C 2 J as 
On cotiriudmg this report on an artificial liaibor, the commission 
take the liberty of recdmrnendirij^ to t.e notice of government scuvie 
other matters, which, thoiigli not w ithin the reach of their instruc- 
tions, are not only important in themselves, hut strictly analagous 
in their tendency to those they have been coiisideiing : These are, 
J St. The necessity of a Beacon Light near the extremity of Cape 
IIen!oj)en. 
The light on this Cape is elevated near 200 feet above the level of 
the ocean, and is at least one mile from the pitcii of the Cape. In 
connection with the circumstances of elevation and distance, it is 
difficult, in niglits which aie too daik for the very low margin of the 
Cape to he s^eis, to guard against an optical delusion, as to the distance 
of the vessel fi om the shore; and the error is most apt to be on the 
unsafe side; hence, vessois liave often been suddenly run upon the 
Cajje, vv!ii< h were supj)0sed ^o be in mid-channel of the roadstead. 
The soundiugs give no indication of proximity, iks bold water is 
found at the very wlge of the shore. 
2d. The necessity of a permanent Light-House on the lower end 
of the Brandywine Shoal. 
The importance of a light on this position has been made evident 
to Congress, as appeai-s by an appropriation for a floating light. 
But, tliough this floating light will, doubtless, answer all pui-poses 
diii'ing the greater part of the year, it is certain that it will be des- 
troyed, unless removed at the approach of each season of floating 
ice; and hence, as that is the season of most violent gales, and of 
greatest damage, it will be away when perhaps most necessary. 
The Con)missioii do not hesitate, as to the practicability of fixing 
a permanent lighthouse, (which need be but 20 or 25 feet high,) on 
the point indicated. It is essential to remark here, that, at tlie pe- 
riod when the floating light will be i-emoved from its station, all 
buoys, and other signals of sub-marine dangers, will, also, for the 
same reasons, he wanting to direct the navigator. 
Sd. The importance of having, without delay, a correct hydro- 
graphic chart, made of the w hole hay and river. 
Of all the navigable communications froiu the sea to the interior, 
within the Uniteil States, that up this bay and river is most intri- 
cate, and iiiost beset with unseen dangers; and tisere is none, proba- 
bly, more itnperfec tiy known. The pilots, it is tiuc, are acquaint- 
ed with certain channels well cnorigh to conduct vessels, at a favora- 
ble time, with safety; but it is far fron) certain that they know ih^se 
thoroughly, or that these are the only or the best. 
The gs-eat distance and small elevation of the shore, and tlir Rimi- 
larity in the soundings and composition of the shoals, make \i • ry 
diiticE-ilt at times, to hit or keep in the best water, even to the pi >!3. 
A chart of the bay and rivei-, which would oxhibit a true outliivof 
the shores, with all the land marks, the courses and widths (f the 
several channels; the sett of tiie tides; tlse influence of the moon and 
of viuds upon the rise of tide in difflM'ent parts of the bay; ti'C place, 
extent, and form, of all ledges, bank's, andshgals^ thesoun,Uing3 and 
