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Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, Showing the Condition of the Navy in the Year 1835

Communicated to Congress, With the President's Message, December 8, 1835

24th Congress.]

No. 585.

[1st Session.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, SHOWING THE CONDITION OF THE NAVY IN THE YEAR 1835.

COMMUNICATED TO CONGRESS, WITH THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE, DECEMBER 8, 1835.

Navy Department,
December 5, 1835.

To the President of the United States:

Sir:

In presenting to your consideration the condition of our navy for the past year, it affords me great satisfaction to state that all the available means for its improvement have been successfully applied, and that its operations in protecting our commerce, although inadequate to the exigencies of that great and growing interest, have been highly honorable to the officers serving upon our naval stations at home and abroad.

Since my report of the 29th November, 1834, the ship of the line North Carolina has been thoroughly repaired in her hull, has been lately taken out of dock, and may be fitted for sea in eighty days.

The repairs of the ship of the line Independence, now in dock at Boston, have been commenced, and are progressing with great dispatch. The frigates Constitution and Constellation have been equipped and sent to sea. The frigate United States has been prepared, and is ready for the reception of a crew. The hull of the frigate Columbia, at Washington, has been so nearly completed, under the law for the gradual improvement of the navy, that she may be launched in the course of this month. The sloops-of-war Peacock and Vandalia have been equipped and sent to sea. The sloop-of-war Warren is taking in her crew, and will sail in a few days. The sloops-of-war Concord and Boston have been prepared and are ready for the reception of their crews; and the Lexington will be equally prepared in a few weeks.

The repairs of the sloops-of-war Falmouth and Natchez, and of the schooner Grampus, have been recently commenced, and it is believed that in a few weeks they may be ready for the reception of their crews.

The building of a store-ship, authorized by a law of the 30th of June, 1834, has been commenced at Philadelphia, and a steam vessel has been commenced at New York, but will not be ready for service until some time in the summer of 1836.

The ships of the line Alabama, Vermont, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and the frigates Santee, Cumberland, Sabine, Savannah, Raritan, and St. Lawrence, are on the stocks, well protected from the weather, and as nearly completed as it is proper they should be, until it is determined to launch them.

For a more detailed statement of the condition of those vessels, as well as that of the ships of the line Franklin, Washington, Columbus, and Ohio, and their means of repair, I beg leave to refer to a report of the Commissioners of the Navy Board, herewith submitted, marked K; and for the amount of timber, iron, and other materials procured for the gradual improvement of the navy, I refer to their report, marked I.

The ship of the line Delaware, the frigate Potomac, the sloop John Adams, and the schooner Shark have been employed in the Mediterranean during the last year. The frigate Constitution sailed for that station on the 19th of August last from New York. The frigate United States returned from the Mediterranean on the 10th of December last. The Delaware is ordered to the United States, and is daily expected.

On the West India station the sloops-of-war Vandalia, St. Louis, and Falmouth, and the schooners Grampus and Experiment, have been employed. The Vandalia, after undergoing considerable repairs, sailed from Norfolk on the 14th of January last, to resume her station in the West Indies. The Falmouth returned from that station on the 1st of August last, and is now at Norfolk; the schooner Experiment also returned from that station in April last, and has been employed on the survey of the coast. The Grampus returned to Norfolk on the 23d of September last, is undergoing repairs, and will soon resume her station in the West India squadron. The frigate Constellation sailed for the West Indies on the 8th of October last from Norfolk.

The sloops-of-war Natchez, Erie, and Ontario, and the schooner Enterprise, composed the squadron on the Brazil station. The Natchez has lately returned to the United States, having arrived at New York on the 3d of October. The schooner Enterprise has been detached from that station, and ordered on a cruise to the East Indies; she sailed in company with the sloop Peacock from Rio on the 12th of July last, the Peacock having sailed from New York for that station on the 23d of April; in June last, the Ontario was ordered to the coast of Africa, with instructions to visit the Island of St. Thomas, Bassa Cove, Cape Palm as, and Mesurado.

The vessels which have been employed in the Pacific are, the frigate Brandywine, sloops Fairfield and Vincennes, and the schooners Dolphin and Boxer. The Vincennes has been ordered home by the way of the East Indies, and the Fairfield has lately arrived at Norfolk.

The events of the last year furnish much additional evidence that our naval force in commission is not adequate to the protection of our rapidly increasing commerce. The frequent insurrections and revolutions in the governments of South America and of Mexico endanger our merchant vessels upon the Atlantic as well as Pacific ocean, and in the Gulf of Mexico, and even upon our own coast.

Influenced by a knowledge of these circumstances, and in accordance with your suggestions, I have asked and obtained from the Board of Navy Commissioners an estimate of the increased annual expense of adding two frigates, three sloops-of-war, and four steam vessels to our force now in commission, to be employed upon foreign stations as well as upon our own coast.

By their report it appears that such an addition to our vessels in commission would require annually an appropriation of four hundred and seventy-eight thousand dollars: but as not more than one steam vessel can be finished in the next year, the appropriation wanted for 1836 for this purpose need not exceed four hundred and thirty-four thousand dollars. The sum is small compared with the benefits that may be fairly calculated to result from its expenditure in affording protection to our commence, independently of the advantage to the efficiency and discipline of our navy, by calling into active service a large number of officers now unemployed.

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A large portion of the entire expenditure for the additional force proposed must be incurred, even if it should not be called into service.

The vessels necessary for such increase of force (except the steam vessels) will, if not so employed, remain at our wharves, affording no benefit to the country, and suffering more from decay than they would do if at sea; and a large portion of the officers necessary for their command, although earnestly asking for service, will remain on shore, receiving pay, but performing no duty; adding nothing to their professional skill, but losing their habits of discipline, which can only be preserved by constant exercise.

Should the proposed increase of force be sanctioned by Congress, we shall have in commission, in the year 1836, one ship of the line, six frigates, fourteen sloops-of-war, five schooners, and one steam vessel, with an addition of three steam vessels in succeeding years, as soon as the same can be prepared, the estimated expense of which appears by the report of the Commissioners, marked D, 1.

Appropriations for the gradual improvement of our navy yards are next in importance to the like appropriations for the gradual improvement of our navy. The necessity of more ample means for protecting our shipping, as well as the immense amount of public property in the different yards, must be apparent to every one who is acquainted with the subject; and the expediency of increasing the facilities for constructing and repairing our ships is not less apparent. Moderate appropriations, in addition to those that are usual, for three or four years, would accomplish those important objects. In accordance with this view of the subject, I submit a letter of the Board of Navy Commissioners, marked No. 2, together with an estimate, marked E 1, of the probable cost of the proposed improvements, which amounts to three millions five hundred thousand dollars, including that of the dry dock at New York, amounting to nine hundred thousand dollars.

A national foundry for the purpose of casting cannon, shot, and shells, as well for the army as the navy, was a subject of discussion before the two Houses of Congress at their late session, but was postponed in consequence of the shortness of the session and the pressure of more urgent business. No doubt can be entertained of the importance of such an establishment, when we consider the great improvements made in the fabrication of small arms at the different armories of the United States.

In our future wars, especially on the ocean, we must rely much upon the excellence of our cannon. The bursting of a single cannon may cause, as it often has done, the loss of a battle. The disasters from this cause, that occurred during the revolutionary as well as the late war, admonish us to guard against like disasters in future, which, it is believed, may be avoided by the means proposed.

It is only by a long series of experiments, and those attended with great expense, that we can hope to discover the best material for making cannon which our country affords, and the art of fabricating them with the most perfect accuracy and efficiency. Believing that such discoveries and improvements are attainable, and that they would be highly important in the army, and still more so in the navy, I must be permitted to express a hope that the subject will be revived at the approaching session of Congress, and that a plan of a national foundry will be adopted.

The importance of rearing a body of seamen, by enlisting into the service of our navy boys over the age of thirteen and under the age of eighteen, until they should arrive at the age of twenty-one years, has already attracted the attention of Congress. At the last session a bill for this purpose was introduced into the Senate. Every year the importance of this measure becomes more apparent. Able seamen are much wanted, while there are boys enough in our cities, leading lives of idleness and vice, for want of employment, who, if thus enlisted, under judicious regulations, would, in a few years, afford us a sufficient corps of able seamen to man our navy, and, in the meantime, render services to their country worth their pay.

The compensation to be given, by the late pay bill, to professors of mathematics, is such as to command the services of those who are every way competent to perform the duties of this station. A regulation is adopted to appoint none to this station who shall not receive a certificate of competency, after submitting to a rigid examination by scientific gentlemen who shall be appointed for that purpose. This will be of great advantage to the young officers of the navy; and if a large portion of them should be called into active service, by employing an additional naval force for the protection of our commerce, they will be enabled to perfect themselves in seamanship, the most important part of their education, and which can be acquired only at sea; but to make them accomplished officers something more is required than can probably be derived from those sources. A knowledge of military tactics, of engineering, and drawing, is deemed indispensable in the education of an officer of the army, and which ought to be deemed equally so in the education of a naval officer. So much of chemistry, mineralogy, geology, and natural history, as is taught at the Military academy, although not absolutely essential to the military or naval officer, yet is decidedly more important to the latter than to the former.

If provision should be made for the admission of a class of one hundred midshipmen at a time at the academy at West Point, to pursue such studies as should be prescribed by the Navy Department, and to be succeeded at the end of one or two years by another class, all, in their turn, might receive the advantage of this course of studies, highly necessary to their education as accomplished officers of the navy, and at a small expense; as the midshipmen, while at the academy, would receive no more pay than if attending the schools at the navy yards, or if waiting orders.

A national observatory, although not immediately necessary to the defence of our country, is remotely so; and considered with reference to the bearing it would have upon our navy, our commerce, and scientific pursuits, it assumes an importance worthy the consideration of Congress.

It is hardly to be doubted that we shall, at some future period, make such an establishment, and I will venture to express an opinion that no time can be more propitious for such an undertaking than the present. It would not be attended with any great expense. It is necessary now to employ an officer of science to keep our maps and charts, to regulate our chronometers, and to preserve all mathematical and philosophical instruments required for the naval service, and buildings are necessary for these purposes.

These duties would properly devolve upon the superintendent of an observatory, and the buildings necessary to such an establishment would be amply sufficient for the preservation of our maps, charts, and instruments.

Under the act concerning naval pensions and the navy pension fund, eighteen invalid pensions have been granted since my last report, making the number on the roll three hundred and five, and the annual amount required to pay them 824,944; and forty-one widows' pensions have been granted, making the number on the roll one hundred and fifty, and the annual amount necessary to pay them $32,594.

The annual charge, therefore, according to the present roll, will amount to $57,538.

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It is not probable that all on the list will claim; but as the death of a pensioner is not officially known except when the account is settled by his or her representative, the number is made out from the rolls in this Department. Some have not claimed for two, three, four, and five years, but, as they are not known to be dead, their names are still continued on the rolls. The receipts and expenditures on account of the fund, to the 30th September last, will be seen in the statement marked M, and the amount and description of stocks belonging to the fund in the statement marked M, 1.

Under the act of the 19th June, 1834, respecting pensions chargeable to the privateer pension fund, since my last report, six widows have received five years' pension each, amounting to $2,400; more than five years having elapsed since the date to which they were last paid. Two invalid pensions have also been granted, making the number on the roll thirty-six, and the annual amount required to pay them $3,184.

The account of stock, and of receipts and expenditures, will be seen in statement N.

The condition of the navy hospital fund, including receipts and expenditures, will appear in statement O. The annual receipts are much greater than the disbursements; and, as they will probably continue to be greater for several years, I respectfully repeat the suggestion in my last report, that authority be given to vest the surplus in some well secured stock, for the benefit of the fund.

Under the act of 30th June, 1834, the widows of all officers, seamen, and marines, who have died in the naval service since the first day of January, 1824, or who may die in said service, by reason of disease contracted, or of casualties by drowning or otherwise, or of injuries received while in the line of duty, are entitled to pensions equal to half the amount of the pay to which their husbands respectively were entitled at the time of their deaths.

The act of the 3d of March last, "to regulate the pay of the navy of the United States," and which increased the pay of many officers, is silent as to pensions. A difficulty arises in ascertaining the proper amount of pension to be allowed to widows of naval officers whose pay has been increased by this act. The pay of a captain in command of a squadron was increased to four thousand dollars a year; when on other duty, to three thousand five hundred dollars; and when off duty, to two thousand five hundred dollars. A corresponding increase of pay is made to other" officers.

In the case of a captain dying when in command of a squadron on a foreign station, a question arises whether his widow should receive a pension to the amount of six hundred dollars a year, to which she would have been entitled if this act had not passed, or whether she shall receive half the amount of pay to which her husband was entitled at the time of his death, as a captain commanding a squadron, as captain on other duty, or as a captain off duty.

After much deliberation, it has been decided to allow a pension in such cases of $1,135.62 a year, being the half pay of a captain commanding a squadron, reduced by the amount of $1,728.75, equal to his allowance before this act. The salary of four thousand dollars a year to a captain in command of a squadron is in lieu of former pay and emoluments. Those emoluments, excepting one ration a day, amounted to $1,728.75, which sum, deducted from $4,000, leaves $2,271.25, the half of which, $1,135.62, is considered as the proper amount of the widow's annual pension.

Questions on pensions more complicated than this may arise under this act, especially in the case of the deaths of surgeons and assistant surgeons, whose grades of pay are more numerous than those of captains.

The necessity of an explanatory act, to obviate these difficulties, is respectfully suggested. By the act of Congress of the 10th July, 1832, it is required that any surplus money belonging to the navy pension fund shall be vested in the stock of the Bank of the United States. The amount so vested is $619,000, and this Department has no authority to make a different investment of money without the further action of Congress.

Previously to the passing of the act of the 30th of June, 1834, for the better organization of the United States marine corps, double rations had been allowed to the commandant of that corps, and to the officers of the same, commanding at the Navy yards at Portsmouth, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Norfolk, and Pensacola, and to the senior marine officers in the squadrons in the Mediterranean, the West Indies, the Brazilian coast, and the Pacific ocean, all receiving the sanction of Congress by their appropriations. By this act, the officers of the marine corps are to receive the same pay, emoluments, and allowances as are given to officers of similar grades in the infantry of the army.

The act of the 16th of March, 1802, fixing the military peace establishment of the United States, authorizes allowances, to the commanding officers of each separate post, of such additional number of rations as the President of the United States shall from to time direct.

These provisions of this last act were continued by an act of the 3d of March, 1815, fixing the military peace establishment.

The paymaster of the marine corps made payments for double rations to officers heretofore receiving the same, from the 1st of July to the 30th of September, 1834; but the accounting officers of the Treasury did not think proper to allow the same, inasmuch as the commands of these officers had never been designated as separate stations, agreeably to the rule prescribed for the army. This is a case of difficulty which, it is respectfully suggested, requires the interposition of Congress.

Being still of the opinion expressed in my last report, that the public interests would be promoted by having the marine barracks placed without the navy yards to which they are attached, as early as may be practicable, estimates are submitted for purchasing sites and erecting barracks at places where they are deemed most necessary.

In performance of my duty under the act of the 3d of March last, authorizing the construction of a dry dock for the naval service, in the harbor of New York, or its adjacent waters, I proceeded in May last to the city of New York, where I was met by an able engineer, Loammi Balwin, Esq., whom I had previously engaged to make the soundings and other examinations necessary to a proper selection of a suitable site. After a long and laborious examination, Mr. Baldwin made his report, which has been submitted to your consideration, by which it appears that the proposed dry dock may be advantageously constructed in the Navy yard at Brooklyn. A selection of this place for this purpose is recommended by the consideration that the land occupied as the Navy yard belongs to the United States, and that the public buildings upon it, which are of great value, cannot be abandoned without serious loss.

One difficulty presented itself, which created some delay in making this selection; a building for the purpose of distilling turpentine had been erected so near the navy yard as greatly to endanger the public property; other buildings for similar purposes, or for purposes equally dangerous, might be erected near

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the yard, if not prevented by some act of legislation. I am happy to state that the common council of Brooklyn, when the case was laid before them, promptly passed an ordinance, which, it is believed, will effectually secure the property in the navy yard from the danger of this nuisance and all similar ones; and it cannot be doubted that the common council of Brooklyn will grant all reasonable protection and accommodation to this navy yard, and that the State of New York will protect and promote the interests of the same by any legislative acts that may be found to be necessary and proper.

I shall therefore proceed, under your direction, with as much dispatch as present and future appropriations will permit, to cause the dry docks thus authorized by law to be constructed in the Navy yard at Brooklyn.

Under the act of the 30th of June, 1834, "authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to make experiments for the safety of the steam engine," and appropriating $5,000 for that purpose, many proposed improvements have been submitted for the purpose of being tested by experiments. Some of these were so easily tested by those having steam engines in operation, that the aid of government was not needed. Others were attended with greater difficulty, and could not be tested without the expense of constructing boilers and other machinery for the purpose. These proposed improvements have not been such as, in my opinion, to warrant a large expenditure of money, and no experiments have been made upon them. Such experiments, however, would have been made, if they could have been so made without the expense of constructing engines.

The act seemed particularly to require that the steam engine devised by Benjamin Philips, of Philadelphia, should be examined and tested, and that Mr. Philips should be employed in making the experiments. Mr. Philips was, therefore, employed to construct a model engine, with boilers and other machinery which he deemed necessary for the purpose of testing his improvements, which he brought to this district, where he remained several weeks, making his experiments before many members of the two Houses of Congress, before the officers of the different departments, and others.

I attended very carefully to these experiments, but have not been able to perceive in them any improvement increasing the safety of the steam engine.

The money paid for Mr. Philips' machinery, preparation and experiments, amounts to $519.75; the residue of the appropriation remains unexpended.

The fourth report of Mr. Hassler, superintendent of the coast survey, upon the operations performed in that work between the months of May and December, 1835, together with his detailed estimate of the appropriations required for the same for the next year, are herewith submitted, marked T.

Much work appears to have been done on the secondary triangulations, on the topographical operations, and by the sounding parties. That more has not been done in the primary triangulations is explained in the report.

Of the appropriations heretofore made for this survey, there remained, on the first day of this month, an unexpected balance of $8,823.

The duties of the sounding parties are performed by the officers and seamen of the navy, and the chief part of the expense is charged to the navy appropriations. As, however, there are some expenses which cannot be charged to these appropriations, they must necessarily be charged to the appropriations for the coast survey. In September, 1834, the schooner Jersey, not wanted for any purposes of the navy, was purchased for the sounding party under the command of Lieutenant Gedney. The price of this vessel, (63,350) therefore, could not be charged to the naval appropriations; it was properly charged to the appropriations for the coast survey. For the same reason, the boats, equipments, and other expenses for the schooner, amounting to $1,888.60, were charged to the same appropriation, as was also the charge for the extra pay to the officers, amounting to $650 in all, for the year 1834, to $5,888.60.

During the present season the expenses of this schooner, chargeable to the coast survey, have amounted to $1,399, making the whole expense of this schooner, for the years 1834 and 1835, chargeable to the coast survey, amount to $7,287.60.

It is not probable that the expense of this schooner, chargeable to the coast survey appropriation, will, for the next year, exceed $1,500.

The schooner Experiment, employed by the sounding party under Lieutenant Blake, belongs to the navy. The coast survey appropriation has, therefore been charged only for equipments, which were not necessary for the purposes of the navy. These, with other expenses attending the operations of the sounding party on board this schooner, from the 1st of July last, when she was sent upon the survey, to the 30th of September last, amounted to $2,517.73.

As most of the equipments of these schooners will last for several years, with but little expense for repairs and supply of articles which may be lost by accident, it is believed that the expenses of both schooners and the sounding parties on board of them, for the next year, chargeable to the coast survey, will not exceed $4,000.

It will be seen that this differs widely from the statement of Mr. Hassler, which may be explained by the circumstance that he did not derive his information from the books of the Treasury Department.

By a statement hereunto annexed, marked P, it appears that of the appropriations heretofore made for the suppression of the slave trade, there remains in the Treasury a balance of $13,489.55.

In my last report I took the liberty of stating that some of the clerks in my Department did not receive salaries proportioned to their services, or adequate to the decent support of themselves and families; and I respectfully solicited that the salaries, particularly of the chief clerk of the Navy Board, the warrant clerk, and the clerk keeping the register of correspondence of this Department, whose duties are arduous, requiring both talent and experience, should be increased, so that the first might receive $1,700 per annum, and the others $1,490 each. I repeat the solicitation, from a thorough conviction that their faithful services fully merit this increase of compensation.

The superintendent of the southwest executive building receives but $250 per annum for his services, which, it is believed, is a compensation too small to command the services of one competent to perform the duties of the station. The sergeants acting as clerks to the commandant and staff officers of the marine corps are paid at the rate of less than $700 a year for all their services, which, it is respectfully suggested, is not an adequate compensation.

The necessary references to papers and documents connected with this report will be found in a schedule hereunto annexed.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

MAHLON DICKERSON.

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Schedule of papers accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the United States, of November, 1835.

No. 1. The letter of the Commissioners of the Navy to the Secretary, transmitting the general and special estimates of the navy for the year 1836.

No. 2. Letter of the Commissioners, submitting estimate marked E, 1.

A. Estimate for the office of the Secretary of the Navy.

B. Estimate for the office of the Commissioners of the Navy.

C. Estimate for the expenses of the southwest Executive building.

D. The general estimate for the navy. Detailed estimate D, 1, for vessels in commission.

D, 2, for receiving vessels.

D, 3, for recruiting stations.

D, 4, for officers and others attached to navy yards and shore stations, and the abstract or recapitulation.

D, 5, for officers waiting orders and on furlough.

D, 6, for provisions.

D, 7, for improvements and repairs of navy yards, and recapitulation.

E. Special estimate for magazines, hospitals, steam vessels, and coast survey.

E, 1. Estimate of the several works, and their probable cost, which it is proposed to construct at the several navy yards.

F. General estimate for the marine corps.

Detailed estimates for the marine corps, F, 1 to 4.

G. List of vessels, in commission, of each squadron, their commanders and stations.

H. List of vessels in ordinary.

I. List of vessels building.

K. Report of the proceedings under the law for the gradual increase of the navy.

L. Report of the proceedings under the law for the gradual improvement of the navy.

M. Statement of the condition of the navy pension fund.

M, 1. Amount and description of stocks belonging to the navy pension fund.

N. Statement of the condition of the privateer pension fund.

O. Statement of the condition of the navy hospital fund.

P. Statement of the proceedings under the law for the suppression of the slave trade.

Q. List of deaths.

R. List of resignations.

S. List of dismissions.

T. Mr. Hassler's fourth report on coast survey.

____________

No. 1.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
November 18, 1835.

Sir:

The Navy Commissioners have the honor to transmit, herewith, the estimates for the navy for the year 1836, together with the reports of the condition of the vessels building and in ordinary, and of the measures which have been taken under the laws for the gradual increase and gradual improvement of the navy.

Special estimates are also submitted for steam vessels, according to your directions, and for other objects, which do not fall within the usual annual appropriations for the navy, but which are deemed essential to the public interests.

The general estimate for the usual appropriations of the navy presents two columns, one showing the amounts estimated for the year 1836, and the other showing the amounts appropriated for the year 1835. This arrangement shows, at a single view, the differences between the amounts for each of the items of the appropriation, as well as in the total amounts.

It will be perceived that the total amount of the estimate for the year 1836 exceeds the amount appropriated for 1835, in the sum of $622,151.75.

A comparison of the differences between the appropriations and estimates for each of the two first items cannot be accurately made, because the additional appropriation made March 3d, 1835, in consequence of the law establishing the pay of the navy, does not distinguish the amounts applicable to each of the items; but the difference between the sums of the two items for the two years shows an increase for 1836 of $184,141.75.

This increase arises, in part, from a proposed addition to the force to be employed in commission, consisting of two frigates, three sloops-of-war, and one steam vessel; in part, from a modification of the pay of the officers by the laws of last session, and partly from a small increase of pay to some persons at navy yards, as stated in connection with estimate D, 4.

Under the third item, of provisions, there is also an increase of $140,000. This arises, in part, from additional numbers of persons proposed to be employed, and partly because the amount in the Treasury is not supposed to justify a reduction from the total estimate under this head, proportional to that made for 1835.

Under the fourth head, of repairs of vessels in ordinary, &c. , the amount of the estimate is less than the sum appropriated for the year 1835, in the sum of $24,000.

The appropriation for 1835, and the estimate for 1836, under the fifth head, for medicine and hospital stores, are the same, notwithstanding the proposed increase of force, in consequence of the large sum still remaining in the Treasury.

Under the sixth head, for improvements and repairs of navy yards, there is an increase in the estimates for 1836, over the appropriations for 1835, of the sum of $287,010. This increase is large, but is deemed necessary to meet the immediate wants of the public service. Although much has been done in

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the different yards since the adoption of approved plans, under the law of March 3d, 1827, much still remains to be done to provide adequate means for the preservation of the materials which a prudent foresight has directed to be collected for future use, or to prepare the necessary conveniences for building, repairing, and equipping ships with proper economy and dispatch. The board refrain from any further remarks upon the subject at this time, as they have recently presented you with their views upon it in great detail.

The increase of $35,000, under the seventh head, for ordnance and ordnance stores, is occasioned by the necessity of renewing the supplies of several articles embraced under that head of expenditures.

The estimates for enumerated contingent is the same as the appropriation for 1835. It is possible that the alterations made by the law of the last session for regulating the pay of the navy might authorize some small reduction under this head; but, as the force in commission, and number of persons to be employed, is proposed to be increased, and the appropriations under the former laws were uniformly found to be insufficient, it has been deemed best to make no alteration until the effects of the change shall be practically tested.

The ninth item, for other contingencies, is the same as asked and granted for 1835.

The board beg leave to again call your attention to the salary of their chief clerk, and to request, if it should comport with your views, that your recommendation may be given for granting the additional hundred dollars to his salary, as proposed in paper B, placing him on the same footing as the chief clerks of his grade in other offices.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir,
Your obedient servant,

JNO. RODGERS.

Hon. Mahlon Dickerson,
     Secretary of the Navy.

____________

No. 2.

Navy Commissioners' Office,
November 12, 1835.

Sir:

The Board of Navy Commissioners beg leave respectfully to present for your consideration the propriety of asking from Congress appropriations for a series of years, for the purpose of carrying forward the works of a general and permanent character in the different navy yards, which have been designated on the plans, in addition to those of a more special character, which are usually embraced in the annual estimates.

Regular plans were first made and approved for most of the navy yards in 1828, in conformity to the act of March 3d, 1827; previous to that time the buildings in the respective yards were generally temporary in their character, limited in extent, and calculated for present wants, and special rather than for general purposes. Since that time, two dry docks have been built, and other important improvements and additions made in different yards; but there is much still to be done to properly preserve the materials which are authorized to be collected, and to provide the means of economically and rapidly increasing, equipping, or repairing our vessels-of-war. Among the most important of these objects, and which seem to require a special appropriation, to continue for a series of years, are, the dry dock within the waters of the harbor of New York, for which Congress has made a partial appropriation; the construction of permanent quay walls, to prevent injury to the channels by their decay or want of stability; the construction of secure and durable building slips and launching ways, ready for building vessels; for ship houses to cover and shelter ships during their construction, and whilst policy may require them to be kept in readiness for launching; for the construction of timber docks and sheds, to season and prepare the quantities of timber which a just regard to our future wants requires us to keep prepared; for building pile wharves, where the quay walls are not intended to approach so near the channel as to admit vessels to come to them for repairs and equipment; for the construction of hydraulic docks, or inclined planes, in some of the yards, upon which to examine and repair small vessels, and thus to leave the docks for the examination and repair of the large ships; for gradually constructing the proposed wet basins, and for reducing the surface of the yards to a proper graduation, by leveling and excavation; and for the purchase of sites, when necessary.

The construction of the other buildings, as storehouses and workshops, and the ordinary repairs to the different buildings, may perhaps be best provided for as heretofore, that is, by annual appropriations for the respective yards, upon estimates stating the particular objects of proposed expenditure, made with reference to the particular wants of each year.

There being at present no civil engineer employed in the navy, particular estimates of the expense of the different objects could not be procured, which could be entirely depended upon for their accuracy. It was deemed sufficient, however, for the general purposes in view, to take the cost of objects which have already been built as the probable cost of those which are to be constructed, making such allowances as the difference in dimensions, nature of soil, and of difficulties to be overcome, seemed to demand.

Prom this general estimate, it is believed that the sum of three millions five hundred thousand dollars will be required for the purposes herein named, and that this sum may be advantageously expended in the course of the next five years, if it should be deemed expedient by Congress to appropriate, annually, the sum of seven hundred thousand dollars for that period. (See the estimate enclosed herewith.)

In presenting this subject to your consideration, the board would respectfully recall your attention to the great disadvantages which the public service would experience from a want of the improvements proposed, should they be delayed till a change of circumstances shall require any great and sudden extension of our naval force in commission; and to the great increase of expense, as well as inconvenience, if these works were to be constructed when other objects of great and pressing importance might claim a large portion of the financial resources of the country.

I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,

JNO. RODGERS.

Hon. Mahlon Dickerson,
     Secretary of the Navy.

--737--

___________

A.

Estimate of the sums required for the support of the office of the Secretary of the Navy for the year 1836.

Secretary of the Navy   $6,000 00
Six clerks, per act of 20th April, 1818 $8,200 00  
One clerk, per act of 26th May, 1824 1,000 00  
One clerk, per act of 2d March, 1827 1,000 00  
    10,200 00
One clerk of navy and privateer pension funds, and navy hospital fund, per act of 10th July, 1832 $1,600 00  
Messenger and assistant messenger 1,050 00  
Contingent expenses 3,000 00  
    5,650 00
Submitted:    
For two clerks, $400 additional each, now at 1,000 each, per annum $800 00 800 00
    $22,650 00

Note.—The last item in this estimate was submitted in my report of November, 1834. It was not acted on. It is again respectfully submitted, with the hope that it will receive favorable notice. Justice to the two gentlemen who are intended to be benefited by it, requires me to say that their grade, as compared with the clerks of the other departments of the government, as well as their important services and strict attention to duty, entitle them to the increase of salary proposed.

___________

B.

Estimate of the sums required for the support of the Navy Commissioners' office for the year 1836.

For the salaries of the Commissioners of the Navy Board   $10,500 00
For the salary of the secretary   2,000 00
For the salaries of their clerks, draughtsmen, and messenger, per acts of 20th April, 1818, 20th May, 1824, and 2d March, 1827 $8,450 00  
Additional to the chief clerk, making his salary equal to that allowed to all other chief clerks of his grade 100 00  
    8,550 00
For contingent expenses   1,800 00
    $22,850 00

___________

C.

Estimate of the sums required for the expenses of the southwest Executive building for the year 1836.

Superintendent  $250
Two watchmen, at $500 each 1,000
Contingent expenses, including fuel, labor, oil, repairs of building, engine, and improvement of the grounds  3,350
  $4,600

____________

D.

There will be required for the navy during the year 1836, in addition to the balances that may remain on hand on the first day of January, 1836:

 

  Amount of estimate for 1836 Amount appropriated for 1836.
1.  For the pay of commission, warrant, and petty officers, and of seamen  $1,974,538 91  
2. For pay of superintendents, naval constructors, and all the civil establishment at the several yards 68,340 00 $1,858,737 16
3. For provisions 590,000 00 450,000 00
4. For the repairs of vessels in ordinary, and the repairs and wear and tear of vessels in commission 950,000 00 974,000 00

--738--

    Amount of estimate for 1836. Amount appropriated for 1836
5.  For medicines and surgical instruments, hospital stores, and other expenses on account of the sick $40,000 00 $40,000 00
6. For improvements and the necessary repairs of navy yards, viz:    
  Portsmouth, N. H. $67,000    
  Boston 199,575    
  New York 84,300    
  Philadelphia 11,750    
  Washington 37,500    
  Norfolk 167,000    
  Pensacola 64,000    
      631,125 00 344,115 00
7. For ordnance and ordnance stores   50,000 00 15,000 00
8. For contingent expenses that may accrue for the following purposes, viz: * For the freight and transportation of materials and stores of every description; for wharfage and dockage, storage and rent, traveling expenses of officers, and transportation of seamen; house rent for pursers when attached to yards and stations where no house is provided; for funeral expenses; for commissions, clerk hire, office rent, stationery, and fuel to navy agents; for premiums and incidental expenses of recruiting; for apprehending deserters; for compensation to judge advocates; for per diem allowance to persons attending courts-martial and courts of inquiry, or other services as authorized by law; for printing and stationery of every description, and for working the lithographic press; and for books, maps, charts, mathematical and nautical instruments, chronometers, models and drawings; for the purchase and repair of fire engines and machinery, and for the repair of steam engines; for the purchase and maintenance of oxen and horses, and for carts, timber-wheels, and workmen's tools of every description; for postage of letters on public service; for pilotage and towing ships-of-war; for furniture of vessels in commission, and fixtures in houses for officers as allowed by law, for taxes and assessments on public property; for assistance rendered to vessels in distress; for incidental labor at navy yards, not applicable to any other appropriation; for coal and other fuel, and for candles and oil; for repairs of magazines or powder houses; for preparing moulds for ships to be built, and for no other object or purpose whatever   295,000 00 295,000 00
9. For contingent expenses for objects not hereinbefore enumerated   3,000 00 3,000 00
      $4,602,003 91 $3,979,852 16

Note.—The excess of this estimate for 1836 over the appropriation for 1835, amounting to $622,157.75, arises from a proposed increase of force to be employed in commission, from a proposed increase of expenditure for improving the navy yards, and from the late modifications in the pay of the officers.

The letter from the Board of Navy Commissioners to the Secretary of the Navy, of the 18th November, 1835, and the detailed estimates, give further and more particular explanations of the causes of this difference.

JOHN RODGERS.
I. CHAUNCEY.
C. MORRIS.

____________

D, 1.

Estimate of the amount of pay that will be necessary for the year 1836, for the following vessels in commission, viz: one ship of the line, five frigates of the first class, and one frigate of the second class, fourteen sloops-of-war of the first class, five schooners and one steam vessel, being part of the first item of the general estimate.

Five commanders of squadrons $20,000 00
One ship of the line 152,455 25
Five frigates, 1st class, at $88,905.25 444,526 25
One frigate, 2d class 72,951 91
Fourteen sloops-of-war, 1st class, at $44,023.25 616,325 50
Five schooners; at $18,103.25 90,516 25
One steam vessel 26,091 25
  $1,422,866 41

--739--

_____________

D, 2.

Estimate of the number and pay, of officers, &c. , required for five receiving vessels, for the year 1836, being part of the first item in the general estimate.

  Boston. New York. Philadelphia. Baltimore. Norfolk. Total number. Aggregate Amount.
Commandants 1 1 1   1 4 $8,400 00
Lieutenants 3 3 2 2 3 13  19,500 00
Masters 1 1 1   1 4  4,000 00
Pursers 1 1     1 3  1,987 50
Passed midshipmen 2 2     2 6  4,500 00
Midshipmen 6 6 3 3 6 24  8,400 00
Boatswains 1 1     1 3  1,500 00
Boatswains' mates 1 1 1 1 1 5  1,140 00
Gunners' mates 1 1     1 3  684 00
Carpenters' mates 1 1 1   1 4  912 00
Masters-at-arms 1 1     1 3  648 00
Ships' stewards 1 1 1 1 13 5  1,080 00
Officers' stewards 1 1 1 1 1 5  1,080 00
Ships' cooks 1 1 1 1 1 5  1,080 00
Officers' cooks 2 2 1   2 7  1,512 00
Seamen 2 2 2 2 2 10  1,440 00
Ordinary seamen 6 6 4 2 6 24  2,880 00
Boys 10 10 3 2 10 35  2,940 00
Number of persons 42 42 22 15 42 163  $63,683 50

_____________

D, 3.

Estimate of the pay of the officers attached to five recruiting stations, for the year 1836, being part of the first item in the general estimate.

  Boston. New York. Philadelphia. Baltimore. Norfolk. Total number. Aggregate Amount.
Commanders 1 1 1 1 1 5  $10,500 00
Lieutenants 2 2 2 2 2 10  15,000 00
Midshipmen 2 2 2 2 2 10  3,500 00
Surgeons 1 1 1 1 1 5  8,750 00
Number of persons 6 6 6 6 6 30  $37,750 00

____________

D, 4.

Estimate for the pay of officers and others, at the several navy yards and stations, for 1836.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.    
Naval.    
One captain $3,500 00  
One commander 2,100 00  
One lieutenant 1,500 00  
One master 1,000 00  
One surgeon 1,800 00  
Three midshipmen, $350 each 1,050 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One sailmaker 500 00  
One purser 941 75  
One steward 216 00  
     $14,107 75
Ordinary.    
One lieutenant $1,500 00  
One carpenter's mate 228 00  
Six seamen, $144 each 864 00  
Twelve ordinary seamen, $120 each, 1,440 00  
     4,032 00

 

--740--
  Amount. Aggregate.
Civil.    
One storekeeper $1,400 00  
One master builder and inspector of timber 1,200 00  
One clerk to the yard 900 00  
One clerk to commandant 900 00  
One clerk to storekeeper 500 00  
One clerk to master builder 400 00  
One porter 300 00  
     $5,600 00
    $23,739 75
BOSTON.
Naval.    
One captain $3,500 00  
One commander 2,100 00  
Two lieutenants, $1,500 each 3,000 00  
Two masters, $1,000 each 2,000 00  
One surgeon 1,800 00  
Two assistant surgeons, $950 each 1,900 00  
One chaplain 1,200 00  
Two professors, $1,200 each 2,400 00  
Four midshipmen, $350 each 1,400 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One sailmaker 500 00  
One purser 1,141 75  
One steward 216 00  
One steward, assistant to purser 360 00  
    $23,017 75
Ordinary.    
Three lieutenants, $1,500 each $4,500 00  
One master 1,000 00  
Six midshipmen, $350 each 2,100 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One carpenter's mate 228 00  
Three carpenters' mates, as caulkers, $228 each 684 00  
Two boatswains' mates, $228 each 456 00  
Fourteen seamen, $144 each 2,016 00  
Thirty-six ordinary seamen, $120 each 4,320 00  
     16,804 00
Hospital.    
One surgeon $1,750 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One steward 360 00  
Two nurses, (when the number of sick shall require them,) $120 each 240 00  
Two washers, (when the number of sick shall require them,) $96 each 192 00  
One cook 144 00  
    3,636 00
Civil.    
One storekeeper $1,700 00  
One master builder 2,300 00  
One inspector and measurer of timber 900 00  
One clerk to yard 900 00  
One clerk to commandant 900 00  
One second clerk to commandant 750 00  
One clerk to storekeeper 750 00  
One second clerk to storekeeper 450 00  
One clerk to master builder 650 00  
One keeper of the magazine 480 00  
One porter 300 00  
    10,080 00
    $53,537 75

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeons of the yard are to be required to attend to the duties of the yard, to those of the receiving ship, and to the marines; one to be always on board the receiving ship.

--741--

  Amount Aggregate.
NEW YORK.
Naval.    
One captain $3,500 00  
One commander 2,100 00  
Two lieutenants, $1,500 each 3,000 00  
Two masters, $1,000 each 2,000 00  
One surgeon 1,800 00  
Two assistant surgeons, $950 each 1,900 00  
One chaplain 1,200 00  
Two professors, $1,200 each 2,400 00  
Four midshipmen, $350 each 1,400 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One sailmaker 500 00  
One purser 1,141 75  
One steward, assistant to purser 360 00  
One steward 216 00  
     $23,017 75
Ordinary.    
Three lieutenants, $1,500 each $4,500 00  
One master 1,000 00  
Six midshipmen, $350 each 2,100 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
Four carpenters' mates; three as caulkers, $228 each 912 00  
Two boatswains' mates, $228 each 456 00  
Fourteen seamen, $144 each 2,016 00  
Thirty-six ordinary seamen, $120 each 4,320 00  
     16,804 00
Hospital.    
One surgeon $1,750 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One steward 360 00  
Two nurses (when the number of sick shall require them), $120 each 240 00  
Two washers (when the number of sick shall require them), $96 each 192 00  
One cook 144 00  
     3,636 00
Civil.    
One storekeeper $1,700 00  
One master builder 2,300 00  
One inspector and measurer of timber 900 00  
One clerk to yard 900 00  
One clerk to commandant 900 00  
One second clerk to commandant 750 00  
One clerk to storekeeper 750 00  
One second clerk to storekeeper 450 00  
One clerk to master builder 650 00  
One keeper of the magazine 480 00  
One porter 300 00  
    10,080 00
    $53,537 75

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeons of the yard are to be required to attend to the duties of the yard, the receiving ship, and to the marines; one to be always on board the receiving ship.

 

PHILADELPHIA.
  Amount. Aggregate.
Naval.    
One captain $3,500 00  
One commander 2,100 00  
One lieutenant 1,500 00  
One master 1,000 00  
One surgeon 1,800 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One chaplain 1,200 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One purser 1,141 75  
One steward 216 00  
     $14,907 75

--742--

  Amount. Aggregate.
Ordinary    
One lieutenant $1,500 00  
One boatswain's mate 228 00  
Pour seamen, $144 each 576 00  
Twelve ordinary seamen, $120 each 1,440 00  
     $3,744 00
Hospital.    
One surgeon $1,750 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One steward 360 00  
Two nurses (when the number of sick shall require them), $120 each 240 00  
Two washers (when the number of sick shall require them), $96 each 192 00  
One cook 144 00  
    3,636 00
Civil.    
One storekeeper $1,250 00  
One master builder 2,000 00  
One inspector and measurer of timber 900 00  
One clerk to yard 900 00  
One clerk to commandant 900 00  
One clerk to storekeeper 500 00  
One clerk to master builder 400 00  
One porter 300 00  
     $7,150 00
    $29,437 75

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard are both to attend to the yard, receiving vessel, and marines.

  Amount. Aggregate.
WASHINGTON.
Naval.    
One captain $3,500 00  
One commander 2,100 00  
One lieutenant 1,500 00  
Two masters; one in charge of ordnance, $1,000 each 2,000 00  
One surgeon 1,800 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One chaplain 1,200 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner (as laboratory officer) 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One purser 1,141 75  
One steward 216 00  
One steward, assistant to purser 360 00  
One hospital steward 216 00  
     $16,483 75
Ordinary.    
One boatswain's mate $228 00  
One carpenter's mate 228 00  
Sis seamen, $144 each 864 00  
Fourteen ordinary seamen, $120 each 1,680 00  
     3,000 00
Civil.    
One storekeeper $1,700 00  
One assistant master builder 1,000 00  
One inspector and measurer of timber 900 00  
One clerk to yard 900 00  
One clerk to commandant 900 00  
One clerk (2d) to commandant 750 00  
One clerk to storekeeper 750 00  
One clerk to assistant master builder 420 00  
One master camboose-maker and plumber 1,200 00  
One master chain cable and anchor maker 1,000 00  
One keeper of magazine 480 00  
One porter 300 00  
     $10,300 00
    $29,783 75

--743--

  Amount.  Aggregate.
NORFOLK.
Naval.    
One captain $3,500 00  
One commander 2,100 00  
Two lieutenants, $1,500 each 3,000 00  
Two masters, $1,000 each 2,000 00  
One surgeon 1,800 00  
Two assistant surgeons, $950 each 1,900 00  
One chaplain 1,200 00  
Two professors, $1,200 each 2,400 00  
Four midshipmen, $350 each 1,400 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One sailmaker 500 00  
One purser 1,141 75  
One steward, assistant to purser 360 00  
One steward 216 00  
     $23,017 75
Ordinary.    
Three lieutenants, $1,500 each $4,500 00  
One master 1,000 00  
Six midshipmen, $350 each 2,100 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
Four carpenter's mates; three as caulkers, $228 each 912 00  
Two boatswain's mates $228 each 456 00  
Fourteen seamen, $144 2,016 00  
Thirty-six ordinary seamen, $120 each 4,320 00  
    16,804 00
Hospital.    
One surgeon $1,750 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One steward 360 00  
Two nurses, (when the number of sick requires them,) $120 each 240 00  
Two washers, (when the number of sick requires them,) $96 each 192 00  
One cook 144 00  
     3,636 00
Civil.    
One storekeeper $1,700 00  
One master builder 2,300 00  
One inspector and measurer of timber 1,050 00  
One clerk to yard 900 00  
One clerk to commandant 900 00  
One clerk (2d) to commandant 750 00  
One clerk to store-keeper 750 00  
One clerk (2d) to store-keeper 450 00  
One clerk to master builder 650 00  
One keeper of magazine 480 00  
One porter 300 00  
    10,230 00
    $53,687 75

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeons of the yard are to be required to attend to the duties of the yard, to those of the receiving ship, and to the marines; one to be always on board the receiving* ship.

  Amount. Aggregate.
PENSACOLA.
Naval.    
One captain $3,500 00  
One commander 2,100 00  
Two lieutenants, $1,500 each 3,000 00  
One master 1,000 00  
One surgeon 1,800 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One chaplain 1,200 00  
Three midshipmen, $350 each 1,050 00  
One boatswain 500 00  
One gunner 500 00  
One carpenter 500 00  
One sailmaker 500 00  
One purser 1,141 75  
One steward 216 00  
    $17,957 75

--744--

  Amount. Aggregate.
Ordinary.    
One carpenter $500 00  
One carpenter's mate 228 00  
One boatswain's mate 228 00  
Ten seamen, $144 each 1,440 00  
Ten ordinary seamen, $120 each 1,200 00  
    $3,596 00
Hospital.    
One surgeon $1,750 00  
One assistant surgeon 950 00  
One steward 360 00  
Two nurses (when the number of the sick requires them,) $120 each 240 00  
Two washers (when the number of the sick requires them,) $96 each 192 00  
One cook 144 00  
     3,636 00
Civil.    
One storekeeper $1,700 00  
One clerk to the yard 900 00  
One clerk to commandant 900 00  
One clerk to storekeeper 500 00  
One porter 300 00  
     4,300 00
    $29,489 75

Note.—The surgeon and assistant surgeon of the yard to attend to the duties of the yard, the ordinary, the marines, and the receiving ship, should one be allowed.

STATIONS.
Baltimore.
  Amount. Aggregate.
One captain $3,500 00  
One lieutenant 1,500 00  
One. surgeon 1,500 00  
One purser 862 50  
     7,362 50
Charleston.
One captain $3,500 00  
One lieutenant 1,500 00  
One surgeon 1,500 00  
One purser and storekeeper 1,189 75  
     7,689 75
Sackett's Harbor
One master $1,000 00  
     1,000 00
On duty at Washington, or on general duty.
Ordnance:    
One captain $3,500 00  
One lieutenant 1,500 00  
     5,000 00
Chart and instrument depot.
One lieutenant $1,500 00  
One passed midshipman 750 00  
     2,250 00
One chief naval instructor $3,000 00  
One civil engineer 4,000 00  
     7,000 00
Foreign stations.
One storekeeper at Mahon $1,200 00  
One storekeeper at Rio de Janeiro 1,500 00  
     2,700 00

--745--

RECAPITULATION.

  Naval.
1st item.
Ordinary.
1st item.
Hospital.
1st item.
Civil.
2d item.
Aggregate.
Portsmouth $14,107 75 $4,032 00    $5,600 00 $23,739 75
Boston 23,017 75 16,804 00  $3,636 00 10,080 00 53,537 75
New York 23,017 75 16,804 00  3,636 00 310,080 00 53,537 75
Philadelphia 14,907 75 3,744 00 3,636 00  7,150 00 29,437 75
Washington 16,483 75 3,000 00   10,300 00 29,783 75
Norfolk 23,017 75 16,804 00 3,636 00  10,230 00 53,687 75
Pensacola 17,957 75 3,596 00 3,636 00 4,300 00 29,489 75
Baltimore 7,362 50       7,362 50
Charleston 7,689 75       7,689 75
Sackett's Harbor 1,000 00       1,000 00
Ordnance 5,000 00       5,000 00
Instrument depot 2,250 00       2,250 00
Naval constructor       3,000 00 3,000 00
Civil engineer       4,000 00 4,000 00
Navy storekeepers       2,700 00 2,700 00
  $155,812 50 $64,784 00 $18,180 00 $67,440 00  $306,216 50

Under this item of the estimates, the following changes are proposed for 1836, in the number of persons and their compensation, as allowed for the year 1835, viz:

In the naval branch.—A steward, as an assistant to the purser at Washington, is proposed, at the usual pay of $30 per month, equal to $360. The number of mechanics employed at this yard renders this addition necessary, in the opinion of the board.

In the hospital branch.—An increase of pay, from $18 to $30 per month, is proposed for the stewards of the hospitals at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Norfolk, and Pensacola, amounting, in the whole, to $720. This addition is proposed, from the belief that it will be necessary to command the services of persons possessing the requisite information to perform the increased duties, and sustain the increased responsibilities, which will hereafter be allotted to them in the permanent hospitals now about to be opened.

In the civil branch.—It is proposed to increase the compensation of the master builder and inspector of timber at Portsmouth, N. H., to the amount of $300. The compensation for the performance of both duties has, for some years past, only been equal to that allowed for the performance of the duties of inspector of timber at other yards. As the duties will be greater hereafter, in consequence of the quantities of timber delivering under contracts, it is deemed just to increase the compensation in a corresponding degree. The compensation to the principal clerks to the storekeepers at Boston, New York, and Norfolk, is proposed to be increased from $600 to $750. The second clerks, at the same yards, from $360 to $450. The storekeepers' clerks at Portsmouth, Philadelphia, and Pensacola, from $350 to $500; and at Washington, from $500 to $750. An increase is also proposed for the clerks to the master builders at Boston, New York, and Norfolk, from $500 to $650, and those at Portsmouth and Philadelphia, from $400 to $500 each. The person charged with the management and repair of steam engines and sawmills, formerly paid by an annual salary of $800, it is now proposed to place on daily pay, to be paid for his actual attendance only. This renders the whole increase under this head equal to $1,570, making the total increase equal to $2,650.

An increase of compensation to the different clerks has been solicited by them, upon the grounds that their present compensation was insufficient to meet their necessary expenses at their several places of residence, and that it was not proportioned to the compensation granted to other persons in the yards having no greater responsibilities, and performing duties requiring no greater qualifications. From the representations made by the commandants of the yards, and other officers, the board were satisfied that the first ground taken by the clerks was generally correct, and they coincided in opinion with them as respects the relative responsibilities and necessary qualifications.

The board, influenced by these considerations, have, therefore, proposed to place the principal clerks of the storekeepers, as heretofore, at the same compensation as the second clerks to commandants, which was established by the law of the last session, and to submit a proportionate increase to the other clerks, modified, in a slight degree, by the amount of labor to be performed, and the ordinary cost of subsistence, at the respective yards.

--746--

___________

D, 5.

Exhibit of the commission and warrant officers that will be waiting orders, and on furlough, for the year 1836, by the estimates, being part of the first item in the general estimate.

WAITING ORDERS.
12  captains $207,200 00
commanders
89  lieutenants
surgeons
47  passed midshipmen
*86 midshipmen
ON FURLOUGH.
commanders 5,162 50
lieutenants
1  purser
2 passed midshipmen
midshipmen
   

$212,362 50

* Embracing seventy-five midshipmen, who, after examination, may be entitled to bo arranged as passed midshipmen, in addition to their pay as midshipmen, $300 each.

_____________

D, 6.

Estimate of the amount required for provisions for the year 1836, explanatory of the third item in the general estimate.

6,269  persons in vessels in commission, besides the marines embarked.  
524 marines embarked in vessels in commission.  
396 enlisted persons attached to receiving vessels and shore stations.  
  Making 7,189 persons in total, at one ration each per day, makes 2,623,985 rations, which, at twenty-five cents per ration, is equal to  $655,996 25
  From this sum there may be deducted (estimating the balance that may remain in the Treasury on the 1st January, 1836, which, it is presumed, will not be required) the sum of  65,096 25
  Which will leave
Being the amount asked for in the third item of the general estimate.
 $590,000 00

____________

D, 7.

Estimates of the proposed improvements and repairs to be made in navy yards during the year 1836, explanatory of the sixth item in the general estimate.

NAVY YARD, PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
For building timber shed  $18,000 00
Towards mast and boat house  25,000 00
For a timber dock  20,000 00
Repairs of all kinds  4,000 00
  $67,000 00
NAVY YARD, BOSTON.
For the ropewalk  $63,000 00
For the tarring house  9,000 00
For the steam engine and machinery for laying up  30,000 00
For spinning machinery  15,000 00
For a hemp house  38,000 00
For storehouse No. 15  35,275 00
For repairing and replacing masting shears  3,575 00
For yard wall at northeast corner  1,500 00
For completing the change of fronts to officers' quarters  1,225 00
For the repairs of docks, wharves, and buildings in the yard  3,000 00
  $199,575 00

--747--

NAVY YARD, NEW YORK.
For securing and preserving the ordnance, or for repairing the gun block $5,000 00
For building offices 9,000 00
For building a timber shed 21,000 00
Launching slip to ship house No. 1 9,500 00
To enlarge smithery 2,500 00
For well and reservoir for watering ships 2,500 00
For leveling the yard and filling in 5,700 00
For walls to enclose the yard on the lines, by the wharf and back of the stores, from the south end of the present wall to southwest corner of yard, from southwest corner to the magazine or southeast corner, from entrance gate to present wall 18,500 00
Slip for boat house 1,600 00
Repairs of ship house No. 2 5,000 00
For the repairs of other buildings, wharves, and docks 4,000 00
  $84,300 00
NAVY YARD, PHILADELPHIA.
For raising brick wall on north side of ship house No 2 $800 00
For extending brick wall from the east end of ship house No. 2 to the end of the wharf, 80 feet 800 00
For plunking over slip at east end of ship house No 1 470 00
New floor for mould loft, and six fireproof windows 700 00
For paving timber shed No 4 850 00
For paving ground in front of officers' quarters 130 00
For painting offices, &c., &c. 350 00
For building an engine and hose house, 40 feet by 30 1,500 00
For building frame saw shed 1,650 00
For repairs 500 00
For tinning ship house No. 2 3,500 00
  $11,750 00
NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON.
A timber shed $16,000 00
Repairs to ship house W 1,500 00
Repairs to buildings, fences, and gutters 5,000 00
Foundation for building slip where the Columbia now stands 15,000 00
  $37,500 00
NAVY YARD, NORFOLK.
For the eastern wall and entrance gates to the timber dock $38,000 00
For the quay wall on east side of yard, including launching ways of the Macedonian 23,500 00
For a quay wall from timber dock round to meet the present east wharves 26,000 00
For a steam engine to pump out coffer dams 1,500 00
For smithery No. 9 21,000 00
For two houses, No, 39, and dependencies 27,000 00
For houses Nos. 2 and 3, and dependencies 7,000 00
For No. 28, mast house 6,500 00
For boat house No. 29 1,500 00
For repairs of ship house B 10,000 00
For repairs of all other buildings, docks, and wharves 5,000 00
  $167,000 00
NAVY YARD, PENSACOLA.
For a bakery and mess room $3,000 00
For a brick kitchen, and filling up cellars 1,500 00
For slating navy store 4,000 00
For a cistern 5,000 00
For three third class houses 27,000 00
For a building to accommodate assistant surgeon and sick in the yard 5,500 00
Wharf 15,000 00
Repairs 3,000 00
  $64,000 00

 

RECAPITULATION.
Portsmouth, N. H. $67,000 00
Boston 199,575 00
New York 84,300 00
Philadelphia 11,750 00
Washington 37,500 00
Norfolk 167,000 00
Pensacola 64,000 00
  $631,125 00

--748--

____________

E.

Special estimates for extraordinary purposes, or for objects not embraced in the usual annual estimates for the current service of the navy.

No 1. - FOR STEAM VESSELS.

For completing the steam vessels-of-war, now building at the Navy yard, Brooklyn, New York, in aid of the amount which may be available from the appropriation for the gradual increase of the navy $150 000 00
For building, equipping and arming complete, three steam vessels-of-war 675,000 00
Total $825,000 00

The Board of Navy Commissioners would respectfully remark that, from a want of experience in the construction and equipment of steam vessels-of-war in this country, it is possible that these estimates may not prove as accurate as might be wished; but, from the best information which they have been able to obtain, they believe, that the amounts asked will be sufficient for the objects proposed.

No. 2. - HOSPITALS.

For the completion of the hospitals near New York and Boston, and for regulating the grounds, and building necessary enclosures, and repairing the Naval asylum and all other hospitals, and the buildings, wharves and. landings dependent upon and connected with them, and for preparing suitable burying grounds $45,410 00

No. 3. - POWDER MAGAZINES.

For building a powder magazine near the Navy yard, Pensacola $17,000 00
For completing the magazines near New York and Boston, and for the necessary landings, enclosures and other dependencies 19,200 00
  $36,200 00

No. 4. - COAST SURVEY.

Towards the survey of the coast of the United States $80,000 00

JNO. RODGERS.
I. CHAUNCEY.
C. MORRIS.

____________

E, No. 1.

Estimate of the several works, and their probable cost, which it is proposed to construct at the several navy yards.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.
Timber docks, and quay walls, ship houses and launching ways $100,000 00  
BOSTON.
A ship house and launching slip $40,000 00  
Walls and wet basin 250,000 00  
Excavations and filling up 60,000 00  
Wharves 50,000 00  
Quay walls 30,000 00  
Hydraulic dock or inclined plane 120,000 00  
    550,000 00
NEW YORK.
Quay walls, launching slips and timber docks $550,000 00  
Dry dock 900,000 00  
    1,450,000 00
PHILADELPHIA.
Quay walls and appendages 60,000 00  
WASHINGTON.
Timber docks and wharves 65,000 00  

--749--

 

NORFOLK.
Quay walls, landing slips and timber docks $704,000 00  
Three ship houses 125,000 00  
Canal at south side of yard, &c. 46,000 00  
Hydraulic dock or inclined plane 125,000 00  
    $1,000,000 00
PENSACOLA.
Wharves and appendages $150,000 00  
Hydraulic dock or inclined plane 125,000 00  
    275,000 00
    $3,500,000 00

____________

F.

General estimate of the expenses of the marine corps for the year 1836.

There will be required for the support of the marine corps during the year 1836, in addition to the balances which may remain on hand on the 1st of January, 1836, the sum of $488,856.19.

Paymaster's department.
1. For the pay of the officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, and subsistence of the officers of the marine corps $163,077 25  
Quartermaster's department.
2. For the provisions for the non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates serving on shore, servants and washerwomen $33,517 72  
3. For clothing 38,655 00  
4. For fuel 14,589 00  
5. For repair of barracks near Portsmouth, N. H., and for repairs at other stations 8,900 00  
6. For the purchase of sites and erection of barracks near Charlestown, New York, Norfolk, and Pensacola 200,000 00  
7. For transportation of officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, and expenses of recruiting 6,000 00  
8. For medicines, hospital stores, surgical instruments, and pay of matron. 4,139 29    
9. For military stores, pay of armorers, keeping arms in repair, drums, fifes, flags, accoutrements, and ordnance stores 2,000 00  
10. For contingencies, namely: Freight, ferriage, toll, wharfage, and cartage; per diem allowance for attending courts-martial and courts of inquiry; compensation to judge advocate; house rent where there are no public quarters assigned; incidental labor in the Quartermaster's department; expenses of burying deceased persons belonging to the marine corps; printing, stationery, forage, postage on public letters; expenses in pursuit of deserters; candles and oil for the different stations, straw for the men, barrack furniture, bed sacks, spades, axes, shovels, picks, and carpenter's tools  17,977 93  
    325,778 94
  Total amount $488,856 19

Note.—The excess of this estimate over the appropriations for 1835 arises principally from the sum of $200,000, proposed for the purchase of sites and erection of barracks.

--750--

_____________

F, 1.

Detailed estimate of pay and subsistence of officers, and pay of non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates of the marine corps of the United States, for the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty- six.

  Pay.           Subsistence.        
Rank and Grade.  Number.  Pay per month.  Extra pay per month.  Servants at $8.  Servants at $6.  Total.  Number of rations per day at 20 cents per rations.  Extra rations per day while commanding, at 29 cents per rations.  Number of rations per day at 25 cents per rations.  Total.  Aggregate amount.
Colonel commandant 1 $75 00     2 $1,044 00 6 6    $878 40 $1,922 40
Lieutenant colonel 1  60 00     2  864 00 5 5    732 00 1,596 00
Majors 4  50 00     2  2,976 00 4 4 2,342 40 5,318 40  
Adjutant and inspector 1  50 00     2  744 00 4      292 80 1,036 80
Quartermaster 1 60 00   2    912 00 4      292 80 1,204 80
Paymaster 1 50 00     2  744 00 4      292 80 1,036 80
Assistant quartermaster 1 40 00 $20   1 792 00 4      292 8.0 1,084 80
Captains, commanding posts at sea 5 50 00     1 3,360 00 4 4   2,928 00  6,288 00
Captains, commanding companies 4 50 00     1 2,688 00 4     1,171 20 3,859 20
First lieutenants, commanding companies and guards at sea 4 40 00     1 2,208 00 4     1,171 20 3,379 20
First lieutenants 16 30 00     1 6,912 00 4     4,684 80 11,596 80
Second lieutenants 20 25 00     1 7,440 00 4     5,856 00 13,296 00
Hospital steward 1 18 00       16 00 1      73 25 289 25
Sergeant major 1 17 00       204 00         204 00
Quartermaster sergeant 1 17 00 20     444 00         444 00
Drum and fife majors 2 16 00       384 00         384 00
Orderly sergeants and sergeants of guards at sea 27 16 00        5,184 00          5,184 00
Orderly sergeants, employed as clerks to colonel commandant, adjutant and inspector, and quartermaster 3 16 00 20      1,296 00          1,296 00
Sergeants 50 13 00       7,800 00         7,800 00
Corporals 80 9 00       8,640 00         8,640 00
Drummers and fifers 60 8 00       5,760 00         5,760 00
Privates 932 7 00       78,288 00         78,288 00
Clerk to paymaster 1 8 80 20     345 60 1     73 20 418 80
Amount required for two months' pay as bounty for re-enlistment, under act of 2d March, 1833 125          1,750 00          1,750 00
Amount required for payment of musicians and privates' retained pay, under act of 2d March, 1833            1,000 00          1,000 00
            $141,995 60        $21,081 65  $163,077 25

_____________

F, 2.

Provisions.

For whom required. Enlisted men. Washerwomen. Matron. Servants. Clerks. Total. Rations per day, at 12 cents. Rations per day, at 20 cents. Aggregate amount.
For provisions for non-commissioned officers, musicians, privates, and washerwomen, serving on shore 581 39 1     621 1     $27,274 32
For provisions for clerks and officers' servants       68 4 72   1 5,343 40
Amount required for two months' rations for each soldier, as premium for re-enlisting, agreeably to the act of March 2, 1833. 125           1   900 00
                  $33,517 72

--751--

_____________

F, 3.

CLOTHING.

For whom required. Enlisted men. Servants. Total. Aggregate  amount.
For clothing for the non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, at $30 a year each 1,156   1,156 $34,680 00
For clothing for officers' servants, at $30 a year each   69 69 2,070 00
Amount required for two months' clothing for each soldier, as premium for re-enlisting, agreeably to the act of 2d March, 1833, at $5 each 125   125  625 00
Paymaster's clerk, clothing for him, at $30 a year 1   1  30 00
Amount required for the purchase of 200 watch-coats, at $6.25 each        1,250 00
        $38,655 00

_____________

F, 4.

FUEL.
For what purpose required. Number. Fuel for each. Total fuel. Aggregate amount.
Cords. Feet. Inches. Cords. Feet. Inches.
Colonel commandant 1 36 4   36 4    
Lieutenant colonel, south of latitude 39 degrees 1 26     26      
Major, south of latitude 39 degrees 1 26 26          
Majors, north of 39 degrees north latitude 3 29     87      
Captain, north of latitude 43 degrees 1 24 4 8 24 4 8  
Captains, north of latitude 39 degrees 2 23 6   47 4    
Captains, south of latitude 39 degrees 3 21 2   63 6    
Staff, south of latitude 39 degrees 3 26     78      
Staff, north of latitude 39 degrees 1 29     29      
First lieutenant, north of latitude 43 degrees 1 19 1 4 19 1 4  
First lieutenants, north of latitude 39 degrees 6 18 4   111      
First lieutenants, south of latitude 33 degrees 7 16 4   115 4    
Second lieutenant, north of latitude 43 degrees 1 19 1 4 19 1 4  
Second lieutenants, north of latitude 39 degrees 6 18 4   111      
Second lieutenants, south of latitude 39 degrees 7 16 4   115 4    
Non-commissioned officers, musicians, privates, servants, and washerwomen, north of latitude 40 degrees 264 1 5   429      
Non-commissioned officers, musicians, privates, servants, and washerwomen, couth of latitude 40 degrees 414 1 4   621      
Clerk to paymaster 1 2 2 8 2 2 8  
Matron to hospital 1 1 4   1 4    
Commanding officer's office at Portsmouth, N. H. 1 8 5 4 8 5 4  
Guard room at Portsmouth, N. H. 1 25     25      
Hospital at Portsmouth, N. H. 1 19 1 4 19 1 4  
Mess room at Portsmouth, N. H. 1 4 1 4 4 1 4  
Offices of the commanding officers and assistant quartermasters at Charlestown, New York, and Philadelphia 4 8     32      
Guard rooms at Charlestown, New York, and Philadelphia 3 24     72      
Hospitals at Charlestown, New York, and Philadelphia 3 18 4   55 4    
Mess rooms for officers at Charlestown, New York, and Philadelphia 3 4     12      
Offices of the commandant and staff, and commanding officers at head-quarters, Norfolk and Pensacola 7 7       49      
Guard rooms at head-quarters, Navy yard, Norfolk, and Pensacola 4 21     84      
Hospital at head-quarters, two fires 1 33     33      
Hospitals at Norfolk and Pensacola 2 16 4   33      
Mess rooms for officers at head-quarters, Norfolk, and Pensacola 3 3 4   10 4    
Armory at Washington city 1 30     30      
Total fuel         2,421 4    
Total amount, at $6 per cord                $14,589 00

--752--

____________

G.

List of vessels in commission, of each squadron, their commanders, and stations.

Class. Names. Flag ships. Commanders of vessels. Commanders of squadrons. Station.
Ship of the line. *Delaware Flagship Captain J. B. Nicolson Commodore D. T. Patterson Mediterranean.
Frigate †Constitution. Flagship Commodore J. D. Elliott Commodore J. D. Elliott Mediterranean.
Frigate Potomac   Captain J. J. Nicholson   Mediterranean.
Sloop John Adams   Master Commandant S. H. Stringham   Mediterranean.
Schooner Shark   Lieutenant Ebenezer Ridgeway   Mediterranean.
Frigate Constellation. Flagship Commodore A. J. Dallas  Commodore A. J. Dallas West Indies.
Sloop St. Louis   Master Commandant L. Rousseau   West Indies.
Sloop Vandalia   Master Commandant Thos. T. Webb   West Indies.
Sloop Warren   Master Commandant William V. Taylor   West Indies.
Schooner Grampus   Lieutenant Robert Ritchie   West Indies.
Sloop Erie Flagship Commodore James Renshaw Commodore James Renshaw  Coast of Brazil.
Sloop Ontario   Master Commandant William D. Salter Coast of Brazil.  
Frigate Brandywine Flagship Captain David Deacon Commodore A. S. Wadsworth. Pacific.
Sloop Vincennes   Master Commandant John H. Aulick   Pacific.
Sloop Fairfield   Master Commandant E. A. F. Valette   Pacific.
Schooner Dolphin   Lieutenant Charles H. Bell   Pacific.
Schooner Boxer   Lieutenant Hugh N. Page   Pacific.
Sloop Peacock Flagship Commodore E. P. Kennedy Commodore E. P. Kennedy East Indies.
Schooner Enterprise   Lieutenant A. S. Campbell   East Indies.

___________

H.

Statement showing the names, distribution, and condition of the vessels in ordinary.

AT PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

Concord—sloop-of-war, nearly ready for sea.

Lexington—sloop-of-war, repairs nearly completed.

AT CHARLESTOWN, MASS.

Columbus—ship of the line, requires large repairs.

Independence—ship of the line, under repair.

Boston—sloop-of-war, nearly ready for sea.

AT BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Washington—ship of the line, requires very large repairs.

Franklin—ship of the line, requires very large repairs.

Ohio—ship of the line, requires large repairs; few of her equipments have ever been provided.

United States—frigate, nearly ready for sea.

Hudson—frigate, considered unfit for sea service.

Natchez—sloop-of-war, recently arrived, supposed to require considerable repairs.

AT PHILADELPHIA.

Warren—sloop-of-war, nearly ready for sea.

Cyane—sloop-of-war, condemned, as unfit for service.

Sea Gull—an old steam vessel, decayed and unfit for sea service.

AT GOSPORT, VA.

North Carolina—ship of the line, under repair.

Guerriere—frigate, requires large repairs or to be rebuilt.

Java—frigate, unfit for sea service.

Falmouth—sloop-of-war, requires large repairs.

Grampus—schooner, requires large repairs.

_____________

I.

Statement of the vessels building at the different navy yards.

Those building under the laws for the gradual increase of the navy are distributed as follows:

AT PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

One ship of the line, one frigate.

AT CHARLESTOWN, MASS.

Two ships of the line, one frigate.

AT BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Two frigates, one steam vessel.

* On her return to the United States. † Arrived at Gibraltar Sept. 11, 1836.

--753--

AT PHILADELPHIA.

One ship of the line, one frigate.

AT WASHINGTON.

One frigate.

AT GOSPORT, VA.

One ship of the line, one frigate.

All these vessels are under cover, and generally in good order, with the exception of their keels, keelsons, and deadwoods, of which some have been found to be defective.

There is building at Norfolk a frigate, under the authority of the act of Congress of July 10, 1832, to replace the Macedonian; she has a roof over her, and is in a state of perfect preservation.

____________

K.

Statement of the measures which have been taken to carry into effect the laws for the gradual increase of the navy, approved April 29, 1816, and March 3, 1821.

The ships of the line Columbus, North Carolina, and Delaware, have been built and in service for several years.

The ship of the line, Ohio, was launched in May, 1820, but has never been equipped, nor has her hull been completed; she now requires repairs.

The frigates Brandywine and Potomac have been completed, and employed for several years.

Five ships of the line and seven frigates remain upon the stocks, all under tight houses. They are generally sound and in good condition, with the exception of the keels, keelsons, and deadwoods, of which some have become defective, and will require to be replaced. The ships are all, however, so far advanced that it is believed they can be completed and equipped by the time that crews could be collected for them.

A steam vessel has been recently commenced, under this appropriation, at the Navy yard at Brooklyn, and such arrangements made as the present state of the appropriation will justify. The amount in the Treasury on the 1st of October, 1835, was but $156,261, and, as a part of this must necessarily be devoted to the completion of the frigate Columbia, which has been directed to be launched, some further provision will be necessary to complete the steam vessel. This may be made by a direct appropriation, or, if admissible, by the transfer of materials purchased for "gradual increase," but which are not now wanted for that appropriation, to " repairs," for which they are required, and by transferring their value from the appropriation for "repairs" to the appropriation for "gradual increase"

Besides the articles which might be thus transferred with advantage, there are others to a large amount in the different navy yards that can be advantageously preserved for this appropriation, to which they belong.

The distribution of the ships building is shown in statement I.

It may be proper to remark that additional appropriations will be necessary before these vessels can be completed, as was more fully stated in a recent communication from the board.

_____________

L.

Statement of the measures which have been adopted to carry into effect the laws for the gradual improvement of the navy, approved March 3, 1827, and March 2, 1833

The live oak frames for four ships of the line, for seven frigates, and for four sloops-of-war, complete, have been delivered; the greater part of the frames of a frigate and sloop-of-war have also been delivered at the Navy yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and part of the frame of a sloop-of-war at the Navy yard at Washington.

The complete frames are distributed as follows:

At the Navy yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, for two ships of the line, for two frigates, and for one sloop-of-war.

At the Navy yard, Brooklyn, New York, for one frigate.

At the Navy yard, Philadelphia, for two frigates and one sloop-of-war.

At the Navy yard, Washington, for one frigate and one sloop-of-war.

At the Navy yard, Gosport, Virginia, for two ships of the line, one frigate, and one sloop-of-war.

Contracts have been entered into, and have been in part executed, for the white oak and yellow pine timber, and for the copper and iron necessary to complete the hulls of these vessels, and for "their masts and spars.

Dry docks at Charlestown, Massachusetts, and at Gosport, Virginia, have been built from this appropriation, and other expenses incurred, under the provisions of the law, for buildings to preserve the materials, for receiving and storing them, and for the purchase, selection, preservation and improvement of lands for the cultivation of live oak trees.

The cost of works and materials to the 1st of October, 1835, under this appropriation, have been as follows:

For the dry dock at Charlestown, Massachusetts $677,089 78
For the dry dock at Gosport, Virginia 974,356.69
For timber sheds and other buildings 143,508 84
For receiving and storing materials 142,894 59
For purchase of land, cultivation and preservation of live oak trees 68,224 76

--754--

For 395,143 cubic feet live oak timber  $499,297 35
For 286,653 cubic feet white oak timber  94,653 08
For 327,531 superficial feet white Oak plank  17,304 25
For 7,718 white oak knees  42,803 87
For 251,056 cubic feet of yellow pine, for plank  79,936 37
For 120,595 cubic feet yellow pine, for masts and spars 58,902 99
For 45,896 cubic feet yellow pine, for beams, &c.  23,489 73
For 915,670 lbs. of iron  34,384 02
For 826,449 lbs. of copper  173,244 73
Total $3,030,091 05
From which deduct reservations as security for completion of contracts not yet paid 27,335 25
Leaves a balance of $3,002,755 80
Which, deducted from the whole amount appropriated to the present time, equal to 4,500,000 00
Leaves a balance of $1,497,245 20
Of which there remained in the Treasury on the 1st Oct., 1835, the sum of $1,454,316 46
The balance, supposed to be in the hands of navy agents, is 42,929 34
Making a total, as above, of $1,497,245 20
Of this sum there will be required, to meet existing engagements under contracts, about 616,000 00
Leaving, for other purposes, about $881,245 20

Advertisements have been issued inviting offers for furnishing the live oak frames for five ships of the line, six frigates, five sloops-of-war, five schooners, and three steamers, which, if contracted for, will probably require about $600,000 of the balance remaining, "after meeting existing engagements.

____________

M.

Statements showing the balance standing to the credit of the navy pension fund on the first day of November, 1834; the amount of receipts' and disbursements on account of said fund, from that date to the first of October, 1835; and the amount of advances to agents during the same period.

1. Balance in the Treasury to the credit of the fund on the 1st day of November, 1834, per Register's report.   $9,223 00
2. Amount received into the Treasury since that time, from whom, and on what account, viz: 1834.    
Nov. 28. From United States district attorney, Baltimore, for part of balance recovered in a suit against Joseph D. Learned  $49 60  
Dec. 16. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of United States Bank stock 21,600 00  
Dec. 31. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of United States Bank stock  5,261 38  
1835.      
Jan. 19. From the Secretary of the Navy, for dividends on United States Bank stock  20,643 00  
Jan. 29. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Maryland stocks. 3,562 87  
Feb. 5. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Pennsylvania stocks 5,311 73  
March 13. From Richard Smith, cashier, for balance due on settlement 25  
April 1. From H. Toland, navy agent, Philadelphia, refunded 200 00  
April 13. From the Secretary of the Navy, for dividend on Union Bank stock 300 00  
April 14. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Cincinnati corporation stock 2,500 00  
June 6. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of United States Bank stock 22,493 62  
July 10. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Maryland stock 1,789 66    
July 21. From the Secretary of the Navy, for dividends on United States Bank stock 20,706 00  
August 5. From the Bank of Pennsylvania, for proceeds of property taken from the pirates, and sold in Smyrna by the American consul 145 00  
August 22. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Pennsylvania stock 5,311 73  
August 25. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Maryland stock. 1,752 78  
  Total amount of receipts   $111,627 62

--755--

3. Disbursements made from the fund, from the 1st day of November, 1834, to the 1st day of October, 1835, viz:    
1834.      
Dec. 1. Paid the Secretary of the Treasury, for eighty-five shares of United States Bank stock  $8,500 00  
Dec. 1. Paid Elizabeth Sevier, for five years' pension  1,200 00  
Dec. 1. Paid Susannah Taggart, (widow of S. A. Eakin,) for pension due her prior to her second marriage  256 67  
1835.      
Jan. 16. Paid Ann Stevenson (widow), for pension due her from 27th August 1813, to the 1st of January, 1835  5,122 64  
Feb. 11. Paid the Secretary of the Treasury, for 228 shares of stock of the Bank of the United States  22,800 00  
Feb. 25. Paid Abigail C. Fernald, for five years' pension  360 00  
April 15. Paid the Secretary of the Treasury, for 40 shares of stock of the Bank of the United States  4,000 00  
May 28. Paid Hannah Hazen, for five years' pension 360 00  
June 26. Paid Caroline M. Arnold, for balance of pension due to 11th March, 1835  79 82  
July 13. Paid the Secretary of the Treasury, for 110 shares of United States Bank stock  11,000 00  
Aug. 1. Paid the Secretary of the Treasury for 170 shares of United States Bank stock  17,000 00  
Sept. 14. Paid the Secretary of the Treasury, for 80 shares of United States Bank stock  8,000 00  
Aug. 7. Paid President of the Branch Bank of the United States, Washington, for balance due him for payments to pensioners  228 69  
  Total amount of disbursements   $78,907 82
4. Advances to agents to pay pensions, viz:    
1834.      
Nov. 11. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Pittsburg, Penn.  $36 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Washington, D. C.  514 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at New Orleans, La.  200 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Savannah, Ga.  120 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Charleston, S. C.  300 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Portsmouth, N. H.  400 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Providence, R. I.  500 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Norfolk, Va.  4,300 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Bank of the United States, at Philadelphia, Penn.  2,000 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Farmers' Bank of New Castle, Del.  48 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Trenton Banking Company, N. J.  36 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Hartford, Conn.  700 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Baltimore, Md.  2,200 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Cincinnati, Ohio  90 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Portland, Me.  450 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Pittsburg; Penn. 130 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at New York, N. Y.  1,000 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Louisville, Ken.  800 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Boston, Mass.  3,000 00  
Dec. 13. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at St. Louis, Mo.  36 00  
Dec. 31. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Washington, D. C.  1,000 00  
1835.      
Jan. 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Savannah, Ga.  120 00  
Jan. 22. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Ports mouth, N. H.  182 00  

--756--

Jan. 24. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Mobile, Ala.  $44 20  
Feb. 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Portsmouth, N. H.  100 00  
Feb. 20. To H. Toland, navy agent, Philadelphia, Penn  200 00  
March 10. To Elias Kane, navy agent, Washington, D. C. 40 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Boston, Mass.  3,300 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Norfolk, Va.  800 00  
June 9. To the president of the Farmers' Bank, at New Castle, Del  48 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank, of the United States, at Portsmouth, N. H.  700 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Portland, Me.  600 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at New York, N. Y.  5,000 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Louisville, Ky.  300 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at New Orleans, La.  50 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at St. Louis, Mo.  36 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Mobile, Ala  50 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Baltimore, Md.  2,000 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Cincinnati, Ohio.  90 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Providence, R. I.  700 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Pittsburg, Penn.  158 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Savannah, Ga.  300 00  
June 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Charleston, S. C.  180 00  
June 9. To the president of the Trenton Banking Company, New Jersey 72 00  
June 13. To the president of the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank, at Hartford, Conn.  200 00  
June 29. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Norfolk, Va.  600 00  
July 1. To the president of the Bank of the United States, at Philadelphia, Penn.  1,182 00  
July 9. To the president of the Bank of the United States, at Philadelphia, Penn.  200 00  
July 21. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Baltimore, Md.  950 00  
Sept 1. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at New York, N. Y.  240 00  
Sept. 3. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at New York, N. Y.  120 00  
Sept. 9. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Louisville, Ky.  120 00  
Sept. 25. To the president of the Branch Bank of the United States, at Washington, D. C.  40 00  
  Total amount of advances    $40,582 20

J. C. PICKETT.

Treasury Department,
     Fourth Auditor's Office, November 12, 1835.

______________

M, 1.

Amount and description of stocks belonging to the navy pension fund, 1st November, 1835.

United States Bank stock  $619,100 00
Pennsylvania five per cents 212,469 16
Maryland five per cents  140,220 72
Cincinnati five per cents  100,000 00
Washington Lottery stock, five per cent  59,472 40
Bank of Washington stock  14,000 00
Stock of the Union Bank, Georgetown  15,000 00
  $1,160,262 28

--757--

_____________

N.

Statement showing the balance standing to the credit of the privateer pension fund on the 1st day of November, 1834, the amount of receipts and disbursements on account of said fund from that date to the 1st of October, 1835, and the amount of advances to agents during that period.

1. Balance in the Treasury to the credit of the fund on the 1st November, 1834, per Register's report    $1,261 46
2. Amount received into the Treasury since that time, from whom, and on what account, viz: 1834.    
Dec. 16. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of Maryland five per cent. stocks $3,097 24  
1835.      
Jan. 29. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Maryland stock 319 31  
March 31. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of Maryland stock 528 68  
March 13. From R. Smith, cashier, for balance at settlement 11  
April 9. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of Maryland stock 523 69  
May 21. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of Maryland stock 1,057 35  
June 6. From the Secretary of the Navy, for sale of Maryland stock 2,326 17  
July 10. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Maryland stock 106 43  
July 25. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Maryland stock 57 50  
Aug. 25. From the Secretary of the Navy, for interest on Maryland stock 104 58  
      $8,12 06
3. Disbursements made from the fund from the 1st day of November, 1834, to the 1st October, 1835:    
1834.      
Jan. 22. Paid Mary Conklin, for five years pension $1,200 00  
Jan. 22. Paid Andrew Desendorf, for pension due him from the 4th July, 1829, to 1st of January, 1835 263 47  
March 13. Paid Sally Thomas, widow, for 5 years' pension  360 00  
March 13. Paid Catharine C. McMurray, for 5 years' pension  480 00  
March 13. Paid Sally Mulloy, for 5 years' pension  360 00  
May 7. Paid Ann Bennett, for 5 years' pension  360 00  
May 21. Paid Patience Elden, for 5 years pension  480 00  
May 30. Paid Rachel Ridley, for 5 years pension  360 00  
Aug. 20. Paid president Branch Bank United States, Washington, D. C, for balance due him on payments to pensioners to 1st January last. 72 00  
      $3,935 47
4. Advances to agents to pay pensions, viz:    
1833.      
Dec. 13. To president Branch Bank United States, Portsmouth, N. H. $600 00  
Dec. 13. To president Branch Bank United States, Philadelphia 120 00  
Dec. 13. To president Branch Bank United States, Providence, R. I.  18 00  
Dec. 13. To president Branch Bank United States, Baltimore 234 00  
Dec. 13. To president Branch Bank United States, Portland, Maine 504 00  
Dec. 13. To president Branch Bank United States, New York 450 00  
Dec. 13. To president Branch Bank-United States, Boston 900 00  
March 14. To president Branch Bank United States, Washington 72 00  
June 9. To president Branch Bank United States, Boston 1,000 00  
June 9. To president Branch Bank United States, Portland, Maine 300 00  
June 9. To president Branch Bank United States, New York 500 00  
June 9. To president Branch Bank United States, Providence, R. I. 36 00  
June 9. To president Bank of the United States, Philadelphia 50 00  
July 3. To president Bank of the United States, Philadelphia 218 00  
     $5,002 00  
  Five per cent. Maryland stock owned by the fund   $8,367 05

J. C. PICKETT.

Treasury Department,
     Fourth Auditor's Office, November 12, 1835.

____________

O.

Navy hospital fund.

Balance in the Treasury, November 1, 1834  $35,559 04
Repayments from November 1, 1834, to October 1, 1835  20,349 09
  $55,908 13
Payments from November 1, 1834, to October 1, 1835  3,029 34
Balance, October 1, 1835 $52,878 79

--758--

____________

P.

Suppression of the slave trade, under act of March 3, 1819.

1834.   Dr.
Nov. 19. To balance in the Treasury this day $14,213 91
1835.    
Nov. 11. To balance in the Treasury this day  $13,489 55
1834.   Cr.
Dec. 24. By bill of exchange of John B. Pinny, agent $149 91
Dec. 29. By bill of exchange of John B. Pinny, agent 100 00
Dec. 29. By bill of exchange of John B. Pinny, agent 174 45
1835.    
March 9. By bill of exchange of John B. Pinny, agent 150 00
Oct. 15. By bill of exchange of John B. Pinny, agent 150 00
Nov. 11. By amount to balance 13,489 55
    $14,213 91

____________

Q.

List of deaths in the navy of the United States, as ascertained at the Department, since 1st of December, 1834.

Name and rank. Date. Cause. Place.
CAPTAINS.      
B. V. Hoffman Dec. 10, 1834   Jamaica, N. T.
John D. Henley May 23, 1835   On board the Vandalia at the Havana.
Wolcott Chauncey Oct. 14, 1835   Navy yard, Pensacola.
LIEUTENANTS.      
Wm. Taylor Jan. 13, 1835   Naval hospital, Norfolk.
John Evans Feb. 5, 1835   Naval hospital, Philadelphia.
Samuel B. Cocke May 31, 1835 Consumption Portsmouth, Va.
David E. Stewart Aug. 6, 1835   Girgenti, coast of Sicily.
H. J. Auchmuty Oct. 8, 1835   Westchester county, N. Y.
SURGEONS.      
Gerard Dayers May 20, 1835   Roxbury, near Boston.
Hyde Ray Sept. 7, 1835   Annapolis, Md.
ASSISTANT SURGEON.      
Frederick Wessels Nov. 15, 1835   At sea, on board the Falmouth.
PURSER.      
George Beale April 4, 1835   Washington.
PASSED MIDSHIPMAN.      
Wm. C. Farrar Feb. 24, 1835 Killed by a fall from a horse Near St. Louis, Mo.
MIDSHIPMEN.      
John A. Jarvis 1834    
David Irwin Oct. 8, 1834   Pensacola.
George Macomber Nov. 12, 1834   At sea, on board the Falmouth.
John Bannister June 3, 1835   Rio de Janeiro.
Thos. W. Magruder July 4, 1835  Killed by accidental discharge of a gun Baltimore.
GUNNERS.      
Stephen Jones Feb. 8, 1834   Norfolk, Va.
Francis Gardner May 1, 1835   Buenos Ayres.
CARPENTER.      
Elliott Green Nov. 14, 1834   At sea, on board the Falmouth.
MARINE OFFICER.      
2d Lt. T. M. W. Young. July 7, 1835. Consumption New York.

--759--

____________

R.

List of resignations in the navy of the United States since the 1st of December, 1834.

Name and rank. When accepted.
ASSISTANT SURGEON.
Henry De Witt Paulding December 1, 1834.
PASSED MIDSHIPMAN.
William H. Burges December 11, 1834.
MIDSHIPMEN.
R. D. McDonald December 26, 1834.
Henry G. Hart December 29, 1834.
Albert Wadsworth January 19, 1835; declined accepting his appointment.
J. T. S. Collins January 31, 1835.
F. V. Delbirge February 14, 1835.
Charles Burdett February 25, 1835.
William H. Inskeep March 20, 1835.
William O. Slade June 3, 1835.
A. B. Eustis June 8, 1835.
Robert P. Welsh July 6, 1835.
William H. Pendleton July 7, 1835.
H. C. Tilghman July 24, 1835.
Oliver Perry Baldwin August 8, 1835.
Baldwin M. Hunter August 20, 1835.
Alexander C. Blount October 19, 1835.
BOATSWAINS.
George Blanchard May 4, 1835, as of March, 1835.
William Waters June 5, 1835.
SAILMAKER.
Christian Nelson August 7, 1835.
CARPENTER.
L. Kervan, (acting) November 30, 1835.
MARINE OFFICER.
Second Lieutenant Edgar Irving February 27, 1835.

____________

S.

List of dismissions from the navy of the United States since the 1st of December, 1834.

Name and rank. Date of dismission.
MIDSHIPMEN.
Thomas W. Gibson April 30, 1835.
Lewis M. Wilkins June 29, 1835.
Ninian E. Lake July 11, 1835.
Robert R. Knox July 11, 1835.
GUNNER.
Samuel G. City May 2, 1835.
CARPENTER.
Elisha Ellis May 23, 1835.
SAILMAKER.
John Roser May 16, 1835.

____________

T.

Fourth report of F. R. Hassler, as superintendent of the survey of the coast, upon the operations performed in that work between the months of May and, December, 1835; with an estimate of the appropriation required for the next year's work.

1. My report of last May has shown how much work had been prepared by the primary and secondary triangulations of the preceding year; the works of 1817, and all the works connected with them; and how these have been furnished with the most essential element of an accurate base line.

2. The map of assemblage, joined to my last report, shows that near thirty maps were prepared to be executed last summer, if the appropriation had allowed to carry on the topographical works with the activity which I had contemplated, and which it would have been most economical to make immediately.

3. My report also stated the different direction which I was compelled to give to the work under the circumstances which I have there detailed, and I must take the liberty to refer to it.

4. This effect was still increased by the ordering of the schooner Experiment, in the coast survey work, to a station for which the necessary previous calculations had been deferred, with a view to begin the soundings of Long Island Sound only next spring, as the state of the work, as well as of the appropriation, would naturally have dictated.

5. This circumstance necessitated me to stay in Washington with two assistants, all engaged in executing the calculations and projections, upon which all the detail works and soundings connected with it had necessarily to be grounded.

6. However, this delay gave me, also, the facility to attend more closely to the construction of standards of weights and measures, which is equally my task as the coast survey, according to the let-

--760--

ter of the Treasury Department, of August 9th, 1832, and upon which I render a separate account to the Treasury Department, under which it stands.

7. The reconnoitring and placing of signals for the junction of the survey of Maryland with the coast survey, by which the work is intended be be brought so much the quicker to the Chesapeake, as was always contemplated, could, on account of these circumstances, not be entered upon until in October, when Mr. Alexander joined me in Washington; from whence we proceeded, selecting stations and placing signals on both sides of the Patuxent and the western shore of the Chesapeake, to Philadelphia, when the press of time required me to go to New York, and I committed the further examination to some of the assistants in the coast survey.

8. The works performed by my assistants during the last season are as follows:

Captain Swift has extended the triangulation between Connecticut and Long Island from New Haven so far eastwardly as the main triangulation would allow. Besides his very laborious task of keeping the very extensive and complicated accountability over the coast survey expenditures, he has not been favored enough by the weather to present a completed result, though he has done much work. There are only two triangles required before a corrected result can be presented; these works will then unite the work of New Haven with the eastern extremity of Long Island Sound, near the Rhode Island State line.

Mr. Ferguson has made the secondary triangulation which is included in my main triangulation of 1817, covering all the inner Bay of New York, and the surrounding elevations of New York and New Jersey.

Mr. Blunt has extended his triangulation, begun the year before, all over the part of Long Island west of the base line and Ruland's hill.

These two gentlemen joined these works by several stations common to both.

Mr. Renard has continued the topographical works which he had begun last fall over the whole extent of Mr. Blunt's triangulation on Long Island, and a great part of the Bay of New York, to the Neversinks, over an extent of about eighty miles of coast. In this course he has, besides, constantly worked jointly with Lieutenant Gedney, to furnish him with the necessary fixed points for his operations of soundings.

Lieutenant Gedney has finished the soundings which he had begun in Great South Bay, and from thence continued westerly along the coast to the light-house of Sandy Hook, including all the offings and outer bar of the Bay of New York.

Lieutenant M. Eakin has made the topographical detail survey from the neighborhood of Black rock, westerly, to Narroton, between the turnpike and the shore; always furnishing Lieutenant Blake with determined points to ground his soundings upon.

Lieutenant Blake has made the soundings of the shore of which Mr. Eakin made the topographical survey, and was proceeding to the opposite southern shore, when the weather became so unfavorable as to prevent his progress in the work there, because that part of the shore presented no safe enough harbor for his vessel.

Lieutenant Mackey, after having assisted in Washington in the projecting and laying out of points for different detail and sounding maps, proceeded to the north shore of Long Island, opposite to Lieutenant Blake's station; which he left afterwards, as Lieutenant Blake did not work in that neighborhood, to make with him a small addition to Mr. Eakin's works towards the east, over the neighborhood of Bridgeport.

Midshipman Dahlgren continued with me all the time that the calculations and plottings lasted, occupied at these calculations, and, after that, joined Mr. Ferguson in his secondary triangulations, and the consequent calculations.

9. The maps thus produced are, of course, all upon too large a scale to be presented with this report, and are to remain in the office of the Coast Survey, to be further worked out, and then to be employed when the whole of the country between New York and Block Island, or that neighborhood, will be finished; to be formed in proper special and general maps over that whole part of the coast.

10. The copy of the map of assemblage, here joined, exhibits the works of this year, by its comparison with that presented last spring, by the sketches of the country surveyed topographically, and the detail triangles of those parts added this year, the intermediate previous secondary triangles presented last year being expressly omitted, and only the main triangulation of that part preserved, to show the connection.

11. It is now necessary to execute, if possible, in continued regular succession, all the topographical part of the country which is now covered by the primary and secondary triangulations, because the signals now standing present the proper facility and economy for the work, and also on account of the great chance of their being lost, by the want of respect paid to such public undertakings, and the consequently too frequent destruction of the signals, and even of the secret marks placed in the ground. It might be desirable that they could be properly protected by a special law, as that is the habit in Europe, where such well-secured triangulations exist, and are still daily making, from Sicily to Lapony, and from Brest and Ireland to Turkey and Petersburgh.

12. Having thus rendered account of the faithful exertions and works of my assistants, it would be improper for me to omit mentioning how painful it is for me to see those of my assistants who are connected with the army or navy deprived of that additional remuneration which was stipulated for them at the beginning of the work, (and which the so much increased personal expenditure and labor, by their assistance in the coast survey, deserve,) by the application to them of a law of Congress of last winter, which I cannot conceive ever having been intended to apply to the case in which they are, by the extra expenses unavoidable in the constant traveling life which they have to lead; and, particularly, it can never have been intended by it to load an officer from one department with a heavy responsibility for accountability upon funds under another department, which has, in common order of things, no control over him. If this difficulty cannot be overcome otherwise, I would like to suggest the proposition of a special law to that effect.

13. The increase of compensation granted to the civil chiefs of secondary parties, on account of the unavoidable increase of their expenses in these situations, has been very gratifying to me as well as them. I consider it an unavoidable and proper act of justice, so much the more, as even with that none of the assistants in general are paid as high as they would be for similar works if in the employment of private companies of citizens.

--761--

14. In respect to myself, I do not like to do more than simply to state here the facts, that the allowance of $1,500, made to me for the personal expenses which unavoidably fall upon me in the coast survey, is entirely insufficient, as I have already in the beginning stated it would likely prove (letter of 12th August, 1832, printed document, page 87). This amount does but scantily cover the half of the difference between the life of a steady home and that which I have to lead in that work, which is, of course, what is to be compensated by this allowance. It is, besides, well known that the compensation of a chief engineer of a railroad or canal is generally rated and paid at $6,000 per annum, and that many come much higher, though the requisite acquirements, labor, and responsibility are by no means equal to what are required in the coast survey. That I have made great pecuniary sacrifices in this work, since as early as 1811, is well enough known to many persons. I may therefore also hope that this subject will receive a more adequate consideration.

15. The Fourth Auditor's refusal to admit in the accounts of the accounting officer the whole of the expenses of certain operations, unavoidably necessary for the work, has laid great impediments in the way of the work. An officer in that situation cannot possibly have a just idea of the propriety of any operation in this work. In fact, none but the director of such a work is possessed of the data indispensable to assess a proper judgment upon the necessary operations, and proper manner of performing them. By the measures of the Auditor, that officer would become the sole and full director of the work, which is entirely inadmissible; if the main direction of the work is entrusted to me, the minor consequences, and all the details of arrangement, must be understood as equally entrusted to me. I have, of course, by that, been obliged to refrain from taking in proper time a variety of measures beneficial to the work, and fully within the limits of the stipulations of the contract under which I work for the coast survey; the loss produced by the delay of the work has been very great, I might say upwards of $10,000, under the fallacious appearance of trifling economy. I hope that also this difficulty will be remedied, by the Department maintaining the exact observance of the contract with me, and, if needed for better information, ordering the impartial investigation which I have so long claimed, in order that the Department may be furnished with more accurate data to assess a just judgment.

16. I am sorry to be obliged to repeat here again that the larger instrument, with which the main triangulation is to be continued, has not yet arrived from London. I have lately again taken measures to press its forwarding, by means of our charge d'affaires in London: I hope there will be no doubt of its arrival before the opening of the next campaign, when I shall make the most diligent and constant use of it; it is eminently calculated to accelerate the work, by its superior arrangements and accuracy. However, even if it had been here, I could not have ventured to go in the field with it last summer, on account of the insufficiency of the appropriation to bear the expenses, after what had been applied for the expenditures of the two vessels employed in the soundings, as it would have caused the slopping of the whole work for want of means.

17. My situation, and the state of the two works, of the coast survey and the construction of the weights and measures, standards, which are equally under my charge, according to my contract with the government, have been considerably complicated by the separation of the coast survey from the Treasury Department. Both works are equally in the interest of commerce, and have no reference to the navy. The accurate survey of the coast is made with the view to protect the property afloat on vessels from shipwreck, and the regulation of the weights and measures, by establishing accurate standards, is to regulate the distributive justice in all commercial intercourse. The knowledge and a part of the means to be employed in the two works are the same; so much so, that when I procured the instruments for the coast survey, I procured equally the standards, and part of the means which are now employed, and indispensable for the weights and measures. The reunion of the works in the Treasury Department would be a real advantage to both works.

18. With respect to the appropriation which it will be proper to propose to the session of Congress now opening, I am enabled to give more detailed information from the data which experience has furnished than it was possible to give last year, and to which may be attributed the insufficiency of the last year's appropriation. For the most advantageous and economical advancement of the work, it is very desirable and necessary to avoid it this year, on account of the great detriment which would accrue to the work from it. The following are the results which are presented by the different items:

1. The expenses of each party of secondary triangulation have proved to be about $4,100 per annum; three parties have been annually engaged, and an equal number it is necessary to employ next year; their amount will, therefore, be $12,300 00
2. The annual expenses of every topographical party have been at the rate of $4,000; the next year it will be necessary, for the best advantage of the work, to have five parties, amounting to 20,000 00
3. By the amount drawn from the last year's appropriation by the navy agent in New York, it appears that the two vessels have cost, during the time they have been so employed, $16,124.33; at which rate the same two vessels must be rated for next year 20,000 00
4. The main triangulation, according to the experience in 1833, and the nature of the work and necessary persons and means to be employed, must be rated at 22,000 00
Instruments, telescopes, reflecting instruments, drawing implements of all kinds, books and other similar articles ordered and to be paid this year, and such as are still to be ordered, or constructed under my direction 6,900 00
Field equipments, tents, stands, signals, and similar objects, to be procured or repaired, &c.  3,000 00
Before the next appropriation will likely be made, there will probably be expenses incurred, to be covered by it, to the amount of.  4,000 00
Total $87,300 00

19. The paper which I handed in last winter had for its object to show the regular appropriation which it would be most advantageous to make annually, for the proper advantages, and, as to the quantity of result, most economical prosecution of the work, which I estimated at $60,000 annually, unless it should be found proper, in the greater extension of the work, to make a proportionate increase.

20. The appropriation, which was only $30,000, was still very much reduced by loading it with the item of the vessels, which had never before been taken into consideration, because it had always been intended to lay this expense upon the general naval appropriation. The deficit therefrom resulting is

--762--

evidently the cause of the increased amount proposed above, and so are the expenses of the vessels now to be taken into account.

F. R. HASSLER.

New York, November 22, 1835.

[END] 

Published: Tue Jan 30 11:00:40 EST 2018