PITTSBURG, Jan. 25. RIVER-10 feet above low-water mark, and free from ice-several arrivals and departures of steamers since our last. MONONGAHELA BRIDGE DESTROYED. FRESHET. There was a partial breaking up of the ice on French creek, by the freshet of last week, and we regret to learn that several valuable bridges and dams, have been entirely swept off, and others materially damaged. One half of the toll bridge at Franklin, and the dams at the iron works of Messrs. M'Calmont and Hays, have been carried off. The bridge at Magoffin's Falls, near Dickson's mill has shared the same fate-the one at Bemus's mill has been injured, and is expected to go with the next rise of the water. The various damages sustained, may be estimated at little short of $20,000. On Saturday last, about 9 o'clock, A. M. the first pier of the Monongahela Bridge gave way, and precipitated the superstructure, comprising a space of two arches, into the river. Fortunately, though hundreds cross this bridge every Saturday morning, going to and returning from Market, no lives were lost. There were on that part of the bridge which fell down, a man and a boy attending a returning coal wagon, belonging to Mr. Jacob Beltzhoover, and another boy. They, of course, descended with the falling mass, but were extricated from the ruins without sustaining the least in-ry practicable means of securing the bridges which jury! Four out of the five horses attached to the wagon were saved. The bridge was erected in 1818, at a cost of $140,000; of course this accident will be a serious matter to the stockholders. It has not yet been determined, we learn, whether to repair the bridge or build a new one.-Allegheny Democrat. From the Wyoming Herald. BREAKING UP OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.-On the morning of Friday last, the ice broke up in the Susquehanna, at and above this place, whilst, unfortunately, from the Nanticoke Dam up to within a few miles of here, it remained solid and immoveable. The consequence was, the progress of the ice from above was arrested by the ice below; and the channel of the river becoming in a measure obstructed, the water rose with rapidity-overflowed the banks—and inundated the greater portion of the Kingston, Plymouth, Wilkesbarre and Hanover Flats; doing them serious injury, besides sweeping off bridges, fences, a large quantity of lumber, &c. Sometime in the evening, the ice in the Nanticoke Pool gave way and passed over the dam-when that beautiful structure, the "Wilkesbarre Bridge," received extensive injury, from the immense body of ice which had lodged above it during the day, and which now rushed down with irresistible power. About onethird of the first pier (which stands in the main current of the river) was carried away, and the upper side of the bridge at that place has settled a little. Prompt measures have been taken, however, to support it where it is-and unless we should have another ice freshet the present season, as formidable as the one we are noticing, we apprehend it will sustain no further damage. The ice-breaker attached to the middle pier was also carried away, and the pier itself somewhat injured. At the time the water was highest, it ran into one or two shops on Bank Street, in this borough,-and was a number of feet deep on the lower floor of several dwellings on the opposite side of the river;-their occupants, however, had taken the precaution to cross over to the borough, with their families and live stock, ere the flood had attained so great a height. We have heard of several "hair-breadth escapes," but are happy to say that no lives were lost. Three men who were crossing the Kingston Flats, were completely surrounded by the flood before they were aware of their danger, and were compelled to climb the nearest trees for safety,-where they remained till eight o'clock at night, it being impossible for assistance to reach them sooner. Among the bridges that were destroyed or seriously damaged, are the two on the main road leading from this place to Kingston. Some portions of the low lands are covered with ice, and the roads in some places are almost impassable. We learn that the Nanticoke Dam received but little injury. These serious losses should, and doubtless will, awaken individual and public attention to increased precaution, in the selection of sites, and to the adoption of eve may hereafter be erected, against disasters from the same cause. French creek is somewhat remarkable for its alternate stretches of pools and rapids. Past observation has lead us to the conclusion, that the safest position for the erection of a bridge on this stream, is the head, but never, if it can be avoided, at the foot of first, in a pool-and secondly, as near as practicable, at a rapid. Every ordinary observer must have noticed that the ice invariably gives way first on the rapids, and is precipitated on that of the pool next below, where, if the power of the ice is sufficient, it is held, and if not forced forward by the increased power of the current, it is gradually weakened and dissipated by the influence of the sun and the atmosphere, and then usually passes off with greatly diminished power of doing injury. Hence it follows that the foot of a rapid especially where it is long, should never be selected, in our northern region, as a safe position. The bridge at the "Dead Water," and those which have been erected at **Magoffin's Falls," are strongly illustrative of the correctness of this position. The former stood more than 17 years, with no other supports than wooden posts, altogether free from injury by ice-whereas two well constructed bridges, erected at the latter point, with substantial stone abutments and a pier, have been destroyed by the ice within a very short time. It may be safely assumed that nothing but the fortunate interposition and resistance presented by the ice on Bemus's dam, in arresting the masses from above, prevented the destruction last week, of all the bridges over French creek in the vicinity of this place. Deeming it a matter of importance, we have thrown out these brief and hasty reflections, with the view of attracting the attention of those, who from their more enlarged observation and experience, are more competent to advise on the subject.-Crawford Messenger—January 28. BEAVER, (Penn.) February 3, 1832. THE MOHAWK.-Aobut two weeks since, the new steamboat, Mohawk, was launched from the ship yard of Messrs. Phillips and Graham, opposite this place. She will carry near seven hundred tons, and is the largest boat on the western waters. She is intended for the Mississippi trade. Last week she was towed to Pittsburg by two steamboats to receive her engine. It is stated that the cost of this boat will be rising $30,000. On Sunday last, snow fell to the depth of 6 or 8 inches, and for the last three days our town has been enlivened by visits from the citizens of Marietta, Lancaster, and other neighboring towns; while our own inhabitants, ever watching for enjoyment, have not left unimproved the pleasing and enticing path to mirth Columbia Spy.-Feb. 2. DES, No. 9 Library Street. Philadelphia; where, and at the PUB Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GED. of the Post Office, (front room) subscriptions will be thankfully re LICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE. second door back ceived. Price FIVE DOLLARS per ana, payable annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is au agent. Other subscribers pay in advance. REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. VOL: IX.-NO. 7. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 18, 1832. NO. 216. EASTERN DIVISION. REPORT OF JOHN BARBER, SUPERINTENDENT. To the Canal Commissioners: GENTLEMEN—In accordance with the request of your board, contained in the communication of the secretary of the 22d October ult., the following report of the works committed to my care on the eastern division of the Pennsylvania canal, is respectfully submitted. That part of the eastern division extending from the outlet lock on Duncan's Island to the mouth of Swatara river, having been placed under the special charge of a supervisor, and no new work necessary to be constructed during the past year, my attention has been, for the most part, withdrawn from it. My own observation of it, however, allows me to say, that it has been in navigable use, with little or no interruption, since the period of making my last report, and the opinion then expressed of its affording a navigation as permanent and effective as any similar work in the state, has been entirely confirmed. COLUMBIA LINE. On the ten miles authorized to be placed under con tract in March, 1828, the whole of the work which was in progress at the time of my last report has been completed, and, with but two exceptions, settled agreeably to the requisitions of the contracts. Five per cent. of the cost of stone work of the several locks, amounting to $1,564, authorized by the contracts to be withheld until the work shall have been "proven by water to be well and faithfully executed, and every part done completely and perfectly," has been retained from the final estimates. The injury sustained by several of the wall sections, and by the cu'vert on section No. 35, from the high freshet in the spring, has been repaired. The puddling on sections Nos. 35 and 36, is progressing rapidly, and when the contract shall have been finished, there is not a doubt but these sections will be perfectly tight. Of the remaining work on this ten miles, not under contract in November last, the whole is being executed, and will be completed early in the spring, The ascertained cost of the syphon culvert at Haldeman's saw-mill, when completed, including the necessary expense of continuing the trunk of the aqueduct and platform of the bridge connected with it, will be found considerably to exceed the original estimate in By a resolution of the board of 28th December 1830, I was instructed to enter into contract with some suitable person for the immediate repair of the bridge at Duncan's Island, under the direction and superintendence of an engineer appointed for that purpose. This amount. This is attributable to the variation of the was done on the 12th of February following, and the plan the original estimate being intended to cover the contract submitted for your approval in March last. An expense of a wooden culvert, To secure to Mr. Haldeestimate, amounting to $1,020, for work done and vamen the entire and uninterrupted use of the valuable lue of materials delivered under the contract, was rewater-power which he has, at great expense, there turned to me in June last, which the accounting officer created, and wholly to destroy all apprehensions of even at Harrisburg has declined to settle, under the impres- the remotest obstruction to the navigation of the canal sion, that, as a supervisor had been appointed on that at this point, a structure combining greater strength and part of the division, the payment of this estimate did durability was deemed necessary. That, now being not properly come within the province of the superin- inches in width, and five feet three inches in depth, and constructed, is about 60 feet in length, eleven feet six tendent. In consequence of which, it was handed over to Mr. M'Alister for adjustment, and, as I have since built of rubble masonry lined with cut stone-the face learned, yet remains unsettled. It will be proper for being laid in cement and backed with good lime and the board, therefore, under these circumstances to pre-iron rods. sand mortar, with timber top and bottom, secured by scribe the manner by which this estimate will become from the culvert. Wooden trunks convey the water to and payable. For the particular condition of this bridge at In excellence of materials, skill and this time, and for other information relative to this part faithfulness of execution, and durability of plan of conof the division, I beg leave to refer you to the report of struction, this work will vie with any mechanical work Mr. Warford, principal engineer on the division. in the state. It is now nearly completed. The following abstract will show the amount of moneys drawn from the treasury and disbursed on this portion of the line: 0. H. Dibble, balance due and per centage retained on section No. 1, W. W. Pennell, for the construction of four small bridges, the engineer, which will be required to complete the The estimated amount, as contained in the report of work under contract, including a waste-wier, six waterways, and a foot bridge on section No. 9, is $23,718 02. Add to this, amounts due and per centage retained, $2,610 10 $2,460 46; making the sum to be yet expended on this part of the line, $26,178 48. 100 00 290 00 Byrne and Provest, balance on Stoney creek aqueduct, paid by resolution of the board, 273 90 Peter Miller, balance on fencing, paid by direction of the board, Evans, Moore & Co. 2 balance on con Ritner, Byers & Co. S struction of dam at Duncan's Island, Damages paid, Engineering expenses, &c., 10,462 10 $19,535 16 The whole amount drawn from the treasury and paid on the ten miles to the 25th Nov. 1831, is $76,375 71-three hundred dollars of which is from the damage and repair fund, and has been applied to the payment of an offer of $100, made by the board to Evan Green, for damages sustained by him, and of $200, an amount authorized to be paid to Israel Cooper, by contract, for the removal of a building on section No. 36: of the above sum of $76,375 71-$21,171 52 have been paid on balances and retained per centage due upon work done prior to the 21st December, 1830, and remained unpaid for want of funds. It has not been deemed necessary to detail in my tabular statement to whom the money has been paid. The account has been settled at the auditing department. By authority of the second section of the act of 21st March last, the remainder of the work on this line, being eight miles and seventy-one hundredths in length, was allotted for execution on the 18th of May last, and contracts immediately entered into for the prompt and vigorous prosecution of the same, with the view of the entire completion of the whole line before the first of December, 1831. However vain and improbable this measure might have been generally considered, from the magnitude of some part of the work, the advanced state of the season and consequent shortness of time allotted for its execution, together with the unexampled amount of work offered to contractors in this and the neighbouring states, yet am I strengthened in the belief that this desirable issue would have been effected, had not other unexpected and insuperable obstacles intervened. One of the most prominent features on this line is the large aqueduct over the Swatara river, having a superstructure of three hundred feet in length, supported by four piers and two abutments. Connected with this, and resting upon the same piers, is a travelling bridge, twenty feet in width. The whole work, when finished, will contain more than three thousand five hundred perches of masonry. The contractors entered upon their labours with a promptitude and energy which gave earnest expectation of the accomplishment of this work within the period specified. The difficulty and even impossibility in procuring the necessary timber in season, the alteration in the plan after a part of the work had been done, the continued and unusual high waters during the summer which prevented the foundations of the piers from being laid, and the severe sickness which prevailed among the workmen employed upon it during the latter part of the summer and through the autumnal months, completely paralyzed their utmost efforts, and disappointed the confident hopes of success entertained in the commencement of the work. The abutments are nearly completed, the foundations of two piers have been laid, and much of the framing of the superstructure is done. The foundations of the other piers will be laid In addition to the above disbursements, during the winter, and all the materials prepared to make an efficient spring attack, and with unqualified confidence I assert that the water may be passed through in June next. the further sum of $21,171 52 was paid $19,563 91 5,899 01 14,875 06 2,042 17 358 00 363 81 9,974 04 2,128 19 $55,204 19 21,171 52 $76,375 71 made and accepted, from the 25th Nov. 1830, to the List of damage cases settled on offers of the board 25th Nov. 1831, by John Barber, superintendent of eastern division, Pennsylvania canal: John Wanner, Matthias Flaurs' heirs, $150 120 50 100 List of damage cases settled upon award of appraisappointed in conformity with the sixth section of the act of 6th April, 1830: The pit of lock No. 6, has been excavated, and the foundation will be put down immediately. A great part of the materials for this lock are upon the ground, and the remainders will be delivered during the winter, so that this work can be completed in six weeks after the weather in the spring will admit of masonry being done. So much of the stone work of lock No. 7 has been laid, that it can be completed in two weeks after the mild weather opens. The contractors for building the outlet locks at Columbia, are steadily progressing with their work, and give assurance that the fulfilment of their contract will be made before the first of Julyers next. No delay to the navigation will result from the incompletion of these locks, contemporary with the completion of the other work. The masonry of most of the road and farm bridges is done, and the rest (the whole being built of dry rubble work) can be put up through the winter. Six sections have been completed, and seven others can be finished in two or three weeks. The very wet season, and great sickliness of the line, with the scarcity of labourers, have severely resulted to the disadvantage of contractors, and retarded their operations. A full and active force will be engaged henceforth, and the completion of every section ensu red before the first of April next. Section No. 12, on which no estimate has yet been made, and sections Nos. 9, 11 and 15, which were deserted by the original contractors, are now in the hands of steady and enterprising men, who will prosecute them to completion within the shortest practicable period. Robert Clark, Jacob Updegrove, $2100 143 158 120 156 55 181 233 the tabular statements, and to the report of the engi For more detailed information you are referred to neer attached hereto. All which is respectfully submitted, Report or A. B. WARFORD, ENGINEER. To Joan BARBER, ESQ. plan then proposed, would be insufficient to sustain the A. B. WARFORD, Engineer. ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF WORK. Estimated cost of that part of the eastern division of the Pennsylvania canal, authorized by the act of 21st March, 1831. Sections. $1001 44 1020 52 1556 60 1715 52 1719 44 877 77 1923 50 626 31 1615 48 No. 1.-Daniel Dougherty, contractor, No. 16.-John and Felix Murry, contractors, Superintendent Eastern Division Penn'a. Canal. SIR-That part of the eastern division of the Pennsylvania canal, extending from Clark's ferry to Middletown, has been, since it came under my direction, and as I have been credibly informed, was, from the 22d of March to that period, in navigable order. But few repairs are required on this part of the division, except at the bridge across the Susquehanna river at Clark's ferry, which will require extensive repairs to render it a substantial and permanent work. It is believed, however, that by the repairs now in progress, it will be straightened and strengthened to such an extent, that it will answer the intended purpose for a considerable time, at an expenditure not exceeding three thousand five hundred dollars. The work upon the remainder of the division, and particularly that part which was placed under contract the present year, has not progressed with as much rapidity as was desirable; and less has been done than was confidently anticipated in the early part of the season. Many causes have combined to retard the progress of the work. The scarcity of laborers, together with a very sickly season, by reason of which the effective force of what men could be procured was diminished, has had, in no small degree, a retarding influence upon the works. An unusually wet season, and consequent high water, has been the means of limiting the efforts of some contractors, and has in some degree operated to the disadvantage of all. Section No. 1, has been reported completed. Sections 7, 16, 17, 18 and 19, have been completed since the last estimate. Sections 4, 5, 8, 20, 21, C, B and A, may be completed in three weeks. The remainder of the sections, together with the bridges, culverts, wasteweirs and water-ways, will be completed early in the spring; and the locks, aqueduct, and every other part of the work connected with the eastern division, may be so far completed that the water may be admitted in June next. That part of the eastern division, which was placed under contract in pursuance of the act of the 21st of March last, is 8 71.100 miles in length, and the works connected with it of the following dimensions: The aqueduct across the Swatara is 300 feet long and 18 feet wide. Locks No. 6 and 7, are each 8 feet lift, and 90 by 17 feet in the chamber. The outlet locks at Columbia are each 10 feet lift, and 100 by 17 feet in the chamber. The road bridges are 20 feet wide, and 48 feet in length, except the one at Walnut street in Marietta, which will be in length 76 feet. The farm bridges are 12 feet wide, and 48 feet long, except those on sections 10, 12, and C, which are 50 feet long. The towing path bridge at Middletown is 57 feet long and 10 feet wide. Culvert on section 13, 4 feet span; wastewiers 60 feet long, and water-ways 8 feet wide. This part of the division is estimated to cost $133,804 52, as will appear in detail by referring to the accompanying es- Farm Bridge, No. 1.-A. P. and C. Provest, timate. This amount exceeds the cost, as reported by Mr. Gay, $18,763 46; but if the cost of the outlet locks at Columbia be deducted, which appears not to have been contemplated in that report, it will be found to fall within his estimate. The amount of work estimated to have been done, on the 15th inst. was $41,992 03, which left the value of the work remaining to be done, $91,812 49; to which, if there is added $23,718 02, the amount estimated to complete the work authorized prior to the 21st of March last, it will make $115,530 50, the total amount required to complete the eastern division, and is believed to be sufficiently large to meet every exigency. Included in the estimated cost of the aqueduct over the Swatara, is $7200 for altering the plan, after the Works were put under contract. This was done from the belief that the work, if executed agreeably to the tractors, No. 19.-George Blattenberger, contractor, C.-Jeremiah Kirk, contractor, No. 6.-Ehle and Hodge, contractors, Road Bridge, No. 1.-A. P. and C. Provest, contractors, No. 2.-A. P. and C. Provest, No. 4.-Contract forfeited, Extra Bridge at Marietta,-Samuel Hopkins tractors, 993 20 1377 61 1417 25 2728 95 2482 16 2070 04 1087 28 2047 90 3378 29 1831 00 6849 30 1947 82 3099 84 2785 78 6839 00 6627 50 20,023 25 456 25 19,770-00 492 00 629 00 1284 00 745 66 898 31 Farm Bridge, No. 9.-Richard and Thomas English, contractors, No. 10.-Richard and Thomas English, contractors, Farm Bridge on Seotion C.-Breneman and tractor, No. 13.-John Cameron, con tractor, Crawford, contractors, Towing Path Bridge at Middletown, Balsley, contractors, Houses at outlet Lock.-Not under contract, 5020 rods fence, at $1 20, Removing on Sections 3 and 4.-Saml. Hopkins, contractor, Removing Building on Section No. 2.-Saml. Removing Building on Section No. 15.-Edward Fabrigues, contractor, Removing Building on Section 17.-John Removing Building on Section 19.-Jno. B. Haldeman, contractor, Removing Building at Swatara.—John Storm, contractor, Removing Building on Section C.-Daniel May, contractor, Contingencies, Total cost, Amount of work estimated to have been done, November 15th, 1831, the formation of societies for the promotion of agricul741 00 ture, and also, so much as relates to manufactures, REPORT: 671 90 506 50 567 85 1001 75 750 00 1000 00 347 00 400 00 6024 00 275 00 12 50 50 00 125 00 70 00 75 00 6700 00 $133,804 52 41,992 03 That they approach the subject with a deep sense of its importance, and aware of the necessity of caution and circumspection, in regard to any measure which may exercise an extensive and lasting influence on the state of society, and the social relations of life, it is with diffidence we offer the following suggestions. No community can become numerous, intelligent, prosperous, or happy, without plentiful supplies of the neces saries and comforts of life, and these can only be furnished where agriculture and manufactures are in a flourishing condition. Hence, the prosperity of these sources of national wealth, is a necessary preliminary to all other improvements in the condition of the body of the people. It is therefore among the most imperative duties of the government, to foster and encourage them, by the judicious application of such means as the constitution has placed at its disposal: The extensive system of internal improvement in which we are now engaged, has for its primary object the increase of productive power; and it will readily be conceded, that it is the most effectual means of accomplishing the end in view. But while we are appropriating so many millions in this way, it may be worth while to consider, if there be not other means of promoting the same object, at least deserving of attention. It is certainly necessary that our farmers should have facilities of getting their products to market, before their power of production can be fully called into exercise, but it is not less necessary, that they should possess the knowledge requisite to direct their labor in the most profitable way. Your committee have no doubt that the raising of silk, and of the grape, if extensively introduced, would be sources of profit to many of our citizens, and an important advantage to the community at large. That species of the mulberry on which the silk worm is fed in Europe and Asia, is so well adapted to our climate, that it has become naturalized in some parts of our state, and is to be found growing without care or cultivation, in hedge by secd or by cuttings of the branches, so that nothing rows and waste places. It is easily propagated, either is wanting but information and a little attention to its cultivation, to multiply it to any desirable extent. have also a native species of mulberry, which is known to answer the purpose for feeding silk worms, whether as well or better than the foreign, is perhaps not yet determined. Several species of the grape are also natives of the country, and some varieties of the wine grape of Europe have been cultivated in some places to advan tage, whilst others have been found too tender to stand the severe winters of this climate, and the question is yet undecided, whether foreign or native varieties of this delicious fruit are best adapted to general cultivation. There are doubtless many other articles now imported, which may be produced in our own country. Madder will grow luxuriantly in this state, and it is highly probable that the Olive tree and the Tea plant would both thrive well in some of the southern states. In these cases, and every other in which articles are not produced, where it might be advantageously done, it is evident that want of knowledge is the principal reason for the deficiency. Any measure, therefore, which would diffuse among the inhabitants of our state, an increase of useful and practical knowledge, and promote a spirit of inquiry and enterprise, will cause agriculture and manufactures to improve, and promote general prosperity and happiness. We ufactures, appear well calculated to excite emulation, Societies for the improvement of agriculture and manand thus assist in perfecting the skill of the agriculturalists and manufacturers. They are, therefore, useful; and where the citizens feel interest enough in them, to devote a portion of their time and attention in promoting their object, they are deserving of high commendation. But your committee do not perceive, that any |