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side and of Naugus Head on the other, will effectually cover this harbor. The cost of the works projected with that view by the board is estimated at $151,000. * Marblehead Harbor.-Besides, covering in some measure the establishment at Boston, the harbors of Marblehead and Salem possess an important commerce of their own, and also afford a shelter for vessels prevented by certain winds from pursuing their course eastward, or from entering the first named port. The mode of defending Marblehead harbor proposed by the board consists in occupying on the north side the hillock which commands the present Fort Sewall (which will be superseded by the new work) and on the south the position of Jack's Point. The two works will cost $212,000.

+ Boston Harbor.-We come now to the most important harbor in the eastern section of the coast, and, considering its relations to general commerce and to the interests of the navy, to one of the most important in the Union. After a careful examination of all the necessary conditions of such a problem, the naval commissioners and board of engineers, in their joint report of 1820, gave this harbor the preference of all other positions to the east, and, inclusive of New York bay and the Hudson, as the seat of the great northern naval depot; for the reasons at large of this selection reference is made to the report of 1820. But even should the recommendation therein contained remain unsanctioned, Boston is still a city of great wealth, possesses an extensive and active commerce, and contains already within its harbor an establishment on which great reliance is placed to give growth and energy to our navy. Excepting Boston, indeed, and its establishments, the eastern coast presents no objects to an enemy of such importance as to induce him to direct against them any operations which would very materially influence the results of a war. The principal towns and the mouths of the great communications with the interior being fortified, the country woody and hilly, abounding in defiles, cut up by enclosures, and defended by a brave, vigorous, and enterprising people, presents so many obstacles that no attempts, not merely predatory, can be anticipated. On the contrary, the people, undisturbed by apprehensions for their homes, having numerous and excellent sailors, a great number of safe anchorages along their coast, and a great depot of wealth at Boston to animate and sustain every species of enterprise on the ocean, may well be expected to take an active offensive part in any future war. The present forts in Boston harbor defend merely the interior basin from attacks by water. But, as it often happens that vessels enter Nantasket Roads with a wind too scant to pass the Narrows, or are detained in President Roads by light winds or an adverse tide; as the former, especially, is a very convenient anchorage from whence to proceed to sea; and above all, as Nantasket Roads affords the best possible station for a blockading squadron, it is deemed indispensable to place permanent defences at the mouth of the harbor. The project of defence proposed by the board contemplates leaving the existing works as a second barrier, placing a permanent fort on George's island, another at Nantasket Head, having two advanced works on the Head, and one on Hog island, reducing the altitude of Gallop island to destroy its command over George's island, and filling up the Broad Sound channel so as to leave no passage for ships-of-war. These works will cost $1,279,429 51. Besides the works of a permanent character, it will be necessary on the beginning of a war to erect temporary works upon Point Aldaton, Peddock's island, Lovell's island, Apple island, Noddle island, the heights near the north end of Chelsea bridge, and the neck near the termination of Middlesex canal. For the particular objects of the several works enumerated above the board refer to the memoir on the defence of Boston harbor of 1823.

Plymouth and Provincetown harbors.-These are the only harbors on the

See report of 1821, and memoir of defence of Marblehead, 1823.

† See reports of 1820 and 1821, and memoir on the defence of Boston harbor, 1823. See report of 1821.

eastern coast south of Boston. They have a commerce of some consequence of their own, but they are particularly interesting in reference to the port of Boston and to the transition from the middle to the eastern section of the coast, in which respects they would become still more important should the proposed canal from Buzzard's to Barnstable bay ever be executed. While these harbors are undefended, an enemy's squadron blockading Massachusetts bay has ports of refuge under his lee, of which he would not fail to avail himself to maintain his blockade throughout the most stormy seasons, knowing that the winds which would compel him to seek shelter would be adverse to outward bound, and fatal, should they venture near the coast, to inward bound vessels.

In possession of these harbors the enemy would have, in fine, constantly under his eye the harbor of Boston, the passage outside of Cape Cod, and that through

the canal.

To these considerations, going to establish the necessity of securing them by proper defences, we must not omit to add that without the shelter now afforded by these ports an enemy would be unable to enforce a rigorous investment. In the first place, he would be often deterred from taking a station near the land, lest he might be caught embayed by the violent easterly winds prevailing at certain seasons; in the next place, he would always seek a good offing on every indication of these winds, thereby leaving a clear coast, to be improved by our vessels at the first instant of a change of weather; and, lastly, our vessels being cut off from Boston by the position of the enemy, or constrained by adverse winds to deviate from their course, would find to the south a shelter equivalent to that provided at the north by the defence of Marblehead, Salem, Gloucester, and Portsmouth.

The board have not been able to make projects for the defence of these harbors, the surveys not being completed.

Should the proposed canal above mentioned be executed, it will be necessary to place a small work near each of its outlets to prevent the destruction of the means by which the transit of vessels in and out of the canal must be accomplished.

MIDDLE SECTION OF THE COAST.*

The coast between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras differs from the northeastern section in possessing fewer harbors, in having but little rocky and a great proportion of sandy shore, in which it resembles the southern section in its milder climate and in its clearer atmosphere, and it differs from all the other portions in the depth and magnitude of its interior seas and sounds, and in the distance to which deep tide navigation extends up its numerous large rivers.

The circuit of the coast, not including the shores of the great bays, measures 650 miles, while a straight line from one of the above-named capes to the other measures about 520 miles.

Martha's Vineyard sound.-A little to the south of Barnstable (a part of the projection which we designate as Cape Cod) lie the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, which, with several smaller islands on the south and the projection of Cape Malabar on the east, enclose Martha's Vineyard sound. The channels through this sound being sufficient for merchant vessels, and one even allowing the passage of small frigates, are not only the constant track of coasting vessels, but owing to the relative situation of Narragansett roads and the existence of two tolerable safe harbors to the east of Gay Head, namely, Tarpanlin Cove and Holmes's Hole, this sound is generally aimed at by all eastern vessels bound home in the tempestous seasons. There are certain difficulties,

* See report of 1820.

side and of Naugus Head on the other, will effectually cover this harbor. The cost of the works projected with that view by the board is estimated at $151,000. * Marblehead Harbor.-Besides, covering in some measure the establishment at Boston, the harbors of Marblehead and Salem possess an important commerce of their own, and also afford a shelter for vessels prevented by certain winds from pursuing their course eastward, or from entering the first named port. The mode of defending Marblehead harbor proposed by the board consists in occupying on the north side the hillock which commands the present Fort Sewall (which will be superseded by the new work) and on the south the position of Jack's Point. The two works will cost $212,000.

+ Boston Harbor.-We come now to the most important harbor in the eastern section of the coast, and, considering its relations to general commerce and to the interests of the navy, to one of the most important in the Union. After a careful examination of all the necessary conditions of such a problem, the naval commissioners and board of engineers, in their joint report of 1820, gave this harbor the preference of all other positions to the east, and, inclusive of New York bay and the Hudson, as the seat of the great northern naval depot; for the reasons at large of this selection reference is made to the report of 1820. But even should the recommendation therein contained remain unsanctioned, Boston is still a city of great wealth, possesses an extensive and active commerce, and contains already within its harbor an establishment on which great reliance is placed to give growth and energy to our navy. Excepting Boston, indeed, and its establishments, the eastern coast presents no objects to an enemy of such importance as to induce him to direct against them any operations which would very materially influence the results of a war. The principal towns and the mouths of the great communications with the interior being fortified, the country woody and hilly, abounding in defiles, cut up by enclosures, and defended by a brave, vigorous, and enterprising people, presents so many obstacles that no attempts, not merely predatory, can be anticipated. On the contrary, the people, undisturbed by apprehensions for their homes, having numerous and excellent sailors, a great number of safe anchorages along their coast, and a great depot of wealth at Boston to animate and sustain every species of enterprise on the ocean, may well be expected to take an active offensive part in any future war. The present forts in Boston harbor defend merely the interior basin from attacks by water. But, as it often happens that vessels enter Nantasket Roads with a wind too scant to pass the Narrows, or are detained in President Roads by light winds or an adverse tide; as the former, especially, is a very convenient anchorage from whence to proceed to sea; and above all, as Nantasket Roads affords the best possible station for a blockading squadron, it is deemed indispensable to place permanent defences at the mouth of the harbor. The project of defence proposed by the board contemplates leaving the existing works as a second barrier, placing a permanent fort on George's island, another at Nantasket Head, having two advanced works on the Head, and one on Hog island, reducing the altitude of Gallop island to destroy its command over George's island, and filling up the Broad Sound channel so as to leave no passage for ships-of-war. These works will cost $1,279,429 51. Besides the works of a permanent character, it will be necessary on the beginning of a war to erect temporary works upon Point Aldaton, Peddock's island, Lovell's island, Apple island, Noddle island, the heights near the north end of Chelsea bridge, and the neck near the termination of Middlesex canal. For the particular objects of the several works enumerated above the board refer to the memoir on the defence of Boston harbor of 1823.

Plymouth and Provincetown harbors.-These are the only harbors on the

See report of 1821, and memoir of defence of Marblehead, 1823.
See reports of 1820 and 1821, and memoir on the defence of Boston harbor, 1823.
See report of 1821.

eastern coast south of Boston. They have a commerce of some consequence of their own, but they are particularly interesting in reference to the port of Boston and to the transition from the middle to the eastern section of the coast, in which respects they would become still more important should the proposed canal from Buzzard's to Barnstable bay ever be executed. While these harbors are undefended, an enemy's squadron blockading Massachusetts bay has ports of refuge under his lee, of which he would not fail to avail himself to maintain his blockade throughout the most stormy seasons, knowing that the winds which would compel him to seek shelter would be adverse to outward bound, and fatal, should they venture near the coast, to inward bound vessels.

In possession of these harbors the enemy would have, in fine, constantly under eye the harbor of Boston, the passage outside of Cape Cod, and that through the canal.

his

To these considerations, going to establish the necessity of securing them by proper defences, we must not omit to add that without the shelter now afforded by these ports an enemy would be unable to enforce a rigorous investment. In the first place, he would be often deterred from taking a station near the land, lest he might be caught embayed by the violent easterly winds prevailing at certain seasons; in the next place, he would always seek a good offing on every indication of these winds, thereby leaving a clear coast, to be improved by our vessels at the first instant of a change of weather; and, lastly, our vessels being cut off from Boston by the position of the enemy, or constrained by adverse winds to deviate from their course, would find to the south a shelter equivalent to that provided at the north by the defence of Marblehead, Salem, Gloucester, and Portsmouth.

The board have not been able to make projects for the defence of these harbors, the surveys not being completed.

Should the proposed canal above mentioned be executed, it will be necessary to place a small work near each of its outlets to prevent the destruction of the means by which the transit of vessels in and out of the canal must be accomplished.

MIDDLE SECTION OF THE COAST.*

The coast between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras differs from the northeastern section in possessing fewer harbors, in having but little rocky and a great proportion of sandy shore, in which it resembles the southern section in its milder climate and in its clearer atmosphere, and it differs from all the other portions in the depth and magnitude of its interior seas and sounds, and in the distance to which deep tide navigation extends up its numerous large rivers.

The circuit of the coast, not including the shores of the great bays, measures 650 miles, while a straight line from one of the above-named capes to the other measures about 520 miles.

Martha's Vineyard sound.-A little to the south of Barnstable (a part of the projection which we designate as Cape Cod) lie the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, which, with several smaller islands on the south and the projection of Cape Malabar on the east, enclose Martha's Vineyard sound. The channels through this sound being sufficient for merchant vessels, and one even allowing the passage of small frigates, are not only the constant track of coasting vessels, but owing to the relative situation of Narragansett roads and the existence of two tolerable safe harbors to the east of Gay Head, namely, Tarpaulin Cove and Holmes's Hole, this sound is generally aimed at by all eastern vessels bound home in the tempestous seasons. There are certain difficulties,

See report of 1820.

however, attending the navigation of this sound, resulting from want of a harbor near the eastern extremity, which have given rise to a project now in a course of investigation for forming an artificial harbor at the northeast point of Nantucket island.

In the present state of things, therefore, although the board are fully impressed with the necessity of providing security for the very valuable portion of commerce frequenting this sound, it is deemed premature to enter into particulars as to the most suitable mode of defence. We only add, in reference to the value of this commerce, that from fifty to eighty vessels, engaged chiefly in the whale fishery, are owned at Nantucket alone; and that forty or fifty vessels, not belonging to the sound, and many of them containing the richest cargoes, are often seen in the harbors, waiting a favorable change of weather to complete their Voyage.

Buzzard's bay-Interposed between the island of Martha's Vineyard and the main are the Elizabeth islands, bounding Buzzard's bay on the south. This bay, although of importance as leading to the proposed canal to Barnstable bay, as covering the flourishing town of New Bedford, and as being one of the natural harbors to be used by an enemy in enforcing the blockade of Narragansett roads, cannot be defended by fortifications owing to its breadth. Should the canal be constructed, it must be defended by one or more works near its mouth.—(See page 28.)

New Bedford harbor.-No survey having been made of this harbor, the board are unable to state how far the present fort answers the necessary conditions, or, if any, what new works are required to afford due protection to the valuable commerce of this town.

Narragansett bay-Referring to previous reportst for more minute information, the board will advert briefly to some of the military and naval properties of this important roadstead. First. It is the only port on the coast accessible with a northwest wind, which is the direction of the most violent winter storms; and as the same winds serve for entering both Boston and New York harbors, viz: N.NW. to S.SW. round by the east, while this harbor can be entered with all winds from NW. to E. round by the west, it follows that this harbor being secured vessels may be certain of making a harbor on this part of the coast with all winds excepting those between NW. and N.NW. Second. From this position the navigation of Long Island sound, and especially the communication between that sound and Buzzard's bay or Martha's Vineyard sound, may be well protected. Third. The blockade of the excellent harbor and naval station of New London will be rendered difficult. Fourth. From this station the navy will command from N. to S., as from Hampton Roads it will from S. to N., the great inward curve of the coast between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras; the influence of which command over the blockading operations of an enemy will be apparent when it is considered that the only harbors of refuge he will have will be Delaware, Gardiner's, and Buzzard's bays. Fifth. This harbor is the connecting link of the coast to the south with that to the north of Cape Cod.

If Narragansett bay were left in its existing state as to defence an enemy would seize it without difficulty, and by the aid of naval superiority form an establishment in Rhode Island for the war. Occupying this island, and the position of Tiverton heights opposite its northern extremity, which is of narrow front, easy to secure and impossible to turn, he might defy all the forces of the eastern States, drive the United States to vast expense of blood and treasure, and while this position of his troops would keep in alarm and motion all the population of the east, feigned expeditions against New York through Long

See report of 1820.

See reports of 1820 and 1821, and memoir on the defence of Connanicut island, 1822.

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