The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-04-26
Custom. .HousE, Bosros,

COLLECTORS OFFICE, March y, 1882.
SIR: have your letter Of the 80 instant in refer.
ence to the report made by the Lighthouse Board
that the oil sent 10 the lighthouses from year e
year has never been properly tested, and that th,
lights are not inspected as often necessary
Ia regard TO the first allegation, would state tha
the certificates on file in this office all prove that
every lot of oil procured under the various con.
tracts was properly and faithfully tested both by
burning samples taken from each cask and by the
oilometer. The most experienced and competen,
persons have been employed by me TO make the
tests, viz: Abraham Delano OF New Bedford. whose c
character IL without reproach, and whose skill in
his business is generally known and acknowledged;
and Nathaniel Cleayos, oil inspector and gnuger OF
this city, whose fidelity and long Iperiencc enttle
him TO entire confidence. These gentlemen were
paid by the United States, and acted in all csscs
Independently Of the contractors The facts ore,
that the oil contracts have been taken by gentle.
men OF the highest respectsbility merchants and
nnufsctorers Of the article, and they have inya-
riably delivered TIC very beet qualities; and the
greatest paine have been taken TO test IL all and
no complaints have reached me OF any moment
against the oil delivered the lighthouses IL has
sometimes happened thata keeper would complain
that his oil burned badly, but the fault was found
IN the neglect OF the lamps, and not in the quality
of the oil. An examination Of the quarterly returns
from the keepers will prove this statement.
In regard TO the other charge, that the lights
not inspected as often as necessary. can only say
that since have been superintendent in this dis
trict, have rendered a Diet lied report OF my an
nus visit TO each aud every lighthouse under my
direction, which must speak for itscf In addf-
ton TO which, nearly all the stations visited
aud inspected by myself or my deputy, during the
season, and report rendered to the Department;
and the captain Of the cutter this station has
visited them besides two three times year, un-
der a standing order from me. The report and
journal OF Captain Rowland also shows that he ha
visited every station along the whole coast, deliv.
cred the necessary supplies, taken the proper re.
cepts therefor aud attended to the repairs of the
lighting apparatus. lie has also reported the con
di'ion Of the buildings at each place.
The opinions ] have heretofore expressed, and
now entertain, of the excellent character Of the
lights, generally, this part Of the coast are fully
sustained by the captains OF vessels and others who
have the bestopportunities 10 test stthcirvalue The
testimonials OF shipmnsters g. corroborate this
statement could be easily procured; but | do not
deem II necessary, so long navigaors can dis
tnctly see "Boson light" and Race point light,
midway between the two points, and on one side
Plymouth lights, and the other That hers
Island lights, they need no change; nor will those
in the coasting trade complain while they can 40
clearly discern the harbor lights long before they
lose sight Of the principal lights ON the coast
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedicnt
servant,
(Sigued) p. GREEIY. Ia
5. PtrAsoSroN, esq, Fifth Auditor, &c, Wash.
ington.