be omitted. There have been no surveys made of the ground, nor projects of the fort, which, in a conjectural estimate of the engineer department, was set down at $300,000.-(Class E.)

Patuxent river. The more effectually to protect the city of Washington from a sudden attack by troops landed at the head of navigation in the Patuxent, and to provide additional shelter for vessels in the Chesapeake, a fort has been planned to occupy Point Patience and another to occupy Thomas's Point, both a short distance up the river. The work on Thomas's Point is estimated at $259,000, and the work on Point Patience estimated to cost $246,000.— (Classes D and F.)

It will be perceived that the system of defence for Washington contemplates, first, defending the Potomac on Cedar Point, and maintaining a second barrier at Fort Washington; second, defending the mouth of the Patuxent. This particular arrangement not having been always understood, a few words are added in explanation.

During the last war there was no fort in the Patuxent, and the consequence was that the British approached by that avenue and occupied the whole river as high as Pig Point, nearly fifty miles from its mouth, and less than twenty miles from the Capitol; while, in consequence of there being no forts in the Potomac, they occupied that river as high as Alexandria, inclusive; by this latter occupation perfectly protecting the left flank of the movement during its whole advance and retreat. Both flanks being safe, the British had nothing to fear except from a force in front; and that this risk was not great, in the short march of less than twenty miles from the boats, was proved by the issue.

On the ninth day from that on which the fleet entered the Chesapeake the English army was in possession of the Capitol, having penetrated nearly fifty miles beyond the point of debarkation. On the twelfth day from the time of landing, the troops were again on shipboard, near the mouth of the river. This attack, exceedingly well conceived and very gallantly executed, owed its success entirely to the want of defences, such as are now proposed.

Let us suppose both rivers fortified as recommended, and an enemy landed at the mouth of the Patuxent. If now he attempt this enterprise, his march would be prolonged by at least four days-that is to say, it will require more than sixteen days, during which time he will be out of communication with his fleet as regards supplies and assistance.

The opposition to his invasion will begin at the landing, because our troops having now nothing to fear as to their flanks, either from the Potomac or Patuxent, will dispute every foot of territory; and although he should continue to advance it must be at a slower rate. While he is thus pursuing his route toward Washington, the forces of Virginia, brought by railroad to the mouth of Aquia creek, will be crossing the Potomac, and concentrating at Port Tobacco, or some position between that place and Fort Washington, preparatory to falling on his flank and rear. This would seem to be conclusive, for it is difficult to conceive of troops persevering in an expedition when every moment will not only place them further from succor but greatly increase their need of it. Railroads reach from near the crossing places of the Potomac to the very heart of the country south, and a very few days would bring forward a large force, all of which would arrive upon the rear of the enemy.

It has been said that if shut out of the Patuxent the enemy might land between the mouth of that river and Annapolis, and thence proceed against Washington. But the same difficulties belong to this project, and a new difficulty is added. The Virginia forces arrive as before, and assail his flank, either between the Potomac and Patuxent or between the Patuxent and the Chesapeake; and there is, besides, the Patuxent for the enemy to cross, both in going and returning-itself a formidable military obstacle.

It is said, also, that the landing may be made in the Potomac; but this only

proved that the system animadverted on had not been studied, it being a fundamental principle of the system that such landing must be prevented by fortifying the river as low down as possible.

The southern coast, stretching from Cape Hatteras to the southern point of Florida, is invariably low, and for the greater part sandy, much resembling the coast from the above-mentioned cape to Montauk Point, on the east end of Long Island. A ridge of sand, here and there interrupted by the alluvion of the rivers, extends through its whole length. This ridge, in certain portions, lies on the main land, while in others it is divided therefrom by basins or "sounds" of various width and depth, and is cut up into islands by numerous channels, which connect these interior waters with the sea. Wherever this sand ridge is interrupted its place is occupied by low and marshy grounds, bordering the principal and the many lesser outlets of the rivers.

Ocracoke inlet, N. C.-The shallowness of the water on the bars at this inlet effectually excludes all vessels-of-war, at least all moved by sails. But as this is an outlet of an extensive commerce, and as, through this opening, attempts might be made in small vessels, barges, or the smaller class of steam vessels to destroy this commerce, or to interrupt the line of interior water communication, timely preparation must be made of temporary works, equal to defence against all such minor enterprises.

Beaufort harbor, N. C.-A work called Fort Macon has been erected for the defence of this harbor. It is in a very efficient condition, though some slight additional work is needed, both for the fort itself and for the preservation of the site, which is acted upon violently by the sea. Successful impediments to this action have been resorted to, which require a little extension, however, and continual care. Estimate, $3,000.—(Class B.)

Mouths of Cape Fear river, N. C.-The defence of the main channel of Cape Fear requires, in addition to Fort Caswell, (now completed,) on Oak island, another fort on Bald Head. And the defence of the smaller channel will require a redoubt on Federal Point. The battery, magazine, block-house, &c., at Smithville should remain as accessories. Fort Caswell, Oak island, $7,000.—(Class B.) The fort on Bald Head (class F) will require $180,000. The redoubt on Federal Point (class F) will require $18,000; and the battery, &c., called Fort Johnston, at Smithville, (class A,) $5,000.

Georgetown harbor, S. C.-The first inlet of any consequence south of Cape Fear river is at the united mouths of the Waccamaw, Pedee, and Black rivers, forming Georgetown harbor, which is a commodious and capacious bay, having sufficient water within, and also upon the bar near the mouth, for merchant vessels and small vessels-of-war. A survey of this harbor was begun many years ago, but never completed, and no projects for defence have been made. It is probable that a work placed near Moscheto creek, or on Winyaw Point, would give adequate strength, at the cost of about $250,000.—(Class E.)

Santee river and Bull's bay.—About ten miles south from Georgetown are the mouths of the Santee, the largest river in South Carolina. It is not known whether the bars at the mouth of this river have sufficient water for sea-going vessels. The same uncertainty exists as to the depth into Bull's bay. It may be sufficient to consider these, and the other inlets between Georgetown and Charleston, as calling for small works capable of resisting boat enterprises, and to assign as the cost $100,000. Should they prove to be navigable for privateers, they will require a larger expenditure.-(Class F.)-$100,000.

Charleston, S. C.-This city, situated at the junction of the Ashley and Cooper rivers, is about five miles, in a direct line, from the sea. Between it and the ocean there is a wide and safe roadstead for vessels of any draught. Upon the bar, lying three or four miles outside of the harbor, there is, however, only water enough for smaller frigates and sloops-of-war. On the southwest side of the harbor is James's island, in which are several serpentine passages, more or

less navigable for boats, barges, and small steam vessels; some of them communicate directly with the sea and Stono river. Whappoo cut, the most northerly passage from the Stono to Charleston harbor, enters Ashley river opposite the middle of the city.

Interior natural water communications exist, also, to the southwest of Stono river, connecting this with North Edisto river; the latter with South Edisto and St. Helena sound; this, again, with Broad river; and, finally, this last with Savannah river.

On the north side of the harbor of Charleston lies Sullivan's island, separated from the main by a channel navigable only by small craft. On the northwest side of this island is an interior water communication which extends to Bull's bay, and even beyond, to the harbor of Georgetown.

From this sketch it is apparent that it will not do to restrict the defences to the principal entrance of the harbor.

The lateral avenues must also be shut. And it is probable that accurate surveys of all these avenues will show that the best mode of defending them will be by works at or near the mouths of the inlets, as the enemy will be kept thereby at a greater distance from the city; the lesser harbors formed by these inlets will be protected, and the line of interior water communication will be inaccessible from the sea.

No position for the defence of the principal entrance to Charleston harbor can be found nearer to the ocean than the western extremity of Sullivan's island. This is, at present, occupied by Fort Moultrie, a work of some strength, but by no means adequate to its object, its battery being weak, and the scarp so low as to oppose no serious obstacle to escalade. How far this work, by a modification of its plan and relief, may be made to contribute to a full defence of the harbor has not yet been determined. But so long as it is the only work at this, the principal point of defence, it must be kept in good condition for service, and no alterations that will disturb this efficiency should be undertaken. (Class A.)

On a shoal nearly opposite Fort Moultrie a new fort has been well advanced, which will have a powerful cross-fire with Fort Moultrie. This is called Fort Sumter (Class C.) To complete this fort will require, it is estimated, $150,000.

In the upper part of the harbor is Castle Pinckney, on Shuter's Folly island. This requires some repairs, estimated at $800.-(Class A.)

Stono, North Edisto, and South Edisto.-All these must be fortified, at least in such a manner as to protect these inlets from enterprises in boats or small vessels. To that end $50,000 may be assigned to each. (Class F.)

St. Helena sound. The proper defences cannot be pointed out till the sound shall have been surveyed. Although there is supposed to be no great depth of water on the bar, it is known to be navigable for the smaller class of merchantmen and for steamboats, and to have a navigable communication with the head of Broad river, or Port Royal, intersecting the interior navigation between Charleston and Savannah. The estimate is $150,000.-(Class F.)

Broad river, or Port Royal roads.-The value of this capacious roadstead, as a harbor of refuge, depends upon the depth that can be carried over the bar, on the distance of this bar beyond the line of coast, and on the means that may be applicable of lessening the danger of crossing it. This is supposed to be the deepest bar on the southern coast. Should there prove to be water enough for frigates, and should it be practicable to make the passage over the bar safe and easy by the erection of light-houses on the shore, and lights or other distinct guides on the bar, this harbor, situated within sixty miles of the city of Charleston, and twenty of Savannah river, intersecting the interior water communication between these cities, thereby securing the arrival of supplies of every

kind, would possess a high degree of importance not only as a harbor of refuge, but also as a naval station.

The survey of the exterior shoals, constituting the bar, should be made with the greatest care and all possible minuteness. Only when this shall have been done can the true relations of this inlet to the rest of the coast be known, and on this relation the position and magnitude of the required defences will depend. For the present the estimate made some years ago by the engineer department is adopted, namely, $300,000.-(Class E,)

Savannah, and mouth of the Savannah river, Georgia.-Mention has been made of the natural interior water communication along the coast of South Carolina. A similar communication extends, south from the Savannah river, as far as the St. John's, in Florida. Owing to these passages, the city of Savannah, like Charleston, is liable to be approached by other avenues than the harbor or river; and, accordingly, its defence must have relation to these lesser, as well as to the great channels.

The distance from the mouth of Wassaw, or even the Ossabaw sounds (both to the southward of Savannah river) to the city is not much greater than from the mouth of the river; and an enterprise may proceed the whole distance by water, or part of the way by water and part by land, from either inlet or from both. As in the case of like channels in the neighborhood of Charleston, it cannot now be determined where they can be defended most advantageously. It is hoped, however, that the localities will permit the defences to be placed near the inlets, because, thus placed, they will serve the double purpose of guarding the city of Savannah and covering these harbors, which, in time of war, cannot but be very useful.

The defence of Savannah river is not difficult. A fort on Cockspur island, lying just within the mouth, and, perhaps for additional security, another on Tybee island, which forms the southern cape at the mouth of the river, would prevent the passage of vessels up the channel, and cover the anchorage between Tybee and Cockspur.

Old Fort Jackson, standing about four miles below the city, must be maintained as a second barrier, both as respects the main channel and the passages which come into the river from the south, which last would not be at all controlled by fortifications on Cockspur or Tybee. Fort Jackson is accordingly undergoing the repairs and modifications necessary to give the proper strength and efficiency. Estimated to cost $45,000.—(Class A.)

Fort Pulaski, a new work situated on Cockspur island, is, in all the most important matters, finished. Some further work has to be done, however, on the dikes of the island, on barracks, and quarters, and storehouses, and in the construction of an advanced battery. Estimated to cost $35,000.-(Class B.) To fortify Tybee island may require $120,000.-(Class E.)

Wassaw sound, Ossabaw sound, St. Catharine's sound, at the mouth o Medway river; Sapelo sound, Doby inlet, Altamaha sound, at the mouth of Altamaha river; St. Simon's sound, at the mouth of Buffalo creck; St. Andrew's sound, at the united mouths of the Scilla and Santilla river; and Cumberland sound, at the mouth of St. Mary's river.-All these communications with the ocean are highly important as regards the line of interior navigation, and several of them as affording access to excellent harbors. The last and one or two others are known to be navigable to the largest sloops-of-war and merchantmen, and some of the others are but little inferior as regards depth of entrance or safety of anchorage.

Fort Clinch, a work now in course of erection at the mouth of Cumberland sound, is a most important contribution to the defence of this, the most southern of the Georgia entrances. Estimated to cost $180,000.-(Class C.)

All the above-named openings, except that into Cumberland sound, have to

be surveyed. Some of them are probably easily defensible by forts and batteries, while others may need the aid of floating defences.

Nothing better can now be done than to assume $200,000 as the average cost of defending each of the eight entrances, giving a total of $1,600,000.— (Class F.)

St. Augustine, Florida.-This most southern of all the harbors of the Atlantic, and the key to the eastern portion of Florida, is accessible to the smaller classes of merchantmen, or privateers, and to steam vessels, and requires a certain amount of protection from attack by water. It is believed that adequate protection has been given by repairs bestowed upon the water battery of the old Spanish fort, (Fort Marion.)-(Class A.)

SEA-COAST FROM CAPE FLORIDA TO THE MOUTH OF THE RIO GRANDE.

Fort Taylor, at Key West, is in a good state to be brought speedily into efficiency; the walls have been raised up out of the water almost to the sills of the lower embrasures; and with the sum asked for in the last estimates the lower tier of embrasures might be got ready for the armament in a short time. Estimated to cost $805,000.-(Class C.)

Fort Jefferson, Garden key, Tortugas.-This fort, which will perfectly command the admirable harbor lying in the heart of this group of keys, is advancing without the slightest impediment. The outer or counter-scarp wall first executed, because necessary to prevent the flooding of the island in gales of wind, has been completed, and labors are now bestowed on the main scarp. Estimated at $989,862.-(Class C.)

Turning now to the shore of the Gulf, we find a portion, namely, from Cape Florida to Pensacola, that has never been surveyed with particular reference to the defence of the harbors. Within this space there are Charlotte harbor, Tampa bay, Apalachicola bay, Apalachie bay, St. Joseph's bay, and Santa Rosa bay. Nothing better can now be done than to assume for these the estimate formerly presented by the engineer department, viz: $1,000,000 for all.(Class F.)

It may be remarked, as applying to the whole Gulf coast, that, from the relative geographical position of this part of the seaboard and the country interested in its safety, from the unhealthiness of the climate, nature of the adjacent country, and mixed character of the inhabitants, it will be some time before that portion within supporting distance, whose welfare may be endangered by an enemy, will be competent of itself to sustain a serious attack from without. Upon the Atlantic seaboard the Alleghanics crowd the people down upon the shore, every important point on the coast being surrounded by a population dense now, and every day rapidly increasing in numbers; while the ocean and the interior parallel communications transmit rapid aid to the right and left. The coast of the Gulf, however, is thinly peopled in itself, is remote from succor from behind, and is almost inaccessible to lateral assistance. Those reasons, therefore, which tend to establish the necessity of an organized, permanent, and timely system of defence for the whole seaboard of the United States, apply to this part of it with peculiar force.

We now pass on to the remaining points of defence on the Gulf.

Pensacola bay. The upper arms of this considerable bay receive the yellow water or Pea river, Middle river, and Escambia river. The tributaries of the last interlocking with the Alabama and Chattahoochie, seem to mark the routes whereby, at some future day, canals will convey a part of the products of these rivers to Pensacola; while the qualities and position of the harbor, and the favorable nature of the country, have already marked out lines of railroad communication with a vast interior region.

Santa Rosa sound extends eastward, from the lower part of the bay, into