USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. III > Part 47
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The only apparent obstacles of importance, which
present themselves to the construction of a canal on this side, that do not appear to exist to an equal extent on the opposite, are the crossings of the Clarion, Redbank and Mahoning. These are all streams of considerable size and importance, and would be valuable as feeders, but that the inconsiderable quantity of fall, and the ex- cessive roughness of their banks in the vicinity of their mouths, precludes the possibility of their introduction into the level of a canal, without incurring serious ex- pense.
The estimated line of canal commences about fifteen chains below the mouth of French creek, and its level was assumed at 20 feet above the river surface. That was done with a view to its crossing the Allegheny on an aqueduct, and its extension up the valley of French creek, by which means it would receive its first supply of water from that stream. All further supplies, it is proposed to take from the river by three dams, the lo- cation of which are as follows: The 1st at Patterson's falls on the thirtieth mile, the 2d at Early's Ripple, sixty-third mile; and the 3d at Fort Run ripple, three miles below Kittaning, being at the end of the eighty- first mile. The top line of this dam is planned on a: level with the top-water line with the Kiskeminetas ca- nal. The localities of each of these dams are favourable as accumulating sufficient fall to place the canal almost immediately out of reach of freshets. Objec- tions may be raised to these dams as injuring the natural navigation of the river. This can only be remedied by the construction of river locks, or the adoption of the plan suggested by Judge Geddes, viz. the running a wall parallel to the shore, for the purpose of creating power, and the elevation of the water into the canal by machinery.
Considering this an uncertain method of supplying a canal, constructed along a rocky valley like the Alle- gheny, where a very considerable quantity of water must necessarily be lost by filtration, I have estimated the line with a view to its supply by dams as above pro- posed.
By the present examinations, the distance from the mouth of French creek to the Kiskeminetas is 934 miles, and the fall is 223 feet. That this result differs materially from the one of 1826, will readily be perceiv- ed; and I am aware that it will produce much excite- ment in the minds of the board, as well as of others in- terested; an excitement, however, which I cannot other- wise relieve, than by assuring them, that great care was preserved in taking our measurements, both of distance and fall. And also, that the United States' engineers, who were engaged on the Allegheny at the same time with ourselves, and who completed their examinations of the section of the river, on the same day, produced very nearly the same result that we did, the difference being less than one foot in fall, and one-fourth of a mile in distance. This difference may easily have originated in a selection of the points of starting and terminating. Having made myselfacquainted with this fact, I have no hesitation in presenting to the board both the distance and fall as stated above with full confidence in their ac- curacy.
The locks on the line have been dropped at such intervals as to preserve the surface of the canal above the freshets.
The estimates have been made for a canal 28 feet wide on the bottom, and the towing path 12 feet wide at the top. The river embankments to be supported by a wall of stone. Aqueducts with stone abutments and wooden superstructures.
The only deviation proposed on the line, from the the common form of the canal, is immediately below the mouth of Crooked creek, (see map No. 18.) This stream enters into a narrow channel of the Allegheny, on the east side of an island; about three-fourths of a mile long, and a few rods below its head. It is here proposed to embank from the south end of Crooked creek aqueduct to the island, and continue the towing path along on the side of it to the lower end, from
-
1829.]
CANAL DOCUMENTS.
197
thence the direction is favourable for its return to the main shore.
By enclosing the channel in the manner as above de- scribed, the junction of Crooked creek with the river will be formed above the island. The great width of the west channel at this place, renders this plan perfect- ly feasible, and besides the advantages of furnishing a fine basin or reservoir, it will save in cost $6,245.
From the foot of lock No. 28 to the end of mile 81st, the canal is continued on a level to its intersection with the Kiskeminetas canal, by which means, the feeder taken from the dam at Fort run, will be introduced into that canal. Notwithstanding the ground passed over on this section of the line is more favourable than any other for a canal, yet, owing to the fall in the river, the great elevation necessary to attain the level of the Kis- keminetas canal, renders the construction of such parts of the line as require embankment, very expensive.
The fall from the mouth of French creek to the level of the Kiskeminetas canal, is 155 feet. To this add 20 feet for the assumed elevation of the aqueduct at French creek, and the fall on the present line will be 205 feet.
The following summary will exhibit the cost of each mile, including excavation of earth and rock, embank- ment wall, grubbing, aqueducts, bridges, culverts, fencing, &c. calculated at prices varying according to the nature of the work and the facilities offered for doing it.
ESTIMATE.
Miles.
Dolls. Cts.
Miles.
Dolls. Cts.
No. 1
20816
17
49
55220
10
2
685
10
50
26450
61
3
25353
14
51
8362
15
4
30501
50
52
3971
20
5
6464
32
53
24400
37
6
15032
45
54
22250
4
7
19910
2
55
15776
20
8
45820
63
56
-3410
45
9
34106
11
57
17060
31
10
15480
6
58
16116
10
11
7908
15
59
33100
25
12
19240
00
60
34150
6
13
20320
25
61
17024
15
14
13016
70
62
26800
15
34516
20
63
3521
13 50 62
17
10850
31
65
27910
12
18
13750
65
66
12801
09
19
37910
50
67
20010
37
20
16320
25
68
63260
50
21
10240
10
69
31720
15
22
6651
12
70
3645
6
23
21010
44
71
4250
44
24
7192
15
72
21310
12
25
13206
25
73
5850
62
26
24800
31
74
35632 00
27
3601
11
75
50680
15
28
10050
62
76
40320
25
29
23560
20
77
21150
10
30
12262
15
78
3875
31
7924
10
79
4760
32
14588
31
80
30745
08
33
28204
50
81
5486
00
34
6312
44
82
3850
15
35
5490
00
83
5756
25
36
18250
62
84
12382
06
37
10780
6
85
36760
62
38
8742
12
86
11551
14
39
18580
25
87
30680
44
40
49501
37
88
6225
00
41
25250
10
89
32450
12
42
10368
81
90
13880
50
43
12130
15
91
5371
31
44
27945
10
92
43710
06
46
14030
25
47
3950
6
48
30510
37
Add 205 feet lockage at $500 per foot Cost of 3 feeders
102,500 00 71,735 00
1,909,581
06
Add 10 per cent,
190,958 10
Total cost,
$2,100,539
16
ALLEGHENY SLACK WATER.
I now proceed to notice the practicability and esti- mated cost of improving the river by locks and dams for steamboats, between the mouth of French creek and Kiskeminetas.
It is to this species of improvement, that this river is peculiarly adapted. Its banks are uniformly high, and the fall is generally accumulated at the ripples, between which the pools are still and deep.
To locate dams therefore, at such places as would overcome the fall at the ripples without the necessity of excavating the river bed, has been the object of the present examinations. With this view, high dams have been located, as being the only effectual plan to make the improvement complete.
Owing to the extensive gravel bars, formed in the vi- cinity of many of the ripples, the adoption of low dams, & consequent low levels, would render extensive excava tions necessary below the outlet locks. In order to attain asufficient depth of water, an item of serious expense, and in addition to the expense, the progress of steam- beats confined to these narrow channels, must at all times be hazardous. The advantages attending the construction of high dams as proposed, will be to avoid the above mentioned inconveniences. To create a sa- ving of ten dams, and by extending the length of the pools, materially to facilitate the passage of steamboats.
I am aware that a strong prejudice exists in the minds of many interested in this improvement against the adoption of high dams, for which two reasons are as- signed:
1st. That they will tend materially to injure the raft- ing interest which is of great importance to the river.
2d. That a corresponding rise in the spring freshets will be produced equal to the full height of the dams, thereby doing much injury to private property.
With regard to the first objection, I have no hesita- tion in declaring my belief, that after the dams are com- pleted, the water will never rise sufficiently high in freshets to admit lumber to pass over them in safety.
The locks however, have been planned sufficiently large to allow rafts to pass through them.
As a /great portion of the lumber comes down the tributaries of the Allegheny, the rapidity of their course will undoubtedly be checked on arriving at the pools formed by the dams, and their progress down the navi- gation be extremely slow. How far this inconvenience will compare with the advantages to be derived from an improvement of the river, is a question which I sha!l pass over without comment, as being a subject for dis- cussion to be decided by the wisdom of the legislature, and proceed to the second objection, by observing that the impression received in relation to an increased rise in the water in freshets, caused by the dams, is altogeth- er erroneous, and generally originates with those who have paid little or no attention to the subject. So far from anincrease in the ordinary rise, it is on the other hand considerably diminished. On the Schuylkill river, where this species of improvement has been adopted to a considerable extent, and where the height of dams va- ry from 7 to 27 feet, I have ascertained both from obser- vation and inquiry, that no complaints are heard res- pecting this imaginary inconvenience. But the better to substantiate my own opinion with regard to this sub- ject, I would, with pleasure, refer the board to the in- stance of the Conestoga navigation.
Previous to the improvement of that stream, high wa- 15 ter marks were seen along its banks, from ten totwelve 06 feet above the surface of common low water. This was
45
10410
00
934
17080
1,735,346
16
12180
5
64
17400
18 42
168
CANAL DOCUMENTS.
[MARCH
said by all to be the usual height of the freshes, and from this fact the possibility of constructing permanent dams on the stream was doubted by many. The dams, however were built, varying in height from 10 to 14 feet above the bed of the stream, and in no instance, since their construction, has a rise of the freshet on the pools exceeded three feet, whereas on the unimproved parts of the river, the same complaints are heard of its rise as formerly.
The extraordinary difference is easily accounted for, by its increased surface on the pools and its unobstruct- ed discharge over the dams. Mills are in operation at several of the dams, and the sheeting for the water wheels is placed but four inches above the surface of the lower level. These have been so little affected by freshes, that their progress has not been interrupted for a single day.
Previous to the present improvement, the mills were supplied with water by low dams, the sheeting com- monly from one to two feet higher than the surface be- low the mills, and while in this situation the owners have assured me, that in almost every freshet the opera- tions of the mills were necessarily suspended. Another important fact relating to this navigation, is that the current on the pools during a high freshet, in time of breaking up of the ice, was found not to exceed 1} miles per hour.
That interesting improvement is now completed, and although cheap and simple in its construction, yet no fears are entertained of its permanency. Valuable wa- ter power is created at all the dams, and every species of craft that floats upon the Susquehanna, has now at all times, easy and safe access to the city of Lancaster .- These, together with the trade incidental to a rich and populous country, will doubtless render it a profitable investment to its enterprising proprietors.
The above remarks have been elicited in the hope of dispelling the doubts and prejudices that exist with re- gard to the adoption of high dams, and all fears as to any additional rise of the water by freshes, equal to the height of the dams.
The construction of dams along the Allegheny will necessarily be attended with considerable hazard and consequent expense. This will be chiefly owing to the depth and velocity of the current in the channels, where it was found necessary to locate the dams; and to the sudden rise of the river, it being easily affected by sbowers. An evidence of this fact was afforded us while engaged on the river, by the rise of four feet in a single night; and this the result of a few passing showers the day previous. Such an occurrence during the pro- gress of the work, would unless due precautions were taken, be productive of serious consequences. These are difficulties however which can be overcome, so far as human foresight and power is applicable, by the se- lection of prudent and energetic men as contractors, who, by proceeding cautiously, and at the same time ex- peditiously would, unless in some extraordinary case, complete the whole work safely and permanently.
A remarkable peculiarity in the character of this river is, that notwithstanding its banks are lined with rocks for a great portion of its lengthi, yet in not a single in- stance can a rock bottom be obtained for the foundation of a dam, and in but very few instances for the locks. The dams will in all cases stand upon a bed of coarse gravel, and the locks commonly upon the same mate- rial.
As the instructions given me in reference to the ex- aminations and estimates for slackwater along this val- ley, imply three distinct improvements: the following descriptions and the succeeding estimate will represent the plan which is considered best adapted to the river, under existing circumstances, and will more properly embrace the terms, as stated in these instructions, an improvement partly by canal and partly by locks and dams.
below Kittanning, it is proposed to construct eighteen clams, and twenty-eight locks. Dam No. 1, to be loca- ted at Becks's ripple two and a half miles below French creek, and its top of sufficient elevation to flow three feet of water on the present surface of that stream at its mouth. This was necessary, in order to give four feet depth of water at that place; and by it a safe and conve- nient harbour is formed, which will materially facilitate an extension of the improvement, should it hereafter be- come necessary.
Below this place the dams have all been located at such points as the banks, bed of the river, and desired fall, rendered favorable. Wherever the height of the dams require two locks, pounds have been planned be- tween them. The length of these pounds vary from three to fifteen chains, according to the difficulties to be encountered in obtaining a favourable position for the outer lock. In two instances canals are proposed, viz : one at Patterson's falls, thirty chains long; and the oth- er at Early's ripple, forty chains long. Each of these canals are calculated to save a dam, as there is a consid- erable fall in the river at their respective localities; -- both the pounds and canals to be sixty feet wide.
At dam No. 18, (marked No. 19 on the map, and be- ing the same proposed as a feeder dam for the canal line) it is proposed that the slackwater improvement for steamboats should terminate, and a connection be form- ed with the Kiskeminetas line, by a canal.
Two important advantages would result from this plan:
First, a saving of lockage would be effected, as fol- lows: Fall from dam No. 18 to the mouth of Kiskeminetas, 41 feet; lockage from the Kiskeminetas canal down in- to the pool, 30 feet; total, 71 feet.
Second, The Allegheny would be introduced as a permanent feeder into the canal south of the aqueduct, as suggested in my remark, per canal report.
The foot of the slackwater improvement and conse- quent commencement of the canal was at first contem- plated at Kittanning, but the expense of constructing the canal past the steep slip hill below that town was con- sidered a sufficient inducement for the alteration, as by the present location the canal is not only placed out of reach of the floods immediately, but also on favourable groundl.
The only mill now in operation on the line surveyed, is at Catfish falls. This mill by the present plan will be destroyed. And it is believed that it cannot be saved without enhancing the cost of the work beyond the val- . ue of the mill. The removal of a bar will also be ne- cessary at these falls in order to afford 4 feet depth of water, but its situation is such that it can easily be re- moved.
The estimates have been made for crib dams, to be built of oak or pine, and to be filled with stone. A cor- rect plan of the dam, together with the necessary de- scriptions will be seen by a reference to map No. 22, in the atlas.
The locks are estimated to be 120 by 26 feet in the chamber, and to be built of stone. These dimensions were assumed as being adapted to the size of the low water steam boats now in use on the Ohio. It is calcu- lated that these boats will carry 60 tons of freight, draw- ing 3 feet water, and travel with two canal boats in tow, each carrying forty tons, at the rate of 5 miles per hour, or average including lockage 4 miles per hour. With this view of the subject, locks of this size were deemed best adapted both to the economy and capacity of the improvement. The cost of the dams and locks have been estimated with particular reference to the difficul- ties which are to be encountered in their construction. The following table will show the number, height, length and location of each of the dams; the number and lift of each of the locks, their total fall from French creek; the length of the pools, the length and cost of each of the pounds, &c. height of dams calculated from
From French creek to Fort Run ripple, three miles | bed of river. Cost including wing wall,
169
Height of dams, calculated from bed of river.
Cost including wing-walls.
length [tieight] length]
Dams.
Locks. Lift of locks.
Total lock- age.
length of pounds
Localities of the dams and locks .| of the
pools.
of dams.
of dams.
Cost of dams.
Cost of pounds.
. No ..
Fcet ..
Feet.
Chains.
Names.
m.&ch.
Fee .
Feet.
Dollars.
Dollars.
No. 1
1 & 2
62 each
13
3
Beck's ripple and island.
2.40
14
850
23,550
822
2
3
8
21
Six mile run ripple.
3.28
12
600
16,225
3
4 & 5
6 each
33
3
Foot of Sandy islands.
2.65
13
6,50
17,550
812
6 &.7
6
45
9
Charley's oven ripple.
4.67
11
84.5
20,250
2,439
8 & 9
62.
58
43
Ripple No 18, 3 m. above Falling Montgomery falls.
[spring.
4.44
13
660
18,480
7
11
8
74
Near Stoover's ferry.
2.36
12
690
16,250
Patterson's falls.
3.60
13
858
22,882
3,240
9
14
.8
95
Foot of Nicholson's eddy.
2.34
12
690
13,550
10 15 & 166 each
107
8
Spruce run ripple.
3.50
12
655
15,036
2,192
11
17 8
115
10
Lawrenceburg ferry.
4.24
11
860
18,320
1,255
12 18 & 19 63each
128
6
Rattlesnake ripple.
2.74
14
665
17,624
1,525
13 20 &-216
140
15
Armstrong's ripple,
6.46
14
725
20,152
2,450
14.22 & 23 6
152
3
Ripple No. 38, 2 ms. above Red-
7.21
13
730
18,990
812
15 24 & 25 63
165
40
Early's ripple.
[bank.
4.21
14
875
23,846
6,950
16 26 & 27 6
177
5
Malioning ripple.
6.16
13
760
18,760
1,150
171 28
18
185
3
Near mouth of Pine creek.
4.48
11
920
20,080
755
18 This dam is mark'dNo19 on map Fort-run ripple.
7.60
18
800
25,025
Cost of the dams,
$346,035
22,882
Pounds and canals,
25,623
A dam at the head of Nicholson's ed-
dy, (not marked on the map)
16,740
8 Foot of Nicholson's eddy
13,550
Cost of 124 miles of canal from Fort-run to Kiskeminetas,
219,697
11
Lawrenceberg ferry
18,320
Guard lock at the head of cana !;
2,050
12 Rattlesnake ripple
17624
185 feet of lockage at $1,300 per foot lift,
240,500
13 Armstrong's ripple
20152
14 Ripple No. 38, 2 miles above Redbank 18990 Early's ripple 23846
16
Dam at Dixon's falls, not No. on map 15645 Mahoning ripple
16760
17 Pine creek ripple
20080
18 Near Kittanning
21740
19 Fort run ripple
17815
20
Nicholson's Falls
22830
21
At Island near Darrickman's run 24955
22 Near Aqueduct 19760
458,495
To connect this dam with the still water below the mouth of Kiskeminetas, 15 chains of canal will be required Cost
3965
Add the cost of necessary pounds
14233
223 feet of lockage at $1300 per foot 289900
Excavation and removal of rocks below the locks 9356 30 feet lockage from the Kiskeminetas canal
into the pool
18000
793,949
Add 10 per centum
79,394
Total cost
873,343
By an improvement for common canal boats, the locks will be confined to one side of the river, which will render the removal of gravel bars a subject of fre- quent recurrence.
Pounds between the locks are estimated in this plan as being necessary to any improvement of the river, un- less by low dams.
The number, localities and cost of the dams for an en- tire steam boat navigation will stand as follows: Dam No. Localities. Cost. 1 $23550 Beck's Ripple,
2 Six mile run 16225
3 Foot of sandy islands 17550
4 Charley's Oven ripple 20,250
5 Ripple No. 18, 3 mile above the Falling spring
19,485
6 Montgomery's falls 18,480
7 Near Stoover's ferry
VOL. III. -22
16,250
5.07
14
695
19,465
1,221
6
10-
8
66
8 12 & 13 63each
87
30
+
839,180
15
Add ten per cent. 83,918
Total cost, 1
923,098
Having thus shown the cost of an improvement which, from its saving of dams and the advantages offered for its connection with the Kiskeminetas canal, seems at present best adapted to the river; it remains for me to exhibit. the cost of an improvement for steam boats between said points by locks and dams without canals, and also an improvement for common canal boats by locks and dams.
By the first plan, the canal at Patterson's falls will be dispensed with, and a dam at the head of Nicholson's eddy 765 feet long and 11 feet high will be substituted in its stead. . Also a dam at Dickinson's falls 685 feet long and 12 feet high, in lieu of the canal at Early's rip- ple. By this last alteration the height of the dam at Ma- honing will be lessened 2 feet.
Dam No. 18, near Kittanning (as marked on the map) 930 feet long and 13 feet high will be required. Dam No. 19 will be 12 feet high instead of 18, as represent- ed in preceding table; and dams No. 20, 990 feet long and 12 feet high. No. 21, 858 fect long and 13 feet high. No. 22, 810 feet long and 11 feet high; all of which are marked on the map, will be necessary to make the required navigation between said points.
S Patterson's falls
346,035
25,623
Removal of rocks and gravel bars below the lócks,
5,275
10 Spruce run ripple
15,036
4
5
1829.]
CANAL DOCUMENTS.
The towing path will require a protection wall for the whole distance. The estimates have been made for a towing path inclusive of river excavation, and averaged per mile. The localities of the dams will be the same as in the preceding plan. The locks will be 90 by 15 feet in the chamber. The cost of these locks will be enhanced beyond the cost of locks on a canal line, by the great difference in the height of the walls and the difficulties attendant on preparing their foundations.
The construction of a towing path will necessarily be very expensive, from the vast amount of wall required, and the dangerous slip hills to be encountered.
170
PENNSYLVANIA RAILWAY.
[MARCH
The cost of this improvement will stand as follows:
Estimate of 24 dams as preceding $458,495 00
Towing path and excavation at $9000 per mile 839,250 00
Lock pounds
14,233 00
223 feet of $1000 per foot
223,000 00
Lockage from Kiskeminetas canal into pool 18,000 00
1,552,978 00
Add ten per cent.
155,297 80
Total cost
$1,708,275 80
By the preceding estimate it will be observed, that the entire improvement by lock and dams is the cheap- est. This plan, however, is very objectionable, as all boats destined from the canal to French creek, must necessarily encounter 71 feet additional lockage, as heretofore mentioned; and besides this inconvenience no water will be introduced into the canal from the Al- legheny as a feeder.
EDW. F. GAY, Engineer.
PENNSYLVANIA RAILWAY.
REPLY
To a Committee appointed at a Meeting of the citizens of Philadelphia, to Report in regard to the termination of the Pennsylvania Railway.
GENTLEMEN : Having been requested by two of your number, to communicate to the committee such informa- tion as I deem important to a correct understanding of the subject, I have determined, in the first place, to present a brief history of the several surveys and exami- nations for the Pennsylvania Railway, which bear upon the question of crossing the Schuylkill, or of its termina- tion in and near the city of Philadelphia. In the course of this history all the important facts which occur to me, will be stated in as concise a manner, and as free from the embarrassment of technical terms, as possible: I shall then offer for the consideration of the committee a few plain inferences as they present themselves to my mind.
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