The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-11-07
For the DaJ Book.
My First Trip Over the r. Y. II
Railroad.

4h II ot0A thS 49, ~ u ~
Railroad.
On Friday morning last with many others,
like myself OF new scenes and strange trav-
els. found myself at the "foot of oath
street," and after waiting some time in the
cold (for as it was my first trip and wished
to be in time) the signal whistle sounded
and call right" responded, and away we
went gliding over the very even tracks, not
at full speed, as our engine was working
backwards, but fast enough for those who
were only going for a "trip" | had heard
much of this road, did feel really re-
jjoiced at its success, &c, for long time it
has been struggling against opposition, and
now that it has opened its excellent track
the Iron horse in all his power. do think
that all lovers of Improvement and aiders of
enterprise ought likewise to rejoice that it
is thus near completed. Much can be said
in commenda ton OF the officers of the road,
The Conductor is gentlemanly man, and
think to the travelling public will be unex-
ceptionable.
The cars reached the White House in good
time, considering the drawbacks consequent
upon new road, and only three quarters
Of an hour behind time. Here too is a loss
Of time in conveying the baggage from the
cars to the wharf, over two hundred yards
and all of which has to be done by the hands
of the boat.
But all these short delays were overcome
and forgotten when we got on board that de-
ightful little steamer-Sea Bird. l admit
that am not much acquainted with steam
boats and their officers, only having lived
upon the banks of a river all nay life and
been a regular traveller fer the last ten
years, yet l think can safely say that the
Sea Bird comes up as near her name and
ones expectations as any craft on which |
ever placed my foot.
l do not know the distance down the Pa
munky by its "meanderings," but there
was such smoothness and rapidity of flight
in our little Bird that we soon reached
WEST PoINT-the long talked of terminus of
the above mentioned K. Il Y. Il. Railroad
Here we met the cerf1uence of the two riv-
ers and was fully upon the waters of the
bold York, than which prettier, lovelier,
more magnificent sheet of water is not to be
found in the Union. I,had much; converse
ton with the Captain-Thomas NJ. South
gate of your city. l found him polite and
gentlemanly yet dignifed, which seemed
to entitie MIN to the respect which was so
willingly accorded by all around him.
If l may be pardoned, would say in my
travels l have seen some Captains who
thought their whole business was to entertain
their passengers; others who were so much
in love with themselves and their important
positions that they could hardly answer one
civilly. Now, for my own part, l like to
meet with officers who know their business,
and at the same time know what is due from
them to their passengers. From my slight
acquaintance with Mr.. s., and my notion of
what Captain ought to be, think he pos
Sesses all the characteristics of real Vir-
ginia gentleman, and as such makes popu-
lar and reliable commander OF his steamer.
| was pleased very much with all connected
with the boat, especially with the bountiful-
ly spread table, loaded with all the delica-
cies of land and water, which to my mind is
large item in a trip. The route by the
Sea Bird from Richmond to Norfolk is much
shorter than by the James River boats; |
say much shorter; there is some difference in
time and great difference in the amount of
neenotony.
| was sorry to learn that the steamer was
not owned in York River, but by a company
from different section; and to this, would
particularly call the attention of those who
have stock in the Railroad, as well as the
persons living and owning large farms on
either side OF the river. By all means they
ought to purchase her; let her make three
trips a week instead OF two, thus giving
greater facilities to the people on the whole
route.
This proposal, | hope will be early con-
summated, and trusting it will, and expec.
ting as do, should it be done, very agree
able and pleasant retarntrip, pledge the
Road and the Steamer the patronage OF
considerable TRAVELLER.