Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-09-19


farred on several previous occasions to the Gu
terprise of the Potomac Slate and Mining Com
papy, in opening fine quarry OF Slate on Ne
abso Greek, in Prince William county. Several
gentlemen Interested in the matter, with few
friends, made visit Of examination there yes
teriay. They had very pleasant trip III
comfortable steamer, enjoying the ilae bright
day, and the beautiful scenery OF the Potomac;
and about mid day, passing under the high bluff
Of Freestone Point proceeded up the Neaosco,
and soon reached. without impeachment to the
navigation, the landing, from which the quarry
IS distant about mile. "a few minutes walk or
ride brought them to where a number OF labor
ers were at wosk, basily engaged, getting out
the slate which at that point IS imocdded IN a
high bank, cropping out at the surface, and ex-
tending downwards to a depth not yet ascer-
tanned. All the work requisite is to take the
slate from the bank, with pick axe. The
supply seems incxhaustible, and the Whole
neighbcrhood abounds with the matcrlai--n-
deed, openings are made in several places, ell
ready, preparatory to extending operations Tor
procuring slate. So far, the slate is only taken
from the surfacc-but that is OF al excellent
quality, so pronounced by several persons from
Wales, who are experienced in the matter, and
who are employed at the quarry-and the quail
ity is certain to improve the deeper the
digeings arc carried The engineering depart
meptis under the care of Col. Samuel Johnston,
whose ability and energy in bis profession are
wei. known There appears to be less waste IN
procuring the slate and shaping It, Tor Market
than is usual, and all the works are judlclously
and actively prosecuted. A gentleman from
Baltimore, who is competent judge, and has
been largely engaged in slate roofing, for years.
was with the party, and critically examined the
material. He pronounces it to be OF the best
description yet found in this country, and very
valuable. Indeed, we cannot but believe that
this Development, adding another to the many
resources of Virginia, will materially benefit the
county OF Prince William, and prove highly re-
munerative, in the end, 10 the gentlemen who
have embarked in the undertaking. The ex-
tent OF the quarry, the quality OF the slate, and
the contiguity to the place Of shipment, from
whence it caa be brought to Washington
GEORGETOWN and Alexandria, and the compare
tive cheapness with which it can be furnished,
all go 10 inspire hopes of a great success.
Some OF our Prince William friends-Col
BAIL BrawDcr, MIR. q. Kankey, and others
met, welcomed, and Hospitality received the Wis
itors, and we're in fine spirits, at the prospect
now opened for an Improvement in their good
old county.
The company returned to the landing in the
afternoon, and, (the steamer having taken on
board quantity of The new y Quarried slate,)
embarked for home, reaching the wharf
here about o clock, after spending deligh
full day, both on The land and the water. They
we're provided during the trip with handsome
and bounti:al repast, including some line Var
ginia ham, mutton, and Potomac fish, fresh
from the river
Specimens of the slate can be seen at the Of
fee Ct the Gazette, to which We invite the at
cotion of the public The great vein OF slate
at Neab.co has been known for years, but the
requisite capital for carrying On proper works
there, has not been obtained until nov.