* Digitized Material *

Abstract 41 - H[erald] July 6:3/1,2

Navigation on the Ohio canal was opened July 4 with the arrival in Cleaveland of the canal boat STATE OF OHIO from the Portage summit with Governor Trimble and other distinguished citizens aboard.

The banks of the canal and the neighboring eminences were lined with, spectators and after the arrival of the boat, a procession was formed under the direction of Marshal H. H. Sizer, and marched to an arbor on the Public Square, where the Declaration of Independence was read by John M. Sterling, Esq., and a speech delivered by Reuben Wood, Esq. At the conclusion of these exercises the procession was again formed and marched to Belden's Tavern, where dinner was served, and the residue of the day spent with good feeling. (36)

Abstract 42 - H July 6:3/4

On July 4 the canal boat ENTERPRISE, Captain Guy, with a cargo of flour and whiskey for W. H. Price of Franklin Mills, consigned to Merwin, Gidings and Company arrived. This is the first arrival of a canal freight boat.

Abstract 43 - H July 13:3/1

In consequence of a breach in the embankment of the canal near the Portage summit, boats have been prevented from passing for the last three or four days. This breach is now closed and boats have resumed operations.

Abstract 44 - H July 13:3/3,4

Rates of toll established by the board of canal commissioners to be paid on property transported on the Ohio end Miami canals:

On flour, meal, whiskey, all kinds of grain and all other agricultural productions, (not otherwise provided for) salted provisions, domestic animals, pot and pearl ashes, and on salt, for the first 100 miles, one cent and five mills per ton mile; and for each mile in addition to 100 miles, one cent per ton mile.

On merchandise, (including dry goods, groceries, hard and hollow ware, wrought iron and steel.) for the first 100 miles or any less distance, four cents per ton per mile; and for each mile in addition to 100 miles, three cents per ton per mile.

On mineral coal, for the first 100 miles, or any less distance, five mills per ton mile; and for each mile in addition to 100 miles, three mills per ton per mile.

On staves and heading, stone for building, stone for lime, for monuments or tombstones, sand, and grindstones, for the first 50 miles or any less distance, five mills per ton per mile; and for each mile in addition to 50 miles, three mills per ton per mile.

On iron ore, for the first ten miles or any less distance, one cent and five mills per ton mile; for any distance in addition to ten miles and not exceeding in the whole 50 miles, one cent per ton per mile; and for any distance in addition to 50 miles, five mills per ton per mile.

On pig metal, for the first 50 miles or any less distance, two cents per ton per mile; and for any distance in addition to 50 miles, one cent per ton per mile.

On boards, planks, scantling and other sawed stuff (reduced to inch-board superficial measure) for the first 50 miles or less distance, one cent per thousand feet per mile; and each mile in addition to 50 miles, five mills per thousand feet per mile.

On timber squared or round, for any distance, one cent per hundred cubic feet per mile.

On shingles, for any distance, two mills per thousand per mile.

On posts and rails for fencing, for any distance, three mills per thousand per mile.

On wood for fuel, for any distance, one cent per cord per mile.

On boats made and used chiefly for the transportation of property, two cents each, for each mile of their passage.

On boats made and used chiefly for the transportation of persons, 12 cents on each boat, for each mile of their passage. On all articles not enumerated, for any distance, three cents per ton per mile.

On passengers transported in freight boats, five mills per mile. By order of the board of canal commissioners, Cyrus Fay, secretary. (verbatim)(12)

Abstract 45 - H July 13:3/5,6

Regulations governing the navigation of the Ohio canals and the payment of tolls thereon were adopted at a meeting of the board of canal commissioners held at Cleaveland on July 5, among which are the following: No boat having an iron bar or strap fastened to the wale, or side thereof, so as to strike, rub or impinge upon the walls of any lock, shall be permitted to pass through any lock on the Ohio and Miami canals after July 15; no boat or vessel of any description, having a square formed front or bow, shall be permitted to navigate either of the canals in this state; all boats and vessels shall be so rounded as to present at least a semicircular front or bow; persons employed in navigating boats and other floating things, shall be liable for damages caused locks, bridges, or banks of the canals, due to negligence in navigation. In addition, right of priorities were established; masters of vessels will be required to prepare a list of all passengers on their boats who are over 12 years of age, as well as other requirements with respect to the handling and reporting of passengers and cargoes. (20)

Abstract 46 - H July 20:3/3

Canal Navigation, Port of Cleveland – ARRIVED- one boat, flour and butter; three with flour and passengers; one with flour and whiskey; one with whiskey; one with lumber. CLEARED - four boats, merchandise, two with sundries; one with salt.(4)

Abstract 47 - H Sept. 14; ed:3/1

A writer in the New York STATESMAN proposes a route for an inland stream navigation between the cities of New York and New Orleans.

"Such an idea at the first glance may seem chimerical, but if we recall to mind the discoveries and improvements made in the application of steam within the last twenty years, and at the construction of the Erie Canal as evidences of ingenuity and power of man, the play may appear more feasible."

Abstract 48 - H Sept. 14:3/5

Notice to claimants for damages on the Ohio canal.

Nehemiah Allen, Esq., of Chagrin; Rufus Ferris, Esq., of Medina; and Owen Brown, Esq., of Hudson, are appointed to assess the damages sustained by claimants in consequence of making the canal between Cleaveland and the Portage summit. It is expected that they will meet at Cleaveland on Sept. 25 for that purpose, when they will hear the allegations of claimants at that place, and also at Boston and Akron if necessary. (3)

Abstract 49 - H Sept. 21; adv:3/6

The canal boat SUN, Capt. M. Munson, will commence operating night and day between Cleaveland and Akron after Sept. 25. It will leave Cleaveland on Mondays and Fridays at eight o'clock a.m., and will leave Akron on Tuesdays and Saturdays at five o'clock p.m.

For freight or passage apply to Weddell, Clark and Stanton or to the captain on board.

Abstract 50 - H Oct. 5:3/5

Notice! The appraisers of damage sustained by individuals in consequence of the location of the Ohio canal and for materials taken for construction the same have adjourned to meet in Cleveland on Oct. 23, and will from that place adjourn from day to day and place to place as they shall think of it. N. Allen. (2)

Abstract 51 - H Nov. 9; ed:3/1

The New Canal Loan - The postmaster of this village has received a letter from General Perkins at the City of New York, one of the canal fund commissioners, which says that a loan has been made in that city of $900,000, bearing an interest of six percent per annum on a premium of $65,340. The loan was made by William W. Woolsey and others, mostly Philadelphians. By this it appears that the credit of Ohio is esteemed abroad better than seven per cent above par. (verbatim)(2)

Abstract 52 - H Dec. 7; ed:3/1

Although so late in the season, the business on the canal has not been more brisk during any part of the summer or fall than it is at present. The breachments in the embankment caused by the late heavy rains have all been repaired.

"Our readers will have observed that we sometime ago ceased publishing a list of the arrivals and departures of canal boats. Although the navigation of the canal has been occasionally interrupted during the season, it was not on that account that we omitted to publish our list. It was because of the little variety which an account of the arrival of 6 or 8 boats would admit of on a section of canal of but 38 miles in extent.

At the close of the season we intend to publish an account of the articles transported on the canal since it first became navigable, from which it will appear, that notwithstanding the interruptions to which the navigation has been subject, a considerable amount of business has been transacted. The reasonable expectations of the friends of the canal policy have been fully realized, and the state has every reason to persevere in the accomplishment of an enterprise so auspiciously commenced." (6)

Abstract 53 - H Dec. 28; ed:3/2

The navigation of the canal being closed, we publish an account of the articles which have been transported on it since July 4.

The weight of all articles conveyed northward on which toll was charged by weight totals slightly over 992 tons, while the southward movement totals a little over 819 tons; passengers conveyed 6,020 miles.

It is, we acknowledge, a humble commencement, when compared with the immense amount of property at present transported on the Erie Canal; but that stupendous work too had its beginning, and when we consider that but 38 miles of our Canal have been navigable, and this but a part of the season, and that it is located through a country which but a few years since was an uninhabited wilderness, we have reason to congratulate the public on this favorable commencement of its navigation." (10)

(From Annals of Cleveland - 1818-1935, Volume X (1827), pages 83 through 86. Cleveland: Cleveland WPA. 1937.)