Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-01-30
Norfolk, January 81.
INLAND NAVIGATION.

Norfolk, January 81.
INLAND NAVIGATION.
IL has been suggested by some, that
the estimate of advantages TO be derived
from the Roanoke Canal is greatly over
rated. Such persons cannot conceive,
that it would offer any profit TO the agri-
culturaliSts and traders, TO send their pro-
duce or merchandise through it, in such
small quantities as the boats capable of
navigating canal nustnecessariiy carry.
To satisfy all doubts on this score. we will
state fact, land we feel infinite satisfac-
ton in doing so, which has recently come
within our own knowledge. The watern
the Dismal Swamp Canal, is by nomeans
of an extraordinary depth vet, it is atact,
that a vessel of upwards Of thirty tons
burthen, and calculated to carry two hum
dred and fifty barrels of -four, passed
through it a fortnight since, with full
cargo of European and w. India goods,
from this Port bound TO the falls of Roam
okc.
This vessel was lately constructed by
Mr.. Francis Grice, of this town, upon
modelwhich gives her at once the advan-
tage of gliding with ease through the Dis
NAL Swamp Canal, and the security of
aienayigation through the sound, in the
toughest weather. She is rugged as a
schooner, sixty feet in length on deck,
and thirteen feet beam.
If a vessel, such as this, can navigate
canal of merely ordinary depth, the oh
lection, as to the expence of transportat-
on III small parcels, is merely imaginary
for, planter Of he chooses) NAV embark
a whole years produce of his farm, in a
single boat of this description, at no
tor Il 4
sending it by piecc-meal in such boats
as are usually employed III canal navigate
on.
Ifthc Roanoke Canal is ever to be cut.
therefore, itcaHnot be liable to the diff
Gully here suggested. But, leaving it TO
IFS fate, we trust, that the avenue al
ready opened to the fertile borders of that
river will realize every anticipation. Hith-
crto, II has been apprehended, that the
trade between this place and the Roam
oke, through the Dismal Swamp Canal,
would be upon very limited scale be-
cause, vessels OF sufficient magnitude TO
navigate the Sound in safety, must neces-
sarily draw too much water for the Canal.
l nat difficulty, however, isnow surmoun-
ted, and we have a practical demonstrate
on, In the instance of The vessel we were
just now speaking OF, that the intercourse
may be maintained upon as large scale
as can be reasonably wished, without the
smallest risque All fIlat remains. then.
10 render tins communication extensively
beneficial s, TO remove the distractions
TO navigation, which exist in the Ipper
Roanoke, and in the FaIls-for the accom-
pllshment of which, we are encouraged 10
hope, that the Legislatures of North
Carolina and Virginia VIII do the needful.
Hnald
Yesterday morning arrived here tie
schooner SpeeGi0eH, THOMAS, of Snow
fiIil with seven passengers taken from
Smiths Island, Opposite the Rappahan-
mock, where they had landed from the
Baltimore Packet, Stephen Decat,o, Capt.
CAMPBELL. The Stephen Decatur left
Baltimore OH Saturday the 18th inst. for
this place, and about o'clock fne next
morning, (the wind then blowing heavy
gale from n w. and the weather so cold.
ihat the hands, who were negroes. had ali
skulked below, and could not he driven
to give any assistance in the MANAGEMENT
of the vessel, which deyolyed solely on
Captain G.. and his maie,) she unlorfu-
nately grounded OH Smiths Island shoal.
and almost Immediately filed with wa
ter.
Happily, no lies were lost, but the pas
sengers and crew suffered excessive hard
ship, being on the wreck for upward ofSO
hours, exposed to tie inclemency of
freezing atmosphere.
On Monday morning, the wind and
cold liaviugconsiderably abated, they had
the good fortune TO reach Smiths lsland
III safety, where they found a shelter, and
remained until Tuesday morning, when
they were taken off as before stated
Among the passengers, were Chas. K
Mallory, Esq. and Mr. Francis s. TAYLOR.
ofihls town, who were landed al tlc house
OF a friend in northumberland, in rood
health.
This is the first Packet offhe line be-
tween Baltimore aud this place that was
ever lost and IN this instance, not the
slightest blame can be attached 20 Cauf
CAMpBELL, or his maie, whose conduct
on ne occasion tie passengers all de-
clare TO have been highly praise-worflly.
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