31st Congress, 
 Session. 
 
 [SENATE.] 
 
 Miscellaneous, 
 No. 12. 
 
 MEMORIAL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE CITY OF MW YORK, 
 
 PRATING 
 
 Por the removed of obstructions to navigation at Hell Gate^ and in the 
 
 Imrhor of New York. 
 
 December 2T, 1849. 
 
 Referred to the Committee on Comntierce. 
 
 December 31, 1849. 
 
 Ordered to be printed. 
 
 To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
 
 States in Congress assembled : / 
 
 The memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of New York 
 Respectfully represents : 
 
 That the natural advantages and favorable position of New York neces- 
 sarily constitute this port the great mart of commerce, as well as the 
 common centre for the trade of the Union. The vast increase in this 
 trade, and the constant augmentation in the number of vessels, both great and 
 small, that require the use of the waters of this harbor, would seem to 
 present a strong claim to the favorable consideration of Congress for the 
 requisite appropriation to remove those obstructions that interfere with the 
 convenience and security of that extended navigation, in which all classes 
 and all interests are directly or indirectly concerned. 
 
 The outlet to the ocean by way of the East river and the passage of 
 Hurl Gate, is probably required and used by as great a number of vessels 
 of all descriptions — though mostly, at present, of moderate size — as that 
 of almost any other in the world; yet do the dangers of that passage re- 
 main a standing reproach to the enterprise and improvement of the age. 
 A moderate expenditure would remove the difficulty, by blowing up the 
 rocks that obstruct the channel, and thus make that hitherto dange:'-ous 
 strait not only safe for the myriads of schooners, sloops, and steamers that 
 are now daily compelled, when waiting for the tide, to encounter the de- 
 lay and risk occasioned by the intricacy of the channel, but that entrance 
 might be made entirel}^ secure for merchant ships of any draught, as well 
 as for ships of war of the largest class. 
 
 The opening of that channel would also afford to our public marine 
 the important advantage to be derived from the cove, or harbor, at Thiog's 
 
enabled to take advantage of an outlet to the ocean either by way of 
 Sandy Hook or of Long Island sound. 
 
 The rocks in our harbor that require removal consist of those at or near 
 Hurl Gate, and those off the battery, with Diamond reef" and Prince's 
 reef;" most, if not all of which, as the Chamber is advised, have been 
 surveyed by the coast service, whose scientific labors have been produc- 
 tive of so much benefit to the commercial interests of the country. 
 
 In order to show more plainly the dangers to which our navigation is 
 exposed by these obstructions, the Chamber respectfully craves the refer- 
 ence of your honorable body to the annexed chart, on which is laid 
 down the exact position of the three reefs alluded to, by which it will be 
 seen that the distance in a straight line from Diamond to Prince's reef is 
 only 1,600 feet, and the passage between them is the ordinary channel 
 through which eJI ships must pass when going in or out of the East river, 
 the principal basin of our harbor. 
 
 The Chamber would also beg leave to represent, that the services of a 
 steam cutter, of approved model and great power and speed, is often re- 
 quired, particularly during the winter, to give aid and succor to vessels in 
 distress ofi" our coast, and occasionally to render them assistance when 
 ashore near the entrance of our harbor. . 
 
 An appropriation is accordingly earnestly and respectfully solicited, 
 sufficient for the accomplishment of these objects, so absolutely necessary 
 for the security of our marine, and so essential to the prosecution of our 
 increasing commerce, the success of which is indissolubly connected with 
 the general prosperity of the country. 
 
 At a regular meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, held this day, the 
 foregoing memorial — which was submitted by a select committee previ- 
 ously charged with the consideration of the subjects therein embraced — 
 was unanimously adopted as the sense of this Chamber, and ordered to 
 be transmitted to both houses of Congress. » 
 
 Extract from the minutes. 
 
 Chamber of Commerce, 
 NeiD York, December 4, 1849. 
 
 M. H. GRINNELL, President. 
 
 Attest : 
 M. Maury, SsQretary. 
 
3 
 
 [ 12] 
 
 HURL GATE CHANNEL. 
 
 Report made by Lieutenant Commanding C. H. Davis, of survey of 
 Hurl Gate channel, and communicated to the Chamber of Commerce 
 of the city of New York by Professor A. D. Bache, Superintendent of 
 the Coast Survey^ and by that body forxcardcd to Congress, and printed 
 by order of the House of Representatives, March 14_, 1848. 
 
 Office OP THE Coast Survey, 
 Washington, February 16, 1848. 
 
 Dear Sir : In compliance with your instructions, I have made an ex- 
 amination of the Hurl Gate passage, for the purpose of verifying — as far 
 as the season and the short time would allow — the records of this office, 
 and of inquiring into the best means of improving this important 
 channel. 
 
 That it is very desirable to make such improvements as will lessen or 
 altogether remove the hazard attending the ordinaiy navigation of Hurl 
 Gate, will not be disputed, when it is remembered that a veiy large pro- 
 portion of the vast fleet of coasting vessels that go to New York and up 
 the North river pass by this route, and that it is the hourly resort of steam- 
 boats crowded with passengers, and carrying the most precious freights. 
 
 Of the sailing vessels that enter the Hurl Gate passage, it is estimated 
 that one in fifty sustains more or less injury, by being forced by the vio- 
 lence of the currents on the rocks or shoals, and the accident to the Ore- 
 gon, which nearly proved fatal to her passengers, shows that even steam- 
 boats, with a motive power that keeps them under perfect control, and 
 guided by the most experienced pilots, are not secure from peril. 
 
 Such an improvement in the channels of Hurl Gate as would render 
 them navigable to vessels of all classes under common circumstances, 
 would supply to the commerce of New York a new outlet to the sea; one 
 in a different direction from the harbor channels, and available when those 
 were temporarily closed by adverse winds or other causes, and would, 
 therefore, be a permanent and valuable resource both for those vessels 
 outward bound and for those returning home. 
 
 But a- still more serious consideration is that of the increased facilities 
 for naval defence which this improvement would afford. In the event of 
 a rupture with a naval power, there can be no doubt that the attempt in 
 the last war to ravage the shores of Long Island sound, and to prey upon 
 its domestic commerce, will be repeated. The means of resisting or pre- 
 venting such hostilities must be drawn chiefly from New York; and if 
 the Hurl Gate passage be made secure, not only our largest men-of-war, 
 but our steamboats of a superior class, which on such occasions would 
 be armed for the purpose of defence, would be at once enabled to hasten 
 to the scene of danger. 
 
 The steamboats are now constantly passing through Hurl Gate; but the 
 difficulties of the passage would to them be seriously increased if they 
 were pressed down by a naval armament and equipped for action. 
 
 During the war with Great Britain our frigates were blockaded in the 
 harbor of NeAV York, which could not have been the case if the Hurl Gate 
 passage had been open. Commodore Decatur venttired to carry his 
 squadron through, but with such risk that the attempt with a frigate was 
 
[12] 
 
 4 
 
 only made once afterwards; notwithstanding th6 constantly reclirring ne- 
 cessity. 
 
 The removal, therefore, of the obstrtictions to the safe navigation of 
 Hurl Gate, is recommended by a regard to the future naval defences of the 
 country. 
 
 The dangers in this channel arise from the great strength of the cur- 
 rent, and the number and positions of the rocks and reefs. The strength 
 of the current is such, that sailing vessels can only stem its force or es- 
 cape from it by a commanding breeze ; but as the main course of the flood 
 tide keeps the middle of the eastern channel, it is most secure for vessels 
 "which are coming from the westward with the tide to place themselves in 
 the centre of the stream, and follow its direction. They are thus carried 
 through in safety. This plan, however, is inadmissible for any but small 
 vessels, on account of two rocks, the ^^Pot," and the Frying-pan," 
 which lie in or very near the mid-channel, are in the way both going 
 to the eastward and westward, and have but little water on them at low 
 tide. There is also a reef, called Way's reef," which lies in the course 
 followed ty the steamboats principally, when coming from the eastward 
 against a strong flood. It is their custom to keep close around Pot cove, 
 and run up under Hallet's point; by so doing they avoid the strength of the 
 flood. In this part they find an eddy current in their favor. 
 
 But in the ebb, the greatest danger arises from the divergence of the 
 current at a point marked (A) on the sketch, where the ebb tide branches 
 ofi" into three directions, to take the course of the three channels — the 
 main south channel, the middle channel, and the eastern channel. 
 
 The safe navigation depends here upon deciding sufliciently soon at 
 the point of separation which channel shall be taken; and the neglect to 
 do this, or a loss of control over the vessel for any reason^ frequently re- 
 sults in being carried on the Gridiron." 
 
 When a vessel that has attempted the eastern channel finds herself car- 
 ried towards the Gridiron," her only chance for safety is to run for the 
 middle channel, which is narrow, and made precarious by the middle 
 reef, the outer rock of which is the Negro Head." 
 
 The Gridiron" is — owing to the strong set of tide On it — the most 
 dangerous reef in the passage. 
 
 The reef known as the ^'^ Bread-and-Cheese," on the eastern end of 
 Blackwell's island, is also very dangerous. Vessels are liable to go on it 
 on the flood when it is covered, by getting into the eddy near it, with a 
 light wind. The chief danger is on the ebb, and from the same cause as 
 that which makes the Gridiron" dangerous; that is, the strong set of tide 
 in that direction. 
 
 These, then, are the principal dangers; and I recommend that the fol- 
 lowing measures be adopted for their removal and correction : 
 
 1st. That ^^Pot rock," the Frying-pan," and Way's reef," be 
 blasted and scattered. The two former are single rocks, of a pointed 
 shape; the latter is long, and has the character of a ledge. (The rocks 
 ha\ing deep water around them could be easily removed.) And also, 
 that the middle reef be blasted so as to make a clean channel of suflicient 
 depth for common vessels and steamboats between Flood" and '■^ Little 
 Mill" rocks. 
 
 2d. That piers be built upon the Hog's Back," Gridiron," and the 
 Bread-and-Cheese/' of stone, sufficiendy high to show above the sur- 
 
[12] 
 
 face of the \V^ater at high tide, at least four feet. That these piers be 
 faced with wood, and be provided with the spring fenders used at the 
 steamboat ferries, and that their forms should correspond to the natural 
 shape of the reef; by which means, vessels coming in contact with them 
 would be guided into the channel-ways. 
 
 To blow up and scatter the large masses of rock composing the Grid- 
 iron," without destroying the middle channel, which has only twenty- 
 two feet of water in it at that point, would hardly be possible. But if the 
 " Gridiron" were removed, the rock out of water (that is, Flood rock") 
 would be equally or nearly as dangerous. The tide would set on that 
 with the same violence and certainty. 
 
 The same objections will apply to an attempt to remove the Bread- 
 and- Cheese." And in regard to this and Hog's Back," the shoal water 
 around them would make it necessary to repeat the blasting an indefinite 
 number of times. 
 
 Something has been said of removing and scattering all the rocks in 
 Hurl Gate — those out of water as Avell as those under water; but it ap- 
 pears to me that this proposition is best answered by asking where the 
 materials are to go? Unless carried off, they must obstruct the neighbor- 
 ing channels, and the process of blasting would never be completed. 
 
 By the piers which I propose, the directions of the currents would be 
 made more certain and confined, and when they pass over deep water 
 they may be safely trusted. Tides woUld rebound from the piers, and in 
 most instances prevent vessels from striking against them. And 
 again, if vessels were carried on, they would be prevented from receiving 
 any injury by the spring fenders, and would have an opportunity, by 
 throwing a line around a spile, either to swing the vessel or lie by, as 
 might be most convenient. 
 
 There are several single rocks, less important, and near the shore, 
 which might easily be removed; one, for instance, off the Negro point, 
 and one near the south ferry^ 
 
 Until this passage is improved, by the removal of the present serious 
 impediments to its safe navigation, I recommend that the following buoys 
 be placed : 
 
 One on Way's reef." I have already mentioned that steamboats 
 coming from the eastward on the flood, pass inside of Way's reef," 
 where an eddy tide is found setting towards Hallet's point. This eddy, 
 produced by the whirls of the Pot," rebounds from the shore and sets 
 on to Way's reef," where it is met by one of the direct whirls of the 
 
 Pot." By this conflict of tides, two straight currents are produced that 
 run side by side over the reef; the outer one southerly, or flood, the inner 
 one northerly, or counter to the direction of the main body of the tide. 
 
 One on Hog's Back." Vessels intending to take the main ship 
 channel on the ebb (which is the best way) are in danger, if they give 
 Hog's Back too wide a berth on going on Mill reef," of being forced to 
 run the middle channel; which is only safe to those who are very well 
 acquainted with the ground. A buoy would enable a vessel to keep near 
 
 Hog's Back," and avoid this danger. 
 
 One on Rylander's reef." This reef is dangerously situated, on ac- 
 count of the deep water around it, and is not well known, 
 
 I will also recommend a small light on Great Mill Rock," which will 
 enable vessels to pass through Hurl Gate at night. It would be the proper 
 
[12] 
 
 B 
 
 guide for hauling round Negro point coming from the eastward ^^nd for 
 hauhng to the southward coming from the westward, after passing Hal- 
 let's point. 
 
 The character of the rocks in Hurl Gate is such that they could be 
 easily removed by blasting. The strata are chiefly in a horizontal direc- 
 tion, and are open. This opinion is formed from the appearance of the 
 rocks above water. 
 
 I have the honor, &c., &c., 
 
 CHARLES HENRY DAVIS, 
 Lieutenant concmanding U. S. Navy, 
 
 Assistant Coast Survey, 
 
 A. D. r*ACHE, L. L. D., 
 
 Siipt. U. S. Coast Survey, Washington. 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Commanding David D. Porter, of the survey of 
 Hurl Gate, made October 30, 1848, and communicated by Professor 
 A. D. Br-'che, Superintendent of the Coast Survey, to Eben Meriam, 
 for the use of the Chamber of Commerce of the City of Neio York. 
 
 United States Schooner Petrel^ 
 
 New York, October 30, 1848. 
 
 Sir : I have been called upon several times lately, by persons from 
 New York, asking for information respecting the rocks and other dangers 
 about Hell Gate, which information I declined giving, and informed them 
 that the proper method of obtaining it was through the Superintendent of 
 the Coast Survey. The Chamber of Commerce meets in a short time in 
 this city, for the purpose of taking measures relative to clearing away the 
 obstructions of Hell Gate, and at the request of the gentlemen who seem 
 interested in the matter, I lay before you the information I have collected 
 while sounding out the place. 
 
 It was my intention to have made you a full report on the subject, but 
 a copy of the report of Lieutenant Charles H. Davis, on Hell Gate, was 
 sent to me to-day, and I find it so full and correct in all its details, that 
 I could say but little more without incurring the charge of plagiarism; in 
 fact, the opinions expressed by Lieutenant Davis coincide with those I 
 had formed previous to reading his report; and it only remains for me to 
 point out the dangers I have noticed while surveying here, and which 
 have escaped his attention. I have also had a better opportunity of meas- 
 uring the size and shape of the rocks than he had, and herewith give a 
 description of them. 
 
 The first in order, and the principal obstruction in Hell Gate, is Pot 
 rock," on Avhich I found eight feet of water at the lowest tides. The 
 average depth, however, is about ten feet. The lowest depth is. only to 
 be found iii one place about six feet square ; it deepens to fourteen feet on 
 the east and west sides, and suddenly to four fathoms on the north and 
 south. The strata of the rock are vertical, running north and south, 
 which is the case with every rock in the Gate; and this would render the 
 task of blowing them up much easier than if horizontal. At half tides, 
 the depth of water does not increase on Pot rock," as there is 
 at least a fall of four feet, and a vessel drawing over eight feet must strike 
 
7 
 
 [ 12J 
 
 upon it. A full-rigged brig struck it three days since , and went down 
 with a valuable cargo on board. This obstruction once removed^ Hell 
 Gate would be less dangerous by one half, and the eddies^ which are now 
 the cause of half the difficulties, would in a measure disappear. 
 
 Way's reef/' to the southward of Pot rock," is divided into two 
 parts — one a conical rock, with five feet on it, and the other a flat bed of 
 rocks, about ten feet square, with fourteen feet of water, and twenty yards 
 to the north of the former. The five feet rock lies on the edge of the 
 eddy, and I found, by experiment, that a buoy sunk eight feet deep, and 
 let go in mid-channel above the north entrance, drifted directly over 
 
 Way 's reef." This was with a light breeze from the rorthwest. I 
 kept a buoy on this place while sounding. It watched generally, and 
 almost always with the tide flood. Since I removed it, one A'essel has 
 struck on the reef. I would recommend that a buoy, in the shape of a 
 boat, be placed upon it until it is removed. 
 
 There is a dangerous rock, called ^^Bald-headed Billy," fifteen yards 
 from Hatter's dock, which is dry at low water, and brings up" a num- 
 ber of vessels at high water. Three vessels struck upon this rock while 
 I was at Hell Gate; one we got off with some difficulty — another lost bow- 
 sprit, anchors, and chains. It is a single rock, six feet square, and could 
 be floated into deep water without much difficulty. Opposite Gib'>s's 
 point, and within fifty yards of Blackwell's island, is a large rock, which 
 I have called '^^Blackwell's rock." The current sets directly upon it 
 with the liood tide, and it is a most dangerous obstruction. It is six feet 
 out of water at low tide, and could be removed at small expense. 
 
 The Frying-pan" rock is a ledge fifteen feet long, and only six inches 
 wide at the top. It runs north and south, and is a part of the chain of 
 rocks which run from Hog's Back" to Hallet's point. A buoy let go 
 in mid-channel, at half-ebb, drifted directly over the Frying-pan" with 
 a light northwest wind. It is at this point where the currents divide, 
 taking the directions of the main and middle channels. This rock re- 
 moved, vessels would always drift through the main ship channel. The 
 difficulties of removing it would be much greater than any other rock in 
 the Gate, as it is so diificult to hit upon it. 
 
 There is a small rock, though a very dangerous one, to the southward 
 of Woolsey's bath-house. It extends about fifty yards out into the chan- 
 nel, and is connected with the shore line at low water. There is three 
 feet of water on it at high tides. On the first of the flood, a buoy let go 
 opposite Gibbs's point, (the southern approach to Hell Gate,) drifted 
 around Hallet's point, between Pot rock" and Way's reef," along the 
 edge of the eddies, and over the above mentioned rock into Pot cove." 
 This happens to a great many vessels, and but for this dangerous ob- 
 struction, they would drift into a safe harbor. _ This rock could be re- 
 moved in one or two low tides. 
 
 I find that '^Rylander's reef" extends much further into the channel 
 than is shown by former charts. I found six feet of water on the outer 
 point of it. Nothing can be done with this large bed of rocks but 
 to erect a stone beacon on the shoalest part. This will save many a 
 vessel. 
 
 Hallet's point I should recommend, by all means, to be removed. It is 
 the most accessible obstruction in Hell Gate, and could be worked at four 
 or five hours each day. At flood tide it causes the eddies in Pot cove/' 
 
[12] 
 
 8 
 
 and on the ebb tide the eddies in East channel. Vessels, standing too 
 close to the point on ebb tide, are apt to be caught in these eddies and 
 thrown on shore opposite Steven's fortj and vessels passing at high water, 
 when the point is entirely hid, are apt to strike upon it. It extends forty 
 yards into the channel, and has eighteen feet of water at its uttermost 
 point. 
 
 If any attempt is made to carry out the recommendations that have 
 been frequently offered, relative to clearing away rocks in Hell Gate, I 
 would suggest a close examination of the shore line at low water. Many 
 rocks will be found to exist of a dangerous character, and they have at dif- 
 ferent times done much damage to vessels of lighter draught. One point I 
 would recommend for removal is Scaly rock," and close to it Shell 
 rock" — ^both dangerous at high water, from the fact of their extending so 
 far into the channel. 
 
 Two vessels have gone on shore, while I have been at work here, on a 
 point called Ravensworth reef," to the southward of Gibbs's point. Both 
 vessels bilged, and were nearly ruined. I would, recommend a buoy to 
 be placed upon it, as it will be difficult to remove. 
 
 The suggestions made by Lieutenant Davis, about building docks 
 above some of the reefs, I approve of in their fullest extent. I do not 
 think, however, it will be found easy to make a channel by blasting 
 through the middle reef, and would suggest that it be entirely filled in 
 with docks and spring fenders. 
 
 Bread-and-Cheese," as it now stands, is one of the most troublesome 
 points to avoid in Hell Gate. Heretofore it has had nothing on it to indi- 
 cate the danger at high water. At low water it shows its entire shape 
 and size. I placed a large pole on the outer point. It is so firmly fixed 
 that it will remain there until cut away by the ice. I have been assured 
 the pole has, no doubt, prevented many vessels from running on the 
 point; and I Avould recommend strongly, that an iron spindle be placed 
 firmly upon the same spot, until such measures are taken to dock it in. 
 Moreover, I think it advisable to close up a small eight feet channel be- 
 tween Bread-and- Cheese" and Blackwell's point, as it is the cause of 
 the most dangerous eddies. After this is done, a beacon, to be lighted 
 up at night, should be placed upon the outer point, and would, in con- 
 nexion with a light on Mill rock," be of great advantage to commerce. 
 At present there is not a single light from New York to Throg's point, 
 where there should be at least six. 
 
 In a place where the interests of so many are at stake, the want of at- 
 tention to the navigation of Hell Gate appears like culpable neglect. No 
 one can form an idea of the number of vessels that go on shore during 
 the course of a month ; eighteen* went on shore during the period I was 
 occupied there, (two months,) and many of them wej:e very much in- 
 jured. I am convinced that if proper measures were taken to protect the 
 commercial interests of this great city, by blasting the rocks mentioned 
 above, and docking it as proposed by Lieutenant Davis, not one vessel 
 would be lost in five years. 
 
 I believe I have mentioned all the prominent dangers; the minor ones 
 
 ♦Lieutenant Commanding Porter, in a letter to Eben Meriam, dated Washington City, November 
 17, 1848, says : " 1 have stated in my report that eighteen vessels went on shore during the 
 time I was employed there. I beg leave to correct this, and eay, that the number was nearer 
 fifty." 
 
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 [12] 
 
 tvill be apparent to those who make any examination of Hell Gate pre- 
 vious to undertaking the work. I have pui-posely omitted those points 
 touched upon by Lieutenant Davis, as he has said all that is required. 
 I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 DAVID D. PORTER, 
 Lieutenant Commanding. 
 
 A. D. Bache, Esq., 
 
 Supt. of Coast Survey, Washington city. 
 
 Letter from Lieute?iant David D. Porter, U. S. Nam/, to Ebe7i Meriam, 
 in relation to improve?nent of the chaiinel of Hell Gate, and the 
 removal of the rocks in the harbor of New York. 
 
 Washington City, Nov. 14, 1848. 
 
 Sir : I received youT letter of November 9, enclosing me instructions 
 from the Superintendent to afford you information relative to removing 
 the obstructions in Hell Gate. 
 
 I made my report to the Superintendent nearly two weeks since, and^ 
 presume he will furnish you a copy as soon as he receives it. I have 
 therein stated the different rocks to be removed, but will furnish you with 
 such extracts from it as will suit your purposes. 
 
 I will answer the question proposed to me in your letter as near as I 
 can ; but on some of them it is impossible to give you the information you 
 require, as it will take some time for me to plot my work — a very minute 
 operation, and one that requires a great deal of care. After the work is 
 plotted, I could answer all your questions to your satisfaction. 
 
 Before I could give you the estimate for blowing up any of the rocks, 
 it would be necessary to establish their size and shape, which can only be 
 done by a series of levels a few feet apart. My work, I think, is minute 
 enough for that purpose. 
 
 I have been told that persons are willing to contract for the removal of 
 ^^Pot rock" for $6,000; at that rate, W^ay's reef " would cost §4,000, 
 
 Frying-pan" $4,000, and the smaller obstacles mentioned in my report 
 would cost very little, as they are more accessible. 
 
 About Pot rock" and Way's reef" the water is very deep; it goes 
 from eight feet to four fathoms. If the rocks were blasted, the pieces 
 would be thrown into such deep water that they would offer no further 
 obstruction to navigation . 
 
 I would not recommend attempting the removal of the Gridiron;" it 
 should be built upon, and raised at least six feet above high water mark, 
 and faced with spring fenders, like your New York ferries. This would 
 make it' quite safe, and would prevent any vessel from going on the 
 rocks. 
 
 You ask me what the probable cost of improving the navigation, of Hell 
 Gate would be. In case anything of the kind is undertaken,- 1 do not 
 think the cost should be taken into consideration; it would be nothing in 
 comparison to the benefitg commerce would derive from it. All parts of 
 the Union are more or less interested, and in this age of improvement it is 
 a reproach to the countiy , that the principal, thoroughfare of our greatest 
 commercial city should be so neglected. Thousands of dollars are annu- 
 Mis.— 2 
 
I 12 ] 10 
 
 ally sacrificed there, when, with a small outlay, (compared with the ad- 
 vantages,) Hell Gate would be made one of the safest passages into New 
 York. I think 1 speak within bounds when I calculate one hundred 
 thousand dollars as the sum necessary to clear away every obstruction, 
 and make Hell Gate safe for the largest size vessels. 
 
 Diamond" and ^' Prince's" reefs are of small area, and could be re- 
 moved, by blasting, for about $6,0U0. They are directly in the way of 
 all vessels bound into the East river, and should have been removed long 
 since. I did not examine the rock you alluded to, off Walnut street 
 wharf, and cannot give you the information you require about it. It is 
 laid down, however, on the Coast Survey charts, but will require a more 
 minute examination previous to removing it. 
 
 While surveying in Hell Gate, I had every opportunity to notice the 
 difficulties encountered both by steam and sailing vessels in passing 
 through, and am certain that all danger would be removed if the princi- 
 pal rocks were blown up. The rocks cause all the eddies in which ves- 
 sels become unmanageable and go on shore. I do not remember the ex- 
 act number that went on shore while I was employed there, but in one 
 day I saw no less than eight of these disasters — all owing to the eddies 
 caused by Pot rock." It may, at first sight, appear a difficult task to 
 drill the above mentioned rocks under water; but with the improvement 
 in the drill used in the rock stratas on the line of the Hudson and Albany 
 railroad, it will be found a very practicable matter. 
 
 I regret that I am not able to furnish you at this moment the exact 
 data y(Ui require, and it would be impossible for me to prepare it under 
 three months. I think my report, in connexion with that of Lieutenant 
 Davis, will afford you sufficient information to start upon, and shall be 
 happy if, in the observations I have made, 1 shall be of any service in 
 carrying out the proposed improvements. 
 1 remain your obedient servant, 
 
 DAVID D. PORTER, 
 Lieutenant United States Navy, 
 
 Eben Meriam, Esq. 
 
 Letter from Eben Meriam to Lieutenant Commanding David D. Porter, 
 making specific inquiries in relation to Hell Gate reefs and rocks in the 
 harbor of Neio York, 
 
 New York, November 9, 1848. 
 
 Dear sir : I herewith hand you the copy of a letter I received yester- 
 day from A. D. Bache, esq.. Superintendent of Coast Survey. 
 
 The information referred to in this letter which I am desirous of obtain- 
 ing first, is, as to what time you will probably make your report to the 
 Superintendent of the Coast Survey. 
 
 In case your report reaches Washington before the 25th of this month, 
 it will be in time for my purposes; but if it is probable that it will be ' 
 delayed to a later day than the 25th, then, and in that case, I should be 
 glad to be informed of the probable time it will be made; and in the mean . 
 time, I wish to inquire as follows : 
 .. 1st. Ytur opinion of the probable expense of blasting * ^ Pot rock, ' ' 30 feet 
 
11 
 
 [12] 
 
 below low tide, and what effect you suppose such removal of the upper 
 part of this rock will have upon the navigation of Hell Gate? 
 
 2d. The expense of removing the reef known as ^M¥ay's reef," and 
 if the water around that reef is sufficiently deep to allow of its being 
 blasted so that large v^essels can pass over it with safety? 
 
 3d. The expense of removing the reef known as the Gridiron?" 
 
 4th. I shall be glad to be informed of the depth of the soundings around 
 the rocks which you have examined, which you consider endanger the 
 navigation of Hell Gate. 
 
 5th. The probable expense of improving the navigation of Hell Gate 
 to make it safe for steamers and sail vessels, and such as to enable the 
 largest of our line of battle-ships to pass through with safety in case of 
 war? 
 
 6th. The situation of the rocks in the harbor of New York known as 
 Prince's reef," and Diamond reef," and the probable expense of re- 
 moving these rocks, and if the removal can probably be accomplished by 
 blasting? 
 
 When I saw you at Hell Gate, at the time you were engaged in making 
 the survey in the United Stites schooner Petrel, I did not hear you make 
 any remarks as to a rock in East river near Walnut street ferry. I wish 
 now to inquire if that rock was examined by you, and what you found 
 its situation to be as to location, depth of water upon it at low tide, and 
 your opinion of the probable expense of removing it, and whether this 
 can be accomplished by blasting? 
 
 I mentioned to you that a new drill had been invented for drilling 
 rocks, Avhich greatly expedites the labor, and that I had seen a model of 
 the drill, and a machine to work it, at Lockpit, when examining the deep 
 borings of the salt well at tliat locality. Since the last interview I had 
 with you I have called on .Tames Boorman, esq., and made inquiry as to 
 the use of the new drill in the rock stratas on the line of the Hudson 
 and Albany railroad. Mr. Boorman informs me that five times the work 
 can be done with the new drill that can be performed with the old one in 
 the same time. As much drilling will be required to be done in remov- 
 ing the rocks, I considered this information would be useful to you. 
 
 Your opportunities of seeing the difficulties encountered by steam as 
 well as sail vessels in passing through Hell Gate, while there with the 
 United States schooner Petrel, making soundings, enable you to form a 
 correct opinion as to the danger which these rocks there offer to safe navi- 
 gation. I think I understood you, or some of the officers of the Petrel, to 
 say that upwards of fifty vessels had been on shore there during a period 
 of one month, and that seven of those disasters occurred in one day. Am 
 I right in my recollection of your remarks in this particular? 
 
 I shall be glad to be informed of any matter touching the premises 
 that you may deem important to communicate, and of such suggastions 
 as to the best mode of rendering this navigation safe that you may be 
 pleased to make. 
 
 With respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 EBEN MERIAM, 
 
 David D. Porter, Esq., 
 
 Lieut, commanding U. S. schooner Petrel, 
 
[12] 
 
 12 
 
 Copy of a letter from A. D. Bache, Esq., Superintendent of Coast Sur* 
 vey, to Ehen Meriam, referred to in the preceding letter. 
 
 Office of Superintendent of Coast Survey, 
 
 November 2, 1848. 
 
 Sir : In compliance with your request, I herewith send you a copy of 
 Lieutenant Commanding Porter's report on Buttermilk channel, and have 
 requested him to furnish you such information as you may desire for im- 
 mediate use, in anticipation of his report, not yet received, on the sound- 
 ings in Hell Gate and its vicinity. Your application being addressed to 
 the Secretary of the Navy instead of to the Secretary of the Treasury, or 
 to the Superintendent of the coast survey, has produced some delay. I 
 hope, however, you may receive in time what you desire for present 
 use, and will forward to you Lieutenant Commanding Porter's report 
 when received, and, if desired, a tracing of his new soundings. 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 A. D. BACHE, 
 Superintendent of U. S. Coast Survey. 
 Eben Meriam, Esq., New York. 
 
 Letter from Hon. R. J. Walker, Secretary of the Treasury, to Eben 
 
 Meriam. 
 
 Treasury Department, 
 
 November 10, 1848. 
 
 Sir : In reference to the request made in your letter without date, just 
 received, to have the president of the New York Chamber of Commerce 
 liirnished from the coast survey archives with copies of the survey and 
 soundings at Hell Gate, recently made by Lieutenant Porter, assistant in 
 said survey, I have to inform you, that on the receipt of your former let- 
 ter, dated the 20th ultimo, the Superintendent of Coast Survey, Profes- 
 sor A. D. Bache, was authorized and instructed to furnish copies of the 
 survey and soundings, as requested, so soon as they could be prepared. 
 That officer is now on duty in North Carolina, and will no doubt give 
 immediate attention to the subject on his return to Washington, where he 
 is shortly expected . 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 R. J. WALKER, 
 Secretary of the Treasury. 
 
 Ebexv Meriam, Esq., New York. 
 
 Letter from Professor A. D. Bache, Superintendent of the Coast Survey, 
 
 to Eben Meriam. 
 
 Camp near Middle of Base, Bodie's Island, N. C, 
 
 November 11, 1848. 
 
 Sir : On the — instant, I had the honor to inform you that Lieuten- 
 .ant Commanding Porter_, assistant in the coast survey, had been author- 
 
13 
 
 [12] 
 
 ized ^nd directed to furnish such information as might be desired by the 
 Chamber of Commerce of New York^ in reference to the obstructions 
 at Hell Gate, in anticipation of his regular report. I have just received 
 the report, of which a copy is annexed, from Lieutenant Commanding 
 Porter, and hasten to transmit it to you. It is full of valuable sug- 
 gestions. You will see that subsequent minute examinations of Lieu- 
 tenant Commanding Porter confirm the results of Lieutenant Command- 
 ing Davis. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 A. D. BACHE, 
 Superintendent of U. S. Coast Survey. 
 £ben Meriam, Esq.. New York. 
 
Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library 
 Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library 
 
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