Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-08-03
The Defenscs of Washington.

MAJOR HAMS REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF TIE
FORTIFICA1IoES.
Major Peter C. Hams has submitted to Gen,
Wright, chief OF engineers, q. s. army his annual
report for the fiscal year ended June 80 1885, per-
tanning to the defenses OF Washington under his
GharSe, embracing Fort washington and Fort
Fooie, Maryland, and the distractions OF the Po-
tOmac river.
FORT WASHINGTON AND ITS ARMAMENT.
The report states that Fort Washington. Mary
land, was in charge OF Lieut. Col. w. P. Craghill,
U. s. army, until August r. 1882, then in charge OF
then in charge Of Major P. c. Hams The Site of
this fort Is a very commanding one on the outer
line OF defense OF the cities of Alexa'drla and
mated work, but earthen batteries OF modern con
structtOn were laid out and their construction COM
mence1, when, from lack OF appropr1 ,tion, work
was stopped There has been no specific apprO-
prlat1on lor this fort since 1879 in consequence OF
which it IS rapidly going to ruin. The necessity OF
viOus that comment Is unnecessary. At the present
time there Is really nothing in tue way OF defen-
sive shore marks to stop single hostile ship from
earthen batteries should be completed. No ap-
preparation having been m: !e no work was done
at this fort during the last soal year beyond its
protection and repair as far as was possible with
the general appropriation made for this purpose,
and no work is contemplated during the current
nSctl year for the same reason. An appropriation
of $4,000 is asked for the next 1scal year
The following is the armament OF Fort Washing
ton: Six 15-inch guns, with iron carriages, lying
on the wharf; one 8.inch siege howitzer, without
carriage; two 4h-inch rih d ordnance guns, no
carriages: one 8-!nch howtZer, without carriage
SIX A-pounders unserviceable, to be sold; one 10
Inch mortar. platform. unServiceable; one l2-
pounder mountain howitEer, unserviceable: two
24-lnch CahOm mortars, unserviceabe; six 8-inch
ssacoast howitzers. unserviceable. In the demi-
line battery there are four platforms for 15-inch
guns finished and In serviceable condition. but the
parapet In front is not finished nor the maga-
front pivotals, are serviceabieebur would be of
little use with or without guns OF the caliber for
Which they are suitable.
FORT FOOTE ANT rs ARMAMENT.
This earthwOrk was commenced In 1862
and commands the water approach to Alex
andria and Washington by way Of the Potomac
river Projects for the modification of this fort,
with view to the use Of the heaviest guns, were
prepared by tn board Of engineers for fortinca-
failure Of appropriations 10 work Of Importance
to ruin. An appropriation should be made TOR s the
completion OF the new battery at an early day. No
appropriation having been made, no work was
its protection, preservation and repair, as far as
was possible with the general appropriation made
1o 1eG tn parpose and no other work contempla-
son. An appropriation Of $780, 600 is asked for the
next fiscal year.
The following is the detailed statement Of the
rott guns on hand, without carriages; two 15-lnch
smooth bores. without carriages; I'VE 24-pounder
C.hom mortars; two eight-lnch mortars, model
1861; one 1O-inch mortar, model 1861; one
1o-inch mortar, model 1s4i. There are only three
platforms for 15-nch guns complete, condition
serViceable. but the parapet in front is not COM
plete; magazines only partly built
DEFENSIVE OBsTRUCTIONs.
The material pertaining to the obstructions of
the Potomac has continued in-shore at Fort FOote
in charge OF q watchman The timber portion has
become entirely worthless from decay. The irons
are In good condition, and have recently been ex-
amned, counted and restored.