The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
WATERWAYS
The details you are so good as to give me on the subject of the
navigation of the waters of the Potomac and Ohio, are very pleasing to
me, as I consider the union of these two rivers, as among the
strongest links of connection between the eastern and western sides of
our confederacy. It will, moreover, add to the commerce of Virginia,
in particular, all the upper parts of the Ohio and its waters. Another
vast object, and of much less difficulty, is to add, also, all the
country on the lakes and their waters. This would enlarge our field
immensely, and would certainly be effected by a union of the upper
waters of the Ohio and Lake Erie The Big Beaver and Cuyahoga offer the
most direct line, and according to information I received from General
Hand, and which I had the honor of writing you in the year 1783, the
streams in that neighborhood head in lagoons, and the country is flat.
With respect to the doubts which you say are entertained by some,
whether the upper waters of Potomac can be rendered capable of
navigation on account of the falls and rugged banks, they are
answered, by observing, that it is reduced to a maxim, that whenever
there is water enough to float a batteau, there may be navigation for
a batteau. Canals and locks may be necessary, and they are expensive;
but I hardly know what expense would be too great, for the object in
question. Probably, negotiations with the Indians, perhaps even
settlement, must precede the execution of the Cuyahoga canal. The
States of Maryland and Virginia should make a common object of it. The
navigation, again, between Elizabeth River and the Sound, is of vast
importance, and in my opinion, it is much better that these should be
done at public than private expense.
to George Washington, 10 May 1789
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