Commandant John D Sloat Letter 25 August 1848
Commandants Office
Navy Yard Gosport
25 August 1848
Sir,
Referring to your letter of the 17inst. relating to a shell house at “St. Helena”, and asking for a plan of that, upon which my predecessor based his estimate; I have to remark, that it was then contemplated to erect a temporary building for that purpose on the present magazine grounds, and that his estimate was submitted without regard as far as I can learn to any plan.
To build a house suitable for the purpose at “St. Helena” the sum of $1638, is, in my judgement insufficient, but I have no idea of the kind of house that should be built for use as a shell house. Neither has the assistant Civil Engineer at the Yard the plan therefor for such an one as will best answer will have to be decided on by the bureau. For its location however I would respectfully suggest the spot on a line with the North West side of the Coal House, and as far therefrom as the grounds will permit, in that can the Rail Road connected with the Coal House could be extended and the transportation to & from it easily effected.
I am Respectfully, Sir
your obedient servant,
John D Sloat
Commandant
Comm Joseph Smith
Chief of the Burrow of Yards & Docks
Washington
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Source of Information
National Archives, Record Group 71 Bureau of Yards and Docks
Letters Recieved from Commandants of Navy Yards -- Norfolk
Nov 3 1846 - Sept 15 1848
Box No. 154, Entry 5