The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-07-26
BUFFALO, July =, 1876.

BUFFALO, July -, 1916.
increase of Bufalo-Black Rock-Description of the
Fortifcations-Steam boats--Saads, Lent g. Co.,
&c. &c.
The city of Buffalo is destined to become the
metropolis of the West. 1t now contains some
$1,000 inhabitants, and has increased in popua-
ton within the last five years upwards of ten
thousanc souls, or, average of two thou
sand year. Two-thirds OF the population
is composed of German families recently settled
here, and there is not an dler to be found within
ten miles of the lake.
A rupture with the British tomorrow, would
not in the least affect the interests endanger the
safety OF Buffalo. In these military times, short
sketch of a fertilization now just completed near
Black Rock, may not be uninteresting to your
readers. 1t comprises a redoubt, including
enclosure of breast-high wall, occupying an area
of 23l feet In the centre is built, OF the peculiar
rock with which that neghborhood abounds, a
tower of 62 feet square, the foundation OF Which
is 81 feet below the summit of the bluff, being
excavated for that purpose, and the earth thrown
out, made use of to form the glacis which takes
a gradual descent from the top of the breasthigh
wall some two hundred yards. Around the two
walls, fronting the lake and the Niagara river
are placed % thrty-two Founders. The guns are
all mounted upon the Barbet carriage, revolving
on traverse circles, and so constructed that they
cannot in case ola surprise or successful assault,
be turned upon the tower. The tower rises IS
feet above the level of the lake. 1t is rooted with
heavy concrete masonry and brick, supported
upon arches, covered over with asphaltum; above
the asphaltum is thrown in earth, averaging in
depth fee,. On the northwestern angle Of the
crest of the tower is erected a four gun battery,
intended to be mounted with from 30 to so pound
Paixhan guns. The batteries command the en-
trance Of the lake from Niagara river so effectu-
passage. The whole rs guns could be brought to
bear upon any single object anywhere within two
miles of the works. The front of the redoubt is
protected by perpendicular bluff of rock rising
from near the edge OF the Niagara river, from
which it is separated by part of the Erie canal
and Buffalo creek, making a landing on that side
next to Impossible. The approaches to the rear
and TANKS are also extremely difficult From the
situation of the ground, the heaviest ordnance
could give no vital injury to the tower, even at
distance of ten fifteen feet from the crest Of the
work and should an enemy approach any ear.
err than that, he would be exposed to a ire of
muskstry from eighty loop-holes in the tower,
manned by three men at each, who will be so
posted as to discharge their piece and pass them
to the rear to be reloaded while they discharge
others, thus keeping up an incessant fire upon
their assallants. On the west angle is hot-shot
furnace, capable of heating 30 balls every thirty
minutes. At each corner of the tower is query
with loop-holes for musketry, and foor-traps for
hand grenades, SC. The tower communicates to
the out-works by means oftwo draw bridges hoist
ed and lowered with chains The interior Of the
tower is most deliberately finished, and, although
for officers and men as could be desired. Within
the works are two resources for water, one by
means of a well of spring water, and the other
from reservoir, into which all the rain that falls
upon the work is drained, after being thoroughly
filtered in its passage through the earth covering
the arches Of the tower All that can be seen at
distance Of ten yards from this mpregnable fort,
is about thirteen feet of the top of the tower
tanning the four gun battery, and the range OF
breast-high wall. This little hornets nest will
render the fleet OF John Bull and his navy-yard at
Chippewa entirely worthless, as not one of the
steamers or sailing craft could eyer pas. into the
portant work was commenced about three years
ago by Capt. w. ID. Frazer, who was afterwards
relieved by Lieut.. J. II. Trapier-the mechanical
rection Of George Phillips, Esq. The whole work,
including 10 acres of ground and dwelling, did
not cost over S85,000.'
Most Of the steamboats, navigating Lakes Erie
and Michigan could be easily converted into war
steamers. One ofthem, the st. LOUIS, Capt. G..
w. Floyd, would be a match for the best British
vessel on the lakes. Speaking Of Capt. Floyd, he
has Just about Of the incest boats that runs to
Chcago-sets a table fit for emperor-spins
good yarn and has private scuttle to his state
room, SO that, in case of accident, he can spring
out of bed upon deck, without waiting for his sill
yer shoe-buckles. The Niagara is also very fine
boat, as well as the Buffalo, the Cleveland, and a
dozen or two others.
Sands, Lent IL Co., are at the Falls Of Niagara,
with the dancing horse May Fly, the fighting po-
MES, and the rest of their beautiful troupe. The
Canadians are pouring in by thousands to get
sight of these wonders, as the company do not in
tend visiting Her Majesty's aominons this season.
A FISCAL NUIsANcE.-Under this head the
Rochester Democrat throws light upon the causes
Of the excessive importation OF Canada copper
they nuisance sent out upon community, mostly
by petty shavers who make business OF IT, They
buy up Canada silver here which Is at discount and
then exchange that silver in Canada for ooppers BY
this operation they get 2o coppers for dollar and then
pass Of these coppers at par. We are told that
made $500 $500 last year by this gsmshe whole OF
which came out Of the pockets Of our people
NEw HAvEr AsrRoroMERs-The msgi Of New Haven
observed another meteor towards the horizon
on the 18th inst 10 supposed to be the that
seen by the Pennsy and Jerseymen the
ing Of that day great many meteors will probably rise
in the west ere long.