Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-02-06

reduced sum, expressly Tor this sfe:lflc purpose
and no other. You propose 10 build me ROAD a
lis eulire length upon your own land thus acquii
| ed.
Ii is contemplated to build The read, il il starr
al one puiLl entirely through the "'eriIoties
The United States. | see in this no objection !
il; and, indeed, would GARY ou this great 90
iect, although had 10 run very near indeed u
Inc cherished doctrines we in Virginia hold 81
dear.
As to The practicabilily of the scheme, do no
doub, il il tie means provided by the tract o
country Sc, apart for il be sufiicient-ano IN
cline strongly 10 the belief that they are.
very strong consideration with me IN lavo
Of This communication above all others is, that !
will be the means OF settling all the lands capaoIs
OF sustaining population between the banks
the Mississippi and the shores OF the Paclnc, any
where near 10 The line OF the road This is an
object of The greatest national Importance Tor un'
less there be this certain, safe, and rapid means
OF in,efcommuncaton between the valley OF Inc
Mississippi and the country beyond the ROCKY
mountains, through our own territory, there VIII
be continued dangers OF a ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF oul
empire. by the secession Of that remote and mac
cessible region lis wealth in gold and other com
mercisI advantages will hasten The catastrophe
This will be ubvaed by The chain OF population
which will stretch across from Missouri 10 Call
ioInia, and the frequent and continual intercourse
which the railroad will command.
Lying, as it is proposed, from Lake Mlcni'
gan across through BY the South Pass, ms Eail'
road will bring the trade from the Pacihc 10 OIL
terent points on its line more accessible 10 all
The Atlantic cities Of the United States than any
other route whatever, aad crossing the valley OF
the Missi sippi towards the sources OF lis waters,
IT,. al g
sive stream, necessarily crossed by this CONNER
cia tide selliug towards the Atlantic, receive lis
share, 10 be deposited like their rich alluvium
throughout their entire length. New Orleans,
Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia,
New York, Bos on, would each have its railroad
connection with the great common track, and
wha, fancy can even approximate the Startling
results TO be produced 5y this communication!
a political point OF view, zoe it, would be OF
incaIculable value. have shown how it would
secure 10 US our Pacific possessions. The con-
unual in,erc,urse which the network OF rail-
roads Produced thereby would cause among The
entire population OF the Atlantic States, the Iux-
opposition thus given 10 he North and Sou'h,
would srreng hen their attachment for each 9th
er, and give, consequently, additional guarantees
Tor the perpetuity Of our blessed Union. Ihal
Union could not be dissolved which was cemen-
ted by The affections OF Inc people, and bound
together in every direction by these slnews oil
iron.
have thrown together these very hasIy, and !
fear incoherent views, having time only TO glance
at some Of the points mos; obvious and Sink
ing 10 The contemplation OF this grea! scheme.
hope, sir, you may live 10 see the consumma-
lion OF YOUR plan, and 10 reap The honors and re-
wards which in tha, event you will SO richly de.
serve.
With the highest sentiments OF respect, | am,
sir your most obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD.
NJ a yVutrEry