Number and Position of Lights

Number and Position of Lights.

Southampton, Saugeen

December 22^nd, 1853

Sir,

In reply to your letter dated Dec. 6^th with reference for a statement of the description of light necessary for each light house mentioned in my report of last September, whether fixed or revolving and of what power or capacity, showing also at what distance each light ought to be visible in clear weather, the height of each tower from base to lantern, the height of each lantern above high water mark, and the probable cost of each light house. I respectfully beg leave to submit the following report:

St. Joseph Island – The iron frame to receive the burners in this lantern should be half circle and not less than nine lights, three bearing NW visible 12 miles, two bearing N towards the Bruce mines visible 8 miles, and four bearing SE visible 15 miles towards the Clapperton channel. The height of this tower from base to lantern 60 feet and 69 feet from high water to lantern.

Clapperton Island – The frame of this lantern requires a three-quarter circle with eight burners, three lights bearing NW visible 12 miles, three bearing SE visible 12 miles, and two bearing N b E visible 8 miles. The height of this tower 54 feet from base to lantern and 68 feet from surface of water to lantern.

Badgely Island – The frame of this lantern requires to be half circle with eight burners, three of the lights bearing W visible 12 miles, five bearing S b E visible 17 miles. This tower from base to lantern 52 feet and 68 feet from surface of water to lantern

It is my opinion that the three last mentioned light houses can be built for £1140 each, including light keepers’ houses, every thing completed with the exception of the lanterns

Griffiths Island – This light house will also require a half circle frame with thirteen burners, three of the lights bearing E visible 12 miles, five bearing N and five bearing S, each of the latter visible 17 miles. The height of this tower from base to lantern 42 feet and from surface of water to lantern 82 feet. It is my opinion that this light and keeper’s house can be completed for £950, that is with the exception of the lantern.

Isle of Coves – This frame of the lantern will require to be three parts of a circle with thirteen burners, five of the lights bearing S and five NE b N visible 17 miles, and three bearing W visible 12 miles. The height of the tower from the base to the lantern 70 feet and 80 feet from surface of water to lantern. This light and keeper’s house can not be completed less than £1250, not including the lantern.

Chantry Island – This light house will require a three-quarter circular frame in lantern with thirteen burners, five of the lights bearing NNW and five bearing SW b W visible 17 miles, and three bearing W visible 12 miles. The height of this tower from base to lantern 74 feet and 80 feet from surface of water to lantern. This light and keeper’s house will cost £1180, not including the lantern.

Clarkes Point – This light house will require a revolving light to distinguish it from Goderich & Chantry Island. Vessels are compelled to give this place a wide berth in consequence of the shoals extending such a distance out in the Lake. If not a revolver, these lights will be required, herein stated according to bearings: the lantern will require half-circle frame with nine burners, three lights bearing NE b N, three bearing S and three bearing W. Each of those lights will be visible 12 miles. The height of the tower from base to the lantern 53 feet and 60 feet from surface of water to lantern. The probable cost of this light & keeper’s house £1100, lantern not included.

This estimate includes a nine inch brick wall the whole of the outside of the lighthouse – and stone inside – castmettle cornice and top floor – iron shoes let into wall to receive joist – three coats of paint on the whole of the outside – iron, brick & wood to be done the following summer after the erection – the keeper’s house to have three rooms on first floor and two on second, and cellar built of stone or brick 27 feet by 100, the top to be covered with good substantial slates – a communication with lighthouse, with doors on first & second floor.

I have enclosed a rough sketch about the same batter as the Presqu’Isle Large Lighthouse.

I am,

Sir,

your Obedient Servant,

Thomas Godfrey

Supt. of Light Houses

Thomas A. Begly, Esq.

Secretary

(drawing enclosed)