We had yesterday the pleasure of conversing with a gentleman who came down the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal from Harper’s Ferry to Georgetown on the preceding day, in a boat, with several other gentlemen. The boat was drawn by a single horse, and the distance from Harper’s Ferry to Seneca, (forty miles) was traversed in four hours and a half, that is, at about the speed of nine miles an hour. He is satisfied, that, when proper arrangements shall be made with the packet-boats, the distance from Harper’s Ferry to Georgetown may be regularly travelled in seven and a half, or eight hours.
The important portion of the Canal, which is thus brought into use, we are glad to learn, holds water remarkably well, and not a breach has occurred in it; even the few leaks which have been perceived and cured, having been of very inconsiderable consequence. The portion of the Canal from the Point of Rocks to the Falls above Harper’s Ferry is said to be a work that may challenge a comparison with any similar structure in the world.
Our informant passed, in the canal, on the way down, boats containing, as he supposes, two thousand barrels of flour. Some of the boats, powered by a single horse, carried three hundred barrels each.
Whilst noticing the successful prosecution thus far of our (yes our) great public undertaking, it is to the purpose to place before our readers the following preg[?]nt suggestions, which we extract from a communication published in the Baltimore Gazette:– Nat. Int.
I am forced to become an advocate for the prosecution of the Canal, much against my will; but situated as matters are, it is our interest to push it onward to the base of the Alleghany, provided a Rail Road can be made across the mountains. Would it be impolitic for the State to advance, by way of loan, Stock enough to finish the Canal so far, provided the General Government would subscribe stock enough to construct a Rail Road across the mountains; and provided also, that the Canal Company could raise funds enough to complete the western section– the whole works to proceed part pa[?]. Would not the State be benefitting her own Stock by opening the Coal Trade, whilst she would incur little to no risk in making a Loan, the interest of which would be payable out of the first profits of the Company?
