Correspondence
from Lt. Commander Henry Stellwagen (U.S. Navy on loan to the
U.S. Coast Survey) to Superintendent Alexander Bache (U.S. Coast
Survey)
H.S.
Stellwagen to A.D. Bache
Boston October 22, 1854
Dear
Sir:
I
consider I have made an important discovery in the location
of a 15 fathom bank lying in a line between Cape Cod and Cape
Ann — with 40 & 50 fathoms inside and to North of it
and 35 fathoms just outside of it — It is not on any chart
I have been able to procure — Blunt’s shows deep water
in all directions from it.
We
have traced nearly 5 miles in width and over 6 miles in length
it no doubt extending much further.
It
is an important thing for a vessel bound in, particularly in
thick weather determining position with great accuracy.
We
are all very much interested in pursuing the discovery still
further to determine if it be a continuous Bank or detached
knolls–in either case I consider the delineation of it
as of more importance to the Mercantile world than the erection
of a lighthouse.
Should
you agree with me & determine that I shall prosecute the
work with dispatch please let me know the quickest manner possible
as it will be necessary to hasten to get in coal.
I
remain very Respectfully in Yr Obed. Servant
H.S. Stellwagen
Lt. Cmdr.
A.D.
Bache to H.S. Stellwagen
Oct. 24, 1854
near Camden, Me.
Do
not leave Boston without receiving explicit instructions, except
to determine this bank. On your way to the Delaware some deep
sea & temperature work could very well be done. I will send
specific instructions to-morrow, so that if you think it best
not to return after doing the bank you can make such arrangements.
It would be better however, I think, to make a specific report
to me at once after completing the work.
Can
this be connected with Jeffrey’s Bank?
Telegraph
me what is the least sum that the boilers can be fitted for
use for this season.
Yours
truly
A.D.
Bache
