| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond April 11, 1862 |
| |
| Hon. G. W. Randolph |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| I respectfully forward for your
consideration, the report of Capt. E. T. D. Myers of the Provisional
Engineer Corps, on the extension of the Danville Rail Road & take
pleasure in testifying to his zeal & intelligence in the execution
of the surveys confided to him. His principal conclusions are
presented on the next page in a tabular form, in which, |
| The upper route designates that from
Danville to Greensboro & |
| The lower
route
"
" "
Burkesdale's to Haw River. |
| At the first glance it appears that the
lower route can be more rapidly constructed than the upper, but the
difficulty of crossing Dan River at the very commencement of the
former line would seem to justify Capt. Myers' conclusion that such is
not the case. The fact that the upper route passes near valuable coal
deposits, although not alluded to in the accompanying report, may be
deemed of importance in making a final selection. Since the upper line
can be built as rapidly as the lower, at a cost within the
Congressional appropriation & is more valuable & secure when
constructed, it is recommended for principle consideration by this
Bureau. |
| With great respect Your obt. servant |
| R. S. Rives |
| Acting Chief Engineer Bureau |
| Name of route |
Cubic yards - excavation |
Cubic yards - embankment |
Masonry 1st class @ $15 |
Masonry 2d class @ $6 |
Masonry 3d class @ $4 |
Rock |
Bridges 1st class @ $16 |
Bridges 2d class @ $8 |
Laborers required |
Horses & carts required |
Length of line to be constructed |
Distance from Richmond to
Greensboro |
Estimated cost |
Estimated advantage of first
construction |
Estimated advantage including ??king
expenses |
Estimated time of construction |
| Upper route |
760,000 |
765,000 |
|
23,400 |
37,200 |
Upper exceeds somewhat |
|
250 |
2500 |
500 |
50 |
190 |
971,906 |
|
167,145 |
6 mos. |
| Lower " |
601,000 |
560,000 |
2680 |
|
26000 |
560 |
|
2000 |
400 |
42 1/2 |
195 1/2 |
824,761 |
146,145 |
|
" |
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