Letter from Claudius Crozet Reporting Generally upon the Conditions of the Work, August 2, 1853

Claudius Crozet reports on the changing costs of labor in 1853.

The first portion of this letter is missing.

because I can perceive difficulties which none of those who have said so much about my operations have yet noticed — the points so often mentioned, are not those which have, for sometime, excited most any solicitude: the main Tunnel, H. S. Gallaher's work, the Mechum river Division, have all progressed as well as could be expected, any assertion to the contrary, notwithstanding. But here I have reference to the fifth section, under contract with John Kelly, our most energetic contractor: here is the middle Tunnel and a long and deep cut part of which reaches to a height of 100 ft, a great proportion through hard trap & flint rock of which a sample has been placed before you: he has yet upwards of 17,000 cubic yards to excavate here, and receives only 55 cents for it, while labor instead of 75 cents has risen to 1.12 ½ and may shortly be at $1.25 — I apprehend some considerable difficulty in the farther prosecution of this part of the work; and think, indeed, that Mr. Kelly intends laying the matter before you, either now or when you visit the work. his force is now much reduced and I see daily his apprehension and reluctance to increase it.

Very respt [sic] submitted
C. Crozet
Chf Eng. B. R. r. r. .