Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-01-17
OBJ Stanbarb.
RALEIGH. SATURDAY. JAN. IL. 1857.
Col. Gwynn's Report on the Cape Fear and
Deep River Improvement,

Col. Gwynn's Report on the Cape Fear and
Deep River improvement.
In compliance with a resolution of the Legsla-
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 same at an early day."
Col Gwynn presents in regular order in his Re-
port, first. the works the Cape Fear and then the
Deep river works.
He estimates that ST., 900 will be required to fin.
ish and put in good condition the Cross Creek dam
and lock-$2S, 400 for Jones Falls, Silver Run and
Red Rock dams and locks-$14, 900 for Haw Ridge
dam and lock-$S, 800 for Green Rock dam and
lock-$l0. 900 for Narrow Gap dam and lock-$l4,
OGO for Sharpield dam and lock-$64o0 for Nc.
Alisters Fox's Island, Nor,hngton's. Battles, and
Buckhorn dam and locks, these being Cape Fear
works. For the dam and lock at Lockville, $50, 900
for Rives' dam and lock, S1s, 00O-for Cleggs dam
and lock- $40, O0O-for the Gulf dam and lock, $4O-
O00-lor Evans dam and lock, $25,oOo,- these be-
| ing Deep river works. The aggregate estimate for
the two rivers amounts to $32s,9 10 this he
adds other items for deepening the channels in
ing dams ut Jones' Falls, Silver Rum Red Rock, and
Haw Ridge, amounting in all to $3.50, 600; which he
thinks will be sufficient to complete the improve
mcnt the plan of wooden dams, locks guard
walls, and abu,nents - If it should be decided"
however, says Col. Gwynn, Gas l would respectful
ly advise to build stone locks abutments and guard
walls, the cost will be ST. o00 or, in round num-
bcrs Sl,2OO,OoO." Col. Gwynn is of the opinion
that the interests involved would justify this cxpen
diture, and that the State could not make more ;u
dicious or safe investment.
1t appears from Col. Gwynns Report, that some
of the dams were badly constructed, and that near
! ly all the locks already much ,lecayed.
Col. Gwynn states that the building of the locks
in the first instance of wood necessity forced
upon the company from the scarcity of good build
ing stone. The best and most extensive auarries
however, h. says, which he has seen in the State,
nave since been found at Buckholn and Northing.
TONS; and these, now easy Of access, will furnish
enough stone for all the works. lie also states that
he cost of the woks largely exceeding the orig
inal estimate ($lS5, COo) not the result Of any
error in the estimate, but OF extended and en-
largcd improvement, not embraced in the estimate.
lie concludes his Report follows:
The great source of revenue to the improve.
ncnt, will be transportation of the bituminous 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 that of any coal in the country. Two mines
opened, only one however is in operation. l am
Informed by the agent that the iron evacuated
in the process of mining will the of rails
ing the goal; It is crllaaiy rare and superior
quality of ore.
M l.. H., =,
ing mining, tolls, freight and charges, atfordag
handsome profit 10 all parties, at four dollars per
am informed that extensive operations will be COM
menced the parties interested in the coal
fields can be assured of the completion of the Cape
Fear and Deep river improvement to Fayetteville.
feel confident that the income Of the coal trade
/ alone independent Of other of revenue, will
be sufficient TO the the annual expenses of the
work and interest the capital, very after if
not from the date of the completion of the work !;
and that there will be, for long period continually
increasing demand for the coal, we'll all ncreas.
ing revenue from other sources"
PRESIDENT PIEEcE.-Wc arc happy to learn says
the Richmond Enquirer, tina, there is reasonable
prospect that President Pierce at the close Of his
brilliant administration, will make tour through
/ the southern States. We feel fully justified in de-
| clarns that there is 10 man in the confederacy
whom the entire S0uth would more cordaHy wei
| come We should like him to mingle with people
whose rights and honor he has so noby defended in
defending the constitution Of the United States and
the union Of equal and sovereign States. To Fir-
ginia it would be especially grateful to do honor to
! President who, battling against the most maig'
| nant enemies in his own section, has as karlcssiy
and powerfully carried out the State-rights strict
construction Jefcrsonan principles any President
since the days Of Jefferson himself