The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-03-10

the State Pennsylvania, excepting perhaps,
the Southern end of the Sunbury and Eric
Railroad, along the Susnuehamna river and
portions of other roads lying directly in the
valleys Of large streams.
The first obstacle to be ovcrcom, in the In
cation OF this line is the dividing ridge be-
tween the waters Of the Delaware and Ches.
apcakc. This ridge we cross at a point 2II
feet lower than the point at which it is eros
sed by the line as at present located and
were the ridge itself is very mich narrower.
Leaving it, we have, nearly all the distance
TO the valley of Big Elk Greek, a side hill,
upon which the line can be 50 placed as to
materially lessen the expense from that shown
by our profile now in your possession, with
ont Increasing the grades or curvatnres, Thus
obtaining favorable line over the most diff
cult parts of the route. After crossing the
Big and Little Elks, at the frs. of which the
linz can be 50 altered as to Require an cnhant-
ment of not more than forty feet in heigth,
we find no obstacle to obtaining a first rate
location until we arrive at the valley Of Basin
Ran.
Entering this valley much further from the
Octoraro, and at q much less elevation above
the river than any other line which has been
traced down it, We are enabled to follow the
stream with the comparatively light grade
before mentioned as oar mazimium--and
cross the SuSquch&nna near the mouth OF
Deer Creek, with bridge having an cleva-
tion4ot not more than sixty feet at its eastern
cnd.a
Itis nearly impossible for any accurate cst-
mate Of the cost OF this iine to be made from
a merely experimental survGry, nor would it
be proper to hazard a statement, &c cling fully
Satisfi ID as we do, that more careful exam
ilation Of the ground and location Of the
road would very materially lessen the present
| apparent expense.
| From the dividing ridge to the high land
beyond the Little Elk, the most and indeed
| the only expensive part Of the road, much
| cheaper and in no way less favorable route
! could we feel sure be obtained. With the
! exception Of .hoso four miles, which will
,,ro;, ably cost about $50, coo each, the graz
d,n,.. N I'D masonry should not exceed 81,
0lO per Lille.
AT the req ,,"st Of aonc Of your number, W c
give the above cs. mate u the same time stat
ing how insufficient arc the data upon which
it is based.
In conclusion, gentlemen, permit us to say
that it is no part Of our duty to make any
con- rarisols between this route and Others
which may have been located by the Thila-
dclphia and Baltimore Central Railroad Com
| p@ny.
We give you in regard to the line n plain
|
| actual surveys.
| Ii now remains for you to present this state
ment to the proper officers; and if, upon eS
animation, they choose to adopt line much
longer than the one you have caused to be
surveyed, running through Il district offering
! but little if any more Inducements to the
co -tructon of a road, ami having for more
th,, i, h.. tits length grade exceeding eighty
feet pc. mic. you will still feel that il; endea
,o.ng to Jain 'he best location for r:Hd
which will eventually lie the great thorough
farc'betwccn the c.,,Hs Q. fhiadelph'a and
Baltimore, You have aete,, as income good
citizens, although defeated III 20" praise
worthy intentions by powerful local .t!"au-
cncc.
Respectfully yours,
II. A. FRINK.
CHARLES ASH.
To.Messrs. Joel Woo 'ward, L. 7. Richard
son, Joseph Iaincs, &c, 4.