Commandant Thomas Dornin Letter 11 July 1856
Commandants Office
Navy Yard Gosport
July 11th 1856
Sir,
I beg to subjoin, for the present information of the Bureau in advance of the Annual Report; the following statement, of the progress and condition of the improvements at this Yard. As in consequence of the Epidemic which prevailed here, no Report was made last year, this Statement, will contain the Reports for the last two fiscal years.
Among the objects of improvement, there will be reported, as having been finished since the Report of June 30, 1854, the following, viz:
Store House No 14;
Brick Saw Sheds, with Burnetizing Apparatus;
Gas Fixtures for lighting Yard with gas;
Completion of Timber Dock;
Extending Ship House B, and building shed over slip 48;
Cemetery at Hospital;
Filling Houses at Fort Norfolk;
Reservoir on the Yard for rain water
The objects now underway, are the following, viz.:
First, continuation of the Quarry Wall, which has a large gang of Masons and laborers upon it laying stone; the foundation, having been completed to a point, some 15 feet beyond the corner, terminating on the South line of the timber dock. It is expected to have a length of 230 or 240 feet of this wall completed, by the end of December next, provided the work is not interrupted.
Second, Sheds and Machinery for Saw Mill; this object, is so far completed, that it has been turned over to the Constructors Department and is in successful operation: The hauling in Machinery, for landing timber, in connection with this object, is underway as well as some other slight additions, that will soon be completed.
Third, Foundry, Machine Shop, Boiler Shop, &c. These objects, have been most vigorously persecuted, during the last year; and by the energy of the Master Mason, the building of the Foundry, was continued through the whole of the sickness of last summer, and the foundations have been completed since that time, and the chimney, 116 feet high; and the walls of the building, carried up nearly ready for the roof: It is hopeful, this building will be completed in a few months, provided the roof contractors for fill their obligations. The foundations, of the Boiler House and Forge Shop, have been commenced; nearly all the Machinery contracted for the Machine Shop, has been delivered.
Forth, New Engine for the Dry Dock; This is so far completed, that the contractors expect to start the engine in eight or 10 days: it is a credible piece of work.
Fifth, Carpenters Work Shop. The foundations for this work are laid and the walls will be commenced in a few days: Some of the carpentry work for the roof &c, and the joinery for the windows, have been prepared and there is nothing to delay the rapid completion of the building, as the material is nearly all delivered.
Sixth, Reservoirs for Rain Water. The one located add the Magazine Fort Norfolk, has been completed, as to its masonry; and guttering of the buildings for its supply of water, will be finished in a few days. The pipes for the service of the ships, leading to the wharf, will be ready in a course of a few weeks, and the whole work ready for use. The Reservoir on the Yard has its curb pileing completed, and the excavation nearly one third done: it will require several months to finish this work.
Seventh, Keepers House Fort Norfolk; The Contractor reports, that he will have this house ready for the occupant, in a few days, as he is now finishing the painting.
Eighth, The Repairs of all kinds, embrace for the last year, the completion of several important objects, connected with the health, and economy of the Yard; as draining, fencing, &c. The long culvert on the outside of the North Wall, to which, much of the local sickness about that portion of the Yard during the fever was attributed, from its inefficiency of discharge, has been taken up and relaid with an incline most effectual for its purpose. The boilers to the Smithery have been taken out of the building deroted to the finishing part of that establishment, and placed on the outside, where they no longer occupy valuable room, nor annoyed by their great heat, the comfort of the workmen.
These, comprise the principal objects of improvements in the Yard, which have been begun and completed, or are in progress. The Annual Report, will show more particularly, the amount of labor performed and materials used, and what of both will be required to complete unfinished objects. The failure of the Contingent fun to hold out, has rendered it necessary to suspend some improvements in the Yard, essential to the health of the place which it is to be hoped, may be completed during the pursuant fiscal year.
The health of the workmen and citizens in the vicinity of this station, continues remarkably good and there is every indication, that the sickly season will pass by, without any apprehension of Malignant disease.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Thomas A. Dornin
Commandant
Comm Joseph Smith
Chief of the Bureau 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
July 3 1855 - April 29 1857
Box No. 160, Entry 5