The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1818-03-04

roc iSrough Fishers Island Sound, by yvatc6
Hill, to Rhode Island Harbos, without incur
ring the danger Of being intercepted by any
vessels isying in Gsrdner's bay. The har-
Dor OF New-London is of very easy access,
and 10 capacious and safe and in relssion to
the line through Fishers Island Sound, 10
deemed very valuable harbor. An sbun-
daDt depth OF water extends from Newton
don to Comstock Point. This point has
many advantages for naval depot. The
commissioners, however, with the exception
before mentioned, prefer Narrsganset Bay,
Tor reasons which have been assigned.
Nesv York h6roor.---This harbor presents
itself in two fold view, inasmuch as il has a
double com municatiob with the ocean, and
is connected with Canada by means Of the
Hudson and Lake Champiain. These views
deser sediy at.achs great importance to New
York harbor for naval and military purposes;
any ship OF war can enter this haibor from
the ocean by Sandy Hook, or through the
Sound and although the commissioners do
not deem il advisable TO establish large ma.
vel depot and rendezvous at this place, yet
sney advise the occupancy OF the psssent yard
for occasional depot, building and repairs and
q
Iished TO ensure naval supplies, and TO aid
may render necessary. This harbor may,
{. ON the sound side, be considered as in some
degree connected with New-London, and
more particularly so as Frogs Point, at the
entrance Of the Sound, tifels site for a forti-
hcation, which would amply secure an outer
ha. boz TO that Of New York. There are an
abundance OF waite and good anchorage nesr
ihis Point. New York Harbor is occasional
iy obs, ucted with ice.
The commissioners wcro, from unavoida-
bic cncumstsnccs, prevented meeting and
Am peDcing their examinations untii the
2lu Of Juiy. The time in which il wss ne.
cessary to make up their report, has not been
sufficient to enable TO enter into details of
survey or'of calculating, as to the expense oI
constructing forts at different piaces---These
calcula. ions require much time, as they re-
fer o. tho fortiication of as many sites, as
shall be selected for defence, between Penob-
scot Bay and New York. l, may with pro-
prie'y, be said, that expenses Of constructing
for,i6ca,ions, caLaot be estimated from the
data furnished by the costs of the works, that
have heen heretofore erected These works
have been, in almost every instance upon the
scale of redoubfs, and not upon that teserv-
ing the name Of for.i6ca,ions.
The com missiopers haves in their survey
and examination, only deer mined where IL
would be best 10 locate great naval depot,
aud where sites for defence should be select
cd. They are Sonyieoed OF tbe imprac,icabl- !
'ty of defending the entrance into Long.Is-
land Sound from the western point OF Fish
err. Island, to the Coils and Gardner's Bay
They are convinced ,ha, the entrance through
Fishers Island Sound may DE defended. They
have indicated the positions which should be
occnpied tor defence, on the map. They
aave decided, that Frogs point can be so Sc.
ruaed, as o.foim good outsr harber to
New-Yo'k, and an innsv harbor from the
side of the sound. & -.
If The POSITIONS recommended, should be
deemed Of sufficient importance to be occu.
pied, engineers should be sent to make the
most minute surveys, so as TO determine the
posnioa, add form Of the works, which, when
constructed, are 10 fast many years, and which
IN their construction, must involve a great
expenditure. A. TO the expense of con-
$, oc,ing Docks, &c. the remark, in relation
10 details Of Notifications, will equally apply
10 these constructions. The enclosed mem
rels,ive TO timber, workmen, and
ron ore, rs furnished for reference Com.
modore Bainbridge will communicate his
own opinion, on the subject, of a great Depot,
as he does not agree with the other Commits
,ione,s in recommending the location Of such
. DePo, in Narraganset Bay.
We have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) J. G. SWIFT, b Gen.
SAMUEL EVANS,
o. II PERRY.