01st Congress, I HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. { Ex. Doc 1st Session, f \ No. 40. LARCHMOXT HARBOR, NEW YORK. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR, TRANSMITTING Reports upon the survey and preliminary examination of Larch mo nt Harbor, New York. December U, 1889. — Referred to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors and ordered to be printed. War Department, Washington City, December 5, 1889. The Secretory of War has the honor to transmit to the House of Representatives, in compliance with the; requirements of the river and harbor act of August 11, 1888, a copy of the report of Col. D. C. Hous- ton, Corps of Engineers, upon the survey of Larchinoiit Harbor, New York, together with a copy of his report upon the preliminary examina- tion of the same. Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War. The Speaker of the House of Representatives. Office of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, Washington, D. C, December 4, 1889. Sir : I have the honor to submit the inclosed copy of the report upon the survey of Larchmont Harbor, New York, dated November 20,1889, made under the direction of Col. D. C. Houston, Corps of Engineers, to comply with the requirements of the river and harbor act of August 11, 1888, and accompanying map. A copy of the report upon the preliminary examination of the harbor dated November 28, 1888, is also herewith/ The project for improvement contemplates the removal to the plane of 15 feet below mean low water of portions of Umbrella Rock and Huron Rock, which obstruct the entrance to the harbor. The amount of niate- 31. Ex. 26 — 1 2 LAKCHMONT HARBOR, NEW YORK. rial to be removed is given at 3,665 cubic yards, at an estimated edst of $126,600. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Thos. Lincoln Casey, Brig. Gen., Chief of Engineers. Hon. Eedfield Proctor, Secretary of War. preliminary examination of larchmont harbor, new york. Engineer Office, United States Army, New York, November 28, 1888. Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report on a prelimi- nary examination of Larchmont Harbor, ]New York, made in pursuance of the river and harbor act of August 11, 1888, and directed in letter from the Chief of Engineers, dated August 28, 1888. The accompanying report of Lieut. James C. Sanford, Corps of Engi- neers, gives a detailed description of the harbor and other information. This harbor is located on the north shore of Long Island Sound, about 20 miles from New York City. At the entrance to the harbor are two rocks which are dangerous to navigation. The cost of remov- ing these rocks to a depth of 15 feet at mean low water, is estimated approximately as follows : Removal of Umbrella Rock, 2,500 cubic yards, at $25 $62,' 500 Removal of Huron Rock, 225 cubic yards, at $25 5, 625 Contingencies 9, 875 Total 78, 000 This harbor is principally used by vessels belonging to the Larch- mont Yacht Club, one of the largest organizations of the kind in this country. In May, 1888, the yachts enrolled on the club's list included 25 steamers with a total tonnage of 1,754 tons, the largest measuring 568 tons j 26 schooners with a total tonnage of 1,491 tons; 70 sloops with a total tonnage of 1,672 tons, and 55 smaller boats. Since then, from twenty to twenty-five new vessels have been added, ranging from 20 to 300 tons, making the total number about two hun- dred. The total value of these vessels is estimated at from $3,500,000 to $4,000,000. The harbor is also largely used by vessels belonging to other clubs, and to a small extent by commercial vessels. In view of the value of the property to be benefited and the impor- tance to the country of the yachting industry, I am of opinion that the harbor is worthy of improvement. In the construction and navigation of yachts, a large number of per- sons are employed, improvements in ship building are encouraged, sea- men are trained in their duties and the naval power of the country is thus increased. No general survey of the harbor is needed, as the Coast Survey charts are very complete, but a detailed survey of the rocks is nece sary to ascertain the exact amount of material to be removed. For such a survey the sum of $600 is estimated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. Houston, Lieut. Col. of Engineers. The Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. AVE* LARCHMONT 1IARBOK, NEW YORK. 3 report of lieutenant james c. sanford, corps of engineers. Engineer Office, United States Army, New York, October 19, 1888. Sir : In accordance with your instructions I made a preliminary examination of Larchmont Harbor, New York, on the 19th ultimo, and have the honor to make the following report : description of harbor. Larchmont Harbor, known on the Coast Survey charts of Long Island Sound as Delancey Cove, is a bay indenting the north shore of Long Island Sound about 6 miles west of the boundary line between the States of New York and Connecticut. It is nearly rectangular in shape, and is about five-eighths of a mile long (north aud south) by a half mile wide (east and west). The headland on the west side of the entrance projects about one-fourth of a mile further to the south than that on the east side (Long Beach Point). The depth varies from to 18 feet at mean low water, though the lat- ter depth exists only at the mouth of the harbor. The area within the 12-foot curve is about 13 acres, and that within the 6-foot curve about 68 acres. The mouth of the harbor is obstructed by two rocks : Umbrella Rock, with a depth of 4 feet over it at mean low water and an area within the 15-foot curve of about 1,350 square yards ; aud Huron Rock (not shown on the chart), with 9 feet depth at mean low water and an area within the ™5-foot curve of about 225 square yards. Umbrella Rockis about 800 feet from the west side of the entrance, and Huron Rock about the same distance from the east side, both rocks being near the line joining the headlands. An exten- sive reef, with outlying shoal spots known as the Hen and Chickens, with its highest point 3 feet above mean low water and having an area within the 16-foot curve of about 75 acres, lies about 1,200 feet directly south of the mouth of the harbor, and prevents vessels from entering the harbor by a direct course. Umbrella Rock lies almost in the center of the channel by which vessels passing to the west of the Hen and Chickens enter the harbor, while Huron Rock occupies a similar position in the east channel. Several vessels have struck Umbrella Rock during the past season, one being considerably injured, and one vessel ran on Huron Rock (the existence of the rock was not known until this time) and could not be gotten off until the next high tide, sustaining severe injuries. On account of the danger of swinging against them, these rocks considerably reduce the anchorage room near the mouth of the har- bor, where steamers and schooners of deep draught have to anchor. The harbor is often overcrowded, and the matter of anchorage room is an important one. present commerce. Larchmont is a suburban village, having a population of about 2,000 in summer and 300 in winter, and is growing rapidly. It was founded and developed by a land as- sociation known as the Larchmont Manor Company. No business, except hotel keep- ing, is allowed to be carried on in the place, and the harbor is little used for com- merce. The only cargoes brought into the harbor during the past year were, as far as I could learn, 4 schooner loads of building materials. It is, however, largely used by the vessels belonging to the Larchmont Yacht Club, one of the largest and most rapidly growing organizations of this kind in the country. In May, 1888, the club had a membership of 504, and the yachts enrolled on the club's list included 25 steam- ers, total tonnage 1,754 tons ; 26 schooners, total tonnage 1,491 tons; 70 sloops, total tonnage 1,672 tons; and 55 smaller boats, tonnage not given, making a total of 176 vessels, with a total tonnage of 4,917 tons, exclusive of the 55 smaller boats. The club list issued in May, 188^, shows the condition of the club at that time. Since then the membership has been increased to 597, and from 20 to 25 new vessels, ranging from 20 to 300 tons, and having a larger average tonnage than the vessels on the May list, have been added. The total value of the vessels belonging to the club is estimated, from the known values of several of the vessels, at from $3,500,000 to $4,000,000. A large number of the residents of Larchmont are members of the club and yacht owners. Their yachts are usually anchored in the harbor during the summer season (May 1 to October 15). The other yachts belonging to the club use the harbor for a considerable part of the season. In addition, a great many yachts belonging to other clubs use the harbor. Their number is estimated at about one-half the number be- longing to the Larchmont Club. At the time of my visit, September 19, there were 1 steam-yachts, tonnage 260; 3 schooners, tonnage 142 ; 19 sloops, tonnage could not be obtained; 1 steam-launch, 2 naphtha-launches, aud 6 cat-boats in the harbor, with a total value of $465,000. On September 1 (the day of a regatta), I counted in the harbor 5 steam-yachts, tonnage 592; 9 schooners, tonnage 421 ; 42 sloops, tonnage of 3,125; 2 tugs, 1 of 100 tons; 4 steam-launches, 1 of 9 feet draught ; 3 naphtha-launches and about 20 cat-boats. The number given above for September 19 is only about half that using the harbor daily in July and August. On the night of July 3, 1887, 4 LAKCHMONT HARBOR, NEW YORK. 124 cabin boats (exclusive of smaller) anchored in the harbor in readiness for the re- gatta of July 4; and on July 3, 1888, the number was considerably greater. At such times (6 to 10 days each season) the harbor is greatly overcrowded. The yachts using the harbor frequently have to enter it after dark, on account of being becalmed, or other reasons. The rocks at the entrance are then very dauger- ous. The rather light construction of the yachts increases this danger, and their comparatively great value renders the wreck of one of the more valuable ones a serious loss. It is said that within the past season from 100 to 200 commercial vessels have used the harbor for refuge from winds from west to northeast. This is a decided increase over previous vears, and is due to the harbor being better known and its obstructions more thoroughly buoyed. PROSPECTIVE COMMERCE. The increase in the club's membership and in the number of yachts belonging to it has been very rapid. This increase will probably continue. The proportional in- crease in tonnage has been still greater, and it is expected that mosfc of the largest yachts on the North Atlantic coast will soon be on the club's list. The finest yacht club-house in the country, it is said, has been erected here during the past year, at a cost of over .$100,000, and grounds covering several acres and having a large water front have been bought and finely improved by the club. These added attractions have largely increased the use of the harbor by yachts during the past season, and a continued increase may be looked for. A ship-yard and marine railway for the re- pair of yachts and other vessels is to be established on the west side of the harbor. It is thought that the harbor would be considerably used as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels if the obstructions at its mouth were removed. The improvement of the harbor would increase its use by the large yachting fleet of Long Island Sound and New York Harbor, and would relieve the anchorage ground of commercial har- bors, where the anchoring of yachts often seriously interferes with commerce. New Rochelle Harbor, City Island Roads, and parts of New York Bay are much obstructed in this way, and collisions often result from it. DESIRED IMPROVEMENT. The removal of Huron Rock to 15 feet at mean low water, and of Umbrella Rock preferably to 15 feet, though its removal to 12 feet would give substantial relief, as there were on the list of last May only six vessels belonging to the club drawing 12 feet or over, is desired. To remove Huron Rock to 15 feet would require the removal approximately of 225 cubic yards of rock measured in place, which, at $25 per cubic yard, would cost $5,025. To remove Umbrella Rock to 15 feet would require approximately the removal of 2,500 cubic yards of rock, which, at §25 per cubic yard, would cost $62,500. Adding $9,875 (about 15 per cent ) for engineering and contingencies, would make a total of $78,000. If Umbrella Rock were removed to 12 feet the cost of its removal would be reduced about one-half, and the total cost of the improvement would be about $42,500. The rock taken out can be deposited in the upper part of the harbor, where it is de- sired to form a breakwater. Before a close estimate could be made, a careful survey would be necessary. I should estimate its cost at $(500. I am indebted to Messrs. G. C. W. Lowrey, E. L. Bushe, and others, of the Larch- mout Yacht Club, for information and facilities for making the examination. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, James C. Sanford, J-irst Lieut, of Engineers. Col. D. C. Houston, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. survey of larciimont harbor, new york. Engineer Office, United States Army, Neio York, November 26, 1889. General : I Lave the honor to pubmit the following report on survey of Larch m on t Harbor, Long Island Sound, New York, made iu pursuance of the river and harbor act of August 11, 1888. I would refer to my preliminary report, dated November 28, 1888, for information as to the amount of commerce and navigation to be bene- LARCHMONT HARBOR, NEW YORK. 5 fited by tlie improvement of this harbor. The entrance to t lie harbor is obstructed by two rocks, shown on the accompanying tracing, known as Umbrella and Huron rocks. When the preliminary examination was made it was understood to be the desire of those interested in the harbor to have these rocks removed, and a detailed survey was made in August-September, 1889, by Mr. Henry X. Babcock, assistant engineer, for the purpose of making an accurate estimate. I transmit his report, which includes a survey of other obstructions and an alternate project for breakwaters. This latter does not at present meet the approval of those interested, but is submitted for consideration. The quantity of rock to be removed above the plane of 15 feet below mean low water is — for Umbrella Rock, 3,329 cubic yards ; for Huron Rock, 336 cubic yards; total, 3,(5(35 cubic yards. The estimated cost of removing this amount, including contingent expenses, is $12(>,0>()0. The rock removed should be deposited on the northerly end of Hen and Chickens Reef, in depth of 14 or 15 feet, to form a breakwater or beacon to clearly mark the location of the reef and the entrance to Larchmont Harbor. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. O. Houston, Colonel of Engineers. The Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. report of mr. henry n. babcock, assistant engineer. Engineer Office United States Army, New York, November 21, 1889. Colonel : I have the honor to submit the following report upon a survey of Larch- mont Harbor, l#e\v York, made under your direction in August-September, 1889. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HARBOR AND STATEMENT OF PRESENT AND PROSPECTIVE COMMERCE. These are given in sufficient detail and accuracy in your report on the preliminary examination of Larchmont Harbor (with Lieutenant Sanford's report as inclosure) dated November 28, 1888 (see Letters Sent— examinations and surveys, pages 204-210). The name of the harbor is changed from Delancy Cove to Larchmont Harbor on the last Coast Survey chart. No material changes have taken place in present or pros- pective commerce since the date of that report. SURVEY AND MAP. In your report upon the preliminary examination you stated that no general sur- vey of the harbor was needed, as the Coast Survey chart was very complete, but a letailed survey of the rocks was necessary to ascertain the exact amount of material to be removed. However, part of the time the water was too rough to work on the rocks, and during that time a partial survey of the harbor was made in order to show the relation of the rocks to the channels and anchorage ground. Umbrella Rock was surveyed by driving four stakes around it aud stretching lines across, taking soundings at 5-foot intervals. One of these stakes was run down by a schooner soon after setting, and was replaced. After the work of sounding was nearly finished sea- weed collected on the linos to such an extent that they could not be stretched tight, and the rest of the rock was covered with soundings located by transits on shore. Huron Rock was also surveyed by angles taken to each sounding, as the bottom thriv was too hard to drive stakes. Besides, there are two ledges inside the harbor which were surveyed, as verbally directed by you. Soundings on these ledges were also located by intersecting angles. I could not find any local name applied to these ledges, so have designated them on the map as North Ledge aud South Ledge ; each is marked by two spindles, oue near the upper and one near the lower end. Mean low-water plane was determined by leveling to connect the tide-gauge with the bench-mark at New Rochelle Harbor. 6 LAKCHMONT HARBOR, NEW YORK. The general map of the harbor is platted to a scale of 200 feet to the inch, and de tailed maps of the rocks on the same sheet to a scale of 20 feet to the inch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ROCKS. Umbrella Rock is about 800 feet southeast from Umbrella Point, from which it is separated by a channel over 16 feet deep quite up to the shore, with bottom of soft mud. The rock is entirely surrounded by mud so soft that in places it is difficult to tell whether the sounding passes through mud or not before reaching the rock. Um- brella Rock has two summits, one wit h a least depth of 3.1 feet, the other with least depth of 3.9 feet, and having a gap about 10 feet deep between them. The surface of the rock is quite ragged. The least bottom depth around tne rock is 15 feet. Following are the areas of contours 3 feet apart ou this rock and the volume of rock in place above such contours : Area of. Volume above. Square yards. 209 800 1, 394 1,997 Cubic yards. 55 550 1,(557 3,329 Showing that the average depth of rock is above the 12-foot curve 3.6 feet, above the 15-foot curve 5.0 feet. Huron Rock is about 900 feet southwest from Flagler's Point, to which it is con- nected by a gradually sloping bottom with maximum depth of 15 feet, the bottom being hard sand with many out- croppiugs of rock, probably bowlders. The channel between the rock and sbore is safe only for light-draugbt vessels. Huron Rock is apparently a ledge, with least depth of 9.8 feet, while the least depth of the surrounding bottom is 15 feet. Following are the areas of contours 3 feet apart, with the volumes of rock in place above each : Area of. Volume above. 9-foot contour Square yards. 148 495 Cubic yards. 42 336 Showing that the average depth of rock is above the 12-foot curve 1.2 feet, above the 15-foot curve 2.0 feet. North Ledge lies near the west side of the harbor, about 1,700 feet north of Umbrella Rock: it is separated from the west shore by a channel of 10 feet depth (except at the north end, where the depth is 9 feet), with muddy bottom, but this channel is very little used. The rock is continuous, but has three crests rising above low- water mark, with elevations-|-0.7,-|-01.0,-f2.4, and depths of 4 feet or over be- tween. The rock is quite ragged and irregular. Following are the areas of certaiu contours and volume of rock in place above each: Area of. Volume above. Square yards. 74 1, 304 2, 602 Cubic ya rds. 22 1, 080 3 024 Showing that the average depth of rock is above the 6-foot curve 2.5 feet ; above the 9-foot curve 3.5 feet. South Ledge also lies near the west side of and near the mouth of the harbor ; be, tween it and the west shore there is a channel of LI tcet depth, with soft mud bottom- but the channel is out of the way and but little used. The rock is in two parts separated by a channel 10 feet deep and about 25 feet wide. The north part rises to 4.1 feet above low water and the south part to 1.0 foot above. LARCHMONT HARBOR, NEW YORK. 7 Following are the areas of certain contours for both parts of this ledge together, with volumes of rock iu place above those contours: Area of. Volume above. Square yards. 151 791 1, 205 1, 553 Cubic yards. 53 851) 1,864 2, 773 Showing that the average depth of rock is above the G-foot curve 3.2 feet; above the 9-foot curve 4.G feet ; above the 11-foot curve 5.3 feet. DESIRED IMPROVEMENT. At the time of the survey I spoke with several members of tho Larchmont Yacht Club, who are the parties chiefly interested ; what they wished was the removal of Umbrella and Huron rocks. They would also like to have the North Ledge removed, but did* not think they would ask the United Stales to undertake that now. At some subsequent time they said that they meant to ask the Government to build a break- water off Flagler's Point and perhaps another off the m6uth oft he harbor, to improve their anchorage-ground. I suggested to them that removiug rocks was expensive work, and that if the breakwater could be arranged to cover the rocks, it would not be necessary to remove them. I made rough estimates from the Coast Survey charts of the probable cost of breakwaters from each side of the mouth of the harbor, one to extend to and cover Huron rock, the other to extend to and cover Umbrella Rock, and the general opinion seemed to be that, as the cost would not (apparently) exceed that of removing the rocks, it would be the better plan to adopt ; and they wished an opportunity to consider it further when the map was platted and definite estimates could be made. Tho members of the club whom I spoke with were chiefly, Commo- dore Lowry, Vice-Commodore Allie, Treasurer Bushe, and Messrs. Coats and Murray of executive committee. From your recent letter from Commodore Lowry, I under stand that the project for breakwaters is definitely abandoned, but, as directed by you, I submit herewith estimates both for removal of rocks aud for breakwaters. 9 ESTIMATES OP COST. On account of the exposed position of Umbrella and Huron rocks I do not think it would be safe to estimate the cost of their removal at less than $30 per yard, with 15 per cent, allowed for contingencies ; though if the work could all be done under one contract it might be accomplished for less. North and South ledges are more sheltered and would have to be excavated to less depth, and a fair price for them would be $25 per yard. To remove Umbrella Rock to 12 feet, while tho depth around it is 15 feet, would probably bo unsatisfactory, and efforts would subsequently be made to have it taken out to 15 feet depth ; it would be much more economical to take it out to 15 feet depth at first. Umbrella Rock, removing to 12 feet depth, 1,657 cubic yards at $30 $49, 710 Add about 15 per cent, for contingencies 7,290 Total . 57,000 Umbrella Rock, removing to 15 feet depth, 3,329 cubic yards at $30 99, 870 Add about 15 per cent, for contingencies 15, 130 Total 115,000 Huron Rock, removing to 15 feet depth, 33G cubic yards at $30 10, 080 Add about 15 per cent, for contingencies 1,520 Total 11,000 North Ledge, removing to 9 feet depth, 3,024 cubic yards at $25 75, GOO Add about 15 per cent, for contingencies 11,400 Total 87, 000 South Ledge, removing to 11 feet depth, 2,773 cubic yards at $25 G9, 325 Add about 15 per cent, for contingencies 10, 375 Total 79, 700 8 LARCHMONT HARBOR, NEW YORK. Omitting North and South ledges, whose removal is not asked for, the cost of re- moving Umbrella and Huron rocks to 15 feet depth would be $115,000 + $11,000= $120,600. Or of removing Huron to 15 feet and Umbrella to 12 feet, $57,000 -f $11,600= 168,600. BREAKWATERS. Breakwaters in this position should be about 5 feet wide on top and built to 10 feet above low water (2% feet above high water), with side slopes of one on one. Such a breakwater to cover Huron Rock would be 930 feet long; the bottom is very hard and little or nothing need be allowed for settling. It would contain 2:3,0* '0 tons of riprap. Such a breakwater to cover Umbrella Rock would be 800 feet long ; the bottom is quite soft, and 4 feet average should be allowed for settling. It would contain 42,000 tons of riprap. Judging from prices obtained at David's Island sea-wall, riprap ought to be pur- chased for these breakwaters at $1.10 per ton ; the depth is ample for any vessels, ex- cept at the shore ends and on the top of Umbrella Rock, and there is a harbor close at hand. It is not probable, however, that such rates could bo obtained, and for purposes of this estimate the cost is placed at $1.40 per ton. Cost of Huron Breakwater would be 23,000 tons of riprap at $1.40 $32,200 Add about 15 per cent, for contingencies 4,800 Total 37,000 Cost of Umbrella Breakwater would be 42,000 tons of riprap at $1.40 58, 800 Add about 15 per cent, for contingencies 9, 200 Total 08, 000 or total costfsr both breakwaters $68,000 + $:i~,000=$105,000. The clear opening between these breakwaters would be 930 feet, with depth of over 15 feet, or greater than obtains iu the harbor abovo. SUMMARY. There are certain advantages which the plan for breakwaters would have over the one for reraovingthe rocks, and which I take the liberty of suggesting ; some of them you would notice at once, others depend more or less on the nature and use of this particular harbor, and are apparent only on the ground or upon consideration of the map. (1) The channels east of Huron Rock and west of Umbrella Rock are seldom used ; during six days that I was at Larchmont I saw many vessels enter and go out, and do not remember one to have used those channels. The channel between the rocks is nearly as direct in any case : it is over 900 feet wide, and would amply accommo- date all vessels using the harbor. (2) The harbor is not secure enough in case of easterly gales; for three days during the survey a strong northeast wind was blowing and vessels had to go well up the harbor into shoal water. The harbor is more exposed to east and southeast galea than to northeast. The fact that certain members of the yacht club had considered the need of a breakwater shows that the harbor is not always secure. (3) I was told that at some seasons of the year quite a number of oyster and lishing boats run in there for the night or for shelter during storms; they would not be materially interested in having the rocks removed, but would be in having the safety of the harbor improved. (4) These breakwaters would secure a shelter from storms of from 30 to 90 acres area, according to direction of storms. (5) Besides the evident economy, as appears in the estimates, it is impossible to tell in advance what submarine rock removal will cost, if let by contract ; if done, under successive small appropriations the cost might be considerably above the estimate. A proper price for riprap can be much more readily ascertained, and if it were pur- chased at a favorable time, and excavation stone from New York City were accepted, the price might bo much lower than the estimated cost per ton. Respectfully submitted. Henry N. Babcock Assistan t Engineer, Col. D. C. Houston, Corps of Engineers. O