Table showing comparative least-channel depths and velocities in various channels of the improved portion of Plum Point Reach, Mississippi River-Continued. NOTES.-The depths reported are the least found in the line of deepest water, or those which limited navigation for the time being. The velocities were measured on the same line and near the shoalest point. They were all taken with the current meter running at a depth of 5 feet below the surfaceThey are individual velocities, taken to ascertain the relative draught of water in the different chan nels, and are useful for that purpose only. They have no relation to the average velocity or discharge. The crossings forming Group 1 of the table may be considered as competitors for the channel over Bullerton Bar. The third, Bullerton Chute, was completely closed by works; the second, Bullerton Channel, has remained partly obstructed by the diverting action of the works favoring the first channel, which latter has remained good by reason of carrying the water diverted from the other two. The four channels of the second group are also competitors, of which the third and fourth have been restricted in discharge by the Gold Dust dikes, and the first by the directive action of the Fletcher's revetment. The second, Island 30, has carried the bulk of the water and has remained good. 5.03 Appropriation for improving Mississippi River, first district. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Balance on hand June 30, 1887, as per last report Amounts received since: Overpayment refunded.. Re-allotted by Mississippi River Commission, viz: Protection of existing works, first district... Received from allotment for "care of plant, first and second districts," to cover expenditures from October 1, 1886, to June 30, 1887 $376, 947.59 $6.00 75,000,00 27, 250.00 19,994.00 122, 250.00 499, 197.59 2,866.04 1,579.80 337,250.00 341, 695.84 157,501.75 CR. $326, 301. 25 1887. July 2 6.00 19, 994.00 Oct. 31 By amount reallotted by $337.250.00 mission. By amount expended from July 1, 1887, to date. Oct. 31 By balance 346, 301. 25 2, 866. 04 6, 185. 21 346, 301. 25 FIRST DISTRICT. Disbursements made under appropriation for improving Mississippi River, act of August 5, 1886. Appropriation for improving Mississippi River, first and second districts. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Amounts allotted by Mississippi River Commission on July 2, 1887, viz: Care of plant, first and second districts.... Expended from July 1 to October 31, 1887, viz: Transferred to allotment for Plum Point Reach to cover expenditures for care of plant from October 1, 1886, to June 30, 1887... Expended on account, care of plant... $45,000.00 $55,000.00 19,994.00 6,315.42 Disbursements, otherwise than under contract,* made under appropriation for improving Mississippi River, act of August 5, 1-86. Itemized statement of expenditures, improving Mississippi River, first and second districts, October 1, 1886, to October 31, 1887. Totals. 1, 486. 72 594.33 176.25 1, 319. 11 30, 609, 37 11, 837.75 1,635. 95 10, 889. 825, €41.38 4, 965. 18 2,663. 62 37,633.70 313. 16 184.82 261.80 $210.98 8.80 58.75 15.00 1, 274. 11 50.21 665, 62 2, 642. 19 13.22 2,430. 62 665.62 554.47 SMITH S. LEACH, REPORT OF CAPTAIN S. S. LEACH, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, UPON OPERATIONS IN THE SECOND DISTRICT. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Memphis, Tenn., November 15, 1887. GENERAL: Pursuant to the requirements of section 4 of the river and harbor act of August 5, 1886, I have the honor to submit herewith a report to November 1, 1887, of the "work done, contracts made, the expenditures thereunder or otherwise, and balances of money on hand up to November 1, and the effect of such work," for such of the works in my charge as are embraced in the second district, Mississippi River. The district extends from the foot of Island 40 to the mouth of White River, a distance of 175 miles. But a small part of it has been the scene of actual work. The channel works have been confined to the vicinity of Memphis, and, with certain levees built in Mississippi and Arkansas, constitute all that has been done in the district. The channel works have been exclusively of the type known as revetment, or structures designed to prevent the caving of the banks. They have been carried on under the official designations of Memphis Harbor and Memphis Reach. MEMPHIS HARBOR. The object of this work has been the protection from destruction by the encroachment of a rapidly-caving river bank of extensive sites and costly structures, such as warehouses, elevators, cotton compresses, and a valuable paved landing, which, by affording terminal facilities unexcelled by any port on the river, were of marked benefit to the maritime commerce of Memphis, and hence to that of the river at large. As this work is now completed and to all appearances entirely successful, a résumé of its history seems appropriate. Prior to 1873 the portion of the rive bank constituting the harbor front of Memphis was comparatively stable. In 1876 it had receded 350 feet and continued to cave at the rate of 100 feet per annum. The next year (1877) the engineer officer in charge was directed to make a survey and to report upon the feasibility of affording relief from the impending danger. He submitted a plan for the prevention of further caving by revetting the bank with willow mattresses ballasted with stone. This revetment it was proposed to form of mattresses 130 feet long, 55 feet wide, and 24 feet thick. They were built at a suitable place, floated to their proper sites, and sunk side by side. The upper end of each was about at low water-line, and it covered 55 feet of bank for a distance of 130 feet from that line. From the low-water line to that of a stage 10 feet above low water the bank was to be covered with a layer of brush and stone, similar in construction to the later work. Revetment work was then in the earliest stage of its development, and although this was a distinct advance beyond anything previously projected, it possessed several serious defects, which are easily observable by comparison with the class of work now considered standard. The project was approved, and appropriations aggregating $113,000 were made for its execution in 1878, 1879, 1880, and 1881. After the first season the work began to show signs of weakness and the caving recommenced, but at a few points only and very slowly. The last season's work was devoted entirely to repairs of that previously done, and at its close the whole enterprise was still in a precarious condition. By a provision of the river and harbor act of August 2, 1882, this work passed into the control of the Mississippi River Commission, and |
