Year: 1859

making hollow fire; is desirable coal for the par
lour CRATE and for blacksmiths use; is well adapted
for fuel, coking and oil and is superior to most
Goals for the production of gas for which it will be
IN great demand it is almost entirely free from sui
phur; its coke is light and porous when rapidly
burned it inclines to smelt and flow, but when un-
der slow combustion it does not exhibit this tenden-
cy, which is owing to the presence of large quanti
ties OF bitumen; it does not easily disintegrate
when exposed to the atmosphere.


think every one who visits this coalfeld must be
satisfied from the regularity of its seams, and the
dimnuton of the dip as it deseends, (proved to be
some or 10 degrees in the shaft of Egypt which is
1900 feet within the outcrop that its seams conform
to the shape of basin trough and am satisfied
that the greatest depth will lie the northern side
OF the axis of the trough, and that this valuable
mineral does not extend to such depths as to render
its mining difficult but on the contrary both easy
and profitable.


The ores of iron consist of the Black Band, in jux-
Imposition with the coal seams and SO situated as to
be readily mined with the coal Specular, Hemati-
tic, the Arglaceous and Magnetic ores are all found
to be rich, and in quantity and for their manufac-
tre, besides the mineral COAL there is abundance of
wood for charcoal the uncleared lands of this dis
tllct still have the primitive forest growing upon
them, and charcoal be obtained in any quantity
and at cheap rate; and there can be no question,
but that the best quality of iron can be manufac-
tured there, and that there is locality in coun-
try where better and cheaper article can be Pro-
duced. Fire cays for refractory furnaces, building
materials of sandstone gness, and granite milestone
grit and fine sandstone roofing states, and sands for
the manufacture of glass, and porcelain ebay, of
which there is large tract There are also rich
copper mines and qualries of soap stone and agal-
matolite.


The proximity of the Deep River Country to mar
ket gives 1t great advantages, and think insures its
becoming at no distant day populous manufactu-
ring district. The bulk of coal and iron in its raw
state renders its transportation expensive and will
cause the erection of manufactures the spot,
which will be more economical and profitable.
am OF opinion that when such is the case very little
coal can he afforded to be shipped except it he for
the production of gas, which may be able to afford
the prices it will command for the manufacture of
iron.


would however, remark, that all these minerals
and materials ralueless unless the routes are
opened and every convenience afforded to reach the
district not only with easy and safe transportation,
but in the quickest possible time from all parts of
your State; and unless this is effected they must re-
main entirely dorment.


think 1t must be apparent that it cannot be eX-
pedient for the General Government to establish ma
chine shops for the construction of machinery, &C.,
&C. for naval vessels until this district is shown to
be accessible from every direction The completion
of your Western Railroad and slack-water naviga-
ton will tend in great measure to give the facilities
for speedy and transportation for both passen-
gers and freight.


To acquire some estimate of the quantity of coal,
and allowing but half the width of the basin for the
extent of the COAL shall have of Is square
miles; this gives approximation to the quantity
of mineral wealth locked up in this district Surely
no legislature can hesitate for moment to expedite
its davenpment by any means in its power.


Although we have no actual proof to offer, yet
there can be little doubt that the extent of the coal
must underlie the basin. l was desirous to place
this beyond question, and had it been in my power,
should have ordered borings to be made, consider
ing it of great Importance in a national point of
view; but as there was no appropriation to meet
this expenditure it could not be made.


Having thus given you short synopsis, will
close, referring you to my official Report for the
particulars of my examination and the conclusions
at which have arrived.


Very respectfully yours,


CHARLES WILKES.