Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-02-29
We republish the following report, as revised,
amended and corrected by Mr.. Albert
New River Improvement-Report of the s"TVey'
To the Board Of Directors Of The ". r. Compam4:

New River Improvememt.-Report of the survey.
To the Board of Directors Of the N. r. Company
have the honor submit the following report of the
vey of New River and Inlet together with chart and plan
for improving the navigation and thereby increasing the
depth of water upon the Bar.
The advantages of this improvement have long been ev
dent The first effects of its accomplishment will be in
the value of lands adjacent the river stimulus
improved tilage ready sale for all marketable products
Including pne oak and cypress umberthc enhanced value
OF the fishing interest and consequent increase in the ton
mage engaged in the coasting trade.
ne produce which is now c0yeved to wilmington Beau
tort and Newberne, by land will find cheaper and
pedtlous transit by way of the river.
leave these important considerations to those Immediately
description of the distinguishing features of the river is
necessary to an appreciation of the plan which have sub
The length of its from Jacksonville to the bar is
about 70 miles, its average width is nearly two miles The
first five miles of fuval character Thence the
is more direct the river having much the appearance Of
lake with headands and bays bounded by firm banks which
rise IN PLACES IN perpendicular escarpment of clay to a
nelh OF 20 feet The average depth the channewhch
is Is to 20 feet at Jackonvieis7 feet The tide does
extend four miles above the mouth of the thus
forms large slackwater basin, without definite channel
almost without current, and without the recent allu
vial deposit by which the banks of demarked
from the surrounding country One striking exception
the latter peculary found at the mouth Of the river
These features and the predomnance of the tidal influence
IN the lower compartment give it esturial character
Ihe obsucons occupy three successive portions of the
RIVER Caretu consideration necessary for determining
possess consistency of principle and such unity of design
to admit of combination into one harmonious whole
ent periods without affecting its efficiency.
The distinctions be defined the order of succession
First: collection of islands shoals, consisting of oys
ter Shells extending along and the channel for dis
tance of than half me form the most serious mpe
diment to navigation.
Second In Importance, is the toruous and evervaying
channel at the entrance into the ocean.
Third Difficulty demanding attention is found at the Bar,
which subject to constant change in depth and position
clear understanding of the laws controlling the forma-
on of these difficulties is indispensable for maturing plan
tor their removal or reduction.
The tidal influence be said extend above the high
est shell isandnot three miles, direct line, from the
Bar Attention given the rate of flow and of
Tide scales placed at points designated IT s. up
on the chart level line between them reduce
mined the rise and fall upon the coast No placed
camp below the shell obstrucons and No. at fishing
station above them. The remaining placed along the
main channel, through the marsh.
Diagram No shows the interesting character of the
suits obained those bearing specially upon the improve
ment are shown in the following table