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 51
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The dams have been located with particular reference to that section of the instructions furnished me, which implies a preservation from injury, of the mill works and water power now in nse on said river. And with the exception of two instances, the location of dams in the vicinity of these mills have been particularly favourable. The mills along this river are at present supplied by low wing dams, and can only grind in low water. If therefore they should receive their supply from the dams at present proposed, which are calculated to furnish a power throughout the year, their value would be ma- terially enhanced.
As the board have already been furnished with a com- parative view of the rise of freshes on pools and on un- improved parts of a river, per Allegheny report, I con- sider it unnecessary to furnish a repetition in this. It may however be well to add that a very considerable difference exists between the freshes east, and those west of the Allegheny mountains. The rise being nearly one-half more on the west side. As it was shown in that report, that the freshes on the Conestoga, which were formerly 12 feet, are since its improvement but 3 feet, it may be safely inferred that the freshes in the Monongahela which are now about 20 feet, would sel- dom if ever after its improvement exceed 8 feet.
The following will show the respective localities of the dams and locks, together with the reasons which induced such locations. Dam No: 1, located at New Geneva, is calculated to elevate the water to a level of the surface at the Virginia line. As the water is not 4 feet deep at this place, if any extension of this improve- ment should hereafter be effected, to which the citi-
zens of Morgantown look forward with a deep interest, it will become necessary, either to locate another dam within the limits of this state, or to raise dam No. 1, two feet higher; but as this was not necessary for the pre- sent examinations, and as it would only serve to increase the lockage, it was omitted. By. the location of dam No. 1 at Geneva, à fall of 12 feet is accumulated, and will be overcome by locks No. 1 and 2 of six feet lift each, having a pound between them of 300 feet in length. The advantages of this location will be per- ceived by its vicinity to the villages of New Geneva and Greensburg, as these will be essentially benefitted by the valuable water power created here, and a mill belong- ing to Colonel Heaton will be saved. The only injury done by the back water, will be the loss of a small sawmill owned by Albert Gallatin, and in operation upon George Creek, also 40 rods of road, which it will be necessary to raise three feet. This road passes along the side hill above Greensburgh, and is only raised in " low water. Any attempt to save the saw mill by alter- ing the position of the dam, would enhance the cost of the works far beyond the value of the mill. The only ripples on this level, are at the mouth of Cheat and Dun- kard. : Some excavation will be necessary to remove , the wing dam at Cheat. No. other obstruction exists, that will require any removal to obtain four feet water.
Dam No 2, with locks No 3 and 4, of 6 feet lift each, are located at Daniel Sharpneck's mill. This position was selected for the purpose of saving the mill, but it may be considered favorable in other respects. The materials for the construction of the works, can be con- veniently obtained, also the bottom, and banks of the river are well calculated to ensure permanency. A pound between the locks will be necessary, 600 feet in length. It will cross a large gravel bar, and terminate at a favourable position for the outlet lock. On this lev- el, several ripples will be overcome, but no river exca- vation will be required, nor any injury done to private property.
Dam No. 3, with lock No. 5, of 8 feet lift, is located at Millsborough, and will flow the water back to Sharp- neck's mill .. On this level, the removal of a part of the wing dams at Armstrong's and Muddy creek ripples, will be necessary. The location of the dam at Millsbo- rough, will save a grist and two saw mills owned by Colonel .H. Heaton, also a factory, grist and saw mill, owned by Esqr. Bumgarner. A canal will be required at this place 700 feet in length below the dam, in or- der to afford a favourable position for the lock into good water.
Dam No. 4, is located at Bridgeport with lock No. 6, of eight and a half feet lift. On this level the wing dam at Fishpot ripple must be removed, and the mill at that place owned by Henry Wise will be destroyed. As this mill is but two miles below Millsborough, and the fall in the river inconsiderable, no material variation from the present locations could be effected to save it.
The advantage to be derived in locating clam No. 4 above, instead of below the mouth of Dunlap's creek, will be the saving of a grist and saw mill on that stream, and near its mouth, owned by Samuel Krepps, and also the lockage of all boats destined to Brownsville or Bridgeport. The plan will, however, render the remo- val of the bar and wing dams at that place, a matter of necessity. With regard to the water power to be deri- ved from a dam at this place, nothing need be said, as it must, beyond a doubt, be very valuable.
Dam No. 5, and lock No. 7, of seven feet lift, are lo- cated at Baldwin's mill near Cookstown, and will flow the water back to Brownsville. - On this level, in addi- tion to the bar and wing dams at the mouth of Dunlap's creek, the removal of the wing dams at the mouth of Redstone, and at Forsythe's Ripple, will be necessary. By the vicinity of this dam at Cookstown, which is a village of considerable size, and the saving of Baldwin's mill its location may be considered favorable. Some idea | may be had of the inclination of the inhabitants in this dis --
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183
trict for manufacturing, from the information which I re- ceived at Cookstown, that within 3 miles of that vil- lage, there are in operation 27 mills of different descrip- tions. These, however, being situated on tributaries of the Monongahela, which furnish very little water during midsummer, are chiefly all stopped at that time.
Dam No. 6, and lock No. 8, of eight and a half feet, are located at Parkerson's ripple, and will flow the wa- ter back to Cookstown. On this level there are no riv- er obstructions to be removed, yet by the present loca- tion of the dam a considerable amount of private pro- perty will be destroyed; this will consist of a grist mill situated on the river, and a small saw, grist and fulling mill, on Mingo creek, and near its mouth. These es- tablishments belong to Mr. Parkerson, and are calcula- ted to grind only in low water. To save them all from injury, another dam would be requisite, and to save the river mill, the length of the present dam would be in- creased 170 feet. Therefore in either case, the cost of the improvement would be enhanced beyond the value of the mills. The present position for the dam was se- lected with due regard to the economy and permanency of the works.
Dam No. 7, and lock No. 8, of eight and a half feet lift, are located near the mouth of Pine Run, and will flow the water back to Parkerson's. On this level there are no river obstructions to remove. A rock foundation is obtained for the lock and I may add, that the positions selected both for the lock and dam, are remarkably fa- vorable.
Dam No. 8, and lock No. 10, of ten and a half feet lift, (being the last proposed,) are located near M'Clurg's house, two miles above Pittsburg, and will flow the wa- ter back to Pine Run. This point for the location of the dam, was adopted as being the last shoal water on the river. From this dam to Pittsburg, the depth of the water was sounded, and ascertained to be sufficient for steamboats in the lowest water. The great width of the river at this place will render the construction of a dam laborious and expensive. Yet its locality cannot be favored, unless by a dam across the Ohio, with a view to the improvement of that river, and of the harbour of Pittsburg, in which case this dam can be removed up to Bigg's ripple, where its length would be diminished 390 feet. The lockage two feet, and its cost $13,700.
I have thus shown the localities of the dam, as selec- ted during our examination, and which from observa- tions taken at that time, and reflection since, I consider decidedly best calculated to render the improvement complete, permanent and economical. With the ex- ception of the mills already mentioned, no other injury will be done by the required elevation of the water for the whole distance examined. The length of the pools will average 10 miles and 70 chains, and will afford, (if the dams should be constructed at their present locali- ties) a beautiful surface for the operation of steam boats.
The banks of this river are in many places lined with trees which grow near to the water's edge; these would, after the water is raised to its proper height, decay and fall into the river, and as their fall might be productive of much inconvenience, and possible injury, it is there- fore proposed to cut them off, and remove them pre- vious to the construction of the dams; for which pur- pose a sum as an equivalent for their removal, has been placed in the estimate, this it is also believed will be sufficient to do the grubbings and to remove the few snags which are now scattered along the river.
The dams proposed on this river are commonly known by the name of crib or frame dams. The bottom of the dam to be built in the form of crib work, and the top of frame work, the whole to be filled with loose stone; the frame work to be constructed of white oak, and the crib work of oak, or yellow poplar. A correct plan - with all the necessary descriptions can be seen by refer- ence to map No. 22 in the atlas. This plan differs from the one proposed on the Allegheny, and is recommend- ed as possessing great strength, being easily secured, and requiring less timber than the Allegheny dams, a material which is not so easily obtained here as in that river.
The plan of the locks on this river is the same as proposed on the Allegheny, to wit: the wall of stone, the top of which are to be eight feet higher than the tops of the dams; the chamber to be 120 feet in length, and 26 feet in width; the form to be the same as the locks now constructing on the Pennsylvania canal, with the exception of the outside next the river, which will present a smooth surface to resist the action of ice or floodwood. The dimensions of these locks are propo- sed for the same reasons mentioned per Allegheny re- port: By a reference to the maps, the localities of all the dams and locks as above described, will be seen, to- gether with all the ripples, which it is proposed to overcome by each of the dams, and all the villages situ- ated on either side of the river, which will be benefit- ted by the proposed improvement.
.It may here be well to remark that crib locks filled with stone, can be built on this river for $800 per foot lift, this plan (although the lock would be possessed of great strength, and doubtless last for several years) can- not be recommended on a river where stone of a good quality are so abundant as on this. Stone locks could be built remarkably cheap on this river but for the great expense to be encountered in preparing the foundation of them below the river surface.
The following table will show the length of the dams, and their height measured from the bed of the river; al- so their cost, with a recapitulatlon of the numbers and localities of dams, locks, &c.
· The estimate for the dams includes the wing walls, excavation, &c.
Dams.
Locks. Lift of Locks.
Localities.
Length of dams.
Height
of dams. Cost of Dams.
Cost of Pounds.
No.
Nos.
Feet.
Names.
Feet.
Feet.
Dollars.
Dollars.
1
1 & 2
6 each
New Geneva.
580
14
16,020
1,325
2
3 & 4
6 each
Sharpneck's mill.
545
13
14,810
1,872
3
5
8
Millsborough.
790
9
16,590
2,356
4
6
Bridgeport.
660
12
17,220
5
7
7
Cookstown.
760
9
16,415
6
8
84
Parkerson's lower ripple.
785
12
19,745
7
9
84
Pine Run Ripple.
660
11
16,460
8
10
10}
above Pittsburg.
1320
13
39,656
Cost of Dams,
156,916
5,553
Pounds,
5,553
97,500
Add 75 feet of lockage, at 1,300 dollars per foot, Grubbing and clearing along the banks, Removal of wing dams,
6,350
1,676
Damage of mills,
8,500
S Near M Clurg's 2 miles 2
1829.
CANAL DOCUMENTS.
18-4
CANAL, DOCUMENTS.
[MARCH
Walling below the locks,
Add 10 per cent.
Total cost,
If crib locks be adopted, the cost will stand,
OHIO REPORT.
In compliance with instructions received in relation to an improvement of this river by locks and dams, our examinations were commenced at Pittsburg, and ter- minated at the foot of Stone's Island, immediately be- low the mouth of Beaver.
The depth of water assumed for this improvement is 4 feet. This was done from the conviction that when- ever there was sufficient water for steaniboats to come up to Beaver, there would also be an abundance of water in the navigation.
The first obstruction which presents itselfto the prog- ress of boats drawing four feet water, is a bar at the mouth of the Monongahela river. This bar extends quite across the river, and the depth of water on it du- ring summer months does not exceed three feet. Ac- cordingly the levelled line from the top of dam No.1 was calculated at an elevation sufficient to raise one foot on to the present surface at Pittsburg.
The distance from Pittsburgh to Beaver, is 252 miles, and the fall (to the foot of Stone's Island) is . 34 feet .- 'l'o this add one foot, which it is proposed to rise at Pitts- burg, and the lockage will stand 35 feet. This fall it is proposed to overcome by 4 dams and locks, located as follows.
Dam No. 1, being in two parts. The first part at the head of Nevill's island, and across the north chan- nel. This part will be 1060 feet long and 7 feet high. The second part is across the south channel, and its position 13 miles above the lower end of the island .- This part will be 660 feet long, and 13 feet high. Lock No. 1 of 8 feet lift is located at this place. This loca -. tion for a part of the dam and the lock was suggested by the desire of accumulating as much fall as possible at this place, as a convenient position for the lock could not be obtained on the north side of the island.
Dam No. 2, with lock No. 2 of 8 feet lift, are located at Wolrey's trap ripple. The length of this dam will be 1040, and its height 13 feet; its position is favour- able.
Dam No. 3, and lock No. 3, of 8 feet lift, are located at the foot of Deadman's ripple, a rock bottom is ob- tained for the lock, the length of the dam is 1050 feet, and its height 14 feet. As a great proportion of the fall on the distance examined, is accumulated between the head of Nevill's island, and the foot of Deadman's ripple, the pools between the 3 dams above noticed, will therefore be but about two and a half miles each in lengtlı.
Dam No. 4, and lock No. 4, of 11 feet lift, are locat- ed at the foot of Stone's island. The length of the dam is 1320 feet, and its height 13 feet. The position of this dam would be much favoured by its location on a bar, near the residence of General Lacock; but in such case its connexion with any improvement up the Beaver, would be attended with considerable difficulty. The point at present selected, may therefore be considered with a view to that subject, as most favourable.
The height of the dams as given above are located from the bed of the river. "The plan of the dams, the same as proposed for the Monongahela river. The locks to be built of stone, and to be 140 by 40 feet in the cham- ber; being calculated for the largest boats that come up to Pittsburg. The great width and height of the gates will render machinery necessary to open them.
2,400
278,895
27,889
.306,784
$265,534
EDWARD F. GAY, Engineer.
By a reference to the maps, the localities of all the dams, and also the names of the ripples overcome by each of the dams will be seen.
The following estimate has been made out with a view to the difficulties to be encountered in the con- struction of both of the locks and dams.
Dams. Localities. Cost.
No. 1. (Both parts included) Nevill's island $37,685
2.
Worley's Trap ripple 31,210
3. Deadman's ripple 34,505
4. Foot of Stone's island 39,650.
$143,050
Add 35 feet of lockage at $1,600 per foot 56,000
Add excavation below locks No. 3 and 4 2,130
201,180
Add 10 per cent
20,118
Total cost $221,298
It may be proper to remark before closing this report, that the city of Pittsburg at present suffers much from the want of a harbour on the Allegheny side of the town. A broad gravel beach extends the whole length of the city on a level with the surface of low water, and renders the landing of boats a subject of great inconve- nience, in addition to which, the current of the Alle- gheny is so strong, that during high freshets, it is not without much difficulty that the landing of lumber can be effected. In frequent instances rafts are hurried along by the velocity of the current, for a considerable distance down the Ohio. When their return is only af- fected by the loss of time and money to the owner. To remedy these inconveniences, to make a perfect harbour on each side of the city of Pittsburg, to benefit the out- lets from the canal into the Allegheny and Monongahe- la rivers, and to render navigable the whole width of these rivers, at this point, in low water, can best, and only be affected, by a sufficient elevation of the pro- posed dam, at the head of Nevill's island, to flow 4 feet on the common surface of low water at Pittsburgh .- This done, and with a harbour, it will in point of beau- ty and safety, be surpassed by none in the western country.
The above has been suggested, as in assuming the level for the top of dam No. 1, no particular reference was had to the harbour of Pittsbrug, further, than the raising one foot additional water on the bar at the mouth of the Monongahela.
All which is respectfully submitted,
EDWARD F. GAY, Engineer.
December 3d, 1828.
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS. Thursday Evening, Feb. 26th.
A message was received from the Mayor, including a list of appointments on the first of January. It was the same as the list published on that day.
Mr. Hale presented a petition from sundry citizens praying that the market carts may be removed from Chesnut street to some more convenient station. Re- ferred.to the market committee.
Mr. Worrell presented the following petition which I was referred to the market committee.
1829.]
PROCEEDINGS OF' COUNCILS.
185
To the Select and Common Councils of the City of Phi- ladelphia.
The memorial of the subscribers, Butchers, attending High and Second street markets,
Respectfully sheweth,
That your memorialists have, by an assiduous and unremitted attention to their business, in which they have spared neither pains nor expense, established such a reputation for the meat market of this city, as is not equalled by any other in the United States, and perhaps not surpassed by any in the world. Your memorialists, however, have to regret that their well intended exer- tions have been very materially interfered with by a prac- tice which has grown into use, and if not specially check- ed will greatly injure the reputation of your markets and thereby deprive your city of one of the greatest tempta- tions held out to strangers to accept it as a place of re- sidence.
Your memorialists allude to the practice of selling meats from carts, wagone, and other vehicles and tem- porary stands in the streets, and ofhawking it about from house to house, and likewise the privilege of the farmer to cut up and sell his meats in less parts than quarters. Your memorialists do not wish to deprive the farmer from selling of smoked or dried meats: however conve- nient it may be to a few individuals to purchase from the farmer, or others who wear the garb of farmers, your memorialists are persuaded that it is decidedly preju- dicial to the interests of the citizens generally. It ope- rates with peculiar hardship upon your memorialists, who pay high rents for their stalls, and thus afford a very considerable revenue to the corporation, and at the same time enjoy no greater privileges than those who pay nothing to the treasury of the city.
Your memorialists further beg leave of your honoura- ble bodies to pass a law, prohibiting the driving of all horses attached to carriages of burthen, at a faster gait than that of a walk by the market houses. Your me- morialists have reference particularly to those carriages employed in conveying marketing for persons attending. our markets from New Jersey, (well known by the name of ferry-carts. )
Your memorialists would likewise call the attention of Councils to the pernicious practice of many persons carrying umbrellas opened through the market houses during market hours.
Your memorialists believe that some such laws as are asked for would be highly beneficial, and therefore re- quest the attention of your honourable bodies thereto.
Mr. Thompson presented the following.
The committee of Ways and Means, having had re- ferred to them a communication from the Mayor, of the 12th instant in relation to expenditures, your commit- tee have carefully considered the subject, and find that several of the appropriations are considerably over- drawn, and that several of them have considerable sums unexpended standing to their credit. Your committee deem it proper to remind Councils, that when the ap- propriations were made for the past year, Councils were aware of the fact, that several of them would fall far short of accomplishing the whole of the objects for which they were intended; and besides Councils were at that time unwilling to raise a larger sum by tax than they had directed to be raised the previous year, pre- ferring to rely upon a loan or loans, in addition to the tax ordered to be raised for the accomplishment of the objects then contemplated, or that they might thereafter direct to be done. Your committee would state, that in the course of the past year, the various improvements in our city have far exceeded any previous year, more cs- pecially in paving and cleansing our streets.
Your committee therefore confidently hope, that the objeets accomplished by the expenditures of the past. year, have met the approbation of their fellow citizens. and as we know of no other mode of supplying the defi- ciencies but by resorting to a loan, your committee re- VOL. III .. 24
spectfully submit to Councils the accompanying bill, to supply the deficiencies in the accounts of the year 1828, and up to the 15th January of the present year.
. When the bill which accompanied this report, was taken into consideration, Mr. Read said that on first hearing the Mayor's communication he thought it rather extraordinary. The censure cast on the late City Trea- surer was cast back on the Mayor himself. When appro- priations fall short, the Mayor is bound to notify the City Commissioners. He has gone out of the track .prescribed by ordinance, to notify the Councils. He has access to the Treasurer's Books, and if there is any blame it is with the present Mayor. Mr. R. then went over the different appropriations, and showed that the greater part of the overdrafts had been made by the present Mayor. The whole amount overdrawn was about twenty thousand dollars, seventeen thousand of which were by warrants of the present Mayor. The excess of expenditures over the appropriations to be disposed of at the option of the late Mayor, was occa- sioned by the sending of High Constable Garrigues in pursuit of a number of coloured persons that had been kidnapped.
The bill for supplying deficiencies in the appropria- tions was then passed.
On motion of Mr. Thompson the following was adopted:
Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, that the Committee on the Sinking Fund be, and they are hereby directed, to invest in City or State of Pennsylva- nia Stock, such interest as was standing on the first day of February instant, to the credit of the fund for the re- lief of those who may be under the necessity of being placed in the Hospital during the existence of yellow fever. And also such interest as aforesaid, of that part of John Scott's legacy, which is to be applied to the same purposes as Dr. Franklin's legacy. And also such interest as aforesaid, of that part of John Scott's legacy, as was to be distributed in premiums for useful inven- tions, which was not distributed on that day, and report to Councils.
Mr. Richards presented the following.
The committee appointed to take measures to pro- cure the passage of a law to provide for the protection of Fair Mount Water Works, Report:
That they have given the subject their attention, and that "an act prohibiting. the laying out or surveying any road, street or alley through the city property at Fair Mount," was passed on the 5th inst. and has now become a law.
The committee offer the following resolution, that they be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.
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