season, and it was expected to have completed it by the 1st of November, 1868. On the nights of the 7th and 8th of October, 1868, all the under-water work having been completed and partly built over, a severe gale arose, which breached the pier to the extent of 210 feet, carrying away seven cribs with the few courses of superstructure which had been built over them. On the 10th of October, 1868, I made a full report to the Chief of Engineers of the disaster, and on the 29th of the same month submitted a project for repair and re-enforcement of the pier, embodying fundamental changes in the manner of crib construction. This project was approved, and I was subsequently directed to advertise for proposals for the work, which was done, and the work let on 16th February, 1869. In the meanwhile, the season had so far advanced that nothing more could be done to the work until the spring of 1869. The wreck was accordingly cleared away, and the work secured for the winter. Upon the opening of the working season of 1869, the re-enforcement of the work was commenced, and at the close of the fiscal year four buttress cribs, 120 feet under-water work, had been put in position and filled with stone, and two more were ready for sinking. At Construction of new breakwater.-In accordance with instructions from the Chief of Engineers, proposals were advertised for, for the construction of so much of this work as could be built out of the balance of appropriation available for that purpose. On the 10th of September, 1868, the work was let, labor upon it to commence in the spring of 1869. the beginning of the working season the construction was begun, and at the close of the fiscal year seven cribs (210 running feet) of the breakwater had been laid, filled with stone, and partly built over with superstructure; the framing of two more cribs for the work was progressing at the same time. Removal of old outer breakwater.-The necessity for this operation was set forth in my last annual report, and sanctioned by the Chief of Engineers by letter of August 1, 1868. The work was accordingly advertised, and let on the 10th of September, 1868, the removal to be effected during the working season of 1869. At the close of the fiscal year the work had not been yet attempted, the necessary machinery not having arrived. II. Steps taken for prosecution of work during present working season, and probable progress. Notwithstanding the unfavorable working season, and the continual drawbacks repeatedly experienced by reason of stormy weather, it is hoped that the repair and re-enforcement of the west United States pier, the removal of the old outer breakwater, and the construction of the section of new breakwater now under contract, will all have been effected by the close of the present working season. It is possible, however, that the completion of one or both of the building operations may necessarily, on account of the weather, be postponed until next spring. The removal of the old outer breakwater will, however, be effected shortly, unless the contractors fail in their contract. The completion of the above-mentioned operations will absorb the balance on hand of the existing appropriation excepting a small reserve for repairs. The recommendations contained in my last annual report, as to additional improvements in this harbor, are respectfully renewed, especially the completion of the breakwater, now fairly in process of construction. Data to accompany annual report of harbor improvement, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1869, in compliance with provisions of sections 2 and 3 of circular from headquarters Corps of Engineers, June 10, 1868. Amount required for the entire completion of each work: Total... Buffalo sea wall $14,000 00 637,803 17 225,000 00 876, 803 17 $50,000 00 Dunkirk Harbor: Completion of west United States pier.. $15, 338 11 Completion of breakwater... 135, 376 58 2, 179 41 255, 000 00 407, 894 10 Amount that can be profitably expended upon each work during the next fiscal year: Buffalo Harbor and sea wall, in the district of Buffalo Creek, New York. Dunkirk Harbor, in the district of Dunkirk, New York. At or near what port of entry, light-house, or fort, each work is located: Buffalo Harbor and sea wall are near Fort Porter, New York. Lighthouse on south pier. Beacon on middle reef. Dunkirk Harbor has light-house on main land. pier. Beacon at end of west Amount of revenue collected at the nearest port of entry for the last fiscal year: Collection district of Buffalo Creek, New York.. $479, 138 97 5, 281 73 Amount of commerce or navigation which would be benefited by completion of each particular work: ABSTRACT OF PROPOSALS ATTACHED. Abstract of contracts for each class of materials or labor for each work, with names of contractors. Statement of cash received and expended on account of each work during fiscal year, and amount of appropriation available June 30, 1869, and amount required for the year ending June 30, 1871. Amount received. Improving harbor of Buffalo, New York... $119, 124 82 $105, 865 12 $177, 259 70 $220, 000 00 42, 681 24 100, 000 00 No repairs will probably be required on any of the works for the next three years. After that time $1,000 per annum for each harbor may be required to keep the piers and breakwater in repair. The channel dredging at Buffalo Harbor is done annually by the city authorities. Respectfully submitted. F. HARWOOD, Captain Engineers and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Ú. S. A. Brevet Major General A. A. HUMPHREYS, Brigadier General and Chief of Engineers, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Washington, D. C. NOTE.—Sketches to accompany this report will be forwarded on roll. |