Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-02-12

A Letter from Col. Fremont, Assistant
Engineer, who Made the Surveys


Engineer, who Made the Surveys
WILMINGTON, N. c., Feb. 9.-Edttor
Morning Ne,cs: l send you my views
OF the relative merits of the several
routes through the Romney marshes
that were examined by me III
August, 1850. l have before me the
report made to Gen. Gilmore OF that
survey. From this report l propose TO
submit some information for those VINO
are not familiar with the facts, nor with
the routes considered. Route No. is
continuation of the old channel known as
Understands Cut" 1t connects win
ROmney marsh creek, and runs nearly
due south more than one mile $50 yards
into the marsh From the head of this
cut, where it forks in a straight line bear
ing south about degrees west, and DIS
tant 1000 yards, we meet the OdlngseLl
river, one of the deep channels that IN
tersect these marshes in many
directions. This route if cut
through as recommended would not only
greatly facilitate the passage OF the inland
steamers and other vessels passing from
the ports and rivers of Southeastern Geor-
gia and Florida to and from Savannah,
the distance to be traversed about two
miles. A low water depth of seven feet
can be obtained by opening channel
through the solid marsh-as indicated
abOYe-and to those familiar with the oil
1iculties of the navigation of the present
channel through these marshes no greater
recommendation is necessary than is con-
tanned in the description given above OF
this new and short route.
The estimated cost of cutting the chan
mel OF 1000 yards is So, 200, and there is
but little doubt that it would maintain its
depth by the natural action of the tides.
Route No. is the cheapest of all. To
improve the distance to cut is but 100
yards. and if No. ! tor any posi-
BILE reason should not be selected,
this by all means. has the prefer
ence, though the distance is greater
by five miles than it is by No. /, taking COM
mon points in Romney marsh creek and
in Odingsell river for comparison; 1t is
also 81 miles longer than by the present
channel The creek on the south side OF
the middle ground or divides that the
channel to be cut would open into is very
tortuous and somewhat difficult to navl-
gate. This creek flows into the Odingsell
river a few miles south Of the point of con-
nection of route No. with that stream.
Routes No. and in point of merit are
nearly the same. They intersect the
marshy head-waters of Warsaw creek at
the same point. No. is the least eXpen-
siye. because the distance to be cut is
only 900 yards, while No. requires cut
ting for distance of 1,100 yards. The
estimates for these routes are respective
" 80. $50 and $3S, 100. This route No. 4
is about one mile shorter than No. 2, but
No. is the longest of either of the four
routes examined. The greatest difficulty,
it is believed, in making either No. 3 or
No. navigable, is the greater expense i'll
opening channel through the "Thous-
and Islands at the head of Warsaw
creek.
No discussion of these difficulties was
entered upon in the report because it was
not believed that any sane man, engineer,
mariner or member of Congress would
ever think of going around by the cir
cuitous line of Warsaw Island to reach
the Odingsell river, and | was never more
surprised than when Mr.. Parsons, the
owner OF Warsaw Island, urged me to
recommend that longer route in the inter-
est of SdUQnndh. During our interview
that old Roman, William NJ. Wadley
came in, and on MIR. Parsons appealing
to him in behalf of Savannah interest he
replied: "NO, Mr.. Parsons, never. II
you had the route opened, no inland or
river steamer would take it. They could
not risk the rough waters of Ossabaw
sound; besides it is too long,"
There is another route which was but
slightly examned-thOugh it has much
merit-known as the Skidaway route, by
way of Whitemarsh iIsland and the Isle
of Hope, three miles west of ROmney
marshes, by using Wilmington river, Skid
away river, Burnside and Vernon
rivers. The distance by this
| route is said to be shorter than
by route No. 1, and the cost of open
| ing it about the same, but it was found to
/ be controlled by private parties, who had
! a charter for canal.
! have now given you a brief history OF
! the survey and description of the several
! lines upon which it was desired to enlist
| the Government of the United States il
! obtaining the means to make the neces.
/ sary imprOvements-nOt for any local pur
| pose. but to benefit a large territory il
! business tributary to Savannah. l wa:
requested to find the best route, distance
being an important element in making I
selection. had then, as / have now, M
doubt, that route No. l was the best II
ere7B respect FIRST cost. shorter line
straight, direct channel, and the cost 0
maintenance, all combine to make the
Habersham cut route infinitely preferable
to either of the four lines examined.
I cut from the report the inclosed rea
sons for asking for an appropriation a
all.
l hope you may obtain an appropria
| ton of a sufficient amount to open thu
route No. 1, as 1 consider it very impor
| tant to the inland navigation interests
! which are largely the interests Of Sayan
nah. Very respectfully, your obedien
! servant. 5, l., FREMONT.