The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-08-14


We are glad to learn that the long cherished pro-
ect of connecting the Atlantic and Gulf shores Of
our peninsula by railroad Is approaching its con.
summation, under the energetic direction Of tho
company Organized and chartered for that purpose.
Last week the Hon. D. L. Yulee, President Of The
company, accompanied by two of the directors, ana
John McRae Esq, the Chief Engineer Of the Charles
ton and Savannah railroad, chartered the steamer
cabiIty Of crossing Nassau river, and aso Of IL
narrows that separates Amelia Islands from the
main land. After q careful examination, both
points were found to be perfectly practicable.
was some time since run by Captain Smith, from
Cedar Keys, on the Gulf, to Yellow Bluff on Amelia
Island, two miles below Fernsndni where the east
ern depotis to be located. Our readers will iud In
this paper an article descriptive Of Cedar Keys.
which we have extracted from the Savannah Nesss;
and for the information Of such may be ignorant
of the situation Of the eastern terminus, we win
give brief description of it.
The town Of Fernandina is situated on the north
end OF Amelia Island, upon an elevated plateau with
the Atlantic rolling one hand, and the waters q
beautiful bay, completely landlocked. on the
other.
The town is laid out at right angles, and its broad
grassy streets are shaded with magnificent Pride
Of Indias." Most Of the houses that remain are
old and dilapidated, but give evidence from their
size and original finish Of PALMER days. Extensive
earthern ramparts mark the spot where the aag Of
Spain used to float over fort that guarded popu-
lous and thriving town, ana the entrance Of Il
tie finest harb0rs on the Atlantic coast. While
under that flag the people Of the town have counted
two hundred square rugged vessels in the harbor ct
one time. 1t has seen any vicissitudss, having
during the South American struggle for indepen-
dence, been captured By squadron Of Columbian
up by the American government on account of their
buccaneeripg propensties. Daring their occuper
ton Of it some OF the finest buildings were buraed.
it was taken BY the sol dssans patriots who were
trying to revolutionize Florida with the consent Of
the American government sub rosa. At length.
with the cession of the territory to the United
flag. 1t is lovely spot, and, under the vivifying
influence of steam, will probably again be animated
with commercial life.
The enhance Of the harbor is where the waters q
the ST. Marys seek an outlet to the ocean, between
the southern point CT Cumberland and the northern
one Of Amelia Islands, tie channel being deep and
safe one, admitting ships of large size By the depot
at yellow Bufi frisate can run alongside the bank
and discharge her cargo.
This line Of road Is almost on direct air liue from
New York to the lsthmus Of Tehuantepec, aud offers
induce ments in the saving Of time and money that
must to il an immense share of the Caifornia
travel-it brings New Orleans several days nearer
New York than by steamer round the Cape.
1t offers Inducements for the shipping OF sugar and
cotton from the Gulf ports Of Galveston, New Or
leans, Mobile, Apalachicola, st. Marks, &c. In Mo
way Of time, safety, and even expense that must
bring this way large portion OF that endless stream
that rs now pouring from our American Medtena-
mean, through the perilcus channel between the b.
hamas and Florida. And more than all for the in
terest of Florida, it opens to the enterprise Of her
citizens large tra,t Of sugar, cotton, and lumber
lands, which must have 9th ,rwise continued al
noet valueless: II will also bring Tallahassee the
present capital Of the State WITHIN few hours Of
the Atlantic sea-bcard and the interior OF Rast
Florida.
A branch. which the company proposes to build,
OF but nine miles, will connect ia ksonville with the
main trunk and thereby Sc lure an immense forward
ing business to our town.
we have about five hundred vessels coming =
this port annually for lumber and mostly In bal
last. With shipments for New Orlesns and othor
could tines co%e ~ ~ IN sReS 4 that
wonld secure the carrying trade, and thereby d.
miDsh the present exorbtant freishts that tho
lumberman has to pay on his manufacturers.
In return the provisions OF the Mississippi would
be received by us from first hands and with cheap
ireirhts. instead OF from second, third, aud even
fourth hsnds. by the expensive routes Of Baltimore
and New York.
which is destined eventually to make our Staso
orc of the most important In the Union, branch
will also be necessary from the main trunk to
Tampa, which viii open rich agricultural region.
ard q tropical garden Of the world; and 1t tho
same time form the nearest available depot on our
coast for the Honduras route Of travel to Caifor-
MIA
Our representative, Mr.. Maxwell, has been en-
deavoring to get grant OF alternate sections q
land along the route OF this rOAd from Congress u
aid in its construction; AID as q great national
work, We learn that the project is looked upoa
with favor AZ Washingtch. press OF businers has
hitherto STAYED OF the matter, but the passage a
the homestead bill With Senator Hunters amef d
ment viii, IL is believed in the event Of the failure
| 0. tas approrr' Aton, assist the company La tho
| corplstion OF che road. At no time before have
lungs locke 10 favorable, and we hail tse prcse.s
'iosids-