Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-02-13

ROUND the first point Of rocks above tho upper arch
is estimated at 1904: we have contracted for it
with three men, two of whom are excellent stone
masons at $500, and we have reason to believe
,hey VIII rave but little profit, although they have
prosecuted their labors with much diligence and
Judgment, as any contra ctors we have employed->
ne heXt point Of rocks above, is estimated at
WOE we employed two men upon it, one of whom
IS an excellent stone mason they have exercised as
much diligence and judgment as those last mcnti-
oheo' ana the work cannot be completed for the
sum contracted for, which was $1,000 Another
and very important item, was not originally es-
umateo, VIZ the fencing on both sides the canal.
the expense OF which, the last act of Assembly makes
II the duty OF the commissioner to encounter. II
Will be readily perceived, it is presumed that all
these items added together, will constitute the DIFF
ference between tho original estimate, and the s,n
actually required to complete the work. We have
cndeavored to have it executed in durable, and
consequently, costly manner, under the belief that
IL Is not advisable to temporise with work of this
magnitude, where SO much might be lost by the de-
lay incident to frequent repairs.
he commissioner has thought it duty nc owed
TO himself, as well as the Legislature, to trouble
them with more full and explicit detail of his
operations, than would otherwise have been ne
cessary, In consequence of his dcriatiuns from the
course laid down by Moore e. Briggs, to which he
Is erected by law to conform as nearly as NAV
be-"
The statements shew, that there has been expended
by the commissioner on the canal between the old
locks, and the mouth of Tuckap, S66649 az
There was also expended by the James
River Company, on the same portion, $4,000 OO
There Will be wanting to finish this por-
ton, 10000 90
Making an aggregate sum, forfthe cost
of miles, Sc chains of canal, of SI29.457 ST
Winch amounts to an average sum DER
mile, of S1335o on
-<-
1t will be observed, however, that only
miles, SO chains of this, belongs to
the principal line of the canal: the
remaining mile, 43 chains of the
creek, being cleared out for the pur-
pose OF giving greater accommodation
to the coal, and other trade, on the
South side of the river. 1t must be
remarked on the other hand that this
short portion is taxed with an expen-
sive dam, where the river is 100 fcet
wide; and with two guard locks
There Is also a small sum included
for furnishing the old canal
There has been expended between
Wickham's bridge, and Pleasant'sisl-
~, and 48,543 41
There will be wanting TO finish the ca
nal to Maiden's Adventure falls, e01,927
Making an aggregate for completing Is
miles, so IL chains, amounting to S25O,17O al
And an average per mile of 5000 90
Unenghtened as the commissioner was upon this
subject of the important work committed to his
management, he gladly awaited himself of the or
portunity afforded by Gen. John H. Cooke, who i'm
PEELED by patriotic zeal for the success of our
scheme of internal Improvement upon the James G,
Jackson's rivers made an expedition to New-York.
during the last summer, and explored the grand ca
nal from Albany TO Lake Erie, and kindly offered
to direct his attention, to any subjects of enquiry
which might be suggested. He accordingly address
ed letter to the general short time before his de-
parture, which is annexed marked c. and received
his answers, also annexed, marked D. and E. The
very valuable information they contain, is with
great pleasure communicated. They will supercede
the occasion of such general remarks upon the sub
Ject OF our canal, as it would have been the dutv-
and the inclination of the Commissioner to make
tie cannot, however, refrain from Offering his most
sincere congratulations the Legislature upon the
important datum, contained in the communications
marked e., that the estimate assumed by Ny Full
ton will be realized viz. that the transportato,
VIII be effected for ton per mile, as soon
as the canals are in full operation. Such an opini
on, coming from such source, is worth volumes of
argument. 1t is founded, not upon the arguments
OF the advocates of the New-York canal. hut unop
Facts which he has witnessed, at every step of hi,
progress If this estimate should be realized. !,
will require very little calculation TO show that ver
great expenditures of money will be justified. for the
attainment of such an object.
Most res ectfully, your obedient servant.
ANEOLPH HARRISON. c. G,
December 9TH, 1923.
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