Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-01-24
VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD

Commencement Ceremonies in Lynchbmg.
The ceremony of commencing work upon the
Virginia and Tennessee RAILROAD, took place in
Lynchburg on Wednesday last. A procession
was formed in front of the Masonic Hall at !
o'clock, consisting of the military, the Governor
of the State, the President and Directors of the
road, and citizens. 1t moved through several
streets to the point which had been selected as the
spot on which the earth was to be broken. The
ceremonies commenced with prayer, by Rev. JOHN
EARLY; after which JOSEPH K. IRVING, Esq, de-
livered an eloquent address. Gen. CLAY and Mr..
C. F. M. GARRETT then made brief addresses to
Gov. FLOYD, who responded in handsome speech;
after concluding, he took the spade and proceeded
to break the ground. Phe spade was used in sue
cession by the President Engineer and Directors
of the Company; Mr.. Tunstall, the President,
Capt. Talcott, Engineer, and Mr. Clifford, one of
the Directors of the Richmond and Danville
Railroad Company, and many citizens of Lynch
burg. At this moment, salute was fired by
the Mechanic Artillery, Capt. Shields, and the
Governor having been escorted to his lodgings by
the military, the procession was dismissed. Not
withstanding the unpropitious state of the wea-
Their, a large concourse of people turned out to
witness the ceremonies
Alright, the company and invited guests sat
down to sumptuous entertainment, prepared by
Mr. DBRELL, of the Union Hotel. The Virgil
man gives the following graphic description of the
proceedings at the SUPPER as well as the subse-
quent festivities
Among the invited guests from distance were his
Excellency Gov Floyd, Mr.. Senator Woods, OF the
Franklin District, w. P. Tunsta, President, Captain
Talcott Chief Engineer and Mr.. Clifford, Director of
the Richmond and DanvIe Railroad Company, Mr.
Cook OF Grayson, and Mr. II. l.. Brooke OF Richmond
Judge Wilson presided assisted by several Vice Pre-
sidents In response to the regular toass, compliment
tary to Coy Floyd that gentleman responded in OF
his happest efforts which called forth the unbounded
applause OF the company. La answer to oasts, or in
compliance with direct calls made upon them, the COM
pany was addressed by Messrs Iuista J. X Irving,
Clay Deane, Crale, Clifford, TaIcott, Garnett and r
Lynehburg Press, Mr. Mcdonald, Of the Patriot made
brie put pertinent and eloquent address There were
passages Of wit between Messs Tunstall and Irving,
which delighted the listeners. The company did not
disperse until the "small hours had arrived
We must not omit to mention that the Armory Band
in attendance at the SUPPER and delighted the COM
pany with strains OF music often heard in this
quarter
OF the V. & T. Railroad Company entertained the Co
vernon and company OF twenty five or thirty persons
at dinner furnished by Mr. Dibre in his usual style OF
elegance. There were many bret addresses made and
good things said.
Later in the evening the Governor was the guest OF
of most respected citizens at large and very
elegant entertainment. And thus concluded the esii-
ytes OF the occasion.
The Governor left town for Richmond in the packet,
on Friday morning having won golden opinions from
our citizens OF all parties.