Robinson Letter December 31, 1857

A. G. Robinson was the chief engineer of the Department of public works.  He was writing to his boss Thomas A. Begly, Secretary, Department of Public Works in Toronto.  The letter was long and detailed.  The hard working Mr. Robinson had visited all the harbours, landing places and Lighthouses under construction from Georgian Bay down to Goderich.  At this time the Lighthouse was under constrution on Chantry Island.   We have not changed Mr. Robinson's spelling or punctuation.    One thing of interest to me is the description that Mr Robinson has for Chantry Island.   Contrary to our expectations, it is not viewed as a lush place with tall trees.   Notice that the long pier or groyne running from the north end of the Island predates the Long Dock construction.  Read his descriptions carefully.  We begin the narrative in mid-letter.

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Eighteen miles further down is Chantry Island, one mile and a quarter from the village of Southampton, at the mouth of the River Saugeen, a place which a great number of persons [who] are very sanguine will become a most important town, there having been a great influx of settlers into the adjoining townships, naturallys [sic] leads them to think a great deal of grain will be shipped and goods landed here.

Two steamers have been running between Detroit and Southampton this year Calling at the intermediate ports upon this Lake. Chantry Island is 30 chains long [ 1 chain = 66 feet.  30 chains would be 1980 feet] but very low and narrow covered with a stunted growth of timber, there Is also a reef running S. West from the South point of the Island 66 chains [4356 feet] and on the North end of the island are some detached reefs also. Owing to the island and these reefs breaking the force of the sea, vessels have been in the habit of riding out very heavy Storms at the back of the island — but the anchorage is considered foul. A Pier built last year by the Department at a cost of ₤7,303, running out from the N. east point of the Island towards the main shore, has rendered the shelter much more Secure, as now the vessels can moor themselves to the snubbing Posts. At the end of the Pier there is sixteen feet water. It would be a great improvement, if this Pier were extended some 200 feet as it would increase the shelter to a great degree. The erection of a light on Chantry Island also increases the facility for Vessels making the Island, but I would strongly recommend a fog bell and buoy to be placed on the outer end of the South reef, to warn vessels of its position. A large tug boat grounded here this fall and became a total wreck. A further Improvement is to he made by constructing a pier on the North side of the mouth of the River Saugeen which is expected, will have the effect of clearing away the present Bar, by forcing the River into a straight line of Channel. At present it is so constantly shifting, that it is extremely dangerous for vessels entering the river. Two vessels, one of one hundred tons were lost here this fall. .......................................