Armory Corresponce Regarding C&O Canal

From the National Intelligencer.
Potomac Canal.– We have been favored with a copy of the following correspondence, which we publish with great pleasure, as it presents a view not hitherto taken, of the importance, of the proposed canal, and suggest advantages to the public which have not before been pressed in its favor.

Harper’s Ferry, Sept. 8th, 1822.
JAMES STUBBLEFIELD, Esq. Superintendent of the Public Works.
SIR: Among the national inducements for the opening of a canal from Cumberland to Georgetown, will be the facilities the public works at this place will derive from this mode of conveyance, for the supply of coal, iron, provisions, and stores of all kinds, used either in the manufactories or by the artizans, and also for the transportation of arms and munitions of war westward or eastward to the remotest limits of the United States. As, therefore, it will be an object worthy of this attention, both of the public and of the future stockholders of canal stock, I would thank you, on my own part as well as that of the Commissioners, of the states of Virginia & Maryland, to give me as precise answers to the following Queries as you may have it in your power to do.

What quantity of coal is consumed here per annum?
What is the quantity of iron and metal used per annum in the public manufactories?
What amount of arms and munitions of war was transported from this place during the late war, and the probable cost of waggonage and boatage?
How many troops were stationed at any time in this place during the last war?
Lastly, What is the usual number, and may be the extraordinary number of hands who have, at any time, been employed here by the public within your recollection?

This information may contribute to enlist the public in an undertaking of very great political, as well as local importance, and if you can furnish it without too much inconvenience, will be very thankfully received by the Potomac Commissioners and myself. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ATHAN FENWICK.

Harper’s Ferry, (Va.) Sept. 8th, 1822.
SIR: Your favor of this morning, requesting answers to certain queries therein mentioned, has been received, and in obedience to what I conceive the duty of all these who are interested in a subject of great national importance, I proceed to reply to those interrogatories as near as circumstances will admit; yet not without first expressing my great anxiety that this important work should be completed, not only from the circumstance that it will save the government, at this establishment, several thousand dollars annually; but of the infinite advantage it will be to the country, adjacent.

The quantity of coal consumed here annually is about 25,000 bushels, which costs from 23 to 44 cents per bushel.

The quantity of bar iron used annually is 120 tons.

The number of arms transported from this place to Pittsburgh, during and since the late war, is about 50,000 stand, the transportation of which cost from $4 to $8 per cwt. by land; There was also a number of arms sent to the District of Columbia during the late war, in boats, which cost from $10 to $15 dollars per ton for transportation.

The usual number of armorers employed here is about 235, and the greatest number 280.

There were no troops stationed here during the late war except a few companies whilst waiting to receive their arms.

In addition to the above I would add that the plank, scantling, gunstocks, and grindstones, used in the armory, are all received by water from the west.– I would further remark that nearly all the articles that are received here by water could be purchased for half the present price, if this important object could be brought to use.

Very respectfully, I am, sir, your obendient humble servant,
JAMES STUBBLEFIELD.