Cobb, David (1748-1830) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05143 Author/Creator: Cobb, David (1748-1830) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 September 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.7 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
References Knox's letter of 27 July. Complied with Knox's request to converse with gentlemen in trade "on the subject of the probable quantity of produce that would be convey'd on the Canal from Connecticut River to this place in the course of the three first years after its completion." The results of his inquires are: 28-30,000 tons of "Pot & Pearl ashes, Flaxseed, Flax & Hemp, Beef & Pork salted, Grain of all sorts, Flour, Timber & Plank, Hoops & Staves." Smaller items were not taken into account, but he estimates 15,000 tons of those items could be carried. Rate of the toll is estimated at 12 or 15 shillings per ton. Mentions that the sums will be different depending on where the canal begins. With a 12 shilling toll, estimates a yearly income of $90,000, which would be a 10 percent return on the capital investment. Hopes he can get an appointment as a Marshall but does not want it if it seems like he used friendship or acquaintance to achieve it. Has had to postpone his trip to Philadelphia until late fall.
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