ing the entrance to a depth of 16 feet below mean low water and widening the channel thereat from 50 feet at the outlet of the harbor to 480 feet at the junction with Cherrystone Inlet Channel, and in removing portions of a shoal to the same depth in Cherrystone Inlet about 1 mile south of the harbor. The amount expended at the close of the fiscal year was $21,676.89. The improvements made have been of great benefit to the shipping and the difficulties encountered in entering or leaving the harbor have been much lessened. Amount appropriated by act approved September 19, 1890.... July 1, 1891, balance unexpended .... $25,000.00 21,676.89 3,323.11 20,400.00 (Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project..... Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1893 20,400.00 Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867. (See Appendix H 19.) 20. Removing sunken vessels or craft obstructing or endangering navi gation.-During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, the following wrecks were removed under the provisions of the act of June 14, 1880: The schooner Maria Green, from Jackson Creek, Chester River, Maryland, and the schooner Mary H. Rhoades, from Smyrna River, Delaware. (See Appendix H 20.) EXAMINATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR IMPROVEMENT, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF RIVER AND HARBOR ACT APPROVED SEPTEMBER 19, 1890. The required preliminary examinations of the following localities were made by the local engineer in charge, W. F. Smith, United States Agent, Major of Engineers, U. S. Army, Retired, and reports thereon submitted through Col. Wm. P. Craighill, Corps of Engineers, Division Engineer, Southeast Division. It is the opinion of Major Smith, and of the Division Engineer, based upon the facts and reasons given, that these localities are not worthy of improvement. The conclusious of these officers being concurred in by me no further surveys were ordered. The reports were transmitted to Congress and printed as executive documents of the Fifty-first Congress, second session. 1. Linchester River, Maryland.-Printed as House Ex. Doc. No. 161. (See also Appendix H 21.) 2. Nanticoke River, Maryland, the northwest fork of the same.-Printed as House Ex. Doc. No. 163. (See also Appendix H 22.) 3. Tangier Harbor, Virginia.-Printed as House Ex. Doc. No. 172. (See also Appendix H 23.) The required preliminary examination of Broad Creek River, Delaware, was made by the local engineer in charge, W. F. Smith, United States Agent, and report thereon submitted through Col. Wm. P. Craighill, Corps of Engineers, Division Engineer, Southeast Division. It is the opinion of Major Smith, and of the Division Engineer, based upon the facts and reasons given, that this river is worthy of improvement. The report of the preliminary examination containing sufficient information to indicate to Congress the probable cost of the work required, no further survey appears to be necessary at this time. The improvement proposed contemplates enlarging the channel between Laurel and Bethel, Del., to a depth of 8 feet below mean low water and a width of 70 feet, at an estimated cost of $15,000. (See Appendix H 24.) The required preliminary examinations of the following localities were made by the local engineer in charge, W. F. Smith, United States Agent, and reports thereon submitted through Col. Wm. P. Craighill, Corps of Engineers, Division Engineer, Southeast Division. It is the opinion of Major Smith, and of the Division Engineer, based upon the facts and reasons given, that these localities are worthy of improvement. The conclusions of these officers being concurred in by me, Major Smith was charged with and has completed their survey and submitted reports thereon. 1. Turner's Creek, Maryland.-The improvement proposed contemplates dredging away a portion of the point projecting into the mouth of the creek and the construction of a spur dike 400 feet long near the entrance, at a total estimated cost of $1,060. (See Appendix H 25.) 2. La Trappe [River], Maryland.-The improvement proposed contemplates dredging a channel through the bar at the mouth 11 feet deep at mean low water and 150 feet wide, and enlarging the present low-water channel from the mouth to Trappe Landing so that it will be not less than 75 feet wide and 8 feet deep. The cost is estimated at $7,250. (See Appendix II 26.) 3. Warwick [River], Maryland.—The improvement proposed contemplates increasing the dimensions of the channel heretofore made by the United States, by deepening and straightening it where necessary, to a width of 100 feet and depth of 10 feet at low water from the Choptank River to the wharves. The estimated cost of this work is $18,600. (See Appendix H 27.) 4. Broad Creek, Maryland.-The improvement proposed contemplates the formation of a 7-foot low-water channel 120 feet wide from the 7-foot depth in Pocomoke Sound to the same depth in Little Anuemessex River, at an estimated cost of $54,000. (See Appendix H 28.) The required preliminary examinations of the following localities were made by the local engineer in charge, W. F. Smith, United States Agent, and reports thereon submitted through Col. Wm. P. Craighill, Corps of Engineers, Division Engineer, Southeast Division. It is the opinion of Major Smith, and of the Division Engineer, based upon the facts and reasons given, that these localities are worthy of improvement. The conclusions of these officers being concurred in by me, Major Smith was charged with their survey, the reports on which will be submitted when received. 1. Murderkill River, Delaware. 2. Mispillion River, Delaware, with a view of cutting a canal so as to shorten the distance to the bay, and making an outlet in the bay which would furnish deeper water. 3. Susquehanna River, Maryland, above Havre de Grace. 4. Rock Hall Harbor, Maryland. IMPROVEMENT OF PATAPSCO RIVER AND CHANNEL TO BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, AND OF JAMES RIVER, VIRGINIA. Officer in charge, Col. William P. Craighill, Corps of Engineers. 1. Patapsco River and channel to Baltimore, Maryland.-The depth of this channel has by successive steps been increased from 17 feet at mean low water to 27 feet, with an average rise of tide of about 18 inches. The project of improvement first adopted and commenced in October,. 1853, had for its object to give a channel 22 feet deep at mean low water with a width of 150 feet. Little was done before the late war, but afterwards these dimensions were increased, a depth of 24 feet at mean low water being determined upon with a width of channel ranging from 250 to 400 feet. This channel was completed in 1874, important changes of position. having been given to a portion of it, by which the distance was materially lessened and the expense of maintenance decreased. The object of the improvement was to permit the approach to Baltimore, at mean low water, of vessels drawing from 224 to 23 feet, and at ordinary high water of vessels drawing 24 and 24 feet. Later the project had in view a depth of 27 feet at mean low water with a width of 600 feet. Operations were brought to a close in August, 1889, for want of money and were not resumed in the year ending June 30, 1830. The channel throughout had then been excavated to 27 feet at low water. The Craighill Channel below the Cut-off, the Cut-off Channel, and the Brewerton above the Cut-off had been excavated to 400 feet width. The Fort McHenry division was generally 250 feet in width, except at the upper end, where it is 500. All the angles were much wider, the object being to facilitate the movement of large ships at these turns. portions of the Brewerton below the Cut-off and of the Craighill above it have not been dredged for years, and are not now considered a part of the channel under improvement by the United States. Their width is about 250 feet and the depth 24 feet. The Up to June 30, 1890, the United States had expended $2,461.997.65, with the result indicated above. The city of Baltimore and the State of Maryland, chiefly the former, have also contributed to the same object more than $500,000. The expenditure up to June 30, 1891, by the United States was $2,561,010.48. The river and harbor law of September 19, 1890, appropriated $340,000, and the sundry civil law of March 3, 1891, an additional sum of $151,200. The former contained the following important proviso: Provided, That such contracts as may be desirable may be entered into by the Secretary of War for the completion of the existing project, or any part of same, to be paid for as appropriations may from time to time be made by law. Operations in carrying out the approved project were resumed as soon as possible after September, 1890, and are now vigorously in prog ress. The results of the work in 1891, up to June 30, have been to increase the width of the Brewerton division of the channel from 400 to 550 feet, and also to materially, but not so much, increase the width of the two lower divisions. Nothing has been done in this fiscal year with the Fort McHenry division, as that has been by nature the best part of the channel, and not so much in need of dredging. Commencing in May, a close resurvey of the Fort McHenry division has been made, and the results plotted. A thorough survey of the area in the bay east of the lower channel, used for the deposit of dredged material, has been completed as to field work; and a general examination of the whole Patapsco below Fort McHenry is now in progress to ascertain the nature and extent of changes (if any) caused by previous or present deposits of dredged material along or near to the banks of the river. July 1, 1890, balance unexpended Amount appropriated by act approved September 19, 1890. June 30, 1891, amount expended during fiscal year $45, 629, 51 340, 000, 00 151,200.00 536, 829.51 99, 012. 83 July 1, 1891, balance unexpended 437, 816. 68 $3,000.00 July 1, 1891, amount covered by uncompleted contracts...... 547, 061.54 550, 061.54 208, 800.00 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project. (See Appendix I 1.) 2. James River, Virginia.-When the improvement of the James River was regularly undertaken by the Government the navigation was obstructed by sunken vessels, by remains of military bridges, and by other obstructions put into the river during the late war to prevent the national fleets from approaching too close to Richmond. There were also other natural obstructions. Rockett Reef and Richmond Bar had only 7 feet of water at mean low tide. From Warwick Bar to Richmond the channel was crooked and obstructed by dangerous rocks and ledges, the Dutch Gap cut-off was not then open, and the river was in a poor condition as regards its availability for commercial purposes. The original project of improvement was to secure a depth of 18 feet at full tide (corresponding to about 15 feet at low tide) to Richmond, with a channel width of 180 feet. This project had reached an advanced stage of progress when Congress, by act approved July 5, 1884, adopted the project looking to 22 feet at mean low tide from the sea to Richmond, the width to be 400 feet from the sea to City Point, 300 from thence to Drewry Bluff, and 200 feet from thence to Richmond. The total amount expended on this river by the United States up to June 30, 1890, was $1,163,677.34, which includes the sum of $432,792.79 expended since the new project was entered upon to give a depth of 22 feet at mean low water. The condition of the river June 30, 1890, was as follows: The practical available draft at high water, from the sea to Curl's Neck, was 19 feet; thence to Goode Rocks, 18 feet; thence to Richmond, 16 feet. The amount expended in the year ending June 30, 1891, has been $57,828.22, and the principal operations of the year have been the following: Widening and deepening the channel near Richmond, from Almond Creek to and at Goode Rocks, deepening and rectifying the channel at Kingsland, the worst point hitherto between Curl's Neck and Warwick Bar; widening the Dutch Gap cut-off; and continuing the survey from Jordan Point to Hog Island, over a distance of nearly 30 miles. The available draft from the sea to Warwick Bar, which is 5 miles from Richmond, is 19 feet at high water, being a gain in that depth in a year over the space between Warwick Bar and Curl's Neck, 15 miles; from Warwick Bar to Goode Rocks, 17 feet; over Goode Rocks, 164 feet; Goode Rocks to Chesapeake and Ohio wharves, near Richmond, 18 feet. A slight filling of sand has occurred over a space about 250 feet long at Goode Rocks, diminishing the available drait there by 1 foot. This can be readily rectified. Still further improve ment in depth and width near Richmond is expected under contracts now in force. When the proposed improvement is completed an annual expendi ture of $20,000 will be necessary for the maintenance of the channel. The law of September 19, 1890, authorized the expenditure of $3,000, in the discretion of the Secretary of War, in removing the bar at the mouth of Turkey Island Creek or Bay on. The local engineer, after examination of the subject, reported that in his opinion the expenditure mentioned would effect no useful result, and that the improvement to be of real value would cost $25,000. The Chief of Engineers and the Secretary of War concurred in this opinion. July 1, 1890, balance unexpended ............................... Amount appropriated by act approved September 19, 1890.. $785.87 200,000.00 3,736, 070.45 July 1, 1891, balance available.... [Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.... Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending June 30, 1893.... Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867. (See Appendix I 2.) 400,000.00 EXAMINATION FOR IMPROVEMENT, TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF RIVER AND HARBOR ACT APPROVED SEPTEMBER 19, 1890. The required preliminary examination of Patapsco River, Maryland, from the Craighill channel to the sugar refinery wharves. Curtis Bay, was made by the local engineer in charge, Colonel Craighill, and report thereon submitted. It is the opinion of Colonel Craighill, based upon the facts and reasons given, that the locality is worthy of improvement. The report of the preliminary examination containing sufficient informa tion to indicate to Congress the probable cost of the work required, no further survey appears to be necessary at this time. The cost of dredging a channel 150 feet wide at bottom and 25 feet deep at mean low water from the main ship channel is estimated at $25,000. A channel of the same width, but 27 feet deep at mean low water, which is the depth of the main ship channel, is estimated to cost $85,000. The report was transmitted to Congress and printed as House Ex. Doc. No. 102, Fiftyfirst Congress, second session. (See also Appendix I 3.) IMPROVEMENT OF POTOMAC RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES, OF HAR. BOR AT BRETON BAY, MARYLAND, AND OF CERTAIN RIVERS ON WESTERN SHORE OF CHESAPEAKE BAY, MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. Officer in charge, Lieut. Col. Peter C. Hains, Corps of Engineers, with Lieut. George A. Zinn, Corps of Engineers, under his immediate orders. since April 6, 1 891 1. Potomac River at Washington, District of Columbia.-Before the commencement of this improvement the channel to Georgetown, D. C., was narrow and crooked, and had not sufficient depth to meet the needs |