The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-01-08


show the elevation of The land. a. well
as the depth ofthe wnter. and will he
accompanied by IA more particular de-
scripnon. Your instructions not APP
peafing to require from me any opinion
either as to the praciicabilty or expe-
diency of establishing naval depot in
Narragansett bay, shall confne my
self to IA general description, presuming
that in addition to this, the chart par
ticularly the larger one, will give you
ali the information required
The bay is of easy access the entrance
sufficiently wide to enable vessels to
beat either in or out, with bold shores,
aud free from hidden dangers of shoals
The course in, is to the northeast-an
advantage, on this coast, peculiar to
this harbor, and well known and highly
appreciated by mariners during the pre-
vailing westerly winds of winter. At
ter passing the limo Of deep water be-
tween Fort Adams and the Dumplins,
good and safe anchorage may be had on
either side, and in almost every part OF
the bay, indeed, the whole bay may be
considered an excellent man of war
harbor, with the exception ofa few spots
of foul ground, easy To be avoided, ana
other places where the water is too deep
for convenience. The tide generally is
not rapid and in most parts OF the bay
there is working room for vessels of any
class. The entrance to Mount Hope
bay, however, is narrow, but quite safe.
OF the effects of ice in winter, am un-
able to speak from my own observa-
tions. l believe, however, TINT 1t never
or very seldom freezes So far down as
the southeast part OF Prudence Island
The harbor of Bristol, and in the bay
above, towards Warren aud Provi dence
is generally frozen but l am informed
that they are enabled without much dif-
ficuty to Keep the channel open at bria-
tpl for the entrance and departure of
vessels dirrng The winter. The passage
past the Bristol ferry To III 'unt Hope
by is, understand, seldom closed, and
the large body of ice in thar bay IL de-
tanned SO long hy it's narrow entrance,
tina il becomes too weak, when it breaks
up to do Injury. learn that the en-
trauce Of vessels from sea 10 safe an
ehorage, is never obstructed by ice.
There are three entrances into this
bay from the sea. The principal one is
between Rhode Island and Canonicut,
already mentioned, in the western chan
nel, Canonicut and the Narragansett
shore, there is sufficient depth of water
for any vessel. The channel, at one
psint however, is narrow, and might be
filled up, if required, SO as to admit on-
Iy the passage ofvessels of a light draft
of water. The eastern channel is clo-
sed near its northern end by stone
bridge, except for very small vessels,
through the draw, where the tide is very
rapid, aud where there is at present but
eleven feet Of water, this channel does
not afford good harbor for large ves-
sells.
have been much assisted in making
this survey. by Lisutenants Gedney,
WIlks, aud Blake, and cannot fcrbear
mentioning them with commendation tn
the department for ,hsir zcaloas aud in-
defatigabie exertions, as well as for their
skill in tie pc rformance of their duty.
Very respectfully,
have the hnnor to be.
zSs You- obedieni servant,
ALEXANDER s. WADSWORTH.
HON. LEVI WOODBURY.,
Secretary the Navy.