American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-05-30
FOR THE WATcHMAy,

Messrs. EDIToRs-I observed under the editorial head
OF your paper of Friday last few remarks upon the sub
ject of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal which pre-
sumo were extracted from piece signed "REYBoLD &
CLARK in the United States Gazette of the 23d inst You
State that the Contractors for that portion of the Caual
'romthe Delaware ,os Georges Reybold Clark say,
hat they hope to have the Canal Navigabe for slaops
ST. Georges by the fourth day of July nextin order that
they may transport their in that way, for the build
ing of the lock at that place." scAnd further that those
ientlenen shave had average force the line since
October last, of 300, and at times 1000 men,"
AS stakeholder, Messs. Editors, l feel particular
interest in the promotion and speedy completion Of this
Noik-and in consequence Of which, have been induced
lately to pay visit, to view its progress-and as
sure you was much pleased at the commencement, IF nv
visit in seeing that the Lock at the Delaware aid sections
one and two were near ompetion-abough observed
t had been by assduous attcnon-and an ex-
ense of pumping with about so pumps, requiring about
thrty horses ana twenty men 10 propel them. On Mas
prf Of The contract of Messrs Reybod & ark am in
formed that all their force has been employed since their
commencement, to within few days, except what me-,
were employed with the teams cartng earth make en-
hankmen's through the marshes this force amounted to
from $50 to 800 men.
Above what is called the Cranberry adjoining section q
on to ST. Georges, distance of about three miles, there
has been no excavation done since the contract taken
from Mr. Rande the former Contractor On this distance
there has been large force of teams-fom one hundred
to one hundred and fifty teams and $50 200 men Coun-
ting each team three men, makes their whole force
amount to average of BOG men, equal 10 that. This
force of teams and men am informed has been engaged
SIX or seven mont at expense of so 70 thousand dol
embankments through the ST. Georges marshes-and are
still proceeding at the rate,-and am very much
mistaken If will not require six months with the
same force to finish those embankments. Places where
lie Canal formerly eycavaed to bottom, a depth of
six feet, filed upland the mud raised up six feet
high above the surface of the adjacent marsh This all
IN consequence OF the specific gravity of the earth cared
on being greater than that of the marsh
y his process must continue until solid bottom found
Not having much acquaintance with Canaling Engi-
neerng will not attempt to advance positive opinion
tpon this subject but when perpexy and of
proper judgment exercised by those who entrusted
with the disposal of companys funds. are very apt
advance some oplnion,-atough for the present. will
content myself by referring the proprety and economy of
making those entertainments, persons experienced
in the business of cutting Canals through marshes and
would also refer all those who feel interest Stock
hold RS &C. in the completion of This work, to this part of
the said workwhen probably they will be able to decide
the approaching election whether the present Board
Dill ectors qualified to fill the important station they
now inland whether they are tit guardians of the public
fuads
As he completion Of Messrs. Reybod Clarks con-
tract, far as to admit shaops to St Georges, by the 4h
IF July aext, it is in my opinion ridiculous in the extreme,
tha force of 800 and not exceeding 400 heir pres
force excavang the Canal could three
miles of canaand that of the very kind, in six
weeks Ii is my object in making these statements
Messrs Revbod and Clark in the u. s. of the
23d inst have attributed 10 another writer excite pre-
uice in the minds of the stockholders previous the
oachng eection-buit to give the public plain state
nent of hat is going on below ST. Georges OF the pro-
rress OF the work the summit will not say any thing
at presentas presume the merits of those far famed
Cylinders for rolling the earthup the HILL well known
both the number made and the number in use.-l
We're plain statement of facts similar to mne to be pro-
iuctve Of change in the Board of Directors cannot be-
,eve with Messrs Rey5old & Clark that it would be
seriously prejudca to the interests of the work must
,andly that believe majority of the present Board
10 feel interest enough, were they calculated, to
manage so important work the Chesapeake & Della
ware Canal They appear to me to be too easily satisfied
With REPORTS of what going on the line; instead of
very week, two weeks having committee of
heir board, the work from end to the other,
and through inquiry and examination find out how things
moving on-whether the contractors fulfilling the
uies of their station and whether the subcontractors
raid up and literally dealt with BY their employers-
whether their principal Engineer visits the work oftener
han every six or eight weeks, and whether he re-
Mains more than two or three days when he comes III