5556 042 149823
AN
OF THE PROPOSED
CANAL
FROM
WORCESTER TO PRO VIBEMCE s
CONTAINING
THE REPORT OF THE ENGINEER ;
TOGETHER WITH
SOME REMARKS
UPOÍT
mAwmAwm
ft/VW
FÜBLISHE0 BY ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE FOB YHE COUNTY OB
WORCESTER,
«v%n>
Tliated by William iVlannmg....».»»Dec. X8^*
AN ACCOUNT, &c
^HE project of opening Inland Navigation from the waters of
Narraganset Bay, in Rhode-Island, to Worcester, in Massachu¬
setts, through the valley or basin of the Blackstone River, was first
seriously attempted about the year 1796, by the late John Brown,
Esq. of Providence, and others. The vast advantages which must
necessarily result from still-water navigation, a distance of forty
miles from tide-water, through one of the most fertile tracts of coun¬
try in New-England, could not escape the keen sagacity of that
enterprizing individual. He had no sooner fixed his attention up¬
on this contemplated improvement, than he resolved, if practicable,
to carry it into full effect. With him to resolve and to execute,
were almost simultaneous acts. He, therefore, with a promptness,
zeal, and untiring perseverance which distinguished him from most
men in the prosecution of publick enterprizes, hastened, with the
aid of an Engineer, to survey the Route, and found the plan not
only practicable, but easy of execution.
Many intelligent gentlemen were disposed to aid in accomplish¬
ing this desirable work. A deep interest was excited ; and all,
who had carefully and candidly considered it, were as fully con¬
vinced of its importance as Mr. Brown himself. To effect it, how¬
ever, an Act of Incorporation, from each of the States of Rhode-
Island and Massachusetts, was necessary. The Legislature of the
former availed itself of the earliest opportunity to testify its appro¬
bation of the plan, by passing an Act which vested a Company
with ample powers and privileges to prosecute the design. Thus
far, every step taken was attended with success, and promised a
favourable result. But the labours of Mr. Brown and his coadju¬
tors were brought to a premature end, and the hopes of those who
lived adjacent to the Blackstone were blasted, at a moment and in
a manner not anticipated at the commencement of the enterprize.
The Legislature of Massachusetts, wdfich had been distinguished
for its liberality, and for a prompt encouragement of individuals,
in what related to publick improvements, withheld its assent, from
local considerations, to a corresponding Act of Incorporation ; and
the plan failed for w ant of power to execute it.
It is cause of deep regret, that an enterprize from which a large
section of our Commonwealth would now have been reaping the
most signal advantages, should have been thus unfortunately de¬
feated. Much time, which would otherwise have been employed
4
in improvements, has been wasted ; and much capital, which would
have been amassed, has been lost to the State. Since that period,
the mill-privileges upon the Blackstone have, to a great extent,
been occupied by large Manufacturing Establishments, which, by
adding greatly to the value of land, has caused embarrassments
that could not now be easily overcome, were not the proprietors
favourably disposed towards the plan.
Such was the discouraging effect of the vote of the Legislature,
that, from the time the bill was negatived, the project has remain¬
ed, till recently revived, unattempted, though its failure has been
often and deeply lamented.
The subject, however, as business expanded, has acquired fresh
interest from the daily want of communication by water, which has
been long and severely felt. The opinion had become so general
in favour of a renewed effort, that meetings were held early last
Spring, both in Providence and Worcester. The subject was dis¬
cussed in the latter place among many of our most intelligent citi¬
zens, and the sentiment was unanimous, that the time had arrived,
when the exigencies of the population in the valley of the Black-
Stone required that Canal Navigation, if practicable, should be
opened with all possible expedition. Committees were appointed
further to investigate the subject, by ascertaining the probable ex¬
pense of constructing a Canal, whether the supplies of water were
sufficient, and whether the amount of tonnage, imported and ex¬
ported annually, would justify an investment of funds necessary to
accomplish the design.
The Committees entered without delay upon the duties assigned
them ; and, with the funds subscribed by individuals, v/ere enabled
to engage Benjamin Wright, Esq. Chief Engineer upon the mid¬
dle section of the great Erie Canal, to make a topographical Sur¬
vey of the Route—to examine the character of the soil—to ascer¬
tain whether the supplies of water are sufficient—to estimate the
expense of construction ; and to report thereon. The Survey was
accordingly commenced, the levels taken, and the whole complet¬
ed in September last, by Mr. Wright, with the aid of two Assist¬
ant Engineers, from the result of which the following Report was
made.
REPORT.
Gentlemen,
Mr. Hutchinson, accompanied by some of the Gentlemen Com¬
mittee, has completed a level over the Route for the proposed
Canal; and they find the distance, by measure, 45 miles, as a
Canal would run, and the descent 451¿ feet from Thomas-Street,
in Worcester, to tide-water at Providence. The ground is re¬
markably favourable. The soil generally easy to excavate—the
embankments neither large nor extensive—very little solid rock
5
.to 136 removed—the aqueducts and culverts are not numerous or
expensive.
Since Mr. Hutchinson completed his level, I have passed over
the ground with him, and examined all the diiScult or expeiásive
places.
On viewing the country intended to be benefited by this Canal,
taking into consideration its probable future growth and increase
of trade—1 have come to the conclusion, that a Canal 32 feet wide
at top, 18 feet at bottom, and 3^ feet depth of water, would be the
proper size to be formed ; and that Locks of 70 feet between the
Gates, and 10 feet in width, would be sufficiently large for the
trade intended—bearing in mind a proper economy in use of wa-
ter, and in the erection of tlie Locks. Upon this plan, therefore,
I have assisted Mr. Hutchinson to make the estimate of the expense
of different sections of the Canal, which he will lay before you.
In the examination of this important w^ork, an object of primary
tind indispensable importance w as to ascertain whether a sufficient
supply of water could be obtained without injury to the valuable
hydraulic works now^ erected on Blackstone River and its branches,.
The summit level being most deficient in water, it was found
that North Pond, lying two miles northerly from the Court-House
in Worcester, was the principal source of the Worcester branch of
the Blackstone River ; and the pond is said to contain or cover a
surface of about 100 acres, and an expense of ^1000 would make
it cover 180 acres, by raising a dam 8 feet high, and thereby re¬
taining the flood-waters of the Spring for Summer uses. Admitting
these premises, it is reduced to mathematical calculation that a super¬
ficial surface of 140 acres and 8 feet depth w ould give 48,737,200
cubic feet of w^ater.
From the commencement at Thomas-Street, in Worcester, to the
outlet of Dority Fond, in Millbury, a distance of about 7 miles,
Mr. Hutchinson very properly located Locks of 6 feet lift each,—
These Locks w^ould require 4,200 cubic feet of water, each time
4hey w^ere filled ; and admitting that the casual falls of rain would
make good the evaporation of the North Fond, this reservoir
would give 11,616 Locks full of water, of 6 feet each.
After arriving at the oatlet of Dority Fond in Millbury, near
the Goodell Manufacturing Company's works, Mr. Hutchinson so
formed his plan as to take the w ater of Dority Fond, and located
Locks below that point of 8 feet lift each. These Locks require
5,600 cubic feet of water to fill them each time ; and in order to
obtain a full supply, resort must be had to making Dorit}' Fond a
reservoir. It is believed that an expense of 150 dollars would form
a dam to raise Dority Pond 10 feet higher than its present Sun?-
mer surface, and it would then contain or cover, according to es¬
timation, at least 140 acres, which, at 10 feet depth, wmuld give
60,984,000 cubic feet of w ater. This added to th^ w ater of North
6
Pond, would give lockage water for 19,602 Locks of 8 feet lift
each.
From Dority Pond outlet the line is carried on the north-easter¬
ly side of the Blackstone for about miles, when it enters a pond
formed on Blackstone River, by a dam across the same, ill front
of Col. Leland's ; and after passing about one quarter of a mile in
the pond, the line leaves the river and runs upon the south-west
side thereof, over very good ground, about one mile, to a point op¬
posite the mouth of the outlet of Long Pond, and about the place
where a branch to that pond would leave the Canal.
The expense of these II miles would stand thus
Excavation, Embankments, Grubbing, Culverts,
Road and Farm Bridges for 11 miles, | S ?
16 Locks, of 6 feet descent each, at $1,250, 20,000
10 do. 8 do, do. 1,500, 15,000
1 Guard Lock, - - - - - 650
Add 5 per cent, for contingencies, - - 4,226
$88,748
The above statement is made for Wooden Locks, as being the
cheapest ; but in order to enable the Committee to make a com¬
parative estimate of Wood and Stone Locks, I have ma^e the fol¬
lowing estimate of Stone Locks :—
The walls of the Locks will be 92 feet long, 13 feet high, and
6 feet average thickness. Say then for a Lock of 8 feet lift,
92X13X6=7176X2 = 14,352 cubic feet.
Add for breast, 480
14,832 feet masonry ;
being 494-11 cords, of 30 cubic feet each, at 4 dois. ^
per cord for stone and laying up the same, with- Í ^ ^ 977-50
out cutting or coursing, except the hollow quoins, ( ^ '
which are to be cut, J
Lime, estimated at 3 bushels to each cord, at 40 cts. > qa
"i "s 1 V • oi3
per bushel, y
Timber and plank for foundation, lock-gates, iron ) ^aa . aa
work, &ic.—say 5
$ 3,070 : 30
These prices are put down without a knowledge of the custom¬
ary prices paid in this part of the country ; and the Committee
can apply the quantity of masonry to such prices as they think
proper.
I will here make a comparative statement of the above 11 miles,
for Stone Locks.
7
Excavation, Embankments, Grubbing, Cul- ^
verts, Koad and F arm Bridges, for 11 miles, S $ 48,872 :00
as before, )
10 Locks, of 8 feet lift, each |3,070~'ijV 30,703 : GO
16 do. of 6 feet lift, thus for each, say
424 cords masonry, at $4, $1696 : 00
1272 bushels Lime, at 40 cts. 508 : 80
Foundation, Gates, Iron
Work, &¿c. 500:00
$2,704 : 80, is 33,276 : 80
Add for contingencies, Sic. 5 per cent. 5,642 : 59
Expense of 11 miles, with Stone Locks, 118,494: 39
Guard Lock, omitted, 650 :00
119,144:39
JVote,—Perhaps an item ought to be added for
water-lime, for laying the face-stone of the
Locks, and about the Culverts or Well-Holes
of the Locks—I should say 500 bushels to each
Lock, at 40 cents per bushel, or for 26 Locks,
at $200 each, is ' 5,200:00
Total, $124,344:39
From the end of 11 miles, thus estimated, it appears the line of
survey continues on the south-west side of the Blackstone River to
the head of the pond at Blackstone Factory ; and after passing in
the pond one fourth of a mile, it crosses the river, and in about one
mile it enters the Canal formed to furnish water for that establish¬
ment, and passes through that Canal down to the Factory build¬
ings, where it leaves it, and passes on about one mile below it, t&
the line between Massachusetts and Rhode-Island. This includes
a distance of miles, and the expense may be set down as fol¬
lows, descent being 107-^^^ feet:—
Excavation, Embankment, Aqueduct, Culverts, > ^
Grubbing, Road and Farm Bridges, ^ '
8 Locks, of 8 feet lift, of wood, $1,500 each, 12,000 :00
7 do. varying in lift, (but 43^®^^ feet in the > q - (\a
whole) $1,250 each, j '
Add 5 per cent, for contingencies, 5,035 :00
$105,739:30
B
From the north line of the State of Rhode-Island to thfe south
end of Scott's Pond, distance 12 miles, descent 117 feet, the esti-»
mated expense would be
For Excavation, Embankments, Grubbing,Cul¬
verts, Aqueducts, Guard Locks, Road and )> ^75,363 : 00
Farm Bridges,
8 Locks, of 3 feet each, >
2 do. of 8| do. ) ^ '
2 do. of 7 do. ) J 35Q
,500
15,000 ; 00
1 do. of 6 do.
Add 5 per cent, for contingencies, &ic.
4,500 r 00
4,720 :00
$99,133:00
From Scott's Pond down the valley of the Mochassuc River, to
tide-water, the distance miles, descent 51 feet—expense would be
For Excavation, Embankments, Grubbing,
Waste Weirs, Aqueducts, Culverts, Guard ]> $18,285 : 00
Locks, Road and F arm Bridges,
8 Locks, at $1,250 - - • •
Add 5 per cent, for contingencies,
10,000 : 00
1,414:00
$29,199:00
This may be set down as the expense of this work, if Wooden
Locks are erected, and exclusive of all claims for damage of land^
and not including any item for Superintendant, Engineers, &ic.
The item of 5 per cent, for contingencies and unforeseen ex*
penses is made in conformity to custom in such essimates.
RECAPITULATION.
SECTIONS. I Distance. ( Locks, j Deaccnt.I Expense.
' 1. I » ■ -- ■ ■ tm
From Thomas-Street, in ^
Worcester, to the point I
where â branch would
probably go off to
Long Pond, J
From the last-mention-
tioned point to the N.
line of R. Island,
From the N. line of R.
Island to the S. end of
Scott's Pond,
From Scott's Pond to
tide-water in Mochas¬
suc River,
•
11 miles.
26
176 feet
$ 88,748:00
15
107 5 Î
105,739 :00
12
13
117
99jl33 ; 00
%
t
8
. -t
51
29,699:00
1 45 1 62 1451^11323,319:00.
Gênerai Remarles.
Ill the örst part of this Report, I entered into soïriè cáídulátidú
of the water which may be retained, by màking North Pond and
Dority Fond reservoirs. At the end of the first section of 11 niileS|
the water of Long Pond falls into Blackstone River; This pond
is estimated to cover at least 1,500 acres, and may be faised 6, 8,
or 10 feet above its present level, with a small expense, and would,
in the greatest drought, secure an abundant supply for the Canal,
without injuring in the smallest degree the important manufactur-^
ing interests along the Blackstone River and its branches.
In making these estimates, Mr. Hutchinson has been governed by
prices as paid oil the Erie Canal, in the State of New-York, where
labourers could be obtained for 10 and 12 dollars per month, ex¬
clusive of board, &ic. Any alteration in the state of the country,
which would raise the value of common labour above that price^
«hould therefore be added. Mr. H. will accompany his Map and
Profile with a particular account of the items which constitute the.
expense on each milci
I have drawn, and herewith prèsèht, à Plaii Of a Woóden or
Timber Lock, projected with due regard to economy, tisefulness,
and strength.
Let me observe, at the same time, that having iio such erections
®n the Erie Canal, I have no experience as to the best and cheap¬
est. Some good mechahick may probably suggest important al¬
terations for the better.
If this should go on, Î have iio doufet the residetit Engineer
Would so form his plan, in the detail, as to give a descent in the
Canal of one and a half or two inches in each mile : This would
make the water from the upper end of any pond pass more freely
to the lower, without reducing the depth.
The Survey and Level of the w^ater forming the outlet of Long
Pond, not being completed, Mr. Hutchinson will give the level
and estimate of constructing that branch.
Let it be remembered, that in making the estimâtes of the valué
of materials for a Lock of Wood or of Stone, I could not know
their value in this part of the country as well as the Gentlemen of
the Committees ; and having given the quantity, they can apply
the price, and correct that part of the estimate.
This work is an object worthy of attention ; and, helieviug asl do,
from all I can see and understand, that it will pay the Stockholders
a fair and increasing interest for their money, I hope to see this im¬
portant improvement accomplished for the benefit of NeW-En^land<
-■"J
Respectfully, I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant,
BENJAMIN
Worcester^ Oct. 2, 1822.
Tq the Committees, &:c*
2
»
10
Gentlemen,
From an examination of a Route for the Canal from Lon^
Pond, to its intersection with the Route surveyed between Worces¬
ter and Providence, a short distance below the junction of the out¬
let with the Blackstone River, the distance is found to be 6^ niiles,
and the descent is feet.
Along the proposed Route, the ground is generally favourable
for the location of a Canal, and the expense may be estimated as
follows —
Excavation, Embankments, Road and Farm > , no
Bridges, Grubbipg, Clearing, he. ) ^ ' *
1 Guard Lock, - - - 650:00
1 Waste Weir, - - - 260 : 00
8 Locks of 8 feet lift, each at ^1,500,^ 12,000 : 00
Add 5 percent, for contingencies,^ 2148 : 00
rl III ' I
$45,124:00
To this sum may be added the making of a Towing-Path from
the lower end of the Pond along the west side to the Floating-
Bridge on the Worcester and Boston Turnpike, or to the north
end of the Pond ; as also tlie Excavation through points of land
to give the best direction to the route. The expense of construct¬
ing a Dam to raise Long Pond is not included in the above esti¬
mate, as several différent plans presented tliemselves, and a further
examination would be necessary to decide upon the best..
From a partial examination of a proposed Branch Canal from
the line surveyed between Worcester and Providence, in the Cold
Spring Valley, to the village of Pawtucket, the distance of about
three miles—I have no doubt of its practicability at a reasonable
expense. Commencing in the Cold Spring Valley, the line would
have a good dii-ection to the Pond above Valley Falls, about I |
miles, encountering in the distance a deep cut of 20 chains, and av¬
eraging 12 feet. The Canal \vouId there connect with the Pond
by a Lock of 8 feet descent ; and a Tow-Path should there be
constructed along the foot of a steep rocky hill, about ^ of a mile,
to the Dam above the F alls. At this place a Guard Lock would
be necessary, as a protection against the floods of the River. From
Valley Falls to the village of Pawtucket, the Canal could proba¬
bly be constructed on a level ; and the whole expense may be es¬
timated at about $18,500,
Very respectfully, your obedient Servant,
HOLMES HUTCHINSON.
Providence^ October 7, 1822.
To the Gentlemen composing: the
Committees to cause a Survey to
be made for a Can.al from Wor^
cester to Proyidence*
11
SucTî is the îleport of a skilful Engineer, under wdiose superin¬
tendence and estimates, the Middle Section of that stupendous
work, the Erie Canal, has been constructed. His long experience,
the high character he has acquired with those who have employ¬
ed hina, and the successfiil result of his opérations in New-York,
justify us in placing great reliance upon the statemeaats contained
in his Report. Indeed, such is the mathematical oert-amly, with
which questions suOh as came under the consideration of Mr,
Wright, are capable of being investigated, that the result obtained
by the surveys of scientifick men, may safely he considered as ap¬
proximating very nearly to the truth. The question then, as to
the supply of water, is at rest—-there is sufficient without taking
from the streams, to the prejudice of Manufacturers or Mill-owners.
The fears and doubts, which have agitated many, as to the ex¬
pense, are removed, and the hopes of the ipost enthusiastick more
than realized. The .estimate of actual expense is ^307,924; to
which is added for contingencies, five per cent, or |15,S9i5, ksfrhi
any event that sum should prove insufficient. The Report states
that " the ground is remarkably favourable—the soil generally easy
to excayate-r^the Embankments neither large nor extensive—very
little solid rock to be removed, and the Aqueducts and Culverts
not numerous or expensive and it may be added that the Route
is remarkably direct. "This fully accounts for tlie estimates of the
Engineer, falling short of publick expectation.
The plan, then, is feasible, the supply of water abundant, and
the expense much less than was contemplated : the only question,
therefore, wdiich remains to be settled is, whether it is expedient ?
On this point, those who have most carefull}^ and deliberately ex¬
amined the subject, would almost consider it heresy to doubt, so
manifest are the advantages, and so obvious the importance to a
large and fertile section of the country, whose prosperity proba¬
bly experiences a severer check from the high charges for trans¬
portation on tonnage than from any other single cause. It is
probable the question of expediency would not have slept, under
the decision of the Legislature in 1796, until this time, without a
renewed application for an Act of Incorporation, had there not
been, during a large portion of that period, a peculiar concur¬
rence of circumstances, which probably will not again recur.
Our country is comparatively new ; and such was the belligerent
state of Europe, for twenty-five years, previous to the peace of
Paris in 1815, that American commerce and agriculture return¬
ed such an abundant reward to industry and enterprize, that we
did not feel the necessity of resorting to labour-saving facilities in
business, %ntil the products of the earth sunk to one half their for¬
mer value, and our commerce was stagnated by other nations re¬
suming theirs. While Europe was expending her blood and
treasure in sanguinary conflicts, and wasting and destroying the
ïs
:^uîts the earth, we enriched ourselves by supplying, in sorne
measure, the wants created by devastating armies. But the com¬
mercial world is now mostly at peace, and the re-action is more
powerful than was anticipated. We were not, indeed, prepared
to believe how much we were indebted to the urgent necessities of
foreign markets for our unexampled prosperity. The appalling
reduction, in price, of the great staples of our country, has, how¬
ever, demonstrated the fact, and also taught us, that most branch¬
es of ii^dustry must be pursued with great and rigid economy, to
be productive to him wdio prosecutes them. It has also excited
the inventive genius of our countrymen, to supply the deficiency,
by means which take from the expense and add to the profit of
business. Among the most effectual hitherto employed, is an
abridgment of labour, by taking away the necessity of employ¬
ing men and teams, which devour the income of the F armer and
the Manufacturer. Were it not for the extensive improvements in
i^^chinery, by which one person now performs as much as many
formerly did, our Manufacturers of Cotton and Woollen Goods
would be compelled to abandon their business, and resign it to
countries of overgrown population, where the labourer can com¬
mand only his penny a day. The Agriculturalist needs a like
relief from the sevej'ity of the times which now presses upon him,
and other classes need further encouragement.
It therefore becomes an object of the first importance to the
publick, to reduce the eiipense of transportation, as it is very clear
that what is taken from that, is added to the account of profit on
whatever is sold in the market,
It is calculated that the expense of tranporting on a Canal, ex¬
clusive of tolls, amounts to one cent a ton, per mile, or one doU
lar a ton, for one hundred miles, while the usual cost of convey¬
ance by land, is one dollar and twenty-five cents per hundred
weight, or tiventy-five dollars a ion^ for the same distance. " The
celerity and certainty of tliis mode of transportation are evident.
A loaded boat can be towed, by one or two horses, at the rate of
twenty-five or thirty miles a day. Hence, the seller or buyer, can
calculate, with sufficient precision, on his sales or purchases—the
period of their arrival—the amount of their avails, and the extent
of their value. A vessel on a Canal is independent of winds,
tides and currents, and is not exposed to the delays attending con¬
veyances by land ; and with regard to safety, there can be no
competition, The injuries to which commodities are exposed,
when transported by land, and the damages to which they are
liable, when conveyed by natural waters, are rarely experienced
on Canals. In the latter way, comparatively speaking^ no waste
is incurred, no risk is encountered, and no insurance is required.
Hence it follows, that Canals operate upon the general interests of
l^qciety, in the same way that machines for saying labour do, Iw
15
Wiaiiufactares. Ttey enable the Farmer, the Mechanick, and
the Merchant, to convey their commodities to market, and to re¬
ceive a return, at least twenty-four times cheaper,Hhan by roads,''
[exclusive of tolls, which are usually very moderate.] As to
all the purposes of beneficial communication, they diminish the
distance between places, and therefore encourage the cultivation
of the most extensive and remote parts of the country. They create
new spurces of internal trade, and augment the old channels'j for the
more cheap the transportation, the more expanded will be its opera¬
tion ; and the greater the mass of the products of the country for
sale, the greater will be the commercial exchange of returning mer-
chaiidise, and the greater the encouragement to Manufacturers by the
increased economy and comfort of living, together with the cheap,
iiess and abundance of provisions and raw materials. Conse¬
quently, Canals are advantageous to towns and villages, and to
the whole country, by increasing population, augmenting individ-
nal and aggregate wealth, and extending foreign commerce."
These arguments in favour of Inland Navigation may be ap¬
plied to the valley of the Blackstone with great force. That
and the adjacent country, which would come within the benefit
cial influence of a Canal, contains a population of not less than
80,000 souls a manufacturing interest not exceeded in any
equal extent of territory in the United States, in the magnitude
of the works, or in the skill and economy with which the business
is conducted—an Agricultural community, distinguised for its zeal
and industry, possessing a large tract of fertile soil, capable of
yielding much beyond its present products, and of sustaining a
far greater population ; and a great water power yet unoccupied,
which m^y he applied to the purposes of manuiacturing. Al-
though the business of this district is great, and industry has doné
very much for it, yet its capacity for an expanded trade and pop¬
ulation are obvious, were they not checked by some cause or
other. That portion of it which lies in Massachrisetts, is from
2D to 60 miles from tide-water, and subjected to an entire land trans¬
portation, to a market, at an average cost of about 9 dollars a
ton. Let us see if this is not the cause which retards our growth.
This district is productive of most or all the staples of New-En¬
gland 5 and, notwithstanding Grain, Hajq and Fruit are raised
with great ease, yet very little Grain, Hay, Iruit, or Gyder is sen^
into the market, unless it hears an unusual price, because eiery F ar¬
mer knows and feels, that after deducting the expense of trans^
portation, he has not enough left to pay him for raising and har¬
vesting. Hence it is, that the amount of these articles, annually
produced, bears no proportion to the capacity of the country, but
is adapted to the limited demand for home consumption. How
often the Farmer complains, that Beef and Pork do not pay him
for fattening, and at the same time declares he can make no other
4isposidon of his Grain and Hay«
14
It IS notorious, tliat land within 10 miles of a good market, 1«
more valuable than that, equally good, one hundred miles distant ;
for this obvious reason, that the products of the former find their
way to the market at a cheaper rate than the products of the lat¬
ter ; and that many heavy, cheap commodities may be cultivated
profitably«©!! the former, while they can be turned to no account
on the latter. If, therefore, the expense of transportation can be
reduced by Canal Navigation, so that it will cost no more for 100
miles than it does for ten miles by land conveyance, land lying at
that distance, for all beneficial purposes of intercourse, will be
about as valuable as that which lies within ten miles of a market»
These principles apply, with equal force, to articles which are not
produced by cultivation. Ores of Iron, Tin, Copper, Lead, and
other metals; quarries of Marble, Stone of other descriptions,
and Mineral Coal, can be of little orno value, if remote from
ride-water, unless the expense of transportation by land can be
obviated ; for that expense would amount to more than many such
articles, whkh form an extensive branch of commerce, are worth«
Suppose transportation should be reduced (as it probably will
be, if a Canal is opened,) to |2 per ton from Worcester to Prov¬
idence ; or $ 3: 50 to Boston, when the season allows of it ; and
about the same sum to New-York—the result is most manifest. Al¬
most all the products of the soil, can be sent into the best markets
our country aifords, and return a fair profit to the grower, even at
the present reduced prices. To illustrate the difference between
what the Farmer now receives, and what he would receive, if the
transportation were reduced as above stated, take a ton of Corn,
and suppose the same to sell for 75 cents per bushel, or §28. De¬
duct for conveyance by land, to Boston or Providence, the sum
usually paid in Worcester, $ 10, and there i^mains $ 18 ; whereas,
by Canal transportation, there would remain §26, or §8 out of
§28, being more than one quarter part saved to the grower.
Another view of this subject may be taken. It is ascertained,
from information collected with great care, firom sources on which
much reliance is justly placed, that the amount of tonnage annu¬
ally imported and exported to and from that part of the district,
which would avail itself of the benefit of the proposed Canal, (if
opened,) and which lies in Massachusetts, exceeds 15,000 tons.
This, at 9 dollars a ton for land conveyance, costs annually
§ 135,000, while at a cost of 2 dollars per ton, it would amount to on¬
ly § 30,000, making a clear annual saving to the County of Worces-
ter, of §105,000. Less than one sixth of this sum would pay six
per centum on the whole estimated expense of the Canal.
From these considerations, it is manifest, that the heavy tax for
transportation operates as a severe check upon the growth and
prosperity of the County of Worcester. If the Farmer can be re¬
lieved from it by the reduced price of transportation by ^water^
IS
Agriculture will receive a powerful impulse—the quantum of pra^,
duce will be much augmented, and many branches of husbandry^
will be attended to, as objects of profit, which are now either
wholly neglected, or pursued for the limited purposes of home con¬
sumption only. Manures, especially Plaister, to the use of which
much of our land is exceedingly well adapted, also Lime, Salt,
and many other articles for which most people have occasion,
would be procured at about one half the present cost.
The Mechanick and Tradesman will also be able to prosecute,
with success, many branches of industry, which are now either
wholly neglected, or languish under the expense of transportation.
Nail-Making in all its branches. Packing Provisions for the homer
and foreign markets, the Manufacturing of Bricks, of Pottery,
Earthen-Ware, he. Sic. may be pursued to advantage.
The Manufactures of Cotton and Woollen Goods, and of Iron
and Steel, will be greatly increased ; for many miil-privilegeS
either remain unoccupied or are now subservient to works of little
value, which must give place to more important establishments.
The trade to the Southern States, which is considerable, would
be greatly benefited by a direct outlet to sea navigation. In¬
creased activity will be given to the extensive business now carried
on by Farmers, Mechanicks, and Manufacturers, by opening, to
them the markets of the world, so far as they are accessible by
our commerce, and by that means they would be enabled to enter
into competition with those who are located in more favoured
situations than we have heretofore enjoyed.
Real Estate, for several miles on each side of the Canal, will
probably advance in value from twenty to fifty per cent. This
consideration of itself, independently of all others, is a sufficient
inducement for the proprietors of that real estate to cause the
proposed improvement to be carried into execution, as they will
be enriched, at the lowest estimate, two millions of dollars.
Such are some of the considerations which shew the expediency
of opening Navigation, inland from the waters of the Narraganset,
to Worcester. Most of the deductions which have been made in
the precediïig remark?, require no other proof to support them
than that which has been adduced, witli those who have carefully
and candidly considered the subject. Yet there are some who
doubt, and who will continue to doubt, while any one position as¬
sumed remains unaided by that demonstration which the future
history of thé valley of the Blackstone will furnish to the unbe-i
lieving. The publick, however, does not look to persons of that
description to plan or to execute great enterprizes.
If any one doubts whether transportation can be done thus
cheaply, he will cease to disbelive when he recollects that a man
and a horse can move, to or from market, 20 or 25 tons on a Ca¬
ftai, after the rate of 3 miles an hour, with greater ease than the
16
t>rdmary itagon loads are movedj on the roads ; and when he rec¬
ollects, that it costs less to transport a ton of heavy goods trom
Liverpool across the Atlantick, 3,000 miles, to Boston, than from
Boston to Worcester, by land, a distance of 40 miles*
If the Mechanick or Manufacturer doubts whether the Canal
will be useful to him, let him remember that his goods will bear
the same price in the market, whether he pays ten or two dollars
for transportation ; and the only question with him, will be, wheth¬
er he chooses to make or to throw away money. If the Manufac¬
turer saves annually $600 in transportation, it is plain his works
will be augmented in value $ 10,000 ; for his saving is equal to the
interest of that sum, and does not depend on a cause which is com^
ïnon to other Manufacturers who are diiferently situated.
If any one doubts whether a Canal will enhance the value of
Ileal Estate, let him consider
1. That an increase of business, will cause a demand for it,
and that demand will raise its value.
2. That a diminution in the expense of transportation will
have the same effect. If a Farmer has 50 tons of produce to sell,
annually, and it costs him $10 a ton, or $500 to convey it into a
market by land, and he can transport the same by water to an
equally good market, for $2 a ton, he will save by the latter mode
$400, and the value of his farm will be augmented $6,666 : 66 ;
for $400 is the interest of that sum, and the saving is permanent
and unalterable, so long as he has 50 tons of produce to send into
the market. The same remarks apply to a reduction in the price
of Plaister ; for land is more or less valuable according to the fa¬
cility and cheapness with which manure can be procured.
Many other advantages to Trade, Agriculture, and Manufac¬
tures might be enumerated ; but the limits assigned for this publi¬
cation, forbid an enlargement on this bead. Should any one,
however, consider the arguments which have been urged as unsat¬
isfactory, or the inferences drawn as problematical, before he con¬
demns the plan, let him look into the history of Inland Navigation
fqr the last 50 years, and he will find the mo?t satisfactory evidence
(the experience of nations,) in support of the opinions here ad¬
vanced.
The land six miles in breadth, on each side of the Middlesex
Canal, has advanced one third in value, and it is estimated, by
those who are best acquainted with the subject, that the landhold¬
ers in New-Hampshire, upon the Merrimack River, hav^e been ben¬
efited more than 5 millions of dollars by that Canal.
Sixty years ago. Inland Navigation, except upon natural rivers,
Was almost unknown in England. About that period, the cele-^
brated Duke of Bridgewmter, who has justly been styled, " the
father of English Canals," duly appreciating the superior advan¬
tages of still-water Navigation, procured an Act of Parliament
if
èuthonzing bîm to construct that great work which béárs his närae.
" The scheme at first met with much discredit^ from the prejudice
which then existed in favour of river navigation ; and on account
of the unprecedented expense and difficulty of constructing the
necessary Aqueducts, Embankments, and other works, at that time
îiew? in England. But the Duke was not deterred from effecting
his bold designs. The signal success of his projects opened the
feyes of the whole nation to the vast advantages to be derived froni
Artificial Canals, or rather still-water navigatiofii Its extensions
from the Mersey to the Trent, Severn, and Thames, were succes-
isively projected. These, and the rapid formation of joint-stock
companies, of which above one hundred have been incorporated
for works of this sort, during the last reigti, [George 3d] are evi¬
dence of the zeal with which these improvements were prosecuted.
An incredible extent of these artificial Canals has iiow been com¬
pleted ; that is to say, upwards of 2,400 miles have been made in
England, in the Construction of which all sorts of difficulties have
been experienced and overcome by the talents arid perseverance of
án ingenious and industrious nation." These improvements are
justly said to be " the principal means of extending the commerce
and manufactures of the kingdom, and of enabling it to sustain
about one-third more population than before."
That extensive, rich, and populous portion of Englandj south of
the river Tees, is so intersected that no individual is removed more
than 15 miles from navigation» That nation alone has expended
in improvements of this sort, during the last 25 y cat's, more than
130 millions of dollars. The Improvements in Holland, France^
and Italy are almost co-extensive with those of England.
The attention of our countrymen has been recently attracted to
Objects of this kind. The State of New-York is now successfully
carrying into effect plans of a most stupendous character, for the pur¬
pose of opening navigation from Hudson's River across the country
to the Lakes on the north and west. These works are among the
greatest of the kind in the world, and will secure to that State not
only a lasting fame for its enterprize, but a trade and physical pow-
fcr which will not be surpassed by that of any State in the Union¿
Already do we find in our markets Flour and Wool from the Gen¬
esee River and Lake Erie, brought by the aid of Canal iiaviga^
tion hundreds of miles over the country, and sold, as it is said, at
a fair profit to the grower—while w e cannot sustain the expense of
conveying Grain by land 40 miles.
Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina,
and several other States, are not unmindful of the vast advantages
resulting from an improved Inland Navigation, Some of these
States are now prosecuting with success the construction of exten¬
sive Canals, while others are preparing to expand and quidlers
their trade by similar means.
3
18
Such are some of the facts relating to Inland Navigation. There
can be no doubt that improvements of this sort usuálly add to the
power, strength and wealth of a State, by augmenting the value of
real estate—by increasing the products of agriculture—^by multi¬
plying manufactures—by increasing and invigorating trade and
commerce, and by giving employment to its population which
would otherwise be compelled to seek a living abroad. It may
also be added, that Canal stock has generally proved productive.
In some instances in England it has advanced in the market more
than twenty fold beyond its original cost ; and such is its produc¬
tiveness generally, that plans of the most enlarged and expensive
character are constantly projected and carried into successful ope¬
ration by joint-stock companies.
It is an inquiry of some interest, whether stock in the proposed
Canal will be productive It has been shewn that more than
three times sufficient business is now done in the district which will
be affected by it to pay a large per centage on the estimated cost.
It is proper here to observe, that although in these remarks the
tonnage transported to and from that portion of the district lying
in the County of Worcester is set at 15,000 tons, yet it can be
shewn, beyond all question, to amount to more than 20,000 tons.
But, says the inquirer, will this business, or any considerable por¬
tion of it be done on the Canal ? To this there is a plain answer.
However strong habits of business may be, the love of gain is
stronger ; and whatever may be the force of attachment to old
channels of trade, and old methods of intercourse, they will give
way to the powerful attraction of making money. The saving
will be too great, the lure too enticing to be resisted.
With these considerations before us, shall we, like the sluggard,
demand " a little more sleep, a little more slumber^ and a little more
folding of the hands io sleep ?" or, with that decision of character
which marks the comprehensive mind, pursue with vigour ' the
course which wisdom and good policy obviously point out í
The project is worthy,of the liberal views, and of the bold, en-
terprizing spirit of the old Commonwealth of Massachusetts.—
She cherishes too deep and sincere a love of the prosperity of her
citizens and of the nation, to suffer sectional feelings again to do
injustice to the population of the Blackstone, by defeating an
enterprize which will add to her strength, her wealth, and her
honour.