1871-1900 Yaquina Head Lighthouse Letter books

United States Engineer Office Portland, Oregon, Dec. 17, 1887.

The Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Washington, D.C.

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report as to the present status of Yaquina Harbor, and as to whether the harbor improvements have been completed, and warranted the establishment of a light there. Yaquina Bay affords ample harbor accommodation; but at present vessels of deep draught cannot enter, as there is only about 12 feet depth of water over the bar, in the deepest channel, at low-water. The average range of tide is about 7 feet. There is little or nothing in the way of local resources to build up a commerce of any extent; but as an outlet to an important railroad, the harbor is rapidly growing in importance. Its future growth will depend much upon the improvement of the entrance to the harbor, and also upon the extension of the railroad to a connection with a trans continental line. At present, almost the only vessels entering and leaving the port are the passenger steamers running from Yaquina City to San Francisco. A jetty nearly 3,000 feet long has been constructed by the government, on the south side of the entrance. The results thus

Office of Light-House Inspector, Twelfth District, San Francisco, Cal., July 24th, 1872

Professor Joseph Henry, Chairman Light House Board Sir: I have the honor to report the sailing of the Shubrick for the North with the Lampist on board provided with lathe, necessary tools and material for the thorough repair of all the Light Houses north of this place. The Lampist was also directed to instruct the Keepers in their duties and see that everything is in thorough order. Major Robert, Light House Engineer of the 13th District has had great difficulty in procuring trans portation to Cape Foulweather, of the light house, and at his request I had it placed on board the “Shubrick” with orders to the Captain to deliver it at that place. It will delay the Shubrick but little and be a great saving of

Office of Light-House Inspector Twelfth District, San Francisco, Cal., Feb 6th, 1873

Professor Joseph Henry Chairman L.H.Board Washington, D.C. Sir, In obedience to instructions, letter Jany. 4th 1873, will leave him??? tomorrow, for Astoria Oregon to meet the Supt. and Engineer of 13th Dist. to examine candidates for Keeper and assistant Keeper for Cape Foulweather Lt. Station and also examine the assistant Keeper in the Astoria Superintendencey deemed worthy of promotion as Keeper, and attend to such other business as may be brought before the local Board.

Very respectfully,

Office of Light-House Inspector, Twelfth District, San Francisco, Cal., Feb 21st, 1873

Professor Joseph Henry Chairman L.H. Board Washington, D.C. Sir, In obedience to your order of Jany. 4th 1873, the Board for the examination of such persons as might be brought before it for Keepers and assistant Keeper, was convened at Astoria, Oregon, Feby., 10th, 1873, and examined and found qualified the only two persons present, for assistant Keeper at Cape Foulweather. The assistant Keeper in the Astoria Su perintency were duly notified, but failed to appear, on account, as I understand, of the uncertainty of getting the position of Keeper, they were not willing to incur the necessary

Portland, Oregon August 19th, 1872 (Stamped) H.M. ROBERT, US Engineers. AUG 19 1872 Maj. Henry M. Roberts L.H. Engr. 13th L.H. Dist. Sir: In consequence of the unavoidable delays which have attended the construction of the Keepers Dwelling at Cape Foulweather Light House Station, I am obliged to ask for a further extension of sixty days time in which to complete the work.

Illegible stamp here???

Owing to the stranding of the schooner Elnorah at Yaquina Bay, the vessel I had engaged to transport my materials from San Francisco, and the inability of her owners to procure another vessel, I was compelled to make different arrangements for the transportation of my materials,