19 [32] 
to cross at the same place, or below the bridge; the distance by tlic 
first route would be half a mile. 
Such is the general direction of that section, from Savage River to 
Cumbei-laml. Its length is from 27 to 28 miles, and its fall S27i 
feet. To keep on the best ground in the valley, it should cross tlu*- 
Potomac 12 times: but in drawing up the final project, it will be ne- 
cessary to compare the expense of those aqueducts, with that which 
will be required to overcome the obstacles which compel to cross so 
often. We have every reason to believe, that a much less number of 
aqueducts will then be thought sufficient. 
The labors of tlie brigade, chai'gcd to execute the surveys of the 
eastern section, having been suspended by sickness, as stated above, 
they did not pi'oceed any further. The w aters from Savage River to 
Cumberland have not been guaged; the extent of the reservoirs, their 
location, and the profile of their dams, have not been fixed. As to 
the location of the locks, it can only be determined upon, when all the 
preparatory surveys of the canal are concluded, and a general system 
adopted to connect them together. 
The valley of the Potomac, above Cumberland, is well timbered, 
and fine grained and compact sandstone abounds all through it. 
Clay is abundant, but the highest point, where limestone is found, is 
one and a half miles below NVesternport, Excellent building stone, 
a great variety of sandstone, and coal, are found in every part of the 
mountains, whjch bound the head of tlie valley. 
In descending from Cumberland, the Canal will cross Evet's creek, 
and as this stream gives a constaut supply, a feeder may bring its 
waters to it, and the minimum quantity which it may furnish, must be 
accurately guaged 
From thence to Braddock's hill, it will follow the left shore; but 
if it ran farther on that side, shelves should be cut through Rraddock's 
hill. Alum hill; and Old Town bluff, or it shituld tufn round them on 
embankments, suppoited by walls. At this point, the two shores 
should be surveyed with care, to fix the best line on which the Canal 
should be run. 1st. It might run, as just mentioned, in front of those 
three bluffs. 2d. It might turn round the north of Alum hill, and 
the front of the two others. Sd. It might cross the Potomac above 
Braddock's hill, follow the right shore, and cross over below Old 
Town bluff, and above South branch cape. 4th. The Potomac, from 
Braddock's hill, to the ledges below the SoutJi branch, might, by a 
dam run across those ledges, be formed into a basin, serving as a havrn 
for the boats descending the South branch, feeding the lower parts of 
the Canal, and foiming a part of it. Thus, the expense of the aque- 
ducts, and of four or five miles of Canal digging, might be avoided^ 
the jjost track in this case, would remain on the left shore. Surveys 
and levels, by giving positive data can alone determine which is the 
best of these courses. Whichever is adopted, the watei'S of the South 
branch must be brought to the Canal, and the feeder connecting them 
be made navigable. In the first or second hypotliT^sis, the feeder 
should cross the Potomac above or below the mouth of Soutii branchj 
