Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-05-29
THE TIMES, TERMS.
Excursion ON the DanpiHe Railroad

Danville railroad TO the Appomattox river dis
lance of twenty eight miles, over which the tract
is now complete. The ride was delightful one
the rails being of the U pattern, and the cars eli
ding over them with smoothness and ease not Il
be enjoyed any other railroad in the State. Tht
road strikes the Appomattox river about three
miles below Genito bridge, in the South eastern
corner of the county of Powhatan. The arriva
of the train greeted by collection of the cti
zens of the neighborhood, residents of Powhatan
Amelia and Chesterfield. The company VISITED
the site of the bridge, where the energetic con-
tractor (Mr. LegerwooD was, with great energy
engaged in building one abutment and excavatns
the foundation of the other, the stone being OBJ.
tanned from quarry few miles up the river and
brought down on batteaux. A temporary arrange
ment was also i'll process of construction for
passing over the river the superstructure to be
laid upon the track beyond it; the expectation of
the Directory being that by the time the bridge is
completed (which they hope will be before the
first of August the track will be ready for
the cars as far as Amelia Court House Having
visited tho scene of these operations, the compa-
near by, under the shade of noble tulip poplar
and other trees, with the pleasing anticipation of
being soon RECALLED with an "Od Virginia Bar
becue" Close at hand, indeed, was the familiar
TRENCH with its live Goals, and the lambs and pigs
stretched above them upon sticks laid across,
and basted constantly with the legitimate baroe-
cue sauce by busy and delighted negro cooks
a print tive adaptation of the culinary art, by the
way, which has no rival for its cleanliness and
every savoury virtue. There were perhaps
hundred and thirty gentlemen collected together
at this pleasant spot, and we are bound to say, in
justice to those who represented the surrounding
country, that we have never seen population
whose general appearance gave stronger assur-
anee OF responsibility and solid worth. All
seemed to be much interested in the important
work which has just been carried into their midst
and convinced Of its practical value and conve-
nence.
The excellent yiands having been discussed
ing President of the railroad company, was call
ed out, and he delivered, as he always does, a
happy and forcibe speech, we'll calculated to win
good opinions for the work of which he has charge.
Those who composed his audience, being compar
atively near to market, had never exhibited prac-
1ca!ly any great concern in the railroad; but now
that it had pierced their neighborhood, they could
not fail to see that it must become their thorough
fare. Mr.. Tunsta showed that, if they wished
to ensure its full benefits, they must unite with its
other friends, in pushing it to its completion. He
was followed by Mr.. Clifford, the Vice President
who also presented, in delicious and striking
manner, the inducements to all who expected to
use the road to hepit along. Mr.. l. R. Watkins
of this city, likewise urged strong reasons to
tain the same conclusion. These addresses were
attentivey listened to, and, we think, had marked
effect upon the minds of those who were appeal
ed to. No regular effort was made to obtain sub
scriptons of stock, bnt several gentlemen, we un-
derstand, of their own motion, took shares.
The cars, which had returned to Richmond,
arrived just as the speaking was closed and the
company were about to adjourn, with quite large
number of our merchants and members Of
the Convention, whose engagements preven-
ted them from leaving town until the after
noon. Having hastily refreshed themselves with
draughts from the spring, and otherwise, these re-
cruits and those who had gone out in the morning
reembarked on the cars, and reached town in an
hour and twenty minutes, the train sometimes at
tanning speed, we should think, of thirty-fve
or forty miles an hour. All were delighted with
the great superiority of the road to those we are
accustomed 10 in Virginia. Our own satisfaction,
however, was greatly alloyed by the consideration
that the heavy rail is probably to be laid down only
to the Appomattox. When the Legislature ad-
joerned we entertained no doubt that the city of
Richmond under the authority supposed to be
given in law passed just at the close of the
session, would subscribe $4,000 for the pur-
pose of enabling the President and Directors to
have the heavy rail adopted between the Apo
mattox and the Junction with the South Side
road. A defect in the law, however, caused by
oversight and haste, has prevented the Common
Council from taking any action in the natter
Even now, we are not without hope that mea-
sures may be adopted by our merchants in COLI
junction with the Council, which may secure the
important desideraiun referred TO. And surely
when the reasons for little timely energy are
considered, every one interested in the prosperity
of the city must perceive the proprey of the pro-
posed subscription. Our active and vigilant
neighbour, Petersburg, is very wisely and credi-
tabIy to herself. constructing her South Side
raj lroad throughout with the heavy rail- and going
10 very great expense to avoid any grade against
the trade Of more than l6 feet ito the mile. The
grades of the Danvile road inasmuch it cros-
than this. For that reason, it is all impor-
tant that up to the point of junction its track
should be of the best possible Character
In regard 10 the travel, which is expected
TO come from Lynehburg, especially after the
completion Of the South Western railroad the
Leaa-u rail from TIC Iunct;or, Richraaud is ne