NP, FO 1/8/1863

From the Fayetteville (N. C.) Observer
 
January 8, 1863
 
Valuable Coal Field For Sale
   The subscriber offers for sale the Valuable Coal Field, known as "Horneville," and situated in Chatham County, in the celebrated Deep River Coal and Iron Region of North Carolina. It is 43 miles from Fayetteville, by Railroad, and about the same distance from Raleigh. The first coal discovered in North Carolina, was found upon this tract of land in 1849, when it was purchased by five gentlemen, who obtained a Charter, a common seal and stock book; and accepted the Charter in due form for the purpose of commencing operations. At that time there was no river navigation or Railroad communication to Fayetteville, and these gentlemen soon thereafter moving to different sections of the country, and being of entirely different occupations, could form no definite or concerted agreement to work or sell until now. They now propose to sell, and can give a clean and bona fide title, without any incumbrance whatever, as no stock has ever been issued to the parties.
   The "Horneville" Coal Fields are embraced in a tract of land comprising about 450 acres, and it is estimated that about 80 acres are underlaid with the 6 feet vein of coal. The balance of the 450 acres afford a good quality of tillable soil for agricultural purposes, abounding in timber and land of a highly productive character.
   Supposing that there are 80 acres of this tract underlaid with coal -- the vein of coal having been ascertained to be 6 feet in depth -- each acre would yield 9580 cubic yards of coal, or 7295 tons; which at $1 per ton, at the mines, would yield $29,180 per acre. But supposing one-third of this to be wasted in various ways, (a large allowance) there would yet remain $19,457 per acre of saleable coal. This multiplied by 80 acres will amount to $1,556,560, and this, too, independent of the remaining portion of the 450 acres.
   The facilities for getting this coal to market are at present afforded by the Fayetteville & Coalfields Railroad {the Western RR}. This road is in operation at present 40 miles from Fayetteville to McIver's Depot, about 2 miles from the Egypt Shaft; (the balance to that point being already graded, and now under contract,) thence to the Horneville Coal Field, about 2 1/2 miles, with navigable river connecting the two last named points.
   A Railroad is also in course of construction from Raleigh to these same Coal Fields {the Chatham RR} -- which will pass directly through this property -- by which improvements coal can be forwarded by rail either North or South. A ready transportation to market, it will thus be seen, is already afforded by one of these Roads, and the other will be completed without delay, as it is now under contract to men of undoubted energy who are pushing forward the work with the utmost dispatch.
   In reference to the quality of this coal, it may be proper to annex the following extract from Professor Emmons' Report, page 251, 252: "The combustion of this coal, and the ease with which it can be ignited, are important qualities. It burns briskly, with a brilliant and free combustion. It therefore gives a pleasant and agreeable fire in parlor grates. In this respect I believe it is not excelled by any coal now in market. It is well adapted to the use of smiths, and it is invariably remarked by them that they wish for no better coal. It is cheaper and more economical at 40 cts. per bushel, than charcoal at 5 cts per bushel."
   Any one desirous of purchasing, will call upon or address the subscriber, who is duly empowered to sell. He will take pleasure in accompanying them to this valuable Coal Field and give all necessary information and explanations. It is only 2 1/2 hours' ride by Railroad from this point.
W. T. Horne

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