353 



experienced in procuring the desired size and quality, it may be proper 

 to slate that the company let the contract for furnishing this timber, to 

 one of the most extensive dealers in the State. He got out over 700 

 trees to his mill, of which, when inspected by the Engineers, but four 

 ■would pass muster. On his failure to obtain the specified quantity, a 

 vessel was dispatched to Canada, which, by searching a long line of 

 coast, and tatiug small quantities in a place, was furtunato enough to fill 

 the order at a cost of some 75 cents per cubic foot. 



The exact cost of the work is not yet ascertained, but it is known to 

 vary but a few thousand dollars from onq million of money, all of 

 which has been paid out in cash by the contractors, on the faith of re- 

 ceiving 750,000 acres of government land, on the completion of their 

 ■work. If ihey had purchased their land with warrants, instead of doings 

 this work, they would have obtained the same quantity for less than, 

 $700,000. It is evident, therefore, that whatever profit accrues event- 

 ually to the contractors, will arise, not from the quantity of land received-, 

 but fro II their wisdom or good fortune in making good selections. 



The men who have been prominent in the direction of the work, are 

 Erastus Corning, of Albany, N. Y., President of the Canal Company; 

 John W. Bronks, of Michigan, Vice President; Charles T. Harvey, of 

 Michigan, General Agent; L. L. Nichols, Engineer. 



Mr. Harvey had supervision of the construction work at the Sault 

 during the first year, and last six months. During the summer of 

 1854, when the heaviest work was being done, Mr. J. W. Brooks super- 

 intended the operations, assisted by Messrs. H. D. Ward and 0. P. 

 Root, of New York, men of great experience in such enterprises. 



Among the prominent overseers of the different departments of 

 ■work, mighl be mentioned: 



Charles W. Chapel, of Utica, Michigan, excavation work; Henry 

 Haimes, of Detroit, stone-quarrying and cutting; T. M. Hubbell, of 

 Detroit, dreilging and freighting; D. C. Whitwood, of Detroit, supplies; 

 J. N. Sly, of Ohio, pier building; George Shakespeare, of Sault Ste. 

 Marie, carpenter and joiner work; Henry McCaity, of Pittsburgh, Pa., 

 patentee and builder of lock gates; Messrs. Eastei brook, Aahby & J oby, 

 masuiiry, ttc, SiC. 



Ou the part of the State, the Commissioners who have so surcessfully 

 fultilled their tru>t, are: Hon. Shubael Conant, of Detroit; Hon. tltia-- 

 45 



