Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1859-01-05
Important Letter from Com. Wilkes..Resour
fthe Deep River Valley.

ofthe Deep River Valley.
We are indebted to the courtesy of the Editors of
the Fayetteville Observer for corrected proof of the
following letter from Com. Wilkes to Hon. Warren
Wnslow by which We are enabled to lay this inter-
esting document at the earliest moment before our
readers 1t will be seen that Com Wilkes after
patient and thorough examination, fully sustans the
opinions heretofore expressed to the great value
and abundance of the resources of the Deep River
Valley 1t will also be observed that he regards the
creation Of means of transportation to and from
this valley as an Indispensable prerequisite to any
action by the general government for the establish
ment of naval workshops, &c But We will not de-
tain readers from the letter. 1t speaks for itself
From the Fayetteville Observer.
REPORT OF CAPT. WILKES.
We are enabled to present to our readers the an
neXed important letter addressed TO our Represen-
tutive IN Congress, the Hon. Warren Winslow, by
Capt Wilkes of the Navy the head of the Commits
sion appointed by the Secretary of the Navy to ex-
anime the Deep River Valley with view to the as
certainment of its adaptedness for the location of
Naval Work Shops.
1t will be seen that this officer, whose scientific
attainmens are well known, enumerates the various
rich mineral and other treasures which a careful
personal inspection disclosed to him in that remark
able region, but says emphatically that they must
remain valucess until facilities for transportation
and travel are provided; and he is very naturally
surprised that there should be any hesitation in
providing those facilities.
We trust that his letter will turn the scale in the
Legislature in favor of that small amount of aid
which our Railroad needs s.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 1853
To the Hon. Warren Winslou-
My DEAR SIR: | take great pleasure in answer
ing your letter relative to the examination of the
Deep River country, which am now enabled to do,
as my Report is finished and will be handed to the
Department for presentation to Congress after the
holidays. This, you understand is unofficial, and
will be short synopsis, which will give you a cor
rect idea of the result of my examination. Owing
to the delay in receiving the specimens from the
Deep River country, the analysis of the Goals and
ores has postponed my official report much longer
than anticipated, and some time must still capse
after it is handed in before it can be published by
Congress, on account of the engraving of the Maps
and Sections of the Geological formation.
need not point out to you the situation of the
Deep River district but you must be aware as well
as am how little is really known of its geographi-
cal position as well as its valuable productions, and
the apathy with which all improvements for accessi
blity to this district have been viewed the part
of many in your State and the prejudice which has
eXistedagainst it. from the appropriations having been
layshly and useessly expended in the construction
of inefficient Dams and insecure Locks which were
found inadequate to bear their oun weight without
the force of the water.
These mishaps and procrastinations have acted
very unfavoraby in preventing appropriations being
made by the Legislature well as deterrng indi
viduals from subscribing towards these great and
useful works. I am sure that there yet many
who entertain doubts, and are unwilling to give
their money and exertOns or credence to the truth
which has been fully brought to light by the well
directed efforts of Mr.. VIM. McClane in sinking the
shaft at Egypt; this fully established the existence
of the veins of COAL and left no reason to doubt the
existence of coal basin and large quantities of the
best bituminous coal as well as great variety of
iron ores which had been noticed by Prof Emmons,
the State Geologst, in many localities, and l can
now add that it is fully confirmed by the recent
animation of the Commission: indeed there are
few places to be found in country. where there
is such a concentration of material, and which can
be mined with so little toll and expense; an abun
dance Of the best fuel consisting Of charcoal and
the mineral Goals susceptible of being advantageous
iy coked, in great variety and quantity for all pur
poses of the arts we'll as domestic uses.
Although these deposits of coal and iron in the
Deep River country will not bear comparison
with the vast fields and mountains of these miner
ais in our Western States, yet owing to their posi-
ton, proximity to market and adaptability to many
purposes of the arts it is far before them in value
Of. great interest to your State, and consider of
national Importance.
The outcrop of the bituminous coal has been
traced 1S miles, and five seams of coal found at the
surface The shaft at Egypt is sunk to the depth Of
460 feet and includes the lower coal seam, and by it
We are assured that there are four coal seams two
having united as they descended the largest is
there found to be feet wide, separated from the
others by beds of carbonate Ct iron known as the
"Black Band"
The coal has been proved to be Of the best quality
of bituminous GOALS 1t is shining clean coal, re-
sembling the best specimens of Cumberland; it ig-
mites easily, burns with bright clear combustion,
Nd isvW tHy itlls nj II swtlh md sgylstastuus