Fort Norfolk History - 1850

Joseph Smith, Bureau of Yards & Docks, wrote Comm. J. D. Sloat, Commandant, Navy Yard Gosport, June 7, 1850; to inform him that D. W. Collins had written to the Secretary of the Navy on June 5, 1850. Mr. Collins had claimed that the land on which the Naval Magazine was located did not belong to the Navy. Commandant Sloat was asked to gather the facts connected with this case.

Commandant Sloat hired the County Surveyor who produced a survey of the Navy Hospital and Magazine property on October 21, 1850. (see Above)

John D Sloat wrote Comm Joseph Smith, on December 2, 1850; “I forward herewith Plats of the Hospital and Magazine grounds made by the county surveyor together with that officer’s report and bill for services. I also forward to communications from James Murdaugh & Son containing their legal opinion as to the title of the U States in the property in question.
It will be seen by Misers Murdaugh’s report that in the their opinion there can be question as to the ownership of the land now in possession of the government, that the title of the U States in then, is clear & incontestable. It will also be seen by the report of these gentlemen that the plat made by surveyor Young are incorrect in several very important particulars, for which reason I have not thought it necessary to have copies made. If however you desire copies taken for file in this office be pleased to return them and it shall be done.”

Joseph Smith, replied on December 7, 1850; “The plats prepared by the surveyor differing so much from each other, that it is doubtful which, if either, is correct, and it's deemed unnecessary to have them copied for your office. A list of the plates and all the papers transmitted with your letter of the 2nd inst is herewith sent to be placed on file - the papers embraced in the list will be retained in this office.”

Congress tased passed the Navy Appropriation on September 28, 1850, that included $20,000 for the Magazine at Fort Norfolk and $4,000 for the Magazine Keeper House. Commandant John Sloat wrote Comm Joseph Smith on Oct 10, 1850; “I have received your letter of the 4th inst allotting sums to the several objects for the improvement of the yard. I design commencing the landing wharf at Fort Norfolk immediately, and shall have it in readiness to receive the materials required to be delivered there in time to commence the other improvements. I shall also take early steps to find in the grounds for the security of the public property.”

Joseph Smith notified Commandant Sloat that rather than building the Magazine Sloat submitted plans for on October 1, 1849, that he would receive a different set of plans.

Joseph Smith wrote Comm. J. D. Sloat on December 3, 1850; “Herewith you will receive the plans for the Magazine to be erected at Fort Norfolk which have been repaired by Mr. Parris, the Engineer of the Navy Yard Portsmouth N. H.. The working plans will be forwarded to you as soon as they can be prepared.” Soon afterwards on December 26, 1850, the working plans of the Magazine to be built at Fort Norfolk were sent to Comm. Sloat.

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