Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-12-22


SHIP CANAL AND BASIN AT RICHMOND.
We are requested publish the following letter from
Judge Wright, the subject of the proposed ship canal
at this place:
To CHAruAY JoIISsoS Esq., Chairman Of Ike Co'nmit-
ice Of tie Stockholders Of the JanGS Hrcr aqd IA
uumha Cunut.
S1-The Committee above referred to, have this day
requested me. consulting Engineer, 10 give an Cpl.
MON Of the plan-oi The estimate ut conStruc,ion-aGd
Of the advantages and importance Of the harbor basin,
and canal for Ships Of large size to 10 the City OF
Richmond, projected by c. Eet, jr, ESD, and re.
ported to the Board Ut Directors Of Tie James lTcr Ca
nal. OIL the 18th November, 1856.
MI Ellc in his report referred to me, fas vl his
views and arguments fully and clearly, for adopting
this plan TO connect the James River Canal with tide
water that add but very little to what lie has said.
have conferred with Mr. Eliet from time 10 time, as
he was peccting his project. and approve Of every
part of it, best adapted 10 make good ermna-
ton of the James River Canal we'll as highly a"ora.
bic 10 Ike grea! commercial Interests OF the City O" Rich
mond.
The proposed plan Of locality not interfering mate
rally with the rights Of the present places of business
near Richmond, and bringing class of vessels now en-
cIuded into the heart of the city and also allowing the
boats from the James river canal to along side OF
the ships in the harbor or basn and there transfer their
cargoesis well calculated TO save expense and ti"e,
and TO give greater security to property.
The estimate Of the cost Of construction have ex-
asaned-he several items appear fairly estimated. and
all Of them, except the foundation Of the Lcck at War
wick are Of that kind Of labor and materials, the value
the founding Of the Lock at Warwick appears 10 be fair
and liberal; it is, however, more uncertain than any
other part Of the work. and may cost than is e:l
mated BY few thousand dollars, if the earth should
prove bad The stone aud earth for the dam and basin,
are all near hand, and require moving but short dis
lance. All the materials except the cut stone for the
locks, and some t!.nbe-, convenient and Of good
quality.
Of the advantages Of such work can hardly speak
in sufficiently strong terms. If take prospective
view of the probable sale of things when the long lire
of improve i'll progress through the Stale from
East to West shall be completed may fairly say, that
soon after such completion the commercial transactions
of Richmond will be irora five to ten times what they
now arc and will steadily increase as The population and
wealth OF the State increases The advantages OF such
har5or, basin and cana! will be apparent III the case
and sGietv and small expense of transacE Heavy bur
sncss therefore recommend It as plan wei! cacu-
lated money producers more tan 10 any other
class Of persons; and my present impressions aEe that
il is tie best plan which be devised TO secure great
and pc. mancn. good Richmond and the whole State
believing that have embraced all the views which
tLp Conn.ltcc desired in these few remarks. will only
add that shall be happy TO give any further iniorna
zion which tic Committee may think useiu! from me-
on this very important PROJECT.
Respectfully submitted,
BENJ. WRIGHT,
Consulting Engineer
Richmond, Dec. 18Th. 1886.
II" We have before the abstract, which we have
promi:rd Of the late proceedings OF he James Ter