Arkansas intelligencer., 1858-05-28
Railroad Meeting at Albuquerque.
LETTER FROM col. BONNEVILLE, L. s. A.
Albuquerque, " H., March Il, '5s.

albuquerque, ~ NJ, March Ii, DC.
JOSE ARNlJo-Dear Siri | am truly pleas
ed to see that our friends here are beginning
to appreciate the advantages OF great thor
oughtare through their vicinity.
Many years since Arkansas made some ef-
forts this subject, but rival Interests, press
Cd with earnestness, covered up her hopes 50
completely, that they haze scarcely been
thought of since: leaving for public attention
only those at the north and south.
by the northern we are led into high iati
tudes, over elevated mountain regions aud
where every cut made for roailroad, would he
filed with the light drifting SHOWS, aud there
remain till late in the spring. This, of course,
must be late, SO that this route, supposing
this the only impediment, must be useless for
a considerable portion of tho year. As TO
the southern, mere glance AT the map, viii
exhibit it 10 be SO round about, that with it,
meanderings in the mountains, il looks Ike
the boy going TO school, taking the longest
way round
From Memphis, via Fort Smith, Anton
Chico, this place, Iuni, aud rclon Pass, shows
a line SO straight, that one would suppose
some impossible obstacle must lay on this
route, 70 turn explorers so far north and south
=
the fact is, that it is not only a direct line,
but does not pyesen. a single obstacle, 10 en-
counter. 1t is the shortest, the most econom-
ical, and being in the centre, will best con
duce to The general interests Of the country.
1t can be Travelled long after that Of the north
shall be fast locked up in snow and ice, The
other is too far south to benslt any ctAe.
than Texas.
=. Il
has been surveyed, settled and is perfectly
known as the palm Of ones hanl-Rathing
need be said Of that portion. From Fort
Smith after crossing the Canadian river, at u
first rate rock ford, you 20 directly west, bc
tween the Canadian aud its north fork, over
unduiating prairies, TO Anton Chico. Ger
tanly there are no mountains thus far. From
this through Zuni, to the Tejon Pass, have
often converse6 with Mr.. +. Pcrea who, some
years since, came from California, with Mr.
Asbry, on this route, who reports it throggh
fertile country, with grass, wood and water
at short intervals; and not one mountain la
the whole distauce; and from Anton Chico
to this place, where will YOU lind better
road through your own settlements, with
sheep, cattle and corn! 4 straight line, un
der the 35th latitude; what more is wanted!
Ii the people on the route be on the alert
they will not lose it, for the Great Pacific
railroad and thoroughfare must pass this WI,
the interest Of The whole United States re-
| quires it should be laid in the best location
for constant use and general benefit, without
regard to particular Interests,
Lieut.. Whipple has examined it, with lis
cameis, and confirms most fully all that Mr.
Peres lad sald-Lt. B. goes even farther; lie
does not believe it deyiates twenty miles from
Straight line.
Should a post be established where this
route crossed the Texan line, it il probable
| the Texans would move there with then
claims, and Cherokee and Chociaws Remove
to its vicinity for trade and for game. A.en-
cies, traders and others, would soon
make of the wilderness "A hOurishing settle
ment. United States trains, passing to an
fro, would mark the road, and emisrants with
their families, wagons and stock travel it at
| all seasons.
The same may be sail CT pest at tie
crossing the Colorado of the west.
| | am nay dear sir, most truly yours.
B. J.. L. BONNEVILLE.