Virginia Argus

Extract of letter from a gentleman in Huntingdon, to his friend in Lancaster, dated March 25, 1805.

"A Coal-mine was, some years since, discovered upon the lands of Samuel Riddle, esq, on the Raystown branch of the Juniata, about 25 miles southwest of this place; which promises fair to be a source of great profit to the proprietor, and convenience to the inhabitants of this and other towns on or near the river.

In the course of the last spring, some persons, in the neighborhood of the mine, obtained permission to dig coal, which they carried down the river; and, although the greater part of what they dug was taken from the surface of the bank: and, through want of care mixed with slate and gravel: the character given of the coal was such, as to encourage Mr. Riddle to employ an experienced miner, who has lately opened the mine to a considerable extent, and discovered a second stratum of pure coal, running in a horizontal line, of the thickness of 10 feet and upwards.

From this mine, 2 laborers with a cart and a pair of oxen, dig and carry to the river 12 1/2 bushels per day.

Several boatmen-have, for some weeks past been engaged in preparing craft to carry the coal to market, and 4 or 5 arks will be in readiness, to set out for Harrisburg and Columbia, with the first flood.

I understand that Mr. Riddle sells the coal to the boatmen, upon the bank, at 7 or 8 cents per bushel. What price they will be able to afford it at, in Columbia, I cannot say; but as the neighborhood of the mine abounds in excellent timber for arks, which cannot be built at a trifling expense, I have not a doubt but that, if such encouragement were given as to induce the boatmen of the neighborhood generally to engage in the trade, the citizens of Lancaster could in the course of the next season, procure an abundant supply, upon very moderate terms."