Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-01-12


gives the correct elevation of each point but that the
distances having been measured along the road the
ascent descent per mile ascertaincd cxcep for
about 1-2 mile each side of the dividing ridge The
simplicity of the route, however, lenders these otherwise
incomplete data quite sufficient demonstrate its practi-
csbily. Since the probable route would have pursue
the vallcysof New river and Reed creek by which tho
distances here exhibited would be increased and the
grades consequently lowered the trng obstacle
ed by the dividing ridge remaining exactly what appears
here.
The preceding statements shcw tina, on TIE route for
the Baltimore railroad, there is VERY nearby
40 miles with steep grades, and that although the
described is probably susceptible of improvement.
rs well as our own, her undertaking must be considered
truly gigantic
Here, the contrary the hand of nature has kindly
smoohed OIL the path: find, that the route wards
the OHIO, there only 5S miles averaging 80 feet
per mile, the stccpest of which is only ll3 feet and
which being far apart from each other easily be
duced much below their present grade.
Here the stecpcs declivtes favor the heaviest traffic;
ON the Baltimore route on the contrary, many in the
adverse directions Inclined planes will cmbarrass progress
course.
On the Tennessee route, the short steep distance on
each side of the RIDGE deserves hardly 10 be noticed
since ii can be very easily reduced 10 within the free op-
pcstion Of locomotives by top, and raising the
level at the lower end which the small fall Of the country
beyond so obviously favors.
The advantages OF our route confined smooth
ness OF surface the character Of the ground likewise
superior know the uneven sections of both lines
and think they can hardly be compared The fact alone
that much greater elevations have no overcome there
In short distances would demonstrate this for will be
toned elevation will be overcome, than in the two
great Virginia routes taken together beginning Rich
mond, and terminating the one at the kanawha the other
in Tennessee.
To the facilities of construction and of transportation
must be added the Interesting fact that the route I'M
der considerations In its branch towards Tennessee ira
most beautiful country, sufficient itself to support
the railroad. will not repeat here, what is generally
known relative To the advantages possessed by that
district in agricultural products and mineral wealth: Ma
ny able publications have informed the public of these
things will only add that while the northern States
contemplate only in their improvements the
pies OF the country, and to consider them sufficient
justify the most extensive schemes, Virginia. besides
competing with them in these, will secure trade in which
she has not to fear their competition. The articles of
ton and tobacco must through her territory
and sail from her sca-ports.
II, then, Baltimore conemplaes vast results from her
perseverance, what Virginia poet with the many
additional advantages she possesses! The influence this
great work may have on her and prosperity is
incaculable.
The only rival she had to apprchend as regards the PC
cuar trade OF the southwest South Carolina, which,
lately reused to activity has been directing her views
wards Tennessee. rail road contemplated by her,
supposed, from examination present but little diff
fculty Actual surveys however, have established the
fact that the passage Of the mountains from the head of the
Savannah over TO Tennessee, much unavorabe
than expected and the engineer employed compelled
to isappont the wishes OF the community for rail road
and recommend only turnpike over that obstacle.
Thus the connection Virginia stands allied
success is certain, and delay loss.
AS regards the principal features of the route TO Ten
they to be found in my preceding reports,
port o this year tho survey from Lynchburg New ri
To these Twill beg to refer, in order to avoid useless
repetition.
On the subject Of the connexion with Kanawha it may
way of Coving;on in Allegheny Salem in Botetourt
county?
The following statement will furnish me an answer to ii
Between Coyngton and Grccnbrer, there are several
small passes the most favorable railroad up Dun
laps creek and Fork
The distances and grades it beginning from Lynch
burg, are