Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-06-30
Chesapeake end Ohio canak-rhe execution

time only has yet elapsed since the necessity ex-
listed of rousing public sentiment to proper APP
probation Of the importance of this great enter
prise by essay after essay, and of diverting the
national energy to its accomplishment by conven-
ton after convention. But now, not only have
the moral obstacles to its progress been removed,
the root of prejudice eradicated, and the rock of
error blown away, but physical distractions, far
more difficult than any one can appreciate who
has not seen them, have been overcome, and un-
der the plastic hand of man, made subservient
to the great interests of commercial intercourse
The writer witnessed. with great pleasure the OPP
erations on the canal few days since. At that
time, the work was in such state of forward
ness that no doubts were entertained as to the
practcability of admitting the water into the
whole line of the canal from Seneca to the Little
Falls on the 5th July. Prudence however re-
quires that its admission should be gradual and
conducted with a cautious hardness, to ensure
the safety of the heavy embankments it will sat-
urate: and although the Engineers will probably
begin to fill the Canal on the 5th, the operation
will not be completed for several weeks.
The distance from Seneca to Georgetown, is
% miles. The principal works on this portion
of the Canal, are "a locks Of hewn stone, large
basin common to Washington and Georgetown,
said to cover eight and fourth acres of land, and
to embrace one and a half miles of shore
or wharf; five or six stone bridges in George
town. eight large culverts and several smaller
ones, two dams built on a new plan entirely of
solid masonry. several walls which vary from 40
TO so feet in height, and upwards Off mile of en-
bankment forty feet high; the whole finished in a
style which at once reflects credit on the work,
and the genius of the age in which it has been &C
complished.
The whole line is now nearly completed from
Georgetown to the Point of Rocks, distance of
forty-four miles; and. but for the legal contro-
versy growing out of the occupation Of that point
BY the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company,
the whole line would have been finished to Har-
per's Ferry this sea.on. The first two miles OF
the Canal above Georgetown, are seventy feet
wide at the surface Of the water, and seven feet
deep; the next two miles are eighty feet wide
and six feet deep. This portion derives ITS sup
plv of water from the Potomac, FIVE miles above
the town. and is so planned that branch may
be conducted 10 Alexandria, one to Baltimore.
and one TO the Navy Yard At this latter place
Dry Docks can be constructed, possessing advan-
ta.res over any others in the world. The remain
iug distance to the Point of Rocks, the width of
the Canal will be sixty feet, and Its depth six
feet.
In the short distance Of twenty-five miles, now
complete, Tor very nearly so) one hundred and
ninety-feet of lockage are embraced, or rather
more than one-third of the lockage from tide wa
ter to Cumberland: SO that, assuming tor truth
what is not the case) that the character ct the
ground over the remaining distance is as difficult
as what has been passed. there will result, on the
score of lockage alone, diminution of expense
per mile. in the remaining distance, of seven
thousand dollars. But the fact is, the Canal has
now passed over the most difficult ground.
Such has been the scarcity of earth in some
places, that it became necessary to construct the
towing path of wall of solid stone work.
This Canal, when completed. will possess the
very important advantage of being free from the
distinctions resulting from the bridges usually
built over other Canals. They are an annoy
ance to travellers. and an expense to their own
ers. which it is at once pleasing to be rid OF, and
polite to avoid.
We recommend to all persons, whose leisure
enables them. to visit the work. An cnterpris-
inc contractor has now in progress handsome
Packet Boat, designed to ply regularly. as soon
as he line is opened for navigation; and, as there
are no bridges TO pass under, passengers Will be
able to take their seats on the roof of the Boat,
and enjoy. uninterrupted, the romantic nature OF
the scenery QltN VIII PASS. We NO'N"''N
more tempting. seductive recreation than such
an excursion will olfer.-Nafiond Mtehigencer.
aSN
NarM-The brig Leonard, from Calloa, which
went up the Bay on Wednesday last. left at that
port the L. s. schooner Dolphin, Lieut.. Comd't.
Rabbit, and reported that the U. s. fiigate Cur,
riere, Com. Thompson, was at VaIparalso-all
well.
The U. S. ship Concord, Capt. NJ. c. Perry,
it is expected, will sail from Hampton Roads
this afternoon. The Hon. John Randolph and
Mr.. Clay joined the ship this morning, in the
Roads. when the customary salute was fred
The wind is from S. w. and no doubt she will
get to sea this evening.
1Norfolk Beacon, June OF.
&Ne>
prosperous Insurance Company.-ltis stated
in the Boston Patriot, that the Middlesex Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, during the year end
inc 9th inst have issued $50 Policies, effecting
insurance on property to the amount OF $685.