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

2. The distance which they can be seen is gov
erned by the following circumstances. viz: th'
height Of the ghts above the level Of the sea, th
height Of the eye Of the observer, the clearness o
the atmosphere, and the number, size, &c, Of tn,
refcctors; as there are great disparties in thos'
matters no correct estimate Of the distances which
those lights could be seen can be made but pre-
sumo to say that these lights can be seen from tn,
deck OF this vessel, in clear weather, from ten to fit
teen miles.
The lights. so far as my observation has gone
are generally well kept.
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser
yant
(signed) RICHARD EVANS. Captain.
WILLIAM GARNETT, esq, Superintendent ofLights
Norfolk, Virginia.
Opinions Of Shpmasters sailing out of the Port o.
Portland, Maine, In relation to the Lighthouses o
the United States.
am acquainted with the lighthouses Of the Uni.
ted States from the capes Of the Delaware to Sc
gum, and believe them we'll fitted to answer al
purposes intended. For several years ] was
9uainted with the lights the coast Of Spain
lights of the United States fully equal to any of the
European, with the exception of coal lights.
have often Boon Island light seven leagues
distant; and in clear weather Seguin may be seen
ten leagues.
A coal light flashes up and makes a brilliant
light when well attended; but If not we'll attend
ed, are not so good as oil lights.
lsigned by 81 shipmasters.l
CUSTOM. HOUSE, BosToN, December "a, 1S47.
SiR: Ia conformity with your circular of the 3lst
OF May last, paper was placed in the Office of the
port wardens, and masters OF vessels in the foreign
and coastwse trades were requested to record their
opinions of the lights our coast, and now have
the honor to transmit said paper, containing the
names OF about seventy shipmasters. No partcu-
lar effort was made to obtain signatures, for there
Ia no difference of opinion in this part Of our coun
try respecting the quality of the lights. The navi
gators and the mercantile community, generally
are satisfied, and no complaint is heard from any
quarter.
With great regard. am, sir, your obedient SER
want, w. A. WELLMAN.
S. PLEAsoNroN, ESQ.,, Fifth Auditor, &C., Wash
ington, ID. c.
The undersigned, masters OF American vessels,
sailing coastwise and on foreign voyages, consider
the lights on our coast good; and that there is no
cause of complaint. Many of them equal to the
lights on any coast, and can DO seen far
[Signed by 70 masters Of American vessels
We, the undersigned, commanding vessels sail
ing TO and from the port of New York. avail our
selves Of this opportunity Of expressing entire
cton in regard to the efficiency OF the lights
on the coast, on the sound, and on the Hudson
river.
The constant brilliant appearance Of the several
lights cvinces continuous diligence the part OF
their respective keepers. ascribable, doubtless in
great degree, to the judicious and systematic
management of this branch of the public service.
SO apparent in its real utility
(Signed by SO masters Of vessels
New YonK, August, ls47.
We, the undersigned pilots for the port and dis.
trict of New York, take pleasure in recording our
testimony in regard to the efficiency Of the several
lighthouse establishments on the coast sound. and
Hudson river.
The appearance Of the several lights evinces
diligence and attention on the part of their respec
tive keepers, reierrabe. undoubtedly, to the sys-
tematc management Of ths branch of the public
service.
[Signed by 10 pilots.]
We, the undersigned commanders Of vessels
gagged in the foreign trade, avail ourselves Of this
opportunity To express our entire satisfaction in
gard to the efficiency OF the lights the coast OF
the port OF New York.
The constant brilliant appearance of the several
lights oyinces continuous diligence the part OF
their respective keepers. ascribable doubtless, in
great degree, 10 the judicious and systematic man
agement OF this branch Of the public service.
[signed by 40 captains OF vessels.
NEw YonK, August, lS47.