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58 HAND-BOOK OF WASHINGTON. THE NAVY YARD. The Navy Yard is situated on the Eastern Branch or “ Anacostia,” a branch of the Potomac river, at the southern termination of Eighth street, East. It was established in the year 1800, on the public reservation No. 14, to which Squares No. 883 and 884 were subsequently added. Commo dore Tingey was ordered to the command, and to him was assigned the duty of superintending the construction of the several vessels ordered to bo built here, and also the general arrangement of the grounds, with a view to furnishing increased accommodation for the future construction and equipment of large Ships of War. The area covers about twenty acres, and is en closed by a substantial brick wall, having a prin cipal entrance at the foot of Eighth street, through a handsome arched gateway, designed by the late celebrated architect, Benjamin II. Latrobe, Esq. Several comfortable residences have been erect ed for the accommodation of the Commodore, the Executive officer, the first Lieutenant, Surgeon, Sailing-master, Boatswain and Gunner, whose official duties require their constant attendance in the Yard. The mechanical operations of this Establish- navy yard.