The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

NEW-YORK ELECTION:

ASSEMBLY

To the Editor of the National Intelligencer.

Sir,

As you have claimed attention to inland navigation in your late papers, it may not be ill-timed to desire your readers to examine the map of the United States that the advantages of the Potomac may be duly appreciated. Mr. Jefferson in his notes, states that New-York is 325 miles distant from Lake Erie—and has five portages. In a sensible Pamphlet lately published, the distance from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh by water when the Canals shall be finished will be 426 miles with only one portage of 18 miles at Canemaugh—and from Pittsburgh to New-Orleans above 2000 miles—now the distance from Washington City to Pittsburgh is not by water 250 miles and with only one portage of about 25 miles—That this is the most advantageous route to supply the Western Country with European, Asiatic and West India articles is evinced by the use already made of it by merchants who even purchase goods at New-York and send them up the Potomac from the district of Columbia.

The saving between water and land carriage it were superfluous to explain, but the superior dispatch has been little attended to, I have therefore to state a boat this season has made three trips from Harper's ferry with 100 barrels of flour each time and back again in nine days—his freight was 90 cents per barrel, or four men in nine days earned 270 dollars. They demand high prices now as there are few boats, but when the Potomac shall be made an every day navigation, the risque will be less & many will make a regular business of boating and competition will lower the freight.

At least 100,000 barrels of flour exclusive of other articles will be brought down the Potomac this year. this encreases the funds arising from the tolls and will enable the company greatly to improve the navigation.

Even now there is not any want of purchasers, and they will soon resort to a port where there will be a constant supply on cheaper terms than any can sell elsewhere.

Formerly it required a large capital to carry on trade, but now bills can be drawn for 2-3rds or 3-4ths of a cargo and sold for cash, and the banks allow discount on a respectable merchant's note for the remainder—hence arises the great increase of exports of flour from the Atlantic States.

The citizens of Washington seeing this great supply of flour, &c. are now seriously resolved to open the canal through the city to the Eastern Branch, which is the best harbor in the district. and not inferior to any in the Union.