1119. CANAL, Potomac and Ohio.
-I
consider the union of the Potomac and the Ohio
rivers as among the strongest links of communication
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. * * *
With respect to the doubts which you say are
entertained by some, whether the upper waters
of the 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.—
To General Washington. Washington ed. iii, 29.
Ford ed., v, 93.
(P.
1789)
