Calvin Brown Letter 19 December 1854
Civil Engineering Office
Navy Yard Gosport
December 19th 1854
Sir,
I send herewith a copy of the original design for the Magazine Keepers House at Fort Norfolk upon which this object has been commenced.
I would remark in reference to the progress that has already been made on this building that some of the materials are now on hand, and the balance contracted for, to be delivered during the present fiscal year. Nearly all the inside woodwork is completed ready to be put up, as well as the cutting of the stonework.
The amount estimated as necessary to complete this building as reported 30th June last is $4,699.22.
I have to state in reference to the design of this building that the arrangement of its roof is injudicious: the plan of running up brick walls to support a roof without ties or girders across especially in an isolated and exposed situation as this will be is not in my judgment, to be recommended. I think unless it is considered absolutely essential on account of the additional room it will afford, that the appearance of the house will be much improved by stopping the walls at the level of the attic floor as letting the roof start from that height; as shown by the red lines. This alteration will admit of one room in the attic and will in all probability afford all the accommodations that may be required by the family occupying the house.
Very Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Calvin Brown
Civil Engineer
Capt. Sam. L. Breeze
Com. Navy Yard Gosport
Capt. Breese 19th Dec 1854
Magazine Keepers House forwards Eng. Brown's letter respectfully with plans showing proposed alterations.
Referred to the Engineer for review.
J. S. Dec. 22 1854
It is very clear that where no girders are used the roof cannot be as strong as where they are used. Yet where there is an attic story it is the universal practice to dispense with the girders; indicated girders at the at the foot of the rafters cannot be used in such cases, as I know of no incidents of failure on this account. The room in the attic was designed for servants and as a very good room can be obtained by the arrangement proposed by Mr. Brown, and as it will probably have something in the execution I see no objection to its adoption.
W P S Sawyer
25 Dec. 1854
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,
1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849,
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 71 Bureau of Yards and Docks
Letters Recieved from Commandants of Navy Yards -- Norfolk
June 2 1854 - June 30 1855
Box No. 159, Entry 5