180 A. L. Bishop — The State Works of Pennsylvania. 



1^0 compensation was to be allowed for their services, but they 

 were to be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in the 

 execution of tlieir duties. Power Avas given to them to employ, at 

 reasonable salaries, engineers, surveyors and draftsmen to assist in 

 making examination and surveys. After this work had been done, 

 the commissioners were instructed to make detailed estimates of 

 the sum of money necessary to complete the canals, feeders, and 

 reservoirs, according to the plan they should recommend. They, 

 were also directed to inquire how a canal fund to build the works 

 could best be created; to ascertain the terms upon which loans 

 could be obtained; and to devise means for providing for the 

 payment of the interest, and for the ultimate liquidation of the 

 principal. 



Before the end of April Governor Shultze had appointed as 

 members of the canal board. Dr. Robert M. Patterson and John 

 Sergeant of Philadelphia, Dr. William Darlington of Chester 

 county, David ' Scott of Luzerne county and Albert Gallatin of 

 Fayette county.* The latter, however, declined the appointment 

 and his place was taken by General Abner Laycock. In conse- 

 quence of the delay thus incurred, the board Avas not formally 

 organized until July 4th, when John Sergeant was elected president 

 and Joseph Mcllwaine secretary, and the notes, papers, etc., of the 

 late commissioners were handed over to the new board. Vigorous 

 efforts were at once undertaken to carry into execution the tasks 

 set for them. William Wilson was selected as chief engineer, and 

 at a meeting held on October 26th, reports were made by him and 

 also by John Mitchell on surveys made during the preceding months. 

 In December, closely following his arrival from England, William 

 Strickland was retained as consulting engineer, and engaged to 

 prepare maps and estimates of the several routes already surveyed. 



By the appointment of a board of canal* commissioners, the aims 

 of the numerous friends of internal improvements had been only 

 partly realized. Some more impressive influence than numerous 

 petitions must be brought to bear upon the government urging it to 

 provide for the immediate commencement of the canal. This was 

 provided for in the movement which culminated in the Harrisburg 

 convention held from August 4th to 6th, 1825. 



* Nilcs' Reg., XXVIII (April :^ntli,, 1825), p. 144. This journal in remark- 

 ing upon the appointment pronounced it "an admirable selection." 



