Oswego Commercial Times (Oswego, NY), Thurs., May 5, 1859

The West Pier. - The winter storms and the late heavy lake winds have made frightful inroads upon the West Pier, on which the Oswego light-house is built. It is threatened with utter annihilation, and with it must go the light-house and the harbor, one of the most important on the lakes.2

From its position, Oswego is the principal and most eligible port, whether considered in a commercial, naval or military point of view, on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Here terminates the canal and railroad communication, connecting the lake and the Atlantic seabird, and the destruction of the harbor with its public works, would be a serious public calamity.

Congress at its last session made appropriations, in view of the importance of the harbor, for repairing the West Pier, so as to have the light-house and harbor. The responsibility of care of its own works and security one of its most important commercial and military points, therefore rests with the Executive Government.

Will not our citizens see to it, that the present condition of the pier and the imminent danger with which it is threatened, is promptly and fully represented to the proper authorities at Washington? No time should be lost in urging upon them the absolute necessity of the immediate commencement of the repairs as provided for by Congress, if the light-house and harbor are to be saved.