" Messrs. Editors, I was extremely happy, a few days since, when in the lobby of the senate chamber to hear the report read of the committee appointed by the legislature to explore and survey the ground for a water-communication from the harbour of Boston, through the towns of Weymouth, Braintree, Abington, Bridgewater, Raynham, by Taunton, to Narraganset Bay and Rhode-Island. The idea of a canal to connect the southern and northern waters, (which will prevent the necessity of going round the capes in perilous seasons of the year,) and save a distance of several hundred miles, is a subject which has long since been contemplated, and which I rejoice to hear is likely to go into effect. From the above report we are told, that the whole distance, from tide-waters m Weymouth to Taunton, is only 26 miles, on the route proposed by the canal; that the grounds are very favourable, and that there are a great number of large ponds which will afford a sufficiency of water for the canal, and which are of a sufficient height above the ground where the canal is proposed to be built. These circumstances, which I suppose may be relied on, (as the committee have taken an accurate spirit level,) reduced it to a certainty that the project is practicable, and that nothing is wanting, but a portion of that spirit of enterprise, which has ever characterized the citizens of this country, to carry it into effect. I sincerely hope, that the report will be published, and that some suitable and enterprising men will undertake the business, and I have no doubt, when the advantages which will result from it are made known, that the different states in the union will not hesitate a moment to furnish the means and carry it into operation, as it is a subject which is of the utmost importance to all the states that border on the southern ocean."

In my IXth number, under the head of Massachusetts, and remarking on the canal proposed by Dr. Morse, in his geography, across the isthmus of Cape Cod, to form a junction between Barnstable and Buzzards Bays-after having objected to the idea of its being made for a boat navigation only, I observed, '° however, could a ship-channel of 15 or 20 feet depth be cut through, and admit of the ebb and flood of the tides, it would be a valuable abridgment of the length and risk of the passage of the Sound coasters to and from Boston." At the time of writing this, I did not know that there was any design of prosecuting a project of the kind immediately.

The execution of it would be an extension of the Atlantic parallel, by passing through Long-Island Sound, by Newport, through Narraganset Bay and the canal, to Boston. In this view, only, can it be advantageous to " the different states in the union,"-unless its bed can be sunk sufficient to admit of being supplied by tide-waters ; for, except it was made passable, and easy for the southward and Sound coasters, they would have to harbour at New port, and shift their cargoes into canal boats for Boston. This interrupted continuity of the voyage would enhance the price of freight equal to the difference in the premium of insurance on the cargo in navigating it around the capes, and its utility would be confined to the ports of Boston, Newport, and Providence, in time of peace.

Presuming on the doubtful prospect of throwing the tide into the canal, I am decidedly in favour of opening a communication between the two bays. If I have a correct idea of it, the ground between is level and well adapted to the undertaking ; and, when opened, would admit of an excellent draft of the tide. The floods of the tides in the Atlantic flow to the west, and the ebbs to the east; of course, the current of flood, in the canal, would flow from Barnstable into Buzzards Bay, and the ebb vice versa. Barnstable Bay being situated further east and more open to receive the flood than Buzzards Bay, the tides would be nearly an hour earlier in the former than in the latter; and the tide, by being pent up in the former, would give a head that would set a strong current through the canal into the latter.

The ebbs in the former, being earlier than in the latter, would set the current of ebb from the latter into the former. This would give the certainty of a passage through the canal twice in 24 hours, either way.

I presume the same expense which would open a good boat canal for 26 miles would open a good ship canal for 6 miles, which would equally accommodate the West India merchantmen and the coasters. Martha's Vineyard has become a great resort-harbour for vessels coming in from the southern latitudes. Were the canal to be opened, the most of this resort might be transferred to Buzzards Bay, which would probably afford equally as safe and commodious harbour; and the canal could have basins cut in it, which would afford more safe harbours than nature ever furnished.

The greatest natural impediment which I conceive may be found an obstacle to this improvement, is perhaps the want of sufficient bold shores at the head of these bays.

HERCULES.

After the perusal of these able essays of Mr. Hawley, it cannot be doubted that they must have had a great influence upon the public mind, as preparatory to the legislative measures which succeeded. He will, therefore, be considered as entitled to an honourable rank among the projectors of the Erie Canal.