The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-11-06
Rep0rt of the Wilson Survey.

We have before us a report on the Wilson
Survey" near the Great Kanawha River, virginia
By Professor D. r. Ansted, E. r. s.. F. &. s., Con-
sulting Mining Engineer" The report gives an In
tercstine account of the great Kanawha Coal field,
and every division of which bears coal, some OF
the very finest quality. The lands embraced in the
spccial tract known as the Wilson Survey are esti-
mated to have been originally about 153 square
mles situated partly in kanawha and partly in
Fayette county The total length of the frontage
towards the Kanawha river IL let miles, and the
depth 81 miles an average. The position Of
thass great coal mines near the navigable stream
Of the Kanawha gives them great advantages over
others In the neighborhood. A description is also
gven OF the fine coal beds on 'the WacoInah Estate
and "the Naomi Estate" eser. ...-- ...
In regard 10 a market for these Immense coal
Acids, the report mentions some interesting facts.
There are at present upwards of twenty very con-
siderable towns aud great number Of small towns
and villages on the Kanawha, Ohio and MISSISSIPPI
pi rivers. The population of tho three largest
towns now exceeds 100000. The inhabitants of
the remaining towns and villages are estimated at
half million There are upwards Of seven hun
bred steam vessels of various kinds navigating the
western rivers. Through the city of Cincinnati no
less than twenty lines Of rail- having in all 26o
miles of road, now In course Of execution
Louisville, Evansville, Cairo Memphis and Vicks-
burg all either will shortly be important
centres for railway communication and at each of
them depots for coal will be required
At New Orleans and Mobile is an extensive and
increasing ocean traffic by steam vessels. The Co
vington and Ohio Railroad will run near this great
coal region The following is submitted as fair
statement of the natural demand per annum for
the whole district: eft '.--St
- Tons
Household eonsurn pton in towns. .2a5 600
Gas and manufacturing purposes IN town.. COO
River steam navigation. 81, 2oo, 600
Railroad locomotives. 2o0, GOO
New Orleans oeean steam navigation. lU0 600
Virginia Central Railroad, and towns supplied s E
by its $1,000
F..l-rsr go Z. ..a .2,l75Ooo
Here Is indeed large natural market, very insult
hciently provided for, but constantly increasing In
extent, the present supply being variable and usu
ally commanding high prices. The coal has the great
advantage of being conveniently situated for work
ing several valuable beds above the water line, and
is proved better at the waters edge and at various
heights on the hill side Surely these are sufficient
inducements to secure the employment of capital
in this direction, and it would be difficult to set a
limit to the amount that could be invested with ad
vantage 90 @
In this connection VIC learn that there were ship
ped from Pittsburg, during the year ending Sept.
1st, 1855 thirty three millions, seven hundred and
sixty-one thousand, seven hundred and ninety five
bushels of coal, which passed the mouth Of the Ka-
nawha, travelling near two hundred miles farther
than our Virginia coal would have to go. This coal
worth to Pennsylvania three millions and a
half of dollars