AN ACCOUNT
, - t r-. • T-« " • ' • - ' - •
\ K -i;
stni^YS AND EXAMlNAtfONS, ,
iß-
REMARKS AND DOCUMENTS,
RELATiyS TO THE PROJECTED
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Awm mmm
'-■ -J
OHIO AND LAKE ERIE
CANALS.
BY JAMES SHRIVER.
- f^Fosmy own part, I wish sincerely, that every door to that country (the west) may be set
open, that the commercial intercourse with it may be rendered as free and easy as pos*
jilwe» This in my judgment, is the öesr, if not the on:y cement that can bind those people to
us fbr ai^ length of time—and we sbaii, 1 think, be deficient in foresight, if we neglect the
>]n$aiia or effecting it*" Washington»
iSaltimotc:
PUBLISHED BY FIELDING LUCAS .TH.
JVb. 1S8 Market street.
3, D. TOY, PRINT.
1824.
.o><:
m. i '
TO THE PUBLIC.
The manifestation by legislative acts, popular meet¬
ings, and general excitement throughout the country,
of an imposing and growing interest in behalf of a
canal connexion between the waters of the Chesapeake
and those of the Ohio, induced the author of the an¬
nexed work, to devote some weeks of the past su«wner,
to exploring the summit of the Alleghany mountain,
where the chief obstacle to forming a continuous route
for canal navigation between the Atlantic and Western
states is supposed to exist. These examinations were
made at the time, not for the purpose of publication,
but to satisfy himself and a few friends, of the practica¬
bility of the project: he was subsequently encouraged to
believe that the information which he had cdHected,
might shed such light on the subject, as would mate¬
rially aid in its accomplishment. Yielding to this per¬
suasion, he made further surveys and observations,
with a view of rendering the work in some degree
worthy the public attention. These he now respect¬
fully presents to the indulgence of the public, with the
addition of sundry communications, and documents,
containing much useful information. He claims no
merit for the work, except what a zeal for the cause,
and a faithful report of his labours deserve; looking to
the accomplishment of this great design, as an ample
reward for his trouble.
Baltimore, January 24, 1824.
AN
ACCOUNT OF SURVEYS.
Topographical Description.
As introductory to the main object of this work, a
topographical description of a part of the country
through which the contemplated canal is proposed
to pass, may not be improper, or irrelevant to the
subject. This portion of country lying between the
waters of the Potomac and Youghagany, embracing
the summit level, is but little known except to
persons residing immediately within its limits. Pub¬
lic inquiry has, however, latterly, been much direct¬
ed towards this quarter, and as it presents, perhaps,
the only point where the greatly desired connexion
of the eastern and western waters may be formed
with facility, little doubt remains that before long care¬
ful surveys will be made of all its parts, and its geogra¬
phy will be as intimately understood, as that of the
most thickly populated section. As, however, some
time must necessarily elapse before such information,
2
6
much as it is demamled, can be obtained; it is believed
the following brief description will be acceptable, if on
no other account, as rendering more intelligible the
accompanying map.
The face of the Country. The great massive range
of mountains, which are known where the National
road intersects them, as the Great and Little Savage
mountain, Meadow mountain, Negro mountain, Key-
ser's and Winding ridges, preserve their general direc¬
tion, and are readily traced, until they are broken,
and disarranged by the streams emptying into the Po¬
tomac, and Youghagany rivers. The Great Savage
mountain after being broken down by the Savage ri¬
ver, (which rises on the western side of this moun¬
tain, near the crossing of the National road) assumes
again its lofty character, and under the several appe-
lations of the Great Back-bone mountain. Clinch's
mountain, Cumberland mountain, &c. continues its
course southward, the general barrier between the
Mississippi and Atlantic waters. A rather indistinct
continuation of the Little Savage mountain, is known
at the head of Deep creek as the Little Back-bone
mountain, and is the ridge which divides the waters of
that stream, and Crab-tree creek, which take their rise
within one hundred perches of each other on its eastern
and western sides: it is at this point a very inconsi¬
derable ridge, and in its southward course soon be¬
comes altogether extinct. The Meadow mountain ter-
minâtes at the glade below the Narrows.—A spur or
lateral branch of it, continuing to the Youghagany ri¬
ver bears the name of the Hoop-pole ridge. Nearly
opposite the Meadow mountain appears the Roman-nose
ridge, probably a continuation of Negro mountain.
•7
Keyser's ridge, which presents the greatest point of
elevation in the profile of the National road, is traced
to the head of Bear creek, where it is lost in lateral
spurs of inconsiderable extent; and lastly, the Wind-
ing ridge, a bold and well defined mountain, is broken
by the Youghagany river, and loses its name at the
point of disruption: the same ridge can, however, be
traced still further southward under different names.
When viewed collectively, these mountains exhibit
an extremely uneven and rugged country, presenting
in some parts deep and narrow ravines, in others,
interesting vallies and flats, of natural meadow lands;
and not unfrequently surfaces composed entirely of
rock. The soil is, consequently, of various qualities,
many parts are barren and unproductive, but much
good land producing grass and very fine timber, fre¬
quently occurs, lime stone districts, and sugar-tree
lands, of great fertility, are not uncommon; a great
portion of them although in a mountainous region, lie
handsome for cultivation, and are susceptible of ele¬
gant and advantageous improvement. Naturally they
may be considered as grazing lands of the best quality,
and when improved produce well.
The glades, or natural meadows, which may be
considered as the most remarkable, as well as the
most interesting feature in this tract of country, are
found extended as it were, on the very summit of the
dividing mountains, many miles in every direction.
The intervention of lateral spurs of the Great Back¬
bone mountain and other hills, divide and separate
them, producing distinct glades of various shapes and
dimensions, all of which, however, possess in a great
8
degree the same general level,* and similar leading
characteristics, they are known by diíTerent names:
the two most prominent are the Green glade and the
Youghagany glade. The former extends along Deep
creek from its source six miles westward, a continuous
scope of open meadow. It is bounded by spurs of dif¬
ferent mountains, and from the extreme irregularity of
its outline it is difficult to estimate its width, it may be
assumed at from one eighth to one quarter of a mile.
From the best data attainable, it is ascertained to have
an area of about three thousand acres. This glade is
remarkable for its very even and level surface, for its
great fertility of soil, and for its being free from bushes
or undergrowth of every kind. The surrounding and
intervening hills are exclusively covered with a thick
growth of yellow pine, from the evergreen appear¬
ance of which has arisen the name of the Green
gJade,
The Youghagany glade extends from the mouth to
the source of the little Youghagany creek, nearly par¬
allel with the Green glade from which it is separated
by an inconsiderable ridge. The hills surrounding
this glade are generally covered with a thin growth of
white oak, others are entirely bald: at the head
branches of the stream stand several of these hills,
possessing bold, well defined, and beautiful forms, pre¬
senting in contrast with the timber clad hills of the
mountains, interesting appearances of much singula¬
rity.
* A fact relative to the Cherry-tree meadows, derived from the authority of
J. McHenry, Esq. is worthy of note; this flat possessing in most respects the pe-
ouliarniarks of the other glades, is stated by him to present a plain, elevated from
sixty to an hundred feet above the common level of the other glade lands.
9
The cause that has originated those singularly ele¬
vated plains, is, and must continue a matter of doubt
and conjecture. The most common and natural opin¬
ion seems to be, that they are the beds of what once
were small mountain lakes. The character and course
of the streams—the frequent appearance of large trees
projecting from their banks, four, six, and eight feet
below the surface—the great depth of alluvial deposi¬
tion—the falls which occur in Deep creek at its
mouth, as well as those of the Youghagany river and
Muddy creek, near the same point: may all be consi¬
dered as so many proofs in favour of this hypothesis.
The passage of the Youghagany river through (what
seems to be a continuation of) Negro mountain, or
Keyser's ridge, and afterwards through the Winding
ridge; which very evidently have one day been great
barriers to its waters, flooding, perhaps, all the glade
country, corroborates also very strongly the same opin¬
ion, and may be regarded as striking and durable
records of the great convulsions and changes which
this section of country has undergone.
Of minerals, iron may be considered as the most
prominent.—A very extensive bank of ore presents
itself near the White rock run, on the bank of the
Youghagany river. Several bodies of it have been
found in other places, and there is every reason to
believe it abounds throughout the mountain region.
Some of the ores have been submitted to experiment
by a skilful gentleman,* who pronounced them of good
quality. Stone coal has also been found on the banks
of the Youghagany, as well as in other parts; some of
the banks are open for use, and the coal is found to be
* The late John KlUoot.
10
good. Limestone occurs in various situations; a dis¬
tinct range of it may be traced on the eastern side of
the Winding ridge, from the national road to the Gin¬
seng bottom, where it abounds, and at which place the
Youghagany river passes over a bed of it. Opposite
this point the same range may he traced to the sources
of the river.
A number of mineral springs have been discovered,
hut as the waters have not been analysed, their pecu¬
liar qualities are yet unknown. One of them, which
rises opposite the mouth of Sang run, is represented as
always having an oily coat on its surface, and is regard¬
ed by the settlers as possessing great medicinal vir¬
tues; the operation of its waters when drank even in
small quantities, is said to he powerfully cathartic, and
that it has been used in some cases beneficially.
Aiiotiier at the forks of Bear creek, is strongly im¬
pregnated with mineral substances; it is represented
as having the taste of copperas, and is probably a cha¬
lybeate, of which description numbers occur. From
the vast number of licks, places to which the deer re¬
sort on account of the saline quality of the soil, it is pro¬
bable that salt water may be found in many situations.
»3s natural curiosities, a large cave on the Gin¬
seng bottom,* and the several falls of Deep creek,
Youghagany river, and Muddy creek, may be regard¬
ed with much interest. There is also a remark¬
able spring near the residence of John M'Henry, Esq.
which is worthy of notice. Its waters seem to issue
at a considerable depth through fissures of rock, bring-
* Salt-pctrc earth is found in this cave, and as long 'ago as 1783, temporary
works were established near it, for the purpose of manufacturing powder for the
imntcrs.
11
¡ng in its current a perfectly white and very beautiful
sand, considerable quantities of which being kept in
suspension by différent jets, an ebullition is produced,
which strongly resembles boiling. This agitation is
kept up within a few inches of the surface of the water,
which at the same time remains perfectly tranquil and
transparent. From a low murmuring noise which is
heard near the spring, it is very probable, that the
stream which supplies it, passes through a rocky ca¬
vern, where, by constant attrition, the sand is pro¬
duced. A very similar spring gives rise to Block run,
a branch of the little Youghagany creek. There is
also said to be a very curious spring on White rock
run, around which the shrubbery has a reddish hue,
supposed to be produced by a peculiar vapour.
As matters of further curiosity, the old forts and
traces of former settlements may be mentioned. On the
Ginseng-bottom, the ruins of a fortification, of circular
form, distinctly appears; and on the farm of Mr
G. Friend, ten miles lower, there are to be seen the
remains of three others of a similar shape. In the cul¬
tivation of the lands near them, arrow points, stone
and steel tomahawks, pipes, beads, earthen ware, and
numerous human bones, have been found. There arc
also two other forts on the banks of the Youghagany,
near the Ohiopile falls, resembling, in every respect,
those just described.
The geological formation is, in most respects, simi¬
lar to the generality of mountainous countries, not,
however, without some peculiarities, presenting objects
worthy the attention of geologists.
EXPLANATION OF THE MAP.
And particulars relative to the Surveys.
The materials of which the accompanying map was
composed, were collected from different sources. Such
parts of Pennsylvania as are represented on it, were
extracted from county maps, made under a special act
of the legislature of that state, and may, therefore, be
relied on as correct. The Virginia section was copied
from the best maps extant, and the Western portion of
Maryland, (all of which it embraces) is the result in
part of information derived from a gentleman* who
has made surveys of most of the lands in this quarter,
and of individual surveys and examinations by the
author. The most material features copied from this
gentleman's land maps, are the Crab-tree creek and
Savage river. The courses of some of the streams
emptying into the Cheat river, were derived from the
same source. This river, as being intimately connect¬
ed with the canal project, may be regarded as an
inteiesting feature, and it is regretted that means were
not attainable to render its delineations strictly accu¬
rate; a survey and levels of it, with some of its branches
had been determined on, but severe indisposition pre¬
vented the accomplishment of this design. Much care
has, however, been taken to collect correct information
relative to its courses and character. The profile of
the National road is arranged, and the heights calcu¬
lated, from a survey made of its acclivous and decli-
* Mr. William Hoye.
13
vous surfaces. It was made in connexion with a sur¬
vey of the meanderings of the road soon after its com¬
pletion, without any direct object in view, the esti¬
mates are therefore, not offered as being atrictly cor¬
rect, but are believed to be substantially so; nor were
the recent surveys made with that absolute precision,
that would have been requisite as preparatory to the
actual execution of a canal; but may be relied upon
as sufiiciently accurate for preliminary purposes.
The portion of country particularly explored and
delineated upon the map, is at, and contiguous to Deep
creek, a tributary stream to the great Youghagany
river. This creek takes its rise on the west side of the
little Back-bone mountain, and is the same, which after
investigations, previous to the eommencement of this
work, had been pronounced the most eligible, for form¬
ing a connexion with the Potomac waters.
The examinations were commenced on Deep creek
near Hoop-pole ridge, the western boundary or ter¬
mination of the glade, through which the stream passes
by a breach or gap, from forty to fifty yards wide, de¬
nominated the J^arrows. A considerable fall of rain
the day preceding the commencement of the work, had
produced a general inundation of the glade,* and
obliged a delay of operations until the succeeding day.
The survey and levels were then commenced about a
mile above the Narrows, near the mouth of the North-
* It is Stated that after the usual thaws in the spring of the year, and melting
•f the heavy snows which commonly fall in this quaiter, that an inundnfion is pro¬
duced, which covering the flat lands for many miles along Deep creek, produces
a lake of considerable e.\tent. This oveHlow frequently continues for several
days, during which time, the wild fowl which frequent inland seas, in their vernal
migration to the north, frequently stop, and are seen for a while sporting on the
hosom of this transitoi*y mountain lake.
3
14
glade run, (at the point F*) and pursued on that day
to the Big Elk-lick, the glade still covered with water
from twelve to eighteen inches deep, throughout the
whole of this distance. Short stations, being requisite
to obtain the meanderings of the creek, prevented any
material indication of fall by the instrument—the
general overflow of the waters from the Narrows to
this point, and the scarcely visible current of the
stream, proved sufliciently that very little existed. On
the following day the levels were carried with great
care from Elk-lick, up the main stream, to Hinch's
branch,t along that to its source, and thence to the
summit of the ridge, (at C) which was ascertained to
be one hundred and seventy-oae feet higher than the
first named point. The distance between the source
of Hinch's branch, and a spring upon the eastern side
of the ridge, flowing into the Potomac, was at the time
found to be one hundred perches.
For the purpose of ascertaining the lowest depres¬
sion in the ridge, levels were recommenced upon Deep
creek, at the junction of Hinch's branch, and carried
to the source of the creek at Wetsall's spring, which
proved to be eighty-two feet above Elk-lick, and twen¬
ty-one below the summit, shewing the entire elevation
of the ridge (at D) above Elk-lick, to be one hundred
and thirteen feet.
Numerous ofisets were extended, and considerable
* See the letters of reference on the "Enlarged Section" of the summit level.
i* In this distance a small branch was passed which had formerly been examined
by the Virginia and Potomac commissioners, it heads in the dividing ridge at B,
which point was found by them two hundred and four feet above A, the place of
(heir commencement.
15
examinations made, but no greater depression, or more
favourable point of connexion was discovered.*
Returning to the place at which the surveys were
began, the work was pursued downwards td the Nar¬
rows, for the purpose of ascertaining the further mean-
derings of the stream: the general inundation, and
consequent level of this portion, has already been
stated. The descent was supposed in this distance not
to exceed six inches, estimating it, however, at twelve
inches per mile, from the Elk-lick to the Narrows, the
elevation of the dividing ridge above Deep creek, at
that point is found to be one hundred and sixteen feet.
At the Narrows, and for some distance above it,
Deep creek has a width of from fifteen to twenty feet,
with a depth of from two to four. Below, in its course
to the Bridge, (of near three miles, with a fall of four
feet) it receives considerable augmentation to its wa¬
ters, and at that point may be estimated as passing
generally, a volume of water twenty-five by three feet.
In this distance an open glade of a mile in length oc¬
curs, which was also subject to the general inundation.
From the bridge to the rapids, preceding the great
falls of Deep creek, a distance of five and three quar¬
ter miles, it was found to be impracticable to proceed,
with the levels, on account of the generally thick and
impenetrable growth of the large mountain laurel;
from the best observation that could be made, the fall
* Levels were carefully taken to the summit of the ridge at E, which was found
to correspond in elevation with I). It has been suggested that a very great de¬
pression is found in the dividing ridge between the heads of the middle branch of
Savage, and North glade run; and a gentleman who was at the trouble of making
some examinations near Bromley's inn, on the National road, between a small
branch of Savage, and one of Casselman's river, is of opinion that the most inferior
^ point of elevation in the ridge is in that quarter. These points may he worthy of
attention when further surveys shall be made.
16
was estimated at one foot per mile. The course of the
stream lies through a narrow valley,* formed by the
approach of tolerably distinct ridges on each side.
The levels were re-commenced one mile above the
principal falls, to which point sixteen feet descent was
found to exist. The width of the stream is here from
twenty to twenty-five yards. Deep creek having
pursued its tame and sinuous course for fifteen miles,
through a level bottom, appears here to have reach¬
ed the great barrier hitherto obstructing the free
course of its waters, which are now precipitated over a
continued series of irregular falls two hundred feet in
half a mile, to its junction with the Youghagany river:
the bed of the falls is rocky, the banks abrupt and
excessively rugged.f
The same rough character which marked these falls,
was now found to attend the Youghagany river, from
the mouth of Deep creek two and a quarter miles
downwards, with a descent of one hundred and forty-
two feet. From thence the channel is free from ob¬
structions, and the waters become tranquil, and exhibit
* This vaUey is distinguished for a vijçorous growth of timber of various kinds.
Groves of white pine, of a superior description, are common; some of the trees
were measured and found near two hundred feet long, and from eight to twelve
feet girth.
t Any attempt to describe these wild and rugged falls must fail to give a just
conception of them. The stream rushing at an angle of about five degrees, over
an irregular bed of rock, may be supposed to produce an extremely turbulent
•erics of rapids. Passing along a deep ravine, worn through rock, it presents on
all sides high, craggy, and abrupt precipices. At one point on the south side ap¬
pears a remarkable mass of rock, in a great measure separate and distinct from
the g( nerai bank, affording an alarming spectacle: the beholder standing on the
opposite side of the stream, below a perpendicular rocky bank of near an hundred
feet in height, on raising his eye, the summit of this terrific pile is seen completely
overhanging him: a glance at its water-worn and loosely connected base, so
•trongl) induces the bellet tliat the mass above hiin is tottering to its fall, that he
is in voluntarily impelled tu hasten his steps onwards to avoid the apparent danger.
The rude character of this pile has given it the name of the VeviVs Castle*
ERRATA.
Page 17, ninth line from top, before the word r^'OSSumes, prefix the
words, the stream.
Page 19, third line from top, instead of two and a half feet, read, about
two feet.
The note at the bottom of this page should have followed that undep
page 18.
Page 68, ninth line from top, for demonstrates read demonstrate.
Page 69, ninth line from top, for assured read assumed.
17
a smooth surface, with banks free from rock, and ge¬
nerally of geiiile acclivity for five miles distance. On
its eastern side, a narrow but very fertile bottom of
limestone land, of between two and three miles in
length, occurs, and the river at one point has a chan¬
nel of limestone rock. The fall in this section was
found forty-seven feet. At the termination of the
limestone channel, the bed of the river becomes gra¬
nite, and re-assumes its precipitous course the distance
of five miles, dashing its way through deep, rugged,
and obstructed chasms, to the western base of the
Winding ridge, and continues with but little variation
two miles, to near the mouth of Bear creek. The bed
and sides of the stream, throughout most of this dis¬
tance, preserve a similarity of appearance; great num¬
bers of loose mis-shapen rocks of immense size, which
seem to have been brought to their present situation
by the operation of some mighty torrent, continually
obstruct and fret the waters in their course; the
sides are craggy and precipitous, made up of irregular
masses of rock, presenting, at some points, the same
rude appearance, at an almost perpendicular elevation
of an hundred feet* In the distance between the
commencement of the rapids and Bear creek, (seven
and a half miles) the precise amount of fall could not
be ascertained; it is believed to be correctly estimated
at five hundred and ten feet.
From the mouth of Bear creek to Smythfield, on the
National road, and thence to the mouth of Casselman's
river, or Turkey foot, as it is generally termed,
the Youghagany has a width generally of from sixty
* Marks of drift were observable throughout these rapids, generally from ten to
twelve feet higher than the waters, at the time of making the survey.
18
to eighty yards, and would aiford safe and convenient
navigation at most seasons, for boats drawing from
twelve to eighteen inches water. Bottom lands are
found on the margin of the river throughout this dis¬
tance, most of which are under cultivation.
The distance between Bear creek and Smythfield is
seven miles and a half; the fall is computed at forty
feet.* Between Smythfield and Turkey foot, nine
miles, the fall is forty-seven feet. From the Turkey
foot for a distance of five miles, the river becomes gra¬
dually restricted to a narrow channel, in which the
course of the waters is frequently obstructed by rocks,
thence for about the same distance, occurs a smooth
and comparatively unobstructed course of the waters
to the Ohiopile falls; the distance combined is ten
and a half miles, the fall one hundred and nine feet.
At the falls the waters descend sixteen feet, in a dis¬
tance of nine chains, and are precipitated sixteen feet
more by a perpendicular pitch over a bed of solid rock.
The waters continue to descend from this fall, through
a narrow, rocky, and much obstructed channel, for a
distance of ten and a half miles, at an average rate of
a little more than twenty-five feet per mile, to the
mouth of Indian creek, from which point the river
widens, from its late width of about thirty yards, to
near an hundred, and affords a tolerable navigation
at medium water, for boats of a considerable burden,
to its disemboguement.
From Indian creek to Connelsville, seven and a
quarter miles, the fall is eighty-three feet. From that
village to the Monongahela, no levels have been taken;
* This is llie only section between the dividing ridge and Uonnolsville, that
■was not sobject to actual levels.
19
an intelligent and skilful gentleman, who made a sur¬
vey of the river between those points, estimates it at
two and a half feet per mile; the distance is forty
miles.
RECAPITULATION
Of Distances and Descents between the Dividing Ridge and the
Monongahela River.
FIRST SECTION.
DISTANCE,
miles, qrs. chs.
FALL,
lect.
From the summit of the dividing ridge, to the
Hoop-pole narrows along Deep creek, -
6
1
4
116
From the narrows to the bridge.
2
3
0
4
From the bridge to the rapids.
5
3
0
6
From the rapids to the commencement of the
great falls, . - - -
1
0
3
16
From the falls to the junction of the creek
with the Youghagany river.
0
2
2
200
From the mouth of the creek along the river,
to the end of the first rapids, -
2
1
0
142
From the end of the first rapids, to the com¬
mencement of the second.
5
0
2
47
From the commencement of the second rapids,
to the mouth of Bear creek,*
7
2
8
510
From Bear creek to Smythfield,
7
2
18
40
Total, - - 38
3
17
1081
SECOND SECTION.
From Smythfield to Turkey foot, - 9 0 10 47
From Turkey foot to the Ohiopile falls, 10 2 4 109
From the Ohiopile falls to Indian creek, 10 2 11 268
From Indian creek to Connelsville, - 7 18 83
Total, - - 37 2 13 ~5Ö7
* Although the descents enumerated between the Bridge and the mouth of
Bear creek, were not all accurately obtained along the streams, the correctness of
the aggregate was proved by a careful survey of the elevations and depressions of
the road between those points.
so
THIRD SECTION.
DISTANCE. FALL.
miles, qrs. chs. feet.
From Connelsville, to the junction of the
Youghagany and the Monongahela, 40 0 0 Sr
Aggregate.
DISTANCE. FAXt.
First section,
Second section,
Third section,
miles qrs chs. teet.
Grand Total
38 3 17" 1081
37" 2 13 SOT'
40 0 00 2,7
116 2 10 1675
Some further surveys and observations were made
subsequently to the above. The little Youghagany, a
stream rising in the same ridge, and running nearly
parallel with Deep creek, had been looked to as a
stream, which it was supposed might be brought into
requisition as a feeder to the summit-level. In order
to determine this fact, levels were carried from the
junction of the north and south forks of Deep creek,
along the latter fork to its source, and thence across a
ridge separating it from that stream: it was found at
the point, (K) several feet higher than Deep creek at
the forks, passing a volume of water equal to ten feet
by eighteen inches, with a current of from one and a
half to two miles per hour. The elevation in the divi-
dicg ridge, was ascertained to be one hundred and
eighty-two feet above the junction of the forks;* the
distance between the points five miles. Further exa-
mii.ations were also made of the ridge dividing Deep
creek and the Potomac waters. The levels were taken
* A coiisidemble <!epi'tssion was noticed a short distance west of this point, at
(L) but it is not believed to be suíñciently low, to render praeticable an open cut.
21
from ifs summit near Wetsall's spring, to a spring of
Crab-tree creek, which was found to be thirty-one feet
below the level of the Deep creek at the Narrows.
Levels were also carried at three different points
across the ridge separating the waters of Buffaloe
marsh and Bear creeks, in order to ascertain the prac¬
ticability of a canal route, by the way of those streams
to the Youghagany river, which was regarded as pos¬
sessing peculiar advantages. The general elevation of
the ridge is about one hundred and thirty feet above
Deep creek at the bridge. During this excursion, the
survey before referred to, of the angles of elevation and
depression, in the road between the bridge, and the
mouth of Bear creek, was made with a view to deter¬
mine their relative levels.
Practicability of the Canal Connexion.
The immense importance of a canal communication
between the Atlantic and western states, has long been
understood—the general utility of the measure is undis¬
puted. It remains only to ascertain the practicability
of such an undertaking, to produce a very general effort
in favour of its accomplishment. The friends of the
improvement are aware of, and prepared to encounter
the formidable obstacle which the elevation of the
mountain presents, when it is ascertained that a sup¬
ply of water to effectuate the design, may be found on
the summit-level. Of this interesting fact, there seems
to be no question with those who have visited the
ground, and it is expected the doubts of all will shortly
be dissipated, by the extent and nature of the informa-
4
22
tion, which there is much reason to believe, will soon
be before the public.
The particular mode of effecting the connexion at
the summit by means of a dam, was first suggested by
the Virginia and Maryland commissioners, in their
report of a surv ey of the Potomac. It has subsequent¬
ly been brought before the public, and additional pub¬
licity given it; but whether the plan of the dam and an
open cut, or that of a tunnel will prove the most eligi¬
ble means of forming the union, no decided opinion is
intended to be expressed—either plan is believed to be
perfectly feasible; the open cut may however, be consid¬
ered the most objectionable, and would probably be the
most expensive in its execution. Upon this point, it is
a gratifie alion to be enabled to present, in the following
letter, the lucid views of a highly intelligent gentle¬
man,* who, it will be seen, has minutely examined the
country, and whose opinion would, under any circum¬
stances, be eutiiled to the highest respect.
Jlr. Henryks, in the Glades, Sept. 4, 1823.
SlK,
I learned with great pleasure, some time ago, that
you were engaged in making surveys in this neighbour¬
hood, with a view of ascertaining the practicability of
uniting the waters of Deep creek with those of Crab-
tree, so as to form the summit-level of a canal from
the tide water of the Potomac to the Ohio, through
Savage river, the Youghiogany, and the Monongahala.
Th€ great national importance of such a communica-
tion, renders any efibrt toward its establishment highly
interesting to all Americans; while the peculiar benefits
* tien. 11. G, Harper.
23
which it could not fail to confer, on the people of a
larger part of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and
Ohio, give it an additional claim to the zealous sup¬
port of the citizens of those states. Having long en¬
tertained these opinions, I was much gratified by hear¬
ing at Union, a few days ago, on my return from an
excursion to the west, that you were in the neighbour¬
hood; and I indulged the hope tliat I should meet you
somewhere on the road, or perhaps here, and cm
from you in person the progress which you had made.
To my great regret, I found, on my arrival at Wig¬
gins' on Sunday afternoon, that you had proceeded
west, and that I had passed you on the road without
knowing you.
Having been thus deprived of the opportunity of
conferring with you personally, I take the liberty of
addressing you by letter, to submit to your considera¬
tion some ideas which have occurred to me on inspect¬
ing a map of your surveys, which Mr. M'Henry was so
good as to siiow me; and on viewing the ground in com¬
pany with him. I am sure you will excuse this liberty;
because it proceeds from a desire on my part, to aid in
the accomplishment of the great object in which you
are so laudably engaged. If my suggestions should
appear to you to be worthy of attention, you will please
to make such use of them as you may think proper.
I am very much pleased to find, that you consider
the communication in question as not only practicable,
but easy: easy 1 mean, in comparison with its impor¬
tance. In this opinion I entirely concur, after viewing
the ground, and comparing it with your survey. But
there appears to me to be some difficulties in the mode
oí execution, which 1 understand you to propose. It
§4
is the ohject of this letter to suggest those difficulties
for your consideration, with the means by which I
suppose it possible to surmount or avoid them.
It appears from your survey, that from the point F,
on Deep creek, where your level commences, to the
point D, on the mountain, called the Little back-bone,
which divides the waters of Savage river, that is of
the Potomac, from those of Deep creek or the Ohio,
the elevation is one hundred and nine feet. The
elevation from the Hoop-pole narrows to the point
F, does not appear on the plat; but Mr. M'Henry in¬
formed me that you had ascertained it to be about five
feet. This gives one hundred and fourteen feet for
the whole elevation, between the Narrows and the top
of the dividing ridge at D. You, as I understand,
propose to overcome this elevation in part, by raising
a dam of thirty-five feet in height at the Narrows;
which, as your level proves, would back the water up
the glade to G. Thus thirty-five feet of the whole
elevation, out of one hundred and fourteen, would be
gained. The residue, or seventy-nine feet, you pro¬
pose to overcome by a cut through the ridge, the ave¬
rage depth of which you find would be twenty-five feet,
through a length of one mile and a quarter. How this
average depth would be distributed, that is, how far
the cutting to the depth of nearly seventy-nine feet
would extend, does not appear. It may be inferred
however as your opinion, from your remarks on the
form of the ridge, that the very deep cutting would not
he of great extent.
This dam, as I understand the plan, is not only to
answer the purpose of overcoming thirty-five feet of
the whole elevation, by raising the water of Deep creek
25
to that height; but is to produce an ample reservoir,
for the supply of the summit-level through the ridge,
and of the descending locks at each end. And I un¬
derstand it to be your opinion, that a further supply of
water for this reservoir may be obtained, if necessary,
by introducing the little Youghiogany througii the
fourth fork of Deep creek.
My great difficulty, in relation to this plan, arises
from considerations connected with the dam.
When we intend raising water to a given height, by
damming upa stream, it does not appear to me to be
enough to ascertain what is the fall of the stream, be¬
tween the place where the dam is to be erected, and
that to which the water is to be raised. Two other
points, and as it seems to me most essential ones, re¬
main for inquiry. What part of the water which we
find in the stream, at the site of the dam, has its source
as high as the point to which we wish to raise it? And
will that part be sufficient, at all seasons, to supply the
necessary evaporation from the surface of the pond to
be formed by the dam, and to accomplish the object for
which the work is intended? I say "at all seasons;"
because the supply of water for the great national
canal, ought not to be exposed to interruption from the
summer droughts, which would frequently render it
useless when most wanted.
We must then inquire, in reference to the proposed
dam, and to the supply of water expected from it,
whether during the summer and fall months, those
waters of Deep creek which have their sources at
least thirty-five feet above its surface, at the Hoop-
pole narrows, are sufficient to support the evapora¬
tion from the surface of the pond, to be produced by
26
the dam; and to supply not only the summit-level, but
the descending locks at each of its ends.
I take it to be quite clear, upon the well known laws
of fluids and gravitation, that no waters of this creek,
except such as have their sources as high at least as the
surface of the proposed pond or reservoir, can contribute
in any manner or degree to raise it to that surface. Each
tributary stream or spring will contribute in its turn, till
the pond rises to the level of its source. Then it will
cease to flow into the pond, and its waters will find
some other vent. If its source should be in the hills,
although it may first make its appearance in the valley
or the marsh, it will indeed continue to contribute, as
long as the pond continues to be lower than that
source. What portion of the springs that first shew
themselves in the lower parts of the glade, have their
hidden sources in the adjacent hills, can never be as¬
certained. Thus much, however, may I think be af¬
firmed as certain, that springs after flowing from their
secret sources or reservoirs, in the bowels of the earthy
have a constant tendency according to the laws by
which fluids are governed, to find or force their way
to the surface; and, consequently, that very few indeed
have their sources much higher than the places where
they break out.
Now, from the view which I yesterday took of Deep
creek, at the bridge near Mr. M'Henry's, and at the
ford in the glade, below the junction of the north and
south forks, as well as of the water in those forks them¬
selves above the junction, it appears to me that far the
greater part of the water at the bridge, rises in the
glade below the ford, which I take to be about mid¬
way between the junction and the point F. Much the
27
greater part certainly rises below the junction itself.
I fèel confident that the two forks together do not, at
this moment, discharge a sixth part, and I believe not
a tenth, of the water which flows at the bridge. Such
of the smaller streams flowing into the creek, through
the glade, as I saw, hardly run. The north glade
run I did not see; but I understand it to be a small
and feeble stream, and I know nothing of its elevation.
It probably, however, rises in the glade whose name
it bears; and if so, its sources can hardly lie any thing
like thirty-five feet higher than Deep creek at the
Narrows. Neither did I see Cherry tree Meadow
creek, or Meadow Mountain creek; both of which
come in below the Narrows, but above the bridge.
What part of their waters lies thirty-five feet above
the surface of Deep creek, at the Narrows, so as to be
capable of becoming tributary to the proposed reser¬
voir, I have no means of ascertaining. Probably,
however, it is not very great. The same remarks
apply equally to Buffaloe marsh creek.
From this it seems to result, that for filling the pro¬
posed reservoir and summit-level, to the height of thir¬
ty-five, or even thirty feet, reliance must be placed on
the water now to be found in the two main forks of
Deep creek, at points corresponding in elevation with
G; and in such parts of Cherry-tree meadow creek.
Meadow mountain creek, and Buffaloe marsh creek,
as may be found to lie higher than the same level.
It is quite clear, I apprehend, upon the same prin¬
ciple, that no aid whatever can be derived from
the water of the little Youghiogany, except such
as lies at least as high as G. I understand from
Mr. M'Henry, that you have ascertained its elevation
28
at K to correspond precisely with that of Deep creek
at F;* and that the intervening ridge is about one
hundred and seventy feet higher than those two points.
You state the little Youghiogany at K, to alford
abundance of water for a canal; but the true point of
inquiry, with a view to the dam and reservoir under
consideration, is how much water it contains at an
elevation corresponding with G, or the surface of the
proposed reservoir? Not having seen the stream any
where above K, I have no means of forming a rational
conjecture as to that quantity; but be it as great as
may be required, and it probably is so, the interven¬
ing ridge seems to me to present a very formidable
obstacle to its introduction. G is thirty-five feet
higher than F. Consequently the part of the ridge in¬
tervening between G, and a point of corresponding ele¬
vation on the little Youghiogany, will be thirty-five feet
lower than the part between K and F, which is one
hundred and seventy feet. Thirty five deducted from
one hundred and seventy, leaves, therefore, one hun¬
dred and thirty-five feet, for the elevation between G,
and the corresponding point on the other side, from
which the water must be brought. This would cer¬
tainly require a tunnel, although I have no means of
estimating its length; and it would be a greater and
more expensive work than the passage through the
dividing ridge between the waters of Deep creek and
Savage river. No doubt such a work is capable of
accomplishment, and if necessary ought not to prevent
the undertaking; but it would require a much larger
*TIie little Youghiogany at K was found to be tea feet higher than Deep creek
at tlic confluence of the nortli and south bl anches. S.
29
tunnel to go from K to F; about which I shall have
occasion to suggest some remarks before I conclude.
If seems therefore to me, as I stated before, that
for the proposed summit-level and reservoir on the
elevation of G, by means of a dam at the Narrows
thirty-five feet high, reliance must be placed on the
waters of Deep creek lying above that elevation; and
that to ensure a supply for the summit-level and de¬
scending locks at each end, during the summer and
autumn, the most essential seasons for the use of the
canal, we must form the estimates upon the quantity of
those waters at this time.
Let it be remembered that the present summer has
enjoyed much more rain, than usually falls in the cor¬
responding seasons: a fact about which there can be
no dispute. The present state of the waters, con¬
sequently, furnishes a very favourable criterion, for
ascertaining the regular supply which they may be
expected to afford.*
In judging of the sufficiency of this supply, we must
next advert to the regular evaporation which it riiust
sustain; and that will depend mainly on the extent
• Mr. Harper in concluding that the quantity of water in Deep creek was
greater, on account of the country Iiaving generally enjoyed more rains than com¬
mon, may not have been aware, that in this section no unusual quantity had fallen.
The glade streams were at all events extremely low; which circumstance may be
accounted for, from the rains having fallen during the summer season, when the
ground was diy and compacted: the waters were consequently shed rapidly into
the streams, and carried oif by floods, without at nil replenishing the fountain
lieads, as is the consequence of rains falling in tlie spring, when the ground, from
alternate frosts, and thaws, is open, spongy, and peculiarly adapted to absorb
them. Respecting the state of the waters considerable inquiries were made, all
of which resulted in a corroboration of the fact just asserted. Messrs. Wilson and
Friend, intelligent and respectable settlers in this quarter, who to use their own
language, **have hunted every hill, and trap*dovi every stream in all these parts,
for the last forty years," confidently as?ert, that Deep creek was never kuowu
to be lower. S»
5
30
of surface which the proposed pond or reservoir will
present. This extent I have no means of ascertain¬
ing: but judging as well as I can from the nature and
appearance of the country, between the Narrows and
G, and on each side, which consists of meadows and
marshes extremely flat, where the waters are hardly
perceived to flow, and stretching several miles in
each direction, I cannot suppose that the ground to be
covered would be less than six thousand acres. Mr.
M" Henry estimates it at ten thousand.* A square
mile is six hundred and fortv acres. Consequently
6000 acres are nine square miles, or a tract of country
nine miles long, and one mile broad throughout. From
such a surface the evaporation must be immense;
after we have made all possible allowance for the cool¬
ness of this climate, and the frequency of summer
showers. I think I may confidently pronounce from
mv recent and careful inspection of the chief of these
streams, and the account which Mr. M'Henry has
given me of the others, that they do not, altogether,
at this moment, discharge water enough, if united, to
turn a common breast wheel, with two run of ordinary
sized stones, I feel confident that they are not to¬
gether equal to Jones's falls, where it joins the tide¬
water near Baltimore.
How far such a stream would go towards sustaining
the evaporation, under any circumstances, from a sur¬
face of nine square miles, I leave to be calculated by
you, who are much more competent to the operation
than I can pretend to be. I feel confident myself, on
* F.tdu n calculiition made by .\ir. Hoy from his land maps, it is ascer*
taiiied to be about tliree thousand acres. S«
31
general considerations, that it would not be sufficient
to supply this daily drain.*
It is also a consideration of no sniall moment, that by
such a -dam, six or seven thousand acres, at least, of
the finest meadow land in the world would be destroy¬
ed. One of far more importance is, that it would be
converted into a stagnant and pestilential pond, by
which the country could not fail to be rendered very
unwholesome, for many miles in every direction.
It may indeed be answered, that all these effects
may be prevented, by raising an embankment on each
side, to the level of the dam, and all along the creek
and its branches; so as to produce a canal of convenient
width, instead of this vast pond. This no doubt would
be practicable; but the expense would be very great:
far greater, I have no doubt, than would be required
for a tunnel through the dividing ridge, on the plan
which I intend to suggest for your consideration.
And, besides, if these lateral embankments were
erected, so as to prevent the drain by evaporation, it
would be exceedingly difficult to discharge the water,
which during the winter and spring would fall or find
its way into the meadows, outside of the banks; and
which, if not discharged, would stagnate and putrefy
in the summer and autumn, to the destruction of health
in all the country around, and of a great body of most
valuable land.
• No regular or precise experiments have yet been gone into in this coub-
try, relative to evaporation. In Europe, many have been made with great care
by IJr. Haley, Mr. Ualton, and others, which, although they are stated to have
been **conducted with g^'eat precision, are regarded as only of local applica¬
tion." (yalculations founded on any data attainable, must necessarily be vague,
and uncertain. Whatever the evaporation may generally be in our low lands,
the quantity must certninly be much less at the elevated situation of the glade
country, in consequence of its comparative low temperature. S.
32
And if the creek and its branches were thus em'
hanked, so as to produce a narrow canal from the
Hoop-pole narrows to G. it could receive no supply of
water but that which lies higher than its level, that is,
higher than G. I have already stated my reasons for
thinking, that this supply taken altogether, would not
be equal to that in Jones's falls, where it joins the tide;
and then the question would be, whether this quantity
of water would be sufficient, to supply the summit-level
of the canal, and the descending locks at each end.
We must recollect that the descent at the west end
to the level of Deep creek, would be thirty-five feet;
that being the height of the dam, and consequently
the elevation of the summit-level. This elevation
would require four successive locks; how many more
would be necessary, before a new supply of water
would be found, I have no means of estimating. It
could not be much less than four more. It is well
known, that a number of locks immediately following
each other, require much more water than the same
number at considerable intervals. This depends on
reasons which I need not explain to you. What aid
could be derived from Bear creek, I have no means of
knowing. Mr. M'Henry states that the dividing ele¬
vation between Bear creek and Deep creek, in the
part nearest to his residence, was ascertained by you
to be not less than one hundred and thirty feet, above
the water of Deep creek at the bridge. If so, you
must go vei'y high up Bear creek, where it is probably,
very small, before you would find it high enough to
pass over this dividing ridge; and little aid can be
expected from that quarter.
33
At the east end of the summit-level, where it would
pass over the Little Back-bone mountain, the descent
would be much greater, to reach the waters of Savage
river, where they are sufficient to afford a new supply;
and as this descent would be rapid, the locks must follow
each other in close succession, to the number perhaps of
ten, twelve, or more; producing a correspondent waste
of water.
To supply these locks at both ends, with the evapo¬
ration and leakage from the summit-level itself, I feel
a very strong persuasion that the quantity of water on
which reliance must he placed, would not he sufficient.
Not to speak of the operations of musk-rats, craw¬
fish, and other animals of that kind, which continually
work holes in hanks constructed of marshy earth, and
in wet places, we are to recollect that thiá summit-
level is to he supported by lateral embankments,
four or five miles long, and thirty-five feet high,
through a considerable part of their extent. We may
readily conceive what leakage must he produced by
the pressure of such a mass of water, under such
circumstances; and to what certain destruction even
a small opening low down in the embankment must
expose it, from a pressure of twenty or thirty feet
of water above.
These are the difficulties which have presented
themselves to my mind, in reflecting on the proposed
plan of a dam. I suggest them with hesitation, to
a gentleman of your talents and practical knowledge.
Perhaps you will think them imaginary, or readily
perceive the means of surmounting such as may he
real. They are submitted to your candour and supe¬
rior knowledge, in the confluence that in whatever
34
light you may view my objections, you will excuse
the liberty which I take in stating them, in consi¬
deration of the motive.
I will now proceed, in the same confidence, to sug¬
gest such ideas as have occurred to me, about the
proper manner of executing this great project; the
practicability of which I consider as most clear. In
this opinion I must again express the pleasure which
I derive from your concurrence and authority. Aban¬
doning the idea of a dam at the Narrows, or any where
else, it seems to me that this summit level should be
laid in the bed of Deep creek, properly widened and
straightened; and that it should commence at the
Hoop-pule narrows, or as much further west, as the
level of the ground will permit. West of the Nar¬
rows it would of course leave the bed of the creek,
and be carried on in that general direction, till the
form of the ground and other circumstances might
require a descent. East of the Narrows it would
deepen, as the level of the ground rises, till it should
approach the ridge at the proper point for passing it;
and would penetrate into it, until from the depth it
should be found cheaper to bore than to cut. This
would depend much on the length of the tunnel, which
must regulate the expense of bringing out the earth; the
great expense of tunnels. Where they are very long,
as two or three miles, and the thickness of the earth
above is not very great, it is found cheapest to bring
down shafts from the surface above, and lift the
earth through them by machinery. But I feel strong¬
ly persuaded, that the tunnel in question need not
be more than a half a mile in length. If so, by be¬
ginning on both sides of the ridge, the greatest dis-
35
tance for bringing out the earth would he reduced to
a quarter of a mile;* and the expense of boring would,
I apprehend, he less than that of cutting even fifty
feet; for the quantity of earth to he removed would he
far less in the tunnel, than in the cut. The tunnel being
then carried through, the summit-level would he com¬
plete.
It would possess an ample supply of water: for it
would receive all that flows in Deep creek, through the
Narrows, with the addition of Bulfaloe-marsh creek,
Cherry-tree meadow creek, and Meadow mountain
creek. This would, I believe, constitute a most ample
supply, hut if more should he wanted, all such parts of
the waters of Bear creek, if there he such, as lie higher
than the dividing ridge between that and Deep creek,
might he brought in aid; and hy means of a cut or tun¬
nel the whole water of Little Youghiogany at K might
he brought in at F. This would no doubt he a very
great work; hut if necessary to make the canal com¬
plete, the expense would he no object; and the cut or
tunnel from K to F would he useful, not only as a
feeder to the great canal, hut as a lateral and subsidu-
ary canal, for the country through which the Little
Youghiogany flows. But I do not believe that this
great and expensive work would he necessary; nor
even the introduction of Bear creek, if any part of it
he capable of being introduced; because I firmly be¬
lieve, from a view of the waters of Deep creek at the
bridge, and of Bufialoe marsh creek; that they would
he amply sufficient. The descent from the summit-
• The earth, it is true, must be carted further than the mouth of the tun.
nel, before it can be discliarged; but in a cut it must in ail cases he carried
an equal distance. Consequently in this respect the cut has no advantage over
tlie tunnel.
36
level would be less by thirty-five feet, than on the plan
of the dam. Consequently four locks less at each end
would be necessary, and the new supply from the wa¬
ters below would be much sooner obtained. This too
would diminish the expense.* As the summit-level
would lie in the bottom of Deep creek, or below it,
there would be no leakage, and no loss from the perfo¬
ration of the banks by aquatic animals. All the water
of the adjacent glades, a great deal of which now stag¬
nates and is taken off by evaporation, would be carried
into the canal: which would much increase the supply,
and convert all these fine flats into rich meadows, pas¬
tures and cornfields. The health of the country would
be preserved, and many thousand acres of the finest
land saved from destruction; the value of which, with
the sum to be saved by the reduction of eight locks,
would probably pay the whole expense of the tunnel.
This expense must depend on the length of the tun¬
nel, and the depth of the cut on each side, before its
commencement. This again will depend, not on the
height of the dividing ridaje, but on its width; and
this circumstance must necessarily govern the location
of the place where the canal ought to pass. For
the purpose of ascertaining this point, some further
surveys seem to be necessary; which, if you should
think my ideas have any solidity, I hope that you
may find leisure to make. I rode up the road with
Mr. M'Henry, from Ingman's, about half a mile southr
east, to the top of the dividing ridge. I found it very
narrow on the top, with a rapid declivity on each side,
especially on the east. A level carried from F, or
* 1 think it pix)bable that J^lie expense of these eight locks thus saved
would be equal to tiiat of a tunnel over and above a cut*
87
rather from the Hoop-pole narrows, which wonVl be bet¬
ter, lip by the mouth of Ingman's branch to the foot of
the ridge, and then over it to a point on the east side,
exactly on a level with the Narrows, would enable you to
ascertain the length of the tunnel; which, I feel strong¬
ly persuaded, would not exceed half a mile.* Perhaps
it might be still shorter from A through B, from the
mouth of the fork near G through C, or from Wetsall's
spring through D; all which the extension of the level
over the ridge, at those several places, would enable
you to ascertain with precision.
One word, before I conclude, on the expense and diñi-
culty of tunnels; works with which we are not familiar
in this country, and which, therefore, are apt to he
regarded as much more formidable objects, than they
are thought and known to be, where they have been
made.
In the first place we must recollect, that the earth
from a deep cut must be removed to a distance, as
well as that from a tucnel, and to an equal distance;
and that it is just as easy to dig in one case as in tîie
other. We must also hear in mind, that if the cut be
very deep, forty feet for instance, or even thirty, the
quantity of earth to be dug and removed, is far greater
than in a tunnel. They must both be of the sanie
width at the bottom; that is, wide enough for the canal
and a towing path. But the sides of the tunnel
are perpendicular, or nearly so, and those of the cut
above the canal must slant outwards, and at an angle
of forty-five degrees. This makes an enormous num-
• This survey was made, and the length of tiiniie! requisite, was found to be
one and a half miles. Formidable as the execution of such an undertaking may
appear, it must, wlien coinpai'cd with the object to be effected by it, dwindle into
insignifícance* S,
6
38
ber of cubic yards, where you-go half a mile upon
an average depth of twenty-five feet, a great part of
which will be fifty, sixty, and seventy feet. A tunnel
to the top of the arch need not be more than twen¬
ty feet high, the arch rising from eight or ten to
twenty. If the sides should be made to slope gently
inwards from the height of five feet, and terminate
in a pointed gothic arch, which is probably the best
mode, this arch will be higher indeed, but narrower;
and the quantity of earth to be removed in this way
wonld be nearly the same.
Suppose the tunnel to be half a mile long, and to be
worked from both ends to the centre: the greatest dis¬
tance to which the earth from it must be carted,
will be a quarter of a mile, and the mean or aver¬
age distance, will be a half quarter.* This is not
a very formidable operation: and if we consider that
for a cut of the mean depth of twenty-five feet, a
considerable part of which would be fifty, sixty, or
seventy feet, the quantity of earth to be removed
would be much greater, and the distance not much
if any less, we shall perceive that the difference of
expense between the two operations, is by no means
so great as we are apt at first to suppose.
It may be necessary to wall and arch a tunnel, or
parts of it, with brick or stone; in which case the
expense no doubt would be considerably increased.
This must depend on the nature of the earth through
which it passes, and many other circumstances which
cannot be foreseen. At all events, the expense of so
• Sometliiiig roust be added at each end, for the cut adjoining to the tunnel,
beyond whicli the earth must be carted. 'I'liis will dependen the shape of the
hill on each side.
39
short a tunnel as would here be necessary, can be no
reason for abandoning a work of such immense national
importance, and so peculiarly interesting and advanta¬
geous to four wealthy and powerful states. In Eng¬
land tunnels are frequent. I do not recollect tlieir
number or respective lengths; but I can easily ascer¬
tain both, as well as their ordinary expenses compared
with cuts of diiTerent depths, and the mode of their
construction. I am however confident, that they are
often more than half a mile long, and that a tunnel of
that length is never regarded in England, as su-Rcient
to deter from the undertaking of a canal, of very far
inferior importance.
Yours, &c.
On this letter it would be supererogatory to ofler
comment, it demonstrates the preference to which
the writer's plan is entitled.—It may be proper,
however, in considering the practicability of the
scheme, to furnish some evidences of the adequacy
of the supply of water on the summit-level, of a
more definite character. A note to a speech ad¬
dressed to the late canal convention, by a distin¬
guished member thereof,* prepared from materials in¬
tended at the time to be incorporated in this work,
may, in a great degree, answer the purpose. In this
note it is observed, that ''Deep creek," (the stream
which is mainly to be relied upon,) "furnishes at the
Hoop-pole narrows, six and a half miles from the sum¬
mit of the dividing ridge which it is proposed to inter¬
sect, a volume of water, at the driest season of the
* Honourable C. F. Mercer.
40
year, at least fifteen by two feet, with an average velo¬
city of the surface' and bottom of the volume, of about
one und a quarter miles per hour. It may, therefore,
be assumed, as the basis of the estimate to be made of
the supply of water for the summit-level of the contem¬
plated canal, that Deep creek will, at that point, afford
16,500 cubic feet of water every five minutes; at which
rate, allowing for the evaporation, absorption, and
leakage, of the reservoir and descending locks, to
amount to the loss of 1500 cubic feet during every five
minutes of the day and night, there will remain a suf¬
ficient quantity of water to fill, every five minutes, a
lock of ten feet lift, and of the length of 100 feet, and
width of 15 feet; which, allowing two locks full for
each boat in passing over the ridge, would afford a
sufficient supply for six boats per hour, both night and
day.* Should this supply, aided by the judicious
application of a reservoir, be found inadequate to the
intended commerce of the countries which the canal
is to unite, then recurrence may be had, at an ex¬
pense by no means disproportioned to the importance
of the object, to a feeder from the Little Yougha-
* At this rate, if no detention vas occasioned by a crowd of boats at a lock,
the passajie of upwards of an hundred boats mi^ht be effected daily; but con¬
siderable allowance is to be made, for the interruption and delays which must
necessarily occur in passing, (as would be tlie case in descending cither direc¬
tion from the summit,) a considerable number of locks in a short distance: fix¬
ing the lime necessai-y for the passage of a boat through a lock, at fifteen, in¬
stead of five minutes, and supposing the average load of a boat to be 20 ions,
it follows, that lorty-eigbt boats, canwing together 960 tons, may pass through-
any point of the canal during each day. The canal may be su[)posed to afford
uninterrupted navigation eight months of the year, (viz. from the middle of
March to the middle of November,) during which time at llie above rate 230,400
may pass tbi*ough it. A gentleman of intelligence who has long been tamiliar
with the commercial intercourse between the eastern and wesiei-n states, sup¬
poses that a canal which would be adetpiate to the transportation of 100,000
tons per year, would answer present purposes.
4t
gany, wfiicli heafls in the same dividing ridge, and
runs nearly parallel to Deep creek. Tiiis feeder
would require an open cut of four miles, averaging in
dépth about 15 feet, and not exceeding any where
35 feet in depth, of alluvial soil, with a tunnel of one
and a half miles, to unite it with the waters of Deep
creek in the same common reservoir. It would near¬
ly double the supply of water derived from the lat¬
ter; and, if both means combined, should yet fail of
yielding a sufficient supply for the summit-level, by a
feeder of smaller dimensions, but of greater length
than the preceding, the numerous rivulets which swell
the current of the Great Youghagany and Cheat rivers,
may be drawn to the aid of the canal."
Hence it is concluded, that an entire sufficiency of
water to supply the summit-level of a canal of the usual
dimensions, may be commanded above the Nar¬
rows. This conclusion derives support from the opi¬
nions entertained by the late Thomas Moore, principal
engineer of the Virginian board of public works, and
by the Maryland and Virginia commissioners, as ex¬
pressed in their diiferent reports.* Mr. Moore states,
that, "if the waters of the Youghagany should be pre¬
ferred for the extension of the western section of the
canal, then a branch called Deep creek will be the
most eligible. There are several branches of this
creek, which form a junction, and compose a stream,
which may do tolerably well to supply the summit-
level of a canal." This gentleman examined Deep
* The lute John Ellicott, who some years since spent several day^ in ex¬
ploring Deep creek, ami the cóntiguous country, looking to the connexion of this
stream with the Potomac; spoke with much confidence, as to the adequ.acy of
watiT on the summit, and believed entirely in tlie practicability of a canal
connexion.
42
oreek in the month of July, when, he represents it to
have been "extremely loir," he gives it, however, as
his opinion, that "just below the forks, where several
other branches unite, there is a sufficiency of water to
supply a four foot canal." The commissioners whose
examinations were made in the driest season, "within
the memory of most men living," speak of it as being a
"copiions stream," and offer it as their belief, that it
will "furnish sufficient water for locks, and a canal to
descend and ascend both sides of the mountain."
It is, however, worthy of particular remark, that the
beginning of the summit-level must not necessarily be
confined to the Narrows. A much more judicious
plan, affording equal facilities, and not incurring any
additional expense in passing the dividing ridge, would
be, to commence it at the head of the rapids, where
the stream supplies near a treble quantity of water:
a dam here of inconsiderable height, for the forma¬
tion of which every facility is afforded, would flood
the waters to the Narrows, and consequently leave the
amount of excavation, and tunnelling the same, as if the
commencement was there; while at the same time the
waters so flooded, might, possibly, be made to answer all
the purposes of a canal, by the mere construction of
towing paths along the sides of the elongated pond,
that would thus be formed. The stream receives
between the Narrows and this point, the waters of five
considerable creeks, besides numerous rivulets origi¬
nating from vigorous springs in the ridges, which bound
Deep creek valley; and is here estimated to pass at least
7000 cubic feet per minute. This quantity it is pre¬
sumable is adequate to the supply of a canal with n dou¬
ble series of locks, descending both eastward and west-
43
warä from the extremes of the summit-level,* it is
at least abundantly sufficient for a canal with one set
of locks, at each extremity, under any circumstances;
and cannot fail to convince the most prejudiced or
skeptical, of the feasibility of the project. But a
still more abundant supply may be commanded by
bringing into requisition, as is believed to be practi¬
cable, the waters of the Great Yougbagany river.
This belief is founded on the opinion, (in which
many concur,) that this stream and Deep creek,
above their différent falls have a correspondent level;
and this opinion is justified by the following facts.
The Youghagany has a very considerable fall a short
distance above its confluence with Deep creek—Mud¬
dy creek, which empties into the former stream nearly
opposite to the mouth of the latter, has also a great
fall—the falls of Deep creek have already been no-
ticed; the same rocky barrier seems alike to have
checked the course of these streams, and to have
caused their several falls—approaching from different
directions, they reach it, nearly at the same point, and
rushing over the impediment, mingle their waters in
one common channel: hence it is supposed that the
streams above the precipice have their courses over
the same general level. The gentleness of their cur¬
rents, and the alluvial character of the country through
which they pass, seems also to give strength to this
opinion. Admitting then, that the Youghagany may be
drawn upon at the point in question, (it certainly can
at no great distance above the falls) then all question
• To effect without delay, the ti-ansit of the commodities that would pass
throuRh the emial, it is believed a double set of locks would aitei- some time
be found requisite.
44
as to the adequacy of water must be at an end. The
stream is here at least as large again as Deep creek,
and would itself in the driest seasons, furnish more
water than could possibly be demanded for the use
of a single canal.
It is not to be understood as intimating that the
Youghagany river, or any part of its waters, will be
required on the summit at present, but it is intended
to shew, that there is a source, which may at a future
period, be advantageously drawn upon, to supply such
an additional series of locks across the ridge, as the
increasing wealth, and population, of this immense and
growing empire, may gradually demand.
The suggestions contained in the following commu¬
nication, will be found interesting in considering the
practicability of a canal over the Alleghany mountains,
since the improvement proposed, meets the most for¬
midable, and indeed the only serious obstacle to be
subdued.
Baltimore, January \5th, 1824.
SíR,
Should the following observations be found to
possess an interest sufficient to warrant your annexing
them to the observations you have collected, respect¬
ing a communication between the Ohio and Potomac, I
would be gratified by your making this use of them.
Your obedient servant,
WM. HOWARD.
Mr. James Shriver.
45
On a combination of Lacles, adapted to a Mountainous
- Country.
The Ohio and Chesapeake canal, which has been
lately proposed, and of which the preparatory mea¬
sures are in as rapid progress, as from the magni¬
tude of the work could be expected, will probably far
surpass any similar undertaking, both in the difficulty
of the work, and in the importance of the communica¬
tions it will open. The idea of raising a boat by a
series of locks to the elevation of more than 2400 feet
above tide, and lowering it again about 17OO feet,*
appears at first sight an undertaking too extravagant for
any circumstances to justify. But the immense advanta¬
ges to be expected from this channel of trade, if once
opened, and its importance in a political point of view,
would amply compensate for any expenditure that would
probably be incurred in its execution. Setting aside all
consideration of expense, another question occurs on the
determination of which the success of the scheme de¬
pends; whether, when executed, the work will be so
embarrassed by the number of its locks, as to afford
little or no advantage over land carriage. In examin¬
ing this question, I believe we may assume, that even
if the canal, for the short distance in which the locks
are so numerous, should render the carriage on it as
expensive as the transportation by land, still the ad¬
vantages of the same boat being able to continue its
voyage, thereby avoiding two changes of cargo, would
be of immense importance.
* Lake Erie is stated to be 565 feet above tide, and the Oliio ul the moutb ut'
Big Beaver, to be 124 feet above the lake. This will give 689 feet for the eleva-
tioD <4 the Ohio above tide at that point.
7
46
It is obvious that where a boat is required to pass 188
locks, of 8 feet lift in the distance of less than 14 miles,
every precaution should he taken to avoid any delay at
each lock beyond what is absolutely necessary. The
older engineers were in the practice, from motives of
economy or other imaginary advantages, of combining
several locks together, sometimes as many as six or
seven. When it is considered, that in the event of two
boats meeting at such a chain of locks, the one must
wait until the other has passed through the whole
number, the delay of time must be obvious. More¬
over, when a boat descending, finds on its arrival the
locks full, (as they will be after a boat has ascended
them,) it will consume as many locksful of water as the
number of locks in the chain, or in other words, it will
leave all the locks which it found full empty. On the
other hand, a boat ascending finding all the locks
empty, it will be necessary to draw 7 locksful of water
from the upper summit, in a combination of 7 locks,
to effect its ascent.
By the simple expedient of interposing ponds of suf¬
ficient capacity between the locks, the delay is avoid¬
ed, and only one lockful of water is required to be
drawn from the summit for the ascent or descent of a
boat to any distance.
In consequence of these imperfections of the com¬
bined locks, which are at present well understood, they
are seldom or never used, unless particular circumstan¬
ces justify their adoption. An instance of this occurs
in that magnificent work, the Caledonian canal, where
the engineer has combined 8 locks, of 8 feet lift each,
peculiar considerations, which it is unnecessary here to
47
detail, rendering in this case stich a combination the
most jndicions that could be contrived.
In part of the Ohio and Chesapeake canal, the ascent
from the mouth of Savage river to the summit is 1503
feet, and the distance less than 14 miles. Inclined
planes have been proposed as the most useful expedient
for overcoming this enormous ascent. The comtnis-
sioners appointed to survey the route of the Morris
canal in New Jersey, recommend that inclined planes
should be used in place of common locks in that work,
and appear to be very sanguine that this plan would
succeed; but many objections whicii it would lead us
too much into detail to mention here, may be urged
against this proposition, more especially when intended
to be applied to a canal which is expected to be a
great thoroughfare. Others have suggested a double
set of locks, to diminish the risk of delay to boats in
their passage, and it is thought, that the increased ac¬
commodation would amply compensate for the aug¬
mented expense of their construction. But on the sup¬
position of a double set of locks being used with ponds
between them, a little consideration will shew, that
each lock must be used alternately for ascending and
descending, as otherwise a double consumption of both
time and water will in many cases be incurred.
The plan which has suggested itself to me as the
most suitable to the circumstances I have detailed, will
appear at first to be a return to the errors of the old
engineers. It consists in the combination of a number
of locks together, and the adoption of two sets, one
appropriated for ascending, and the other for descend¬
ing.
48
By this expedient of having two sets, it appears that
the following advantages will be secured.—In the first
place, the circumstances which render the use of com¬
bined locks in ordinary cases, so objectionable, cannot
occur on this plan. For a boat passing the chain will
leave every lock, except the first of the chain, in the
proper state to receive a boat following it. Thus on
the descending side, the locks will be left by a boat
passing them, all empty. The upper lock must there¬
fore be filled before the boat can enter it. This being
done, the water is suffered to flow from the first into
the second lock; and by the time its surface is suffi¬
ciently lowered in the first lock, it has risen to the
same level in the second, which is thus prepared for
the boat's reception, in the same time that is necessa¬
rily consumed for the operation of the first lock. The
same circumstances would be repeated throughout the
whole chain. Therefore, if we suppose 5 minutes be
required for a boat to pass a single lock, we may thus
calculate the time necessary to pass a chain of ten
locks; 5 minutes delay until the first lock be prepared,
and five minutes for the passage of each lock, = 55
minutes, the time consumed in passing the whole
chain.
On the ascending side, on the contrary, a boat ap¬
proaching the chain will find all the locks full. The
lowest lock must therefore be emptied for its reception.
This will produce a delay of 5 minutes. But while
the lowest lock is filling again to raise the boat, its
supply of water is drawn from the next lock above,
and thus this last is ready to receive the boat by the
time the lowest lock is full. The same will take place
in a succession of locks of any number. Of course the
49
time of passing a combination of locks will be the same
as above—for instance of 10 locks; 5 minutes delay
at the lowest lock, and 50 minutes in passing the
others—total 55 minutes.
In this plan, the boats can follow each other in a
continuous line. It will be necessary, however, that
one lock intervene between each two boats; or in other
words, the number of boats engaged in passing the
chain at the same time, can only equal half the num¬
ber of locks of which it consists.
It is well known to engineers, that where two locks
are combined, the expense is much less than where
they are separate. Of course, in this plan, the cost of
a double set of combined locks, will be much less than
twice that of a single set of separate locks.
The expense of lock-keepers, were the work execu¬
ted on the common plan, must necessarily be very
great. In the method here proposed, one or two
keepers could superintend a chain of locks of any
number.
In case it should be found expedient to permit the
passage of boats at night, the facility with which
a number of combined locks might be lighted up,
would form no trifling consideration in favour of their
adoption.
In thus proposing this scheme, my object is not to
insist on the advantages it appears to me to possess,
but merely to throw out these hints for the considera¬
tion of those, whose more extensive experience and
abler judgment will enable them to form a just decision
on its merits. W. H.
50
Canal Route.
Passing along the meanderings of the Potomac river,
from tide water to Cumberland, the canal will continue
to ascend that stream to the mouth of Savage river,
thence by it, and Crab-tree ereek, to the dividing
•ridge, and through it at some convenient point between
B and D. The western section will thence proceed
along the valley of Deep ereek to the falls: from this
point to the Monongahela river, the canal must, most
probably, either pass by the ravine of the Youghagany
river, or above the head of the falls, fas designated on
the map) by the Muddy creeks of Youghagany, and
Cheat rivers, to Cheat river, and thence by that
stream. Taking the Youghagany route, many formi¬
dable obstacles to the formation of a canal will be
found, none of which however are of an insuperable
nature. In pursuing the ravine of this river, the canal
would have to cross it frequently, or be carried in
many places along rocky and precipitous banks:* on
more than one half of its distance, there is neverthe¬
less highly favourable ground for canalling. Another
route which would partly pass by the ravine of the
Youghagany river, has been spoken of; it would leave
the valley of Deep creek a little below the bridge, and
proceed by the way of BuiTaloe marsh and Bear creeks,
to that river: this as affording an equally direct course,
and as connecting with the Youghagany below the
chief difficulties that occur on it, is, by persons who
• Through the politeness of the commissioners who examined the Snstpielàanna
river, a diagram, » Inch was engraved for their report, is pei'mittcd to be published
in this work. It exhibits the mode of constructing a canal along rocky banks of
rivers, and is explained by Mr. Geddes, principal engineer of the New York
canal. See it at the conchision of this article.
51
know the ground, esteemed a favourable route; the
great elevation of the ridge separating the waters of
Marsh and Bear creeks, seems a formidable, and is
perhaps an insurmountable obstacle to this plan. As to
the practicability of using the Muddy creeks and Cheat
river as the medium of connexion, no opinion can with
certainty be advanced. These streams are represent¬
ed by persons familiar with them, as taking their rise
in the same -pine swamp,* as having gentle currents,
and as being amply sufficient to the supply of a canal
in the driest season. With regard to Cheat river, the
engineer of the Virginia board of public works, states,
that "that part which passes what is called the Dun-
kard's bottom, appears to approach as near to the
Potomac, as any other point that can be considered
practicable for navigation. From this place, for about
five miles downwards, the fall is not too great for a
sluice navigation; but tben a fall occurs of nearly thirty
feet, by estimation, in one mile; the lower part of
which is too abrupt and broken to be improved by any
other means than by a lock. From thence, to the
mouth of Sandy creek, about eight or nine miles, the
fall is great; particularly at one place, where it much
exceeds, for the distance, the fall just described.
Thence, through the Laurel hill to Henthorn's quarry,
by estimation ten miles, the fall is comparatively much
less.-j- I saw a part of this section, and had a particular
• It is a gratificatiiin to he enabled to say, that this statement has heen fully
eormborated hj a highly respectable gentleman, who has much practical know¬
ledge, and who speaks from an actual knowledge of the fact.
+ From this point, it is believed a canal, which would shorten the distance to
Pittsburg, may be carried along the flat land at the west base of Laurel hill, to
Kedstnne creek, near Union town, and thence, by the ravine of that stream to the
Monongahela, below Browitsville. This, as a subsidiary canal alone, is worthy of
attention.
52
description of the remainder, from which I suppose it
does not exceed ten feet per mile, and not too abrupt
in any one place to be overcome by sluices. Thence,
to the junction of the Monongahela, about twelve miles,
it has been declared navigable by the laws of Vir¬
ginia."
From these particulars it results, that if the eleva¬
tion at the sources of the Muddy creeks is easily sur¬
mountable, this route will be quite feasible.—In point
of distance, to the navigable waters of the Mononga¬
hela, and in many other respects it has decided advan¬
tages.
The attention of the public has also been directed to
a route, which was to connect the eastern and western
waters by Will's creek, and a branch of Casselman's
river; this appears to have been in a great measure
visionary.
DISTANCES
Of different sections of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
EASTERN SECTION.
Miles.
Chains.
From the summit-level to the mouth of Savage river.
13
00
Thence to the mouth of Will's creek.
33
37
Thence to the mouth of Capon, - . - -
54
40
Thence to the Conococheague, ...
33
40
Thence to Harper's ferry, . . - .
38
60
Thence to head of the Great falls, - . -
46
20
Thence to the head of tide water, - . -
9
00
Total, -
228
37
53
western sECTio^.—Youghagany Route.
Miles, Chams
From the dividing ridge to the Narrows, - - 6 24
Thence to the falls of Deep creek, - - 8 40
Thence to Smjthfield, ... - - 24 13
Thence to Connelsville, ... - 37 53
Thence to Monongahela, ----- 40 00
Total, - J116 50
WESTERN SECTION.—Cheat river Route.
From the dividing ridge to the falls, . - -
Thence to Cheat river, . - . - -
Thence alons: Cheat river to west side Laurel hill,
Thence to the Monongahela, ....
Total, -
SUMMARY OF DISTANCES.
Distances between the tide water of the Potomac and the Monon¬
gahela rivers-r-Youghagany route.
Eastern section, 223 57
Western section, - - - - . . 116 50
Total, - 345 0?
Distances between the tide water of the Potomac and the Monon¬
gahela river—Cheat river route.
Eastern section, --.... 228 37
Western section, - 53 64
Total, - 282 ZÏ
Difference in favour of the Cheat river route to the
Monongahela, - . - . . - 62 66
Total distance from the tide of Potomac to Pittsburg, via thfi
Youghagany and Momngahela.
From tide of Potomac to the Monongahela, - 345 07
From thence to Pittsburg, - - - - 15 00
Tftal, - 3^ 7
g . -B
14
64
15
00
12
00
12
00
53
64
ss
54
Total distance from the tide of Potomac to Pittsburg, via Cheat
river and Monongahela.
Miles. Chains,
From tide of Potomac to the Monongahela, - 282 21
From thence to Pittsburg, .... 100 00
Total, - 582 21
Difference in favour of the Youghagany route to
Pittsburg, ------ 22 59
«/Vbfe.—Some of the above distances are from computation, the most of
them are, however, from actual admeasurement.
Extract from Mr. Geddes' Report on an Examina¬
tion of the Susquehanna River.
''Fuom a view of the annexed diagram, it will appear
that on the face of a slope rising forty-five feet degrees
from the horizon, there will be required, the removal
of seventy-two cubic yards, per yard run, of rocks or
earth; (if any earth shall be found so near the surface,)
to form a space for the reception of the lining, &c. of
the canal, and that the rude wall to support the work,
will be on the outside forty-five feet high. But, in
few instances, will it be required to carry the canal
forty-five feet higher than the level of the surface of
the river adjoining it.
"A canal would be constructed, in such a place, by
forming an excavation or trough to contain the water:
first, of these great loose stones, supported by a rude
dry wall on the lower side. Over the bottom, and up^
both sides, then faced with pounded stones, made finer
than on a good turnpike road. Next, coated with the
best gravel, coarse at first, but very fine on the surface.
It is now prepared for the last lining of earth, which
OD
would vary in the thickness, as it might happen to he
porous or water-tight stufi"; water to give tliis earth a
partial puddling, would in most places be collected
from little streams out of the hills, and, in some places,
would have to be pumped from the river below."
EXPLANATION.
A, B, shows the face of a hill rising in an angle of
forty five degrees from the horizon.
A, C,D, E, F, is the section formed of what is taken
from the space C, G, H, B, each equal to seventy-two
yards superficial measure, making seventy-two cubic
yards for each yard measured along the canal.
Angle 45 (.iegrees, scale 24 leet to an inch.
50
Entvmates of Expense.
It was ardently wished to have collected full and
particular information of every branch, pertaining to
the subject of the proposed canal, but to have obtained
it as accurately as would be demanded preparatory to
the actual execution of such a work, it will at once
occur, was far beyond accomplishment by individual
means. The deficiency is felt and regretted; in the
absence of data for more precise calculations, the fol¬
lowing general estimate of cost has been attempted.
From an analysis of Mr. Briggs's estimates, it ap¬
pears that the different sections of the proposed canal
Fetween Cumberland and tide-water, upon the Poto¬
mac, will cost (omitting fractions) an average per mile,
for excavation, walling, acqueducts, dams, culverts, and
bridges, as follows: Mile«. Dollars.
1st section. From Cumberland to Capon, 54§ 5,268
2d do. From Capon to Conococheague, 33^ 5,924
3d do. From Conococheague to Harper's
Ferrj, - - . . 38| 6,356
4th do. From Harper's Ferry to the Great
Falls, .... 461 5,608
5th do. From Great Falls to tide-water, 9 11,936
Total, - 182
Average rate, on the whole distance, 6,037 dollars.
•
The cost of the same sections, after adding for lock¬
age, (estimated at 650 dollars per foot) and including
ten per cent for contingencies, &c. will be according to
Mr. Briggs's general summary. Doiihis.
Fortheist section, .... 7,7U per mile.
For the 2d do. . - - - . 8,055
For the 3d do. - - - - - 8,483
For the 4th do. 7,499
For the 5th do. - - - - - 23,702
Total cost. - 1,578,954"
Average rate, g8,676 per mile.
57
The sections of the canal here estimated, are believ¬
ed to be quite as difficult of execution as the generality
of the portions west of the dividing ridge; the most
difficult, and undoubtedly the most expensive section,
is from Cumberland, or the mouth of Will's creek, to
the dividing ridge, as well as can at present be ascer¬
tained, forty-six miles long, with about 1900 feet of
lockage, to the base of the proposed summit level; ap¬
plying 88,000 (near Mr. Briggs's average estimate) to
this section throughout, it will cost for excavation, &c.
forty-six miles, at 88,000 per mile, 8368,000; and
for lockage, 1900 feet, at S650 per foot, 81,235,000,
making together a sum of 81,603,000.
The calculations for the next six and an half miles,
forming the summit-level, are predicated upon a sub¬
terranean canal, of one and an half, and an open canal
of five miles in length. The expense of tunnelling
depends so materially upon a variety of circumstances,
impossible to be ascertained, that it admits of no accu¬
rate or certain estimates. In England, it has been
found to vary considerably,* generally according to the
nature of the ground through which the tunnels were
carried; the average cost is set down at about 8125,000
* "The canal of the Trent and Mersey, connecting the ports of Liverpool and
HqII, in England, with seventy-six locks, has no less than five tunnels in 93 miles.
Of these, the one at Harecastle, is 2,888 yards long, and more than 70 yarils below
the surface of the earth. The celebrated Brindley estimated its cost at 10,000
pounds* it was the first tunnel constructed in England, and actually cost 31. 10s,
8d. per yard,
"That at Sapperton, part of a canal, 42 feet in bi'cadth, which unites the Thames
and the Severn, is more than two and a half miles in length, and is cut, for four-
fifths of that extent, through solid rock, at the expense of eiglit guineas a yard.
**The Chesterfield canal has, at Hartshill, a tunnel 3,000yards long. But tun¬
nels are, now, very numerous in England; and in cost for labour only, vary from
three to seven guineas per running yard.'*
l¿3ctract Jrom Mr, C. F, Mercer'^s Speech to the Canal Convention,
58
per mile.* Mr. Briggs lias recently estimated the
cost of a tunnel, two and an half miles long, at
8150,000 per mile; the proposed tunnel being but one
and an half miles long, and there being no reason to
apprehend that the ground to be operated upon will
oppose any unusual impediments, the average cost in
England, it is believed, may be safely assumed as
amply sufficient for making the projected tunnel; it
gives accordingly for its cost, 8187,500. Three of the
five miles of open cut on the summit, will require an
average cutting of about fifteen feet in depth, on the
remaining two, a comparatively small cutting will be
necessary; the quantity of earth to be removed to form
the canal, is estimated at 500,000 cubic yards, which,
at twenty-five cents per yard, amounts to Sl25,0o0,
giving 8313,500 for the combined cost of the tunnel
and open canal forming the summit-level. Westwardly,
from the extremity of the summit-level to the com¬
mencement of Deep creek falls, eight and an half
miles, it is believed a canal may be made for less than
85,000 per mile, estimating it, however, at that sum;
842,500 is the result for canalling, which, added to
86,500 for ten feet lockage, makes for the section
849,000.
The section which succeeds from the commencement
of Deep creek falls to the mouth of Bear creek, pre-
» "On the subject of the expense attending tunnels, as compared with that of
open canals of different dei>tlis, 1 found that we possessed here all that lias been
ascertained in England. 1 therefore forbore to write to that country, and will
give you the result produced in relation to our great object, by the apidication
of the English estimates, to the ground on which we arc to operate, 'riiese esti¬
mates have been formed, us 1 understand, on the combined average of their va¬
rious tunnels and canals.
"It has been found in England, that the average cost of tunnels is about $125,000
to the mile,—this will give $18-,500 for the cost of the tunnel in question."
Extract of a Utter from Gen, It. G. Harper.
59
sents more difficulties, and the construction of a canal,
will in all respects be attended with more expense,
than any portion of the same extent west of the moun¬
tains; the distance is sixteen and a quarter miles,
the fall 915 feet. The excavation, &c. is estimated
at the same sum per mile, that was applied to the sec¬
tion between Cumberland and the dividing ridge; this
will give for canalling, 8130,000; 915 feet lockage, at
8650 per foot, is 8594,750, making together 8734,750.
From the mouth of Bear creek to the Ohiopile falls, a
canal is considered easy of execution, compared with
the latter, or succeeding section: 86000 per mile, is
estimated as ample for the execution of the ca¬
nal. The distance is twenty-seven and a half miles,
the fall 196 feet. The cost respectively, for excava¬
tion and lockage, will consequently be 8165,000, and
8127,400, together, 8292,400. The next section,
ending at the mouth of Indian creek, is ten and three
quarter miles long, with a fall of 268 feet, estimating
the excavation, &c. at 87,000 per mile, gives for
canalling, 875,250; for lockage, 8174,200—making
the whole cost, 8249,450. From thence to the Mo-
nongahela river, a fraction over forty-seven and a
quarter miles, the cost will not exceed 86,000
per mile, which gives for canalling, 8283,500. The
amount of lockage being 170 feet, will cost 8110,500—
making the total cost for this last section, 8394,000.
60
Recapitulation of Estimates.
EASTER* SECTION.
Dollars. Total Dollars.
For 46 miles of canal, - - - 368,0001 i 603 000
For 1900 feet lockage, - 1,235,000 J ' '
Add 10 per cent for contingencies, - - 160,300
Total, - -
SUMMIT-LEVEL.
For Ij miles tunnel, - . . 187,5001 312 500
For excavating 500,000 cubic yds earth, 125,000 J '
Add 10 per cent for contingencies, &c. - 31,250
Total, - - 343,750
FIRST VfESTERN SECTION.
For 8§ miles canal, - - 42,5001
For 10 feet lockage, . - . 6,500 J
SECOND WESTERN SECTION.
THIRD WESTERN SECTION.
FOURTH WESTERN SECTION.
FIFTH WESTERN SECTION.
49,000
For l6j miles canal, ... 130,0001
For 915 feet lockage, - - 594,750 J 724,750
For 27§ miles canal, - - . 165,0001
For 196 feet lockage, - - 127,400 J 292,400
For 10Î miles canal, ... 75,2501
For 268 feet lockage, . . 174,200 J 249,450
For 47:i miles canal, ... 283,5001
For 170 feet lockage, - - 110,500 J 394,000
1,709,600
Add 10 per eent for contingencies, &c. - 170,960
Total, - 1,880,560
61
Summary of Estimâtes.
First eastern section according to Mr. Briggs's
estimates,
Second eastern section,
Summit-level,
Total western sections.
81,57-8,954
1,763,300
343,750
1,880,560
5,566,564
Grand total
In pursuing the Cheat river route, should it be found
equally practicable, the sum which would be required
to make a canal from the tide of the Potomac to the
navigable waters of the Monongahela, would be much
less than the sum estimated above. It cannot, how¬
ever, be pretended to say, what the dilTerence would
amount to.
The Advantages of Canal over Land Transportation.
Although this subject is not strictly comprehended
within the design of this work, it is nevertheless be¬
lieved, that some notice of it will not be altogether
unacceptable. The Maryland and Virginia commis¬
sioners, appointed to survey the Potomac, estimated
the comparative advantages minutely, as appears by
the following statement extracted from their report.
The amount of toll on a ton of merchandise, being
stated at one cent per mile, and the freight also at one
cent per mile, and eight men, and eight wagons, and
forty horses being the number required to transport the
burthen of one boat, drawn by one horse and managed
by a man and a boy, viz. 25 tons. Assume, then, equal
rates of expense, as the basis of calculation: Say, for
9
6S
example, they each proceed one hundred miles*, the
wagons by land, and the boat by canal, and each tra¬
vel twenty miles a day, carrying 25 tons of goods; the
expenses of one wagon per day, say, is, for one man
one dollar, for five horses five dollars, that is g6 00
The expenses, then, of eight wagons, eight men, and
forty horses, is, per day, - - . - - 48 00
The boat, at the same rates, is, for one man, one dol¬
lar, one boy fifty cents, and a horse one dollar,
each day, 25#
It requires five days, at the rate of travelling assum¬
ed, to perform the trip of one hundred miles; five
times the daily expenses of wagons is, - - 240 00
Five times the daily expenses of the boat is, - 12 50
The difference in the cost of freight of 25 tons by
land, or water, free from toll, is, - - - §227 50
Next add the interest on the out-fit for land carriage,
and the same for the boat, &c. A wagon cost,
when new, say glOO, then eight wagons cost gSoO,
and forty horses, each glOO, amount together to 4,800 00
The gear of five horses, when new, say, cost 850,
and of forty horses, therefore is, - - - 400 00
85,200 00
A boat, seventy feet long, ten feet wide, say, will
cost §150, and the horse and gear SHO, that is
for canal out-fit, . . . . „ 260 00
Difference, - - g4,940 00
The annual interest on 84,940, at six per cent is, 8296 40
A wagon, it is supposed, cannot last in service on the
road more than eight years without repairs, then the
rate of the wear of a wagon, may be stated per annum,
at one eighth of the cost.
63
For repaii-s of each wa^-on per annum, - - §12 50
Horses in constant use, in heavy draft, it is suppos¬
ed, cannot be fit for service more than five years
on an average, then one-fifth of the cost is the al¬
lowance for loss of horses; this for five horses, is
equal to------- - 100 00
A horse in service will require a new set of shoes
every two months; this, for five hoi'ses, makes the
wear of shoes, SO 00
The gear of five horses is worth, new, §50, and will
last on an aVerage, say, five years; then we may
add for this item of wear per annum, for each, 10 00
At these rates calculate the difference.
The interest on the out-fit of eight wagons, and forty
horses, after deducting the cost of boat and horse, 296 40
Wear of eight wagons, each §12.50, is - - 100 00
Wear of forty horses as above, ... - 800 00
Shoes for forty horses as above, "- - - - 240 00
Wear of gear as above, - - - - - - 80 00
p ■ ^1—I I
§1,516 40
The cost of the boat and horse having been deducted
from the sum on which interest is taken, no inter¬
est is therefore charged here; a boat will surely
last longer than a wagon in service, but we will
state it at the same, that is eight years, then take
one-eighth of 150, the first cost for the wear of a
boat per annum, - §18 75
Wear of one horse, ..... 20 00
Shoes for one horse, as above, .... 6 00
Wear of gear, as above, ..... 2 00
§46 75
Difference in wear and interest in one year, §1,469 65
To understand this difference more exactly, let the expenses
per day, for five days, as above, on each kind of transportation,
be added to a proportion of the sum of the annual wear and in¬
terest, equal to five days.
64
Expenses of eight wagons, &c. per day, - - 8240 00
81,516 and 40 cents, divided by 73, gives the wear,
interest, &c. for five days, viz. - - - 20 77
Entire expenses of wagons, per day, - - 8260 77
Same expenses, for same time, of the boat, &c. is, 812 50
846 and 75 cents divided by 73, is, - - 64
Entire expense of boat, &c. per day, - - 813 14
The sums total of the expense of each mode, divided by
each other, viz 8260.77 by 813.14, sliews that the expenses
of land carriage may be stated, in round numbers, at twenty
times the cost of transportation by water; besides changing
the employments of the supernumerary carriers, in extensive
districts of country, from the unproductive to the productive
classes of citizens.
The disadvantage of land transportation in this
statement, so strikingly displayed, is experienced, and
every where acknowledged. A report on internal im¬
provements, made by Mr. Knight, in the legislature of
Pennsylvania, states, "that the amount to be paid to
wagoners for transporting goods to Pittsburg, Wheel¬
ing, and some of the smaller towns in the western part
of Pennsylvania and Virginia, will, in a very few years,
average at least one million and a half of dollars per
annum, unless, indeed, some cheaper mode be in the
meantime devised." The correctness of this estimate
is corroborated by statements made upon the floor of
Congress;* and perhaps confirmed by a letter from an
• The following statement appeai-s in a speech of Mr. Stewart's, in Congress.
It is due to this gentleman, and not improper to be stated in this place, that he
was the first to introduce the interesting subject of the proposed canal to the
consideration of Congress.
G5
intelligent and respectable mercantile house in Wheel¬
ing, which states that during the year 1822, they had
consigned to them 1081 wagons laden with merchan¬
dise, averaging about 3500 pounds each, the carriage
of which amounted to S90,000. Three-fourths of the
wagons, it was supposed, obtained return loading from
Wheeling. There are, besides the house from whom
the information is derived, five other commission stores
in Wheeling; estimating that each of these received
two thirds the quantity of goods consigned to the first,
it shews that 4684 loads of merchandise were received
"It has been ascertained," said Mr. S. "that the sum paid in Pittsburg alone,
in one year, for the transportation of goo<ls for llie supply of O'llo, Kentucky,
&c. bad amounted to $1,500,000. The dilTerence in ibc cost of transp^'ftation
by canals and by land, has been ascertained tobe as twenty to one. This was,
he believed, a ibmmon result to which all writers on the subject had come,
and which was confirmed by the use of canals wherever adopted; divide the
sum then by '20, and it will be reduced by the canal, to $75,000, saving the
west from an annual taxation of $1,425,000. For the cost of transportation was
he said, paid by the coimimcr of the goods, in the same way that he paid the dii'ij
that enriched the public treasury. Kut Pittsburg was not the only place of depo¬
sit. Mr. S. Iiere read from a letter which he had lately received from a respecta¬
ble inercbant in Wheeling, who stated", that be received on an average, three mil¬
lions of dollai's worth of goods per annum, at his store, transported on the Cum¬
berland road, for the carriage of which, he paid about $120,000; by the canal, this
sum would be reduced (according to the principle of the report to which he re¬
ferred) to $6,000. But an equal saving would be oflected on the transportation of
the agricultural, and other products of tlie interior, to the eastern markets. He
would mention, he said, a single fact, winch might illustrate the importance of
this object; from the returns of the Marshals in 1810, it appeared that there
had been manufactured iu the western counties of Pennsylvania alone, in thac
year, 417,181 barrels of flour and whiskey. These articles were now carried
principally over the mouutains in wagons, at an expense of about $3 per barrel,
which, by the canal, would be reduced to 15 cents per barrel. The glass manu¬
factured in his neighbourhood, he said, was transported to Baltimore by land, at
the expense of near one fourth of the price received; (a higher duty than was paid
by the foreign article;) on this canal, instead of one dollar per box, they would pav
5 cents. These were a few instances selected to illustrate the advantage of this
work; and the results, he repeated, were inevitable, if the principle laid down in
the report, was correct; and it was confirmed by universal experience, and by all
writers on the subject, with which he had become acquainted."—\^Extract from
Mr, StewarVa Speech on the proposed connexion of the Eastern und ÏVestcrn
leaters.
66
at that town during the year mentioned. This num¬
ber, at the rate of 890,000 for 1081 loads, gives for the
cost of transporting merchandise from Baltimore to
Wheeling, the'sum of three hundred and ninety thou¬
sand dollars, during one year: add to this sum, for
return loading, only one half, instead of three-fourths,
the amount estimated, and the amount paid for trans¬
portation is shewn to be five hundred and eighty five
thousand dollars.
Let it be remembered, that these were the transpor¬
tations of 1823, during which, the sales of merchan¬
dise for the western states is known to have been
smaller, than within any of the three preceding years, or
for the subsequent or past year. In the year 1821, the
amount paid for transportation upon consi^ments to a
single house in Wheeling, was about 8120,000; assum¬
ing nevertheless the expense of 1823, as the average,
it appears that two millions, nine hundred and twenty-
five thousand dollars have been paid for transportation
within years.
The cost of land transportation, being twenty times
greater than canal transportation, it follows that a
canal would have effected a saving of two millions,
seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand, seven hun¬
dred and fifty dollars of the sum actually paid for
transporting merchandise between Baltimore and
Wheeling within the last five years.
OHIO AND LAKE ERIE CANAL.
The proposed Ohio and Lake Erie Canal, is inti¬
mately blended with that of the Chesapeake and Ohio.
In the opinion of manvj it is embraced and constitutes
only a part of the same grand design; but whether it
be considered in connexion with it, or independently,
it is confessedly a project of vast public importance,
involving considerations of great national and local
concern. Although it was not comprehended in the
original design of this publication, these considerations
have induced the author to undertake the labour of
collecting all the information which was attainable
upon the subject. The result is sincerely gratifying,
since it establishes not only the entire practicability of
executing such a work, but it proves also, that the
nature of the country affords a choice of routes, without
any material obstacle.
To the politeness of several distinguished and pub¬
lic spirited gentlemen, the author is chiefly indebted
for the materials which have enabled him to compile
the accompanying map of that part of the state of
Ohio, through which the canal is proposed to be con¬
ducted. The same gentlemen, by the following letters
and document, have afforded the means of presenting
a perspicuous account of all the surveys and examina¬
tions hitherto made, comprising a mass of valuable and
highly interesting information, which proves incontes-
tibly the feasibility, at a moderate expense, of a con¬
necting canal between the Ohio and the lakes.
68
Letter from Mr. ^3. Stewart, Member of Congress.
Congress Hall, Dec. 25th, 1823.
Sill,
Mr. Whittlesey handed nie the map you sent
for examination with the enclosed letters, one writ¬
ten by himself, and the other by Judge Tappan,
of Ohio, a gentleman of much intelligence; I send
you also a report of Mr. Geddes, handed me
by Governor Brown, of the same state, who has ap¬
pended to it some notes. I am much gratified to
discover that the facts they communicate, connected
with the surveys you have made, completely demon¬
strates the perfect practicability of the whole canal
route, indicated by the President in his late message,
extending from the seat of the national government
through Pittsburg, to lake Erie. As to the policy of
this grand national design, there can be but one opinion
among the liberal and enlightened politicians of our
country. Its practicability, however, has been doubt¬
ed. This difficulty removed, and this great object
will be speedily accomplished. I have heard several
distinguished gentlemen in Congress, both from the
north and south, speak of it-in terms of the highest
'approbation—they express a willingness to appropri¬
ate the whole sum required, without resorting to states
or individuals for aid; being a national object, it ought,
they said, to be accomplished by national means. They
regard it as connecting the seat of the national govern¬
ment with the western states, and as constituting a
powerful bond of union between them; affording, in
time of peace, the greatest facilities to commercial in¬
tercourse, and in time of war, one of the most efficient
means of national defence.
69
General Jessup requested me to inform you, that
owing to a press of business at this moment, he is fear¬
ful it will not be in his power to communicate the in¬
formation you desire in time to answer your purpose.
He spoke, however, of the object in terms of the high¬
est approbation, and stated, that the government had
already experienced great advantage from the use of
the New-York canal, whither he had sent for minute
information on the subject. It might be safely assured,
he said, that it would produce a saving to the govern¬
ment of at least two-thirds of the whole expense of
transportation, besides it would add greatly to the
celerity of our military movements, which was often of
the utmost importance, and would deliver the troops at
the point where their services were required, unbroken
by the fatigue of long and forced marches;—his views
on the subject in every point of view, are liberal and
enlightened, and I hope he will have time to commu¬
nicate them before your work goes to press; it would
place the subject in a new and important light before
the public. However, no one who is at all conversant
with the history of our late war, with the disasters,
losses, and delays, experienced on the northern fron¬
tier, where it dost the government, in some instances,
SlOO for a single barrel of flour, can doubt the impor¬
tance of a canal connecting the whole of our lake
frontier with the seat of the national government, pass¬
ing through the very heart of the country, and opening
new and abundant sources of wealth, which must for¬
ever remain dormant without it.
Yours respectfully,
A. STEWART.
10
70
Letter from E. Whittlesey, Esq.
Washington City, Dec. 25th, 1823.
SlU,
I herewith return the map handed to me by Mr.
Stewart, with some corrections noted. I have waited,
in hopes of receiving answers from Judge Tappan and
Mr. Brown, accompanied with accurate maps of that
section of the country, and the result of their exami¬
nation, but none have arrived.*
The canal will pass up the Mahoning valley, about
four miles north of Warren, where is the summit-level
between the lake and the Ohio, in a swamp that dis¬
charges its waters into both, elevated above the lake
about 343 feet, and above the Ohio about 218 feet.
To supply a canal with water at this point, the head
waters of Grand river particularly,—a stream, durable,
but small, that runs through Parkman, a branch of Ma-
haning, that runs through Nelson, and the Cuyahoga,
must be resorted to. An examination has been made,
and no doubt exists, but that the Cuyahoga may be
brought to this summit-level with little expense. The
Grand river will be descended to Austinburgh, to the
point where the stream takes a western course, and
thus far the water is for the most part deep and still.
It is a subject of some doubt, whether a canal can be
cut from thence directly to the lake, and terminate at
the mouth of the Ashtabula, or descend in the valley
of Grand river. On this direct route, towards the north
line of Austinburgh, is a swell of land that may
present an insurmountable barrier; and in descending
Grand river, the banks of which are high, and com-
* They were received a few days subsequent to the receipt of this letter.
71
posed of slate, frequently shift sides of the river.
Before a canal is located in that section of the country,
an examination will probably be made between the
summit-level above Warren, and the Cuyahoga at
Franklin, six miles west of Ravenna, to ascertain
whether a canal may not be cut in that direction, and
terminate at Cleaveland. It is generally believed that
the lowest summit-level is at the head waters of the
Pymatuning, a branch of the Shenango creek and
the Ashtabula; an examination of this route has not
been made within my knowledge, and it may be a sub¬
ject of uncertainty whether a sufficient supply of water
can be carried to this summit-level; yet the inhabitants
in that quarterare of the opinion that a supply of water
may be obtained. The country on this route, as on
the others, is generally level, and well adapted to an
undertaking of the kind. We have the fullest confi¬
dence that some one, or all of these routes, will be
found practicable, and as a continuation of the Potomac
and Ohio canal, more important than any other route
farther west. A canal through the eastern section of
the state of Ohio may be constructed for less than the
expense of any other route, and will open a direct
communication between the lakes and the Ohio. The
many advantages that will be derived from this com¬
munication, are stated in a publication signed "Ohio
Farmer,"* and need not again be repeated.
Yours respectfully,
E. WHITTLESEY.
* This communication is from the pen of the Hon. B. Rug;gles, of Ohio. As
an aiticle containing some interesting \)articulai's relative to the contcmplatcil
canal schemes, it is embracetl m this work with much salisiaciion. 8.
73
Extract of a Letter from Juñge Tappan, of Ohio.
Stubenville, 18th Dec. 1823.
The summit between Grand river and the Maho¬
ning, is three hundred and forty-two feet above lake
Erie.
Feet. In. Ths.
From the summit to the Mahoning at Warren, - 53 3 5
Thence to Youngstown, - . - - 34 7 5
Mahoning at Lovelands, - - - - - 740
Dr. Adams' surface Beaver, head of the falls, - 62 8 5
Brighton forge dam, - - 398.1 perches, 10 9 0
David Townsend's dam - 168.45 do 10 2 0
Lower falls dam, - - 87. do 7 9 0
Low water mark at the foot of falls, 192. do 15 1 5
Ohio river, - - - . 466.35 do 12 8 5
Total fall to the Ohio at low water, - 214 5 5
The whole route which is proposed for a canal here,
may be said to present uncommon facilities for such a
work: from the summit towards the lake, the country
is level with a small declination towards the lake,
until you arrive within ten miles of it; it is then more
uneven, and there may be some difficulty in passing
the ridge. This indeed may be such as to divert the
canal to the east, down the valley of Ashtabula, or to
the west down that of Grand river, both of which
routes are practicable, although by taking either, the
expense would be enhanced; for, as these streams run
here in deep vallies with narrow bottoms, the rapid
currents sweep from side to side of the bottom lands,
washing alternately upon the right and left high cliffs
of sand, stone, and argillite, a canal down either valley
must be secured from flood, by much outer wall, and
will beside have to cross the stream many times. A
route through the ridge will present only a deep cut-
73
ting, and possibly on a careful examination, even this
anticipated obstacle may be avoided. From the sum¬
mit-level to the Ohio, the canal must go down the
valley of Mahoning and Big Beaver, and it may do
this without any serious diflieulty, by crossing the Ma¬
honing near Warren, until you arrive at Brighton;
from this plaee to the Ohio, the best route will be to cross
the river and go down upon the left side, which will
require an aqueduct bridge of five or six hundred feet.
I say the best route with some diffidence, because it is
practicable to continue down the right side of the
river, and the expense of both routes should be care¬
fully estimated before either is adopted as the best.
The difficulties which present themselves down the
valley of Mahoning and Big Beaver, are principally
the upland points washed by the stream, which in one
or two places may crowd the canal into the bed of the
river; whenever this may happen, materials for an out¬
side wall are found convenient. The principal ex¬
pense will be the locks, for which sand stone of a good
quality, is found on or near the whole route, and water-
lime may be procured on the Ohio, from the mouth of
Little Beaver to Wheeling, where it is abundant.
Extract of a Letter from Mr. E. Broten, of Ohio.
Bloomfield, Dec. 19, 1823.
Agreeably to your request, I will endeavour to
give you all the information I possess, in relation to
the eastern route, recently surveyed under the direc¬
tion of the canal commissioners. The place assumed
as the summit-level on this route, as you already know,
is a small swamp in Champion, situate about mid-way
between the beatable waters of the Mahoning and
74
Grand rivers. I say boatnble waters, because both of
these rivers, at certain seasons of the year, have been
navigated, ascending and descending, by boats of con¬
siderable burthen, all the way between their mouths,
and to within five or six miles of this summit-level,
without any obstruction, other than mill-dams on both,
and the falls of Beaver on one.
This swamp or summit-level, it will doubtless occur
to your recollection, was ascertained to be, by Mr.
Geddes's survey, 34ii feet above the levels of lake Erie,
and by a continued survey by Judge Tappan to the
Ohio river, about 240 feet higher than that river at
the mouth of Beaver. You will also recollect that by
the first mentioned survey, it was found that, without
much expense, a branch of the Mahoning that runs
through Nelson, a considerable stream, a branch of
Grand river that runs through Parkman, a very per¬
manent stream, and the Cuyahoga river itself, could all
be improved as feeders, at the above mentioned sum¬
mit-level.
As not much time was devoted, by the engineer to
the exploring of this section of the state, for the best
site for a canal, and feeling confident from what
knowledge I had of the face of this part of the coun¬
try, that a summit-level could be found less elevated, I
procured last summer a telescopic level, and spent a
few weeks in taking levels, and making surveys to as¬
certain the relative height of the aforesaid swamp, in
Champion, and a large swamp in Bloomfield; and also to
see, if there were any streams, other than those above
mentioned, that could be improved as feeders. The result
of my examination was that the swamp in Bloomfield
is eleven feet lower than the one in Champion. The
75
swamp in Bloomfield contains 1500 acres, and from
which flow Rock creek, Centre creek, in Bloomfield,
and Bankman's creek, in Bristol. I ascertained that
Musquitoe creek, east of the Big swamp, is nine feet
lower than the swamp, but I also ascertained that this
creek by taking it out of its natural channel, near the
north line of Green township, conld easily be carried
into the swamp, I merely state such facts, as have come
to my knowledge, without attempting to make any
comments, as not being a professed engineer, any opi¬
nion which I might give on this subject, might prove
very erroneous—but this I think I can state with con¬
fidence, that the swamp in Bloomfield might very con¬
veniently be converted into a large pond, or reservoir.
This swamp is just 89 feet higher than Grand river,
against the centre of Bloomfield. Musquitoe creek is
a deep sluggish stream from its mouth up to the town,
ship of Greene, and runs through a flat alluvial soil.
In taking the relative heights of the two swamps, for
the sake of convenience, I pursued the turnpike to, the
state road, and up the road to Chocolate run, which
takes its rise in the swamp, in Champion, and puts into
the Mahoning at the Big bend, north of Warren. In
examining my minutes, I find that the turnpike road,
where it crosses Centre creek, in Bristol, is seventeen
feet lower than Mr. Geddes's summit-level—at the
time, my opinion was, that my survey was not suffici¬
ently extensive to ascertain the fact, that the place in
Champion where the waters divide, and run north and
south, cannot be less than seven or eight feet lower
than the first mentioned summit-level.
76
AN EXTRACT
From the Report of Mr, Geddes, relative to an examination oj
the country between lake Erie and the Ohio river,
[The notes in italics are made by Governor lîrown of Ohio.]
Route by the sources of the Cuyahoga river, and Tus¬
carawas branch of the Muskingum river.
The waters of Tuscarawas and Cuyahoga divide in
an extensive wet swamp, in the north end of which is
a small lake, emptying its waters into the Cuyahoga.
From the south end of the swamp small streams run
into the Tuscarawas, which stream has a mill dam
erected thereon, near the swamp. The bed of this
dam corresponds almost exactly with that of the above
lake.
The highest part of the swamp, above said level, is
above 4 feet, and is elevated 404 feet above the level of
lake Erie; and may be estimated at 4SB feet above the
level of low water, at the mouth of the Muskingum. It
is probable that 6 or 7 feet of this summit might pro¬
fitably be cut down to save lockage.
The Tuscarawas stream, and the waters of the little
lake, in the swamp, is the only supply that, can easily
be brought into the summit pond, here proposed.
The furnace brook from the furnace pond, which is
16 feet above the level of the lake in the swamp may
be brought; the most serious part of the expense being
a deep cut near the furnace village. This deep cut
would be in an open swamp, from both ends of which
small streams issue. The deepest part of the cutting
is 33 feet; and over a mile in length, from a depth of
77
six feet at one end to the same depth at the other end.
From the west end of this cutting, the water would fol¬
low the natural channel of a brook to»Faylor's mill
pond, which is 11 feet higher than the little lake, in
the swamp; and between said places, the ground is fa¬
vourable for an artificial cut. But when done, the con¬
sequence would be ruinous to the many valuable hy¬
draulic works, which are supplied with water by this
excellent little stream. A lively little manufacturing
village, at this place, would in a measure be made de¬
solate. For this brook would be indispensable to the
canal, almost the whole of the navigating season; the
other aids being altogether insufficient alone.—There
is another reason why the furnace brook ought not to
be taken to feed the canal. In less than the third of a
century, perhaps, the tonnage moving on this canal,
wo\dd require more lockage water than could be sup¬
plied without resorting to the Cuyahoga river. And,
as this river would be sufficient without the furnace
brook, and affect the country much less by being di¬
verted from its natural bed, it would be a better calcu¬
lation to abandon the furnace brook for the Cuyahoga
river in the outset. A feeder from this stream at
Kelso's mills, in the township of Stow, as far as the fur¬
nace village, would be 71 miles long, and pass over a
coußljry of most irregular formation; the sides of
most of the hills as steep as the earth can stand; mak¬
ing it-impossible to carry the feeder in any place along
the/ace of them. A building up from the bottom, or
cutting down from the top, would be indispensible,
wherever the feeder ran on the face of these steep
slopes. A very costly aqueduct must carry the feeder
over the brook, in the furnace village, to make way for
11
78
which, some buildings would have to be removed.
The top water line of this aqueduct would be 8 chains,
75 links long,»and 281 feet above the rocky bed of the
brook. Excellent materials for building are on the
spot and a fine rock foundation. In leading a canal
from the summit to the mouth of the Cuyahoga river,
difficulties of some magnitude must be encountered.
The west side of the valley is the best, as there are
but two places on this side where the river, running
at the foot of high precipitous hills, would require the
making of new channels for the stream, that the canal
might occupy the present hed. Following the high
land, on either side of the river, is rendered altogether
impracticable, by the many deep ravines, through
which every stream enters from either side.—The har¬
bour at the mouth of this river, is spacious; and pro¬
bably, can, for a moderate sum, compared with the ob¬
ject, be made safe, and easy to enter in all kinds of
weather. The village here occupies a pleasant and
healthy situation.
From the summit down the Tuscarawas valley, the
shores are irregular, as far as the village called New-
portage; thence down stream, following its east side,
the ground is favourable, and the descent of the val¬
ley very moderate, for some distance; but after the
junction of the Sandy creek. Sugar creek and Still
water, the stream is enlarged to a river, with an in¬
creased descent, exhibiting in flood time, a boisterous
torrent, overwhelming the low grounds, scooping them
into hollows, and throwing them into heaps, rendering
it altogether impracticable to make a canal on the allu¬
vial bottoms, through which the river runs. F'rom
New Philadelphia downward the west side is the most
79
feasible. At Baker's mills, nearly opposite New Phi¬
ladelphia, is a rocky point near five chains in length.
The hill is high and rocks large, but the stone suita¬
ble for hewing. Above Schoenbrun one and a half
miles, the river runs at the foot of a limestone hill,
not high nor very steep, four chains long in one
place, and in another three chains; thence pretty fa¬
vourable until near Gnadenhuten, where there are
ten chains of rocky precipice. Here the canal must
be protected from the river flood by a stone wall,
high enough to maintain the level of the plane below;
over which the canal must pass, as considerable dis¬
tance will be saved tliereby, and much better ground
obtained. A high point of clay hill, nearly opposite
Gnadenhuten, will require the removal of many cubic
yards to reach a yard forward. Nothing remarkably
formidably exists between this hill point and Neigh-
bourtown; and for two miles below, where commences
a tract of two or more miles in length, remarkable
for slips, some of the size of a quarter of an acre.
"Slips are among the most formidable accidents to
which canal works are liable, and can hardly be too
much guarded against." Opposite White-eyes falls
is a hilf, not high, but stony. Extensive inundated
flats lie at the junction of the Tuscarawas and White-
woman, extending up to, and above the mouth of Mill
creek, a short distance below which is the best piac
far the canal to cross the mouth of Whitewoman.
8Ü
Route by the sources of the BlacTc river, and Killbuck
branch of the Muskingum river.
The greatest depression in the ridge, which divides
the Erie and Ohio waters, that can be found any where
in the state, is at this place. A Cranberry marsh, sur¬
rounded by a border of wet timbered land, empties into
the Black river by two streams, and also by one, into
the Killbuck. This swamp contains 1400 acres, and
the highest place in the TJntimbered marsh, is elevated
above the level of Lake Erie 337 feet; and to save
lockage, may be cut down with advantage, perhaps to
330 feet. The valley of the Killbuck is, in many p ir-
ticulars, remarkably favourable to the project of lead¬
ing a canal through it; the descent in the whole length
of it is very gentle; and the low lands, which are^
almost every where wide, can but in few places be called.
alluvial; covered generally with beach and sugar ma¬
ple, The inundations cover the flats but a few feet in
depth, owing to their width, and the total absence of
any large streams falling into the valley. Wide spread,
and with a declivity so gentle, the floods move placidly
along, threatening no disaster to any erections connect¬
ed with the stream. The high rocky points, that in a
few places have the stream running at their base, are
shown on map No. 2. In these places, a new bed for
the stream would be required, as the canal must occupy
the place of the present water course.
The Black river runs in a valley, not unfavourable
to the making a canal in it, until it reaches Rawson's
mills, where the valley disappears, and the river makes
its way through a bed, which it has scooped out of an
extensive plain; and here the canal ought to leave the
81
stream and pursue on the east side, a route sufficiently
distant from it to avoid the deep ravines, through which
all the small lateral streams run as they approach the
river. This distance from the river ought to be pur¬
sued to the lake, as the valley of the stream below the
falls is very unfavourable for a canal.
A harbour for lake vessels, and canal boats, to meet
in, and in the vicinity of which, a healthy and eligible
site for a city may be found, will perhaps, with diffi¬
culty, be obtainable in the place where it would be
wanted, in the event of a canal being made on this
route.
To supply the summit pond of this canal with
water, presents a difficulty, which is a great drawback
on all the advantages enumerated. Nothing short of
the Cuyahoga river can furnish a sufficient supply.
To the expensive feeder required to bring water to the
Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas summit, must be added a
feeder from said summit to a branch of the Killbuck,
as represented on map No. S;* making a distance from
the place of leaving the Cuyahoga river, to where the
water would enter the canal, of near 50 miles! 39 miles
of it an artificial cut. The 3| miles, preceding the en¬
trance into the Killbuck branch, would be a deep cut¬
ting all the distance, in a wet swamp, the deepest part
13 feet, and may be estimated at an average of 10 feet
for 3 miles. Allowing a bottom 15 feet wide, with a
slope, to the sides, of 18 inches base, to 1 foot perpen¬
dicular, the cubic yards to be moved would be 175,977.
Put this muddy excavation at 14 cents per cubic yard,
* This additional feeder commences at the Tuscarawas and Cuyahoga sum¬
mit, and follows down the Tuscarawas vaMf y, and up that of the Chippow
outlet, and over to a branch of Killbuck.
82
and the amount would be ¡824,637. Set the remaining
26| miles, between this deep cutting and the Tuscara¬
was and Cuyahoga summit, at the ample sum of 85,000
per mile, making the sum of 8133,730, and the whole
42 miles would cost—say in round numbers, 8160,000.
But notwithstanding the enormous cost of this feeder,
this route will cost less than that of the Cuyahoga and
Tuscarawas.
When it is considered that there is about 24 miles
more canal to be made from the point of junction, on
the Whitewoman, to lake Erie, following the Tuscara¬
was route, than the Killbuck route would measure;
and that there are 134 feet more lockage on the for¬
mer, it results that a first cost of much more than
8100,000 would be saved, by making this very long
feeder, instead of following the Tuscarawa and: Cuya¬
hoga route. The travelling forever, 24 miles further,
and the time consumed in passing 16 extra locks, with
the repairs of said locks, cost of toll houses, pay of
lock keepers, &c. are subjects about the value of which
the best informed might disagree; but the sum would
he such as not to be lightly regarded.
From Coshocton to Zanesville, the valley of the
Muskingum may be pronounced favourable; but from
thence to the mouth of the river, most accounts agree
in presenting it nearly impracticable to improve the
navigation by a side cut. Locks and dams, as has been
done on the river Schuylkill, will probably be the plan
here pursued.
The surface of the Whitewoman, one mile below the
mouth of Killbuck, is 148 feet lower than the level of
Killbuck and Black river summit; considering said
summit as cut down to within 330 feet of the Jake Erie
83
level. This level of the Whitewoman may be pre¬
served to the Great falls about the mouth of Tomaka.
Although a canal through either of the three routes
above described, is practicable, one only can be made;
the supply of water for all being from the Cuyahoga,
which is insufftcient for more than one.
Route by the sources of the Maumee and Great Mi¬
ami rivers.
Near the road, about three miles north of fort Lora-
mies, is the separation of the Maumee and Miami wa¬
ters. The fall si uthward from the summit to the sur¬
face of Loramies creek at the fording place, is 29 feet.
To the north the fall is more rapid, being 121 feet to
the surface of the stream at fort St. Mary's. The di¬
viding ridge, between St. Mary's river and the Au¬
glaize river, is (on the road to Fort Amanda) nearly
100 feet lower than the summit; leaving no obstacle to
the carrying a canal over into the valley of the Au¬
glaize.
The Maumee and Miami summit is 399 feet above
the level of lake Erie, and, with a little cutting down,
may be made to correspond with the level of the mouth
of Indian creek, on the Great Miami. There is rea¬
son to believe that a lower place than the one here
mentioned, may be found on the dividing ridge.* It
is most likely to be found west of the road. Cutting
down here would not only save lockage, but lessen the
long embankment at Loramies creek, and effect the
takj^^n some valuable springs below the mouth of
Indian creek. If the earth be found easy to move, 12
* Fmmd since, {not far roest) a depression 11 feet lower.
84
or 14 feet may be cut down profitably on this summit.
The Loramies embankment, 29 feet high, would lose
near half its height, and more than three-fourths its
length. Passing the points of high land, between Lo¬
ramies creek and Turtle creek, and between said creek
and the Miami river, will require deep cutting; and
Turtle creek probably a large embankment.
From the best accounts received of the durability of
the Great Miami, there is great reason to hope that
there will always be found, at the mouth of Indian
creek, water sufficient to supply the summit-level of a
canal. The difficulty of giving any descent to the wa¬
ter in a. feeder, at that place, will require the cross sec¬
tion to be of such size, that it will necessarily be a na¬
vigable feeder; and if, from the practice of irrigation
or any other casualty, water should ever fail in this
canal, a copious supply can be drawn through a feeder
from Mad river, as traced on map No. 3.* If it should
be satisfactorily ascertained that the Great Miami will
always be sufficient for this summit pond, the canal
may be carried easier on the west side of the river
through Piqua and Troy, as represented on map No. 3;
but if this be considered doubtful, or it shall be found
that the waters of Mad river will be needed in the
upper level, then said level, supported on a high arch,
should be carried on an aqueduct, over the Miami at
the high rocks, three miles or so above the mouth of
Loramies creek, and the same level kept up to the val¬
ley of Honey creek, there receiving the waters from
Mad river into the summit pond.
* Thii feeder would leave the Mad river a few miles below the bridge west
of Urbana.
83
The hiß^h rocks are masses of limestone reaching
some chains up and down each side of the river, per¬
pendicular, about áO feet high, and nearly 100 feet
apart. The river at this place would probably be full
50 feet lower than the canal level; and the embank¬
ments at each end of the aqueduct, of pretty formida¬
ble dimensions. A canal on this route will be longer
than any of the others, and the amount of lockage
much greater. Supposing the summit cut down to 38â
feet above lake Erie level, and the descent to the Ohio,
at Cincinnatti, estimated at 434 feet, it would make 817
feet of lockage. The adventurer, who is about to vest
his funds in such stock, will wish to learn every thing
relating to a formidable rival, the Wabash and J)JaU'
mee navigation. From the levels taken, it results that
the surface of the stream at fort St. Mary's, is but 278
feet above the level of lake Erie, and the fall thence to
Fort Wayne, is variously estimated from 50 to 80 feet.
Say that it is 48 feet, and 16 feet off for rising to the
summit between the Maumee and Wabash; and said
summit will thus stand but 216 feet above the level of
lake Erie, 91 feet lower than the lowest summit in this
state. It is a cheap navigation, but by no means a
perfect one, that may be expected on these streams.
A canal by the rapids near Fort Meigs, and a canal
from Fort Wayne to the mouth of the Mississipawa,
opens at the expense of a small sum, a communication
between lake Erie and the Ohio river, considering its
value, cheaper than any other that can be opened.
12
86
Monte by the Sources of the Scioto and Sandusky
Rivers.
These streams have their sources almost wholly in
the country of prairies, than which a more unfavoura¬
ble tract for the production of durable water does not
exist in the state. Brooks impassable at one season,
are totally dried up at another. These prairies once
wet, rain can no more penetrate them than the roof of
a building; it slides as eflfectually off them, and passes
away into the rivers, leaving nothing but stagnant fens
in time of drought.
In the broken lands, about the sources of the Whet¬
stone, rise perennial springs, which are of sufficient
elevation to be brought into the canal, proposed to be
made here.
The Whetstone waters, after passing the mills of
Mr. Royce on the east branch, and those of Mr. Mo-
sier on the west branch, arrive in a tract so permeable
to water, that very little in the driest seasons, reaches
the mills of Mr. Cole below the forks: it will be, there¬
fore, important that these streams be turned into an
artificial cut, before they leave the tract of water-tight
soil.
The great Miami has its source in a country, the
formation of which, is very favourable to living springs.
The vicinity of Belle Fontaine and Solomon's town,
is uneven oak land, a small tract of which produces so
much water, that the Great Miami below Stoney
point, is at all times a large stream, compared with
the extent of country that it drains. By a level car¬
ried from Roundhead's town southward, it appears
that the tract above described, is much elevated above
87
the prairie where the Scioto runs. Following the road
southwardly, from Roundhead's town, thirty feet is im¬
mediately risen to an extensive table of land, over
which branches of the Great Miami river run south-
eastwardly. The dividing ground between the Miami
and Scioto waters is an extensive marsh, in which is
probably mingled the waters of both streams.
The elevation above the Scioto, of the most northern
stream of the Miami, is twenty-three feet, and the
great marsh through which this stream runs, is proba¬
bly, in its highest part, nearly on the same level. The
next stream passed over (or main branch of Miami,)
is above the Roundhead's town level thirty-seven feet,
Cherokee run, remarkable for its durability, one hun¬
dred feet, and Col. M'Pherson's spring, ninety-three
feet. This levelling shows with what facility the Mi¬
ami main stream and Cherokee run may be turned into
the Scioto, and that the most valuable branches \)f
the Buckingelas, if needed, may in all probability,
likewise be brought in. To get satisfactory know¬
ledge of the facilities and difficulties attending the mak¬
ing of this feeder would require examinations, with the
level, which would consume more time than could then"
have been properly bestowed on it. A further exami¬
nation of this interesting object, ought to be at a time
of low water, when the streams could also be guaged.
The waters thus brought into this valley, will as it
comes down the hill into the Scioto, make one or two
good mill-seats, in a country to which nature has de¬
nied such benefits; and in the Scioto river below, ad¬
vantages of the same kind will likely be realized. To
make this plan perfect, an artificial channel must be
88
made to convey the water by the great marsh, which
lies between Roundhead's town and Fort M'Arthur.
Into this wide spread wet prairie the water is now
diffused, and chiefly evaporated in a time of drought.
From information received as to the size and dura¬
bility of these streams, it is highly probable that the ad¬
ditional supply of water that may be thus obtained, with
the Sandusky, and with the proper management of the
Whetstone waters, will be an ample sufficiency for the
summit pond of a canal. All attempts to bring the
waters of Mad river into the valley of the Scioto,
have proved ineffectual. The extensive wet prairies,
the sources of the Darby, Deer creek, the Little Mi¬
ami, and the branches of Paint creek, lie on a high
table of land, elevated generally about two hundred
feet above the level of the Sandusky and Scioto sum¬
mit. The rains which slowly percolate through the
surface of these prairies, appear to produce copious
springs in the valley of Mad river, and none in the
valley of the Scioto, doubtless owing to the dip of the
strata underlaying this high table.
The Grand ridge dividing the waters of Erie and
Ohio, at the head of Sandusky and Scioto valleys,
has its greatest depression at the head of a branch of
the Tyamocte, the level of which is eleven feet higher
than the mouth of Rush creek, and cuts the surface of
the Scioto about three miles above the mouth of said
ereek. Notwithstanding the extent of level prairie,
that must be dug through on the summit, there is little
doubt that it could be cut down, perhaps eight feet,
with advantage. The Scioto feeder would then start
from the mouth of Rush creek with a small dam,
taking in that little stream. The embankment over the
89
little Scioto, would be, by said cutting down, reduced
to a mere trifle, and some valuable springs on the San¬
dusky, would be thus brought into the summit pond,
and sixteen feet of lockage saved.*
The feeder from the Sandusky river, if the summit-
level of the canal can be conducted as marked on Map,
No. 4, will not exceed six or eight miles in length. A
dam of eight or ten feet high on the river, may be
necessary to collect and convey to the canal the valua¬
ble springs on the south or south-west side, above tlie
Croghansville road. If it should unfortunately so turn
out, that the ridge between the Sandusky and Tya-
mocte valley, by its elevation, would hinder the bring¬
ing the summit level over it, short of Upper Sandus¬
ky or Negro town, this feeder would be expensively
lengthened thereby. The Broken sword creek yields
but little water in a dry time, in its present situation;
but as a dernier resort, (for the expense would be
great,) it may be made to bring the waters from Rich¬
land county, which spread themselves into, and are lost
in the great marsh in a dry time, and in time of flood,
run down the Broken sword and Honey creeks into
the Sandusky, and by New-Haven down the Huron
river. An artificial cut, carried along the south edge
of this marsh, at tiie foot of the high ground from
which the streams issue, would convey their collected
waters to the Broken sword creek, after following the
natural bed of which, to a proper place for the begin¬
ning of an artificial cut, this new stream might be con¬
ducted to the Sandusky river above the proposed
dam. The great marsh is elevated above the level of
the proposed summit, something over forty-six feet.
* Summit here, above 360 feet higher than the lake.
90
A level from Owl creek above Mount Vernon, has
been carried down the north fork of Licking, and
connected with the level brought from lake Erie down
the Killbuck, and up to Newark; from which it results
that Douglas's dam above Mount Vernon, is 430 feet
above the lake Erie level.
A level from Newark, to the summit between the
south fork of Licking and Little Walnut, makes that
summit 346 feet above the Erie level. By taking the
water out of Owl creek (as shown on Map No. 4,) it
may, with some deep cutting, be carried over into the
north fork of Licking; and about twelve miles above
Newark, an artificial cut may be commenced, which
will have sufficient elevation to convey these accumu¬
lated waters, through the valley of the south fork of
Licking, over into the Little Walnut, carrying with
them the Racoon fork; one of the most durable branches
of that river.
This summit, at the sources of the Little Walnut
and south fork of Licking, exactly corresponds, in ele¬
vation, with the Sandusky and Scioto summit, when
the latter is cut down the 8 feet above proposed".
Now if the country would admit of carrying a level
canal between these two points, as traced on map No. 4,
(and from the levels made, there is some reason to ex¬
pect that it is practicable,) the Owl creek waters might
be carried to Sandusky bay; bringing tributaries to
the summit pond from Roundhead's town and from
JMount Vernon; places nearly 70 miles apart in a di¬
rect line; laying under contribution, for feeders to
this canal, the Miami, the Huron and the Muskingum
rivers; besides the Scioto and Sandusky.
91
A branch canal might thus, without making any new
summit, be carried to the Muskingum river. And
when the mineral riches of that valley, in coal, iron
and salt, are considered; likewise its hydraulic advan¬
tages, and every thing that can promote the growth of
large manufacturing establishments, is it extravagant
to say that such a branch would be well worth its cost,
and that at no distant day? The fall from said sum¬
mit to the mouth of Tomaka, is 197 feet. Owl creek is
one of those streams from a hilly country, which are
so remarkably durable.
A branch canal to the Muskingum, should the above
prove impracticable, might be carried up the valley of
the Little Walnut, from a level hereinafter described,
as passing from Bigbelly by Circleville. This route
would require 41J feet of lockage. A branch with all
this lockage, might cost less than the above serpentine
route.
From the summit to lake Erie, the country is very
smooth, and even on the west side of Sandusky river.
Tyamocte valley and Wolf creek present the only ap¬
parent difficulties; and these streams run so near the
general surface of the country, that little is to be ap¬
prehended from them.
Water to supply soakage and evaporation in the
lower levels, must be obtained by earrying down the
first locks from the upper pond to a place in Sandusky
valley, where water from that stream ean readily be
brought into the level below said locks. There are
places, particularly at fort Ball, where the water from
this river can be taken through feeders of no great
length, into tlie canal. For the purpose of thus obtain¬
ing water, the canal cannot be led far from the river.
92
whicli ever side of the valley may be pursued. But if
the canal is carried down the west side of the river,
where will be the harbour for lake vessels and canal
boats to meet in? The deeply laden canal boat can¬
not make its way through Sandusky bay; nor can the
lake vessels eome to Lower Sandusky. Conducting
the canal to the mouth of Carrying river, has been
proposed; to which it is objected that there is no suita¬
ble healthy situation there for the great emporium, that
ought to grow up in such a place, and that there is no
other way than carrying it down the Sandusky river,
and along the bay to Portland. This will require ex¬
aminations minute and extensive, as neither cheapness
of execution, nor shortness of distance ought to stand
in the way of placing said city in its proper place.
From the summit towards the Ohio river, all must
be conjectural, or nearly so, as far as Columbus.
To carry the canal over the valley of the Little
Scioto, in the place represented on map No. 4, will,
doubtless, require a costly embankment; and it may be
a better calculation to cross the valley much further up;
although at the expense of adding some miles to the
length of the canal.
As to tlie crossing tiie ridge, between the Scioto
valley and Whetstone, or crossing that river, or the
ridge between it and Alluin creek, at the places where
the canal is laid down, on Map No. 4, there has been
no guide but the conjectures of persons acquainted with
the country; and these conjectures may turn out to be
very erroneous.
Bringing the summit-level of the canal over the ridge
to the valley of Allum creek, would be very desirable
93
for the purpose of conveying water from said creek to
supply the soakage evaporation, that may take place
in the long level that, probably, will be carried down
the west side of the valley of Allum creek towards
Columbus.
The Allum creek like the Whetstone, loses its water
in a porous soil, after leaving the uneven country, in
which its sources spring; and if not drawn upon as a
feeder pretty high up, will not be worth taking; and it
is the only supply that can be obtained until the canal
arrives at Bighelly.
Another route may be found, the only practicable
one, to wit: A route pursuing the valley of Scioto, and
locking down occasionally, to situations, where feeders
can be brought from the river to replace water wasted
by soakage and evaporation. Following this route, it
might be found difficult to conduct the canal to the
plain, where the town of Columbus stands; the lowest
part of which plain being 57 feet higher than the level
of the river surface opposite. A very expensive aque¬
duct and embankment would probably be required for
erossing the Whetstone, where its valley has become
so wide and deep; expensive when compared with the
crossing said stream at the place where the summit-
level would pass over it. From Columbus southward,
the canal ought to pass on towards the valley of Big-
belly, and cross it at, or above the point marked A, on
Map No. 5. At this point the surface of the stream is
as high as any part of the road, over the ridge be¬
tween this stream and the Little Walnut. Therefore a
dam may he used, if the making of an aqueduct be
found inconvenient. The Little Walnut, at the post
13
94
road, is 39 feet lower than the level of Bigbelly, at A*
and ought to be crossed with an aqueduct.
If the same level of the Bigbelly, at A, can be car¬
ried over the valley of the Little Walnut, (which above
Miller's mill-dam, it probably may,) this level could
then be pursued east of Circleville, over very smooth
ground, to the valley of Sippo. The Sippo, Congo,
and Blackwater valleys, will require expensive embank¬
ments and large culverts. The country from Kinnikin-
nik creek to Kilgour's plain, will present many diflSi-
culties on steep sidelying ground, particularly about
half a mile in length of high precipitous hills at Hough's
mills. A level high enough to pass over the plains at
Kilgour's, must be commenced as far north as Kinnikin-
nik valley. This stream ought to be let into this level
as a feeder. At Hough's mill pond, the river surface
is 33 feet below said proposed level. Here the east
bank of the river is a high perpendicular rock, of
argillaceous slate; but this high level would pass alto¬
gether above the upper surface of the rock.
This difficult tract between Kinnikinnik and Kilgour's
plain, may possibly be shunned by starting a level high
up Allum creek, and carrying it over the summit be¬
tween Kinnikinnik and Dry run. This would lead the
tract of the canal far up the valley of Bigbelly and
Little Walnut; and in all probability, greater difficul¬
ties would be encountered, than those sought to be
avoided.
The surface of Kilgour's plain being gained, all is
favourable as far as Salt creek. This creek will be
crossed by an aqueduct and embankment, probably of
* In section 33, township 4, vange 22,
«5
considerable magnitude, when all is easy to Carr's rua,
where will be required a large culvert and a pretty
large embankment. Nothing worthy of the name of a
difficulty now occurs before the arrival at Sergeant's
mill. Here the river runs for 15 chains at the bottom
of a steep high hill. By carrying the level of a pretty
high embankment at Carr's run on to this plain, the
hill will be easier cut down from above, than if passed
with a lower level. No more such instances occur be¬
tween this and Portsmouth; several brooks are to be
crossed, the most notable are Beaver brook, M'Kon-
nel's run and Kroniger's run, all of which are formida¬
ble in time'of flood, and yield little water in a drought.
A supply of water may be taken into the canal at Salt
creek, but an additional supply ought to be had be¬
tween Piketon and Portsmouth. The streams from the
hills are numerous, and if each would afford but a little
water, a sufficiency might be calculated upon; but it is
said that many of them dry up altogether every au¬
tumn. To take a feeder from the Scioto river may be
found feasible.
Both Sandusky and Scioto valleys may be pro¬
nounced favourable to the conducting of a canal along
them, when compared with the valleys of most other
rivers; and very favourable when compared with the
valley of the Mohawk, in the state of New-York,
The particular advantages possessed by said valley,
is the facility with which the canal in most places may
be led along on a level, altogether above the alluvial
bottoms on the margin of the rivers, entirely secure
from floods, so menacing to the canal works on the Mo¬
hawk river. The total absence of large lateral rivers,
is an advantage worthy of note: the Bigbelly, Little
96
Walnut, and Salt creek, being the most formidable;
each of which drains comparatively a small tract of
country.
The summit pond, on this route, when cut down as
proposed, will be S-iô feet above the level of lake Erie,
and 4-Í7 feet above the level of low water mark at the
mouth of Scioto river; making the whole lockage 793
feet. Following the meanderings of the valleys on a
map the distance is S07 miles from the mouth of the
Scioto to the mouth of Carrying river; and a canal
might possibly exceed this distance but very little.
All which is very respectfully submitted^
By your humble servant,
JAMES GEDDES, Engineer.
December, 182^.
Extract of a letter from Thomas Wilson, esq. rela¬
tive to a canal by the way of Mlegany river, i^c.
to Lake Erie.
Erie, (Pa.) Dec. 1, 1823.
Sir,
"The only recent additions that have come to my
knowledge are, the able and intelligent report of Mr.
Geddes, of the actual surveys taken by himself in Ohio,
and a recent examination by commissioners appointed
for that purpose last winter, in Pennsylvania, west.
The former report you have probably seen, it was pub¬
lished in most of the Ohio papers in May and June last;
by this report, it appears that the best route between
the Ohio river, and lake Erie (excepting only that of
the Miami and Wabash,) is by Big Beaver ând Cuya¬
hoga, and their interlocking branches.
97
The examination by the Pennsylvania commission¬
ers, is not yet published, nor is it completed: those
commissioners have, however, pretty well ascertained
one material fact, that there are two routes in Pennsyl¬
vania more favoiirabie than any reported upon in Ohio.
These are both from the head of Ohio, at Pittsburg, by
the Allegany and French creek, to the mouth of the
outlet of the Conneautte lake, 10 miles below Mead-
ville, (about 48 miles from this town;) from this point
two routes have been examined, one by the said Con¬
neautte lake, and by a deep cut for a short distance to
the head of Elk-lick creek, and down the same to the
lake; then to the end, without a harbour, or proceed
down the lake 18 miles to this place. By this route,
the lockage appears to be greater than by one mention,
ed in Ohio, by nearly one hundred feet; but the supply
of water is inexhaustible, consisting, among other wa¬
ters, of the whole of French creek, at Meadville, where
it well deserves the denomination of a river.
The other route from, the same point proceeds up the
valley of French creek to Waterford, 15 miles from
this place; then by a canal up the Le Boeuf creek, and
across the dividing land to the valley of Walnut creek;
and from thence about four miles from Erie, turns into
the valley of Mill creek, which it leaves again on the
approach to this town, and runs by a natural ravine
into the basin of Presque Isle. On this route would
be a greater lockage than on that last mentioned, the
height of land being greater by 160 feet; but the sup¬
ply of water would be still deemed sufficient, depend¬
ing however on a feeder to be brought about two miles
from the fork of French creek above Waterford. This
has the advantage of being an easy route, either by
98
the canal or the natural stream to Waterford, and of a
short portage, if it should be deemed expedient to sub¬
stitute this for the continued water carriage, rendered
expensive by a great lockage."
Extract of a communication from Judge Buggies,
of Ohio.
[Originally published in the Western Herald.]
I have read with great satisfaction, a communication
in the National Intelligencer of July ISth, on the sub¬
ject of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, signed by
Isaac Briggs. This able and intelligent gentleman,
this experienced engineer, deserves the gratitude of
his country, for his attempt to carry into execution this
great national work. Should his views be realized,
and a canal be made from Washington city, by Cum¬
berland, to Pittsburgh, besides the important advanta¬
ges that would result to the' states through which it
would pass, I consider it would be highly advantage¬
ous and beneficial to the great interests of the Union,
by connecting the extreme parts with the centre, and
by building up the capital, of the United States, in
which all ought to feel a common interest. The vast
and lucrative trade that would be carried on in this
channel of commerce with the western country, provi¬
ded it was completed, would not be solely beneficial to
Washington, but would be equally so to Baltimore, by
the cutting of a lateral canal from the valley of the Po¬
tomac to that city. I cannot permit myself longer to
doubt, but that the rich and enterprising citizens of
Maryland, so great a portion of whom are directly in¬
terested in the execution of this work, and also of Bal-
99
tímore itself, will see their future interest and prospe¬
rity in the accomplishment of this important measure.
Should Maryland co-operate with Virginia and lend
her aid and resources to construct a canal from the tide
water of the Chesapeake to the Ohio river, she may
confidently expect to see the trade of the country lying
upon the Ohio and its tributary streams above the falls
at Louisville, flow in this diannel to an Atlantic mar¬
ket. Nor would this be the limit of the country that
would pour its wealth and trade through the same
channel. An extension of the canal from the Ohio
river, commencing at some point between Pittsburg and
Stubenville, to the southern shores of lake Erie, stri¬
king the latter at the most eligible point between
Cleaveland and Harpersfield,* would give to this chan¬
nel of commerce, if not a monopoly of the four great
western lakes, it would at least give to it an equal and
fair participation in that trade. If this be a fact, and
I shall attempt to demonstrate it, is it not an object of so
much value and importance, as to claim the serious
consideration of the community? Is it not a prize wor¬
thy the most candid attention of the citizens of Wash¬
ington and Baltimore?
I think Mr. Briggs is mistaken, (with great defer¬
ence to his opinion, however,) when he says, '^nature,
* 1 will designate more particularly the route which I suppose would be the mos'
eligible. From Washington along the valley of the Potomac, to Cumberland:
from thence, across the mountains, by the aid of the waters of Savage creek and
Deep creek, to the Youghagany; thence, down the same to the Monongahela,fol¬
lowing the latter stream to Pittsburg. From this place along the margin of the
Ohio river, to the mouth of the Big Beaver; thence, up the same, till the waters
of the Mahoning fall into it; thence along the Mahoning, across the dividing
givmnd to the waters ol Grand river; thence, down or near the same, to its mouth
at Painsville, on the lake. Whoever casts his eye upon the map, will perceive that
the course of these streams is in almost a direct line from Washington to the lake.
100
and the enterprising spirit of her own citizens, have
given to New-York, beyond competition, in addition to
her own internal trade, which is very rich, the trade of
St. Lawrence river, that of an immense extent of lake
shores, and of the northern parts of the states of Ohio,
Indiana, and Illinois, as far as the ridge separating the
waters that flow into the lakes, from those that flow
into the Ohio and Mississippi rivers." I am willing
to admit, that the enterprising spirit of the citizens of
New-York will secure to that state the trade and
wealth of those vast regions, unless similar exertions
are made in another quarter. But instead of nature's
having given to New-York the trade and commerce of
those lakes, I mean Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Supe¬
rior, I think she has offered it to Virginia and Maryland.
The relative positions of those lakes to the Atlantic cities
will go far to strengthen this assertion. The cities of
Washington, Baltimore, and Alexandria, are at least
one hundred miles nearer lake Erie than New-York.
From Cleaveland to Washington is about three hun¬
dred and sixty miles—from Bufialoe to New-York,
cannot be less than four hundred and sixty miles, by
the way of Albany, the course of the canal. This calcu¬
lation relates simply to lake Erie. What would be the sit¬
uation of those two canals, if they were constructed with
regard to the trade of the three north-western lakes,
Huron, Michigan, and Superior? Boats or vessels, bear¬
ing the produce of the countries bordering upon those
lakes, must all pass through the Detroit river, and by
the city of that name. Those boats or vessels, there¬
fore, would made Cleaveland, the supposed termina¬
tion of the Chesapeake canal, with two hundred miles
less sail than they could reach Buflaloe, the termina-
101
tion of the New-York canal. This, added to one hun¬
dred miles, the advantage which Cleaveland has ov'er
Buffaloe, as before mentioned, gives a difference in dis¬
tance in favour of Washington and Baltimore over
New-York, for the three north western lakes, of three
hundred miles. 1'his difference in distance would be
sufficient to counterbalance any additional labour or
expense that might be incurred in making and navigat¬
ing the canal across the mountains. Add to this the
fact, that the Chesapeake canal would be open for na¬
vigation earlier in the spring, and later in the fall, in
consequence of its more southern latitude—and I think
it would not be unreasonable to conclude, that Mr.
Briggs was mistaken, when he said that nature had
given to New-York, beyond competition, the trade of
those lakes, and of the northern parts of the states of
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. My opinion is, that nature
has offered to the inhabitants of the Chesapeake an
equal, if not an advantageous participation in that
trade.
[After some remarks relative to the practicability of
the project, the writer adds:]
From the foregoing remarks and extracts, it will
appear, that the obstacles which have hitherto been
considered insuperable, to a canal navigation across the
mountains, have been entirely removed. I trust there
is spirit, enterprize, and capital sufficient, in that por¬
tion of the country which will be benefitted by it, to
commence and complete the work.
The next question that presents itself is—The policy
of continuing this canal from the Ohio river to the lakes,
as one regular connected channel of commerce. Dur¬
ing the present summer, Judge Tappan, chairman of
14
102
the Ohio Canal Commissioners, a gentleman of science
and considerable experience, has explored the route
heretofore mentioned in this communication, and found
that no difficulties oppose themselves to the execution
of such a work. The country is level, and the water
abundant. The public may expect an interesting re¬
port from this gentleman, at the next session of the
Ohio legislature, on this subject. The distance between
the Ohio river and lake Erie, at the nearest point of
approximation in this direction, does not exceed 90
miles.* It is therefore evident, that a cañal can be
made with great ease, and at a moderate expense. I
have before examined the relative position and distance
of New-York, Baltimore, and Washington, from the four
north-western lakes, by which a difference of distance
was found in favour Of the .two latter cities, of three
hundred miles, sufficient, in my estimation, to turn a
great portion of the trade, if not all of it, in that di¬
rection. This question early occupied the mind of the
great Washington, and from his publications concern-,
ing it, it appears that he confidently anticipated that
the period would arrive when the commerce of the
lakes would take this course to the ocean. His manu¬
script calculations make a difference between the route
from Detroit to Alexandria, and that to New-York, of
496 miles.
The great advantages and benefits resulting from
the accomplishment of such a work, must be obvious to
every one. It would furnish an outlet to the rich ag¬
ricultural productions of the west. Every article reared
* The expense of making the canal from the Ohio to the lakes, has been es¬
timated by a gentleman of considerable experience, at 700,000 dollars.
103
by the labour of thë farmer would receive an addition¬
al value of 40 or 50 per centi The produce of the rich
and extensive mines of lead and copper on the borders
of the northern lakes, so necessary in ship building, and
in carrying on the operations of war, would float in the
same direction, and find a market in the centre of the
union. The furs and peltries taken on the great lakes,
and the upper Mississippi, would find their nearest
Atlantic market on this route—while the productions
of foreign commerce, wafted to our shores from all parts
of the world, would, in return, with great facility,
cheapness, and expedition, be distributed through this
vast interior.
I have presented this subject to my countrymen,
with a hope that it will receive a candid and dispas¬
sionate discussion. It is my intention, in a future num¬
ber, to make an estimate of the whole distance of the
canal, and a calculation of the expense of making it,
together with the price of freight per hundred, from
the lakes, and from the Ohio river to Washington and
Baltimore.
AN OHIO FARMER.
The following letter as containing some highly in¬
teresting suggestions, relative to the proposed canals,
regarding them in a military point of view, cannot fail
to be read with a great degree of interest. The source
from which they have emanated, entitle them to the
highest consideration and respect—it is regretted that
this communication was not received at a sufficiently
early period, to have given it a more prominent place
in this work.
104
Letter from General Thomas J. Jessup, Quarter
Master General U. S. Army.
Washington City, January \Qth, 1824.
Sir,
Your letter requesting my views in relation to the
military importance of the proposed western canal, was
received some time ago; but in consequence of the
weak and diseased state of my eyes, and the attention,
which my official duties required of me at the close of
the year, I have been prevented from replying to it at
an earlier date.
How important, soever, internal improvements, such
as roads, canals, and bridges, may be in a political and
commercial point of view, I am persuaded they will be
found to be still more so in their relation to the military
defence of the country; for the military power of a
nation consists not so much in a numerous population
and great resources, as in the capacity which it pos¬
sesses of concentrating them at assailable points, with
certainty" and rapidity. If this proposition be true,
and I hold it to be undeniable, it inevitably follows that
the nation having the best system of internal improve¬
ments, all other circumstances being equal, will be
more powerful than any other, particularly in wars of
defence, because it can place at any point on the fron¬
tier a greater force, and a larger portion of supplies,
in a given time, than its antagonist.
The military power of contiguous nations of equ^l
force, is in proportion to the rapidity with which that
force may be concentrated—for instance, if one move
its troops to the point of action, at the rate of forty
miles a day, and the other at twenty, it is evident, that
105
the former mäy on all occasions operate with a force
double to that of the enemy—and the whole secret of
success in war, as well as in politics, consists in being
able to oppose the many to the few.
If nations thus situated be able to concentrate equal
forces in the same time, that which can accomplish the
movement with the least fatigue to its troops, will beat
the other, for its force will arrive on the ground better
prepared for action, and may gain the victory before
its enemy be sufficiently refreshed to make a vigorous
defence.
From experiments made by this department on the
New-York canal, it has been ascertained that troops
may be moved without fatigue, and with all their sup¬
plies, at the rate of fifty or sixty miles in twenty-four
hours. Now, the experience of service proves, that
the greatest average march of a column by land on the
best roads, will not exceed twenty miles a day—and if
a movement be continued at that rate for four or five
days, the troops employed would require a considera¬
ble time for repose, before they would be fit for efficient
service in the field. It consequently follows, that
canals, as a means of military concentration, are pre¬
ferable to even the best turnpike roads; for they enable
a nation possessing them to concentrate its force with
more certainty, rapidity, and with less fatigue, than
could be done by any other means whatsoever.
If, for instance, this city were menaced with an at¬
tack, as during the last war, the government, unless it
should have an army permanently stationed here, for
defence, would be compelled to rely on the militia
within twenty or thirty miles of the city. And even, if
that force were brought together, it would be almost
106
impossible to supply them with provisions, and other
necessaries by land transportation. But, if the pro¬
posed canal were completed, the whole force and
means of the country from this city to the Ohio river
would be available, and could be brought to the point
of action with less fatigue to the troops, than would be
produced by one day's march. And those assembled,
certain of reinforcements and supplies, would feel
more confidence in themselves, and consequently be
better soldiers.
If the canal were continued to Baltimore, Philadel¬
phia, and New-York, the whole disposable force and
supplies of the immense region depending upon those
cities, might be used in the defence of any point from
Norfolk to New-York.
Should this scrawl afford you a single useful hint on
the subject, so interesting to us all, I shall feel much
gratified.
Wishing success to your patriotic exertions,
I have the honour to be, with great respect.
Sir, yours, &c.
TH. J. JESSUP.
Mb. Shriveb.
APPENDIX.
CANALS OF NËW-YORK.
THE following brief view of the Canals of New-York will be
found to possess much interest and information. The great and
stupendous work, the Erit Cunal, was commenced on the 4th
of July, 1817. It is about SbS miles long, and it is now all
finished excepting 30 miles at its western extremity, from
Lockport to Bufialoe. It has 81 locks, constructed of solid
masonry, viz. 29 from Albany to Shenectady; 25 from the lat¬
ter place to Utica; 25 from Utica to Rochester; and 5 from Ro¬
chester to Bufialoe. The Northern or Champlain canal was be¬
gun on the 10th of June, 1817, and is completed.—Its whole
extent is about 62 miles, and it has 21 locks. In this enumera¬
tion, two locks to communicate with the Hudson river at Troy
the great sloop lock above Troy; five ascending locks at Lock-
port, and all the guard locks, are omitted. There are also se¬
veral aqueducts of great length. Those over tlie Mohawk, be¬
tween the Cahoos anil Shenectady; that at the little Falls, and
one over the Gennessee river in particular. Several dams are
also connected with the work, viz. 5 over the Hudson river; 1
over the Mohawk, and 1 over the Tonewanta creek. A latera
canal of one and a half mile, from the Erie canal to Salina, was
completed in 182(1, and several feeders have been constructed,
some of which are navigable, and a great number of substantial
bridges.—The column of water in each canal is 40 feet wide at
the top, 28 at the bottom, and four feet deep. The locks are
108
90 feet long, and 14 feet wide in the clear. A boat of 25 tong
is considered a full load for one horse, and 25 miles travel, a
day's work. If above 25 and 50 tons of freight are in the boat,
two horses are used, and they travel 25 or 30 miles a day.
Those boats that have been built expressly for the canal, will
generally carry from 30 to 45 tons; but it is supposed that ves¬
sels may be used carrying ICQ tons. The transportation of a
ton of flour from Buffaloe to Albany, will not cost more than
ten dollars—freight and toll included; by land it costs 100 dol¬
lars, or thereabouts. The tolls for salt and gypsum are 50 cents
per ton for 100 miles. For produce of the country, S51.50; for
merchandize, 5 dollars. The revenue from tolls, was last year
about S65,000; this year it will be 8100,000.
All the canal loans have been negotiated in the state of New
York, and the whole amount now is about 82,813,500 in stock,
some 5 and some 6 per cent interest, &c. reimburseable in 1837
and 1845.—The annual interest is about 8300,000, and the
whole sum expended to this time, is about 86,387,826.
Baltimore American.
MIDDLESEX CANAL.
The Middlesex canal was cut from Boston harbour to the
banks of the Merrimack, below Chelmsford. The canal com¬
mences above Patucket falls. It is carried over, and on the
level of Concord river eleven miles, and thence down the slop¬
ing intervening ground to Boston harbour. The whole length
of this ñne canal is 29î miles, it has an entire fall of 107 feet
by thirteen locks. The canal is 24 feet wide, with a depth of
4 feet. The locks are 90 feet by 12, and of excellent masonry.
Another canal has been cut around Patucket falls, in order to
connect the navigable water above, and the Middlesex canal
with the tide water below. The Patucket canal does not reach
tide water, but below the falls the stream though rapid is navi¬
gable, and in 45 miles falls 36 feet, and reaches the tide at
Haverhill. Above the outlet of the Middlesex canal there are
109
three other short cuts at several places. The Bow canal occurs
first bplow Concord, is followed 6 miles still lower down by
Hookset canal; Amoskeag canal was made 8 miles below Hook
set; and in 9 miles below the latter six short cuts have been
made round as many rapids or falls. Cromwell's falls have
also been passed by a canal 14 miles below Amoskeag, and
la miles still lower is the Wicase, the last above that of Mid¬
dlesex. ßaröy^s. Ed. Brooke's Gazeteev.
The boats of transportation on this canal carry 14 tons, and
are drawn by a horse 5 miles an hour. Packet boats pass the
whole length in five hours coming down, and seven going up
bfing about at the rate of 5 miles coming, and a little more
than .8 miles going. From the summit-level down there is a
current of half a mile per hour, the fiill in each mile is one
inch. The water supplying the Middlesex canal, on the side
next Boston flows from the Concord river through a horizontal
aperture of ^ feet by 1, with a head of 2 feet water above
the upper side of the aperture. Erezesier's Ency.
^ Table of the principal Canals of England; voith their length
in miles, and rise, and faU in feet, fyc. from the maps of
Smith, and Philips's work on Inland Navigation.
J^Cames .of the Canals.
L'gtli.j
miies.j
Ris.-
ic-et.
Fall,
ttet.
Cost,
L, Merling.
No. of
tu I'lb
of tunnel
mis yils.
Aberdare,
40
33,500
Aberdeen, -
19
170
50,000
Andover,
22^
177
Ashby de la Zouch,
30i-
140
84
200,000
Ashton, ■ -
7
152
Barnsley,
14^
»
120
97,000
Basingstake,
37
195
186,000
Birmingham & Fazely,
m
228
Brecknock,
33
68
150,000
1
.228
Caledonian,
601
SO
94
Chester,
17^
171
Chesterfield,
40
45
S35>
100,000
Coventry
27 •
87
Crinian,
9
58
59
180,000
15
110
C arnes of the Canals.
Length
miles.
Rise,-
feet.
Fall,
lect.
Cost,
L. Sterlitig,
No. ol
tunMs.
Ceiigth
of tunnel
n ls. yds.
Cromford,
14^
80
1
i 1240
Croyden,
9
150
80,000
Dearn and'Dove, -
9è
125
100,000
Derby,
17
!í;9
90,000
•
Dudley,
10§
85
' 130,000
2
2 340
Duke of Bridgewater,
35
84
1
4
Ellesmere,
57
228
380
400,000
2
1262
Erevvasli,
12
181
Forth and Clyde,
35
155
156
.300,000
Grand Junction,
Brentf'd & Braunston,
Paddington,*
93i
lOH
567
437
229
229
1,125,000
3
2 1^0
Grand Union,
23i
54
76
Grand Trunk,
93
316
326
Grantham,
30
148
129,000
Hereford & Gloucester,
365
1954
335
30
30,000
1
1 432
Huddersfield,
19i
57
436
276,000
1
3 1540
Kennet and Avon,
211
402
■710,000
1
2 888
Kingston &Leominster,
451
496
48
Lancaster,
76
422
614,100
Leeds and Liverpool,
117
431
410
540,000
1
1633
Leicester,
2U
45
84,000
Loughborough,
9à
41
Manchester to Bolton
and Burg, -
15
187
67,000
Manchester & Oldham,
11
152.
170,000
Monmouthshire,
Newport,
11
447
319,385
Ebroy,
12
358
North Wilts
H
59
Oakham,
15|
126
106,000
Oxford,
91i
195
74
Rochdale,
31è
338J
275
391,000
1
1 1320
Sankey,
124
78
Severn,
178
225
•
Shrewsbury,
m
155
70,000
.
Shropshire,
332
120
Somerset,
Dunkerton,
8
138
Rodstock, -
n
138
Stafford & Worcester,
464
294
100
■
Stratford on Avon,
234
209
225,000
Stroud,
, 8
102
Swansea,
1^4
136
.
60,000
* Same canal.
Ill
Garnet of the Canals.
miles.
Uise,
feet.
Fall,
feet.
Cost,
L. Sterling.
No. oí
ttinFs
Length
of tunnel
inls. vds
Thames & Severn,
281
129
241
225,000
1
2 880
Trent, -
100
86i
Union,
22J
175
300,000
4
1 1160
Wilts and Berks, •
52
165
211
311,900
Woscester and Bir¬
mingham,
29
428
399,929
1
I 880
Wysely and Essington,
24
270
Branches,
10
• 276
Extract from an article in an Ohio paper by Mr. A. Bourne.
In China, ilie principal commercial cities are situated nearly
in a line from north to south, parallel to the sea coast; and as
the general course of the navigable rivers is from west to east,
intersecting the principal line of commercial intercourse at the
right angles, the Chinese at a very early period began to open
an artificial navigation by means of canals, in the line of trade.
The grand trunk from Pekin to Canton, is, with its windings,
about 920 miles long, and 120 feet wide, and from thence there
are numerous branches in all directions.
The rivers also, are nearly all of them rendered navigable as
far as they afford water enough (when confined to the most con¬
venient shape) to float a boat. They have no locks on their
rivers and canals to pass the boat from one level to another; but
use sluices and inclined planes, up which the boats are hauled
by manual labour, assisted, in most instances by capstans and
other mechanical powers. It appears to be the policy of the
government to find as much employment for the great popula¬
tion of the country in these hydraulic operations as possible; and
perhaps, this is the reason why no locks and other labour-saving
facilities have been used—and the reason why the canals are
not continued quite into the city of Pekin, but the goods are all
carried a short distance by porters. The emperor's barks or
canal packets, are 70 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 11 feet high-
containing a hall, four rooms and a kitchen; and are very regu¬
lar in their arrivals at, and departures from the different- cities
on their route.
113
The aggregate length of the canals and artificial river navi¬
gations in China, is about 5,000 miles; and the particular man¬
agement of the waters has been recorded in books for the last
1800 years.
In India there are some canals, which like those in Egypt
were constructed principally for irrigation, but are also used as
channels of commercial intercourse.
In the region of Delhi, there was a considerable tract of coun¬
try which was barren and uninhabited, because there was no
water; until a prince of more observation and less indolence
than his predecessors, constructed a canal about 60 miles long,
from the river Jumna through this barren tract towards his capi¬
tal. From the main canal many branches were made in various
directions to water the land, which soon became productive and
well peopled; adding greatly to the wealth and power of the
prince, who became very popular in consequence of this mea¬
sure.
The total length of the Indian canals is estimated at 250
miles.
In Greece, we find no canals.—Perhaps the peculiar situation
of the country, being mountainous and deeply indented with
bays and good harbors, around which the inhabitants chiefly
resided, together with the continual warfare with their neigh¬
bours, rendered artificial navigation unnecessary or impractica¬
ble; but it appears very extraordinary, that a country in which
the arts and sciences generally arrived to great perfection,
should exhibit so few hydraulic works.
In Italy^ the aggregate length of the canals is about 140 miles,
besides a great number of small rivers, which are rendered navi¬
gable by means of dams, locks and sluices. The first lock
was make by a Venetian in 1481; and previous to that time
the boats in canals were passed with great difficulty and some
danger from one level to another by means of sluices and inclin¬
ed planes. At Milan, there is a canal consisting of the branches,
in all about 26 miles; it is 130 feet wide at the top, 46 feet
wide at the bottom, has 11 sluice's, and is the largest canal in
Italy.
Holland exhibits the most astonishing proofs of patient indus
try in the construction of hydraulic works. The whole expense
113
of these works is estimated at 300,000,000 pounds sterling; and
if we deduct three-fourths of this amount for the expense of
constructing the dykes, sea-gates, &c. the balance would be
sufficient to make 10,000 miles of canal at 830,000 per mile.
Besides the regular canals which traverse the country in all
directions, the inhabitants have dug out and wholly excavated
the earth in many places for peat or turf, to the depth of 16 or
18 feet, and for the space of several square miles, from one to
18 or 20, and this depressed surface is. called a polder. As
the surface of the ground is nearly on a level with the ocean
and the large rivers, the polders are protected from inundation
by dykes; around which, on the outside, is a canal called a
ringsloot, into which the water is raised from the polder, is
drained, rendered fit for cultivation, and supports a great num¬
ber of inhabitants.
In France, the aggregate lengths of canals is about 528 miles,
including 1¿ miles of tunnels. The canal of Languedoc is 148
miles long, 64 feet wide at the top, 34 at the bottom, and 6^
feet deep; having 114 locks, 55 aqueducts and culverts, and 92
bridges. The feeder of the summit-level is 28| miles long 12
feet wide, and 3 feet deep. This canal was made for the pas¬
sage of sea vessels from the Atlantic to the Meditteranean.
In Germany, the total length of canals is about 80 miles.
In Prusia, about 120 miles.
In Russia, about 200 miles.
In Sweden, about 200 miles.
In Denmark, about 50 miles, which is the length of the Hol¬
stein canal. It is 100 feet wide at the top, 54 feet at the bot¬
tom, and 10 feet deep; it is navigated by sea vessels, about
2,500 of which pass annually.
In England, there are 113 canals, the aggregate length of
which is more than 2,450 miles including, SSî miles of tunnels,
having 15,000 feet rise and fall, and requiring 1500 locks at 10
feet lift.—The artificial river navigation, rail ways and inclined
planes, are supposed to be equal in total length to the canals.
In the year 1759, the Duke of Bridgewater commenced the
first regular canal in England.—It is 45| miles long, including
I of a mile under ground at his coal-mines at Worsley, and car¬
ried on one level at great expense, except where it locks down
114
to the Mersey 82 feet. The tunnel in the hill is 6 feet wide and
5 feet high, expanding at several places for boats to pass, and is
arched with brick, where there is not rock or coal, having several
air shafts to the top of the hill, in some places 110 feet. This
canal crosses the river Irwell on a stone aqueduct of 3 arches,
38 feet above the water in the river, admitting vessels to pass
under it with their masts standing.
In Scotland, there are 7 canals, the aggregate length of which
is 135J miles, the whole rise and fall 1019 feet with 123 locks.
The Caledonian canal is 21^ miles long, (exclusive of the lakes
which occupy 38^ miles of its course) 120 feet wide at the top, 50
feet wide at the bottom, and 20 feet deep. " It has 29 locks from
l^O to 180 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 20 feet deep. This
canal is carried on an embankment 400 yards into the sea to
obtain a sufficient depth of water, having a basin 967 by 162
yards, and is in dimensions and workmanship the greatest canal
in the world.
In Ireland, the whole extent of the canals is about 206 miles,
rise and fall 894 feet, with 109 locks.
In 1759, when the duke of Bridgewater finished his canal in
England, there was not another in that empire; in 1806, there
was completed 245; and legislative provision made for 57 others;
22 of these united the waters of the east and the west, crossing
a mountain, which separated that country, as the Alleghany did
this. Thirty-two miles were entirely subterraneous. To destroy
these canals would be to cut the veins which give circulation to
the life's blood of that powerful nation. France had not been
inattentive to this important subject; she had made many canals
at a great expense. Upon one she had expended more than
twelve millions of dollars. Other governments .had been even
more provident. Claudius, one of the Roman emperors, it was
said, had employed 30,000 men for twelve years, upon a single
canal: and Holland, scarce half as large as some of our states,
had expended upon canals, ^6300,000,000, more than double the
whole amount of the expenditures of this government since the
formation of the Constitution.
Extract fiom a speech of Mr, Sievtart in Congress,
115
Prices of Canal stocks in London, October 26, 1822, taken
from^the European Magazine for October 1822/ to which is
added the length of each Canal, ^'C.
CANALS.
Share,
£
Barnsley, i - - - - -
160
Birmingham, . - - - .
25
Chesterfield, - - - -
100
Coventry,
100
Cromford, - - - - ' -
100
Derby,
100
ErdVvash, .......
100
Forth and Clyde, ...
100
Grand Junction, - - • -
100
Leeds and Liverpool, - -
100
Leicester,
100
Loughborough, - - - -
100
Milton Mowbray, - - - -
100
Monmouthshire, - - - .
100
Neath, -
100
Nottingham, - - . - -
150
Oxford,
100
Shrewsbury, -----
125
Somerset Coal, - - - - -
50
Stafford and Woostershire,
140
Stourbridge, - - ' - - - -
145
Stroudwater, - - - -
145
Swansea, -------
•100
Trent and Mersey, - - -
100
Warwick and Birmingham, -
150
Warwick and Napton,
100
0)
a
'E
■ ^
bù
.c
c
S
to
*0)
CA
c
<!
s
£
£
miles.
feet.
200
la •
• 15
120
580
24
(a branch.)
120
8
46
380
1070
44 3
33
270
14
18
140
6
9
1000
58
12
108
470
20
35
245
10
94
587
365
12
ISO
840
300
14
14
5500
170
9
222
11
—
170
8
18
410
25
4
200
12
15
730
32
91
170
9 10
18
170 10
7
18
700
40
47
294
200
9
• —
495
22
8
108
185
10
18
1710
75
93
594
230
11
25
210
10
15
Supposing one person had originally one share in each of these
companies, they would have cost him 89878—which, if they
were disposed of at the present price, would produce 862,473.40,
or about 600 per cent, after having received dividends for a
number of years—taking which, at the above rates, will average
about 30 per cent annually on the par value of the shares.
Under the head of Canals, in Rees's Encyclopedia, it will be
seen that nearly the whole of the above named Canals were
made, and are principally used, for the transportation of coal.
Extract from a Speech of Mr. Mercer to the late Canal Convention,
116
TABLE .
ífXhibtiing a vietv of tfie various states and territoires, wa^
tered by the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri, and their tri-
htftaries vHth an estimate of the quantity of territory, watered
by each; from Melishts Geographical description of the United
. States.
'Missouri territory, í - - -
Missouri,
Arkansas tearitory,
Louisiana, | -
North West Territory, -5
Illinois, 99-100 ' -
Indiana, 19-20
Ohio, 4-5
Pennsylvania, 1-3
New-York, 1-100
Maryland, 1-100
Virginia, 2-5 -
Kentucky,
North Carolina, 1-50
Tennessee
South Carolina, 1-150
Alabama, 1-7 -
Mississippi, è
Total,
Square miles.
. 698,000
¿0,300
121,000
■ 36,000
72,000
58,310
S4,Wa
30,800
14,650
460
110
■ 25,600
39,000
900
41,300
. 200
7,250
22,670
1,263,870
Being considerably above two-thirds of the whole United
States territory. .
The waters of the Arkansas, and Red river, extend into the
internal provinces of Santa Fe, and it is presiimed, that part of
the waters of the Missouri extend beyond the 49th parallel of
lattitude. The territory occupied by these two items, will be
about 130,000 square miles, making altogether nearly 1,394,000
square miles, viz.
Valley of the Missouri, ... 674,000
Valley of the Mississippi above tlie^iouth of Ohio, 225,000
Valley of the Ohio and its waters, - 105,000
Valley of the Mississippi and its waters below the
mouth of Ohio, - - - - - 290,000
1,39^,000
THE END.
96 90 85 Lon-W: from Zondon 80 ■73 70
45
40
3ó
30
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^ ' Conneœion — I5û-Million ofsîcres—J/4
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