Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-06-01
DOMESTIC.
Petersburg. May "a.
NAVY YARD AT YORK TOWN.
May Is.

NAV ANO y HOKk- 1OWN-
Early last fall, we minated, that gov
eminent contemplated establishing a naval
depot at York Town, in this state. We
then pointed cut, very concisely. the supe-
rior advantages of this place-the depth
OF the water-!ts immediate vicinity to the
great outlet of the Chesapeake Bay-its
proximity to the vast forests of the most
valuable timber, growing on the banks of
York river and its tributary streams-ts
commanding heights--the healthiness of
the situation-the facility of converting it
into an almost impregnable military post
and its contiguity to that part of our
Country best calculated to produce every
species of grain in the greatest abun
dance. We are pleased that this subject
has attracted the serious attention of gov
enment-and that steps have been taken
70 procure r correct survey Of this cele-
brated place-the KEY 10 the great me-
tropolis of Virginia: For it is the opinion
OF almost every weil-;nfdrmed man, that if
Virginia IS ever invaded with the view of
traversng her Interior. York river, unde-
tended as it is at present. affords tue most
direct communication, and offers the great
est facilities.
The following are the incipient pro-
ceedings of government, touching this i'm
portant subject. We are anxious to see
Capt. Sinclair's report.
Letter from the Secretary at The .Mtvy,
communicating the measures 7uhich hare
been taken TO ascertain the n,osf elfgi5le
site fer a nary gard, in he Dicinity oflAe
Chcsaheaks Bay.
NAVY COMPARTMENTS
January 20, 1916. )
In obedience to the resolution of the
honorable Senate of the United States, pass.
ed on the 2lst day of December, 1915, di
recting the Secretary of the NAVY to
communicate TO the Senate, whether any.
and if any, what steps have been taken.
during the recess, to ascertain the most
convenient harbors in the waters of the
Chesapeake bay, for the reception of ships
Of war;" and " whether the middle ground
between the capes of said bay, has been
explored, with view to that object, and
the result of such examination"
! have the honor to report, that orders
have been given. through the commission
ers OF the navy board, to- captain Arthur
Sinclair, to survey York river. in Virginia.
for the purpose of ascertaining the advan-
tages of that place for the establishment of
navy yard, &c. copy OF which is here
with enclosed.
Orders have also been given for survey
of the Tangicr islands in the ChesaDeake
bay. These orders will be carried into effect
early 10 the spring.
No exainin alton of the middle ground
between the capes Of the Chesapeake bay
has been undertaken, or even contenp1a-
ted, except as connected with the general
plan of survey of the whole coast nor has
1t been deemed practicable to make i'm
provenents upon that ground, either for
shelter or harbor for our shiDs of war. or
for the purposes of defence. ii a project of
this nature should be considered bv Con
gress as essential to public utility or local
defence, the necessary measures will be
taken to carry 1t into effect with all pos
sible dispatch
have the honor TO be, with the high
est respect, sir, your most obedent SER
want.
p. w. CROWNINSHIELD.
The hon. President of the Senate.
NAVY COMMISSIONERS OFF1cE,l
SIR. % '0''
The navy commissioners. under the
impression that al eligible site for a navv
yard may be found on York river. VIRGINS.
require Of You to proceed thither. with
suitable engineer or craftsman, TO be bv yeu
appointed for the purpose, and use vcur
best eXeftions to procure ev ry infarma-
ton so as TO enable the commissioners T.,
jet.
Anavy yard shon combine the adv,n-
: ges Of free and e,sy gross and ingress
% snips OF the largest draft Of water at