Republican Herald

From the Newport Mercury Dec. 30.

We are indebted to the Hon. D. J. Pearce. for
a manuscript copy of a report made to Gen. Gra-
tiot of the Engineer Corps, by Col. Totten, of a
survey and estimate of the expenses, &c. for
building a pier, and removing the Light House,
at the north end of Goat Island.—The following
estimate of the expense, is annexed to the Re-
port:—

Estimate of the expenses of building a Wharf and
Pier, at a new site for the Light House at Goat
Island, Newport Harbor, R.I.

Wholly below the water; for the founda-
tions of the Pier and wharf,
3517 perches of rubble stone material
and labor, at $5 per perch,
$17,685 00

While above the water of the super-
structure of the pier and wharf,
4650.80 perches or 25 cubic feet,
material and labor: at $5 per perch,
Filling space enclosed by pier walls,
including Light-House and pavement 9,260 perches of 25' feet,
materials and labor; at $4 50
per perch. 4,173 90
Iron and labor of putting up the railing, per Colonel Anderson's esti-
mate 314 00
Removing the Light-House, per C
, Anderson's estimate, 500 00
$43,126 90
Add for contingent and unforeseen
expenses, about 6 1/2 per cent. 2,873 10
Total amount of this Estimate.
$46,000 00
Amount of the appropriation, and of
Col. Anderson estimate, nearly. : $13,600 00
Difference. $32,400 00

This difference of $32,400 is ascribable al-
most wholly to the different prices assigned on
the work, including materials. Col. Anderson
placed the cost of the walls at $1 50 per perch.
I have placed them at $5 per perch, which I be-
lieve to be the lowest price for which good work-
manship and suitable materials can be obtained.
This is an important work, well worthy the
attention of the Government, and far above the
price at which my estimate places it, and I hope
it will be undertaken on a plan ensuring its sta-
bility. Since I have been collecting the materi-
als for this letter a Brig has been ashore, misled
by the present Light.
I send with this letter a sheet of drawings,
exhibiting a plan, sections, and elevations of the
work, enough in detail to guide the construction;
and I take leave to state, that I believe the su-
perintendence may be confided with entire safe-
ty, to the present Collector of the Customs at this
Port, Mr. LITTLEFIELD.
I have the honor, &c.
(Signed) JOS. G. TOTTEN, Lieut Col.
Eng'rs. Brevet Col.
To Brig. Gen. C. GRATIOT,
Col. Com. of U. S. Eng'rs. Washington.