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the precaution to have the points of the bolts riveted, and threads of the screw destroyed outside the nut. The thieves have tools purposely fitted to the operation of effecting their object. The high price of old iron, and the very large size of these irons, make the thefts a profitable operation.

2. The south pier-head timbers, that were broken off by vessels being forced against them by a lump in the natural bed of the middle of the channel just at the entrance, were all repaired, and the existing works at the close of last year's navigation were left in good condition, and the channel entrance to the harbor was, as shown by the map of soundings, of ample depth and width for the navigation.

3. The lump referred to was removed by dredging, so that since, the works have been preserved from injury by that cause.

The total expenditures for all the repairs stated in the three foregoing items was $2,171 27. Since the opening of navigation the present season, (1865,) and during the summer, two vessels ran "head on" into the piers; one, in coming in, ran into the inner face of the north pier, and injured it materially; the other, in going out, ran into the south pier near its shore extremity, and caused serious injury.

These damages were reported to me by the city engineer; but before I could visit the locality, he, under the authority of the city, commenced executing repairs, without any orders from me. When I arrived I found the repairs in progress, and a call was made upon me to foot the bill. I came to the conclusion that I would pay for the work at such prices as I was doing work exactly similar for at Racine and Sheboygan, for the materials and labor of putting them in; and if that should not be acceptable, I would pay nothing. The vessels were undoubtedly carelessly managed, which was the cause of the damage. I claimed that, in consequence of such carelessness, and as the city engineer had taken the whole matter in his own hands, the city could and should assess damages upon the vessels to pay for the repairs. His honor the mayor, however, differed with me on this point, claiming that the United States should pay.

Work in contemplation to preserve the channel between the piers from being injured by drifting sand.-In a report made February 16, 1865, I clearly explained the cause of this constant injury, and recommended what should be done to prevent it. The amount of brush or slab filling for both piers would be two hundred and thirty-seven cords, and the stone filling ninety-five cords, which for the wood and stone filling, all complete, would have cost $3,750, according to a responsible bid made to me. To my recommendation for this, no reply has ever been made from the engineer department. I consequently have refrained from directing it to be done. Nevertheless it is still my opinion it should be done as a work of preservation, and be paid for out of the funds of this appropriation.

This work being done, and the repairs of the piers kept up, this harbor will be in excellent condition not only for the immediate commerce, of the place, but as a harbor for refuge, requiring, in my opinion, no immediate further appropriation.

V. SHEBOYGAN HARBOR.

The accompanying drawing shows the condition of this harbor, resulting from a recent survey.

In my report rendered 17th September, 1864, I recommended seven items of work for " repairs and preservation" to be done; all were authorized but the dredging through the outer bar, in the letter from the engineer department of September 24, 1864.

Immediate measures were taken to procure materials, and the levelling back of the sand-heaps was quickly done; but it was not until April, 1865, that

sufficient materials could be accumulated to justify the commencement of the work.

It was necessary to build a scow; but in letting the contract for doing the work, the contractor stipulated to take the scow at its full cost, towards payment for his work.

During the summer much of the work has been successfully done, and during my stay on my last visit (in August) the very difficult part of the work to be put under water was accomplished to my satisfaction, and before the season for such work will be over, the whole of the work authorized can, and probably will, be completed, leaving the piers in good condition.

The expenditures up to August 24th amounted to $3,333 99, including $550 paid for the scow.

What is required to make this an excellent harbor of refuge.-In looking upon the map of the great and growing State of Wisconsin, it will be perceived that this harbor is just about at the middle point of the west shore of Lake Michigan. Its location is just where a harbor of refuge, in traversing from either end of this lake to the other, would best suit the general commerce upon the lake, in the generality of the northeast and southeast storms. All mariners acquainted with the lake acknowledge the eminent advantage and advocate the construction of a capacious harbor of refuge at this point, and every one at all conversant with the subject must acknowledge its importance in this respect.

It is clearly shown in my report of 17th September, 1864, that it is susceptible, at a small cost, of being made a self-sustaining harbor, after once being put in condition, not only for the growing commerce immediately depending upon it, but likewise of any required draught for a harbor of refuge, in all difficult times, for any vessels navigating the lake. The piers at this site should be extended equally out into the lake.

I am clearly of opinion that a specific appropriation should be made for its improvement to a degree commensurate to these conditions, and it is with this view that I put in this place a liberal estimate of the cost.

1. Dredge out all between the piers and through the outer bar, so that in all the space bounded by the brown-tinted line in the drawing the water shall be, at least, 12 feet deep; 37,776 cubic yards, at 50 cents, costing

2. Extend the south pier 320 feet beyond its present limit, making it 20 feet wide and five timbers high above water, and terminating it with a triangular pier-head; cost..

3. Extend the north pier 120 feet beyond its present limit, making it 20 feet wide and five timbers, or five feet, above water, and terminating the pier with a triangular pier-head; cost......

Total cost...

$18, 888 00

16, 450 00

8, 850 00

44, 188 00

The harbor once put in the condition contemplated by this plan will undoubtedly keep itself clear, and for many years to come no trouble of any magnitude would be realized by the outer bar.

VI. ST. JOSEPH'S HARBOR.

In my report rendered September 13, 1864, it will be found that I recommended certain items to be done towards repairing and preserving this harbor. All that I recommended was authorized by the engineer department to be done, in its reply of 24th of September, 1864, excepting the proposed extension of the south pier by 200 feet, for the purpose of preserving a direct channel by the force of the current of the river over the outer bar.

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