In a letter dated 2 March 1818 were the results of an investigation already presented 27 February send. This select committee on finance was ordered to examine the naval estimates and finances for the period 1817-5 January 1820. It gives an interesting description dealing with the dock yard at Deptford. This sort of descriptions are quite useful if we want to compare the dock yard facilities available for the European, African and North American navies. (1)
p. 56: “The wharf wall in front of the Victualling Yard at Deptford has, for many years past, been in a decrepid state; but during the war, this wharf could not be spared; various schemes were therefore tried to keep it up; one scheme was to load the wall with ballast, to consolidate its foundation; this, instead of being of service, crippled it so much, that the whole was obliged to be tied to the land by timber; this in time had nearly-pulled down the great range of stores in front of the wharf; other temporary measures were therefore obliged to be adopted, to keep it up until the end of the war. In the beginning of the year 1816 this work was undertaken; and by an agreement with the Corporation of London, the new line of wharf wall was considerably advanced into the Thames , and placed in a proper direction for preventing the settlement of mud in front of it. The length of wall, which-was in a very dangerous state, was about 770 feet; the other, 300 feet in length, it was supposed might stand for several years. The first 400 feet was completed about three quarters of a year ago, and the remaining 370 feet is now in such a -state of forwardness, as leaves little room to doubt that it will be completed in July next. In executing this latter part of the work, an opportunity was afforded of viewing the foundation of the remaining part of the wall; and from this view it appeared that the foundation was quite hollow; and that although it might be repaired for -the sum of about £ 2,000, it would only be a temporary repair; and that when-it came to be rebuilt at a future period, it would cost about £ 25,000 ; whereas if rebuilt now, with the advantage of the steam engine for pumping the water, of the materials of the old cofferdam, and having the benefit of the pile engines now at the work, it could be done for about £ 16,000, thus saving £ 9,000 to the Public; on these grounds the work has been directed to be carried into execution, by which an additional, depth of water will be obtained of upwards of three feet.
Source
Parliamentary Papers. Eight report from the select committee on finance. Ordered by The House of Commons, to be printed, 6 March 1818 .
Note
1. See on this weblog for instance the notes dealing with the facilities in the United States Netherlands Antwerp Belgium
