Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-11-25

which we have heard some cursory dis
course, demand attention from the national
govcrnment.-ib.
WASHINGTON CITY, Nov. Is.
1t mas been our custom, occasionally to
| announce the progress of the inland naviga-
ton OF the Potomac and we have now
much pleasure in stating from the best au-
thorlty, that the Canal and Locks near Har-
per's Ferry, are either actually completed,
or IN such state as to be certainly COM
pleted within few days.
FOR several miles from the junction of the.
Shenandoah with the Potomac, nature had
opposed very formidable distractions 10 ma
vigaticn, which this Canal and these Locks
remove. The whole products of the fine
country Of the Shenandoah, almost as high
up as Staunton, can now he water borne
to the District of Columbia and if only 4
part should find this cheap and easy CONVEX
ance TO market, so early as the ensuing
spring, 1t VIII be occasioned bv the want Of
sufficient number of boats for the trans-
portation of the whole, and not for want of
good navigation
When this great enterprise, the Potomac
navigation cn which has been expended mere
than hall million of dollars, was first COM
menced under the auspices of Cen. Wash
inGton, now upwards of20vears ago, it was
the opinion of that accurate observer. that
the tolls on the produce from the Shenan-
doah alone, would pay more than interest
on the whole capital TO be employed in the
work THAT at that time the country on the
Shenandoah did not send annually to mar
ket, less than the amount of 500, 600 barrels
OF -four, iii wheat and flonr. Since that time,
the country has greatly-incrcased, beth in
population and cultivation.
OF the whole distance of Inland roy;oo+;
On, west OF the city of Washington, COM
putcd at S00-miles, including the main
branch OF Potomac, and such Of its tributa-
ry streams as are susceptible of improve-
ment by navigation, we may now count M
on as Completed, at least partially compile
ted, about 500 mi'es-to wit
The main branch Of Potomac }
from the tide ofNew-Creek go miles
II miles above Cumberland
The to Shs ~is5 Polo 6rs@ 100 miles
The M0nocacv so miles
Wesay partial y completed, because there
are still obstructions between Harper's Fer
ry and New-Crcek, which forbid the use e
that part Of the river more than two or three
months IN ordinary years---but from Har-
per's Ferry to the tide, and for about IS
miles OF the Shenandoah and 90 Of the Mo-
nocacys we may sefey calculate IN tolera-
bic navigation for to months in the year;
and If we could reduce our boats to draw
only ID inches water loaded, which surely
might be done, we shnuld have the use Of
the best part OF. the river for 9 months in
the year, and of the whole from n n 6.
II is for cthefs--for those better vcrsed
in the science of commercial arithmetic, TO
draw differences 1t is fer MS, to content
ourselves with z bare relation of facts; but
we may be allowed to congratulate our fell
llow-citizens Of the District, in general, and
Of George iii particular, on the pres
poets before them.
/ While we are speaking Of improvements
interesting TO the people of the City and
Georgetown, the bridge erecting over ;hc
river near the little fails should not pass
without observation. it is even doubted
whether it is not an object of greater into
rest, particularly i'll GEORGETOWN, than the
inland navigation itself. This bridge We
are informed will be passible for Wagons
this day. The road over ii affords the most
direct communication to "a very important
part Of Virginia, and brings the rcople of
several counties to a market It Georretown.
several miles nearer than to any other.--
Fer this public work of so much utility to
large portion Of the country, as well as
to The town itself, VIC arc entirely indebted
to the public spirit of Georgetown, which
has also largely contributed 10 the present
state Of the Potomac navigation.
About the time the ;sjvernment removed
tn the CITY, it seemed 20 be the fashion Of
Georgetown, situated as it is, ct the head
navigation of fine river, with n country
ofimmense extent at the back Of it, aboun-
ding in resources for commerce, to do little
for itself and to hope every thing from its
great natural advantaRes-But for a few
years pest, this reproach has been far re-
moved from the town. Whoever will take
view Of the improvements recently made,
in the town and by the town, will confess
that whatever Of prosperity the citizens
are destined to enjoy, has been well merited
by their public spirit, and their enterprise
U'ashi1Ffon Federaiist.
November Q.
We have the satisfaction Of confrninr
The information Of the Spanish forces hsv-