Jim Atkinson, Natchez Trace Arch.-NPS, Tupelo, MS, and John O'Hear,
Cobb Institute of Arch.-MS State University, Starkville MS, conducted
data recovery at a nineteenth-century brick clamp along the Tombigbee
river in the 1970s.  The report addressess many of the issues that you
are interested in.
You should be able to find their telephone number via directory
assistance (601) 555-1212.  Let me know if I can be of further
assistance.
I have a copy of the report and can photocopy it if neccessary.
 
tad