Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-05-25
From the Boston Patriot.
Blackstone and Charles Rivers.

The gratifying prospect of canal
between the tlourishing towns of Wor-
'cester and Providence may now be con-
sidered certain, and it cannot be doubt
ed that great amount of public good
will spring from completion of this
project. The spirit with which it has
at length been entered upon is worthy
of all praise, and should excite emula-
lion in other quarters where similar I'M
dertakings are required, and similar re-
suits may be anticipated. The impor-
lance and utility of canal which
would afford an easy, safe, and expedi-
tious communication between Boston
and Providence will not be questioned.
Besides the advantages to be derived
from such a communication, by contrl-
buting to the extension and facility of
commerce in time Of peace, security
would be added in time Of war, when
the navigation Of the seas would be at
tended with danger Nor Can similar
communication between the metropolis
and the interior of our own State be
productive of any other than the most
beneficial effects. To the manufactu-
rer, the owner or occupier of land, and
to the merchant, the advantages which
would result are TOO obvious to be dwelt
upon. But the subject addresses itsel:
with peculiar force 10 the citizens of
this State, and of Boston in particular, at
the present time, when there is danger
that most valuable inland trade may he
diverted TO the New York market.
1t is thought that canal connecting
the Blackstone with Charles River, may
be completed with great ease and at a
small expense. Impressed with this be-
lief, the writer and two other gentle
men have been at some trouble in
viewing the route by which such canal
would probably be carried, and are en-
tirely satisfied Of its feasibility. The
following facts they are DESTROYS of
communicating to the public, with the
hope that exertions may be made to
survey the proposed route with view
to ascertain the practicability of a canal.
The point at which it is proposed TO
join the Blackstone Canal, is about
three quarters of a mile below Woon-
socket Falls in Cumberland, R. |. where
the Blackstone is met by a stream call
ed Mill River. About one mile from
the Hartford Turnpike, near Penni-
mans Factory in Mendon, SIC miles
from Woonsocket Falls, and thirty from
Boston, Mill River is separated from
the Charles by distance of something
less than mile. The difference in the
height of the two rivers is very small,
the Charles being only betwesn ten and
fifteen feet the highest. Betwee' these
rivers is the summit level of the propos-
ed route, and the soil which intervenes
il Of such nature as to render excavat-
ing extremely easy. The whole fall
from this place and Boston is not more
than one hundred and fifty feet by estima-
lion. From the level situation of the
country, and the excellent quality of
the soil throughout the whole route,
canal may he made with great facility.
In these respects the writer is convinced
that section of country could not be
found more favorable for the undertak.
ing. 1t certainly presents much fewer
impediments than the route through
which The Blackstone is TO be carried,
and, comparing the fall between Wor-
cester aud Providence, (Which, if we