Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-04-12
LETTER FROM PROF. EMMoNs
To His E.rcellency, DAVID S. REID:

HAYWOOD, April g. 1854.
SIR: The principal object for which visited STAN
" and Arson Counties to determine the charac-
ter of that series of rocks which in Chatham and
Moore contain the COAL and especially to satisfy my
self of the continuance of that portion of the forma
ton which is Immediately associated with the coal
of the special object which had in view, / regret
to say, that not so fortunate as to add much
to the information which already possessed. The
coal shales, however, am satisfied extend to with
in few miles of the Pee Dee, but Immediately upon
the river the alluvia deeply that portion of
the formation which in Moore and GNRtham contains
coal 1 am not however, without hopes that hereaf-
ter fortunate excavation of some kind may be made
which shall disclose the coal shales.
On my return from Stanly and Arson, l passed
through portions of Randolph, Davidson and Chat
ham, which had not previously visited, and deem
it proper state that these journeys and visits
the coal field have increased my confidence in its
importance and now regard it more important to
the economical fulfilment of national design than
ever.
You are aware, Sir, that the Government proposes
to establish National Foundry. Is must be plain
to every considerable that such establishment
should concentrate in itself or in its location as
many advantageous elements possible; and in or
der to be carried with proper economy some OF
these elements at least must be combined IN Its To-
cation Of these necessary elements, it is plain there
should be coal and rons 1t is scarcely necessary to
say in this place that Deep River furnishes the best
of bituminous coal, which may be used in the form
of coke for smelling, melting, or reducing the iron
ore or for all the purposes for which fuel is requr
ed in the manufactures BESIDES it may be largely
used for creating heat before it is debumized. The
iron of Deep River is both abundant and excel
lent existing in connection with the rocks belonging
to the coal SERIES and also in those which lundere
them The amount in the underlying rocks is mex
haustble-and that in the coal series may probably
be regarded in the light as there is bed nine
feet thick extending for miles in the formation
Copper is also another metal which is furnished or
which believe will be furnished in the neighborhood
of Deep River. The two metals-ir0rs and copper,
are the metals important to national establishment.
Zinc exists in Davidson County, but has been hith
erto lost and wasted in processes to which the
has been subjected for the purpose of obtaining the
silver and gold which are associated with it.
In addition to the coal and metals of Deep River,
tne country furnishes great abundance of wood
and timber The forests of loIg leaved pine
vet uninjured. For wood work and building, timber
can be furnished cheaply for a long time to come.
Deep River is accessible. 1t is scarcely necessary
to mention the lines of communication which are
opened and which may be opened. Deep River,
may remark, will soon be navigable, and which will
connect it with the Atlantic by Wilmington and
Fayetteville. Beaufort will ultimately be another
terminus upon the Atlantic But to complete the
lines which shall terminate upon the seaboard line
of only 80 miles of railroad should be built begin
ming at point 10 miles west of Raleigh and
ending at or near the Gulf on Deep River The
completion of this line would bring Deep River with
in u hours of Norfolk, passing through Raleigh,
Weldon and Portsmouth 1t will be seen that Deep
River need not be country of little account as it
hitherto has been and it will also be perceived that
it has all the important elements which necessary
to constitute the site of national scheme, which
will end in increase of the power of our country;
and it furthermore appears to me that Government
should esteem itself fortunate if it secure ia
vorable position for the contemplated national es
Enlistment 1t is fine agricultural section of eoun-
try fact of considerable importance, ensures
a supply of the means of living at home and at the
cheapest rates = - ~
1t is not proper FOL. me to suggest those measures
which may be deemed necessary to secure action
do
national project now stands whether any thing def
mite has been determined upon not but it seem
ed proper to state to your Exeellency the
which has been produced upon my mind after ascer-5
tanning fully the capabilities of the formations which
border upon Deep River.
l am, sir, most respectfully,
Your obedent serv' t. $3.50
EBENEZER EMMONS,
.lsz-g@ I1eoZ of North CaroLind.