Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-12-11
CHIEF ENGINEERS REPORT.
ENGINEERS, OFFICE, Va. & Tenn. RAILROAD,
low 25th 1851

Nov. 25th, 1851.
To tie President and Directors Va d. Tenn
Railroad Company
Gentlemen:-1n com lance with established usa &c
present the following Annual Report. The d,tfcul-
lies encountered in executing the work between Lynch.
burg and Salem have been greater than expected.
Every part of the work has prosecuted diligently
and on the deep excavations containing rock, all the
force that could he worked to advantage has bee
poyed. Ii was however found impossible complete
the difficult points in time 10 lay the whole track
soon proposed.
These points being near the eastern terminus Of The
iron in order finish the track early u day as
possible. This additional expense will be amply re.
paid by the USE OF the road months sooner than
could otherwise be expected. 1t may DO prom.
ised with certainty that the road will he in operation
to Liberty in the mouth OF January. 10 Bufods in the
month OF March, and to Salem in July. And miles
beyond Salem can go into operation in six weeks at
ter the road reaches that point For this lies the
iron is not yet purchased. The track OF this road
sists ola rail, weighing 60 lbs. TO the yard laid on
substantial oak chesuut locust ossties 9 feet long
averaging in about Ct by 10 inches, and laid every
two and a halt feet. The timber is much larger and
OF better quallt than that generally used on Railroads
aordng great tirmness and security to the track.
The iron IA lis of the very best qualify of imported
| rails.
The chairs asst on of the very best quality that
| be made from the Virginia ores; they weigh 10
lbs, and are cast with projection to fit into the hol-
low OF the rail. This metal possesses great tough.
ness. The spikes 90 are made of the very best bar
that can be produced from Virginia Charcoal Pig,
an are superior 10 any others, made from different
metals.
This track is believed to combine every quality es
sentiai TO d good road, In an eminent de2rce AMI to
secure, IN the future operations Of tbs Company, both
safety and economy Few. il any can he found OF
bet e. materials or better construction Tue passenger
trains II be able 10 attain spoed 81 thirty miles per
hour. on This road, with perfect safety Under the
conirac with MI Is. Deane, lr the ears necessary
10 equip the road, in process of construction at
this place and the quality OF the work far as it has
progress d, If such as 10 vlndcate fully the policy Of
The Board securing these articles of Virginia manu-
lactuie saiiic ent number OF these cars present
use VIII be complete ed by the end OF next month. The
contact with Joseph 4. Anderson Esd. of Ruh-
mond, was limited 10 live locomotives one OF VIII ch is
to be completed by the LIST Of December, and can
be on the road by the middle of that month. Great
care has been used in selecting the lteals Tor these
machines, aud is confidently hoped that their perior-
nance will he such to do credit TO the enter psing
builder. This gentleman has associated with himself
Mr. John Souher, OF Boston, whose reputation stands
deservedIy high among the New England manuiac
turers; They will be prepared to complete four or
more locomotives per month; and, it is hoped, they
will rece i've Southern patronage, such will enable
them to build up in the Southern States, OBJ alb.
lshment OF the fret class. Their success will prove
highly important TO the whole South, and matter OF
cular interest TO the Railroads OF Virginia. AS II
was matter OF great importance TO have a locomo-
tive on The road by the 18th OF December, it was
thought most prudent 10 guard against any possible
delay ia the delivery OF these already contracted for
by the purchase oil one from Mr.. Souther, 10 be
shipped from Boston on the 9th inst. The plans for
accommodating the business OF the road at Lynch
burg have cen greatly enlarged since tho period OF
my last report.
The purchase of the Cotton Factory property has
made room Tor an Engine House and a Machine
shop. The buildings now in progress here, are ALSO
lutely necessary tor The accommodation of our busl
ness; but, previous t. h last purchase there
ground enough TO erect Them The arrangements
now made, are as perfect ms the space occupied Will
admit OF, and viii accommodate very large business