Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-12-28
OFFICIAL.

Report of Prof. A. D. BAcHE, Superintendent q.
s. Coast Survey, to the Secretary ofthe Irea-
suru, in relation to the Rivers and Islands be-
tpeen Monterey and the Columbia River.
CoAsr SURVEY OFFICE, DECEMBER ls, 1850.
SrR have the honor to communicate fourth hydro
graphical notice relating the Western Coast Of the United
States containing description Of the islands and rivers be-
tween the habor of Monterey and the mouth Of the Columbia
river, by Lieut.. Commanding W. p. McARrHUn, U. g. N.
and assistant in the Coast Survey would respectfully
quest authority for its publication
Very respectfully yours, A. D. BACHE,
Supt. U. s. Coast Survey
Hon. Thomas CoRwIN,
Secretary fthe Treasury.
Report of Lieut.. Coming w. P. MACARTHUR to
Prof A. D. BAcHE Superintendent The Coast Surrey
communicating description Of the islands and Rivers
bet.oeer, the harbor Of Monterey and the mouth Of the
Columbia River.
THE FARRALLoNEs.
There islands, properly called, between Monterey
and the mouth of the Columbia river Those most deserv
ing the the "Farallones" group Of detached
isles off the harbor of San Francisco They lie n north
and southeast direction from each other and form
groupthe northwestern and southeastern. The distance
from the extreme northwestern to the extreme southeastern
isle. twelve miles In the whole group there which
appear above The southeast set the largest Of the
group and distant from the fort at the mouth of the harbor
miles, and bears from the fort south go west
This set is about $50 200 feet high, and the
southeast side there anchorage in eleven homs water
hard (probaby rocky bottom It oleraby sheltered from
the northwest wind and E@' Is.r#
In order distinguish between the northwest and south
east groups it only observe that the northwest
group shows three rocks of nearly the lying nearly
east and west from each other nearly mile apart and send
ing off reef to the eastward Of about mile in extent
About nethd the distance from the southeast FaIralone
there are Al athoms water sand and mud The soundngs
gradually diminish until up with the bar off the mouth Of the
harbor The deepest water the bar is seven fahoms,
hard sandy and the best range for crossing the
bar have the Fort Point and Alcaras Island in range.
consider that the southeast Farraone mportantland
mark in making the harbor of San Francisco and have al
ready recommended that lighthouse be placed it.
The situation Of the remaining rocks slets, and reefs
sufficiently defined in the reconnaissance chart. #
RIVERS. Il.
The important between San Francisco and the Co
umba perhaps sufficiently well defined the reconnos
chart far latitude and longitude concerned.
Eel Rver-There mine feet water the bar at the
mouth of this river The entrance very narow and the
swell high generally render it difficult and dangerous
for sailing vessels Steamers might and depart without
difficulty.
Humboldt Rirer.-The entrance to this bay half mile
in width between the breakers There eighteen feet
ter on the bar at mean low water ,v3 @.s. .a 4.
The Klamath On the bar of this river there
teen feet water low water. The channel is so
and the current strong that teem unsafe for
sailing vessels Steamers required to make this river
useful. ..# .a.
Rogues Rrer-Ths river has ten feet water the bar
at the mouth at low WATER but is too for
sailing vessels there scarcely to turn in the channel
The CoaquNa River is not available for any thing larger
than small boats and canoes.
The Koces-This river not closely examined but
Judge by appearances the mouth do not hesitate to
express the opinion that will be found to be available and
very useful for ste Gamers. ..4
The Umpqua-I crossed the bar Of this river in the
cond cutter in fourteen feet water and passed into three
ahoms the inside of the bar the rollers breaking the
time all the way the channel. The channel, in my
opinion, practicable for steamers but dangerous to sailing
vessels, unless under very favorable circumstances.
The remaining rivers the nohward only be entered
by small boats except, perhaps, the Yaquenna," which
might be entered by vessels Of larger class.
In making my report with regard the navigation Of these
rivers beg leave to be considered only giving my opinion
unless in where mention particularly the depth Of
water them Of course, speak authorilavey would
commend, however, early and detailed examination Of
all and for this purpose steamer is indispensable
All Of which is respectfully submitted by your obedent
servant, VIM. P. MACARTHUR,
Lieut.. Cong and Assi,ta,t U. s. Coast Surrey
To Prof A. D. BAcHE, "#
H. Supt U. s. Coast Surrey, Washington.