Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1857-06-30
Letter from DudIc, Tann.

We publish to day the second letter OF Col a.
Dudley Mann-formerly Assistant Secretary OF
state-reatve to the grand enterprise, which
we believe he originated of an ocean steam fer
~ between Milford Haven. on the coast of Eng
land, and some point on the Chesapeake Bay
within our own State. The first letter of Col.
Mann, which was given TO the public some time
last Fall. was somewhat general IN It's character
and mainly De signed 10 enlighten the people OF
the Soath in relation to the commercial and po-
hscsl advantages Of such an enterprise togeth-
er with demonstration of its entire feasibility
The second. which we publish 10 day, is more
practical than the other; and determines the
mode aud manner in which Col. Mann proposes
to conduct his scheme to successful issue.
1t will be observed. in the fret place, tia, he
does not entertain the idea that the d" Great Eas-
tern" can be diverted from the object for which
she was originally bnilt-namely, the Australian
trade For peculiar reasons, she will make her
first trip to Portland, in the State of Maino-but,
after that she will take her place in tho line OF
Australian packets for the purpose of accommo-
dating the growing commerce OF that colony with
the mother country. The Great Eastern, in point
of fact, is not well adapted for a mere trims At
lantic trade, Her immense size aud capacity OF
tonnage fit her only for long voynges-for She
could not be made profitable US an investment IN
navigating such short route, comparatively as
that between England and this country Wetust
however. that MIR. Preston mny yet he able to
divert her, in her trial trip, from Portland to
Norfolk. Iffor no other purpose IT would still
be of service to 10 be able to demonstrate to
her officers and owne, the superior advantages
of our Bay as the entrepot 9th productions OF
the interior, and an appropriate point for Their
transhipment to the markets of the Old World.
In the next place. Col. Mann suggests the
mode by which the necessary means may be pro
vided for the commencement OF his enterprise
which, il will be observed consists in the volun
tary subscription by the people of the South OF
an amount sufficient to carry il into successful
operation. Shares of stock are 10 be held at one
hundred dollars each-uot to be nonoposed by
city capitalists merely. but TO be held, in small
sums, by the farmers. merchants, and substan-
tial business men of the country generally. Aud
the proprety Of this mode is vindioated briefly,
and vet conclusively, in Col Mann's letter.
The ability Of the people of the south TO raise
the necessary amount lao one will dispute. Nir-
ginia alone could do it with the greatest ease,
and without a sensible diminuiion Of her financial
capital But Col. Mann, in order to render the
benefits as diffusiye possible, proposes to lin
it the subscriptions Of each individual to one
share only that as IN my as possible may have an
opportunity of becoming stockholders in the line.
BY this system Of voluntary associated capital
many of the grsndes; enterprises Of the age have
been commenced and conducted 10 most splcn-
did and satisfactory result
proposal to inaugurate a new OF commercial
adventure in the South with the sincerest and
livelest satisfaction. So determined are our
people to accept anything looking to this auspi-
cious end that they will not carp AT minor objec-
TONS or pick immaterial flaws in a venture which
promises a conclusion which they have SO long
sought
Col. Mann proposes to obtain charter at the
next session of the Legislature of Virginia.
This charter will be sufficiently guarded and re-
stricted for the interests OF stockholders. at the
same time that i, will be liberal enough in its
provisions. He will appeal first to the people OF
Virginia, as being the State most Immediately
interested in the enterprise VIII his appeal be
UNDECIDED If so, grievously mistake the
present temper and determination of the peopl,
of our glorious old Commonwealth.