Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-11-27
I12 t-2 Gents Stagle.]

ing much consideration, both for home
consumption and exportation. There
are also other articles which it would
be extremely reprehensible TO omit,
particularly the slate aud limestone
qnarries; Of the former there are
several, perhaps as good as any in
Europe one OF which belongisg TO
Landon Garter, Esq. OF Cleye,,, en- his,
estate 10 Fauquier county, near Nor.
mans ford, ON the north brauefi cf
the river and close to it's edge: SO as
to require no land carriage. SAnother
OF most excellent quality is tot, tina
land of Doctor Peter Marye, in Gul-
pepper county, almost bordering On
the Halle river; and of the latter ar.
ticle, limestone, there is on the es-
tate OF Henry Field, binding on the
north branch of the river, excellent
limestone in plenty, and on the estate
of Joseph Roberts, deceased, on each
side the Mountain run, about two
miles above where it empties into the
said north branch, there are some ess-
traordinary good quarries of lime
stone. There. is another. inexhausti-
bic quarry OF the very best quality
limestone. on the estate of Rober-
Latham, deceased, now in the post
session of Col. Armistead Long i'm.
mediately binding on the south branch
of the river, where the lime, when
burnt, may be handed out of the kiln
into the boat. These lime quarries
are nearly equi distant from the cor
huence Of the two great branches Of
the river; that is, about II or 1s
miles. From those resources Of lime,
not only all the towns on the river
can be supplied, but also large guam
titles can be afforded for distant and
foreign markets.
1t appears to be proper to enquire
what have been the causes which have
heretofore prevented the carrying into
effect design SO extremely laudable
in principle, and advantageous to the
land holders bordering on this river,
as well as to the mercantile interest
of Fredericksburg, Falmouth and o.
Their towns thereon. The enquiries
I will be made, not so much to reflect
on those who in any shape, more or
less have contributed to produce the
DISTRACTIONS. as to search out he
most easy and elicacious mode of re-
moving the causes which remain and
continue to produce impeaiments to
such desirable purpose.
Among the different Causes above
limited at, are the following: J..
LIST. The Potowmac approached
so near the metropolis or seat OF paa-
eral government and was fostered by
the power and influence of our great
benefactor Washington. who most pro-
perly made that the first object of his
patriotic solicitude.-Had that great
man lived, there is no doubt but that
he would have extended propertiona-
BILE care TO all other rivers in the Uni
on, capable of similar improvements.
That lanes river should become the
first object of the Legislature of this
state, is no more than might ration
ally be expected the seat of govern
ment and of legislationrlaying on the
head Of its tide, added to the great
influence which the inhabitants of that
place have on the Legislature, and the
very many influential characters who
reside on its extended branches, have
all combined to effect those great OBJ
Ijects which have been achieved.
/ I'd. Since which, those characters
who are interested in the promotion of
the other rivers of this state, although
not near SO beneficial, in proportion 10
the necessary expenditures OF opening
them, have, notwithstanding, made
their way to public notice, and have
obtained aid of the state, while those
; interested in the Improvement OF the
navigation of the RaPpahannock, have
; been inactive, so far at least, as fela-
ted 10 any essential good. n
: Cd, A law, which, by its pream-
BILE seemed to be intended for the
purpose of opening the inland naviga-
: ton Of the Rappahannock, passed by
our legislature, IN the year 1898, bui
! not conprehending or properly EN-
, bracing the subject, has hereto alto
! gether defeated the intended purpose
and beneficial effects which otherwise