A new article has been added at Newspaper Abstracts > United States > Delaware > Sussex http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=642 Also visit our new sister sites: http://www.AncestorsOnTheWeb.com http://www.Genealogy101.com Direct link to article: http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/link.php?id=44639 Submitted by: Harrison H Howeth Article Title: The Philadelphia Inquirer Article Date: June 4 1861 Article Description: The Harbor at Lewes, Delaware Article Text: At the small town of Lewes, in the State of Delaware, there is, probably one of the finest natural harbors in the United States, at which vessels of all sizes can ride with safety within a mile of the place. It is at the mouth of the Delaware Bay and forms a basin by Cape Henlopen and the Delaware shore. It is at a distance of about fifteen miles from Cape May on the New Jersey shore and about twelve hours distance, by ordinary sailing craft, northwest to Philadelphia through the Delaware Bay and River and about the same to New York by sea. Our governmeent has long since built a Breakwater here, together with an ice breaker and lighthouse. The beach at Lewes has not the same advantages for surf bathing as Cape May or Newport, yet sufficiently so for useful purposes. A landing is is effected on the Delaware beach in a smooth sea but it is difficult getting on and off without a surf boat. A long wooden dock was formerly in existence, built by the Government, but that has rotted away. If a good substantial stone pier was now put up it would not only be a lasting advantage to the farmers of the little State, but would open a valuable communication for fishermen with our Northern ports. The fine grazing lands and beautiful farms, everywhere extending throughout the State of Delaware, warrent the belief that the town of Lewes could be made one of the most valuable in the United States. It is the place of refuge for the heaviest vessels in the severest of storms, and at the hour of this writing there are one large ship, and about thirty schooners riding in safety in a violent northeaster near the Breakwater. Lewes is also a pleasant summer resort for invalid and sportsmen. The nearest railroad is twety-five miles in the town of Milford, which connects with New Castle, Wilmington and Philadelphia. The American Telegraph Company have recently established a line from the coast and it is now in working order. A Fort here, and one or two vessel of war, would be a protection to Delaware Bay and River and would keep in check any Pirates or foregn craft that might attempt to invade our shores. KNICKERBOCKER: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ DE-Old-News ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ NewspaperAbstracts.com - Finding our ancestors in the news! TM http://www.NewspaperAbstracts.com