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E P O B T 
 
 WITH 
 
 PLANS, SECTIONS, &c. 
 
 OP THE PROPOSED 
 
 DRY TUNNEL, or PASSAGE, 
 
 FROM 
 
 GRAVESEND, in Kent, to TILBURY, in Essex ; 
 
 DEMONSTRATING ITS PRACTICABILITY, 
 
 AND 
 
 GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE TWO COUNTIES, 
 
 AND TO 
 
 THE NATION AT LARGE: 
 
 ALSO ON A 
 
 CANAL from near GRAVESEND to STROUD. 
 
 WITH 
 
 SOME MISCELLANEOUS AND PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 By R. DODD, Engineer. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR J. TAYLOR, AT THE ARCHITECTURAL LIBRARY, HIGH H01B0RN, 
 
 1798 , 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Having for many years been employed in public 
 furveys of canals, coal-mines, harbours, and other fimilar 
 works of conhderable magnitude, my mind, always active, 
 has long been pondering the thought of the great ad- 
 vantage it would be to commerce, if an eafy communi- 
 cation could be effe&ed between certain places where 
 Nature has planted a barrier, apparently infurmountable. 
 The ufual mode of doing this by ^ridges, in many fitu- 
 ations. is abfolutely impoffible ; and in many, the expenfe 
 amounts to nearly the fame prohibition. 
 
 And although by the late happy adoption of iron 
 bridges, which obviate many of the obje£tions to which 
 bridges of hone or brick are liable, of which a moft noble 
 fpecimen has lately been achieved in the north by an In- 
 dividual, highly to his honour, and to the advantage of his 
 
 a 2 country, 
 
( vi ) 
 
 country, yet I am unwilling to yield the exertions of art 
 as no further available. 
 
 From the importance of a communication between the 
 towns of North and South Shields, which were under my 
 conftant view, and where no bridge could poffibly be con- 
 ftru&ed, my mind happily thought upon the fcheme of 
 making a fubterraneous, and I may fay a fubacjueous 
 paffage, to accomplifh this deftrable purpofe : the idea 
 once conceived, art and fcience foon accomplifhed the 
 reft ; and I had the honour of making a report under the 
 aufpices of that noble patron of arts, the Duke of Nor- 
 thumberland, and other refpeCtable Perfons, to the Gentle- 
 men of thofe towns, on the fubjeft ; an outline of which 
 will be found in thefe fheets. It is hardly neceflary to 
 fay, not the want of practicability in the plan (for that 
 was never doubted), but other untoward circumftances of 
 our country, which then took place, too obvious to mention, 
 adjourned the completion for a time ; I am led to hope 
 not a diftant period. 
 
 In the courfe of my profefftonal travelling, I obferved 
 the want of a grand uninterrupted line of communication 
 
 m 
 
( vii ) 
 
 in the fouth-eaft part of the kingdom, which would eaiily 
 be obtained, if the river Thames could be conveniently 
 paffed. Under this impreflion, a little reflexion and con- 
 fideration pointed out Gravefend and Tilbury, places 
 already conliderably conne&ed by a ferry, as the points 
 where the two counties would with mod advantage be 
 united : this datum being adjuded, the red of the bulinefs 
 followed in that fucceffion which I lliall lay before my 
 readers in the following ilieets ; which, with the plans, &c. 
 annexed to the pamphlet, will, I hope, give a clear view 
 of the bulinefs, and evince the practicability and great 
 importance of the objeCt. 
 
 I am led to make thefe papers public in a collective 
 form, as the mod complete way of anfwering the many 
 inquiries my Noble Patrons, concerned in this bulinefs, and 
 myfelf, have experienced from perfons wifhing information 
 on a fcheme, intereding to fome, on account of its no- 
 velty, and to others, on account of its importance. 
 
 As one link of a chain draws on another, fo has the 
 fubfequent idea of the canal from near Gravefend to Stroud, 
 of which an account is given at the end of this work, been 
 
 drawn 
 
( viii ) 
 
 drawn on by the neceffary confideratlon and infpe&ions of 
 the country for the tunnel ; and, taken together, I think 
 I may be allowed to fay, no propofals of late date abound 
 more with advantages to the neighbouring diltrifts, and to 
 the country at large. 
 
 R. DODD. 
 

 
Perulrn Published, hi / J.Taylor Sep. l-ijg 8 . 
 
 Plate 3. 
 
EXPLANATION of the PLATES. 
 
 Plate I. Plan of the Tunnel , with a vertical and horizontal Seilion. 
 The Particulars of the Confruilion are marked on the Plate, 
 
 Plate IT. View of Gravefend and Tilbury , from the Middle of the 
 River , Jhowing the relative Situation of the Tunnel to thofe Towns. 
 
 The Outline underneath gives an ex ail Seilion of the River in the Lane of 
 the Tunnel , with the Depths of Water , and the Soils or Strata , from 
 ailual Soundings and Borings : the Part faded the darkef , is Clay ; 
 the lighter Part is all Chalk. 
 
 Plate III. A Map exhibiting the Country about Twenty Miles round 
 Gravefend and Tilbury , Jhowing the Roads and principal Towns 
 within the immediate Inf ue nee of the Tunnel , and of the Canal. 
 

 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
REPORTS, 
 
 & ) c. &c. 
 
 1 HE fubfequent pages will lay before the public, a meafure of con- 
 fiderable local importance, and national improvement — the adopting of 
 dry tunnels under branches of the fea, rivers, & c. as fubftitutes for 
 bridges, and infuch places wherebridges are impracticable. I fhallconfine 
 thefe obfer vations and remarks principally to my propofed fcheme of a tun- 
 nel from Gravefend in Kent, to Tilbury in Effex ; which, fince my 
 ideas on the fubject were firff published, has confiderably occupied 
 the mind of the public, as well for the novelty, as for the importance 
 of the plan. I (hall explain the leading features of this fubterraneous 
 ffructure, without attending to elegance of hyle, or unneceffary orna- 
 ment; and, avoiding all technical terms, I Avail with plainnefs, and as 
 much brevity as the fubject will admit, proceed to communicate my 
 ideas on the important fcheme ; and probably I cannot do it in a more 
 regular manner, than by giving my firft introductory report on the fub- 
 ject, to the Nobility and Gentry of the counties of Kent and Effex. 
 
 “ To the Nobility, Gentry, &c. of Essex and Kent. 
 
 “ My Lords , and Gentlemen, 
 
 “ IN ffating my fentiments in this introductory report, it 
 is my intention to ufe as much brevity as poffible, at the fame time to 
 omit no effential information; and certainly every projector of public 
 
 b under- 
 
( 2 ) 
 
 undertakings of magnitude and utility, fhould think himfelf happy to 
 communicate information in the cleareft manner poffible. To collect 
 fufficient information, and convey inftruCtion, it is neceflary, firth, with 
 precitlon to record fails, that will bear i.nvefiigation, to arrange fuch 
 materials in a regular fythem, clear and accurate, from the information 
 obtained in an aCtual furvey — but any collateral matter that draws up or 
 excites a fpirit for improvement, is certainly ufeful: and as many only 
 want information to ftimulate them, it would therefore be an omiffion 
 not fully to convey my ideas as fir as can be, previous to an ac- 
 tual furvey ; and when I mention that the objeCt is no Ids than uniting 
 the communication of the two great counties of Kent and Effex, by a 
 method, that the hitherto infurmountable barrier the river Thames will 
 not prevent, it mufl meet with the approbation of all lovers of im- 
 provement. 
 
 4< The great and much-extended fcale of our floating traffic -on 
 the river Thames forbids the poffibility of a permanent bridge 
 being here conitruCted over it, trom one county to the other ; but 
 this projected paflage gives no obfiruCticn to the commerce on the 
 river : and notwithflanding however novel the idea may appear to 
 ibme, it is both practicable, and pregnant with utility. But, as the 
 pradtice of making paflages, tunnels, or drifts under rivers, for the 
 purpofes of commerce, is probably unknown to many in this part of 
 the kingdom, it may be proper to mention fome places where they are 
 already conflruCted; viz. at the coal works under the rivers Tyne 
 and Wear; and at Whitehaven, under the very ocean: thefe excava- 
 tions are at prefent occupied with horfes and carriages paffing with 
 coal, the Are am running over head. 
 
 ** From an aCtual furvey I made in the early part of this year, it is 
 intended to make a tunnel at the mouth of the river Tyne, near the fea, 
 to anfwer all the purpofes of a bridge, for horfe, foot, and carriage 
 paffengers, thus giving facility to the land commerce between the two 
 counties of Northumberland and Durham, faving a circuit of 18 miles, 
 
 l by 
 
( 3 ) 
 
 by avoiding the bridge at Newcaftle, as well as preventing other nume- 
 rous inconveniences. 
 
 “ The meafure now projected, will fave the neceffity of palling by 
 London bridge, and thereby a circuit of near 50 miles, independent of 
 its giving ample opportunity for various eflablifhments, and agricul- 
 tural improvement; and I think it would argue an apathy not to be 
 expedted in the inhabitants of thefe two great counties, not to purfue 
 the important benefits to be obtained from this fcheme, fo reciprocally 
 advantageous to each county : certainly any negledt muff call loudly for 
 cenfure ; for where two counties of fuch magnitude can be joined at fo 
 fmall an expenfe, it ought not to be omitted, as it will add to their 
 commerce, population, and convenience. 
 
 “ Probably the hand of Nature never formed a better fituation for this 
 purpofe, than at or near Gravefend, on the river Thames, from the 
 eligibilty of the fhores on both fides the river, and the apparent rock 
 of chalk to pafs through. I fhould recommend the form of this paffage 
 or tunnel to be cylindrical, wholly made with key-flones; therefore the 
 greater the preffure the flronger will be the work ; having a diameter of 
 16 feet in the clear, w hich will be a fufficient width for foot, horfe, and 
 carriage paffengers ; to be illuminated with lamps, and a fleam engine 
 to draw its drainage water, if neceffary. Upon this fcale, I fliall give a 
 general eflimate from ocular obfervations. 
 
 “ I conceive that 900 yards of tunnelling will be fufficient for palling 
 under the bed of the river, and keeping each of its extremes at a proper 
 diflance from the banks; at what depth it mull pafs under the bed of the 
 river, can only be determined by our borings hereafter, made in an ac- 
 tual furvey, to determine its ffrata, dec. And although mathematical 
 precifion is not to be looked for in this preliminary report, I confefs 
 myfelf ferioufly, and perhaps interefledly imprelled with a defire, that 
 this flatement may not differ materially from the one that may arife 
 from a more minute furvey. Thus influenced, I believe my prefent efti- 
 
 b 2 mates 
 
( 4 ) 
 
 mates may be conddered as fully adequate ; but for the better informa- 
 tion of Gentlemen who wifhed me to draw up this report, I mention the 
 fadt, that fome of the mod; condderable tunnels in this kingdom, on 
 a fcale of 19 feet by 17 (which is larger than the one at prefent re- 
 commended), have been executed at 1 2/. per running yard; therefore the 
 annexed edimate mufc certainly be thought fufficient in point of expenfe 
 for executing, as in them I have allowed the mod: liberal prices ufually 
 given in fuch undertakings. 
 
 ESTIMATES , &c. csV. 
 
 £■ 
 
 T o 900 yards running meafure of tunnelling, including the ex- 
 cavation and vaulting with key-dones, &c. at 12/. per yard io,8co 
 To relaying the bottom with new-made ground, 90Q running 
 
 yards, at 1/. per yard ------ 900 
 
 To fixing lamps and lamp-irons through, the tunnel, toll-collec- 
 tors’ rooms, gates, &c. at each end - - ■ - 400 
 
 To making good entrance roads at each end of the tunnel - 160 
 
 To a fleam engine, pipes, &c. if found necedary to draw’ off 
 
 the. drainage water ------- 1,780 
 
 To necedary machinery during the execution - - 500 
 
 To 10 per cent, upon the whole for contingencies - - 1,455 
 
 £■ > 5-995 
 
 A fum too fmall, to be brought into contrail with the magnitude and 
 ufefulnefs of the padage or tunnel ; for whether we confider it as a 
 great national improvement, or a local one to the two counties, or 
 forming a military pafs of the drd confequence in this part of the king- 
 dom, for armies, &c. to pafs through, its importance claims the greateff 
 attention. 
 
 u What may be the mod proper method to raife the fupplies for the 
 execution of this grand undertaking; whether it be by the joint expenfe 
 
 of 
 
C s > 
 
 of both counties, or by the fubfcription of private individuals, incor- 
 porated with liberty from Parliament to levy tolls, is a matter for future 
 eonfideration ; but I am confident the latter would pay ample interefl 
 to its {hare-holders. It is certainly the duty and intereft of the hate to» 
 fupport this and all other public improvements ; and of every individual 
 who admits that agriculture and commerce are objects worthy the pur- 
 fuit of nations. The preceding obfervations will fuggeft to every lover 
 of improvement in the counties of Kent and EfTex, that there are purfuits 
 from which they may derive convenience and fuperior commerce, and 
 that any plan for thofe improvements is at leaft worthy of public atten- 
 tion ; which I hope my future report from the actual furvey, with its 
 accompanying plans, will fully demonflrate.. 
 
 “ I am, 
 
 “ My Lords, and Gentlemen, 
 
 “ With great refpedt, 
 
 May, 1798.. “ Your humble fervant, 
 
 “ R. DODDd’ 
 
 After the above report had been fome time in circulation, it was 
 deemed neceffary, to give fome folidity to the bufinefs, to convene a 
 meeting of the neighbouring Gentry, &c. when the following refolutions 
 were unanimoufly adopted. 
 
 “ Meeting held in Town-Hall 0/ Gravesend,, rw. 
 Wednesday, the 1 8/A o/'July 1798, purfuant to an Advert if ce- 
 ment in the public Papers ; 
 
 “ The Pari of DARN LEY in the Chair ; 
 
 “MR. DODD having fubmitted his plans and eftimates for conflrudl- 
 ing a tunnel under the bed of the river Thames, from Gravefend to 
 Tilbury; opening an uninterrupted communication for carriages, &c„. 
 between the counties of Kent and EfTex ; and feveral letters from gentle- 
 men' 
 
{ 6 ) 
 
 men of EiTex (whofe attendance at this meeting was prevented b y the 
 affizes for that county), approving the meafure, and offering their con- 
 currence; and alfo a letter from the Secretary of the Board of Ordnance, 
 announcing the favourable refult of a furvey made under the direction of 
 Government, by Colonel Twifs and Capt. Holloway, of the Royal 
 Engineers, having been read ; 
 
 “ Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting, fuch a communica- 
 tion would be highly defirable, and of moft important national advantage. 
 That feeing no reafon to doubt the practicability of the meafure, the co- 
 operation of Government, the affent of the land-owners on both fides 
 the river, and (from the offers already made) the willingnefs of the 
 public to fubferibe towards its accomplifhment; it is the opinion of this 
 meeting that transferable lhares of ioo/. each feem to afford the moil 
 defirable mode of effecting it. 
 
 “ Resolved, That a book be opened at the office of Meffrs. Evans and 
 Son, at Gravefend, where thofe gentlemen who wifh to fupport and 
 encourage the undertaking, will have an opportunity of entering their 
 names : and that thefe refolutions, with the plans, effimates, feCtions, 
 Sc c. be laid before the Grand Juries of Effex and Kent*. 
 
 “ Signed at the requeft of the meeting, 
 
 “ DARNLEYT 
 
 # It may be neceflary to obferve the above refolutions were complied with, and I am happy 
 to obferve, meet with a mod cordial reception ; when the Grand Juries, properly confidering 
 the importance of the meafure, entered jointly into a refolution of holding a meeting in 
 London, for the further confideration, and accelerating the undertaking ; at which meet- 
 ing is intended an invitation for the attendance of a deputation from the Board of Ord- 
 inance, the Elder Brethren of the Trinity-houfe, and the Corporation of Gravefend. 
 
 The 
 
( 7 ) 
 
 The following is the report referred to in the above refolution, pre- 
 vious to the examination of which, it may be proper, by a due atten- 
 tion to the Plan and Sections, &c. fully to underftand the conftrucftion 
 propofed. 
 
 “ The Report, Estimate, &c. of the projehled Tunnel under 
 the River Thames, / hwz Gravesend in Kent, to Tilbury in 
 Essex. By R. Dodd, Engineer. 
 
 “ To the Nobility and Gentry in the Counties of Kent and Essex, 
 ajfembled at a Meeting in the Town-Hall, Gravesend, Kent. 
 
 “ My Lords , and Gentlemen , 
 
 “ IN this report from the atftual furvey, I find no reafon for 
 adding to the eftimate of expenfes given in my former report, but rather 
 an abatement of 3,141/. 12s. from the fum there eflimated, viz. 15,995/. 
 which will reduce the original fum to 12,853/. 8x. ; which advantage 
 arifes thus: the part I find moft eligible to pafs through is juft above 
 the town, through a chalk rock * of excellent quality ; therefore con- 
 fidering the foil fo excavated to be worth 2x. per yard, cube, which 
 is generally fold at 2 s. 6 d. independent of the flints found among it, 
 which ufually fell from 10 to 1 5X. per yard, cube, will produce 
 3,141/. 1 2s. ; for as it is neceftary to excavate 31,416 yards, cube, on the 
 propofed fcale of 16 feet clear within the tunnel, the quantity neceftary 
 to be cleared away through the rock, will be about 20 feet diameter ; its 
 circumference therefore will be 62 feet, 8,320 decimal parts; its length 
 2,700 feet, or 900 yards ; area of the mouth or end, 314 feet, 1,620 
 decimal parts ; the whole to be excavated, in folid feet, 848,232 feet, 
 or 31,416 yards; bafe area of the ftone vaulting, 113 feet, 76 decimal 
 parts, at 2 feet thick; folid feet of the ftone- work, 305, 120 feet, 5,200 
 decimal parts; fpace or vacuum with the vaulting, 543,1 1 1 feet, 4,800 
 
 * A fmall portion of the line on the Eflex fide will pafs through a clay foil. 
 
 decimal 
 
'( 8 ) 
 
 decimal parts ; whole external concave furface, 170,274 feet, 7,20a 
 decimal parts. It the dimenfions firft recommended for the tunnel be 
 reduced from 16 feet to 12 feet diameter, its circumference will be 50 
 feet, 2,656 decimal parts, and require an excavation of 542,868 feet, 
 4,800 decimal parts, folid feet ; the coll of which will not exceed io.oooA 
 for executing, allowing the amount from the fale of the excavated chalk 
 to be added to it. The deviation from an horizontal line of the tunnel, 
 which paffes at about 30 feet below the bed of the river, will be about 4 
 inches in the yard. 
 
 “ The importance of this undertaking embraces two great objedls for 
 confideration ; iirft, the uniting for commercial purpofes the great 
 calf part of this kingdom ; fecondly, that which at this momentous 
 crifis is of more importance, it will form a military pafs of the firft con- 
 fequence in this part of the kingdom ; thereby, independent of all other 
 convenience, it would fet afide the prefent necelfary military ferry, fo 
 unavoidably expenfive to the country. The execution of the propofed 
 plan, if fet about with fpirit and energy, may be completed in twelve 
 months. It is an unpleafant truth, that the barges uled for the ferry, 
 when paffing troops over the river, &c. flop the navigation, by hr ving 
 taught their hawfers, independent of the length of time the fervio, is in 
 performing. But what is worfe, there are times when it is imp able 
 to ufe them : how inconvenient this to our troops, which may at that 
 .crilis want to be palled over either for attack or retreat ? Further I am 
 informed, that the perfons attending on thefe barges, cod; Government, 
 annually, above 3,000 /. ; the firft coft of the barges, mooring-anchors, 
 hawfers, &c. could not belefs than 5,000/. ; add to this their wear and tear, 
 .at 200/. annually ; I believe, upon an impartial inquiry, it will be found 
 there has been more money fpent within the lad; three or four years, in 
 carrying into execution, and maintaining the prefent fy Item, than would 
 ■ nave executed the tunnel ; which, when once dnidied, would require 
 little or no repair for ages, and would be a permanent palfage at all 
 periods. 
 
 From 
 
( 9 ) 
 
 xi From what I learn, the prefent ferry, &c. lets for i io/. per annum ; 
 and for the fubfiflence of the ferrymen employed, with the wear and 
 tear of boats, &c. it cannot produce lefs than 900/. per annum. 
 
 “ If we confider there are few pafs the prefent ferry, but fuch as are 
 neceffitated, and that many, through fear and diflike to the water, prefer 
 a circuit of many miles, who doubtlefs would make ufe of this con- 
 venience now propofed ; I believe, on the adoption of bridges inftead of 
 ferries, paffengers and tolls generally increafe three-fold; and I have 
 known them in a lefs likely place, than between Gravefend and Tilbury, 
 increafe five-fold, which my obfervation will not admit me to doubt will 
 be the cafe at this place. Further, another circumftance of great im- 
 portance, and which mull: fooner or later take place on the adoption of 
 this plan, and which muff greatly increafe its tolls, will be the making 
 of a great line of road, fo much wanted, to communicate all along the 
 eaftern part of the kingdom. The improvements which this tunnel will 
 communicate to the country, in a civil point of view, will be perpetually 
 increafing, from the improvement it would give to agriculture and com- 
 merce, by opening of new roads, &c. 
 
 “ If a tunnel executed on a plan of 12 feet in the clear, which fome 
 perfons may think fufficient, fhould be refolved on (though for my 
 own part I prefer the larger plan), it would admit carriages to pafs 
 one way at a time, and might be executed fo as not to exceed 10,000/,; 
 this fcale might be enlarged at any future period, or another of the fame 
 dimenfion might be made on a parallel line with it, and fo allow a 
 conftant paflage each way, reverfe to the other : the only additional 
 expenfe that would occur by having two fmall tunnels inftead of one 
 large one, befides the coft of conftrudtion, would be the additional 
 number of lamps, as one ftearn-engine might draw off the water from 
 both, if troubled with any, which is little to be expected; for this reafon, 
 viz. that the whole extent of tunnel will be nearly, if not abfolutely, 
 water-tight; the only water then to contend with, will be during the 
 execution, if any fhould fpring up in the face of the working, during 
 
 c its 
 
C 10 ) 
 
 its excavation, which muff be from that part within the circle of its 
 diameter ; it will be locked up, and made water-tight, every ten or 
 twelve inches, as the work proceeds, and thereby effectually keep the 
 roof from injury. On the completion of the tunnel, it will admit to 
 reduce the tolls charged by the prefent ferry, at leaf! one third, and 
 yet leave an ample intereff for the fubfcribers, if executed by fubfcrip* 
 tion : but if executed by the two counties, as a matter of general benefit 
 to each, it ought to be toll-free, or at lead: as foon as it has paid for its 
 execution ; or if the tolls were continued on a Sunday, or for late hours, 
 they would pay the neceffary expenfes of fervants, oil burnt in the 
 lamps, Sec . ; or a fufficient fum might be borrowed, and its intereft and 
 principal hereafter be paid by the tolls : but all thofe obfervations are 
 for the conlideration of you, Gentlemen of the counties. 
 
 <£ Should my opinion be defired from my previous acquaintance with 
 iimilar concerns, as to what I thought the befl mode, I certainly fhould 
 recommend dividing the fum neceffary to be raifed, into one hundred 
 pound fhares, payable by inflalments ; and the fhares to be transferable; 
 fubfcribers to vote on all occafions in proportion to the number of 
 fhares they hold ; yearly or half-yearly dividends to be made from the 
 toll, to be divided amongft the fubfcribers ; and for the prefent time, a 
 committee fhould be immediately formed, with power to add to their num- 
 ber; this committee to take into conlideration what has already been done 
 for he furtherance of this undertaking, and what may yet be neceffary, 
 previous to application to Parliament for leave to levy tolls, &c. on 
 carriages and paffengers paffing the tunnel : which meafures fhould be 
 entered into as foon as poffible, as the parliamentary forms to be com- 
 plied with, require notices to be given in the months of Auguft of 
 September previous, for leave to bring in a Bill. 
 
 “ I am, 
 
 s< My Lords, and Gentlemen, 
 
 “ Your very humble fervant, 
 
 “ R. DODD,” 
 
 The 
 
( n ) 
 
 The map will fliow the circumjacent country and roads in connexion 
 with the tunnel. I wifh it by no means to be underftood, the benefits 
 of this plan will extend no further than the boundaries of my map ; but 
 enough is here given, to fliow the important connexion it has with the 
 commerce, agriculture, and military affairs of thefe diftridts. 
 
 From what has been already faid, I prefume it is fufficiently well 
 underflood, the form of this paffage or tunnel is, as it were, a tube of 
 about 900 yards long, and of 16 feet inferior diameter; the bottom of 
 which being refoiled or filled in 4 feet, will leave a height of 12 feet ; 
 and the width will be on the carriage-way nearly 16 feet (fee the 
 vertical fection on the plate). The whole to be lighted by lamps, burning 
 conffantly, or at all needful times. 
 
 I beg leave here to fay a few words, by way of comparifon, on the 
 feveral advantages of dry tunnels over bridges of iron : tunnels, I am 
 well perfuaded, will laff five times as long as an iron bridge, and without 
 any expenfe for repairs ; they are not fubjedt to the decay of ruff, nor 
 to injuries arifing from the expanfions and contractions of heat and cold; 
 and above all, the firft coft will not be the fourth part of an iron bridge. 
 When confiderea as a military road, how eafy is the defirudtion of an 
 iron bridge, from the brittlenefs of the materials? a few well-diredled 
 fhot would, I fear, foon deftroy the fabric. It is true, the tunnel is liable 
 to the action of the miner’s art : fo equally is a bridge ; but a few men 
 may effectually defend the former. 
 
 Thefe warlike obfervations may, by fome, be confidered as foreign to 
 my fubjedt ; but had they feen fome places in America, and others on 
 the continent, which I have feen, they would have had fufficient de- 
 monftration of the great utility of tunnels for paffing rivers, in pre- 
 ference to bridges, when armies are contending with each other. And 
 although no man hopes more fincerely than I do, this will never be the 
 cafe in happy Old England, yet certainly it is well to have thefe thoughts 
 
 c 2 
 
 m 
 
( «* ) 
 
 in view, and wife to provide againft the word: ; and of this opinion f 
 have to obferve are fome of our moil diflinguifhed military charaders. 
 
 I fhall now proceed to give fome general remarks refpeding the prac- 
 ticability and execution of this novel and interefting fcheme. The length 
 of the line is 900 yards, which will pafs from about 20 to 30 feet 
 below the bed of the river ; the depth of water in the deepeft parts above 
 the tunnel, is 1 1 fathom, or 66 feet, in the higheft equinox fpring 
 tides (fee the fedion of the river, under the general view, where the 
 meafurements and ftratas are laid down from adual borings and found- 
 ings) ; therefore the crown of the arch may be confidered as not exceed- 
 ing 96 feet, from the fummit water-line, which will produce an incli- 
 nation from an horizontal line of nearly 4 inches in a yard. The 
 tunnel may be conftruded either of done or brick ; the lower fegment 
 of which will of courfe be the firft executed, and the upper one from 
 centres of a proper figure ; the whole wrought in terrace, and fuffi- 
 ciently bedded in clay, to admit no water ; and for greater fecurity, we 
 proceed with a fmall part at a time, that we may not too much diffurb 
 the ftrata in working. When the entire circle is completed by the 
 workmen, it will be of a flrength fuperior to the original bed of chalk 
 we pafs through : from the adtual borings made to determine the ftrata, 
 I find we have to pafs nearly the whole way through chalk ; but fome 
 fmall portion of the way, on the Efifex fide, through an excellent clay 
 (fee the fe&ion), mixed in fome places with a portion of petrified 
 vegetable fubftances, covered over, beyond high- water-mark, with a 
 few feet of rich loamy mould ; but on the Kentifh fhore, a folid chalk 
 rock prefents itfelf to the furface. 
 
 It has been obferved, that, fhould we be troubled with water during 
 the execution, a fleam-engine may be ereded fufficient to prevent the 
 works being impeded, 
 
 1 
 
 As many excavations in the earth are troubled not only with water* 
 but with fire (ufually termed inflammable air), the neceffary meafures 
 
 will 
 
C '3 ) 
 
 will be adopted to prevent its baneful effedts, as well as from fiyth or 
 black-damp; and I fhall here fay a word or two on the fubjedt. 
 
 The following pradtical remarks are neceflary to be attended to for 
 the difcovery of inflammable air, or fire-damp, which fometimes arifes 
 in mines and fubterraneous paflages, when not properly ventilated. 
 On entering any excavation under ground, where this fire-damp is fuf- 
 pedted to lie, the candle ought to be held in the left hand (the fmaller 
 the candle the more to be depended upon), and the flame thereof to be 
 fhaded by the right hand fingers, being placed horizontal, and on a level 
 with the top of the flame of the candle: if the air be good, and per- 
 fectly free from any inflammable air or hydrogen, a fmall brown top or 
 pinnacle is feen on the top of the flame, the fame as is feen in the 
 chamber of a houfe ; but on approaching the real fire-damp, another 
 top or fpire is feen of a blue colour, above the brown, juft defcribed, as 
 arifing thereform ; and on advancing a fiep or two forward, the damp 
 is commonly more denfe, and confequently the appearances over the 
 candle affume a more ferious afpedt, by the brown fpire, or fmall top, 
 beginning to difappear ; another ftep perhaps reduces it altogether, on 
 which the danger commences ; and the fpire or top fits down altogether 
 blue on the flame. At this lafit flage it is not fafe to proceed further 
 without great circumfpedlion, joined with fleadinefs : a little further, 
 the blue top is feen to be more perfedt and denfe, which if general through 
 the place, all lights fliould be extinguifhed, and the workmen be made 
 to quit the place : perhaps on advancing a very little further, a light blue 
 bead appears to circumfcribe the other dark blue, as if approaching to 
 flame, and having a more than ordinary pointed fpire, terminating like a 
 white thread ; and the danger becomes very great, if to remain any time 
 in this pofition. The next flage fhows the fprents to have taken place, 
 which fprents are fimilar to thofe produced by fqueezing the oil from 
 the rind of a lemon into the flame of a candle; at this period fometimes 
 has been obferved a fmall bufhy dark-coloured cloud hanging over the 
 top of the flame, ftill more and more attracting the fire, when in an 
 inflant perhaps after this lafl obfervation, the whole appearance expands- 
 
 into 
 
( *4 ) 
 
 into flames, and one general conflagration takes place. The mifchief 
 which enfues, is in proportion to the accumulated quantity of this per- 
 nicious vapour, which, if great, flies to the neareft aperture leading to 
 the atmofphere, being about eleven times lighter than common air, with 
 a dreadful explofion, and extraordinary eruption. But in cafe the faid 
 fire-damp, or inflammable air, be mixed with ftyth, or black-damp, 
 thefe appearances are fomewhat varied ; and by being mixed with a very 
 dark brown, is in general more fafe. 
 
 Black-damp, or flyth, which arifes in mines, is diredtly the reverfe of 
 inflammable air, or fire-damp ; the former extinguifhes the flame of a 
 candle as quickly as if put into water, or any other fluid j the other 
 caufes the candle to burn too faff. This flyth, or black-damp, prevails 
 mofl where there is little or no inflammable air, and when the due cir- 
 culation of atmofpheric air is negle&ed. 
 
 But, in cafe we fhould be troubled \Vith any of thofe vapours during 
 the excavation, they will be eflfedlually difperfed by means of a brat - 
 tijh y as termed by the coal-miners in the northern counties, by the af= 
 fiftance of which, and material fire, pure atmofpheric air may be con- 
 veyed for many miles underground. Brattiflies are nothing more than 
 tubes of various fizes and figures, by which means, the atmofpheric air 
 is brought into mines for cleanfing them from all fulminating vapours. 
 
 But it may be necefifary to ohferve, on the completion of the tunnel, 
 there will always be a current of pure atmofpheric air palling through it, 
 without the aid of any machinery ; as experience teaches us, that air, 
 like water, rufhes mofl in confined pafl'ages, which will further be 
 much aided by the burning of the lamps in the tunnel. 
 
 It is worth while here to remark the grand utility of this tunnel, 
 by opening extenfive roads in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Efifex, 
 Kent, and Suffexj and that its extremities are near to the points of the 
 great leading north and fouth roads of Kent and Effex. This commu- 
 i nication. 
 
( *5 ) 
 
 mcation, when once completed, will be fuperior to any bridge, as from 
 its flrength and durability it would require little repair for ages. As to 
 the practicability of its execution, it cannot admit a doubt, if we adopt 
 the old adage, that what has been done, may be done again. I have al- 
 ready mentioned that excavations or paffages are made under the lea at 
 Whitehaven for upwards of one mile in length, and on a much larger 
 fcale than necelfary for this propofed tunnel; add to thefe, thole palling 
 under the rivers Wear and Tyne, as adopted by the coal-miners for the 
 purpofe of palTing coal from one fide of the river to the other. Necef- 
 lity gave rife to thefe inventions, from the caufe of working out the coal 
 on one tide, and then driving a tunnel or drift to the other ; by which 
 means, they obtained coal from the oppolite lide, without being at the 
 expenfe of making lhafts for railing it. The firft circumftance that I 
 recoiled; of this nature, took place at Wylam colliery, on the river 
 Tyne, fome years ago; lince which period the whole of the coal has 
 been wrought on the fouth lide, and palfed through a tunnel under the 
 river, and brought up the lhaft to bank on the north fide*. Within 
 thefe few months, the extenlive colliery of Walkers, fo well known for 
 the fuperior quality of coal it fends to the London market, has adopted 
 a limilar meafure. 
 
 The earlieft tunnel that \Ve have account of for the purpofe of inland 
 navigation, was executed by that able engineer, Monf. Riquet, to con- 
 
 * In the year 1795, when furveying the canal navigation I had the honour of projedt- 
 ing acrofs the ifland from the eaft to the weft fea, by way of Newcaftle and Carlifle, I 
 was ftiown an air (haft on the fouth fide of the river belonging to Wylam colliery, 32 
 fathom, or 192 feet deep; from the top to the bottom of which a co w fell that was gra- 
 zing near its mouth, and, wonderful to relate ! received little or no injury; from this caufe 
 I fuppofe, its hinder parts, as polfelling moft gravity, went firft, and its horns alternately 
 caught on the rough and jagged parts of the lhaft, which fridlion could only prevent its 
 velocity in falling. The horned animal, on being firft difeovered, created no fmall furprife 
 amongft the pitmen; it was immediately drove through the above deferibed drift or tunnel 
 under the river, to the bottom of the lhaft on the north fide, put into the net ufed for the 
 .palling up and down of the pit horfes, hoifted to bank, day, or pit heap (as termed). The 
 poor animal, when loofed from the net, faw its accuftomed place of abode on the oppofite 
 ftiore, ran to the river fide, and immediately fvvam over to its own home. 
 
 vey 
 
( 16 ) 
 
 vey tlbe canal of Languedoc through a mountain near Beziers. It Is cut 
 into a lofty arcade, and the greatefl: part of the way lined with free- 
 Rone, except towards the ends, where it is only hewn through the 
 rock, which is of a foft fulphurous fubflance. 
 
 The firft executed in this country was by the ingenious Mr. Brind- 
 ley, on his Grace the Duke of Bridgewater’s navigation near Manchef- 
 ter: the next noticed is the juflly celebrated tunnel of Harecaftle Hill 
 in Stafford fhi re, executed alfo by Mr. Brindley; its length is a, 880 yards, 
 and pafles more than 70 yards below the furface of the earth ; it is car- 
 ried through a variety of ffrata, quickfands, &c. The above tunnel 
 was executed to pafs a canal through it, from the Trent to the Merfey, 
 called the Grand Trunk Canal. 
 
 The tunnel of Saperton was carried through two miles of folid rock; 
 its extreme length is two miles and three quarters ; it was executed for 
 the purpofe of conveying an inland navigation through it, and thereby 
 unite the river Thames and the Severn. Many other tunnels have fince 
 been executed in this country; and fome are now doing with equal fuc- 
 cefs for the purpofe of inland navigation. The great drift or tunnel, 
 about four miles above Newcastle, from the Banks of the river Tyne 
 to near Kenton, which was finifhed laft year, is three miles and a 
 quarter in length, great part of which was, with very great labour, 
 perforated through a hard rock of whin-ftone, nearly equal in denfify to 
 the hardeft flint; it is made for the exprefs purpofe of pafling waggons 
 laden with coal: notwithftanding the almofl: impenetrable ffrata, and 
 the magnitude of the work, the whole was executed in about four 
 years, and at lefs expenfe than perfons unacquainted with fuch works 
 can conceive* 
 
 As every information refpedfing flmilar concerns mud be acceptable 
 to the inquifltive reader, I beg leave here to introduce part of my report 
 on a plan of a like nature, intended to be executed at the mouth of 
 the river Tyne, near the fea. 
 
 A Re* 
 
( *7 ) 
 
 “ A Report and Estimate, on the projefted Dry Tunnel, or 
 Subterr aneous Passage, under the River Tyne, to commu- 
 nicate with the Towns of North and South Shields; thus 
 opening a Military Road t or Pafs y in the Eaf Part of the Counties 
 c/Durham and Northumberland. By R. Dodd, Engineer. 
 
 “ To the Nobility, Gentry, Landholders, Hie. of the Eaf 
 Part of the Counties ^/Durham ^Northumberland. 
 
 “ AS the inhabitants of North and South Shields, from their 
 local fituation, are fo materially interefted in the bufinefs propofed, I 
 wifh them to confider the greater part of this report as addreffed to 
 them. They muff remember, that in my late furvey and report on their 
 harbour in the year 1796, for the improvement of its navigation, 
 amongft other projected improvements for the town and harbour, I 
 mentioned this dry tunnel, or fubterraneous paffage, under the river 
 Tyne, from one town to the other; and therein, as an evidence of its 
 practicability, referred to fome of our own local examples, the collieries 
 on this river working in fubterraneous paffages from one fide to the 
 other. I might alfo have mentioned the collieries of Whitehaven, 
 working under the very ocean; and fora fimilar work in appearance, to 
 what this will be when finifhed, the Adelphi in the metropolis prefents 
 us with a grand fpecimen of its fubterraneous paffage, or tunnel, from 
 near the Strand, under the whole of thofe fuperb buildings, to the 
 banks of the Thames. Here may be found foot and horfe paffengers, 
 with carriages of every defeription, palling with the greateft facility by 
 lamp light at noon-day. 
 
 “ As its practicability cannot be doubted, I flrall confider its ex- 
 pediency, utility, expenfe, execution, (Sec. To confider it firft as a 
 grand national improvement, it muff meet the approbation of every 
 one, that allows this truth, that we cannot have too many communica- 
 tions from one fide of our rivers to the other, when they do not obftruCl 
 
 d navigation. 
 
( '8 ) 
 
 navigation, which moil bridges in fome meafure doj but this method 
 totally avoids all obftruCtion : if confidered in a military point of view, 
 it will form one of the moft important paiTes in the kingdom ; its 
 fituation at the mouth of the great river Tvne, taking its entrance within 
 a few yards of the embrafures of Clifford’s Fort, on the north fhore, 
 and ending under the command of the oppoiite battery, on the fouth 
 fir ore ; its length of line only 4C0 yards, with little incline ol plain 
 defcending or afcending: through here might pafs marching armies of 
 any number, for the protection of either county, with the heaviefi: 
 train of artillery. 
 
 “ I think little dependence is to be made in palling an army on a bridge 
 of boats, or other v'elfels, in this part of the river Tyne, at fome fea- 
 fons j as experience a few days lince has fliown, that the frefhes, with a 
 defcending ebb tide, have torn large merchant-fhips, and even men ol 
 war, out of the harbour: therefore, if ever there was a time when 
 government ftiould patronife a work of this kind, it is at this period, 
 when a determined and inveterate enemy is threatening us with an in- 
 valion : and that this part of the illand ought to have a peculiar attention 
 paid to its protection, I could advance many proofs, but lira 11 wave them, 
 as they may be thought foreign to the fubjeCt, and liiall only oblerve, 
 that, as this eaft part of the two counties is moll vulnerable, this tunnel 
 will make its defence infinitely more fecure, by affording fo eafy a 
 communication between the two counties, to that part where we have 
 the moft reafon to expeCt an hoftile enemy. 
 
 “ Great will be its utility in laying open the great eaft part of 
 thofe two counties, for their improvement in agriculture and commerce, 
 as it will certainly tend much to fhorten the line of communication, 
 both north and fouth, along this northern part of the kingdom ; and, 
 as fuch, add value to its lands, increafe its population, and give more 
 energy to its commerce, it muft be acknowledged that the want of its 
 accofnplifhment is moft ferioully felt by the inhabitants ol North and 
 South Shields, wanting the* palling of carriages, or cattle, from one 
 -7 town 
 
( ! 9 ) 
 
 town to the other, which, in bad weather and ftrong tides, is only to 
 be obtained by palling the firft bridge (forming a circuit of 18 miles), 
 which might here be accomplifhed in 400 yards. Equally inconvenient 
 is it to the foot paffengers to pafs in rapid tides, and during the ftormy 
 months of winter, not to mention the dreadful danger in palling in the 
 night; and as thofe evils can be averted with little expenfe to the public 
 (or rather with profit to the undertakers), it fhould be the delire of every 
 one wilhing well to the public weal, to countenance fo laudable an 
 undertaking. 
 
 “ I am well aware that many will fay government ought to execute 
 it, as it will form a military pafs, and be fo convenient for their armies. 
 I think otherwife; as, by the fame line of reafoning, they might build 
 all the bridges, and make all the roads in the kingdom. - Others may 
 fay — Then it is doubtlefs the interelf: of the landholders to execute it, as 
 it will be a mean of advancing the value of their property. It is cer- 
 tainly their duty and interelf: to lend their affiftance, to which they can- 
 not have a greater {Emulative than feeing the inhabitants come forward 
 with their fubfcriptions; for it mult be remembered, that Gentlemen 
 who are not refidents, will form their ideas of its utility from the coun- 
 tenance it meets with amongft thofe who are. But many will fay, 
 from the prelfure of the times, this is no period to lay out money on 
 public improvements; but let them remember that the wife hulband- 
 man, when the rentals of his lands are raifed to him, lays out more 
 money to improve his farm, which enables him to pay the additional 
 burden. It therefore behoves us, as a wife and difcerning nation, to 
 improve our own country and commerce, that we may with ability 
 and cheerfulnefs bear the abfolutely neceffary burdens laid upon us. 
 
 “ But 1 think it will require little invefb’gation to fhow that the exe- 
 cution of this tunnel will be no burden, but a profit to its executors; 
 as fuch I fhall now give' the eftimates of the expenfe, prefumed 
 revenue, &c. but fhall fir ff: name its dimenfions, figure, &c. It will 
 be obferved I before named near Clifford’s Fort on the north fhore, to 
 
 d 2 be 
 
( 20 ) 
 
 be the be ft place for its commencement, and terminating near the 
 battery on the fouth fhore ; which is certainly to be preferred for two 
 fpecial reafons : firft, that from its fituation it becomes a military pafs 
 of the firft confequence in this kingdom ; the next, that when nautical 
 fenfibility has any ftiare in the confervatorfhip of the river Tyne, a pier 
 will be erected from near Clifford’s Fort, to the rocks fronting the 
 Spanifti Battery, according to the plans I have laid down for the im- 
 provement of this harbour. Of the want of this pier, the two towns 
 of Shields have lately had a melancholy demonftration — eight {hips at 
 once upon the Herd Sands, fome beaten to pieces, with the lofs of lives 
 from others ; and fince that period, others drove on the north rocks, or 
 Black Middings, to the greater part of which I have been an eye-witnefs, 
 and am firmly of opinion that a north pier would have prevented the 
 whole lofs of lives and property thus thrown away. 
 
 “ The eredtion of this pier will obtain 60 acres of ground from the 
 fea, and when levelled behind with new-made ground, will produce 
 one of the beft fituations for a new town imaginable ; in which cafe, 
 the north entrance of the tunnel would be in the mid-way between the 
 two towns. But what is probably more interefting — there is no part 
 of the harbour fo narrow, or prefents itfelf with fo good a ftratum of 
 clay*, beneath the bed of the river to pafs through, as the adjoining 
 ftratification of the country gives us every encouragement to proceed 
 from this place with the greateft certainty of fuccefs. 
 
 44 The dimenfions of the tunnel, according to the plans I have laid down : 
 I propofe a perfedt circle of 14 feet diameter, and to pafs 20 feet below 
 the bed of the river, and 40 under the water, producing an inclined 
 plane of only 4 inches in the yard, to be formed entirely of key-ftonesj 
 therefore the greater the preflure the more fecure. The lower part of the 
 circle to be filled up with new-made ground, and paved to the height of 
 4 feet, which will leave the height of 10 leet, with a fufficiency of 3 feet 
 
 •* From the a&ual borings I found the ftratum to confift of excellent ftrong blue clay. 
 
 on 
 
( 21 ) 
 
 on each fide for a foot-way, with 7 feet for horfe and carriage way, 
 and pading-places at certain intervals. But the whole fcale might be 
 made larger if thought advifable. 
 
 “ In my eftimates I fhall allow the mod: liberal prices, as it is always 
 more agreeable to have a furplus left, than a fum to advance at the 
 fimfhing of any public work. On thefe terms, and including all con- 
 tingencies, the total fum requifite is only 6,983/. — a fum to be pro- 
 vided for, fo fmall, that when it is confidered as a meafure pregnant 
 with utility to fociety, it is adonifhing any one can hefitate at it, as the 
 harbour and its navigation will admit of no permanent or convenient 
 bridge being paffed over it. 
 
 “ It now remains for us to confiderthe bed: modes to raife the fupplies 
 for its execution, with its prefumed revenue, dec. After a conver- 
 fation with forne of the gentlemen wifhing me to draw up this report, 
 it was thought mod advifable to divide the fum necedary to be raifed, 
 into fhares limilar to that of an inland navigation, and to reduce them fo 
 low as 25/. per fliare, fo he paid only as wanted, or in four different 
 indaiments, with fufficient notice of each payment; fo that it might 
 come within the ability of every man in trade, as they are fo much in- 
 tereded, to give tome aflidance ; and that a holder of four fhares be 
 qualified to ferve on all committees, and to vote in proportion to his 
 number — that is, for every four (hares one vote; and that the repre- 
 fentative of four fingle fhareholders have the fame privilege — that fhares 
 be made transferable, and that ail public tranfadlions be determined by 
 open ballot of the fubferibers only. 
 
 “ It is now necedary to confider its prefumed revenue to pay ample 
 intered to the fubferibers. The bed mode we can form our judgment 
 on, is, I conceive, of fome fimilar concern : as fuch, we will refer to that 
 noble work lately executed acrofs a neighbouring river ; I allude to 
 Wearmouth bridge , the tolls of which fince finilhed have let for 1 400/. 
 
 per 
 
( ) 
 
 per annum*. But upon the execution of this projected meafure, its 
 tolls will certainly much increafe. Many may think we have no right 
 to expert fuch a revenue at this place ; I think we have, and my reafons 
 are founded on this truth, that where there is moft population, there 
 would be moft palling of individuals, cattle, and carriages. And that 
 the two towns of North and South Shields, with the neighbouring- 
 villages of Weftoe, Prefton, Monk-Seaton, Whitley, Hartley, and Tyne- 
 mouth, contain more inhabitants than the towns of Sunderland and 
 Monk-Wearmouth, with their furrounding inhabitants, is beyond de- 
 putation. But in fadt, only half its revenue would be perfectly ade- 
 quate to pay excellent intereft to the fubfcribers, even after allowing a 
 fufficient deduction for lamp-lighting and toll-colledlors. As to the 
 expenfe of keeping a fteam-engine for drawing the drainage water, if 
 there fhould be any occafion for it, which is uncertain, no expenfe what- 
 ever will attend it, but a having, as I propofe her to lilt the water 
 higher than the neceftary level, as the means of driving fundry pairs of 
 mill-ftones with it; in which cafe her rentals will pay good intereft for 
 the eredtion. 
 
 I am, Gentlemen, 
 
 “ With great refpedt, 
 
 “ Your humble fervant, 
 
 February , 1798. “ R* DODD.” 
 
 * Previous to the cre&ion of this bridge the ferry only let for 180/. per annum. 
 
( 2 3 ) 
 
 ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENT, 
 
 As the inhabitants of Kent are fo materially interefted in the accom- 
 plixhment of the tunnel at Gravefend, it will no doubt be acceptable to 
 them to hear of other improvements the county of Kent is capable of re- 
 ceiving; as fuch, I have annexed the following report, with a few ob- 
 fervations from a late furvey. 
 
 The line of the Canal is laid down in the map, which alfo fhows the 
 furrounding country connected therewith. 
 
 “ The Introductory Report to the Gentlemen Landholders, 
 
 and the commercially interejled Tart of Kent, near Stroud, Ro- 
 chester, Chatham, Maidstone, Tunbridge, and other 
 Places interejled in the projected Canal Navigation, from near 
 Gravesend, on the River Thames, tj near Stroud, on the 
 River Medway ; thus forming a Junction of the two Rivers for the 
 Purpofe of accelerating Commerce , by avoiding the NeceJJity of pajjing 
 the circuitous Paffage round the No re, &c. 
 
 “ Gentlemen, • 
 
 “ AS the very exigence of our country centres upon-com- 
 merce, any projed that can be brought forward to give the leaft facility 
 to that fpring of wealth and national profperity, is of the higheft im- 
 portance to the community at large; and that canals have been one 
 great leading caufe to our prefent extenfive trade, is a truth which cannot 
 be controverted. 
 
 i i 
 
 If 
 
( 24 ) 
 
 5 4 If we look to their local improvements of the country, we find they 
 have made fmall villages like populous cities ; and in fome places planted 
 extenfive towns and manufactories, that without their aid would never 
 have exifted, and thus given employment to the numerous poor. 
 
 4< As to their agricultural improvements, from their draining fome 
 lands, and their introduction of cheap manure to others, they have per- 
 fectly changed the face of the country through which they have paffed. 
 This fhould teach us, as a wife people, to pay every attention to thofe 
 certain fources of wealth and national profperity ; and it is happy for us 
 in the prefent day, we have not to fearch Holland and other places in 
 and out of Europe for a demonstration of their utility, as was the cafe 
 little more than half a century pad: ; for we now pofiefs them in many 
 parts of this ifland with all their fplendid ufefulnefs. Why the intro- 
 duction of them to this part of the country lliould be deferred to this 
 period, is probably a queftion for future conlideration ; but it may be 
 neceffary in the prefent inftance to obferve the caufe of this partial 
 inveltigation. 
 
 “ On exploring this part of the county with a view to its improve- 
 ment, the prefent objeCt ltruck me as one of the firft advantages the 
 county was capable of receiving. After communicating my ideas to 
 a Nobleman to whom the county is much indebted for his patronage to 
 a conliderable public work of national and local improvement to the 
 counties of Kent and Effex (1 lately had the honour to fubmit to the 
 public), from his encouragement, this ocular canal furvey was imme- 
 diately entered upon, a few remarks from which maybe acceptable to 
 the interefted reader. Fird: then I find the line of projected navigation 
 will be about 6 miles to form the grand junction of the two rivers, 
 through as fine a ftratum as can well be wifhed for : the lower levels 
 will need no puddling, the upper line ol chalk will pay for its own ex- 
 cavation ; and how far it may be advilable to pafs from one river to the 
 other on a dead level, without locks, is a matter that can only be deter- 
 mined by an hereafter aCtual furvey, as well as the expenfe of its exe- 
 cution, 
 
( ) 
 
 cution, See. From the general obfervations I have made, I fee no par- 
 ticular impediment, but every thing is remarkably inviting to form an 
 excellent navigation that wili be of the greatefl; utility to the county at 
 large. — Upon inquiry, I find the commerce that would employ this canal 
 is immenfe ; probably few canals in this kingdom would have greater 
 traffic; from this caufe; its Short line of about 6 miles would fave the 
 ufual route of about 47 miles, when palling to any part of the Thames 
 above Gravefend, from the Medway; with the general certainty of 
 velfels palling from Rocheller to London in one tide, as from London 
 to thence in a fimilar period; whereas instances can be proved of many 
 weeks detention during the ftormy months of winter, exclufive of all 
 hazards in the ufual route of palling by way of the Nore. How far an 
 extenfive part of the county of Kent is interested in this canal navigation 
 is for their consideration. Thefe hally remarks are confeffedly only 
 thrown together to Stimulate them to thofe improvements which have 
 rendered other parts of this kingdom the moft effential fervice, as they 
 have added to the wealth of individuals, and improved agriculture and 
 commerce. Should any fuggeStion of mine have the leaSt tendency to 
 add to the improvement in this part of the county, I muStconfefs it will 
 be one pleafure of life to confider myfelf the author. 
 
 “ I am, Gentlemen, 
 
 “ With the greatell: refpedt, 
 
 “ Your humble fervant, 
 
 Gravefend , “ R. DODD.” 
 
 Augufl 10, 1798. 
 
 AS the adlual furvey is not yet completed, it would be improper to 
 enter largely upon this projected navigation ; but a few further obfer- 
 vations may be acceptable to thofe commercially concerned ; its utility 
 mult be evident to the eye of the molt fuperficial obferver ; but the 
 commercial man only tan judge of its grand utility for accelerating the 
 
 e commerce 
 
( 26 ) 
 
 commerce in that great and ext endive part of Kent, termed the Wealds, 
 as well as the northern part of the county of Suffex, independent of its 
 utility to every part bordering on the river Medway. There is probably 
 no navigation in this kingdom, from which government will receive more 
 local advantage, than by a fhortened intercourfe between the dock- 
 yards of Chatham and Deptford, as alfo the relative connexion between 
 the ViCtualling-off ce at Deptford, Woolwich warren, and the river 
 Medway,* for this navigation would give a certain and uninterrupted 
 intercourle at all periods, without the neceffity of palling round by the 
 IN ore, which, in adverfe winds and bad weather, is impraCticaule. 
 
 Since the year 1781, the town of Hull has found the mold valuable 
 advantages arife from the canals it has enc wiraged, to communicate with 
 the river Humber, on which it is fituated. The commilhoners of accounts 
 for the cullom-houfe paid into the exchequer that year the nett fum of 
 104,393/. which gradually increafed to the year 1784, when it amount- 
 ed to 143,467/.; and in the year 1791, to 171,000/.; and in the enfuing 
 year upwards of 200,000/.; which is a fufficient proof of the great uti- 
 lity of inland navigation. Further, did they polfefs only this advantage 
 of one horfe being able with eafe to draw on a canal the load of 30 on 
 the ufual road, they would be worth encouragement, from their ridding 
 the country of keeping lo unneceffary a number of horfes. But as men 
 derive confiderable benefit from their intercourfe with each other, by 
 their defires equally to communicate and receive advantages from men, 
 w hole difpoftions and purfuits are congenial with their own ; fo it is with 
 canals w hen they form junctions with rivers for trade or commerce, as 
 they become mutually advantageous to each other. Does one country 
 want the production of others for the purpofe of manufacture? Canals 
 ■cheaply limply them, which expenfve land carriage would lay a pro- 
 hibition on; and, if bad roads make a kind of ftenlity in a country, by 
 leaving extenlive lands uncultivated, and markets badly fupphed, it mull; 
 be remembered canals do it readily and cheaply, and thereby prevent 
 monopoly, independent of their being the caufe of extenlive cultivation, 
 
 2 
 
 Are 
 
( 2 7 ) 
 
 Are we a maritime nation? On thefe frill waters men learn the fi rft 
 rudiments for fitting them for the more boillerous ocean, by the know- 
 ledge of the fail, oar, and rudder; and certainly whatever tends to the 
 nurfery of our feamen — thofe brave defenders of our ifland, defer ves to 
 be particularly attended to. 
 
 I fhall conclude thefe remarks with a reflection or two. I am well 
 aware that many perfons poffefs an anxious wifh for the accomplifh- 
 ment of this navigation, with the other public works which I have 
 had the honour of projecting for this part of the kingdom, and al- 
 though well convinced of their general utility, may, from the diftrels of 
 war hanging on us, entertain faint ideas of their being fully accom- 
 plilhed. I agree with them that war is, and ever has been, the enemy 
 of art,- but as thefe public improvements will better enable the country 
 to defray the expenfe of it, from the enlargement of its trade and 
 commerce, the fooner they are executed the better, as they are meafures 
 fo pregnant with bleffings to fociety; — and if they cannot be wholly 
 accomplifhed now, certainly there is wifdom in preparing thefe conli- 
 derable works lor happier days. 
 
 It may be alfo neceflary to obferve, that the preparation for the exe- 
 cution of a canai is not like the beginning of other public works. The 
 wifdom of Parliament has prefenbed certain meafures to be attended to, 
 which, with the neceflary time fpent in a well-digefted aCtual furvey, 
 confumes a good deal of time, previous to any thing being eflentially 
 entered upon. And, beiides, iuppoling there were no poflibrlity of 
 their being immediately put in execution, is it not a national policy to 
 prepare fuch confiderable works ready to employ a dilbanded army and 
 navy, which may prevent many of them from emigrating to other 
 countries, or, through want, commit depredations on individuals, and 
 fo come to an untimely end? A neighbouring nation, with whom we 
 are contending, adopted that wife meafure in the year 1 666, for the 
 execution of the great canal of Languedoc, otherwife called the canal 
 of the Two Seas, from its joining the Mediterranean with the Atlantic 
 
 Ocean, 
 
( ^8 ) 
 
 Ocean, at the diflance of 250 miles. It was firfl projected in the reign 
 of that patron of arts, Francis the Firft, but begun and hnifhed under 
 Louis the Fourteenth; and that the French have this prefent war pro- 
 jected fimilar fchemes, the edicts of the National Affembly have pub- 
 licly announced. 
 
 It may not be an unufeful reflection for us to confider, that the very 
 fpirit and energy of our prefent trade at foreign markets is maintained 
 by the excellence of our manufactured goods, from the improved irate 
 of our machinery; and, as the execution of thofe different articles, 
 which are, from the fituation of water-mills and cheapnefs, generally 
 carried on in inland towns, which have communications by canals to 
 navigable rivers, thereby diminiflnng the expenfe of carriage, and put- 
 ting thofe remote parts of the country more upon a level with our fea- 
 ports. A fufficient demonftration of what thofe improvements have 
 done for the trade of this country may be drawn from the imports and 
 exports of the metropolis itfelf. The imports of London in 1700, 
 were valued at 4,785,538/. — the exports the fame year 5,387,787/.; 
 but in the year 1792, the imports were 12,072,674 /. — and the exports 
 14,742,310/. 
 
 If properly confidered, it will be found that all canal navigations exe- 
 cuted from the joint flock of individuals are effected merely by the 
 transfer of property, from thofe who can well fpare it, into the hands 
 of thofe who are neceffitated to labour for it, who again expend it in 
 the line of country through which the navigation paffes, and that they 
 virtually draw no money from the country but when completed, 
 become eflates of itnmenfe value to individuals, as well as a general 
 accommodation to the commerce of the nation at large. J . . j 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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