The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-06-04

all 'uc produce convenient thereto shall be
transported thst way 20 the Markets below
That the great Kanawha shall be found free
from distractions, and easy both in its naviga-
ton and communication with James River, and
that all the produce below the mouth Oft the TOR.
mer and as far up the Ohio as the little Ka-
nawhs shall be transported that way. There
We, remains the thick ett.ement of the Ohio be.
tween Fort Pitt and Wheeling -ali the settle
ment OF the Monongshela and all that part
of fohiogany which constitute a very large
majority of the Inhabitants West of Laurel
Hillto bling their produce to the markets ofthis
river.
In admitting this admit in my opinion a
good deal bu' it the plan for opening the nav
lgation OF the Potomac should succeed (of which
l have already said l have not the smallest
doubt l will 20 further, and venture an asser.
ton which think, is founded on fact that
without any support from the western territory
there is no place within my knowledge, 20
which so much produce, from the nature of
things must be brought as to the shipping port
at the head of this river. That this may not
stand MS mere assertion, I will give you my
reasons.
AT present Baltimore not only receives the
greatest part of the produce of Frederick coui,-
y (Maryland) and the counties above it on the
North side OF the Potomac. but great deal al.
SO OF that which is raised on the South side and
thus rs by a long land transportation. Besides
which, the produce of that rich and extensive
country between the Blue Ridge and the Allep-
heny Mountains, for at least 200 hundred miles
South West OF The Potomac is Tor such part of
ii as viii bear land transportation carried part.
iy to Alexandra, and the little Towns below it
on TINS kiver---partly co fredericksburg and
Falmouth on Rappahannock parity 10 Rich
'nond, ana Petersburg or James River and
some part to Hanover and the highest navigate
| upon York River; bu, let the benefits arts
ing from Water transportation be once felt and
see IT men possessed of the spirit of commerce
and large capitals should settle at he shining
ports at the head this ryer1 whether an atom
OF all tha- pr duce will cross the Potomac for
Baltimore: whilst every thing within its vortex
| on the North side will be sucked into and he
! transported bywater.
Ina word, the Shenandoa, which runs through
the richest tract of country i'm this state, the
south Branch (of Potomac) which may with
great ease be made navIgable 100 miles & the
intermediate streams of lesser note which pour
INTO the main river, will not only reduce the land
transportation of every farmer & Planter in that
country to the short distance of Is or 90 miles
but IN the upper, and more remote parts of II
where scarce any this but live stock is raised
| Tor market) induce hundreds and thousands. IN
grow tobacco, wheat, hemp. &c the tr snsporta-
ton Of which hitherto has amounted TO n proh;.
oition OF their culture On the other side of the
river. the Conagoge and Nonocasy, though of
less importance, may be improved to great adj
vantage.
Tue mercantile interes, OF Baltimore affect q
treat the extension of the navigation of Poto-
mac, as ch'merical plan; but you may be as
sured, that it is not more easy Or more certain
comparatively speakng9 to bring water in the
commonway by race to mill than ii is open the
navigation from the Great Fsns-wnich is w thu
IN eight to nine miles of tide water to For,
Cumoerland If nothing therefore more is eff
fec.ed, the object notwithstanding is immense.
when the field into which this would lead is con-
stdered, but have no doubt of ACCOMPLISHING
the whole, if it is judiciously set about.
Alexandria George Town, are the highest
shipping ports (ifthe latter can come under that
description) upon this river.
Hsving given you this staten,ent ofthe ~. 1,teys
which have fsllen under my observation. and
which Intentionally is not exaggerated in any in
stance /. leave you to compare it with other in
formation, and your own observations if YOU have
leisure and opportunities to make any, & % g. me
o such conclusions as your own Judgment NAV
decide. have no other objects in view but 10
promote measure which conceive is preg
nant ofgreat public utility, and which nav at
me same time, be made subservientt to extensive
private advantages. Were I disposed TO encoun-
ter present inconvenience for future income. I
would hazard all the money could raise upon
the navig tion of this river. Or had inclination
and talents for the commercial Iine have no j.
dea OF a better opening than the one have des-
csntec upon.---But the first has no charms for
me, and the other never shall engage in Nv
best respects and good wishes, in which Mrs.
Washington's are united, are offered to Mr.
M'- and the rest Of your family
am, dear Sir, your most obedient,
Aud very humble servant
GEORGE WASHINGTON