The North-Carolina standard., 1845-10-22
RAIL ROAD TO FAYETTEVILLE.

In compliance with his promise to US last week,
our Correspondent, the author of the calculations
heretofore published has kindly put into our hands
the following reflections and explanations as to the
proposed undertaking, to which we invite the at
tenton of the public:
Mr. HoEDEN: In relation TO the cost Of con-
structng Rail Roads il is belle we'd that the opinion
generally prevails that it be accomplished only
by enormous expenditure; and that belief has
been based on the cost Of Roads that were in pro-
gresS between 1888 and tS40-a period in which
the spirit for Rail Roads amounted almost TO
mania, when materials and labor in such de-
mand as 10 bring extravagaut prices, and when
many Of the worksNYere carried under such pecu
narV embaIrassments still increase much more
the prices exacted for their construction. Compar-
ed with such works the estimate published in your
paper o. the 10Th instant, may seem low, so much
so that it may not tie deemed improper offer
some explanations, both regards the route and
other data on which that estimate was based.
1t is believed that all who may be acquainted
with the physical and geological character of the
country. will confess that so favorable a route
for Rail Road is rarely to be met with (both
as regards the face of the country and the faci-
ties for procuring superior timber) would be
afforded between Raleigh and Fayetteville. On
leaving Raleigh, which is an elevated point, by
proceeding West for a few miles continuous
ridge will be found to pass the heads Of Walnut
and Swift Creeks-thence Southerly, between the
waters of Cape Fear and South Rivers, without
encounterng any water-course until it would reach
the Cape Fear opposite Fayetteville; or Road
may take direct course from the head of Swift
Creek towards Fayetteville, and cross the Cape
Fear near McNeilfs Alkins's Ferries, encoun-
tering no stream north of the Cape Fear, and
but two south Of that river, or between it and Fay
ettevle; and these, il is believed, may be passed
at small cost of bridging. On either route the
grading may be economical and easy.
The estimate Tor grading was based on the ac-
tual cost of grading Road 200 miles from this
place-a work that has been executed within the
last twelve months; and though that route may
not be considered favorable as that from Raleigh
to Fayetteville yet to preclude the possibility of too
low an estimate, 25 per cent has been added to
the actual cost per mile of grading that road.
The estimate for bridging may be too liberal, as it
may not be necessary to elevate them high above
the stream-thereby avoiding large expenditure
for masonaEy and embankment which is usually
an important item attending the crossing of
streams which much depressed below the sur
rounding country. The estimate for Railing was
based on the highest price paid by the Raleigh and
CASTOR Rail Road Company, when delivered on
the Road at any point in Wake country !; and the
cross ties Tor sils) and keys at the maximum price
when delivered anY point between Raleigh and
CASTOR. Both rails and cross, ties dressed aud
framed ready prepared TO be laid IN the Roads by
those who furnish them. Hence, the timber re-
uuring no further process of preparations the esti
mate for the superstTucton would seem large and
as to the material Itself, the Raleigh and CASTOR
Road passing as it does througha country almost
destitute of suitable timber for Rail Road, and