The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-11-05
THE COAsTyVIsE TRADE.

SoASA "1btN I1tADtGs
One of the most striking features Of the times
and that is sure sign of our commercial pros
perity, is the increase of shipping trade since
the war. The evacuation found Charleston almost
without vessel in her port, blockade running had
ceased, and craft of any size or capacity was left
here. The wharves, from long neglect, had fallen
into decay, the docks were nearly all filled up, and
the prospect was very discouraging.
The close Of the war dissolved dream, and our
people, feeling that the cause was lost, did not
waste time on vain regrets, but taxed their ener-
gies to repair all damages, and, possible, to make
for themselves a future that would equal the past
Northern capital soon found its way South. The
necessities Of the people were pressing and their
wants numerous. Stocks of every description were
sent on, and stores sprung up like magic.
The reopening Of the railroads brought cotton to
MARKET and with that larger demand for import
ed goods. Steamship lines were established be-
tween this and Northern ports, and the coastwise
trade received an impetus that soon brought it to
it's present proportions. This increase demanded
increased accommodations, and for months past
the wharf owners have been busy repairing, i'm
proving and extending their property. At present
the wharves are more substantial than they have
been for years, and have facilities for storage, &C.,
that have never been surpassed.
Few Of the old lines have been re-established,
but on their ruins others have sprung up that bid
fair in time to rival their predecessors. Several
new routes have been inaugurated and in every
branch Of this business an increased energy and
activity is visible. Large freights are brought
here, and valuable cargoes are sent in return
afording vessels profitable employment. Cotton
lumber, rice and naval stores, are eagerly sought
for by shippers and long % our country is able
to supply these articles, there will always be q
good freightng business for the employment Of
shippers.
The coastWise trade Of this city stretches FROM
the Florida coast to the British Provinces and em-
braces every article OF export that our country
produces; while the return freights are composed
OF merchandise machinery and other articles neod-
ed in the community. The inland and coast trade
Of our own State is extremely valuable and has at
tracted tho attention Of capitalists and ship
owners for many years. Besides the numerous
sailing vessels, several lines of steamers have been
established; and Georgetown, and the rich section
OF country around it, Edisto, Beaufort and other
important points, are now in close communication
with Charleston. In order to give some idea OF
the present proportions Of this trade, we will briefly
mention the different lines, the vessels, &c.
Between this point and Georgetown several steam
ers have been running, and considerable competi-
ton is manifested. The owners Of these different
vessels, by alternating their trips, also keep
up communication with Savannah, touching at
Beaufort, Hilton Head, &c. The Plot Bou,
Captain hoNEnrY, the Fdaraie, Capt. DAVIS,
and the Eeira HancoI, Captain Posr, Of Messrs.
FERGUSON HoIMRs' line, are the pioneers in this
trade. These boats and their captains are deserv-
edly popular, from the regularity Of their trips,
aTaan fra TN,
have been recently reftted, and are thoroughly
seaworthy and serviceable.
The fine steamer Emile, Captain ApAm, Major
NOTE A. PnNa1iE Agent, has been recently put on
this route. The Enaie is Southern built boat.
and was known formerly as the Vim. Senbrook,
Her present owners have had extensive repairs
made, and she has now ample accommodations for
passengers and freight.
The large rivers that are tributary to Winvah
and ther country that they intersect reners
this trade one OF great importance The rivers ara
naV1gable for miles, and afford communication with
inland towns, mills, and other points of interest.
The Marion, Captain GEORGE MANSFIELD IAN old
and sklllfu seaman) has made several trips on the
Pee Dee to Cheraw and the intermediate landings.
Captain FRnaUsoN, Of FERaUsoN & HoIa1Es, has
recently purchased the Piantar (which Was carried
OIL by her crew during the war), and has placed
her on this Same line. These two steamers
arc OF light draft, and intended especially for
the inland and river trade The old Ndrion
under Captain FERGUSON, was one OF the pio-
neers Of this line, and the resumption of IL
VIII DO received with favor by the planters along
tho route. The q. D. Vance, an iron steamer, Mr.
JAS BROWNE Agent, has made several inland trips,
some as far as Augusta. She is at present adver-
tlsed for Wrights Bluff and all intermediate land
lngs on tho santee River.
besldes the Plot Boy, Fannie and Emile who
aiernate their trips to Savannah and touch OF all
intermediate points, there are number Of steam
ers 'nat run on that route exclusively. The Coton
has been recently repaired and rendered more
serVlceaDle than ever, and her Captain, B. ".
IhToN, designs running her to Savannah uia
beaufort and Hilton Head, go. The OoLon was
quite popular before she was removedfrom this
route and her improved looks will not cause her to
lose her former custom.
Messrs. FERGUSON & HOLMES have recently plac-
ca inc Eliza Hancor, o fine aide-wheel steamer, on
.he inland route to Savannah. The Hdncox is o
hfst-olass boat, and her Captain, JOHN A. Posr an
experienced seaman. Since the destruction Of the
onafieston and Savannah Railroad, direct COM
municatlon between these points has made the
wafer communication Of Importance, and the day
p not Tar distant when tho daily trips will bo re-
sumed. 1f - =
Inc sea Islands along tho coast we're long the
plnens stopping places Of those, vessels, but II