Internal Improvements* 77 



although very direct, is so expensive, that, if the Sus- 

 quehanna were improved, there is no doubt but that 

 ten tons would pass down that stream, for every one 

 sent by turnpike to the Hudson. 



And, as it is so apparent, that, with due exertion, 

 Pennsylvania can secure the trade of that part of New 

 York west of Seneca lake, the superiority as an im- 

 porting and exporting state to the western waters, must 

 be equally so ; yet, as I shall show in a subsequent 

 letter, unless Pennsylvania shall soon exert herself, she 

 will lose not only the trade to the Genessce, &c. but 

 the trade, which she now in a great measure possesses 

 to the western part of Pennsylvania, to Ohio, Kentuc- 

 ky, &c. 



All, then, that is wanting, to secure to this state a 

 valuable exchange trade in the products of the respec- 

 tive states, and the profits upon exports, and the goods 

 imported by sea, in return, is, that the legislature should 

 gradually clear the Susquehanna, as I have heretofore 

 pointed out, from its entrance upon our northern boun- 

 dary line, to Wilkesbarre, Nescopeck, Sunbury, and 

 Middletown. Nature has done much for us, but we 

 have done, comparatively, nothing for ourselves. 

 September llth, 1810. 



