The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1868-06-18
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OUR RARBOR.
Report OF MAJ. J. B. Wheeler to the
Secretary Of War-.A Favorable
showing.


Below will be found the report which
has been frequently referred to in these
columns. It will be seen that 1t was
written in August last since which time
great changes have taken place. Instead
of five and one-balf feet of water then,
we now have about ten feetand it getting
deeper every day as the South pier ex-
tends farther into the Lake.
We are indebted to Mr.. j. D. Mark
ham for this report. He received it from
Mr.. Sawyer. who sent the FIRST copy that
could be obtained.
MILWAUKEE, WIS. August 81, 1867.
SIR: The subjoined report upon the
present and prospective condition Of the
harbor of Manitewoc, Wisconsin, is re-
spectfully submitted in compliance with
your instructions Of July 20, 1867. Mani
towoc Wisconsin, is situated at the Mouth
of the Manitowoc river. which empties
into beautiful bay on Lake Michigan, of
some six miles in length, and two and a
half miles in width; excellent anchorage
is found in this bay, and partial protec-
ton from the fierceness of northeast and
southeastern gales. During the spring
freshets, a large volume of water is pro-
iected into the lake by the Manitowoc
river, sufficient to maintain an adequate
depth of water at its mouth. were it con-
fined to a straight and uninterrupted
course to the deep water of the lake.
As refuge, the existence of good
harbor at this point is patent; it is the
most northern harbor upon the west
shore of Lake Michigan upon which any
improvement by the United States has
been made. Its twenty-five miles north
of Sheboygan, and eighty-fve miles south
of Manitou islands, and is the only har-
Dor intermediate, in which vessels can
seek refuge in tempestuous weather. The
safety. therefore, Of the lake navigation
calls loudly for the completion of the
works already begun.
Congress, during the thirty ses-
sion, appropriated $45 600, in addition to
the $50, 900 existing for the improvement
of this harbor The plan of improvement
proposed was to construct piers on each
side of the rivers mouth, extending in
parallel direction to the deep water of the
lake; this required the construction Of
2, $50 feet of pier work, and, in order to
secure twelve feet depth of water between
them, the removal of 1877 cubic yards
of earth.
The work of improvement was begun
early in June of this year, and has pro-
crossed satisfactorily up to the present
time. Mr.. David Smoke, the contractor
for furnishing material, and framing,
placing, and sinking cribs, has construct
ed and placed in position sixteen cribs on
the north side; the superStructure has
been already commenced, and, if him
ORANGES do not occur, will shortly be COM
pleted AS far as the cribs extend ); further
additions will be made this tall. The
harbor commissioners 1.-THE contractors for
lredging) have removed up to the pres
ent time l3, 955 cubic yards of earth, and
the probabilities are, that from 5000 to
10000 cubic yards may be removed be
tween this and the close of the working
season.
There may be, according to the present
prices for timber, iron, labor,
and dredging, $55, 200 probably expend-
ed in the extension of these cribs and
dredging between them during the ensu-
ing year.
The present depth of water is such that
vessels drawing over five and half feet
of water cannot enter; when once across
the bar that obstructs the mouth of the
river, ample depth of water to meet the
usual requirements of vessels sailing,
upon Lake Michigan is obtained.
Notwithstanding the shallowness and
righteousness of the channel from the rlv-
er to the lake, during the past year the
exports and imports of this place have
increased and the commercial
numbering, ship-building, and agricultural
interest of that portion of Wisconsin
which finds an egress at this point have
rapidly increased in wealth and lmpor-
lance.
Perhaps some idea of this advance
ment may be obtained by an inspection
of the number and tonnage of vessels
sailing to and from this harbor during the
past year: Arrivals, 6S5; tonnage, 49,
1874; departures, $50; tonnage, l5l, 500;
tonnage ON stocks at present, 300. A
tabular statement of some OF the most
important exports L append.
A heavy expense is incurred in the
loading of vessels with the more bulky OF
the articles exported, it being necessary
to employ lighters for the purpose;
whereas, were the entrance SO improved
as to admit vessels, lumber could be load
ed directly from the mills, and staple pro-
duce of the tributary country from docks
instead of being transferred to lighters,
or hauled to piers, where they arc sub
jected to heavy percentage for plerage
before they can be shipped.
This harbor is in the collection district
of Milwaukee, the latter place being the
port OF entry. A hight house stands upon
the bluff near the entrance the light is a
fixed white light of the fifth order.
Manitowoc and the surrounding country
is still in its infancy aud a retrospective
glance at its past history leads to bril-
liant hope for the future; and we feel
convinced that. if the present plan of I'M
provement is pursued, inestimable benefit
must result to not only the local interests
of the place, but to the entire commerce
and navigation of Lake Michigan.
Abstract of materials received and used
and labor performed, up to August 81,
1867.
MATERIALS RECEIVED.
Pine timber, &c, 99S feet
Other timber, 81, Sl4 feet.
Plank, b. m. II, 100 feet.
Piles, 1890 feet.
Iron, 60, $50 pounds.
Stone, 6S5 @. yds.
MATERIALS USED.
Timber As, $50.
Piles, LILO. feet.
Stone, 6S5 G. yds.
Iron, 45.4l5 pounds.
LABOR PERFORMED.
Dredging, Is, 955 G. yds.
Framing, $500 feet.
Piles driven, Lilo feet.
Cribs placed, l6. s-E-
I've weeks ago we spoke of Mr.. A.
G. Chamberlain, and some remarks he
made at this place in regard to one of our