The minimum width and depth of channel at low water ought to be not less than 5 feet deep and 75 feet wide. Six feet deep and 100 feet wide would be still more desirable. Respectfully, Mr. JOHN H. DAGER, LEA PUSEY. Assistant United States Engineer. LETTER OF MESSRS. SEIDEL, HASTINGS & Co. THE WILMINGTON PLATE-IRON ROLLING MILLS, DEAR SIR: Your valued favor of 31st ultimo was duly received. In reply we would say that the improvement of the Brandywine Creek by deepening and widening its channel is, in our judgment, not only very desirable, but absolutely necessary for its navigation by vessels of the size which we generally require to carry our freights. In the present condition of the stream we find it very difficult, and frequently impossible, to obtain vessels of sufficiently light draught of water to reach our wharf loaded. In regard to the proper depth and width of the channel, we should say that, for the amount of business done on the creek, at least 8 feet deep at low water and from 100 to 150 feet wide should be obtained. Yours, very respectfully, JOHN H. DAGER, Esq., Assistant United States Engineer. SEIDEL, HASTINGS & CO. LETTER OF THE WILLIAM LEA & SONS COMPANY. THE WILLIAM LEA & SONS COMPANY, BRANDYWINE MILLS, Wilmington, Del., November 12, 1883. DEAR SIR: Your favor received. We think it quite important to the city of Wilmington that the improvements to the Brandywine Creek should begin at once. With the present depth of water it is almost impossible to charter vessels of any size to bring grain to our mills. We think it desirable that you should attain a depth of 6 feet at low water from Eleventh Street Bridge to the Market Street Bridge, and a width of 75 feet at Market Street Bridge, gradually widening to 100 feet at Eleventh Street Bridge. From Eleventh Street Bridge to the mouth of the creek a depth of 9 feet at low water, and a width of 100 feet at Eleventh Street Bridge, widening to 150 feet at the mouth of the creek. These improvements, we think, would induce large manufacturing establishments to locate on the Brandywine, and would lead to a very large increase in the tonnage of this stream. We sincerely hope that a sufficient appropriation will be made by the next Congress to begin these improvements. Yours, truly, JOHN H. DAGER, Esq., PRESTON LEA, President. Assistant United States Engineer. |