1830.] To the Select and Common Councils. may be lawful for any person or persons, to sell or exThe Committee on Markets, report, That the petition pose to sale, provisions, vegetables, or fruits, in the referred to them, praying for the repeal of the Ordi- Markets of any City, borough, or corporated town, withnance, which allots the space, under the eaves of the in this commonwealth: Provided always, that such prowestern moiety, of the north side of the Market House visions, vegetables, or fruit, shall not have been previ in High street, between 3rd and 4th streets, as a stand ously purchased within the limits of such city, borough or corporate town; any law to the contrary notwithstandfor the sale of Shoes, has been considered; and the Coming." It therefore becomes necessary, that the Legis mittee would refer to the reasons given in a previouslature should first repeal this act of Assembly; and then, report, against the extension of the Shoe stands, as ap it would properly become a subject for legislation, in plicable in the present case; but, as the occupiers of the City Councils. these stands have possession, and paid their rent, until the end of the present year; your Committee think, that any measures on the subject, at the present time, would be premature; and therefore propose the follow ing. Resolved, That the Committee on Markets be dis charged from the further consideration of this subject. To the Select and Common Councils. The memorial of sundry citizens, residing in Mulberry street, near to the Delaware, complaining of the practice of the Venders of Charcoal, in blowing their trumpets, without intermission, from daylight until seven o'clock, l'. M. and praying Councils to prohibit the practice by Ordinance, before a certain hour in the morning. And which memorial was referred to "The Committee on Markets," by whom it has been duly considered, with a disposition, that is at all times desir. ous of relieving their fellow citizens, from any annoyance to which they may be subjeced. But, in examining into this matter, so many other practices have been presented, which are considered as an annoyance to different portions of our city, that, to effectually prevent the practices, it would be necessary to prohibit, under penalty, any person for calling the attention of the people to their occupation or business, by the blow ing, or sounding of any horn, trumpet or other wind in strument, by the ringing of bell or bells, or by crying aloud the articles they have for sale, within the limits of the city. Your committee are not prepared to recommend such a course to Councils; but believe, that the difficulty would be more effectually prevented, if the citizens would not purchase articles of those who give notice, by means that are an annoyance to the neighbourhood. The following resolution is therefore submitted. Resolved, That "The Committee on Markets," be discharged from the further consideration of the subject. Be it Resolved, That the Committee on Markets be discharged from the further consideration of the said petition.-Phila. Gazette. GUBERNATORIAL DIGNITY. [FROM THE "FOTES OF ASSEMBLY,' FOR THE YEAR 1758.] The Governor, [DENNY,] by Mr. Secretary, sent down the bill for preventing abuses in the Indian Trade, &c. with the following verbal message, viz: "That as soon as his Honour is satisfied by the Commissioners that the one thousand pounds, mentioned in the said bill to be laid out in goods, and consigned to John Carson, at Fort Augusta, have been so expended, he shall be ready to pass the said bill whenever offered to him for that purpose." Mr. Fox, one of the Provincial Commissioners, appoin ted by that board to lay out thousand pounds of the public money in Indian goods, to be consigned to John Carson, agent at Fort Augusta, for opening a trade with the Indians, on account of the Province, in pursuance of the message sent down by the Governor in the forenoon, with the Indian bill, delivered at the table an account of the application of the said sum to the above purpose, which was read, and the House being satisfied there with, as clearly and properly stated, Ordered, That Mr. Fox and Mr. Hughes wait on the Governor with the said account, whereby his honour may be also satisfied that the said sum hath been applied to the use for which it was deposited in the hands of the said commissioner. nicate it to the House in writing, and the same being read, follows in these words, viz: The members appointed to wait on the Governor with an account of the application of one thousand pounds, lodged in the hands of Mr. Fox to be laid out in suitable goods for opening a trade with the Indians at Fort Augusta, in behalf of the Government, reported, that, in obedience to the order of the House, they had To the Select and Common Councils. waited on his honour, and attempted to deliver the said Report from the Committee on Markets. Due consideration has been bestowed on the Peti- account, with the message committed to their charge, tion for a repeal of the Ordinances which prohibit the but the conduct and behaviour of the Governor, and the resale of provision &c.; and that, under such restric- treatment they met with from him, were of such an extions as may be reasonable and just, a resale may be al-traordinary nature, they thought it their duty to commulowed. The petitioners propose, for the relief of those who follow the business of purchasing and selling provisions, that after repealing the Ordinances, which subjects them to penalty, a restriction or restraint upon prices, should be placed, to prevent extortion, and the prices asked by persons from the country should be the standard. It appears evident to the Committee, that very great difficulty would attend, the carrying into effect, of such a measure; and, if attempted, would lead to many disputes, as the country people themselves, are not uniform in their prices. It is further proposed, that additional power be granted to the Clerks of the Markets, in order to notice and restrain all violations of good order and propriety; your Committee believe, that sufficient power is already placed in their hands, to perform every duty, in preventing fraud or imposition; and the sale, or exposure for sale, of any unsound and unwholesome provisions, by seizing the same. The prohibition, from which the Petitioners desire to be relieved, has its origin from a higher source, than that of City Authority; as by an act of Assembly passed the 6th April 1802, it is declared, "That it shall and YOL, V 50 Being admitted into the Governor's room, Mr. Fox, addressing himself to his Honour, said, Sir, as you were pleased to send a message to the House this morning, in which you desired to be informed of the application of the one thousand pounds, allotted by yourself and the Provincial Commissioners, for opening a trade with the Indians at Fort Augusta, we have waited on your honour with an account of the goods purchased for that use, and sent up to Mr. Carson, agent at the said Forts we also lay before you the said Carson's receipt for such goods, to the amount of eight hundred and thirty-four pounds, and here is my acknowledgment of the balance, which I am ready to pay, as your Honour may think most proper, either to Mr. Carson, or into the hands of The Governor interthe Provincial Commissioners. rupting Mr. Fox, replied, Sir, your eloquence is very great-Sir, your eloquence is very good, but let it be short.It is very good, Sir,-but let it be short. Your account will speak for itself, I suppose.What sort of treatment is this to a Governor?Half an hour the general features of the work, the board avail themselves of the opportunity now afforded of giving an outline of it, with a brief sketch of some of the prominent difficulties and causes which have contributed to increase its cost, and delay its completion. ago, or a quarter of an hour, or twenty minutes, or less, I received a message from your House (holding a paper in his hand);- Why this is strange treatment to a Governor: What! shall I not have time to do the public business?—I was just now considering your message, and here comes another.- This treatment to a Gov- The canal is 13 5-8 miles in length, 66 feet wide on ernor!- This treatment to a Governor? Whereupon the surface, with 10 feet depth of water; having two Mr. Hughes said, Sir, your Honour mistakes us; we tide, and two lift locks, of 100 feet in length, by 22 feet come by order of the House. Here the Governor inter-in breadth, within the chamber, and capable of passing rupted Mr. Hughes, and said, Very pretty!-very pret- the class of vessels usually employed in the bay and ty, indeed!- What do the House mean?- Who is coasting trades. At the eastern termination of the canal to judge of the mistake?-You, sir?-You, sir?Sure! at Delaware city, a harbour of substantial wharf work You, sir? Very pretty treatment, indeed, to a Gover- extends 500 feet along the shore; from which two piers, nor! not to give me time to do the public business.- that distance apart, now project 250 feet into the river, Then turning himself to Mr. Fox, and making a low being nearly opposite Fort Delaware, within the range bow, further said, Sir, leave your paper. It will speak of its guns, and under their protection during war.— for itself, and I will consider it. Upon which Mr. Fox Between this harbour and the canal, the Delaware tide said, Sir, here it is,-and will speak for itself. The lock opens the communication. This lock being situaGovernor replied, O! yes, sir, your eloquence is very ted on the margin of the river, and its pit dug about 18 great; but less of it. It is very good, but no matter how feet below high water, through peat and soft mud, was short, sir. Mr. Fox then put down the paper on the tedious and expensive in its excavation, and presented table, and said, Here is the account, and I am ready to difficulties in obtaining a suitable foundation. This, settle. Aye, sir-Aye, sir, (answered the Governor) however, was effected by upwards of 800 deeply driven you have a good deal to settle-you have a great deal to piles, on which two platforms of heavy timber, crossing settle-you keep back your accounts-you refuse your each other were laid; on these the walls were built, accounts to me, though you are mean enough to get and have firmly stood, notwithstanding the severe trial your Clerk to take it on himself, and say it was a neg- they have had by the water from the canal having forced lect of his. Whereupon Mr. Fox was going to reply, its way through the piles under the lock. This evil has but the Governor prevented him, by saying: Aye, sir— been remedied, under the immediate supervision of the aye, sir, you are very eloquent-you are very good, sir, engineer-in-chief, in a manner in which he has full conand if you will look in a glass, you will see your own fidence, and believes to be entirely effectual; and which picture. He then desired us to speak the truth after has been fairly tested by several months' use of the we left the room; to which Mr. Fox replied, Sir, I defy lock, and by the continued pressure of a full head of your Honour, or any man else, to charge me with the water in the canal adjoining the lock in the first section; contrary; and we withdrew." the canal is enlarged to 90 feet in width, for the purwhile waiting to pass the lock; or, during severe storms, pose of forming a basin in which vessels may remain The House taking the foregoing Report of Mr. Fox and Mr. Hughes into consideration, Resolved, N. C. D. That it is an undoubted right of this House, either by themselves, or any of their members, to have free access to, and decent treatment from, the Governor, on the public business, at all seasonable times. take shelter in a land-locked harbour. Section No. 1, was excavated through the soft mud of which was cut principally through loam and sand, a the river marsh, and extends 29 chains to section No. 2, depth of 16 feet. The earth from this section, which is to form embankments. On the western part of the sec 32 chains long, was taken to the adjacent low grounds, tion, a pivot bridge is erected for the accommodation of a public road. Resolved, N. C. D. That the manner of the Governor's receiving the members of this House, and the treatment he gave them, when they were about to deliver their message, were extremely unbecoming his station, indecent, unparliamentary, and such as hath an evident tendency to subvert and destroy that freedom of access which the representatives of the freemen of his Province have a right to, and without which the af-sing the bed of St. George's Creek. This section prefairs of government cannot be transacted. CHESAPEAKE AND DELAWARE CANAL. Eleventh general REPORT of the President and Directors of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company. Read at the General Meeting of the Stockholders, on the 7th instant. The period has arrived, when in pursuance of the provisions of the charter, the President and Directors of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company are required to furnish to their constituents a statement of the proceedings, and of the fiscal concerns of the Company for the past year; for the latter of which, they refer to the account of the Treasurer, herewith pre sented. Section No. 3, extends from section No. 2, to the village of St. George's, a distance of 34 miles through a deep morass or peat bog, in its course several times cros sented difficulties of no ordinary character, that were not anticipated at the commencement of the work, nor can they be appreciated by viewing it since its completion. The excavation through this section, as well as in the two preceding, was made about six feet below low tide in a loose soil, much of it of peat, so light and spongy in its texture as to float, and readily burning when dry, consequently unsuitable for the embankments, which were formed of earth brought from the nearest points of fast land. These embankments were among the most expensive parts of the work, when taken in comparison with the amount of the original estimate of their cost. They are supposed to have sunk in many places from 60 to 100 feet, before they met a solid foundation on which to rest, after spreading out to an enormous base, and consuming vast quantities of earth in their construction; and by their pressure, causing large masses of peat and other light substances to rise in the bottom of the canal, which added largely to the quantity of excavation, and consequently to the cost of this part of the work. At the village of St. George's a lock of eight feet lift opens the communication with section No. 4, on the summit level. At this place a pivot bridge is thrown across the canal, for the accommodation of the Dover road. On section No. 4, for about half a mile, a very heavy 1830.] CHESAPEAKE AND DELAWARE CANAL. 395 nel and valley of Broad creek, down which, the canal, from near the summit to this point, takes its course.— On this section, sluices and a waste weir will furnish the means of carrying off the surplus from the summit level. At the western end of the section, a lock of six feet lift communicates with a basin about 150 feet in width, and 500 feet in length; which, by another lock, communicates with Back creek, a branch of Elk river, and terminates the canal. embankment was found necessary, to resist the pressure of a head of 10 feet water. Beyond that distance, and for the whole of the remaining part of the embankment on this level, sound policy dictated the expediency of permitting the water to flow on both sides of the towing path, or embankment, for the purpose of relieving it from pressure and danger, and as a means of affording a large reservoir of water on this level. Experience has confirmed the opinion of the Board, in the necessity of protecting these embankments from the abrasion occa- The channel of this creek being narrow and circuitsioned by waves, arising both from the passenger barges ous, and that part of it near the locks so circumscribed, and from winds. A slight wall, of about 18 inches high, as to prevent the turning of stean boats without inconin the most exposed places, and small loose stones invenience and delay, the Board, with others interested other parts, having been found entirely effectual in pre-in its navigation, applied to the General Government for venting injury. A large portion of the embankment is an appropriation of funds to enlarge and improve its now thus protected; and the whole, where it may be channel. A bill has passed both houses of Congress, in required, will soon be finished, at a small additional ex- which $40,000 are appropriated for that purpose, which pense-when the towing path, and the embankment only requires the signature of the President to carry inthrough the entire canal, will be in excellent order, to effect this very desirable object. permanently secured, and, it is confidently believed, Since the last Annual Report, the attention of the will require no further expenditure, as the sinking has Beard has been principally directed to Section No. 5, long since entirely ceaset!. Section No. 4 was formed or the deep cut; the finishing of which was found to be through the valley of St. George's creek, (one of the a work of increasing difficulty, as the excavation ap feeders of the upper level,) and extends from the vil-proached nearer to the bottom of the canal, and a slidlage of St. George's, a distance of three miles and a quarter, to section No. 5, where the deep cutting com mences. In this latter section, difficulties and disasters almost appalling were encountered, in consequence of the depth of excavation, and character of the ground through which it passed; being composed of strata of various kinds of soil, some of them of clay, and others of quick sand, through which large quantities of water flowed, and presented a serious obstacle to the progress of the work. Immense masses of earth from the sides slipped into the canal, and required large expenditures in their removal. A heavy stone wall, of from two to five feet in thickness, sixteen feet in height in the slope, and extending along each of the sides of the canal for about three and a half miles, has been built for their support and protection. Several thousand piles have been driven as a security to this wall, and to other parts of the work requiring similar protection. ing into the canal of a portion of the bank in the deepest part of the excavation of this section, was a cause of expense and delay not anticipated. During the past year, measures believed to be effectual, have been adopted to secure the sides of the canal, the towing path, and embankments, as well as the locks, sluices, and bridges; and every preparation has been made for placing a large waste weir on the upper level: all which have been considered as contributing to the safety of the work, and as the means of preventing the necessity of future expenditures in keeping it in good order. Since the canal has been in operation, there has been a large surplus of water, which it has been found necessary constantly to discharge. The sup ply of water on the summit is a subject to which the board have given that care and attention its importance demanded; and for the purpose of additional security on this head, have purchased some time since, Lum's and Jones's mills-the dams of both which are above the summit level, and form extensive reservoirs, which can, when required, be emptied into the canal, in aid of the usual supply, and of the surplus water of that level, which has been raised from eight feet (the depth originally contemplated) to ten feet, thus affording two feet excess of water over the whole extent of that level em bracing a surface of probably above 600 acres, which is replenished by St. George's creek, by rains, and by innumerable springs, that flowed into it as the excavation of the canal reached the level,-which, although they caused much difficulty and expense in the execution of the work, will contribute hereafter greatly to its advantage. From these different sources, the Board confi. dently believe an ample supply of water is secured; but should these, from the great increase of trade, be found insufficient, the difficulty may be always easily obviated by raising water from the lower level (which is supplied by the tide) to the upper one; the distance between the two being so small that any quantity which might be wanted could be raised by tide, or other power, at a cost so trifling as to bear no relation to the increased revenue of the work. Measures have been taken by sowing different species of grass, and other seeds, and the application of several kinds of manures, to have the sides of the canal covered with vegetation as soon as pos It has been satisfactorily ascertained that these slips or fallings in of the banks, were occasioned by springs of water flowing from them, and rendering the earth loose and wet, and thus, by depriving it of tenacity, causing it to slide down by the mere force of its own weight, in those places where a body of sand or loam rested on a substratum of clay, which prevented the water from passing off. This evil has been remedied, by making trenches up the banks to the springs; placing crooked wood and stones at the bottom, and cover ing them over; thus forming aqueducts, by which the water is conveyed into the canal. This plan has proved highly beneficial, and it is confidently believed will effectually prevent any recurrence of the disasters which have hitherto arisen from this cause. On section No. 5, near the summit of the "deep cut," the canal is crossed by a bridge of a single arch of 248 feet, and elevated 90 feet above the bottom of the canal, sufficiently high to permit the passage of vessels under it with standing masts. The length of this section is three miles fiftyeight chains, and crosses the ridge which divides the waters of the Chesapeake and Delaware. The average depth of excavation was about 36 feet, the extreme depth about 78 feet. The quantity of earth actually taken from this section, exceeded the original estimate of it many hundred thousand yards. This excess was causible; and their appearance gives evidence that the ef sed by the slipping in of the banks before referred to. Section No. 6, is principally embankment, and in good order; near the western end of this section a pivot bridge is erected, to accommodate a main road down the peninsula. Part of section No. 7 is also embankment, and in good order; near the west end of the section a heavy mound of earth or dam is thrown over the former chan- I fort will succeed and prevent any washing which might take place during heavy rains, where the soil is loose or sandy-in some of which places it has been found advisable to thatch them with coarse hay. This plan has answered the purpose intended, and will probably afford a good protection until the banks are covered with grass, when it will be longer requisite. Although the means that have been adopted to give permanency and security to the work have added considerably to its cost; there is good reason to believe that it will be less liable to obstructions and supported at a smaller expense than almost any other canal with the same amount of capital. The canal, which had been commenced on the 15th of April, 1824, was so far completed as to enable the board to open it for navigation on the 17th October, 1829, from which time until the 29th of January 1830, (when the navigation of the river Delaware was obstructed by ice, and the canal consequently closed,) there had passed through it 798 vessels and boats, and tolls been paid amounting to $8552 59. The Delaware became navigable on the 23d of February, when the canal was again opened, and has been since uninterrupted. From that period to the 1st of June, an interval of little more than three months, 1634 vessels and boats passed, the tolls on which amounted to $18,613 20.From these data it appears that the tolls, even during the first year, will probably amount to $60,000. This is believed to be as flattering a beginning as that of any other canal in this country; and furnishes evidence of what may be expected when those who are yet strangers to this new channel shall avail themselves of its advantages, which are yet but partially known, but are becoming daily better developed. And it is a well established fact, that in every new communication of this kind that is opened, time is required to alter the usual course of trade, and that mercantile habits and connexions are changed with reluctance, while they yet invariably yield to the powerful inducements of interest. Already has a portion of the Susquehanna trade, and that of the Chesapeake bay and its tributary streams which hitherto centered in Baltimore, found its way through this new avenue, to her sister city, Philadelphia, and preparations are making, in different places, by the construction of vessels of a larger than ordinary class, and better suited to canal navigation, for a still more extensive trade. The increasing intercourse between the bays may be inferred from the fact, that between Baltimore and Philadelphia, in the months of March, April and May, of this year, there were made upwards of three hundred passages through the canal, principally by regular packets. cargo for a sea veyage, all combine to give this channel The Chesapeake and Delaware canal, like most other works of internal improvement, has cost a much larger sum than was anticipated. The estimate of the board of examining engineers, being $1,354,364 64, and the actual cost, $2,201,864 03, making an increased expense of about 62 per cent. which probably falls within the average of what works of this kind have exceeded the original estimates. A considerable portion of this excess, however, was caused by the enlargement and depth of the canal; by the increased size and strength of the embankments and stone walls, by the more substantial and perfect con struction of the summit bridge; and by the increased dimensions and improvement of many very important None of which items were emportions of the work. To these may be added the braced by the estimate. expenses and loss occasioned by an injunction of the Chancellor of Delaware, and the cost of securing additional supplies of water on the summit, by the purchase of two water powers. On a review of the difficulties that were encountered in the progress of this work, it is not a matter of surprise that it should have cost so large a sum, but rather that it has been accomplished at all. Commenced amid a conflict of opinion as to its locality; opposed by the cav. illing of enemies, many of whom were such from interThese circumstances give fair promises that this ested views, or mortified feelings; retarded in its proswork in a short time will not only amply remunerate and, above all, passing through a region abounding in ecution by the mandates and injunctions of the law; those who have promoted it with their funds, but great-natural obstacles, which appeared almost insurmount ly add to the trade and prosperity of our city, which already and almost at the very opening of the canal, and before its effects have had time to develope themselves, has felt, and the public appreciated the benefits resulting even from its first fruits. Some idea may be formed of the probable increase of the revenue of this canal, by reference to that of the Dismal Swamp Canal, a work similar in its character, and embracing the same kind of trade that passes on the Chesapeak and Delaware Canal. During the months of March and April, of 1829, about $900 were received in tolls on the Dismal Swamp canal, and in the corresponding period 1830, upwards of $2300 were received, showing an increase of revenue at the rate of about 160 per cen1. To the usual increase of trade incident to all new works of internal improvement, may be added other fruitful sources, that require a few years to be fully known. The Chesapeake and Ohio canal, the Dismal Swamp canal, and the Baltimore and Ohio rail road on the south, and the Delaware and Raritan canal, and the Delaware and Amboy rail road on the north,-will, when completed, open and facilitate the intercourse between different sections of our country, and create an inland trade which must pass through the Chesapeake and Delaware canal-the great avenue between the north and the south. The saving of insurance, of time, and of risk, and the reduction of freight consequent to these causes; and the increased burthen a vessel is enabled to carry above what would be considered a full able, that could neither be anticipated nor avoided-the enterprise became one that required untiring energy and perseverance. That the Board have been enabled to direct it thro' its various difficulties to a successful termination, is to be ascribed to the generous confidence which has at all times been reposed in them by their constituents-to the intelligent and public spirited feelings of the community in regard to it-to the large and repeated contributions which have been made during its progress by the States of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, and by the government of the Union-and to the liberal pecuniary assistance which, when the circumstances of the work were most discouraging, and its necessities most pressing, were afforded by the citizens and public institutions of Philadelphia. For the flattering support which the President and Directors have received from these several sources, they embrace the present occasion to express their sincerely grateful acknowledgements; and having performed the duties assigned to them, and accomplished the object of their appointment, they report that the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is now in good order and successful operation. Signed by order and on behalf of the President and H. D. GILPIN, Secretary. } Ata General Meeting of the Stockholders of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company, held at their Office, in the City of Philadelphia, on the 7th of June, 1830. The President and Directors presented a full and distinct report of their proceedings, and statement of their accounts, during the last year; and it was On Motion, Resolved, That the Report this day presented be approved and adopted. Resolved, That the thanks of the Stockholders be and are hereby given to the President and Directors, for the zealous and faithful manner in which their duties have been discharged. Resolved, That the President and Directors cause the said Report to be published. Resolved, That a suitable tablet, as a memorial of the date of the commencement of the work, and of its completion, together with the name of the President, Directors, and Officers of the Company, be erected on the Summit Level. Resolved, That a piece of plate, with suitable devices, and an inscription commemorating his faithful services and zeal, in his connexion with the company, be prepared and presented to the late President, James C. Fisher, Esquire, with a communication to that gentleman, expressive of the thanks of the Stockholders. JOHN READ, Chairman. 397 a lateral road has been completed to mines of the most approved quality. Following the river you next pass the 'Barlow and Evans' Tract,' and reach the mouth of Silver Creek, four miles aboye Port Carbon. This stream completely divides Mine Hill, giving access to the large and valuable tracts of Messrs. Burd, Patterson, Geisinheimer, and others. On the 'Glentworth' and Valley Furnace Tracts,' a lateral road is under way which will soon be finished. About a mile above this is another stream which runs through the Valley Furnace property, up which a lateral road has been made to some fine mines. The next important point is Middleport, a new post-town-a detailed description of which was communicated to us last week. At this place the Kaskawillian Creek, empties into the Schuylkill, up which lateral roads have been made to the Mine Hill, by the proprietors of the land, known as the Jacob Stahl, Olivger and Bushey Tracts, on each of which extensive preparations have been made for mining, and the coal is of approved quality. The next lateral road is up Laurel Creek, to the De Long collieries, where a considerable quantity of coal is already mined and lying at the pits, as indeed is now the case all about the vicinity, this tract is owned by Mr. William Lawton, and Blight, Wallace & Co. One mile above this, is the flourishing town of Patterson, owned by Messrs. Patterson, Swift, & Porter, and the next stream which divides the coal strata advantageously for mining is Big Creek, which passes through this place. This likewise enters the Mine Hill, and affords fine facilities for mining. The Schuylkill and the main road is much nearer to Mine Hill at this point than two miles below, indeed they gradually converge from a mile above Port Carbon. As the road in general follows the course of the river, at many of the bends it intersects the veins transversely, for they all range without the slightest variation 17° Ñ. of E. This circumstance is worthy of notice, as it shows that the coal is by no means confined to the N. side of the river, on the contrary, we find several fine tracts on the S. both of the road and river, as at Middleport, the valuable property of Messrs. Robb & Winebrenner, known as the 'Jacob Ladig,' and part of that owned by Messrs. Porter, Emerick and Korn, known as the 'Heister Tract.' Proceeding from Patterson, we next reach the 'Peter Ladig Tract," owned we think at present, by Mr. Biddle, of Philadelphia, and the next is the 'Reber Tract,' owned by the same gentleman and Mr. Edwin Swift; these last tracts are rich in coal, and advantageously situated for mining purposes. Pebble Run divides the strata finely The renewed activity of the directors of the Schuyl for operations about a mile and a half above Big Creek; kill Valley Rail Road, will in the course of a few weeks it passes over the 'Reber Tract,' and divides Mine Hill, re-open to enterprise and industry, the large extent of here called Locust Mountain, which is completely sercountry which has been entirely useless for that part of rated. Next to the Reber is the Tuscarora Tract of Mr. the season already passed. There is no section of our Wm. Lawton, of this place, and Messrs. Blight, Walcoal region where more extensive preparations are ma- lace & Co. of Philadelphia; this is a large tract, and as king, for a large and lucrative business. As the valley one of the gentlemen engaged in mining on it, has furis so important a feature in this neighborhood, we can- nished us with the following list of veins, we lay them not deem a column or two of our paper, uninteresting, before our readers, and think if other persons would farif we devote them to a summary of the different opera-nish similar statistical information, it would not be untions, which flow through its channel. acceptable. At an Election, held at the same time and place, the following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year: President. ROBERT M. LEWIS. Directors. JAMES C. FISHER, JOHN K. KANE, ISAAC C. JONES, JOHN HEMPHILL, WILLIAM PLATT, WILLIAM PHILLIPS, LEVIN GALE, (of Maryland. ) SCHUYLKILL VALLEY. The Rail Road follows the course of the Schuylkill, which is nearly parallel with the direction of the coal strata-deep ravines extending from the road north to the Mine Hill, afford every facility for mining, as they are generally gifted with a small stream of water, which intersects the vein transversely, so that they can all be worked to advantage from the water level. Thus about two miles above Port Carbon are the 'Five Point Mines,' of Messrs. Curry and Bolton, which are very extensive, & produce first rate coal. These are situated at the mouth of Zachariah's Run, on the course of which a lateral road can be carried nearly to Mine Hill, which will facilitate the operations of several valuable tracts, one recently purchased by a company of gentlemen from Philadelphia, of Mr. Lippincott. One mile above Messrs. Curry and Bolton's mines is the 'Bopp Tract,' owned by the Messrs. Hubley; this is divided by Indian Run, up which | The next tract above this is also a large one, belong. ing to Mr. Joseph Lyon, of this place, and Mr. Jacob Alter, of Philadelphia. The Schuylkill river takes its rise in the springs of this tract, and divide it advantageously for mining. A rail road for this section of country will be completed in few weeks. We mentioned week before last, the discovery of a large vein of 43 feet in thickness, which crosses both the last mentioned tracts. Thus on these two tracts are 124 feet of coal accessible above water level, and some of the hills are of a height |