Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-05-28

SE1
Their construction would, of necessity, be so very
costly that the policy of restoring to such mode
| improvement, before other and simpler means shall
have been attempted, may we'll be doubted.
hut one another plan remains to be consdered which
is to deepen the channel by dredging, so as to allow
vessels that can come up hieh Warwick to pro-
coed up to Richmond 1t is believed that such mode
OF Improvement, if it do not entirely remedy the evil
will, at all events do much towards effecng that de-
srable object
The depth Of water required for vessels of the first
class is seven cen feet 1t is estimated that at least
half of the foreign trade of Richmond is now carried
in briggs ships OF less than four hundred tons bur-
den drawing not more than fourteen or fifteen feet all
OF which can come up as high as Warwick fully laden.
VI the remaining halt which is transported in ships of
SIX hundred tons, drawing sixteen seventeen feet,
loaded, large proportion say three-tourths, could
now be put on board such ships at Warwick, and the
vessels still be able to pass over all the distractions
below that place. Now, by deepening the channel be-
tween Warwick and Richmond so as to allow vessels
which are able to up the former to pass all the
way up to the latter the whole trade in vessels of four
teen feet draught and three ourths OF the trade in
sells OF seventeen feet daugh would once be relieved
from the Inconvenience and burdens to which they
are at present subjected. Some remarks upon the
amount OF this tax are submitted in a succeeding part
| oil this report.
| 10 effect this very desirable object, propose the
employment ottwo dredging machines, to be occupied
in the following manner First to dredge out chan
|
at low water; by which means passage will at once
be opened tor vessels OF thirteen feet draugh up TO the
Wharyes at Rockets The dredging machines can
then be employed in giving a uniform depth of nine
feet at low water, fifteen feet at high WATER to such
parts OF The river as require it. This may be effected
with greater ease and expedition than has been gener
| ally imagined.
By critical examination of the chart, it will be- per.
ceved that, exclusive of the Richmond bar, and about
tive hundred yards between that and the Warwick
bar, nine feet is to be found all the way up to point
the lower wharf at Rockets Above that point, seven
and tor at least halt the distance eight feet are OBJ
tanned. So that, to reduce the bottom to uniform
depth OF nine eet at low water, requires only exca-
cavation below the Richmond bar of two feet tor five
hundred yards and above it Ito carry the improve
ment quite to the mouth of the James River canab an
average excavation OF one foot for mile and half
| To open passage through the Richmond bar one
hundred yards in width, and fifteen feet in depth at
high tides, will require the removal of 1921 cubic
yards; and to reduce The bottom to the same depth up
| TO the mouth of the canal, l2l 400 yards.
Some rock is found in the bed OF the river in the i'm
mediate vicinity OF Rockets. II appears to be of the
character that which the river falls above
which is soft granite In some parts, especially near
not adherng to, but simply lying on the bottom of the
river and may be removed without difficulty. In one
spot forms Part OF the river bed and will have be
reduced and broken up BY means Of heavy bars oron,
applied vertcay tor which purpose the power OF the
dredging machine can be applied with great effect.
In reducing the bottom to uniform level, it will be
proper TO commence the work OF dredging at Rich
mond. The earth which is removed may be deposited
in creek or bayou separating the large island Just be-
low the city from the main land. This would have
the effect OF forcing the water which flows through
that passage into the main channel; thereby increasing
its depth and the velocity of the current and prevent
ing, at the same time, any tendency to too rapid
drainage OF the river, should such effect be found TO
result from the removal Of the Richmond bar A row
OF sheet ping should be driven the bayou TO
prevent the earth there deposited from beng washed
away by the first two three reshets as might other
wise happen. Being thus retained in its place, would
very soon be covered with vegetation, which would
protect it from any future action OF the current
The only objection TO The mode OF improvement
proposed IS the fear that may prove temporary BEN
et only; that the channel thus opened will soon fill up
or it do not, that another bar will be formed below
| the present one, by which the navigation would be
equally obstructed: for to the entire praccability
OF removing the distinctions within reasonable time,
and at a moderate expense no doubt cam think, be
entertained. am inclined to the opinion, however,
| that it will be much more permanent and beneficial
than might at first be supposed. The bar, which is
heprinclpal obstruction, has been forming for long
series OF years. yet, from all the information could
gatherit does not appear to be increasing By OPEN
ing channel through it, and closing the bayou be-
tween the island and the shore, above the current
stead OF being spread as at present wide fiat,
will naturally flow through the passage opened for it,
and that with an increased power and velocity tending
continually to enlarge and deepen the opening. It is
true that the particles, which would otherwise be pre-
cpitated here, may be carried further down and form
another bar below but this objection is equally appl-
cable and indeed, with greater toree to the improve
ment by lees-as, 10 the case provision is made
tor the disposal OF the earth removed and in the other
no such provision is made, and is beved that by the
timely and constant use OF the dredging machine, all
serious danger from this cause May be entirely super.
seeded,
After completing this part OF the Improvement the
obstruction at Harrsons bar should next be removed
which will open an uninterrupted navigation for vessels
requiring seventeen feet to Coxs bar By the removal
OF this latter shoa as proposed in former part of this
5epon, vessels otthe largest size would as was in
formed by those competent to judge, from long expert
ence) be enabled to come up to Warwick without
difficulty.
ltnow remains to consider the practicabty and pro-
prety OF giving such depth to the river, above War
wick, as will allow draught OF Ia eet all the way to
Richmond. By reference TO the chart, it will be per-
ceived that, with the exception OF small portion Of
the space where the depth sufficient already the whole
distance. between these points will require dredging
depth OF two feet The amount OF earth to be thus
excavated and removed will be 40 900 yards,
The following estimate will show the probable ex-
pense OF making all the improvements upon the plan
proposed:
Estimate showing the first cost of steam dredging ma.
chine, scows, &c complete and the current expenses
OF the same for one year, estimated at $50 days.
dredging machine, worked by steam power,
capable OF excavating and raising $50 tons
OF sand or gravel per hour from depth OF
~ feet, having paddle wheels attached, and
SO constructed that the power may be shift
ed from The digging to the moving machines
ny, whence il will possess within itself the
power OF independent motion, working in a
frame 100 feet in length by 80 in breadth, and
calculated to work in sand, gravel, clay,
hard pan, soft or shelly rock with chains
and anchors complete, will cos...,...... Sl5 500
receiving scows, at $3.50 each. ........"... 1900
Cost OF one machine complete, $ls.2e0
Such machine will require to work it,
superintendent, at $75 per month. ......... $500
steam engineer, per annum. ............. 600
t,'omen and dock hand $50 days, at 81 90 500
~ hands Y to each scow) d" 800 5000
5oo cords OF wood, at So 90. ..u.......,. 900
vi, talow, repairs OF machinery, &e....... 600
Total annual expenses of one machine. $3.50. $500
Total cost of one machine and expenses for
one year,. Observation-Disclosures. $24,7OO
Or Tor two machines. Observation-Disclosures. 1900