Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-09-22
25

.SJIC, 4S4 10
In the above estimate the prices allowed for the
graduation, Sc are the same as on the Rockfish
gap route. In the cost of superstructure however
l considered it fair to make a deduction of Al 80
ON the mile, from the greater facilities of procuring
timber
also deem it proper TO remark. that the esti-
mate OF the mountain division was made ON the
grade line traced, as found from copous notes
taken on the ground, that grade of % feet per
mile, there would be, with the exception of in
creased length Of tunneng, no important differ
ence in its profile.
AS before we here omit the table OF Gradua-
tons.
From the above estimates it appears that the
route to Powells gap will cost less than its rival
to Rockfsh gap by an amount equal To SS9l2 rs.
but before determining upon It's selection from
TINS Fact alone, 1t should be borne in mind that
there are features iii this route so Objectionable. [
might say mpractlcable that permanent decis.
ION, one without proper estimate of the difficult
ties might be calculated to defeat forever the pros
Pect ol an ultimate extension OF your road to the
Ohio river.
The simple fact of the great difference of cradi-
cnis ON the two routes, as it involves an expense
annually and forever IN the transportation DEPART
Inent, OF itself would be sufficient reason whv this
route should not be adopted all else beinp equal
and to state that the load engine heavy or lirht
VIII draw, varies with the gradients of the road is
evident by virtue of gravtaion, and equivalent in
the difference OF elevation Of summit from II TO
20 feet per mile, when equated to one mile of hor
zohial distance; and, again, we have every reason
To believe that the difficulties do not terminate
WIN me passage OF the tunnel through the noun
tain, and Of this we can be easily satisfied.
The top OF Powell's gap estimated from
| point Blue run) On the survey made by Charles
4 ShntN
ing at Swift run gap to HarriSonburg is IVA feet
above and from the same point to the top OF Swift
run gap is 1921 feet and the descent thence to the
shenandoah river 1890 feet, consequently Powells
| gap Is but lOI feet lower than Swift run zap and
| 100 feet above the river; and i'll another survey
crossing at Simmons gap the Shenandoah river at
Ceilings ford was estimated at 1855. feet below.
WIN these surveys on each side of Powell's gan.
and lis height compared with Swift run gap. we
must calculate after deduclinp 1871 feet the Grade
oil The tunnel, below the top, 10 have descent to
make 10 reach the valley of at least 525 feet, re-
curing distance with grade of TO feet per mile
OF nearly 9 miles.
The distance from Powells gap to the river
Is put miles, consequently detour must be
made on the mountain to gain miles OF distance.
Whether this can be effected am not prepared to
say, as made no examination, for the reason that
considered the difficulties on the east side of suf
fclent magnitude to render this line impractcable.
at least Tor the purposes to which your road is in
tended TO be applied.
In prcierring the route by Rockfish Gap as the
most proper 10 reach the Valley of VIRGINIA. and
thence the Ohio river, there are facts relative Il,
compared distances which will render it evident to
an unpreudiced mind that it is beyond question
the legitimate route for the extension of the ouisa
hailroad Nature has presented facilities al Rock
fsh gap which are not to be found at any other
point within the reach OF your rOad-so favorable
uee, tiiat IL may be truly said, that with the ter
ninatlon oil the tunnel all the difficulties are over
come, the door to the great storehouse OF the est
opened, and the two great divisions of the State
uhIted III one grand commercial and fraternal union
assuming jennings gap as the point where the
! Two routes must OF necessity become common the
Instance by the Southern route us near as can as.
certain VIII be shorter by one or two miles than
lhat passing by Powel's gap, and consequently so
idi as he ultimate extension of the road is concern
cd there being no difference in distance the adj
Vantages OF the southern route must at once be-
come more apparent.
On the southern route it is fact deserving no
uce; as having an important bearing upon the trade
vi the 'alley-that from the terminus proposed.
tle distance to iiarTSonbuTg will be the same as
from The terminus on the northern route. Stan
| aTdsyllIc would DC the point on that line for il
would Oe OF little advantage to the trade to extend
1t distance of miles TO the base of the mountain
oFel grade OF 9J feet per mile, for the purpose of
approaching nearer Powell's gap, over which a
| Wagon could not haul over half load and GER
tainiy no lnducement to build one at a heavy ex
PGLSe' wneh the swift run gap road presents itself
wi''i'i "a miles; consequently, Stanardsville is
lle Poht az which the northern route must termi-
nate, ana is distant 80 miles from Harrjsonburp
Inc terminus contemplated on the southern route
VIII De probably at JaTman's MILL or if thoupht
proper at the foot OF the mountain at Jarnap's gan
ne distance would be rather nearer from Jarman's
mill, and assuming that as the point, the dis
lance 10 iiarrlsOnburg is about the same bv Pains
run gap, as 1t is from Stanardsville. viz IS miles
= rom TINS depot, communication can be had with
the valley OF Virginia Frst--By Rockfsh gan.
SecondIy-By Jarman's gap. Tbrdlv2Rv
Turk gap. Fourthiy-By PAINS run zap. And
hithly-By Browns gap-a within convenient
distance and with the exception of PAINS run oap.
good roads over them or
am not possessed Of sufficient data relative IN
the products and population of the country on ei-
ther route, to enable me to say definitely which /
would secure the greatest amount of trade and |
travel. However, on this head we NAV expoct to
get all the information desired from the nartes
contendIng, when the subject is brought I'D for f. |
nal action. y '0' u
Let me add in conclusion, that vour road s IN
occupy prominent position in the scale If nublic
improvements. and is destined to effect connlete
revolution in the prosperity Of Virginia. in develop
ing It's agricultural and mineral wealth. and mi
ting IN community Of feeling and interests. the Two
grand divisions Of the State. Recommending tbo
adoption Of the southern route.
nave the honor to be, gentlemen
Respectfully, your obt sery,,