Improvement of Harbors and Rivers-Water Communication. 317

they can be made equal to most of the delta or outlets; and instead of removordinary canals in operation in the ing bars or deepening channels by excamiddle states, to within a few miles of vation, making portions of them positive their respective sources, in affording and immovable obstructions, thereby facilities for the transportation of produce confining the waters to as few channels to the coast, and of merchandise into as possible, and causing them to force the interior. Every one of the rivers and deepen those channels for their named, not only at their respective out- debouchement to the gulf or sea. Eslets to the gulf, but with reference to pecially on the southern Atlantic coast, their navigation in the interior, are sus- and in the gulf, is this plan deemed to ceptible of artificial improvement, the be the most eligible. beneficial effects of which would be Several different examinations, reconcommensurate to the expense incurred. noissances, or surveys, have been made The country at large would not only be of some of these rivers and their outlets, benefited by the promotion and exten- and reports furnished as to their sussion of the agricultural and commercial ceptibility of advantageous improveinterests of the contiguous region, and ment, which can be found by reference the development of new sources of to the public documents, of which a list wealth and prosperity, that the improve- is annexed in note A. ments suggested would cause; but the That an inland water communication facilities for cheap and ready defence of from the Mississippi river to South Cape, an extensive coast frontier, (now greatly in Middle Florida, could be obtained for exposed to a foreign maritime enemy,) steamboats of a medium size, and coastthat such improvements would afford, would be of incalculable national advantage. In fact, the federal treasury, as to most of them, would be more than reimbursed for all outlays (if it undertook the works) by the enhanced value of the public lands in their vicinity, and their consequent increased] sales. And if undertaken by a state or states, or by corporate associations, and a proper portion of the lands were granted in aid of the works, the United States would be remunerated by the increased value of the portion retained. The states of Alabama and Georgia are directly interested in the improvements referred to, to an extent quite equal to the interest of the State of Florida. Some years since, the legislature of the last-named state directed an examination of the Ockolockony river, with a view to its improvement; and it has also, at different times, made examinations with a view to the improvement of the navigation of the Chattahooche and Flint rivers; and it has expended some money on both. Alabama has as yet done but little to promote the interests of her south-eastern counties, in obtaining facilities for the transportation of produce to the gulf, through Florida.

It is believed that the improvement of the bays and harbors, and of their outlets to the gulf or sea, can be rendered easier, less expensive, and more substantial and permanent, by the adoption of the system of closing unnecessary

ing craft, was many years ago maintained by high authority. The expense necessary to obtain such inland communication, by canalling between the nearly continuous line of bays, or sounds, running parallel with the gulf coast, from South Cape to the Mississippi, and by closing the mouths of one or two streams and stopping a few shoal inlets, is really trifling, when the immense advantages to flow from such a work is estimated. But I will not dilate on this undertaking. The public documents, enumerated in note A, afford full information on the subject, and demonstrate, to my judgment, the entire practicability of effecting results especially beneficial to the western states, and to Alabama and Florida; and when such communication is extended across the peninsula to the ocean, important to the Atlantic states.

On the Atlantic or eastern coast of Florida, above or north of Cape Sable, there are several important streams, which could also be improved by widening, straightening, and deepening, and by removing obstructions in the navigation, at comparatively trifling expense, considering the benefits that would result therefrom, in the same way above mentioned.

The sound behind the tongue of land terminating at Cape Florida, receives the Miami river, Little river, Arch creek, Rio Ratones, and Snake creek, and extends several miles north, parallel with the sea-shore. New River Inlet,

Hillsborough river and inlet, Jupiter In- suggested. And many coasting vessels

let, St. Lucia river and inlet, Halifax river and inlet, Mosquito river and inlet, Matanzas river and inlet, St. Augustine harbor, North river, San Pablo creek, St. John's river, Nassau bay and river, and the river St. Mary's, (the latter be ing the boundary between Florida and Georgia,) are all important points on the Atlantic coast. As is heretofore stated, in respect of the gulf coast between South Cape in Middle Florida, and the Mississippi, a nearly continuous line of inland "sound navigation," for coasting craft and steamboats of the medium size, drawing six or seven feet, it has been suggested, (and with great plausibility) may be effected from Cape Florida to the mouth of the St. Mary's river, by closing securely and permanently some of the inlets mentioned, and by excavating less than thirty miles of canal, and by widening and deepening, in a few places, the natural channels of the interior communications now existing; being the "sounds," and also the "lakes" and rivers adjacent to, and extending (with but trifling interruption) along the entire eastern coast of the state, and running parallel with the seashore, at a short distance therefrom, in the interior. And it has been predicted, that after such improvement, the natural effect of the tides from the sea, through the "inlets" remaining open, and of the accumulation of the waters flowing into the sounds from the interior, and restrained to such outlet to the sea, and the currents caused thereby, would be, not only to increase the depth of the channels of the sounds, but to deepen several feet, and keep open the entrances from the ocean at St. Augustine and St. John's; and to such extent, as always to admit large vessels adapted to foreign trade. The entire expense of such improvements, it is estimated, would not exceed two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. But if it should be three or four times that sum, it would not equal the value of the benefits resulting in a national point of view, and to other states besides Florida. Such improvements would render the entire coast, from St. Augustine to Cape Florida, forever impregnable to any enemy, and even exempt it from annoyance, without the necessity of fortifications, except at the outlets to the sea, left open, and deepened, as

from the eastward, going southward, might, by such inland communication, avoid the necessity of stemming the strong current of the "gulf stream;" of crossing the Bahama Banks; and also the other hazardous experiment of hugging Cape Carnaveral, and keeping close to the Florida coast, in trying which, so many such vessels bound southward are wrecked. The documents referred to in note A. will give valuable information on all these points.

The clearing out of the small streams emptying into the sounds at the southern part of the peninsula, and the connection of the sources of those streams by canals with the interior and fresh waters of the Pahhayoke or Everglades, covering an area of at least eighty by thirty miles, and with the large and deep fresh-water lake Okechobe, further north, and with the interior river Kissimme, running into said lake from To hopekaliga lake and other lakes, (the waters extending ninety miles north from the mouth of the river,) would not only reclaim vast quantities of rich su gar lands, now submerged by the overflow of the waters, at certain seasons, but would be the means of facile inte rior communication, and also between every part of the interior region and the sea-coast, and afford easy and cheap transportation for all the produce intended for exportation to foreign ports or shipments coastwise. The extensive swamp called Halpatioke would become dry and cultivable. And the character of the country is such, that the cost of such improvement would not be great. The upper soil is light and easy of excavation; the substratum of clay with which it is underlaid is tenacious, and prevents the difficulties so often caused by caving or sliding. The face of the country is level, and no material obstructions arising from rocks will be found. The principal obstacle to the undertaking is, that it is of a character which renders it necessary that every portion of it should be commenced and carried on to completion, simultaneously and speedily, requiring a large la boring force, and united, combined, and concurrent action.

So, too, on the western coast of the peninsula, the deepening of the outlets and the connection of the rivers emptying into the gulf with the same interior

Reclamation of Sugar Lands-Roads, Canals, Ship Railway. 319

waters above mentioned, would be equally beneficial. The vast swamp called the Big Cypress, or Atseenhoofa, could be reclaimed; and the completion of such works on both sides would probably effect a means of passage for small coasting vessels and steamers across the peninsula, thereby avoiding the perilous navigation of the keys and reefs farther south, and extending south-westwardly upwards of a hundred miles from Cape Florida and Cape Sable, into the gulf.

The improvements suggested in the two last paragraphs are subjects of comment in the valuable documents annexed to a report made by Senator Breese of Illinois, from the Committee of Public Lands of the Senate, at the 1st session, 32d Congress, August 28, 1848, Doc. No. 242. Other important information as to the agricultural capabilities, and products, and trade, and fisheries, and other resources of Florida, is to be found in these documents.

On the peninsula, a rail-road from Tampa bay to the navigable waters of St. John's, near the head of the navigation of that river, has been spoken of, and will probably in a very few years be undertaken. When the adjacent country becomes more densely populated, such a work will certainly be con

structed.

Another road from Tampa, running northwardly up the peninsula, avoiding the watercourses on both sides, and extending as far up as Jacksonville, has been strongly urged, and has many advocates.

Above Tampa, on the peninsula, various projects have been suggested to connect the lower with the upper region of the peninsula, and to connect the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic.

It is said that the head-waters of the Kissimme can be connected with those at the sources of the St. John's river, so as to be navigable for boats transporting produce.

A canal for boats or barges drawing four or five feet, has been spoken of as practicable at small expense from the Ocklawaha, a branch of the noble river St. John's, to the navigable waters of the Weethlockoochee or Amixura.

A canal from the sound near Smyrna, on the eastern edge of the state, to lakes which are the head-waters of the St. John's river, a few miles west of the

sea-coast, or from a point on the sound to the same waters, some distance farther south, has also been suggested.

A rail-road from Pilatka, on the St. John's river, to such point as may be ascertained to be the most eligible, on the gulf coast, near Cedar Keys, or near Waccassa bay, has likewise been spoken of, as has also a similar work from Jacksonville, on the St. John's; and also one from the mouth of the St. Mary's to the same points on the gulf. In fact, several different rail-roads from the west side of the St. John's river, farther down to the gulf, are in contemplation.

One from Picolati, intended to extend east to St. Augustine; one from the head of navigation on Black creek; and one from Jacksonville, or a point near that town, to some point on the gulf, or on the Suwanee river, have been spoken of and likewise a rail-road from St. Mary's river to the Suwanee. Charters have been obtained in past years from the Florida legislature for some of the lastmentioned works, to be undertaken by corporate associations, but none of them, it is believed, have as yet had any route properly surveyed, preparatory to carrying out their charters and commenc ing such work practically. The routes of two of these contemplated works are laid down on the map inclosed, of one of which it is understood some years since a reconnoissance was made by an officer of the United States army, (Captain Blake,) since killed in battle in Mexico. The same officer made a partial survey of the harbor of Tampa and of a portion of the eastern coast of the state, and of the sounds contiguous thereto, which are referred to in the said list of documents marked A.

The "through cut," or "great ship canal," or "ship rail-way," across the head of the peninsula, has been written about a great deal within the last thirty years. It has formed the subject of congressional speeches and reports, and of newspaper essays, and many years since a board of the United States Engineers, at the head of which was General Bernard, made a partial survey, with a view to ascertain its practicability and its cost. His report, and maps of his surveys, are to be found in vol. iv. Ex. Doc. 2d Sess. 20th Cong., 1828-9, Doc. No. 147. Different termini have been indicated on the gulf side, for this work. The St. John's river has been generally mentioned as

the most eligible terminus of said work, on the eastern side. An appropriation of $20,000 will probably be made at this session of Congress, for the completion of the survey for this work.

Whatever doubts may be entertained as to the practicability of the construction and successful operation of a "ship canal" or "ship rail-way" across the peninsula, it is not doubted that canals for boats drawing six or seven feet water may be made, either from the head of navigation on Black Creek, or from one of the two southernmost prongs or

The legislature of Louisiana, smothering all selfish local considerations, at a recent session adopted resolutions asking Congress to institute examinations as to the Florida "ship canal;" and patriotic Whilst the certain practicability of and enterprising citizens of eastern and effecting the completion of this stupend- of western states, with wise forecast, ous and magnificent project, to the full look to the ascertainment of its practicaextent anticipated by some of its advo- bility as a result of the highest importcates, has by many been deemed ques- ance to the general interests of the whole tionable, (and it seems General Bernard confederacy, as well as to the Atlantic, did not believe in its favorable success,) southern, northern, eastern, middle and yet other disinterested and impartial interior states, and those on the Pacific, persons, of a high order of intelligence, as to the gulf and Mississippi states. and possessing accurate knowledge of Our Atlantic merchants see that it will the location through which the canal greatly facilitate our future trade, not must be constructed, and of the soils to only with the Pacific generally, but with be excavated, confidently contend that China and with the East Indies. it is entirely practicable. The immense cost of the construction of a ship canal is an insuperable obstacle to its being undertaken by the State of Florida, or by any association of individuals there. The state constitution contains provisions virtually restraining the legislature from borrowing money on the faith and credit of the state, even for such purpose. Therefore, if such work is undertaken, branches of the St. Mary's river, or it must be by the general government, and upon the most considerate estimates, founded upon previous examinations and accurate surveys, by scientific and impartial engineers. The same observations apply to the construction of the "ship rail-way" that has been suggest ed. If the construction of either of these works is ascertained to be feasible, it will be beyond all question the most important undertaking of the kind in the United States. No one can deny that its beneficial results will be eminently "national." Whensoever any route inside of the Gulf of Mexico, whether through Texas, through eastern Mexico, or by Vera Cruz, or by Tehuantepec, to the Pacific, may be established, a passage across Florida, as a means of speedy and safe travel, and for the transportation of merchandise, will become imperatively necessary to enable the eastern and middle Atlantic states to participate fully in the benefits of such route. The proposed canal or road may be located on a direct and straight line drawn along the coast from Cape Hatteras (to pass which, in sailing from NewYork, a considerable deflexion east must be made) to the mouth of the Rio Coatzacoalcos, on the gulf side of the isthmus of Tehuantepec.

from the St. John's river, directly to the capacious, deep, and never-failing lake, called "Ocean Pond," about thirty miles westwardly of Whitesville, on Black Creek, and about forty miles from Jacksonville, on the St. John's river. From this lake it is supposed such canal can be continued to the navigable waters of the Santaffee, and by the improvement of the navigation of that river and of the Suwanee to the gulf, can also, without doubt, be constructed, and the expense is not estimated to be so great as to render it an injudicious investment. It is believed also by some persons that a similar canal for boats, commencing at the head of navigation near the great southern bend of the St. Mary's river, and running across near to the southern margin of the vast lake or swamp called Okefenokee, and directly to the head waters of the Suwanee, with proper improvements to the navigation of the St. Mary's and Suwanee rivers, is practicable, and would be highly beneficial as a means of transportation of produce, lumber, naval stores, and merchandise, and that it would also drain and reclaim tens of thousands of acres of the richest lands in that region. Such work would be greatly beneficial to the State of Georgia, which state has heretofore made

Generous Resolves of Louisiana-Trunk or Central Rail-road. 321

examinations and surveys, with a view to its construction.

three hundred and fifty miles. A road can be run from St. John's to St. Augustine, A rail-road has been projected from from Jacksonville, thirty-eight miles, and Brunswick, Georgia, to the gulf coast, from Picolati, eighteen miles. All the on which coast different points for its different sectional interests of the upper termination have been indicated. It is portions of the state would be promoted stated that an association is now being by such work. Lateral rail-roads, to organized to raise funds and commence necessary points on the gulf coast, and such work. Some years since partial to the towns where the country trade is reconnoissances and some unperfected carried on north of the main road, can surveys were made of such work, from be made. These lateral roads could be Brunswick, on two different routes en- extended into Alabama and Georgia, tering Middle Florida; but from circum- and, when it may be deemed advisable, stances not fully understood, the com- connected with the rail-roads in those mencement of the work was postponed, states; and in a few years not merely and the results of the surveys have never Florida, but her conterminous sister been made public. Unless the proposed states, will be interlaced and bound towork should enter Florida much farther gether, and mutually strengthened by to the east than has been stated is in- bands of iron. The sugar, cotton, totended, and become connected with the bacco, rice, sisal hemp, tar, turpentine, great trunk or central rail-road hereafter rosin and rosinous oils and lumber, and spoken of, so that it would result to some other products of those fertile regions, benefit to East Florida, it will be re- can be speedily, cheaply, and safely garded with disfavor in that section of transported to market, either on the gulf the state, and meet with such opposition or Atlantic, or for exportation to foreign as probably will prevent its extension ports, or shipment coastwise, in time of into the state at all. It would certainly war or of peace; and in time of war be a competitor and rival of the Central material aid for the defence of the coast Florida Rail-road, if allowed to abstract against foreign assault at any quarter of from it the south-western travel and the state can always be at once furtransportation, for the benefit of Southern nished from the interior. Yet in the Georgia, by leaving the State of Florida construction of such a work the just share in the western section. of the general improvement fund of the state, due to that section detached from · the immediate and direct advantages and conveniences of this road, and lying farther south than its effects would be felt, should not be expended, but should be scrupulously retained for the benefit of such section. The facilities such road would afford the federal government for the cheap and rapid transportation of the mails in time of peace, and the like facilities given for the transportation in time of war for troops, munitions of war, and subsistence, would be of incalculable national benefit. The river St. John's, which is generally spoken of as the eastern terminus of the Central Rail-road, extends from its mouth three hundred miles south, running nearly in the middle of the peninsula, its sources being chains of large lakes extending south beyond the sources of the Kissimme. The bar at the entrance of the St. John's cannot ordinarily be passed by vessels drawing over thirteen feet, but inside it is navigable by vessels of twenty-five feet draft, as far up as Jacksonville, and by those

To all the suggested improvements terminating on the gulf coast, near to the delta of the Suwanee, some persons have objected that formidable difficulties will be encountered to their successful operation, owing to the want of a safe and good harbor there, of easy access near to the shore for vessels drawing over seven or eight feet, and owing also to alleged hazards attending the approach to that part of the gulf coast. I do not, however, hesitate to say, that I regard these objections as fallacious; and that safe and good harbors for vessels of 12 or 15 feet draft can be found, and which can also be greatly improved by artificial means.

The first great work to be undertaken by the State of Florida is, in my judgment, unquestionably, at the present time, the Trunk or Central Rail-road, commencing at Pensacola and running eastwardly from Deerpoint, at the opposite side of Pensacola bay, along or as near the route of the old Bellamy or Federal road as is practicable, to the river St. John's, the distance being about