TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR.
Washington, October 17, 1807.
Dear Sir,—I forwarded to Mr. Smith, Secretary of the Navy, an extract of so much of my letter to you of August 31st, as suggested the idea of artificial harbors for gun-boats, on the horse-shoe and middle grounds, with a view to his having their formation examined, to know if they would support works, and their distance ascertained, to know what would be their effect. The objects were, 1, to provide an asylum on the shoals for gun-boats against weather and ships of war, and 2, to prevent ships lying within the capes. I enclose you the opinion of Captain Porter, according to which, without thinking of attempting works so difficult and doubtful, both ends will be answered by a work at Lynhaven river, where the shoals are extensive enough to keep off ships of war, and the river sufficiently capacious to receive all the gun-boats. He thinks a work at Point Comfort might also be useful. I send you his draught, which, being merely an enlargement from More's map on a very minute scale, is not to be much depended on; and considering the extent of country that point is to defend, I recommend it to your consideration, as one of our important objects. Affectionate salutations.