The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-27


Very respectfully, yours,
(Sgned) A. d. BACHE.
Superintendent u S. Coast Survey.
Hon. THOMAS CoRwIN,
Secretary of the Treasury,
Report Of Lieutenant Commanding ~. u. McAr-
thur TO Professor II. ID. Bache, Superintendent Of
The Coast Surrey, communicating description Of
the Islands and kiUers beftoeel The hdrbor Of Mon
terey and The mouth Of the Columbia Riur
THE FARRALLoNEs
There are no islands, properly 80 called, between
Monterey and the mouth OF the Columbia river.
Those most deserving the name arc the "FdTai-
I0nes,' group of detached iset5 oil the harbor OF
San Francisco. They lie in northwest and
southeast direction from each other and form two
groups, the northwestern and southeastern. The
distance from the extreme northwestern To the ex-
treme sou theastern islct Id twelve miles In the
whole group there are seven which appear above
water. The southeast islet is the largest of The
group and ID distant from the fort at the mouth OF
the harbor, twenty eight miles, and bears from the
fort S. 6So true. This isle ID about 80 300
feet high; and ON the southeast side there is
anchorage in IL fathoms water, hard probably
rocky bottom; il is toerably sheltered from the
N. w. 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 a mile apart, and sending
extent.
About one third the distance from the southeast
Farrallonc there are al fathoms water, sand, and
mud. The soundlngs gradually diminish until
up with the bar, OIL the mouth OF the harbor. The
deepest water on the bar ID tathons, hard sandy
boto,) and the best range for crossing the bar ID
have the Fork point and Acatras island in range.
consider that the southeast Farrallone is an i'm
portant landmark in making the harbor OF San
Francisco, and have already recommended that a
lighthouse be placed on it.
The situation Of the remaining rocks, isets, and
reefs are sufficiently defined on the reconnos-
sancc chart.
The important rivers between san Francisco and
the Columbia are, perhaps, sufficiently well defined
the reconnaissance chart, as far as latitude and
longitude concerned.
Eel Riper.-Tbere are nine feet water on the bar
at the mouth OF this river The entrance ia very
narrow, and the swell 50 high, generally, as 10
render it difficult and dangerous for sailing yes
seh Steamers might enter and depart without
difficulty
Humboldt Riuer.-The entrance 10 this bay is half
mile in width between the breakers There are
eighteen feet water on the bar at mean low water.
The Rlamath.-On the bar Of this river there are
seventeen feet water at mean low water The channel
is SO narrow and the current so strong that deem
it unsafe for sailing vessels Steamers required
10 make this river useful.
Rogue's Riuer.-This river has ten feet water on
the bar at the mouth at mean low water, but II Is
too narrow for sailing vessels, as there Is scarcely
room TO turn in the channel.
The COqtiiiia riUer is not available for any thing
larger than small boats and canoes.
The Kotoes.-This river was not 80 closely exam
incd, but to judge by appearances at the mouth, /
do not hesitate TO express the opinion that viii be
found To be available and very useful for steamers.
Tie Unpqid.-l crossed the bar of this river In
the second cutter in Ia feet water and passed into
three tathoms the inside of the bar, the rollers
breaking at the time all the way across the chan
mel. The channel in my opinion, is practicable for
steamers, but dangerous to sailing vessels, unless
under very favorable circumstances.
The remaining rivers to the northward can only
be entered by small boats, except, perhaps, the
"Yaquinna," which might be entered by vessels oil
a larger class.
In making my report with regard to the naviga,
ton of these rivers, beg leave TO be considered
only giving my opinion, unless in cases where !
mention particularly the depth of water; then, OF
course, i speak authoritatively. ! would recon
mend, however, early and detailed examination
of ALL and for this purpose steamer is Indispensable
All of which is respectfully submitted by
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) VIM. p. MACARTHUR,
Lieut. Com z and Asst U. 5. Coast Survey.
To Professor A. ID. BAcBE,
Sup't u ). Coast Survey, Washington, ID. c.