Harbor Improvements.

The first appropriation for harbor improvements in Michigan was made by Act of July 2, 1836 ; the sum of $15,000 was then granted for the improvement of the harbor at the mouth of the River Raisin. All amounts for improvements are expended under the direction of military officers detailed from time to time for this purpose.

In 1879 there were two officers at Detroit whose duties were connected with the expenditure of money appropriated for rivers and harbors; one in charge of Major F. Harwood, the other of Major S. M. Mansfield. The district of Major Mansfield, established in June, 1872, embraced the east shore of Lake Michigan, the harbors of Charlevoix, Frankfort, Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, White River, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Black Lake, Saugatuck, South Haven, and St. Joseph, and a survey of Portage Lake. The harbors named are cared for by local inspectors appointed by the officer in command. Major Harwood's district originally embraced the St. Clair Flats' Canal, and he was charged with the care of keeping it in order and making any regulations necessary in regard to its use. The preservation of the embankments and piles in the Saginaw River and at Cheboygan, and the care of the harbors of Au Sable, St. Clair River at the mouth of Black River, and Thunder Bay also formed part of his duties.

The average annual expenditure for the two offices was about $150,000. In the autumn of 1879 the office in charge of Major Mansfield was removed to Grand Rapids. Subsequently, on the death of

Major Harwood, Colonel F. N. Farquhar was appointed as his successor, and had charge also of the remnant of the business of the Lake Survey, including the distribution of the charts. He died in 1883, and in July Colonel O. M. Poe was appointed in charge of the office.

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