or
EDWARD C. ANBEB*ON, V 'V1 ' * -jy
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH,
". 1
. *
"1
f of the ^ epdipg Ocfobet- ftttf, 1855,
TO WHICH IS ADDJa>:-THB'\
TREASURER'S AMJAL REPORT.
POWEB PBBW'OF GEO. 'N. NICHOL3.
18SS.
MAR10%4'
UBRARItS
THE LIBRARIES
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
|
Presented by
FELIX HARGRETT
Class of 1924
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.'
MAYOR'S OFFICE, 1
SAVANNAH, November 20th, 1855. /
To the Citizens of Savannah:
In compliance with the duty imposed on me by Ordinance,
you have hereby submitted to you the Mayor's Report for
the past twelve months, together with a statement of cash
received and paid out, through the City Treasury, from November 1st, 1854, to the 31st of October, 1855.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
By reference to the Treasurer's Report, it will be seen that
the pay, both of the Secretary of the Board of Health and
of the Messenger of Council, was very properly increased for
extraordinary services performed by them during the epidemic of 1854. These increased amounts, together with the
appropriation of $246 to Dr. Yonge, as also a large portion
of the sum paid for medicines for the poor, were incurred
during the epidemic of 1854, although paid during the fiscal
year just closed.
' I avail myself of this occasion to express to the members
of the Board of Health and to 'he City Marshal, my sense
of their cordial co-operation in carrying out the health ordinances of the city. To their firmness and good judgment in
the performance of a thankless duty, is in a great measure to
be attributed the exemption from disease which characterizes
the record of the^past summer. They are now engaged in
taking a complete census, with the number of deaths in their
respective wards, which will afford valuable data upon which
to base sanatory precautions for the future welfare of the
community.
I
4 MAYOR'S AHUUAL REPORT.
CITY EXCHANGE.
At a regular meeting held on the 6th April, 1854, Council
adopted the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Committee on Public Buildings be authorized to hare all necessary repairs done to-the Exchange.''
Under this authority the Committee commenced various (
improvements on the building, the greater portion of the
costs of which, necessarily devolved upon the present Board *
of Aldermen. The work of improvement had so far pro- '
gressed, that it was impossible to suspend it, nor was it possible to adopt any more economical plan without destroying
the symmetry of the whole. The project, therefore, was
continued, and has involved an expenditure of $18,04646.
In these expenditures are included the cost of furniture for
the Clerk's and Treasurer's and City Surveyor's offices, and
the purchase of an iron safe, authorized by resolution of
Council, for the safe keeping of the city records, &c.
FIRE DEPARTMENT,
On the 29th June, 1854, a contract was entered into with .
Messrs. J. fy E. Scudder to build a Fireman's Hall at the cost
of $6,425. This contract has been paid by the present Board
of Aldermen, and the sum charged to the Fire Department.
The lateWm. Robertson, justly appreciating this branch of the
public service, liberally bequeathed to the City of Savannah ^
the sum of 5,000, for the purpose of purchasing engines,
hose, and fire apparatus generally. From this additional aid
to the treasury, the fire companies have been furnished with
one new engine, together with hose, hose-carts, trucks, ladders. &c., which were needed, all amounting to $4,84 71.
This sum has been charged to the Robertson Fire Fund.
SCAVENGER'S DEPARTMENT.
This department of the public service has been maintained { ^
at an expense of 82,371 55-100 less than last year. The
general cleanliness of the city has been remarkablej and is
a subject of congratulation with all classes.
WATCH AND POLICEThe Po;ice Department, as at present organized, consists
of a Captain, two Lieutenants, three Sergeants, and twentyfour Mounted Privates, two foot Sergeants, and fifty Footmen
under pay, in all eighty-two men, or one patrol officer for
every three hundred and twenty-nine inhabitants. During
the past season the entire force has been uniformed at its own
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPOBTT -5
expense, the Caps, Badges and Buttons only being the property
of the City. They present a highly officer-like and respectable
appearance. The Mounted men are distributed into squads
of one Sergeant and eight men each, alternating in their round
of duty, and are in the service of the City day and night
performing the following tour :
From 8 P. M., to Midnight,
Midnight, to 4 A. M.
" 4 A. M., to 8 A. M.
8 A. M., to 2 P. M.
" 2 P. M., to 8 P. M.,
being thus employed ten hours out of every twenty-four
throughout all seasons of the year. In addition to the above,
the whole corps is in the saddle on every alarm of fire, and
upon extraordinary occasions. The duty, though severe, is
performed with cheerfulness and alacrity. The number of
horses originally supplied for the use of the Mounted Police
was twenty-five. Of these, three have died and one rendered
by casualty so worthless as to be unsaleable ^ince dead.
The cost of the present system for the past twelve months,
including pay,forage,feed,grooming, shoeing, etc., amounts to -
$23,287, to which must be added insurance on the U. S. Barracks $189 13; Gas and Water fixtures, $290 70; Lighting,
$199 50; Caps, Badges, Buttons, &c., g565 31; Pistols for
five additional men, $77 10; purchase of horses to replace
those dead, $300; Labor, repairs, furniture, etc., $556 58
in all $25,463 32. Printing, Stationery, purchase of Saddles,
part of Insurance on Barracks,Labor, Medicines, etc., charged
in Treasurer's Report, were incident to the organization of
the Police, and properly belong to the account of 1854. It
was found essential to the thorough efficiency of this branch,
to increase their number in January last by the addition of
one Sergeant and four privates, included in the estimate
already enumerated. No extra horses were asked for with
these men, as it was contemplated to employ them as preventive officers, in the suppression of vice along the Docks
and Wharves, and as a river Police for the protection of the
shipping interest. If the expense of maintaining the Mounted
Police for the past year has been greater than that of the
preceeding, it is attributable to the increased cost in the price
of forage and feed over that of ordinary seasons, together
with the necessary addition of five men to the force itself.
The great value of their services in the detection of offenders, the suppression of crime, the protection of the property
6 JCAYOB'S AOTTOAL BEPOBT.
and persons of our citizens, and the preservation of peace
and good order in the City, cannot fail to commend the system
to the special good will of the citizens of Savannah. It is to
their energy and zeal in the discharge of an arduous and
oftentimes desperate duty, that the forcible abduction of Seamen from Merchant vessels on the river that foul plague
spot on the fair escutcheon of onr seaport has been suppressed, if not thoroughly eradicated.
The Foot Guard, or City Watch, consists of two Sergeants
and fifty Privates, with ten supernumeraries to fill vacancies
in case of sickness or otherwise. The pay of this body
amounts to Si6,300. Great exertion has been used to improve the character and condition of this branch of the Police, and I am satisfied that it is very superior in itself, and
in public estimation, to what it ever was in former years.
There are,however, radical defects connected with the system,
as it exists, which will ever embarrass it in its present form,
and can only be remedied by a thorough re-organization
The additional duty has been imposed upon this branch of a
detail from half-past six, P. M., to eight o'clock, when the
regular walch is turned out. This extra service has proved
very useful in checking misconduct on the Wharves und Bay
during the early evening. During the past Summer that
pandemonium of darkness after sunset, the river front, has
been lighted with Gas, and is now passable and safe, like
the other thoroughfares of the city.
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
To this account has been charged the completion of the
stone wall at the foot ot Abercorn-street, on the Bay, commenced under a former administration. By resolution of
Council, adopted in December last, the Committee on Streets
and Lanes were authorized to complete it The cost of completion amounted to 6.046 66. To this account has also
been charged the expense of paving Whitaker-street, as far
as has bseu done, amounting to Sl,952 40. This improvement v.v as authorized by the present Board. Another heavy
exps:)S3 v/jiicli ;ias been chargsd to the account of " Incidental Exi)3:;sss," has bsen thtit of repairing the dams of
the lands on I-Iutchiusoa's Island, cwned by the late Wyatt
W. Siarks. Tr.css lands are under dry culture contract, but
v.-crc nsg'.ccted by Major Starke, and, when the present Board
earns into office, were found in a very bad condition.
Warned by the fearful epidemic of the previous year, and
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 7
aware that the health of the City should be protected by
every means, and especially by the strict observance of the
dry culture system, the Council authorized the City Marshal
to proceed and have these lands put in order, in terms of the
existing contract. This was done at an expense of $3,028 50.
, This amount, under the dry culture cotract, is claimed by the
city of the proprietors of these lands, and measures will be
adopted for the recovery of the same.
The rapid extension of the city southward, the dilapidated
condition of the old negro cemetery, and the rude assaults of
sacriligious hands upon the repose of the dead, rendered it
necessary to remove the remains of colored- persons to the
place appointed for their sepulture near the Laurel Grove
Cemetery. This necessary -work was attended with the
small outlay of S722 75^ which has also been charged under
the incidental head. These extraordinary expenses, amounting in all to $11,750 03, tending to the adornment and health
of the city, have been put to incidental expenses, and hence
that account appears to be, with the ordinary charges incident to the city government, $19,364 71.
SAVANNAH RIVER APPROPRIATIONS, &c.
The following condensed history of the operations for the
improvement of the Savannah River is submitted for your
information:
By act of Congress, approved August 30, 1852, an appropriation of 5540,000 was made " for the removal of obstructions in the Savannah River, at a place called the wrecks,
and the improvement of the navigation of said river." At
the request of the Chamber of Commerce, a commission
composed of Prof. A. D. Bache, Captain A. H. Bowman, and
Captain J. F. Gilmer, was appointed by the Secretary of
War to devise a project for the improvement of the river. I
am indebted to the last named officer for the accuracy of the
accompanying details.
The commission met in December, 1852, and after full and
careful study, reported a plan, with estimates of cost, which
were approved by the Department, and the work ordered to
be commenced. In general terms, the plan recommended
and approved, was to deepen the Front River over the
Wrecks, along Garden Bank, and over two shoals above the
city, by dredging, and at the Same time to throw sufficient
water along the branch of the river to preserve the depth
attained. To accomplish the latter object, timber jetties and
8 MATOrt'e ANNUAL
closing works were to be constructed at the upper end of
Hutchinson's Island, across Fig Island Channel, and at the
lower end of the last named Island. The approximate cost
of the works above indicated, was estimated at $201,427. As
the appropriation made by Congress was only $40,000, and
it was considered essential to successful results that the operations for closing Fig-Island channel should progress simultaneously with the working of the dredges upon the wrecks
and Garden Bank, the city decided to advance the requisite
means at once, trusting to the future action of Congress for
reimbursement. With funds thus provided, the pile work
across Fig Island channel was established, while the cost of
preliminary surveys and of working the dredge machines
along the Garden Bank and over the Wrecks was paid out of
the Government appropriation of 1852. The whole of the
$40.000 has been thus applied. The dredges have removed
from the front river one hundred and two thousand five
hundred (102,500) cubic yards of earth, giving a channel full ten
feet at mean low water, or sixteen feet six inches at mean
high water. At spring tide, the depth will be at least one
foot more. Since the commencement of operations, therefore. the front river channel has been deepened about two
feet, and from present indications, there is good reason to believe that this increase of depth will remain permanent, the
permanence being due in a great measure to the volume of
water turned from the Fig Island to the front channel.
Since the 31st October, 1854, the date of my predecessor's
report, there have been advanced from the city treasury :
For improvement of Savannah River, $13,191 93
Oct.. 1855, balance in hand of disbursing agent, 667 02
$12,524 91
The above has been applied as follows :
In dredging channel of River, " $ 1,835 43
Completing pile work Fig Island Channel, 10,584 48
Stone ballast (purchased by City,) for strengthening pile work, 105 00
12,524 91
On the 3d of March last ap appropriation of One hundred
and sixty-one thousand dollars was made by Congress, "To
remove the obstructions in the Savannah River, below the
city of Savannah, in the State of Georgia, placed there during
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 9
the Revolutionary War, lor the common deience; " and on
the 7th of the same month, instructions were issued to Capl.
J. F. Gilmer, the United States Engineer Officer in charge
of our River, directing him to proceed at once to the study
of the subject, and present, as soon as possible, a project for
the execution of the work. The people of" Savannah are
under lasting obligations to that able and judicious officer for
untiring efforts in their behalf On the 24th of March last,
a report, with the necessary maps, etc., was forwarded to the
War Department, recommending that the original project of
the Commissioners should be carried out, with some slight
modifications in the details of construction; experience having demonstrated that their plans were the best that could be
devised. It was shewn that up to date, (24th of March last,)
the City of Savannah had advanced nearly 49,000 for the
purchase of materials and machinery, and for wages paid to
mechanics and laborers, and that a considerable portion of
the timber needed for the continuation of the pile work was
still unapplied, which it was proposed should be purchased
from the City on Government account. Inquiry was also
made whether the outlay for material and workmanship
already advanced from the City Treasury could be refunded
out of the new appropriation.
The decision of the War Department, under date of 26th
of May last, is as follows: "The appropriation is specific,'to
remove the obstructions in the Savannah River, below the
City of Savannah, in the State of Georgia, placed there during the Revolutionary War, for the common defence,' and
can be applied to no other purpose whatever. The plan
submitted for dredging is not approved."
Upon receipt of this decision, (30th May last,) Captain
Gilmer wrote to the Engineer Department, stating " that the
obstructions in Savannah River, specified in the appropriation act, are those placed there during the Revolutionary War,
for the common defence; that they consist of numerous hulls
of vessels, which are now imbedded in an extensive bank of
mud and sand, known as the 'Wrecks,' or 'Wreck Bank,'
which extend in a measure across the outlet of Savannah
Front River;" and then inquired "if it was intended NOT to
approve that part of the project which proposed to dredge
over and about these old wrecks, with the view of removing
the masses of earth which have accumulated on top and
around them to such an extent as to completely cover and
envelope all their timbers."
2
10 MAYOR'S ANNUAL BEPORT.
The proposition for dredging was favorably endorsed by
the Chief Engineer at Washington, and recommended to the
approval of the Secretary of War. On the 8th of June last,
it was finally approved by him. Since the 6th of August
the dredge has been employed on the wreck bank, removing
the accumulation of sand and mud at that point, and under
present instructions, NO OTHER operations can be undertaken
and paid for out of the recent appropriation. Convinced of
the great importance of having other parts of the proposed
plan of improvement prosecuted at the same time as the
dredgiag on the Wrecks, 'the Chief Engineer, under date of
August 11, 1855, wrote to the officer in charge of the work
here as follows: "You are requested to prepare and transmit
to the Department, at an early day, a draft of the proposed
change in the wording of the Act of the 3d of March, 1855,
so as to take in and provide for all objects of expenditure
necessary for the execution of plans for the improvement of
the river as presented by the commission."
A draft of the proposed change has been prepared and
transmitted to Washington. The amendment will make the
appropriation applicable to the removal of bars, banks, and
other impediments in the river, caused by the original obstructions. It should be urged upon Congress at an early
day of the coming Session, and, if stringently pressed, there
is every reason to believe the desired modification will be
made in the wording of the law. The claim is a just one.
There cannot be a doubt but that the present condition of
Front River is the inevitable result of sinking six vessels
across its outlet They were scuttled across its lower entrance in the year 1779, for the purpose of closing the channel
against the approach of naval vessels to the city, and so completely blocked the outlet that the currents above were
deadened by the darning back of the water, causing an immediate deposit of much earthy matter and other substances,
which the natural flow had previously swept onward to the
ocean. Such is the origin of Garden Bank. Let us suppose
that the dam at the lower entrance to Front River had been
complete instead of partial, the whole volume of water would
have been stopped, the current entirely destroyed, all the material held in suspension deposited, the accumulated mass of
water forced to seek passage through each and every lateral
outlet, increasing the same in width and depth, and finally
the approach to Savannah would have become a marsh instead of a ship channel. The natural channel having become
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 11
a dead river, the removal of the original cause alone will
not restore it to life. It can only be done by shutting up
the lateral outlets that have been enlarged and deepened,
cutting away banks and shoals that have been caused by the
obstructing timbers, and removing the timbers themselves.
' What is true as a whole is true in its parts. The filling up of
t a channel by deposits of various kinds is in proportion to the
obstructions placed in the river below. The current to Front
River was rendered feeble for a Jong distance above the
sunken vessels, even to the upper end of Hutchinson's Island,
where an additional amount of water was forced to seek an
outlet through the cross tides. As a natural consqeuence, the
bed of Front River, below King's Island, filled up, the depth
of channel was diminished, and numerous shoals were formed
by deposits from the sluggish stream, denied an outlet below.
The shoals on the right and left of King's Island, the shoal
below Marsh or Tree Island, the Garden Bank, and the extensive bank formed aror.nd and over the sunken wrecks,
have resulted from the obstructions placed for the common
defence.
Savannah River Bar affords one of the easiest entrances
from the sea along the whole southern coast of the United
States. It has a depth of water upon it of nineteen feet six
inches at mean low tide, with a rise of eight feet on the flood
making its soundings, at high water, twenty-seven feet six
inches. Vessels drawing nineteen feet can run for a harbor,
therefore, at any stage of the tide, and anchor safely inside
of Tybee Island, beyond the influence of swells from the
ocean. The writer of this has thrice crossed the bar in a
heavy ship of war, and on one occasion at a trifle over half
tide. With these advantages of access, will the people of
Georgia remain content to see their commercial seaport hampered in its river by obstructions so easily removable ? Any
defect in its channel affects their interest as well as our own.
The homely maxim that "what is everybody's business is
nobody's," may not be inapplicable to the present occasion.
Let the merchants of Savannah look to it.
12 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
COMMERCE OF SAVANNAH.
The accompanying statistics, though not strictly belonging
to the Mayor's Report, may not be unacceptable, as showing
the growing commerce of our port.
iitalemeai of Exports from tlir. Port, of Savannah'from tlte\st of September,
1853, to the 3I.rf of Aityiutt, 1854, inclunvn:
Foreign. Coastwise. Value.
Bales. Bales.
98,580 203,363 $14,266,806
3,861 11,607
COTTOX. Bales.
Upland........801,948
Sea Island..... 15,528
Total....... 817,471
RICE Casks.
Total... ... 80,748
LCMEER. Feets*
Total... ..49,855,700
Weight.
Ibs.
135,874,350
5,046,000
140,920,950
Weight.
Ibs.
5,006,600
102,441
Foreign.
Casks.
7,054
1,415,000
215,030 $15,681,806
Coastwise.
Casks.
23,094
Foreign. Coastwise.
Feet. Feet.
27,353,600 22,502,100
Srxnr.iRS Wheat, Flour, Wool, Manufactories, Hides, Peltries, Copper Ore, Tallow, Beeswax, Drugs, Ac., valued at
700,000
500,000
1,000,000
Grand Total Value of Exports. ........................ .\. .. .$17,881,806
TONNAGE Cleared and Entered in 1S54 :
Foreign............................................131,033
Coastwise..........................................246,843
COTTON.
Upland....
Sea Wand..
Total..-. ...........................................377,876
of Exports from the Port of Savannah, from Ike 1st of September,
1S34, to Rlst August, 1855, in
Bales.
.373,908
. 14,407
Weigh t.
Ibs.
108,258,600
4,701,775
Foreign. Coastwise. Value.
Bales.
178,194
0,993
Bales.
195,714
7,474
$16,825,860
940,355
TOTAL....... 8,220
LCMBEK. Feet.
25,500,000
203,188 $17,766,215
Coastwise.
Casks.
3,071 213,798
Coastwise.
Feet.
Total....... 388,375 172,960,375 185,187
RICK Casks. Weight. Foreign.
Casks. Casks.
5,344,950 5,149
Foreign.
Feet.
19,004,308 6,495,692 255,000
Xrw exports, coastwise principally, 423,37,> bushels; exported since 1st January to 1st November, 1855 719,737
COPPER OKI 31,C32 boxes, new exports, coastwise principally;
exported since IstJan. to IstXbv., weight 7,000 tons 474,480
SUNDRIES Flour, Wool, Manufactories, Hides, Peltries, Tallow, .
Beeswax, Brags, &c., valued at. 700,000
Total value of Exporis for 1854-5........................... .$20,129,230
TONNAGE Cleared and Entered in 1855.
Foreign............................................151,136
Coastwise..........................................359,339
Total..............................................510,475
'If.
It
MAYOR'S ANNUAL BEPOBT. 13
COTTON. It will be seen, by comparing the foregoing tables,
that the exports of Cotton in 1855, exceed those of 1854 by
70,904 bales, or over 22 percent. The crop of Sea Island Cotton was cut short by the storm of September 8, 1S54. Of
the coastwise export, much of it, especially Sea Islands
(which are very little consumed at the North,) is shipped via
New York, as the most expeditious and economical way often
of reaching the markets of Liverpool and Havre.
RICE. The crop was nearly destroyed by the storm of 1854.
Hence the exports but little exceed the fourth of the exports
of 1854. In consequence of its scarcity, prices were higher
in 1855, and the decreased value is not in the same ratio of
the decrease of exports as compared with 1854.
LUMBEB. The exports of Lumber are nearly fifty per cent,
less in 1855 than those of 1854. The trade in this article is
extensive in the Summer and Fall The epidemic of 1854
doubtless prevented the rafting of much of it to market, which
would have entered into the exports of 1855, and hence, perhaps, the great disparity between the exportsof the two years.
WHEAT AND COPPER ORE. These are comparatively new
articles of export from Savannah, but this season form conspicuous and important items in the table of shipments from
this port, and will increase, doubtless, annually.
There are other articles of value which enter into our exports and form no inconsiderable portion of our commerce,
but there are no data upon which to base a reliable estimate
of their quantity and price. These are stated under the head
of sundries, and are estimated rather under than above their
real value, could they be specifically ascertained.
IMPORTS. The Imports, foreign and domestic, it is fair to
presume, are very nearly equivalent in value to the exports,
the latter being chiefly of the surplus productions of the
country, which are shipped to be exchanged for articles of
necessity or luxury, not produced in the exporting country.
Valuing, then, the Imports by this rule, the commerce of Savannah amounts annually to between 35 and 40 millions of
dollars, which must find its way to and from this city over
the Savannah River.
TONNAGE. The best criterion, perhaps, upon which to
form a correct estimate of the growing Commerce of this
City, is to be found in the increasing Tonnage necessary to
carry it on. It appears from the foregoing tables that the
Tonnage in 1855 exceeds that of 1854 132,599, or about
14 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
thirty-five per cent, more for the Commerce of the last than
the preceding year.
The receipts and exports of Cotton from this port do not
indicate the entire production of the article in the State of
Georgia. A large portion of the crop is shipped by Railroad
from Augusta to Charleston,another portion from the Chattahoochee River to Apalachicola, on the Gulf, and still another
considerable portion, produced in the counties bordering on
the line of Florida, finds a market at Tallahassee, and is
exported from St. Marks. The statistics furnished by the
Seventh Census of the U. S., (1850) sets the crop of Georgia
j! down at 499,091 bales of Cotton of 400 Ibs. each. Reliable
i facts show that there has been a large increase since that ,
| time, and there is no doubt but that Georgia now stands in
'.' the vanguard of the Cotton producing Scales. The extension
of our Railroads to the Chattahoochee River lias diverted
f from Western Georgia and Eastern Alabama a. large por'ion
^ of Cotton, which formerly found its way down the river to
the Gulf ports, *nd brought it to the Atlantic. In 1852-3
the receipts at Apalachicola amounted to 180,000 bales.
I Last season the receipts were 132,000, or a decrease of 48,000
bales, whilst the receipts at Savannah were 36 per cent, increase over the year preceeding. These facts illustrate the
practical importance of the system of internal improvements
in which Savannah has been so long and so earnestly engaged, and it is significant of the advantage resulting from
her enterprise, that a car started from the Central Depot here,
may be run over every railroad in Georgia. When the Sa-
1 vannah, Albany & Gulf Railroad shall penetrate the South
! West, and the South Western Railroad is extended to develop
the resources of that fertile region, it may confidently be anticipated that our receipts and our Commerce will be greatly
augmented.
In closing this report, I avail myself of so favorable an opf portunity to remind our Citizens of their obligations to a
I, Benificent Providence for the almost unexampled health of
{ Savannah during the past season, and for the bright promise
| which seems to irradiate our future course. On every hand
(i we witness evidences of progress and prosperity. Our limits
f are greatly extended. New and commodious buildings are
multiplying wherever convenience or necessity calls for them.
Our tonnage is augmented, and our commerce increasing.
From the mastheads of the shipping swarming in our river
is to be seen the flag of almost every commercial nation.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 15
Our Railroad connections are making the resources of differen t
and distant parts of the country tributary to our wealth.
Such evidences of prosperity cannot fail to arouse the State
pride of every Georgian, and should enlist towards Savannah,
from the people of the interior, that patronage and good will
which the enterprise and liberal spirit of our capitalists and
business men so richly merit.
Very respectfully,
EDWARD C. ANDERSON, Mayor
16 MAYOR'8 ANNUAL BBPOKT.
STATEMENT
Of the Resources of the City of Savannah October 31, IS 55.
STOCKS AT PAR VALCE.
$280,000 (10
255,200 iX>
251,70000
250,000 00
105,80000
5,00000
1,:00 00
2,8oo Shares Savannah, Albany & Gulf Rail Road
2,552 " Central Riiil Road & Banking Company
2,517 " Augusta & Way uesboro1 Rail Road Company
2,5iM; " South Western Rail Road Company
1,058. " Montgomery k West Point Rail Road Company
50 ' Ogcechee Plank Road Stock
13 " Bank of the State of Georgia
4 Bonds of John J. Kelly, for payment of Lot letter E,
Heatiicote Ward, payable iu one, two, three, and four
year:, each for $1,300, bearing interest
Total
CITY DOMAIN.
644 Lots, in 22 Wards under lease, valued at
36 Lots in Springfield Plantation
5,2oo on
$1,154,200 00
Lots laid off and valued, iiot under lease,
APPROXIMATE VALUE OP LAXI* SOT LAID OJT
XOR VALCED.
20 Lots South of Hospital $18,000
20 Lots East of Hospital 2o,000
9 Acres of Land of tie old Cautonement reserved
for city Lots $2o,000
Remainder of the Springfield Plantation 8o,oOo
Site purchased for Water Works 22,oOO
Total value of Stock and Domain as above
Savannah Water Works cost
$480,902 20.
19,234 80
5500,137 00
7 0,21 K) OO
38,000 Oo
122,000 00
730,337 00
1,803,537 00
153,230 07
Total Resources $2,046,703 07
This Statement does not include the public buildings, five lots in possession of
the Academy and Union Society undar lease, which expires 6th of June, 1862,
wharf lot at the foot of West Broad street, forty-six and a half feet vacant; slip
on the Canal, one-half of Fig Island, and a small encroachment by lot Ifo. 3,
Decker Ward, also twenty-five horses and other property purchased for the police.
GP.OC.VJ> RE.VTS PAYABLE TO THE CITY or SAVAXXAH.
Low in the Words of the City .$28,032 21
Springliold Plantation ' . 1,347 10
I #
82!>,370 31
TAXABLE VALCE
Of Fw Simple Lots and Tmprover.ienfcj for 1855, on City ami Fee Simple Lots, as-
,e*sed for 1S55, . " $h,S2O,87O 00
MASSIF: SCHOOL First*
Amounts to *14,OO3 2-">, invented as follows :
Prufcm.-d Central Rail Road Stock A'^,100 00
Gas Company Stock 9,700 00
J?ond of the South Western Rail Road Company l,i)00 00
Uninvested 1,208 25
$14,008 25
I
MAYOR 8 ANNUAL REPORT. 17
STATEMENT
Of the Funded Debt of the City of Savannah, including
all Bonds issued and outstanding 3lst Oct. 1855.
Internal Improvement Bonds for 1839 $219,000 00
Bonds for Savannah, Albany & Golf Bail Road 265,500 00
South Western Rail Road 250,000 00
Augusta & Waynesboro' Rail Road . 200,000 00
Savannah Water Works ' 186,000 00
Springfield Plantation 27,840 00
Purchase of Site for Water Works 22,00000
Improvement of Savannah River . 21,000 00
Savannah Gas Company 6,000 00
Ogecchee Plank Road Stock 6,00000
Corporation Notes, probably destroyed - 1,95*7 50
City Script outstanding, probably destroyed 1,327 00
$1,203,624 50
Amount of Mayor's Notes running in the Banks of Savannah from 1854,
$24,000 00.
DR.
CITY TRE-ASTJREITB A..NT3SJTJAL KEFCXRT.
CITY TREASURER'S OFFICE,
SAVANNAH, NovEMniCR 1, 1855,
Statement of Cash received and paid thrqtgh the Treaturt/ nf thf City of Savannah, from the \tt of November,
r854, to the 8l< of October, 1H55. __________________
\
00
OR.
To balance per last Annual Statement
Uo Budget
Roo'd from Clerk of Council for Badgei
sold
Less paid for making Badges
3o Silli Payable
Rec'd for Mayor's notes discounted
So Bonds
Bec'd for Bonds for improvement of
Savannah River
Bec'd for Bonds issued for construction
of Savannah & Albany Rail Road
Bec'd for Bonds issued for subscription
to Montgomery & West Point R. R.,
JTb Board of Healtl*
Bec'd of City Marshal for sales at
Pound and Impounding Cattle
To City Exchange
Rec'd for Rent of Rooms, <tc.,
So City Taxe
Rec'd for Taxes collected 1849
" " " 1860
" " " 1852
" " " 1858
5)96 50 a34 70
1,600 00
180,000 00
100,000 00
1 00
475
65 96
3,217 19
$7,481 01
6,661 80
221,800 00
281,600 00
272 82
1,408 18
I'ai/ablf
Paid Mayor's Notes .
By Hoard of Health
'Paid Secretary for services in 1854
Paid Secretary nnd Messenger in 18B5
Paid Dr. K. Yonge for services in 1854
Paid for medicines for the poor in 1854-5
Paid for lime, copperas, serving notices, &c.
Paid for burial of paupers
By City Court
'Paid Judge's Salary
Paid for Printing and Stationery
Paid for Kent of Sheriff's office
By City Bank, (New- York,}
'Remitted them topay Interest on City Bonds
By Citil Police
'Paid 'for Services of Policemen
Paid for Com, Hay, Bran, &c.,
Pnid for Insurance ou Barracks, two
vears, 1854-5,
Paid for Printing and Stationery
Paid for putting Gas and Water Fixtures
in Barracks
Paid Savannah Gas Co. for Lighting
$222,800 00
400 00
825 00
246 00
1,67616
128 12
84 60
50000
67 75
25 00
88,807 44
8,607 87
189 18
187 29
290 70
2,804 78
68276
4,942 65
Bec'd for Taxes ejected
in 1854 14,314 98
I4M amount remitted 209 62
Beo'd for Taxes collected
In 1855 85,072 48
Less amount remitted 1,109 84
Jb City Court
Beo'd from Clerk for Fees,
2b Dividend*
Bec'd for Dividends on Stock in Central R. R. & Banking Company
Bec'd for Div'd on State Bank of Ga.,
Beo'd on Stock in Montgomery & West
Point R. R. Company
Bec'd on Stock in the Ogechee Plank
Road Company
Reo'd on Stock in S. W. R. R. Co., 2b feet
Bec'd from Harbor Master, Clerk of
Council, and for Licenses,
Jb Fin,
Bec'd for Fines collected from Mayor's
Fine Book and Information Docket
J7b Ground Rents
Bec'd from City Lots in Wards, viz :
Brown Ward
Columbia Ward
Chfitliaw Ward
Callioim Ward
Crawford Ward
Charlton Ward
Elbert Ward
14,105 86
83,962 59
, .
36,496 00
130 00
5,833 34
150 00
20,000 00"
1,889 89
1,684 86
2,873 51
2,008 10
1,695 61
628 50
1,622 81
.$11,602 18
100,846 85
1,847 00
62,609 34
2,762 56
2,660 68
$688,800 29
Barracks 199 60 Paid for Saddles purchased in 1854 609 87 Paid for purchase of Caps, Badges, fcc,,
in 1854 665 81 Paid for Pistols 77 10 Paid Hostlers and for purchase of two
Horses, to'replace two dead, 1,331 40 Paid Keeper Guard House balance due
for 1854 52 72 Paid for Furniture, Shoeing Horses,
Medicines, Labor, and Repairs 2,822 66
42,989 89 Less received of Chief of Police for fines, &c. 577 91
By City Loan for Internal Improvement*
Paid for Redemption of 2 City Bonds due 1867, By OHy Clock
Paid Keeper's Salary, and for Repairs, &c.,
By Clly Exchange
'Paid Savannah Gas Co., for Lighting, 144 60 Paid D. R. Billon 160 00 Paid for Lantern.", Oil Cloth, &c. 160 82 Paid for sundry Repairs commenped in
April, 1854, 18,046 46 By Cemetery
Paid for Burial of Paupers, during epidemic of 1K54 1,181 00 Paid for Burial of Paupers in 1855 184 00 Paid Keeper's salary of old Cemetery 160 00 Paid for Rcpahs of old Cemetery, 1854 19 26
1,484 26
Amount carried forward......................... .$296,822 17
42,411 98
2,000 00
363 98
18,491 78
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT CONTINUED.
Forsyth Ward
Franklin Ward
Franklin (Now) Ward
Greono Ward
Jackson Ward
Jasper Ward
Lafayette Ward
Liberty Ward
Montoroy Ward
Pulaski Ward
Reynolds' Ward
Troup Ward
Warren Ward
Washington Ward
Wcsloy VffiA
To Jail
Reo'd for Jailor's Fees
To Laurel Grove Cemetery
Rcc'd for sole of Lots
Rec'd for Burial Fees
Rcc'd for Sale of Wood
Less refunded for Interments
To Iileeiiiet
Rec'd from Retailers and Exhibitors
Less refunded N 100
Less paid for serving notices 23
11 ftflfl Ifi Aftflfl Qflrt 00
2,071 82
1,430 SI
1 1,627 70
928 10
1,787 06
1,847 87
2,8GB 12
087 CO
8,157 73
1,587 49
151 68
1,760 09
852 02
564 55
931 85 32,960 47
8,644 05
2,144 00
601 50
64 88
3,010 38
10 00 3,000 38
V
15,499 95
00
80 128 30 15,876 65
By Doekt and Wharve
Paid for Materials and Repairs of same
By Dry Culture
Tald Inspector's Salary
By Fire Department
Paid J. li E. Scuddor for Building Fireman's Hall
Paid 6. Butler for window blinds fordo.
Paid Stibbs & Davis Lightning-rod
Paid I. W. Morrell & Co., for Furniture
Paid J. P. Collins for Hats, Spittoons, &o.,
Paid W. H. May & Co., bill for hose
Paid Oglctborpe Fire Company annual
Contribution
Paid Young America Fire Company
Paid for Repairing engine-houses, fto.
Paid sundry bills of Savannah Firo Comp'ios
By Feet
Paid Harbor Master's Salary
Paid for Printing Bills, &c.,
By Improvement of Savannah River
Paid Capt. Gilmer and Lieut. Newton,
......... |205,882 17
674 57
150 00
6,425 00
45 00 80 00 '
181 50
15 37
1,190 66
150 00
150 00
518 00
6,085 14
_________ . -10 ftAA KIT "" lt>,OVv ttl
1,100 00
27 50 1,127 50
to
0
g
S
CO
1

HF*
as^J
sundry times, 13,086 95
Paid for Stone Ballast 106 00 18,191 93
To Market
Bec'd for Fees, Bent of Stalls, 4c.,
To Mottle School Fnnd
Bec'd Dividend on Stock in Savannah
Gas Company
Bec'd Dividend on Stock in Central
Railroad Company
Bec'd Interest on Bond of S. W. Railroad Company
To Poor Haute and Hotpital
Bec'd for State Taxes on Auction Sales
Less amount paid William Duncan,
President, &c.,
To Paving Lot
Bec'd from sundry persons
Less amount paid for paving
5,087 89
821 69
378 62
1,145 80
201 83
To Pwchate of Site for Wev> Guard House
Bec'd for Bond of J. J. Kdly, due
July 5, 1866
To Robertton Fire Fund
Bec'd of the Executors of the Estate
of Wm. Robertson, for the purchase
of Hose, Engines, and Fire Apparatus
generally
To Springfield Plantation
Bec'd for Rente, &c.,
To Sale of Oily Lott
Beo'd for Sale of Lots 180 00
Less paid for drawing Titles 12 50
Amount carried forward,.
1,208 25
448 07
948 47
1,300 00
6,000 00
1,630 33
167 50
.$769,062 96
By Interett Account
Paid Discount on Mayor's Notes and Interest on City
Bonds 82,160 91
Less this amount to debit Manhattan
Company, New York, 1,106 48
Lesstodebitof CityBanktf.Y. 4,842 65
Less received prem. on R. R.
Stock sold 944 52
Less received for interest on J.
J. Kelly's Bond 87 016,980 61
By Incidental Expense*
Paid sundry bilh as per statement
By Inspection of Weighti andMtatwet
Paid Inspector's Salary 126 00
, Paid for Office Furniture, Standard of
Weights & Measurers, Fixturers and
Apparatus . 895 46
620 46
Less fees paid by Inspector 266 66
By Jail
Paid Jailor's Salary 1,626 00
Paid for Wood S68 00
Paid for Oils, Ac., 189 44
Paid for Corn.Boef, Bread, Medicines, 4c., 8,184 74
Paid for Repairs, Whitewashing, &c. 604 98
By Latnpt .
Paid for Lighting Oil Lamps 829 47
Paid for Lighting Gas Lamps 15,08800
Paid for Lanterns, Painting, and Repairs 62800
76,180 80
19,364 71
863 90
4,722 14
16,986 47
Amount carried forward........................... .$440,168 26 fed
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORTCONTINUED,
Amount.4 brought forward,...................
JV Stofk in Central K. Jt. and Banking Co.
RecM lor sale of Ririlroad Stock
to to
1855Oct. SiTo balance brought down
. $759,002 95 Amount* brought forward,......................... (140,168 26
fly Lntirel (/rove Cemetery
29,80000 1'niil salary and house rent of Keeper 1,57500
Paid bnlunco on account of building
$788,802 Ofi house and lodge 791 50
Paid for building stable 695 00
Paid for furniture 260 18
Paid for hire of hands to labor 1,067 00
Paid for materials and Repairs \ 329 00
By Market _____
Paid Clerk's Salary 976 00
Paid for lighting market 953 10
Paid for hire of laborers, Ac. 276 55
Paid for materials, repairs, Ac., 675 02
y Manhattan flank, (N. Y.)
Remitted them to pay Int. on City Bonds
By Opening Street*
'Pnid guardian of Richard A Butler for
opening President street at east end
for damages assessed by Committee
of Council, in June, 1853, COO 00
Paid for opening street leading to Laurel
Grove Cemetery 5 00
'fly Plank Hoad
j Paid for repairs sundry times 682 39
Paid Messrs Lloyd & Owens in settlement of sundry attachments against
$8,616181 the same incurred in May, 1868, 4,72283
4,617 63
2,878 67
2,793 17
605 00
Amount carried forward..,........................... $8.515 18
Paid Sheriff's Fees in the above cases, 48 25
By Printing nnd Stationery
Paid for advertising, Stationery, &c.
By Pwnpi
Paid Contractors salary nnd sundry repairs
By Quarantine
Paid Health Officer's salary
Paid Keeper of Pest House salary
Paid insurance on Pest House for 2 years
Paid Expenses of patients and board of
nurses
By liobertson Fire Fund
Paid for fire engine
Paid for hose cart, couplings, &c.
By Springfield Plantation
Paid State and County Taxes for 1854
Paid State and County Taxes for 1866
For fencing, ditching and improving, 1856
By Salariet
Paid City Officers' salaries
By Stock-it
In Montgomery & West Point Railroad,
paid for stock by issue of City Bonds, 105,800 00
In Savannah, Albany & Gulf Railroad,
paid for stock by issue of City Bonds, 180,000 00

487 50
275 00
54 00
190 31
1,200 00
8,684 41
76 84
81 85
491 07
5,297 97
1,112 48
1,535 94
962 81
4 884 41
647 76
7,722 80
By Scavenger'* Department
Paid Superintendent's salary, per contract, 8,249 94
285,800 00
I
P
Amount carried forward..,....,.,......., .8,249 94 $759,021 85 419
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORTCONTINUED.
Amount brought forward............................ .$8,619 18
1886OCT. SI. To balance brought down 13,515 18
Amount brought forward. :............. . .f 8,249 94 $759,021
Loss this amount received from D. II.
. Stownrt, for mules and earU purchased by him,
85
By Streets and Lane
Paid for work and materials on 'streets,
lanes, and squares, grading, &o.
Paid for stone ballast, stone, grates,
1,188 17
4,716 72
hauling & labor for paving Whitaker st 1,952 40
Less amount received by Marshal
By Savannah Water Workt
Paid A. W. Craven, Engineer,
Paid J. 0. Morse's draft on Com'ers for
Paid Pay Roll for Officers salaries
Paid for stop cocks, extension pipes, Ac.,
Paid for building and repairs,
Paid for coal, wood, lumber, freights,
Drayage, lime, salt, oil, Ac.,
Printing and Stationery
Less received from Secretary and Treasurer at sundry times,
1855OCT. 81. By Balance this day
0,669 12
14 00
1,788 50
2,682 69
8,078 77
8,760 96
1,540 54
8,774 89
42 77
18,608 62
6,002 09
7,064 77
6,655 12
12,606
8,515
53
18
1788,862
THOS. H. HARDEN, Treasurer.
95
w
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 25
We, the undersigned Committee on Finance, have examined the accounts of the City Treasurer, from the 1st of
November, 1854, to the 31st October, 1855, inclusive, and
find the same correctly stated, as per vouchers produced,
showing a balance in his hands of three thousand five hundred and fifteen 18-100 dollars.
JOHN N. LEWIS,
lN ILWmDEH, OP
R. A. ALLEN, }
SAVANNAH, November 1st, 1855.
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES.
Cmr ORDINANCES
Paid E. J. Purse, for printing City Ordinances, 1,185 00
P'dC. S.Henry, forCompiling Ordinances, 1,000 00
Paid E. J. Purse, for Printing Index and
Title to Ordinances, - 255 00
Paid Cubbedge & Ero. for Binding 735
Copies, 271 94
Paid C. S. Henry, for Drafting Pavement
Execution, 5 00
2,716 94
Paid City Marshal for work done on Old
Cemetery, ' 7 50
Paid Casey and Hamlet fur repairing Cemetery Wall, 547 40
Paid City Marshal for removing remains
of Negroes to New Cemetery, 357 00
Paid M. Doyle for building Vault in Negro
Cemetery, 70 00
Paid E. Moran for Drayage of Bricks, 47 50
Paid Luffburrow & Jones for Building, 210 00
Paid G. Butler for work in Negro Cemetery, 30 00
Paid E. Moran for Drayage of Lumber, 8 25
1,277 65
Paid City Marshal for Draining East of
the City, . 87 50
Paid E. Meehan, for Work on Maj. Stark's
Lands on Hutchinson Island, 2,700 00
Paid Geo. Oliver for superintending same 70 00
Paid Geo. Oliver and hands for work done
on same, 258 50
3,116 00
STONB WALT., ABERCORN STRUCT
Paid M. Cash for Labor on Wall 3,347 12
Paid E. Moran for Drayage of Stone Ballast, Lime, Ifc., 660 38
Paid Carlton & Parsons for Stone Ballast
and Lime, 122 50
Paid Carlton & Parsons for 200 bbls Lime, 215 00
Paid Hugh Cullen for 32 tons Ballast, 24 00
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 27
jPaid brig Leon for 80 tons Ballast, 40 00
Paid brig Morning Light for 40 tons ballast, 24 00
Paid Win. Gushing for 50 tons Ballast, 25 00
Paid E, W..Buker for 20 tons Ballast, 10 00
Paid ship Eli Whitney for 150 tons do., 56 25.
Paid J. Roberta & Co. for 40 tons ballast, 20 00
Paid Hydraulic Press for 90 tons ballast, 45 00
Paid ship Sardinia for 115 tons ballast, 57 50
Paid ship Tamerlane for 125 tone Ballast. 62 25
Paid J. Nichols for 81 tons ballast, 40 50
Paid J. G. Mills for 300 tons Ballast, 150 00
Paid Brigliam, Kelly & Co. for 40 tons bal., 20 00
Paid ship Silas Green for 240 tons ballast, 120 00
Paid Rowland & Co. for 20 tons ballast, 10 00
Paid bark Ricot for 120 tons ballast, 60 00
Paid ship Chaos for 170 tons ballast, 85 00
Paid ship Coosawattee for 9.*> tons ballast, 47 50
Paid Hone & Connery for Wharfage on
Stone Ballast, 37 50
Paid Jno. Dillon for Storage on Lime, 30 00
Paid Donaldson & Gnann for Railing
around Wall, 54 05
Paid R. D. Walker for sundries for Stone
Wall, 104 25
Paid Stibbs & Davis for Railing around
Wall, (Lincoln Street.,) 243 50
Paid Brigham, Kelly & Co. for lOObbls.
Lime, 125 00
Paid Wharfage on Stone Ballast,(100tons,) 40 00
Paid Gallagher & Moses for Drayage of :
Stone Ballast, 24 36
Paid John Harper Wharfage on Stone
Ballast, 31 25 .
Paid Cohens & Hertz for Lime for Wall, 114 75
6,046 66
SUNDRIES
Paid for Lightwood daring epidemic of 1854, 80 45
Paid T. M. Turner & Co. for Copperas, Aug. 1854, 102 75
Paid for removing rubbish and cleaning Exchange, 337 10
Paid Pat Prunty for watching Exchange, 134 00
Paid Claghorn Sc Cunningham for Coal, &c., 118 00
Paid for cutting trees, after storm of J54, from streets, 4 50
Paid for removing Tin from streets, 40 00
Paid for meals for Prisoners, and Lunatics, 42 92
Paid for Axes, Rakes, Shovels, &c., 18 50
Paid for printing 2,000 copies Mayor's Report, by
Resolution of Council, 250 00
28 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. ' i|
Paid expenses of City Marshal to and from Columbus, 29 00 (
Paid Treasurer for signing-City Bonds, * 20000 i
Paid Berlin & Nathans for sundries, 4 00 I
Paid Sheriff for services at City Election, ll 77 "*!
Paid for keeping Tally Sheet at Election, 20 00 j
P'd sundry bills for drayage of rubbish f'm Exchange, i
litter from the streets after the storm, animals, &c., 189 75 ;
Paid G. Butler for securing wall on Jones-street, 17 60 f
Paid for Coffin for Policeman E. L. Morgan, 10 00 *
Paid Messrs. Ward & Owens for Professional services
in case of M. Prendergast vs. the City, 50 00 '
Paid A. Wilbur for Insurance, 6 - 17
Paid J. P. Collins for sundries for Exchange, 7 69
Paid G. Butler for erecting Election Stand, 12 50
Paid Gas Co. for Lighting Exchange, 79 50
Paid Philbrick & Bell for two tons Coal, 16 00 :'
Paid F. M. Stone by transfer of five shares Rail Road
Stock, by resolution of Council, . -600 00
Paid for pitcher and basin .for Exchange, 2 00
Paid J. E. Ward, Esq., for expenses and .services at
Washington City, 1,800 00 I
Paid expenses of E. C. Anderson, Mayor, to Washington City, 400 00
Paid for Statistics of United States, 3 00
Paid for Iron Tree Boxes, Granite Blocks and Lanterns,
&cn for City, 256 37
P'd Messrs. Lloyd & Owens for professional services, 300 00 )
Paid Clerk City Assessors for services, 100 00
Paid Sholl & Fay for sundries, 38 50
Paid Akin & Burns for sundries, 21 63
Paid John T. Jones for sundries, 7 50
Paid Hone & Connery for Ropes for City Clocks, 16 55
Paid for Refreshments for Superintendents and Check
Keepers at Aldermen's Election, 15 00
Paid for killing 198 dogs, at 60 cts., 99 00 . A
Paid for copying City Charter, 6 00 '
P'd am't remitted to Norfolk, by resolution of Council, 500 00
Paid for removing Toll House on Plank Road, &c., 278 18 4
Paid Padelford, Fay k Co. for Engraving City Bonds, 93 10
Paid for Despatches, Envelopes, Stamps, Sec., 14 63
19,378 71
Leas received for sale of Ordinances, 14 00
19,364 71
Hargrett Collection
of 6.0191.