APPENDIX H H. IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBORS OF CHICAGO AND CALUMET, LAKE MICHIGAN-IMPROVEMENT OF ILLINOIS AND CALUMET RIVERS-SURVEYS FOR HENNEPIN CANAL, AND FOR THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. REPORT OF MAJOR W. H. H. BENYAURD, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OFFICER IN CHARGE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884, WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE WORKS. GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith annual reports for the works in my charge for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. H. BENYAURD, Major of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOHN NEWTON, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. НН 1. IMPROVEMENT OF HARBOR AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. The project of improvement now in course of execution at this harbor was adopted in 1870, and modified in 1878. The objects sought are, first, the formation of an outer harbor adjoining the entrance to the Chicago River, and designed also to furnish increased commercial facilities, by relieving the river from its overcrowded condition; second, the creation of a harbor of refuge, affording a good anchorage in deep water, and safe access to the outer harbor and river. EXTERIOR BREAKWATER. The first crib for this breakwater was sunk in position July 7, 1881, and at the end of the fiscal year of 1883 2,436 linear feet of breakwater were in position, and superstructure to the required height placed over about 1,200 feet; to a heighth of four courses, over 1,100 feet; and the remainder without any superstructure. Eight cribs, each 100 feet long, were sunk between July 1, 1883, and the close of the working season in December, and superstructure built to a height of four courses over five cribs, three courses over two cribs, and two courses over the other two, making the length of breakwater in position 3,236 feet, including in this crib number 9, which was partially destroyed in the storm of October 4, 1881, and which will be rebuilt during the coming season. Crib number 32, sunk November 11, completed the exterior breakwater to its westerly limit, with the exception of the superstructure yet to be built. At the close of operations there were three cribs about half completed, designed for the east end of the breakwater. Repairs to the work damaged by storms and collisions consisted in the rebuilding of cribs number 19 and 20, from depths of 10 and 12 feet below the surface of the lake. This work was greatly retarded by the frequent storms and the fluctuations of the lake level, the water gauges frequently showing a rise or fall of 2 or 3 feet in short intervals of time. Two divers and the necessary attendants were employed during the month of September and part of October in the removal of the débris of crib No. 9, at the east end of the break water. The breakwater was struck by inward and outward bound craft during the year as follows: August 14, schooner Two Fannies, injuring crib No. 28, as it laid alongside of the breakwater; August 16, schooner A. P. Nichols, breaking several horns off crib No. 8. October 5, schooner E. R. Blake, doing but little damage to the work. October 15, by some unknown vessels, damaging crib No. 6 slightly, and breaking some of the horns off crib No. 8. June 7, the steam barge City of Milwaukee, of Muskegon, laden with lumber, inward bound, struck the exterior breakwater about 125 feet from the east end, and seriously damaged the work, cutting the crib down from the top of the superstructure to about 10 feet below the water surface. Amount of timber received from contractors: A. H. Petrie & Co., 767,849 feet of hemlock and 168,600 feet of pine. A. S. Packard, 319,153 feet of hemlock and 202,776 feet of pine. Both contractors thereby completing their contracts. Four thousand seven hundred and forty-four and thirty-hundredths cords of stone were received from the Singer & Talcott Stone Company. DREDGING IN OUTER HARBOR. The present project contemplates dredging the outer harbor to a depth of 16 feet, the westerly limit of dredging being the dock line established by the Board of Engineers, convened by special order 168, Chief of Engineers, August 3, 1871, the area included being about 270 acres, the original depth of which varied from 10 to 19 feet. The remainder of the sheltered area will be reserved for piers and slips, and comprises 185 acres, making a total lake area included within the limits of the outer harbor 455 acres. A contract was entered into June 21, 1883, with the Green Bay Dredge and Pile Driver Company, for dredging about 118,000 cubic yards, at 173 cents. Work was commenced August 15, and at the close of the fall season's work 23,453 yards of material were removed. Operations were resumed on April 11, 1884, and 42,305 yards of material were excavated between that time and the end of the fiscal year. The amount of material yet to be removed is about 335,000 cubic yards. The contract with the Green Bay Dredge and Pile Driver Company was extended to August 15. PROPOSED APPLICATION OF AVAILABLE FUNDS. The amount available for the coming season's work, exclusive of outstanding liabilities, is $107,104.69. It is proposed to continue dredging operations in the outer harbor, and to continue the construction of the exterior breakwater. It is estimated that at the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, 3,800 linear feet of cribs will have been completed. ESTIMATE FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1886. For the purpose of continuing the work on the exterior breakwater and dredging in the outer harbor the sum of $225,000 is asked. Money statement. July 1, 1883, amount available $45,651 40 July 1, 1884, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1883. July 1, 1884, outstanding liabilities $28, 106 55 38,546 71 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.. 284,000 00 Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30,1886. 225,000 00 COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. Chicago is a port of entry in the collection district of Chicago. There is a lighthouse on the shore end and a beacon light on the lake end of the north pier; there is also a beacon light on the south end of the easterly breakwater. Number of vessels entered during the fiscal year Number of vessels cleared during the fiscal year Amount of revenue collected 11,522 11,585 7,472, 569 $3,909, 752 39 Abstract of contracts for Chicago Harbor, Illinois, in force during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884. |