1871-1900 Yaquina Head Lighthouse Letter books

1872

------. Cape Foulweather, sea-coast of Oregon.--- Work has been seriously hindered by the difficulties connected with the transportation of materials. Since the commencement of work in the autumn of 1871 the lighters have been destroyed twice, and the schooner engaged in bringing materials from San Francisco has been obliged to discharge most of her freight at Newport, to be reshipped in milder weather, besides twice getting on the bar at the mouth of Yaquina Bay, and being once partially wrecked. Part of the materials have been hauled from Newport, six miles over an almost impassable road to the light-house site. The metal-work was completed at Portland, Oregon, June 1 1872. After the failure of persistent efforts to charter a vessel for carrying iron and brick from Portland to the cape, the metal-work was shipped via San Francisco. About one-half the time since the work began has been lost on account of the difficulties of transportation. The foundation of the tower has been laid, and work commenced on the keeper's dwelling, a double frame house. Both will probably be completed this season.

January 20 (187)3

Sir:

Referring to your letter of the 17th instant relating to the lantern for Cape Foulweather. I have to say that the Board has been informed that the lantern has been found at San Francisco and that the parts already mentioned are missing. I have to suggest that you ask the Engineer of the 12th district for receipt.

Very respectfully, George H. Elliot Major of Engineers, U.S.A. Engineer Secretary.

Col. I. C. Woodruff, U.S.A. Engineer 13th Dist. Tomkinsville N.Y.

P.S. the floor Lights - is best offer in your bid of ?? is best of ?? GE

March 3, 2

Sir:

I have to inform you that the lantern for Cape Foulweather is completed and after inspection will be shipped to your care at San Francisco, where it will remain until arrangements can be made between you and Major Robert to have it shipped direct from San Francisco to Yaquina Bay.

Very Respectfully,

George H. Elliot Major of Engineers, U.S.A. Engineer Secretary

Col. R.S. Williamson Corps of Engineers, U.S.A. L.H. Engineers San Francisco, California

March 5 2

Sir:

I have to inform you that the lantern for Cape Foulweather will be shipped to you, care of Col. Williamson at San Francisco, by the next steamer from New York.

The lantern had better remain at San Francisco till arrangements can be made between you and Col. Williamson to have it shipped direct from San Francisco to Yaquina Bay.

Very Respectfully,

George H. Elliot Major of Engineers, U.S.A. Engineer Secretary

Major H.M. Robert Corps of Engineers, U.S.A. L.H. Engineer Portland, Oregon

March 5 2

Sir:

Please to have the lantern for Cape Foulweather (reported by Ames & Co. of Chicopee, Mass. to be ready) inspected, and if up to the requirements of the contract, see that it is shipped at the expense of Ames & Co. on board steamer for California. The boxes should b e marked "Major H.M. Robert, Care of Col. R.S. Williamson, Light House Engineer, San Francisco, California", and the bill of lading sent to the latter.

Very Respectfully,

George H. Elliot Major of Engineers, U.S.A. Engineer Secretary

Col. J. C. Woodruff Corps of Engineers, U.S.A. L.H. Engineer New York City