Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-10-19


Company, the Secretary of the Board of
Public Works. and few invited guests, we
left Alexandria for Woodstock. The day
was bright aud pleasant, affording fine OPP
portunity for witnessing the many improve
ments made by the thrifty farmers and 9TH
ers living near the line of the road, and of
admriug the beautiful scenery along the
route.
We arrived at Woodstock to dinner, and
were soon taken charge of by mine host.
Charles Welsh, of the 81 y L" Hotel, who
had prepared for US bountiful repast, to
which all did ample justice.
Dinner over, we were again summoned to
take the cars for Narrow Passage Bridge, in
course of construction by contractor NJ. Pa
eide, over Narrow Passage Creek, three miles
west of Woodstock-Arrived at the bridge,
we alghted and descended the bank to the
stream, q distance of ll2 feet from the road
bed, and from thence gazed upon bridge
400 feet in length, made il three spans, rest
ing on two abutments and two piers; the CEN
tire span being 200 feet in length. This
bridge, (noW the pal obstruction be-
tween Woodstock and Mount Jackson,) will
be con- pleted in November, and the cars will
be run through to Mt Jackson By Christmas.
After examining the Bridge and surround
| ings to our satisfaction, we were called by
contractor Stands, to take Carriages for Ed
| inburg Tunnel two miles further west
This Tunnel, or roadway, is zoo feet long, II
vide and lG high, under one of the heaviest
entertainments on the line Of the road The
tunnel is built of limestone rock, obtained
near tine spot. many Of the blocks used
weighing over two tons, aud presenting the
most substantial appearance Of any structure
of the kind we ever looked upon.
Leaving Edinburg, We next proceeded
over the Valley Turnpike to Ripley, five
miles distant, where, after refreshing our
selves, and examining the road, 10, we left
for Woodstock again, where We arrived 10
supper, which was partaken Of with keen
appetite.
| After tea we were shown into the parlor,
where for several hours We were RECALLED with
most delightful vocal and instrumental mu-
sic, until the hour arrived for tired natures
sweet restorer," sleep.
| Ga Saturday m2roing, after surptuous
breakfast VIC took cars again to return bono
ward, regre;ting that ouy stay in Woodstock
! and nsighbcrhood was necessarily SO short,
! as we were delighted with the place aDd It's
! Inhabitants.
| A close examination vas made OF the en-
tire line OF road, especially the bridges, all
of VIII ich we're found in excellent condition,
and at . o'clock, we found ourselves seated at
! the touutifui board f the worthy President
Mt his residence "Markhan," (but which
was very appropriately called by one OF our
company, Mount Pleasantly pcsr Markham
Stat ION. whose unbOunded hospitality Is
world WIDE" where all were soon made 10
tas tie Of the comforts of the Virginia farmers
che er. An hour spent after dinner, in mlrth,
wit and song, and We reluctantly LETT for the
cars TO proceed again towards home-some
snven miles Of which was accomplished, when
our Locomotive suddenly refused TO carry
ps farther, and We we're thus thrown upon
the hospitality CT Messrs. StoVer, Hutchinson
& Co., and Alfred Rector, esq, with whom
we spent the night and part of the Sabbath,
until az other Engine could be obtained, from
the junction, which arrived at III o'clock,
and at two o'clock, We found ourselves safe
at home after having spent two and hall
days as pleasantly land not unprchtabiy we
bope) as it has ever been our lot to enjoy.
FoG.-There was yesterday morning very
heavy fog, which impcded navigation 90 the
river. A collision occurred between two
schooners, Just below Fort Washington. one
of which, loaded with sweet potatoes, was
sunk.
THE MILITARY AT TIE FAIR.-Thc Alex
andri. Rihemen visited the fair Of the ladies
connected with the NJ. +. Church, South,
now in progress a: Sarepta Hall, last night,
10 full winter uniform. 1t is needless 10
add that they were tie observed and their ap-
nearance there attracted q very large crowd.
THE New PLANK RoAD.--We believe that
there is now no doubt that the company that
recently purchased the turnpike from TINS
CITY 20 Baltimore will shortly cause 1t to be
thanked from end to end, in manor su'ta'
HE for the use of coaches drawn by steam
mower capable of making the trip IN two
hours. Moncure Robinson and our OVID IL
defn.isable and energetic fellow citizen, Goo.
Ns,tineiy, esu., are at the head OF the under
,ok;nr which is a sufficient guarantee that
il will ere long be an .tat occomph. 10 hnG'
land. of late, stcamdrawn coaches are be-
coming extensively and protitaoly used upon
spch roads, and it ls designed that the mode
of construction Of this work, and the style OF
furnishing it with coaches, engines, DC, shai!
he in all respects after he no" most improv,
ID EogIish method. The new company will
Tins inaugurate new era in the mode Of
,ravelling in the United States, as the raj
marina vas iDaugjIrated IN the