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Joseph Smith Letter 11 August 1848

Bureau of Yards & Docks
11 August 1848

Sir,
Your letter of the 9th inst has been received.
Application was made for a transfer of Fort Norfolk with a view of erecting a Powder Magazine there, for the use of the Navy. The War Department objected to the transfer of this property on the ground of it being necessary as a line of defense, but were willing that a Naval Magazine should be erected thereon. Under all the circumstances the Navy Department concluded not to avail of this privilege, and you will therefore please furnish and and Estimate of such temporary improvements as are necessary to make the present Magazine accessible by boat, at high water.
It is contemplated to build a shell house at St Helena, and you will please consider as to the best location for such a building.

Respectfully,
yr ob serv’t,
Jos Smith
Chief of Bureau

Comm. J. D. Sloat
Norfolk

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Source of Information

National Archives, Record Group 71 Records of the Bureau of Yards and Docks

Records of the Office of the Chief of Bureau, 1820 - 1946.

Letters Sent 1842 - 95

Vol. 04 of 104, PI-10, E. 1

Page 220