Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-12-21

men,s by avoiding the constant counting and counting Of
large amounts Of coin for the purpose
Coast Sthrey,
The Coast Survey reorganized in Is43, and placed
upon its present footing by Legislative authority BY that
organization the land operations constituting four hhs OF the
whole, assigned civilians and officers of the army and
the photography to officers OF the navy.
The distinguished and scientific gentleman who has so long
and supentended work. with this temporary corps
placed under the supervision and control of the Treasury
Department. to which all works affecting and navi
gaion it was believed, should be properly committed II
also thought that officers Of the army and navy could not
be brought harmonousy together under the control of
either the War or Navy Departments
This organization the result of the experience of the
work up that time. II has proved emineny successful in
its operations the apdiy of its progress, well its
curcy, and the magnitude Of its results have commanded the
applause Of those most distinguished for scientific aanmens
in Europe and America.
This Department, has from time time, the work de-
manded called for officers of the army and navy
could be spared from their appropriate duties.
An application for additional number of officers Of the
army is pending before the War Department, and will
il is expected, receive favorable consideration.
When the recent with Mexico declared there
were five officers Of the Typographical Engineers and
nine of the line Of the army employed in the coast survey
The survey thus becomes admirable school OF practice
for such of the graduates Of West Point and the officers Of
the navy had prediction for the science called into prac
ce BY the work, each being engaged in his appropriate
sphere. lE
reflect lasting credit upon country it is also emineny
practical in its results; the highest branches Of scientific
knowledge made subseven the most useful purposes.
The economy Of the work deserves commendaon will
be found that much useful work done and much adj
vantage to the country and mankind obtained for the
amount of expenditure, in any other department Of the
Government In this respect the last years have shown
gain in economy of and hree-quaers to the
expenditures before that time for the work. This may
be ascbed to the enlargement Of the scale which the
work proceeds, which also greatly tends to hasten its final
| completion.
The tigonomercal portion Of this survey now extends UNI
broken from Portland, in Maine to within fifty miles Of the
Capes of the Chesapeake and with interval Of about
hundred miles, which rapidly filling up, point beyond
Cape Hatteras. -tas
It has been commenced in South Caroline, Georgia. and
Florida is complete in Alabama, and nearly in Missis-
spp and has been commenced in Louisiana and Texas.
The other operations follow closely in their order, and the
publication Of the maps and charts keeps pace with the field
work. Nearly oneha of the coast Of the Atlantic and Of
the Gulf Of Mexico has been surveyed Since recent
acquisitions of territory the Pacific parties attached to the
have been actively employed on that coast and have
contributed important information to this Department in
gard the proper sites for lighthouses and other aids to
navigation.
detailed report of the progress Of the work will be sub
mtted to Congress at an early period Of the session.
Miscellaneous.
The necessary instructions in fulfment Of the provisions
of the 9th section Of the of 2sh September last have
been issued for the numbering and coong Of the buoys pa
ced salong the coast, in bays harbor sounds, cham
nels." a~s #s5# Eh Fa s@18t a sn.I
Arrangements have been made for the manufacture and
delivery, convenient point for transportation, of the
buoy intended be placed in the channel Of Columbia
Measures have been taken promptly to execute the design
Of Congress providing for the security of life and property
the Metallic life boats, with the usual fixtures,
designed for five points the coast Of Forda and three for
the coast OF Texas have been contracted for Like facilities
with the addition of moars shotrocket and station houses
have been authorized along the shore Long Island nclu
ding station ut Watch Hill, in Rhode Island y.
In pursuance Of the directions Of Congress, preparations
being made to test the and economy Of the calcium
light detailed report Of which, and also Of the general con-
dton of the lighthouse establishment will be submitted to
Congress, during the present session.
Engagements have been entered into for the construction
Of iron pile beacon upon Romer Shca under the
authority contained in the making appropriations for
lighthouses, &C.
The preliminary surveys required by the Sd and 4th
sections OF the lighthouse act Of 2sth September last have
thorized by that act
The condition Of the several marine hospitals of
erection may be ascertaned by reference the annexed
port Of the chief the typographical bureau and others II is
proper remark that the nsucency last appropriation
for the hospital hatcher has delayed the completion Of that
work That the the Of the Pacific may de-
rive immediate benefits from the hospital fund, means have
been taken for the conversion Of building San Francisco
known the Pesdo into hospital to be used until sua
BILE structure shall be erected for that purpose
In addition othe several Of erection
Congress- at the session. made appropriations for additional
at Bath and Bangor, in Maine; at Norfolk, Virginia
Cincinnati, Ohio ST. Louis, Missouri and San Franciso
California. Aso for sites for marine hospitals Evansville,
Indiana, and Vckbug, Mississippi Unnecessary steps for
the selection and procurement Of proper sites for these ece
have been taken by the Department The progress of those
omhouses Of erection has been rapid crcum
would allow That New Orleans Of the greatest
magnitude and the special attention Of the Department has
been given it, with view of securing its completion an
early date.
The incumbrance upon the site selected for the
house Charleston, South Carolina has been removed and
further delay in the erection Of the building is anticipated
That Savannah has progressed far justify the
pectation that will be ready for occupation by August next
provided the additional appropriation submitted Congress
shall be made at early day. "
Respectfully, THO. CORWIN,
Secretary of the Treasury.
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