Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-01-25


During the week ending the last year, MI
Wciles OF this town, a youne, gentleman OF grc.
activity and mercantile Information has rece;v
Ell the Custom House certificates of the le
s"i importation OF gcodsao The amount of thir
| " thousand dollars, which have been sent e
Mexico by the following rout:
| from Boston to Providence in Wagons
thence by water through the Sound 10 Anboy
thence IN Wagons and by water 20 Phladelphia.
thence in Wagons to PIttsburg, then down the
ono and Hississippito Sew-Orleans and from
thence by Land and in boats to Mexico. Thus
transporting merchandise by inland CONVEYANCE
4 greater distance than has ever been done by
'he people OF any age orcountry, save by those
who trade between China and Moscow
Bus what is most astonishing, the expence
from this TO New Orleans is only four and one
nail per cent. on the cost OF the goods in Bos-
ton while ire Insurance alone on such as are
sent by the way the ocean, is 30 and not less
man % per cent. Az any rate, the freight, in
surance aiid other charges oa such as are sent
coastways Is not less than so or 80 per cent
which makes swing in favor of inland trans
lion OF from 25 i-2 60 81 ID per cent. am
informed that it the continues great trade
WI thus he carried ON between tn, no rhern
ports and New Orleans and from thence to South
America; not only to places on the Isthmus, but
across the Gulph ofMeXicp to the various ports
on the Maine and in Brazil
Such goods rs arc thus transported not being
entitled to drawbsck of the duties, will per-
haps prevent so great traffic rs otherwise
would take place, were dcbenturcs allowed to be
issued on such rs were exported from New Or
leans, which had been carried there, inland
from the North Eastern Atlantic ports. But as
they are now transported the advantage is in IA
vor OF the new mode; most ofthe articles which
arc adapted Tor those markets pay 25 per cent
duty, but when exported, three and :; half per
cent. is deducted from the amount of duties,
which will not leave in d. benttIres enough to
pay the insurance. From this single fact it is
very obvious hat the facility OF Transportation
should be improved bv canals and good roads
When involved in wars, the people make OK
ertions and discoveries Of infinite Importance
TO the nation, which are overlooked during
times OF peace.
Many able speculations have been published
ON the immense benefits which would be deriv
ed from uniting the various waters of the Uai-
ted States, and bringing districts of the Union
near'r each other by turnpi6cs Mr.. Galiatin.
some lew years since, made most able report
to Congress on thissubiect, which was reao and
Forgotten. The property winch has been cap
tured by small British Privatcer from Nova
Scotia this fall, of Cape Cod, where she has
made two cTuizes against the coasting vessels
from Southern ports, would more then have
made canal from Bussard's BAY 30 that Of Barn
stable, for the cargoss are estimated at $500
600. and would have been saved by such a
canal.
have taken the liberty of making these re.
mar Ks from conviction that when a view is
dispassiouately aiken of The subject, the Nation.
al Legislature viii not neglect such measures
rs shall tend TO advance the best interest oftheil
country No nation the globe is capable OF
being so easily and perfectly canal!cd rs this
Oar large lakes AMI numerous rivers ofer the
means of intersccting every port of the countr,
with channels Public and private land VIII
thereby he increased in value, while employ
ment will be given TO large portion Of the in
habltants. Two hundred Wagons for the last
three months have been in constant employ
from Boston to Providence, while before the wal
there were only two, which were regular bag
gage Wagons.
You may from these facts form some idea Of
the great advantages which must result from In
terna! Navigation.
With sentiments Of the highest esteem,
nave the honor to he,
Sir, your ob't servant,
II A. S. DEARBORN.
Hon. SAMUEL L. MITcHILL.