| From the Raleigh Standard |
| |
| October 8, 1862 |
| |
| Chatham Railroad |
| We learn that the Directors of this road
have resolved to locate it from Raleigh by way of Page's, on the N. C.
Railroad, eight miles from Raleigh; thence on the ridge to Haw river,
crossing near Haywood; thence up the north bank of Deep river, by
Lockville, to the Coal Fields. It is contemplated to build first the
portion between Page's and Lockville, twenty-three miles; and after
this portion is finished, to proceed in the construction of the
remainder. From Lockville there is water communication with the Coal
Fields, the dams and locks at and above Lockville being in good order.
This portion of the road will be ready to let to contract during the
present month, and planters in the eastern portion of the State will
do well to take their slaves from proximity to Yankee gunboats, and
employ them on contract on this road. |
| Messrs. Washington, Hoyt and Murdoch are
making iron at their furnaces on Deep river, said to be of excellent
quality. Large quantities of coal have been mined, and it is lying at
the mouth of the pits waiting for transportation, and we hope the
Chatham Railroad will be pressed to completion, in order that the
indispensable iron and coal there may reach the markets of the
Confederacy. The expense of hauling one ton of coal by wagon from
Lockville to Raleigh, thirty-one miles, is now eleven dollars and a
half! It is now selling in this city for $18 per ton, whereas, if
this road were constructed, it would be sold here at $5 or $6. Were
the road now in operation, the stock would pay equal to any in the
State. The purpose of the Railroad Companies of three States to
establish foundries and forges on Deep river, to supply their own
wants is a sufficient proof of the great importance of this road, and
shows the necessity of its early completion. |
|