The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1859-08-31
From the South Caronian.
The Blue Ridge Railroad-The Barbe-
cue at Tunnel Hill-Speeches, &c.


been varIousIy estimated at between four
and five thousand. For severaldays pre-
vious, there had been constan; influx of
visitors from most sections Of this State.
aud from Georgia, North Carolina and
Tennessee. But on Friday morning, all
the different lines OF road Leading to this
mountain village, were thronGei with
every description OF vehicles, and many
OF them containing whole fam lies At
times, We could see n fair country woman
on horse back, riding over rocky and une,
ven ground with the ease Of al accom-.
phshed equestrian. The village itself
oore the appearance Of Fourth Of July
fesilVlty. Flags were suspended from
most Of the log cabins and residences
others again stretching across tie roads
while over each shat, Was nailed a banner
signtying the progress Of the work. Over
Nos. and 3 were nailed a banner, with
a border Of black, and inscribed thereon,
suspended tor Want of Means" At
each arrival the new comerS were sure To
be welcomed by some of the villagers,
and frequently 10y some acquautances,
who had preceded them. At little af.
ter a. IN, the orator OF the dav, Mai.
IS. +. Perry, arrived, and was escorted by
the President, Hon. f. Frost, t. the en-.
trance OF the tunnel. A large party in.
spected the tunnel with the above gentle
men. AT 8 a. M, the Governor and staff
arrived, and were conducted over the
works. As the Governors party were
leaving the tunnel, the workmen srmulta.
neousIy ceased work, and turning round
with their head, aud lamps in a row.
gave three cheers Cor the Governor, three
for South Carolina, and another for the
Stump House Tunnel. Before reaching
the mouth, some seven or eight blasts
went oft, making dea(ening noise, and
resembling 50 many blasts Of thunder or
roars at artillery. One, who was taken
10y surprise, almost jumped from the car
in winch he was standing.
At 10 a. IN, the procession was formed,
under the command o: Col. ID. ID. Lead
better, commander Of the Second Regi
ment. The following was the order Of
procession a: I. Music-Richland Rifle
Band, Of Columbia. .. Wahalla Rifle
men, forty men, Capt. henken. 3. St
Patricks Society-Dr. }. J. O'ConneI,
President. 4. Miners, with banner, hav.
ing representation Of mechanics arm
with raised hammer. Motto, ave are
doing our part" 5. Governor and suite
6. Orator of the day aud President of
the Blue Ridge Railroad. 7. Members
Of the Legislature. 8. Press. 0. Delega
tons from Georgia, North Carolina and
Tennessee. 10. Workmen, with banner,
with representation of railway train lust
entering the tunnel. Motto, Our motto
il onward and Westward" IL. Plckens
District Band.
"A very large stage was erected, aud
seats in front for over 5000 persons. Not
the least interesting scene was to witness
the large number Of ladies in attendance,
and the interest they appeared TO take in
the gathering. Col. A. T.. Calhoun, OF
Fort Hill, WAS called upon to act AS pre-
siding officer Of the day. Col. Calhoun
then stepped forward and invited the Go
vernon and his staff to seats upon the
platform.
The members of the Legislature were
next invited and took their seats.
The delegates from Georgia, North
Carolina and Tennessee, were then invi-
ted, and took their seats upon the stand.
The members Of the press we're also invi.
ted to seats on the platform.
Col. A. =. Calhoun arose and said
FELLOW CITIZENS: It's incumbent up.
on me as presiding officer, to state the OBJ
Jects OF this meeting. Before proceeding
briefly to do so, | cannot refrain from saw
ing feel It an especial honor TO be called
upon TO preside over this large assembly,
embracing so much intelligence from a.
broad, and embodying the unanimous
public opinion Of the people of this dis
trict. The people Of Pickens District are
proud OF the cognomen of the mountain
district, feel and take deep interest in
The progress and completion Of the Blue
Ridge Railroad. Within their precincts,
and almost at the threshold Of the enter.
prise, difficulty presented itself, deemed
by some almost insurmouhtsble, upon the
spot now occupied. How it has vanished
before the skill indomitabe energy and
perseverance, Of those who head this en-.
terprise, we wish to give occnlar demon.
stration. AS this difficulty has been con-
quered. so all the rest will yield relatively
with less labor and expense. The means
to do so must rest with the Legislature
OF South Carolina. Should the friendly
hand Of aid and assistance be Withdrawn,
then this great enterprise, the only pru.
dent and practicable one to connect South
Carolina with the West, must fail. Should
such be the determination, much Of the
future greatness and glory of South Car.
olina will depart from her forever. do
not wish to anticipate the orator you
have selected for this OCCASION. He will,
rs heretofore, prove the value OF this road
with demons:rative precision.
Permit me 10 say that great and
magnificent valley lies to the West, from
the banks Of the wonderful river that