical Engineers, have been employed during this year; and the condition of the Military Aca- demy. The accompanying Tables, D, E, and F, and the Reports A and B, afford part of the information proposed above to be furnished by this Report. Table D exhibits the application of the sums appropriated this year for the several fortifications. Table E exiiibits the amount drawn for the three first quarters of this year, and the amount of accounts rendered for settlement under tjje respective a!>propriations. Table F exhibits the works projected by the Board of Engineers, which have not been commenced, and the estimates of their cost. The projects of a number of works, in addition to those contained in this Table, Iiave been completed by the Board of Engineers, but their Report of theni not having been received, tiiey could not be in- cluded in the Table, which, as it now stands, does not differ from that reported laat year. Report A, of the Board of Engineers, in conjunction with Com- modore Bainbridge of the Navy, relates to the practicability and wtility of establishing a Breakwater at the mouth of Delaware Bay, near Cape Henlopen, to form a harbor for the protection of vessels against floating ice and heavy gales. The Report submits twoprojects» illustrated by drawings, and contains a detailed esti- mate of the expense for each. C 2] 23 Report B, of the Board of Engineers, exhibits the result of its ex- amination of tiie harbor of Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, and fur- nishes a project for the removal of the bar obstructing its entrance, illustrated by drawings and a detailed estimate of the expease of effecting it. The drawings above referred to are on file in this Department. The appropriations of the year 1822 for the severalfortifications, amounting to g370,000, and for the Military Academy, amounting to 813,979, have been expended upon the objects to which they were respectively applicable^ and the accounts for the same have been rendered and settled. All of the amounts drawn in the three first quarters of tlie year 1823, will have been satisfactorily accounted for, when a small portion of the accounts, not yet rendered for settlement, but daily expected, shall have been received. There has been no defalcation in any of the agents under the Engineer Department; the delay in the rendition of the small portion of accounts not received, having been produced, with respect to those for Rigolets and Chef Menteur, by the failure of the Department to transmit the requisite funds in season, and, w ith res- pect to the others, by causes which have been satisfactorily ex- plained. The several fortifications under construction, and those which have been, since the last Annual Report, commenced, have progress- ed in as satisfactory a manner as circumstances would permit. The workmanship in every instance is of the most respectable character, and the materials all of tlwi best kind and most durable nature. Fort Delaware is so far completed that it will be ready to receive its guns and a garrison in the ensuing spring. An unusual degree of sickness prevailed in the Delaware tJie last fall, whereby theEngi- neers and men employed at the fort suffered veiy much, and had ibr a time to discontinue tiie works; otherwise this fort would have been completed within this year: however, its present state is such as, with no great exertions, it might be rendered immediately a formida- ble defence to tiie river Delaware. It will be completed in the course of the ensuing season with the remainder of the appropriation appli- cable to that purpose. Fort Washington is completed, with the exception of some objects of minor consideration, which the residue of the appropriation is adequate to effect. Fortress Monroe begins to present a formidable appearance; the exterior wall, ten feet thick at its base, is carried on an average all round the place to the height of twelve feet; and a wet ditch sur- rounds the whole work. A battery on the covert way is constructed capable of receiving forty-two pieces; and in the three fi-onts of the fortress on the sea side, embrasures are partly constructed for eighty- four guns; so that in case of necessity a battery of one hundred and twenty-six heavy guns might readily be mounted for the protection of Hampton Roads. 24 [ 2 ] The moie on the Rip Rap shoals, on which fort Calhoun is to be erect- ed, has progressed very satisfactorily also. The mole is now about six feet above the waterj and has withstood the violence of the sea in such a manner as to prove its solidity and the permanency of the foundation. It already exhibits to the eye the advantages which this position, in connexion with fortress Monroe on Old Point Com- fort, possesses in defending Hampton Roads. Great care has been manifested by the Engineers in carrying on these works, and the execution of the workmanship is creditable to the superintending officer. The work at Mobile Point progresses slowly, but satisfactorily: a large quantity of materials is collected there under the late appro- priation. Tiie works at the Rigolets and Chef Menteur have been prose- cuted vvith all the vigor which the circumstances ef the climate would admit. The fort at the Rigolets is nearly completed, and that at Clief Menteur commenced, and well advanced. The new work at Plaquemine Bend on the right bank of the Mis- sissippi, op[)osite to Fort St. Pliilip, called Fort Jackson, has been located, the land around it cleared and drained, and a number of materials collected. This work was also retarded by the sickness which prevailed there last season; but, notwithstanding, the local Engineer reports, that the whole of the sums appropriated to that work will be applied in tlie course of the month of January next. The repairs contemplated by the act of Congress of the last session, on Fort Jackson, at Five Fathom Hole, in the Savannah River, below the city, have been completed. The progress of the Board of Engij;eers in its labors, comprehend- ing the Topographical Engineers, from the commencement of this vcar, has been extensive and important. The Board of Engineers has been engaged, in the course of the year, on projects for the de- fence of Boston, Salem, and MarbJehead in Massachusetts; Ports- mouth in New Hampshire; Portland in Maine; and the mouths of Cape Fear River and harbor of Beaufort in North Carolina: in which period all the plans and estimates for the three first places have been completed: those for Portsmouth carried as far as possible with- out farther sui-veys; those for House Island and Fort Preble Point, Portland harbor, completed, there being a little more levelling ne- cessary before the other defences of the harbor could be begun; the plans and estimates for the defence of Cape Fear River completed, with the cxcept^ion of a small work on Federal Point; and those for a woi'k fur the defence of Beaufort harbor neai'ly finished. The Board, in conjunction with Commodore Bainbridge of the .Navy, visited the capes of the Delaware, to examine the practica- bility of establishing a Breakwater there, for tiie protection of ves- sels from ice and tempests; and projected plans and estimates for that purpose. In the course of the summer, tise Boar-d examined the harbor of Erie, on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania, with a view to its improvement, and furnished a project and estimate for that purpose. C 2 3 25 The Board exanutied t!ie proposed canal from the moutli of the Le- lii.2,h fiver in I'cnrisylvaiiia to the tide water of the l^assaic in New Jersey, and made a report in detai! on the practicahility, expense, and advantages, of the canal in a local and national point of view. The Board also entered n])on an examination of the proposed canal between the Delaware assd Chesapeake i*i the course of tlic summer, and are now engai^ed on tiie same project. 'i'lje Topograpliica! Enr^incers hnve been enj^a!:^ed as follows: In surveyini^ Portsmontli harbor, in New ilampshirc; the Patuxcnt ri- ver^ the St. Marys' river and hai'bor; surveying* and levelling Haw- kins' Point and its vicinities, in Maryland^ tiie harbor of Charleston in South Carolina; in locating tiie lead mines on the Mississippi, leased to individuals nndei' the law; in ascertaining the practicability of opening a communication between the turnpikes in the rear of West Point and the Putnam turnpike, which terminates at Cold Spring on the left bank of tiie tludson opposite to West Point; in assist- ing to ascertain the piacticabiiity of opening a communication by canals between the Conewaga falls on the Susquehanniih, and Balti- more, and between the Conewaga falls and tide water of the Susque- baniiah; and in plottings and drawings relating to the surveys above mentioned, and of others previously made; and also in exploring a part >f East Florida; and the western waters, by the St. Peter's to the 49tb degree of north latitude, thence to Lake Superior and the Saut St. Mai-y; and iti preparing for publication an account of the last mentioned exjicdition. The Military Academy, although in a i*espectable state last year, has since evidently improved in every respect. The regulations which had been under experiasent have been faii-ly tested as to their etli- ciency; and have, with some additions and modifications, been ap- proved and printed for tlie use of the it)stitution; so that each indivi- dual possessing a coi)y may conform with exactness and readiness to their injunctions. The number of Cadets at this time attached to the Academy amounts to two hundred and fifty-three, and the number which has been graduated and attached to the Army this year, amounts to thirty-six. Respectfully submitted. ALEXANDER MACOMB, Maj. Gen. Chief Engineer. li'. •S — o Ol ci o :-£. a 1 la < o < •^ •s^ ll-rils i P 0 1 f the climate, e suspended e nied until abo s inteiTuption e absorbed- in ary. The op rogrosscd succ bile Point resu appropriation ■S s =1 S ^ S bn5^ S '^-'" o 'g ount of tlie unhealtbin s at riiiqueminc Turn miner, and wore not o; but, noL\vitii.st;uidii ■ tbe appropriation w the ensuing month of c other fortifications h satisfactorily, cess of expendittu'e a1 application of part of II it 111 On ace operatioi in the si month ag residue o course pf tions at t fully and The ex from tbe o 2 a o to m o) o s 3 o* CO 00 U C^ O CO — "S tT ns «? 'B.3 S 'H. §•- ■co'oo^r (o' rn ^ y e=ii ■-■ H «< -a - 2 •si o 'T IT, a) oi o t^ o g CO CT 00 H ^ s « £ m o^ « i-T tt' iV ^ - U W (O CO coco ^ =i < lis a is': &^ m CO O) I- u « w ^ « ^ ^ . o o o ^ ■< 1 c; s =fl S^ ^ S --(^ o '^^ ' +£ ■2 ■=l' Delaware Washington Mom-oe Calhoun at Mobile Po tiuff material 1 !| a U%^^ " b. 11 'fi; ■S.2 H s' 'fe^< *>'"> IS, amounting t» e been expended the accounts for 1823, will have its, not yet ren- ngineer Depart- ■eceived, having by the failure of th respect to the Ill sfilliS^' _ea;^ "^^s^rt-^Jc ■ ^ lit iliJIpf PlltlHpO ; iiiiiiii ||ij||iHi{| , |ltilJ|illii ^H ^il^lill 1^1 a,-ooc^ (NO « oc 'oo^ CD §Sc-^' om^oio co?3 .CO (003 cow t^ |E-=S " •< IsS o«-ta> 00 CT, 001 03(0 „ ■ I'^'Z ■^I < "" i ■■ ■•rlits' 'i' ' S IF<2 =2 K ■ • ■ ■ " '^1^ «..■=.. O & |1,?° s 1' s g £ ;2 /tSiS ;§ '.tSc^ P! f^ » i Id^ "s* a a obf w 00 0 « 00 - II 1 0 0 rH TT Ul CT CD 10 •n 0 CO «o t, m »^ S °i (O to « 0 W b. b. « 1 ° 0 o5 ^« iS SicS- in 1 -^ E ■^ •V 1 < 1, - ■CP Tf -^ c3' 1 u ,nne Cal oils oils 1 § S ll'i!' ■ i ... " 'S 1 SS 2 ii ilfl i n a g 1 i .1 its to ;enFi Cran New] Nase CAP s, 14 a, 12 s, 4 Q iS S s= 3 5^ § g S S S i .6 OI«^ ;.i' a 2:S 1' S^f !§ .3 uisia Mob Pat Del outei 1 ■a JTe, Loi Heron, Dupre s Point, 's, Poto I Patch, -round, 1 k ik, ditto ecticut bto itto itto 1 s g .9 a at Grand Tc eratPassau er at Bayou at Hawkin' at St. Maiy opposite Pea on Middle G or,Ne*Yor onEa-stBat Hale, Conn Woo,ster, dii Trumbull, d Griswold, d s 1 I l|Sfc||^||||| « feHE-.^' €&-» (ftfelifeli, .(J mo Tj.' OfNTTTy — c^oCTi-^ 0 0 j S -fl 1 "o^- -,«, 0 t-GiGitOTfoo-io-r- 0 " 0010 M oJO«=-.;«-.;"^«3m^ 0 t 0 a S f:S *.. |.,iocito,nt,b-wi»-a) 0 ^j 0 1 , < , 1 rs , , , xii 0 S. ^ ^--§5,5 si si 1 1 isiana .- icnvenue t Flats, (Pata ;ht Point, N larbor - of ditto X York of ditto int. New ¥01 nt, NcwYorl oint. R, Isla of ditto Point, R. Isl Rhode Islan iage, Narrag S ' "0 ^'si Ii^4i^'^?=.f1| i Q rt St Philip, ttery at Bay rtatSollei.»s ;o Riverl - i-t at New 1 ■ows. New Y doubt in adv rt Tompkins doubt in adv rt at Wilkin rtatThrog' rt at Brentn doubt in ailv rt at Dumpl il at Rose Is ke across W set Roads " ;£«(£ t£ 1^ £& £ El, Efa (^ Is. ^ Q [2] 27 A. .Report accompanying the Report of the Chief Engineer to the Secreta- ry of War. Philadelphia, Jtfi?/ \4thf 1823. In obedience to instructions from the War and Navy Departments, of the 7th of June last, the undersigned having made such personal examination as they found necessary, and collected all the informa- tion within their reach, as to the utility, the practicability, the situa- tion, the magnitude, and the cost of a projected Pier or Breakwater, near the Capes of the Delaware, for the protection of vessels agaisst ice, and against tempests, have the honor to submit the following report: 1st. On theutility of a Pier or Breakwater, near the Capes of the Delaware, which will protect vessels against floating ice and wind. The Delaware Bay is not only obstructed by fixed ice, during a part of the winter, but it is without a harbor near its mouth, in which vessels can secure themselves, eithei' against winds blowing from the N,W. to the S.E. round by the N, or against floating ice. It is frequently the case, that the navigation of the bay is impeded by the ice, as early as the month of December, and it is often open for eight or ten days, and sometimes longer, between the 20th of December, and the 15th of January, yet it closes again, and remains shut until the 20th of February, or even the 1st of March. For two months at least, therefore, between December and March, vessels bound up the bay will be uncertain as to their passage to the city; and, being without shelter when they arrive at the Capes, will be exposed to the greatest dangers, should tljey find the passage obstructed. As to the vessels departing from this port, it is true, they can choose a favorable moment tor descending the liver; but should they be met by adverse winds at the Capes, they also will be exposed to be driven ashore by the winds, or destroyed by the ice. These general considerations shew how important it is, that some- thing be done to secure, if possible, a safe anchorage near the mouth of this great communication with the oceaii; but, it is proper, by some details, to show more fully in how high a degree this subject merits the attention of government. From information received through the Chamber of Commerce, it appears, that the tonnage exclusively belonging to, and registered Jn, the port of Philadelphia, in X810, when the population of the city 28 [ 2 ] and county, amounted to 111.210, was 124,4 "50; and in 1820 when the population luoountecl to 137,097, was 78,837. Now, it" the tonnage had incicased in the same latio as the popu- lation, it would have been, in 1^20, 153,394, instead of 78,837: con- sequently, the tonnage ottlie povt ofPhiladelpliia in 1820, may he said to have been but about halt' of what it was in 1810. Though this gi\^at diminution is to be ascribed to various causes, there is no doiiht that the want of a good harbor at the mouti) of the bay, is one of very great influence: owing to tiiis wavit, many ves- sels postpone their departui'e fi'om foi-eign ports, tiiereby incui-ring very great ex|)enses, or, arriving off the Cajses at the unpro]>ittous season, are obliged to bear away for some neighbouring port. As to those which rtm the risk of the passage up lite Bay, nmny are much damaged, and otliers entirely lost. In tiie winter of 1809-10, a large number of vessels, in attesnpting tliis passage, were either destroyed in the bay by the ice, or wrecked u]3on the shore, or lost at sea, while itt pursuit of a iiarbor of safety. Since tiiat jieriod, the cap- tains have orders not to incur the like risk; and the winter ai-rivals are comparatively few. 'i'he regular packet-ships, which come u{)on the coast in winter, are ofleii obliged to bear away for New York, there to land their cai-goes, the transportation of which, owing to the badness of the roads at that season, is both tedious and costly. If there were a harbor at the mouth of the bay, vessels could drop anchor within it, to wait fni' the fust favorable chance to reach New Castle, w licnce they couid easily pi'oceed to Fhiladelphia, by taking advantage of t!iO openings in the i-iver, between those two places, which occur two or three times every winter. In like manner, ves- sels despatched from IMiiladeiphia, would descend to New Castle, and thence to the nioutli of the bay; thereto wait, if necessary, until the proper moment to proceed to sea. Besides the embarrassment to ctimmercial intercourse, the loss of time, and the increase of expenses, wiiich ai'C conscfpient upon the pre- sent state of things,* the preiuiuns of insurance is greatly increased hy the dangers to wiiich \''Hseis in winter ai'e exposed at the mouth of the Delaware. This psemium is from -\ to 1,] per centum, above the customary rate; and in cases which become desperate from the casualties to which vessels are exposed, in the attem|)t to enter the Delaware, insurance is cither refused, or an exoibitant premium de- manded. As to the losses of vessels which have actually happened, for want of a proper shelter, it is diilicult, though they liave ursquestionabiy been numerous, to determine the uumber, oj- to state the amount of propei-ty. Tiiey can only be ascertained, by research amongst the journals of the period, and amongst the records of the several Insur- ance Oftices, both in this city aiid elsewhere, to which research, the commission does not feel warrasitcd to devote t!ie time it would re- quire: but thus much appears to be certain, that the ship owners in Fhiladeljdiia, in consideration of the trouble, risk, exi)ense, and loss, ')f the navigation, do not order one in ten of their vessels to this port L2] 29 in winter, and also, that if there were suitable shelter, they would en- gage, with eriterprize and confidence, in all the chances of commer- cial speculation. Allhouglj it is difficult to specify the amount of the losses sustain- ed; altlioui^ii the annua! amount has been decreasing witli the reduc- tion of tlie tonnage, and the greater precaution on the part of the merchants; still, some idea may be formed of it from the ciicumstance, that a single East India or China ship is often worth half a million of dollars, that is to say, two or three times as much as would be the cost of a breakwater, near the Capes, to shelter a dozen vessels. We have thus far examined the advantages to result from an arti- ficial harbor, with reference only to the commerce of the Delaware; but they will be found of scarcely less moment to the coasting navi- gation of the nation at large. The great number of shipwrecks upon the coast of Jersey and Delaware proves that the winter navi- gation of that coast, is attended with in)minent peril; and we may SAJVIy aiiirm, that a project which shall place a secure harbor at the mouth of the Delaware, lying, as it will, about midway between the distant harbors of New York and the Chesapeake, and being always accessible, witli the winds which are most dangerous, will produce a result of incalculable value, whether we consider the saving of pro- perty, or of human life. 2d. On the practicahility of constructing a pier or breakwater, wiiich will afford slieltcr for vessels, and have, in itself, such stability as to resist the most violent efforts of floating ice, and of gales of wind. The Commission have ascertained that the ravages of the worm, in the lower part of the bay, wouid soojj destroy any wall, in which timber entered as an essential part; and they are convinced, were it otherwise, as respects timber, no dependence could be placed in the stability of a work, having an envelope of timber, unless such a form were given to it as would, in fact, make the envelope a very expensive, and, ut the same time, a nearly useless appendage. The form here spoken of has reference to the profile or transverse section, and is one in which the breadth at bottom, being very great, compared with that at top, the slopes of the sides are so gentle, that the stone com- posing the mass are retained firmly in place by their own weight : to this form of structure has been apjilicd, in a memorable example, where the objects in view were similar to the present, the term of breakwater. With tiie complete success which lias attended the stupendous wurks of the Jette of Cherbourg, and the Breakwater of Plymouth, (just alluded to,) tiie Commission cannot hesitate as to the practica- bility of constructing a breakwater in the Delaware, which will be lasting in itself, and secure permanently the advantages which are sought. This confidence is founded on a comparison of the exposure of the works above cited, with the exposure of the situation v/hich may be selected in this bay, on a comparison of the nature of the bottom, and the direction and force of the tides ; and, on the advan- ao [ 2 ] tages we shall derive from a knowledge of the difficulties encounter- ed; the manner in wliich they were overcome; and the \ery faults of design and execiaion in those gi'eat works. 3d. On the situation wliicii the proposed breakwater should have: As the dangers, from which the bj-eakwater is to be a guard, are encountered at the very mouth of the Delaware, it is obvious that a situation for it must be selected as near the Capes as possible ; and, it must be here added, that its utility, as respects tlie coasting navi- gation, depends on this condition. Over all the broad expanse of water which sej)aratcs the Capes of the Delaware, but two situations occur where an artificial harbor could be constructed, with any hope of advantage; and tiie first of those, namely, the roadstead under Cape May, is too shallow ; its access is attended with too much dan- ger ; and it is too much aside from the main channel, up and down the bay, to require further mention. The other situation is tlie roadstead between the Shears and Cape Ilenlopen; and referring to chart heiewith to illustrate the subject more in detail, we will now describe this joadstead. A shoal called the Shears lies just within the Capes of Delaware, and about three miles from tlie Cape Henlopen shore; though it is so delineated upon existing maps, it is by no means an insular shoal; but it is the seaward part of an extensive bank, making out from the Delaware shore, at and near the mouth of Levvistown Creek; the ridge or shoalest part of this bank runs from Lovv-Plumb-Point, first northeasterly Qi miles, then easterly £i miles, and lastly, southeasterly 3:|, making the length of the bank from Low-Plumb- Point, following the course of the ridge, about 8 miles. Its breadth is variable — of that part called the Shears, the extreme breadth is Clearly two miles; from the tail of the Shears to Cape Henlopen is 2^ miles. Consideiing the shoal limited, as in the chart herewith, by Gj fathoms at low water, the soundings upon it vary from that depth to one foot. South of the tail of the Shears, and separated from it by a narrow channel of 4^ to 5 fatlioms, lies a small shoal, having about 3 8 feet water. It is between the great bank or shoal and the Dela- waie shore, and having for its outline the opposite concavities of the shoal and the shore, that the roadstead above mentioned is found. The average depth within the road is about 4i fathoms, and at its mouth about 6 fathoms at low water. Though highly important and valuable in many respects, this road is, nevertheless, much exposed to certain winds, and entirely so to floating ice: on consulting the chart herewith, it will be seen that easterly winds blow directly through the chaps of the road- stead, and that the direction of the ebb-tide sweeps into and through it a large part of the ice of the bay; it was to guard against this lat- ter danger, chiefly, tiiat the project now before the Commission was first conceived. We come now to the consideration of what particular part of this roadstead is most sutable for the creation, by means of a breakwater, of an artificial harbor, which, at a minimum expense, will fulfil all X [2] 81 the essential conditions of such an establishment. These conditions are, 1st. Security from winds. 2d. Security from ice. 3d. Security from an enemy. As to the first condition, if a position be taken at A, on the south-* ern margin of the Shears, it will be sufliciently under the lee of the main to be protected from all winds from S. E. by S. to W. (round by the S.) and by the shoal off Low-Plumb-Point and the Shears proper, it will be so much protected from winds bh>wing from W. to E. (round by the N.) that the profile of this part of the breakwa- ter may be made comparatively weak, and at small expense against winds from E. to S. E. by S. (South byl the breakwater alone must afford protection, and must be made proportionably strong. A breakwater so constructed here as to guard against winds, will also afford security against ice, and thereby fulfil the second condition. As to the 3d condition, however, it would be defective : the distance from the main is too great for it to be well defended by works upon the shore, and fortifications upon the spot itself would involve con- siderable expense. The condition of complete security from an enemy obliges us therefore to abandon this position, and to seek for one, not otherwise objectionable, nearer the shore. ' "Referring now to the plan marked B, just within the pitch of Cape Henlopen, it will be seen that a harbor there will be entirely shelter- ed from all winds from E. to W. N. W. (round by the S.) but, being distant from the Shears, will not be sensibly benefitted by the lee of that shoal, and, consequently, will require a strong breakwater against all winds from the other thirteen points of the compass. In this position, as in the other, the embankment against the w inds and waves may be so contrived as to give entire security from the ice, while its proximity to the shore will enable a fort, properly situated there, to protect it against all enterprises of an enemy. In the selection which, under all circumstances, the Commis- sion make of this last position B, for this artificial harbor, they adopt the hypothesis, that the expense, though great, will not be dis- proportionate to the magnitude of the benefits to result, in commons to the commerce of the nation, and to that of the Delaware; and the Commission cannot hesitate as to the correctness of the hypothesis. But it often happens that works of the utmost national importance, are necessarily postponed or neglected, for want of means in the go- vernment, or, that they are for the same reason, or because their suc- cess is half problematical, carried on slowly, or attempted but partially. From these considerations, in connexion with the gieat expense of a complete breakwater, the Commission have been induced to seek for some mode of securing a partial benefit, at a cost so moderate, as, under any circumstances, to warrant the undertaking. They the rather infer this to be their duty, from the small appropriation to the object in view, in the law of Congress which accompanied their in- structions. The Commission are not, however, to question the abili- ty, nor to judge of the disposition of the nation in this respectj but 32 [ 2 1 furnishing the best information they can obtain, and theii* own de- liberate opinion, in refei'cnce both to a complctt^ and a partial \vo»k, to lay the matter fairly before the government for its decision. Two projects will, therefore, be ])resented: one, designed to afford a com- plete, spacious, and defensible harbor; the other intended to protect, at a mi.iimnm of expense, a limited number of vessels. The situation for the first, has already bee?i dcsci-ibed. On examin- ing for a proper site for a small breakwater, the Commission found the conditions of security from ice and winds not easily reconcilea- ble with that of security from an enemy, there being no place near the shore in whicli a small breakwater can be made, to guard against both ice and wind. Tiie course of the ebb tide is there nearly parallel with tlie shore; the breakwater, therefore, which should be so placed as to arrest and deflect the floatir)g ice, would leave the vessels, intended to be cover- ed, still exposed to the action of the north easterly gales; cojisespuMit- ly, an equal length, at least, would be rorpiired against the winds as against the ice. A harbor for tliree or tour vessels would not be made, under these circumstances, without a very considerable de- velopment of breakwater. Going to the ojspofiite side of the roadstead, however, we find, that the Shears, being themselves a good bieakwatcr against the northerly, northeasterly, and easterly winds, (with the help of certain means, hereafter recommended,) an embankment against the ice alone, will give a harbor of considerablfe capacity, which will be safe, as to both ice and winds. It is true, that, in resorting to this position, we re- linquish the condition of entire safety from an enemy, only to be attained near the shore; but, it is also true, so far as our judgment is correct, that there is no alternative. A few observations will be made here, however, as tending to di- minish the objection to this position. 1st, A battej-y of heavy guns and sea mortars upon the shore would make the situation of an enemy's vessels, even in the harbor, something hazardous, and would bear, with much effect, upon his vessels, when attemping to enter, or to leave the roadstead. 2d, Should an enemy succeed in stationing his ships within the harbor, and not be molested while there, either by works on the shore, or by the floating defences, which would, in time of war, be stationed near the mouth of the bay, he would not be able to enforce a blockade, without passing, in every attempt, with- in range of the works. 3d, The object of an enemy being to block- ade the bay, he would derive but little advantage from the harbor; because, during eight or ten months in the year, a man of war would find safe anchorage over every part of the surface of the bay; and hence, if it be considered important to prevent the blockade, a floating force must, in every case, be provided. 4th, and lastly. As the advantages of the harbor become more apparent, the com- merce benefitted by it more extensive, and the means of the country, more ample, the harbor may be progressively enlaiged, and a batteiy erected upon the Shears, for its protection. [2] 83 Fourth. On the extent and form of the hreak water. 1st. As to the complete harbor at the position B. Going far enough from the shore to leave about half a mile in breadth, of good anchorage, vvc di-aw the line b c^ oi 740 yards. The direction of this line must be such, that the course of the ebb- tide will make, with it, a very oblique angle. From the western ex- tremity of this line, we draw the iine a b, (towards the shore,) at an angle of 135°, to which vve give a length of 440 yards; and from the eastern end, we diaw the line c (/, at the same angle, of 580 yard^ in length. It will be seen, by an inspection of the chart, that the ice which will strike a breakwater, made according to the above deline- ation, will be deflected outwardly, while that which passes within the extremity 6 will course along near the shore, leaving a broad space entirely clear. It will be seen too, that, while by the shore or the breakwater, all winds will be entirely excluded except the east- northeastwardly, that there will be a large space secuie even from these. The area of this harbor will be about half a mile square^ the mean depth at low water being 28 feet, the whole length of the breakwater will be one mile. The bases of the interior slopes of this work will he one half the altitudes: but the exterior, being exposed to a heavy sea, will require for the slopes bases of four times the alti- tudes. The side facing the northeast will be finished at high water mark, while the other two sides must be raised three feet higher, to keep the ice from being forced over into the liarboi'. £d. As to the partial breakwater at the position A. From the point c, which is in about 12 feet water, we draw the line e/, of 1,100 feet, so as to form with the course of the tide an angle of 120°. This line is so far up the roadstead, that a vessel aiichoi'ed behind it at the distance of 800 yards, will be protected fiom E.S.E. winds by the lower part of the shears ; and here it is proper to re- mark, that the winds blowing from between E.S.E. and S.E. are neither violent nor of long continuance. It will be perceived on the chart, that, from the direction we have given to the breakwater, the descending ice will be deflected towards the deepest water and strong- est current, and that vessels, to the number of twelve, moored in two lines behind the breakwater, will be protected either by the shoal or by the main land, from all winds, excepting those just mentioned. it has frequently been remarked above, that tlie shoal itself is a good breakwater, and there is no doubt that vessels, provided with good ground tackle, could ride under its lee in safety; but it is proper to provide against deficiency in this respect, which may be often ex- pected with merchant vessels; tlierefore, the Commission propose to fix, in addition to the breakwater, two lines of heavy anchors, con- nected with buoys, by strong chain cables. These buoys, cables, and anchors, will not only enable vessels to ride in safety, but the buoys will guide the vessels as they arrive at their proper stations in the harbor, thereby ensuring the greatest economy of space. The Jength of the line of breakwater is just sutlicient to cover the vessels 10 34 [2] from the passine; ice, when they happen to be lidinj^ witli a scope of sixty fiitlionis ])arallel to tlie breukwater. The nieai) depth in the harboi*, at low water, will be x!l feet. As this work will not be cxjjosed to a violent sea from any direc- tion, it is considered sufficient to make the base of each slope equal to twice the altitude. 5th. Estimate of the Expense of a Breakwater. 1st. As to a complete baibor at the position B. In the left flank of the breakwater, there will be, 5,817,975 cubic feet. In the centre of do. 11,346,420 do. In the right flank do. 9,744,251 do. Total, 26,908,646 cubic feet. 26,908,646 cubic feet equal to 996,616.52 cubic yards. One perch, or 24.75 cubic feet, at S2 GO, is 2.1818 per cubic yard; 996,616.52 cubic yards of stone, pi-omiscuously thrown into form the mass, each stone weighing fiom 2 to 4 tons; for materials a»id labor, at S2.I8I8 per cubic yard, 2,174,417 92 Add for unforeseen expenses 7 ^er centum, 152,209 25 Total expense af complete breakwater, S2, 326, 627 17 2d. As to the expense of a partial harbor at the position A. In the whole of the line of bieakwater there will be 2,585,536 cubic feet, or 95,760.592 cubic yards. One perch, or 24.75 cubic feet, at §2, is S2.18 18 per cubic yard; 95,7 60.592 cubic yards of stone, promiscuously thrown in to form the mass, each stone weighing. fiom § to 4 tons; for materials and labor, at §2.1818 per cubic yard, 208,930 46 Add for unforeseen expenses 5 per cent. 10,446 52 Cost of breakwater, §219,376 98 Add for mooi'ings: 12 cast ii'on anchors, each of 30cwt. at S70 per ton, 1,260 00 12 chain cables, of 12 fathoms each, of li inch iron; at one end of eacli cliain a ling, of 12 incl)es diameter in the clear, to be made of 2 inch iron, to receive the end of the vessel's cable, which I'ings should bepudt-eiied = 144 fathoms, at glO 50 per fathom, 1,512 00 12 buoys for the chains, say at $20, 360 00 3,132 00 Total expense of partial breakwater and moorings, S222,508 98 C 2 J as On cotiriudmg this report on an artificial liaibor, the commission take the liberty of recdmrnendirij^ to t.e notice of government scuvie other matters, which, thoiigli not w ithin the reach of their instruc- tions, are not only important in themselves, hut strictly analagous in their tendency to those they have been coiisideiing : These are, J St. The necessity of a Beacon Light near the extremity of Cape IIen!oj)en. The light on this Cape is elevated near 200 feet above the level of the ocean, and is at least one mile from the pitcii of the Cape. In connection with the circumstances of elevation and distance, it is difficult, in niglits which aie too daik for the very low margin of the Cape to he s^eis, to guard against an optical delusion, as to the distance of the vessel fi om the shore; and the error is most apt to be on the unsafe side; hence, vessois liave often been suddenly run upon the Cajje, vv!ii< h were supj)0sed ^o be in mid-channel of the roadstead. The soundiugs give no indication of proximity, iks bold water is found at the very wlge of the shore. 2d. The necessity of a permanent Light-House on the lower end of the Brandywine Shoal. The importance of a light on this position has been made evident to Congress, as appeai-s by an appropriation for a floating light. But, tliough this floating light will, doubtless, answer all pui-poses diii'ing the greater part of the year, it is certain that it will be des- troyed, unless removed at the approach of each season of floating ice; and hence, as that is the season of most violent gales, and of greatest damage, it will be away when perhaps most necessary. The Con)missioii do not hesitate, as to the practicability of fixing a permanent lighthouse, (which need be but 20 or 25 feet high,) on the point indicated. It is essential to remark here, that, at tlie pe- riod when the floating light will be i-emoved from its station, all buoys, and other signals of sub-marine dangers, will, also, for the same reasons, he wanting to direct the navigator. Sd. The importance of having, without delay, a correct hydro- graphic chart, made of the w hole hay and river. Of all the navigable communications froiu the sea to the interior, within the Uniteil States, that up this bay and river is most intri- cate, and iiiost beset with unseen dangers; and tisere is none, proba- bly, more itnperfec tiy known. The pilots, it is tiuc, are acquaint- ed with certain channels well cnorigh to conduct vessels, at a favora- ble time, with safety; but it is far fron) certain that they know ih^se thoroughly, or that these are the only or the best. The gs-eat distance and small elevation of the shore, and tlir Rimi- larity in the soundings and composition of the shoals, make \i • ry diiticE-ilt at times, to hit or keep in the best water, even to the pi >!3. A chart of the bay and rivei-, which would oxhibit a true outliivof the shores, with all the land marks, the courses and widths (f the several channels; the sett of tiie tides; tlse influence of the moon and of viuds upon the rise of tide in difflM'ent parts of the bay; ti'C place, extent, and form, of all ledges, bank's, andshgals^ thesoun,Uing3 and 36 [ 2 ] nature of the bottom, both on the slioals ami in the channels; the hatboi's and anrhorages; exact and perspiniou.s sailin^^ directions, &c. &c.^ — sucli a chart would not only greatly add to the knowledge and utility of the pilots, but, with the help of proper signals, buoys, &c. would enable intelligent masters of vessels to enter with confi- dence upon tbe navigation, when, as sometimes happens in stress of weather, they could neither obtain pilots, nor keep the sea with safety. It will not be out of place here, to advert to the facilities as to the piltftage of the bay, which will be afTorded by the partial harbor. The pilots of Cape Henlopen are pi'ovided with pilot boats and whale boats; with the former they cruise in fine weather, sometimes out of sight of land; in bad weather, though some have been lost by pursu- ing their cruises too long, ti)ey retire to Lewistown behind the Cape Henlopen, and depend on signals at the Light-house, to inform them of thca]tproach of vessels. On these signals being made, they start in tho whale boats; but the distance is so great, that vessels ai'e fre- quently in danger and sometimes lost, before they can board them. Anchored imdrr cover of the partial breakwater, however, the pilots would be enabled to get to sea in time, with their largest class of boats, theroby materially diminishing the risk to the arriving vessels and to themselves. All which is respectfully submitted. BERNARD, Brigadier General, JOS. G. TOTTEN, Maj. Eng. Br. Lt. Col. WM. BAINBRIDGE, United States* J^axnj. Accompanying this Report there are three plans, viz. A chart of part of DelawaieBay near Cape Flenlopen. Plan and piiifilcs of a complete breakwater for the position B, near Cape Heniopen. Plan and piotile of a partial breakwater for the position A, near Cape Henlopen. The foregoiiig is a true copy of the original on file in the Engineci' Department. ALEXANDER MACOMB, Maj. Gen, Chief Engineer. [23 37 Seport of the Board of EngineerSf for the impriyvement of the Harhor of Erie. IIST OF DRAWINGS ACCOMPANYING THE REPORT. 1. Sketch of Lake Erie. 2, 3. Details of Dike, Embankments, and Piers. 4. A chart of Presque Isle Bay, (Erie Harbor.) To which is annexed. An estimate on the supposition that the current will deeper* y. the channel. And 6. An estimate on the supposition that dredging must be re- sorted to. 38 [ 2 ] B. Brevet Major-Gencral Ahxander Mncoml, Colonel Commanding United States Engineers. New-York, October 4 ^ 1823, Sir: The board of Enj^incrrs, inider orders of tiic 7tli of Mnj^ 1823, have lately examined the harboi- of Erie, Pennsylvania, with a view to its impi'ovcment, for the purposes of navigation, and they now submit the following RErORT: The harbor of Erie, or Prcsque Isle Bay, is formed by a sand- bank which makes out from the main shoi-e, about four miles west- warrlly of the town of Erie. This sand-bank, near the siioi-e, is nar- row and low, and pursues about a N. E. direction: having advanced two miles into the Lake, it suddenly widens to two-thirds of a mile, but pursues the same direction for another mile, when it gradually increases in widtli to one mile, and gradually changes its direction to an eastern course, terminating north of the town of Erie in two narrow points, having a small and well enclosed harbor between them. The gi^eater part of this sand-bank, (significantly called Presque Isle,) is covered with wood. The liasin lying between this bank and the main, is about half a mile wide, and four miles long; a great part of it being deej) enough even for frigates. In continuation of Presque Isle, there is a sand-bank under water, nearly a mile wide, which runs in a S. E. direction to the shore of the main, a little eastward of the town of Erie, reducing the depth of water, in this pait, (the mont', of the basin) to about six feet on the average, A narrow and winding channel runs tijrough this bank, in which there is from five to nine feet of water. It will be seen, by the above desci'iption, and by reference to the map herewitii, that this secure and beautiful harbor is inaccessible, except to vessels of the lightest draught, and therefore of no great value, either to the trade of the town of Erie or to the commerce of the Lake; and it remains, now, to examine whether any expedient can be adopted, by which, at a reasonable expense, the draught of water over this bank or bar will be augmented. The basin of Presque Isle is situated so far above the commence- ment of the falls into Lake Ontario, and in so wide a part of Lake E'ie, that the current produced by the escape of water at the fails is here insensible: the only currents here observable being entireij [2] m owing to the easterly or westerly winds. These latter currents have, bowcvei', sometimes considerable rapidity; and a curious fact appears in relation to the effect of these lake currents upon the waters of the basin, viz. that a strong current sets into the basin, in direct oppo. sition to the westerly winds when they blow hard; and, conversely, a strong current sets out of the basin, in direct opposition to violent easterly winds; or, in ('ther words, the current out of, or into, th« basin, runs in a direction opposite both to the set of the lake current and the direction of the winds, whether easterly or westerly. it ii> important to account for this, before proceeding further; and, in doing so, we refer to the sketch i-erewiih, to make the matter more inieiligibie. We ti; St must suppose the surface of the lake, and of the basin, to be of the same level, as will always be tlie case, after a few days of calm weatijer, and rej>resentthis level by 0° 0' •" and 0'". An east- erly wind then setting in, drives a part of the water of the eastern half of thelake, into the western, raisitig the surface at 0" and 0'",- and lowering ir at 0'; as the surface descends at G' the water in the basin uMist also descend, by running out against the wind, there be- ing no issue at the west end of the hasin. In like manner, when a westerly wind heaps the water at 0' above the suiface in the basin, it must rise in the basin by running in against the wind, theje being no entrance at the west end. As the winds abate, the w aters gradually take a level common to both lake and hasin; but not the same as before, for, (the supply be- ing nearly equable at all times,) wich westerly winds, more is fojced out of the lake over the falls, and with easterly winds less pass that way than when the surface is at a mean elevation. The basin has, therefore, higher to rise, immediately after an easterly wind, than it was depressed by it : and lower to fall, after a westerly wind, than it was elevated by that wind. But the return of thelake to its level is slow and gradual ; the elevation and depression of the waters at its ends, is sudden and violent, and amounts often to several feet. It is to this latter operation, therefore, that we are to look for produc- ing any considerable effect. Having now become acquainted with the causes of the currents of the basin, and their operation, we will endeavor to ascertain if they can be turned to account in deepening the water on the bar, at the mouth of the basin. Whether that bank is coeval with the Presque Isle in the form in which it now appears, or not, matters little, so long as we may safely infer, that its. present state, being that in which it has always been known with little deviation, is owing to causes which are evident, and some of which can be in a measure controlled — these causes ate the inertia of the matter composing it; the force of easterly winds and the strength of the basin currents. Easterly winds, if preponderatiiigover the resistance of the matter and the opposition of the current, would wear aw ay this bank, and spread the sand over the interior of the basin. I'he basin ciirrentSi, 40 [2] but for the same resistance, would deposit part of the sand in the lake, and part in the basin. An equilibrium between the three, has, in all probability, determined the general form of the shoal; and with slight •variations has maintained, and will still continue to maintain, the present form. The variations here alluded to, are due to the great- er or less violence and fiequency of easterly winds; and to the great- er or less violence of the basin currents consequent upon westerly winds; or, in other words, to a difference of the seasons, and have no important bearing on the project before us. It is important to re- member, *hat westeily winds can do little or nothing towards heap- ing up, or carrying away, sand at the mouth of the basin; as this mouth, with these winds, is under the lee of the Presque Isle. On the considerations stated above, it seems obvious that no help can be derived from the current in clearing a navigable passage through the bar, unless its velocity can be coiisidei-abiy increased. With a view to tliis increase of current, the Board propose to forna two parallel embankments, separated 200 feet, from near Block- house Point to deep water in the lake; and, with the exception of this passage, to close the whole of the mouth of the basin, by a line of contiguous piles from Block-house Point to Hospital Point, ter- minating the embankment, in the lake, by two strong piers, each standing obliquely to the line of embankment with whi(h it is con- nected; and in the basin, by placing the parts within the line of piles, also obliquely. The general direction of the currents will be the same after the construction of this work as before; but the forci^, it is presumed, will be sufficiently augmented, by the contraction of the passage, to sweep away not only tlie sand between the embankments, but also that which lies between the inner end of the artificial clian- uel and deep water in the basin. Admitting the current to be ade- quate to that object, when not opposed by the wind; we will now see whether this opposition, or the action of the wind, in any respect, will be likely to prevent a profitable result from this project. Easterly winds will throw a heavy swell into and against the mouth of the artificial channel, and will doubtless prevent the waters, coming out with their load, from transporting it far into the lake; the sands brought out by the current when the winds are still, and dropped when the stream ceases to have sufficient velocity to bear them along, may, also, by these winds, be driven back; and thus a new bar be formed near tlie moutli: but, as the moving of the sand by this curr rent will cease as soon as a certain depth is attained, (for the velocity %vill diminish as the depth increases, until at last the inertia of the matterwil! he in cqui!ibi-iiim with tlie velocity,) as a part will be car- ried into thf haHin, where \^ inds will not disturb it: and as a part of that carried into tiie lake will be driven by the waves upon the shoal to the right and left of the channel, where it must remain, as there will no longer be a current over this shoal, it is presumed that the new bar cannot be of sufficient elevation to impede tiie navigation. Should, however, an iinpcdiment be raised by the action of the winds, there is reason to believe that it will be but temporary and of trifling [2] 41 inconvenience; because easterly winds, which are rare, alone tend to form that bar, while the current which ensures the subsidence of tliat wind, and both the current resulting from westerly winds, which are the prevailinj^, will successively operate to remove it. The Board have considered the liabits of the waters of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay so peculiar and so different from those of ri- vers, W'here similar expedients are geected tiiat ti)e shoal to the north of the embankment will be deep- ened and a convenient outer liarhor be formed there. Little need be said in reference to tiie imjjortance of having a good • harbor in this part of Lake Eric. The rapid increase of population along tlie siiorcs of this and the Superior lakes; the character of that pojuilation; the fertility of the soil; the cor.nexion which this lake has with the Communications, natural and artificial, extending, on one hand, into the depths of the wiidej'ness, and, on tiie other, to the ex- tremes and centre of the maiitinie frontier, all indicate that the present active and important commerce, well worthy, as it now is, of all solicitude, must greatly and rapidly augment. Excepting the basins of Erie and Sandusky, there is not a harbor of any capacity between Buffalo and the Islands; and these, as well as the suialler ones, are obstructed by bars, and have channels (shoal as they are) so intricate, that vessels, under stress of weather, can seldom resort to them for refuge. It'often happens, t!»at vessels, not being able to enter the harlyor, either from too gi-eat a draught of water, or from the diilictilty .of workiiig their way in, arc driven back, by adverse winds, from ow^ end of the lake to the other. The in)poriu!ice of the iiarborof Erie, for naval purposes, will de- pend upon the ;id;)ption of the policy of canying on any future war with Catiada, wlsolly, or in part, upoii these upper lakes. Should [2] 43 that policy prevail, or should the United States be driven to defensive measures, then, by the operations of the enemy, it will he of the first importance to have the water over the bar at Erie at least ten feet. The American squadron, durijig the late .var, were obliged to cross this bar without their armaments. Had the enemy, then blockading, known the real depth on the bar, this squadron must have yielded without resistance. Besides, even supposing that no naval operations were contem- plated by this government, or provoked by the enemy, it would still be a matter of no small moment to maintain a sufficient naval force to protect the commerce of the lakes from the privateering of the enemy, which would otherwise cut off all communications betweer* the lakes and the maritime frontier, by the way of the great western ca- nal; and, if we confine our view to this description of naval force alone, the improvement of the harbor of Erie is obviously a matter of primary importance. All which is respectfully submitted. BERNARD, Brigadier General. JOS. G. TOTTEN, Maj. Engr's. Bt. Lt. Col. Engineer Department, Topographical Office. The foregoing report and the following estimate is a true copy of the original in the Engineer Department. ALEX. MACOMB, jMaj. Gen. Chief Eng. Estimate — No. 1. Of the quantities of materials and expense necessary for the construe^- Hon of the projected Likes, Embankments , and Piers, in the Har' hor of Erie. Dike. A Dike, constructed of piles, of 12 inches diameter, and 25 feet in length, (the touching sides being hewed.) Length of Dike, from Hospital Point to ]3Iock House Point. 950 yards. JVo, of piles 2850—2850 piles, at Si each, 82,850 00 Total of the expenses fur construction of dike, !g2,850 00 Carried forward. 44 C 2 ] Embankments— JVori/i side. Brought forward, 2,850 06 Contiguous piles, 12 inches diameter and 25 feet in length, the touching sides being hewed — length of embankment 826, 666 yards. Number of piles 2480 — 2480, at Si each, 2,480 00 Round timber, 12 inches diameter, and about 30 feet in length, to be laid ho- rizontally, at the distance of 12 feet from the line of piles — average depth of wa- ter ZfeetyVVo — length of embankment 826,666 yards. Number of piles 582 — 582 logs, at go 75 each, 436 50 Round tie-pieces, 6 inches diameter — morticed botli to the piles and to the timber at every 12 feet, the mean depth of water being 7.131 feet. Number of piles 1,240 — 1240 round tie-pieces, at £5 cts. each, 310 00 Round piles, 15 inches diameter, and 25 feet in lengtli, as guai d piles for the inside line of contiguous piles, 16 ft. apart. Number of piles 155 — 155 round piles at SI each, 155 oO Round piles, 12 inches diameter, and 22 feet in length, as guard piles for the line of horizontal timbers, in the exterior of the embankment, 16 feet apart. Num- ber of piles 155—155 round piles at gl each, 155 00 Cap pieces, 15 in dies square, morticed in the guard j)iles, 24 feet in length. Number of pieces 104 — 104 cap j)ieces at Si 50 each, 156 oo Rafters, 8 inches in diameter, hewed onupj)er side, 13 feet 8 inches in length, laid every 4 feet, morticed at one end in- to the cap piece, and at the other into tlie upper horiz(»ntal timber. Number of rafters 620—620 rafters at 37i cts. each, 232 50 Two inch jilanks, for the covering of theembaiikment, its width being 14fept, its length 2480 feet. Square superficial Carried forward^ [2] Brought forward, 3S57.77 — 3857.77 square yards, 2 inch plank, at 25 cts. Total of expenses for the Northern side of the emhankment, Total of expenses for the Southern side of the embankment. Total of the expenses for the Embank- ments, Note The two sides of the Embankments have been calculated on a mean depth of wa- ter, and give, consequently the same amount of materials and expenses. 964 45 4,889 45 4,889 45 45 2,850 00 9,778 90 S 12,628 90 For one pier, the mean depth of water being 18 feet. Contiguous piles, 12 inches diameter, 25 feet in length, the touching sides being hewed. Number of piles, 300. — 300 piles at Si each Round piles, 15 inches in diameter,and about 25 feet in length, as guard piles, at every 10 feet. IN umber of them 30 Ditto in the interior of the pier, 16 46 46 piles at $\ each, Round piles, 12 inches in diameter, 25 feet in length, 10 feet apart, for the interior of the piers. Number of the piles 20 — 20 piles at gl each. Round tie-pieces, 6 inches square, 16- feet in lengtlj, to connect the contiguous piles with the interior piles, 3 feet apart on the vertical plane, and at every 10 feet on the horizontal plane. Number of tie-pieces 174 — 174 tie-pieces at SO 25 each. Cap pieces 18 inches square, morticed on the guard piles, 25 feet in length. Number of them 12, at each, $1 50 Ditto, do. do. 20 ft. No. 8, 1 50 Do. do. do. 21 ft. 3. in. No. 4, 150 Do. do. do. 12 ft. No. 4, 100 Do- do. do. 10 ft. No. 3, 1 00 Carried forward, 300 00 AQ OO 20 00 43 50 18 00 12 00 6 00 4 00 3 00 46 [2] Brought forward, 12,62S 9C Total of the expenses for the construc- tion of one j)ier, 452 50 Total of the expenses for two piers of the same dimensi(>ns, 905 00 Total of the expenses for constructing the embankments and two piers, 13,533 90 Contingencies, at 10 per cent. 1,353 39 Total amount of Estimate, No. 1. S 14,887 29 Estimate — No. 2, For the j)art of the Embankments confimied inward, to deep water within the Basin. Embankments — jybrth Side. (1) Contiguous piles, 12 inches in diameter, 25 feet in length, the touching sides being hewed. Length of embankment 473,333 yards. Number of piles 1420, at gl each," S 1,420 00 (2) Round timbers, 12 inches diame- ter, about 30 feet in length, to be laid horizontally at the distance of 12 feet from the line of piles, the mean depth of water being 7 feet, length of embank- ment 473,333 yards. Number of logs 331, at 75 cts. each, 248 25 (3) Round tie pieces, 6 inches diame- ter, morticed both to the piles, and to the timber, for every 12 feet; mean depth of water 7 feet. Number of pieces 710, at 25 cts. each, 177 50 (4) Round piles, 15 inches diameter, 25 feet in length, as guard piles for the inside line of contiguous piles, 16 feet apart. Number of jjiles 89, at Si eacii, 89 00 (5) Round piles, 12 inches diameter, 22 feet iH length, as guard piles for the line of horizontal timbers on the exterior of the embankment, 16 feet apart. Num- ber of piles 89, at gl each, 89 00 (6) Cap pieces, 15 inclies square, mor- ticed on the guard piles, 24 ft. in length. Number of pieces 59, at $\ 50 each, 88 50 Carried forward, . [2] 47 Brought forward, (7) Rafters, 8 inches diametei*, hewed on the upper side, ! 3 feet 8 inches in len_^th. laid every 4 feet, morticed at one end into the cap piece, and the otiier in- to the upper horizontal timhers. Number of rafters 355, at 57i cts. each, 133 121 (8) Two inch pianks, for the covering of the embankment, 2,208.88 square yds. the width being 14 feet, at 25 cts. the square yard, 552 22 Total of the expenses of the Northern side, - S 2,797 59| South Side. (1) The elements given by the num- bers (1), (4), (5,) (6), (7), (8), of the north side, are the same for this side. The amount of their expenses conse- quently is 2,341 84 1 (2) Round timbers 12 inches diameter, SO feet in length, the mean depth of wa- ter being 8j\ feet. Number of logs 829, at 75 cts. each, 621 75 (3) Round tie-pieces 6 inches dia- meter, morticed both to the piles and to the timber, for every 12 feetj mean depth of water being 8^^*^ feet. Number of pieces 379, at 25 cts. each, 94 75 Total of the expenses of the Southern side, S 3,058 341 Total of the expenses of the embank- ment, g 5,855 94 Amount of expenses for two piers (the dimensions as above) 100 feet by fifty feet, 905 00 —^ Total, • . 6,760 94 Contingencies 10 per cent. 676 09 Total amount within the dike, 7,437 03 Total amount outside, as per Estimate Number 1, 14,887 29 Grand Total of expense of Dike, Piei-s, and Embankment, S 22,324 32 Add for cxpciise of clearing out the channel to the proposed depth of 10 feet, 4,361 50 Original cost of thcdredging machine, 9,215 00 Total amount of Estimate Number 2, % 35,900 82 48 C2] RECAPITULATION. Estimate No. 1. — On the supposition that the current will deepen the channel . . . , S 14,887 29 Estimate No. 2. — On the supposition that the channel must be cleared by dredging . . . S 35,900 82 « [2] 4c> H. Report of the Ordnance Departmentf with Statements from A to E. Ordnance Department, November 21, 1823. Sir : In compliance with your instructions of the 7tli of April last, and of the 5th inst. I have the honor to communicate, lierewith, the papers marked A, B, C, D, and E, containing the statements required, viz. Statement A exhihits an account of the remittances, through this Department, in the year 1822; shewing the amount, under each head of appropriation, recei>ed by each disbursing officer; the amount of accounts rendered by them; and the balances remaining in the hands of each at the close of the year. By this statement, it appears, that the total amount of money expended through this Department, in the year 1822, was, , . - . S698,467 16 The amount of accounts rendered and settled in the same time, - - - - ' 643,418 60 The balance remaining in the hands of disburs- ing officers, at the close of the year, was, - 55,048 56 and that the whole of this balance has been since accounted for — no instance of defalcation having occurred. Statement B exhibits an account of tlie moneys transmitted to the several disbursing officers, at the armories and arsenals, during the three first quarters of the present year; the amount of the accounts rendered by them during the same period; a»id the balances remain- ing unexpended, in the han'^? orrach, at thecloseoftlte third quarter. By this statement, it appeaiis, that the total amount of moneys transmitted, was, - - ^346, 217 68 The amount of accounts rendered, - - 339,983 93 The balances remaining uncxj)ended at the close of the third quarter, in the hands of disbursing officers, g5,253 75 The accounts of all the disbursing officers and agputs of this De- partment, have been retidered up to the 30th of September last, and have been deposited in the Auditor's office, for settlement. 12 50 C 2 ] Statement C sliews the number and description of arms and ac- coutrements procured, and of the expenditures made, under the act for arming and equippinc^ the militia^ during the first, second, and third qtiarters of the present year. The arms procured under the act are as follows, viz. Muskets, - - 9240 Rifles, - - - 1542 Pistols, - - - 3400 Total, 14,182 The amount drawn from the Treasury, on this account, is - „ _ - . gin, 845 92 Amount collected on account of advances, - 13,682 00 Sl85,527 92 The amount collected on account of advances is a reimbursement of a part of the sums advanced to contractors several years past. No advances have been made upf)n any contracts, made by this Depart- ment, jiince the year eighteen hundred and nineteen. In July last, an apportionment was made of the arms due to the several states and territories, under the above mentioned act, up to the close of the year eighteen hundred and twenty two. The arms apportioned, wore those procured during the last seven years, and amounted to ninety four thousand stands. After deducting the partial deliveries which had been made on account, there remain- ed due to the several states and territories, about sixty six thou- sand right hundred stands, of which, about thirty six thousand stands have been transported and delivered. The remainder have either been delivered, oi- are in a due course of transmission, the re- ports of which have not yet been received. A doubt has arisen, whethei' tlay, Do. Augusta, Geo. 710 95 2,045 '67 2,756 62 2,656 68 99 94 Lieutenant J. Symington and Lieutenant J. A, .Adams, Do. Baton Rouge, Lou. 2,042 77 2,042 77 2,042 77 J. Whistler, " Depot, Belle Fontaine, 53 69- - 53 69 46 19 7 50 S. Perkins, - - - - - - Arsenal, Detroit, M. T. 218 68 218 68 218 68 Lieutenant J. A. Adams, - - - - Depot, New Orleans, 200 00 1,200 00 lj400 00 818 70 531 30 Sundry persons, for halances due on settlements. Total, 4,402 26 4,402 26 4,402 26 S47,Q48 56 299,169 12 346,217 •es 339,983 93 6,233 75 OED-v.iifCE Depaetmekt, Mmemter Zlst, 1823. G. BOMFOBD, Lieut: Col. on Ordnance duty. [2] 5S C. STATEMEJ\I*T of the Arms and Accoutrements procured , and of the expenditures made, under the Act of 1808, /or arming and equipping the Militia j from 1st January to the 30th September, 1823. ARMS AND ACCOUTREMENTS PROCURED. 13 cc s c . j^ m 4> 03 Cf ^ S .; s-^ c t4 litre plete OQ B 22 s o o I— 1 03 =3 CO m a 5 <* o ^ s o p- (a -2 IS P5 (ll b Tf G^ P5 C4 9,240 1,542 3,400 24,000 2,717 1,472 600 823 550 EXPENDITURES, via. Amount paid for the Arms and Accoutrements pro- cured, - - - - - g 166,307 13 Amount paid for inspection, packing boxes, storeage, and distribution to the respective states, - 5,538 79 Total amount drawn from the Tlheasury, S 171,845 92 Amount collected from Contractors, on account of former advances, _ - - _ 13,682 Total value of Arms and Accoutrements procured, at contract price, - ~ - - $ 185,527 92 Ordnance Department, tYovember 21s^, 1823, GEO. BOMFORD, Lieut. Col. on Ordnance duty. le 30tl] I Septemberj 1823 • P on C 'S ^3 'V t4 u .a 01 o a w c earns of water-proof Ca Paper prepared. 3 o o c c cS Si B o o Cl- in > o 'an to CS 'o tn -a 4J cS S « 0) o M o cu c« o » c 3 o 1) c« S o ,o .2 "E D E g & a o 3 « o§ i2 ** O K < cn < Oj P- ^ ^ th > a, << CD 58 7 22 183 7,647 476 '14 76 . 35 . 12 2 - . 116 56,165 2,742 • 6 173 17 - . 2 10 12 6 10 47 4,950 - . 224 ' 26 . . . . . . 800 437 • 2 - . . 189 178 . 33 7,S77 . . 12 94 . 7 27 15 10 3 7 676 30,418 987 390 8 562 90 144 13 . - - - 2,884 - - . 596 48 . - - - 36 9,000 . . . 336 . 42 •37 . . . . - 32 2,071 . . . - - 7,300 • . . - - - . . . 40 : 43 - - 11 4 20 ■ 853 i 5 144 55 225 238 35 13 37 i 1,123 129,465 4.166 390 68 2,367 17 42 • )Vo Vth \ihev 21, 18 23. )RGE BOMFORD, If. Coi.on Ordnance Duty. •^ ' "'^•^I'JT" '^ ''>"'»--^v Fage 54, Boc. 2. D. btUlrWiftlt of work done, and supplies procured, at each pf.the Armories and .Arsenals of the United States, from the 1st October, 1822, to the 30th September, 1823. AnnoiT, Springfitld, iUa. Harper's Perry, \'a, A.-3ca], Witeitown, Mu>. WateKUet, N. Y. N«r York, Frintford, Pit. - Pinaborgt, Iretnleaf'sPcinl, D.C iujusia,G 1,391 13,491 Ordnancis DepaktmenTj U^Tovember 21, 1823* G£(j)RG£ BOMFORD, Lt. Colon Ordnance Duty, E. )ther Ordiianced States, frooi Isl tember , 1823. , tCg . ^ o o 73 ' 1 £ S . s ? o i- J. w CD o 5 CC \^ -s « c V o <■ zl = •;: i -a -3 s X d, r = e: £ C rt o G^ 1-H c . o Ph CO O P< CO n •i - ■1 c -a be o do* 2 2 636 700 50 135 2.065 41 10 E ^ , o CO 5 , j o H '^ .TS , ^ ' (U :. O -t-> c2 t o c^ 1 1 en s c^ "T 1 1- w +-' «: l/^ . a; C/3 >T3 I"" is 1 Hi iif ill f ■I J3 3 1. £ a. ci. -a c 6 i i . a. ? 111 || c •a rs s 1' e ! ii ■i 1 3 i 1 i i ■1 2 = a. 13 1,0-iI 990 990 900 990 S40 10 10 255 79 42 6 125,606 23,740 6 6 2 2 2 636 700 100 200 200 200 .no 200 300 3,3(i 310 84 Sj50 135 2,065 41 10 1 1 c o 1 1 If a C3 c is '5 be i i 1 g i CO a 4 E i Si H J 1 s to" i s" 'E, S g s 1 c c s CD 1 1 in Q a J f\ 1 S — r j i 1 a 1 1 8 46 7 6 48 8 ■ 13 6 6 60 20 6 7 ■ 2 11 16 3 6 8 I 2 2 2 3 214 6 6 196 18 12 6 ! 4 . 5 6 1 15 < i r U "Si D S a J. 1 1 2 5 S3 c 1 i2 o S i s ■ i 5 i 1 c 1 i 14 - 1 c • > 1 1 a* i CO t4 i .J 1 5 1 1 1 £ i f eg 1- ^ n 2 2 5 2 iO 2 54 26 27 60 13 2 4 4 6 4 2 83 7 7 2 5 3 25 1 2 7,000 14 8 24 50 2 1 2 2 1 J J '5 1 i J R f a PL* "a J if 1 1 1 a, = •s '5* i 1 O 4 1 i 1 J c 5 1 1 . 1 iS s 1. 40 2 2 4 2 1 1 1 4 2 4 20 700 60 30 86 IS 40 10 5 6 18 1,620 380 Ordnance Depahtment, JiTovemher 21st, 1823. GEO. BOMFORD, £t. Co I on Ordnance duty. t <1) -d TS ea es es t/J d J= 1— ' O ^,^^ « o *^ Oh fl C P u tS CO k > S F " = « J< s a £ £ a 2 1 c ■S i « s ■^ S MO u II H « ^ i ^ S:z;S«f«!l>aji;(iiPS?SmOMW^Orf,55g'igSSu .■sSi .si .hi? 'o _ §1 O JZ pq " t 2 ^! ° S « .s s s C J2 — c) ■*»' c5 (ij « 2 o ■ 2 2 " 2 S =n"j ^ r s s " O J- "^ ^^ ° S S ^-^ « o.E o. C^Ofcig ■*' OJ =" ei o -- "slrSSs 1 555 H « - n >^ f ^ s c3 fe» 3 aj c oT l-B ■0 ■« c a p 0-2 ft. ? S s H-5 o.S f S-^ 3 cs a £ ° ? =8 -S O J3 .> k5 SiC = .a 3 ■lid |-- 1^ 'i s=f ■s" 9 '^ V, W (5 «; ' -go % ■11 Si "2 : 54 — e. — ^Doc. 2. itatf Wf Wt shewing the amount of 1822, to the 31st of December, 1822, account of the Indian Department. Moneys advanced, and th6 amount accounted for, from the 1 st of Janilal-y, and from the 1st of January, 1823, to the 1st of September, 1823, on From ist January to 3lst December, 1822. Contingencies of Indian Department Annuities advanced Fay of Indian Agents Pay of Sub-Agents Presents for Indians Amount accounted for Amount accounted for Amount accounted for Amount accounted for Amount accounted for Civilization of Indians— amount advanced Amount accounted for Total amount of advance) RECAPITULATION FOR 1822. Amount accounted for - To be accounted for 5166,406 96 159,321 02 823,225 86 22,142 53 S9,941 66 9,524 99 812,198 09 12,li48 09 6,904 16 981 99 8383,901 73 334,043 62 From 1st January to 1st Septemier, 1823. Contingencies of Indian Department — Amount advanced Amount accounted for Annuities — Amount advanced Amount accounted for Pay.of Indian Agents — Amount advanced Amount accounted for Pay.of Sub-Agents— Amount advanced Amount accounted for Presents for Indians— Amount advanced , , Amount accounted for Civilization of Indians — Amount advanced Amount accounted for RECAPITULATION FOR 1823. Total amount of Requisitions drawn Amount accounted for To be accounted for Second Auditor's Office, ZSth November, 1823. S5r.77'9 23 44,506 39 5178.174 55' 135,559 62 514,883 33 12,858 SS 87,765 29 6,333 33 87,642 00 7,422 00 88,381 17 3,459 00 8274,615 57 210,238 63 WILLIAM LEE. i [2l 55 I^. I CORRESPONDENCE Eelative to Hostilities oj the Jirickaree Indians* Copy of the Licence granted to General Williaiti H Jlshley to trade with Indians up the Missouri, dated Jipril 11, 18£3. To all who shall see these presents. Greeting: Whereas William H. Ashley, of the state of Missouri, having made application to the Department of War, for license to carry on trade with the Indians up the Missouri, and hath given bond, according to law, for the true and faithful observance, by him and his agents, of all and singular the regulations aud restrictions as are, or ^shall be made, for the government of trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes: Now, therefore, be it known, that the saitl William H. Ashley is hereby licensed to carry on trade with the Indians up the Missouri accordingly, for the term of one year from the date hereof, unless the licence hereby granted should be sooner revoked. Given under my hand, and the seal of the War Office [jj. s.] of the United States, at the City of Washington, this 1 1th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1822. By order of the President of the United States : J. C. CALHOUN. Note. A licence of precisely the same tenor and date was also granted to Major Andrew Henry. 6« [ 2 ] Extract of a letter from the Secretary of War to Gen. William Clarke Superintendent of Indian Jiffairs^ St. Louis, dated July Ist, 1822. I have received a letter from Major O'Fallon, in which he states that he understands a licence has been granted to General Ashley an*'^ Major Henry, to trade, trap, and hunt, on the Upper Missouri, and expresses a hope that limits have been prescribed to their trapping and hunting on Itidian lands, as, he says, nothing is better calcu- lated to alarm and disturb the harmony so happily existing between us and the Indians in the vicinity of the Council Bluffs. The licence which has been granted by this depas-tment, by order of the President, to General Ashley and Major Henry, confers the privilege of trading with the Indians only, as the laws regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes do not contain any au- thority to issue licenses for any other purpose. The piivilege thus granted to them they are to exercise conformbly to the laws and re- gulations that are or shall be made for the government of trade and intercourse with the Indians, for the true and faithful observance of •which they have given bonds with sufficient security; consequently,^ it is presumed they will do no act not authorized by such laws and regulations, which would disturb the peace and harmony existing between the government and the Indians on the Missouri, but rather endeavor, by their regular and conciliatory conduct, to strengthen and confirm them. [2] 57 General Gaines to the Secretary of War. Head Quarters, Western Department, LoiiisvUle, Ky. July 28, 1823. Sir: By the last mail I reported to the General in Chief, the in- formation which I had received since the date of General Atkinson's communications upon the subject of the late hostilities of the Ricaras and other Indian nations of the Missouri river,- together with the measures which I had taken to support the sixth infantry, and to restore peace. Deeming it very important to the service, that the subject should be submitted to you without delay, I take this occasion, (to guard against a failure, such as appears to Imve attended two of my letters to the General in Chief, one of March 13, and the other of May 15,) to enclose, herewith, copies of my letters and instructions upon the subject of these hostilities, viz : No. 1. Letter to Major General Brown, with two enclosures from Major O'Fallon and Major Foster, marked A No. 2, and B No. 1. No, 2. Letter of instructions to General Atkinson. No. 3. Letter of instructions to Colonel Chambers. Should many of the Upper Missouri Indians unite with the Rica- ras, and there is reason to apprehend that their old friends and allies, the Pawnees, and other nations, or at least the disorderly warriors of other nations, will unite against us in tiie event of their being able to compel Colonel Leavenworth to retrace his steps, without inflict- ing on them the chastisement which they merits it may, in that case, be necessai'y to order up tlie fourth infanti-y, and to unite with it two or three battalions of volunteer mounted riflemen, whicli I have no doubt could be promptly obtained in this state, or in Tennessee, or perhaps in Missouri. Upon this subject, I have to request provi- sional instructions, in time to enable me to profit by the mild season of October and November, to move the 4th intantry to Council Bluffs, or at least to Fort Osage, for the winter^ and to assemble the remaining part of the proposed force, in time to commence active operations against the Indians as soon in the sj)ring as the weather will permit. In this case, I shall take the immediate charge of the expedition. I feel persuaded, however, that, should the Ricaras venture to re- main within their fortified village until the arrival of Colonel Lea- venworth, he will, with liis artiJIery, dislodge tlicm ; and lie may, in this case, occasion a panic which may tend to dispei'se their allies, and to reduce them to submission. The supposed strength and fide- 13 58 [ 2 ] iity of the Sioux, who were expected to accompany Colonel Leaven- worth, afford some ground to anticipate tljis favorable result. But auxiliaries of this description are but little to be relied on, without they are accompanied by a force sufficient to restrain, or, if necessa- ry, to coerce them, and without ample supplies of subsistence, and of clothing, blankets, &c. to present to them. The 4th infantry being more entirely a disposal corps, and at this time the most efficient, I should have ordered it to Council Bluffs in- stead of the 1st, had it been a few weeks earlier in the season. But it is already too late even for the 1st to be pushed far beyond the Bluffs, be- fore the approach of winter. Nor is it intended to send the disposable force placed under General Atkinson, beyond the Bluffs, in the present year, unless some unforeseen casualty or disaster on the part of Co- lonel Leavenworth's command, should require a rapid movement to sustain or relieve him; or unless the spirit of hostility should have extended itself to the Pawnees, or to some other tribes near to the Bluffs. In either of these events. General Atkinson will be actively employed against the enemy during the month of November next^ and, should the early part of the winter be mild, as it sometimes has been, even in that region of open prairie, wind, and frost, he will have it in his power to give to his hostile neighbors sufficient annoyance, at least, to kcej) them on the alert, and deprive them of the comforts of permanent winter quarters. I am convinced, from what you have repeatedly said and written upon the subject of our western Indian relations, that I need not to point out to you the evils that must inevitably result from our being compelled to recede from the position we have taken, and give up our trade and intercourse with those numerous nations. The tiade itself, however valuable, is relatively little or nothing wiien compared with the decided advantages of that harmonious influence and control which is acquired and preserved, in a great degrc4?, if not wholly, by the con- stant friendly intercourse which the trade necessarily affords, and by which it is principally cherished and preserved. If we quietly give up this trade, we shall at once throw it, and with it the friendship anU physical power of near 30,000 warriors, into the arms of England ; — who has taught us, in letters of blood, (which ucliave had tlie magna- nimity to forgive, but which it would be treason to forget,) that this trade forms rein and curb by which the turbulent and towering spirit of these lords of ll:e forest can alone be governed — I say alone, be- cause I am decidedly of the opinion that, if there existed no such ri- valship in the trade as that of the English, with which we have al- ways been obliged to contend under the disadvantage of restrictions such as have never been imposed upon our rival adversary, we should, with one-tenth of the force and expense to which we have been sub- jected, preserve the relations of ])eace with these Indians more effect- ually than they have been at any former period. But to suffer outra- ges, such as have been perpetrated by the Ricaras and Blackfoot In- dians, to go unpunished, would be to surrender the trade, and, with it, our strong hold upon the Indians, to England. [2] 59 I have but recently recovered from an attack of bilious fever, and my hand is not yet steady enough to write with ease, or very legibly. With great respect, I have, &c. &c. E. P. GAINES, Major General by brevet commandingf 6fc. Hon. J. C. CALHOUJiT, Secretary of War. No. 1. Head Quarters, "Western Department, Louisville, Kentucky, July 26, 1823. General: The report made to you the 12th instant, by Gen- eral Atkinson, that General Ashley, with his trading company, had been attacked by the Ricaras Indians, and defeated, with the loss of 14 killed and 9 wounded, is confirmed by letters received last night from Major O'Fallon and Major Foster, of which I enclose herewith copies numbered 1 and 2. From Major O'Fallon's letter, you will perceive that other outrages, of a similar character, have been com- mitted by the Blackfoot Indians, who have killed Messrs. Jones and Immel, (late an officer of the army,) with five other persons. It appears, on the 22d of last month. Colonel Leavenworth march- ed with 220 regular troops, and 80 men of the trading companies, to be joined by a large party of Sioux warriors, against the Ricaras, who, being strongly fortified, the Colonel took with him some cannon. The Ricaras Villages are situated about 700 miles above Council Bluffs, and are supposed to contain about 600 or 700 warriors; should they be able to turn out 600 warriors well armed, and, united as they are reported to be, the movement of Colonel Leaven- worth, taking into view the great distance, and the several in- termediate nations near wliich he must necessarily pass, cannot but be considered as very hazardous; and, as any disaster on our part would be witnessed, or very soon heard of by the numerous adja- cent nations of Indians, a repulse, attended with the loss of but a few lives, would be to us a serious disaster, as it would tend to undo most of what has been done by the United States on the minds of the In- dians, since the first occupancy of the posts up the Missouri. The unprovoked outrages of the Ricaras call for exemplary pun- ishment; but a premature effort, on our part, will but widen the breach between us, and enhance the evil we thus attempt to correct. I trust the report of Col. Leavenworth, which is not yet received, will give a more satisfactory view of his measures and prospects of success, than I am at present able to afford. I have, however, great confi- dence in the discretion and conduct of that officer, and I am persua- 60 [2] ded that the circumstances of the case justified the step which he has taken. But, be this as it may, the step is taken, and therefore, the force engaged must be supported. For this purpose, I have ordered General Atkinson to repair to the Missouri, where I have directed six companies of the first, and four of the seventh infantry, to be placed under his orders, which, with the disposable pan of the 6th, he will be able, not only to sup- port Col. Leavenworth, but to punish the Ricaras, and arrest the progress of Indian hostilities in that quarter, or at least to prevent its extension to the Pawnees (said to be nearly allied to the Ricaras) and other nations east and south thereof. Two steam-boats are employed to transport the six companies of the 1st regiment from Baton Rouge to St. Louis; this will occasion an expense of about §4,000. For the payment of this sum, and to meet the expenses of transportation, &c. of these companies from St. Louis, and the four companies of the 7th from Arkansaw to Council Bluffs, I have to request, that the Quartermaster Gericral may be in- structed to for'ward to the Assistant Quartermaster at St. Louis, the sum of S12,000, which is deemed to be necessary to meet the expen- ses of transportation, 6cc. which will be incurred in the movements to Council Bluffs. Very respectfully, I have the honor, &c. &c, E. P. GAINES, Major General by Brevet Commanding, To Maj. Gen. Brown, Commanding U. S. Jirmy, Washington City, A true copy : R. LowNDS, Jlid'de-Camp. Fort Atkinson, July 7, 1823. Dear General : Before an opportunity oftered to forward ray letter of the 3d iristaut, and which I herewith enclose, an express arrived with a few lines to Major Foster, mentioning the loss of LiiHit. Wickliff's boat and seven soldiers drowned. We have no par- ticulars, except that most of the property was saved, and that the ex- pedition was going on as usual, and expected to reach the Grand Bend against the 15th inst. At this post every thing goes on as well as could be expected. Yours, &c. BENJAMIN O'FALLON. General Atkinson, Louisville, Kentucky, I certify the above to be a true copy, U. LowNDs, %iid-de-camp. [22 6i A. No. 2. ^ Fort Atkinson, July 3, 1823. Dear General : How painful it is for me to tell, and you to hear of the barbarity of the Indians! They continue to deceive and mur- der the most enterprizing of our people; and if we continue to forbear, if we do not discover a greater spirit of resentment, this river will be discoloured with our blood. The defeat of General Ashley by the Aricaras, and departure of the troops to his relief had scarcely gone to you, when an express arrived announcing the defeat, by the Blackfoot Indians near the Yellow Stone River, of the Missouri Fur Company's Yellow Stone or Mountain Expedition, commanded by Messrs. Jones and Immel, both of whom, with five of their men, are among the slain. All their property, to the amount of Si 5,000, fell into the hands of the enemy. To add to General Ashley's catalogue of misfortunes, the Blackfoot Indians have recently defeated a party of eleven and killed four of Major Henry's men, near his establishment at the mouth of the Yel- low Stone. The express goes to state that many circumstances, of which I will be officially informed in a few days, have transpired to induce a belief that the British traders (Hudson Bay Company) are exciting the Indians against us, to either drive us from that quarter, or reap with Indians the fruits of our labor. I was in hopes that the British Indian Traders had some bounds to their rapacity. I was in hopes that during the late Indian War, in which they were so instrumental in the indiscriminate massacre of our people, that they were completely satisfied with our blood; but it appears not to have been the case — like the greedy wolf, not satisfied with the flesh, they quarrel over the bones. They ravage our fields, and are unwil- ling that we should glean them. Although barred by the treaty of Ghent from participating in our Indian trade, they presume, and are not satisfied to do so. But becoming alarmed at the individual enterprise of our people, they are exciting the Indians against them, Tjjey furnish them with the instruments of death, and a passport to our bosoms, Immel had great experience of the Indian character; but, poor fellow, with a British passport they at last deceived him, and he fell a victim to his own credulity, and his scalp, with those of his comrades, are now bleeding on their way to the British trading establishments. Another of General Ashley's wounded is dead, making fifteen men killed by the Aricaras, and eleven by the Blackfeet; in all, known to be killed by the Indians within the last two or three months, twenty-six effective men; and I estimate the amount of propei*- ty lost in those conflicts at ^20,000, besides a number of horses, kc. Tlie Ottoes, and Missouries, and have been to see mo, and as usual profess great friendship, &c.; but, with the rest of the neighbouring tribes, are anxiously looking and listening to know how we, the whites, are going to get out of this scrape. I am still much indisposed, and cannot enjoy health here. 62 C 2 ] Just as I am concluding this letter to you, I am interrupted by an express with a letter from Mr. Pilcher, in which he says, *♦ I have but a momt :it to write. I met an express from the Mandans, giving me very unpleasant news. The flower of my business is gone, my mountaineers have been defeated, and the chiefs of the party both slain. I wiU write you more fully between this and the Sioux. The party was attacked by three or four hundred Blackfoot Indians, in a posi- tion on the Yellow Stone River, where nothing but defeat could be expected. Jones and Immel and five other men were killed. The former, it is said, fought most desperately. Jones killed two In- dians, and as he was drawing his pistol to kill the third received two spears in his breast. Immel was in frontj he killed one Indian, and was cut to pieces. I think we lose at least 15000 dollars." The express left the military expedition on the first instant, when it was progressing rapidly. I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c. B. O'FALLON, United States* Jgentj Indian Jiffairs. Gen. Atkinson. A true copy, R. LewNDS, Md-de-Camp. B.— No. 1. FoKT Atkinson, July 8, 1823. Sir: Since I wrote you at the end of the last month, I received a letter from Col. Leavenworth, dated on the 4th inst. two miles above Caball Bluffs, informing me that he had the misfortune to lose Lieut. Wickliff's boat, sergeant Stackpole, and six privates, drowned; lie writes in haste, giving no particulars; but says that the princi- pal part of the cargo was saved; that he was under way, and all well; he put that part of the cargo saved on board of the other boats and those of Mr. Pilcher. I learnt from the two men who were the beaiers of the Colonel's letter, that the boat broke into two across a snag, of course she must have sunk; the men were from Major Henry, and informed that Gen. Ashley was upon an Island, about one hundred miles below the Ri- caras Villages. I write hastily by tiie boat which leaves here this day, fearing an erroneous report should reach you. WM. S. FOSTER, Major U. S. Army. General Atkinson. A true copy: R. LowNDS, Jiid-de-Camjn [2] 63 No. 2. Head Quarters, Western Department, Louisville, Kentucky , July 26, 1823. Geneiiai: You will repair to the Missouri, and assume the com- mand assigned you by my Department order of this date. The immediate object of this command, is to support the detach- ment under Tol. Leavenworth, and to give a timeh" check to the hostile spirit which has recently manifested itself among the Indians of the Upper Missouri, and, at the same time, to arrest or punish the Ricaras, and other warriors, by whom thirty-three of our citizens have been killed and wounded. Six companies of the 1st infantry, under Col. Chambers, are this day instructed to join you at St. Louis, to act under your orders; to which will be added, should it be advisable, four companies of the 7th infantry. These will be directed to be held in readiness, subject to your orders, to join you at such time and place as you may find it necessary to direct. Should the information, which may reach you at or beyond St, Louis, in your judgment suggest the propriety of your being sup- ported by an additional force, you will, in this event, make applica- tion to the Governoi- of the State of Missoui-i, for a few companies, or, if necessary, a battalion of volunteer mounted riflemen. But it is not expected that this force will be required without satisfactory evidence should meet you, of some new act of hostility on the part of the Indians belo7v the Kicaras Villages, Yi)U will order, from St. Louis to Fort Atkinson, a supply of sub- sistence and ordnance stores, which, added to those now at that jjost, shall be sufficient for the regular troops destined for that post, during a period of nine months, from the 15th October next, at which time the first infantry should reach that post. And should it become necessary to obtain volunteers, you will, in that event, order up additional supplies, sufficient for such additional force during the time for which they may be employed — which should be for nine months, unless sooner discharged. And you will order the purchase of whatever subsistence may be necessary (to supply any deficiency that may be found in the Subsistence Department at St. Louis) to enable you to carry these measures into effect. In the discharge of these duties, you will exercise a sound discre- tion, governing your movements and measures by tho facts and cir- cumstances that may be disclosed to you as you proceed, and by the instructions heretofore addressed to you, and in obedience to the -'general regulations of the Army." 64 [ 2 ] You will keep me advised of your measures, and of the occurren- ces that you may deem interesting, connected with the command as- signed you. With respect, &c. &c. E. P. GAINES, Major General by Brevet Commanding. To Brig, Gen. H. Atkinson, United States* Jirmy. I certify the above to be a true copy: R. LowNDs, Aid-decamp. No. 3. Head Quarters, Western Department, Louis-ville, Ken. July 27, 1823. Sir : Accompanying this, you will receive orders to repair with six companies of your regiment to St. Louis, on board the steam boats the Favorite and Margaret, to report to Gen. Atkinson. The recent hostilities of the Ricaras, and other nations of Indians, up the Missouri, have rendered it necessary to assemble a force on that river, to support the sixtli infantry; the disposable part of that re- giment having marched a month since against the Ricaras. Should the spirit of hostility, as there is reason to apprehend, ex- tend itself to some of the neighboring ts-ibes, the remaining part of your regiment will, in thiit case, after receiving recruits, for complet- ing the regiment, be ordered to follow you. For the present, howev- er, you will leave Lt. Col. Taylor in command, who will probably be Joined by two companies of the fouith infantry. General Atkinson will enclose to you the agreement made by him with the eteam boats, for your transportation, to which you will re- quire particular attention on the part of the commanders, as well as on the part of the troops. I regret to find, that principal part of your subsistence has been hauled out to your summer cantonment. You will not, however, de- lay your movement so long, as to bring back any part of that supply, as most of it will be wanted out there; and as subsistence can be ob- tained on the lowest terms at St. Louis, it is not desirable that you should take the quantity mentioned in my order of yesterday's date. You need not take with you more than a supply for one month or six weeks. Wishing health, &c. I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, JWo/. Gen. by brevet, Comma^iding. Col. Chambers, First V. S. Infantry. I certify the above to be a true copy. R. LowNDS, .^. D. C. [ 2 ] 65 Department of War, August 14, 1825. Sir : Tliave received your lefter of the 28tli ultimo, with the arcom«> panying- eiiclosiiies, and have submitted them to the President, who directs me to acquaint you, that he approves of the measures \vhicli you have adopted. Although the command of Col, Leavenworth is small, yet, from his known courai^e and enteipiise, I feel i^reat confidence that his move- ment will be successful, and that the chastisement of the Ricaras will give peace and security to the frontier. Shouhl such be the fact, you wiil halt the detachment you have ordered from the 1st and 7th regi- ments of infantry at Bellefontaine, until further orders. Should, how- ever, the movement of Col. Leavenworth not be attended with the fa- vorable result expected, or should the Indians continue to exhibit an hostile disposition, you will exercise a sound discretion, in pushing forward the necessar-y for'ce to such points on the Missouri, as you may deem best cah ulated to maintain peace and to pr'otect our citizens. It is Hesirable that the disposable foi-ce of the army under your c om- mand only should be employed orr tiris service. In the event of a failure (if Col. Leavenv orth's mo\emert, you will add to the rein- forcement already ordered to Gen. Atkinson's command, such other troops under your orders as you may judge requisite. 1 am, &c. J. C. CALHOUN. Gen. E. P. Gaiives, &c. Louisville^ Ken, Head-Quarters, Western Department, Louisville f Ky. August 16, 1823. Sir: I received not tfli last night the report of Col. Leavenworth, announcing his intention to visit the Ricaras Indians, dated the iStli .Tune, 1823. That repoi't which accompanies this* contains no material fact dilFer'ing from those transmitted by (general Clark, Major F'oster, and Major O'Fallon, referred to in my letter- of the 28th of last month, except that the force intended to be taken by the Colonel is something less than that i-eported to have accompanied him. He states that his party w ill be about 200 str-ong in rank and file— and he adds that, ** if necessar-y it is expected that we can raise a considerable auxiliary force amongst the Sioux." * Enclosed to the GenerM in Chiff, 14 66 [ 2 ] As Colonel Leavenworth will probably report by express the re- sult of his movement, I have reason to expect his report in the course of the next two weeks. Very respectfully, I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, Major General by Brt. Comm^dg. Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War. Head Quarteks, Western Department, 3S*ear Louisville, Ky. Jlugust 30, 1823. Sir: I received yesterday your letter of the 14th instant, by which I am j^ratified to learn that the measures adopted by me to strengthen the Missouri frontier, were approved by the President of the United States. By letters just now received from Gen. Atkinson, with the enclo- sures to which he refers, from Col. Leavenworth and Mr. Pilcher, copies of which I enclose herewith, numbered 1, 2, and 3, it ap- pears probable that the Mandan nation has determined to afford pro- tection to the Ricaras. The distance between them is about 130 miles, the former occupying the country on the Missouri river, W. N. W. of the latter. It is moreover rumored that the Blackfoot Indians and the Sioux of the Missouri, will likewise unite with the Ukaras agaiust us. Should these rumors prove to be well founded, even as to any two of those nations, another season, with all the dis- posable force of the army, will be required for their chastisement. Upon this subject, however, the next report from Col. Leavenworth will, I trust, afford satisfactory informalion. Until the receipt of that report no additional arrangements are deemed necessary for the sup- ply of subsistence, or the concentration of force, beyond that which is now in motion. The 4th infantry at Pensacola, with the four companies of the 1st now at Baton Rouge, is the only part of the troops in this Depart- ment that can safely be added to the force already ordered to march under Gen. Atkinson; for, such is the number and qwestionable cha- racter of the Sioux on the Mississippi, with some other Indians in that quarter, that not a company of the 5th infantry can properly be considered as disposable beyond the immediate vicinity of its posi- tion; and I am of opinion that the frontiers of Louisiana and Arkan- sau require a force at least equal to the six companies of the 7th infantry posted in that quarter. One of these companies, however, [ 2 ] 67 might be sent fo Baton Rouge, and the four companies of the Ist infantry now there detached up the Missouri, to join that part of the regiment heretofore ordered thither, and which is presumed to be now at St. Louis. With great respect, I have, &c. E. P. GAINES, Major General by BrU commanding, Hon. J. C. Caihoun, Secretary of TVar. No. 1. Head Quarters, Right Wing, Western Department, St. Louis, Mgust 19th, 1823. Sir: I have the honor to enclose, herewith, the copy of a letter from Colonel Leavenworth to Major O'Fallon, and the copy of a letter from Mr. Pilcher, acting partner of the Missouri Fur Company, to the same gentleman, containing extracts of letters from Messrs. Keemle and Gordon, traders attached to that firm. These letters give the latest information from the expedition under Colonel Leavenworth, and the most direct, of the attack of the Blackfoot Indians upon Im- mel and Jones. Notwithstanding the opinion of Mr. Pilcher, as well as most per- sons here, that the Aricara Indians will await in their village the ar- rival of the troops under Colonel Leavenworth, and there give battle, I cannot bring myself to believe so. They, very early after their at- tack on General Ashley's party, made arrangements with the Man- dan Indians to take refuge with them; This step shows, certainly, a determination on their part to flee before any formidable white force; and I, therefore, conclude it will require at least another season to chastise them effectually. Under the most favorable aspect of affairs on the Upper Missouri, I am of opinion it will require an etfcctive disposable force of some six or seven hundred regular troops to operate decisively in that quarter, and to preserve tranquillity in future. The whole of the first regi- ment, added to the sixth, and both being filled to the establishment, will, 1 presume, be ample for the object. With these corps, after leaving four companies of the sixth at Council Bluffs, sixteen compa- nies may move up the Missouri, and effect uny practicable object^ es- tablish the first regiment at the Yellow Stone or Mandan, and let the six compaHies of the sixth regiment fall back to its present position. 68 [ 2 ] Every year afterwards, several companies of tlie sixth mij^Iit ascend the liver, and, in conjuncrion witii the first regiment, explore ail the upper country intersected hy streams navigahle for keel hoats, and, consequently, hold intercourse with all the upper Indians. There is no indication of a disposition on the part of any of the trihesth.it have intercourse with the post at Council Bluffs, of hosti- lity. It is said, however, that part of the hand of Scione Sioux, (the tribes next to the Aracaras,) show some inclination to join their hos- tile neighbours; if so, this spirit of disaffection may extend to more, or all the Sioux. I have advised Colonel Snelling to have a watchful eye towards the Sioux of the St. Peter's, for the reasons above stated. I sent, by express, a few days since, an order to the commandant at Council Bluff, to advise me, by express, of the result of the enter- prize under Colonel Leavenworth, as soon as it was known. I look for some such iiifoimatiori in two weeks more. As it is highly impoitant tiiat the detnchment of the first regiment should carry up transport boats sufficient for its own o])erations, I shall send it in that way, should not circumstances above render a prompt movement by land necessary. I will keep you advised of exevy circumstance worthy of note as they come to my knowledge. With great respect. Sec. n. ATKINSON, B. G. S. Ji, P. S. I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 8th inst. Major General Gaines, Com^g. H est. Depart. LouisvUlt, ICy. I certify the above to be a true copy. II. LowNDS, Md de Camp. No. £. Fort Recovery, July 21sf, 1823. Dear Major : Your favor of the 10th inst. I have this minute re- ceived, and, 1 assure you, with great pleasure. I was, also, highly gratified that Majors \Voolley and Ketchum came on to join us. Mr Pilcher I have re«|uested to write you fully as to Indian affairs, and he is so much better informed than myself, that I shall leave that subject priori pally to him. [le is, 1 find/ very efficient^ and has con- ducted greatly to my satisfaction. C 2 ] 69 These Yanctons appear to be zealously determined to co-operate with us, but I have soiiie doubts as to tlie continuanre of their ardor. We have been obliged to make a halt here of three days to wait for Mr. Pilchcr, and to repair dama.ges sustained from wind and water. After so inany disasters. I am happy to inform you that we are yet ef- fici«nt, perhaps as much so as when we set out. Our powder was miraculonshj preserved; several casks which were under water all night were entirely uninjured. I have bori'owed ten rifles of Mr. Pi h her, and can have twenty-three more of General Ashley, but eight only are necessary to complete. Powder and lead I can obtain in ample quantities. If the Aracaras and Mandans unite, I shall proceed to the Mandans; and if they keep the Aracaras in their vil- lage, shall attack them. We shall do our best to ob'ain a victory. The honor of the American arras must be supported at all events. But 1 can plainly perceive that our force is not sufficient to inspire that degree of awe and respect amongst the Indians which I would wish. We make but a small show on a large prairie by the side of four or five hundred mounted Indians. If we can obtain a fair fight, our superiority will probably be more apparent. As I have to write on the ground in a heavy wind, I fear you will not be able to read my letter. You will, however, have thegoodness to excuse Inaccuracies, and my want of time and means to send you a fair copy. H. LEAVENWORTH, Colonel U, S. J. Major O'Fallon, &c. I certify the above to be a true copy. R. LowNDS, ^, D. C. No. 3. FoKT Recovery, Upper Missouri^ 23rf July, 1823» Dear Sir : From the following extract of a letter from Mr. Wil- liam Gordon, a young gentleman in the service of the Missouri Fur Company, and attached to our Mountaineers, you will see that they have been defeated, and the cJiiefs of the expedition, Mr*. Immel and Ml". Jones, have both been slain. The extracts from "^Ir. Keemle's letters will show the disposition and feelings of the Mandans and Grosventres, produced by the late success of the Ricaras against General Ashley; and tlie v^hole will, I hope, tend to shew the import- ance of Colonel Leavenworth's expedition against the Ricaras. If protection to the commerce of the Missouri be the object of our go- 70 [ 2 ] vernment, this would seem to be the accepted time; a decisive blow is indispensable for the safety of every white man on the river above the Council Bluffs, and even to the troops stationed atthatpost. But I need not dwell upon this subject : you know too well the importance of the movement. The following is an extract from Mr. Gordon's letter, dated Fort Vanderburgh, Mandan and Grosventre^s Villages, June 15, 1823. Dear Sir: It becomes my unpleasant duty to inform you of the defeat of our party by the Black Foot Indians, and of the dire conse- quences of the same. After penetrating to the Three Forks of the Missouri, early in the Spring, although we found that country almost entirely trapt out by the Indians, we had succeeded, by the greatest perseverance, in taking about packs of beaver. On the 1 6tli of May, having reached the Upper Three Forks of R. .Jefferson's ri- ver, and finding no beaver in that quarter, we commenced a retro- grade march for the Yellow Stone. On the second day we fell in with a party of 38 Black Foot Indians. They came up boldly, and smoked, and remained with us during that night, making every pro- fession of friendship; and, in the morning, after making them presents of such articles as we could spare, they parted with^us apparently well satisfied, having first invited us to come and establish at the mouth of the Maria River, as they said they had been informed wag our intention. They were in possession of every information in re- gard to the two boats being at the mouth of the Yellow Stone, and of their determination to ascend the Missouri to the Falls. This inform- ation must have been derived from the British traders, who have most probably instigated them to commit this outrage, and by them, no doubt, from some faithful correspondent at St. Louis. We did not suffer ourselves, however, to be lulled into false ideas of security by their friendly professions, but commenced a direct and precipitate retreat from the country, keeping out a strict regard [guard] every night, and using every possible vigilance at all times. This party of 38 had returned to their village, which was very close, and recruited to the number of between 3 and 400 men. These had intercepted us on the Yellow Stone, where they arrived two days before us. They lay in ambush for us on the side of a steep hill, the base of which was washed by the river, along which we had to pursue the intricate windings of a buffaloe trace, among rocks, trees, &c. by means of which they had secreted tjiemselves. At this place the men were, of course, much scattered for a considerable distance, as two horses could not pass abreast. At this unfortunate moment, and under circumstances .so disadvantageous, they rushed upon us with the whole force, pouring down from every quarter. Messrs. Immel and Jones both fell early in the engagement. A conflict, thus unequal, could not be long maintained. The result was the loss of five other [2] 71 ineti killed, four wounded, the entire loss of all our horses and equip- age, traps, beaver, and every thing. The balance of the party suc- ceeded in escaping, by making a raft, and crossing the Yellow Stone. This took place on the 31st of May, just below the Moun- tains, on the Yellow Stone. Not knowing to what extent the loss of the horses, traps, &c. might effect [affect] any future plan of operations I came with all possible expedition to this place, to ac- quaint you with the circumstance. I left Mr. Keemle and the party near the mouth of Pryor's Fork, making skin canoes to bring down the Fall's hunt, amounting to about . Four of Mr. Henry's men have also been killed near the Falls. It appears, from informa- tion derived from the Black Feet themselves, that the British have two trading houses in their country on the American territory ; and, from some Snake Indians, we learned that they have several on the South Fork of the Columbia. Something decisive should be done. Believe me to be. Your sincere friend, WILLIAM GORDON. From the foregoing letter, you will perceive, that the commerce of the Missouri, under existing circumstances, however valuable, is truly precarious. This, our second adventure to the mountains, had surr passed my most sanguine expectations; success had been complete, and my views fulfilled in every respect, Mr. Immel and Mr. Jones had conducted those expeditions with the greatest skill and ability, and proved themselves worthy of my confidence. The loss of property is severely felt, yet it is little, compared to the loss of those valuable men to whom I stand indebted for the accomplishment of my views. In consequence of their late departure, last summer, from the Council Bluffs, it became necessary for them to confine their operations last fall to the Yellow Stone and its tributary waters, and winter at the mouth of the Big Horn. The party originally consisted of forty-three persons, including themselves and Messrs. Gordon and Keemle, two young gentlemen attached to the expedition, and to Avhom I am much indebted for their activity in bringing off the remainder of the party, and vsecuring the property of the expedition, which had been left on the Yellow Stone at the time the expedition moved to the Three Forks early in the spring. The party had been reduced to thirty, including all; a part of the men having deserted from their wintering post at the Big Horn. With these, they penetrated the country as mentioned in Mr. Gordon's letter. I am happy to say their defeat is not to be attributed to negligence, mistaken confidence of their own ability, or the good will of the Indians. Three hours more would have taken them to the Crow nation, where they would have been perfectly se- cure; this tribe being at war with the Blackfeet, and much attached to the whites. But the Blackfeet had marked their route; they knew their country and advantages of the position selected by them for the attack: there they intercepted them, and awaited their arrival. Nothing but defeat could be expected under such circumstances, and it ig wonderful how any should escape from such an overwhelming 1% [ 2 ] force, when attacked in such an unfav«»i'able positron. Many cirrum- stances justify the opinions expressed in Mr. Goidori^s letter, which I will hereafter relate; time will not allow me to do so at present. Mr. Keemle arrived at the Ma.idans in a shoit time after Mr. Gor- don left him on the Yellow Stone, and, in a letter to me, under date of the 10th (if the present month, whirh met me at this place, he ex- presses himself as follows: '* Permit me, sir, !iere to remaik, that the present affair with the Ricaras, is the subjert of dally conversation with the Grosventres and M.!.ndans; and lam of opinion, from many remarks made by the principal men of both nations, that much of the future welfare and interest of the persons ena;aj:^ed in the business of the Missouri, depends much upon the course of conduct pursued to- wards that band of savage villains." In another letter from him, of the 11th instant, conveyed by the same hand, he gives me tl.e follow- ing information: "A council was held by the Mandans on the lOth instant, in which they have determined to send for the Ricaras to enter their village, in order to protect them, as tliey say, from the whites. A singular [similar] proposition was made to the Grosven- tres by the former nati«n, but they shut their* ears against it.' The Aricaras opened a fire on the men who came express with these let- ters, and continued it until they had got beyond their reach, though they did not succeed in hurting either of them. From these cii'cum- stances, you may suppose that the futur-e conduct and dispositiorr of all those upper tribes, even tire Sioux, deperrd much on the steps taken in relation to the Ar-icaras. There ai'e many opinions respecting the course the Aricaras will take. My own impressions are, tiiat they will not abandotr their villages, but will await the arr'ival of the ex- peditiorr, and give us battle. Many things induce a belief that they will not attempt to go to the Maidans for* j)rotection. About twelve days will decide it. The exjiedition left this place early this morning. The foregoing circrrmstances, together with many other causes, will induce me to change the destination of our mourrtain men this fall. If time wouldjustif) tlie atfem|)t, 1 would endeavor to push the expedition across the mountains to some of the southern branches of the Columbia, but the season h too far- advanced. I am, dear sir, 6cc. JO«HU\ PILCHER, Jl, jP. Mmsoun Fur Company. Major B. O'Fallon, U, S, Sgentfor Indian Jiffairs^ [ 2 ] n Head Quarters, Western Department, JVmr Louisville, Ky. Sept. Sth, 1§23. Sir: The last mail from St. Louis arrived, without bringing the looked-for report of Colonel Leavenworth, or any information what- ever from the Missouri frontier. Respectfully, I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, Maj. Gen. by Brevet, Commanding, Hon. John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War. Head Quarters, "Western Department, near Louisville, Ky. September I3th, 182S» Sir: A letter from General Atkinson, dated at St. Lo«is, the Sth instant, a copy of which I enclose herewith, reports the arrival at that place, of the six companies of the 1st infantry, ordered up the Missouri. From Colonel Leavenworth, I have received nothing since the date of his letter referred to in mine of the 30th ultimo. I have the honor to be, &c. E. P. GAINES, Major General by Brevets Hon. John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War. Head Quarters, Right Wing, West. Department, St. Louis, Sth September, 1823. Sir: I have the honor to inform you, that two companies of the 1st Regiment, under Major Whartonby, arrived at this place from Baton Rouge, on Friday evening last, and that four companies came up on Tuesday, under Colonel Chambers. The whole are now encamped a short distance above the city, where they will remain for three days more, when they will take up their movement for Council Bluffs. I have not heard of Colonel Leavenworth, since I addressed you on the ] 9th ultimo, enclosing copies of letters from him, and from Mr. Pilcher to Major O'Fallonj I calculate, however, on hearing, in less than a week, the result of his enterprize against the Ricaras 15 •a C 2 ] Indians, which will determine me with regard to pushing Colonel Chambers' detachment through by land. In the mean time, I have prepared transport boats, and shall send off the detachment, with their provisions and stoies, by water, as I shall have it in my power to detach at any time, a command from the boats, to be pushed on by land, should circumstances above render it necessary. I have adopt- ed this mode, because, if the troops transport their own supplies, it will save the United States some B6,000, and the fact of their set- ting out by water will retard their arrival at the Bluffs but a little, should the state of affairs in the upper country make it necessary that they should ultimately go by land, as all they progress by wa- ter will so much shorten the distance. The detachment, as you will see by the enclosed report, is weaker than you anticipated; forty-five are reported sick, but none are seri- ously indisposed, except the Adjutant; all ^he men will be able to move with the detachment. Every thing justifies a belief, tliat Colonel Chambers' movement will be as prompt and successful as you anticipated. Late advices from the Upper Mississippi represent every thing to be tranquil in that quarter; some letters and returns from thence, addressed to me, are sent to you, under cover, by Lieutenant Russell, who will deliver this communication. I will avail myself of every opportunity to keep you advised of every circumstance of interest within my command. "With very great respect, &c. H. ATKINSON, Brig. Oen. U. S. Srmij. Major General E. P. Gaines, &.c. , Head Quarters, Western Department, Louisville, Ken. Jiihj 12,1823. Sir ; I have this moment received, from Governor Clark, a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy. I have but liUie doubt of the force wliich Col. Leavenworth has taken with liim for the purpose of chastising the Ricaras for the out- rage committed on Gen. Ashley's party, will be ample for the object. Two hundred and twenty soldiers, eighty men of the traders, with tliirty men under Geu. Ashley, and perhaps two to three thousand Sioux Indians, is sulik ient to destroy any Indian force that the up- per tribes can bring against them. Until the result of the expedition under Col. Leavenworth is known, it is unnecessary to give any orders touching the matter; par- [ 2 ] 73 ticularly as the contest will be long over before reinforcements could reach the scene of action. Besides, the garrisons on the Upper Mississippi are too weak at present to draw detachments from them, only in cases of great necessity, and the detachment of recruits under Capt. Fowle will reach the Bluffs in August. Should Col. Leavenworth fail, measures shall be promptly taken to meet occurrences. In the mean time, I shall be glad to receive from you such instruc- tions touching the matter, as may be deemed advisable. With great respect. Sir, I have the honor to be Your most obedient servant, H. ATKINSON, Br. Oen. U. S. Ji. Commanding Western Depart, Maj. Gen. Brown, Commanding in Chief, Washington City. A true copy. Chs. J. NouRSE, Mj. Gen. Acting. * St. Louis, July 4, 18£3. Dear General : I liave merely time to say to you, that I have re- coived this day a letter from Maj. O'Fallon, stating,that General Ash- ley was attacked by the Ilicaras, on the morning of the 2d' of June, (after a friendly intercourse of two days) and defeated, with the loss of fourteen men killed and nine wounded. The General retreated down about twenty-five or thirty miles, and remained with thirty men in one boat; sent his other boat, and the disaffected and wounded, to Fort Atkinson, with a statement of his situation, to Col. Leaven- worth and Maj. O'FalloH. On the 22d, Col. Leavenworth set out lip to the Aricaras, with two hundred and twenty regular troops, and about eighty men of the companies, to be joined by a large party of Sioux. The Colonel has taken with him cannon, as the Aricaras are strongly fortified. 1 have but little doubt of the success of our troops, if the Indians remain in their towns to figl»t; w hich is very doubtful, if they discover the strength of the force. WM. CLARK. Gen. H. Atkinson. A true copy. Chs, J. NotTRSE, Mj. Gen. Acting. 76 C 2 ] Head Qttaeters, Western. Department, Louisville, Ken. Juhj 15th, 1823^ Sir: Since addressing you yesterday, on the subject of Governor Claj'k*s letter relative to the attack of the Ricara Indians on Gen. Ashley's party, I have, on reflection, ordered Capt. Fowie to march across the country to Council Bluffs, with a hundred men of the detachment of recruits of the 6th regiment. I think the state of affairs on the upper Missouri calls for the measure — not that I think there is much to be apprehended as to the failure of Col. Leaven- worth in the object of his marcli, or of hostile movements on the part of other tribes — yet, an early addition of an hundred men to the remaining garrison at Council Bluffs will give complete security to the post, and the promptness with which they will be marched across the country will impress the Indians in that quarter with a just idea of our capacity to chastise every outrage they may commit. I have directed that the detachment be provided with pack-horse transportation, as that mode will greatly facilitate their msvement, and be much less expensive than employing wagons. The horses may be purchased for 30 to 50 dollars each, and performing the trip be on hand as public property. Enclosed is a copy of my order to Capt, Fowle, which will give you a full knowledge of the measures I have taken. The order will reach Capt. Fowle in five or six days. It was sent by an oflicer of the 5th regiment, who went in a steam- boat that sailed to day for St. Louis, at about which time the de- tachment will also reach there. I shall pay due attention to every thing relating to affairs on the Missouri, and take prompt steps to meet exigencies. For the pre- sent, I deem it unnecessary to do more than I have ordered. With great respect. Sir, I have the honor to be. Your most obedient servant, H. ATKINSON, Brig. Gen. U. S. Army, coin. W. Department. Maj. Gen. Brown, Commander in Chief, Washington City. A true copy. Charles J. Notjrse, Mjutant General, Jiding. Head Quarters, Western Department, Louisville, July iSth, 1823. Sir: In consequence of Col. Leavenwbrth having moved, with the principal part of the 6th regiment, against the Ricara Indians, [2] n who have lately committed an outrage on Gen. Ashley's party, it is very important that you shuuld reach Council Bluffs with the de- tachment of recruits of the 6th regiment, under your command, as early as possible. As the voyage by water to your point of destination is tedious^ and will necessarily protract your arrival, you will march from St. Louis by the way of Clay Courthouse, and thence along Ray's trace, with one hundred picked men of the detachment for Council Bluffs. The residue of the detachment you will leave under an offi- cer or two, to ascend the Missouri, with one or two of the transport boats and the whole baggage of the detachment. Capt. Brandt, Assistant Quartermaster General at St. Louis, is ordered to furnish the necessary transportation for your march, which should be as limited as possible; as pack-liorse transportation will both facilitate your movement and curtail expenses, you will adopt that mode — 18 or 20 horses, I presume, will be ample, as you will find at the Bluffs all necessary supplies, and you w ill want to take little else with you from the upper settlements than some 8 or 10 days provisions. Lieut. Brown, Assistant Commissary, is instructed to furnish provisions for the land detachment, both at St. Louis and at the upper settlements. Depending on your promptness and energy for the execution of the objects above stated, I am, &c. &c. &c. H. ATKINSON, Brig. Gen. U. S. Armtj com. W. JJepartmenU Capt. FowxE, 5th RegH Infantry, Missouri. A true copy. ChABIES J. NOURSE, Mjutant General, Acting. Head Quakters, Western Department, Louisville, Kentucky, Aug. I6th, 1823. General : I received last night the report of Col. Leavenworth, announcing his intention to visit the Ricaras Indians, dated June 18th, 1823. This report, which I enclose herewith, contains no material fact differing from those transmitted by General Clark, Major Foster, and Major 0' Fallon, referred to in my letter to you of the 26th of 7$ C 2 ] last month, excepting only that the force intended to be sent by the Colonel, is something less than that reported to have accompanied him. He states that his party will be about 200 strong in rank and file, and adds " if necessary, it is expected that we can raise a con- siderable force among the Sioux." As Col. Leavenworth will probably report by express the result ot his movement, I have reason to expect it in the course of the next two weeks. Vqry respectfully, I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, Major General by Brevet, ComHng. Maj. Gen. Jacob BKowrf, General in Chief, A true Copy: CiT. J. NoussE, Adj. Gen. Acting Fort Atkinson, 'iUh June, 1823. Dear Sir: I have just received a letter from General Ashley, giving information of an attack upon his party by tiie Auricara In- dians, by which it appears that not only the survivors of his party, but many other American citizens are in the most imminent danger, A copy of the General's letter I herewitli enclose, and, also, a copy of an order which I have issued on the subject. I can only add, that we shall leave here for our destination as soon as possible, which I hope will be to-morrow or next day. We shall take two six pounders and small swivels, and, perhaps, a howitzer. My party will be about 200 strong in rank and file. K necesssary, it is expected that we can raise a considerable auxiliary force amongst the Sioux. We shall do all we can to support the honor of your regiment, and hope, with the blessings of Heaven, to meet the approbation of our superi- ors and of our country. We go to cecure llie lives and property of our citizens, and to chastise and correct those who have committed outrages upoii them. It will be our endeavor to do this as peaceably as the nature of the circumstances which may occur will admit. I have the honor to be, with perfect respect. Your obedient servant, H. LEAVENWORTH, e^AiZf,^. Brig. Gen. H. Atkinson, Coni'lng ffesVn Bept. Louisvillef Ky. A true Copy: Ch. J. Nourse, Adj. Gen. Aciing. [2] 79 On Boabd the Keel Boat Yellow Stone, 25 miles below the Jiricara Towns, 4th June, 1823. Dear Sir : On tbe morning of the 2d inst. I was attacked by the Aricara Indians, which terminated with great loss on my part. On my arrival there, the SOth of May, I was met very friendly by some of the chiefs, who expressed a great wish that I would stop and trade with tiiem. Wishing to purchase horses to take a party of men to tlve Yeiiovv Stone ^iver, I agreed to comply with their request, and proposed that the chiefs of the two towns would meet me that after- noon, on the sand beach, when the price of horses should be agreed up- on. After a long consultation among themselves, they made their appearance at tfie place proposed. I made them a small present, and proposed to purchase 40 or 50 horses. They appeared much pleased, and expressed much regret that a difference had taken place between some of their nation and the Americans, alluding to the fray which recently took place with a party of their men and some of the Mis- souri Fur Company, which terminated in the loss of two of the Ari- caras, one of whom was the son of the principal chief of one of the two towns. They, liowever, said, that all the angry feelings occasioned by that affray had vanished, and that the)' considered the Americans as friends, and would treat them as suchj that the number of horses I wanted would be furnished me for the price offered. The next morning we commenced trading, which continued until, the evening of the 1st inst., when preparations were made for my departure early the next morning. My party consisted of ninety men, forty of whom were selected to take charge of the horses, and cross the country, by land, to the Yellow Stone. They were encamp- ed on the bank, within forty yards of the boats. About half past 3 o'clock in the morning, 1 was informed that one of my men had been killed, and, in all probability, the boat would be immediately attacked. The men were all under arms, and so con- tinued until sunrise, when the Indians commenced a heavy and well directed fire, from a line extending along the picketing of their towns, and some broken ground adjoining, about 600 yards in lengtii. Their shot were principally directed at the men on the beach, who were making use of the liorses as a breast-work. We returned the fire^ but, from the advantageous situation of the Indians, done but little execution. Finding their fire very destructive, I ordered the steersmen to weigh their anchors, and lay to shore for the purpose of embarking the men; but, notwithstanding I used every measure in my power to have the order executed, I could not effect it. Two skiffs, which would carry 30 men, were taken ashore,' but, in Citnse- qucnce of a predetermination, on the part of the men on board, not to give way to the Indians as long as they could possibly do other- wise, they (with the exception of seven or eight) would not make use of the skiffs when they had an opportunity of doing so. In about fif- teen minutes from the time the firing commenced, the surviving part ,86 [ 2 ] of the men were embarked; nearly all the horses killed or woundedj one of the anchors had bt-en weighed, the cable of the other cut, am! the boats dropping down the stream. The boatmen, with but few exceptions, were so panic struck, that it was impossible to get them to expose tliemselves to the least danger, indeed, for some time, to move from their seats o I ordered the boat landed at the first timber, for the purpose of putting the men and boats in a better situation to pass the villages in safety. When my intentions were made known, to my surprise and mortifica- tion, I was told by the men (with but few excq)tions that, under no circumstances, would they make a second attempt to pass, without a large reinforcement. Finding that no arguments that I could use would cause them to change their resolution, I commenced making arrangements for the security of my property. The men pro- posed, that, if 1 would descend the river to this place, fortify the boats, or make any other defence for their security, that they would remain with me until I could receive aid from Major Henry, or from some other quarter- I was compelled to agree to the proposition. On my arrival, I found them as much determined to go lower. A resolution had been formed by the most of them to desert. I called for volun- teers, to remain with me under any circumstances, until I should re- ceive the expected aid. Thirty only volunteered ; among them were but few boatmen; consequently, I am compelled to send one boat back. After taking a part of lier cargo on board of this boat, the ba- lance will be stored at the first fort below. My loss in killed and wounded is as follows : KILLED. WOUNDED. Jno. Matthews Reece Gibson, (since dead.) Jno. Collins Joseph Mouse . „, f killed at night Jolin Lawson Aaron Steevens, | .^^ ^j^^ ^^^.^^^ Abraham Ricketts James McDaniel Robert Tucker "Westley Piper Josopii Thompson George Flage Jacob Miller Benj'n F. Sweed Daniel McClain James Penn, jr. Hugh Glass Jno. Miller August Uufier John S. Gardner "Willis, Cblack man.) Ellis Ogle David Howard. I do not conceive but two of the wounded in danger. How many of the Indians were killed, I am at a loss t > say; 1 tlsink not more than seven or eight ; four or five were seen to fall on the btach. I thought proper to communicate this affair as early as an opportunity offered, believing that you would feel disposed to make those people account to government for the outrage committed. Should that be the case, and a force sent for that jjurpose in a short time, you will oblige me much if you will send me an express, at my own exi)ense, if one can [2] 8i b€ pi'ocurecl, that 1 may meet and co operate with you. From tlie si- tuation of the Indian towns, it will be difficult for a small force to oust them without a six pounder. The towns are newly picketed in, ■with timber from six to eii^lit inches thick, twelve to fifteen feet high, tlirt in the inside thrown up about eis^hteen inches. They front the river,*and, immediately in front of them, is a large sand-bai-, forming nearly two-thirds of a circle, at the head of which (where the river is very narrow) they have a hieast-work, made of ilvy wood. The ground on the opposite side of the river is high and commanding. They have about six hundred wari-iors, 1 sup|)Osc, three-fourths of them arnjed "with London fuzils, others with bows and arrows, war axes, &c. &c. I expect to hear from Major Henry (to whom I sent an express) in twelve or fifteen days. During that time, I shall remain between this place and the Aricara towns, not remaining any lengtii of time in one place, as my force is small, not tnore than twenty-three eftective. Your friend and obedient servant, W. H. ASHLEY. Onboard the boat that descends are five wounded men. Any as- sistance that you can afford them, 1 will feel under obligations to vou for. A true copy : H. LEAVENVVORTir, Colonel Commanding 6tli regiment. Directed to Major B. O'Fallon, Lidian Agent, or to the command- Ingofficer at Fort Atkinson. A true copy : ChS. J. NoURSE, Adjutant General, Acting. Head Quarters, 6th Infantry, Fort Atkinson, ISth Jwieg 1823. ORDERS. The Colonel comm-anding has to announce to his command, that the Aricara Indians have attacked a party of Americans, under the <;ommand of Gen. Wni. H. Ashley, Lt. Governor of the state of Mis- souri, who had a regular licence from the Government of the United States, agreeably to the laws of Congress for regulating trade and intercourse with the Indians. Fourteen of Gen. Ashley's party have been killed, and nine wounded. The lives of more than one hundred American citizens, now in the Indian country, are in the most immi- nent danger. Gen. Ashley, and about thirty men of his party, still bravely remain in the face of their savage enemy, and the General asks for assistance. Tlie Colonel coiumanding deems it his duty to 16 82 [2] afford jissistftnce to the survivors, and to chastise those Iiulians for the outrage which they ha\c committed. And on this subject, there i.s the most ]«er('ect coiiicideiice of opinion between the Colonel command- ing^ and Maj. Benjamin O'FaHon, the United States' x^gent for In- dian affairs on the Missouri. The Cohmel commanding is sure of tiiezeahjus co-ojjeration and elRcient support of Maj. D'Fallou,* and the otlicers generally of the regiment which he has the honor to com- mand. Companies A, B, D, E, F, andG , will be prepared, as soon as pos- sible, to march at a moment's warning. After the departure of the Colonel commanding, the command of the residue of the regiment oi the jtust, wi! devolve upon Major Foster. It is hoped and ex- pected, that the most zealous exertions will be made b;- every indi- ridual of t!ie regiment, left here, to save the crops, and preserve the public projierty. In Major Foster's zeal and efficiency, and tiiose generally who will remain, the Colonel commanding has the fullest confidence. He is aware, that their duties will be arduous, periiaps more so tlnm those who will ascend the river. If any glo- ly should be acquired, the regiment generally will share it; if those who ascend the liver are unfortunate, they must bear it alone. The acting post Quartermastei- v\ill immediately engage the keel boat called the Yellow Sto)ie Packet, and her patroon, and as many of tlie efficient men with her as practicable. In case he succeeds in engaging ti»e boat, her cargo will be immediately stored. One of the public boats will be sekrted and immediately put in good order to as- cend the river A future order will be given on the subject of ammii- ?iition and subsistence. H. LEAVENWORTH, Cdlojiel Commanding^ A true copy. Chs. J. NouF.sE, »Sdj. Gen. Acting. Head QuAr.TERS, "Western Department, JSTtar Louisville, Ken. Mg. 24, 1823. Ctenehal : I have the pleasure to transmit, herewith, a copy of a letiei' from General Atkinson, with an extract from Gen. Ashley, af- f( )rdi»ig more satisfactory information as to the probable strength of the auxiliary force ex})ected to join Col. Leavenworth, and of the prusjjects of success against the Ricaras, than I have heretofore had it in my power to obtain. Judging from my recollections of the reported distances of the sev- eral places mentioned by ■ ;eneral Ashley, 1 infer, that, at the date of his letter, (l 9th July, 1823,) the force under Colonel Leavenworth was then within two hundred miles of the Ricaras. Allowing him, there- fore, twelve days for the accomplishment of his movement, there i.« [2] 83 reason to believe, that he must have given them a trial of his strength about the first ot the present moiith. Sliould his white and red auxil- iaries have proven to be firm and faithl'ul, there is much reason to ho[!e tor the most favorable result. With great resj)e:t, 1 have the honor to be, &c. E. P. GAINES, Muj. Gen. hy brevet. Commaniiing. Maj. Gen. Jacob Browjv, Oeneral in Chief, IVashington City. A true coj)y. Cu. J. JSouRSE, Mj. Gen. Mting. Head Quarters, Right Wing, Western Department, St. Louis f Jiugiist 15, 1823, Sir: I have received some unofficial information from the expedi- tion under Colonel Leavenworth, as late as tlie 19th ultimo, by a letter addressed to Colonel O'Fallon from General Ashley, an ex- tract of which is enclosed herewith. A Mr. Smith, who came down with the proceeds of the trappers and hunters of General Ashley, from the mouth of the Yellow Stone, gives, also, some verbal news, to the following eftect, viz: He left the Yellow Stone with Mr. Henry, with all the party under him, except twenty men left in the fort at the moutli of the Yellow Stone — pro- ceeded to join General Ashity at the mouth of the Shyau river. On passing the Ricara village, the Ricaras came down on the beach, and invited them, in a friendly manner, by signs with buflTalo robes, to land. Major Heniy, knowing the deception they were attempting to practice upon him, for the purpose of getting him into their power, proceeded down the river without holding any inter( ourse wit'i them. Mr. Smith informs me that Colonel Leavenworth was progressing on very well, and expected to accomplish the object of his movement. I, however, think the Ricaras will, on hearing of his approach, move off to the Mandaiis, or some disiant point. 1 have no idea they will remain in theii* villages for the purpose of defending themselves there^ consequently, it will require another season to bring those Lidians to a proper account for their transgressions. I shall be prepared to push the first regiment on, upon its arrival here. I have, &c. H. ATKINSON, Brigadier General United Atate%* Armij. Maj. Gen. Gaines, &c* A true copy. Chaklgs J. ISoursje:) Mjt. GenL Jlct, S4 [2] Extract of a letter from General Jshley to Colonel 0^ Fallon, dated at Fort Brassauxy July 19, 1823. " I remained at, and in the neighborhood of, the mouth of the Shyanne river, until Major Henry joined me. We then concluded that, sliould troopslbc sent up the river this year to fight the Ricaras, that they would not as( end until fall, wlun it would be too late to do any thing in our business this year. Accordingly, we concluded to drop down to the mouth of the Teton river, and, if possible, purchase as many hoiscs as would enable us to fit out the party intended to be sent to tlie Columbia. Understanding that the Sioux Indians were in the neighborhood, I came here a few days since to get horses from them. To my great satisfaction, on my arrival,! was informed of the approach of Colonel Leavenworth with two hundred men. He will pass this place to-day with his command. 1 leave here this evening for n>y camp, which is about one hundred and twenty miles above, and will have things ready to join him with eighty men, by the time he readies that point. Some of the gentlemen of the Missouri Fur Company have joined him with forty men; from four to five hundred Sioux Indians are encamped about tv^euty miles above this, waiting the Colonel's arrival, and intend co-operating w ith him. Our whole force will be about eight hundred men, which will be sufficient to destro;^ the greater part of the Ricaras, in a very short time after reaching their towns, should they not escape before that time. It is said that they have j>ro});)st (I to the Mandans to permit them to move up and li\e with them, which it is supj)0sed the Mandans will consent to, bu(, if so, very contrary to the wishes of the Grosventres. W. H. ASHLEY." A true copy. Charles J. Nourse, Adjutant General, Jlding. Head Quarters, Westeen Department, near Louisville, Kij. September \st, 1823. Sir: Accompanying this you will receive, for the information of the General in Chief, the copy of a letter from Col. Leavenworth to Major O' Fallon, dated at Fort Recovery, 21st of July, 1823. The letter referred to by Col. Leavetnvorth; fi'om Mr. Pilcher, was transmitted to the Department of War by the last mail. It con- tains a detailed account of the attack, by the Black-foot Indians, on tile trading and hunting parties under Messrs. Immel and Jonesj and a report that the Mandans had invited the Ricaras to their na- tion, T30 miles above the Ricaras, and had promised to protect [2] 85 them against lis. Col. Leavenworth's position at the date of his letter is not desci'ihed in any paper in my possession: but I judge it to be within 150 miles of the Ricaras. I am persuaded, therefore, that his report of the result of his movements may reach tliis place by the latter end of next week, as arrangements are made to convey it from Fort Atkinson by express. Until the receipt of that report, no other measures than those which I have heretofore adopted and reported, are deemed necessary for the concentration of supplies, or of force beyond that which is already in motion. Should CoJ. Leavenworth fail to restore peace with the Ricaras; oi- should he meet with any serious clieck from the Ricaras or their allies, the detachment of the 1st and 7th infantry, under Gen. Atkin- son, will inunediately be pushed up the Missouri as far as the season will permit and the service may require, and may ultimately return to and winter at Council Bluffs. And as he will stand in need of se- veral boats to aid him in his operations against the Indians, he will obtain a supply at St. Louis, and go from thence by water with the whole or principal part of his force, taking with him, and affording protection to, the subsistence and other supplies necessary for his com., mand. Should the Black-foot Indians, with the Mandans and the Sioux of the Missouri, or either of the two last mentioned nations, unite with the Ricaras, as it is rumoured they will, I shall in this case order the 4th infantry from Pensacola, and the four companies of the 1st infantry near Baton Rouge (after posting a company of the 7tli from cantonment Jesup at Baton Rouge) in October, or early in [November next, in order to enable them to put themselves in tem- porary huts at Foi't Osage for the winter, or, if necessary, to profit by the ice and snow of February and March, to proceed in sleighs to the Bluffs in time for the whole force leave to that place by the middle of April. On the subject of rations, I have only to remark, that, with an Assistant Commissary possessing the zeal and ability of Capt. Brown, and in a country abounding in provisions, as the state of Missouri is known to be, and of thecheapest and best kind, I tiee! convinced that the requisite supplies will be, as they have been, ob- tained whenever called for. With respect, I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, Major General by Brt. commanding. To the Acting Adjutant General, hFas/dngton City, A true copy. ChARJLES J. NoURSE, Adjutant General, Acting, 86 C 2 3 Fort Recovery, July 21, 1825, Dear Major: Your favor of the 10th instant I have this momc^nt received, and I assure you, with great pleasure. I was higlily gratifi- ed that Majors WooI!ey and Ketchum came on to join us. Mr. Pil- cher 1 have requested to write you fully as to Indian affairs; and he is so much better informed than myself, that I shall leave that subject principally to him. He is, I find, very efficient, and has conducted greatly to my satisfaction. These Yanctons appear to be zealously determined to co-operate with us, but I have some doubts as to the continuance of their ardor. "We ha\e been obliged to make a halt here of three days, to wait for Mr. Pilcher, and to repair damages sustai.ted from wind and water. Afier so many disasters, I am happy to inform you that we are yet ef- ficient, perhaps as much so as when we set out. Our powder was miraculously preserved — several casks, which were under water all night, were entirety unnijured. I have borrowed ten rifles of Mr. Pilcher, and ran have twenty-three more of General Ashley, but eight only are necessary to complete — powder and lead I can obtain in ample quantities. If the Ricaras and Mandans unite, I shall proceed to the Mandans; and, if they keep the Ricaras in the village, shall at- tack them. We shall do our best to obtain a victory. The honor of the American arms must be supported at all events. But I can plain- ly perceive our force is not sufficient to inspire that degree of awe and respect among the Indians which I would wish. We make but a small show, on a large Prairie, by the side of 4 or 500 mounted Indians. If we can obtain a fair fight, our superiority will probably be more apparent. As I ha\e to write on the ground, in a heavy wind, I fear you will not be able to read my letter. You will, however, have the good- ness to excuse inaccuracies, and my want of time and means to send you a fair copy. I am, dear sir, truly, Your friend and servant, H. LEAVENWORTH, Maj. B. 0*Fallon. Col. U. S, drmyc A true copy. Chs. J. NouRSE, Mj Gen. JicUng. Head Quarters, Western Department, Septiinber 9, 1 823. General : I have received, through your aid-de-camp, Lieut. Eo Kirby, your letter of the 25th, in reply to mine of the 10th of last raouth. t23 *7 Not having received an acknowledgment of the receipt of mine of he 26th Jul} , 1 was induced to make inquiry at the post oiKce, wliere I foujid thattlie mail robbed near Lexington, in this state, about the 28th qf July, (an account of which I presume you must have seen in the newspapers) must have contained the letter in question. Apprehend- ing, therefore, that it was purloined by Mr. Hanover, alias Rees, I send herewith a duplicate, omitting the copy of a letter from Major O'Fal- lon, and that from Major Foster, the former having passed through the newspapers, with the substance of the latter. Deeming the subject to be an important one, I fortunately trans- mitted to he Department of War, on the 28th of July, copies of my letter and its enclosures, the receipt of which has been acknowledged, 1 therefore send you tlie enclosed, merely to assure yoti that I had not omitted to give you e?irly information of my measures. Very respectfully, I have the honor to be. Your obedient servant, E. P. GAINES, Major Gen, by brevetf commanding. Major Gen. Brown, Washington. A true copy : ChS. J. NoURSE, Adjutant General^ acting. Head Quarters, Western Department, Louisvillef Ky. July 26^/«, 1823. Generai: The report made to you the 12th instant, by General Atkinson, that Gen. Ashley, with his trading company, had been at- tacked by the Rickaree Indians, ajid defeated, with the loss of four- teen killed and nine wounded, is confirmed by letteis received last night from Major O'Fallon and Major Foster, of which I enclose herewith, copies numbered l and 2, with copies of instructions to Gen. Atkinson and Colonel Chambers, No. 3 and 4. From Major O'Fallon's letter you will perceive that other out- rages, of a similar chai-acter, have been committed by the Blackfoot Indians, who have killed Messrs. Jones and Imnnl. (the latter late of the army of the United States) with five other perffons. It appears that, on the 22d of last month. Col. Leavenworth march- ed vvith 220 men, regular troops, and 80 men of the trading compar nies, to be joined by a large party of Sioux warriors against the Ri- caras, who, being strongly fortified, the colonel took with him some cannon. ^8 [ 2 ] The Rickaras villaj^es are situated about 700 miles above Council Bluffs, and are suppos^id to contain between 600 and 700 warriors. Should ihey be able to turn out 6()0 warriors, well armed and united, as they are reported to be, the movement of Colonel Leavenworth, taking into view tlie great distance, and the several intermediate na- tions near which he must necessarily pass, cannot but he considered as very hazaidous, as any disaster on our part would be witnessed, or very soon heard of, by the numeious adjacent nations of In- dians; and a repulse, attended with the loss of but few lives, would be to us a serious disaster, as it would tend to undo most of what has !>een done by the United States on the minds of the Indians, since the first occupancy of the posts up the Missouri. The unprovoked outrages of the Ricaras call for exemplary pu- nishment; but a premature effort on our part will but widen the breach between us, and enhance the evil we thus attempt to correct. I trust the report of Col. Leavenworth, which is not yet received, will give a more satisfactory view of liis measures and prospects of surress, than I am at present able to afford. I have, however, great confidence in the discretion and conduct of that officer, and I am per- suaded that the circumstances of the case justified the step which he has taken. But, he this as it may, the step is taken, and the foi'ce engaged must be supported. For this purpose, I have ordered Gen. Atkinson to repair to the Missouri, where I have directed six com- panies of the 1st, and four of the 7th infa»itry, to be placed under his orders, which, w ith the disposable pat t • f the Gtli, he will be able, not onl} to support Colonel Leavenwoetli, but to punish the Ricaras, and a'-rest the progress of Indian hostility in that quarter; or, at least, to prevent its extension to the Pawnees, (said to be nearly allied to the Ricaras) and other nations east and south thereof. Two steam boats are employed to transport the six companies of the 1st regimeiit from Baton Rouge to Si. Louis. This will occasion an exj)ensc of about 4,000 dollars. For tlie payment of this sum, and to meet the exj)ense of transportation, &c. of these companies from St. Louis, and the four companies of the 7th from Ai'kansaw to Coun- cil Bluffs, I liave to request that the quartermaster general may be instructed to forward to the assistant quartermaster at St. Louis the sum of 12,000 dollars, whi» h is deemed to be necessary to meet the exi)ense of tianspoitation, &c. which will be incurred in the move- ment to Council Bluffs. Very respectfully, I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, Major Genei'al by brevets commanding.. Major Gen. Jacob Brown, Gcneval in Chiefs JVashington. A true copy, ChS. J. NOURSE, A'djt, Gen. ArAin^, [2] 89 Head Quaiiters, Western Department, Louisville, Kentucky, July 26, 1823. General : You will repair to the Missouri, aud assume the com- mand assigned you by my department order of this date. Tlie immediate object of this command is to support the detachment under Colonel Leavenworth, and to give a timely check to the hostile spirit which has recently manifested itself among the Indians of the Upper Missouri, and at the same time to arrest or punish the Rica- ras or other warriors by whom thirty-three of our citizens have re- cently been killed or wounded. Six companies of the 1st Infantry, under Colonel Chambers, are this day instructed to join you at St. Louis, to act under your or- ders; to which will be added, should it be advisable, four compa- nies of the 7th Infantry. These will be directed to be held in readiness, subject to your orders, to join you at such time and place as you may find it necessary to direct. Should the information which may reach you at or beyond St. Louis, in your judgment, suggest the proptiety of your being sup- ported by an additional force, you will, in this event, make application to the Governor of the State of Missouri for a few companies, or if necessary a battalion, of Volunteer Mounted Riflemen: but it is not expected that this force will be required, without satisfactory evidence should meet you of some new act of hostility on the part of the Indians, below the Ricaras villages. You w ill order from St. Louis to Fort Atkinson a supply of sub- sistence and ordnance stores, which, added to those now at the post, shall be sufficient for the regular troops destined for that post, during the period of nine months from the 15th of October next, at which time the 1st Infantry should reach that post; and, should it become necessary to obtain volunteers, you will, in that event, order up addi- tional supplies, sufficient for such additional force, during the time for which they may be employed, which should be for nine months, un- less sooner discharged; and you will order the purchase of whatever subsistence may be necessary, (to supply any deficiency which may be found in the subsistence department at St. Louis,) to enable you to carry these measures into effect. In the discharge of these duties, you will exercise a sound discretion, governing your movements and measures by the facts and circum- stances which may be disclosed to you as you proceed, and by the instructions heretofore addressed to you, and in obedience to the •' General Regulations of the Army." You will keep me advised of your measures, and of the occurrences 17 90 [ 2 ] that you may deem interesting connected with the command assigned you. With great respect, I have the honor to be, E P. GAINES, Maj, Gtn. by Brevet, Commanding, H. Atkinson, Brig. Gen, U. S. Jlrmy. A true copy. 49 Charles J. Nourse, Mjutant General, Acting. Head Quarters, Western Department, Louisville, {Kentucky,) July 17, 18£S, Sir: Accompanying this, you will receive orders to repair, with six. companies of your regiment, to St. Louis, on board ol the steam boats the Favorite and Magnet, to report to General Atkinson. The recent hostility of the Ricaras, and otiier nations of Indians up the Missouri, has rendered it necessary to assemble a force on that river, to support the sixth infantry: the uisposable part of that regi- ment having marched, a month since, against the Ricaras. Should the spirit of hostility, as there is reason to apprehend, extend itself to some of the neighboring tribes, the i-emaining part of your regiment will, in that case, after receiving recruits for completing the regiment, be ordered to follow you. For the present, however, you will leave Lieut. Col. Taylor in command, who will probably be joined by two companies of the fourth infantry. General Atkinson will enclose to you the agreements made by him with the steam boats for your transportation, to wliirh you will re- quire particular attention on the part of the commanders, as well as on the part of the troops. I regret to find that the principal part of your subsistence has been hauied out to your summer cantonment. You will not, however, de- lay your movement so long as to bring back any part of that supply, as most of it will be wanted out there; and, as subsistence can be ob- tained on the lowest terms at St. Louis, it is not desirable that you should take with you the quantity mentioned in my order of yester- [2] 91 (iiay's date. You need not take with you more than a supply for one month or six weeks. Wishing you health, &c. I have tlie honor to be. Your obedient servant, E. P. GAINES, Major General by brevet, commanding. Col. Chambekj, First United States* Infantry, A true copy. Charles J. Nourse, Adjutant General^ aiding, i Head Quarters, Western DEPARxiwENT, - J^Tear Louisville f {Ktf.) September 13, 182So SiRu You will receive, herewith, for the information of the General in Chief, a copy of a letter from General Atkinson, dated at St. Louis^ the 5th instant, reporting the arrival at that place, of the six compa- nies of the 1st infantry, destined for the Upper Missouri. I regret that it is not in my power to communicate the result of the expedition under Colonel Leavenworth; nothing having been received by me from that officer, since the date of the letter referred to in mine of the 30th of last month. Respectfully, I have the honor to be, &c. E.P.GAINES, Major Gen. by brevet, commanding. To the Adjutant Generax U. S. Army, Washington City. A true copy. Charles J. Nourse, tSldjutant General^ Acting. Head Quarters, Right Wing, West. Dept* St. Louis f 5th Sept. 1823, Sir : 1 have the honor to inform you, that two companies of the 1st n'giment under Major Whartenby, arrived at this place, from Ba- ton Rouge on Friday evening last, and that four companies came up on Tuesday, under Colonel Chambers. 92 [ 2 ] The whole are now encamped a short distance ahove the city, where they will remain for three days more, when they will take up their movement for Council Bluffs. I have not heard of Colonel Leavenworth since I addressed you on the 19th ult. enclosing copies of letters from him and fiom Mr. PiU cher to Major O'Fallon. I calculate, however, on hearing, in less than a week, the result of his enterprise against the Arickara Indians, •which will determine me with regard to pushing Col. Chamhers's de- tachments through by land. In the mean time, 1 have prepared trans- port boats, and shall send off the detachment, with their provision and stores, by water, as 1 shall have it in my power to detach, at any time, a command from the boats, to be pushed on by land, should circum- stances above render it necessary. I have adopted tiiis mode, be- cause, if the troops transport their own supplies, it will save to the United States some §6,000 ; and the fact of their setting out by water will retard their araival at the Bluffs but a little, should the state of affairs in the upper country make it necessary that they should ulti- mately go by land, as all the progress by water w ill so much shorten the distance. The detachment, as you will sep by the enclosed report, is weaker than you anticipated — forty -five are reported sick, but none are seri- ously indisposed, except the Adjutant, All the men will be able to move with the detachment. The detachment is deficient in many articles of clothing, particu- larly shoes, a supply of which, I fear, must be purchased here, as the men cannot ascend the river barefooted. Every tiling justifies a belief that Colonel Chambers's movement will be as prompt and successful as you anticipated. Late advices from the Upper Mississippi represent every thing to be tranquil in that quarter. Some letters and returns from thence, addressed to me, are sent to you, under cover, by Lieut. Russell, who will deliver this communi- cation. I will avail myself of every opportunity to keep you advised of eve- ry circumstance of interest within my command. With very great respect, sir, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, H. ATKINSON, £r. Gen. U. S. Jirmy. Maj. Gen. E. P. Gaines, U, S. .irmy, Louisville. A true copy ; Chs. J. NouRSE, M'f. Gen. Acting. [2] 93 Head Quarters, Western Department, September QQdf 1823. Sir: By yesterday's mail, I forwarded to the Adjutant General's Office, a copy of Colonel Leavenworth's report, of the satisfactory result of his expedition against the Ricaras, intending* to transmit to you, hy the same conveyance, the original articles of a treaty of peace entered into hy Jiim, with that nation; but, I had omitted to allow myself time, prior to the departuie of the mail, to prepare or obtain copies of the papers which appeai-ed to he proper should ac- company the treaty: and 1 have now the honor to enclose them here- with, viz: No. 1. The report of Colonel Leaven w«irth. *No. £. The treaty with the Ricaras. No. 3. The order of Colonel Leavenworth, noticing the conduct of the officers and men of his command on the exj)edition. No= 4. Letter addressed by Colonel Leavenworth to the Ricaras, after they had abandoned their villages. No. 5. Letter from General Atkinson, dated September 13, 1823. I have directed General Atkinson to take measures to ascertain the temper and views of the Sioux, and their motives for abandon- ing our troops at the time when their presence and aid were most wanted,and tokeej) an eye upon Mandans and Ricaras. I have also directed him to make his arrangements with a view to the chastise- ment of the Blackfoot Indians in the course of the ensuing season: A measure which appears to me to be essentially necessary for the protection of our citizens engaged in the Indian trade, as well as our exploring parties in that quarter. Should this measure be ap- proved, I cannot but think it proper, that the 1st regiment of in- fantry should take post at Council Bluffs for .he winter. Abundant supplies of beef and pork may be driven to that place in the month of November next, and there salted and dried, for the expedition; and a sufficient quantity of corn may at the same time be kiln dried or parched, to supply any deficiency in the article, even should the river freeze up befoie the supply now in possession of the troops at Belle Fontaine should reach the Bluffs, which is doubtful. But, of tliis article, the present year's crop of wheat at the Bluffs, is reported to be sufficient for two hundred barrels of flour. Hence, the actual deficit to be supplied by corn, raised at the place, (of which there is a promising crop) will be inconsiderable. The troops being thus enabled to leave the Bluffs at the first approach of good weather, after the breaking up of the ice in the spring, will have full time to effect the objects of the expedition before the return * Since writing this letter, I regret to find, that I have either mislaid, or, in the liurry of preparing for the last mail, enclosed the original, in place of » copy of the Ricaras treaty, to the Adjutant General's Office, E. P. G. 9i ' [ 2 3 of cold weather. They can, moreover, attend better to every prepa- ration for the expedition at the Bluffs, than at Belle Fontaine, where the evils of gro|^-shops, desertions, &c. &c. will lessen the efficiency of the troops, and retard every measure of preparation. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, Maj. Gen. by brevet, Commanding, Honorable John C. Calhoun, Secretary of TVar, A true Copy. Ch. J. NouRSE, Adjt. Gen. Acting, No. 1. Head Quarters, 6th Regiment, Fort Atkinson^ August 30, 182S. Sir: I have the honor to inform you, that the troops who lately visited the Ricara towns, returned to this post on the 27th instant. We arrived before the Ricara towns on the 9th of the present month. The Sioux Indians who were with us, were met by the Ri- caras a short distance from their towns, and a skirmish took place between them. The Ricaras maintained their ground, or rather drove the Sioux back, until the regular troops, and General Ashley's men, arrived, and formed their line. The Ricaras were then imme- diately driven into their town. The Sioux were so much scattered in front of the troops, that the latter were unable to deliver their fire without killing some of the Sioux, and therefore did not fire. Our boats arrived subsequently, during the evening of the 9th, and our artillery was disembarked. On the morning of the 10th, Capt. Riley, with a company of riflemen, and Lieut. Bradley, with a com- pany of infantry, were ordered to take possession of a hill above the upper village. They immediately took a position there, within one hundred steps from the town, and in a position which screened them from the fire of the enemy from the towns. At the same moment, Liwut. Morris, with one six pounder and a five and a half inch brass howitzer, commenced an attack on the lower town. Sergeant Perkins, with one six pounder, was sent to report to Mr. Vanden- burgh, of the Missouri Fur Company. This six pounder was placed above the upper village. A brisk fire was continued upon the towns until three o'clock in the afternoon. The Sioux were, in [2] 95 the mean time, busily engaged in gathering and carrying off the corn ofthe Ricaras. At eight o'clock, Major Ketchum was also ordered to the upper village with his company. Between three and four o'clock, the six pounder, and tlie troops opposed to the upper village, were with- drawn, and our whole force concentrated below the lower village, and the troops ordered to form for the purpose of collecting corn for their own use, as General Ashley's men had then been destitute of provisions for two days. At this time, a party of Sioux and a party of Ricaras, both on hoi'seback, were discovered holding a parley on the hill beyond the ^jpper town. It was also discovered that the Sioux were going off, though they had given no intimation of an intention to do so. The liicaras sent out and begged for peace. They said that the first shot from our cannon had killed the celebrated Chief, called *'Grey Eyes," who caused all the mischief, and that we had killed a great many of their people and of their horses. They were evidently very much terrified, and completely humbled. Being convinced of this, and supposing that the government would be better pleased to have those Indians corrected than exterminated, and, as the Sioux, amounting to about seven or eight hundred warriors, had left us in a very strange and unaccountable manner, it was thought best, under all the cir- cumstances of the case, to listen to the solicitations of the Ricaras for peace, especially as it was understood that our round shot were neady all expended; consequently, a- treaty was made with them, a copy of which is enclosed. In making this treaty, I met with every possible difficulty which it was in the power of the Missouri Fur Company to throw in my way; and, as Mr. Pilcher, their acting partner, had been appointed as special Sub-Agent, to raise the Sioux against the Ricaras, he was able to give me great trouble. In restoring to General Ashley the property taken, it was thought that the Indians did not perform their engagements on that subject as well as they were able to do, and they were threatened with an attack. Their principal Chief, (The Little Soldier,) came to us, and begged permission to witlidraw his family from the village before we attacked, and he gave us the most conclusive evidence of his friendly disposition towards us. It was now late in the afternoon of the 12th. The 10th and 11th having been spent in action and in negotiation and interchanging visits, our men frequenting the towns for thepurposeof trading for Mockasins, &c., and the Indians man- ifesting every symptom of having been thoroughly brought to a sense of their interest and duty, it w as concluded to postpone the attack until morning, and the troops were dismissed from parade. It had been ascertained by me, that the Indians were so much alarmed by our threatening to again attack them, that they would probably run away and leave their villages. This, it was thought, would have an unfortunate effect upon the Indians, and make them more inclined to commit depredations upon the traders; and, as the Little Soldier soon after sent out for General Ashley a few more 96 C 2 3 buffalo robes, with a message that he could not possibly do morCj and begging that we would have pity on them, I sent him word that 1 would wot attack them; that it was not their property that we wanted; to make his people feel safe, and conduct themselves well, and they should not be hurt. Early on the morning of the 13th, we found the Ricaras had left their towns during tlie night. Major Ketchum, with his company, and company E, commanded by Lieut. Bradley and Lieut. Morris, with one six pounder, were ordered to take possession of the towns, and to suffer not the least article to be taken away, or the towns to be injured. A message was sent to call back the Indians, if possible, and lo induce them to take possession of their towns, but they could not be found. It was evi- dent that our artillery had been served with very great effect. The towns had been completely riddled. We found thirty-one new^ graves, and we found that several old ones had been opened, and the surface set thick with prickly pears to conceal the new dirt. We know that ten men, who were killed by the Sioux in the skirmish on the ninth, were buried in five graves; and we know also, that more than one was buried in several of the other graves. From the best evidence which we could collect, it is supposed that more than fifty of their people were killed, and a great uumber wounded. Our messengers retuincd on the evening of the 14th, without having been able to find theRicaias. On the morning of the 15th, we placed the mother of the late chief " Grey Eyes" (an aged and infirm woman, whom they^Kul left in their flight,) in one of the principal lodges of the lower village, gave Iier plenty of provisions and water, and left her in the quiet posses- sion df the towns and the property left by the Indians, except some corn, which had been taken for the subsistence of the men. At about ten o'clock on the morning of the 15th, the troops were embarked to descend the river, and our guard withdrawn, and every soul removed from the villages, except the woman before mentioned. All the boats were got under way nearly at the same time. Before we were out of sight of the towns, we had the mortification to discover them to be on fire. Theie is no doubt but they have been consumed to ashes. Nor is there any doubt but that they were set on fire by one M'Donald, a partner, and one Gordon, a clerk of the Missouri Fur Company. If the nation has been deprived of the advantages which might have resulted from the magnanimity of her troops towards a fallen and an humbled enemy, it is chargeable to that company, or to those individuals, who set those towns on fire. Had not this been done, there is nt) room to doubt but that the Ricara Indians would in future have behaved as well towards our countrymen as any other Indians on the river. It is now my deliberate opinion that those Indians will be excited to further hostilities if in the power of the Missouri Fur Company to effect it. It is understood that the company have with- drawn their trade from above the Sioux country. Not so with Messrs. [2] 97 Ashley and Henry; they have a small number of men and a large amount of property at the mouth of the Yellow Stone river, atid they were deeply interested in the correction and pacification of the Rica- ras. Their zeal and efficiency in aiding to chastise those Indians, was conspicuous and hidily honorable, and could have been excelled by nothing bul the zeal of the Missouri Far Company to prevent a pacification of them after they were chastised and humbled into the dust. We found the Ricara Indians in two villages: the lower one con- taining seventy-one dirt lodges, and the upper village seventy dirt lodges; each village was enclosed with palisades or pickets, and a ditch J and the greater part of the lodges had a ditch around the bot- tom on the inside. These works, however, had heen represented to be much stronger than what we found them to be. During our operations, we sustained no loss in men, and had but two wounded: Hugh Johnson, of Gen. Ashley's command, and Smith, a private of Major Ketchum's company. Our officers and men have i-cturned in fine iiealth and spirits, and it is well: for those left here are nearly all sick. Capt. Fowle arrived here with 85 men (recruits) on the 28th instant. Our spring wheat has done well, aud all our crops are vei'y good. No material losses will be sustained by our absence. In ascending the river, we lost one boat, and seven men drowned, aud had another boat sunk by a storm. We lost one swivel and some ammunition, and some provisions. A particular account of all which shall be soon forwarded, together with a statement of every item of ex- pense. I have been highly gratified with the officers and men of the regi- ment, and also with General Ashley, and his command of eighty men, and intend to do myself the honor to make a more detailed and circumstantial account of all our proceedings, and of what was done by each, and hope that what has been done will meet the approbation of our superior officers, and of the Government. I have the honor to be. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, H. LEAVENWORTH, Colonel, commanding 6th regiment, A true copy. Charles J. Nofrse, Mjuiant General Acting. 18 m [2] No. 3. Head Quarters 6th Infantry, Fort dtkinson^ 29tli AiigusU 1823. ORDERS. The Colonel Commanding is happy to announce to his com- mand, that the objects of the late expedition against the Ricaras In- dians have been effected. The blood of our countrymen has been ho- norably avenged, the Ricaras humbled, and in such a manner as will teach them, and other Indian tribes, to respect the American name and character. In effecting these objects, the duties which have been performed by every part of the regiment, as well those left at this post as those who ascended the river, have been arduous in the extreme; but those duties have been performed with a zeal, cheerfulness, and efficiency, which is highly honorable to them, and which entitles them to the ap- probation of th€ir country. Where all have done well, and all have been zealous to contri- bute their whole and entire power to promote the public service, it is as delicate as it is difficult to mention individual instances; but that the combination of circumstances has enabled some to perform more than others, cannot be doubted. The Colonel commanding has been highly gratified wiih thepromptness and alacrity manifested by Maj. AVoolley and Brevet Major Ketchum in joining the expedition, and equally so with their subsequent conduct. The efficiency of Capt. Armstrong's company, and energies of his men, have been preserved in an eminent degree. The captain has manifested his usual skill in the management of his company, and has given eveiy reason to place the greatest confidence in the physical strength and force of his company: in this respect, he has satisfied his commanding officer. With Captain Riley, the colonel commanding has been highly pleased; he has been skilful, discreet, and successful, in the manage- ment of his men and the boat, and the public property committed to his charge. His efficiency and promptness in the execution of or- ders has been conspicuous and Wghly honorable to him. Doctor Gale has not only performed his duty to the. entire satis- faction of the commandant, but he has done more — he has frequently volunteered his services to perform important duties, and particular- ly in saving the property in the large boat, when she was sunk by a severe storm at night; he effected much, and in a manner highly grati- fying to all who knew the circumstances. Although Lieutenant Wickliffe had the misfortune to lose the boat which was commit- ted to his charge, it has been evident that his zeal for the good of the public service has been equal to that of any other gentleman with the expedition. In every situation in which Lt. Bradley has been placed, he has given entire satisfaction, and would, no doubt, had he been put to a flfjore severe trial. [2] 99 To the gentlemen of the staff, generally, the commandant returns his thanks. Lieutenant Cruger has performed the duties of Quar- termaster and Assistant Commissary in the most correct and accept- able mannerj and, in addition, rendered important service, by volun- teering his services as an extra adjutant to the Missouri Legion dur- ing our operations. Lieut. Nogl, in discharging the duty of Adjutant, has given the most entire satisfaction, and the fullest evidence of his ability to per- form still more important service. It has fallen to the lot of Lieut. Morris to perform the most im- portant duties; and he has done so in a manner which cannot be too highly commended. When our boats were lost, and much of our am- munition either lost, or damaged in a great degree, we found it re- S laced, and well prepared by the activity and attention of Lieut, lorris, and that, too, without delaying the expedition a single hour. The Lieutenant's management and direction of the artillery would have done honor to a master of the trade. The men who were attached to the artillery have deserved notice^ and the approbation of their country. They have that of the colonel commanding, in a high degree, particularly Sergeants Lathrop and Perkins, the former of whom, with one of the six pounders, made very superior shots. The colonel commanding cannot dismiss this subject, without again mentioning his very great satisfaction with the gallant and honorable conduct of General Ashley and his brave and hardy little corps of mountaineers. Although for several days entirely destitute of subsist- ence, they persevered in " noble daring" without a murmer. The colonel commanding only regrets that he can offer them nothing more substantial than his thanks. H. LExVVENWORTH, CoL Commanding, A true copy: ChS. J. NOURSE, Mjutant Generalf Acting. No. 4. Head Quarters, Missouri Legion, Ricaras TownSf Jugiist 14, 182S. Colonel Leavenworth, commanding the 6th regiment, to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Ricaras nation of Indians, Greeting: Ricaras: You see the pipe of peace which you gave to me, in the hands of Mr. Charlonnau, and the flag of the United States. 100 [2] These will convince you that my heart is not bad. Your villages are in my possession; come back and take them in peace, and you will find every thing as you left them. You shall not be hurt if you do not obstruct the road or molest the traders. If yuu do not come back, there are some bad men and bad Indians who will burn your villages. Come back, and come quickly. Be assured that what I say is the truth. H. LEAVENWORTH, Colonel U. S. Jirmy* A true copy: ChS. J. NoURSE, Mjutant General, tiding. No. 5. Head Quarters, Right Wing, West. Dep. St. Louis, Sept. ISth, 1823. General : I have the honor to inform you, that an express reach- ed me this morning, from Col. Leavenworth, who returned to Coun- cil Bluffs on the 27th ultimo, from his expedition against the Ricara Indians. I send to you by express, his report, and the articles of a treaty made with the Ricaras. Those papers contain all the official information that lias come to hand. Althougli the Ricaras have been severely punished, and have sued for peace, I am of opinion, that they are decidedly averse to such a measure, and will, no doubt, on the first occasion, recommence hostili- ties, as their conduct subsequent to the treaty plainly shews. The Sioux appear also to be highly displeased, owing, I understand, to Col. Leavenworth's not prosecuting hostility against the Ricaras till they were all exterminated, which the Sioux expected, (and were, possibly, promised,) with possession of the village, scalps, horses,&c. They, at any rate, deserted Col. Leavenworth at a critical moment, without giving arty reason, and in a bad humor. They may not com- mence a war with us, yet such a course is not altogether improbable. We must, at least, watch them narrowly. I have no idea that hosti- lity will reach our frontier settlements, but I am clearly of opinion that the Missouri will be shut against us, from the Ricaras up, and possibly by the Sioux, if an imposing military force does not visit that country tlie next season. Therefore, I would suggest, that at least another regiment should be sent to join the 6th early in the spring, with recruits to fill both corps, with a view to detaching six [2] 101 or seven liundred men, to ascend as far as the Yellow Stone. They may return the same season, or establish themselves above, as cir- cumstances may dictate. Upon the receipt of the communications from Col. Leavenworth, I have, in conformity with your orders and the instructions of the Se- cretary of War, ordered the detachment of the first regiment to halt at Belle Fontaine, where the barracks will be repaired, and the troops quartered for the winter. Although I think their presence at the Council Bluffs, t'^is fall, would have a good effect, yet I do not deem it indispensable: for they can arrive as early in the spring as supplies can for them, and, until the arrival of which, they could not move up the river. Besides, the 6th regiment is already strengthened by Capt. Fowle's land detachment, and the recruits that ascend the river will also join it — making a force sufficient for the defence of the post at Council Bluffs, and to overawe the neigh- boring tribes. I shall, however, upon any case of emergency, be aule to march with great promptness the detachment of the first to the upper country, where, from the products of our crops, they can be provisioned till spring. 1 shall remain at this place, till the return of the express from Louisvillej say twelve days, when I propose, by your advice, to set out for Council Bluffs. I shall be able, by visiting that post, to ac- quire the best information relative to the feelings and views of the In- dians, and can return to this place in December, to attend to any preparations for operations in the spring, that circumstances may require. I am so deeply impressed with a conviction of an unfriendly and an unsettled state of feeling among the upper tribes, that I can but re- peat my opinion of the necessity of sending an imposing force into that quarter the ensuing spring. With very great respect. Sir, V 1 have the honor to be, Your most obedient servant, H. ATKINSON, Brig, Gen. U. S. Ji. Maj. Gen. E. P. Gaines, Commanding Western Dcpartm^ent, Louisville, Ken, A true copy. Chs. J. NouRSE, Mj, Gen. ^ci'g. 102 [ 2 ] H£AD Quarters, Western Department, Louisville, Ky, September 21, ISQ6. ORDERS. The Commanding General takes great pleasure in announcing to the troops of his department, tl»e handsome and honorable result of the late expedition under Colonel A. Leavenworth, against theRica- ras nation of Indians. These Indians, occupying a strong position on the Missouri River., near 700 miles above the Council BluiTs, with their three principal villages fortified, and defended by upwards of 600 warriors, *' well armed with British fusils," having, in the month of June last, made an unprovoked and wanton attack on the Trading Company, under General Ashley, in which they killed and wound*d 23 American citi- zens, peacably employed in an authorized tradej leaving their sur- viving associates 900 miles distant from the inhabited part of the United States, destitute of every prospect of timely succor, robbed of the proceeds of a year's peril, labor, and enterprise, and exposed to the horrors of famine and additional savage outrage: Under all these untoward circumstances, the distinguished Col, Leavenworth, then in command of Fort Atkinson, on hearing of the disaster of his countrymen, without pausing to count the numbers opposed to him, or to calculate the various obstacles that so wide a range of dreary wilderness presented, immediately embarked for the scene of action, with his disposable force of the 6th Infantry, consist- ing of but 220 officers and men. After a toilsome movement of 45 days, against the rapid current of the Missouri, he arrived on the 9th ultimo before the enemy's villages, each of which he found to be enclosed with palisades and ditches. A few days prior to his arri- val, he was joined by General Ashley, with the remnant of his party, amounting to 80 men, and by Mr. Pilcher, with 40 men, of the trading companies, together with near 600 Sioux, who professed to be friendly. With these volunteers, aided by his little band of regulars. Colonel Leavenworth, soon after his arrival, commenced liis operations against the enemy. In approaching the villages, with the Sioux in advance, they were met by the Ricaras, a short distance below their works, where a skirmish ensued, in which the enemy sustained his position, and forced the Sioux back, until the regular troops, aided by Gen. Ashley's volunteers, arrived, ami formed the line of battle, when the Ricaras were immediately driven into their villages During the evening of the 9tb, the boats arrived, and the artillery was disembarked. On the morning of the 10th, Captain Riley, with a company acting as Riflemen, and Lieutenant Bradley with a company of Infantry, were posted on a hill, within 100 yards of the upper village, where they were enabled to annoy the enemy without being exposed to his fire. At the same moment, Lieut. Morris, with one six pounder and a five and a half inch howitzer, [2] 103 commenced an attack on the lower town. Sorsjeant Perkins, with a six pounder, was ordered to co-operate with Major Vandeburg, of the volunteers. This six pounder was placed above the upper vil- laee. At eight o'clock, Major Ketchum was also ordered to the upper village. These arrangements resulted in the severe chas- tisement of the enemy, who, after having their palisades and houses lit- erally riddled, and suffering a loss, which the Colonel estimates at ''fifty killed and a great number wounded," they, at seven o'clock in the a'fternoon of the 10th, begged for peace, which was granted, on condition that they would restore the whole of the property taken f.om the traders, and, in future, conduct themselves peaceably and correctly. They, however, complied but in part with their proniise to restore the plundered property, and, fearing additional punish- ment, or desirous of obtaining succor from the neighboring tribes above them, they availed themeslves of the darkness of the night of the 1 2th to desert their villages; nor w^ere they again seen during the two following days in which the troops remained on the ground. Of the regular forces under Col. Leavenworth, he reports Sergeant Stackpole, (a brave and experienced soldier of Chippeway, Niagara, and Fort Erie,) with six privates drowned, and one private wound- ed in action; of General Ashley's volunteers, Hugh Johnson was wounded. The friendly Sioux took no part in the action of the 10th; but, to their shame and disgrace, occupied themselves during the time in plundering the enemy's cornfield, and, before the close of the action, a party of them were seen in conference with a party of the enemy. They soon after abandoned our troops without assigning any reason for their conduct. Such auxiliaries arc not to be trusted, without a regular force of superior numbers, sufficient to restrain and coerce them. The commanding general takes this occasion to tender his thanks to Colonel Leavenworth, his officers and men, and to General Ashley and his volunteers, for the promptitude, sound discretion, skill, and gallantry, with which the expedition was conducted and executed. The officers employed on the expedition, and particularly noticed by Col. Leavenworth, were. Major Woolley, Brevet Major Ketchum, Captains Armstrong and liley. Doctor Gale, Lieutenants Wickliffe, Bradley, Cniger, Noel and Morris, with Sergeants Lathrop and Perkins. The general directs, that in all cases when an enlisted soldier hereafter falls in action, is wounded, or dies, in the honorable dis- charge of his duty, his christian name, former place of residence, age, and general'character as a soldier, shall be reported to the general by the captain or commanding officer of the company to which such soldier belongs. Bv order of Major General Gaines. R. LOWNDS, ^id'de-camp. A true copy. Chari-es J. NoiTRSB, Mjt. Gen. dct. 104 [2] Head Quarters, Western Department, October 16, 1823. Sir: In compliance with tlie wishes of General Atkinson and Colonel Leavenworth, I have to request your attention to the com- munication of the latter, enclosed herewith. I am decitledly of the opinion that the conduct of the colonel, with that ot his oflicei's and men, was such as to merit marked applause: and that if the President of the United States should be pleased to confer any token of his approbation on either of the officers en^aared in the late expedition. Colonel Leavenworth himself has a well founded claim to the first notice. ^ It is reported that Mr. Pilcher, agent to one of the Missouri trad- mg: companies, and at the same time sub-agent for Indian affairs, has undertaken to censure Colonel Leavenworth, upon the ground of his having made a treaty with the Ricaras before they had been properly Upon this subject, it may be remarked, that Colonel Leavenworth by virtue of his command, and pursuant to the law of nature and of nations, had a right to dtcide as to the measure of punishment due to the enemy, and to dictate to him terms of capitulation: subject, of course, to the approval or disapproval of the proper authorities above Aim: nor is it to be apprehended that his government or country will be likely to blame him for having abstained from a sanguinary mea- sure. The victory most acceptable t. an enlightened and virtuous nation, is doubtless that which is obtained at the least expense of With great respect, I have the honor to be, E. P. GAINES, Maj. Gen. by Brevet, Commanding. The Hon. John C. CAiHouNy Secretary of War. A true ropy, Charles. J. Nourse, Mjutant General, Acting, Fort Atkinson, Sept. 7, 1823. ihf^^'' ^ ^^^^ 'V^^**® ^ *^"*^ *° recommend to the particular notice of the government. Captain Riley and First Lieutenant W. W. Morris, IgainsUheTricrs'"' '"' '"'"^"^^ '"""^ ^''^ '^'^ -1>«^»^-" [2] 105 Captain Riley has done all that any man could do, and, by his skill and good management, saved much of the public property. He has performed every duty in that prompt and soldier-like manner, which is so well calculated to ensure success and honor to our arms, and which has greatly contributed to our success. His conduct was, also, highly distinguished tor gallantry and cor- rectness, during our late war with Gi-cat Britain, and undoubtedly merited the approbation of his country. It is hoped and believed, that the Government will be happy to take this opportunity to do him justice, in manifesting their approbation of his good conduct, by con- ferring on him the brevet rank of major in their army. The services of Lieut. Morris were highly important, and they were performed in the best possible manner. His activity and clever- ness in preparing our ammunition, greatly contributed to the suc- cess of the expedition. In the management of our artillery, he was extremely fortunate. His shots were made with the gi-eatcst accuracy and eftect. His first shot killed the celebrated and mischievous chief of the Aricara nation, called Grey Eyes; and his second shot cut down the flag of that nation, which they called their Medicine flag, arid in which they had great confidence. This hud the happiest effect. The whole of the Lieutenant's conduct, during the expedition, was marked by the greatest skill, promptness, and efficiency, and I hope, most sincerely, that he may receive evidence of the approbation of liis country, in the brevet rank of captain in the army. Lieutenants Bradley, Cruger, and Noel, have deseived well of their country, and it would afford me great pleasure to have them also receive evidence of the approbation of tlie Government; but it was not their good fortune to have an opportunity to render as important services as either Captain Riley or Lieut. Morris. I have to request that you will be pleased to forward tiiis commu- nication, through the proper channel, to the hoiiorable the Secretary of War. Should my intermediate superiors think proper to express their approbation of the measures herein recommended, it would aflbrdme great pleasure to have them do so. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect. Your obedient servant, H. LEAVENWORTH, Colonel, commanding 6th Regiment. To Brig. Gen. H. Atkinsott, Coin'g right wing Western Department, A true copy. Charles J. Noursk, Mjutant Oenerah Jcting. 19 106 C 2 ] Adjutant General's Office, Washington, July 26, 1823. Sir: I am directed by Major General Brown, to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 12tli and 13th inst. reporting the attack, by the Ricaras Indians, on General Ashley's trading party, &c. I'hese letters have been submitted to the President, and he instructs the General to express his entire approbation of the measures taken, in consequence of these hostilities. This outrage is much to be re- gretted, but an Indian war is not expected to ensue, and the General has no doubt that Colonel Leavenworth's movement will entirely dis- sipate tliis body of misguided savages, and restore tranquillity to that frontier. Should these anticipations be disappointed, and hostilities be persevered in, he relies upon you to take such prompt and energetic measures as the nature of the case may require. I have the honor to be. Sir, with great respect. Your obedient servant, E. KIRBY, Aid-de-Camp, Brigadier General li. Atkinson, Coui'g ff'este7-n Department U.S. Jrmif^ Louisville, Kentucky, A true copy. ChAKLES J. Noi RSE, Jidjutant General, Acting. Adjutant General's Office, Washington, August 25, 1823. Sir: 1 am directed by Major General Brown to acknowledge the recei|»t of your letter of the lUth instant, reporting that you hare dtemed it proper to suspend your movement to Washington. In reply, the General directs me to say, that the measures you have taken in relation to theltidian hostilities within your de])artment, so far as tiiey have come to his knowledge, meet his approbation, and he subuiits it to yourself to fix upon the time when you will avail yourself of his ordeis of the 24th July, to repair to Washington. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect, Y'^our obedient servant, E. KIRBY, Aid-de-camp. Maj. Gen. Gaines. Com'g Western Department U. S. Army, Louisville, Kentucky. \ true copy, Charles J. Nourse, Adjutant General, Acting. [2] 107 pHiiiADELriiiA, 24th September, 1823. Sir : I received, at New York, on my return from a tour to tlie North, your communication of the 24th August,Jtogether with a let- ter to the Adjutant General of the 1st September, and their several enclosures. I approve entirely of the measures which you have adopted in re- lation to the prosecution of hostilities with the Indians. The posi- tion which you occupy gives you a view of tl>e whole ground, and enables you to judge better than any other person of the couise ne- cessary to be pursued. You are, I know, aware how much this spe- cies of warfare is to be deprecated, and will use every ex])edicnt to terminate it with as little delay and expense as possible. With great respect, I am, your obedient servant, J AC. BROWN. Maj. Gen. Gaines, Com. f^Festern. Dcp. A true copy. ChS. J, NoUE'SE, vidj. Gen. Jding. Adjutant General's Ofiice, JVashington, '[Qth Oct., 1823. Sill : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 2 1st ult., and its enclosures, detailing the opeia- tions of Colonel Leavenworth's party against the Riraia Indians. These papers have been submitted to tlie Generalin Chief, who di- rects me to express to you his high satisfaction with the success of the expedition, and his approbation of the conduct of Colonel Lea- venworth and his officers, to w hoin he desires you to convey his thanks for the zeal and activity which they have displayed upon this oc- casion. The destruction of the Ricara villages is very much to be regietted, as tending to counteract the good effect of the expeditrion, and on ma- ny other accounts; but the General is happy to observe, that neitliei* the commanding officer, nor any part of the troops |of the United States, is liable to censure for that occurrence, as it appears to have been the act of the agent of the Missouri Fur Company, who, he is 108 [ 2 ] sorry to perceive, so illy seconded the efforts of Colonel Leaven- wortli to bring the affair to a successful and amicable termination. He is, at the same time, pleased to notice the good understanding and co-operatiou which existed between General Ashley's party and the troops, which contributed to the successful result. It is deemed unadvisable to take any further steps at present to- wards chastising the Black Foot Indians for the outrages which they have committed. The General therefore directs, that, if the six com- panies of the 1st infantry on the Missouri have not yet ascended the river, they be posted at Belle Fontaine till further orders, and that the four companies of that regiment at Baton Rouge remain where they are. Should Colonel Chambers have proceeded to Council Bluffs^ he will remain there through the winter. I have the honor to be, &c. E. KIRBY, Md -de-Camp. JSToic. — Your communication to the War Department, of the 22d ult. has been ret'eiTcd to the Major General, who directs me to say, the views contained in the foregoing letter iiave the sanction of the President. E. KIRBYe Maj. Gen. Gatnes, Com. fFestern Dtp. U. H. A. Louisville, Ky. A true copy. Chs. J. NoTJRSE, Jldj. Gen. Adjutant General's Office, fVashington, A''oveiiiher 8, 1823. Sir: I am directed by the General in Chief to inform you, that your communication to the \Yar Department, of the 16th ultimo, has been submitted to the President, wlio lias decided, that, though he highly appreciates the meritorious conduct of the officers engaged in the ex- pedition against the Ricaree Indians, yet, for various considerations, he deems it inexpedient to confer any brevets for services rendered upon that occasion. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, E. KIRBY, Md-de-Camp. Major Gen. Gaines, Commanding Eastern Department U. S. A. Louisville, Ky. A true copy : Ch. J. NouRSE, Mj. Gen. acting. A* ^ 108 [ 2 ] sorry to perceive, so illy seconded the efforts of Colonel Leaven- vvortli to bring the affair to a successful and amicable termination. He is, at the same time, pleased to notice the good understanding and co-operatiou which existed between General Ashley's party and the troops, which contributed to the successful result. It is deemed unadvisable to take any further steps at present to- wards chastising the Black Foot Indians for the outrages which they have committed. The General therefore directs, that, if the six com- panies of the 1st infantry on the Missouri have not yet ascended the river, they be posted at Belle Fontaine till further orders, and that the four companies of that regiment at Baton Rouge remain where they are. Should Colonel Chambers have proceeded to Council Bluffs^ he will remain there through the winter. I have the honor to be, &c. E. KIRBY, Md -de-Camp. JVotc. — Your communication to the War Department, of the 22d ult. has been referred to the Major General, who directs me to say, the views contained in the foregoing letter have the sanction of the Tresidcnt. E. KIRBYe Maj. Gen. Gaines, Com. JVestern Dtp. U. S. J. Louisville, ICy. A ti'ue co])y. Cus. J. NouRSE, Mj. Gen. Adjutant General's Office, Washington, JVoveviher S, 1823. Sir: I am directed by the General in Chief to inform you, that your communication to the SVar Department, of the l6th ultimo, has been submitted to the President, who has decided, that, though he highly appreciates the meritorious conduct of the officers engaged in the ex- pedition against the Ricaree Indians, yet» for various considerations, he deems it inexpedient to confer any brevets for services rendered upon that occasion. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, E. KIRBY, Aid-de-Camp. Majcn* Gen. Gaines, Cinnuianding Eastern Department U. S. Ji. Louisville, Ky. A true copy : Ch. J. NouRSE, Mj. Gen. acting. M. fll»SlitiS?^)tlt of the General Annual Returns of the Militia of the United States, by States and Territories, taken from the latest returns received at this Office. STATES AND TERRrrORIES. INPANTBT,GHENADIER3,I.IGHT INFANTRY, AND RIFLEMEN. II CAVALRY. ABTIIi2.£RT. m g .5 a, Miiine New Hanipslitrc Massncliusetts Vermont Rhode Island - Connecticut New York New Jci'scy Pennsylvania - Delaware Maryhind 20 Dec. 1822 24 Dec. 1822 15 Jan. 1822 21 Nov. 1822 15 Feb. 1823 27 Oct 1821 13 Jan. 1823 1,794 1,408 2,482 1,322 476 1,021 1,684 32,605 23,939 45,933 20,190 7,629 18',545 34,474 34,299 25,347 48,415 31,512 ■ 8,105 19,566 86,148 36,158 Noitli Carolina .Soulli taralina Georgia - - - Alaljania Ijouisianu Mississi])])i "Tennessee Kentucky Ohio - - - Indiana - - - Illinois - - - Missouri Michigan Territory Arkansas do Florida do Disti'ict of Columbia Dec. 1822 2 Jan. 1822 29 Jan. 1820 11 Dec. 1820 19 Aug. 1822 3,305 2,314 1,636 1,691 544 542 77,995 38,489 24,263 26,811 10,126 9,360 25,899 28,512 10,670 1,749 1,766 1,429 365 900 1,731 1,064 1,903 2,003 1,562 •396 1,022 4,292 1,890 1,565 1,435 3,032 818 409 1,905 1,441 1,679 1,542 3,261 902 440 2,083 9,497 1,520 *,976 1,942 st,671 la?,037 ^,568 l'l,308 .451 t 189 r,6i6 950 1,407 ' 877 316 7,990 1,071 1,579 923 332 255 5,262 7-42 226 279 32 1819 1822 1822 1S19 1818 1822 1822 21 July, 1820 18 Dec. 1822 18 Apr. 1823 20 Dec. 1819 13 Sep. 1818 I6N0V. 1822 2,048 3,670 33,295 77,916 13,656 1,915 1,665 1,311 35,343 81,586 14,567 , 2,031 1,773 1,391 803 2,021 Brigade bands 229, included in the aggregate. ("Adjutant General xsstimates for nine brigades notro- 1 turned, included in the aggregate, say 25,000. No return. Information by a letter from the Adj. Gen. No return since 1814. No return since 1811. * Of this number 219 are artillerists. ("Tlie Adj. Gen. reports 16 regiments not heard from, \ and the militia may be estimated at 20,000. No return since 1812. {The Adjutant General reports four brigades not heard from, which will average, probably, about 2,000 each, included in the aggregate. No return. No return. No return since 1812. Adjutant GENESAii's Office, Washington, J^i\imher 28, 1823. CHARLES J. NOl]i|£, Mj. Gen. doting. , JVtiiew Major Gen. Gaines, Cinnmunding Eastern Department U. S. Jl. Louisville^ Ky, A true copy : Ch. J. NouRSE, Mj. Gen. acting. [33 109 M. Return of the Militia of the United States. Adjutant Geneeai's Office, WashingtoUf JVovember 28, 182S. Sir : Agreeably to your directions, I have the honor of handing you, herewith, an abstract of the General Returns of the Militia of the United States, by States and Territories, taken fi'om the latest re- turns on file in this office. I would take the liberty, at the same time, of remarking the great neglect by the Adjutants General of many of the States and Territo- ries, of the act of Congress of 2d March, 1803, as well as of the seve- ral communications addressed to them from this office, by your autho- rity ; no returns having been received from several of the States since the year 1814. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, CH. J. NOURSE, Mj. Gen, Acting. To the Honorable Secretary of Wau. 18th CONCxRESS, r 68 ] 2(1 Session. ILI^S^IIIB GOVERIS OR OF THE STATE OF MARYJ.ANI>, THASSMltTISTG A COPI OF AN ACT OF Zf^t ISLtQi&Utnxt of u^W &mtp ^-5P **An act to confirm an act of the General Assembly of Virginia," entitled ^ An act incorporating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company." FEBRUARY 2, 1825. Jt«ferred to the Committee on Boads and Canals. washingt<)n: mSTED BT GAI.ES £i^ SEaTOIT. 1825. C68] In Council, JnnapoliSf February 1, 1825. Sir: In compliance with a resolution of the Legislature of this state, I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a law, passed at the present session of the General Assembly of Maryland, entitled '* An act to confii-m an act of the General Assembly of Virginia, entitled *An act incorporating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company;'* "with a request that it may be submitted to the consideration of the honorable body over which you preside. With great respect, 1 have the honor to be. Your obedient servant, SAMUEL STEVENS. The Hon. the Speaker | oj' the House of Uepresentatives. > An act to conjinn an act of the General Assembly of the State of Vir- ginia, entitled An act incofjwrating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company. Whereas the General Assembly of Virginia have, heretofore, at the December session of the said General Assembly, in tiie year eight- een hundred and twenty-three, passed an act, entitled ** An act, in- corporating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company,'* in tlie substance, or woi-ds following: W^hcreas a navigable canal, from the tide water of the river Poto- mac, in the Distiict of Columbia, to the mouth of Savage creek, on the north branch of said river, and extending thence, across the Alle- gany mountain, to s"me convenient point on the navigable waters of the river Ohio, or some one of its tributary streams, to be fed through its course on the east side of the mountain, by the river Potomac, and the streams whiclj empty therein: and on the western side of the mountain, atid in passing ovei- tiie same, by all such streams of water as may be beneficial ly drawn thereto, by feeders, dams, or any other practicable mode, will be a work of great profit and advantage to the j)eople of this state, and of the nfigiiboring states; and may, ulti- mately, tend to establish a connected navigation between the eastern and western waters, so as to extend and multiply the means and fa- cilities of internal commerce, and peisonal intercourse, between the two great sections of the United States, and to interweave, more closely, all the mutual interests and affections that are calculated to consolidate aiid perpetuate the vital principles of union: 4 [68] Jlnd whereas it is represented to this General Assembly, that the Potomac company aie willing, and desirous, tliat a charter shall he granted to a new company, upon the terms, and conditions hereinaf- ter expressed; and that the charter of the present company shall cease and determine: Sec. 1. Beit therefore enacted hy the General ^issemblij of Virginia, That, so soon as the legislatures of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and the Congress of the United States, shall assent to the provisions of this act, and the Potomac company shall have signified their assent to the same by their corporate act, a copy whereof shall be delivered to the lixecutive of tlie several states aforesaid, and to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States; there shall be appointed by the said Executives and the President of the United States, three commission- ers on the part of each state, and of the Government of the United States, any one of whom shall be competent to act for liis respective government; the said commissioners shall cause books to be opened at such times and places as tliey shall think fit, in their respective states and the District of Columbia, under the management of sucli- persoBs as they shall appoint, for receiving subscriptions to the ca- pital stock of the company hci'cinafter incorporated, which subscrip- tions may be made either in person or by power of attorney, and no- tice shall be given in such manner as may be deemed advisable, by one or more of the said commissioners, of the time and places of opening the books. Spc. 2. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners sliall cause the books to be kept open at leat forty days; and, w ithin twenty days after the expiration thereof, shall call a general meeting of the sub- scribers, at the City of Wasliington, of which meeting notice shall be given, by a majority of the commissioners aforesaid, in at least four of the newspapers printed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, at least twenty days next before the said meeting; and such meeting shall and may he continued from day to day, until the business is finished: andtlie commissioners, at the time and place aforesaid, sliall lay before such of the subscribers as shall meet, according to the said notice, the book containing the state of the said subscriptions; and if one fourth of the capital sum of six millions of dollars should appear not to have been subscribed, then the said commissioners, or a majority of them, at the said meeting, are em- powered to take and receive subscriptions to make up such deficiency, and may continue to take and receive such subscriptions for the term of twelve montlis thereafter, and a just and true list of all the sub- scribers, with the sum subscribed by each, shall be made out and re- turned by the said connnissiojiers. or by a majority of them, under their hands, to the Board of Public Works of this state, to the Governor and Council of the state of Maryland, to the Secretary of the state of Pennsylvania, and to the Secretary of tlie Treasury of the United States, to be carefully preserved; and, in case more than six millions of dollars shall be subscribed, then tlie sum subscribed siiall be reduc- ed to that an\ount, by the said comniissioners, or a majority of them, >v C 65 ] 5 by beginning at, and striking off, a share from the largest subscript tion or subscriptions, and continue to strilve off a share from all sub- scriptions under tlie hirgest and above one share, until the same is reduced to the capital aforesaid, or until a share is taken from all subscriptions above one share; and lots shall be drawn between sub- scribers of equal sums, to determine tlie number of sliarcs v\ hicli each subscriber shall be allowed to hold, on a list to be made for stiiking off as ;vloresaid; and, if the siini subscribed still exceed the capital aforesaid, then to strike off, by the same rule, until the sum subscribed is reduced to the capital aforesaid, or all the subscriptions reduced to one share, respectively; and, if there still be an excess, then lots siiaU be drawn to determine the subscribers ^^ho are to be excluded in order to reduce the subscription to the capital aforesaid, v^ hich striking off shall he certified on the lists aforesaid; and the said capital stock of the company hereby incorporated, shall consist of six millions of dol- lars, divided into sixty tiionsand shares of one hundred dollars each; of which eyevy person subscribing, may take and subscribe loi- one or more whole shares, and such subscriptions may be paid and discharged either in the legal currency of the United* States, or in the certiiicates of stock of the present Potomac Comj)any, at the par or nomiual value thereof, or in the claims of the creditors of the said con)pany, certi- fied by the acting president and directors to have been due, for princi- pal and debt, on the day on which t!ie assent of the said company shall have been signified by their corporate act, as herein befoie jc- quired: Frovidedf'lhai. the said certificates of stock shall not exceed, in the whole amount, the sum of three bundled and eleven thousand one hundred and eleven dollars and eleven cents: nor the said claims the sum of one hundred and seventy five thousand eight hundi'cd dol- lars: Provided, also. That the stock so paid for in certificates of tiifi stock of the ju'esent company, and of tlie debts due from the said cum pany, shall be entitled to dividend only, as hereinafter pro\ ided, and that no payment shall be received in such certificates of stoi.k, until the Potomac Company shall have executed the conveyance prescribed by the thirteenth section of this act; and provided, that, unless one-fousth of the said capital shall be subscribed as aforesaid, all subscriptions, made in consequence of this act, shall be void; iind in case onefoui-th, and less than the whole capital shall be subscribed as aforesai empowered and directed to take and receive the subscriptions which shall fii'st be offered in whole shares as aforesaid, until the deficiency shall be made up, a certificate of which additional subscription shall be made under the hands of said commissioners, or a majority of them, for the time being, and returned as aforesaid. Sec. S. Jnd be it enacted^ That, v\henever one-fouith, or a greater part of the said stock shall have been subscribed, in the man- ner aforesaid, then the subscnbei-s, their heirs and assigns, shall bt^ and are hereby declaied to be, iucor|)orated into a company, by the name of the *' Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company," and may sue and be sued, and as such shall kavc peipctual succession, ajid a 6 [68] common seal, and the estates, rights, and interests, of the said compa> iiy, shall he adjudged and taken in law to he real estate; and it shall tliereupon be the duty of the said commissioners, or a majority of them, to call a general meeting of the said subscribers, at such time and place as they or a majority of them shall appoint, after advertising the same in such ])ublic prints, as they, or a majority of them, may think proper; and such of the said subscribers as shall be present at the said meeting, or a majority of Uunn, are hereby empowered and required to elect a president and six directors for conducting the said undertaking, and managing all the said company's business and concerns, for and during such time, not exceeding three years, as the said subscribers, or a majority' of them, shall think fit; an appoint a treasurer, clerk, and other oificers, toll g;ithererH, managers, and sei'vants, as they shall judge re(juisite; and to agree for and settle their respective wages or allowances, and to settle, pass, and sign their accounts; and also to make and estab- lish rules of proreetling, and to transact all other business and con- cerns of the said company, in and during the intervals between the general meetings of the same; and they shall be allowed, as a com- pensation for their trouble tin-rein, suili sum of money, as shall, by a general meetitig of the stockholders, be determined: Frovided, alwajfs, 'J'hat the treasure)- siial! give bond, iu such penalty, and with such security, as the said president and dir«'ctor'S, or* a majoi-ity of them, sliall dir-ect. for the true and Jaitliful discharge of the trust reposed in him, and tiiat the aliowanceto be made him for- his services shall not exceed three doliar-s in the huudied, for* the disbur-sements by hinii nrade; and that no oihcer- in tiie company shall have any vote itr the «e'tlciiicnt or p-assing of his own account. [ 68 ] 7 Sec. 5. Jnd he it enacted^ That, on all subscriptions which shall not be paid, as hereinbefore provided, in ceitiftcates of the stocli, or debts of the present l^otomac Company, there shall he paid, at the time of subscription, on each share, one dollar; and thereafter, when the company shall be formed, the stock subscribed shall he paid on such instalments, and at such times, as the president and directors shall, from time to time, require, •s the woik advances: Provided-, That not more than one third part shall be demanded within any year from the commencement of the work, nor any pavmcnt demanded within any year, from the commencement of tiic work, nor any pay- meet demanded, until at least sixty days ])ublic notice thereof sliail have been given, in such public newspapers as the said president and directors shall direct such notices to be published in; and whenever any subscriber shall fail to pay any instalment called for by the com- pany, it shall and may be lawful for the company, upon motion, to be made in any couit of record, after ten days notice, to obtain jud.s;- ment against the subscriber so failing to pay; or, the said company, at their option, may, after giving sixty da>s notice in sucli public newspaper, printed within the District of Columbia, as they may judge proper, sell the stock of such subscriber; and if the proceeds of any such sale shall exceed the sum demanded, the surplus, after paying the expenses of such sale, shall be paid to the subscriber so failing, or to his legal representatives; and the puichaser at^ such sale, shall become a stockholder, and be subject to the same iiiles and regulatiims, and entitled to the same privileges, rights, and emolu- ments, as original subscribers under this act. Sec. 6. And to continue the succession of the said president and directors, and to keep up the same number, Be it enacted. That, from time to time, upon the cxpiratioa of the same tci'm for w hirh tiie said president and directors were appointed, the stockholders of the said company, at the next general meeting, shall either continue the said president or directors, orany of them, or choose others in their stead; and, until such choice be made, the president and dircctoi-s for the time being, shall continue in office; and, in case of the death, removal, resignation, or incapacity of the president, or any of the said direct- ors, may and shall, in manner aforesaid, elect any other person or persons to be president and directors, in the room of him or them so dying, removing, or resigning; and may, at any of their general meetings, remove the i)resident or any of the directors, and appoint others for and during the remainder of the term for which such per- son or persons were at first to haAC acted. Sec. 7. ^nrf be it enacted, That every president and director, be- fore he acts as such, shall take an oath or affirmation for the due exe- cution of his office. Sec. 8. And be it enacted. That the presence of stockholders, hav- ing a major part of the stock at least, shall be necessary to constitute a. general meeting of the stockholders, which shall bo held on the first ^londay in June in every year, at suf h convenient town or jdace, as s'tiall be, from time to time, appoinied by the said general meeting; 8 [68] but, if a sufficient number shall not attend on that day, the stockhold- ers who do attend, may adjourn from time to time, until the stock- holders holding tiic major part of the stock do attend, and the business of the company is finished; to which meeting the president and di- rectors shall make report, and render distinct accounts of all their proceedings; and, on finding t!)em fairly and justly stated, the stock- holders tlien present, or a maj(}' ity of them, shall give a certificate thereof, a duplicate of which shall be entered on the company's books; and at such yearly general meetings, after leaving in the hands of the treasurer such sums as the stockholders, or a majority of them, shall judge Jieccssary for repairs and contingent charges, an equal dividend of all the nett profits arising from the tolls hereby granted, shall be ordered and made to and among all the stockliolders of the said com- pany, in proportion~to their several shares, subject to the provisions and enactments hereinafter declared: and, upon any emergency in the in- terual h."tveen the said yearly meetings, the said president, or a majority of the^aid directors, may appoint a general meeting of the stockholders of the company, at any convenient tow n or place, giving at least one mouth's previous notice, in at least four of the newspapers in Penn- sylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, which meeting may be adjourned and continued, as aforesaid. And, in case the stockholders, or a majority (»f them, in any general meeting afore- said, shall deem it expedient to order a semi-annual rather than a yearly dividend as aforesaid, then, in like manner, with like notice, a)id under like restrictions, there shall be a half-yearly or semi-annu- al dividend of nett profits declared and paid. Sec. 9. *ind he it enacted, That, for and in consideration of the ex- penses the said stockholders will be at, not only in cutting the said canal, erecting locks and dams, providing aqueducts, feeders, and other works; and in improving and keeping the same in repair, the said canal, and all other works aforesaid, or required to improve the navigation thereof, at any time hereafter, w ith all their profits, sub- ject to the limitations herein provided, and to none other, shall be, and the same are hereby, vested in the said stockholders, their heirs and assigns, forever, as tenants in common, in proportion to their re- spective shares, and be forever exempt from the payment of any tax, imposition, or assessment, whatsoever; and that it shall and may be lawful for the said president and directors, at all times, forever, here- after, to demand and receive, at such places as shall hereafter be ap- pointed by the president and directors aforesaid, tolls for the passage of vessels, boats, rafts, produce, and all other articles, at such rates as the said president and directors may hereafter allow* and establisbi according to the provisions of this act. Sec. 10, Jnd be it enacted. That, if the commissioners hereby re* quired to be appointed, shall die, resign, or refuse to act, the vacan- cy occasioned thereby shall be tilled by the same authority by which the original appointment was made; and the person or persons ap- pointed to fill such vacancy, shall have all the power and authoritf which was vested in the commissionei' whose place he or they shall [ 68 ] 9 he appointed to supply; and when any part of the canal aforesaid shall have been completed, according to the true intent and meaning of tliis act, the president and directors of the company hereby created, shall have power, and it shall be their duty, to ordain and establish a rate oi tolls to be paid upon boats, vessels, rafts or other property, passing on the part of the canal so completed, and so, from time to time, as pai't or parts shall be completed, and until the eastern section thereof shall be finished up to the mouth of Savage river or creek, and there- atter until the entire canal shall have been finished, according to the true intent and meaning of this act; for the collection of which tolls, the president and directors shall have power to establish so many toll-houses, and at their pleasure to appoint and remtsve so many col- lectors, and at such places as, from time to time, they may judge ex- pedient, and tiie said president and directors shall have full authority, subject to the direction and control of a majority in interest, of tiie stockholders represented in any general meeting, to regulate and fix a tariff of tolls, not exceeding an average of two cents per ton per mile, and so to adjust the said tolls, in relation to the capacity or bur- then of the boats, and the dimensions of tlie rafts passing the locks of the said canal, as to promote economy of water and time in the navi- gation thereof. Sec. 11. And be it enacted. That the president and directors sliall annually, or semi-annually, declare and make such dividend of the nett profits from the tolls to be received, according to the provisions of this act, and from the other resources of the company, as they may deem advisable, after deducting therefrom the necessary current, and. the probable contingent expenses, to be divided among the proprietors of the stock of the said company, in proportion to their respective shares, in manner following, t!iat is to say: if such nett profits shall not exceed ten per cent on the amount of shares which shall have been paid for in current money of the United States, and exi)ended on the eastern section of the said canal, then the whole thereof shall be di- vided among the holders of such shares, in proportion to their respec- tive shares; hut if such nett profits shall exceed t!ie rate of ten per cent, per annum, in any year, on such amount of stock, then the sur- plus shall be divided among such stockholders as shall have paid for their sliares in certificates of the debts of the Potomac coaipany, until they shall therefrom have received a dividend of six per cent, and if a surplus yet remain, the same shall be divic'cd among the stockholders who shall have paid for their shares in certificates of the stock of the Potomac company, until they shall have received tlierefrom a divi- dend of six per cent per annum on such shares; and if a surplus still remain, so long as the western section of the canal shall remain un- finished, such surplus shall be applied, from time to time, to the con- struction and completion thereof, in such mode as the president and directors, under such rules and regulations, not inconsistent wlih the constitution of the United States, or of the several states aforesaid, as the stockholders or a majority thereof, in general meeting, may pre- scribe, until the western section of the cana! sliall be also completed; 2 i4> 168] after which, if such surplus shall still arise, the same shall he divided among al! the stockholders, without discrimination, in proportion to tlieir respective shares, until the annual dividend thereon shall have reached fifteen per cent, beyond which it sliall never extend; but should the nett revenue of the company exceed tlint amount, for any tvvo years in succession, then such excess shall be applied by the president and directors in such mode as shall be agreed on by a ma- jority of t!ic stociiholders convened in general meeting; first, to strengtiiening and improving the works of the canal of every descrip- tion: requiring the same next to the accommodation where not al- ready provided, of the inhabitants of the sliores of tlie river Potomac, and of the country drained by the tributary streams thereof, rtow navigable, or which may hereafter become so, by affording to them, ia tlie best practicable mode, a safe and easy access to the canal, fi-oiu the surface of the main river, and of the said streams emptyi ig there- in; and last of all, to the erection of such walls of stone, or other ma- terials, along the water margin of tlie canal, as shall fit the same for the navigation of steam boats, of a size adapted to the said canal; and should the said tolls continue, after all such improvements have been completed, to nett more than fifteen per cent per annum to tlie stock- holder:;, for any two years in succession, tlie tolls upon the same sliall be reduced by the president and directors, according to some just and efiuitable ratio, till the sa^id dividend sliall I'all to fifteen per cent jier annum: Fronided, That, siiould the said dividend thereafter sink be- low fifteen per cent the said tolls, or a part thereof, may be renewed, till the said nett dividend reaches that amount: and for any, or all of the within mentioned purposes, the said president and directors are empowered to boiTOW, in belialf of the company, on the credit of such excess of tolls, such sum or sums of money, as they may deem expe- dient, at such rate of interest, and with such delay of payment, as they may stipulate, v,ith the previous consent of a majority of tlie stockholders in general meeting convened. Skc. 12. Jiidbc itjiirther enacted, That it shall be the duty of the president and tUrectors of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, so long as there shall be and remain any creditor of the Potomac Company, who shall not have vested !iis demand against tiie same in the stock of the Chesapeake and Oliio Canal Company, to pay «uch creditor or creditors, annually, such dividend or proportion of the nett amount of the revenues of t!ic Potomac Company, on an aver- age of the last five years pi'eceding tiie organization of the said pro- posed company, as the demand of tlie said creditor or creditors at this time, may bear to the whole debt of one hundred and seventy- five thousand eight hundred dollars. Sec. 13. Jl'.id be further c:racted. That, whenever the Potomac Com- pany shall liave declared its assent to the provisions of this act, in the manner iici-ciubcforc provided, it shall be lawful tor the said company to surrender its charter, and convey, in due form of law, to the Chesa- peake and Ohio Ca?ial Company, hereby incorporated, all the proper- tj; rights, and privileges, by them owned, poisessed, and enjoyed. L681 lif under the same; and, tlicreupon, it shall he lawful to, and for, the said company herehy proposed to be ci-cated, to accept such surrender and transfer, and to [lold, possess, use and, occupy, all the said proj)ei"ty, rights, and j)rivilegcs, in the same manner, and to the same effect, as the said Fotomac Company now hold, possess, and occupy the same by law; and, thereupon, the charter of the said Potomac Company shall be, ana the same is hereby, vacated and annulled, and all the rights and po.wers thereby granted to the Potomac Company shall be vested in the company hereby incorporated; and it shall be the duty of the said last mentioned Company, until every section of the contemplated canal shall be completed, so as to be used and enjoyed for the purposes of navigation, to keep the corresponding part of the river in a proper state for navigation, and in good order, as the same now is: and in de- fault thereof, they shall bej, in all things responsible, in the same man- ner as the Potomac Company is now responsible; and in all rivulets, streams, creeks, and rivers, required for the western section of the said Clsesapeake and Oliio Canal- the same rights shall be, and are hereby, vested in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company by this act, as the charter of the Potomac Company, vested in the said com- pany, in I'vlation to the waters of the Potomac, and the tributary streams tiicreof. Sec. 14. Andbe it enacted, That the said canal, and the works to be erected tliereon, in virtue of this act, when completed, shall forever thereafter be estecivKjd and taken to he navigable as a public highway, free for the transportation of all goods, commodities, and produce, ■whatever, on payment of the tolls to be imposed, as provijleil by this act; and no otiier toll or tax wiiatever, for the use of the said canal and the works thereon erected, shall, at any time hereafter be, impos- ed, but by consent of the said states, and of the United States. Sec. 15. And ivhercas. It is necessary, for the making of the said canal, locks, dams, pomls, feeders, and other works, that a provision should be made for condemning a quantity of land for this purpose. Be it enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the said president and directors, or amajiH-ity of them, to agree with the owmers of any land, through which tije said canal is intended to pass, for the purchase, or use and occupation thereof; and, in case of disagreement, or in case the owner thereof shall be a fcmme covert, under age, non compos, or out of the state or county, on application to a Justice of the Peace of the county in winch such land sliall be, the said Justice of the Peace shall issue his warrant, under his hand, to the sheriff of the county, to summon a jury of eighteen inhabitants of his county, not related to the parties, nor in any manner interested, to meet on the land to be valued, at a day to be expressed in the wai-rant, not less than ten, nor more than twenty days, thereafter; and the shei-ifF, upon receiving the said warrant, shall forthwith summon t!ie said jury, and, when met. shall administer an oath or affirmation to every juryman who shall appear, being not less tlian twelve in number, that he will faithfully, justly, and impartially, value the land, and all damages Ihe owner thereof shall sustain, by cutting the canal through such land, or ib^ i% , C 68 ] partial or temporary appropriation, use, or occupation, of such laud, according to the best of his skili and judgment, and that in such va- luation he will not spare any person for favor or aRcction, nor any person grieve for malice, hatred, or ill will; and in every such valua- tion and assessment of damages, the jury shall be, and they are here- by instructed to consider, in determining and fixing the amount thereof, the actual benefit which will accrue, to the owner from conducting the said canal through, or erecting any of the said works upon, his land, and to i-egulate their verdict thereby, except that no assessment shall require any such owner to pay, or contribute any tliiiig to the said company where such benefit shall exceed, in the estimate of the jury, the value and damages ascertained as aforesaid; and the inquisition there- upon taken, shall be signed by the sheriff and some twelve or more of the jury, and returned by the slieriffto the clerk or prothonotary of his county, and unless good cause be shown against the said inquisition, it shall be affirmed by the court, and recorded; but if the said inqui- sition sliould be set aside, or if, from any cause no inquisition shall be returned to such court within a reasonable time, the said court may, at its discretion, as often as may be necessary, direct another inquisition to betaken, in the manner above prescribed, and upon eve- ry such valuation, the jury is hereby directed to describe and ascer- tain the bounds of tlie land by thcnj valued, and the quantity and du- ration of the inteiest and estate in the same required by the said company for its use. and their valuation shall be conclusive on all persons, and shall be paid foi* by the said president and diiectors to the ov\ner of the land, or his legal representatives, and on payment thereof, the said company shall be seized of su(-h land as of an abso- lute estate in perpetuity, or with such less quantity and duration of interest or estate in the same, or subject to such partial or tem- porary appropriation, use, or occupation, as shall be required and de- scribed as aforesaid, as if conveyed by the owner of them; and when- ever, in the construction of the said canal, or any of the works there- of, lorks, dams, ponds, feeders, tunnels, aqueducts. cuUerts, bridges, or v.orics of any other description whatsoever appurtenant thereto, it shall be necessary to use earth, timber, stone, or gravel, or an}-^ other material to be found on any of the lands adjacent, or near thereto; and the said president and directors, or their agent, cannot procure the same for the W(M'ks aforesaid, by private contract of tlie proprie- tor or owner, or in case the owner should be a femme covert, or non compos, or under age, or out of the state or county, the same proceed- ings, in all respects, shall be had as in t!ie case before mentioned, of the assessment and condemnation of tlie lands required for the s.aid canal, or the works a])pui tenant thereto. Sec. 16. And be it enncfed. That it shall be the duty of the com- pany hereby iucorporatrd, to cut, make, and ronstrnct the said raual, w;th (E^ood a;u! sufticient locks, on the most improved p^au for- expedi- tion in the use thereof; and with a width of not less than forty feet at the surface of the water therein, or of twenty-eij^ht at the bottom thereof unless the quality of the soil shall require a nar- row base to admit of a sufticient slope to prescrv e the banks from [ 68 ] 13 sliding down, and sufficient to admit, at all seasons, the navigation of boats athi rafts, with a dcptli of four feet water at the least; and, whenever wastes shall be essential to the security of the said canal, and in no other situation whatever, along the same, the waste water of the said canal may be, from time to time, sold or disj)osed of by the said company, for the purpose of supplying such woiks and ma- chinery, as require a water power. And along one side, at least, of the said canal, and such aqueducts as it may render necessary, there shall be provided, throughout its whole extent, a towing path of sufti- cient breadth to apply the power of horses to the navigation thereof. Sec. 17. »Sndbeit enacted^ That it shall and may be lawful for any of the said stockholders to transfer his or her shares, by deed, exe- cuted before two witnesses, and registered, after the proof of the exe- cution thereof, in the company's books, and not otherwise, except by devise, which devise s!)all also be exhibited to the President and Di- rectors, and registered in the company's books i)efore the devisee or devisees shall be entitled to draw any part of the profits from the saiti tolls or dividends: Provided^ That no transfer shall be made, except for one or more w hole share or siiares, and not for part of such share or shares, and that no share or shares shall, at anytime, be sold, con- veyed, ov held intrust, for the use and benefit, or in the name of ano- ther, whereby the said President and Directors, or the stockholders of the said company, or any of them, shall or may be challenged, or made to answer concerning any such trust; but tliat every ]!erson, ap- pearing as aforesaid, to be a stockholder, shall, as to the others of the said ccsmpany, be, to every intent, taken absolutely as such; but, aM between any trustee and the person for whose bcnciit any trust shall be rieated, the common remedy may be pursued. Sec- 18. Jnd be it enacted, That, if the said capital, and the other aids already granted by this act, shall i)rove insufficient, it shall and may be lawful for the said company, from time to time, to increase the said capital, by the addition of so many whole shares as shall be judged necessary by the said stockholders, or a majority cf thcra present, at any general meeting of the said company; and the said President and Directors, or a majority of them, are hereby empower- ed and required, after giving at least two months previous notice thereof, in at least four of the jsewspapers printed in Virginia, Penn- sylvania, Maryland and the District of Columbia, to open books in the beforenieiitionod states and district, for receiving ami entering such additional subset i[)tions. in which the stockholders of the said company, for the time being, shall, and are hereby declared to have the preference of all otiiet s for the first thii-ty days after the said books shall be opened as afoiesaid- of taking and subscribing for so maiiy whole shares as any of them shall choose; and the said President and directors are hereby lequired to obset ve, in all other respects, the same rules therein, as are. by this act, prescribed for receiving and adjusting the fust subsciiptions, and, in like manner, to return, under the hands of any three or more nf them, an exact list of such addi- tional subscriptions, with the same subscribed, to the public authori- 14 [68] lies as aforesaitl, to be by tiu'm preserved as ai'orcsaul; and all stock- holders of such additioi^al shates shall and are hereby declared to be, from thenceforward, iticorjiorated into tlie said cotnjjany. Sue 19 Jvd belt enacted, '!"hat, whenever it sball become necessa- ry to subject the lands of any individual to the purposes pcovided for in this act, and their consent cannot be obtained, it siiall and may be lawful for the company to enter upon such lands, and proceed to the execution of such works, as may be requisite, and that the pendency of any proceedings in any soil in the nature of a writ of ad riuod dam- num, or any other proceedings, sliall not hinder or delay the ])ro* gress of the work; and it shall be the duty of every court to i^-ive precedence-to controversies which may arise between the company created by this act, a!)d the proprietors of land sought to be condemn- ed for public uses, and to determine them in preference to all other causes. Sec. 20. ,9nd be it enacted, That the said canal shall be, and the same is hereby divided into two sections, to be denominated sirst and second, or eastern and westesn, respectively; that the first or eastern section shall begin at the District of Columbia on tide water, and terminate at or near the bank of Savage river or creek, which empties into the noitit branch of the I'otomac, at the base of the Al- legany mountain; that the secojid or western section shall commence at the said termination, aiid extend along the valley of Savage ri- \eror creek, so far astiic same, or any branch thereof, as may reach some convenient point thereon, for connecting the eastern and wes- tern w^aters. by a tunnel tlirongh, or an open cut across the dividing ridge between t!ie same: and thence, after crossing the said dividing ridge, shall proceed to the highest steam-boat navigation of the Ohio river, or of some one tributary stream thereof, in such direction as, in the opinion of the said President and Directors, shall be best calculated for the attainment of the end set forth in the pi-eamble of this act: that the said President and Directors shall first construct the eastern section aforesaid, out of the capital stock hereinbefore mentioned, and shall next proceed to construct, with all possible dispatch, the western sec- tion thereof In case tlie said company shall not begin the said work within two yeais after the company shall have been formed, or if the w^ork, having been so begun, shall not be diligently prose- cuted, so that one hundred miles of tlie said canal, with the adequate locks and incidental improvements, shall not be completed and in fit order for navigation, in tlie term of five years from the commence- ment of the work, then ail iisterest of the said company in the navi- gation and tolls, shall cease and determine, and their charter shall be thereafter taken to be null anil vf)id: and so, in like manner shall the said charter be null and void, if the entire eastern section be not completed in the term of twelve years from the said commence- ment. Ajid should tiie said company fail to begin t!ie western sec- tion of the said canal in two years after the time allowed as aforesaid for the completion of the eastern section, or Iiaving begun the western section shall fail to complete the same in six years after such Ucgin- [68] 15 King, tljea, all right, title, and interest, of the said company in the said western section, shall cease and diitermiiie, and the several states aforesaid shall have full autiiorily to incorporate anotlier company for the comjjlelion of such section, or to comph-tc the same in any other mode that they may deem expedient. And if. after the comple- tion of the said canal and locks, the President and Directors shall fail to keej) the same in repair for twelve months at any time, tlien, iu like manner, the interest of the company in the navigation and tolls shall cease, and their charter sliall he forfeited. Skc. 21. dnd be it further enadsd Tliat the right to the waters of the river Potomac, for the p'.irpnse of aiiy lateral canal or canals. Which the state of Virginia or Maryland may authorize to be made, in connexion with the said canal, is reserved to the said states re- spectively; that a similar right is reserved to the state of Pennsylva- nia in relation to the rivers and streams within the territory of that state, the waters of whici» may be used in supplying the western section of the said canal; that the Government of the United States shall retain the power to extend tiie said canal in or through the District of Columbia, on eitiier or both sides of the river Potomac; Frovided, that, before this act shall take elfect, the Congress of the United States shall authorize the states of Virginia and Maryland, or either of them, to take and continue a canal from an^ point of the above named canal, or the termination thereof, through the territory of the District of Columbia, or any j)ai't tliereof to the territory of the said states, or eitlier of tiiem, in any direction they may deemi proper, upon the same terms and conditions, and with all the rights and privileges and ])owers of every kind wiiatsoever, that the com- pany incorporated by this act. have to make the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, ^iiid provided also, lljat, in taking or extending such lateral canal or canals through the District of Columbia, by either of the said states, no impediment or injury be done to the navigation of the said Chesapeake and Ohio canal. Sec. 22. And be it further enacted. That this act, or so much thereof as respects the canal and vvoi-ks to bedesigned to be constructed in the District of Columbia and the states of Virginia and Maryland, shall take effect, witii such necessary modificati(Mi in the construction thereof as shall fit it for surh limited application or use, upon the as- sent of the Congress of the United States, and tlie legislature of Maryland being given thei-eto, and upon its receiving the further as- sent of the legislature of Pennsylvania, the whole and every section and part thejeof, shall be valid and in full force atid operation. Siic. 23. Be it further enacted, That the assent of the Congress of the United States, reijuired by the first section of this act, and the authority conferred by the fdurteentli section, is understood and taken to relate only to their authority as the legislature of the Dis- trict of Columbia. Sec. 24. lie it further enacted, That all acts and parts of acts coming within the purview of this act, shall b:?, and tiie same arc here- by repealed. 16 [68] Therefore, he it enacted, by the General .Ussemhly of Maryland, That the said act of tht-. General Assembly of Virginia, be, and the same is herdby accepted, assented to, and confirmed. Jlnilbc it further enacted and declared. That, by confirmina; and ac- cepting the act of Virginia it is not intended by tlie Legislature of Mainland, to deny to the Congress of the United States, the consti- tutional power to legisiate on subjects of Roads and Canals. And for the purpose of removing all doubt as to the right of the state of Maryland, to intersect the said Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, fop the purpose of conducting a lateral canal or canals to Baltimore, or elsewhere in the state of Maryland, from that part of the said Chesa- peake and Ohio Canal, which shall be within the District of Colum- bia— « Be it further enacted and declared. That the said act of Virginia, has been accepted and confirmed by the Legislature of Maryland, on the express condition, that the act of Congress contemplated by the twenty-first section of the Virginia act, shall direct and provide some safe and practicable mode, whereby such lateral Canal or Canals, may be secured to the state of Maryland, and whereby also it may be determined whether such lateral canal or canals will injure the said Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, w ithin the meaning and intention of the said twenty-first section of the Virginia act. "We hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true copy of the original act, as passed both branches of the Legislature at Decera- cember Session, eighteen hundred and twenty-four. WM. K1L1T, Clk Sen. of Md.. JOHN EREWER, Clk. House Del. Jinnapolis, Jan. si, 1825. ISth CONGRESS, f 32 'I 2d Session. ^ Mlliiii(&I^ 5R0M TBE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TRAKSMITTING A REBORT OF THE EXAMINATION WHICH HAS BEEN MADE bt the iiourir lof ^wsfinffirs^i WITB A VIEW TO Mttvnul YitnpvoiitmtnU ^t. February 14, Id^S. Printed by order of the Senate of the United Stat'cs> WASHINGTON : rittNTEt) nr GiLts & skatok. s L 32 ] To the Senate of the United States: I herewith transmit a report fi*om the Secretary of War, w ith a re- port to him by the Chief Engineer, of the examination which has been made by the Board of Engineers for Internal Improvement, in obe- dience to their instructions, of the country between the Potomac and Ohio Rivers; between the latter and Lake Erie: between the Allegheny and Schuylkill Rivers, the Delaware and the Rariton; between Buz- zard's and Barnstable Bays and the Narragansett Roads tnid Bos- ton Harbor, with explanatory observations on each route. From the views which I have taken of these reports, I contemplate results of in- calculable advantage to our Union, because I see in them the most sa- tisfactory proof that certain impediments, which had a tendency to embarrass the intercourse between some of its most important sec- tions, may be removed without serious difficulty; and tiiat facilities may be afforded, in other quarters, which will have tlie happiest ef- feet. Of the right, in Congress, to promote these great results, by the appropriation of the public money, in liarmony with the states to be affected by them, having already communicated my sentiments ful- ly, and on mature consideration, I deem it unnecessary to enlarge at this time, ,T/SMES MONROE. Washington, February 14,, 1825. [32] War Department, February 12, 1825. Sir: I have the honor to present, herewith, a communication from the Chief Engineer, submitting to this department the proceedings of the Board of Engineers for Internal Improvement, under the act of Congress passed the 30th of April, 1824, authorizing the Executive to cause to be procured the necessary surveys, plans, and estimates, upon the subject of roads and canals. The reports are \cry full, and, in detail; the Board have reported favorably as to the practicability of passing the summit level between the waters of the Potomac and the Ohio, by means of a canal, and that it may be effected at a small expense, compared with the advantages expected to result from its execution, in a national and commercial point of view. 1 have the honor to be. Very respectfully, sir. Your obedient servant, .T. C. CALHOUN, To the President of the. United States. [32] Engineer Department, TVashingtony February 12, 1825. Sir: I have thclionor of laying before you the proceedings of the Board of Engineers for Internal Improvement, under your instruc- tions of the 3 1st of May and 29th December, 1824, of which copies numbered 1 and 2 are enclosed, directing an examination to be made of a route for a canal communication between the tide waters of the Chesapeake and the Ohio rivers, and between the Ohio and Lake Erie; also, in relation to other examinations of routes for canals under other instructions. These proceedings are contained in the joint let- ter of the Board to this department, dated 2d of February, 1825, a co- py of which, numbered 3, is enclosed; also, in the report of Gen. Ber- nard and Col. Totten, and in the separate report of Mr. Sullivan, of the former of which marked A, and the latter marked C, copies are transmitted herewith. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, sir. Your obedient servant, ALEX. MACOMB, Maj. Gen. Chief Eng. . Hon. J. C. Cawioun, Secretary of War. 1:32] ■» No. 1. Engineer Department, Washington, May 31, 1824. Gentlemen: 1 am directeil, by the Secretary of War to inform you, that the President has, under the authority of the act of Congress, dated the thirtietli of April, 18€4, appropriating S 30,000 for the pur- pose of procuring the necessary surveys, plans, and estimates, upon the subject of roads and canals, appointed you as a Board of Internal Improvement, to superintend the execution of tiie provisions of the said act. There will be attached to the Board for the present. Ma- jor Abertt of the Topographical Engineers, with five assistant lieu- tenants; Capt. M'Niell, of the same corps, with an equal number; and Mr. Shriver, who is well acquainted with the localities of the country, and who is authorized to employ, under your directions, five citizen surveyors. Captain Poussin, of the Topographical Engineers, and Lieutenants Courtcnay and Button, of the corps of Engineers, Avill be immediately attached to the Board in its operations. The of- ficers detailed for service and the citizens employed, will report to the Board for orders. The rules and regulations established in the prosecution of the survey of the coast, will apply in tlie disbursement of the appropriation, and the compensation to be allowed the officers of the army, who may be detailed for scivice under the act. The Board will observe tlic same rules in reporting, fi-om time to time, the progress made in the execution of the duties assigned to them. The Board will proceed to make an immediate reconnoissancc of the country between the tide ^^ aters of the river Potomac, and the head of steam boat navigation of t1»e Ohio, and between the Ohio and Lake Erie, for the purpose of ascertaining the i)racticahiiity of a com- munication between those ])oints, of designating the most suitable route for the same, and of forming plans and estimates in detail, of the expense of execution. It is very desirable that the report should be received on this im' portant line of communication, in time to be submitted to Congress at their next session. The Board will accordingly use every possible exertion to effect that object. I have, &:c. ALEX. MACOMB, Maj. Gen. Chief Engineer. To General Bernard, Jlssistant Engineer, Lieut. Col. Totten, of the corps of Engineers f John L. Sullivan, Esq. Civil Engineer. 9 C 32 ] No. 2. Engineer Department, Washington, Ike. 29, 1824. Gextiemex: The Boaril of Internal Inipi-ovonient will forthwith prepare a Report of their proceedings, under instructions conmuini- catcd by order of the Secretary of War, by this Department, dated the 3 1st of May last, and subsequently, in relation to Internal Improve- ments. The Board will state their opinion as to the practicability of the several routes for canals which they have examined, should the examinations have been sufticientto justify the Board in forming tlieir opinion; but, w here the Board Iiave not been able to decide definitively on any particular route, they will express their impressions of es to the Lake, on the northerji. 5d. One to unite the Ohio and Schuylkill, through the Valleys of the Alleghany river, Kiskiniintay, great and little Concmaugh riveps, ©n tlie western side, and Juniatta and Susquehannah,;,on the eastern, to a point below Ilarrisburgh, and from thence to Philadelphia, through Lancaster county. 4th. One to unite the Delaware and Raritan, through the Valleys of Crosswick Creek, and across the Assunpich, on the western side, and the Valley of Lawrence's Brook, on the eastern. 5th. One through the isthmus of Cape Cod, from Hyannus harbor to Barnstable harbor. 6th. One to unite Buzzard's Bay and Barnstable Bay, by Monii- Mient river, and Scussett rivtr. 7th. One to unite Narragansett Bay and Boston harbor, from, Taunton river to Weymouth landing. This report will comprise the successive examination of each of these routes: but, in the first place, it will be proper to indicate the series of operations which the Board have adopted to arrive at a de- finitive result, in the formation of the system intrusted to them. Tlie complete ■project of a canal requires great researches, and a careful investigation of its smallest details. The first operation must be to reconnoitre the ground at sight, and thus investigate, in a gen- eral marwier, the main features of its hydrography and topography- this can only give general results, and approximated conjectures^ more or less exact; accurate surveys must afterwards ascertain the positive facts, disengaged from all speculative ideas. Thus, 1. To recnnnoitve the ground. 2. To survey accurately its fopograplsical [32] U features, ami measure its water- courses, to ascertain tiieir sufficiency to fcc(! tlie ivrojcctecl canals; sucli are the. preiiminary operations which must precede the more minute details of the project. The j^eneral facts estahiished by these preparatory operations, ena- ble to indicate aj)proximatively the I'oute which the canal must fol- low. Then, we must trace its directing; line on the ground itself, and, with the level in hand, bend it to every local circumstance. Tlie route of its feeders, the capacity of its reservoirs t!ie location of its locks, and the system to a ble, to favor the passage of the Shenandoah boats into the Canal. From Elk mountain to the Monocacy, the left shore offers the best ground, though it presents two formidable obstacles — South and Co- toctin mountains. The Canal must be led along their fronts, on shelves or embankments, and dams must be erected at the South mountain falls, and Cotoctin mountain falls, or Hook's falls, where the river breaks through the ridges. They will form reservoirs for the lower portions of the Canal. It will cross the Monocacy on an aqueduct. That river must be guaged, and a feeder led from it. Grif- fin's falls offer a favorable position for a reservoir, by throwing a dajn across them. From the Monocacy to the Great falls, the Canal must follow the stony and pcrpendiculai- bank which leaves a narrow stripof flats on the left shore; shelves cut in tlie rock, and embankments will be fre- quently required, especially 'twixt the Seneca and Great falls. The 2i f32] level of this portion of the Canal must be kept as high as possible, in order to run it above, and to the north of the rugged hanks whicli lie between these falls. A dam across the great falls might form a re- servoir for the lower portions of the Canal: a wing dam may also be required at Seneca falls. It is desirable that the works at Great falls should not interfere with the canal which at present turns them on the right shore, as it may be useful fur floating rafts and timber, when the navigation of the Potomac will be improved. The Canal then continues along the left shore, winding round the bank which extends from the Great to the Little falls, and from thence, along the flats of the same shore, to the head of tide water in the Po- tomac. If, however, it be found possible to open a direct comrauiii- cation from Seneca falls to Washington, the obstacles which lie be- tween the Great and Little falls, may perhaps be avoided. To ascer- tain this fact, a level should be run between the Seneca falls and the Rock creek which divides Georgetown from Washington. A ravine^ running to the north of the Great falls, seems favorable to this line. It should he surveyed with care, and a level run on the north ridge of the height which runs from the Great falls to Washington, and on the eastern point of which is built the town of Georgetown. MIDDIE SECTION. This section, from the mouth of Savage river, in the north branch of the Potomac, extends to the mouth of Bear creek, in the Youghio- gheny, on the west side of the Alleganies. It includes the summit level of the canal, and from the complicated topography of the ground, the height which must be overcome in a short space, and the difficulty of securing a sufficient supply of water, in dry seasons, at such an ele- vation, presents the greatest difficulties which occur in the whole project. The little Back Bone Ridge divides the waters, which, in that part of the Alleganies, runs east and west; it runs parallel to the great Back Bone, through which Savage river forces its way, and the canal roust, absolutely, pass through this gap. Between those two ridges run Crabtree creek, from S. W. to N. E. and Savage river from N. W. to S. E,j the former falling into Savage river four and a lialf miles above its mouth in the Potomac. From the west side of the little Back Bone fall Deep creek, and the little Youghiogheny, the latter runs from E. to W. and, after forcijig its way successively through Hoop-Pole ridge, and Roman Nose ridge, joins the great Youghiogheny. Deep creek runs at first to the liorth, crossing Hoop- pole ridge, and Negro mountain; then, intercepted byMarsh mountain, it turns west, and falls into the Youghiogheny. The gap through which it forces its way across the Hoop-Pole ridge, is only sixty six yards wide, and is calle^l the Narrows. The heads of the little and great Youghiogheny, to some miles above the point where they join in a single stream, run through marshy meadows, known by the name of Glades. The valleys of Deep creek. [32] 22 and its tributaries, offer tlie same features as low down as Marsh mountain, from whence their course continues in a deep and narrow ravine, with st^ep, and rugged banks. The bottom of these glades, which has been sounded in several places, present the following lay- ers: 1st. Rich loam. 2nd. Sand, colored by oxydated iron. Sd. Vege- table detritics. 4th. Alluvial clay. 5th. A horizontal bank of sand stone, four or five feet below the surface, on which the other layers all lie. The great Youghioglieny, after receiving the little Youghiogheny, and Deep creek, receives Bear cre<>k. I'he east branch of this last stream rises on the west side of Negro mountain, and runs from south to north till it forces its way through Keyser's ridge; it then turns suddenly east, and, after forcing through Winding ridge, falls into the Youghiogheny. Its west branch springs from the west side of Key- ser's ridge, and joins th-e other at the gap wiiere it forces its way through Winding ridge. Savage river runs on a bed of sand stone, its course is rapid, and broad flats extend along both its banks. Crabtree creek is the chief tributary stieam which joins it; it runs between the great and little Back Bone, and is formed by the junction of Grabby's arm. and Wil- son's fork, which take their sources in that part of the little Back Bone wiiich divides their ravines from the valley of the little Yough- iogheny. Crabby's arm runs in a narrow vale, but which is, howe- ver, wide enough to receive a catial; its bottom is a black alluvial soil, and its banks present a gentle slope. Wilson's fork is more rapid, but runs in a wide and well wooded valley. These two streams join at Swan's mill, from whence they impetu«nisly descend on a bed from ten to twenty yards wide; they are interrupted in two or three places by perpendicular falls, seven or eight feet high, and frequently by smaller ra|)ids, which fall from four to five feet. From the great Back Bone, Crabtree creek receives several tributaries; they are tor- rents which frtil into it with great impetuosity. On both sides of its valleys run flats, eight or ten yards wide, which are intersected by rugged bluffs, from 100 to 200 feet high, which divide them into iso- lated poitions, the bluffs on one side of the stream, lying, in geneial, opposite to the flats on the other, and the two banks presenting an alternate succession of the same features. Such are the main streams which, in this section, descend from the two sides of the Aileganies. To conduct the canal across this summit ground, we must 1st. Se- lect the best passage for it through the little Back Bone, by leading it cither from the valley of Savage river, to tliat of Deep creek, and from that of Crabtree creek to the same, or from the valley of Crab- tree creek, to that of the little Youghiogheny. 2nd. As( ertain which of these passages presents the shortest route from the mouth of Savage river, to that of Bear cre*^k. 3d. Ascertain, as the most essential element of tlie wliole project, whether a supply of water, sufficient for all tlie purposes of the canal, can be procured at this elevation. W^e shall point out the several passages which lead through the 23 L 32 3 Kittle Back Barve, beginning by those whicb lead from the valley of Savage river, to that of Deep creek. But, in the first place, it is ne- cessary to state, that a base-mark has been fixed on the bridi^e of Deer creek, three feet above its bottom: to this have been referred all the levels taken on this section of the canal. Monroe run, a tributary of Savage river, and Meadow mountain run, a tributary of Deep creek, offer the only ravines through which Deep creek, and Savage river, can be connected. For this purpose, it will be necessary to run a tunnel through the little Back Bone.— Supposing its bed on a level with the base-mark, and a deep cut of thirty-five feet at each extremity of it, this tunnel would extend fiv» miles, 83S| yards, in length. The greatest elevation of the ridge, above the bed of the tunnel, would be 213 feet. Fiom its eastern extremity to the mouth of Monroe run, in Savage river, the descent is 983 feet, on a length of five miles 8l6| yards. From the mouth of Monroe run, to that of Crabtree creek, in Savage river, the descent is 109 feet, on a length of two miles, 2l6| yards From the mouth of Crabtree creek, to that of Savage river, itself, in the Potomac, the descent is 340 feet, on a length of five and a half miles The level of the mouth of Savage river lies, of course, 1 ,432 feet below the base- mark, and at a distance of twenty- one miles 327 yards from it, as- cending the ravines of Savage river, and Monroe run, and descend- ing those of Meadow mountain run, and Deep creek. Meadow Mountain Run flows through glades, but Monroe Run falls down a ravine, whose upper portion is very steep and narrow; it widens, however, as it descends, ai.d presents a succession of hlufTs and flats, which extends to twenty-five yards in breadth, the bluflfs hang perpendicularly over the stream. At the mouth of Monroe Run, Savage river is only thirty -three yards wide, and a dam might easily be thrown across to form a reservoir. This passage is the only one which leads from the valley of Savage river to that of Deep Creek. We shall now examine tliose which connect the valley of Crabtree Creek and Deep Creek. The fii'st lies between the middle fork of Crabtree creek and the Mea- dow mountain Run, and would require a tunnel running under the Little Backbone and Hooppole Ridge. Supposing its bed on a level witli the base mark, and an open cut to the depth of thirty-five feet through the height, the tunnel would extend three miles 1,333A yards in length. From its eastern extremity to Crabtree Creek, in following the wind- ings of the middle fork, the descent is 1,012 feet, on a distance of six miles 1,3331 yards, and from tlie mouth of the middle fork to the mouth of Savage River in the Potomac, the descent is 420 feet, on a distance of six miles 685 yards. The height of the ridge above the bed of the tunnel would be 210 feet; and tlie ravine of middle fork differs little from that of Monroe Run; its general breadtli is about twenty-seven yards, and its banks arc rugged. The wliole distance from the base mark to the mouth of Savage River would be, by this passage, nineteen miles 915 yards. [32] 24 Three passages run through the Little Backbone, from three branches of North Glade Run, a tributary stream of Deep Creek, to the valley of Crabtree Creek. The fu'st opens on the western branch of the middle fork, and would require a tunnel through the Hooppole Ridge. Supposing its bed on a level witi) the base mark, and an open cut to the depth of thirty-five feet, through the height, the tunnel would extend three miles 1251 yards in length, and the greatest height of the ridge above its bed would be 144 feet. From the second branch of North Glade Run, a passage might be opened to the eastern branch of tiie middle fork, by a tunnel of the same nature, and on the same level as the former; it would extend three miles eighty-tfiree yards in length, and the greatest height of the ridge aboA^e its bed would be 1 84 feet. But from its eastern ex- tremity there would be a descent of 280 feet, on a distance of one mile 566 yards. Fi'om the third branch, a passage might be opened to Rock Camp Run, by a tunnel four miles in length. The greatest height of the ridge above its bed, woukl be 222 feet; but from its eastern extremity to Crabtree Creek, the descent would be 728 feet, on a distance of two miles 166| yards, and through a very narrow, rugged, and precipi- tieus ravine. The north fork of Deep Creek rises near the summit of the Little Backbone, at Whetsall's Springs, 105 feet above the base mark. The spring of Savage Lick Run, a tributary stream of Crabtree Creek, rises opposite to it. A tunnel which would join them, with its bed on a level with the base mark, and an open cut thi'ough the height at each of its extremities to the deptii of thirty-five feet, would extend two miles 1,083 yards in length. From its eastern extremity to Crabtree Creek, the descent would be 452 feet on a distance of two miles 100 yards, and t!:o greatest height of ttie ridge above its bed would be 148 feet. Three more passages have been surveyed between the tributaries of tiie noitli fork, and those of Crabtree Creek. The first unites Ilinclrs arm to Glade Road Run, by a tunnel one mile 1,166 yards in length, on a level with the base mark. The dis- tance from its eastern exti-emity to Crabtree Creek is 1,500 yards, and the greatest height of the ridge above its bed 205 feet. The two others unite Dry arm and Dewickman's arm, with small ravines of Crabby's arm, a tributary stream of Crabtree Creek, which rise opposite to them. The tunnel which would be required at Dry arm, would extend one mile 9l6 yards in length, and the greatest height of the ridge above its bed would be 271 feet. The tunnel of Dewickman's arm would extend one mile 683| yards in length, and the greatest height of the ridge above its bed would be 227 feet. These two tunnels on a le> el with the base mark, arc the shortest of those that we have enumerated on any of tlie designated routes of the i^^anal. 25 [32] Two passages luive been surveyed and levelled, to open a commu- iiication between Crabti-ce Crcelc and the Little Yotighiogeiiy: the one from Crabby's Ann, and the other from Wilson's Foric to the latter stream. They woidd each rcfjiure a, tunnel, .Snjjposing its- bed on a level with the base mark, the t«5uiel from Grahisy's Arm "woidd extend three miles l,5S8 yards,, and the tifiniel froniAViison^s Fork four miles 300 yards, in length, vvith a)i ope)i cut at each of their extremities^ to the depth or" thirty-five feet. The greatest height of the ridge, above the bed of the tnnnci from Crabby's Arm^ would be 444 feet, and above that of Wilson's Fork £53 feet. The distance from tlieir eastern exti-emities to Swaji's Mill would be tv>, o miles, with a fall of 114 feet.. From Swan's Mill, to the mouth of Crabtree; Creek, the descent would ba 94f) feet, on a distance of seven miles 966 yartls; from the mouth of Crabtrce Creek, to that ny be di- rected through them,, we will observe.- that they all extend; fi'om tin? Tnouth of Savage Rive-', either hy the valley of that stream, or Crab- tree Creek, to the base mark on the bridge of Deep Creek;, and that the descent or fall of the canal, by all these routes, is i:,4S'-2 feet. 1st. The first asceiids by Savage Riv«r, Monroe Run, Meadow- Mountain Run^ and Deep Creek. Its total lengths from the nmutli^ of Savage River to tlie !)ase mark, is t^venty-one miles 325 yards. The length of the tunnel, which it re({nires througk the ridge, is iivc miles 833^ yards, and the height of the ridge above its bed, 21 S. feet. 2d. Tlie second ascends by Savage River, Crabtree Creek, Mid- dle Fork, Meadow Mountain Run, and Deep Creek. Its total lerigtb iS nirsfiteen miles 915 yards. The length of the tiumcl. which iLv^-- 4 [32] 26 quires through the rulgc, is tliree miles 1,333^- yiu-ds, and the height of the ridge, ahove its bed, is 210 feet. 3d. The tiiird ascends by Savage River, Crabtree Creek, Mid- dle Fork, the western branch of the same Fork, North Glade Run, and Deep Creek. Its total length is twenty miles 1.128 yards. The. length of the tunnel which it refjuires through the ridge, three miles 125 yards, and the height of the ridge, above its bed, 144 feet- 4tli, The fourth ascends by Savage River, Crabtree Creek, Mid- dle Fork, the eastern branch of tiie same, North Glade Run, and Beep Creek. Its total length is twenty miles 1,306 yards. The Jengfh of the tunnel which it requires through the ridge, three miles eighty-tliree yards; the height of the ridge, above its bed, 184 feet. 5th. The fiftji ascends by Savage River, Crabtree Creek, Rock Camp Run, North Glade Run, and Deep Creek. Its total length is ninetc^en miles 630 yards. The length of the tunnel which it re- quires through tiie ridge, four miles, and the height of the ridge, above its bed. 222 feet. 6th. The sixth ascends by Savage Ri\ei', Crabtree Creek, Savage- lick Run, Nortli Fork, and Deep Creek. Its total length is twenty- one miles 435 yards. The length of the tunnel MJiich it requires through the ridge, two miles 1,08S yards, and the height of the ridge, abo\e its bed, 148 feet. 7th. The sevcntli ascends by Savage River, Crabtree Creek, Ilinch's Ai-m, Glade Road Run, North Fork, and Deep Creek. Its total length is twenty-one miles 1,158 yards, The length of the tun- nel which it requires through the ridge, one mile 1,166 yards, and tlic height of the ridge, above its bed, 205 feet. 8th. The eighth ascends by Savage River, Crabtree Creek, a ra- vine of Crabby's Arm, Dry Arm, North Fork, and Deep Creek. Its total length is twenty -one miles 1,S6S yards. The length of tiie tunnel which it rerpiircs through tlie ridge, one mile 916 yards, and the Iieight of the ridge, above its bed, 271 feet. 9th. Tlic ninth ascends by Savage River, Crabtree Creek, a ravino of Ci'abby's Arm, Dewickman's Arm, North Foi-k, and Deep Creek. Its total length is twenty -one miles 718 yards. The lengtlt of the tunnel which it requires through the ridge, one mile 683^ yards, and tiie height of the ridge, above its bed, 227 feet. i^'rom the base-mark, the localities of the ground leave us a choice between three routes, to the mouth of Bear Creek. The first runs by Deep Creek, Buftalo marsh run, Rocklick run, a tributary sti-eam to the we.stern branch of Rear Creek, that western branch to its mouth in Bear Creek, and Bear Creek itself to the \ou!u;hiogcny. This route crosses by a tuHtiel, the ridge which di- "vides the heads of the Western and Eastern branches of Bear Creek. Tiiis tunnel, beginning at McHenry's, aad with an open cut of the depth of 35 t\i;et at its southern extremity near McHenry's, and at its northern extremity, would extend about two miles in leugth, and the greatest height of tlie ridge above its bed, supposed on a level with the base-markj would be about 170 feet. The whole ground along -a? [82] ihh route, except wliere it passes through the gap of Windine^ ricr, gave 106 cubic feet in a second; and a great reservoir may be formed in it above the mouth of Savage river. From this point, therefore, it needs no longer the waters of Savage river nor of its tributaries. And if we except the waters required for its lockage, which will be r32] 82 supplied from the summit level, tliis branch of the middle section majr be fed, in a great degree, by the streams wliich fall into it. Jfestern Branch of the Middle Section. This portion of the canal begins in Deep creek, five miles below the Base mark, and ends at the month of Bear creek. The lejiglk is 14 1 miles; and, like the former branch, it will receive from the summit level the waters required for it^> lockage. Hoy's Run, Steep Run, Sang Run, and Gap Rini,may be employed '^o feed it, and repair its losses; hut these strean^s have not been gang* ed. They may, nevertheless, offer sotae resources for reservoirs. iieav creek may also form a great j-eservoir, by damming its valley* and feeding the western section of the canal, but cannot fe^ed the west-. €rn branch of the middle section, from the differcnoe of t!>eir levels. Deep Creek is the only stream of any importance wljose waters may supply the losses of this branch from filtrations and evapora- tion; we should, therefore, C2an»ine accurately the means which it offers for this purpose. Its usual depth under the bri tityofram, LeNvisBrantz,of]VId. [mean, greatest cold, 0-,V/j SS^VV i". Of all sucJi works, the canal of Narbonne has given most trouble to its Engineers, from its excessive filtrations and los,s of water in the gravelly soil through which it is run. It is a branch from the canal of Langiiedoc to the City of Narbonne, three miles in length. As soon as it was opened, in 1788, it lost the v^lue or contents of its prism in a few days, and overflowed the surrounding country; in 1789, it still lost the value of its prism in 6 days; and in 1800. it lostit in 18 days, or the value of its prism, and | every month; (16| times its contents in 10 months navigation.) This evaluation is the result of careful and accurate observations: and, considering the climate and soil through Avhich this canal runs, it may fairly be taken as a specimen of the maximum loss, which a canal can suffer, through filtrations and evapo- rations. The ground through which rujis tlie western branch of our middle section, is of a quality far superior to the country through wl)ich runs the Narbonne Canal. It is, for 6i miles, of an exrollent quality; the remaining 8i miles run througli a rugged aiul rockvsoil, i;ut clav [32] 31 is every wliere at liand, to puddle the bed of tlic canal, if necessary. Supposing therefore, that its losses fi-om titrations and evaporation, equalled in one month tlje cube of its prism, or 519,200 cubic yards, this would certainly be their maximum, whilst the evaluation of 492,034 cubic yards of water, which we have given, as the supply from the reservoir of Deep Creek, in one month, is its minimum. For, it must be remembered, that we valued this supply from the low- est result, obtained at the lowest stage of Deep Creek, when it gave only 5^ cubic feet in a second. . We have allowed no loss for the evaporation for the surface of the reservoir, as it will be compensated by the frequent rains which fall on the summit of the Alleghany. From observations made in July, August, September, and October, 1824, in the Valley of Deep Creek, w^e have ascertained that there fell. From 19th to oOtb July, 4 days of rain, 4.36 inch. 55^ mean temperature. '* 1 to 31 Auj^ust, 8 days of rain, 2.31 " 63° " " 1 to 31 Sept. 12 days of raii», 3.15 " 51° " " 1 tool Oct. 9 days of rain, 3.19 " 44 » Trom 19th July to 31st Oct. 23 days of rain. 13 " 10 During 104 days, of which 33 were rainy, there fell 13.01 inches of rain. The evaporation was 0.10 Indies a day, and during the 104 days, 10.40 inches; of course the rain more than supplied the loss of evaporation. The temperatni-es marked above, are the mean temperatures of the rainy days. The highest temperatures in that Valley, during these months, were at midday, in July, 76° — in August, 74° — in Se])temher, 70° — in October, 72°. Tlie lowest were at 6 in the morning; in July, 53° — in August, 44° — in September, 32*, and in October 25*. From these observations, it is evident, tliat less evaporation is to be apjjrehended in the Valley of Dee]) Creek, than in regions more to the level of the Ocean: besides, by raising the dam which forms its reservoir, we might add to it a «|uantity of water, sufKcicnt to supply all the loss of its evapoi-ation and filtration. We will conclude these remarks on the reservoir of Deep Creek, by observing, that its sur- face lies below the mouths of its tributaries; and that they might, tlierefare, at small expense, be turned into reservoirs, to preserve the waters of the Valley, when (tiie great reservoir of Deep Creek be- ing full,) they w ould otherwise esca^rc over the dam. For tliis pur- pose, the dams of these small streams should have sluice gates, to dis- tibute their supplies, whenever required. Summit Lcrel of the Middle Section. From tliese observations it is evident, that the eastern and western branches of the middle section possess sufficient supplies to repair their lor>ses from nitrations and evaporation. T!ie nr.st is 15 and the second 143 miles in length, and botli 29J miles. If we subtract this length fVom that of tJie whole Deep Creek route, 41 miles 718 yards, 35 [ 32 ] there will remain 11 miles 1158 yaitls, or about 11| miles. If we subtract it from the length of the Youghiogcny route. (50 miles 1172 yards,) there will remain 20 miles 1580 yards, or about 21 miles. These portions, on either of these routes, may be designated as their summit levels. On the Yonghiogeny route, this portion might, per- haps, be dropped below the rescrv<*irs of tlie Youghiogeny; but its length and expanse of water, which is our present object, wouhl re- main the same on either level. We should now examine, fu'rit, what means exist to feed thes^ summit levels; second, what eacii of these requires to s'upply all its wants and losses; third, what are the respect- ive advantages of the one and the othei', and which is the most ad- vantageous with respect to tliat question. The Great and Little Youghiogeny and their upper tributaries, arc the only streams of any importance which can feed either of these summit levels. Their levels, with respect to tiie base mark, and at diiferent j)oints, areas follow: Level of the Great Yougliiogeny, at the mouth of Deep Creek, ft. below the base mark - - - - 250. Do. at the htxid of Swallow Falls, do. - 140.81 Do. one mile above the mojjlh of Indian Run, do. 70.50 Do. two miles do. do. G4. Do. at the mouth of the Little Youghiogeny, do, 53. Do. at the mouth of Snow Creek, two miles above the bridge, do. - - - - - S6 09 Do. at Charles Glade's run, do. - - 28.72 Do. at the month of Cherry tree Creek, do. - 26.18 Level of the Little Youghiogeny, ^where it is crossed by the state road, do. - - - - - 44. These levels being all below the base-maik, proved, that, whichev- er summit level we adopt, we must elevate the waters of the two Youghiogeiues, by throwing great dams across them. The licightof these dams would be lower, and a less quantity of lockage required, if we dropped the summit level of tlje Youghiogeny route; but the length of the tunnel from Crabby's arm, and deep cutting at each of its ex- tremities, would then be ])i'oportionably augmented. For the sake of comparison, we have thei'efore supposed those two routes on a level, a ])assage was sought to open a communication between Dqcp Creek and the great Yougliiogeny, through the opposite valleys gf Indian run and Cranberry run. But, as the sources of these runs rise 226 feet above the base-mai'k, and the Youghiugheny at the Indian run lies 70.50 feet below it, a dam across the Yoghiogheny, and a tunnel through the Roman Nose ridge, would both be indispensably required to accomplish this object. An attempt was also made to lead Muddy Creek, which, from the west, falls in the Youghiogheny, to the summit level of Uicse routes. But to lead it to the summit level of the Deep Crtvek route, it would be necessary to conduct it by alongaqueduct upv\iai'ds of 140 feet high, and to lead it to that of the Youghiogheny, to run a feeder upwards of SO miles, before it reached the mouth of Indian run, and which would absorb, by filfrations and evaporation^ during its course, most [ 32 ] 36 of the water wliicli it would receive. Aqueducts through the ravines which it should wind round, would shorten it: but a great number of tlieui would be required, and their construction would be very costly. To ascertain the relative levels of Pine Swamp, (where rise the springs of Muddy Creek of Yotighiogheny, and Muddy Creek of Cheat river) and Deep Creek, a level was run to the summit of the ridge, which divides the waters of the Youghiogheny and Cheat river; tltis ridge parallel to the Roman Nose ridge, is called Snaggy Moun- tain. From this level, it appeared that the point, from whicii rise the highest springs of the two muddy creeks, is 75 feet aI>ove Pine Swamp, and 226.77 feet above the base-mark. This result, which proved the impossibility of running the canal in this direction from the mouth of Deep Creek, proved also t!iat a reservoir of S or 4 miles area might be formed in the Pine Swamp, and that being raised at least 150 feet above the base-mark, a feeder might be led fioni it, fol- lowing the eastern lidge of Snaggy Mountain, and joiring Snowy Creek, after winding r'>und the heads of tlie tribuiai-ics of the Yoiigh- ioglieny, from Snowy Creek to Muddy Creek. This feeder would he from 8 to 12 miles long, and to form the reser\oir a dam might be thrown through Muddy Creek of the Vonghiogheny, at the gap where it breaks through Snaggy Mountain. This reservoir would afford an im|)ortant supply, if those of the little and great Yonghio- ghenics should piove insulUcient to feed tlie summit leveis. We shall now cnumci'ate and measure the cajiacity of these several reservoiris, and give all the necessary details of them. Reservoir No. 1, miglit be formed in the main branch of the great Youghiogheny, by throwing a dajn across it, above the moutii of Chei'ry-tiee Creek. It should be 40 feet high to raise the water six feet above the summit level, and allow to the feeder a descent of six inches per mile — height of its dam 40 feet, and length of its feeder, to the dam in Deep Creek, 16 miles. Area of the reservoir, exposed to evaporation. 2,804,333 sq. yds. Its prism, or capacity of water, above the base mark, 5,523,370 eub. yds. No. 2 might be formed in Cherry creek by throwing a dam across it, above its mouth; the dam should be 40 feet high, and the length of its feeder 16 miles. For this, and all the following reservoirs, wc shall allow the same data. 6 feet water above the basemark, and 6 inches descent per mile for their feeders. Area, - 1,752,000 sq. yds. Prism, - - - - - - 3,170.148 cub. yds. No. 3 might be found in Youghiogeny, between Cherry and Snowy creek, by thiowing a dam througli it above the mouth of Snowy creek, lleight of the dam 50 feet, length of the feeder 14 miles. Area, - - ... - 1,475,444 sq. yds. Prism, - - _ - - - 2,7 96,518 cyb. yd.s. No. 4> receiving Laurel creek and Snowy Creek, might be formed '37 [32 1 by till owing a dam atross the latter, above its mouth. Height of its dam 50 feet, length of its feeder 14 miles. Area, - 3.444,444 sq. yds. Prism, .-..--- 6,536,666 cub. ydq. No. 5 might be formed iti the great Youghiogeny, between Snowy creek and the little Youghiogeuy, by throwing a dam across it above the mouth of the little Yotjghiogeny. Height of the dam 67 feet, length of the feeder lOi miles. Area, - - -\ - - - 2,833,332 sq. yds. Prism, - - . - - - 5,555,555 cub. yds. No. 6 might be formed in the little Youghiogeny by throwing a dam across its mouth. Height of the dam 67 feet, and length of tlic feeder 1 1 miles. Area, -" 53,375 sq. yds. Prism, - " 106,750 cub. yds. No. 7 might be formed in Bunker's lick, by throwing a dam across it, above its moutli. Height of the dam 75 feet, and length of the feeder 9 miles. Area, - - ~ - - - 1,055,555 sq. yds. Prism, 1,851,851 cub. yds. ' No. 8 might be formed in the great Youghiogeny, between the moirth of the little Yougliiogeny, and the ledge, by throwing a dam across the ledge. Height of this dam 94 1 feet, length of the feeder, 6| miles. Area, - - - - - - 2,770,666 sq. yds. Prism, - - - - - . 5,303,555 cub^ yds. Areas of all the reservoirs, - •• - 16,279, 149 sq. yds. Prisms do. - - - , - 30,844,413 cub. yds. If we dispense with the two last reservoirs, whose dams are the highest and most expensive, tije five remaining reservoirs above the mouth of the little Yougliiogeny will contain — Area exposed to eva- poration. 12,452,928 square yards, or 4^^^ square miles, or 2,572y^o°^ acres. Prism of their waters, 6 feet above the base mark, besides 6 inches allowed per mile of the length of the feeder of each reservoir for its descent. These are all available to supply the summit level 23,689,007 cubic yards. These reservoirs are all independentof one another, and the higher ones may pour the surplus of their waters into the lower ones. Those numbered 3 and 5, in the great Youghiogeny, may be regarded as one, to which all the others can contribute when circumstances re- quire it. The dam No. 3 might even besuppnssed, which would re- duce the number of dams to 5. But the proper h)cation of these dams, as also their number and dimensions, will ieceive further investiga- tion, wJiich belong to the final project; their number will likely be reduced- As to the total quantity of water which these basins might hold, if we suppose their main depth 16 >ards, and a middly horizontal sec- tion run between the surface and bottom, equal in area to one half of [32] 38 the upper surface, or to 6,225,464 square yards, (half of 12,452,928 squai-e yards) it will amount to 99,6^3,424 cubic yards, or, in round terms, 100,000.000 cubic yards. As to tlic time neccssai-y to fill them, from observations taken with care, from 1817 to 1824, (inclusively) by Mi'. Lewis Brantz, in the vicinity of BaltimoFG, Md. we have the followinej results: — In the course of eight years, from 1817 to 1824, there fell, on a mean aver- age, yearly 39-//o inches. In 1822 there fell the smallest quantity, the summer was very dry, vegetation deficient, the crojys of grain were short. The quantity of rain which fell tliat year was 29.20 inches. The greatest quantity which fell was in 1817, it amounted to J 8.55 inches. Applying these data to the country round the summit level, and using only tlie results of the year 1822, the rain which fell in the thi-ee lust and three last months of this year amounted to 16.70 inches, whilst that which fell in the same months of the year 1817 amounted to 18.40 inches. These 16.70 inches are equivalent to 0.465 cubic yds. Thus, during the three first and last months of each year*, there will fall at legist 0.46 cubic yards of lain on each square yard of the heads of the Youghiogeny, and an area of 217,391,304 square yards would be required to collect water for filling the 100,000,000 cubic yards of the reservoii's. I'his area amounts to 70-jYo- square miles; and the area of the valleys of the two Youghiogenies, above their' Junction, and the surface of the reservoirs amounts to much moi-e. Besides, the lieads of Cheat river could, jjerliaps, be brought to feed the i-eservoirs. These reservoirs once lined, the mass of waltrs which lies lower than the head of the feeders, will never alter, and the upj)er part, which ft-eds the summit level; will alone require to be lenewed evei-y year. We have seen tliat it contains 23,689,007 cubic yardso The least quantity of water wliich the gr-eat Youghiogeny gave in 1824, under the br-idge on the roa8feet in a second. The little YoU' ghiogeny gave, on tlie 20th September', 1824, at German br-idge, 4.30 feet. Total given by tiiosc two streams, in a second, at their lowest stage, 26.88 lc*-t. This is the minimum which they can give to suj)ply the reservoirs. In one month it would amount to 2,580,480 cubic yar'«is; and, suppos- ing what is most unlikely, that the two Yougiiiogenies and their tri- butaries should remain in this state, and give no more for six months, from May to October, it would supply the reservoir's with 1 5,482,880 cubic yards; and, as during the six preceding months, they would hav(5 received much more, they would be full at the opening of navigation, and receive ever-y month at least 2,580,480 cubic yards as regular tribute. We d«) not cousidei' in this calculation tJic loss by filtration and cvapoi'ation; for-, liy raisijig tlie dams of the reser-voii-s, a quantity of water would be added to theui. which would overbalance it. ^^ e must now conipase iiiose sujjpiies, tlie nunimiiui ol" what tlie heiuls (»{ the two Youghiogenies can fuiMiish, wilh the m;L\imum of what cither of the t\\ o sumuut le\els will rccuiie. a9 r 32 ] They Avill both require the same expense of water for lockage. We know that two locktiills is the maxinium expense lor raising or lov/- ering a boat, and eight minutes are required for its passage through a lock of thirty yards in length, ov^- yai-ds in breadth, and 2| yards in lift. Sucii a lock will contain 425.64 cubic yards, witliout deduct- ing from it the draught of water of the boat, and its passage (at the niaxiranm") will tluis consume 853.32 cubic yards, or 8o4 cubic yards at most. \Now, if the canal is navigated nine months, or 270 days a. year, at ten hours a day, and that tlie locks of the summit level be kept in constant operation all that time, they might pass, allowing eight minutes for each boat, 20,250 boats, at an expense of water equal to 17,293,500 cubic yards, for the nine months, or 1,921.500 cubic yards a month. This maximum of water for the expense of lockage, is 658,980 cubic yards less tirau the minimum which the rCvServoirs will receive during that tiuie. The expense of water for lockage being 17,295,500 cubic yards, and the reservoirs containing 23,689,007 cubic yards, there will re- main in reserve to supply tlie losses of tiie summit level, from fiiltra- tions and evaporation, 6,395,507 cubic yards. The summit level of Deep Creek, extending llj miles in length, will require 413,600 cubic yards to fill it: and, supposing that it loses by filtrations and evaporation tlie value of its prism every month, or nine times in the year, it will expend 3,722,400 cubic yards. The profile of its feeder having a supposed area of 10 square yards, and a length of lOj miles, it will consume, at the same rate, 1,663,200 cubic yards. Total consumption for nine months, 5,385.600 cubic yards. Retrenching this quantity from the surphis mass of the re- servoirs, there will still remain 1.009.907 cubic yards, which, after supplying all the waste of lockage, and the losses of the summit level from filtrations and evaporation, will serve as an additional supply to repair those of the eastern and western branches of the middle section. The Youghiogeny summit level, extending 21 miles in length, will lose from filtrations and evaporation, on tlic same principle, 739,200 cubic yards a month, (the value of its prism) and 6,652,800 cubic yjii'ds in nine months. It wOuld thus absorb the whole snrplus nmss of the j'eservoirs, after the waste of lockage, and require a much greater expenditure of wat^r than the Deep Creek summit level. Thus the important advantage of a greater sup])ly of water, by a length shorter by nine miles, of a tunnel shorter by two i\nd a half miles, render the Deej) Creek route, sujicrior totiie other; though the final surveys only can settle that point, yet at this stage of our ojse- rations we would recommend that route in prefei-ence. However, the analysis which we have just concluded, is a convincins; proof that a canal by either of these routes over the chain of t\\e Allegiianies, between the mouths of Savage River a)ul Bear Creek, is })orfectly practicable. Tlie total distance from tlie moutli of Savage liiver to that of Bear Creek, viil be forty one miles at Jcast, the i-ise frcni! the mouth of Savage River to the base-mark, 1,432 feet; and the fall [32] 4p fivim the base-mark to the mouth of Bear Creek, 956y*/^ i'eet, tola! of lockage, 2.388//^ feet. I'he preparatory surveys executed on this middle section were per- formed by Captain M'Neill, of the United States' Topographical Engineers, and Mr. Shriver, Assistant Civil Engineer, employed l»y the United States. Tlie talents and activity displayed by these gentlemen and their assistans, enabled the Board to collect the facts on which they rest their opinion of tlic practicability of this inidtlle section, and of tluc best direction tiirough wliicli its route can he directed. Capt. M'Niell was assisted in these labors by Messrs. De Russy, Cook. Trimble, Hazard, Dillahunty, Fessenden and Williams, Lieu- tenants of Artillery, whose scientific education, imbibed in the aca- demy at West roint, was thus made valuable in the most efticient and useful manner, to their country and to themselves. Mr. Shriver was assisted by Messrs. Jonathan Knight, John S. W illiams, Free- man Lewis and Joseph Shriver. The memoirs, surveys, and maps, of these gentleman, accompany this report. Before we conclude the article relating to this middle section, we should give an analysis of two other routes which have been proposed for leading the canal over the Alleghany; tlie one by ascendiiig Will's Creek, (a stream which falls in the Potomac at Cumberland) and descending to tiie Youghiogeny, by the valley of Casselman's River; the otlier by passing frojn the valley of the Potomac to that of Cheat River, and thus descending to the Monongahela. 1st. Two of the head springs of Will's Creek rise very near Fla- herty Creek, which falls in Casselman's River, below^ Salisbury,* the eastern is called I^aurel Run, and the other Shock's Run. The shortest distance between Laurel Run and Flaherty Creek, is one one mile 7 56 yards. It was nieasured fi'om Wilhelm's saw mill, on Laurel Run, to Englc's saw mill on Flaherty Creek. The first is 156 feet lower tF>an the second. A deep cut of 333 yards long, and 35 feet deep, in the highest part of it, on the side of Engle's saw mill, a tunnel of 1.483 yards, and another deep cut, 700 yards long, and of the same depth as the former, on tlie side of Laurel Run, would be required to unite those two streams. The greatest height of the ridge above tlie bed of tlse tunnel, would be 156 feet. This route offers great advantages, if we only consid«>ied the shoi'tncss of the distance and tunnel, but as to the essential condition of a sufficient supply of water, it is absolutely out of the question. Flaherty Ci-eek, at Engle's mill, gives only 0 415 cisbic feet in a second, and Laurel Run, at W^ilhehn's milf" 0.6(0 cub. ft — (at their lowest stage in 1824.) They would only give, togetho!-, 1,015 cub. ft. per second, to feed the whole summit level. The details whteh we have already given in analyzing the Deep Cs'eek route, and summit level, arc suihcient to show the impracticability of receiving a canal by the route of Flaherty's Creek, with so small a supply of water. As to the route between Shock's fork and Flaherty's creek, the sea- son was too advanced to measure accurately its length, or the tunne! 41 [32] and dce^i cuts which it would require. Their profile will he surveyed next season. This route would he longer than tlte other, and its sum- mit, level should he fed hy the waters of Casselman's River ahove Salisbury, led by a feeder to the western extremity of the tunnel. This feeder, following the eastern sideof Cassellman's valley, would receive the waters of its tributaries between Salisbury and Flaherty's Creek. At their lowest stage tlie.se tributaries gave, altogetlier, five feet in a second, and Cassellman's River above Salisbury, 15.33 cubic feet; total 20.33 cubic feet to feed the summit level. This quantity is not considerable when we consider, that, on a length of thirty miles from the summit level to Cumberland, the canal would have to dravv most of its water from Casselman's River: for Will's Creek is a tor- rent, which, in the greatest part of its course, gives but little water in summer. The length of this summit level, and of the route which the canal would thus trace, are less than by Deep Creek. As to their compa- rative heights, no survey was made in tJie season of 1824, to ascertain the difference. We shall now expose the reasons why the western branch of the canal was not led through the valley of the Mononga- hela (before concluding this part of our report.) We have already seen that the valley of Cheat River, through which it would be necessary to pass to the Monongahela, is divided from the Upper Youghiogeny by a ridge whose greatest depression, at the head of the two muddy creeks, is 226.77 feet above the level of the base mark. A tunnel would, therefore, be necessary to pass from the valley of the Youghiogeny to tliat of Cheat River. A single inspection of the map will show that the route of the canal would be very much lengthened by running its summit level from the heads of the north branch of the Potomac to those of Cheat River, and that it should be raised to a much higher level than on the route of Deep Creek. There is every reason to believe that the bed of Cheat River has a more rapid descent than tliat of the Youghiogeny, and that, where it forces through the Laurel Hill, it is already nearly on a leA-el with the Youghiogeny at Connellsville: for, at this gap, and a little above Furnace Run, it begins to be navigable. Its bed is here about 150 yards wide. The highest floods in Cheat River do not rise above eight or ten feet at Furnace Run, and at its lowest stage in August and Septem- ber, it is very low at this place, and often'fordable. Indeed, Cheat River, to its junction with the Monongahela, receives no stream of any importance but the Big Sandy, whose supply is constant, but in the summer, is very trifling, even towards its mouth and in the lower part of its course. After descending along a rocky and very preci- pitious bed. Cheat River mingles its clear and limpid waters with tlie muddy stream of the Monongahela, whose bed and shores are all formed of alluvial soil. The Monongaliela has absolutely the same features as the Ohio; its shores are flat, but raised per])endicularly along both sides of the river to the height of fifteen or J wenfy-five feet above the line of water, fornu [ 32 ] 42 cd of a rich alluvial soil; they are corroded by the current, and when the river rises they crumble into it, and render its waters muddy. The floods of the Monongaliela are considerable; at Brownsville it rises thirty-eight feet; whilst, at its lowest stage, its depth is only from twelve to fifteen inches on its highest bars. The two banks present all along a succession of flats and bluffs; the flats of one bank are gener- ally opposite to the bluffs r)f the other, and the former are found where the river expands, whilst the latter close on its banks where it narrows. The chief tributaries of the Monongahela are on its right shore, George's Creek, below Mr. Gallatin's residence, Big Redstone, below Brownsville; and on the left, Ten Mile Ci'eek. These streams flow constantly, but in summer give but a small quantity of water, an ob- scj'vation which is also applicable to many of the ti-ibutaries of the Youghiogeny. If the western section of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal cannot be led to the Monongahela, it will at least embranch with it at M'Kee's port, and perhaps when a denser population will render it desirable, a line of Junction may be drawn between Cheat River and the valley of Ihe Youghiogeny. It would be fed by a reservoir above the gap of Cheat river, and the co)istant springs which run from the western ridge of Laurel Hill. IFesiern Section. This section begins at the mouth of Bear Creek, and ends at Pitts- burg, descending the valleys of the Youghiogeny and Monongahela to the Ohio. From the moutli of Bear Creek to that of Casselman's River, the YoH2;hio2:eny runs in a very winding course between a succession of flats and bluffs, the flats of one shore being generally opposed to the bluffs of the otiicr, the banks high and rugged where they wind in, and flat where they wind out. The two banks presejit nearly the same difficulties, the right shore, however, seems the best. The distance between those points, following the winding of the river, is about l6§ miles. Casselman's river is about 100 yards wide at its mouth; it is a fine river, and will give a great deal of water to the canal. At the dryest season it offers from eight inches to one foot in depth; before joining the Youghiogeny it receives Laurel Hill Creek. From the mouth of Casselman's River till you reach two or three miles above Connellsville, the Youghiogeny forces through Briery IMountain and Laurel Hill, and its bed is very deep. The left bank is very high and rugged, the right somewhat less. In this space ol' about 28^ miles, the canal must be frequently cut in.a shelf on the sides of the valley, or run on embankments sup])orted by a wall. The river has a fall of about sixteen feet at Ohiopyle falls; it is here about 150 yards wide. Connellsville is considered as the head of navigation in the Youg- liiogeny. In the dryest season, it has here from eight inches to one . foot in depth. 43 [ 32 ] From Comiellsvillc to Robstown, the river winds during twenty- four or twenty-five miles: on all this extent, the right bank is far pre- ferable to the other. Except in three or lour places, where you meet with bluffs, it consists of flats or gentle slopes, where the canal can be run without difficulty. As to these bluffs, they consist of schistose i*ock, easy to work. The only stream of any importance which joins the Youghiogeny between Connellsville and Robstown, is Jacobs* creek, and it gives but little water in dry seasons. That 4'oute is also intercepted by two or three deep ravines, which the canal must cross on aqueducts. The distance between Robstown and M*Kee*sport is about sixteen miles. Along this I'oute the right shore remains preferable to the other; it consists of a succession of flats and spurs, which, being of a schistose nature and moderate height, will offer no considerable ob- structions to the canal. From M'Kec's poit to Pittsburg, the right shore of the Mononga- hela offers a most favorable ground, except along two spaces of about a mile each, where rugged bluffs close on the river. The first is be- low Judge Wallis' and the field of Braddock's defeat; the second before reaching Pittsburg. The whole distance in following the right bank of the river, is between M'Kee's port and Pittsburg, fi-om fifteen to sixteen miles. The highest floods of the Youghiogeny occur between Casselman's river and Connellsville — they rise to eighteen feet. At Connellsville they rise from twelve to fifteen feet. Salt wells may be dug in its val- ley; coal and iron are abundant; and excellent materials for building, timber, and stone, are found all along it. Phe preparatory surveys of this western section were not com- menced during the last season (1824). They can alone fix the gene- ral route of the canal: they will be directed on the following bases: From Bear creek, the canal must follow tiie right shore of the val- ley, descending along the Youghiogeny; and though it is most favora- ble, (presenting a rugged bank only for four or five hundred yards,) when it reaches Selby's port bridge, two lines of direction may be tried, one along the right, and the other along the left bank, to the old salt works. The depth and breadth of the valleys and ravines, "which it will be necessary to cross on aqueducts, will be measur- ed, and the location of these aqueducts, and of the dams to form reservoirs will be fixed. If, between Selby's port and the old salt works, the left shore presents any advantages over the other, deserving tlie expense and trouble of crossing twice the Y^oughiogeny, the location and dimen- sions of two aqueducts, one at Selby's port, and one above the old salt works, will be determined, and a feeder led from Cassellman's river to the latter. From the old salt works to the Ohiopyle falls, the canal must fol- low the right shore, which is most favorable, and then crossing In-r dian creek, on an aqueduct, continue along the same bank to the paper mill four or five miles south of Connellsville. It will he pro- [ 32 ] 44 per to ascertain whether its line should not leave the valley of the Youghiogeny, above the Ohiopyle falls, and running east, gain the soutliern branch of Indian creek, to rejoin the Youghiogeny by des- cending Indian Creek valley. From the paper mill, the canal should be run at a sufficient eleva- tion above the river, to leave the shore, and gain, if possible, the high level which lies east of Connellsvillc, in order to turn round the rug- ged bluff b*«low that place. From thence, following the right shore, it will reach Robstown, after crossing on aqueducts Mount's creek and Jacob's creek. The localities and dimensions of these aqueducts must be determined, as well as the resources wliich these streams may afford to supply the canal, by turning them into reservoirs. Fr«m Robbstovvn to M*Kce's port, keeping along the right shore, it must cross Sewickly creek over an aqueduct, whose dimensions and location must be detennined. As this creek has two considerable branches, they must be examined, to determine whether leservoirs cannot be made in them. From M'Kec'sport to Pittsburg, tlie canal will follow the right shore of the Aalley of the Monongahela, crossing, in succession, Crooked Run, Turtle Creek, and Nine Miles Run, on aqueducts. To ascertain whether from Paper Mill the right shores of the Y"oughiogeny and Monongahela are certainly the best, a level should be run along their valleys on the left shore, and the locations and di- mensions of the dams or aqueducts which it would be necessary to run through the Youghiogeny at M'Kee's port, and through the Mo- nongahela near its confluence with the Youghiogeny, in case this route was adopted, should be fixed and calculated. It will also be essential to try whetlier the canal might not turn to the west of that narrow and rugged portion of the valley of the Youg- hiogeny, where it forces its way through Biicry Mount and Laurel hill. For this purpose, a level should be run from Seiby's port, and some point of a proper elevation, and cross the Briery Mount at the depression which it offers between the heads of Buffalo Marsh Run and the eastern branch of Sandy Creek. This level should then wind round the ravines of the head of the western branch of Sandy Creek, till it met the Laurel Hill at tlie spot where it might be crossed by the shortest tunnel. When it reached its western slope, it should run northwardly along its foot, to descend by one of its ravines to the Youghiogeny, opposite the paper mills. On the whole, the western section of the canal, from the mouth of Bear Creek to that of the Monongahela, at Pittsburg, offers no ob- stacles which may not be surmounted at a reasonable expense; and the Avaters of the Youghiogeny, Bear Creek, and Cassellman's river, are amply sufficient to feed it. Large reservoirs may be formed in Bear creek and Cassellman's river, by throwing dams across them, and on the route from Cassellman's to the Paper mills, and at the mouth of the Youghiogeny in the Monongahela. The practicability of this section is out of question. Its length will be about 100 miles, and its descent from Bear creek 45 [ 32 ] to Pittsburg 584 i feet, as Pittsburg is 756 feet above the level of ihe ocean. The investigation of the topography and water courses of the coun- try, through which the Chesapeake and Ohio canal should run, and the results of our preparatory surveys, obtained up to the present moment, demonstrate that this noble enterprise is practicable; and although we have not yet sufficient data to calculate the expense of the work, there is every prohability that it will not bear any com- parison with the political, commercial, and military advantages which it will procure to the Union. The total result of the length, rise, and fall of the canal, is as fol- lows: Total Length. From the tide water in the Potomac to Cumberland, (from Messrs. Moore and Briggs*s survey,) - 182 miles. From Cumberland to the mouth of Savage river, (from Major Abert, U. States Topographical Engineer's survey,) _ - _ - . g/i From the mouth of Savage river to that of Bear creek, by the Deep creek route, from the surveys of Capt. M*Niell, United States' Topographical Engineer, and Mr. Shriver, United States' Assistant Civil En- gineer - -- ~ - -41 From the mouth of Bear creek to Pittsburg, (from Mr. Shriver's computation,) - - - 100 3502 miles. Total Rise. From tide water, in the Potomac, to Cumberland, (from the profile of Cumberland road,) - - 537 feet. From Cumberland to the mouth of Savage river, (from Major Abert's survey,) - - - - 327§ From the mouth of Savage river to the Base mark, on the Deep creek summit level, (from Capt. M'Niell's survey,) - - - - - 1,432 2,296 § feet. Total Descent. From the Base mark to the mouth of Bear creek - 956 From thence to the Ohio, at Pittsburg - - 5842 1,5401 Total lockage for rise and descent ~ - 3,837 feet. [32] 46 OHIO AND ERIE CANAL. [See Map, JVo^ 17.] This canal maybe divided in two sections: 1st, The Southern, be- gintiing at Pittsburg, and terminating at the summit level which di- vide tilose waters that pay their tribute to the Ohio, from those which 3)ay it to Lalie Erie. 2(1, TliC Northern, beginning at that summit level and ending in Lake Erie. SouTHERN^ Section. It should follow the right shore of the Ohio, from Pittsburg to the inoutii of the Big Beaver, ascending the valleys of that river, and one of its heads, till it reaches the summit level- From Pittsburg to the mouth of Big Beaver, the river winds for about thirty miles. Its right shore is formed of successive bluffs and bottoms; the latter generally form two beds parallel to the rivei' and lising one above the other, as if the bed of the river had formerly been liigher tlian it is at present. The upper bottom is never overflowed, and both aie formed of an alluvial soil, most favorable for digging a canal. The bluffs cojisist of a schistose and clayey soil, which is easy to excavate; nor do they offer any considerable steep ground, except four miles below Pittsbus'g, on a length of four miles. The left shore possesses no advantages over the other, and offers the same features, tlie bottom of one shore generally lying opposite to the bluffs of the other. No stream of any importance joins the Ohio, from Pittsburg to the Big Beaver; but the river pi-esents, in that in- terval, eighteen bars, which have but 10 or twelve inches of water in the dvy season. At Pittsburg, its floods rise from 22 to 24 feet. The Big Beaver, from its mouth in the Ohio, to the forks of Ma- liouiiig and Sheuango, presents, like the Ohio, two flat bottoms on each of its shores; they both consist of a succession of bottoms and bluffs; the former offering a most favorable ground, and the latter consisting of a schistose and clayey soil, presenting no serious ob- stacle to the digging of a canal, except on the left shore at the spot where it joins tlie Ohio. This bluff is almost perpendicular, and consists of a mixture of clay and gravel. The floods of the Big Bea\ er rise fiom eight to nine feet; and some- times tiiose of the Ohio back its course; it then rises and presents a level surface Crom the foot of the falls. These begin five or six miles from its moutli; their total descent is fifty one feet. From the mouth of the river to the forks of Mahoning and Shenango, its course winds about twenty miles. It receives no ti-ibutary of any importance, nor presents any ravine considei'able enough to require an aqueduct for the caiKji in all tiiis s])ace. The Mahoning and Shenango are the two upper forks of the Big Beavei'. Tlio first descends from the neighborhood of Warren, and rises west of thi:^ place, on the east side of a ridge which divides 47 C 82 ] its waters and thoeaver falls to Pittsburg, we should run one descending fiom Pittsburg to the mouth of Big Beaver. For this purpose, run- niugfrom Pittsburg up the valley of Alleghany river aline of 6 inch- es ascent jser miie, to the first spot where a dam might be thrown across that valley, we would form a reservoir. This line would trace the feeder which should supply the canal from Pittsburg to the moutii of the Big Beaver, and this canal run til! it met the other, crossing on the right side of the Big Beaver, to avoid the bluff on its left. This arrangement would increase the total lockage of the canal as much as would be required in the descent from Pittsburg to the snoiitli of Ria* Beaver. 5i [32] Secondroute. It mightfoUow the same route as tlicfoinner, from Pitts- Siiir^ to the forks of tlie Mahoning and Shenango; ascend the Ma- honing to Champion Swamp, where its summit level would he tracedj then descend to Lake Erie, either by following the valley of Grand river, or turning to the mouth of the Ashtabula, through the town- ships of Bloomfield and Auslenburg. The summit level of this route would be fed by the waters of the Cuyahoga and Silver creek. Its feeder, from the rapids of Cuyahoga, (two miles and a half N. W. from Judge Harman's, where a dam might be conveniently thrown across to form a reservoir) might run to the head of Silver creek, and follow its valley to Garret's mill dam; thence, from a jmint five feet above this dam be led through the most favorable ground to the summit level. If this route ended, however, in a level lovier than the Champion Swamp, we should lead the feeder from a point higher than the rapids, and conduct it through the most favorable ground. The feeder siiould have a slope of six inches per mile. The southern section of the canal on this route should cross the Mahoning, near Warien, and drop its level to receive the waters of tliat river. A dam should be thrown across the valley at Warren, or above, to form a reservoir for the canal. Descending then the right shore of Mahoning valley to the mouth of the Shenango, means should be brought to feed it also with the waters of Musquito creek. The northern section, if traced by the valley of Grand river, should he run above its highest floods, but kept as low as possible consistent- ly with this rule, to receive the waters of its tributaries. Ah the valley is excessively steep at the bend of Austenburg, every care raust be taken to avoid its rugged banks without crossing the river too frequently on aqueducts. At the mouth of Grand river, the lo- calities must be examined with attention to determine what can be done to form a good port on Lake Erie at Fairport. If this section is to be traced, running to the Ashtabula, it must pass successively through the townships of Champion, Bristol, Bloomfield, Leffingwell, Rome, Morgan, Austinburg, and Ashtabu- la. An experimental line may also be run from the east of Bloom- field Swamp, and another from Rome, through Jefferson, to Ashta- bula. Their object will be— 1st. To .discover the best location for a summit level, which may be fed both by the Cuyahoga and French creek, through Conneaut lake. 2d. To fix the most favorable spot for crossing the ridge which runs from Ashtabula to Wrightsburg, parallel to Lake Erie. To complete our investigations relative to the first of these objects, an experimental line should be run from Con- neaut lake to the summit level which we have just mentioned; it should, probably, run by the head of the Shenango, Pymatuning, and Musquito creek. Third rouie. It might follow the same course as the former, to the fork of the Mahoning and Shenango, ascend the Shenango to Green- ville, then Shenango creek, or Crooked creek, to reach the summit level of Conneaut lake; thence, descend to Lake Erie, directing^itself on the mouth of Elk creek. Its summit level would be fed by the waters of French creek and reservoir of Conneant lake. The sur- [32 52 vejs slionld be.£:in at a base mark, six inches above the bottom of the outlet of that lake, at its briH^^e. The summit level line should run north as far as possible, towards the rid.2;e which divides Coiineaut lake from Conneaut creek of the lake, and south to the point, where it will be necessary to drop it. By this level we will n>oasure and cal- culate the deep cuts which will be i-equircd through the ridges \Ahich bound north or south the basin of the lake, and judge w hether the le- vel of that line should be raised to diminish the deptli of these cuts, or lowered, in order that Conneaut lake may be high enough for a re- servoir; in short, it will shew relatively to its southern section whether the summit level should be separated from the lake. Having fixed the summit level line, we should run it as far north as possible towaid the valley of Conneaut creek of the lakes, and de- scend the right shore of that valley- on levels as long as possible, to reach Lake Erie at the mouth of Elk creek. All the localities of this spot must be examined with care, to determine what work will be necessary to form a port in the Lake. To the south of the summit level, two routes may be tried to descend to Greenville: the one through Siienango creek, and the other through Crooked creek. From Greenville, the canal will descend Shenango Creek to the mouth of the Pymatuning, from whence it fol- lows the same route as the first which we have analyzed. At Ibis spot bench marks should be established to compare the levels of thes« two routes. , A feeder, with a slope of six inches per mile, should be traced from Conneaut lake to French creek, following the left shore of Conneaut creek and the right shore of French creek, directing itself towards Meadville. The surface of Conneaut lake, at its usual level, should be measured, and, in the supposition that its bed should be raised three, " six, or nine feet higher, the level of the surrounding ground should he taken on each of these hypothesis, in order to calculate the height, length, and dimensions of the dams, which would be required, itj or- der to confine this reservoir within the bounds, which would be ne- cessary. The elevation of the dam required to keep the waters of French creek at the elevation of the summit level, and its location below Conneaut creek, or below Little Sugar creek, will then be fixed. It* this elevation below Sugar creek was moderate, it would ])rocure on the summit level an open passage, through which the trade of Big Sugar creek and the Alleghany above Fianklin might pass to the ca- nal, and form, moreover, a vast reservoir to supj)ly a!l its wants. Lastly, we shonld examine whether a branch might not be run fiom the northern extremity of the canal to Erie, (Presqu* isle) either by following the banks of the Lake, or crossing Elk creek and Wal- nut crerk. Fonrlh route. From Pittsburg, it might ascend the valley of the Alleghany to Franklin, and then ascend French creek and Conneaut Citek to the summit level of the abovementioned route, following the same directions in its subsequent position. The summit level and northern section of this route would be the same as those of the former. Its southern section, afler descending' 53 [ 32 ] the valley of French creek to Franklin, would foliow tliat of the Al- le^^hany to Pittsburg. The two shores of both these valleys are equally favorable for digging a canal, but, as tlicir chief tributaries join them on the left shore, it should be preferred. On each shore there are about ten miles of rugged banks, which leave little or no room for a canal; it will be necessary, at the most diliicult spots, ei- ther to run it on attificial embankments, or, in the most rugged spots; to pass over from these batiks to the otber on aqueducts; three miles along the left shore, and four and a half along the other, present the greatest difficulties. It will be necessary to trace a route along each bank, ahove the highest floods of the river, to «.om|)are them- The Big Sugar creek, the Alleghany above Franklin, Toby's creek and the Kiskimanitas, may be formed into reservoirs to feed the canal, and these may be cotisidered as the lowest levels of canals descendir»g through their valleys. The feeder from these streams should be traced in the pre- pauatory surveys, and the dams which w«»uld be required across the valley of the Alleghany should have locks, in order to leave the navi- gation of that rivpr open. In these surveys, we should take in all the experimental lines for tracing the course of the canal, and those relative to its details, locks, dams, and aqueducts. The waters should every where be measured with care at their lowest stage. The branches which this canal might receive from the East, give it in our opinion an importance, which, though its route is longer than the other which we have analysed, justifies the expense of a pre- paratory survey. The whole valley of tije Alleghany above Frank- lin and those of Toby's creek, Mahoning. Kiskiminatas, by which the basin of the Susquehannah may one day be united with that of the Ohio, will thus become tributary to it. Such are the four routes which may connect the Ohio from Pitts- burgh by the shortest distance and least elevation of summit level with Lake Erie. They may all be regarded as a prolongation of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, and as forming part of that noble line of ai'tilicial communication, which will join the vast regions of pur northern Lakes with the Capital of the Republic. Exact surveys can alone give the tiiie length of these several routes, and the accurate height of their summit levels; the following sketch may, however, give an approximative result to compare them. 1st Roufv — length, 104 miles; elevation of the summit level at Lake Erie, 450 ft. total lockage 773 ft. 2d Route, by Grand River — length, 115 miles; height of the summit level above Lake Erie, - - 342 ft do. 557 ft by Ashtabula — length, 104 miles; height of the sammit level above Lake Eric. ... do. do. do. 5d. Route — lengtli, 113 miles; height of the summit level above Lake Kv\e, 470 ft do. 80S 4th Route — length, 140 miles; height of the summit level above Lake Erie, 470 ft total hickagc, 749 ft. [ 32 ] 54 And in case a section ol' canal should descend from Pittsburgh to the north of Big Beaver on the first, second, and third routes we should add about 64 feet to their lockage. Before concluding tiiis part of our report, we should give some details on other terminations proposed for tbe Ohio and Erie canal in Lake Erie. One is to the west, and the other to the east of those which we iiave analysed. The first joins the Lake at Cleveland. For this purpose, after reaching a proper height to the north of Warren, the route ascends from Garret's mill up Silver creek, and from thence directs itself to tiie rapids of Cuyahoga. From thence it descends from N. E. to S. y<- tiie valley of Cuyahoga, and directs itself N. N. W. thro' the same valley to Cleaveland. But besides the difficulties which it would meet in winding along this rugged valley and its rapids to Cleveland, the total route of the canal would thus be lengthened from 24 to SO miles, beyond what would be required if it ended at Ashtabula: and, as the rapids of Cuyahoga are from 97 to 100 feet higher than the Champion swamp, this section would require 194 or 200 feet more of lockage than the former, without the resource of more water at its summit level. Another direction has been suggested for this route, by embracing the northern section of tlie Ohio, and Erie Canal, with the canal con- tesnplated by the state of Ohio, to unite the Cuyahoga, and the basin of the Muskingum. The summit level of this route would be in the swamps of the southern line of Portage county, which afford the least elevated, passing between the valley of Cuyahoga, and the southern branch of Mahoning Creek. It is in township No. 1. X range. These swamps, from Mr. Benjamin Tappan, are 553 feet higher than Lake Erie, and 41 feet higher than the rapids of Cuyahoga. To fulfil this object, the line of the Ohio and Erie canal should, from Warren, be directed through one of the soutlvern branches of the Mahoning creek, to the swamps in Portage county, considered as a summit level. This, however, cannot be supplied, except from the upj)ei' Cuyahoga, wiience a feeder of 35 to 40 miles in length, and requiring much extra embankments, should be traced from a point, elevated 41 feet at least above the rapids. By this direction, the northern section of the Ohio and Erie ca- nal wouid be no more lengthened than in the preceding supposition, when its summit level was at the rapids; but its summit level would be 41 feet higiier, and its lockage from 276 to 282 more than by the Champion swamp route. And its feeder being obliged to as- cend 41 feet higlicr than the rapids, it is unlikely that the Cuyahoga, at such a level, would give water enough to feed the canal, on one side to Warren, and on the other to tiie valley of Cuyahoga, below the falls, and also to supply tlie lockage on the summit level. A third direction has been suggested, with a summit level at the rapids of Cuyahoga, from thence, tiie line would follow^ the right side of the valley of Cuyahoga, to a point 5 or G miles below, from whence it would turn to Clcvt'larid, lca\iugto its west the ravine of 55 [32] Tinker's creek. The practicability of this route, and its length, de- pend on the form and height of the soil between the Cuyahoga, below the rapids, and the head of Tinker's creek. But whatever they may he, the length of this line would be at least as great as that of the Champion Swamp route, and it would require from 1 94 to 200 feet more of lockage. The only advantage of terminating the caiial at Cleveland, rather than any more eastern point, would be, that its poi't is sooner freed from ice at the close of winter. But admitting it opened a whole month before Buffalo, and ten days before Erie, thci-c could ot»- ly be a few days difference, between the opening of Cleveland and Fairport, or the mouths of the Ashtabula, or Elk creek. The Board is of opinion, that this advantage would not compensate for the aug- mentation of length and lockage which it would require, and did not in consequence deem it necessary to reconnoitre those sections which led the canal to terminate at Cleveland. As to the direction by which it would terminate in Lake Erie to the east of the four routes mentioned above, it begins at Franklin, on the Alleghany river, and ends at Port Erie. This section was ex- plored and levelled by Gen. Marks, Col. Foster, and Col Brown, Pennsylvania Canal Commissioners. From Franklin to Meadville, it follows the eastern side of the Alleghany valley, and ascends it to Leboeuf creek; it then follows Lcbauf creek valley to the Beaver dam swamp, where rise Leboiuf creek and Walnut creek, a tributary ef Lake Erie, and which forms its summit level. From Beaver dam swamp it descends to Port Erie. The distance from Franklin to Port Erie by this section of the canal, is 73 miles, of which 15 run from Beaver dam swamp to Erie. The summit level is 630 feet above Lake Erie, and would be fed by the waters of French creek, drawn from Fork point, 21 feet higher than that level. French creek, on the 23d August, 1824, gave, at this place, 43 feet 30 per second: Le- boeuf creek at Waterford, 64 feet 9 inches below the Beaver dam swamp; and at its mouth in French creek, 92 feet 9 inches below it. French creek at Franklin, is feet below the same level. If we adopted this course, in continuation of the fourth route men- tioned above, it would augment its length, and as Beaver dam swamp is 160 feet higher than Conneaut Lake, its total lockage would be increased 320 feet. If to this we add, that the summit level of Beaver dam swamp, would be fed by 48 cubic feet per second, whilst Con- neaut Lake, in its level, could receive 221, we may conclude to reject this route for the continuation of Ohio and Erie Canal, and prefer the route by Conneaut Lake, which has equally been indicated lor the canal, by Messrs. the Pennsylvaiiia Canal Commissioners. OHIO AND SCHUYLKILL CANAL. (See Map No. 18.) It is proposed to run this communication from the valley of Alle- .i^hany river above Pittsburg, through those of the Kiskimanitas, Great [32] 56 and Little Connemau.i^h, to the west of the ridge, and Juniatti and Susqiiehannali to its cast, to a point above Harrisburg, and from thence to PhiUtdelphia, tbj-ough the county of Lancaster. The Board has examined this route in co operation with Messrs, Col. Jacob Hojgate, James Clarke, and Charles Tresingburg, Penn- sylvania «'anal Commissioners. It would unite the Western waters with tlie Atlantic. The Board began by reconnitering the general features of tiie country tfirough which it would pass; and tiie Commis- sioneis then executed, as far as tlie advanced season would allow it, the levels and surveys required to ascertain the total heights of lock- age and the length of its several sections. From Pittsburg to the mouth of the Kiskimanitas, the valley of the Alleghany offers no dilHrulties in the way of a canal; the river has from 9 inches to 1 foot of water at its lowest stage, and rises from 20 to 22 feet in its gieatest floods at Freeport. From the moutii of the Kiskimanitas to the forks of the Loyalhana and Connemaugh, the river presents the same depth as the Alleghany at its lowest stage, but its greatest floods do not rise above 16 or 18 feet. The banks of the valley offer a succession of flats and bluffs; the first affording a most favoiable ground for the canal, and the latter sloping so gently as to oppuse no serious obstacles to it. The Connemaugh to Blairsville, where it is joined on its right sliore, by Blacklick creek, oifers precisely the same features as the Kiski- manitas, of which it is only a continuation. In descending from Johns- town to Blairsville, it Hows with a rnore rapid coui'se than below Blairsville, and forces its passage successively through Laurel Uill and the Chesnut ridge. Tiie banks of these gaps offer no serious obstacles to a canal. The gap of Laurel Hill is about 21 miles in length, its right bank is rugged and perpendicular, but the left has a slope of 20 or 30 de- grees. Some rapids are found above the gap, but on its whole length the water is deep and the current slow. The gap in Chesnut ri(ig« is about 2 miles long, and is very narrow in some |)laces; it offers two or three rajjids, of which the most considerable is Richards* falls; its banks do not slope beyond them 30 or S5 degi-ees. Tins floods of the Connemaugh at Laurel Hill gap, rise to 7 or 8 feet. Stony creek and the Little Connemaugh join at Johnstown, an may be considered as the upper forks of the Connemaugh; the canal should proceed up the valley of the Little Connemaugh, to the point where it receives Bear Rock run. Its valley in all that space offering no serious obstacle to it. From Pittsburg to this point, the bottom of all these valleys is stony, and offi'rs a firm and easy ground for the works which may be run through them. Their banks are foimed of sandstone, stratified, or in heavy blocks. Coal is abundant; and salt welis have been bored with success through the whole valley of the Connemaugh. These sak works are now in operation, and their number is multiplying very fast at the present moment. This section from Pittsburg to the forks of the Little Connetnaugh and Bear rock Run, may be considered as the western section of the 5t t 82 ] fiohtetft plated canal. It will bfe supplied with water by the rivers Vv hose valleys it ascends and their tributaries. The results of the tileasurcments which were taken in this view in the middle of Septem- ber, 1824 are as follows: The Little Connemaugh below Bear Rock Run, two miles below Selby's mill, yielded, . . „ 14.43 ft. per sec. The Little Connemaugh at Selby's mill, - 7.09 Do. at the mouth of South fork, - - 47.21 Do. above Johnstown, . „ - 1 1(3.73 Stoney creek above Johnstown, - - 239.25 Reservoirs might also be found in the valley above Selby's millj* and the headwaters of South fork and Mountain Run led to that spot by feeders. At this point of the Little Connemaugh the line of canal is stopped by the Alleghany mountain, wliich it must cross by a tunnel, to join the water courses which fall to the east. The Beaver dam. a brancli. of the Juniatta. offers the best route. This branch is joined by Bur- goon's Creek and Blair's Runj whose springs are constant, and whose waters miglit be led by feeders to the point where the tunnel opens on the eastern side of the Alleghany mountain; the waters which on both side of that chain might be led to that tunnel and supply the summit level of this canal, can give altogether by actual measurements, 40 cubic feet in a second. The eastern section of the canal should descend the Beaver Dam, and then follow successively the Frankstown branch of the Juniatta, and the Juniatta itself, to its mouth in the Susquehannah, above Peters- burg; from thence it should descend along the Susquehannah to Mid- dletown, to direct itself afterwards, through the most favorable ground, either to the Schuylkill above Philadelphia^ or to Philadelphia itself. The Beaver Dam joins the Frankstown branch at Frankstowni Its valley, from Blair's Run, is open and bordered by a large flat bot- tom. From Frankstown to Williamsburg, the valley offers no serious obstacle; the route then traverses Lock Mountain at Canoe Gap From Williamsburg to Alexandria, the right shore of the river is rugged, but the left easy. The river breaks through Tussey's Mountain. At this Gap its banks are alternately flat and rugged; the flats of one side lying opposite to the bluffs of the other. Its flood seldom rises above seven or eight feet. From Alexandria to Millerstown, the valley still offers no serious obstacle to a canal. Its banks consist of a Succession of flats and bluffs, whose slope is. in general, so gentle towards the river, as to oppose no difficulties in the way of the works. In this space the Juni- atta receives the Raystown branch below Huntingdon and Standing Stone Creek, which, at all seasons, affords an ample supply of water* From Blair's Run to Millerstown, the left shore of this valley is, in general, most favorable; but lower down, and to its confluence in the SiisK/uehannah, this shore of the Juniatta offers several perpendicular ft L J 58 liiiifs'-! nti tiio liver. .!cven or eii^ht miles above Clark's Ferry, its bed bo;^i!is to be ciosscd by batiks ofslaty and schistctse rock, wbich ob- .'^trijct its course. At tbe Great Fall*, tbree miles above Clark's Ferry, these obstructions rise from four to fifteen feet above the bottom of tbe stream. I'be bed of tbe Susquebaniiab to Harrisburj^, is em- barr-assed by these scbistose banks, wbirii ri-oss it, and belong to tbe ri{!;?e of Peter's Dsountain, tbrougb wbicb t!ic river forces its passage- Ali the valleys which we have just mentioned, have a strong solid '}.)tt(»m, favora!»!c for works of this nature; the Hoods ot" their rivers ih) not rise so high as in those which fall from tiic western side of the Alh'ghaiiy, but they flow all the year, and arc never dried up in the '^vannest seasons. From Hari-isbwrg. t'^c route of the ca.nal might proceed to Middle- ■own, at the mouth of tiie Swetarra. Ilut i'rom thence to the Ches- apeake, the banks of the Susquehanuah beronic ditUcnlt end rugged; this consideration ha'; led to such a passage to the Atlantic, towards tlse cast by the Schuylkill. To promise a suiiicient snppiy of water fortius section, and shortei^ Its (listau'^c, it is necessary to keep as much as possible to the south of tiic road from Middictown to Philadelphia, by Lancaster and Dow- jungtown; thus the line of the canal will intersect the chief tributaries of the Susqucisannali below Middictown, and those of the Delaware i)c]ow' Philadelphia: nevertheless, as it crosses them near their heads, it is doubtful whctlier in the dry season they will su])])ly water enough for an active navigation, especially if we consider that they run over a stratunj of calcareous soil, which will frequentlyoccasion consider- iible iiltration. Particular attention should be paid, in tracing this scctio)!. to measure the springs which must feed it, and its line must be kept as loYv' as possible to admit as many streams as the localities will alknv. In any case, one tunnel will be indispensable at Gap Tavern, throiigh the Mine j-idge, which divides Octorara creek from Peguea creek: for the lowest depression of this ridge is 587 feet above the ocean, and 290 above the Susqnehannah at Harrisburg. This gap will thus be the summit level of the section of canal from Harrisburg, to the Schuylkill, and its tunnel must be kept lov/ enough to receive a sufficient supply of Avater to allow the level w hich descends on the oiie side, to Middletown. and on the otlierto the Schuylkill, to receive also their supplies; and to avoid more summit levels in this section of the route, these requisite conditions will compel to open two other tunnels on tiiis )*oute: the one east of the first between the heads of the Octorara and Buck-run, ihc other west: through the ridge which divides the little Conestago, from the Big Chickisalengo. The total sciigth oi' the three tunnels which will probably be required on this soction will be abor.t £ miles. These important facts, relative to this section, results from the if vets, performed nnder the direction of the Pennsylvania Commission- <"!•«, after concluding the reconnoitering, tour which we made together. ^V(^ v.ill r.ow examine the results of the surveys, which the advanced 59 C 32 ] state of the season allowed tlieni to make on the other !icciu>n of Ihr canal; beginning by the sumntit level on the ridge of the Allcgiiany. A prollle of the Alleghany mountain has been taken, running IVom Selby's mill: the line of section making aii angle of SIMS' \\it!i tlie meridian. By that means a point was lixed in Blair's 's Mill. The hor- izontal distance between them, uas t'onnd to be 4 miles 698 yards; If a tunnel was run in this direction and on this level, with deep cuts at both exti'cmilies and to the depth of 35 feet, it would have nearly 4 miles in lengtli, its bed would be 754 feet below the summit of the mountain, 1S31 feet above the ocean, and 1,075 feet above the Ohio at Pittsburg. By raising the level of this tunne!, its lenglli would he diminished, but it would augment the lockage and be su])plicil with less water. By lowering it, it would have more water and less locl:- age, but its length would be augmented. Accurate and detailed esti- mates can alone enable us to compare the expense of a foot of tun- nelling with that of a foot of lockage, &c. But for our present object, we will merely state that a tunnel of 4 miles in lengtli is the siiortesl which in this ])art of the AUegliany can unite its eastcrji ii\u\ westcj-n watei's; and that, by lowering it 70 feet, which would diminisii its lockage 140 feet,and augment its lengtli about 1 mile, it is probable tliat the summit level might be abundantly supplied by the constant liow- ing springs of its eastern and western streams, formed into reservor.s. "VTe will add that the summit of the Alleghany is, from the prcccdijjg data, 2,585 feet high at the spot where the profile was taken, As to the other sections of the canal, tlie surveys and levels cave the following results for the total amount of tlieir leiigtlis and lock- age. From PUtsburi;^ to the western extremity of its summit level, tunnel length, .... 112 miles, ascent 1,075 feet. Length of summit level tunnel, - - - 4 " l-'rom its eastern extremity to Miildletown, - - 153 " descent 1,608 " From Middleiown to the, Schuylkill, - - - 110 " as. Sides. 675 '* o79 ■j,o58 We have not examined the line of canal which might lead froiu Har- risburg to the mouth of the Susquehannah; it did not enter into the th.ose operations which wc performed in co-operation with the Penn- sylvania Canal Commissioners. From the levels run, in 1823, foi- the state of Maryland, by Capt. Hartman Bache, United States' To-' pographical Engineer, and Lieuts, Eakin, Graliam, and Boyce, of tlse United States' Artillery, and the surveys directed by Mr. Geddcs, a canal, descending from York-Haven to Havre-de-Grace, at the moutli of the Susquehannah, would require 272 feet lockage, on 55| miles in length. If led to Harrisburg, its total length would be 62 miles, and its lockage 297 feet at most, as Harrisburg is 297 feet above tide water. Tliis line would have over that from Middletown to the Schuylkil!, the following advantages: 48 miles less in length to reiich tide water; about 378 feet less of lockage; a more plentitul supply of water, and tl-' saving of about two miles of tunnelling. But in these, i^ 32 ] 60 advantages are opposed the difficulties and obstacles which the grwmU opposes to the constiuction of a canal in the Valley oftlie Susquehan- jiah, fi'om Middletown to Havre-de-Grare: surveys, accurate gauging of the waters, and regular estimates, ci^n only afford elements ncces-. sary to decide this question. In any case, ovej'looking the consideration pf expense, in an ob- ject so important as that of uniting the waters of the West with the Atlantic, we see that nature, on the loute we have juyt described, has probably given the means or possibility of joining the Ohio to the Ocean. Reservoirs judiciously formed in tfie heads of the Conemaugb and Juniatta, wight secure a sufficient supply of water to the summit level, and a section of the canal, descending the Valley of the Susquc- hannah, from Middletown to Havre-de-Giace, might be substituted to that which runs from Middletown to the Schuyikiil, if the latter •was found more expensive, insufficiently supplied with water, and longer. The comparison of these two routes, and the examination o^ the summit level, at the heads of the Coneniaugh, are the parts of this Avork which require to be studied with the moyt scrupulous exactness, before coming to any conclusion. DELAWARE AND RARITAN CANAL. This interesting route was examined by the Board, in co-operatioa with Messrs. the Hon. G. Holcombe, L. Z. C. Elmer, and Peter Kean, New Jersey Canal Commissioners. A level was run on the ground, in 1816, by Mr. John Randal, jun., under the direction of Messrs. John Rutherford, John W. Simpson, and G. Holcombe, then Canal Commissioners of New Jersey. This is the line which we reconnoitred. Commencing above Lamberton, it directs itself, deviating little from straight line, to the Raritan, between New Brunswick and Wash- ington. Its length is about 29 miles. Supposing the canal 8 feet deep, and its bottom 60 -j'Jg- feet above the medium of high and low water in the Raritan, and 58 j*-^^ feet above tli£ medium of high and low water in the Delaware, its line of water would not deviate nuich from the actual surface of the soil in the greatest part of its length. In some spots, however, embankments would be necessary to raise it; in others, cutting through the undulations of the ground; but the former would seldom exceed from 1 to 12 feet in length; the others from 5 to 20 in depth, and they will only be required for short dis- tances. Many of them may be avoided in finally locating the route of the canal. This work will tims run on one level, offering, at each extremity, a series of locks to descend, on one side, into the Raritan, and, on the otlier, into the Delaware. But, before examining its terminations, we should trace the intermediate route between those extreme poiuts. Crossing, successively,thc Assunpick and Millstone, it descends the 61 L^^] valley of Lawrence brook. From the Assunpick to Millstone livcr. it crosses the ground which divides the waters of tl\e Ilaritan IVoiu those of the Delaware. Althougli it is lower than the ground bctuien Millstone river and the head of Lawience brook, at Loiigbiidge. farm, it joins the valley of that brook and descends il, tiiiiiing loinid the foot of Sandy hill, and crossing from its right io its left sho!<', r(»l- lows it nearly to the spot, v.here it is crossed by the road fjom ^^'ash- ington to New Brunswick. The terminations of this canal were not yet fixed upon at tije pe- riod of our co-operation nlth the Commissioners. If it is to be 8 feet deep,, and navigable for sea vessels, its eastern tenniuatinn should join the Rariton, if possible, below the obstructions whicit. at low water, impede its navigation for ships drawing more tiuui 8 fret: for this purpose it should run eastwardly, and by tiie most favoi nbie ground, to I'each a spot on the right shore of the Raritan, below which it may present, through its wliole channel, from eight to iiiiit^ fict of water at low tide. It will, j)erhaps, be necessary to depart, in consequence, from the line which we have indicated, south of thelicad of Lawrence brook, and turn, more eastwardly, towards South liver. As to the termination of the canal in the Delaware, that river is obstructed below Trenton, by shifting banks, which are covered by only 2^ feet at low water. I'hese obstacles extend to Botdcntown, and are formed by the deposite of the waters at the meeting of the rising tide and descending course of the Delaware. It is not pio- bable that they can be remedied by any works performed in the bed of the river. This circumstance will comj)el to descend Irom the heights of Lamberton into the valley of Conwick's creek, to join the Delaware at Bordentownj and< as this creek j)resents a bar at its mouth, it will require a dredging machine to keep its channel open. From the poij)t where the canal joins Conwick's creek, to Borden- town, the right side of its valley is perpendicular, and 60 oi- 70 feet high. Its left shore is a meadow, whose surface is higher than the waters of the Delaware, and is never flooded by the ice which the Delaware drives down in the winter. The canal might be run along this prairie, during this part of its course; and the widening of the creek at its mouth, would afford, in every season, a safe harbor for the boats and vessels navigating the canal. As to the nature of the soil, it consistsj generally, of a mixture of light sand and stony gravel, and will compel, not only to give a great slope to the sides of the canal, but to puddle both them and the bottom, in order to diminish its leakage and filtration, especially where the line of the canal will require it to be raised above the natural soil. Ifidependently of the water required for its lockage, on a route so frequented as that between the Delaware and Raritan, this soil will also render a laige supply necessary, to provide for losses from filtrations and evapora- tion. The heads of the Assunpick, Millstone, and Lawrence brooks, will certainly furnish a great deal, amounting, from the measurement taken in 1816, by Mr. M. .1. Randal, jr. to 8,2.'54,444 cubic yards a [ 32 ] 62 month; but it is »ot stated if they were taken at the lowest stage of those stieams. If so, this quantity would be sufficient for a canal 60 feet wide at its ufjper surface, 30 at bottom, and 8 feet deep, on 30 or 40 miles of lengtli. But, to ascertain, so as to leave no doubt on the subject, the exact quantity which those streams can supply, is an in- disiH'iisable preliminary operation to decide whether it will not be ne- cessary to have recourse to the waters of the Delaware in order to feed the canal — and supposing it was not found ncccessary, we should Ktill conjpare, on the other side, the expense of purchasing the mill sites of these rivers, and the loss which their suppression would occasion; and, on the other side, the cost of a navigable feeder descending from the Delaware, balanced with the advantages which it would add to tiic revenue of the canal. If this feeder began at the rapids of the Delaware, above Tumbling dam, tl»at river miglit supply the canal with all the water which it required. This spot is 90 feet above the level of the stream at Tren- ton from Judge Gordon's levels, and 28 or £9 feet above the line of water of the canal; the localities are favorable for the construction of a wing-dam, and the navigable feeder would run tx>r 23 or 30 miles in length, through a giound v»hich would oppose no serious obstacle to its course. Supposing the canal terminated in the valley of Con- wick's creek, this feeder might supply a branch, opening a commu- nication between Trenton and the canal. It is needless to add, that, as it would enter tiie canal at its western extremity, it would be ne- cessary to give to the bottom of that canal a slope from west to east, sufficient to make its waters How freely at the end opposite to that which receives the feeder. As to the dimensions of the canal, we have supposed tjiat its depth would be at least 8 feet, and that it should be navigable for bay ves- sels— otherwise, the noble line of interior navigation running parallel to tlie coast, and which is contemplated from Georgia to Massachu- setts, would here be interrupted. In a national point of view, it is there- fore very desirable, that the Delaware and Raritan Canal, which, he- aides, communicates between two such cities as IS'ew York and IMiil- adelphia, should receive the same profile adopted for the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, l)y the high spirited gentlemen, engaged now in that great work {1-) BAR:< STABLE AND HYANNIS HARBOR CANAL. The northern termination of this canal opens in Barnstable har- bour, and its southern termination in Hyannis harbour. Its object is to provide a passage through tlie isthmus of Cape Cod, in order 1 hat the coasting trade may avoid doubling that cape. (1.) This c:.hA\ will be 60 feet wide at tlie water's line, Jo at the bottom, 8 feet ■ lecM. l~ iiiik'S lunaC; asirl '.•> V.wd villi stcM-t^ 6S [32] The two isstiPS of tliis canal, sire the only favorable points about )t; the iriterniodiatc grotmd is entirely unfit for such a work. The harl)or of Barnstable is \vcll sheltered; its channel near the entry of the port is intercepted by a bar, which has, at the ebb of the tide, but five or six feet of water, but, in the interior of the port it oflTeis an excellent anchorage. The tide rises here about ten leet. Hyanni's harbor is an open road, with two or three fathoms of water at low tides, but has an anchorage where vessels can be secured against any wind. In winter, it is easily disencumbered from ice. The line of canal which should join these two ports, would be only five or six miles long, but there is no valley in that space to receive it, and it should be one deep cut from one end to the other. The lowest part of the ridge which it should cross, is at sight 80 feet at least above low.tides. It is true, that between the hills which form this ridge, lie a cliain of ponds in the direction which tlse' canal should follow; wliich might suggest the idea of uniting them by deep cuts, and making them a part of the canal. But they would not give the water required for its navigation; they appear to be filled by rains and snows rather than by springs, and what confirms this hypothe- sis, is, that, a cut having been made from one of them,'to establish a mill at this artificial outlet, its surface immediately sunk to the level of its bottom, and never rose since. And, as besides, each of them only receives the waters of a small surface of ground, they cannot be con- sidered as reservoirs sullicient for the object in view; the highest of them could never feed a summit level. From these motives, and from Ihe evident inferiority of this line to a more western one, which we are going to describe, we are of opinion that it ought to be given up. BUZZARD'S BAY AND BARNSTABLE CANAL, A canal to communicate between Buzzard's and Barnstable bay, should follow successively from W. to E. the valleys of Monument ahd Scusset rivers. That route was surveyed in 1818, by Mr. L. Bald- Win, at the individual expense of Messrs. Israel Thorndike, Thomas Perkins, and other gentlemen of Boston. Its total length is about eight miles. (Sec map No. 19.) At its western extremity, the tide rises in Buzzard's bav, from five feet to five feet three incites. At its eastern extremity,' it rises in Barnstable bay, from ten feet, to ten foet four inches, and three hours and a half later than in the other. Thus the medium of tide water in Barnstable bay, is probably about on a level with high tide water in Buzzard's bay; the level of low water in the latter, was, on the lltli of September. 1818, 8^*^,^ incites liiglier tiian in Barnstable bay. As the tide ascends tlirce or four miles in Moiuiment river, and about two miles in Scusset liver, this route extends only two or three miles from the head of nn<' tide (o liir iicad of the otiioj/ Tiiehi"-hest lSZ2 G4 point of the intervening ,s;roun(l is 33] ^eet above low water in Bariir stalilc bay, and '335 above lii.^li tide. Thus, natine has left little to do to unite the two bays. We, shall trace, in a general manner, the route which the canal might follow. , Departing from Back river harbor at tlie mouth of Back river, in Buzzard's bay, it might run through t!ie most favorable ground to Monument i-iver, and enter its valley about I of a mile above its mouth. Tiien following that valley to the mouth of Herring pond brook, it might cross the ground wfiich divides the heads of the Monument from those of the Scusset, to descend the valley of the lat- t(>r to Swift's mill From thence, it might cither follow the left shore of the Scusset I'iver, a»id enter Barnstable bay by prolonging, in a rinrlhern direction, the foot of a bank which lies to the west of tba Salt marshes, tlirough which the Scusset winds, before it falls into the bay. Or it might follow the right shore of the Scusset river and cross* the Plymoath neck at its lowest point, and, turning to the east, round it, enter the bay in a N. N. E. direction. This secottd route would be shortest, but the other would be susceptible of better de- fence in time of war; be more protected at its south against the N. W, winds, and lead to a part of the bay of a more convenient and ade- quate depth for siiipping. The ground, tin ough w hich runs this route, offers, on its surface, a sandy soil, embedding rocks, loose stones, and gravel; it is probable that, in digging it to the depth required for the bottom of the canal, we would meet with no great diliiculties, but this point can only be decided with certainty by sinking shafts in it. As to the harbors where the canal would end in both bays, its western extremities would join Back river harbor. Sea vessels, diawingno more than 8 feet, can enter this port. Crossing, at low tide, between Bird's island and Wing's neck, they might run to the east of this neck into a channel from 20 to 22 feet deep, then, dii-ect- ing themselves ?ipon Back river, they would pass a shoal which offers above 8 feet of water, and as they aj)proacli Back river, deepens from i 3 to 20 feet. Back river harbor might be easily defended in time of war, by batteries raised in Hog's and Marshner's islands, which are near enough for this purpose, to one another and to the main. At low water, the pass between Hog's island andtlie main, is 3 fathoms deep, that between Hog's and Marshner's islands is fordable, and that be- tween Marshner's island and the main, has about 8 t^atijoms in depth. These islands form, with the main, a road exposed to the N. W. winds, as the coast to its west is too low and distant to siielter it. Besides the outer harbor of Back river, an inner harbor might easily be formed in the river itself, in laying out and constructing the workv«? of the canal. At the eastern extremity of the canal, the harbor of Barnstable hay offers 3 fathoms of water at a short distance from the shore. i lu' bank to its west, of which we iiave spoken above, shields it from N. W, winds, but it remains much exposed to those from north to east round by the west: for the isthmus of Cape Cod is too low &x\d 65 L^^2 distant to slielter it. A jetee would be required to fulfil this object, and the materials to erect it, would be found on the shore itself An inner harbor could easily be dug in the salt marshes through which the canal runs before its termitiation. \Ye have only now to determine whether this canal should be Uuilt with a summit and inferior levels, or be all const) ucted on one level, and fed by the tide. The only stream which could feed its summit level, would be the outlet of Herring pond, 52 feet above high tide in Buzzard's bay. It yielded, on the 30th of October. 1824, 9i cubic feet per second, and it h';d rained during the preceding days. This quantity would not sufiico even for one half of the minimum of its lockage if the locks ad- mit sea vessels. Of course we have no choice. The canal must ex- tend on one level from one bay to the other, be fed by the tide of Barn- stable bay, and provided with a tide-Ioi k and [loit at each of its ex- tremities. Its bottom will be at least 82 feet below the neap tides or 92 below the common tides in this bay. It is needless to add, that its dimensions should be adapted to sea vessels. riiis short analysis proves that the {wacticability of tlie Buzzard*3 bay aiwl Barnstable canal does not admit of a dnubt, and that its con- struction will meet with no serious obstacle. The expense will not be great, if we compare it with that of the Delaware and Chesapeake canal, which extends fourteen miles in length, and requires a deep cut of thiee miles, through a ridge which rises 84 feet abo\e tide wa- ter, and 76 feet above its summit level. The maximum cost of this last canal has been valued at S 1.354, 364. The Board have not examined the navigable character of Buzzard's bay. as the season was too advanced to j)erform this task in a satis- factory manner. The following information has, however, been pro- cured with respect to it. The Northwest winds, which reign chiefly during the winter and autumn, are favorable to ascend the bay, as well as the Southwest winds, which reign chiefly during the summer. Its shores oiler sev- eral anchorages^ and the rocks which arc found amongst thejn, may be marked, in order that the coasters may avoid them. They may pilot themselves into the bay. It is not affected by fogs more tlian the Vineyard sound. In its lowei* parts the tide jises 2] knots in an hour — on the shoals, 4 knots. In the winter, the ice formed on the northern shore, when thawed by the southwest winds, is driven to the opposite shore, when the northwest blows. In consequence, this bay is therefore longer obstructed by floating ice than the Vineyard sound. As to the canal itself, it would freeze during 2| nwnths, at most, and six weeks, at least; but this inconvenience is in some measure diminished, as the port of Boston is frequently inaccessible during two or three weeks in the winter from the same cause. Buzzard's and Barnstable canal is the eastern link of the great line of internal communication along our Atlantic frofitier, which i$ destined to connect all its ports from Georgia to Massachusetts* 9 I S2 ] 66 But it cannot be denied, that, in time of war, the passage from Long Island Sound to Buzzard's Bay, is much exposed to be annoyed, or even totally intercepted, by cruisers stationed in the anchorage of Gardiner's Bay. This section of our maritime frontier will thus re- quire, at such a period, a constant naval force for its protection. A naval force will also be required in Barnstable Bay, to secure the eom- iiiunication between the mouth of the canal and Boston Bay. TAUNTON AND WEYMOUTH CANAL. This canal will open to the south in Mt. Hope Bay, a branch of 'Narragansett Bayj and to the north in Boston Bay. Beginning at Weymouth landing, its route would meet the Taunton at Williams' landing place, passing through tlie township of Abington, Bridgewa- ter, and Raynhani= Its total length will be 26 miles, and its summit ground, at Howard's meadow, in Bridgewater town, is 132 feet 10 inches above the higiiest tides. This route was explored and surveyed by a committee appointed in March, 1806, by a resolution of the LegislatuE'e of Massachusetts, consisting of Messrs. Williams, Taylor, and Eliphalet. The Board received also, on the ground itself, exact documents on the contem- plated canal, from Mr. Minot Thayer. Weymouth Great ])ond, in Weymouth town, a^id Cranberry pond, (in Braintree) are considered as resen^ois-s, destined to feed the sum- mit level of this canal. Weymouth Great pond has an area of 507^^ acres; its deptli vai'ies from 10 to 18 feet; its surface is 147 feet 5 inch- es above high tides, and 14 feet 7 inches above the summit level. Cranberry pond is 160 feet 9 inches above tide water, 27 feet 1 1 inch- es above the summit level, and 13 feet 4 inches above Weymouth Gieat pond. The outlet of the former gave, on the 5th of November, 1824, 2| cubic feet {»er second, atid Cranberry pond gave lA feet — total 3| cu- bic feet jier second. These two ponds cannot, between them, feed a sumiuit level. Of course, its line of water cannot be raised to the level of t!ie lowest, and it will be necessary to drop it sufficiently to receive some other supplies of water. Braiiitroe town offers two other pontis on a lower level. They are called Great and Little pond. The former has an area of about 500 acres; its sujface is 109 feet 5 inches above tide water, and thus, £3 feet 5 inches below tlie summit ground. It gave, on the 1st of November, 25| cubic feet. This quantity, added to 3| cubic feet, would amount to 296 cubic feet, and prove barely sufficient for the expense of lockage, which a canal of ordinary dimensions would re- quire, leaving no supply to repair its losses from filtration and evap- oration. Ill the winter, the water of the ponds might indeed be prc- fivrved and accunujlated by dams, and provide a supply for the open 67 L 32^ J in^ of navigation. But further investi/ration can alone decide to vvha!; height tliey miglit be raised above tlieir actual lc\c!, and thus ascer- tain whether the canal is practicable. The imjjortancc of such a "work, and particularly of this route, deserves the expense of 8ucii re- searches. Another pond lies partly in Bridgewater, partly in Raynham town; it is the largest of :tll those which are found in this route. Its area is valued at abou^lOOO acres, and its surface is 49 feet 1 inch above tidewater. It is thus, 83 feet 9 iiiclies below the summit ground. To drop the level of the line of water on Ujis summit, to a level with the pond, a deep cut of 7 or 8 miles would perhaps be rorjuired. Elias pond, as well as those of Furnace and Forge, cannot, theiefore, sup- ply thesummit level, but may be made use of for feeding the lowci* levels of the canal. The depth is 12 feet at Weymouth landing, in high tides, and 4 feet ill low tides; the canal should ojien at a suUicient distance below this place, to reach a depth, which, at low water, may equal its own. By sea, the distance between Weymouth and Boston, is only 12 niiles. As to its termination in the Taunton, that river is navigable at high water to one mile above Taunton; but at low water it ceases to be navigable 6 miles below the town. At Taunton the tide iises 3 feet, and the river has there from 6 to 7 feet in depth. The termination of the canal must be directed in consequence, and a tide lock provided at each of its extremities. As in following this route, the streams which we meet have all a gen- eral direction to the east; another route more to the eastward has been surveyed and levelled by commissioncis above mentioned. It begins at Weymouth hack landing, and directs itself on Titicut bridge, on tlie principal branch of theTauntoii. its length would be only 231 rniles to the spot where it would bi'gin, to descend the valley of the Taunton. Its summit ground at Curtis* meadow is 131 feet 10 inches above tide water. Weymouth Great pond and Cran- berry pond might supply this summit level witli their wjiteis; the for- mer is only 5i miles distant from it. These other ponds might also feed the canal along this route: Whitman's pond, in Weymouth town, three-fourths of a mile from Back river landing; i^s surface is 54 feet 10 inches above tide water. Barretts mill j>ond, to the nortli of the summit ground; its furface is ninety feet two iriclics above tide water.— Nark's mill pond, to the north of the summit ground; its surface is eighty-two feet five inches above tide water. By a deep cut of forty-nine feet five inches, independent of the inelination of the feed- ers, and depth of the canal, all these ponds, exccj)t Whitnum's jjond, might convey their waters to the summit level. V^e siiould add tiiat in Middleborough, there are three ponds wiilch connnunicate to- gether, and whose waters may be led to the nortii in the cisief branch of the Taunton; these are x\ssuinset, Long Vond, and Ivintiruts. Exact surveys can alone decide w Inch of these routes affords the most favorable ground; but as to the practicability of either, it rests entirely on the sulliciency of their supply of vvatei-, and on the elevation which might be given to them, so as not to require too consideraable [82] 6S dcftj) cut. The exact gaiiginj*' of the wiitei-s, supplied by severaJ ponds at thoir lowest staj^c, a siu-vry of their area, ami an investii^atiou into the causes which fin-m and feed then», cat> alune ditect us to come to a!i acruraie cotulusion on the praclicabiiity of the catial. If this comnuuiioa ion i;-! found pi-acticahle, it will procui'e great ad- vanta.^TS. It will shorten bv two or thr-ee Jays, the navit^ation from New York to Boston; and, \\ lien tlie N. W. winds are reigning, will give a great advantage to vessels which may run into Nan-agansett J^ay, latlior t!ian Buzzard's Bay: for, on insning fioni l!ic eastern termination of the canal projected ironi the latter Bay to Barnstable Harbor, they could not reac h Boston by a N. V/. wind. In winter jSarragansett Bay does not offer the same dilliculties from floating ice as Buzzard's Bay, and its navigation is shorter and safer. In time of war, vessels will be better protected upon this route, and the canal itself better covered against any attack. If, to these considerations, \ve add the great advantage of a prompt and easy communication between two such harbors as Boston and Narragansett Bay, and of securing in time of wai', the safe and prompt arrival of rmval supplies from the southern stati-s to tlie naval depot of Boston; we will readily conclude that a work so important and useful as the canal from Taun- ton to Weymoutii, deserves that e\ery care and attention should be bestowed in investigating to what degree it is practicable. Such are the general views and particular details, already ascer- tained, on the several lirrcs of canals which the Board have explored and examined duiing the last season. These details may, perhaps, be found, on many points- too mirmte; but we have deemed them all esstntial to the gbject to which they relate. The result of such j-e« searches, whether they |)rove isnportant orotherwise, should, besides, be recorded, to avoid, heicafter, a repetition of the expense which the nation has incurred to |)rocuie them. As to the general results obtained by this expedition, they are as favorable as jiossible to the great object in contemplation; opening a system of communication to unite all the sections of the llepublic by the bonds of comnnicial intercouise, and rapid mutual aid in time of danger. This system will contribute essentially to the great end of rendering the means of our Government more ellidient; for, by reduc- ing the time necessary for communication, It will reduce, in fact, the great distances wiikh divide the sections of our vast cmjnre Irom each other, and will enable us easily and promptly to transfer the means and j)rodu( c of one climate to anothei; it will give a new value to the agric iiitural and mineral riches of our soil, and a new life and activity to our manufacturing industr-y, by facilitating their circulation. \\ ith- out a Iree and constant circulation, the political, as well as the human body becomes [laraljztd and benumbed in its opeiations. The results, at the present stage of the operations; are as follow: 1st. A canal iiom the I'otomac to the Ohio, and one from the Ohio to Latie Erie, are perfectly piacticable; tlie dilhculties to be encoun- tered in their executions, are, in no respect, greater than those which baye been ovetcome before now in works of the same nature. 69 [ 32 ] 2(1. A continued line of interior navigation from Chesapeake Bay to Barnstable Bay, Mass. may be opened or ratiier completed at a reasonable expense for coasting vessels. One branch of it, the Dela- ware and Chesapeake Canal, is now constructing. The Delaware anp(jrt a dam necessary to form a basin, at once to accommodate tiic village with a good landing, the trade of tlie Shcnan(h)ah with access to the canal, and for the purpose of siipijlying w ater to tlie eastern levels; but no place on this level pre- sents more complicated circumstances, or refjuii-es more to be studied. The valley of the Potomac, as we ascend it to Cumberland, exhi- bits favorable gi-ound — genei'ally extensive intervales and gentle ac- cli^ities, with few exceptions of abrupt hills. A few^ aqueducts wil! be required, and above Cumberland they must be frequent; for £8 miles, it will be often a question of expediency and calculation, whe- ther to cross or recross, or rather carry the canal some di^^tance tlirough rock. It is not, however, improbable that a modern improve- ment in aqueducts will diminish their expense, so as to make thai metjiod less objectionable. Tiie Potomac, in June, was found to deliver 220 cubic feet per se- cond above Savage, and t'se Savage 76 cubic feet; on the 17th of Sep- tember, iof'-/jy -,,j(5 ijje Savace 35.613. The survey executed as far 10 0 0 ♦-^ * down as Ciuuberland, has ascertained the descent to that place to be 327 feet 6 inches, the distance 28 miles. Tlie second or summit section follows up the Savage through the Alleghany mountain, and at the distance of five and a half miles, readies the Crabtroe branch, coming in from the southwest. Thus far, altliougii the hills rise high and sleep, there are narrow bottom'! T5 [ 32 ] /•along the stream, on one side or the other, wide enoiigli for a canal; but on ascending the Crabtree, whether it be one mile to Middle Fork, or np to Swan's old mill, seven and a half miles, such is the steepness of tlie shores and the height of tlie liills, that it is believed tlic cixnal must occupy the bed of the stream. From Swan's mill we ascend the Dividing Ridge or Little Back Bone mountain gradually a mile, when the descent is very gentle to the glades of Deep Creek. These glades the most favorable ground for the summit level of the canal, are enclosed by hills of moderate elevation, and the creek passes westward through Hoop-pole llidge narrows, when it falls a few feet, passing on the right, previously. North Glade — subsequently Meadow mountain Glade, tlicn Cherry hill high glade run, and then Buffaloe valley. Its course then conti- nues westward through wet ground for six miles, to the lu^ad of the rapids, which in a mile terminates at the Youghiogeny River, having Bear Point on the left, and Panther Point on the right, which there will be occasion again to mention. The junction of the creek with the river is at the foot of the Great Falls. Tracing up its coarse, we reach, at the distance of nijie miles, the Little Youghiogeny coming in from the east, having its source in tlie Dividing Ridge; but the river being traced further soutiuvard, is found to divide into the Cherry tree branch. Snowy branch, and Dun- card Lick. Retracing our steps. Pearl Run comes in from the west, in the Great Falls not far above, and opposite to Deep Creek. The river continuing its course northward, passes through Winding Ridge mountain, and, at the distance of fifteen miles, reaches the mouth of Bear Creek, the western end of the second section. Ascending Bear Creek Middle Branch in about a southeastern course, we come over a low ridge of ground to Buffaloe valley, before mentioned, which leads directly, or nearly so, to Deep Creek bridge, two and a half miles below, the narrows. This general view of the topography of the mountain section, ex- plains the occasion and the object of the lines of level, which were run by the brigades attached to the Board for these operations, as well as to make an accurate and skilful delineation of the ground, to enable the government at once to see the relative situation of the places named in the reports. On making this part of the reconnoissance, it was perceived that if a line up the Meadow Mountain Valley should be found practicable and preferable, it would permit of excavation above the usual surface of Deep creek, free from the incumbrance of much water, and, finally, when done, allow of filling the summit level by means of a dam on the creek near the rapids, empounding a large body of water, to convert the summit into a reservoir; arranging the gates of the locks so as to permit of some variation of the surface. The base line thus fixed, a central point, to which all distances should re- fer, was also established at the bridge. The survey of the eastern section of the summit ground was as- signed to Capt. M'Neill's brigade, and the western section to Capt, Shriver's and the civil surveyors of his party. [82] t6 The instructions from the Board to them were definitively directed to the determination of points of inune^Jiate and primary conspquence, viz: The comparative elevation of the streams a*id intermediate grounds. Consequentl}', the elevation of the dan)s necessary on the Yoiighiogeny, to raise the water liigh enough tc be led into the Deep creek summit. By what line it would he preferable to descend to- wards the west. By what line to pass with most convenience through the Dividing Ridge. The length of tunnel required on each Hne. The command of water, hoth in its natural flow, and capable of being held in reserve against the dry season «;f the year. While preparations were making for these ir.vestigations, the B ard continued the rcconnoisance of the country throughout the we >ii rn section. Following the course of the Youghiogeny it was found to flow al- ways rapidly between bottom lands ant£in tine valley exhibits more easy ground; and the river winds i^s vvay an; mg extensive meadows and comparatively gentle bills Un- li'.ny miles to its junction with the Monongahela, whence the g- .'urri is favorable along the right bank to Pittsburg, Wc next ascended along the fertile shores of the Monongahela to Geneva, where George's creek comes in f".m the southeast, periiaps the means, one day, of <:onnecting this proouctive district Vvitb th^ ('an^l. The immediate object of this part of our reconttoissance was to view tiie south ravine of I^aurel mountain, through which Cheat river flows, and then to ascend the high ground between it aiid the Youghio- gney, to examine Pine swamp, the sou.ce of Pearl Run, which had been conjectured to be low enough to allow oi a canal route in this; direction, but it was ascertained to be 222 leet aoin e Deep creek. It is, however, found that Pearl Run may be made to flow a large extent of ground in Pine swamp. Having, in our way. made some observations on the southern part ef Big Sandy Creek, which joins Cheat river jfst above tlie ravine, we directed our course to the inspection of those branches which oc- cupy the space between the Laurel ridge and Youghiogeny river; and so far as the ground was seen, the aspect of the couuti-y was not un- favorable. But whether it would be accessible to a line of canal commencing at the Forks of Bear creek, led along the sloj>e of the eastern side of the Youghiogeny 'till opposite Selby Fort, crossing the river t() gain Coddington's valley, at a sutiicient elevation to be car- ried into the Valley of the northeast branch of Sandy creek, and by the line which may be found preferable, reach the eastern base of the Laurel range, to pass it by a tunnel, and emerge not far from the village of Monroe, in the county of Fayette, is not yet ascertained,, 77 [ 32 1 This line is a part of the unexecuted instructions of the Board. Ele- vated aqueducts and long tunnels, are now of so connnion occurrence in modern canalling as to be no material obstacle, especially since the application of the steam engine. Cut lines or routes of canals are compared, not only in j)oint of expense, but of ultimate practical economy, command of water, preservation of the works, accommo- dation to the inhabitants of the adjaceut country, &c. In this in- Btance, however reluctantly a majority of the Board consented to the investigation of this line, from its forbidding aspect, which it is but justice to them to remark; yet the reasons for it apjieai* to me sulh- cient, when recollecting that on Eric Canal, from Little Falls twelve miles down along the Alohawk, four times as much water is consum- ed, as the middle section uses per mile per minute; and know ing how difficult it is to make a canal tight, whicii is sustaitied along the rough shore of a river high enough to be out of reac h of freshets. Nor is it any easy thing to supply from a river having the characteristics of a torrent, by means of dams; and considering too the length of the ravine, there seemed to be reason for a comparison of a liije wiiich might possibly result in an escape fiom any serious difficulty. The boldness of the plan of crossing the Youghiogeny at the ele\ation of perhaps one hundred feet, to gain the valley of Sandy Creek, may be readily countenanced by the experience of England in like cases. The writer of these j)ages stood on the Aqueduct Pontcysyltc, over the river Dee. in North Wales. (130 feet high) while building, and a year afterwards saw it in full operation. Its aiches and trunk are of cast iron. (See plate 415, J\''nv Edinburg Ency.) 'I'he place of the tunnel in this instance will demand, no doubt, the best jiidgnient. In the want of a preference of this line, the canal would descend from about one-third the western elevation of the Lauiel, and regain the valley of the Youghiogeny not far from Connelsville. 1 he distatice is computed, from Bear creek to the mountain, 14 miles; and the saving in the length of the western section about twenty miles. And it is presumed the saving of exjjense will not be inconsiderable. — There arc three great points to be kept in view in deciding upon the line of the western section: directness, management, as well as com- mand of water, cost of the work, and uninterrupted operation. While the Board were fulfilling the orders of the Hon. Secretary of War, in examining the country between the Ohio and the Lake, their instructions had been so far executed on the summit ground, as to de- termine some of the most material points. I return, therefore, to the inquiry depending thereon. It was found that the Youghiogheny, at a certain ledge above the great falls designated by the Board, is below the base line 74.50 ft. The fork of the Little Youghiogheny - - - 57. The mouth of Snowy creek - - - - - 40.69 The fork of Cherry Tree creek ., - . - SO.IS Armstrong's, on Little Youghiogheny - . - 46. Themouthpf Nest Lick run. on the Little Youghiogheny 16.28 [ 32 ] 78 A point four miles above Armstrong's, on the Nest Lick, and four- fifths of a mile above this last place, level with Deep Creek. The measurement of the water was made after three or four weeks of dry weather, and computed according to methods established by the philosophical experiments of Du Berat, confiimed by those of Dr. Robinson, professor of natural philosophy in the University of Edin- burgh detailed and discussed in his work on mechanical philosophy. And tlie correctness of them was ingeniously tested by a method of mechanical measurement, contrived by Mr. Shriver, and the gentle- men of his brigade, to prove his calculations. It resulted, from the mean of all these operations, that Deep Creek at that period delivered, per second. 5^^^^^^ cubic feet; and Buffalo Run, coming in below the bridge, 1.703 = 7.247; and. corroborative of it, Captain McNeill measured the same in his section, and found 5.402 feet. All the head waters of the Youghiogheny were, at this period, also measured. The Little Youghiogheny was found to discharge 12.036 The Main Youghiogheny 13.126 Cherry Tree fork 4.300 Snowy creek . = -.»,- 11.476 Feet 41.038 The developement of these facts, suggested the expediency of trying ti lower line for the summit level, and a survey was directed to be made up the valley of the Little Youghiogheny, to investigate the practicability of a communication with the Crabtree. This line of level was run tiventy-four feet below Deep creek, and was found to strike the ground seven and a half miles above Armstrong's, near the mouth of Block Run. and that a tunnel of nearly four miles would effect a communication with Crabby's arm. a branch of the Crabtree. The several lines ascertained by the surveys have their peculiar ad- vantages and disadvantages. It is necessary briefly to describe and enumerate them, in order to explain the reasons of preference, and to account for the manner of applying the principles upon ^yhich practi- cability depends. These lines may be all considered as starting westward from the mouth of Crabtree Creek, because, thus far, the successive levels must depend on the same source of supply. From that point down we have the waters of the Savage. Line. Distance. Summit, m. yds. m. yds. 1st. By Savage River, Moni'oe Run, Meadow Mountain Valley, to Deep Creek bridge, 15.255 5.0833 2d. By Crabtree, Middle Fork, west branch Mea- dow Mountain, 15.0035 3.1333 3d, <' Nortb Glade, - - - - 15.0248 3.0125 79 [ 32 3 4th. a East, - - . - - 15.0436 3.0083 5th. ti Rock Camp, north fork Deep Creek, - 13.1522 4.0000 6th. a Savage Lick Run, - 15.1315 £.1083 7th. a Hink's Arm, - . - - 16.0272 l.lllG 8th. a Dry Arm, . _ - . 16.0488 1.09ia 9th. a Dewickman's Arm, - 16.0735 1.0683 10th. it Wilson's Fork, Little Youghio; gheny. 36.0732 4,030a 11th. i( Crahhy's Arm, - 36.0894 3.153^ The several lines thus converging to a point excepting the two last, which are, however, brought to a parallel position and equidistant, nearly from their object, the mouth af Bear Creeky the continuation of them, in comparison^ may be thus pursued: The 10th and 11th have two alternatives. 1st. To cross Deep Creek over the falls by an aqueduct to Panther Point, then turn that point in high rocky excavation, and descend 150 feet to the river shore, near Hoy's Run, and continue down along the Ginsing Bottoms to the ravine of Winding Ridge, pass through it five miles, and iii about fifteen miles frooi the point, reach Bear Creek. Or, 2dly, as- cend along Deep Creek, cross it at the rapid by an aqueduct, pass through Panther Ridge by a tunnel of half a mile; then, either cross Hoy's Valley by an embankment and aqueduct, or turn it by a cii'cui- tous line, and gaining the west branch of Bear, descend to the mouth of the creek, about 24 miles. These distances added to the former, make by one route, 51^ miles. By the other, 60i miles. The Glade lines having converged to the centre at the bridge, the tompa»nson may next be made between that which has the shortest tnnnel and that which has the least distance; these are the 2d and the 9th. The second line has to tlie centre point the length of, miles 15.0035 yards. If we continue the lineup Buffalo Valleij till the digging becomes 35 feet deep to a tunnel, not exceeding two miles, under a ridge of 170 feet, the distance is, miles 14.0000, which, ad- ded to the preceding, is miles 29.0035 yards. Or, if we take the length of the 9th line, with the shortest tunnel, it is 30 miles 732 yards. This would evidently be the lesat expensive route, through at a higher level; and the question of supply of water comes next in order. Canals in England being in a very different climate, do not, in regard to water, afford data on which fully to rely. Our own expe- rience is not conclusive, since the Santee has required to be deepened, and Middlesex was not made originally with that precaution which might have allowed it to be a guide in this estimate, nor has Erie Canal been long enougii in operation to exhibit the minimum of its consumption of water by filti-ation. The canals of France, whose climate most resembles that of the middle states, differ greatly from 1:32] 80 rach othci'. But to take tiie mean of these and the best section of Erie together, is perhaps a near approximation to the truth, viz: evaporation wide, deep, cubic ft. lockage, fittration. rhe canal de Hrlare, (6 miles,) 40 ft. 4 ft. sect. 128 uses 62.60 5.80 56.80 riie canal ofLanj^uefloc,(69 miles,) 64 ft. 7h sect. 375 " 35.90 17.00 1890 fhe canal du Centre, (69 mile?,) 47 ft. 5} sect. 215 " 55.60 9.74 45.86 Thecanalof St.Quinlin. (32miles,)54ft. 5^ sect. 232 " 70.70 10.52 60.58 'ifhe Erie canal (141 miles,) 40ft. 4 sect. 136 'M21.00 6.16 114.84 414 348.78 The whole expense of vvater per mi!e per minute, 69 Tlie whole expense of water for evaporation and filtration per miuute, 58.13 The above is for the summit levels, and the estimate of lockage is assumed proportionately for all, from the average of Languedoc, for silx yeai's, which w as found to be 1 920 boats a year. If, therefore, tlie locks on this canal arc 100 feet by 20 feet, and 8 feet deep, 30,720,000 16.000 X 1920= 365 is 84 1,644 cubic feet per day of 1 2 hours, or 1169 cubic feet per minute; which, divided by the number of miles 69, gives 17 feet per mile per minute; then, assuming that the others have proportionate lockage, and tliat these locks are of a size propor- tionale to their section, and the above deductions will be in accordance with Languedoc, leaving for evaporation and filtration aboveSS.l 3 per mile per minute. This average is much more favorable than the experience of Erie canal alone would have been, as it has been stated in the Ohio Com- missioners' report, as the answer of one of the Engineers to their inquiry, viz: That 61 miles of this canal, Rochester to Senaca, uses 6000 ft. 11 the Camillus level, - - 2000 ft. 69 the Rome summit, - - 9000 ft. 141 tt. 17000 Per mile per miuute, 120.57 If the preceding calculation of the mean of the expense of water per mile j)er minute, is a near approximation to the truth, the ap- plication of it may be made to the lines of canal by considering, not only the summit level, but those levels which are successively, or alike dependent on the same source as one of the data of the esti- mate, and the lockage from the summit level as another. It is proper to take the longest line, in the first instance, sixty miles; especially as the passage of the Winding Ridge Ravine (not yet surveyed) is con.sidered very difficult: 60 x 58.13 = ft 3,487.800, 81 [32j The lockage may. on so gi-cat a communication, be nearly equal to the possible operation of the canal; and if we suppose a boat to enter at eacli end every twelve minutes, or five per hour, and the de- scending boats passed at the same time, there would be ten falls pei- hour. The locks 90 x 15 x 8 — 10,800 Plus ^ah, for waste, = 2,700 13,500 Per hour, - 135,000 Per minute, - - , - 2250.00 Per minute, total cubic feet, - - 57*37.80 Per second, ... - ft. 95.63 The fio wins; water at command, as before stated, - 48.28 ■o The requisite artificial supply per second, - - 47.35 The next point in the investigation is, what body of water would ivftord this supply; what opportunities of forming reservoirs exist; and on what principles both such, and the feeders from them, arc con- structed ? That they would be filled, may be shewn from the known oper- ations of nature on these high grounds. The ratio of evaporation is a preliminary and indisj)ensab]e in- quiry. From a very extensive collection of facts, by philosophical observers in Europe, it a])pears that the ratio of evaporation from the surface of 7vater, in the summer season, is greater than the rain; but from land, somewhat less. To exemplify the first, it is ibund that, by observations at Salem, in the United States, the rain is 35 inches, the evaporation 56 inches: at Baltimore, (by Mr. Brantz,) S9.83 inches: evaporation not observed in an open field. In England, the average of six years, 21.00 on the plane. 25c 00 on an eminence. Idem, anollier series. . 23.83 evaporation 36.44 Idem, in winter months, - 11.48 10.27 Idem, in summer. - 12.43 26.17 In Scotland, in wintcV, . 14.19 12.89 In summer. - 19.36 31.51 The well-known experiments of Dalton and of Hoyle, resulted in shewing the loss to be l-5th of an inch in 12 hours. There is a resemblance, in some i-espects, between the summer weather of England, and of the Allegany* in the temperature, an sixty miles: Deficiency 47.35 cubic feet, x 60 x 60 x 24 x 60 days = 245,462,400 cubic feet. To provide for this quantity, under the supposition of its being re- quisite for 60 days, we have the following places, which if flowed to the depth of six feet above the level required for feeders, whose slope shall be sufficient to carry the water to the canal, with an allow- ance above that of one foot, for evaporation, and two feet for filtra- tion, will cojitain available quantities as follows, according to the re- port of the surveys, viz. 1st. On the Youghiogeny, above the mouth of Cherry tree branchy by a dam, which, measured from the surface of the stream to the surface of the reservoir, will be, besides the submerged part and the foundation 19 ft. 149,131,000 «2d. On Cherry tree Creek, 19 ft. 85,494,000 Sd. On the Youghiogany, from Cherry tree to Snowy Creek 29 ft. 75,506.000 4th. On Snowy Creek, including Laurel, 29 ft. 176,490,000 5th. On Youghiogeny, from Snowy Greek dam to Little Youghiogeny, 44 ft. 1 50,000,000 6th. On the Little Youghiogeny, 44 ft. 200,000,000 Cubicfeet, 836.721,000 This quantity appears to be treble that required, nor have we in- cluded those reserves which might be formed on the Deep Creek and Glades; nor that of which the Pine Swamp, west of the Youghioge- ny, may be capablt;; nor one which might possibly be formed by a dam 90 feet high, above the Great Falls. The four first are the most practicable, and they would have a feed- er of about 16 miles in length. It is not to be denied, in practice, that the principles which should govirn the construction oi feeders are in some obscurity: with the ut- most precaution they have sometimes disappointed expectation. That of St. Prive, on the canal DeBriare, is eleven miles in length, and it lost three fourths of the water that entered it, although the feeder was rebuilt with every possible ])recaution, except covering it. The usual section of the stream at the entrance gate was 5 feet broad and [ 32 ] 84 2 feet deep: (Ik? gate wiiere t'ue feeder discharged into the summit level is 3 feet; 4, and the water 7 inches deep. The slope of this feeder was 5i inches per mile. The quantity of water received into the feeders of Languedoc canal, is 72,000,000 metres^ of which 37,256,000 is discharged into the canal, and 35,344,000 is lost by filtration and evaporation. Without attempting either to account for this loss, or for the fact that feeders, of comparatively small di- mensions, ajjpear to lose as much as canals, the conjecture may be hazarded tiiat the shallowness of the water permits its temperature to be raised — its velocity increases exposure to the air, and the more so if the wind is against the current: tlie absence of hydrostatic pres- sui-e on the banks, as the volume diminishes, allows them to become more dry and absorbent. These concurrent causes may account for the disappearance of this large proportion, and may suggest, besides the expedient of covering them from the sun, others by which they may be adapted to our climate. Tiic construction of dams of great elevation, though by no means impracticable, are not only attended with expense and difficulty, but with some uncertainty. That of the St. Ferreol reservoir of Lan- guedoc, is 110 feet in height; in masonry, parallel walls of great thickness, filled between with earth. But it is stated, as the result of experience in dams of masonry, that they are found too often to re- quire repairs. In Scotland, preference is given to building a puddle wall in the centre of an embankment. There is one of this kind, 90 feet high, at Glencorreburn, near Edinburg. In building them, the course of the stream must be diverted. Puddle is any tenacious earth, compacted under water, by which the air is excluded from it — ■ the particles of the mass are afterwards kept in contact by ti»e weight of the atmosphere. The uncertainty of success arises principally from the hydrostatic pressure, in any deej) artificial water, which sometimes occasions small leaks secretly to spring out, perhaps through fissures of the rock, if on lime stone; or, by the porosity of the earth, discharging much water by small and imperceptible openings. Reservoirs are, of course, experimental, in paoportion to their magnitude; but most likely to succeed where the ground has been occasionally or annually flowed. We have shown that the loss by evaporation more than rain, may, in summer, be one foot. Du Cros, (a writer on these subjects,) states the absorption on canals to be one and an half times the evaporation. In this ratio, we must allow for a reservoir, were it of the same depth only; according to the tables for the summer season, 31.45 inches, plus 15.77, but as a di'ougbt for sixty days would be so ex- traordinary as to preclude the navigation of the western rivers — we may safely assume the results of iJalton's experiments which were 12 inches for sixty days, and allow the filtration to be 2 feet. This addition has been therefore made on the elevations of the dams. It has been shown, that, by these means and methods, there may be water enough for the longest, but lowest, line. S5 C 32] The next inquiry is, whether there is water enough at command for the shortest line, 29 miles, described page 15. This line is higher than the former by 34 feet, viz: 10 feet above tlie base line of Deep creek, occasioned by ascending to the Bench ma; k near the mouth of Meadow Mountain Run. and wl ids increased elevation is necessai'y to be out of reach of the freshets of Deep creek., which rise at the bridge, at least 9 feet. As the canal must be kept out of reach of floods, it may be sup- posed to be led along the foot of Meadow mountain, across Cherry- tree Glade Run, and along the declivity of Negro mountain, and up the Buffaloe vailey to the htnneiU'MVin^ into Bear creek valley, which on this plan may be shoi'tencd. and by somewhat deeper digging at both ends, reduced to about one mile. The quantity required, in. 29x58.13 = 1,685.77 Lockage as before. - - 2,250.00 per minute, 3,935.77 per second, 65.59 To supply this demand, we have Deep creek in its lowest state. - 7,247 Quantity to be provided for. feet, 58,343x60x60x24x60 days, = 309,346,560 cubic feet. To provide fur it we have, 1st. The summit level capable of a variation of three feet. Its length measured from the eastern extremity of the east tunnel to tlie western extremity of the west tun- nel is 10 ms. 1,663 yds. of which 4 ms. 1,333 yds. may be 15 feet wide, 376,785 5 ms. 1,100 yds. may be 40 feet wide, 188,000 feet, 1,564,785 Multiplied by 3, 3 4,692,355 The Glade reservoir may be formed by a dam at the narsows, 200 feet wide, 12 feet high, plus foundation. This would flow the water to Elk Lick, on the foot of tiie Dividing ridge which is, feet, 26.194 above base and Because less to Meadow mountain. feet 14,344 - distance, Shows the dam to be 11,750 the distance, The area would be about 2i miles pins 1 mile up South fork, plus ^ up Nortli glade or 4 x -| is 27,878,400, 6 feet decn avuiliiUl -. - - - . m. d. 4 42 2 13 p. 32 37 2 28 95 1 167.270. ,400 [ 32 ] 86 To tliis wc may add a .'oscrvoir higher on the South fork; another liij»hcr on the North j^lade, another on iMea^i^.w Mountain Run about the enti'ancc to tlie tunni^l, and on the higli glade of Cherrytreei these require no extent of feeders, and a moderate extent and eleva- tion of (!am. These niay he considered as at least equal to one square mile () feet deep, or, I6f,2r0,400, which ;id;ied to the preceding sums, is 339,233,155. Recollecting that we are providing for a dnvighth nf sixty daySf which has never hecn known on tliese mountains, this may be ad- mitted as sufiicient — but, in truth* we have assumed large size locksj and C(y7/s^a»/ operation of them. But it may ajipea!' iPiexj)cdient that they should he so large, and still there are two other sources of sup- j)ly, attended witli some rxpoise. These are— First, To bring into tlie glade reservoir the watei-s of the upper brandies of tiie Little You- ghiogeny, Nest Lick, and V^'olf Runs, (the miniiuufn delivery of whichj appears to have been, feet 8,746.) by means of a duct thiough the in- tervening hill, the distance tlii-ough, being three mites^ and connected with this, might be a feeder to the Cherrytree fork, wliich affords 11,503, these added 1,728,000, and reach the best situation for re- servoirs on all the upper brandies of the Yoiighiogeny. To those may be added the Pearl Run and l^ine swamp reservoir, which may, (according to Mr. Shriver's Memoir and survey,) be of several square miles extent, confintd by a dam of small dimensic^ns. Rut this must be attained i»y means of an aqueduct feeder, and the use of some extent of iron pijie. This is not difficult, but the ground has not been examined with this view; the elevation is, however, considerably above the base line, and the line under discussion. But wc may leave the resources of the west side of the rival" in reserve f )r the western section. it remains to elucidate the circumstances of the line with the sJwrtcst tunnel, viz: the 9th line. This line passing from Dry Arm to Deep creek, it is probable the tunnel may be shortened to one mile — passing down the glade to the narrows, it thence will follow, as be* fore described, the course to Bear creek valley. The glade was ex- amined and found to have a soil of about four feet deep, based on rock, probably like that of the adjacent ridges sandstone in strata* If excavation were to commence 4 feet decj) at North glade, which was found to be 17.794, tlien minus 4. is 13.794. The mouth of KIkLick opjMisite Dry Arm 26.194 above base, also, minus4 = 22.194 less 13.794 = feet 8,'40(>. the depth of digging in rock diminishing westward to 0. In forming a canal througli the glade, it will, no 4louht, be necessary to employ cS3ge, a feeder may be led to the canal at the elevation re- qiiired for the Laurel tunnel route; or if the line should be preferable down t!:e course of the river, then others on Cassellman's and North Branches. Indeed, these may, in either case, be wanted, as the two lines unite belo^v the Laurel Mountain, and the supply must then be had from the Yougbiogeny. Finally. Havitigexplaitied the wiiolc subject, so far as thepreser.t state of information jjermits, n^y impression is, that, notwithstanding tlie (9th) line of the shortest tunnel is not the shortest canal, and the Deep Creek stmimit will be thirtii-foiir feet higher i\\a.n the circuitous line; notwithstanding the route by Bear Creek will require a second tunnel, and the line away from the river a third tunnel, and a magni- ficent aqueduct, yet I give a decided preference to this wbole route, as that w hicli embraces the great points, directness, control and com- mand of water, economy of exi)ense, and continuity of operation, with most certainty. J>oth lines should be investigated thoroughly, as it is for posterity and perpetuity tliat this great work is to be accojn- plishcd. In conclusion, a few general remarks may be offered, aiising from the occasion and the position of the Board. No diftJculty has been dii5iin!sbed or magnified. The obstacle to a communication by the I'otomac route with the Western states, lessens to a point, com- j'arcd with t!ie magnitude of the object, whether in a commercial or political relation to the pi-osperity of the country. In Europe, their canals, even those of Governments, have all some definite limited ob- ject of litiliiy. But here it is not alone the distance — the elevation — the va«t natural navigation to be connected, which constitutes the grandeur of the design; but the immense interests it combines into an harmonious national whole. Whoever visits the Western states for tlie first time, is astonished that so few years have elapsed, since this fertile and populous ])artof our country was a vast wilderness; but the surprise ceases with the recollection, that, at the establishment of the constitution. Ilie United States became the ovuiers of these lands, ceded and pledged by the states to each other, jointly and severally, as a basis of public credit, so broad and safe as to be an effectual guarantee against the oppression of an accumulating national debt, and therefore, the real Moalth with which everv thine: for the common jrood mav be accom- 89 • t 32 J plislied. Tlie immcillatc offor to sale of this fine bodj? of land, in a mild climate, intersected by great and by small rivers, could not but induce the emigration of a yoiithuil, biave, and resoluie ponulation, from evci-y Atlantic state. The provisions of the constitution were thus fulfilk-dJ aiul in tinie^ young states became j)ai'tneis with their old [;arents"Mi the achantagf^ of civil liberty. Money paid into the common treasury purchased a title to their farms; but thoy can'ied witii them> or inherited a title to equal prosperity under tliat compact, wliicli establishes power ta provide for the general welfare. This p!-osperity, it is clear, can be attained only w-lieu the gco- grapliical isolation of a large portion of the country siiall cease, and avenues be opened to a participation, on equal teruvs, in the c<)maierce of the woi-ld^ From the AlU';r!iany mountain to the Wabash; from the Tennessee to the Lakes, there is a great aiul valuable portion o^ the interior romote from every seaport, and intcrcej)ted by nearci-. hut not more fertile regions from the accessible markets, especially i,^ the ea!-ly spving. Industi-y is indeed so depressed, that, notw ithstand- ing the modern mode of navigation pi-evails largely, produce is so low as to bear land carriage (by tiie National road) three hundt cd miles* This section of our country compieheudsono sixth of Virginia, ono fourth of Pennsylvania, with the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Ken- tucky, (Containing eighty-five millions of acres and at least one mil- lion six hundred thousand inhabitants. But not these only — all be- yond them are interested in an ultimate system of internal communi- cations, and all, too, on this side, since our internal pro'4|)crity is the support of our external commerce — our navigation, which clierishes our best means of pi'escrviitg |)eace, by eniciency in m ar. The eight AVestern states contain two hundred and forty-eight miliioiis of acjes, and at least two million five hundred thousand iniialvitants. Ifth» ]and may average five dollars an acre, its value is twelve bundled and forty millions oi'dollars, andto this maj' be sup»^rad.'iod. the four ter-. ritories* contfiinirfg sevn.e;h the capacity of that canal for business may be in- creased byjiarallcl locks, and other means, there are limitations to its power, set hy (he command of water it possesses. Ever since the commencement of that work, tlie western counties of New York hav© been increasinf^ greatly in population, and there will be no 7iccessitif for business from Ohio and Michigan to ensure a competent revenue from Eric canal. The very facts which sliew the wisdom of that un- dertaking, })rove that the Western states may find it pre-occupied. The nearest customers must always have the preference. They are jn possession. Nor would a canal thi-ough Pennsylvania be less oc- cupied. 'I'liis .state, besides being et, in good policy, not to mak© the income, in time, not only secure the perpetuity of the way. but the interest on t.he investment, which it would most certainly do, at very moderate rates. If as many boats were to enter as has been as- sumed in the calculation of the water, it would be 5 X 12 x 2 = 120. If twenty-five tons, then 1:20 x 25 = 3000 pev day. if 200 days. 600^ 000 tons, at two cents a ton a mile, is 3,900,000 dollars, the canal being at least 326 miles. Finally: in reviewing the whole ground, the Allegltany raountaia stretching through the centre of tlie Union, so far from being a bar- rier to tije most economical form of communication, is, in fact, to bo rather considered the great laboratory of that element, which is essen- tial to this branch of tlie internal improvements in contemplation of the General Government. The next division of this communication is in relation to the route of canal between the Ohio and Lake Erie, also respectfully submitted. JOHN L. SULLIVAN, Member Bil. Inter. Imjrrovcmenis^ Washington^ Februavy 3, 1825. MecoriRoi^ance of the countnj beticccn the Ohio and the Lake, While the investigations were proceeding on the summit ground, the Board made the reconnoisance of the country between the Ohio »nd Lake Erie, in order to designate the most suitable route for a, coinmutucation bctwcyen these waters. 91 [32] 'T\iQ course of the Ohio i-iver, from Pittsburg to iUe mouth of Big Beaver, is in a direction which approaches the Lake, aud that point is found to be the most proximate. With the _e,iiidance of a gentle- man well acquainted with the district, the Board, after examining the falls, ascended the valleys, divergingTor some distance up the Shenan- go, which was subsequently visited along its uj)per branches. From Warren, at the head of the Big Beaver, where tlic branches called the Mahoning, and Silver creek, come in, excursions were made to all the points of essential interest to which our attention was di'awn, either by the known topography of the couiitry, or by facts ascertain- ed under the authority of the adjoining states, or by gentlemen actu- ated by motives of public spirit. I'he adjoining township of Champion being the highest ground be- tween the Beaver and Giand river, had hecu ascertained to be three hundred and forty-two feet above Lake Erie, and tivo hundred and eighteen feet above the Ohio. It became, therefore, as this line has the lowest known summit, a very interesting inquiry, whether a suffi- tient command of water coujd be had to make this '' the most suitable route," especially, as the gentle slope of the country through Rome, Austinburg, and Aslitabuhi, appeared to be favorable ground, and the Valley of Grand river, for some distance, afford advantages. An important fact had been ascertained by an engineer employed by the state of Ohio, viz. that the Cuyahoga could be led eastward, to the isumvnit of Champioii. The distance and elevation of tliat point, and the quantity of water at command, would tlierefore decide the practi- cability of a canal by this route. We proceeded, therefore, to the Cuyahoga, and ascended to the ra-' J)ids. At this time there had been no i-ain for three or four w eeks. The opportunity was favorable to determine nearly the mimimuiu quantity of flowing water. The section and velocity of the stream Sa ere taken at several places, and the mean of these operations and calculations was 56-^^5?^. We returned by the track which Mr. Geddes levelled, to the head ?)f Silver Creek, where the greatest depth of cutting was ascertained to be seventeen feet, and the distance between oiie and two miles. AVe visited Garret's mill, on this stream, AA'herc it was found, that C.oro, was the quantity, per second, of flowing water; and at Park- man, a small stream, also, at command, measured iJ^^Yo^t. togethei* eSy^g^ being tlie whole of the natural supply at command above Cham- ])ioi); and it w as the opinion of some of the inhabitants, that the Cuy* ahoga was, at times, a quarter to a third lower than at present. The length of feeder required would be eighteen miles; the length of canal to be supplied from these sources, would be some distance down the Beaver, aided by the Mahoning, and fifty miles to the Lake; in tlie course of which it would cross some feeble streams from Bloom* field Swamp, perhaps low^ enough to receive them. Or, if the line Averc to descend into Grand river valley, it would be circuitous, and from Austinburg to Paynesville, under peculiar disadvantages, from ibe wTisbcd banks, or higii blufts, of earth, along the foot of whic'k t ^2 ] 92 this stream alternates by sweeps. The line €Ouid not leave the val- ley to attain a termination at Ashtahiila. When the question presenteil itself, Whether the canal route might not rather ascend to the Cuyaiioga, and descend that vailey to Cieavc- ]an<), the first in([uiry naturally was as to the elevation oftiic grounds Mr. Geddes liad not levelled up the i-apids, and we were left to infer its elevation from the other elevations which he measured, and partly from the conjectures of the inhabitants. He began on the side of the small lake between the Muskingum and the bend of the Cuyahoga, 404 feet above Lake Erie. Itis line was run eastward beyood Ravenna, and the ground west of the Mahoning was found to be 149.20 fcct above the starting point at the little lake. It was foujid that ike narrow falls of Cuyahoga is forty-nine feet above that point, from whence to the rapids, (tlie place we visited,) •tlic ascent is estimated at 120 feet, distance fifteen miles. Mr. Ged- 4lcs continued his line of level from the high ground to Garret's mill, on Silver creek, found to be 58.80 feet below the starting point: coir- tjuuing on, he found the swamp in Nelson to be 37.80 and Cham^iion below that - 21. 58.80 As Champion is 58.80 below the point of departure, and the Nar- row Falls 47 above it, and the fifteen miles ascent 120, asconjectur- ^'d. Cuyahoga Rapid is 225.80 above Champion, and Champion is 342 above Lake Erie; therefore, 567.80 is the elevation of this lino. This is corroborated thus: The starting point '• 404 To the Narrow Falls - 47 To the Rapids - 120 571 It is true, the number 120 is conjectural; but as tlie people cstiniat" «d the fall to be 150, it is set down sit 120. To this discouragement might have been superadded the difficult nature of the ground down the Cuyahoga Valley, according to Mr. Geddes' report in print. It is not our duty at this time to dwell on the advantages which Ohio may ultimately derive from local relations and elevations of the. Cuyahoga. It may surely be the means of forming a useful canal east- ward, if it cannot adequately supply a canal of the dimensions this Communication, prospectively considered, will require. Subsequently to these observations, tlie Board followed the line from Warren to Austinburg; thence to Paynesville and the mouth of Grand River. Returning to Austinbui'g, wc pursued the line proposed to Ashtabula, and viewed its harbor also; the next object was to view the summitground between the head of the Ashtabula and the head of the Pymatuning, a branch of the Shenango; tlieucc, to the head of tliat river, and down its valley, soutbward, to the junction oi Crooked Creek branch, whicli 93 [32] %As followed up, northward, to Conneauti Lake, wliicli is separated from its head waters by rather low ground: thence, to Lake Eric, de- 5H:eriding 470 feet. From the north end Conneauti, the waters run- ning into Erie are separated by a ridge of 1 5 feet for a short distance. To the laivc is 25 miles. To Erie Harbor nearly 40 miles. Tho nearest point on the Lake shore is at Elk Creek mouth, ahout 1 6 miles w est of Erie Harbor. An artificial harbor might be securely built here; the bottom is rock, gradually declining from the shore. To view the line near Waterford, the Board, after visiting Erie, as- cended to the sources of supply on French Creek. The elevation of ihis summit would be 670 feet near La Bonif Lake. Arrived atMeadville, we availed immediately of the long period of dry A>cather, to asceitain the minimum of ilowiiig water in French Creeks which the Conneauti Lake route is capable of receiving. The operation of measuring it was repeated several times, and tliemeart of these measurements found to be 230 cubic feet per second, which is ronsidercd to be abundant, especially as the plan of the work will .probably include the waters of Conneauti Lake; and, if necessary at any future time, it may be raised, and make a reservoir of five miles in length, and nearly one iu breadth, if found, on investigation, that it would fill. This source of supply hcing the only one a-mply sufficient, would seem, of course, to prescribe the route nearest to it, as most suitable; and we saw no diilicuity in making a canal from the mouth of Beaver to the mouth of Elk, in the distance of a little more than one hun- dred miles. Having thus accomplished the reconnoissance, we divided our par- ty, and Col. Totten descended the Alleghany to make a chart of that riA er, the distance from Franklin to Pittsburg being 109 ntiles, and there are 45 rapids in its course. On re-assembling at Piitsburg, it was deemed expedient to preserve the information thus acquired for ^*uture usefulness, embodied in the form of instructions for surveys, and to place them on the records of our transactions as a Board; but jiot, (on my part.) as expressive of the opinion that it would be of es- sential importance to execute them all. The line of communication. tle])cnds upon the command of water, and it is evident there is but one l-oule where it is found in sufficient quantity. The next division of this illustration of the general subject, is on the co-operation with the Pennsylvania Commissioners, also respect- fully submitted. JNO. L. SULLIVAN, ^Member Board Int. Improvement. [S 2 1 94 Pcnnsyl'cnnia Eeconiioissancfi In confoiTiilly ^\h\\ tlie ovdcrs of the Secretan' of Wai", the Board of lutenial lujpravciaeni, in their way to the Eastern states, met and «;o-o perilled with the eanal coininissioncrs of Pennsylvania in making ji rocorasoissaitrc of tlie country from the Oliio to the Schuylkill. To convoy a general idea of this route, it is necessary to recal to mind the great features of the country. xlt the distance of thirty miles, hy the course of the /Alleghany, from Pittsburg, tiio Kiskimanitas, wiiosc uppei* eastern hranch is called the Conesnaugh, comes in from the east, that hranch heads opposite the.. Juniatta (itself a hranch of tlse Busquehannah): and, both to the cast and v.efifc,of the Alleghany mountain, are seen others, ranging transversely to these ri\ers — the Chesnut and Laurel on the \\est, and many ou the east, which divide Pennsylvania into fertile valleys; while farther heyond tiieSusrptehannah, Daujihin, Lancaster, and Chester counties exhibit a milder aspect of coujitry. This route naturally divides itself into four scctioiis: 1st, fi-om Pitts- burg to the mouth of the Little Conemaugh. computed to be 128 milest 2d, thence, to the forks of the Juniatta, 40 miles: 3d, thence, to the Sus- quehannah, 1 10 miles; 4th, thence, to tite Schuylkill, 125 miles. The whole 403 miles. The first section has favorable ground along the rivei-, on alternate sides, for a large proportion of the distance, presuming the substra- tum will be found tenaci((us ground. Tlui principal cxce})tions are the ravines of Chesnut and Laurel mountains, one five, the other seven miles thi'ough. It will often he a question of expediency for skill and calculation, to decide wl:cther to carry the line along the declivity of steep shores, or to cross by an aqueduct to a more favorable ground for a distance, when the same alternative will again jjresent. For this .section, v.isich, from its elevation at tl^e eastern end, gives to the ^ stream the. characteristic of a torrent, and ])recludes improvement of th» natural mivigation, there will be water in abundance for a canal. Beside the tributary streams, which arc considerable, Stony brook \^as found to discharge, at Johnstown, at -this time, not indeed the low- est state of the river, 239 cubic feet per second, and the Little Cone* snaugli, near its mouth, 100 cubic feet per second. The second section includes the Alleghany mountain; ami here the question of how much water is in its natural flow at command, or may be had in reserve in the dryest season, becomes an inquiry of the greatest moment: our view v>as indeed cursory; but so far as the in- vestigati(m was carried, may be considered essentially accurate. One of the Board, Mr. Sullivan, had been acci(lentally detained/ ha] fa day at Pittsburg, and crossing the country to fall in with the party, had reached this place before them, and preceded the rest of the compa-» ny, attended by Mv. Livcrgood, one of the most respectable of the inha- lutants of .Tohnstov.n. At three miles from this place, up the Little Concmaugh, Ilildebrand's mill is situated. Tlse owner, Judge Hil* debrand, was asked how the present state of tlie water compared wit!^ 95 [ 82 1 its lowest slate. His reply was, that in a dry season, such as we had lately had, there was just enough to carry his two grist mills. The measure of his flumes, compai-ed with tiic result of a measuremoit of the water as now flowing, would give the minimum and the medium quantities. Each gate w:is fouiul to he 33 inches wide, its hoist 4^ inches, head of water 3 feet. According to the formula of DuBerat and Dr. Robinson, tlie quantity discharged is thus found: depth to the centre of gate 3.188 feet; tiie square root of which being 1,785, whidi multiplied by 8.02 x (by area) 1.03x82 (vena contracta), gives cubic 1,000,000,000 ""*" feet 12.093 per second. 12.093 the same for the other gate. 24.186 feet is therefore the minimum quantity. The race was found to measure at its entrance 7 feet ia width, and 2 feet deep, the Aelocity 100 feet in 80 seconds, which, according to, Pi'ony, is 14 feet. According to Du Berat, 1 3. 56 27.56 The mean of which is 1 3.78 per second. The discharge over the dam was at tiiis time three inches deep, 180 lectin length, which according to the formula given in Rohinson*s Mechanical Philosophy, is 2.226 x 180 x 12 == 61. =80.136 feet. Or by another formula, 5.19, the square root of the cube of the depth, x 180 x 12 x 11.50 =74.600 154.73G The mean is 77.368, and plus 13.78, gives present medium quanti- ty 91.143 fact at Hildebrand's mill, which is almost foiir tiaies the minimum delivery. The next day the gentlemen who were ascending the river reached Johnstown, and, proceeding up the Little Conemaugh, measui-ed tJie stream at the forks, about six miles as the stream runs above the mill. The south fork was found to contain 43.87 feet The north fork 59.02 102.89 The evaporation in the course of that six miles very w ell accounting for the difference. The whole party having joined at Ebenshurg, excepting Colonel Totten, whose militaiy duties had called him away, wc pi-ocecded to measure those streams which arc nearest the top of the mountain, ai' those of them which were most immediately relied on. L 33 ] 9€ Ben's Creek comes in one mile below Lilly's mill, and the Littlf Conemaugh was found to deliver immediately below tlie jinictiora., 11.640 feet— at Lilly's mill, 7.098 Oil the east side of the mountain, Blair's Gap Run, 5.370 j^^lprth Brook, 1.873 5.243: Together M. 88 3 f. per second: The Commissioners had not yet had time and opportunity to inves-- tigate the value aud local relations of the other streams in this vicinij- ty, as they did at a later |^)criod. They state iiia letter to, the Board, of the 16th November last, that the Beaver Dam branch of the Juni-. atta, being surveyed, would afford the head waters of iJurgoon's Creek, dividing into Kitanniug Run, Old Gap Run, Siigai- Run, and Blair's Creek, draining the eastern side of tho ^Mleghany for ten or twelve miles. On the west side, the heads of the Little Conemaugh, com- posed of Trout Run, Laurel Run, ^^en's Creek, Limestone Ruu, Beard Rock Run, M'Closky's Run, and Laurel Deep Run, deriva-*. ble by feeders from the distance of fourteen miles, all of which the t'ommissioners state to be more thiinf(n:ty cubic feet per second; they silso describe favorable situations for reservoirs. , Perhaps no branch of practical civil engineering is involved in more difficulty than the calculation^ and construction of reservoirs and feeders. We have not, on this occasion, that intimate know- ledge of the local circumstances ourselves necessary to appreciate «>£ to doubt the persuasion which the commissioners express. While oi:v respect for them, as men of souni judgment, on the one hand, in- clines us to believe much may be done on this part of the section; ou the other hand, our recollection of the practical difficulties, occasions, a degree of doubt and hesitation to concur in the confidence they ex- press. The length of the tunnel requisite, and the elevation of the ground above the tide are sufficiently well ascertained; if the summit level, or tunnel, be below the level of Lill)''s mill, (and it will be of conse- quence as to the SHipply of water to place it low) its length will be 1407 perches, and the line, it is found, will be above Frankstown 91Q feet. Frankstown, above Harrisburgh, - - , 576 feeto Harrisburgh, below the summit level, between Lancaster and Chester, ----- 209 Thence to the side, - - - - - 519 2214 The commissioners also state that the descent to the fork of Conemaugh, is - - - - - 349 And thence to Pittsburg, (759 above tide,) - - 688 3251 fecta 97 t '"^2 ] The inquiry, liow much water a canal requires in skuations and seasons exposed to those causes of evaporation and soakage which are active, and, in a degree, uncertain, is answered with no lif.tle difficulty, even from experience. Take, for exain[)le, the five most complete and noble canals in France, the country whose climate most resembles our own; and take, also, Eric canal, in its middle and most unexceptionable portion, we find tliey dififer from each other, probably being through a rough country, ii» some instimccs, and con- structed with more or less precaution. We know of no better rule than the average of these canals, viz. De Briare, 6 ra. 40ft. wide, 4 ft. deep, see 1'28 it. usee 62.60 pr. m, pr. niin. ' 375- ' 215 232 ' 375 ' 136 Lanci-uedoc, 69 64 « 7i Du Centre, 69 47 «( H St. Qiiintin 32 54 et ^ Narbonae 61 64 (C 7^ iJl-ie, 141 40 ,' Eor evaporation, soatage and lockage, 69 feet. But we do not know how much was used in the lockage, except in the instance of Languedoc, on which the average of six years was 1920 boats, its locks being 100 f. 20 f wide, 8 feet dcep= 16000 f x 1920 = 30,720,000 cubic feet-T-365 = 84l 644 per day, 12 hours is J 169 per minute-T-69 miles= 17 feet per mile per minute nearly. JNow, assuming that the others have proportional lockage, and that the size of their locks are in proportion to their size, or section, the de- duction must be made as above for their lockage, respectively, leaving the nett expense of water for evaportion and filtration; the average of which is seen to be 58.13 per mile per minute; this average is more favorable than the experience of Erie alone, as it has been stat- ed by one of the Engineers on that work, we do not know from what data, or with what correctness, not having had yet an opportunity of personal verification thereof. That 61 miles from Rochester to Seneca receives 6000 feeti 1 1 " the Camillus Level, *' - * 2000 " 69 " the Rome Summit *« - 9000 « 141 17000 Or per mile per minute 120 .57 Applying this experience to the second section and the size of the locks in contemplation there, and assuming the summit and adjoining levels to be from the forks of the Conemaugh to the Tories of the Ju^ niatta 28 miles, the calculation would stand tiius: 28 x 58.82=1627. 64 ]per minute per mile, for evaporation and filtration, the locks 80 13 L 32 3 &s by 11 by 8 feet + SO (waste) 8448.10 per hour, 84480 per minute 1408 feet. Consequently, 1647 per minute x 60 x 24 x 90 days=210.942,144 1408 " X60x 16x90 '♦ =121,651,200 Cubic feet, - 332,593,344 Admittin!^ that the branches of the Little Conemaugh - 102.89 And the stream near Lilley's mill 17 could be brought in, We must reduce them to the minimum of ^ or 30 feet. 30 x 60 x 60 X 24 X 90 amounts to 233,280,000 Shewingthequantity by reservoir to be 99,313,344 feet. One mile square 8 feet deep, with due allowatice for evaporation, the feeder being short, would probably be sufficient. It should not be exjtected that evaporation will cease during night in tunnels, as the air draws through them, nor tliat they will be ex- empt from soakage. The hydrostatic pressure which they are liable to produce on the fissures of roclis, may possibly occasion as much loss of water as they gain by the percolation fi om above their level; and as the Alleghany falls off very steep towards the east, compared to the declivity of the country west, it will be prudent rather to make their tunnel low than high ; though at the expense of its greater length. The commissioners state, that the mountain, in many places, exhibited strata of rock in a horizontal position, mixt with clay, which are not unfiworable indications. Section 3. The country down the valley of the Juniatta continued generally to wear a favorable appearance, unless it be where the mountains range transversely to the coui'se of the river, when the shores rise steep and high, covered with a vast aggregation of the fragments of rock. These, however formidable to the eye, are to be considered rather as masses of rough materials broken up to hand, in readiness for the high and strong walls with which the canal will have to be supported, above reach of the freshets. In this place it w ouid seem an omission not to notice the improvement of the Susque- hannah down to the Chesapeake Bay (in progress by the joint exer- tions of Maryland and Pennsylvania.) The commissioners, in their report to tl»e Secretary of tlie Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, ex- press great satisfaction that the commissioners of both states, ^''are unanimously of opinion tiiat an ascending navigation is practicable, altliough tliere may be some difference of opinion as to the ulterior measures tiiat may be most expedient, and the expense required to accomplish it.** The commissioners have taken considerable pains to form an opinion upon the best gi-ound within their power, of the pro- bable expense of the ascending navigation, at the same time they would have been highly gratified to have had the opinion of a skilful engineer. They have, however, come to the conclusion, that a less 99 [32] sum t!ian two hundred thousand dollars will be gufficicnt. While it must be a g»-atification to see the sti-ong probability exhibited in the report of tlie ultimate success of the improvement of the Siisfpichannah, giving access from the north to Baltimore, it will be still kej)t in view that the western trade will be necessarily by canals, in bottoms not adapted to the Chesa}Tcake, ami that access to tluit market from the west, must be more convenient by the Potomac route. Section 4. TheSusquehannah, atthejunctionofthe Juniatta, appears to be about half a mile wide, and is full of ledgesj tl)C current must, here, at times, be extremely rough, but the only dangei' to which an aqueduct would be exposed is the same to which bri(igcs on this river are subject, viz: the lodgment and accumulation of ice, and the con- sequent rise of the water. The ground from Clark's Ferry to Harrisburg, 14 miles, appeared to be generally level; thence, to Middlctown, also favorable, lo view the line which the commissioners had been cxploi-ing tiirough Lasi,- caster county, we accompanied them to the villages oi Elizabeth, and Manheim, taking the gauge of the branches of the Chickisalengo, three feet, and our opinion was, that the plan of i'unnirtg one or more feeders to the head branches of the Conestago, of a navigable size, would be both useful and essential. On this part of the line two alternatives seem to offer in the direct course, either to rise and descend a ridge of laud between t!je Chicki- salengo and the Conestago, or pass under it by a tunnel of about one jnile. A tunnel is now of such common occuri-ence in ci^ il er-gineer- ing, as to oppose no obstaole, if the expense of it is none in compa- rison with the object of the W'ork; and even the expense and time may be essentially dimiiiislied by the employment of steam engine power to raise the eartJi through shafts opened jjcj-pendicularly at ditferent distances for this purpose. We regretted the wctnoss of the season had not permitted tlie com- missioners to remark the lowest state of the water that ever occurrj, through this part of the county of Lancaster; we could not at the time we saw tlie streams, form a decisive opinion. We crossed the Conestago, near the city of Lancaster, wlicre it runs, as it does in fact, for a long way in a deep bed. The line tlion led over into th« valley of Mill Creek, and afterwards gains the valley of the Fequa; and reaches the ascent to the passage into the county of Chester, in about 14 miles from the city. The ground ascends graditally, for one mile, till it reaches the proposed level of a tunnel under the gapof the mountain about 72 feet below the sui'face, in conformity with the ground on the south side thereof, and 150 feet above the general level of Lancaster. The supply of water relied on for thi^s pait of the canal, is principally that of Buck Run, a>id the west bi'ancli of t!)C Bi-audy- Avine, with the head waters of the Octorara. The head waters of Pequa, also, on the noi-th side. These streams wei'c all so mucl^ more abundant at this time t'lan they are at midsummer, tliat we did not think their meas'ii'ement conclusive, though made in some in- itances. The west branch of the Brandywine was i'Tiind to dcHven* tS2 2 100 (with some allowance Tor the forge above the spot) SO feet per second. The cast branch of the Brandywiiie crosses Chester valley, a few iiiilcs more to the cast, in a deep bed. Tiiat valley being well known to extcjul to the Schuylkill, with very little interruption of ridges of no considerable elevation, had di'awn attention at a very early period, as favorable to canal communication. But the commissioners, in ac- cordance with our own judgment, were decided to reconnoitre a more soutliet'u route; as the lormer necessarily falls in with the line of the Schuylkill navigation, without a legal right to supply from that river, it being already appropi'iated, we don't know with what limitation, to tlie works of that incoi'poration. It would be necessary, perhaps, to cross the Schuylkill to gain near Morristown the old line, began by the late RDbei-t Morris, which entered Philadelphia at the eleva- tion of tlie highest street ia the city. On the other, more southern line, it was thought that a canal might rpach the city of Philadelphia at about the same elevation, crossing the Schuylkill by an aqueduct near Gray's Ferry, or more southerly coming into the city, not far from the Navy Yai'd. We therefore proceeded down the valley of the West Brandywine to its junction with the main branch near Jeffriesford, where we took the gauge of the stream (5343) and crossed -the ridge of land dividing this river from the west branch of Chester I'iver, which runs general- ly eastward till it unites with that streanij the line afterwards cross- es Ri.dleys, Crum, and Darby Creeks. The practicability of this line will depend on leading water from the Braudywine, and our impressio)i of this route was so favorable, as to induce us to suggest to the Commissioners in a letter, the inves- tigations necessary to decide the most material points. Thus the fourth section, except so far as the Susquehannah water may be made use of, appears to depend on streams already much occupied by mills and manufactories. This obstacle is not, however, insurmountable. The vast importance of Canals to the whole community, is general- ly acknowledged. But mills are of great utility: to extinguish them, would be a loss to the community of equal value and be attended by great inconveniences. Could these great interests be reconciled, wliich is not improbable, by a method of passing from level to level of a Canal, without using near so much water as locks require — and by reserving water for the canal, when, otherwise, the superabundanct on the stream would run to waste, Pennsylvania might have the benefits of canal communications without disturbing the mills near their course; but, on the contrary, affording them the facilities and savings attendant on water carriage for the law material, and from greater distances, and permitting of a greater profit on the manufac- tured article, a system of peculiar importance to Pennsylvania. On reviewing the whole ground, so far as the facts have been deveJoped, there is scarcely sufficient reason to believe, that the summit level of the Alleghany mountain, and the Lancaster and Chester line, can command water enough for a canal of great capacity. 101 [ 32 ] But it is evident, Pennsylvania has great means and resources for inland navigation, with or without tbe aid of the General Govern- ment; and it is hoped that their co-operation with the Commissioners, though so limited in time and extent, will have been of some little use in promoting the public works, in contemplation of the state govern- ment. The next division of this communication is on the New Jersey route — also respectfully submitted. JNO. L. SULLIVAN, Member of the Board of Internal Improvements. Analysis of the preceding pageSf kst. Or western section up the Kiskiminitas. 2d. Section across the Alleghany mountain. Calculations of water. Length of tunnel. Elevation of ground. Application of the principle of computation of ex- pense of water on canals. 3d. Section down the valley of the Juniatti. The Susquehannah improved, ith Section The Dauphin, Lancaster, and Chester line to Philadelphia. [32] ^02 Eeconnoissance in J^etv Jersey. In pursuance of the orders of the Honorable the Secretary of War, the Board proceeded to noeet the canal Commissioners of the state of New Jersey, and viewed the ground contemplated as the route of a canal between the Delaware and the Raritan. The Board proceeded with them to the examination of the depth of water in the creek at Bordentown, and then to a point on the De- laware, twenty-six miles above Trenton, ascertained to be at an ele- vation correspondent with the summit level of the canal as proposed to be located to Brunswick. The length of this feeder must, however, be considerably greater than that distance, as it must several times recede from the river, pass around the valley, and return to be carried along the spurs, which rise steep and rocky, not far from the shore. The Board, on gauging the mill streams which cross the canal line, were satisfied that a feeder, from the Delaware, would be indispensa- ble to a lock navigation, and to a canal of dimensions correspondent to those which are in process of execution to connect the bays of Delaware and Chesapeake, and the latter with the Albemarle Sound. The tide nf the Raritan is rapid — its channel is crooked: vessels navigating the tide waters will generally be impelled by the wind. To give them access and avoid delay, this canal, if a national work, should be extended as far as possible, and with as low a snn»mit level as may be possible, that the dilhculty and extent of the feeder may be less. In passing through New Jersey, at a later period, it seemed proba- ble that a direct line between Ainboy and Bordentown, might be found practicable^ with a deeper excavation of the summit? requir- ing, consequently, a less expensive feeder from the Delaware. This route might not interfere with the existing project under the authority of the state Legislature, and an opportunity be found of making a canal of the width and depth of the others parallel to the seacoast. The Board have already agreed in expressing an opinion that a survey would be useful to determine how far the canal may be ex- tended down along the Raritan. It is further my own conviction, that the ground between South River and the creek at Bordentown, should be investigated, as the shortness of the feeder and favorable ground towards the east, may warrant the reduction of the summit. The following division of this communication is on the canal routes examined in Massachusetts, also submitted by J NO. L. SULLIVAN, Member Board Internal Improvements, [32] ANALYSIS OF THE FDILOWING IlirSTRATlOSlS OB THE The notoriety of the route. Description. Tides. Plan ant! execution. Back River harbor. Herring Pond. Former estimate. "Winter. Sands. Harbors. Commercial consideration. Objects of further investigation. Barnstable, Hyannis, and Yarmouth. Narragansett Bay and Boston Harbor comtnunication. Description. Considerations on commerce and defence. [ 32 ] 104 The Massachusetts Kecomwissaiice. In pursuance of the orders of tlie Secretary of War to the Board of Interntil Improvement, they proceeded to Massachusetts, to make an examination of the grounds between Barnstable and Buzzard's Bays, in accordance with the memorial of the delegates of that state, addressed to the President on the 4th May, 1824, in compliance with a resolve of the Legislature of the 21st January, 1824, strongly representing the national importance of a communication between tliose waters, and clearly elucidating the valuable effects thereof, both in regard to do- mestic and foreign commerce and naval operations. The public attention had been drawn, at an early period, and with greater interest, as the coasting trade increased, both to the riarrow- iiess of the IsthmuSjand the favorable circumstances of the ground. Ac- curate surveys of ithad been made both at public and private expense; and provided with the maps and reports from the archives of the state, and with the use of othej-s, politely loaned by the proprietors for the occasion, the Board went upon the ground with a knowledge of the most essential facts, and aided with tbe judgment of all who had pre- ceded them: but it not being within the scope of their commission, at this time, to form a definitive plan of the works, and to make an esti- mate of the cost, but rather to form a decisive opinion of tlie practica- bility of the canal, and to acquire a knowledge of the route requisite to direct the execution of surveys necessary to the final plan, a brief description of the intervening country will make the subsequent re- marks more intelligible. At this place, the Rocky Ridge, which appears to occupy the nearer portion of Plymoutli county, and extend eastward along the middle of the Isthmus, discontinues for about one-fourth of a mile, and a long nar- row valley exists, which, including the marshes on the jiorth, mea- sures eight miles. The highest ground in tlie route is a plain of near- ly one mile in extent, S3 feet above low water mark on the Barnstable Bay side. Two small rivers flow in opposite directions in this valley. The Scussit rises on the noith side of the plain, in a bog of some ex- tent, and, in its course, has fall enough to carry a mill situate thereon. The Monument has its source in Herring Pond, a large expanse of wa- ter, situated on the west side of the valley, and 40 feet above it. This stream enters about the middle ol^the valley, and flows to Buzzard's Bay. The summit ground has not, to our knowledge, been bored or searcli- ed by sinking shafts. How much it may partake of tlie nature of the adjacent country, remains to be ascertained. The tide is three hours latest in Barnstable Bay. and rises eight feet in neap tides, nine feet in common tides, aiul twelve to thii'teen in Spring tides. Low water mark is eight inrlies lowest on this side; on the south side of the Isthmus it rises tliree to five feet, or, more accu- i05 [52] i'atcly, full tide is four feet three inches six-tenths higher, relatively, than high water in Buzzard's Bay. A canal may, therefore, be excavated and drained to the low water mark, and carry eiglit to nine feet, and sometimes twelve feet, filled, continually, by the tide, and kept full by the gates of the locks which must occupy its entrances. The northern entrance, from the Bay, must be protected by a break-water, or pier, forming, to som© extent, an artificial harbor. Examples of this kind of construction arenutnerous in Europe; and, in this Bay. we have one to tlie extent of several hundred feet at Cape Ann. The bottom off Sand\^ ich is found to be good anchoi'age — three and a half fathoms are found at one-third of a mile, or three fathoms are found 250 fathoms from the shore. Immediately within the beach it would be easy to excavate, in the Salt Marsh, a basin, for shipping to wait a favorable wind, and, by means of a dam near the mouth of Scusset Creek, to include a body of water so extensive as to supply the lockage without materially affecting the level or depth of the canal. To render this passage at all times useful, it will be necessary to enter and leave it at all times of tide. This can only be provided for by cari'ying the lock out beyond low w ater mark, placing it in depth sufficient to float a vessel into it at low waUr. This lock must, there- fore, be of double the usual depth, or there must be two of them in succession. The construction of locks, in a situation thus exposed to the action of the sea, is no doubt attended with some difficulty. The usual resource of the Coffer Dam is impracticable here. In two simi- lar situations in Scotland, (except in exposure to the open sea) they projected a mass of earth, and excavated for the lock therein. But here the very nature of the adjacent country forbids this method as w ell as the "waves of the ocean. In one of the reports which had been made, it was contemplated, as most expedient, to line the lock w itli plank, and make it tight by caulking: but, although this might answer, and be easily executed, if tlie lock is placed wholly above water at low tide, and consequently operative only at the moment of high tide, it would not be conveniently and securely done for a deep lock. Ce- mented w alls cannot be built under w ater. Perhaps there remains, therefore, but one method, which is to build the lockabove w ater wholly, and place it between the strong rough walls, which should be previously built to receive, sustain, and protect it. If this were to be the mode of construction, and rvood the material, the next question would be, both how it should be made dui-abie, strong, and perfectly tight: the answer would be, that this structure should be built over the situation prepared for it, and lowered into it complete when the previous arrangements being made, it might be permanent- ly secured, or it might be built like a vessel on shore, and launched, &c. The manner of constructing it for tightness and durability would be, in preference, the new method of sliip building in England, by successive layers, transverse to each other, interposing tarred canvass or paper, the materials theu become posited in their greatest strength, pei-pendicular to the fibre, while tlie resinous substances exf:lude thp 14 [ 32 ] 106 ait* as well as water, being drawn together by as majiy trenailings or iiailings as there are]a}ers, except one, and as many thicknesses may be given to the bottom or to the sides, it is necessarily strong and du- rable. There is still another method, however, which was resorted to at Venice in the construction of naval docks. That of building a cais- son, and then, by the erection of the walls witiiin it cause it to settle, and finally to sink, thus loaded, into its place. This method would, i;! our case, be attended with more expense, but is not impracticable. The caisson might, on that occasion, be built of lamina, as described for the lock chamber. In a conimsinication of this importance, one lock or entrance of the large dimensions necessary would scarcely be a sufficient accommo- dation, and two vrould be a guard against interruption from any tem- porary accident. The adjacent shores furnish an abundance of rock for the construc- tion of piers. The sliore is bold, and at the distance of 250 fathoms, is deep enough to float any ship that could pass through. The engineers lieictoforc employed on the survey of this route, traced a line of canal to Back River Harbor, half a mile west of the mouth of Monument River. The harbor is found to have 11 to 17" feet at low water, the inner harbor eight feet; but there is a sand bar between the former and the bay, extending from Toby's Creek to jMarshner's Island, which has eight feet at low water. If a channel w ere to be cut through this bar, vessels might, of course, enter at all tinics; but vessels drawing fifteen feet would be the largest that could enter at high w ater safely, and then w ould grwmd at low water. Perhaps the depth of this harbor is the best rate for tlie depth of the canal, unless the locks should be carried beyond the inner shoal and th-e outer shoal removed, when there would be 17 to 20 feet at the enti'ance. The water from Herring Pond appears to have been relied on in some measure to supply the canal. It is supposed to have an area of four square miles; at this time the outlet afforded but 1 0^^^^^ cubic feet per second. This po)id, however, as a rcsei-voir, may be occa- sionally very valuable. If it could be raised, or if the outlet (of which tliere is less doubt) were deepened, foursquare miles four feet deep, re- duced by evaporation to three feet, would amount to 334,570.200 cubic leet. Should the canal be 80 feet wide and eight miles long, its area is 3 379,200 square feet; that quantity would raise the surfaca of the Canal four feet 24 four times, six feet 16 times. The section of such a canal would be 650 feet, the prism 22,256,000. The reservoii* would hold 15 times the prism. The upper section of the Languedoc caiml for the whole year uses eleven prisms of its contents. Applying tlie rule of estimate we have, in the early part of this re- port, shown to be according to experience, viz: 58.13 per mil*, per 407 C 32 ] jminute, for evaporation and sosikage, and ajlowing this canal to be double width, and usual deptli above tide 58.13 X 16 X 60 X 12 hours = 669,600 per day. Lockage three locks per hour, cubic feet, 30,000 2,160,000 Cubic feet per day 2,829,600 The reservoir would, therefore, provide for 1 1 1 days an {additional depth of five feet. These calculations are intended to show the importance of an accu- rate survey of Herring Pond, and an investigation of its capacity and capability of being converted and improved into a reservoir. Although not charged with the duty of making an estimate of the expense of this work, it may be acceptable to the Department to learn what estimates have been made on former occasions. These appear to be respectively as follows: 427,000 dollars, 417,000 doUars, 492,000 do'Uars, 400,000 dollars: the latter including three steam boats for towing the vessels and breaking the ice. Their (j'an did not probably include the breakwater antl some other particulars referred to: nor a canal of those noble dimensions wo have been supposing. The w inter, if very severe, may close the canal for a short time. It is A cry rare that Boston harbor is closed, ex en for a short time. At such times the active exertions of steam boats, equipt with ice-break- ers, as suggested by Mr. Jones, for the Delaware, would keep Ba€k River Harbor clear, and one whicli should break up the ice m the canal, would also be useful in assisting vessels througli against the wind. Some apprehension has been entertained tliat sand might accunui late at the entrance of Barnstable Bay. It appears, on inquiry, that tliere is a constant progress of some sand from west to east, from Momunent Point; and from southeast to northwest; also from the same towards Plymouth, and by this coarse, Scusset Creek had been gradually gaining east. In twenty -two years it was said iis mouth had shifted 300 yards, but there can be nothing to appi'ehcnd from this cause, since, by allowing the canal to drain off occasionally, its en- trance would be cleared, but the operation of the lock would alone keep it so. Some few general remarks upon the navigation may not be mis- placed. The harbors on Barnstable Bay arc Province-town and Wellfleet, for large vessels; Barnstable is accessible at all times foi' coasting vessels: Plymouth is accessible also for large Acssels on the west side. In coming up Buz/iU'd's Bay there are three or four good shin harbors. It is well knov/n that the prevailing winds of the spring arc easterly, of the autumn westerly. In going over the siioals oi' in doubling Cape Cod. theie nuist be a shift of wind to gain any port from Plymouth to Portland. Vessels bound to them make some of the harbors «?f"the Vineyard sound,, and are sometimes, after sailing [32] 108 with a fair wind, met by an adverse gale before they reach llicir port, and after being driven around Nantiiclvct Shoals regain the sound to make a new effort. But the same wind that would car- ry a vessel into the Vineyard, would cany her up Buzzard's Bay and through the canal to Boston Light, and all the other eastern harbors would be under the lee bow, with a northwest wind running from the canal. The importance of this can^^l communication is illustrated by re- ference to the number of vessels which pass Cape Cod in a year. II was on a former occasion ascertaine navigation to Newport, J'orfii miles, tlie whole 76 miles. Ascending tiie valley of Weymoutli river, the summit ground at the distance of about ten miles, is found to be in Howard's meadow, 133 feet above high tide; from thence the country declines gently to the tide near tlie course of Taunton River. The suj)ply of the canal will depend upon streams which issue from certain large ponds. Inu 141 [32] mediately on the proposed line we have Braintree Great Pond, but it is twenty -three feet five inches below the summit. It will be neces- sary to reduce the summit level to a conformity with this source of supply. It discharges, per second 25.14 Weymouth Great Pond, 507 areasy had, at this time^ been drawn down by mills, and discharged only - - 2.50 Cranberry Bi'ook - - - - - 2.50 Trout Brook on the south, estimated ^ - - 5.00 Feet, - 35.14 But there are other ponds in this part of the country which are probably at such elevation as to co-operate with these. Those already mentioned are capable of being raised and made reservoirs. It is always safe and of certain effect to raise the surface of natural reser- voirs. There is a rational probability that an increased pressure will not cause escapes to appear. The general aspect of the gjround was strikingly favorable to a canal, and the terminations of it may be easily made in deep water, so as to avoid waiting for tides. The cursory view which the Board had only an opportunity of taking, left an impression of the great utility of this woi^, if it can be effectuate*!. A general and thorough survey appears to be wanting, before this canal can be considered practicable on a scale commensurate with the national purpose. All wliich elucidations and explanations are most respectfully sub- Biitted, bv JNO. L. SULLIVAN, Member Board Internal ImprovemenK ■sy .. \M. »0! ^v.