nass r X C ■/- 
 
WILMINGTON, 9of 
 
 I»-A.ST, I^aE^ESE3^TT -A-ISTID FTJTXJI^E 
 
 HISTOBY OF ITS HARBOR, 
 
 WITH 
 
 DETAILED KEPOETS OF THE WOKK 
 FOR IMPROVING AND RESTORING- THE SAME, 
 
 NOW BEING CONDUCTED BY THE 
 
 TJ. S. Grovernmeiit. 
 
 rtESOUKCES AND ADYAOTAGES 
 
 AS AN ENTREPOT FOP. WESTERN CITIES. 
 
 HARBOR OF REFUGE, 
 
 AND 
 
 COAIflllTG DISPOT FOB. ^'^'El ITAVIT 
 
 AND 
 
 PUBLISHED BY OKDEK OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C. : 
 
 Ji A. ENOELHAKD, STEAM POWER PRESS PRINTKIS, 
 JOTIRN.AL BUILDTNOf?. 
 
 1872. 
 
/'2/64 
 
 64 
 
 -^^ ISGb 
 
I^REF^TOUY. 
 
 The publication of the followiug clocumeuts is, of course, made to forward 
 the interests of our city. 
 
 From the Congress, to whom we look for th ^ means for restoring our harbor, 
 damaged hy work of the public authorities, we ask a careful consideration of what 
 we consider our just dues. The statements made herein, can, in every impor- 
 tant particular, be verified by charts and documents in the possession of the 
 Government, deposited in the Public Library and with the Coast Survey De- 
 partment, and are generally known by the officers of the Engineer Department, 
 whose attention has been particularly called to the subject. 
 
 We direct the especial attention of the cities and towns of the West and North- 
 west, to the great advantages of a connection with us, and the manifest interest 
 to themselves in having our Harbor restored, so as to put them in easier and 
 cheaper reach of a seaport, through which to distribute their products and re- 
 ceive in return their importations from any part of the world. 
 
 With a first class harbor, which we can safely look for, if the work now pro- 
 gressing is completed, the natural advantages of cur port will be seen at a 
 glance, and we shall soon become a great market for heavy goods of every de- 
 scription, and offer, to all within reach of us, induceiaentB not now to be found. 
 
 Wilmington, N. C, February, 1872. 
 
ON THE TRADE 
 
 OP WILMINGTOlV, north CAROLINA, AND OF THE PRO- 
 DUCE EXPORTABL'S FROM THE RIVER CAPE FEAR, 
 THE SEASON AND PROSPECT TAKEN INTO VIEW, MAY 
 1ST, 1815. 
 
 BY JOSHUA POTTS. 
 
 Wilmington, though but a small port, affords in season and 
 in proportionate quantities, nearly all the various kinds of 
 produce that are to be found in the growth of the United 
 States, collectively — such is the effect of an intermediate cli- 
 mate, an extensive territory of different soil, and diversity in 
 occupation of numerous inhabitants. 
 
 Portable articles of Produce are brought from the interior 
 country, by land carriage, to inland towns on the head of 
 boating navigation ; thence they a.re carried down to Wil- 
 mington in large flat boats, calculated for that purpose. 
 
 In the lower part of the country, transportation of Lumber 
 Naval Stores, Timber and Spars, is facilitated by rafts, con- 
 ducted by a few hands down numerous rivers and creeks. 
 
 In times of uninterrupted commerce, many ships and ves- 
 sels of considerable burthen were annually loaded here and 
 bound for European ports with cargoes of Naval Stores, To- 
 bacco, Flaxseed, Cotton, Eice, and large Timber of Pitch 
 Pine ; their cargoes were dunnaged and stowed with Staves. 
 
 Our produce is particularly adapted for the markets of 
 West India Islands, and when we have a free trade, many 
 vessels, of Wilmington and the Northern States, during win- 
 ter and spring, load here, and depart for the West Indies in 
 as many directions as there are Islands, their cargoes assort- 
 ed with Lumber, Flour, Rice, Pork, Bacon, Lard, Butter, To- 
 bacco, Tar, Live Stock, &c. 
 
 A proportion of our produce is transported coastwise to 
 various x)orts, but that of New York the principal — and vice 
 
() 
 
 versa, the mercliaiits and dealers of Wilmiugtou and Fayette- 
 ville are generally furnished with a variety of merchandize 
 from suudr}^ ports ou the Northern coast — especially from 
 New York. Regular packets ply between Wilmington and 
 New York. 
 
 Excellent crops of various kinds of produce are annually 
 produced throughout this country. Our market opens in 
 November, is brisk in December, increases in January, Feb- 
 ruary and March — slackens in April— declines in May, and 
 ends in June. The Summer and Fall months, in regard to 
 trade, are dull, and the Fall sickly. 
 
 Those kinds of our produce, of the first importance, are no- 
 ted for the present year as follows : 
 
 Tobacco is raised only in the upper country ; is brought 
 and inspected at Fayetteville, at the head of boating naviga- 
 tion, ninety miles above Wilmington. It may be had at Fa}'- 
 etteville, almost at any time of the year ; but is more plenty 
 between December and March. Of late years the quantity 
 has been reduced, and the culture of Cotton substituted, as 
 being less jDrecarious, less toilsome, and of more profit than 
 Tobacco. Within the last fifteen years, Tobacco has been 
 lessened in culture more than one-half of former crops. Its 
 quality has been said to have been inferior to that of Virgin- 
 ia, but of late it has been produced of amended goodness, 
 and some of it prime. In the first place, it is uniformly pur- 
 chased from the planters by merchants at Fayetteville, and 
 by them either exported to Europe or sold again in the Uni- 
 ted States. 
 
 Cotton, Upland, is but of recent cultivation in this State, 
 and is increasing in quantity ; the quality is said to be equal 
 to that of South Carolina or Georgia. The planters, at first, 
 put up their Cotton in round bags, but of late much of it is 
 packed in square bales. There is no inspection of Cotton. 
 
 EiCE — A fine crop is raised chiefiy in the vicinity of AVil- 
 mington, near tide- water, of quality equal to any in the South- 
 ern States ; and a charge for the rough casks which contain 
 it, is always made by the planters. 
 
 Flour — The usual crop of considerable quantity : of late 
 
years subject to a good inspection, and marked under seve- 
 ral qualities ;'..'the sujjertine' is said to be equal to that of the 
 Middle States. 
 
 CoBN is seldom either plenty or cheap in Wilmington. The 
 country around does not produce it in sufficient quantity for 
 exportation. 
 
 Tar is not made in as large quantity as formerlj^ nor is it 
 produced and brought to market with the same ease ; — it is 
 an article subject to waste, and the price generally low. — 
 Countrymen, in many instances-, have paid attention to Cot- 
 ton and Timber ; and numerous inhabitants of that descrip- 
 tion have removed to the Western States. Since the return 
 of peace, however, the demand for Tar and Turp'^ntine has 
 raised the value of those articles to an encouraging price. It 
 is rafted to Wilmington, and after having been coopered and 
 inspected, is transported coastwise, and a projjortion shipped 
 for European ports. 
 
 Turpentine is seen at market from June to December. In 
 consequence of the late war, the quantity has been reduced, 
 and prices depressed ; the present demand, however, has en- 
 hanced the value. There is a scarcity at present. 
 
 Flaxseed, as well as Tobacco and Flour, is raised in the 
 interior of this country. It is first contained in bags, and 
 brought in waggons to Fayetteville, and there measured and 
 sold by the bushel, usually from 90 to 120 cents, according 
 to prospect. The purchasers at Fayetteville have it there 
 perfectly cleaned in machines for that purpose, and put up 
 in casks of oak, well made, each containing seven bushels. — 
 When commerce is free, the price of a cask of Flaxseed at 
 Wilmington is generally between ten and eleven dollars.—^ 
 There is no inspection on Flaxseed. 
 
 Lumber, many kinds and of superior quality, is brough't 
 plentifully to market during the winter and spring. Plenty 
 of sawed Boards, Planks and 'Scantling, of fine grained Pitch 
 and Yellow Pine. Pine Timber and Spars of any size may 
 be had. Shingles of^Cypress, 22 inches in length, are plen- 
 ty, generally thin and light, but proportionally cheap. Shin, 
 gles of Juniper, well drawn and rounded, may be had from a 
 distance, on timely notice. 
 
8 
 
 Staves are not to be had here in quantity sufficient to fur- 
 nish cargoes of vessels ; they are, however, to be had during 
 winter and spring, and wherewith cargoes of other produce 
 are dunnaged and stowed. Staves are, however, at times so 
 plenty as to compose the principal part of a vessel's cargo.. 
 White Oak Hhd. and Barrel Staves are never plenty ; the 
 growth of the tree is confined to narrow limits on the bor- 
 ders of the Kiver Capo Fear. Bed Oak Hhd. Staves are to 
 be had in larger numbers than those of the White Oak, and 
 are always more than proportionably cheap. 
 
 Produce of Minor Importance. 
 
 Bacon — Hams, Shoulders, and Middlings, of excellent 
 quality, are to be had in market, from January until May. 
 
 Butter comes chieflj' from the mountains and back coun- 
 try, roughly put up in tubs and kegs — the season from No- 
 vember 'till March. It is subject to inspection. 
 
 Beeswax is seen generally in small quantities, and is care- 
 fully bought up by a few monopolizers of that article. It is 
 often sent from Wilmington to New York and to Charleston. 
 
 Brandy, of Apples and Peaches — also. 
 
 Whiskies, distilled from grain, have lately been greatly in- 
 creased throughout this country. The consumption of them 
 already far exceeds the quantity of foreign distilled spirits ; 
 and from the economical disposition of our planters, the pro- 
 bability is, that, in a very few years, the current use of do- 
 mestic spirits will entirely supercede those of foreign distil- 
 lation. 
 
 Beep is seldom barreled up in this country. The quality 
 is sound, but lean and inferior. 
 
 Corn Meal has never been exx)orted hence. It is brought 
 to Wilmington raw, and only in small quantities, for the use 
 of the inhabitants. 
 
 Pork is put up only in small parcels, the quantity about 
 sufficient to furnish vessels with sea stores, and to assort car- 
 goes bound for the West Indies. The quality sound and 
 good, but not very fat. 
 
 Lard comes to market in kegs and tubs of various sizes 
 not well put up — the quantity not an object. 
 
9 
 
 Tallow is produced in small quantities, of which candles 
 are made and used in Wilmington, and on board vessels. — 
 Sometimes a few casks of Tallow are shipped coastwise. 
 
 Deer Skins and Furs are poor articles, both in quantity 
 and quality. 
 
 Peas — Black-eye, &c., are of precarious growth and perish- 
 able quality. The quantity attempted to be raised is but 
 small ; — they serve to provision crews of vessels, feed negroes, 
 milch cows, &c. 
 
 Live Stock — Cattle and Hogs are uniformly raised by na- 
 ture in this part of the country. Cattle are small and weak- 
 ly, and cannot bear their passage to the West India Islands. 
 Hogs are raised by mast or acorns, and in the months of No- 
 vember and December are in sufficient plight to be shipped 
 to the West Indies. Poultry are generally plenty for the use 
 of the inhabitants and for sea stores. 
 
 Pitch — Seldom an^^ has been brought to market of late 
 years. Tar burners seem to have declined reducing Tar to 
 Pitch. 
 
 EosiN, Spirit of Turpentine, Spirit of Tar, are made only 
 by persons in possession of Stills proper for those purposes ; 
 and they continue the quantity on hand small, merely to ans- 
 wer the small demand that may occasionally happen — but 
 should at anytime large parcels of these articles be required, 
 the purchaser could be speedily furnished. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 It is unadvisable, and often disadvantageous, for a mer- 
 chant in a distant State or foreign port, to dispatch a ship to 
 Wilmington under orders for a cargo of our produce, without 
 first having written to his correspondent of particulars re- 
 quired. Four to six weeks previous notice to the agent is 
 always requisite, that he may have time and opportunity to 
 procure the produce described, at the best advantage, and 
 have it in readiness by the time of arrival of such ship. — 
 Great detention and disappointment often happen in conse- 
 quence of voyages being abruptly commenced ; as but seldom 
 peciiliar kinds of produce can be had on sudden notice. 
 
10 
 
 Inspection of Protluco is established by law throuq;liont 
 North Carolina. A clause enacts that the shippers thereof 
 shall pay the foes of inspection on the several articles as fol- 
 lows, viz : Eice, Flour, Pork, Lard, Beef, Butter, Tar, Tur- 
 pentine, Pitch and Eosin. 'ihe rates are low. 
 
 On Lumber, the buyer and seller equally sustain the char- 
 ges of inspection and delivery. Custom supercedes a law for 
 inspection of lumber. The fee is small. 
 
 At the Port of Wilmington,- every article of produce and 
 merchandize are, by custom, sold, bought, dtlivered and re- 
 ceived by short or exact weight, measure, or number, and 
 nothing by the long hundred or thousand. For instance, 
 
 A ton of Iron, Cordage, <fec., is only 2,000 lb. 
 
 A hundred weight of Sugar, <tc 100 lb. 
 
 A thousand Staves or Shingles pieces 1,000 
 
 A ton of square Timber „ . . . solid feet 40 
 
 A barrel of Tar, by law gallons 32 
 
 A bbl. of Turpentine or Pitch, by averaged weight, 
 
 gross 320 lb. 
 
 A barrel of Pork, nett 200 lb. 
 
 A barrel of Flour, nett 196 lb. 
 
 Cash, or suitable bills, (commonly drafts on New York,) 
 are the only funds that will command either Tobacco, Eice, 
 Cotton or Flaxseed. 
 
 Salt. — The season for Salt commences in September, and 
 continues during October, November and December. After- 
 wards the demand slackens, and by March there is no caU 
 for it. 
 
 Considerable quantities of Liverpool Sail were formerly im- 
 ported, but during our Eestrictive Acts, and nearly three 
 years continuance of the late war with England, scarcely any 
 has been brought in. Coarse Salt of late has arrived tolera- 
 ble plenty, and although subject to a duty of about thirty 
 cents per bushel, the last sales per cargo were per bushel at 
 sixty-five cents. 
 
 Liverpool Ground Salt is always preferred at Fayetteville 
 to any coarse Salt, at the same price, owing to weight of 
 waggonage up the country, Liverpool being the lightest, per 
 bushel. 
 
11 
 
 For a few years since, while commerce was under restric- 
 tion, and during the late war, sundry Salt Works were erect- 
 ed on the Sound, near Wilmington, which, towards the last 
 of the war, highly rewarded their several proprietors. But, 
 since the return of peace, the price of home-made Salt has, 
 consequently, fallen to that of similar quality imported. Not- 
 withstanding, the domestic works will be continued in opera- 
 tion. They will be productive of profit, so far at least as the 
 duty on foreign salt may be extended. 
 
 The manner of producing what is here called Sound Salt, 
 is by means of vats constructed with boards, into one of 
 which the salt water is brought b}^ pumps worked with wind. 
 Three vats constitute one sett, and the sea water under evap- 
 oration, after having deposited the druggy and slimy parts, 
 is timely drawn from one reservoir into another, by which 
 process the chrystalized Salt becomes of the purest quality. 
 The grain is of the size called hominy salt, or larger, and the 
 quantity annually produced, within eight to twenty miles of 
 Wilmington, is already more than thirty thousand bushels. 
 
 Main Bar of Cape Fear, high water at 7 o'clock at full and 
 change of the Moon, depth 18 feet. 
 
 New Inlet Bar, high water at 7 o'clock at full and change 
 of the Moon, depth 11^ feet. 
 
 Tides on each Bar, perpendicular, 5 to 6 feet. 
 
 Flatts, ten miles below Wilmington, to town, 11^ feet. 
 
 Course in, over the Main Bar ; — when in five fathoms wa- 
 ter, the Light House used to bear North half East, but, un- 
 fortunately, a couple of years since the sea encroached on 
 the shore* and destroyed the Light House ; and within a few 
 years an angle to the westward has been formed in that part 
 of the channel which was formerly straight, by which circum- 
 stance the navigation over the Main Bar has become more 
 difficult. Pilots generally attend in time to conduct vessels 
 in safety. 
 
 *'Why ? Because the River current had been depreciated to that extent in 
 volume and force, by the opening at New Inlet, as to be overcome by the cur- 
 rent and force of waves of the ocean ; thus permitting the ocean waves and cur- 
 rent to g^•ad^^ally wear away the shore, H. NUTT. 
 
12 
 
 Lighterage, between the Flatts and Wilmington, comes on 
 all vessels above ll.\ feet. 
 
 Also, between Main Bar and Flatts, at high water, are 
 Shoals of 14.^ feet. 
 
 Wilmington is situated on the east side of Cape Fear or 
 Clarendon river, and lies North 30 miles above the Main Bar, 
 and 20 miles above Now Inlet. 
 
 REMARKS 
 
 ON THE TRADE OF WTLMINGTOX, NORTH CAROLINA, 
 AND ON THE PRODUCE EXPORTABLE FROM THE 
 RIVER CAPE FEAR, TAKEN INTO VIEW 1ST AUGUST, 
 1843. 
 
 BY EGBERT VT. BROWN. 
 
 WILMINGTON affords, in season, and in proportionate 
 quantities, ucarlv all the various kibds of produce that are to 
 be found in the growth of the United States collectively. 
 Such is the effect of an intermediate climate, an extensive 
 territory of different soil, and diversity in occupation of nu- 
 merous inhabitants. 
 
 Portaljle articles of produce are brought from the interior 
 country, by land carriage, to Fayeiteville, at the head of 
 boating navigation ; thence they are carried down to Wil- 
 mington by well constructed Steamboats and their numerous 
 Towboats, comprising a flotilla on an extensive scale, quali- 
 fied to carry large quantities of merchandize up and produce 
 down ; and when the river is not too low for Steamboats to 
 run all the way, greater despatch is not given in any part of 
 our country. At those periods of low water, which occasion- 
 ally happen, the transportation is facilitated by the smaller 
 flat Towboats, aided speedily by the Steamboats, so far as 
 
15 
 
 the latter can proceed. We have also the additional routo 
 of Bail Eoad, 161 miles as noted below, in another direction. 
 
 In the course of many years practice of the author in his 
 agency for numerous merchants of the interior, and since the 
 establishment of Steamboats, he has had goods delivered at 
 Fayetteville, within a week and ten days, from Kew York, 
 and the merchants and farmers of the back country, hitherto 
 trading extensively with South Carolina, must find their way 
 to the convenient seaport of their own State, and Wilmington 
 can produce a market for export and import, with all neces- 
 sary facilities. The larger vessels for foreign trade and the 
 smaller for coasting, have the advantage of two Bars — the 
 New Inlet and the Main Bar to pass in and out. 
 
 In the lower part of the couutry, transportation of sawed 
 Lumber, Staves, Naval Stores, Timber and Spars, is facilitated 
 by rafts, conducted by a fevf- hands, down numerous rivers 
 and creeks. 
 
 Many ships and vessels, of considerable burthen, are an- 
 nually loaded here, and bound for European and "West India 
 ports, with cargoes of Naval Stores, Tobacco, Flaxseed, Cot- 
 ton, Bice, Pitch Pine Planks, Timber and Staves. 
 
 Our produce is particularly adapted for the markets of the 
 West India Islands; and the shipping of Yv^ilmington and the 
 Northern States, a?, well as foreign vessels, during winter 
 and spring, load here and depart for the West Indies, in as 
 man}' directions as there are Islands ; their cargoes assort- 
 ed, with sawed Lumber, Staves, Shingles, Flour, Bice, Pork, 
 Bacon, Lard, Butter, Naval Stores, <fec. 
 
 A large proportion of our produce is transported coast- 
 wise, to various ports, but those of New York, Philadelphia, 
 Baltimore and Boston, ^principally ; and vice versa, the mer- 
 chants and dealers of Wilmington and Fayetteville, em- 
 bracing the extensive interior of the state, are furnished 
 with a variety of merchandise from sundry ports on the 
 northern coast, especially from New-York. Begular packets 
 ply between Wilmington, New Y'ork and Philadelphia. 
 Steamboats of good capacity ply on the river below Wil- 
 mington, for passengers, freighting and towing. The healthy 
 summer retreat at Smith ville, is much resorted to. 
 
14 
 
 Excellent crops of viirious kinds of produce are annually 
 produced throughout this country. Our market opens in 
 November, is brisk in December, increases in January, Feb- 
 ruary and March, slackens in April, declines in May, and 
 ends in June. The summer and fall months, in regard to 
 trade, are dull ; rivers generally low ; crop season with the 
 country people ; a relaxation in town ; and consequently 
 business generally is less active, except the ordinary pre- 
 parations for renewal of the fall trade, and the importation 
 of large quantities of goods, for their passage to the interior, 
 which is a steady employment from July to November. This 
 business demands the constant vigilance, care and presence 
 of the consignees and parties entrusted with it, during the 
 most unfavorable period of the season. 
 
 A neio route is now established hj the "Wilmington and 
 Raleigh Bail Road, through the North Eastern counties of 
 the State, leading to Weldon, on the Eoanoke, and thence 
 to Norfolk or Petersburg. Splendid Steamboats, built for 
 the purpose, and second to none in the United States, ply 
 between Wilmington and Charleston, conveying with great 
 comfort, and comparatively no risk, the mail and passengers, 
 which route, as already ascertained, is admitted to be one 
 of the best in the whole country, avoiding the great hazard 
 of Capes Hatteras, Lookout, and Frying Pan, in a short sea- 
 scope between Cape Fear and Charleston Bars, so far as 
 passengers are concerned. 
 
 The TiiADE too has commenced upon this route with the 
 rich and fertile counties of the East, whose inhabitants are 
 ready to embrace the great facility in prospect of finding at 
 Wilmington a market for their valuable productions. It is 
 only necessary to have the supply to insure demand. 
 
 Those kinds of our produce, of the first imj)ortance, are 
 noted as follows : 
 
 Cotton. — Upland in moderate supply the last year or two. 
 The quality is similar to that of South Carolina or Georgia, 
 now mostly packed in square bales, and delivered at market 
 in excellent order. Freight to England, chiefly Liverpool, 
 varies as to circumstances 1-2 a 5-S(L, and it often occurs, 
 
15 
 
 tBat cotton purcliased by order, is shipped coastwise to New 
 York, where it takes the chance of a good market, or for- 
 warded by packet to England or France, Shipments to 
 France direct are made from "Wilmington. Both Cotton 
 and Rice can be obtained and shipped. 
 
 Rice. — A fine crop is raised, chiefly in the vicinity of Wil' 
 mington, near tide water, of quality equal to any in the 
 Southern States. And indeed, we have often heard a pref- 
 erence expressed for the Rice on this river. Charleston 
 dealers send for it, to clean there (and export) in the rough, 
 &c. The quantity made is about 200,000 bushels. There 
 is now an extensive Sleam Mill, besides sundry Water Mills, 
 which enable us to furnish in due season, the whole crop of 
 this article, and greatly add to our supply of clean Rice for 
 export from the port of W^ilraington. The quantity may 
 now be fairly estimated at about ten thousand tierces. In 
 consequence, dealers may expect less disappointment in sup- 
 plies, and at fair prices. A Steam Mill, recently erected at 
 New York, has made demand upon our rough rice, and takes 
 it coastwise. By custom, the purchaser pays 50 cents for 
 each cask, and 8h cents for inspection. The casks are of 
 various sizes, from 300 to 600 pounds nett. About the mid- 
 dle of November, to the first of December, we get the first 
 new Riee to market. 
 
 Tobacco is raised in the upper country ; is brought to and 
 inspected at Fayetteville, at the head of boating navigation, 
 90 miles by land, and 140 by water, above Wilu^ington. It 
 may be had at that place almost any time of the year, but 
 is more plenty between December and March. In the first 
 place, it is uniformly purchased from the planters by mer- 
 chants at Fayetteville, on their own account, or by order, and 
 sent down to Wilmington, for sale, or to be shipped. Many 
 ships formerly loaded with Tobacco at this port for Foreign 
 markets. 
 
 Flouk is expected to be fine this year — the crops of 
 Wheat throughout are represented as excellent. It is in- 
 spected and branded at Fayetteville, under several qualities,, 
 and at present, no charge of inspection to the shipper here^ 
 
10 
 
 Tlio cross middling, fine and superfine, generally sent down 
 together. It is not always practicable to procure superfine 
 alone. Quality good. Inspection improved. 
 
 Wheat is brought into Fayetteville by wagons, where it is 
 bought, cleaned at mills, and put up in casks of seven bush- 
 els or bags, and sent down to Wilmington for sale or to 
 ship. 
 
 CoEN. — The country immediately around does not produce 
 it in sufficient quantities for exportation to any extent. We 
 have it frequently from the North counties in this State, 
 brought round in vessels, and also from Maryland. The de- 
 mand this year has been uniformly good, and sold at full 
 prices. The adjoining counties have had satisfactory ac- 
 counts — the consumption seems to have increased. 
 
 Tae has been made in considerable quantities ; it is an 
 article subject to waste. The very low price at which this 
 article ruled for several years, had the effect at last to drive 
 the makers of it to other business — cutting timber, &c., 
 which, with some removals of that class of persons from this 
 region, rendered Tar more scarce. It is rafted to Wilming- 
 ton, down rivers and creeks, and bought of the country peo- 
 ple by the raft, from 20 to 300 barrels, afloat ; after which, 
 it is landed on a wharf, inspected and coopered — the pur- 
 chaser always paying insiDection of two cents per barrel, 
 cooperage, wharfage, and the landing charge ; the whole ex- 
 pense about 12 cents per barrel, including one week's wharf- 
 age. Our cooperage is good, and attentieu is paid to pump- 
 ing, in order to clear it of water as much as possible. Janu- 
 ary to May is the season when Tar is most plenty. 
 
 Turpentine is seen in market from June to April. We 
 generally get the greatest quantities from the 20th of No- 
 vember, until about the last of Februarj'. Before and after 
 these periods, it comes in smaller parcels. After heavy rains, 
 and during high freshets, we have considerable quantities 
 down at once ; and often, at such time, the supply offered 
 for sale reduces the price. Turpentine is rafted and sold as 
 Tar, subject to inspection and like expenses. The buyer, 
 from custom, pays lor the whole raft, as landed, including 
 
IT 
 
 hard or ecrapings as well as soft ; tlie hard, however, at less 
 price — oiie-half the rate paid for soft. By custom aud law 
 of the State, it is weighed, taking 320 lbs. gross as the bar- 
 rel. Our barrels are generally large, and when packed over- 
 go that weight. Usual crop has been 100,000 to 140,000 
 barrels. I will further add, in regard to this article, that on 
 inspection, after the inspector has tried each cask at the 
 bung with a rod, he weighs a small portion of the lot, by 
 which the whole purchase is averaged. Inspection, 3 cents 
 per barrel. The crop of 1843-44 is expected to reach 200,- 
 000 barrels. The railroad route delivers a large proportion 
 of Turpentine to market, which is in addition to the raftitg 
 process. The several distilleries now established, for work- 
 ing up turpentine in the home market, consume weekly 1500 
 barrels of that raw material, and has become a great item of 
 business here. They produce Rosin, Spirits Turpentine, and 
 make Varnish and Pitch. 
 
 Flaxseed as well as Tobacco and Hour, is raised in the 
 interior of this country. It is first brought in wagons to 
 Fayettev'lle, and there measured and sold by the bushel. — 
 The purchasers have it cleansed in machines, and put up in 
 oak casks, each containing seven bushels. Flaxseed is an 
 article, in regard to the quantity of which an accurate esti- 
 mate cannot be formed. The seed is sown with no other 
 view than to produce Flax for domestic purposes ; gathered 
 in quantities and brought to market, from the first of Sep- 
 tember to the fifteenth of January — principally in November 
 and December. In common, the quantity received depends 
 materially upon the price. Crops of former years, about 
 3000 tierces. Of the last seasons, the quantity exported and 
 shipped coastwise, only about 9 to 1500 casks. There is no 
 other market in the Southern States where it is purchased 
 to any extent. No inspection. 
 
 Lumber — Many kinds, and of a superior quality, are rafted 
 plentifully to market during winter and spring, from water 
 mills ; say, sawed boards, plank and scantling, of fine grain- 
 ed pitch and yellow pine, promiscuously sawed however, un- 
 less previously contracted for, and thus sold hy the raft, at a 
 
IS 
 
 rate to be agreed on, turn out as it may ; lief use at half-price,- 
 and is commonlj so shipped altogether. Expenses of re- 
 rafting or landing, and inspection, paid by the purchaser. — 
 Pine timber and spars, of any size, may be had upon previous 
 notice to contract with the country people ; and at a time 
 TV'hen the waters are sufficiently up for rafting. Five well 
 constructed Steam Saw Mills are erected in the vicinity of 
 the town, and noio in operation, where lumber of any lengths 
 or sizes may be fm'nished, and delivered to vessels bright 
 from the saws. The quality is excellent — sawed from square 
 logs of good timber. The increased demand for our lumber 
 coastwise, and steady calls for it throughout the West Indies, 
 has vastly increased the trade and employment of vessels. — 
 Half the inspection is charged at those Mills, and their pri- 
 ces are uniform. The lumber trade is also benefited by the 
 oetablishment at Orton,15 miles hehic Wilmington, oi two ex- 
 cellent Saiu 3IiUs, carried by a never-failing water power 
 from a pond of seven miles in extent, supplying lumber from 
 square timber equal to that of the Steam Mills, and at same 
 rates. In a contract with those mills, ves&els meet as good 
 despatch as at any other. 
 
 An extensive Planing Mill is also erected at this place, 
 where flooring and all other descriptions of Boards are sup- 
 plied for domestic use as well as- foreign demand. 
 
 Shingles, of Cypress, 22 inches in length, are plenty, and 
 often good ; and may be contracted for to be brought of bet- 
 ter quality and larger size. Demand the past season was 
 good. Demand this summer has been less, and a correspond- 
 ing falling off in supply— ruled from $1 50 to $4 per thous- 
 and. Shingles, of Juniper, 18 inches, may be had on timely 
 notice, during the winter. 
 
 Staves are not to be had here in quantities sufficient to fur- 
 nish cargoes of vessels, but can be had during the winter and 
 spring, wherewith cargoes of other produce are dunnaged 
 and stowed. At some periods, however, so plenty as to com- 
 prise the principal part of a vessel's cargo. W. O. Hhd. are 
 not always plenty, barrel generally scarce. It is but seldom 
 they turn their attention exclusivelv to making barrel staves, 
 
19 
 
 ■and they are made only of timber not long or stout enoug'k 
 for hhd. For West India market, W. O. Hhd. Heading are 
 required, and of those we seldom get a sufficient proportion. 
 The growth of the tree is confined to narrow limits on the 
 borders of the river Cape Fear. Bed Oak Staves are to be 
 had in hxrger numbers than those of the White Oak, and are 
 proportionably cheap. Pipe Staves are never made here., — 
 All our staves are generally very good. In the further pro- 
 gress of railroads and opening to the country, we shall ex- 
 pect to find our Stave supply revive. 
 
 Main Bar of Cape Fear, high water at 7 o'clock, at full and 
 change of the moon ; depth formerly 18 feet, but the Pilots 
 now say only loh to 15 feet. 
 
 New Inlet Bar, high water at 7 o'clock, at full and change 
 of the moon, 10 to Hi feet. 
 
 Tides, on each Bar, perpendicular, 5 to 6 feet. 
 
 Flatts, 5 to 6 miles below Wilmington, 10 to ll^y feet. 
 
 Pilots generally attend in time to conduct vessels in safe- 
 ty ; and there is now two decked boats in use, besides many 
 open boats. 
 
 Course in, over Main Bar, is much more direct, and less 
 difficult than formerly : — a Light House on Bald Head Island, 
 as also a lighted Beacon at New Inlet. 
 
 Lighterage comes on all vessels above 10 to 12^ feet at 
 present, in consequence of some operations on the river be- 
 low town, which were commenced with a view to improvement. 
 
 Also, between Flats and Smithville, at high water, are 
 shoals 14 feet ; consequently, vessels that load deeper than 
 14 feet, must go down to Smithville to complete their cargoes. 
 13^ to 15 feet water may be carried out over Main Bar ; 10 
 to 11 feet, New Inlet. 
 
WILMLVGTON, K. 0., 
 
 ITS PKESENT AND FUTURE. 
 
 :FEBiaTJ.iLS,"^, 1872. 
 
 It is proposed, in the following, to give a succinct view of 
 the Commerce of Wilmington at the present time, its com- 
 mercial advantages as an entrepot for many cities and towns 
 of the great West, and, after the restoration of its harbor, 
 now receiving attention from the General Government, its 
 necessarily great future. 
 
 Those interested in the past are referred to the remarks of 
 Joshua Potts, Esq., on the Trade of Wilmington in 1815, and 
 those of Robert W. Brown, Esq., in 1813 ; and it is suggest- 
 ed that a comparison of the statistics of the present with 
 those above referred to, contain matters of interest. 
 
 Taking the harbor as it loas, aud, as it is confidently ex- 
 pected by those who have studied the matter, it tvill be again, 
 by a judicious management of the Government AVorks now 
 going on, and completed, we have a capacious harbor, 
 easy of access with winds from almost any quarter, perfectly 
 land-locked, and the approaches to the Bar well protected 
 from the principal storms on our coast, with good anchorage 
 ouioide. 
 
 Lying to the Southward of all the dangerous Capes on 
 the coast which would interfere with navigation or voyages 
 to and from all Sou'-hern, West Indian and South American 
 Ports, as well as to Europe, a considerable saving in the 
 single item of marine insurance is made. 
 
 By reference to the report of exports hence, it will be seen 
 that we furnish cargoes of every thing required in the mar- 
 kets of the West ladies and South America, with perhaps 
 the single exception of Flour, which will soon be within our 
 grasp. Hence we are enabled to furnish full cargoes outward, 
 and the return voj-age with cargoes of Sugars, Coffee, 
 Fruits, Molasses, and other tropical products would be laid 
 down in our market cheaper than in anj/ other on the coast. 
 
21 
 
 Again, being "headquarters" for Spirits of Turpentine, 
 Rosins, Tar, Pitch, Lumber, Timber, &c., we are enabled to 
 furnish the European markets with these products on the 
 best terms and to receive cargoes in return of their products 
 and manufactures hiid down at as low cost as in any^ other 
 port. 
 
 This being a great Rail Road centre, with one line extend- 
 ing S'outhward and Westward through the Gulf States ; with 
 another, in coarse of completion, extending its arms almost 
 in an air line to Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, Chicago 
 and other cities of the great Northwest ; another extending 
 Northward and connecting with lines to every point of the 
 country, offer every facility for the safe and rapid distribu- 
 tion of importations, and for the return of the products of 
 the whole country for exportation. 
 
 By reference to the maps^of the country, it will be seen 
 that our claim of being the nearest Port to Cincinnati, 
 Louisville, and other cities of the West is a literal fact, the 
 advantages of which it is unnecessary to detail to those 
 interested. 
 
 Steam communication on the Cape Fear River is had with 
 Fayetteville, and by a comparatively small outlay for im- 
 provement of the navigation of the upper rivers, which is in 
 part complete, would put us in easy reach of the great de- 
 posits of Iron, Coal and various^other minerals in which the 
 valley of Deep River abounds. The development of these 
 mining interest, only^awaits the restoration of our harbor. 
 Then, the value of this Port to the General Government 
 as a coaling and Naval Station, can hardly be estimated. 
 
 The trade of this Port is steadily and constantly increas- 
 ing, and as our harbor improves will continue to do so in 
 more rapid proportion. 
 
 Since the late "war between the States" the article of 
 Rice, which was at one time among our principal articles of 
 Export, has almost ceased to be produced, owing to the in- 
 different and hard to be controlled labor. The crop Avill not 
 now exceed 10,000 bushels, not^enough for home demand. 
 
 The production of Cotton in this State has been very 
 
oo 
 
 largely increased, -and alLliougli no accurate figures can be 
 given, in consequence of a largo portion leaving the State, 
 via the ports of Virginia and South Carolina, it is believed 
 that the crop amounts to at least 200,000 bales. At this 
 port is handled Cotton from Georgia and South Carolina, as 
 well as our own State, and during the year 1871 there were 
 exported, principally coastwise, over 95,000 bales. The ex- 
 tension of the Wilmington, Charlotte & Rutherford Rail 
 Road and its completion, will, it is estimated, at least double 
 our receipts of "the Staple." 
 
 Spirits of Turpentine is manufactured to a considerable 
 extent in the city, and the whole pine region of this State 
 and South Carolina is dotted with numerous distilleries 
 worked by owners or tenants of the forests. Most of the 
 products find their way to this market. 
 
 Exports of Naval Stores for the past year from this Port 
 have been as follovrs : 
 
 Spirits Turpentine, bbls., Coastwise, 64,862, Foreign, 47,162 
 Rosins, " " 441,341, " 127,100 
 
 Tar, " " 31,993, " 5,874 
 
 Turpentine, " " 17,126, " 836 
 
 Leaving stocks in Port of Spirits Turpentine, 7,299 bar- 
 rels ; Rosins, 72,166 barrels ; Tar, 2,640 barrels, and Crude 
 Turpentine,^,842 barrels. 
 
 Pitch is manufactured in sufficient quantity only to supply 
 the demand, and the reputation of '* Wilmington Pitch" is 
 excelled by none. The manufacture of this article is con- 
 fined to the distillers of Turpentine in this city, very little 
 being made in the country. 
 
 These articles alone show material to occupy quite 
 a fleet of vessels. In this connection, it should be stated 
 that no vessel has ever been obliged from choice to leave 
 this Port in ballast ! 
 
 The Timber and Lumber trade, though not what it was fif- 
 teen years since, has steadily increased^ since the Avar, and 
 should soon reach and exceed its former figures. 
 
 Our Shingles, (Cypress and Juniper, or Cedar,) have an 
 established reputation in the Northern and West India 
 
markets, and may be had in quantity to suit any demand, 
 from tlie Avide extended and heavily timbered swamps on 
 our water courses and Eailways. 
 
 Staves could be had of the best white or red oak to supply 
 any demand. At present they are called for almost entirely 
 for home consumption. 
 
 Our principal supplies of Corn reach us by sea from the 
 Eastern counties ; but our rail connections with the West 
 will soon throw the corn and other grain from that section 
 into competition. 
 
 The supplies of Wheat, Flour, Tobacco, Bacon, Pork, 
 Butter, Beef, Lard, Tallov/, Beeswax, Whiskey, Brandy, and 
 other products and manufactures can be laid down here as 
 cheap as any point. 
 
 Peanuts are produced to considerable extent in the sur- 
 rounding country and form quite a feature in our Domestic 
 exports. The crop of 1870-'71 amounted to about 100,000 
 bushels of an aggregate value of $200,000. The crop this 
 year is largely in excess. 
 
 Among the manufactures of interest and value should be 
 mentioned Cane Fibre, by a patented process from the 
 swamp cane with whicji our swamps abound, and which m 
 reproduced in three years after cutting, and of a quality 
 superior to the original growth. The prepared fibre is used 
 in the manufacture of paper and papier-mache goods. . 
 
 Barrel Shocks are manufactured to a great extent and 
 shipped to Northern markets for the reception of syrups 
 from Sugar manufactories. 
 
 Fuel for manufacturing purposes is very cheap, and prin- 
 cipally of the surplus sawdust and shavings from Steam Saw 
 and Planing mills, which may be had for the asking. Pine 
 wood is in abundance at low prices. 
 
 Banking facilities arc by no means sufficient to meet the 
 demands of trade ; but as our people recuperate more 
 steadily from iho, disastrous effects of their late struggle, 
 this want is being supplied. 
 
 In present condition of our Bar and River, vessels draw- 
 ing over 12 to 12^ feet require to be lightered to and from a 
 
poiut outside the "Rip" whence they can always sail with 
 15.1 to IG feet. 
 
 Our harbor restored, we confidently expect to find at least 
 20 feet at mean low tide on the Bar (with a rise of tide 4 to 
 5 feet,) and the removal of obstructions in the River, placed 
 there by the authorities during the Revolution of 1776, will 
 give us ample water to our docks. 
 
 From the Reports of the Engineers in charge of the work 
 of restoring the harbor, it will be seen that the work accom- 
 plished is quite satisfactory, and by comparison with the 
 regular monthly reports of the Committee of the Chamber 
 of Commerce, that the progress of the work is steady, and 
 from the gradual formation of sand beach on the outside, 
 almost keeping pace with the work itself, that Nature is clQing 
 her part fnUy insecitrinr/ the structure, and this fact assures 
 us of the permanency of the work. Of the effects of the work 
 on our Bar ; it will be seen that there is a constantly, 
 though very gradual increase of depth, and the opinion gen- 
 erally prevails that the continuation of the work to comple- 
 tion, on the {reneral plans as suggested, modified from time 
 to time as may be necessary from the action of 
 nature, will without doubt result in the complete 
 restoration of our harbor to its former capacity. 
 The future of our city is then guaranteed ! And the induce- 
 ments oftered for clieap and short transportation to a first- 
 class harbor on the coast, and for the same by sea to any 
 part of the world, will bring to our market sufiicient produce 
 to employ a fleet as large as is necessary in any part of the 
 country. 
 
 A great deal rests with our own merchants as to whether 
 these predictions, for early fulfillment, shall be realized ; and 
 it becomes the plainest duty of each and all of us to use 
 every honorable exertion to efi'ect a consummation of our 
 plans. 
 
25 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 15th January, 1872. 
 tiol. Wm. L. DeRosset, 
 
 President of the Chamber of Commerce : 
 
 Sir — At the regular meeting of the Chamber, on the 11th 
 inst., a resohition was passed requesting the Committee on 
 Bar and River Improvements to collate all their reports and 
 communications to the Chamber, relating to Cape Fear river 
 and its improvements ; also, statistics and facts in its history, 
 with the probable, direct, and lateral bearing and influence 
 which these improvements may have (if successfully carried 
 out) upon our commerce, trade, agriculture, and general pro- 
 gress. In answer to which, your Committee beg leave to 
 report : 
 
 We herewith present duplicates of all the reports which 
 have been published, which we can find. Several reports 
 inade to the Chamber in the early history of the work, me- 
 morials to Congress, and correspondence, of which duplicates 
 were not preserved, have been lost or mislaid. 
 
 The earliest reliable information we have of the Cape Fear 
 river, its entrance and harbor, is to be found in a Map by 
 Edward Moseley, in 1733, and another by James Wimble in 
 1738. Both of these maps, although apparently imperfect, 
 compared with similar maps of the present day, nevertheless 
 represent the harbor as capacious, of good anchorage, well 
 land-locked, easy of access, and with four (4) fathoms water 
 upon the bar, (supposed at mean low tide.) About this 
 draught of water was carried by a bold and direct channel 
 on the East &ide of Big Island, to the town of Wilmington. 
 
 The next we hear of the Cape Fear River is through Wheel- 
 er's History of North Carolina, (extracted from the London 
 Magazine,) giving an account of the most violent equinoctial 
 storm which had ever occurred upon the coast, forcing open 
 an entrance into the river, at a point known as the haul-over, 
 now known as the New Inlet. This storm commenced on tho 
 20tli of September, 1761, and lasted for four days. 
 
 This Inlet, from long neglect, has become formidable, de- 
 tracting a large portion of the river water from its legitimate 
 outlet, to the great detriment of the river and lower harbor. 
 
20 
 
 In 1775, a Map of Capo Fear River (more accurate in its 
 details than tlio two first alluded to) was published in Lon- 
 don, which laid down the New Inlet, but does not materially 
 vary the harbor, outlet, or draught of water upon the bar, or 
 the channel of the river up to the town of Wilmington. 
 
 At a meeting of the Safety Committee of Wilmington, held 
 on the 20th of November, 1775, John Ancrum presiding, the 
 following preamble and resolutions were passed : 
 
 " The Committee, taking into consideration the damage 
 with which the inhabitants of the Cape Fear Eiver are threat- 
 ened by the King's ships now in the harbor, and the open 
 and avowed contempt and violation of justice in the conduct 
 of Governor Martin, who, with the assistance of said ships, 
 is endeavoring to carry off the artillery, the property of this 
 province, and the gift of his late Majesty of blessed memory, 
 for our protection from foreign invasions, have 
 
 " Besolvcd, That Messrs. John Forster, William Wilkinson, 
 and John Slingsby, or any one of them, be empowered to 
 procure necessary vessels, boats, and chains, to sink in such 
 part of the channel as they or any of them may think pro- 
 per, to agree for the purchase of such boats and other mate- 
 rials as may be wanted ; and to have them valued, that the 
 owners may be reimbursed by the public : And it ifi further 
 ordered, that the said John Forster & Co. do consult the Com- 
 mittee of Brunswick on this measure, and request their con- 
 currence." 
 
 A knowledge of the men of that period, with the boister- 
 ous circumstances which surrounded them, is sufficient evi- 
 dence that this order was implicitly obeyed and effectually 
 executed, no report of their action being required or expected. 
 
 Tradition assures us that these obstacles were placed a- 
 cross the channel at Big Island. We therefore feel justified 
 in saying that the channel, as laid down by all previous maps, 
 was, at that time and place, obstructed agreeably to the or- 
 der, as subsequent events would seem to imply. From time 
 to time, logs, stumps, and other drift matter, brought down 
 by freshets, lodged against the obstructions, backing up 
 nearly to the narrows, and forming what is known as the flats 
 or shoal of logs, which, as it increased, gradually forced the 
 water through an opening on the West side of Big Island, 
 and in course of time scoured out a channel sufficient to ac- 
 
27 
 
 commodate the commerce of ilie port, and so remained until 
 about tlie year 1826. 
 
 In the year 1797-'98, a survey and map of Cape Fear riv- 
 er, its harbor and outlets, was made by Joshua Potts. At 
 this time, thirty-seven years after the breaking out of New 
 Inlet, we find very little alteration in the harbor or outlet. — 
 The Bar representing twenty feet of water, (supposed at 
 mean lovv^ tide,) while the channels of the river up to Wil- 
 mington had undergone material change, and very much de- 
 preciated. 
 
 About the year 1820, the State of North Carolina (failing 
 to interest the General Government in the matter) undertt>o^ 
 the improvement of the navigation of the river. The work 
 was placed in charge of Hamilton Fulton, a Scotch engineer 
 of some celebrity, who prosecuted the work for several years 
 with little success, not seeming to comprehend the difficulties 
 in the way of restoring the old Eastern channel, when, about 
 the year 1825, the State was relieved by the General Govern- 
 ment, which placed the work in charge of Captain Bache, 
 who likewise prosecuted the Avork for some time w^ith no bet- 
 ter success, when it was abandoned until about the year 
 1855, when the improvement of the harbor was again under- 
 taken by the Government, which, in the meantime, had been 
 materially damaged by washing away a large portion of the 
 beach near New Inlet, bringing the sand into the river, form- 
 ing shoals, changing the channel, and filling up to some ex- 
 tent the main outlet. It is significant, that as the New Inlet 
 widened and deepened, in like proportion the Main Bar 
 shoaled, maintaining, however, in the aggregate of both, the 
 original standard draught on Main Bar of about twenty-five 
 feet, thus proving the eflicieucy of the volume of water pass- 
 ing down the river to scour out and maintain one first-class 
 bar. 
 
 The work, through inadequate appropriations, progressed 
 very slowly for several years, with doubtful success, when 
 further appropriations ceased, and the Avork was again aban- 
 doned, without gaining any point or accomplishing any ma- 
 terial object towards reclaiming the harbor, until 1870, when 
 the present work commenced. 
 
28 
 
 Through the iufluence and efforts of our Senator in Con-r 
 ji^rcss, Gen. J. C. Abbott, an appropriation of $100,000 was 
 obtained from the 40th Congress, at its session of 18G9-'70, 
 for the improvement of Cape Fear river, wliich became avail- 
 able in July, 1870. 
 
 This work was assigned to the department iuchided in the 
 charge of Gou. J. H. Simpson, U. S. A. Preparations were 
 commenced in August, and active operations upon the break- 
 water, starting from the northern point of Smith's Island 
 beach, crossing Deep Inlet in the direction of Zeke's Island, 
 were cornmenced in Septernber, 1870, by Major Walter Gris- 
 wold, Assistant Engineer. 
 
 In November, General Simpson was relieved of duty here, 
 and the work was assignetl to the department under the 
 charge of Col, Wm. P. Craighill, 
 
 Through the same influence and efforts a second appro- 
 priation of $75,000 was obtained from the 41st Congress, 
 session of 1S70-'71, which became available in July, 1871. 
 
 Of the progress of the work, we beg to refer to our monthly' 
 reports to the Chamber. Owing to the inadequacy of the 
 appropriations the work has necessarily progressed very 
 slowly, but by judicious management much has been accomr 
 plishod. Up to this time over one thousand feet of the 
 break-water has been finished and permanently secured over 
 the most difficult and expensive part of the line. In addition 
 to which, a considerable portion of the beach hap been re- 
 claimed and secured, which was in a dangerous and exposed 
 condition. The introduction of the cultivation of the "Caro- 
 lina Beach Grass" promises miicli towards increasing and 
 strengthening the beach, as well as protecting it in the 
 future. 
 
 From the foregoing statement it is evident that the Cape 
 Fear Harbor once enjoyed all the advantages and facilities 
 which it is now claimed that she can, and of right, ought again 
 to enjoy : the only question on the subject is, as to the prac- 
 ticability of its restoration. This question we consider fully 
 f^ettled, as well by experience and observation in the past, 
 as the trite axiom that whatever has been may bo again. 
 
29 
 
 A kindly feeling aud^generous spirit exercised toward us 
 at this time by Congress and the proper /leparfcments of the 
 Government, will reclaim and secure one of the most valua- 
 ble harbors on the Atlantic coast. 
 
 The Government has heretofore done very little for North 
 Carolina, and that little has been doled out as though in 
 mere charity, in such inadequate "amounts as really to ac- 
 complish no tangible ' good, while millions of the public 
 treasure have been'lavished^upon far less worthy objects. 
 
 That the Goverment has, for over a century, neglected 
 her duty in repairing this harbor until the damage has 
 become formidable, can surely be no justiacation for longer 
 delay. 
 
 And that she has likewise, for near a century, neglected, 
 to remove obstructions from the channel of the river, placed 
 there by our ancestors as a me^ns of public defence in their 
 terrible struggle for independence of Great Britain, certainly 
 cannot be used as a pretext for longer delay, while our com- 
 merce and trade languish, and our ^tate, without an em- 
 porium, impoverished thereby. 
 
 Moreover, it is manifestly the best interest of the Govern- 
 ment to restore this harbor eflfectually and speedily, and she 
 would but display her wisdom and foresight in so doing at 
 any cost. Why and Svhereforo ? 
 
 She tvould therehy secure a long needed desideratum. A harbor 
 of refuge and convenience, exactly where the commerce 
 and navy of the country require it, intermediate between 
 the Northern and Southern sections of the coiintry ; in fact, 
 upon the exact line of division, ^ with all the advantages of 
 both, and subject to the disadvantagesof neither ; capacious 
 and well land-locked ; easy of access for vessels of large 
 class, with good anchorage, while Smith's Island stands a 
 perfect and permanent protecjiion to the outlet ; with a cli- 
 mate excelled by 210 other in salubrity ; situated within one 
 hundred and fifty miles of the finest and most varied mineral 
 district in the country, (including steaming coal of fine 
 quality, and abundant supply,) accessible^by water naviga- 
 tion or by railroad. 
 
30 
 
 At trifliDfj cost this harbor coukl be counectecl by an in- 
 land water communication with the entire seacoast lying be- 
 tween the Chesapeake Bay and Winyaw Bay, which abounds 
 in the finest live oak and cedar timber, thus affording to the 
 Government every requisite for a naval station, while it 
 would prove a most convenient coaling station for general 
 .commerce. 
 
 The port of Wilmington is well watered, and the Cape 
 Fear river water has long been acknowledged as of superior 
 quality for ship use on long voyages. 
 
 We now proximate the concluding paragraph of your 
 resolution ; the bearing and effect the restoration of this 
 harbor will probably have upon commerce, trade, agriculture 
 .and general progress. 
 
 One important effect it would probaldy have v.'ould be to 
 admit to our shore '■emigrant ships," laden with the surplus 
 population of Europe, to people our country with hardy, 
 laboring citizens, who will utilize our abundant forests and 
 waste places, cultivate our lands, work our mines, and put in 
 motion factories and workshops, not yet dreamed of. It 
 would be well to remember that any attempt to introduce 
 foreign labor into our State, through the ports of other 
 States, to some extent must prove abortive. 
 
 Another probable effect would be to give a new impetus to 
 " internal ■improvements.''' People must and will have cheap 
 and convenient highwa3's to market, at least, and the people's 
 interest in this matter will be the interest of the country at 
 large, as all history conclusively establishes. Eailroads and 
 canals, not now thought of, will radiate in every direction ; 
 unnavigablo rivers and creeks will be cleaned out and made 
 navigable, and remote corners of the country opened to 
 market. 
 
 Existing railroads will be strengthened and stimulated to 
 push their lines through the mountains into the rich valley 
 of the Mississippi, and shake hands with the great cities of 
 the West. 
 
 Through the influence of this " restored harhor " commerce 
 and trade will lift their drooping heads and smile again. 
 
31 
 
 By rcfercncG to tlio maps of tlio country it will be seen 
 that Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville are as 
 near, if not nearer to Wilmington, than to any other seaport 
 of the Atlantic coast, while Memphis is about the same dis- 
 trnce as to Charleston, and a trifle further than to Savannah. 
 
 Our position and facilities for trade with the West Indies 
 and " South America " give us decided advantages over any 
 other city of the Atlantic coast as a market for coffee, sugar, 
 molasses, salt, guano and all other productions of those 
 countries, which can be exchanged with our "Western friends 
 for corn, wheat, flour, bacon, lard and other productions of 
 that region, to say nothing of our home productions — timber, 
 lumber and naval stores. 
 
 Our port being south of all the dangerous capes and shoals, 
 of the coast, subjects us to less time and hazard, consequently 
 more dispatch and less insurance in the conduct of the trade, 
 while our facilities for an European trade would be as good 
 or better than the average of shipping ports. 
 
 We therefore respectfully invite the attention of the cities 
 and States of the Western and Northwestetn country to this 
 subject, to investigate it and see whether their interest is not 
 identified with ours sufiiciently to justify a joint appeal to tho 
 Congress of the United States, through our representatives, 
 for the perfect restoration of Cape Fear harbor. 
 
 By reference to the report of a committee of the 4:0th Con- 
 gress, on the policy of extending government aid to addition- 
 al railroads to the Pacific, it will be seen that Wilmington on 
 the Atlantic, Memphis on the Mississippi, and San Diego on 
 the Pacific, form almost a straight line, and very nearly up- 
 on the same parallel of latitude. This line passes through 
 an apparently favorable country for the location of such a 
 road, more direct, and promising much less cost of construc- 
 tion per mile, and far less of mileage in crossing the conti- 
 nent, than any other finished or proposed line ; moreover, 
 being more exempt from disasters and detentions from tho 
 ice and snows of winter. 
 
 This road will surely be built, and that at no distant day. 
 Would it, therefore, be considered presumption in us to as- 
 
32 
 
 piro to a participation in tlio traffic of this road and its con- 
 nections ? Why not, if we are in condition to invite it hj 
 snfficient inducements ? 
 
 " To ouii City," and its commerce, with all the ramilBca- 
 tions of general progress, the benefits would bo unbounded 
 — their details would prove too lengthy for this communica- 
 tion. 
 
 " To OUR State," it would be her " pride " to point to an 
 "Emporium" in every respect worthy of her, which at once, 
 and forever, emancipates her from the humiliating commer- 
 cial vassalage to other States under which she has so long- 
 labored, securing to her own citizens all the benefits arising 
 from an import and export trade. 
 
 In conclusion, your Committee beg leave to express the 
 opinion, that the restoration of Cape Fear Harbor and River is 
 the "pivot," the TURNING POINT, in the future prosperity of 
 Wilmington — the Honor and Grandeur of North Carolina 
 —ivhile it places a hriUiaut jeicel in the coronet of the United 
 States of America. 
 
 HENEY NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 "OUR BARS AND RIYER."^ 
 
 We give below the interesting report submitted to th'o 
 Chamber of Commerce of this city at the last regular meet- 
 ing, by the Committee appointedfor that purpose, in relation 
 to our bars and river. There is much in this report of his- 
 torical interest, and the comparison of the present disadvan- 
 tages of our bars, with the former natural advantages, should 
 beget the resolve in the minds of those interested (and who 
 is not) to try every means in their power to have it properly 
 improved. We think that we have a right to expect some 
 aid from Congress, and hope the matter will be put through. 
 The report is as follows : 
 
33 
 
 To the President and Blemhers of the 
 
 Chamher of Commerce of the City of Wilmington^ N. C: 
 Your Committee, appointed in August last, to consider tlio 
 present condition of our " Bars and Eiver," and to investi- 
 gate the causes leading to the constant depreciation of the 
 draught of water upon the same, and of suggesting some 
 plan of arresting the damaging effects upon our navigation 
 by further neglect and delay, beg leave to report that they 
 have diligently searched, but without success, for some of 
 the old charts and surveys of the bars and river, made prior 
 to the year 1820, and before the breaking out of New Inlet, 
 which were known to be extant, and in possession of your 
 Chamber and many of our citizens prior to the breaking out 
 of hostilities between the sections. All seem to have been 
 destroyed or lost. None could be found except those made 
 under the direction of the United States Coast Survey since 
 the year 1820. These were procured from Washington City 
 through the courtesy of our Collector, D. Rumley, Esq. — 
 Those old charts were deemed essential in making a compari- 
 son of the draught of water upon the bar, and the position of 
 the channels before and after the breaking out of New Inlet, 
 which would better enable your Committee to offer direct 
 and positive recorded evidence of the causes which produced 
 the present depreciated condition of our navigation, and the 
 almost certainty of continued depreciation, unless speedily 
 a,rrested. 
 
 Your Committee, therefore, find themselves under the ne- 
 cessity of offering for your consideration facts from memory 
 only, contained in the traditionary history of the country. — 
 James Newton, an old and highly respectable pilot, who was 
 born and raised, lived and died, near Federal Point, told one 
 of your Committee a short time before his death, (a few years 
 ago,) that he well remembered the first breaking out of New 
 Inlet, during the prevalence of a long and terrific Northeast 
 gale, in the month of September, 1781. That prior to that 
 time he had frequently walked and ridden to Bald Head 
 Beach, now Smith's Island. 
 
 The late Caj)t. Thomas N. Gautier, who was a merchant of 
 
34 
 
 this place dnring the period of time included between the 
 years 1790 and 1810, told one of your Committee that, du- 
 ring that period, among many others, he had loaded one ship 
 to thirty feet draught, which proceeded down the river and 
 to sea, on her voyage to London, without difficulty or inter- 
 ruption. 
 
 During the years 1797-08, about eighteen years after the 
 first breaking out of New Inlet, and twenty years before it 
 came into use for the smallest sized sailing craft, a survey of 
 Cape Fear bar and harbor was made bj the late Joshua 
 Potts, (an engineer of some celebrity,) eshibiting a draught 
 of water on Main Bar of twenty-four or twenty-five feet at 
 mean low tide. Older charts than this exhibit a greater 
 draught of water, particulars of which, however, are not ac- 
 curately remembered by your Committee. Many old citi- 
 zens, now living, remember to have seen, at our wharves, 
 vessels drawing fifteen to eighteen feet water. But, about 
 the year 1820, as the depth of water increased on New Inlet, 
 in like proportion it diminished on the Main Bar, maintain- 
 ing upon both the aggregate of about twenty-five feet. These 
 facts in the history of the past are conclusive evidence, in 
 the minds of your Committee, that the true and real cause of 
 the present alarming condition of the navigation of our bars 
 and river, is to be found in the existence of the new inlets, 
 and that alone. 
 
 One of your Committee, at least, is able to testify, from his 
 own observations of the operations of closing those inlets 
 just prior to the commencement of hostilities, of the perfect 
 practicability and ease v/ith which the work was accomplish- 
 ed. Feeling, therefore, the utmost confidence in the j)racti- 
 cability of restoring to our jprt and State the advantages of 
 our former and natural commerce and trade, and, feeling it 
 to be perfectly competent and within the province of tho 
 government of tho United States, at comparatively trifling 
 cost, to accomplish this great end, we recommend your body, 
 without delay, to memorialize Congress through our Senator, 
 General Abbott, and request the co-operation of all our del- 
 egation to Congress, in urging upon that body tho impor- 
 
tance and absolute necessity of prompt and efficient action 
 in saying from utter destruction an important port, at an im- 
 portant point on tlie Southern coast, wliich will be worth 
 millions to the commerce of the country. 
 All of which IS respectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed) HENRY NUTT, ) Com- 
 
 JOHN WILDER ATKINSON, V m i t - 
 JAS. H. CHADBOURN, ) tee. 
 
 13th December, 1868. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 13th Octobee, 18G9. 
 To the President and 3Iemhers 
 
 Of the Chariiher of Commerce : 
 
 Tour Committee, to whom was referred the subject matter 
 connected with the condition and improvement of our Bars 
 and River, beg leave to report that the subject has had their 
 utmost consideration. 
 
 At the last session of the Congress of the United States, 
 our Senator, Gen. Abbott, who seems to take a lively interest 
 in the enterprise, as also other members of the North Caro- 
 lina delegation, introduced a bill into that body, making an 
 appropriation for the work, which was referred to the legiti- 
 mate committee for consideration ; but, owing to an extraor- 
 dinary press of what was deemed more important business, 
 this bill was not reached before the adjournment of Con- 
 gress, and did not receive its proper consideration. Other 
 means were used by our Senator for accomplishing the pur- 
 pose, by attaching it to the general appropriation bill, but 
 without success. 
 
 During the past summer, at the suggestion of your Com- 
 mittee, General Abbott invited three prominent members of 
 Congress, who were passing South through our city on offi- 
 cial business, to spend a day with us, in a reconnoisance of 
 the bars and xiver. The day and tides were favorable for 
 Uie excursion, and they expressed much satisfaction at the 
 
36 
 
 visit, and conviction of the importance of the proposed work, 
 as well as the necessity of prompt action by Congress for the 
 preservation of the port. From all which, your Committee 
 feel assured of the co-operation of Messrs. Bingham, El- 
 dridge, and Loughridge, when the subject shall come up for 
 final action by Congress. Upon a review of the whole sub- 
 ject, your Committee feel greatly encouraged that something 
 effective will be accomplished at the approaching session of 
 Congress. 
 
 Your Committee feel assured that the heart and soul of 
 General Abbot fc is in this matter, and that, with his known 
 energy and perseverance, no stone will be left unturned for 
 the consummation of its accomplishment. And in this view 
 of the subject, he suggests, and asks your body to appoint 
 and send to "Washington, during the session of Congress this 
 winter, a committee, to co-operate with him, inasmuch as a 
 large portion of his time, which should be devoted to outside 
 service and canvassing the subject, will be required in the 
 house. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 HARBOR REPORT. 
 
 To the Honorable the Mayor 
 
 And Board of Aldermen of the City of Wilmington : 
 Gentlemen : — In compliance with your request, of the 10th 
 ult., I proceeded to "Washington City for the purpose of 
 submitting a plan to the United States Government, by which 
 the necessary improvements on the bar, commonly known as 
 the " Old Ship Channel Bar," could be attempted with a 
 comparatively small outlay, and a fair chance of getting from 
 
Q 
 
 7 
 
 12 to 13 feet water at mean low tide over this bar, which 
 would give us from 16A to 17^ feet at high tide. 
 
 On mj arrival at Washington, I laid my plan before Sena- 
 tor Abbott and Eepresentative Dockery, and after satisfying 
 them of the feasibility of the same, consulted with them as 
 to the best mode by which we could most easily obtain the 
 amount necessary to begin practically our attempts of im- 
 provements with as little delay as possible ; for, in my opin- 
 ion, judging from the changes which have taken place since 
 1865, as shown by the last partial survey of 1869, by United 
 States Coast Survey, we have no time to lose in making a be- 
 ginning, and so avoid the danger of our bar's being shoaled 
 to an extent that would prevent any but vessels of very small 
 draught to enter our harbor. 
 
 In accordance with the advice and assistance of these gen- 
 tlemen, I proceeded to Ihe respective departments to which 
 all matters on improvements of this kind are referred, and 
 urged on them the immediate necessity of the case, indica- 
 ted my plan by which this work could be commenced, and 
 am happy to state that the Superintendent of the Coast Sur- 
 vey recommends, in his report to Senator Abbott, the neces- 
 sity of the improvement, and that one hundred thousand dol- 
 lars be api^ropriated for the commencement of the work. 
 
 The bar, in the Old Ship Channel, which I selected for im- 
 provement, has shoaled two and a half feet in the last five 
 years, and therefore any procrastination in the work will be 
 injurious to our commerce, as I believe it can be shown that 
 year by year since 1840 the obstruction has increased, and 
 unless spe edy action is taken it will result in the total de- 
 struction of our harbor. I base my opinion on data gained 
 from different surveys, made from the year 1733 to 1869. 
 
 On the survey of 1733, a depth of 21 feet is shown in the 
 ship channel at mean low water, and in 1869 only 5.^ feet can 
 be found in the same channel. The most rapid decrease of 
 water on the bar begins from 1840, after the United States 
 Government had put down jetties for the protection of the 
 shore off Fort Caswell. At this date there were 15 feet of 
 
■water on each of the three bars. Yon will, therefore, readi- 
 ly see why I consider delay in beginning practical operations 
 detrimental to our harbor, and vf ould suggest to your honor- 
 able body that, should the earnest efforts of our Senator and 
 Representative fail in obtaining the necessary means to be- 
 gin the work, that you should urge on the State Legislature 
 to make an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars for this 
 purpose, with a view to have it refunded by the General Gov- 
 ernment at some future time. 
 
 Certmnly this harbor is of too much importance, not only 
 to the city of Wilmington but to the whole State of North 
 Carolina, to be neglected. We have now most of our rail 
 roads centering and terminating in this place, and therefore 
 the closing of our harbor for larger vessels would put us at 
 the mercy of railroads, and no outlet could be had for our pro- 
 ducts but by the ports of other States. This condition of af- 
 fairs of course would be a great loss to the whole State, as 
 our producers would not be able to compete with those of 
 other States, for the simple reason that we could not ship 
 our goods at the same rates as merchants of more favored 
 localities, where vessels can land and take merchandise from 
 their wharves, and receive the eame without paying light- 
 erage. 
 
 It is with pleasure I inform your honorable body that I 
 have the assurance of the heads of Bureaus, as well as of 
 Congressmen having the matter in charge, that the claims 
 of Wilmington will not be forgotten, and that the plan I have 
 suggested will be adopted. 
 
 Our immediate representatives have the matter in hand, 
 and I had the assurance of Senator Abbott— just before leav- 
 ing — that all of the Committee having the matter in charge, 
 were in favor of appropriating the amount I ask, and as yet 
 there is no appropriation. 
 
 In conclusion, I would remark that, with the assistance of 
 Mr. Charles I. Grady, the editor of the Post, I prepared and 
 had presented an elaborate argument, " Why the port of 
 Wilmington should have a part of the money so lavishly giv- 
 
S9 
 
 '3n by the government to ports in tlie Western and Easteirs 
 States." This argument will be presented 'j^by General 
 \bbott in the Senate, and we have every reason to believe 
 vill be effective. 
 
 Kespectfullv yours, 
 
 ALEX. STEAUSS. 
 Maech eth, 1870. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS 
 OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, OF THE CITY OF WIL- 
 MINGTON, NOVEMBER 28th, 1870. 
 
 Whereas, The importance of farther appropriation by 
 the Congress of the United States to the improvement of the 
 Cape Fear Bar is most apparent, in view of the present un- 
 finished condition of the work, and the great benefits daily 
 developing as it progresses. 
 
 Resolved, That the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Wil" 
 mingtou do most earnestly urge upon Congress the claims of 
 this work, and respectfully request the Senators and Repre- 
 sentatives in Congress from this State to bring the matter 
 before their several Houses, and solicit liberal appropriations 
 to this truly national work. 
 
 Be it further resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent 
 to each member of Congress at Washington. 
 
 RIVER AND BAR IMPROVEMENTS. 
 
 Major Walter Griswold, of the U. S. Engineer Corps, whO' 
 is in charge of the Capo Fear River and Bar Improvements, 
 now in progress, has just completed a detailed report of his 
 operations, addressed to Col. W. P. Craighill, of the Engi- 
 neer Corps, and through him to be forwarded in reply to res- 
 
40 
 
 olution of the U. S. Senate, recently adopted, asking for in- 
 formation in regard to the progress of these works. The 
 report is elaborate and is very encouraging, and we hope 
 that the good which beyond a doubt has been already ac- 
 complished, may induce the Congress to vote continued ap- 
 propriations to the work. 
 
 Those of our readers who were ante helium residents of the 
 city, may remember that there was once a little sand strip on. 
 the South side of New Inlet bar, and opposite Fort Fisher, 
 called Zeke's Island. This was separated on the South, by 
 a shallow inlet, from Smith's Island, which is a long, low 
 tract, running down the Cape Fear, widening as it goes. — 
 Zeke's Island has been gradually washed away by Easterly 
 winds and tides until but little of it now remains ; and it is 
 here, from along the Zeke's Island sand bar, across the shal- 
 low inlet, and on the upper part of Smith's Island, that the 
 great injury to the river and bar has been done. A high 
 Easterly wind drives the water over these points, and it car- 
 ries with it as it goes large masses of sand, which fall into 
 the sound and marshes known as Buzzard's Bay. These are 
 affected by the tidal currents, and are gradually taken up 
 and carried down the channel, some of them being deposited 
 in the river, and others stopping on what is known as the 
 Kip, on Main Bar, opposite Fort Caswell. 
 
 Having carefully ascertained these facts, the officers in 
 charge knew just where to proceed — like the physician, hav- 
 ing made a careful diagnosis of the disease, their skill and 
 experience at once suggested the remedy. 
 
 The object of their labors thus far has been to build aline 
 of obstructions from a point on Zeke's Island to the North, 
 to Smith's Island on the South, of sufficient strength and 
 ability to successfully resist the action of the waves. They 
 know that, this once accomplished, there would be less wash- 
 ing of the sand from the bay into the river, because there 
 could be no tide from the ocean, at that point, to force it 
 away. These obstructions are not yet completed, but alrea- 
 dy a favorable change has been noted. The channel at New 
 Inlet has been improved, and the pilots report a gradual in- 
 
41 
 
 crease of water on the Rip at Main Bar, all of which can be 
 directly traced to the influence of the obstructions. 
 
 As the work has proceeded, a new idea has been developed 
 to Gen. Simpson, the chief officer, which is, that New Inlet 
 itself may be successfully obstructed, and the channel of the 
 river and tiLe Main Bar thus become washed out and im- 
 proved. By obstructing New Inlet, and by the use of a steam 
 dredge, it is felt sure that our bar can be restored to its ori- 
 ginal depth, and that the largest ships can be floated over it 
 safely. In the meantime, it is supposed that the large ex- 
 panse of water known as Buzzard's Bay will be gradually fill- 
 ed up by sand washing down from the banks of Smith's Is- 
 land, and which cannot be carried into the channel of the 
 river, or across to the bar, as we have heretofore explained, 
 for the want of tidal action. 
 
 We have written more than we intended, which was to 
 merely give an outline of the facts stated, and the sugges- 
 tions made in the report to be submitted by Maj. Griswold. 
 The b^ieficial effects of the work, even thus far, are already 
 plain and unequivocal ; and if such is the case now, how 
 much greater must be the improvement when the work of 
 closing the gap between Zeke's and Smith's Island is com- 
 pleted, to say nothing of the total regeneration of our port, 
 should the imj)rovements be extended to the entire closing 
 of New Inlet. 
 
 The advantages to be derivea from a continuation of the 
 work are plain and manifest, and money is all that is needed 
 to carry the enterprise through. On the contrary, should 
 Congress grant no further aid, and the work be therefore 
 compelled to stop, all the money thus far expended will have 
 proved not only unavailing but an absolute waste, and "Wil- 
 mington may at once, for at least a century to come, take a 
 back seat among the third and fourth rate towns. — Journal 
 Editorial, January 20, 1871. 
 
42 
 
 COL. CKAIGHILL^S REPORT TO GEN'L HUM- 
 PHREYS, 
 
 BALTIMORE, Jan'y 23d, 1871. 
 
 General : — I have the honor to acknowledge the reference 
 to me for report, of the Senate resokition of January 13th, 
 (received 20th,) calling for information as to the progress of 
 the work of improvement at the mouth of the Cape Fear 
 River in North Carolina. 
 
 The object of this improvement is evident from the follow- 
 ing extract from the report of a commission of distinguished 
 men, who elaborately examined and discussed the subject in 
 1853: 
 
 " We find that a harbor which once afforded easy access 
 to vessels drawing nineteen feet of water, will now only ad- 
 mit those with less than thirteen, and we cannot but regard 
 this deterioration as a great national misfortune, and the 
 restoration of the Inlet to its original state as a work de- 
 manded by the general interests of commerce, both in peace 
 and war." 
 
 The importance of the improvement is w^ell illustrated by ' 
 a further extract from the report already referred to : 
 
 " Beaufort Harbor, ninety miles East of Cape Fear, is the 
 only harbor of refuge for vessels drawing over thirteen feet 
 between the mouth of the Chesapeake and Charleston, along 
 a coast exposed to frequent and violent Easterly winds and 
 storms." 
 
 An inspection of any general map of the coast will show 
 the importance to our shipping of a port of refuge, a place 
 of repairs and supplies at the Cape Fear, which may be re- 
 garded as the head or more retired part of the great bend in 
 which vessels frequently encounter Easterl}^ or Southeasterly 
 storms, and where annually many are wrecked, and more 
 still dismasted and otherwise crippled. 
 
 The immense trade carried on between points South of 
 the Cape Fear — New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, Key West, 
 Savannah, and Charleston, and the Northern cities, Balti- 
 more, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, &c., and between the 
 
4o 
 
 former cities and EiiropB. is maintained in vessels drawing 
 about fifteen or eighteen feet of water, and the larger part of 
 it passes along the coast of iNorth Carolina, near the mouth 
 of the Cape Fear. Can any one calculate the utility of this 
 port as a port of refuge ? — a place of escape from the ele- 
 ments and the enemy ; — a place of supply and repairs when 
 crippled, for vessels of that class in time of war. 
 
 Other nations, at enormous expense, have made artificial 
 harbors on coa«ts not badly supplied with natural ones. — 
 Shall not we, at comparatively small expense, restore what 
 nature once furnished ? Ai'e not the arguments which justi- 
 fy and require the erection of lighthouses applicable to this 
 improvement ? 
 
 In the late war of the rebellion, Wilmington was among 
 the last places of importance on the Atlantic to succumb to 
 the power of the United States ; and the entrance to the 
 Cape Fear Kiver was guarded with the utmost vigor and te- 
 nacity. Its great value in time of war, to those holding it, 
 was fully manifested. 
 
 In past years, considerable sums have been spent by the 
 State and by the United States in the improvement of the 
 navigation of the river above its mouth. At present the 
 depth of water which can be carried from the ocean into the 
 river is considerably less than what is available in the river 
 after the entrance is made. All efforts at improvement 
 should therefore be directed to the baTS at the mouth of the 
 river. 
 
 There are two entrances to the Cape Fear. What may be 
 called the old mouth is between Bald Head and Oak Island, 
 in width about one mile and three-eighths. In this opening 
 there are two channels — the Eastern, which hugs the bend of 
 Bald Head, and tlie Western, which bends along the land of 
 Oak Island. The other entrance is called New Inlet, although 
 it has been open since about 1780, or nearly a century. It is 
 distant about seven miles from Bald Head, and is about 
 three-quarters of a mile in width, between Federal Point and 
 Zeke's Island. Just to the South of New Inlet are found 
 several openings through Zeke's Island, which are not naYiga- 
 
44 
 
 ble, although thoy, like New Inlet, arc tiio chaanels through 
 ■svliicli passes much of the Avater that would, if they did uot 
 exist, flow through the main entrance of the river. 
 
 The bars at the Old Inlet have shoaled greatly since the 
 opening of the New Inlet, which diminishes by a vast amount 
 the volume of water which otherwise would, and formerly 
 did, pass in and out at the main entrance during every tide. 
 Another cause of shoaling of the bars at the main entrance 
 has been the wearing away of a portion of Smith's Island, 
 especially at Bald Head, and a consequent deposition on the 
 already existing shoals forming the bars. 
 
 The plan of improvement has been first to check (his wear- 
 ing away of Smith's Island, and the consequent deposition 
 on the bars, by the construction of suitable works for the 
 protection of the shore of the Island, which was successfully 
 accomplished about fifteen years ago. The next step was to 
 attempt to restore, to some extent, the old condition of things 
 in the river, by closing the openings through Zeke's Island. 
 This was successfully dcue in 185G, and a beach had formed 
 in front of the works, closing them. In 1857, the Southern 
 coast was visited by the most severe storm of which there is 
 any record in that country. The works last referred to were 
 unable to resist its violence, and were greatly injured. With 
 reference to this matter, the following is the opinion of the 
 commission of 1853. composed of some of the ablest men in 
 the country : 
 
 " Had the whole amount of money estimated as the cost of 
 this work been appropriated, there is no doubt that the 
 works would have been made strong enough to resist even 
 this storm." 
 
 This is a very important statement, and deserving the most 
 careful consideration at this time. 
 
 At the last session of Congress, an appropriation of one 
 hundred thousand dollars was made for the Cape Fear Eiv- 
 er. The renewal and strengthening of the work at Zeke's 
 Island was immediately undertaken in the most energetic 
 manner. About $00,000 have been expended up to this time, 
 leaving $40,000 for carrying on the work during the remain- 
 der of the current fiscal vear. More than twice that sum 
 
45 
 
 could be expended before July 1st, with the greatest advan- 
 tage, if avaihable. The accumulation of sand follows the 
 work as it is carried onward from the point of beginning, 
 and an improvement in the depth of water in the channel is 
 reported by those navigating it. 
 
 My predecessor, Col. J. H. Simpson, Corps of Engineers, 
 estimated that the construction of this breakwater at Zeke's 
 Island would require $157,000 in addition to the $100,000 
 already appropriated, and asked only two-thirds of this 
 amount for the next fiscal year. His arrangements for con- 
 ducting the work were so good, and its progress and its re- 
 sults have been so satisfactory, that it is highly expedient, 
 in my judgment, to ajDpropriate at once, and make available 
 for immediate expenditure, the total balance of $157,000 ; 
 and I earnestly recommend that the adoption of that view 
 be urged upon Congress. 
 
 The appliances for carrying on the work, in the way of an 
 organized force, means of transportation, quarters, a steady 
 supply of excellent materials at fair rates, &c., are now very 
 good. To get the best results, this machine of many parts 
 should be worked continuously up to its best time. For this 
 purpose, a liberal and immediate appropriation is essential. 
 A failure to appropriate any money for the next fiscal year 
 would be as poor a piece of policy as that of an individual 
 who would half finish his dwelling house, and then leave it 
 exposed to injury and ruin from ravages of the elements. 
 
 The following is an important statement, which is taken 
 from the report of the commission of 1858 : 
 
 " The works recommended by the board of 1853, were, in 
 the opinion of the commission, entirely efficient, so far as 
 they were carried out, having, as is shoAvn by the Coast Sur- 
 vey maps, caused an increase in the depth of the Oak Island 
 channel of between one and two feet." 
 
 It is likely that this good effect, produced in one year, 
 would have been much increased, had the works remained. 
 The fact that immediately after the destruction of the Zeke's 
 Island works the Oak Island channel began to shoal, is con- 
 elusive, taken in connection with its previous deepening, that 
 the latter efi'ect was produced by the Zeke's Island works. 
 
40 
 
 The commission of 1858 recommended, as the next step in 
 the improvement, the protection of the Northern portion of 
 Smith's Island, where it is low and narrow. They were of 
 the opinion that when the openings at Zeke's Island were 
 closed, (the work now in progress,) and the outer beach of 
 Smith's Island thoroiTghly protected, the depth on the main 
 entrance would be found to increase materially. The^^ fur- 
 ther recommend that the main entrance should be carefully 
 watched, and if its depth, in the course of two or three years, 
 should not increase so as to permit the passage of vessels 
 drawing the amount of water which can be carried up to "Wil- 
 mington in the river, the closing of New Inlet should be un- 
 dertaken. 
 
 The closing of New Inlet has been opposed by some per- 
 sons. Tliey say that its bar is as good as that of the old 
 mouth of the river, and the entrance easier during certain 
 %vinds ; that for the greater number of vessels trading to and 
 fi'om Wilmington the New Inlet is much the shortest en- 
 trance, and the safest, boccuse avoiding the danger of the 
 Frying Pan Shoals. 
 
 Some persons also have advocated dredging in one or the 
 other of the channels. It was the opinion of the commission 
 of 1853, that there was rock underlying the bar of New In- 
 let, T/liich would make its improvement by dredging proba- 
 bly impracticable to any great extent, especially as its posi- 
 tion is very much exposed. Other persons have proposed 
 the diversion of the river from the old channel to the New 
 Inlet, and the concentration upon the New Inlet of all efforts 
 for the improvement of the entrance. 
 
 The great cost of these operations leads to their rejection, 
 even if we leave out of consideration the improbability of 
 success in an effort to obtain as great a depth in the New 
 Inlet as is known to have already existed in former times in 
 the Old Inlet. The time has not yet arrived for deciding 
 definitely as to the propriety or necossitj^ of closing New In- 
 let, or of any advantage to be gained by dredging in either 
 channel of the Old Inlet. 
 
 The work now in progress at Zeke's Island is an impor- 
 
4T 
 
 tant, a necessary, preliminary to gaining greater deptli of 
 water by eitlier Inlet, and should be vigorously prosecuted, 
 in advance of a determination of tlie question of closing or 
 leaving open New Inlet, and the other question of resort ta 
 dredging to induce a more speedy return to the original con- 
 dition of affairs at the Old Inlet. 
 
 I transmit an interesting report from She local Assistant 
 Engineer. I made an examination of the work January 20th, 
 as well as of Bald Head and other points in the river. Its 
 progress has been all that could have been expected, and the 
 effects in its immediate vicinity, which are visible to the eye,. 
 are certainly extraordinary. 
 
 The reported changes on the bars might reasonably be ex- 
 pected, and are very encouraging. The results of the work 
 now in progress are sufficient evidence of the importance of 
 carrying out the present plan. I have directed a careful 
 daily watch to be kept of the action of the sea upon the ex- 
 j)osed portions of Smith's Island, and the shore lines will be 
 run once a month. 
 
 The immediate appropriation of $157,000 for this work is 
 urgently recommended. 
 
 Yery respectfully, your ob't serv't, 
 
 (Signed) WM. P. CKAIGHILL, 
 
 Maj. Engineers.- 
 Brio. Gen'l A. A. Humpheeys, 
 
 Chief of Engineers U. S. A., Washingto2l, D. C. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 6th Maech, 1872. 
 To Dr. W. W. Earriss, 
 
 President of the Chamher of Commerce :' 
 Sir : — Availing myself of an invitation from Maj. Griswold 
 to visit the public works under his charge at New Inlet, for 
 the improvement of Cape Fear Bar and Harbor, I accom- 
 panied him and his assistant, Mr. Benton, down the river 
 to-day. 
 
45 
 
 The AV Gather being suitable, wo had a fine appottunity of 
 silrvejing the situation, both during the ebb and flood tides. 
 Presuming it would interest you and the Chamber to kn0"rt^ 
 of the situation and progress of the Avork, I |;beg leave to 
 report my observations. 
 
 At the commencement, the line of stone' work put down 
 some years since between Zeke's Island and -'the belt of 
 beach connecting with Smith's Island, is distinctly traceable 
 at low tide, running in a line northwest and southeast. The 
 task of renewing this work and preparing it to resist storm 
 and flood is comparatively trifling. At the northern end of 
 this line of stone Avork a breach has been made about six 
 hundred feet wide and about ten feet depth of Avater in the 
 deepest part of it, Aveaiing aAvay a considerable portion of 
 l^eke's Island. Around the southern end of this old stone 
 AVork, being in the bend or angle formed by these works 
 and the line of beach, another and most formidable passage 
 Avas made, about or near six hundred feet Avide and thirty- 
 seven feet deep. To AvestAvard and soutliAvard from this 
 point stretches out an immense sheet of Avater, knoAvn as 
 Buzzard's Bay, the Avater of which being acted upon by the 
 downward course of the river water on the Avestern shore, 
 produces a most voilent counter current through this passage 
 to the ocean level, hence the great depth of Avater it has 
 attained. The Engineer in charge has not been slow in 
 l^erceiving the formidable character of this enemy or the 
 importance of closing these passages to Zeke's Island, 
 thereby forcing this vast volume of water through its natural 
 outlet at the mouth of the river ; neither has he been slow in 
 his operations. He very wisely determinetT to commence 
 operations upon the northern point of the beach by sinking 
 cribs of heavy timber, tAventy by thirty feet, filled with stone, 
 across the inlet, in line AVith the old works. About four 
 hundred and seA'enty lineal feet of cribs have been placed in 
 position, three hundred and eighty feet of which has been 
 covered Avith the finishing superstructure, Avhile ninety feet 
 are now ready to rccieve the same. Tavo more cribs are 
 now ready to be placed in jjosition during this week. 
 
49 . 
 
 Thus far the -u'ork lias been attended with eminent success ; 
 the agitation of the water in its obstruction has had the 
 effect of depositing the sand against the works as far and as 
 fast as finished, almost to the top of the superstructure, 
 where thirty-seven feet of water existed but a few days since. 
 I also find sand shoals, some of them bare at low tide, 
 forming in all directions, inside and out, where ten to twenty 
 feet of water existed but a short time ago. The ocean line 
 of beach, far away to the southward, is rapidly widening and 
 tilling. Nov is this all. I am imformed that since the com- 
 mencement of this work a considerable change has been 
 effected in the current and channels of the bars and river, 
 and that the Kip near Fort Caswell is preceptibly wearing 
 away. Thus far the work appears a flattering success, much 
 of which may be attributed to the practical good sense 
 and judicious management of the Engineer in charge, and 
 of the prompt, energetic co-operation of Mr. Cunningham, 
 Superintendent of the work. In such hands I feci every 
 confidence in the final and complete realization of our an- 
 ticipation, provided they are properly sustained by the 
 Congress of the United States. This accomplishment will 
 cheer the drooping spirits of the merchants and traders of 
 the city of Wilmington, as well as the citizens of the State 
 at large, by restoring to the State her long lost harbor, one 
 inferior to none upon the Southern Atlantic coast, and 
 altogether worthy of her, and by the establishment of an 
 emporium within her own borders which will emancipate 
 her from the commercial vassalage to neighboring States, 
 under which she has groaned for ninety long /ears. 
 
 Closing the old or principal inlet, I regard as of minor 
 importance comparatively. Nature seems disposed to close 
 it anyhow, but it requires some effort on our part to assist her. 
 I am of opinion that it may be closed in less time and with 
 less cost than is generally supposed.. 
 
 The Major informs me that he contemplates some experi- 
 ments looking to the collection of drift sand upon the low flat 
 beach to the south, and if successful, and he shall be authorized 
 to do so, will inaugurate a system of cultivating grass shrub- 
 
bery and trees upon the beacli, with the view of holding the 
 sand and strengthening the boach against incursions of wind 
 or water. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N, C, 30th March, 1871, 
 To Wm. W. Harriss, Esq., 
 
 President of the Cliamher of Commerce : 
 
 Sir : — Your Committee beg leave to submit herewith a 
 correspondence held with Major Walter Griswold, Engineer, 
 in charge of the Bar and Eiver Improvements, touching the 
 present situation and future prospects of the same. 
 
 From this correspondence will be seen the critical position 
 these improvements have been placed in, by the insufficiency 
 of the last appropriation made by the Forty-first Congress 
 of the United States. 
 
 The estimate submitted to the Department by the Engineer 
 in charge of the works required an appropriation of 
 $153,315 &Q to complete the work to Zeke's Island only, 
 without making any provision for strengthening or securing 
 the Island. The appropriation for this purpose was $75,000. 
 This sum will probably be sufficient to conduct the work 
 only to the small inlet next south of Zeke's Island, or a 
 short distance into, but certainly not across it, when the 
 work must stop, and wait another appropriation of the 
 Congress which convenes in December next, and which, 
 if then made, will not bo available until July following. The 
 consequence of this delay will be, first, that if the work is 
 suspended the tug-boat, lighters, tools and materials and 
 property of the improvements must be sold for what they 
 Vv^ill bring, which will not probably exceed one-tenth of their 
 original cost. 
 
 Second. A well organized set of experienced operators 
 must be disbanded. 
 
51 
 
 Third. It is reasonable to suppose that'if the work has to. 
 rest where the present appropriation leaves it, that the same 
 cause which produced the terrible inlet which has just been 
 successfully closed at the expense of much trouble and 
 money will be repeated upon Zeke's Island, and the un- 
 finished inlet, as well as upon the main inlet, thereby greatly 
 enhancing the cost and time of a final completion of the 
 work, if not postponing it indefinitely. Under these circum- 
 stances your committee f-eel that they cannot too strongly 
 urge upon the Chamber the necessiij oi prompt and energetic 
 action in the premises, proving what we feel able to do, the 
 absolute necessity and true economy to the Government of 
 enlarging this appropriation to a sum sufficient not only to 
 reach Zeke's Island, but to protect and secure it against 
 further destruction. 
 
 If the Government or the officers who have the charge 
 and control of such matters can be made to understand the 
 true nature and character of the situation, sitrely they will 
 not hesitate to do what is so palpably necessary for advancing 
 the best interests of Government, as well as the country at 
 large. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 HENRY NUTT, ) Com- 
 
 JOHN "WILDER ATKINSON, V m i t - 
 JAS. H. CHADBOURN, ) tee. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, Maech 18th, 1871. 
 Maj. Walter Geiswold, 
 
 Dear Sir : — May I take the liberty of troubling you for 
 some information relative to the public works under your 
 charge for the improvement of Cape Fear Bar and Harbor ? 
 
 I have been informed that you submitted to Congress es- 
 timates for the completion of the work to Zeke's Island, at 
 about one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, which was 
 answered by an appropriation of seventy-five thousand dol- 
 lars. Please inform mc, at your early convenience, about 
 
52 
 
 liow far that appropriation will complete the work, and about 
 how much time will be required in consuming it, with jour 
 present force. "What will be the probable eli'ect or result of 
 suspending operations before its completion to Zcko's Island? 
 
 "VVhafc would be the probable effect of a severe Northeast 
 gale, say in September, upon the unfinished work ? 
 
 Are you now working as large a force as can be judicious- 
 ly employed? 
 
 Can the force be increased to an extent (within a judicious 
 management) sufficient to complete the work to Zeke's Island 
 before the j)eriod of the usual equinoctial storm ; and if so, 
 will the estimate first called for enable you to accomplish it ? 
 
 I desire this information for the use of the Chamber of 
 Commerce, that it may institute such proceedings in the 
 premises as may be deemed most eflicient, for securing a 
 completion of the work without delay, thereby securing the 
 benefit of the generous appropriation of Congress, and pre- 
 venting, as far as in their power, the wasting of this as of 
 former appropriations. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 
 
 H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 Office of the Cape Fear Kiver Improvements, 
 
 mimington, N. C, March 20, 1871. 
 Henry Nutt, Esq., Chairman, &c.: 
 
 My Dear Sir : — I have the honor of your letter of the 18th 
 inst., propounding several questions, of which the folloAving 
 is a reply : 
 
 1st. — I submitted an estimate last September for the com- 
 mencement and completion of a crib and superstructure 
 work, from the head of Smith's to Zeke's Island, which esti- 
 mate was transmitted to Brig. Gcn'l J. H. Simpson, U. S. A., 
 and by him to the Engineer's Department at Washington, 
 amounting to $253,315 QQ, ;— $100,000 had already been ap- 
 I)ropriatcd, leaving $153,315 GG yet to be obtained to com- 
 
pleto the work to Zeke's Island, without providing for 
 strengthening the same. 
 
 2d. — I think now, after having waded all winter in a diffi- 
 cult place, that we can accomplish the building of five hun- 
 dred feet (lineal) more with the means at hand, and by the 
 30th of June next, at which time all the funds available will 
 be expended. 
 
 3d. — To suspend this work before its final completion, will 
 necessitate the sale of all the boats, pile driver, tools, timber 
 and iron, and the dispersing of a lot of experienced good 
 men. As there is no demand for either boats or such mate- 
 rial and tools as would be on hand, I apprehend I could not 
 realize one-tenth of their original cost — comparatively 
 nothing. 
 
 4th. — My work is always secured so that a Northeaster at 
 any time will not seriously ajffect either the finished or unfin- 
 ished portion. 
 
 5th. — My total foi'ce at present consists of about forty-five 
 men. I can work ninety judiciously. 
 
 6th. — With a force of ninety men, I can expend about 
 $20,000 per month. A larger force cannot be employed ad- 
 vantageously on a work so confined. 
 
 It therefore will consume over seven months to exj)end the 
 amount to complete the work to Zeke's Island, thereby clo- 
 sing operations about the middle of February, 1872 — count- 
 ing from the first of July next. 
 
 I believe I have answered all the points in ijoilv letter, and 
 I hope satisfactorily. You will please do me the honor to 
 call upon me for any information pertaining to the Cape Fear 
 Eiver Improvements, which may be of avail to your Board in 
 facilitating its progress and final completion. 
 
 I am, sir, with much respect, your ob't serr't, 
 
 WALTER GRISWOLD, 
 U. S. AssH Engineer. 
 
 P. S. I have no official notification of $75,000 being ap- 
 propriated by the XLI Congress for this work. 
 
 WALTER GRISWOLD. 
 
54 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 21tli Mauch, 1871. 
 Major Walter Griswold, 
 
 Supt Cape Fear River Improvements, Wihnincjton, N. C: 
 
 My Dear Sir : — Pei 'nit me to thank you for myself and 
 the Chamber of Commerce, for your answer of the 20th inst., 
 to my letter of inquiry of the 18th inst. 
 
 One important question, however, was not perhaps suffi- 
 ciently explicit to be fully understood by you, I therefore 
 repeat, 
 
 Should the money in hand, with the last reported appro- 
 priatioD of seventy-fiTe thousand dollars, be sufficient to car- 
 ry you no further than the small inlet, between the line of 
 old works and Zeke's Island, or partly across it, what would 
 be the probable effect upon that Inlet and upon Zeke's Is- 
 land, or even upon the large or principal Inlet, by suspend- 
 ing the work at the point first named ? 
 
 Is it likely that the rush of water into and out of " Buz- 
 zard's Bay" would be sufficient to rapidly deepen the above 
 named Inlets, and destroy Zeke's Island, thereby greatly en- 
 hancing the labor and expense of a final completion of tho 
 work ? 
 
 If consistent with your position, I should be pleased to 
 have an expression of your opinion upon the points above 
 mentioned. 
 
 I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 OrnCE CAPE FEAR IIIYER IMPROVEMENTS, 
 
 Wilmington, N. C, 25th Maboh, 1871. 
 Henry Nutt, Es(,)., Chairman, &c.: 
 
 Dbar Sir : — Tour communication of the 24th (yesterday) 
 I have received, to which I unqualifiedly repl}^ that should 
 the pre??ent improvements between Smith's and Zeke's Islands 
 be abandoned, after rmc-lnjig a point between the points of 
 rocks of the old work and Zeke's Island, that tho flood tide 
 will sweep around the end of it and deepen a channel at that 
 
55 
 
 point, and eventually sweep away Zeke's Island. No fear 
 need be entertained that the waters from " Buzzard's Bay" 
 will injuriously affect either Zeke's Island or open a very 
 deep channel intervening between that and the end of the 
 works, simply for the reason that there will not be sufficient 
 ebb at that point ; and from the fact that Zeke's Island and 
 the channel spoken of is so near the main channel of the riv- 
 er that an attempted ebb, past the end of the works com- 
 pleted, will be forced to assume the direction of the main 
 channel. "What now causes the ebb through the thirty-sevew 
 foot hole, was an eddy of the ebb tide from the river, which 
 was unable to pass out the Nevv^ Inlet on account of the short 
 turn or acuteness with which it was obliged to make to go 
 through the channel of the Inlet, and took a large circle into 
 Buzzard's Bay, and returning at the point named. It will 
 therefore be seen that for the waters to ebb at the channel 
 between Zeke's Island and the point of rocks, it Avill have to 
 assume a very acute angle, which is rather against the na- 
 ture of water in the present premises. You may ask if this* 
 same eddy, which formed around Buzzard's Bay, would not 
 still assume that route, and come against the works, and fol- 
 low it to its end. It could be answered at once, that the 
 present work is an obstruction, and water will not make 
 against obstructions, especially where it is only trying to find 
 its own level, as in the case of tides. There will, however, 
 be an ebb current past the end of a work completed to the 
 point named, but very slight. 
 
 My apprehension of the flood injuring Zeke's Island, and 
 opening a deep channel, is based as much upon the fact of 
 observing its rapid transit through the thirty-seven foot hole 
 as from the fact that it must assist in filling the Bay, which, 
 owing to its extent, would require larger inlets at Caswell 
 and Bald Head, as they at present exist, to supply water 
 sufficient to cover that immense territory within the time al- 
 lowed between the tides. 
 
 I am, sir, respectfully, your ob't serv't, 
 
 WALTER GEISWOLD, 
 I Assistant Engineer. 
 
50 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 7th April, 1871. 
 BiJ. W. W. Harriss, 
 
 President Chamhcr of Commerce: 
 
 Dear Sir : — Having made another visit yesterday to the 
 bar and river improvements, in company with Major Gris- 
 wold, the Engineer in charge, it affords me much j^leasure 
 to communicate to the Chamber the favorable progress of 
 the work since my visit on tlie Gth of March, just one month 
 ago. In that short period of time four cribs have been 
 placed in position and filled with stone, nearly closing up 
 the deep inlet, requiring but one more crib to accomplish 
 the same. The Superintendent is now engaged in placing 
 the superstructure cribs upon the foundation cribs, filling 
 and leveling up with stone above the high water mark, about 
 thirty feet of which is already complete, and the work of 
 placing the superstructure and finishing the work as far as 
 the foundation cribs have been placed, is being rapidly 
 prosecuted. It is most gratifying to observe with what 
 facility this great and important work is aided bj' nature in 
 bringing up to its assistance the requisite amount of sand 
 necessary for forming the beach as rapidly as the current 
 of water is shut out by the finished work. A new beach 
 seems to have formed outside of the old line of flat narrow- 
 shore, which stretches southward toward Bald Head, and 
 which is already up to high water mark and about eighty 
 feet wide. Shoals are forming all along outside of the 
 works, many of them dry at half tide. Nature seems anxious 
 to accomplish this work for us, but true to her own laws, 
 requires us first to put our own shoulders to the wheel. It 
 is very much to be regretted that the appropropriation 
 made by Congress is inadequate for pushing on the work 
 more rapidly, owing to which the expenditures have been 
 curtailed and the number of workmen very much reduced. 
 Considering the small force now engaged the work is pro- 
 gressing with astonishing rapidity, and I congratulate the 
 Chamber upon the very satisfactory results thus far. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) N. NUTT. 
 
57 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, May 10th, 1871. 
 Dr. W. W. Haeriss, 
 
 President Chamber of Commerce : 
 
 Dear Sir : — I have the pleasure of informing you of a 
 visit yesterday to the public works for the improvement of 
 Cape Fear Bar, in company with Major Walter Griswold, 
 resident Engineer in charge. 
 
 I find the work steadily progressing, although not as 
 rapidly as I could hope to see it, the force employed being 
 reduced to meet the small amount of money at command to 
 carry on the work. 
 
 The last crib required for closing the deep inlet has been 
 placed in position and filled with stone, so that this inlet 
 may be said to be closed. 
 
 The superstructure is being put on, and as soon as it is 
 finished and the water shut out, the sand will come up and 
 form the beach, as it has heretofore done, as rapidly as the 
 work has been finished. I am pleased to say that the outer 
 line of new beach, alluded to in my last report, continues to 
 grow, and also, at the point of the beach and thence in the 
 direction of the finished work, I find a very material change 
 in the bar and channel of the new inlet ; whereas it formerly 
 passed out below Zeke's Island and diagonally across the 
 inlet to the outer shore of Federal Point, thence some 
 distance up the beach before crossing the bar, the channel 
 now passes directly from the river in a straight eastwardly 
 course, near the Federal Point shore, into the ocean, with 
 an increased draft of water. 
 
 Whether this change results from the closing of Deep 
 Inlet or from other and natural causes, I am unable to say ; 
 I can only state the fact, strange as it may appear. 
 
 It was our wish and intention to make soundings of the 
 Kij) of the main outlet, near I* ort Casv/ell, but the weather 
 and tide were unsuited, and I am unable to make any report 
 at this time upon that subject, but hope to be able to do so 
 in my next monthly report. 
 
 The experiments for collecting sand upon the low, flat 
 beach, by means of brush, has proven partially successful, 
 
collecting the sand only one to two feet in height. Some 
 change in the plan, I believe, is contemplated, which it is 
 expected will collect the sand more rapidly. 
 
 I see nothing discouraging in the prosecution of this work. 
 
 It is rarely the case that so important and difficult a work 
 has been prosecuted with such signal success, for, although 
 the weather was very unfavorable during the Winter and 
 Spring, delaying the work somewhat, no mistake, error or 
 serious disaster has occurred that I can hear of. May we 
 not hope that this is but a foreshadowing of the final result. 
 
 Respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman, 
 
 THE BAR IMPEOYEMENTS. 
 
 The editor, by invitation, visited the works at New Inlet 
 on the 8th inst., in company with Mr. Nutt, Chairman of the 
 Committee of the Chamber of Commerce on this improve- 
 ment, and in publishing his report we desire to unite with 
 him in congratulating that body upon the successful progress 
 of the work. We were as much astonished as gratified to 
 see how much had been accomplished in so short a time and 
 with insufiicient means. 
 
 From the extreme northern point of Smith's Island the 
 work has been completed upwards of six hundred feet, 
 northwestwardly, towards Zeke's Island, following the line 
 of the old works. Deep Inlet, over five hundred feet in 
 width, and ranging from ten to forty feet in depth, through 
 which an immense volume of water rushed, at the rate of 
 eight or ten miles an hour, has been completely and securely 
 stopped. The northern end of the unfinished work 
 rests temporarily upon a portion of the old stone work, 
 which has, in one or two places, withstood storms and tides 
 
59 
 
 For twenty years. The sealing of tliis inlet is, beyond doubt, 
 the most formidable difficulty to be overcrMtie before reaching 
 Zeke's Island. There are three other inlets between the 
 work and Zeke's Island, but none of them are more than ten 
 feet deep. Unless some trouble is met with in finding a 
 good foundation in the inlet nearest Zeke's Island, which, 
 though wide, is quite shallow, the completion of the work to 
 that island will be comparatively easy and rapid. 
 
 The most gratifying feature connected with the progress of 
 the work is that the sand follows close upon the workmen, and 
 secures their laborsby imbedding the superstructure in front 
 two-thirds of the finished work,and along one-half the distance 
 in rear. An immense bed of sand has collected, coming up 
 to the top of the superstructure, and forming in front a bank 
 many hundred of feet into the ocean at low tide. We 
 measured the depth of the water on the outside of the work, 
 near the point lately finished, where, a few weeks since, a 
 torrent forty feet deep rushed through, and we found it only 
 about ten feet deep. In a month or two the sand will 
 doubtless fill up to the top of the work. 
 
 Major Griswold has displayed an appreciation of the mag- 
 nitude of the work he has in hand and the difficulties to be sur- 
 mounted, and so far as we are competent to judge, compre- 
 hends the effect of his labors upon conflicting currents, which 
 haye almost destroyed the entrance to our river, and provi- 
 ded against the destructive action of tlie winds upon what 
 he has finished. We are satisfied that he will make such 
 further progress with the new appropriation, which is due 
 next month, that Congress will very willingly make an addi- 
 tional appropriation next Winter to complete the work to 
 Zeke's Island by the Fall of 1872. 
 
 The manner in which the work has been done reflects 
 the greatest credit upon those in immediate charge. Wo 
 hope our citizens generally will find f pj)ortunity during 
 the Summer to visit the scene of these improvements. — 
 We are sure that they would come away fully impressed 
 with its magnitude and importance to our port, and satis- 
 fied that it c-dii bo successfully prosecuted. There is no 
 
60 
 
 improvement in progi-ess or contemplated that will add so 
 much to the prosperity of Wilmington and this entire 
 section, and we should do all in our power to further it. A 
 failure now from the want of adequate means may, and 
 probably AviU, be fatal to this enterprize for many years. 
 The proper ^-fiorts upon our part can secure the necessary 
 appropriation, and we must make them. — Journal (Local) 
 Editorial, June loth, 1871. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 9th June, 1871. 
 Dr. W. W. Harriss, 
 
 President Chamber of Commerce: 
 My Dear Sir : — As required by the Chamber, my regular 
 monthly visit to the public works, near Zeke's Island, for 
 the improvement of the Cape Fear Bar, was made yester- 
 day, and it is with much pleasure that I am now able to 
 report the perfect completion of the work across Deep Inlet, 
 the northern end of the finished superstructure resting firmly 
 upon the highest part of the old stone work at a point desig- 
 nated upon the plan of works as the cross, thus effectually 
 sealing up this inlet in a substantial and permanent manner. 
 When we take into consideration the formidable character 
 of this work, an opening of about four or five hundred feet, 
 requiring a superstructure of over six hundred feet lineal, 
 by twenty feet wide and over forty feet high, to shut out or 
 stop a current of water passing in and out at a rate of eight 
 or ten miles an hour, and all of this to be accomplished 
 within the short space of eight months, and at a cost within 
 the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, I think I may 
 safely bo allowed to congratulate the Chamber upon the 
 satisfactory manner in which the work has been prosecuted, 
 and I trust that I may be pardoned for here expressing my 
 appveciatiou of the skill and industry of the officers who 
 designed and executed this great work. Owing to the mild 
 weather of late and prevalence of Westwardly winds the 
 
61 
 
 sand has not made up against the works so rapidly as in the 
 earlier part of the season, when the weather was more stormy 
 and the winds were from the Eastward. There is, however, a 
 perceptible shoaling of the channels and holes in the vicinity 
 of the works, and the formation of shoals outside and in 
 front of the works, which will no doubt be brought up by 
 the first heavy wind from the East. It is much to be re- 
 gretted that very little work can be done this month, owing 
 to exhaustion, or nearly so, of the first appropriation. Con- 
 sequently the work must move very slowly until July, when 
 the last appropriation becomes available. The experiments 
 for collecting drift sand and thereby elevating the beach in 
 the low parts of it. to which allusion was made in my last 
 report, has not been made in consequence of financial 
 deficiency. The first imperfect experiment has acted well 
 and accomplished all that was expected of it, elevating the 
 beach above storm tide, thus proving the feasibility of 
 building up the beach to any desired height by judicious 
 treatment at small cost. 
 
 The outer beach and outer shoals seem to be growing and 
 forming in a manner altogether satisfactory. 
 
 During the past month a corps of engineers, under Oapt. 
 Junkin, (sent out by the Superintendent of the Coast 
 Survey,) has been surveying the main entrance of the river, 
 near Smith's Island and Fort Caswell, a report of which I 
 presume will be made public before a great while, and which 
 will settle the question of improvement, if any, in the draught 
 of water upon the Bar and Kip since the commencement of 
 the work of closing the deep inlet, more satisfactorily than 
 any soundings which I can make. 
 
 I have, therefore, made no soundings since my last report, 
 but rely upon a more accurate report of the o£S.cers of the 
 Coast Survey. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) HENRY NUTT, Chairman. 
 
62 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, July 13tb, 1871. 
 To Dk. W. W. Haekiss, 
 
 President Ckamher of Commerce, Wilmington, N. C: 
 
 Dear Sik : — My usual monthly visit to the " Bar Improve- 
 ment Works " was made yesterday. As stated in my last 
 report, of the 9th of June, very little work was expected du- 
 ring that month, owing to the exhaustion of the appropria- 
 tion for the fiscal year ending 30th June. Since the 1st July 
 instant, the work has been vigorously renewed, and although 
 some little delay was occasioned in re-organizing the hands, 
 much hasLeen accomplished in this short time. About one 
 hundred lineal feet of crib superstructure has been placed 
 upon the old stone foundation and partially filled with stone. 
 In the meantime, sand shoals are rapidly coming up in front 
 of the works, for their protection and security, while the 
 narrow flat beach to the Southward is rapidly growing and 
 strengthening. Everything seems to be progressing well, 
 and much better than might be reasonably expected. 
 
 I am pleased to inform you that the Engineer in charge 
 has considered the importance of securing the drift sand 
 which may be collected on the low, weak parts of the beach, 
 by means of brush fences ar "^ '^ther obstructions, and placed 
 a man in spec ol charge of that department. As a matter of 
 course, this is v crk which req •Tires time to develope. With- 
 in the few days that he has been at work, vaiious experi- 
 ments have been made in propagating the native beach grass 
 and weed from roots and cuttings, and also of the jointed 
 cane grass, all of which appears to be doing well, and I trust 
 will prove successful. 
 
 The new brush fence, alluded to in a former report, has 
 not yet been completed, but I am informed it will be in a few 
 days. The only comment which I propose at present, is, 
 that the work looks very encouraging. 
 
 Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 
 
 (Signed) H. NUTT. 
 
WILMINGTON, N. C, 12tli August, 1871, 
 To Dk. W. W. Haeeiss, 
 
 President Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington, N. C: 
 
 Sir : — No convenient opportunity having presented itself 
 at an earlier clay, I made a visit to the public works, near 
 New Inlet, in company with Major Griswold, the resident 
 Engineer, this day. 
 
 In my last report, I stated that about one hundred lineal 
 feet of cribs had been placed in position upon the old stone 
 foundation, and partially ailed in with stone. It now becomes 
 my pleasant task to report the placing of the foundation of 
 cribs up to the first channel, through the line of the old stone 
 work, a distance of about two hundred and eighty feet from 
 the cross, as designated in my June report, about one hun- 
 dred and thirty feet of which is complete, with the finishing 
 superstructure. 
 
 The channel above alluded to, which at the commencement 
 of the work exhibited about eight feet of water, was found 
 when reached by the workmen, to have cut out to a much 
 greater depth. The rapid cutting out of this channel may 
 be attributed, I think, to the contraction of the opening 
 through which the water had previously passed concentra- 
 ting it upon this point. This channel (which is not wide) is 
 now being bedded with stone, preparatory to placing the 
 foundation cribs across it. 
 
 This unexpected extra work Irs somewhat retarded a rap- 
 id progress ; but, upon the whole, the work appears to be 
 aaoving forward in a very satisfactory manner. The brush 
 fence for collecting sand upon the low parts of the beach, is 
 acting finely, and has already elevated the surface above 
 storm tides wherever they have been placed. 
 
 The experiments in cultivating grass upon the bare beach 
 iiave the appearance of proving successful. The native grass, 
 found growing spontaneously upon these sands, and which I 
 designate as beach grass, is found to bear transplanting gen- 
 erously, and I think will prove of much value in pollecting 
 the drift sand, as well as securing it, having strong lateral 
 and fibrous roots, with a stout cane-like spike running up 
 
04 
 
 some three to five feet above ground — putting out lateral 
 roots at every joint as rapidly as the sand collects around it 
 meanwhile shooting upward the main stem to its standard 
 height, carrying with it its beautiful head of seed. This 
 grass being of spontaneous production, seems peculiarly 
 adapted by nature for just such positions, and only requires 
 the hand of industry and skill to make it of incalculable value. 
 
 The beach, two to five miles south of the works, appears 
 in a critical condition, in some places quite narrow, and cut 
 out in trenches between the hills by the force of prevailing 
 winds ; — the water, during very high tides, finds passage 
 across, and, if long neglected, the result is plain, without the 
 gift of prophecy. 
 
 This condition of the beach may probably be attributable 
 to the concentration of wind currents in their passage South 
 and West over the open bay lying between Smith's Island 
 and the mainland ; and which has likewise had the efi'ect 
 (most probably) of producing a curvature in the coast line, 
 which can only be checked by the cultivation of shrubbery 
 for strengthening the beach. 
 
 It is perceptible that the volume of water passing out of 
 the main or old outlet of the river, between Smith's Island 
 and Oak Island, has been largely increased since the com- 
 mencement of operations near New Inlet, and which seems 
 to take the direction of the old Eastern channel, near Bald 
 Head Point, where it is spread over various shoals, which 
 may require dredging or plowing to concentrate the water 
 into a defined channel, which no doubt it will soon scour out. 
 
 The chart of a survey of the main outlet of the river, made 
 by Capt. Junkiu in May last, by direction of the Coast Sur- 
 vey Department, has been received by Major Griswold, which 
 exhibits a draft of nine and a half (9i) feet of water at mean 
 low tide on the rip near Fort Caswell. 
 
 Kespectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed) HENKY NUTT, Chairman. 
 
65 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, Septemeee 2d, 1871. 
 
 To Dr. W. W. Harriss, 
 
 President of the Cliamher of Connncrce : 
 
 Sir : — In accordance with tlie wishes of the Chan i - > , the 
 regular monthly visit of your Committee to the public works 
 for the improvement of Cape Fear Bar and River was made 
 this day, and they are pleased to report the steady and suc- 
 cessful progress of the work. 
 
 Since their last report, August the 12th, a most violent 
 Northeast gale has visited oar coast, producing some appre- 
 hension for the safety of the works, and during the month 
 much rainy weather prevailed, retarding operations some- 
 what. From the violence of the storm some of the unfinished 
 cribs and preparatory timber was displaced, which involved 
 some loss of time and labor to place them in position 
 again. This was successfully and speedily accomplished 
 through the energy and skill of the Local Superintendent, 
 and all is now going on well again. It is with much pleasure 
 that they are enabled to report the perfect safety and security 
 of the finished work, for, notwithstanding the storm was one 
 of unusual violence and duration, from the Northeast, 
 and the ocean water elevated much above its ordinary level, 
 having full and unobstructed sweep, was brought against the 
 works with great force, no injury whatever was sustained ; 
 not a timber or plank was moved from its position, thus 
 proving the adaptability of the plans designed for a successful 
 prosecution of this great and important work. They here beg 
 leave to call your attention to the fact that while the 
 Engineers and operatives have done all that flesh and blood 
 could do under the circumstances, they nevertheless labor 
 under grievous disadvantages for the want of means to em- 
 ploy a sufiieient force to guard and protect exposed and 
 weak points ahead of their work while they are advancing 
 and securing the general line ; for experience has ^ 'lown 
 that as the volume of water passing in and out of these open- 
 ings is checked, or shut out, its passage being contracted, it 
 is throw^n with greater force upon the weaker points, cutting 
 
G6 
 
 them out very rapidly, entailing a greater expenJituTe of 
 money, time and labor for securing them afterwards. 
 
 So you will readily perceive that the officers in charge of this 
 work, with the best intentions, are obstructed and tied down 
 to a limited monthly expenditure, thereby restraining them 
 in rendering to the Government as valuable service as they 
 might otherwise do, and postponing the period of inscribing 
 their own names in the niche of fame. The shoals in the 
 vicinity of the works have somev/hat changed their positions, 
 but this is by no means prejudicial to them. A portion of the 
 sand in fiont of the work has been thrown over and back of it, 
 which is rather an advantage, as more sand will no doubt 
 soon take its place in front. Zeke's Island is somewhat 
 changed, indicating an increased low water area, while its 
 high water area appears diminished. There is some appear- 
 ance of an increased depth of water in the small inlet next 
 south of the Island, though I had no means of determining 
 this fact. The oriter shoals seem to increase, and the point 
 of beach extending northward in front of the work, while the 
 beach south is evidently and perceptibly growing. The 
 catch sand fences have proven successful, not a rail was 
 removed by the storm, and the brush has been completely 
 covered with sand to the top of the fence, presenting an em- 
 bankment three or five feet high, and, of course, far above 
 the reach of any tide. This- and the weak parts of the beach, 
 where the wind has blown out trenches between the hills, 
 are now being strengthened by a system of cultivating the 
 beach grass. This gruss bears transplanting well ; none of 
 that which was set out in July and August has died, but all is 
 growing and doing finely, and I think will bear transplanting 
 at any season of the year. Where planted, it has not only 
 successfully resisted the blowing away of sand, but has 
 already collected it in many places a foot or over in height. 
 The Major has been fortunate in securing the services of a 
 competent man in this department, wlio seems to understand 
 liis business, and I hope is do-ng valuable service, which 
 time alone will demonstrate. 
 
 Having no opportunity of visiting the lower harbor and 
 
6Y 
 
 main inlet, your Committee have nothing to add to their 
 August report in that direction. In conclusion, they beg to 
 state that thus far in the progress of the work everything 
 has worked well ; there have been no mistakes or blunders, 
 no waste of time or money, and the prospect ahead is flat- 
 tering. Everything now depeiids upon the good sense and 
 liberality of Congress in making the necessary appropria- 
 tions for the early and successful completion of this noble 
 enterprise. The gentlemen in charge of this work sefm 
 fully alive to its varied complications, its difficulties, magni- 
 tude and importance, and are working like beavers to inscribe 
 their names high on the roll of fame, and should they be so 
 fortunate as to merit it by a full and complete accomplish- 
 ment, none will rejoice more than 
 
 "Your humble servant, 
 
 H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 30th September, 1871. 
 To Wm. W. Hakeiss, Esq., 
 
 President of the Chamber of Commerce : 
 
 Sir :— The usual monthly visit of your Committee to the 
 public works, near New Inlet, for the improvement of Cape 
 Fear Bar and Harbor, was made yesterday, in the company 
 of Major Griswold, Mayor Martin and others. 
 
 In appearance the work has made very little progress, but 
 remains apparently in the condition in which it was left on the 
 occasion of their last report a month ago ; the labors of the 
 Superintendent having been directed exclusively to harden- 
 ing the bottoms of the small openings through the line of old 
 stone work, to prevent further Avashing out as the work pro- 
 ceeds, and of leveling up the same with stone to receive the 
 cribs and finishing superstructure. 
 
 This work is all under water, of course out of sight, and to 
 the casual observer, aftbrds little appearance of progress ; 
 whereas, a large amount of necessary labor aud expense has 
 
:g8 
 
 really been accomplislied, this extra labor and expense being 
 necessitated by the limited amount of means allowed for 
 prosecuting the work with economy and dispatch. 
 
 It is expected that in a short time this precautionary pre- 
 paration will bo complete, when the regular work of finishing 
 up the line will proceed as heretofore. 
 
 It is perceptible that the water is shoaling in the vicinity 
 of the works on both sides of it, and the outer shoals are evi- 
 dentlj' moving up, as it were, in a body. The point of beach 
 is extending Northward, and in front of the work. The inlet 
 South of Zeke's Island seems not to be affected, as its depth 
 of vaLer is still maintained, while the Island itself is grad- 
 ually wearing away, and is almost entirely covered with wa- 
 ter by high tides. The catch sand fences are operating very 
 well, and form a good nucleus for building up the beach uni- 
 formly, while the beach grass, which is being planted, and 
 which seems alive and growing well, does much towards 
 strengthening the beach against incursions of the wind, as 
 well as collecting and securing the sand. 
 
 The breach across Bald Head Point, in rear of the old jet- 
 tie, is progressing. A very strong outward current is here 
 formed by the river water, which seems to take the direction 
 of the Eastern shore ; and, its abrasion upon the soft earth 
 of the point being more eflective than upon the hard bottom 
 of its channel, the point is ra^^idly wearing away, instead of 
 deepening the channel. 
 
 Bespectfully, your ob't serv't, 
 
 H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, Oth Novembee, 1871. 
 Col. W. L. DeRosset, 
 
 President of the Chamber of Commerce : 
 
 Sir : — Your Committee, to whom was referred the subject 
 
 of " Bar and Eiver Improvements," visited the works on 
 
 Tuesday last, the 7th instant, and ask leave to report : That 
 
G9 
 
 since their last report a month ago, there is very little 
 appearance of progress, the work being confined to securing 
 a foundation for the break-water, which is now nearly com- 
 plete. The work of placing the finishing superstructure 
 has commenced, and we trust our next report will exhibit a 
 considerable amount of finished work. We are pleased to 
 report that the sand has been brought up against the break- 
 water, entirely across the deep inlet to high water mark, and 
 the beach has been formed from the outer edge of the 
 abutment at the cross, or southern end of the old line of 
 stone work, almost in a straight line to the outer point of 
 beach, thus filling the deep inlet and effectually securing 
 the break-water. This is a most flattering result, the magni' 
 tude of which can only be understood when we state that 
 this was an inlet about six hundred feet wide and thirty to 
 forty feet deep, with an eight to ten knot current. 
 
 The beach is extending northward, from which a line of 
 shoals is apparent in the direction of Zeke's Island, some 
 distance in front of the break-water line. 
 
 The catch sand fences and grass cultivation are perfectly 
 satisfactory. 
 
 We find growing upon the beach two distinct varieties of 
 grass, but somewhat similar in character, designed, no doubt, 
 by nature, for collecting and binding the drift sand of such 
 localities, being of humble appearance, and seemingly suited 
 to no other purpose. Not knowing the name of either, we 
 shall designate them as " 3IaU Grass " and " Carolina Beach 
 Grass.'" Not having seen the former in bloom we are unable 
 to determine positively, but as it bears some of the charac^ 
 teristics of leaf and root described of the " Matt grass " of 
 England and Scotland, (where it is so highly valued as a 
 seacoast defence as to be recognized by the Government of 
 Great Britain and nationalized by special act of Parliament 
 for its protection,) we think it the same, and shall so treat it 
 for the present. 
 
 We find this grass was known and cultivated as a seacoast 
 defence at Provincetown, (Cape Cod,) in Massachusetts, as 
 early as 1812. It has likewise been cultivated with success 
 
70 
 
 upon the sands at Lowell, and still further up on the banks 
 of the Merrimack river. 
 
 We also find that this grass is not unknown to the Gov- 
 ernmeut of the United States, for, between the years 1826 
 and 1839 Congress appropriated twenty-eight thousand 
 dollars, which was expended in setting out this beach grass 
 near the village of Provincetown, for the protection of the 
 harbor. And again, as late at the year 1854, five thousand 
 dollars were ivisely expended by the General Government in 
 adding to the work. So this grass seems to have had a 
 national reputation even in this country, and the precedent 
 is here established for its cultivation upon our coast, where 
 ic is much needed. The " Carolina beach grass,'' alluded to 
 above, we can find no description of. It differs from the 
 " Matt grass " in that it has a stout, rigid cane-like culm 
 rising three to five feet above ground, long, flat leaves, and 
 spreading pannicle, putting out strong, lateral roots from 
 every joint as soon as the sand reaches it ; in the meantime 
 the culm is pushed upward, and is consequently always out 
 of the way of an extraordinary drift of sand. The roots are 
 stouter than the Matt grass, having the same peculiarfty of 
 spreading, producing tubers, from which issue new shoots or 
 plants, and possessing many advantages over the Matt grass. 
 As a collector and binder of drift sand we know of no 
 superior, and this is the grass adopted for cultivation upon 
 our beach by the Engineer in charge of the work, and from 
 which (if continued) we may reasonably expect valuable 
 results. 
 
 It will be remembered that, as yet, no^special appropria- 
 tion has been made for this object. 
 
 In view of the importance of restoring, j)reserving and 
 protecting this valuable harbor, its magnitude, the many 
 and varied complications surrounding the operations of a 
 successful, economical and early completion of the work, 
 your Committee feel that they cannot too strongly urge 
 upon the Chamber the necessity of using all lawfuFmeans, 
 loaving no wheel unturned to procure from the next Congress 
 a sufficient appropriation to enable the Engineer in charge 
 
71 
 
 of this work not merelj to complete the break-water now iu 
 course of construction, but likewise to enable bim to command 
 the situation according to his own juGlgment and discretion in 
 all its varied complications, as contemplated in the general 
 plan of operations, such as strengthening weak points, 
 removing obstructions, dredging proper channels, <fec. 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 (iSigned) H. NUTT, Chairman, &c. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 14th December, 1871. 
 Col. "W. L. DeKosset, 
 
 President of the Chamber of Commerce, Wilmingt'^n, N. C: 
 
 Sir : — The monthly visit to the public works for the im- 
 provement of Cape Fear Eiver and Bar was made by your 
 Committee on Wednesdaj^ of last week, the 6th inst. Since 
 their last visit, on the 7th of November, about one hundred 
 and fifty (150) lineal feet of the line of breakwater has been 
 ^nished, and about one hundred and twenty-five (125) feet 
 more pretty well advanced towards completion, which will 
 be finished in a few days. 
 
 During the past few months a succession of storms has 
 prevailed upon the coast, accompanied by unusually high 
 tides, involving some loss of time, labor, and materials, and 
 hIso some change of operations ; and as this report may not 
 be clearly understood as harmonizing strictly with former 
 reports, we recapitulate. 
 
 Since the commencement of the work, about nine hundred 
 (900) lineal feet of breakwater has been permanently fixed 
 and completely finished, one hundred and twenty-five (125) 
 feet more nearly finished, besides a considerable amount of 
 work done in securing the foundation for the advancing 
 *»reakwater. In the meantime, the floating sand of the ocean 
 iias steadily followed the work as finished, and settled into a 
 firm beach in front of the breakwater, two to four hundred 
 feet wide, thus securing the stability of the works against al- 
 most^any contingency. 
 
The violent Southeast gale, of the 10th of November, ac- 
 companied by the extraordinary tidal-wave of five to seven 
 feet above ordinary tides, swept away a portion of the front 
 of Smith's Island beach, south of the work, but we are pleas- 
 ed to say that it is now rapidly making up again. 
 
 And we are further pleased to note the perfect success and 
 utility of the catch sand fences and grass cultivation, neither 
 of which was damaged, but resisted without injury both 
 storm and tide ; and we cannot but esteem it as most fortu- 
 nate that the work of building up and securing the beach was 
 commenced as early as it was, hut for which the probabilities 
 are that a large portion of the beach would have been swept 
 into the river by the late storm and tidal-wave. 
 
 Tour Committee beg leave to express their gratification at 
 the wonderful success which has thus far attended this work, 
 and the great accomplishment with the limited means at 
 command. 
 
 It is to be hoped that the attention of Congress may be 
 directed to a more liberal appropriation for vigorously prose* 
 cuting this important work. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 8th January, 1872. 
 CoL. Wm. L. DeEohset, 
 
 President of the Chamhcr of Commerce, Wilmington. N. C.r 
 
 Sir : — On Friday, the 4th instant, your Committee visited 
 the public works near New Inlet for the improvement of the 
 Bar and Eiver. Teey also walked some five or six miles down 
 the beach toward Smith's Island, to see the condition of the 
 beach in that direction, as well as to see the effect of the 
 catch sand fences, and examine the progress of the grass 
 culture. 
 
 As anticipated in their last report, very little work has been 
 done during the past month, owing to the holidays inter" 
 
vening, and the usual loss of time iu closing up the affairs of 
 one year and commencing another. 
 
 Of the one hundred and twenty-five feet of unfinished work 
 alluded to in our last report, about fifty feet have been 
 finished ; — work is also progressing on the line of breakwater. 
 This is about all which appears to have been done during 
 the past broken month. Nature, howeYer, continues her 
 work of enlarging the beach, and bringing up the shoals, to 
 secure and strengthen the breakwater as fast as it can be 
 finished. 
 
 The catch sand fences have accomplished more than was 
 expected of them, having elevated the beach four to seven 
 feet high, and several thousand feet in length. Wherever 
 the brush fence is placed, the beach makes up immediately 
 to it, and if the means were at command the whole beach 
 could very soon be secured. 
 
 The grass cultivation has had no opportunity as yet of 
 displaying its real value to the casual observer, (no growing 
 season having been reached since its commencement,) but 
 with your committee, who have watched its progress, the 
 utmost confidence is established in its ultimate success. — 
 "When planted, it puts out roots immediately, taking firm hold 
 upon the surrounding sand, which it secures, collecting the 
 blowing sand as high as its tops will permit ; and we think 
 the beach will build up just as fast as the grass grows. To 
 your committee at least, therefore, the growing season of the 
 next six or eight months will be one of much interest. 
 
 We feel constrained, though reluctantly, to briog to your 
 notice the critical, we may say dangerous, condition of that 
 portion of the beach lying next to Smith's Island, and extend- 
 ing up above the lower pilot look-out. In several places the 
 beach or ridge of sand (not high) docs not exceed thirty feet 
 in width at high tides ; and at other places, the beach L^eing 
 low and flat, the ocean waves make a clean sweep across at 
 extreme high tides, and it is simply wonderful that a j)erma- 
 nent opening has not long since been effected. 
 
 This danger being remote from the field of operations, no 
 doubt has escaped the notice of the Engineer in charge of 
 
74 
 
 the works "We therefore deem it necessary only to intimate 
 these facts. We believe, however, he has already taken the 
 preliminary steps to secure these points, 
 
 "We here bep^ leave to state incidentally, as matter of 
 information for the Chamber, that a corps of Engineers from 
 Charleston, under Gen. Ludlow, has been examining the site 
 and surroundings of Fort Anderson, for what purpose we are 
 not advised ; and also another corps, under direction of the 
 Superintendent of the Coast Survey Department, are making 
 surveys of the harbor and its entrances as high up as Fede- 
 ral Point, and which it is expected to complete in a few days. 
 
 The visit of the Commission appointed to investigate mat- 
 ters relating to our harbor, expected here on Tuesday, the 
 9th instant, has been unavoidably defeired. Conjecture only 
 is left us that it is temporary, and that very soon we shall 
 have the pleasure of greeting their arrival. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 BAR AND RIVER IMPROVEMENTS— OUR MER- 
 CHANTS. 
 
 We publish elsewhere the monthly re|X)rt of the Committee 
 of the Chamber of Commerce, upon the condition of the 
 Government works at New Inlet, submitted to that body by 
 Mr. Henry Nutt, the Chairman of the Committee. It is un- 
 necessary for us to point out the value of these reports 
 and the favorable influence they are having in ofl&ciaj circles. 
 Every minute particular, with which they abound, gives to 
 the proper department the very information which is most 
 desired. 
 
 It is hardly necessary for us to refer to the importance of 
 the works now in progress, looking to the improvement of 
 
75 
 
 ^ur bar and river. Those wlio are familiar with the business 
 of our city know that the want of water is the great barrier 
 to the rapid improvement of Wilmington. If the draft of 
 water upor- our bar and in the channel of the river could be 
 doubled, the commerce, wealth and population of our city- 
 would be doubled also. We have now direct communication 
 with Augusta and the upper portions of South Carolina, and 
 will soon be in direct communication with the interior of our 
 o^VA State by the completion of the Wilmington, Charlotte 
 and Rutherford Railroad. Other railroads are contemplated 
 and will be built, and others not now spoken of will be 
 projected and finished, if the works at the mouth of the river 
 are successfully pushed forward. 
 
 Railroads &re now projected, and, indeed, several are being 
 pushed Eastward, to connect Cincinnati, Louisville and 
 Memphis with the Atlantic. The geographical position of 
 our city is most favorable for this connection, and our large 
 lumber business with the West Indies renders our port the 
 best adapted to supply the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys 
 with the products of these Islands. The want of water upon 
 our bar and in our river will prove a fatal barrier to this 
 business unless it is removed. 
 
 Can it be done ? Can we prepare our port to do its full 
 share of the vast business which must soon burst through 
 cur Western mountains and seek the Atlantic ? Charleston 
 and Norfolk, on each side of us, are preparing. They are 
 going out to meet it a,nd divide it between them. We will 
 certaiidy lose it if we lie supinely upon our backs. The 
 rapidly increasing business of the West must have new 
 channels. The railroads to New York and Baltimore are 
 too long ; the river to New Orleans is unreliable, and trans- 
 portation is too slow. And, indeed, there will soon be 
 business enough to over-crowd all their present modes of 
 transportation. Direct and short connection with the At- 
 lantic must be had. 
 
 We think it has been demonstrated that our bar and river 
 can be improved. Considering the means at hand, Major 
 Oriswold, the Engineer in charge, has worked wonders. Th« 
 
TC 
 
 progress he has made, the work resisting, in its unfinished 
 state, the fury of some of the wildest storms which have 
 ever visited our coast ; nay, its strength and durability is 
 increased by their action, shows him not only capable, but 
 " master of the situation." 
 
 We are satisfied, from personal inspection of the work, 
 from the monthly reports submitted to the Chamber of 
 Commerce, and from the judgment of scientific men, that 
 ■with sufficient appropriations New Inlet can be closed, and 
 the water on the lower bar increased to almost its original 
 depth. 
 
 If this, indeed, be the great barrier to our progress, it 
 becomes the duty of every citizen to use his best exertions 
 to remove it. Other cities and States are getting vast 
 appropriations to rebuild public buildings, to increase public 
 woiks, to improve harbors and rivers, and our claims are 
 equal to the best. It has been our experience that those 
 who have been modest in pushing their own interests have 
 been overlooked and neglected. 
 
 The question occurs, who are the proper persons to 
 promote our interests in this behalf ? Every one will say 
 that the merchants of Wilmington can do more, by proper 
 action, than all others. 
 
 We know that when bills are to be passed in the Legisla- 
 ture or Congress, public men are expected to assist in their 
 passage. Merchants, ordinarily, pay little attention to such 
 matters, and are apt to forget that they have any considera- 
 tion in such bodies. They underrate their own influence 
 too frequently. We are satisfied that in securing an adequate 
 appropriation for our bar improvement that the Chamber of 
 Commerce of this city can do more than all the politicians 
 of the State combined. Let them assemble together and 
 draft a petition setting forth the progress made and the 
 advantages in a commercial and naval point of view its 
 completion will give ; let a committee from the Chamber 
 visit the merchants of New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, 
 and secure their endorsement and co-operation, which will 
 be readily given. Then let the appeal be made to Congress. 
 
77 
 
 Fortified with these mercantile endorsements and aided by 
 the presence of several of our leading merchants, wo will 
 warrant that Colonel Waddell, our member of Congress, will 
 have little di faculty in getting an appropriation sufficiently 
 large to place the enterprise beyond the chance of failure. 
 
 Is it not worth an earnest and faithful trial ? We submit 
 the proposition to our merchants and leave it to their candid 
 consideration. A commission of distinguished Government 
 officials will soon visit the works at New Inlet and submit a 
 report. If it should be favorable, and we have no doubt on 
 that score, it will be the best opportunity for our merchants 
 to act. Let their petition follow this report. Who doubts 
 that their efforts will be crowned with success ? — Journal 
 Editorial, January 2d, 1872. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, 8th February, 1872. 
 Col. Wm. L. DeKosset, 
 
 President of the Chamber of Commerce : 
 
 Sir : — Your Committee have had no opportunity of visiting 
 the works near New Inlet for the improvement of the harbor, 
 and consequently are unable at present to make their usual 
 monthly report upon the situation and progress of the work. 
 They hope to be enabled to do so in a few days. 
 
 The Board of Engineers to examine our harbor, and the 
 works now in progress for its improvement, alluded to in our 
 last monthly report, consisting of Generals Z. B. Tower, Q. 
 A. Gilmore, J. G. Foster and H. G. Wright, accompanied by 
 Col. Wm. P. Craighill and Capt. C. B. Phillips, arrived on 
 the evening of the 23d of January last. 
 
 On the 21th, they, with a number of our merchants and 
 other citizens, made an excursion down to the works, to Fed- 
 eral Point and Fort Fisher, on board the U. S.Kcvenue Cut- 
 ter Seward, Capt. Carson, tendered for the occasion through 
 the courtesy of D. Eumley, Esq., Collector of the port. The 
 
ib 
 
 "•loth was also spent down the river, on Smith's Ishand, Bald 
 Head, and Foil Caswell. The weather on both days was 
 yerv fine, and to the courteous attentions of Capt. Carson 
 and his officers are we indebted for a most pleasant time. 
 
 We are, of course, in ignorance as to the conclusions ar- 
 rived at bj the Board, but entertaining the utmost conlidence 
 in its ability to comprehend the true situation, as it was, is 
 now, and what it may be again, and in its integrity and kindly 
 feeling to recommend the proper appliances for restoring the 
 harbor. We feel assured that its report will be satisfactory. 
 
 We herewith submit a letter from Col. Craighill, returning 
 the thanks of the Board of Engineers to the Commit/ee and 
 Chamber for courteous attentions, and for facilities afforded 
 them in the performance of their duty of examining the river 
 below Wilmington, and discussing the subject of its improve- 
 ment, on the occasion of their visit on the 24:th ult. 
 
 Through the thoughtful consideration of Mrs. General 
 Whiting, your Committee and the Chamber have been placed 
 in possession of a commercial statement made in 1815 by 
 Joshua Potts, and for which we feel greatly indebted ; — and 
 also to Major M. P. Taylor for a similar statement made in 
 1843 by the late Robert W. Brown. These statements, while 
 they present interesting features in t>he articles of production 
 and export, and the manner of transacting business in those 
 days, contain items of importance in the early history of the 
 Cape Fear. 
 
 From a comparison of these two statements, it will be seen 
 that the draught of water upon the New lulet Bar was iden- 
 tically the same — 11.^ feetatliigh tide — at both dates of 1815 
 and 1843, while the water upon the Main Bar had deprecia- 
 ted three (3) feet in the twenty -eight years intervening. The 
 Western Bar, now in use, is not alluded to by either. The 
 draught of water upon the Flatts below Wilmington, near 
 Big Island, was identically the same — 11. i feet — at both 
 dates, proving that the operations for improving the channel 
 by the State, under Fulton, and those by the General Gov- 
 ernment, under Capt. Baclie, between the years 1820 and 
 1830, had effected no improvement to navigation, supposed 
 to be owing to the old obstructicns. 
 
79 
 
 In bis statement in 1815, Mr, Potts says : " Unfortunately, 
 a couple of years since the sea encroached on the shore, and 
 destroyed the Lighthouse ; and within a few years an angle 
 to the westward has been formed in that part of the channel 
 "which was formerly straight, by which circumstance the navi- 
 gation over the Main Bar has become more difficult." 
 
 We here have the date of the destruction of the old Light- 
 House fixed at 1813, and the cause of it, with some facts for 
 reflection by Engineers upon the conflicting currents of the 
 ocean and river. 
 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C, February 12th, 1872. 
 CoL. Wm. L. DeEosset, 
 
 President of the Chamber of Commerce : 
 
 Sir : — The regular monthly visit of the Committee on Bar 
 and Kiver Improvements to the vi ,jrks near New Inlet, was 
 made on Saturday last, the 10th instant. 
 
 They found the work progressing as satisfactorily as the 
 means at command would seem to justify. Since their last 
 visit on the 11th of January, there has been about two hun- 
 dred and fifty (250) feet of the breakwater finished, aggre- 
 gating about twelve hundred (1,200) feet of the breakwater 
 ar completely finished up to this time ; some unfinished crib 
 work not estimated. Besides, (as we learn from enquiry,) 
 there has been about eight hundred (800) feet of preparatory 
 work done in filling up of the various slues (which have cut 
 cue) with sti/iie, and leveling up to low water mark the line 
 of the permanent breakwater, which will greatly facilitate 
 future operations. 
 
 The beach in front continues to follow the work as rapidly 
 as completed and the current is checked. 
 
 The succession of heavy storms upon our coast of late, 
 accompanied by unusually high tides, has had the effect of 
 wearing the beach to some extent, particularly at the outer 
 
so 
 
 point or turn of it, and blowing the sand from exposed and 
 unprotected situations, while those jDarts where catch sand 
 fences have been placed, and grass planted, little or no 
 damage has been sustained, but rather benefited bj collecting 
 and holding the drifting sand. 
 
 "We can make no satisfactory statement in regard to Zeke's 
 Island, which was entirely covered by the high tides, or of 
 the Inlet south of it, as we have no means of determining 
 whether they are being damaged or otherwise. We can only 
 see that an immense amount of sand is brought inside 
 through the Inlets, and deposited in the river and bay, and 
 there can be little doubt of large quantities being carried 
 down to the lower harbor and its outlet. 
 
 Should the present Congress think proper to make the re- 
 quisite appropriation for a more vigorous prosecution of work 
 upon the breakwater, and at the same time upon the several 
 combinations which reem to be necessaiy for effecting good 
 results from tlie work, we have no doubt it will prove, in the 
 end, the surest economy, and we shall much sooner be ena- 
 bled to reap the rich benefits inevitably fiowing from it. 
 
 Your Committee acknowledge its inability to perceive the 
 wisdom or economy of frittering away large sums of money 
 in jDrosccuting complicated works so sluggishl}- as to admit 
 of rapid damage to weak points of the combination, equal, 
 in some instances, to the amount of work accomplished, 
 which might be avoided, and the work greatly economised, 
 by the more judicious course of prosecuting it with energy, 
 and a proper forecast in suppressing injurious eflects upon 
 weak points at the same time, or in advance of the main 
 work. Hence the necessity of urging upon Congress the 
 importance, the wisdom, the real economy, of placing at the 
 command of the Engineer in charge a sufiicient amount to 
 conduct the work, as circumstances may arise to require it, 
 and as his own judgment may dictate. No apprehensions 
 need be entertained that the money will be squandered, his 
 judicious and successful management thus far is ample assu- 
 rance that there will be no waste of time or money. 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
, WILMINGTON, N. C, Makch 11th, 1872. 
 Col. Wm. L. DeRosset, 
 
 President of the Chamber of Commerce : 
 
 Sir : — The monthly visit of your Committee to the harbor 
 improvements, near New Inlet, was made on Thursday last, 
 the 7th inst. 
 
 It will be remembered that during the past month, Cape 
 Fear river has been visited by an extraordinary freshet, the 
 water rising; to an unusual height, so much so that during its 
 existence the water at the works was not reduced at low tide 
 more than eighteen inches below the line of high water mark. 
 As a matter of course, very little work could be done during 
 this condition of affairs. Add to this a continuance of stormy 
 weather during nearly the whole month ; — one storm of great 
 violence, which lasted for four days consecutively, the wind 
 blowing all the while from one direction, was well calculated 
 to result in damaging effects. Strange as it may appear, 
 however, we are pleased to say that no damage whatever was 
 done to any part of the work, either of the breakwater, the 
 brash fences, or the grass which htsd been planted. Every- 
 thing is intact, as though no storm or high tide had occurred, 
 while there are indications of considerable damage to the 
 exposed and un]3rotected parts of the beach. 
 
 The simple statement of these facts we feel to be the 
 strongest commentary at our command upon the utility and 
 stability of the works now progressing. 
 
 Work upon the break-water is progressing satisfactorily 
 under the circumstances, and considering the small amount 
 of means allowed to progress with. 
 
 Quite an amount of foundation work has been done, 
 although only about thirty or forty feet have been completed 
 by the finishing superstructure. The beach in front continues 
 to follow up the work, and the flats of the bay inside of the 
 work is rapidly filling, so that it is difficult to get a small 
 boat to the beach from the river, except at high tide. 
 
 We here desire to call attention to an apparent change 
 going on in the curreL.t of the main New Inlet, which now 
 seems to take a south eastwardly direction from the inner 
 
82 
 
 shore of Foderal Point, diagonally across the inlet, outside 
 of the outer point of Zeke's Island shore, moving in a some- 
 what parallel line to Smith Island beach, throwing up in its 
 passage a reef or line of shoal from the outer point of beach 
 to Zeke's Island. 
 
 How this change of current (if correct) will affect the 
 present plan of operations we are unable to say, and if we 
 were, it would be exceeding our province to speak. If 
 prejudicial, the Engineer in charge will very soon discover it, 
 if he has not already done so. 
 
 There is still another matter to which we deem it proper 
 to call the attention of the Chamber. It appears from the 
 chra't of a survey made last summer by Capt. Juuken, of the 
 U. S. Coast Survey, and under its direction, that there then 
 existed upon the Hip across the Western channel of the main 
 outlet of the harbor, near Fort Caswell, nine and a half (9^) 
 feet draught of water at low tide, the benefits of which, as 
 yet, have not been made available. This passage appears 
 narrow and not exactlj'- straight, and can only be rendered 
 available by the addition of two or three buoys judiciously 
 placed. 
 
 And again, we are informed (unofficially of course) that the 
 volume of water now passing the main outlet of the harbor, 
 being largely increased by the construction of the I'reakwa- 
 ter near New Inlet, and taking the general direction of the 
 Eastern or old main ship channel on the Bald Head side of 
 the outlet, is perceptibly wearing a channel through ; he outer 
 balk-head on Keeper Shoals, and that ten (10) feet draught 
 can now be obtained across it at low tide. If these reports 
 should prove true, (and we suppose the facts will soon be 
 developed by the officers of the Coast Survey now at work 
 upon tills outlet,) we can see no good reason why our com- 
 merce should not have the benefit of any improvement in the 
 navigation, and as rapidly as such improvement is made, by 
 having the channels properly marked b}'^ buoys. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted for your considera- 
 tion. 
 
 (Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 
 
HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 
 
 Ill company with Henry Nutt, Esq., Cliairman of the 
 Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, we visited on 
 Monday last the works for the improvement of our harbor. 
 As our readers know, the object of these Wvjrks is, by dimin- 
 ishing the water at New Inlet, to increase that at the mouth 
 of the river. The first step in the prosecution of this work 
 was to connect Zeke's Island with the northern end of Smith's 
 Island beach. The gap between the two points was about 
 forty -five hundred feet in width. Twelve hundred and sixty- 
 three feet of this gap have been crossed by means of sub- 
 sta,ntial cribs, filled with stones and rocks, and covered with 
 heavy j)lanking. In addition to this, a distance of one 
 hundred and thirty feet has been cribbed and is ready for 
 planking, and rocks have been sunk, and are now ready for 
 cribbing, including the remains of Captain Woodbury's 
 work, for a distance of about four hundred feet ; — all of this 
 w^ill be completed by 1st May. Tlie depth of water between 
 the end of Woodbury's work and Zeke's Island is only about 
 seven feet at high water, and offers no difficulty to be over- 
 come. The great work of connecting Zeke's Island with 
 Smith's Island beach has already been accomplished. A 
 channel of six hundred feet wide, and for five hundred feet 
 of this width between thirty-five and forty feet deep, has been 
 closed up in such a manner as to resist the violence of the 
 most terrific storms. 
 
 The beach from Smith's Island has followed the work, and 
 will doubtless continue to do so until the connection with 
 Zeke's Island is established, increasing in width and height. 
 
 In order to complete the work, another appropriation from 
 Congress is absolutely necessary. If the amount asked for, 
 $150,000, be granted, the work will be carried across Zeke's 
 Island during the next fiscal year. 
 
 Smith's Island beach, the long narrow strip of land between 
 the Ocean and Buzzard's Bay, is being perceptibly strength- 
 
9A 
 
 ened, by means of brush fences and tdc " Carolina Beach 
 Grass." 
 
 The brush fences arc nothing more nor less than parallel 
 line? of rail fences filled in with l)rush. The sand has accu- 
 mulated along these fences to such a height that the "riders" 
 only are now visible. 
 
 The grass was set out in parallel rows last Summer and 
 Fall, and during the Winter just passed, and in thut short 
 time even has plainly developed its capacity for holding the 
 sand. 
 
 No one who stood on Monday upon the work, and remem- 
 bered the surging volume of water that only a few months 
 before rushed beneath the very spot on Avhich he was then 
 standing, can doubt the pi aeticability or success of the work. 
 Nor can there be any doubt of the beneficial effect upon the 
 navigation of our noble river. 
 
 Upon Ihe success of the efforts to improve our river and 
 harbor depend, in our opinion, in a great degree, the future 
 welfare and prosperity of the city of Wilmington. 
 
 The business of transportation of both freights and passen- 
 gers has been of recent years reduced to a system adapted 
 to the wants, necessities, and geographical conformation of 
 the country as a Avhole. There are a comparativel}' few greut 
 main lines Avith innumerable side lines or feeders. 
 
 The termini of all main lines running East and West are 
 the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The necessities of the 
 country demand at least two of these main iuteroceanic lines. 
 Why should not Wilmington be one of the Atlantic termini ? 
 
 But we are unwilling to give expression to the bright hopes 
 of the future we anticipate for our goodly old town. But 
 whether that success be attained in full or scant measure, 
 the name of Henry Nutt will, and ought to be, held in grate- 
 ful remembrance by all our people to the last generation, as 
 the earnest, persistent, and enthusiastic friend of this great 
 work.— Jovrnal EiHlorial, 3Iarch WJi, 1872. 
 
''4. 
 
 WILMINGTON, 
 
 ^ 
 
 I^-A-ST, I=» It E S E 3Sr T -A-lsTID EXJTTJI^E. 
 
 HISTORY OF ITS HARBOR, 
 
 DETAILED REPORTS OF THE WORK 
 > 
 
 3 FOR IMPROVING AND RESTORING- TH^ SAME, 
 NOW BEING CONDUCTED BY THE 
 
 XJ. S„ Grovemnieiit. 
 
 RESOURCES A]S[D ADYAjSTAGES 
 
 AS AN ENTREPOT FOR WESTERN CITIES. 
 HARBOR OF REFUGE, 
 
 COAZbT^G D13POT FOB, THIB ITA V"T 
 
 ]s^E:ROH:^r<rT :M:-^ptiisrE:, 
 
 PUBLISHED BY OKDEE OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 
 
 i9 
 
 t 
 
 WILMINGTON, N. C. 
 
 .T. A. ENGELHARD, STEAM POWER PRESS PRINTER, 
 JOUKNAIi BUILDINGS. 
 
 1872. 
 
 
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