Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-05-27


supply Of timber and lumber for the purchase of
which, as for the hiring We come into the market rather
This difficulty of securing sufficient force has always,
their earlier history as perceive from the printed reports
Should succeed in overcoming these important difficult
ties, shall be able to reopen the navigation efectually
supply of labor materials be brought together
early day. time will be required for the completion
To execute the bulk of the work within this with the
means controlled by the Board payments for all materials
and IL months time without interest in which do not
suppose we will encounter any serious difficulty.
templated as follows:
Labor and materials for the works, ...... $40 900
Repairing and fitting up steamboat and four barge 1900
Running expenses of steamboat and barges for year,
Tools machinery. and coming encies . ........ 5000
Total. $s9 900
OF THE SURVEYS AND PLANS FOR A PERMANENT WORK.
In the second article of your Exceencys instructions of
April 3Oh, 1859, you direct after examining into and
reporting upon the subject of the repairs of the navigation
to proceed as follows:
rivers from Fayetteville to the uppemost lock and DAM and
lay before the Board such plans and estimates
necessary for reconstruction of these works in perma
and substantial manner afford good sackwater
navigation upon these rivers steamboats, barges
also to ascertain the depth of water will be practicable to
obtain upon this work"
So soon as the repair question disposed of by the
proceed to organize corps Of Engineers and execute this
second article of your Excellency's instructions.
will occupy the remainder of this year. and about
OOO and both the repairs and the survey,
simultaneously.
advance of this detailed survey would be premature
to make extended remarks upon the subject of
Exceency know that having the latter part Of your
structons in view during my recent examination of these
nd tae n 81
happy to that the natural obstacles existing sub
in their character as not at all to equal in MAGNITUDE
upon the rivers OF more northern States
The moderate fall OF these rivers averaging only two
to MILE the of rock bottom less hard
at the site OF work required convenient breadth
of the absence of all abrupt bends-the abund
OF granite, and other excellent building stone along
the waters edge the facility of transportation by the old
works when repaired the cheapness of good timber and
pools and their total exemption from the ice freshets
destructive northern rivers render these rivers especially
suitable for the construction OF steamboat sackwater
navigation of the best character.
That such navigation, of adequate dimensions to
modate the heaviest trade and transport by
steam power average velocity 10 miles hour
be easily constructed upon these rivers in MY Judgment
beyond any doubt and expressing this opinion with
fdence am fully of the great rise Of high freshets
Fayetteville but such floods could produce any
preston on properly constructed works.
By making suitable of the existing dams, (Which in
are worth very nearly the price at which the
whole works were bid in by providing these dams with
the land and with cutsone locks suitably planned and
perly built up with waterproof cement, to the
lifts between the various levels these works be made
in every fair substantial and permanent improve
ment which will set the floods defiance require in
ture time, but slight annual repairs.
That such works be executed in a proper manner,
within the State of North Carolina and exceed
that which works of similar quality have required
where, may be cOnSideSed certain
| CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Should the views expressed in this Report receive the
probation of your Exceency and the Board, all that will
be decessary to carry them out will be to empower
Chief Engineer to act according to their tenor making such
regulations as you fit for the monthly audit and
Element of accounts and for monthly meetings of your Board
to receive and act upon the periodical and reports
of the Chief Engineer.
cannot conclude this Report without expressing my
legations to James Cassdey Esq., member of your Board
for the patience and attention with which he accompanied
me throughout my boating expedition in the examination
of these Rivers and Works. and also acknowledging the
courtesy with which have been received by the gentlemen
of the country and which is warmly appreciated by me-
stranger to the State.
All of which is most respectfully submitted
ELLWOOD MORRIS
Chief Engineer.
Raleigh, N. c May 18th, 1859