Page:Some History about the Village of Berlin.pdf/123

REF.09

Barry Fred. Co. Dec 22,1855

Dear Sir: We are about making negotiations with parties in Shepherdstown for the lease of a quarry at that place for the purpose of getting out about 1200 or 1500 perches of stone for the completion of the bridge at Berlin. The difference in the toll on the canal between the two places Weverton and Shepherdstown will materially increase the cost of our stone and for the purpose of coming to a final decision as to the change of our quarry, we thought best of applying to you as the proper authority to know whether and to what intent the Canal Co. could not be willing to allow us a reduction on the toll of our stone as an inducement for us to open the quarry at Shepherdstown as the increase in the toll would be greatly to the advantage of the Canal Co. This reduction only to be made on such stone as were used in the construction of the Loudoun & Berlin Bridge. We have heretofore for our convenience regarded less of the increased toll on the scows, boated our stone on two small scows, The short distance allowing us to make a round trip daily. If we should conclude to get our stone from Shepherdstown, we should like to lash both scows together into one and would ask you whether we would be allowed to pass them as one in regard to toll. This arrangement would without affecting the revenue of the Canal Co. save us the expense of building at least one larger scow. As we shall want another scow besides the one just mentioned we take the liberty to inquire of you whether you could probably direct us to where we might be able to rent or buy a scow that would carry from 40 to 60 perches of stone. Excuse our intruding on your time and kindness and oblige by your answer. Yours Very Respectfully Stone, Quigley & Co. Contractors A. K. Stake, Esq. Gen. Supt. c & o Canal