[ 23 ] 112 



locality the beds, being thinner and of a less "livery" nature, can be easily 

 split by the "plug and feather," because on Aquia and Accokeek creeks, 

 and Potomac run, there is much less stripping, and because tlie beds lie 

 more level and undisturbed, "^rhis, however, is certain — that by the old 

 metliod employed by (Japtain Towson, dimension stone from Aquia creek 

 has hither cost $6 per ton of 15 cubic feet, or 40 cents per foot ; and even 

 these prices have not afforded an extravagant profit to the owners of 

 quarries; whilst there can be liitle doubt that dimension-stone can be fur- 

 nished from Seneca creek for half that amount. 



If good material could be obtained near the line of the railroad, either 

 in the neighborhood of Potomac run, or, still nearer, the mouth of Aquia 

 creek, transportation would certainly not cost as much as from the quar- 

 ries on the Island and Rocky run. 'Phere are several obstructions between 

 the quarry and the mouth of the creek, which render it often necessary 

 to lighten the vessels by means of scows, over these bars, and none of the 

 vessels of suitable draught for the navigation of Aquia creek carry over 

 SO to 100 tons ; whereas, if laden at the terminus of the railroad, they 

 could easily carry double that amount, requiring but the same number of 

 hands. 



From all the workable beds of freestone of Stafford county, so far as 

 they had been opened, a very considerable portion must be rejected on 

 account of flaws and stains; but, as a general rule, there is less than in 

 the Seneca quarries. 



The general appearance of the lighter (buff-colored) beds of the free- 

 stones of Stafford county, Virginia, laid up in range work, may be seen 

 by inspecting the east gate-way of the President's House, the entrances 

 to the Capitol ^rrounds, and the inside work of the Post Office. 



Under the magnifier, minute dark specks may be observed of the color 

 of blacksmiths' scales, wliich are probably small grains of a mixture of 

 the protoxide and peroxide of iron. If this be their composition, they 

 will, doubtless, in peroxidating, acquire a yellowish or reddish color. Still, 

 in many specimens these are so minute, that the effect would be only to 

 mellow the c»lor, without materially atiecting the durability of the mass. 

 That a proportion of this stone is free from material blemish and is a du- 

 rable material, is confirmed by an inspection of the ledges and blocks in 

 sight, and in the structures composed of the best rock, long exposed to 

 atmospheric vicissitudes ; by the glistening particles disseminated on the 

 face of fresh fractures ; by the action of the rock on the edge of the dress- 

 ing tool, indicative of a tolerably pure grit-stone, free from argillaceous 

 admixture; by the heavy solid bed in which it lies in the quarry, gen- 

 erally free from interlamination ; and, finally, by the hardening of the 

 mass by exposure. 



I incline to believe that the sample of Aquia creek freestone furnished 

 to Dr. Page for examination was not equal to the average quality of the 

 better quarries in Stafford county. 



Mr. Dixon, the contractor, is of opinion that the general run of the free- 

 stones will be somewhat but not very much more expensive to work and 

 carve than the Seneca sandstones. 



As the result of my examination of these quarries, in connexion with 

 those of the upper Potomac, I state my belief, that the Stafford county region 

 can furnish an unlimited supply of freestone, of which, by dint of care- 

 ful seleca )n, a portion may be obtained both sound and durable ; not, 



