Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-28
Very truly yours,
II. NJ. CHANCE.
Drexel building. Philadelphia.

Drexel Building, Philadelphia.
1t will be seen from the above report
made by DR.. Chance, of Philadelphia
who has national reputation in this
line, that the men who organized the
Bull Run Coal and Iron Development
Company were not visionary nor delud-
ed by false hopes, when they stated
that in their opinion coal existed in
large quantities in this neighborhood.
That it does so exist is still their opin-
ion, Notwithstanding their failure to
find it in the adjoining county Of Prince
William Three holes were bored in
that locality varying in depth from 100
to 800 feet. These were unsuccessful,
but the character of the bore
taken out and the indications
met with, showed that although
the mineral in question was
missed, still the probabilities were all
in favor Of its being somewhere in the
neighborhood in paying quantities-an
opinion, which has been in great
measure sustained by the discoveries
made on the Sweeney farm since the
removal of the drill to Casanova. The
present boring is now being made on
the property of Mr.. Peyton Oliver, near
the above named place. am happy
to be able to say, that so far as we
have at present gone, everything is
most favorable. The indications could
not be better and we are in daily ex-
pectation of striking big vein.
We are down at the time of writing
172 feet, the strata passed through
consisting of Is feet of sandstone on the
surface, with 1876 feet of slate under
meath. At depth of p feet we struck
three-inch vein ofcoal, aud since then
we have been boringthrough numerous
small seams, varying in thickness from
I inch to one inch. The pipes also are
found to be black with coal dust when
they are pulled out for the purpose of
removing the coal. Coal is always
found in the variety Of slate we ere
drilling through, never in anything
else. Although it does not necessarily
follow that we shall find it in this par
ticular band, still it is extremely
probable. As DR.. Chaull says in his re-
port: The formation is all right;
whether coal exists or not can only be
shown by prosecuting the work of ex-
ploring.n
Although the running expenses ofthe
drill have been reduced to the lowest
possible limit consistent with efficiency,
we arc hampercd by want offunds-a
state OF things which would hardly last,
were the property holders ofthis vicini-
ty and the general public fully aware Of
the excellent state Of our prospects and
the immense benefit which would en-
sue to this county should we be success
full in our search. Property ofall kinds
would rise in value, population would
Increase, manufactures would be start
ed and the hum of industry be heard in
the land. There would be profitable
employment for all, and the young men
of the community would find Il grand
field for their energies here at home.
Situated as we are. near Washington,
Baltimore and Richmond, we have al
immense market right at our doors, so
that. unlike coal mines in remote parts
of the country, ours would be extreme
lv valuable. Any desired information
can be obtained by applying to the sec
rotary, Mr.. Charles NJ. White, of War
renton. u. L. WILLIAMS,
Gen. Mgr. B. R. c. & I. Dew. Co.