Note 16 — PART I
Reading edition
The citation from Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia ends with the word “seasons.” Jefferson does, however, discuss the portage from the Cheat to the Potomac, which he says “will be from 15 to 40 miles, according to the trouble which shall be taken to approach the two navigations.” A canal connecting these two water-systems was a favorite project of both Jefferson and Washington; the latter at one time estimated that it would not need to exceed twenty miles in length.—Ed.