The Placer herald., 1858-09-18
Engineers Report OH the Survey of Rail-
road Branch to Auburn.
ENGINEER's S OFFICE, CAL. CENTRAL r. r.
FOLSOM, August 18th, 1858.

To The President and Directors ofhe
California Central Railroad Co.
GENTLEMEN:--l h; We examined one Of the
proposed routes for Railroad line from
Auburn to tie line of the California Central
Railroad, ad made a preliminary survey
thereon, which although developing serious
obstacles upon 'he precise line as run, yet
indicates that lire may be found to Auburn
with the gyades within the practical limits
used upon Railroads. The nature of my
engagements, and want Of time limited me
to the running of but one line, which after
a rapid examination Of the country for the
purpose Of selecting the most favorable
ground, it was determined to run via. Secret
Ravne, it presenting TO the eye no insur-
mountab.e obstacles.
The results Of the survey show good
line, with not over so feet grades over all
but one mile Of road. The ground on this
mile, although appearing to fall no faster
than that in its vicinity, yet by Instrumental
observation is found to drop too rapidly to
sustain practicable g"ade. Ifeel confident,
however, that such a thorough examination
AS is always necessary in difficult country,
and particularly in this, will prove that prac-
tcable ground may be had which will sus,
tain an so foot grade upon this line, by keep,
ing upon the divide between Antelope and
Secret Ravihes from Newcastle to a point
about two and one-haIf miles below the Pi e
Grove House; aud for the purpose of aiding
such an examination, have given the eleva
tons necessary to be attained above our line
at different points opposite the same.
The line as run commences at Auburn near
the Placer Herald printing Office, running
thence down and upon the eastery side Of
Auburn Ravne about two miles. Thence
crossing over into Dutch Ravine, it runs
down the same to point three and two
third miles below Auburn, where the main
road branches of to the Mountaineer House
Here crossing over the divide between Dutch
and Buckeye Ravines, it runs into Buckeye
Ravine, passing a few rods in the rear OF
Newcastle. To this point, which is four
miles from Auburn, is found a fair line, re-
quiring no grades of over so feet per mile
About mile below Auburn are three IA.
vines, one Of which, opposite the Banyard
House, requires trestle work 66 feet high
the next near the United States stand, re-
quires trestling 80 feet high, and the third
| Il hiloIl UlSldHcp BeIOW, OF ~ lceu IN n6lQnt
The line upon these four miles otherwise has
no embankmens higher than 80 feet, and
no cut exceeding 25 feet in depth. The ne
cessity for running on ground which will
sustain our maximum grade, throws the line
opposite the Bangard House aid United
States stand, very nearly onto the summit o
the plateaux above the ravine, compelling u.
to cross the raviues at a greater height thar
was at first supposed necessary.
From the point opposite Newcastle (fou,
miles below Auburn,) the line continues or
down Buckeye Rarine to its intersection with
Secret Ravine, near Preston & Worrells
Quartz Mill, six miles from Auburn, thencs
down Secret RaeiRe, passing near Bishops
Quartz Mill, the Oaks House, Indian Vale,
House, Pine Grove House, and Hawes', keep
in Secret Ravine to its intersection with tt,
line of the California Central Railroad, at ,
point l6 2-3 miles from Auburn, 44-lO(
miles from Folsom, and 80 62-lO0 mile
from Sacramento city. The onlv seriou
difficulty on the whole line occurs on th,
mile Immediately befow Newcastle, the fftl
mile from Auburn, which falls 24O feet, AZ
that an 80 foot grade continued down, doe
not strike the surface again until it reaehe
s point / l-2. tnies from Auburn, and /.
miles below the Pine Grove House Upot