Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1857-01-21
Gke Stan0arb.
RALEIGH. SATURDAY. JAN. II. 1857.

hALE1GHs SATURDAY. JAM lfs 1901.
Col. Gwynn's Report on the Cape Fear and
Deep River Improvement.
In compliance with a resolution of the Legisla-
ture, and the wishes of the Governor, Col. Gwynn
has visited the works on the Cape Fear and Deep
Rivers, and has reported to the Legislature upon
the condition of said works, and the practicable
ty of completing the at an early day.
Col Gwynn presents in regular order in his Re-
port first, the works on the Cape Fear and then the
Deep river works.
He estimates that Si2. 900 will be required to 6n
ish and put in good condition the Cross Greek dam
and iock-$2s 400 for Jones' Falls, Silver Run and
Red Rock dams and locks $14 600 for law Ridge
dam and lock-$8,5O0 for Green Rock dam and
lock-$l0,OoO for Narrow Gap dam and lock-$l4,-
600 for Sharpfeld dam and lock-$64, 900 for Nc
Alisters. Foxs Island, Northing,ons. Battle's and
Buckhorn dam and locks, these being Cape Fear
works For the dam and lock at Lockvile, 1000
for Rives' dam and lock- $ls, ,OO0-for Clegg's dam
and lock, $40,0O0--for the Gulf dam and lock, s4O,-
Ooo-for Evans dam and lock, $25, o,-these be.
ing Deep river works. The aggregate estimate for
the two rivers amounts to S32s,9OO TO this he
addl other items, for deepening the channels in
ponds, removing bar near Fayetteville, and rebuild
ing dams ut Jones Falls, Silver Rum Rcd Rock, and
Haw Ridge, amounting in all to $450,O which he
thinks will be sufficient to complete the improve
ment on the plan Of wooden dams, locks, guard
walls, and abutments. III it should be decided" J"
however, says Col. Gwynn, as | would respectful
ly advise, to build stone locks. abutments and guard
walls, the cost will be ST. 600 or, in round num-
bers, $l,900,O00." Col. Gwynn is of the opinion
that the interests involved would justify this expcn
dture, and that the State could not make more ju
dcious or safe investment.
1t appears from Col. Gwynns Report, that some
of the dams were badly constructed, and that near
ly all the locks are already much decayed.
Col. Gwynn states that the building of the locks
in the first instance of wood necessity forced
upon the company from the scarcity of good build
ing stone. The best and most extensive quarries,
however, he says, which he has seen in the State,
have since been found at Buckhorn and Northing-
tons; and these, now easy Of access, will furnish
enough stone for all the works. He also states that
the cost of the works so largely exceeding the orig
ina! estimate (Sls5, COO not tho ---..'' &c "y
error in the esti.-..s, OF an extended and en-.
iarged improvement, not embraced in the estimate.
lie concludes his Report as follows:
"The great source Of revenue to the improve.
ment, will be transportation of the btumnous coal
existing, above stated, in the valley of Deep river
The analysis of several distinguished chemists
proves this coal to be superior in the production OF
gas to that of any coal in the country. Two mines
| opened, only one however is in operation. am
informed by the agent, that the iron evacuated
in the process Of mining, will cover the of rails
ing the coal; it is certainly and superior
| quality Of ore.
The coal can be deveaed in Wilmington, includ
ing mining. tolls, freight and charges, atordiag a
handsome profit to all partes at four dollars per ton
ain informed that extensive operations will be com
mcnced the parties interested in the coal
fields can be assured of the completion of the Cape
Fear and Deep river improvement to Fayetteville
l feel confident that the income of the coal trade
alone, independent of other Of revenue vii
be sufficient 20 the the annual expenses of h
work and interest on the capital, very soon after,
| not from the date Of the completion of the work
and that there will be- for long period, continual!
increasing demand for the coal, well as increas
ing revenue from other sources"