The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-05

new avenue from the Ocean and laws the foundation
for the credtable manifestation Of their sense OF the
merits of Lieut. Gedney, which viii, We doubt not,
this evening, receive the unanimous assent OF the
Board.
BoARD OF ALDERMEN
November 20, 1887.
Report of the Select Committee TO whom was re-
ferred the resolution touching the discovery OF
Gedneys Channel, and to take some suitable
mode Of expressing the deep sense of obligation
which they, in common with this community, feel
towards the discoverer of the said Channel. Laid
the table, and directed TO be printed for the use
of the members.
THOMAS BoLroN, Clerk.
Whereas new channel from this port to the
sea- has lately been discovered and its praccabity
demonstrated, and the same is a matter OF primary
and deep importance to this city and the whole state
therefore,
Resolved, That this Common Council (if the
Board of Assistants concur) will take some suit
able mode of expressing the deep sense OF obliga-
ton which they in common with this community,
feel towards the discoverer Of the said Channel.
The Select Committee, to whom was referred the
resolution of this Board touching the discovery Of
Gedneys Channel,
REPORTS
That the discovery of a new and deep channel
TO the sea- from this port, has been demonstrated by
the passage through it of the packet ship Roscoe,
and the line of battle ship Ohio; that the not
only affords more direct and shorter access TO and
from the ocean, but its entrance Is practicable with
winds, with which heretofore this port could not be
entered. The safety of lives and property are pro-
NOTED by this discovery-the interest of commerce
advanced-and the prosperity Of this great entrepot
of the State, increased and assured But the local
advantages to be derived by the city of New York,
however great, are not the only ones which enter
into Just and extended view Of this important sub
ject. New York, the queen of our western world
is destined shortly to be connected by an extensive
line Of internal improvements, with the Ohio and
the great valley of the Mississippi. Whatever bcne-
fits are to be derived from the rapid and safe inter-
change of commodities here, will be felt in every
part of that immense and fertile region; and while
II pours its rich products into our emporium, Buf-
falo as well as Cincinnati, Rochester as well as
Chicago, will all reap the inappreciabe benefits Of
this discovery.
Your Committee diligently inquired to whom the
honor of this discovery was DUE and for that pur-
pose entered into correspondence with those best
able to give a sound and discriminating opinion
That correspondence is hereto annexed. Your
Committee are entirely satisfied, though certain
deep water had been marked on the charts of those
active and enterprsing photographers the Messrs
Blunt, that the honor of the discovery of this new
channel, which is now buoyed out and used is sole
ly due TO Lieut.. Thomas r. Gedney, of the U. s.
Navy, and a citizen of South Carolina. .
Your Committee believing they are only announc-
ing grateful duty imposed on this Common Coun-
ell when they state that it is due to the position and
Hberality of this great commercial metropolis, to
mark their appreciation Of this invaluable discovery
by comforting in some proper way honor upon its
author. II is equally the dictate Of wise and en-
lightened policy, and of just and honorable sent-
ments towards public benefactors. Fortunately we
are not without examples here and in other coun-
tries In 1888 Lieutenant Denham in prosecuting
an Admiralty survey of the bar of Liverpool, disco
vered new and deeper channel into the Mersey,
a circumstance Of incalculable value to the com
merce Of that port. Lieut. Denham received in con-
sequence of ii, the freedom of the city, and was af
forwards promoted by his Sovereign. The benefits
to be derived by our merchants, our Insurance Off
and all the interests OF trade from the discovery
of our new channel, demand, in the opinion of the
Committee, that equal honors and rewards should
be conferred on Lieutenant Gedney and that we
should convey to him an expression Of the lively
sense of gratitude and regard which this Corpora
ton entertain for that officer. The Committee
therefore offer the following resolution:
Resolved, That his Honor the Mayor, with the
concurrence of the Select Committee present to
Lieutenant Thomas R. Gedney, of the U. s. Navy,
such testimonial as they may think proper, on be-
half of this Corporation and that one thousand dol
lars be, and are hereby appropriated therefor
M. C. PATERSON,
d. p. INGRAHAM,
-. g. w. BRUEN.
To Commodore Ridgeley, dc. dc.
New YoRK, Oct. "a, 1887.
Sir-A proposition has been submitted to the
Common Council of this CITY, TO express tothe Disco
verer of "Gedneys Channel" in some suitable form,
their sense OF the obligation which this community
and the State at large to him, on account of the
suspicious result Of his invaluable labors.
Though have no doubt as to the individual to
whom this tribute may be due, yet il seems proper
that the fact should be placed upon the records of The
CITY, in an appropriate and formal manner have,
therefore, with that view, taken the liberty Of ad-
dressing to you this note, as the Commanding Off
Ger of this Naval Station, and of inquring OF you
to whom the credit Of the discovery Of this channel
may be Justly due
have the honor to be, with great respect, your
obedient servant,
Chairman ofthe Select Committee &c
To M C. Paterson, Esq Chairman The Select
Com. of the Common Council, Nc,o York.
Navy YARD New YoRK,
... Oct IS, 1887
man of the Select Committee ofthe Common Coun-
Gil of the City of New York, wishing to be inform
ed in formal manner 10 whom the credit OF the
discovery of a new channel, called Gedneys Chan
mel at the entrance of this port, should be given
You are aware that the survey of the coast Of our
country, including soundngs, head lands, bays
creeks, inlets, &c, &C., has been, for sometime in
progress, by order of the Government, under the
immediate superintendence of Mr. Hassler; and
that several officers of the Navy have been assigned
Q him in the prosecution Of this great national work
That part of the practical survey of the coast from
The east end of Long Island TO the harbor of New
York, including the. East River TO Hurl Gate, and
North River To- Tappan Bay, was assigned to Lieut.
Of South Carolina. In the prosecution of these du-
lies, ne discovered this new and deep channel which
has taken his name, and TO none other is the credit
of the discovery due, and on none other can the
intended tribute, by the Common Council, be justly
bestowed.
l have the honor to be, with great respect, your
obedient servant,
C. G. RrDGELEY
To Captains Kfarney, Sloat, and Perrv, IT, S. NJ,
Board Of officers for eramiaing Light Houses
and firing BEoys and Bcaeons in The Har6or Of
Nep York.
New YoRk, November l6, 1887.
Gentlemen,--I take the liberty of addressing you
n regard to the discovery Of the new channel from
his port and am induced to do So not only from
vour official position, but from your long and init