The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-27

ARTHUR to Prof A. II. BAcHE, Superinlend-
ent of the Coast Surrey, communicating Dr.
Scription Of the islands and a.irers beipeen The
har5or Of Monterey and the mouth of The Co
lum6ia rirer. t'".' .a".. ~ l." 'a-f '..... !
49,. THE .FARRALLoNEs.
There are no islands, properly so called, between
Monterey and the mouth of the Columbia river.
Those most deserving the name are the" Farai-
tones, ;" a group of detached slets, off the har-
Dor Of San francisco. They lie in northwes.
and southeast direction from each other, and
form two groups, the northwestern and south
eastern. The distance from the extreme north
western to the extreme southeastern islet is
twelve miles. In the whole group, there are
seven which appear above water. The south
slet is the largest of the group, and is distant
from the Fort, at the mouth of tie harbor, twenty
eight miles, and bears from the Fort s. $50 west,
true. This iset is about $50 or 200 feet high and
on the southeast side, there is an anchorage in III
fathoms water, hard (probably rocky bottom it
is tolerably sheltered from the northwest wind
and sea.
In order to distinguish between the northwest
and southeast groups, it is only necessary to OBJ
serve that the northwest group shows three rocks,
of nearly the same size, lying nearly east and
west from each other; nearly mile apart and
sending off reef to the eastward Of about one
mile in extent. ..
About one-third the distance from the southeast
Farrallone, there are Al fathoms water sand and
mud. The sonndings gradually diminish until up
with the bar, off the mouth of the harbor. The
deepest water on the bar is 7fathoms, (hard sandy
bottom, } and the best range for crossing the bar
is to have the Fort Point and Alcatras Island in
| range.
| consider that the southeast Farrallones is an
! important landmark in making the harbor of San
Francisco, and have already recommended that u
| lighthouse be placed on it.
The situation Of the remaining rocks, isels,
and reefs, are sufficiently defined on the recon
| noissante chart. -
RIVERS.
| The important rivers between San Francisco
and the Columbia, perhaps sufficiently well
defined on the reconnaissance chart as far as lati-
tude and longitude are concerned.
| Eel rirer.-There are 9 feet water on the bar at
the mouth Of this river. The entrance is very
narrow, and the swell high generally, as to
render it difficult and dangerous for sailing yes
sells. Steamers might enter and depart, " ithout
difficulty.
Humboldt riper.-The entrance to this bav is
half a mile in width between the breakers. There
are lS feet water on the bar at mean low water
The kiamath.-On the bar of this river, there
are II feet water at mean low water. The channel
is so narrow, and the current strong, that
deem it unsafe for sailing vessels. Steamers are
required to make this river useful.
Rogues rirer.-This river has 10 feet water on
the bar at the mouth, at mean low water, but il is
too narrow for sailing vessels, there is scarce.
| ly room to turn in the channel.
The Coquillq ripper is not available for any thing
| larger than small boats and canoes.
| The ko,oes.-Th:s river was not so closely ex.
amined, but to judge by appearances at the mouth,
| ] do not hesitate to express the opinion that il
will be found to be available and very useful for
! steamers.
| The Umpqua-I crossed the bar Of this river, in
the second CUTTER in IA feet water, and passed in
to three fahoms the inside Of the bar, the roll
lers breaking at the time all the way across the
channel. The channel, in my opinion, is practic-
able for steamers, but dangerous to sailing ves-
sells, unless under very favorable circumstances.
The remaining rivers to the northw ward can oniy
be entered by small boats, except perhaps the
"Yaquenna, !" which might be entered by vessels
Of larger class.
In making my report, with regard to the nav-
CATION of these rivers, beg leave to be considered
as only giving my opinion, anless in case when 1
mention particularly the depth of water, then, of
course, speak authoritatively. would recon-
mend, however, an early and detailed examina ::
ton Of all: and for this purpose, a steamer is ~
dipensable. All OF which is respectfully submit.
ted by your obedent servant,
(Sgned) WM. p. McARUHUR
Lieut.. CONG and Assist L. S. Coast Surrey.
To Professor A. D. BAcHE,
Superintendent u. S. Coast Surrey,
n