The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-05
From the Richmond Wing.
Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.

We have been gratified by reading a full and
satisfactory account of the condition and prospects
of this important work, prepared by its Engineer,
Mr.. Garnet, and addressed to the citizens Of Rich
mond. The work itself will be an invaluable link
in a continuous chain from Memphis, on the Mis-
sissippi to the Chesapeake bay, and the whole line
when completed, will not only constitute an I'M
portant channel of trade and travel, but strong
band of connexion in it's social and political as
pects. Mr. Garnett states that sixty miles OF the
road in Virginia, between Lynchburg and Salem,
have already been placed under contract, and will
be finished by the close of the year. but that the
directors anxious to place eighty miles more
under contract as early as November, which would
leave only seventy for the year 1851. To accom-
pish this desirable result, it is necessary TO raise
by private subscription, the sum Of S2OO,OOO
which, with the States quota, would add 100000
to the company's available resources. The engi
neer draws very strong picture OF the inconyeni-
cnccs and delays which would arise from the
failure of the private subscription. He does not
admit that the work Is TO fail ultilnately-but that
even temporary suspension, at the present crisis,
might be productive of much mischief Fate, he
says, has decreed the ultimate success of the work
but delay, which is always injurious, might be par
ticularly so at the present time Ii would be dis
couraging to other States now deeply interested in
accomplishing the whole line TO Memphis,
Mr. Garnctt gives very interesting sketch Of
the entire scheme. He Gays that from Memphis,
through Lynchburg and Richmond, TO Philade-
pha, Is four hundred and seven miles less than from
Memphis through Pttsburg To the same point,
which would be sufficient TO secure the monopoly
of that trave and that the regular time OF running
from Memphis, by the way OF Richmond, to Bus-
tom can never exceed three days, and may be re-
duced to two and half But ii would be unneces-
sary TO follow Mr.. Garnett in all his interesting
calculations. He IL not only gentleman of high
talent, but perfect enthusiast in his profession;
and the great impression lac has made on some Of
the southern States, and especially his success
engineer in Georgia, are matters that are well
known. He dwells with point and effect upon the
deep interest which Richmond has in the complete
success of the line 10 Memphis. With proper in
ducemcpts offered by her TO western merchants,
she might command large portion Of the import
trade of the country. Notwithstanding the great
advantages which Charleston has derived from the
extension of her road four hundred miles to Dali
ton, Mr.. Garrett gives to Richmond superior
chances Of success on the Memphis route, and de-
cided pre- -eminonce over rival points We shall not
follow him in his estimates, intended 10 show that
the work would be valuable a simple invest
ment, into other interesting details, prcsuming
that all the facts and calculations will be generally
disseminated.
1t is hoped there will be general attendance Of
our citizens at the meeting this evening, called 10
appoint delegates 20 the Wythevile convention, If
that measure be deemed cNpcdient.