Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-09-15
DOM ESTIC.
Rerort + the Select Carnn,tfee oC The
ABINGDON RAIL ROAD CONVENTION

Renort + the Select Camn,'ttee If The
ABINGDON RAIL ROAD CONVENTION,
AUGUST 81, 1891
Tbs Committee to whom referred the fol-
lowing resolutions, reported by the Select Com
mttee of eight members:
lst Resolved, AS The opinion of this Committee
that it is practicable to construct railway from
Lynchburg to Knoxville.
End. Resolved, Also, that the amount of trans
portation thereon VIII assure to the stockholders
safe and profitable return for the sums expended in
said work-respecttIlly report
That they have given to the important enquiry
referred to them the most careful examnation that
tho short time allowed them would permit
In regard to the enquiry, involved in the first
resolution, OF the practicablity of constructing u
rail way from Lynchhurg to Knoxville, your com
mIttee have not the means of arriving at such
facts, connected with the subject us would con-
clusiyey satiIty the public mind No regular sceu-
tiiic survey OF the whole route, of the proposed
rail way, has yet been made. Until this is done,
perfect demonstration of the practicability of con-
strueting the rail way must be wanting. From the
Ncts, however, which have been well ascertaimsd,
your committee arc fully persuaded that the con-
siruetion of the rail way along tho whole line pro-
posed, is far practicable to be entirely within
the power of the community.
The country from Lynchburg to New River, has
been carefully examined by the principal Eugin
OF the State of Virginia. From the towa 81
LynShturg, to the pass through the Blue Ridge at
iSeauford's difficulties of any magnitude are to
be encountered. The pass through the Blue Ridge
presents far lie IS difficulty than any who had not
carefully examined it could we'll SUPPOSE the as
cent WostWardly up the course of snallstrcam
running through the pass being very gradual, and
certainly not exceeding at any point, more than
thirty feet in the mile. From the pass OF the Blue
Ridge at Bcauford's, to the mouth of Eiliott's
Creek at the foot of the Allegheny mountain, the
route is country so nearly level, that no diff
iculty would be any where met with From the
mouth of Eilotts Creek To- the top of the Allegha-
ny mountain, the distance by careful survey, is
thirteen miles, and the ascent GS4 feet, being an
ascent of 81 S-l3 feet to the mile From the top
OF the Allegheny to New River at the mouth of
Little River, the distance Ia eleven miles twenty
three chains, and tho descent 33S feet, being an
average descent Of about 50 feet to the mile. 1t
will at once I've perceived from the foregoing state
ment, that there ia no part of the route from
Lynehburg to New River, where the ascent could
not be conquered without the aid of stationary
engines, ss ii is we'll aseertaned that locomo
tive engines OF proper construction and power
capable of surmounting an ascent Of So feet 10 the
mile without difficulty.
When the barrier of the Allegheny is passed
the greatest difficulties OF the enterprize con-
qucred. The route would lead up New River and
either up the valley Of Reed Greek and across the
ridge which divides the waters of New River from
those of the Ho!slDn, to the head stream Of the
middle fork of Hoiston; it would lead up the
valley Of Cripple Creek through very low de-
preston of the same ridge and down the valley of
the south fork of HslSton River. Neither of these
routcs have yet, been surveyed The main road
from New River 10 the ncighbobrhood of Abing-
don, has been very recently surveyed by the assist
ant Engineers OF this State for the purpose of lay
ing down base line for a series of SURVEYS. From
the reconnaissance of these gentlemen, well as
from information derived from various other guar
tors. your committee have no hesitation in saying
that the construction of rail way from New River
TO Abingdon is practicable at much less cost than
from Lynchburg to New River. Your committee
Will here state fact, which will weigh strongly as
an argument III support Of their opinions on the
suolsct It is well known that the road from
jlynchburg to Abingdon well merits the roproach
dcservodly cast on all Virginia roads: care was
taken in it's original location and it frequently
passes over succession Of heights which might
have been avoided by very slight change of it's
direction; the repair of the road is much ne.
elected sg tho roads Of Virginia generally arc,
which Is saying enough to be understood By any
ono who has had the iGjOUr oG travelling Viz
ginia roads; and owing 10 tho unusual quantity of
rain which has fallen during the present season il
Is now in unusually bad order. Under all these
disadvantages two ordinary six horse teams have
each brought to Abingdon from Lynchburg at one
load, GO3O pounds Of merchandise during the pre-
sent season.
Your committee, from their intimate knowledge
OF the country between Abingdon and Knoxville
have no hesitation in saying, that the construction
Of rail road between these two points will be
attended with less difficulty and expense, than a
long any other part Of tho route. As you proceed
from Abingdon 90 Knoxville, the western slope Of
the country becomes more ContIe, and its undula-
tons less frequent A succession of long and c-
vel valleys parallel with The course Of the Hoston
river present Themselves, which arc finely adapted
TO the location Of rail road. Your committee
cannot indeed close this part Of their report with
ont rcmarking, that the progress OF this great uu-
when the Allegheny and New River are |
passed, and the ridge dividing tho waters Of Hol-
stou and New River, IS surnouptcd al the diff |
cnliies Of the work conquered. Your com
m'tee therefore, report the first resolution refer
red 10 them, without amendment Your committee !
are nevertheless aware, that however fully they /.
may be satisfied Of the truth Of the conclusion to
which they have arrived, Jet that this is sufi-
cicnt TO satisfy the public mind. Nothing short |
of perfect demonstration on this subject viii in