[DOC. No. LIX.] /
LieSA«
■UKEAW OF BAILWAr ECOdiaMICi
*ASHtWCTO>«. O. C
COMMUMCATIOI
FROM
THE PRESIDENT
OF THE
JAMES RIVER AND KANAWHA COMPANY,
RELATIVE TO THE
CAUSES OF DELAY
IN THE
COMPLETION OF THE CANAL TO BUCHANAN,
1851.
[Doc. No. 59.] 3
COMMUIICATIOI.
Office of the James River and
Kanawha Co., Feb. 4, 18-51.
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of
the resolution of the house of delegates, adopted on the 1st inst., re¬
quiring "the president of the James river and Kanawha company to
inform the house, as speedily as may be, of the causes of delay in the
completion of the canal to the town of Buchanan." I do not hesitate
to give the information requested, so far as my personal knowledge or
the records of the company will enable me to do so. As the response
to the resolution involves matcers of opinion, I will state my own views
fully and frankly, without expecting or desiring the house of delegates
to adopt my conclusions, unless satisfied with the reasons assigned ;
and I respectfully add, that I will be happy at all times to furnish any
information in my.çower, or to meet any investigation which it shall
be the pleasure of the house to direct.
As a prefiminary enquiry, it seems to me important to determine,
what is the •ädaij as to the causes of which I am asked to give infor¬
mation.
It is known, that under the controlling influence of the 5lh section
of the act of the 25th of March 1S42, the works of the company above
Lynchburg were suspended. Some progress had been made, but the
work was not resumed until after the passage of the act of the gene¬
ral assembly of the 1st of March 1847. The object of this act, as de¬
clared in its title, was to provide the funds to complete the James ri¬
ver and Kanwha canal from tidewater to Buchanan. In the 2d sec¬
tion authority was given to loan to the company state bonds of the
aggregate amount of S 1,236,000. As the company was bound to pay
the accruing interest, after they were converted into money, it was
not desirable that the issues should be larger than was required to
meet the expenses of the works as they progressed. The law pro¬
vided that there should be issued on the
Ist day of July 1847, bonds for
1st day of Jan. 1848, " "
1st day of July 1848, " "
1st day of Jan. 1849, " "
1st day of Jan. 1850, " "
242,000
250,000
2-50,000
244,000
250,000
Aggregate,
$1,236,000
4
[Doc. No. 59.]
The appropriation was made on estimates, and no one doubted that
the entire amount would be required to accomplish the object of com¬
pleting the canal to Buchanan.
For the execution of the work the system of contracting was adopted.
The contracts were promptly made for the works between Ljmchburg
and the mouth of North river. The works between the North river
and Buchanan were, by the order of the stockholders, subsequently
let by contract—the postponement seems to have been caused by a
belief that they were more easy of execution, but provision was made
for the completion of the entire line by the 1st day of Januaiy 1850.
I have the honor to communicate herewith a copy of a report made
by the chief engineer on the 27th day of June 1848, relative to the
works between Lynchburg and the mouth of North river, which gives
in detail an account of the measures taken b}'' the companj'- for the
construction of the work, and of the causes of constant disappoint¬
ment, up to the date of the report. I also communicate two tables,
which shew the dates of the several contracts, the names of the con¬
tractors, the several works undertalven, and the period at which the
contracts were to be respectively completed.
It will be observed that the contracts for the heavy works' of art
did not stipulate for their completion until December 1849, or the 1st
of January 1850. These works required time lor their construction,
were costly, and without their complete execution, the line could not
be opened. By their agreements, the contractors were entitled to pay
as their works progressed, and to full compensation when their con¬
tracts were completed. It would therefore have been most unwise to
stipulate for the completion of the canal at an-earlier day than that
on which the onh' means of pa3-ment which the company had would
be available. Under the terms of the act of March 1847, these means
were not fully available until the 1st daj^ of Januarj' 1850.
I submit, therefore, that no delay can be charged to have taken
place prior to that date—that it was then, and not until then, that both
the legislature and the company contemplated the completion of the
canal from tidewater to Buchanan, and I think it must be conceded,
that however desirable an earlier opening of the navigation may
have been, and however natural ma3^ be the impatience of those
whose hopes in regard to the extended line have been long held in
suspense, no one, under the circumstances, had just reason to expect
the consummation at an earber day.
What, then, have been the causes of the dela3'' since the 1st day of
Januar3^ 1850?
The works were all under contract—the contracts stipulated for their
complete execution on or before that da3'. Wh3' were they not com¬
pleted ? I know of no answer, but that the contractors did not com-
pl3' with their contracts. The company complied with its stipulations—
if the contractors had done so, the work would have been finished,
and the improvement ready for the use of the public, and productive
to the compan3' at the time prescribed.
I will not encumber this communication with details in resfard to
each contract; the information is voluminous, but will be furnished,
if it shall be the pleasure of the house of delegates to require it.
[Doc. No. 59.]
5
I am not unaware that it may be supposed that something had trans¬
pired after the date of the contracts and before the period fixed for
their completion, which caused the delay. I have looked at the sub¬
ject in this aspect, I trust, without favor or prejudice.
It is due to the contractors as a class to state, that the contracts
were made in 1847 and in 1848 ; that prices of labor and supplies
have greatly advanced on the estimates which formed the basis of
their bids; the competition amongst bidders appears to have been very
great, and there was not a large margin for profit under the most favor¬
able circumstances. By the stipulations of all the contracts, payments
of monthly estimates of labor and materials furnished were required and
made, but with a reservation of 20 per cent, on the amount of each esti¬
mate ; this reserved per centage the company had a right to retain until
the full execution of the contract, so that unless a contract yielded a
profit of full 20 per cent., the contractor was unable to meet his cur¬
rent expenses without considerable private resources. It is not pro¬
bable that any of the contracts, under the change of circumstances,
will afford so large a profit, and but few of the contractors are be¬
lieved to have had private funds to meet the outlay necessary to the
vigorous prosecution of their work ; there is, too, in Virginia much
difficulty in procuring labor to any great extent except at the begin¬
ning of the year, and undoubted credit is important to success even
then—as the work has penetrated further West, the difficulty of pro¬
curing labor has been found to increase. For these reasons, I have
no doubt many an order for an increase of force on the works under
contract was disregarded. If the orders actually given had been
complied with, there can be no doubt that the works would have
been completed by the time stipulated.
The board of directors have had no reason to suppose that the offi¬
cers of the corps of engineers employed on the line were deficient in
skill or inattentive to their dut3^ The works of construction and re¬
pair committed to their charge extended from tidewater to Buchanan,
a distance of two hundred miles. The distribution of duties had
been carefully considered, and appears to me, on full examination, to
be unobjectionable ; under its arrangement the whole line and all the
works are under the direction of the chief engineer. A principal as¬
sistant engineer is attached to the tidewater connection—one to the
Rivanna and Southside connections, and one to the line from Lynch¬
burg to Buchanan. The last named line is divided into residences, or
sections of ten miles, and an assistant engineer is attached to each.
Thez-e ai-e inherent causes of difference of opinion and collision be¬
tween contractors and superintending engineers about the construction
of works of impi'ovement, I'esulting necessarily from their respective
duties, obligations and interests. But no case has fallen under my
observation, or been brought to the notice of the board of directors,
since my connection with the company, in which I can say that in
mj'' opinion, delay in the completion of the canal to Buchanan has
been the i-esult of any improper inlerfei-ence on the part of the engi¬
neers, or of their neglect of duty.
6
[Doc. No. 59.]
I consider it due to the board of directors and to myself, to trans¬
mit herewith a copy of a circular letter addressed by me under their
order to each contractor on the second division, which embraces the
line of improvement between Lynchburg and Buchanan—also a copy
of resolutions adopted by the board at Buchanan in May last.
I came into office on the 12th day of May 1849. This circular
letter was written on the 9th day of June following. Its object was
to urge the contractors to complete their respective works during the
year, according to their undertakings, by appeals to their pride, their
duty and to their interests. I regret to say that it did not produce the
desired effect, and the 1st of January 1850 came, and the work on
every important contract was unfinished. The board anxiously deli¬
berated on the best course to be pursued. On a full view of all the
circumstances, it was concluded that it was better calculated to expe¬
dite the completion of the canal to forbear with the contractors and
abstain from enforcing the penalties imposed by their contracts on the
failure to comply with their stipulations, than to abandon the contracts
and advertise for new contractors, who would probably be unable to
procure labor during the season, and ultimately prove no more efficient
than their predecessors.
I transmit herewith two tables, which will shew the frequent and
liberal advances made by order of the board of directors of the re¬
served per centage—advances which might have been withheld, but
were made because the board were satisfied, on the representations of
the contractors, that in many cases they were essential, and in all
would greatly facilitate their work.
Many of the most important contracts are jmt unexecuted, and I
state with entire confidence, that whether contracts were abandoned
or undertaken on company account, or the contractors were permitted
to go on after the time for completion had elapsed, the controlling mo¬
tive with the board of directors has been to hasten the completion of
the canal. They have done everything which seemed to them best
calculated to promote that result.
In the progress of the work, during the last three years,, some dis¬
asters have befallen it. Although much exposed, in an unfinished
state, and in various stages of construction, the locks and dams and
other works have been singularly exempt from casualty. The most
serious of them all, is the breach in Judith dam, which occurred in
December last. It is not, however, likely to delay the opening of na¬
vigation to Buchanan. It will, I feel confident in stating, be repaired
before other works on the line, indispensable to the navigation of the
whole line, can be completed.
Having responded to the resolution of the house of delegates, which
is limited to an enquiry into the causes of delay? in completing the se¬
cond division, I might here close this communication—but I deem it
my duty to the company which honors me with its confidence, to
add, that at the meeting of the stockholders, held in January ult., a
memorial was presented, signed by certain citizens of Buchanan and
its vicinity, asking an investigation into the causes of the delay in com¬
pleting the canal to Buchanan. It was referred to an appropriate
[ Doc. No. 59. ]
7
committee. I have the honor to communicate herewith a copy of
that committee's report, and of the proceedings of the stockholders
thereon.
I beg leave to say, however, that in communicating these papers, I
do not desire to be understood as wishing to avoid any investigation
which the house of delegates may be pleased to institute. I have too
much respect for that honorable body to object to its jurisdiction over
any subject so deeply interesting to Virginia, as I regard the concerns
of the James river and Kanawha company improvement to be, and
too much confidence in its justice, to doubt, that honorable fairness
will govern its enquiries, and that truth will be vindicated by its con¬
clusions.
I have the honor to be.
Most respectfully.
Your obedient sers'ant,
J. Y. MASON,
Pi 'es't James R. if K, Co.
Hon. George W. Hopkins,
Speaker House of Delegates.
[Doc. No. 59.]
9
REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER RELATIVE TO THE WORKS
BETWEEN LA^NCHBURG AND NORTH RIVER.
Richmond, June 27th, 1848.
Dear Sib,
I have from time to time, verbally, and in communica¬
tions on other subjects, informed you of the great and extraordinary
apathy prevailing among the contractors on the resumed and extended
works of the company above Lynchburg. My frequent requisitions
on them for an increase of their forces have generally been unheeded,
or feebly responded to, and always failing of success. The force is
now so inadequate, and the progress of the work so slow, that it would
be difficult to fix the time of its probable completion. Without some
change it would certainly be many years.
Besides the want of energy on the part of the present contractors,
our operations have been very much delayed by the frequent abandon¬
ment of their contracts, and their failure, in many instances, after an
indulgent delay, to commence the work at all for which they had en¬
tered into contract.
By advertisements very generally circulated throughout the country,
proposals were invited, in July 1847, for five dams. The letting was
numerously attended by contractors from almost every part of the
country, bringing with them testimonials of great energy, sound prac¬
tical judgment and skill in the execution of works of a similar cha¬
racter. The competition resulted in a contract for all five of the dams
with Mr. John Eaton of Ohio, who, in the commencement, certainly
displayed energy that gave promise of the realization of the favorable
impressions which his high testimonials were calculated to inspire.
His energies, however, soon relaxed. It became evident that he could
not comply with his contracts, which were accordingly abandoned ;
and the working season of last year was in consequence lost.
The history of nearly every other contract is told in a few and in
the same wmrds. Little else has been done, than to let and abandon,
re-let, and again abandon. With a view to a right understanding of
the difficulties and delays which have been encountered, and of the
present condition of the contracts, I shall now take up each contract ;
and without attempting anything more than memoranda in the plainest
and simplest form, endeavor to give you an account of the embarrass¬
ments under which we labor, with such recommendations as in my
opinion will be best adapted to each case ; and I hope it will be found
that I have made no remarks bearing hard on any one that are not
called for, or, if needs be, will not bear the test of future investigation.
i. the locks.
Lock No. 1. This lock had been commenced by Mr. C. B. Qui-
senberry, as the sub-contractor or transferee of Mr. F. M. Cabell, prior
2
10
[Doc. No. 59.]
to the suspension of the works in 1842. Upon the resumption of the
works in 1847, Mr. Quisenberry's contract was renewed under an im¬
proved specification. He took it at S3 75 per cubic yard, which has
subsequently been increased to S3 871- per cubic yard. Stone for the
lock, of good quality, is found conveniently situated on the hill side
immediatel}' opposite, and for the most part may be rolled from the
quarry to the lock, making the cost of transportation comparatively
light—indeed nothing. But owing to the hardness of the rocks and
the difficulty of dressing the front stone, I would recommend an in¬
crease of 12¿ cents per cubic yard on the backing and Si 12J on the
front stone, and that the hollow quoins be paid for separately, at the
rate of $ 3 50 per foot lift, counting from the bottom of the-lock to the
top of the coping at each end of each mitre sill. With good manage¬
ment, these prices ought to pay the contractor a handsome profit ; but
I doubt very much whether Mr. Quisenbeny can make anything.
His pecuniary embarrassment and consequent want of credit force
him, in some instances, to pay more than the customary wages for
hands, and render it difficult for him to procure them at any price.
But as he is very anxious to retain the contract, as he is making some
progress, and as it will not be necessary to complete this lock until Ju¬
dith dam is well advanced, I would advise that the contract be offered
to him at the additional prices recommended above.
Loch No. 2 was, at the letting on the 30th September 1847, let to
Mr. John B. Ives, at S 3 25 per cubic yard, and voluntarily abandoned
by him on the 31st of March 1848, when it was let to Mr. Jacob Hill,
for S 5 per cubic yard for the front stone, and 84 per cubic yard for
the backing, with a subsequent verbal understanding that he would be
paid in addition S3 50 per foot (lift) for the hollow quoins. Mr. Hill,
I doubt not, will comply with his contract.
Gmrd Loch No. 1, at Judith Dam, was taken by Mr. John B. Ives
at the letting on the 30th September 1847 at $ 3 20 per cubic yard.
He cannot comply with his contract at this price. I would recom¬
mend an increase of SI 80 per cubic yai'd for the front stones, and
Si for the backing, with the addition of $3 50 per foot lift for the
hollow quoins.
Loch No. 3 was let to Mr. John B. Ives, at the letting on the 30th
of September 1847, at $3 20 per cubic yard. His proposition to re¬
linquish his contract I now lay before jmu, and recommend its accept¬
ance ; but not with the proviso that he be permitted to use the rock
quarried for the lock in the Judith dam, unless in the re-letting of the
lock it be found that the removal of this rock does not tiffect the cost
of the lock. Five dollars per cubic yard for the front and back stone,
will give an amply remunerating price to the contractor.
Guard Loch No. 2, at Bald Eagle Dam, was, with the exception of
sheeting, completed under the old contract prior to 1842.
Loch No. 4 and Guard Loch No. 3, at Pedlar Dam, were also con¬
tracted for by Mr. John B. Ives at the letting on the 30th of September
1847, at S3 20 per cubic yard. His contracts were voluntarily aban¬
doned on the 3d of May 1848, and the lock immediately re-let to Mr.
[Doc. No. 59.]
11
John M'Quaid for $5 per cubic yard. Mr. M'Quaid has commenced
with a small force, and will, I doubt not, comply with his contracts.
Lock No. 5. The contract for this lock was given to Mr. Elijah
Johnson, the old contractor, at S3 50 per cubic yard. It was aban¬
doned on the 3d of Maj' 1848, and a verbal agreement entered into
with Mr. John P. Fitzpatrick, in accordance with which the secretary
made out and forwarded contracts to Fitzpatrick, which up to this mo¬
ment have not been signed ; so that it has not been re-let. Five dol¬
lars per cubic yard will be a fair price for it.
Guard Lock No. 4, a-t Coleniaii's Falls Dam, was awarded to Mr.
James M. Spiller at the letting on the SOth September 1847, and a
contract entered into by him for the same, at $4 per cubic yard. I
would recommend an increase of $1 50 per cubic yard, inclusive of
the cutting of the hollow quoins.
Lock No. 6, was taken b}' Mr. John B. Ives at the letting on the
30th of September 1847, for $3 40 per cubic yard, voluntarily aban¬
doned by him on the 3d day of May 1848, and re-let to Mr. H. Major,
at S5 5Ö per cubic yard. It will, I doubt not, be completed by him
at the contract prices.
Guard Lock No. 5, al Big Island Dam, was let to Mr. John B. Ives
at the letting on the 30th day of September 1847, at S 3 50 per cubic
yard, voluntarily abandoned on the 31st of March 1848 ; and, in ac¬
cordance with a verbal agreement with Mr. Michael Towars, a con¬
tract was forwarded to him for his signature, which he refused to sign.
He then made another offer, which was accepted, and a specification
filled up with the prices, signed by him, and forwarded to the secre¬
tary, as the basis of a contract, which, when made out, he again re¬
fused to enter into ; so that this lock is not yet re-let. M}^ estimate
for it is $ 4 per cubic yard.
Lock No. 7 was let on the 2d of August 1847, to Mr. James Dolan
for $3 50 per cubic yard, abandoned in September by his death, let
to Mr. Roderick M'Dermott on the 13th day of November 1847, for
$3 50 per cubic yard, abandoned on the 29th day of March 1848, and
let to Mr. Moses Snead on the 18th day of April 1848, for 85 per cubic
yard—a sufficient price, with good management, for its completion.
Locks Nos. 8 and 9 were let to Mr. Dolan on the 2d of August
1847, at S3 75 per cubic yard for No. 8, and S 4 for No. 9, abandoned
by his death in September, let to Mr. Roderick M'Dermott on the 13th
of November 1847, at the same prices per cubic yard, and abandoned
on the 29th of March 1848. On the 17th of April 1848, specifications
were filled up and signed b}^ Mr. Peter Rankin, at S 5 50 per cubic
yard for the front, and $5 per cubic yard for the backing; but he re¬
fused to enter into contract when made out, for reasons which will be
found in his letters to the president and engineer of the company, here¬
with communicated. These locks have not yet been re-let. Com¬
pleted in the rubble form of masonry, they will cost S 4 50 per cubic
yard.
Lock No. 10 was let to Mr. James Dolan on the 2d of August 1847,
for $4 per cubic yard, abandoned by his death in September, and was
let to Mr. Hugh Montgomerie for S4 15 per cubic yard, on the 23d of
12
[Doc. No. 59.]
December 1847. In consequence of the difficulty of procuring front
stones, and of the reduction in the thickness of the walls, by allowing
one of the old lock walls of the Blue Ridge canal to stand, it will be
necessary to increase Mr. Montgomerie's contract price $1 35 per cu¬
bic yard, making an aggregate of $5 50 per cubic yard.
Lock No. 11. Mr. Roderick M'Dermott's old contract at $ 6 per
cubic yard was recognized by the board, and he was directed to com¬
mence work ; but failing to do so, his contract was abandoned on the
29th of March 1848, and on the 17th of April 1848, an agreement
was entered into with Mr. Peter Rankin for it ; but as he failed to en¬
ter into contract, for reasons that will be found in his letters before re¬
ferred to, it was let to Mr. Joseph H. Shultz on the 12th of June 1848,
for $ 5 50 per cubic yard. At this price, I have no doubt it can be
built, and I think it likely Mr. Shultz will comply with his contract.
Lock No. 12 will be completed by Col. Jordan under his old con¬
tract.
Lock No. 13 was finished prior to the suspension in 1842.
Lock No. 14 will be built by Col. Jordan under his old contract.
Lock No. 15 was finished prior to the suspension in 1842.
Locks Nos. 16 ami 17 were contracted for by Col. Jordan on lire
18th of August 1847, abandoned by him the next day, let at the let¬
ting on the 15th of September 1847, to Mr. A. M'Dowell, and he for¬
feiting by his failure to commence, they were let again to Mr. Edward
Watts on the 29th of January, for $5 75 per cubic yard for the front
stone, and $4 25 for the backing. Owing to the failure of Mr. Watts
to comply with my orders to increase his force, I now recommend an
abandonment of his contracts ; and I recommend that they be built
of rubble masouiy, which will cost about ®3 50 per cubic yard.
Guard Lock No. 7 at the Blue Ridge Dam, was contracted for by
Col. Jordan on the 18th of August 1847, and abandoned the next day;
contracted for by Mr. A. M'Dowell on the 30th of September 1847,
and forfeited by his failure to commence ; let again to Mr. Edward
Watts on the 27th of January 1848, abandoned on the 29th of March
1848, and is now in progress of construction on company account.
11. THE DAMS.
Judith Dam was let to Mr. John Eaton on the 17th day of July
1847, for $4 50 per cubic yard, abandoned on the 11th of December
1847, and let to Mr. John B. Ives on the 23d of December 1847, for
$ 5 per cubic yard. Mr. Ives has never, at any time, had an adequate
force employed. He has, however, made such progress, and has now
such a force employed as to give promise of the completion of his
contract. He acknowledges that he is without means, and is depen¬
dent on his monthly estimates for the payment of his hands and cur¬
rent expenses incident to his contract. His estimate at the scale of
prices I have adopted, will not be sufficient for this purpose. I have
in contemplation an increase of the scale, and would recommend an
increase of 50 cents per cubic yard on his contract price for the ma¬
sonry between the abutments, and for the abutments and river lock.
[ Doc. No. 59. ]
13
This will amount to about $ 4300. I also propose a change in the
specification for the wings, which will greatly reduce the aggregate
cost, and at the same time give him a profit of at least S 500 over and
above what he would have made under the original specification. In
addition to this, I intend giving him a liberal price for embankment
and riprap, which, with the above sums, will be equal to an increase
of S 6000 on his contract, and will in my opinion, place the comple¬
tion of this dam beyond all doubt.
Bald Eagle Dam was let to Mr. John Eaton on the 17th of July
1847, at $4 per cubic yard, abandoned on the 11th of December
1847, and re-let to Mr. J. L. Adams on the 14th of January 1848, at
$ 4 95 per cubic j^ard ; Adams has made but little progress. I have
confidence, however, in his ability to complete his contract, and with
such modifications as I propose in his specifications, I consider his
prices sufficient.
Pedlar Dam was let to Mr. John Eaton on the 17th of July 1847,
at S 4 per cubic yard, abandoned on the 11th of December 1847, and
re-let to Mr. J. L. Adams on the 14th of January 1848, at $4 90.
This contract has not been commenced. I recommend its abandon¬
ment ; and as the season is so far advanced that sufficient progress
cannot be made in a stone dam to ensure its completion next year, I
recommend that a timber dam be substituted.
Colemaids Falls Dam was contracted for by Mr. John Eaton on the
17th of July 1847, at S 4 per cubic yard, abandoned on the 11th of
December 1847, and re-let to Mr. D. W. Gillett, at S 5 50 per cubic
yard, on the 22d of December 1847. Mr. Gillett commenced work,
but during the last two months has had no force whatever employed.
I therefore recommend an abandonment of his contract, and for the
reasons advanced above, I recommend a timber dam.
Big Island Dam was contracted for by Mr. John Eaton on the
17th of July 1847, at S 4 per cubic j-ard, abandoned on the 11th of
December 1847, and re-let to Mr. Michael Towars, at S 6 45 per cubic
yard, on the 21st of December 1847. Mr. Towars has barely com¬
menced his contract. I propose making such modification in the spe¬
cifications for this dam as will, by Mr. Towars's own calculation, be
equivalent to $1 per cubic yard advance on his contract price, which,
with good management, will afford him a handsome profit.
Cushaw Dam was let to hlr. J. EI. Shultz on the 26th of Septem¬
ber 1847, at S 5 per cubic yard. Mr. Shultz made a timely com¬
mencement, and has been steadily at work, but with a force so small,
that, with the difficulty of obtaining mechanics, he cannot complete
his contract in time. His preserving industry, however, under the
discouraging circumstances of a very hard and difficult material, cost¬
ing him in the quarrying and dressing more than his contract price,
commend him to your indulgent consideration. His contract cannot
be completed for less than S 8 per cubic yard. I propose, however,
with a view to present economy, and in order to hasten the comple¬
tion of the Blue Ridge portion of the canal, to dispense with the stone
dam, and rely for the present on the old wooden dam, which, after
being thoroughly repaired, will probably last seven or eight years.
14
[Doc. No. 59.]
This will enable Mr. Shultz to direct his whole energies to his con¬
tract for lock No. 11, the completion of which is necessary to that
portion of the old Blue Ridge canal below Cushaw dam.
BhiG Ridge Dam. It was originally contemplated to construct a
stone dam in front of the old wooden dam, and a contract was accord-
ingljr made with Mr. G. F. Guy, on the 21st of December 1S47, at $6 50
per cubic yard ; but before the commencement of Mr. Guy's contract,
the wooden dam which furnished the water power for the manufacture
of cement was so much damaged by the fresh of November, as to ren¬
der thorough repairs necessary ; and as timber of a durable quality
would cost but little more than perishable materials, and the work¬
manship would be the same, it was thought advisable to dispense with
the stone dam, and incur the small additional cost of a durable wooden
dam. In accordance with this view, which was at the time verbally
communicated to you, in contracting with Mr. Guy for work above
North river, he agreed to give up his contract for the Blue Ridge dam ;
and a dam of timber has been commenced on the company's account,
and will be thrown across as soon as the towing path on the pond and
the abutment and piers of the towing path bridge across North river
are sufhciently advanced to he beyond the reach of the overflow of the
dam. But for the delay on account of these works, the dam would
liave been completed during the low stage of the water in April.
m. CULVERTS.
At the letting on the 30th of September 1847, culverts Nos. 1 and 2,
on section No. 2, and cuRert No. 1, on section No. 3, were, contracted
for by Mr. Jacob Hill. Culvert No. 1, on section No. 2, was dispensed
with. The other two will be completed under the existing contracts,
but at a loss to the contractor, unless the price of the sheeting and ring
stone be increased to about S S per cubic yard ; and this increase I
would recommend.
Culvert No. 1, on section No. 24, was let to Mr. F. R. Sill, at the let¬
ting on the 23d of December 1847. Owing to the inadequacy of the
price, as alleged by Mr. Sill, he declines proceeding with his contract.
I would advise an increase of $ 4 per cubic yard on the ring stones
and sheeting, (making an aggregate of $ 10 per cubic yard.)
Culvert No. 1, on section No'. 25, was declared to Mr. E. P. Burnett
at the letting on the 13th of December 1847, but he declined entering
into a contract for it. As an abundance of material will be obtained
from the old guard-lock at Cushaw dam, only three-fourths of a mile
distant, I propose building it on the company's account.
IV. CANAL AND TOWING PATH SECTIONS.
These will all be completed at the contract prices, and, if not within
the periods specified in the contracts, in ample time for the works of
art.
I would recommend that the prices above specified be oflbred to the
contractors ; that the contracts of those who do not accept them, be
[Doc. No. 59.]
15
immediately abandoned ; that those contractors who do accept of the
modifications and prices proposed he required to place a sufficient
force on their contracts on or before the 15th of August ; and in de¬
fault of a compliance with this requisition, that their contracts he aban¬
doned.
The work between North river and Buchanan has all been agreed
for at fair prices and with responsible contractors.
Yours, ver}'- respectfully,
WALTER GWYNN.
To W. B. Chittenden, Esq.,
President James River and Kanawha Co.
Tabular Statement of the Work placed under Contract between North River and Buchanan.
DAMS.
Designation.
On whose land situated.
Distance above
North river.
Length.
Height.
Thick¬
ness at
bottom.
When put under
contract.
When to be com¬
pleted.
Contractor.
Q,uarry Falls dam,
Varney's Falls dam, ■ -
Indian Rock dam,
Wasp Rock dam.
S. Fleming and estate of Jas. Grunter,
R. H. Burks, Anderson & Co.,
R. H. Burks and Robert Irvin,
Morgan Paynter and J. R. & K. Co.,
Miles.
2
9
13
17
Feet.
304
2280
4360
4340
Feet.
500
430
590
357
Feet.
12
16
16
21
-
15th Aug. 1848,
18th "
18th " "
2d Oct; "
1st Dec. 1849,
(* U
(< <(
l,9t Jan. 1850,
George F. Guy.
Charles Scott.
Do.
Andrew J. Hackley.
LOCKS.
Designation.
No. of
section.
On whose land situated.
Distance above
North river.
No. of ft.
lift of the
lift locks.
Length
between
gates.
Breadth.
When put under
contract.
When to be com¬
pleted.
Contractor.
Miles.
Feet.
Combined locks Nos. 18 and 19,
32
Peter Sailing,
Samuel Fleming,
1
3420
8
100
15
15th Aug. 1848,
1st Jan. 1850,
George F. Guy.
Gnard lock No. 8,
-
33
2
3040
-
((
it
« ii
1st Dec. 1849,
Do.
Combined locks Nos. 20 and 21,
-
37
Spotswood Bradford,
4
780
7
it
a
a tl
1st Jan. 1850,
Do.
Lock No. 22,
37
Do. -
4
2080
7
It
11
It 11
11 il
Do.
" 23,
41
Do. -
6
1020
8
ft
a
16th June "
Ii il
Jacob Hill.
24,
43
Rich'd H. Burks,
7
740
8
tl
a
il II
ii il
Do.
Guard lock No. 9,
_
46
Do. -
9
12
2280
-
t<
«
18th Aug. "
1st Dec. 1849,
Charles Scott.
Combined lock No. 25,
50
Do. • -
2640
8.63
(<
il
il il
(( it
Do.
26,
_
50
Do. -
12
2640
8.63
tl
il
il il
Il Ii
Do.
Lock No. 27,
_
50
Do. -
12
4040
8
it
it
Ii ii
Ii Ii
Do.
Guard lock No. 10,
.
50
Do.
13
4360
-
il
n
Il il
it ii
Do.
Combined lock No. 28,
.
54
John F. Wood, dec'd, -
16
420
9.75
(I
it
15th Aug. "
1st Jan. 1850,
Edmund Rosser.
29,
.
54
Do. -
16
420
9.75
a
a
Ii il
ÍÍ tt
Do.
Lock No. 30,
_
54-
Do. -
16
3920
9
il
it
ii ii
ti tt
Do.
Guard lock No. 11,
-
54
Morgan Paynter,
17
4340
-
a
it
2d Oct. "
tt tt
Andrew J. Hackley.
SECTIONS, CULVERTS, &c.
Length oí
Section.
Distance above
When put under contract.
When to be completed.
Designation.
Span of culvert.
North river.
Contractor.
Feet.
Miles.
Feet.
Section No, 29, -
2900
Two spans of 2 ft. each,
-
1st April 1848,
1st October 1848,
George F. Guy.
" 30, -
2900
2 feet,
1
-
<1 (( ((
44 44 44
Do.
31, -
2900
-
-
«
(■ (( <<
44 44 44
Do.
32, -
2400
-
-
-
15th August "
Ist January 1850,
44 44 (4
Do.
' " 33, -
2500
.
—
-
(( << •<
Do.
34, -
2800
.
-
-
(< il (<
1st Dec'r 1849,
Do.
" 35, -
2700
.
-
-
<( Ii <<
44 44 44
Do.
36, -
2800
.
-
-
<< il (<
4« 44 44
Do.
37, .
2000
-
-
-
i< i( <<
1st January 1850,
Do.
Culvert No. 1, section 37,
_
4 feet,
4
2580
<< << <4
Do.
Section No. 38, ...
2800
.
-
-
44 44 <4
44 44 <4
Do.
Culvert No. 1, section 38,
-
3 feet,
4
4002
it 44 (4
44 44 44
Do.
Section No. 39, ...
2(300
_
-
16th
44 44 44
Jacob Hill.
Culvert No. 1, section 39,
_
3 feet,
5
976
44 44 44
44 4i 44
Do.
Section No. 40,
2700
.
-
_
44 44 44
44 44 14
Do.
41, -
3000
.
-
(4 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
Cedar creek culvert, on section 41,
_
20 feet,
6
2344
44 ,4 44
44 44 44
Do.
Section No. 42, - - -
2900
.
-
_
44 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
Culvert No. 1, section 42,
-
6 feet,
6
4920
44 44 44
4< 44 44
Do.
Section No. 43, -
2900
-
-
_
44 44 44
1st June "
Do.
Culvert No. 1, section 43,
_
6 feet,
7
1840
44 44 44
Ist January "
1st Dec'r 1849,
Do.
Section No. 44, -
3000
_
-
_
18th "
Charles Scott.
Culvert No. 1, section 44,
_
6 feet,
7
3840
44 44 44
44 44 II
Do.
2, " 44,
-
4 feet.
8
13
44 44 <4
11 it ii
Do.
3, " 44,
_
4 feet,
8
396
44 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
Section No. 45,
46, -
3000
3000
-
-
44 (4 44
.4 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
Do.
47, -
8700
.
-
tí 44 (4
Do.
48, -
3700
.
_
_
44 44 44
<4 44 44
Do.
49, -
3800
-
_
44 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
50, -
7000
.
_
_
44 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
51, -
3000
-
44 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
52, -
7100
-
_
_
44 44 ti
Do.
" 53, -
1800
-
-
44 44 44
ii (i ii
Do.
54, -
9200
-
_
_
15th August "
1st January 1850,
44 44 44
Edmund Rosser.
55, -
4300
.
-
_
2d October "
Andrew J. Hackley.
" 56, -
7000
.
_
10th
44 44 44
Mordecai Sizer.
" 57, -
6600
■
-
-
44 44 44
44 44 44
Do.
Tabular Statement of the Work placed under Contract between Lynchburg and the North River,
DAMS.
DeBignation.
On -whose Land Situated.
Distance
above
Lynchburg.
Length.
Height
Thickness
at bottom.
When put under Con¬
tract.
When to be Comjdeted.
Contractor
Miles.
Ftct.
Feet.
Fret.
Judith dam, ...
Hugh R. Scott,
ih
331
32
20
23d Deo'r 1847,
1st January 1850,
John B. Ives.
Bald Eagle dam,
William Steen,
9
520
15
12
14th Jan'y 1848,
Do.
John L. Adams.
Pedlar dam, -
Holeman Snead, dec'd,
lU
426
18
13
Do.
Do.
Do.
Coleman Falls dam,
Brown Davis, dec'd, •
14
365
22
15
22d Dec'r 1847,
Do.
Daniel W. Gillet.
Big Island dam,
Moses Snead,
18
3B8i
14
12
21st Dec'r 1847,
Do.
Michael Towars.
Cushaw Falls dam,
The company's,
22
777
7
5
30th Sept'r 1847,
1st D ecember 1848,
Joseph H. Shnltz.
LOCKS.
Designation,
Number of
section.
On whose Land Situated.
Distance
above
Lynchburg.
Number of
feet lift of
Lift locks.
Length be¬
tween
gates.
Breadth.
When put under
Contract.
When to be Com¬
pleted.
Contractor.
Miles.
Feet.
Feet.
Feet.
Lift lock No. 1, - -
2
Douglas H. Puckett, -
lè
12.72
100
15
1st Sept'r 1847,
1st Dec'r 1848,
C. B. Q.uisenberry.
" No. 2,
3
Hugh R. Scott,
3
12.72
it
lat May 1848,
1st Jan'ry 1849,
Jacob Hill.
Guard lock No. 1, at Judith dam.
4
Do.
4è
.
ti
30th Sept'r 1847,
Do.
John B. Ives.
Lift lock No. 3, (outlet,)
9
William Steen,
7à
18
Do.
Do.
Do.
Guard lock No. 2, at Bald Eagle
dam, -
9
Do.
9
.
-
-
Nearly completed.
Lift lock No. 4, (outlet,)
13
Holeman Snead, dec'd.
n
13
8th May, 1848,
15th Sept'r 1849,
John M'Quaid.
Guard lock No. 3, at Pedlar dam.
13
Do.
Hé
.
8th May, 1848,
1st Jan'ry 1849,
Do.
Lift lock No. 5, (outlet,)
16
James Tinsley,
13i
16
ét
(<
1st May, 1848,
Do.
John P. Fitzpatrick.
Guard lock No 4, at Coleman's
Falls dam, ...
17
Brown Davis, dec'd, -
14
-
it
30th Sept'r 1847,
Do.
James M. Spiller.
Lift lock No. 6, (outlet,)
Guard look No. 5, at Big Island
dam,
Lift lock No. 7, (outlet,)
No. 8,
No. 9,
No. 10,
Lift lock No. 11 and guard lock
No 6, at Cusliaw Falls dam, -
Lift lock No. 12,
No. 13,
No. 14,
No. 15,
No. 10,
" No. 17, - -
Guard lock No. 7, at Blue Ridge
dam, - - - -
21
21
23
24
25
25
25
20
20
20
27
27
28
28
Moses Snead,
Do.
Joshua Re3'nolds,
Do.
The company's.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
17
18
191
19.Î
204
21
22
224
221
23.1
25
254
20
27
17
13
8
9
9
11.12
11.12
8
H
8
9
30th Sept'r 1847,
l.st May 1848,
18th March 1848
17th April 1848
Do.
23d Dec'r 1847,
20th Nov'r 1839,
2Gth Nov'r 1839,
27th Jan'ry 1848,
Do.
Do.
1st Jaii'ry 1849,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
John B. Ives.
Michael Towars.
Moses Snead.
Peter Rankin.
Do.
Hugh Montgomerie.
Peter Rankin.
John Jordan.
Nearly completed.
John Jordan.
Nearly completed.
P.dward Watts.
Do.
Do.
SECTIONS, CULVERTS, See.
DK.SIGNATION.
Oength of
Bectioa.
Section No.
" No.
" No.
" No.
" No.
" No.
" No.
" No.
" No.
Culvert No.
Section No.
" No.
" No.
Culvert No.
Section No.
•' No.
" No.
■ 3,
■ 4,
3,
2,
1,
4,
9,
1], (towing path,)
13,
14, (towing path,)
17,
2, section No. 17,
21,
23,
24,
1, section No. 24,
25, (first part,) -
25, (second part,)
28,
Milt'».
1
I
là
1
à
14
1
à
à
à
Ii
là
Spnn of Culvort.
Distnncn aliovo
Lynchburg.
15
2 ppaiifi, 8 eiiclî,
10
12
MUfh.
1Í
2à
44
3
74
10
11
114
134
134
17
194
194
194
204
21
254
When cut unokk Con-
When to bk Compi.etkd.
18th Fehriiary 1848,
30tli Scptcmlier 1847,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
19th Fchriiary 1848,
23d Dccoinher, 1847,
Do.
30th September 1847,
23d December 1847,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
30th September 1847,
Ist January
Ist December
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Ist January
Do.
Do.
1st December
1st January
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Ist November
1849
1848
1849
1848,
1849,
1848,
CONTilACTOR.
Charles B. CInisenbcrry.
Jacob Hill.
Do.
James A. Bass.
John S. liwart.
F.dmnnd Rosser.
John M'Cluaid.
Do.
F. R. Sill.
James M. Spillcr.
Moses Snead.
Ch,arles Scott.
Mordecai Sizer
F. R. Sill.
Hugh Montgomerie.
John F. Sill.
Patrick Purcell.
20
[Doc. No. 59.]
CIRCULAR.
Office of the James River and Kanawa Co.,
Richmond, June 9th, 1849.
Sir,
You have been required by the principal engineer of the com¬
pany to increase the force employed on that portion of the work which
you have contracted to execute, and it is represented that you have
delayed complying with his direction.
The completion of the work within the time stipulated is deemed
a matter of so much importance, and the maintenance of the rights
reserved to the compan}' and its oíñcers by the contracts is so indis¬
pensable, that I am instructed by the board of directors to inform you,
that unless you promptly carry into effect the requisition of the engi¬
neer, as to the force employed by you on the work embraced in your
agreement, it will be our duty to declare your contract abandoned. I
am aware that such a proceeding wiU probably delay the execution of
the work, and will certainly operate seriously to your injury ; to avoid
such consequences, I make this communication.
It is my anxious wish that you should realize a profit rather than a
loss from your engagement with the company, but the work must be
vigorously prosecuted, and the lawful authority of the company's
agents maintained.
I am, very respectfully.
Your ob't serv't,
JOHN Y. MASON,
Pres'i James River and Kanawha Co.
[Doc. No. 59.]
21
RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RELA¬
TIVE TO THE CONTRACTORS SECOND DIVISION.
May 23, 1850.
At a meeting of the president and directors of the James river and
Kanawha company, held on Thursday, May 23d, 1860 :
A report was received from the chief engineer relative to the pro¬
gress of the works on the second division of the canal ; on considera¬
tion whereof the following order was adopted :
The board perceive with great satisfaction, from the report of the
chief engineer, that the completion of the work between Lynchburg
and Buchanan ma3'^ be looked for with some degree of confidence du¬
ring the present year, and are determined to spare no exertion of
power on their part to accomplish a result so important to the public,
to the stockholders, and to the present and prospective interests of the
great enterprise to which they are ready to devote all their energies.
Resolved, That the incomplete and abandoned works designated,
which cannot advantageously be re-let, shall be constructed on the
company's account, under the direction of the chief engineer, who will
take immediate measures for the employment of the necessary force
to secure their completion during the present year.
Resolved, That the suggestions of the chief engineer as to the works
most backward, are approved, and the president is requested to urge
the several contractors to the utmost diligence, and the employment
of all necessary means to secure the opening of the canal to Buchanan
for the passage of boats at the earliest practicable period.
Copy from the records.
WM. P. MUNFORD, Sec'y.
3.
4,
4,
6,
6,
12,
13,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
31,
16,
5.
5,
24,
4,
4,
11,
11,
11,
11,
11,
16,
16,
13,
13,
13,
16,
22,
29,
29,
29,
14,
17,
18,
18,
18,
22,
26,
26,
27,
27,
0.
11,
11,
12,
12,
12,
12,
19,
21,
[Doc. No. 59.]
ADVANCES TO CONTRACTORS.
Contractor's Name.
When
Allowed.
Title of Work.
John McQ,uaid,
Do.
George F. Guy,
Do.
Do.
John B. Ives,
Jacob Hill,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
John B. Ives,
John Edds.
H. L. Gallaher,
Do.
J. F. & L. L. Barns,
Do.
Geo. F. Guy,
Do.
Michael To wars,
John B. Ives,
J. L. Adams,
Do.
H. L. Gallaher,
Do.
Chas. H. Locher,
Geo. F. Guy,
Do.
Jacob Hill,
J. F. Barns,
Geo. F. Guy,
Do.
Do.
John L. Adams,
Ohas. H. Locher,
Ohas. Scott,
Do.
Do.
Geo. F. Guy,
John McQ.uaid,
John L. Adams,
Sampson Jones,
Do.
M. Sizer,
Do.
John McQuaid,
Do.
Moses Snead,
0. B. ûnisenberry,
H. L. Gallaher,
Geo. F. Guy,
Oct.
1849.
Jan'y 11
11
11,
11
11
11
11
11
11,
11,
11
11
11,
Mar. 31,
June 16,
July 5.
5,
Aug. 10
10,
10,
11
11,
11
11
11.
12,
12,
12,
13
13
16
Nov. 26
27
27
27
28
27
Dec. 17
17
17
1850.
Jan'y 9
1849.
Dec. 24
24
21
21:
Jan'y 11,
11,
11,
11
11
11.
17,
9,
Guard lock No. 3,
Lift lock No. 4,
Combined locks No. 18 & 19,
Section No. 32,
Quarry Falls dam,
Judith dam,
Section No. 39,
Do. 40,
Do. 41,
Do. 42.
Do. 43,
Lock 21,
Lock 22,
Judith dam,
Lock No. 3,
Peter's creek culvert.
Lock No. 8,
Lock gate iron,
Do. do.
Section No. 32,
Quarry Falls dam,
Big island dam,
Judith dam.
Bald Eagle dam.
Pedlar dam,
Lock No. 8,
Peter's creek culvert,
Cement N. R. M.
Guard lock No. 8,
Section No. 33,
Lock No. 22,
Lock gate iron,
Comb'd locks No. 18 and 19,
Guard lock No. 8,
Quarry Falls dam,
Bald Eagle dam.
Cement Rocky Point Mills,
Indian Rock dam,
Section No. 51,
Section No. 52,
Section No. 33,
Lock No. 4,
Pedlar dam,
Lock No. 17,
Section No. 28,
Section No. 57,
Section No. 56,
Section No. 13,
Lock No. 4,
Lock No. 7,
Judith creek bridge.
Lock No. 9,
Quarry Falls dam,
[Doc. No. 59.]
23
July 18.
18,
18,
16,
16,
16,
16,
16,
16,
24,
Aug. 14,
14.
14
14
14
14
14
14,
14
14
14,
14,
Sept. 9,
Oct. 15,
15,
15,
Nov. 8,
21
21
22,
22,
22,
22,
22.
25,
25,
25,
26,
26,
26,
27,
30,
30,
J. Hackley,
John B. Ives,
John L. Adams,
Do.
John Edds,
Jason Holland,
A. J. Hackley,
Do.
Do.
Ed. Rosser,
Do.
John B. Ives,
VVm. O. Harding,
Jos. H. Shultz,
Sampson Jones,
Do.
Do.
Do.
H. L. Gallaher,
Michael Towars,
John B. Ives,
John L. Adams,
Do.
Jas. Knox,
Do.
Chas. H. Locher,
Do.
Geo. F. Guy,
Jos. H Shultz,
Do.
John Edds,
Sampson Jones,
Do.
Do.
John McCiuaid,
Do.
Charles Scott,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Wm. O. Harding,
John B. Ives,
H. L. Gallaher,
Do.
Do.
M. Sizer,
Do.
John B. Ives,
Saml. Ford,
Do.
John L. Adams,
Do.
A. J. Hackley,
Do.
Do.
Michael Towars,
Jacob F. Barns,
Do.
Geo. F. Guy,
C. E. Craig,
B. & S. Jones,
Feb.
May
July
June
8,
8,
15,
15,
15,
16,
16,
16,
16,
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Wasp Rock dam,
Judith dam.
Bald Eagle dam.
Pedlar dam.
Lock No. 3,
Lock-gate timber.
Wasp Rock dam.
Guard lock No. 11,
Section No. 55,
Section No. 54,
Lock No. 25,
18,Judith dam,
Coleman's falls dam.
Guard lock No. 6,
Lock No. 16,
Lock No. 17,
Section No. 28,
Contract for clothing.
Cedar creek aqueduct,
Big Island data,
Judith dam.
Pedlar's dam.
Bald Eagle dam.
Lock No. 5.
Lock No. 10,
16,;Cement at R. P.
16,:Cement at N. R. M.,
22, Locks 18 and 19,
13, Cushaw dam,
13, Guard lock No. 6,
13, Lock No. 3,
13, Lock No. 16,
13, Lock No. 17,
13, Section No. 28,
13, Lock No. 4,
13, Guard lock No. 3,
13, Guard lock No. 10,
13, Section No 47,
13, Section No. 48,
13, Section No. 50,
9, Coleman's falls dam,
11, Judith dam,
11, Cedar creek aqueduct,
15, Do. do.
Do. do.
21, Section 56,
21, Section 57,
22, Judith dam,
22, Cartersville dam,
22, New Canton bridge,
22, Bald Eagle dam,
22, Pedlar dam,
23, Guard lock No. 11,
23, Section No. 55,
23, Wasp Rock dam,
26, Big Island dam,
26, Lock iron, A. N. R.,
26, Do B. N. R.,
26. Estimates, &c.,
28, Guard lock No 1,
26, Coutract for clothing,
2666i
2683'
2684:
2684 j
26851
3253'
3484:
t( !
3486|
348GÍ
34S8
3694'
3095'
3690
369P
4138
4139
4140
4039
4059:
4055
40.56
4058'
40571
42291
4522
4523
4524
4525
4526
4527
4528
4528
4529
4530
4531
4532
4554
5284
5285
5283
5437
5593
5594
5602
5603
5604
.5601
5600
5610
5608
5609
5615
5613
5614
5612
5628
6253
50 00
2000 00
600 00
600 00
1000 00
225 00
2000 00
1500 00
1000 00
600 00
700 00
1000 00
1000 00
1000 00
.500 00
100 00
400 00
402 80
1000 00
2000 00
1500 00
2000 00
1000 00
500 00
700 00
600 00
400 00
1000 00
700 00
500 00
1600 00
700 00
200 00
600 00
200 00
300 00
1000 00
500 00
500 00
600 00
500 00
1000 00
900 00
1000 00
1500 00
1000 00
1000 00
3000 00
500 00
500 00
500 00
1000 00
1000 00
500 00
500 00
1000 00
1000 00
1000 00
5000 00
1000 00
500 00
s
24
[Doc. No. 59.]
Date.
1851.
Jan'y 3,
10,
Contractor's Name.
Robert W. Snead,
Wm. Collins,
13. Wm. O. Harding .
When
Allowed.
Jan. 8,
10,
11,
Title of Work.
Culvert No. 3, Riv. con., 6439
Section No. 2, Riv. con., 6677
Coleman's falls dam, 6723
Office of the James River and Kanawha Company,
Richmond, February 5th, 1851.
The within statement is a true copy from the records of the company.
WM. P. MUNFORD, Sec'y.
[Doc. No. 59.]
17
RESERVATIONS AND AMOUNTS DUE CONTRACTORS.
1850—November Estimates.
Amount due.
20 per cent.
John L. Adams:
Bald Eagle dam, . . . -
Pedlar dam, . _ . .
1783 76
1666 16
7883 60
5516 16
i 3449 92
13399 76
John Edds:
Lock No. 3, ....
H. L. GaUaher;
Cedar creek aqueduct, ...
George F. Guy ;
Section No. 32, . - . -
" 33, -
" 34, -
" 35, -
" 36, -
" 37, -
" " 38, -
Culvert No. 1, section 37, ...
Do. " 38, - -
Lock No. 18,
Guard lock No. 8, ....
Quarry Falls dam, . . - -
269 61
2218 53
2254 43
107Ü 47
544 15
467 00
353 99
110 52
309 61
19 40
13 62
1694 82
471 01
•4556 33
3178 63
1781 47
1854 43
1270 46
544 15
467 00
353 99
110 52
309 61
19 40
13 62
2844 82
2221 01
3443 68
i 2752 69
13452 69
A. J. Hackley :
Guard lock No. 11, ....
Section No. 55, -
Wasp Rock dam, ....
1493 72
1138 50
2637 58
2993 64
2138 51
4687 58
i 5269 80
9819 73
Wm. O. Harding;
Coleman's Falls dam, -
Timber for lock-gates.
3730 63
443 24
5230 65
443 24
$ 4173 87
5673 89
John B.Ives ;
Judith dam, ....
James Knox ;
Waste weir on section 14, . . -
Frog Pond waste weir.
Charles H. Locher ;
Cement, North river mills, ...
Do. Rocky Point do.
7271 05
566 69
1104 11
277 75
16771 03
566 69
3529 57
1377 74
$1381 86
4907 31
John McQuaid ;
Section No. 13, -
C. B. Quisenberry ;
Section No. 3, - - - .
256 92
207 02
270 48
207 02
* Overpaid.
3
18
[Doc. No. 59.]
Amount due.
20 per cent.
Edmund Rosser:
Section No. 54, -
512 27
1112 26
Lock No. 25, -
2012 73
2712 73
Do. No. 26, ....
665 55
665 65
$ 3190 55
4490 54
Charles Scott:
Lock No. 24, - - - -
1383
03
1383 03
Guard lock No. 10, -
1501
45
2501 45
Varney's Falls dam, ....
1699
07
1699 07
Indian Rock dam, ....
3423
40
6423 40
Roaring run bridge, - - -
167
86
167 86
Neathawk's bridge, ....
118
42
118 42
Whistle creek bridge, ...
171
52
171 52
Section No. 47, - - - -
759
04
1259 05
" " 48, -
553
01
1053 01
" " 49,
766
06
766 06
" " 50, -
602
26
1202 26
" " 51,
432
70
1432 78
" " 52, - -
-70
94
1929 06
" 53, -
340
97
340 97
Lock " 23, -
1059
81
1059 81
Culvert No. 1, section 49, ...
81
10
81 10
51, -
78
85
78 85
$13209 49
21667 70
Mordecai Sizer:
Section No. 56, ....
1008 40
1708 41
" " 57,
886
69
1886 69
Culverts on section 56, ...
68 11
68 11
57, ...
172 29
172 29
$ 2135 49
3835 50
Joseph H. Shultz:
Cushaw dam, ....
1145 33
1845 33
Lock No. 11, - -
429 39
1929 39
$1574 72
3774 72
Moses Snead:
Section No. 21, ....
833 64
1005 64
Michael Towars:
Big Island dam, -
2607
15
5807 15
Copy from the records.
WM. P. MUNFORD, Sec'ry,
Office of the J. R. if K. Co., Richmond, Feb. 5, 1851.
[Doc. No. 59.]
19
REPORT
Oil the Memorial of W. M. Laclcla,nd and others, from Buchanan and
its vicinity.
The committee report that they have entered into as full an exa¬
mination of the records of the office, the contracts, correspondence of
contractors, &c., in relation to the delay in the execution of the work
above L3mchburg, as their time would permit, and report the follow¬
ing result :
It appears that the act providing means for the execution of this
work, passed in March 1847, and the means granted, were payable in
instalments up to the first January 1850.
That until the meeting of the stockholders in May 1847, the corps
of engineers could not be organized.
That after this meeting the corps of engineers was promptly or¬
ganized, and the location and preparation of the work for contract was
pressed with great zeal and energjn
The work below the mouth of the North river was prepared for
contract, and as much as possible was put under contract in 1847.
The work above the mouth of the North river was prepared for
contract, and steps taken to have it let to contractors in Dec. 1847.
The stockholders, from regard to the state of their funds, prohibited
the letting of the work above the mouth of the North river in De-
cember-
Afterwards, in February 1848, at an adjourned meeting, the stock¬
holders authorized the works above North river to be placed under
contract-
It is also proper here to mention, that at the meetings in December
1847, and February 1848, the committee of 13 entered into a most
careful examination of the plans and estimates of the engineer ; and
being of opinion that the sum appropriated would not be sufficient to
complete the work, unless cheaper plans of some of the works were
adopted, strongly urged on the chief engineer to change his plans, and
adopt cheaper modes of executing the works, where it was consistent
with security to do so.
In deference to this opinion of the committee, the chief engineer
agreed that he would modify his plans wherever he could thereby
diminish the expense without sacrificing the security of the work, but
at the same time he stated if the means of the company would per¬
mit, he would prefer the plans reported by him.
This obligation to diminish as far as possible the expense of con¬
struction, by economical changes from time to time, in the execution
of the work, produced in the execution of the work some changes in
the plan of works, but none which have however produced any seri¬
ous delay in the execution of the work.
20
[Doc. No. 59.]
After the works were put under contract, abundant evidence is af¬
forded that the president, directors and the engineers held a most vigi¬
lant superintendence over the execution of the contract.
But notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts, many of the con¬
tracts were abandoned, and others have been executed only by the
aid of the company, from time to time carefull}'' extended to the con¬
tractors, whose means, without such aid, were inadequate to the com¬
pletion of their contracts.
And whether the contracts were declared abandoned or extended,
and the contractor aided by the company to complete his work, it
seems to have been the object of the ofScers of the company to secure
the completion of the work at the earliest possible time.
Most of the contractors failed to complete their contracts within the
time hmited.
The committee are satisfied this delay has not arisen from the
want of vigilance and energy on the part of the president and direc¬
tors and engineers, but has resulted from the inadequate means of
most of the contractors, and their inability to command the necessaiy
labor and supplies.
The reports of the president and chief engineer manifest an anxious
desire to execute the work at an earl}' day, and express the hope, and
in some cases the confident expectation, that the work would be done
before the present time.
But these expressions are always coupled with a statement of the
difficulties to be encountered, and do not amount to a promise to com¬
plete the work at any given time, nor do they furnish any evidence of
want of desire and exertion to complete the work as early as practi¬
cable.
It also appears that by the contracts for the heavy dams in the
river, the contractors did not stipulate to finish the work before the 1st
January 1850.
In conclusion, the committee believe that the delay in the completion
of the works is not attributable to the officers of the company, and
they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the me¬
morial.
Extract from the records.
WM. P. MUNFORD, Sec'y.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE STOCKHOLDERS IN REFERENCE
TO THE BUCHANAN MEMORIAL.
At a meeting of the stockholders of the James river and Kanawha
company, held on Saturday, January 11th, 1851 :
The question recurred upon the adoption of the report of the com¬
mittee in reference to the Buchanan memorial.
Judge Mason stated that he did not wish to close the door to the
[Doc. No. 59.]
21
most thorough investigation into the conduct of the officers. He de¬
sired that the consideration of the resolution of the committee just re¬
ferred to might be postponed until the adjourned meeting of the
stockholders on the 29th inst.
On motion of Judge Mason,
Resolved, That the committee continue its sessions until the ad¬
journed meeting of the stockholders, and that the report in reference
to the memorial from Buchanan be re-committed, with instructions to
receive and consider all communications addressed to the comnnittee
in relation thereto.
Wednesday, January 29, 1851.
Mr. Early, the chairman of the committee, presented the following
report. # # * *
2. Resolved, That no further communication having been received
from any person on the subject of the Buchanan memorial, the com¬
mittee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.
The second resolution was adopted.
Extract from the records.
WM. P. MÜNFORD, Sedry.