FOR USE ONLY IN 
 THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION 
 
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j h Congress, \ SENATE. ( Ex. Dec. 
 
 2d Session. J I No. 26. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 OF 
 
 THE SECRETARY 01 THE NAVY, 
 
 COMMUNICATING 
 
 The report of officers appointed by him to make the examination of the 
 iron, coal, and timber of the Deep river country, in the State of North 
 Carolina, required by a resolution of the Senate. 
 
 January 18, 1859. — Ordered to lie on the table ; motion to print referred to the Committee 
 
 on Printing. 
 
 ebb u art 9, 1859 — Eeport in favor of printing the usual number submitted, considered, 
 
 and agreed to 
 
 Navy Department, January 17, 1859. 
 
 Sir : In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of April 13, 
 1858, authorizing and instructing the Secretary of the Navy "to 
 cause a thorough examination of the iron, coal, and timber of the 
 Deep river country, in the State of North Carolina, and that he 
 report upon the expediency of establishing, at some point in that 
 State, machine and workshops for the construction of engines, boilers, 
 &c, for naval vessels, and that he report the same to Congress 
 at its next session," I directed, in July last, a commission of officers, 
 consisting of Captain Wilkes, Chief Engineers Hunt and Martin, and 
 Naval Constructor Pook, to proceed to North Carolina to make ah 
 examination of the region designated in the resolution, and report 
 the result to the department. I now have the honor to transmit 
 herewith their reports, with the accompanying maps and diagrams. 
 
 There are already extensive establishments, in very complete con- 
 dition, for the manufacture and repair of marine steam engines and 
 their dependencies at Boston, New York, Prn'ra^elphia, and Norfolk, 
 which were erected at great expense, and are sufficient for the 
 present wants of our small steam navy. In view, therefore, of the 
 present condition of the treasury, the provisions already made at the 
 four navy yards mentioned, and the facts embodied in the reports of 
 the commission, I should not deem it expedient at this time to estab- 
 lish in North Carolina machine and work shops for the construction of 
 engines, boilers, &c, for naval vessels. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ISAAC TOUCEY. 
 
 > Hon. John C. Breckinridge, 
 
 ^ Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate. 
 
2 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 Washington, December 30, 1858. 
 
 Sir: In obedience to your order of the 21st of July, appointing 
 a commission, to consist of myself, Chief Engineers Henry Hunt and 
 D. B. Martin, and Naval Constructor S. M. Pook, to make a thorough 
 examination of the Deep river country in the State of North Carolina, 
 and to report upon the expediency of establishing, at some point in 
 that State, machine and work shops for the construction of engines, 
 boilers, <fcc, for naval vessels, as embraced in a resolution of Con- 
 gress, April 13, I have the honor to submit the following reports: 
 
 In this examination I was engaged during the months of August 
 and September, and received every facility and aid which could be 
 desired from Governor Bragg and other authorities of the State, by 
 whom we were furnished with the most recent official reports and 
 maps of Professor Emmons, the State geologist. I have also to 
 acknowledge great assistance and kind hospitality from the inhabit- 
 ants of the Deep river country, who united to aid us in our duties, 
 many of them devoting their time exclusively and affording us much 
 local information. Among them our thanks are especially due to Mr. 
 William McClane, of the Egypt Company, Mr. Evander Mclvers, 
 Captain Bryan, Mr. Clegg, Mr. L. Haughton, Major Morrell, and Mr. 
 Cantwell, of Raleigh. All the positions and localities reported upon 
 by others were visited by us and carefully examined. 
 
 I feel I should be doing great injustice to Professor Emmons did 
 I not bear witness to his labors and the use his several reports have 
 been to me in my examinations; and where I have differed from him 
 I have done so with much diffidence, for to his untiring observations 
 great deference is due. I trust that his valuable labors will not be 
 interrupted, but continued till the whole of the State has been exam- 
 ined. There is certainly no expenditure of money so profitable as 
 that which is applied to the development of the resources of the 
 State, and these examinations, to be well and carefully done, require 
 both time and the expenditure of money. 
 
 Before entering into the details of our examination of the Deep 
 river district, it may be proper to give the extent of the sandstone 
 formation of this part of North Carolina in which the coal measures lie. 
 
 Professor Olmstead, of Yale College, was the first to define this 
 extent, in 1824, and more recently it has been examined by Professor 
 Emmons. They both agree that its northern terminus is near Oxford, 
 in Granville county, where it comes to a point. It passes from thence 
 in a southwesterly direction across the State for 120 miles, and has 
 its terminus about 6 or 7 miles within the boundary of South Carolina. 
 The breadth of the formation varies. Between Raleigh and Chapel 
 Hill it is reported as being 18 miles. On the Cape Fear I found it 
 less than five, which continues for some 10 miles to the southward 
 and westward. It then suddenly enlarges to 12 miles, embracing the 
 whole valley of the Deep river district, and is then continued, con- 
 tracting gradually, till it passes out of the State, near Wadesborough. 
 
 The rocks which bound this sandstone formation are the meta- 
 ;.iorphic slates, gneiss, and granites; on these the formation reposes. 
 
EXAMINATION OF TIIE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 8 
 
 Their outcrops are seen with a great dip to the northwest, giving 
 a well defined outline of this sandstone deposit. 
 
 A particular description of the geographical position of the Deep 
 river country is deemed necessary from the fact that but little is 
 known of it even in the capital of North Carolina. 
 
 The Deep river district is situated 30 miles southwest from Raleigh, 
 15 miles south from Pittsborough, and 50 miles north of Fayette ville. 
 It occupies the very centre of the State, and comprises part of the 
 counties of Chatham and Moore. It forms an extensive valley, 
 bounded by the Pittsborough hills on the north and east, the Buck- 
 horn hills on the south, and the Carthage hills on the west. 
 
 This area lies between the Cape Fear river on the east and the 
 Hancock mills on the west, the head waters of the creeks flowing to 
 the Deep river from the south, and those which take their rise 
 towards Pittsborough on the north. This district is about 25 miles 
 in length by 10 miles in width, and embraces an area of some 250 or 
 300 square miles. To this our examination was confined, and this 
 extent is comprised within the limits of the map which accompanies 
 this report. 
 
 The Deep river takes its rise in the county of Guildford, flows to 
 the southeast through the county of Randolph, with a descent of some 
 500 to 600 feet in some GO miles, until it enters the county of Moore, 
 in the neighborhood of Hancock's mills, towards which its current 
 is rapid; thence its general direction is to the north of east for 30 
 miles, pursuing a very tortuous and sluggish course, with a fall 
 of 27 feet, and joins the Haw river, at that distance, coming from the 
 northwest to form the Cape Fear river. 
 
 The country which it drains comprises an area of one thousand 
 miles, affording an abundant supply of water for its slack-water navi- 
 gation and for milling purposes. It is subject, occasionally, to great- 
 freshets in the lower part, which overflow its banks to the depth of 
 ten or twelve feet, but owing to the sluggish flow of the current, it 
 passes off without damage to the crops and farms. 
 
 In our examination of the coal and iron of this district I must refer 
 to the geological formation, and, for the purpose of more clearly 
 illustrating and understanding the limits, will treat it as an indepen- 
 dent formation, (for such it may be regarded, being unconformable ta 
 the primitive rocks,) under its three natural divisions, viz : 
 
 First. The conglomerate and lower red sandstone. 
 
 Second. The coal measures, including the sandstones of n drab 
 color, bituminous shales, and slates. 
 
 Third. The tertiary and drift. 
 
 These three occupy the depression, or basin, of the primitive 
 formation, the outline of which may be recognized a short space 
 beyond the outcrops. 
 
 In every part of the coal field Ave have evidence that the con- 
 glomerates rest upon the metaphoric slates, gneiss, or granite. The 
 effects of upheaval, as well as diluvial action, are visible in many 
 places throughout its extent. 
 
 In order to define the extent of the basin I found it necessary to 
 search not only for the outcrop of the coal but also for the outcrops 
 
4 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 of the underlying as well as the outlying rocks; and, assisted by in- 
 formation derived from reliable authority, I succeeded in tracing it 
 from one locality to another, until I had obtained what I deemed 
 sufficient evidence of the margin of the basin or trough. 
 
 The annexed diagram of a section across the coal field will better 
 explain the formation: 
 
 Metamorphic slates. Metamorphic slates. 
 
 Section of coal field, Deep river. 
 
 I. Conglomerate; 2. Red sandstone; 3. Black slates; 4. Dark sandstone, fire clay; 5. Shales and iron ore; 
 
 6. Coal; 7. Argillaceous slates. 
 
 The following is the course which it follows : 
 
 The line of outcrop of this coal has been traced, beginning near 
 Dye's, to the eastward of the plantation of Evander Mclvers; thence 
 westward some two miles, near the house of Mclvers, turning there 
 to the north-northwest of his plantation; thence towards the north- 
 east for two and a half miles, and then to the westward, crossing the 
 Deep river at Mr. Wicker's plantation, from which place to the west- 
 ward, passing through the Farmersville plantation in nearly a straight 
 line, touching the river near the bend opposite Egypt, and con- 
 tinuing beyond through the Taylor, Haughton, Tysor, and Palmer 
 plantations, a distance of seven miles. 
 
 From the latter to the Bingham plantations its course is west- 
 southwest five miles, and thence it passes on a more westerly course, 
 through the Murchison and Forshee plantations three miles, again 
 crossing the river, and is covered up near the latter by the overlying 
 debris of the rocks. 
 
 On the south the coal does not outcrop, owing to thick covering 
 of the debris of the rocks, which has been deposited over it. We 
 have therefore to refer to the outcrops of the conglomerates and red 
 sandstone, and the dip and strike of the slates and sandstones over- 
 flying the coal measures on the western end, to assist us in arriving 
 at the form of this basin. 
 
 The conglomerates are seen to extend beyond the coal at the south- 
 western end; several quarries have been worked on Richland creek, 
 where the millstones have been sought for and found. Their direction 
 changes towards the south and southeast, across the range of the 
 sandstone formation of the State. This is also observed of the slates 
 and sandstones, the dips tending towards the axis, while the strike 
 conforms to the margin of the basin. ' The slates are generally argil- 
 laceous and destitute of fossils; the sandstones are fine, with ripple 
 marks resembling those which lie beneath the coal of the Egypt shaft. 
 
 The rock which has been termed the upper red sandstone I have 
 nowhere encountered, except beyond the margin or a short distance 
 within the basin, as an upper deposit. I think it has no place in the 
 
EXAMINATION OP THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 formation of this trough or basin; but it is of recent origin, probably 
 of the tertiary. It lies un conformably to the rocks of the basin, and 
 the beds of pebbly quartz, which in certain localities are found near 
 it, appear to me to be accumulated drifts from the older and outlying 
 rocks. 
 
 In all cases where the conglomerate crops out we find the lower 
 red sandstone accompanying it. 
 
 The lower rocks are seen on the south side along the courses of the 
 creeks which flow towards the Deep river, where they crop out with 
 a dip towards the northwest and a strike to the northeast and south- 
 west. The southern outcrops are not so distinct or continuous as on 
 the northern sides, yet they offer abundant evidence of the limit to 
 which the coal must be circumscribed. The rocks have a less and 
 opposite dip, but the strike conforms to the basin. These rocks lie 
 in contact with the primitive formation of metamorphic slates, gneiss, 
 and granite, along the Buckhorn range, the whole surface of w^hich 
 is strewn with fragmentary quartz. 
 
 These outcrops have been further traced to the northeastward to 
 Gilmore's mill", on Pattison 7 s creek; to the north at Evander Mclver's 
 mill, on the Great Buffalo creek, and at the Little Buffalo church; 
 thence to the eastward, again outcropping on the head waters or 
 branches of Lick creek, near Kelley's mills, at the "Sisters 77 and 
 " Wooley Rock; 77 thence to below the mouth of Lick creek, and about 
 a mile above the junction of the Buckhorn creek with the Cape Fear 
 river. 
 
 The conglomerate on the north side is seen at House 7 s quarry, then 
 near Jones 7 falls, dipping to the eastward, and (thence is traced to 
 Ellington 7 s, by Professor Emmons;* then to the southwestward to 
 near Y. Wicker 7 s plantation, where it makes a turn to the northwest 
 towards M. Wicker 7 s,) passing between his house and the Deep river; 
 crosses the Deep river near George 7 s creek, and pursues a course to 
 the westward a short distance, to the north of the outcrops of the 
 coal, and nearly parallel to its curve. 
 
 Thus I have traced the peculiar outline of the basin or trough, and 
 thereby determined its length and width. The form will be better 
 understood by examining the maps on which it is shown. 
 
 It will thus be seen that from Evander Mclver 7 s to Ellington 7 s the 
 north and south conglomerates, with the red sandstones, approach 
 nearest to each other, and have almost a parallel direction, with op- 
 posite dips. They are not separated more than two and a half miles. 
 
 It is therefore evident that the older rocks have narrowed the de- 
 pression, though perhaps not lessened the depth; consequently, some 
 of the overlying rocks may be wanting, or thin out, as they are ob- 
 served to do near this locality. 
 
 The topography of the country shows that the outcrops of the con- 
 
 ° The line of the outcrop of the conglomerate from Jones' falls to Ellington's, and 
 thence to Wicker's, I have adopted upon the authority of Professor Emmons' map. I had 
 no opportunity to trace this outline, but I am inclined to believe that there is some error 
 in it, and that the conglomerate which is seen at Ellington's is the southern outcrop of 
 the basin, and that the northern one passes from Jones' falls up towards the Eocky river. 
 
6 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 glomorates conform to the highest ridges, and follow them almost at 
 a uniform height, leading to the conclusion that at some remote period 
 the whole was deposited at the same time and derived from the same 
 source."' 5 " 
 
 It is apparent, also, that the debris of the rocks in the upper or 
 most western part of the valley have been carried by the water 
 towards its eastern termination and deposited; thus the valley or lake 
 (if such it was) has been gradually filled up and the river finally con- 
 fined to the channel it now occupies, winding with little fall through 
 the alluvial or drift, from ten to fifteen feet below the surface of the 
 valley. 
 
 Although the deposit of coal in the Deep river district will not 
 bear a comparison to the vast fields of that mineral in the western 
 States, yet, owing to its position, proximity to market, and adaptability 
 to many purposes in the arts, and connected as it is with extensive 
 beds of iron ore, it may be esteemed of great value and interest to 
 the State as well as of national importance. 
 
 The shaft which has been sunk by the Governor's Creek Coal and 
 Iron Company, at Egypt, affords the most reliable evidence of the 
 perpendicular section of the strata, to the depth of four hundred and 
 sixty feet below the surface, and includes the lower coal seam. 
 
 This shaft has fully established the existence of several veins of 
 coal as well as veins of valuable iron ores, lying in juxtaposition with 
 the coal. It is situated fifteen hundred feet within the outcrop of 
 coal, to the south, and perpendicular to its trend. 
 
 The annexed diagram exhibits a vertical section of this shaft, by 
 which each strata may be seen with its approximate thickness or depth. 
 
 The strata in the shaft of Egypt, however, cannot be taken as a true 
 development of the coal field. At short distances from it, both east 
 and west, we find the sandstones in thicker masses, and replacing 
 some of the slates exhibited in the section, which shows but a limited 
 development of them. It will be seen that the first sandstone met 
 with is at the depth of 323 feet, 100 feet above the coal, and but one 
 foot in thickness. There are two lower seams, separated by a strata 
 of black slate, with iron balls 405 feet deep, and one foot ten inches, 
 and three feet in thickness, t 
 
 By this section we are assured of the depth at which the under- 
 lying seams of coal are found. Five are seen at the outcrop, which 
 unite as they descend and form but four in the shaft. The large or 
 six feet wide seam in the shaft, at Egypt, is 423 feet deep. Between 
 the coal seams are found carbonates of iron, known by the name of 
 the "blackband." 
 
 I think every one must be satisfied, from its regularity and the 
 diminution of dip in the distance from the outcrop, (some eight or ten 
 
 * Many of these heights were kindly furnished me hy Mr. Keuper, engineer of the West- 
 ern railroad, to whom I have also to acknowledge my indebtedness for tracings of the 
 railroad surveys. 
 
 f For the details of this section I am indebted to the report of Professor Emmons and 
 that of Mr. McClane. These have been verified by specimens obtained of the different 
 strata from the various depths. 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 7 
 
 degrees) that its seams tend to conform to the shape of a basin or 
 trough. 
 
 It appears that the greatest depth of this coal basin is on the northern 
 side, giving cause to believe that this valuable mineral does not extend 
 below such depths as to render its mining both profitable and easy. 
 
 We may acquire some approximate estimation as to the quantity of 
 coal this basin may contain by taking the data which our results give 
 of the extent of the basin, viz: some 75 square miles, which there is 
 every probability is underlaid by the veins of coal from which the 
 value of this mineral wealth, locked up in this district, may be readily 
 calculated. 
 
 Although we have no actual proof to offer, yet there can be but 
 little doubt that the extent of the coal seams will be found to underlie 
 the whole of the basin. I was very desirous to place the extent 
 beyond question, and had it been in my power I should have ordered 
 borings to be made, considering it of great importance in a national 
 point of view; but as there was no appropriation made to meet 
 the expense of this examination it could not be undertaken. 
 
 I feel it my duty, however, to recommend that a small appropria- 
 tion be made for this purpose, which w^ould establish beyond a doubt 
 the actual extent of this coal field. 
 
 There is no anthracite coal in this field. In some places it is debitu- 
 minous, viz: at Tysor's, Palmer's, and Wilcox's, where it has under- 
 gone, with the slates and beds of iron ore, much disturbance, probably 
 by an upheaval, and afterwards been denuded by the action of the 
 river, which has removed the debris of the rocks and exposed to view 
 the shales and slates as far as the plantations of Mr. Alston and Mr. 
 Glegg. 
 
 Through the heat of the trap dyke which has been injected near 
 by, its volatile matter has been driven off, leaving it in a debitumin- 
 ized state, or nearly a natural coke. It corresponds in fracture with 
 the coals of other localities in the field, and is known under the ap- 
 pellation of "dry coal;" but I have seen none with a concoidal frac- 
 ture, which the true anthracites have as their distinguishing mark. 
 The li Wilcox seam" is of this character ; its outcrop corresponds in 
 thickness with the upper coal seam. 
 
 In the neighborhood of the Wilcox place small seams of natural 
 coke are found to crop out in juxtaposition with veins of iron ore. 
 In some parts these have undergone great heat, sufficient to change 
 them to scoria. 
 
 The coal lying to the northward of the Wilcox outcrop is, however, 
 unaltered, and similar to the best kind of coal, affording evidence 
 that the heat of the trap dyke has been confined to a limited space, 
 and effected only a local change in the character and position of the 
 coal along the line of its strike, which passes through the Evans, 
 Tysor's, Palmer, and Haughton plantations, in a E.NE. direction. 
 
 There also appears to have been a disturbance near Evander 
 Mclver's, and an injection of trap, which, however, does not appear 
 ot have changed the coal, as at Wilcox's. Here we find the outcrops 
 
8 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 of the black slates and ripple marked sandstones lying within a few 
 hundred feet of each other, with opposite dips and strikes. The 
 position of this outcrop is 150 feet above the plain of Egypt. 
 
 The sandstone, traced round to the southward of the black slate, is 
 found of great thickness near the conglomerates in the neighborhood 
 of Mdver's mill, on the Great Buffalo creek. 
 
 This sandstone has larger ripple marks and is more argillacious than 
 that which underlies the coal in the shaft at Egypt, 450 feet below 
 the surface, but otherwise resembles it. 
 
 It will be observed that these two strata, which Ave find in the shaft 
 at Egypt underlying the coal, are here noticed to the southward and 
 eastward of the northern outcrop, and apparently overlying it ; but 
 it is readily seen that they must be the sandstone and black slates of 
 the southern side of the basin. 
 
 This disturbance probably took place before the injection of the 
 "trap dyke. 77 
 
 The black slates pursue a direct course on their strike, and, after a 
 considerable distance, disappear under the debris of the rocks. It is 
 this locality where the two conglomerates approach nearest to each 
 other. 
 
 I am strongly impressed with the belief that coal will be found 
 within the area, between Mclver 7 s and Jones 7 Falls, or to the east- 
 ward, beyond where its outcrop is seen to end. 
 
 Nearly the whole of this space is now covered with forest, and a 
 deep deposit of drift overlies it, so that no outcrop of the recent or 
 older rocks appear. 
 
 The conglomerates consist of quartz pebbles of various sizes, most 
 of which have undergone much attrition, some round, others oblong. 
 These are intermixed with disintegrated slates of the older rocks, 
 consolidated by a cement under great pressure. 
 
 In some localities the cement is mixed, more or less, with marly 
 clays, colored red by the oxide of iron, which diminishes their hard- 
 ness. With this exception, on the north and south sides, the con- 
 glomerates are alike. 
 
 At the west end the cement is the strongest, and the rocks are 
 quarried for mill stones. 
 
 The red sandstone lying above the conglomerate is of a dark, 
 purplish color, approaching that of a burnt brick. Its texture is 
 even, composed of fine grains of quartz, is a good freestone, and has 
 few marly layers. 
 
 The black slates lie next above the red sandstone, and is the rock 
 in which the shaft at Egypt ends. 
 
 Above, in the series, they alternate with the argillaceous slates, 
 and contain deposits of argillaceous iron ore. They are from fifteen 
 to forty feet in thickness ; this is the strata in which the fossils in 
 the series are found, consisting of posidonia, cythere, &c. 
 
 The drab colored sandstone, known by its ripple marks, is a fine 
 and compact kind. In color it is of a dirty buff or greenish yellow, 
 and the surface is not unfrequently marked with marine plants. It is 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 9 
 
 suitable for grindstones, and might be used as a firm and solid material 
 for building. 
 
 The bituminous shales in connexion with the coal are very in- 
 flammable, and burn with a white flame. They contain nearly 30 per 
 cent, of volatile matter, and about 20 per cent, of fixed carbon; they 
 will probably be used for the preparation of kerosene oil, though 
 they do not yield the quantity that is obtained from the coal in the 
 west. At the present price it can be manufactured from the shales 
 at a profit. I have seen samples of it which had been well clarified. 
 The bituminous shales all lie above the coal and in strata, alternating 
 with the argillaceous slates. The fire clays do not occur, as in other 
 coal fields, immediately below the coal seams; but the sandstone par- 
 takes somewhat of this character. They are interstratified with the 
 slates. According to Professor Emmons, organic remains traverse 
 tnem vertically; the plants are different from other coal fields, and 
 the sigillaria have not yet been discovered. 
 
 The calcareous shales are greenish in color and resemble somewhat 
 magnesian limestone. These contain no fossils, and in thickness vary 
 from four to twenty-five feet. 
 
 The upper red sandstone differs from the lower in being soft and 
 perishable, from its marly nature. In color it is of a light red, occa- 
 sionally a light brown, mottled with green spots and often variegated. 
 The outline of these is distinct. In it are found many cavities of 
 irregular shape, around which is generally perceived, during the 
 summer season, a white efflorescence; this proved to be common salt, 
 (chloride of soda.) It was found more abundant on the western end 
 of the coal field, where this red sandstone overlies the formations. 
 In some cases wells which are sunk in this rock have brackish water: 
 but where they go deeper than 30 to 35 feet the water is pure. In 
 the deep shaft at Egypt the water is entirely free from saline taste. 
 In my inquiries I was not able to learn of the existence of any salt 
 springs. The upper red sandstone bears a resemblance to the lower 
 in its lithological character, but there is a marked difference in their 
 fossils. 
 
 The plant bed of Professor Emmons, I think, gives evidence that 
 this upper red sandstone is totally distinct, and more recent than the 
 coal formation of the valley of the Deep river. 
 
 It will be seen, from the foregoing remarks, that I am of opinion 
 that this formation of coal belongs to the new red sandstone, and, as 
 far as my observations have gone, the fossils appear to prove it. 
 
 The coal of the lower seam lies, as it will be seen, between two 
 seams of black band ore, and more or less partakes of their character. 
 It is consequently unfitted for use as a fuel, but is well adapted to 
 the reduction, by roasting, of this ore for iron. 
 
 The three upper seams of the bituminous coal are well adapted for 
 fuel, cooking, gas, and oil. It is a shining and clean coal, resembling 
 the best specimens of Cumberland. It ignites easily, and burns with 
 a bright, clear combustion, and leaves a very little purplish grey ash. 
 It swells and agglutinates, making a hollow fire; is a desirable coal 
 
10 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 for blacksmiths' use, for the parlor, and superior to most coals for the 
 production of gas, for which it is likely to be in great demand. Its 
 freedom from sulphur is another of its recommendations. 
 
 It is thought not to readily disintegrate by exposure to the atmo- 
 sphere. Its coke is light and porous. When rapidly burned it 
 inclines to melt and flow; but when under slow combustion it does 
 not exhibit this tendency, which is owing to the presence of a large 
 quantity of bitumen. 
 
 I was, at first, determined to have the iron ores of this district 
 tested both by an assay and by chemical analysis. The former, it is 
 believed, affords a more practical test of their value; but as it could 
 not be obtained within the time, the chemical analysis was alone 
 made. The ores and coal were submitted to Professor George C. 
 Shaeffer, of this city, whose ability and care in this operation are well 
 known, and who has afforded me full data of the results and the 
 manner of conducting the analysis. 
 
 COAL FROM EGYPT SHAFT. 
 
 The mode of analysis Avas as follows : The coal was dried and 
 coarsely powdered, and ignited in a covered crucible until all inflam- 
 mable matter had been driven off. 
 
 The quantity of sulphur was determined by digesting the finely 
 pulverized coal in fuming nitric acid, to which, from time to time, 
 chlorate of potassa was added; by which process most of the carbon 
 was oxidized. The sulphur was then estimated in the usual way — 
 from the quantity of sulphate of baryta precipitated. The result was, 
 sulphur, 1.3 per cent. 
 
 The large quantity of inflammable matter that the coal contains 
 led to a slight variation in the results, as in one case the vessel was 
 found lined with carbon deposited from the gas coming in contact 
 
 with the highly heated surface. 
 The first specimen gives — 
 
 Bituminous matter as gas 30. 
 
 Fixed carbon, (coke) 70. 
 
 Second specimen — 
 
 Bituminous matter as gas 34. 
 
 Fixed carbon, (coke) 66. 
 
 The ash in first was 5.3 per cent.; second, 5.4 per cent. The 
 composition of this coal is, therefore, as follows : 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Bituminous matter given off as gas 32.7 
 
 Fixed carbon, (coke) 60.7 
 
 Ash 5.3 
 
 Sulphur 1.3 
 
 100.0 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 11 
 
 Specific gravity • • 
 Another specimen 
 
 mean. 
 
 The coal is a light, highly bituminous coal, yielding a shining and 
 very porous coke and purplish ash, an excellent coal for making gas 
 or for burning. It absorbs only y-gVo °^ ^ s we %&* °f water, after 
 having been immersed for some time. 
 
 From Professor Johnson's able report we have several analyses of 
 this coal, from the Farmersville estate, which give the mean results 
 as follows : 
 
 Carbon 59.25 
 
 Volatile matter 30.53 
 
 Specific gravity 1.409. 
 
 The dry or debituminized coal has less than one-quarter of the 
 volatile matter that the bituminous coal contains. It is thought that 
 it cannot compete with the true anthracites of Pennsylvania in the 
 northern markets. It is, however, adapted for stoves, and for the 
 reduction of iron ores in roasting. 
 
 I have heretofore stated that there is but a small quantity of this 
 coal in the basin, and that it has been produced by a change in the 
 bituminous, effected by the heat of the trap dykes. 
 
 Professor Schaeffer remarks on this description of coal from the 
 Wilcox vein, that it has a cubical fracture, as is seen in some speci- 
 mens of anthracite, with a metallic lustre. When it is heated to a 
 high degree it decrepitates with violence, falling into thin plates. 
 
 The loss, after intense ignition in a covered crucible, was, in one 
 experiment, 3.1 per cent., and in a second, 3.8. This loss is not im- 
 puted to the escape of bituminous matter, nor from enclosed, uncom- 
 bined water; for both specimens were well dried. On an average 
 the composition of this coal may be stated as follows: 
 
 Water and volatile matter 3.75 
 
 Fixed carbon 87.75 
 
 Ash 8.5 
 
 Specific gravity 1.8 
 
 The quantity of ash varies considerably, from 7 per cent, to 10 per 
 cent. 
 
 When this coal has a cross fracture at right angles to its lamina?, 
 various substances, in solution, seem to have been introduced, par- 
 ticularly oxide of iron. This affects its quality. 
 
 The specific gravity and the increased quantity of ash confirm the 
 supposition that this coal is, like the bituminous., deprived of its 
 
 Earthy 
 
 10.21 
 
 99.99 
 
 100.00 
 
12 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 volatile matter by heat, while under pressure, and that the decrepi- 
 tation may be due to a constrained condition of its particles. 
 
 The large quantity of carbon it contains will render it serviceable 
 in some metallurgic or manufacturing process, but as a fuel it cannot 
 well be used, from the decrepitation it undergoes. 
 
 Professor Johnson gives the analysis of this coal, the mean of three 
 experiments, viz : 
 
 Fixed carbon 83.13 83.36 87.18 = 84.56 
 
 Volatile matter 8.28 6.64 7.35 = 7.42 
 
 Earthv matter 8.60 9.60 5.47 = 7.89 
 
 100.00 100.00 100.00 = 99.87 
 
 Mean specific gravity 1.49. 
 
 IRON ORES. 
 
 Professor Schaeffer was directed to examine the iron ores, with 
 particular reference to a determination of their commercial value, or 
 if they were combined with any injurious substances, especially phos- 
 phorus and sulphur. The method of analysis he reports as having 
 adopted is as follows, viz: The ore was reduced, in an agate mortar, 
 to an impalpable powder; a part weighed, then dried, and ignited in 
 an open crucible to drive off water and burn all carbonaceous matter, 
 and the quantity thus driven off and consumed determined. 
 
 It was digested in hydrochloric or nitro-hydrochloric acid, accord- 
 ing to circumstances, until everything soluble was taken up; the solu- 
 tion was then, after dilution, filtered, and the residue insoluble in 
 acid determined. This was mainly, if not entirely, silica. The acid 
 solution, containing more or less of peroxide of iron, was then acted 
 upon by a current of washed sulphurated hydrogen, or by its solution 
 in water, until sulpho-cyanite of potassium gave little or no color, 
 evidencing that all of the peroxide of iron had been reduced to a 
 protoxide. The solution, smelling strongly of sulphurated hydrogen, 
 was then boiled until every trace of this gas had disappeared. 
 
 The quantity of iron present was then determined by the quantity 
 of a solution bichromate of potassa required to convert the protoxide 
 to peroxide, as ascertained by testing with a solution of ferricyanide 
 of potassium. ' The solution of bichromate was made according to 
 the equivalents required. It was more than once tested by solutions 
 of known quantities of pure iron, so that there might be no doubt as 
 to the results. When any variations from this mode of analysis were 
 adopted it will be noticed under the respective ores. All the ores 
 Avere tested for the presence of sulphur and phosphorus. The test 
 for sulphur was by the action of chloride of barium upon the acid 
 solutions. The presence of phosphorus was determined by an acid 
 solution of molybdate of ammonia in excess. This test gave a nega- 
 tive result, except in one case. The presence of either of these 
 substances was only ascertained in the ores in which it is mentioned. 
 
 The blade bandkore is saffl to have been first noticed at the Farmers- 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 13 
 
 ville pits, where it crops out. It appears not to have been suspected 
 as being similar to the black band of Scotland. At its outcrop it 
 resembles the argillaceous carbonates, but the change it undergoes 
 was thought to be owing to the influence of the weather. When 
 found in the coal fields it invariably accompanies the coal seam. 
 There is a seam lying between the two upper seams of coal of sixteen 
 inches thick, and two others, each three feet in thickness, below the 
 sandstone or fire clay, having a thin seam of coal between them. 
 With this seam of coal they may be mined with great advantage. 
 
 This ore is readily distinguished from a slate by its brownish black 
 color. It has an even fracture, slightly concoidal, massive and com- 
 pact. After being roasted, it is strongly magnetic; it is easily con- 
 verted into pig metal, and the coal mined with it is almost sufficient 
 for this purpose. The iron produced from it is highly valued to mix 
 with other ores for castings, but for forging it is deficient in strength 
 and never used. 
 
 Professor Schaeffer remarks upon this black band ore, that it has a 
 slaty structure, and is highly bituminous. The iron is present in the 
 form of carbonate of the protoxide; there is also some carbonate of 
 lime and the usual earthy matter in such ores. It loses when burned 
 with access of air 39.9 per cent., 24 per cent, going off as gas; 
 sulphur was present in considerate quantity, but not estimated. In 
 its analysis the large quantity of bituminous matter had at first 
 prevented the complete solution of the iron. This was discovered on 
 igniting the silica after a prolonged digestion, when it was again 
 digested in acid, and the whole of the iron obtained. 
 
 The composition of this ore is as follows, viz. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Bitumen, carbonic acid, given off as gas 26.0 
 
 Fixed carbon 15.9 
 
 Earthy matter soluble in acid 28.4 
 
 Silica 12.5 
 
 Protoxide of iron 17. 2 
 
 100.0 
 
 Specific gravity, 2.12. 
 
 This small per cent, of iron led to the examination of another 
 portion of this ore. It was first ignited, again pulverized and digested 
 in acid. The result, however, was nearly the same as the above. 
 The quantity of iron is too small to make this a good ore. It is more 
 bituminous than the well known "black band,*' to which it bears a 
 great resemblance. 
 
 The composition of this "black band"' ore, according to the 
 analyses of Dr. Jackson, is much richer, and gives — 
 
 Carbon 31.30 
 
 Peroxide of iron 47.50 
 
 Silex 9.00 
 
14 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 Bitumen and water 8.81 
 
 Sulphur 3.39 
 
 100.00 
 
 The specimen analyzed by Professor Schaeffer contained, undoubt- 
 edly, much less iron than the general run of the vein, and much 
 more bitumen, and, as he remarks, it might be used for making gas. 
 He is of opinion it would bear the expense of transportation to be 
 used for this purpose, (it furnishes, at least, one-fourth its weight of 
 volatile matter,) as the sulphur is not given off until after the gas has 
 escaped. 
 
 The presence of phosphorus was detected in this ore in considera- 
 ble quantity, probably owing to the (coprolites) animal matter it 
 contains. 
 
 Many coprolites arc found in the black band, and fossils are also 
 more abundant than in the slates. Professor Emmons found the 
 Saurian teeth in great abundance in the seam, which intervenes 
 between the upper coal beds. 
 
 Specular ores occur outside the sandstone formation, about six 
 miles to the northward of the gulf, on the road towards the town of 
 Graham. It is said to be in abundance, and the plank road passes 
 not far from it. The analysis of the ore by Professor Schaeffer is as 
 follows, viz: 
 
 Peroxide of iron 9G.4 
 
 Silica 2.1 
 
 Earthy matter soluble 1.5 
 
 100.0 
 
 This is nearly pure peroxide. 
 
 The ''heading ore' 7 is also of this kind, and situated not far from 
 it. It contains, viz: 
 
 Peroxide 98.2 
 
 Silica 1.4 
 
 Soluble in acid • 0.4 
 
 100.0 
 
 Specific gravity, 5.09. 
 
 Prolonged ignition produced no appreciable loss in weight. Few 
 ores are as pure as this, and none but the nearly pure magnetic oxide 
 are richer in iron. 
 
 The hemetitic ores are some distance beyond, and 9 miles from the 
 gulf, on a hill known as Ore Knob. It is elevated about 300 feet 
 above the surrounding country, and covers about 350 acres. The 
 ore is a red one. It is visible everywhere. A massive vein appears 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 15 
 
 to bisect the hill, and continue beyond to the southwest. Some 
 specimens of fibrous ore were observed. The 1 1 ill is well situated for 
 mining, and has been opened in several places, and we were informed 
 Avas worked in the revolutionary war. Some castings are said to have 
 been found, which were made then, and proved, on examination, to 
 be of great strength anjd toughness. The analysis by Professor 
 Schaeffer is as follows, viz: 
 
 Peroxide of iron 74.3 
 
 Silica 10.6 
 
 Earthy matter 5.6 
 
 Water 9.5 
 
 Sulphur, a trace 0.0 
 
 100.0 
 
 The quantity of iron makes this a valuable ore. 
 
 Magnetic Iron, Ore. — Its color is reddish brown; it lies in regular 
 strata; is 2 \ feet in thickness. It is found in various places, but 
 was observed especially at the Tysor place. Its analysis by Professor 
 Emmons gives, viz: 
 
 PeroxidS of iron 79.720 
 
 Carbon 7.368 
 
 Silica 4.000 
 
 Water 8.800 
 
 99. 
 
 Contains 61 per cent. 
 
 When reduced to powder, this ore becomes of an olive brown color 
 and attracted by the magnet. It is here that a company are erecting 
 a Catalan forge, for the production of blooms. 
 
 The "ball ore' 7 resembles the ore of the other coal formations. 
 It has also been analyzed and found to contain, viz: 
 
 By Professor Schaeffer. By Professor Emmons. 
 
 Protoxide of iron 40 Peroxide of iron 32.40 
 
 Silica 13 Silica 40.00 
 
 Carbonic acid and carbona- Carbonate of lime 4.72 
 
 ceous matter 34 Carbonic acid 18.21 
 
 Earthy matter 13 Volatile matter 4.66 
 
 100 99.99 
 
 There is another locality of iron ore lying without this coal forma- 
 tion, and rising through the older slate rocks, on the Cape Fear river, 
 at Buckhorn Falls. Although it was not immediately connected with 
 the district to which our examination was directed, yet it was visited. 
 It lies some 9 miles below the junction of the Haw and Deep rivers, 
 immediately on the east bank of the Cape Fear river. This ore hill 
 
16 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 rises about 300 feet in height. It passes in a southeast direction for 
 nearly a mile, and covers a surface of over 300 acres. It is some- 
 what dome-shaped, and appears to be one mass of very rich ore, 
 having a solid vein of pure peroxide, which is 8 feet in width, while 
 ores containing manganese and silicious matter extend beyond it on 
 each side. ^ 
 
 This remarkable ore was first discovered by Mr. Wm. McClane, 
 but a few years since, and it probably has ^not its equal as a deposit 
 of iron in this country short of the Iron mountain of Missouri. 
 Professor Emmons says it is similar to tfyat ore, as well as to that 
 found on Lake Superior. It is a massive peroxide of iron, in compo- 
 sition similar to the well known specular ore; is of a dull reddish 
 brown color, has a bright red streak, is not crystalized, but very 
 heavy, tough but not difficult to break. He gives its analysis as follows : 
 
 By Professor Emmons. 
 
 Peroxide of iron 95.20 
 
 Silica 4.79 
 
 99.99 
 
 By Professor Morfit. 
 
 Peroxide of iron 92.96 
 
 Silica * 3.60 
 
 Manganese 1.14 
 
 Lime, magnesia,* , and alu- 
 mina J- 2.32 
 
 100.00 
 
 Specific gravity, 4.952. 
 
 Professor Emmons found neither alumina, manganese, or lime, nor 
 was he able to detect sulphuret of iron, and does not believe the ore 
 contains any foreign substance that would be injurious to its manu- 
 facture. 
 
 The specimens of which the above is the analysis were no doubt 
 taken from the central part of the vein. 
 
 The specimen submitted to Professor Schaeffer was taken from 
 beyond the vein, as it contains silex and manganese in some quantity. 
 Professor Morfit' s analysis of another portion exhibits nearly the 
 same result: 
 
 By Professor Schaeffer. By Professor Morfit. 
 
 Peroxide of iron 56.4 Peroxide of iron 42.00 
 
 Silica 26.4 Silica 27.20 
 
 Manganese and earthy matter 17.2 Metallic manganese 7.99 
 
 Lime, magnesia and alumina 18.13 
 Oxygen with iron 15.69 
 
 100. 99.82 
 
 Specific gravity 4.52 and 4.42. 
 
 It is quite evident that the above specimens were taken from dif- 
 ferent parts of the vein, and therefore the impurities appear. The 
 first determination is to be taken as to the analysis of the pure ore, and 
 the latter as that lying beyond the vein. 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 17 
 
 Professor Schaeffer found this ore excessively hard; sufficiently so 
 to scratch glass, and difficult to pulverize. Some traces of a metal 
 were precipitated from the acid solution by sulphurated hydrogen, 
 which he believes was lead. 
 
 This ore can be transported for manufacture on the Deep river T 
 or sent down the Cape Fear to Wilmington to be shipped to a north- 
 ern market. 
 
 Thus it will be perceived that there is no want of iron ores of the 
 finest kind for manufacturing the best quality of iron, and all that is 
 required is limestone; but this is not to be found in the coal field of 
 sufficient purity to be used. There are hydraulic limestones found in 
 Jhe shaft at Egypt, but they contain a great deal of magnesia. 
 Analyzed by Professor Emmons, I find its contents as follows: 
 
 Silex 16.20 
 
 Carbonate of lime 42.600 
 
 Carbonate of magnesia 16.004 
 
 Iron 19.380 
 
 Alumina 0.750 
 
 Water ■ 2. 
 
 96.934 
 
 A limestone bed occurs at Evander Mclver's, but it does not appear 
 to'contain much lime, and slacked very slowly; none of it is crystallized, 
 and from the analysis of Professor Emmons, it contains a larger pro- 
 portion of magnesia than the foregoing obtained from the shaft at 
 
 Egypt, as follows: 
 
 Carbonate of lime 46.00 
 
 Carbonate of magnesia 28.70 
 
 Silex 10.40 
 
 Water 2.40 
 
 Protoxide of iron 5.60 
 
 Bitumen loss 0.00 
 
 A strata of magnesian limestone crops out in the neighborhood of 
 Evans' mills. Its strike is to the northward and westward. 
 
 Although there may be no limestone in this valley suited for the 
 fluxes of the ores of iron, yet it can be readily obtained by the return 
 boats from some of the deposits on the Cape Fear river, below Fay- 
 ette ville, where shell lime exists in great quantities. 
 
 The composition of the calcareous shales, according to Professor . 
 
 Emmons, is as follows, viz: 
 
 Carbonate of lime 35.50 
 
 Magnesia 9 .25 
 
 Alumina and protoxide of iron- • 15.70 
 
 Water 2.59 
 
 Insoluble 36.88 
 
 Ex. Doc. 26 2 
 
 99.93 
 
18 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 Copper. — Several copper mines, lying on the northeast, near Rocky 
 river, coming up through the metamorphic slates, have been dis- 
 covered, and have proved very rich. I did not visit the localities, 
 but saw a large number of barrels on their way to the north. It was 
 the yellow and gray sulphuret, they informed me. 
 
 In speaking of the manufacture of iron, I must mention that char- 
 coal can be had in any quantity and at a very low price, as the virgin 
 forest yet exists in the neighborhood of the Deep River district; and 
 those engaged in the use and manufacture of iron know that the best 
 kinds of iron cannot be produced without this article, and that neither 
 the anthracite nor bituminous coals, nor coke, can compare with it. 
 
 It is thought by those who have great experience in the manu-^ 
 facture of iron that there is no locality on the eastern side of the 
 Alleganies where a better article of iron can be produced than in the 
 Deep River district, and at less cost. Its proximity to market gives 
 it great advantages for becoming a large manufacturing district, which 
 must be the case, from the weight and bulk of the coal and iron and 
 its cost in transportation; besides, it will prove far more economical 
 and profitable to manufacture articles on the spot. 
 
 I am of opinion that very little, if any, coal will be sent to market 
 from this district, unless for use in generating gas, which may be 
 able to afford the price it will command for the manufacture of iron. 
 
 There are few places to be found in our country where there is 
 such a concentration of material, and which can be mined with so 
 little toil and expense; an abundance of the best fuel, consisting of 
 charcoal, and the mineral coals susceptible of being advantageously 
 coked, and in great quantity and variety for all purposes of the arts, 
 as well as domestic uses; fire clays for refractory furnaces; building 
 materials of sandstone, gneiss, and granite; milestone grit, and fine 
 sandstone for grindstones; clays and sands for the manufacture of 
 glass and porcelain. Of the latter class there is a large tract near 
 Jones' Falls — a part of the plantation of Captain Bryant. 
 
 Steatite, or soapstone, and agalmatolite are found in extensive 
 masses in Chatham county, near Hancock's mills, in alternate beds 
 with the metamorphic slates. The latter is of exceedingly fine and 
 compact grain, and has a very soft and soapy feeling, and is of a 
 greenish-white color. It is different in composition from the steatite 
 or soapstone, and is of a much finer grain. It can be applied to the 
 same uses; but that which has been quarried in Chatham county has 
 been ground at Stuart's mills, on the Deep river, to a powder as fine 
 as flour, and exported to New York, where it is used for clarifying 
 sugar. It sells for $18 or $20 a ton; but in Carolina I was told that 
 it was believed to be used for the adulteration of paints or soaps, and 
 for a cosmetic. Its composition is given by Professor Emmons from 
 an analysis of Jackson, as follows: 
 
 Silex 73.00 
 
 Alumina 18.76 
 
 Potash 
 Water 
 
 2.00 
 3.55 
 
 97.21 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 19 
 
 Roofing slates are found on Rocky river, near the residence of Mr. 
 Johnson. Specimens were brought me of some size and suitable 
 thickness. They were of a light slate color, compact, and appeared 
 to split smooth and even. 
 
 I had not time to visit the quarry, but learned from reliable au- 
 thorit}^ that it was well situated, near the forks, and above water 
 level, and could be easily obtained. 
 
 Timber. — The Deep River country is the dividing line between the 
 alluvial and primitive formation. The change of vegetation has a 
 well defined outline, the long leafed pine lying on the south, and the 
 oaks and other timber on the north. Our examination of the timber 
 extended not only over the Deep River country above described, but 
 over many miles surrounding it. This examination proved conclu- 
 sively that there was but a small quantity of large oak and other 
 timber required for naval purposes. There are considerable quan- 
 tities of the middle size, which is well adapted for the construction 
 of vessels and machinery. 
 
 Most of the country has been cleared, and the large timber cut 
 down or fallen; the few left standing are partially decayed and 
 useless. 
 
 As the country is becoming more settled, and improvements are 
 progressing, this timber will fast disappear. On the south the virgin 
 pine forest yet exists, of which kind of timber there is an abundant 
 supply of all sizes. 
 
 For the localities examined I annex hereto the report of Mr. Pook, 
 naval constructor, whose attention was particularly directed to this 
 subject. 
 
 In the examination of this district the water power claimed much 
 of my attention. It has been previously mentioned that the Deep 
 river has been dammed, to effect its slack-water navigation. These 
 dams are five in number, with a fall of thirty feet, and the water is 
 set back at the upper pool as far as Woomble branch. Beyond this 
 is the Hancock mills, which is the only one I shall include in the- 
 Deep River district. The last dam is at Evans' bridge, where there 
 is a lock, and several mills for grain, &c. The next dam below is at 
 the Gulf, and has a large flour mill, as well as carding machines,, 
 owned by Mr. Lawrence Haughton. The third is at the bend of the 
 river, below Egypt, where the fall is about seven feet. There is no 
 mill yet erected at this place. The fourth is at Glegg's, below the 
 Rocky river, and the fifth and lowest is at Jones 7 Falls. Here they are 
 improving the water power, and several mills are being repaired and 
 constructed. This fall is two and a half miles from the Cape Fear 
 river. This slack-water navigation is uninterrupted, as will also be 
 the mills during the entire year. 
 
 Besides this water power on the Deep river, there are very many 
 sites on the Haw, Rocky, and Cape Fear rivers, and on most of the 
 'creeks leading into the Deep river; there are mills for grinding the 
 cereals and sawing the timber, of great convenience, as well as of 
 advantage, to the country. 
 
 We now come to the consideration of the accessibility of this dis> 
 
20 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 trict, or the ways and means of transporting its materials to the 
 markets of the world. — (See map.) 
 
 The first which claimed my attention was the slack-water naviga- 
 tion of the Cape Fear and Deep rivers. This is effected through the 
 construction of nineteen dams and locks, from Jones' Falls, on the 
 Cape Fear, to above that at Evans' bridge, the pool of which latter 
 reaches the Woomble branch of the Deep river. The whole distance 
 is ninety-eight miles, and the height overcome 204 feet. The locks 
 are 115 feet in length and 18 feet in width, and boats carrying from 
 100 to 120 tons, drawing six feet water, may navigate and reach the 
 upper part of the coal field, passing close to the various coal and iron 
 properties. The outcrop of the coal along this line is not elevated 
 more than 100 feet; and, if mined from below, it can be taken out 
 above the water level, so that the conveniences for the shipment of 
 the production of this region will be very great when this work is 
 finished. Had the dams and locks been properly and faithfully con- 
 structed, the economical geology of the Deep River district would 
 have been long ere this developed, and the great and valuable in- 
 terests in the production of coal and the manufacture of iron received 
 a stimulous which would have added to the wealth of the State and 
 of its inhabitants. 
 
 But this work has been procrastinated; the liberal appropriations 
 of the State so lavishly squandered in the construction of inefficient 
 dams and insecure locks, which were found inadequate to bear their 
 oivn weight without the force of the water. It was, indeed, a great 
 misfortune to this district, and, combined with the arguments relative 
 to the existence of a coal basin by scientific gentlemen of high char- 
 acter and learning, tended to create prejudice and produce almost a 
 total apathy on the part of the legislature towards making further 
 appropriations or receiving subscriptions from individuals for finishing 
 this great and useful work. Fortunately, by the well directed efforts 
 of Mr. McClane, in sinking the shaft at Egypt, the truth of the ex- 
 istence of large quantities of coal was established beyond a doubt, 
 and added much to the reputation of Professor Emmons, the State 
 geologist, who had manfully persisted in maintaining what the result 
 has proved. 
 
 It was a great satisfaction to perceive that this important work had 
 fallen into better hands, and to learn from Major Morrell that the 
 slack- water navigation would soon be in use.* 
 
 It is to be regretted, however, that the locks will be but temporary 
 and require renewing. It is hoped that the legislature of the State 
 will render some assistance in erecting permanent stone locks, to 
 replace these wooden ones, and without loss of time. 
 
 As far as my own observation went, and from the report of others 
 who are well acquainted with these structures, I should suppose that 
 they might last some time. Some apprehensions are entertained rela- 
 tive to the two lower dams, which are built on the soft sandstone 
 
 <* 1 hear, as this report is beiDg handed in, that the first boats have passed, loaded with 
 coal and iron ores, and some with cotton and flour. 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 21 
 
 rock, known by the name of "hard pan;" but I think without cause, 
 if proper precautions are taken to prevent the undermining of the 
 dams consequent upon the attrition of the rock by stones and gravel, 
 which finally wear through it, exposing the sands beneath to the 
 action of the water. Should this take place it would soon overtopple 
 the dam. But, as the engineers are well aware of this defect in the 
 rock on which they are built, I have no doubt they will take every 
 precaution and keep the dams in good repair. 
 
 Below Fayetteville, some eight miles, the shoals of the Cape Fear 
 river are encountered. When drought prevails there is not a suffi- 
 ciency of water over these shoals to float a steamer drawing more 
 than eighteen inches water. Mr. Pook reports that he was detained 
 there some hours, and, in consequence, was thirty hours from Fayette- 
 ville to Wilmington on a small steamer. 
 
 These shoals it is thought could be avoided by a canal around them 
 or deepened by a sluice. The river is navigable for ten months in the 
 year, and boats used on the river and slack-water navigation can then 
 pass free from all detention. It is desirable that this work should be 
 accomplished, as great detriment must result to the trade when the 
 western railroad and slack-water navigation are completed, particu- 
 larly during the season of greatest activity, as this river below 
 Fayetteville is the common outlet for all the internal trade towards 
 Wilmington and the Atlantic. Steamboats ply daily between Wil- 
 mington and Fayetteville, a distance of 100 miles, in twelve hours, 
 and those of small size will be employed to tow the barges on the 
 slack- water navigation. 
 
 Besides their slack-water navigation, the citizens of Fayetteville 
 have undertaken to construct a railroad direct to the coal fields, with 
 the intention of carrying it on to the junction with the Central road, 
 near High Point, and have pushed its structure with great energy and 
 perseverance. The whole route has been surveyed, and the road 
 located the entire distance of fifty miles, a fourth part of which is now 
 completed and in use. It is confidently believed that they will be able 
 to finish the whole in a year. Having done thus much without any 
 assistance, they hope to get some aid from the State, and of which 
 their project is deserving. There need be no apprehension as to its 
 detracting from the slack-water navigation, for there will be abundance 
 of traffic for both. The one will assist the other, and both are essential 
 for the conveyance of passengers and freight. 
 
 I see every reason to anticipate the influx of a large population, 
 with an abundant capital, to mine and manufacture the raw material, 
 in which case all the routes of transportation will receive as much 
 encouragement as will satisfy the most sanguine expectations that 
 may be entertained by the projectors. 
 
 The cheaper and more certain the conveyance of the productions 
 and manufactured articles the greater will be the benefit to both 
 projector and State. 
 
 Other improvements are projected; among them a railroad from the 
 coal fields to Raleigh, a distance of some thirty miles. The route is 
 a most favorable one, and will make another connexion with the 
 
22 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 Central road, also with the Gaston and Raleigh, and through it with 
 the Seaboard and Roanoke, which will place the coal fields into direct 
 communication of a few hours with Norfolk. 
 
 Besides the above, there will be a connexion with the harbor of 
 Beaufort, by the Central road to Goldsboro 7 , and thence, by the 
 Newberne and Morehead City, to that point. The distance of both 
 the above routes is less than 200 miles. There is also a connexion 
 talked of betwen Fayetteville and Warsaw, on the Wilmington and 
 Weldon, and from the latter, by a branch road, at Kingston, which 
 will give another route. 
 
 Deeming it a part of my duty, after I had completed the examina- 
 tion of the Deep River district, I passed over these routes, and to 
 the seaboard at Beaufort harbor. That of Wilmington I was personally 
 well acquainted with, and also with Beaufort, through the surveys. 
 I need not, however, offer any remarks on either of these places, as 
 they are too well known to require any description. Wilmington has 
 a large and increasing trade, with an enterprising community. Beau- 
 fort is looking forward to becoming, at no distant period, a point of 
 shipment for the productions of the State to the northern ports, and 
 several distinguished individuals have embarked in the improvements 
 with capital and energy. 
 
 Whilst speaking of the individual exertions made in the State, I 
 should refer to the projects entertained in South Carolina of directing 
 some of her lines of internal improvements towards those leading to 
 the coal fields of the Deep river. Surveys have been made from 
 Camden, by the route of Carthage, but I have some doubts of this 
 being pushed forward with the energy that I found existing among 
 the citizens of North Carolina, and the determination to carry on the 
 works now constructing or about to be undertaken. 
 
 I cannot speak with any certainty of the improvements having 
 begun in the Deep River district itself. A few years ago many com- 
 panies were organized, and property purchased on speculation; but 
 many projectors became disheartened, finding there would be no means 
 of getting these raw materials to market, in consequence of the failure 
 to establish the slack-water navigation ; but as this event is at last 
 consummated, they are about to be re-established and put in operation. 
 
 The property has passed out of the hands of speculators into those 
 who intend to adapt its natural advantages to useful and profitable 
 ends. With the opening of the routes I understand many will com- 
 mence operations, and I make no doubt they will produce, in a few 
 years, such changes in the district as will fully establish what is now 
 only conjecture. 
 
 On leaving the Deep River district I took the plank road from the 
 Gulf to Fayetteville, a distance of fifty miles, in a southerly direction. 
 The country is very sparsely settled, and is generally covered by the 
 virgin forest of long leaf pine. But few of the trees have been 
 " boxed. n The country rises until the plantation of A. Schermer- 
 horn is reached, where it is four hundred feet above the level, and 
 forms the dividing line of waters flowing north and south. Here the 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 23 
 
 Gulf plank road joins that from Fayette ville to Ashboro', in Randolph 
 county. 
 
 From Schermerborn's to Wilmington there is a regular series of 
 undulations, not unlike the ground-swell of the ocean, extending to 
 within a few miles of Fayetteville, and these undulations tend east 
 and west, and appear to extend over this whole section of country; 
 lie directly across the line of railroad, running nearly north and south ; 
 consequently require heavy, deep cutting. In one of these, about 
 ten miles from Fayetteville, the substratum has been reached, corre- 
 sponding to the surface undulations, and exposing to view the tena- 
 cious and unctuous blue clay of which it is composed. 
 
 I regret that my time did not permit my delaying to examine it 
 carefully. The country, to within a few miles of Fayetteville, con- 
 tinues to be Avell wooded with the long leaf pine; the soil is sandy, 
 though occasionally we passed over some of the sandstone, or the 
 "hard pan rock," of the country, (and which frequently caps the 
 undulations spoken of above.) It is of a dark brown or reddish color, 
 is used in building, and is a cheap and easily wrought material, but 
 cannot bear exposure to heat. 
 
 Fayetteville is well situated on the north side of Rockfish creek, 
 some 72 feet above the level of the Cape Fear river, when at its 
 lowest stages. During freshets the river rises 50 feet, but these pass 
 off rapidly. On the Rockfish creek and the streams there is excel- 
 lent water power, on which a number of mills have been established 
 for the manufacture of cotton, paper, &c. 
 
 I was exceedingly gratified with my visit to the United States 
 arsenal, in charge of Captain Bradford, of the army. Few establish- 
 ments will compare with it for the arrangement of the buildings and 
 proper adaptation to their uses. Every department of the army 
 implements are here stored in a state for immediate use, and the good 
 •order, cleanliness, and system prevailing, show unceasing attention to 
 the duties assigned him. 
 
 I understood that the whole had been under his direction from the 
 commencement, except for a short time during the war, when he was 
 employed in Mexico. A range of workshops have lately been added, 
 and the machinery is being put up, to make it a manufacturing estab- 
 lishment as well as a depot. It is situated upon the high bluff over- 
 looking the town, and commands one of the finest views in the country. 
 To Captain Bradford I desire to return my thanks for his attentions to 
 myself and other members of the commission; and to the citizens also, 
 all of whom united to afford me every facility in their power. 
 
 I may make mention here, that I visited the "workshops" of the 
 North Carolina Central Railroad Company, situated 16 miles east of 
 Greensboro', where they have it in contemplation to manufacture all 
 the machinery of the road. The shops are extensive, well arranged, 
 and admirably adapted for the purposes intended; but I was disap- 
 pointed in learning that all the iron used was imported from other 
 States, and therefore I had no opportunity of seeing the iron of the 
 State in use, or employed in the construction of machinery of any 
 kind, as I had been led to anticipate; affording another proof that 
 
24 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 the valuable productions of North Carolina are unknown, and conse- 
 quently uncalled for. 
 
 Desirous of comparing the relative values of the iron ore of the 
 Deep River district with those of the western part of the State, I 
 made a visit to the "High Shoal falls," to inspect some of the forges 
 which are now in operation at that place, and on the south fork of the 
 Catawba, taking with me specimens of those of the Deep river, to 
 compare them with similar kinds of ore which I understood was now 
 being produced in blooms or loups from the Calatan forge in that 
 part of the State. I was disappointed in finding the iron works at 
 the "High Shoal" discontinued, and the water power exclusively 
 applied to the reduction of gold ores. I saw, however, many speci- 
 mens of the peroxide and argillaceous ores from which iron had been 
 made, and which strongly resembled the specimens I had with me. 
 I found several forges at work on the south fork of the Catawba, 
 forging blooms, which they assured me were of the best kinds of ore 
 that could be procured; but they were not comparable to the speci- 
 mens I showed them, which they considered to be of the best kind. 
 These forges were small and rudely constructed; the trip-hammer was 
 worked by water power, which also gave the blast. They seldom pro- 
 duce over 350 pounds in a day, with two forges and three workmen,, 
 for which they obtain four and a half cents per pound, equal to about 
 $100 per ton. The fuel used was charcoal. 
 
 Having given the details of the examination of the Deep River 
 country, its coal, iron, and timber, I shall consider that part of the 
 resolution of the Senate relative to the "expediency of establishing, 
 at some point in the State, machine and workshops for the construc- 
 tion of engines, boilers, &c, &c, for naval vessels." The contents 
 of this report fully establish the fact that there is an abundance of 
 the raw materials for the manufacture of iron of the very best 
 description for use in the construction of engines and boilers for 
 naval vessels; that, with the exception of the largest size of timber, 
 there is also an abundance of that material for use in the construction 
 of the implements of wood employed on board naval vessels, and 
 there is no doubt that all these materials can be obtained at less cost 
 and of superior quality than elsewhere in the eastern section of the 
 United States. This could be accomplished either by the government 
 erecting furnaces for the reduction of the ores, or by encouragement 
 offered for the best kinds of iron, &c, for these purposes. 
 
 There can be no doubt of the expediency of having the indestruc- 
 tible materials used in our steam navy of the very best kind constantly 
 on hand, to meet the wants of the steam service; and I can see no 
 difficulty in the government establishing machine and workshops for 
 the construction of all the parts of the engines and plates for boilers, 
 as well as workshops for the making of implements required, of wood r 
 in the naval service. 
 
 As to the expediency of establishing these at some point in the 
 State of North Carolina, you will be able to come to a correct con- 
 clusion upon the subject now that all the facts are laid before you. 
 
 Our attention being specially directed to the Deep River country 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 25 
 
 we have a better knowledge of it than any other part of the State; 
 and we believe that no other portion of North Carolina can offer so 
 many advantages for the manufacture of iron as the Deep River dis- 
 trict. Besides an abundance of raw material, there is both water and 
 steam power at command. The climate is salubrious and the country 
 healthy; all kinds of provisions abundant and cheap. The agricultural 
 products consist of wheat, corn, rye, and oats. Vegetables and fruits 
 are to be had in their season, in plenty and of fine kinds. 
 
 The great advantages it offers to the miner and manufacturer of 
 iron will insure a large population of those engaged in these pursuits. 
 It is also desirable for the agriculturist; finer crops are seldom seen 
 than those which fell under our observation on the bottom lands, 
 bordering the ravines and creeks, and they seldom fail. 
 
 The temperature neither partakes of the extremes of winter or 
 summer; and those who have passed many years there enjoyed ex- 
 cellent health. Although constantly exposed during the months of 
 August and September, in the hottest weather I felt little inconveni- 
 ence and no debility from the effects of heat after I reached this dis- 
 trict. The navigation of the river is never closed by ice, and travel 
 on the railroads rarely interrupted. 
 
 The distance frcm Washington is less than 24 hours by rail, and 
 when the contemplated improvements are finished there will be means 
 of transportation north, south, east, and west. 
 
 I herewith submit copies of the reports of Chief Engineers Hunt 
 and D. B. Martin and Naval Constructor S. M. Pook to me, relative 
 to the fulfilment of the duties assigned them in the examination of the 
 Deep River district. It affords me pleasure to state that their duties 
 were performed to my entire satisfaction. 
 
 I annex a map of the Deep River district, prepared by myself, to 
 which reference has been made in the body of this report. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with great respect, 
 
 CHARLES WILKES, 
 Captain United States Navy, Chief of ComH n. 
 
 Hon. Isaac Toucey, 
 
 Secretary of the Navy, Washington. 
 
 Washington, D. C, December 4, 1858. 
 
 Sift: Herewith enclosed you will please find our report on the ex- 
 amination of the iron, (ore,) coal, and timber of the Deep River 
 country, in the State of North Carolina, as per orders of the Navy 
 Department of the 21st of July last. 
 
 First, we would please state that this report has been delayed, 
 waiting for samples of minerals to be sent from the Deep River 
 country to be analyzed, as we wished to give the analysis in this 
 report; but as they have very lately arrived, and it requiring con- 
 siderable time to make the analysis, which is being done under your 
 
26 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 directions, and as you informed us you would state the analysis in 
 your report, we concluded it unnecessary to wait longer for that 
 purpose. 
 
 As our orders referred particularly to the examination of iron, coal, 
 and timber, we think it proper here to state, that in consequence of 
 there not having been any furnaces in operation, or, as yet, no iron 
 made in that section of country, we cannot report what will be the 
 quality of iron made, should furnaces ever be put in operation, as 
 that will depend almost as much on the manufacturing as on the raw 
 material; even a chemical analysis showing the component parts of 
 an ore will not determine the quality of the products of a furnace. 
 But from the great quantities of ore we saw in different localities, 
 together with the various kinds and qualities — some exceedingly rich 
 — we have no hesitation in saying there is in the Deep River country 
 almost inexhaustible quantities of ore, from which, by a proper 
 selection and mixing, the very best quality of pig or wrought iron 
 can be made. 
 
 Of coals, as you are aware, there are two kinds. We shall speak 
 first of the bituminous, which appears to be the general product of 
 that coal field. A sample, sent on, was tried in the smith shop in the 
 Washington navy yard, and compares well with the Cumberland coals 
 used there. It appears quite free from sulphur or slate, and leaves 
 very little earthy matter. 
 
 Though we do not believe that the average produce of the mine 
 will compare in quality with the small sample sent for test, (as that 
 is contrary to our former experience,) yet we have no doubt that, by 
 careful mining, the coals of the Deep River valley will compare well 
 in quality with any bituminous coals in market, and will ever find 
 ready sale either for smith' s use or for making gas, and with properly 
 constructed ovens it will make a good coke for the manufacturing of 
 iron. For steamers it is not as good as Pennsylvania anthracite. 
 The seam of semi-bituminous coals discovered in the Deep River val- 
 ley containing, as it does, so little volatile matter, it nearly approaches 
 anthracite. In our opinion it can never have much local value so 
 long as good coals are so abundant; and we think it is of too poor 
 quality to pay transportation and compete with the poorest quality of 
 anthracite now- in market. 
 
 The extent of the Deep River coal field, or the probable supply 
 contained therein, is a question more properly belonging to geologists, 
 and we presume will be given in your report, as far as could be ascer- 
 tained, though we trust it will not be improper for us here to state 
 that the slopes, shafts, and pits which we were shown, prove a con- 
 tinuous seam of coal on the northern outcrop, from Mclvers 7 planta- 
 tion, proceeding up the river eighteen or twenty miles; and Professor 
 Emmons, in one of his reports, says: "Its outcrop of coal, or line 
 upon which it has been proved to exist, is about thirty miles." That 
 being the case, and there being two or three seams of coal, one of 
 which is six feet thick, we think there can be no doubt there will be 
 an abundant supply for a long period, either for commercial or manu- 
 facturing purposes. 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 27 
 
 The Deep River country abounds in a variety of timber, though as 
 far as we saw we should judge there is but little which will answer 
 for ship building, even if there were means for transporting it to the 
 seaboard. The long leafed or yello w pine is most abundant, and forms 
 almost interminable forests on the south side; while on the north and 
 west there is a variety of oak, intermixed with hickory, ash, elms, and 
 short leafed pines. 
 
 Should it ever become a manufacturing country, there will be found 
 a plentiful supply of good timber for all local purposes. But in a 
 country where good iron ore is so plentiful, the otherwise useless 
 forests of timber might be profitably used in the manufacturing of 
 iron, as charcoal pigs, or blooms, find a much more ready sale, and 
 bear a higher price than iron made with mineral coals. 
 
 Although our orders clo not call for information on the following 
 subject, yet we deem it our duty to state the fact, that whatever may 
 be the natural resources or mineral wealth of the Deep River country, 
 they are as yet, in a commercial or manufacturing point of view, of 
 but very little value, as there is no way or means of transporting them 
 to market, either by water or railroad. What maybe done hereafter 
 we know not; that is the present condition. 
 
 We are, respectfully, your obedient servants, 
 
 H. HUNT, 
 Chief Engineer United States Navy. 
 
 DAN. B. MARTIN, 
 Chief Engineer United States Navy. 
 
 Captain Charles Wilkes, 
 
 United States Navy. 
 
 Westervelt Ship Yard, 
 
 New York, September 6, 1858. 
 Sir: In obedience to your order I have examined the timber lands 
 in Deep River country, and respectfully report that I first took a 
 course through the woods from Haywood to Egypt, between Deep 
 river and Lick creek. I found the pines decayed for about one-third 
 the distance, and the balance well timbered with the long leaf pines, 
 but they are generally too small to be useful for naval purposes, being 
 under 16 inches in diameter, although there are a few from 20 to 24 
 inches. 
 
 I then returned to Haywood from Mr. Mclvers', to Captain Bry- 
 ant's, turning down the road from Fayette ville towards Lick creek, 
 and then to the Cape Fear .river, keeping along the creek and cross- 
 ing the road into the low grounds of the creek and Cape Fear river 
 until we came on the land of Dr. McCoy, and then back to Bryant's. 
 From Bryant's we again took a course towards Egypt, keeping along 
 the Deep river, and about half a mile distant from it, turning down 
 into the low grounds at various points, examining for the white oaks. 
 There are many oaks of the smaller growth, from 16 inches and less 
 
28 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP EIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 diameter at 25 to 30 feet above the ground, but very few of suitable 
 size for naval purposes. The largest I saw was on Dr. McCoy's plan- 
 tation, where there is a small tract of uncleared land (about two miles 
 by a half mile) of the white oaks and overcup oaks, but very few that 
 would work more than 12 or 14 inches square 40 feet above the 
 ground. Similar timber grows from Lick creek to below Buckhorn 
 falls, but there is no large tracts of white oaks suitable for naval pur- 
 poses, although there are a few, scattered here and there, which 
 would answer. 
 
 I then visited the Crab tree and White Oak creeks, where there 
 are white oaks of a larger growth, and some of them suitable for 
 naval purposes, for planks, stocks, &c. ; but no large tracts of un- 
 cleared land between Haywood and the New Hope, and but a small 
 number of trees of the larger growth in this vicinity. On the New 
 Hope, from Farrington's to Chapel Hill, there are some of the largest 
 trees I have seen, but they are principally of the overcup and chestnut 
 oaks, which are not considered so good for naval purposes as the white 
 oaks which grow upon higher ground. But few of the white oaks of 
 sufficient size are found upon the high grounds, although there are 
 many trees on this section suitable for plank, stocks, &c. 
 
 I would here remark that the roads are very bad, the country un- 
 dulating, and it would be very difficult to transport timber of the 
 large size any distance. 
 
 From New Hope creek I proceeded back to Egypt, and from thence 
 took the road to McLendon's creek and to Tyson's creek, and in this 
 vicinity the timber is similar to that found at New Hope, but the 
 lands are generally cleared where the large timber has grown, except 
 on this creek. 
 
 We proceeded southwest from Tyson's to Richland creek, passing 
 some pine woods, of small size, on Harrington's land; from thence to 
 Carthage we saw some pine woods, which have not been cut into, 
 where the land is uncleared and covered with long leaf pines suitable 
 for plank stocks for naval purposes; but, so far as I examined, large 
 trees are fewer in comparison with those of smaller size. From Car- 
 thage we took a northeast direction through the woods to the head of 
 Cowley and Governor's creeks to the branch plank road leading to 
 Carbonton and the Gulf, striking the plank road near Mcintosh's and 
 Kiddle's, towards Eli Craven's; I saw no timber of suitable size for 
 naval purposes on this route until we came to the pine wood between 
 the plank road and the Little Pocket; from this point towards Buffalo 
 Church are some of the large pines on the uncleared lands, but no 
 large quantities of the trees of the larger growth, the majority of them 
 being small in diameter. In passing through the woods from the 
 Buffalo Church on to the plank road leading to Fayetteville, I saw 
 very few trees of the larger size, although there are an abundance of 
 small trees from twelve to sixteen inches in diameter. There are no 
 roads or means of transportation for large timber, and the country is 
 much broken. 
 
 I visited the arsenal at Fayetteville, and saw suitable workshops 
 
EXAMINATION OF THE DEEP RIVER COUNTRY. 
 
 29 
 
 with steam engine and timber sheds, where may be manufactured all 
 articles required for army or naval purposes. 
 
 I also visited Rock Fish mills, where there is a paper mill and 
 cotton factory, with abundance of never-failing water power, avail- 
 able for any purpose. 
 
 The railroad, in course of construction from Fayetteville to the 
 coal fields, is finished about eight miles from there. It is supposed it 
 will be entirely finished by next spring. It is also in contemplation 
 to connect this road with the North Carolina road at Warsaw, which 
 intersects the Wilmington and Weldon road about forty-eight miles 
 from Wilmington. 
 
 The distance from Fayetteville to Wilmington by the Cape Fear 
 river is said to be 120 miles. I was thirty hours going the distance 
 in the steamer. We grounded about eight miles from Fayetteville, 
 although drawing only eighteen inches. I am told that from four to 
 five feet water may be depended upon for ten months in the year. 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 S. M. POOK. 
 
 Captain Charles Wilkes, 
 
 United States Navy. 
 
 I 
 
3.>*Corta. 2 ? Jess. Senate Kv. Doe .y??6. 
 
 
 
 IB- 
 
 
 1 
 
 IS 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 ' v '""~ : Character 
 ...Sail 
 
 3hwk slide nilh cytlierc- 
 .-- Calcareous sholes without fossils 
 
 Black slates mtit cylherc, Posidan. 
 
 __ Green adcarrmus shales no fossils 
 
 .3lxick bituminous sixties wifJi fbssils 
 
 - Calccweous shales ru> fi>ssils 
 
 - Black biiujranovjs slates with fbssils 
 -Iron, balls 
 
 Jjlack slates with loss Us 
 . CaJLrareous shales no ( fossils 
 
 .Hard Hack slate. 
 
 . .BUu-k slates, rirort batiks 
 
 . Sparry calcareous shales qreeu. a>lor 
 
 . Black slate with fbssils 
 
 - Tron balls. ,, j . 
 SarvdstoTiy 
 
 JiUzck slate, fire clav, iron bolts 
 
 .Black slates, beds of argillaceous 
 iron (met balls. 
 
 BUu-k state iron balls. 
 -Black slate iron balls 
 
 ^l^^HLA'l".Lshcte.coal 
 "Black bilarrnnoiu slides, iron balls 
 
 -Gray sandstone and lire clay 
 
 -Black band. . (y )a i 
 
 .Black band 
 
 mack Sin 1* 
 
 S e ct ion of the E gy p t Shaft 4 60 fe et d e e p 
 
 C M. Gra ham , bth. 
 
V