Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1873-11-01
GOVERNMENT WORKS.
Fortiheations on the Delaware River and
Bay-Proposea Improvements.

In bis annual report Va the Secretary Of
var, General Humphreys refers as fol
lews TO fertiflcations on The Delaware
river and bay;
Fort Mlffiin will be prepared during the
year 10 mOuRt seventeen guns, being
nearly all that arc proposed for that posi-
lion, which is marshy and low. But
Red Bank, opposite, being rev the
property Of the United E Ates, that ane
site ftwenty 10 forty feet above the rlVer)
ought to be occupied as speedily 90 prNe
ticahle.
Below, at tho Fort Delaware line, the
preparatory work for the two batteries
on the Delaware and New Jersey shores
has been effected, and tho bait, rias them
solves can pqw b. vigorously advanced.
At the Breakwater bsrbor, q ate long In
contemplation has been ceead to the
Government hv the State Of Delaware.
on which battery should be placed. aud
provision should he made at the Break
water structure itself for mounting and
covering a number Of afteeninch and
equivalent guns.
Fort Delaware Is one of the chain Of
works constituting the outer liue OF de-
fence for the Delaware river. .
No appropriation was made for The
fscal year ending June 30, 1874.
Appropriation asked for next fiscal
year, 100000. Daring the present yesr
II Is proposed 10 put down the three re-
naming hfteeu-lnch gun platforms finish
the breast height wall and pnra pet ,'eom-
pete the flooring and dOors Of the service
magazines, and to protect their entrances
with storm sheds. Tho iron balconies IN
rear of traverses on terreplein will be
built, tho dykes repaired, and the dltches
deepeued and clesnsed.
For the new fort opposite Fort Della
ware, Delaware srore, an appropriation
sf SIS ,0O0 is asked for the rext fiscal
/ year. II is proposed during The pre- cnt
| year to complete the dyke and TO ran
s.rnct the terreplein. paraplt and plat
| form for seven guns. with the CORE
| spending mGgaEues and traversfs.
During the present fiscal ear II is pro
posed to complete the mngaZ'pes and
terrtplein Of the mortar battery nesr Del.
aware City, and to continue the embark
ment of paraVot and tftv, rises.
Fort Nifin occupies position upon
the inner line of the defentes Of the cts
of Philadelphia and the naval establish
ment at League Island. During the past
year stone rtvetment has Oeen placed
along the dyke back OF the chsnuN
material has been received for etnbauk
ing magazine, battery, Sci dyke alonl
tho south boundary line nearly con
strseted, and miuor bitches for drainage
Appropriation asked for next fiscal year
$4,000
The site for deienses at Red Bank, New
Jersey, Is Of great Importance 10 the de
iense Of Philadelphia aud the nava
establishment at League Island. Th
Chief Engineer proposes to commence
the construction Of defensive works a
soon as practicable. No appropriation
Is a-ked for.
In regard to the battery At Finn'
Point, New Jersey, 1t Is proposed to cOiu
plete The wharf and dyke and 10 con
struct sbont 800 feet IN length Of th
battery, including three magazine
trsverses and platform for toar guns
Appropriations asked for, sT5, GOO 1t /
also prOpl sed TO finish the mortar batter
at this point before June 80, 1875.