The New Hampshire Gazette

For the N.H. Gazette

SALMON FALLS FACTORY.

Messrs. Beck & Foster—Having lately had the pleasure of visiting the Salmon Falls Factory at Somersworth, and of witnessing the improvements that have been made there within a few months, perhaps even a very imperfect account of this great and valuable establishment may be acceptable to your readers.

The stream on which this manufactory is built, is capable of furnishing a sufficient supply of water for perhaps 20 factories on the largest scale: and there are on both sides of it, sites, for the erection of suitable buildings. At this time, when many of the manufactories of New-England are compelled to suspend operations in consequence of a scarcity of water: the dam of Salmon Falls, two hundred and fifty feet in length presents a beautiful fall of water, several inches over the whole surface that never fails at any season of the year.

The new brick buildings nearly completed, are one 84 by 44 feet, 4 stories in front and 6 in rear, for carding and spinning; another, 60 by 31 feet, 3 stories by 4, for weaving, dressing and fulling, capable of making 200 yards of superfine broad cloth a day; a third, 60 by 30 feet, two stories, for dying, &c.

Besides these buildings, the architecture and design of which, confer great honor on Col. Boardman, the engineer, there are belonging to the establishment and now in operation, a saw mill, grist mill, oil mill, and fulling mill; also a large store, blacksmith's shop, 3 dwelling houses, 3 work shops and 3 barns. There is likewise a handsome and substantial bridge constructed over the stream. and a new road leading to South Berwick corner.

The water privilege connected with this establishment are three Falls. The upper dam has a fall of 16 feet; the middle dam, near which the present buildings are erected has a fall of 24 feet; and the fall just below is 14 feet.

The appearance of the whole is highly interesting and picturesque. The situation is pleasant and healthy. The distance at present. from this town over Portsmouth Bridge, is about 15 miles; but by a route new in contemplation, the distance is only 11 miles.

No person, particularly any who live in this neighborhood, can look upon this establishment with indifference; and there is no doubt but the present enterprising proprietor, James Rundlett, Esq. of Portsmouth, will at no distant day, realize all the advantages from this undertaking to which its magnitude and usefulness so eminently entitle it.