Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-12-29
LITERARY CADET
PROVIDENCE. SATURDAY, DEC. 20.
PAWTCXET.

and about five miles distant from Providence.
in a South Westerly direction. its history IN
but partially known to Us, but wo understand,
that 1t was originally founded by the ArnoIds
Aborns and Rhodes cmigrants from Massa chu-
sctis, France and Engla'-l, about one hundred
years since. and SION after made quite a figure
in the commercial affairs of Il. Island, and was
looked upon as a place, which was destined to
arrive at no distant day.to a a degree Of consc-
quonco and commercial Importance, not 10 be
acquired by tho older towns and villages Of
Rl'ode-Island. At that period, it carried on
quito an extensive trade to the West Indies and
the Spanish main; was 10 a limited sxtont con-
ccrncd In Whale Fishery, and upon tho whole,
assumed 4 rank and a station, which seemed
to justify tho proud anticipaticns offs founders
During the war Of tho revolution, it suffered
less than any of its contemporary communities.
and at the dawning Of the peace Of 1883, again
resumed its wonted activity and cnferprize, and
won't on to the accumulation of wealth and dis
~sinction. But times aitered-the eyes Of capi-
talis's and mon Of enterprise, were diverted to
another direction, and pitching upon a spot,
seated at the head of sloop navigation. Pro,i-
denca, was selected as 4 desirable place, and
began to accumulate and flourish at the ex-
pence Of Pawtuxct and her neighbours. Since
then blu, littlo business has been transa cted in
tho place, and though it has not materially de-
clincd it has not increased N size or importance,
and now presents the ombro aspect, Of q city
merchant retired from business, and closing
his accounts. preparatory TO his departure.
PAwrUxEr, however, possesses advantages,
Of which few il any Of the towns Of Rhode
Island arc possessed; and it is to call the attcn-
ton Of capitalists and MANUFACTURERS, to
that delightful village that we have commenced
the writing Of this article. Situated on the falls
ofthc river, it affords every facility for the man.
ufacturing business, that the manufa cturcr
could csk for, and at the expense Of fifty thou
sand dollars, could be made to WELD a water
power, which the Blackstone Riv0r would not
excel, and would operate with ease and ia
cilty a million Of cotton spindles, and all the
hhaSbihSiy W " y oPCiutiOus Y
recently, rs We understand, a mercantile
house Of this town, distinguished for their
immense wealth and former enterprise have
purchased the mill privileges and lands, adj
jaccnt TO the falls Of the river, with an ex-
pressed intention, Of rendering the place eligi-
bic to extensive manufa curing enterprise, and
should they 60 on, it is not unreasonable to
anticipate, that the day is not far distant, when
Paw,uxot, will assume all the Importance and
air OF hustle and business, which is now dis
played by her more fortunate, and sister village
at tho North.
To produce 4 water power. of almost meal
culablc influence, it is only necessary TO raise
the present Mill dam, about five or six feet, a
work which could easily be accomplished, and
at much less expense, than has heretofore been
anticipated.
The mere expense of raising the dam at the
falls, is hardly worth noticing, and all the real
cost Of carrying into complete execution, n
project which has iong been talked of, but new
or commenced, and consequently not executed,
would consist in the purchase Of lands, ada
cont TO the river which would consequently be
ovcrfo wn. Those lands, it is believed. could
be purchased at fair rates Of the proprietors,
for all Of them must sec the vast advantages
they would derive from the accomplishment of
the design; for it would not only give to them
the real worth of their unoccupicd lands and
meadows, but bring into market, the remainder
Of their estates, and aRix them a value,
which is not now allo wed them, and IN the end
greatly augment their real capital.
If there be anything 10 regret in tho affair as
connected with tho consummntion Of this most
excellent design, it is so far removed from our
observation, that we cannot discover IL, and
we should think that the citizens Of Pawtuxet,
and its neighbourhood, go far from regretting
the conception Of the proposed plan, would re-
joice, and most heartily pray for its speedy ex-
~ecution. Once accomplished, real estate in
that quarter would be increased five hundred
per cent. and those who now own nothing
moro than a house lot, aud a dwelling, would
be rendered comparatively wealthy.
Perhaps there is no place in the Union. that
possesses greater advantages for manufacturing
pursuits than Pawtuxet. 1t possesses an inn
mcnso water power, if that power is properly
directed, and its proximity to the Narragansett
bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, would afford the
manufacturer advantages, connected. with easy
transportation, and the facility Of intercourse