32 [ 2 1 
furnishing the best information they can obtain, and theii* own de- 
liberate opinion, in refei'cnce both to a complctt^ and a partial \vo»k, 
to lay the matter fairly before the government for its decision. Two 
projects will, therefore, be ])resented: one, designed to afford a com- 
plete, spacious, and defensible harbor; the other intended to protect, 
at a mi.iimnm of expense, a limited number of vessels. 
The situation for the first, has already bee?i dcsci-ibed. On examin- 
ing for a proper site for a small breakwater, the Commission found 
the conditions of security from ice and winds not easily reconcilea- 
ble with that of security from an enemy, there being no place near 
the shore in whicli a small breakwater can be made, to guard against 
both ice and wind. 
Tiie course of the ebb tide is there nearly parallel with tlie shore; 
the breakwater, therefore, which should be so placed as to arrest and 
deflect the floatir)g ice, would leave the vessels, intended to be cover- 
ed, still exposed to the action of the north easterly gales; cojisespuMit- 
ly, an equal length, at least, would be rorpiired against the winds as 
against the ice. A harbor for tliree or tour vessels would not be 
made, under these circumstances, without a very considerable de- 
velopment of breakwater. 
Going to the ojspofiite side of the roadstead, however, we find, that 
the Shears, being themselves a good bieakwatcr against the northerly, 
northeasterly, and easterly winds, (with the help of certain means, 
hereafter recommended,) an embankment against the ice alone, will 
give a harbor of considerablfe capacity, which will be safe, as to both 
ice and winds. It is true, that, in resorting to this position, we re- 
linquish the condition of entire safety from an enemy, only to be 
attained near the shore; but, it is also true, so far as our judgment 
is correct, that there is no alternative. 
A few observations will be made here, however, as tending to di- 
minish the objection to this position. 1st, A battej-y of heavy guns 
and sea mortars upon the shore would make the situation of an enemy's 
vessels, even in the harbor, something hazardous, and would bear, 
with much effect, upon his vessels, when attemping to enter, or to 
leave the roadstead. 2d, Should an enemy succeed in stationing 
his ships within the harbor, and not be molested while there, either 
by works on the shore, or by the floating defences, which would, in 
time of war, be stationed near the mouth of the bay, he would not 
be able to enforce a blockade, without passing, in every attempt, with- 
in range of the works. 3d, The object of an enemy being to block- 
ade the bay, he would derive but little advantage from the harbor; 
because, during eight or ten months in the year, a man of war 
would find safe anchorage over every part of the surface of the bay; 
and hence, if it be considered important to prevent the blockade, a 
floating force must, in every case, be provided. 4th, and lastly. 
As the advantages of the harbor become more apparent, the com- 
merce benefitted by it more extensive, and the means of the country, 
more ample, the harbor may be progressively enlaiged, and a batteiy 
erected upon the Shears, for its protection. 
