NP, WJ 10/30/1861

From the Wilmington Journal
 
October 30, 1861
 
Coal
   We are glad to hear that after a good many disappointments and delays, the bringing down of coal from the Egypt mine has been resumed, and that a boat load will leave here tomorrow morning, destined for Charleston, via the Wilmington & Manchester railroad. The interruptions to the business have been unfortunate, but we trust they are now overcome, and that Mr. McClane, with his accustomed energy, which has sustained him through all the disappointments about Deep River navigation and of fire-dap explosions, will now begin to realize the full and profitable results of his long and skilful labors in unearthing the wealth of that wonderful region of our State. In these labors he has persevered for years, and deserves not only pecuniary benefits but a grateful appreciation by those who are interested in the prosperity and character of our State. He is the only one, North or South, who has gone to work in a scientific way, not content with a mere skimming of the inferior mineral at the outcropping, (which would only serve to damage the character of the rich coal below,) but working his way, at a great expense, nearly 500 feet to the basin below.
   It is expected that in a few days the quantity will be sufficient to require a daily instead of a tri-weekly train of cars. When the road {the Western RR} is finished to the mouth of the shaft, the transportation will be greatly facilitated. And there are now about 400 hands employed upon the 2 1/2 miles to that point, by the three contractors, who hope to complete their contracts and the road in January next.
Fay{etteville, N. C.} Observer

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