Joseph G. Totten Letter 28 July 1848
Engineer Department
Washington,
July 28th 1848
Hon. Wm. L. Marcy,
Secretary of War
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the reference to this office of a letter to you from the Secretary of the Navy, transmitting one to him from the Bureau of Docks and Yards, on the subject of a contemplated transfer to the Navy Department “of Old Fort Norfolk near the Gosport Navy Yard for the purpose of erecting at that place a Powder Magazine”.
I have to report on this matter, that the fort named above was formally with Fort Nelson once opposite, but now no longer existing - the main reliance for the defence, by fortifications, of Norfolk and the Navy Yard. This line of defence has of late years been deemed wholly inadequate in point of strength and efficiency - as being too near for a principal line to the objects designed to be covered - and as relinquishing all control over the entrance to Hampton Roads and James River. A first line of defence has accordingly been commenced, and partially completed, at the entrance to Hampton Roads, namely across from Old Point Comfort to the Rip-Raps, and thence to the shore of Willoughby's Point.
But, when objects of importance are to be covered, it is deemed of material advantage to have a second line of defence. And altho’, in the present case, a second line - if now to be provided denovo, might assume other forms, magnitude, and perhaps even, positions - still, as Fort Norfolk exist, might be put into an efficient condition in a short time, is a work of a certain capacity, and strength, and occupies a commanding position - prudence demands, in my opinion, that it should be retained as a second line, and not injured in anyway. Especially is this demaned so long as the first line of defence is incomplete; and it is known to all that as yet the superstructure of Fort Calhoun on the Rip-Raps is scarcely begun, and that nothing has been undertaken at Willoughby's Point.
Fort Norfolk, at a small expense, and in a short time, could be made to direct upon the channel a fire of from 25 to 30 guns of the heaviest caliber.
It is thought, however, that the object of the Navy Department may be obtained without doing injury to the fort; or interfering with its restoration, at any time, to a state of efficiency as a strong water battery.
There appears to be room on the parade of the fort for the erection of one or more capacious buildings. Leaving a space of not less than 30 feet width in front of each of the quarters or barracks, that is to say along each of three sides of the parade; and a space of not less than 20 feet wide of the foot of the Rampart, on the other side - all the remaining space on the parade might, be appropriated as the site of one or more magazines. As this fort, even when put in order as part of a second line, is not likely to be occupied at all by troops during a period of peace; and in time of war only by a small garrison, the ordinary objection to a restricted parade space would be much lessened, and need not be urged.
I think the old quarters and barracks should not be destroyed, because I believe them to be susceptible of repairs. The Navy Department might perhaps find it advantageous to repair them to some extent, in order to get accommodation for the persons they will desire to keep their in charge of the magazine.
Under conditions such as are mentioned above the fort might, I think, be transferred to the use of the Navy, with the understanding however that whenever in the opinion of the War Department it shall be proper to enter upon the repairs of the fort in reference to defence the fort shall be re-transferred to that Department for every purpose connected with its control, equipment and service - the Navy department retaining only the use of the magazines they shall have erected within the same.
I am &c
Jos. G. Totten, Col. &
Chief Engineer.
Fort Norfolk Documents
1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799,
1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809,
1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819
1820,
1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859
1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869
1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879
1880,
Source of Information
National Archives, Record Group 77 (Office, Chief of Engineers)
Land Papers
Virginia (Craney Island, Mill Creek Bridge, Ferry Point, Ft. Norfolk, Yorktown Monument, Arlingtron Estate, Willoughby Spit);
Washington (General)
Box No. 61, NM-19, Entry 171