Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-11-28

moved the many extra trains required for transpOra
on of troops, and the consequent rreguary no acci-
dent of serious character, involving life or limo, has
Cured excepting the single instance of soldier who
contrary to the admonit0Ds and warnings OF the Con-
ductor persisted in riding on top of the car and was
killed in passing through bridge.
In this continued immunity from painful accident we
have cause for graduation end renewed thaukiuness.
The Roadway, Track and Bridges are in good and
safe condition Every reasonable preCautiOn has been
taken and will he continued TO secure the track and
roadway for winters use. Tie ditches and embank-
ments have received than usual and attention.
and $4,000 crOss-ties renewed.
Early last winter one hundred tons Of new rail "a
mercan manufacturer was laid in main track with ap
proved chairs.
contract has been made for tbeimmediate delivery
Of one hundred and fifty tons of EOgsh rail in exchange
for old iron, which will be laid down soon as received
TO maintain the track thoroughly it will be desira-
BILE to lay down some 500 additional tons Of new rail
the ensuing year. and select the best of the old rails
displaced to be cut off and re-weldod in longer bars
process which may especially recommend Itself in the
absence of new supplies or the great difficulty getting
the old iron re rolled
Cross Ties and other similar materials for Track,
Bridges and Trestes likely to be offered in abun-
dance at reduced prices.
Livingston Bridge has been re built and newly housed
Finding it necessary to rebuild the bridge at Lynchs
Greek, have constructed side track and arranged
for permanent foundations and abutments of masonry
single span 10 it, longer than the old bridge, will be
substituted for the three short spans originally built
This will give clear water vent in the channel of
Creek which at times is subject to capricous and dan
gerOus foods The East abpment OF the Old Bridge had
become partially undermined and could scarcely have
wibsoOd the effects Of another seasons rcshes. Piled
foundations have been put down for the abutmeGs and
the masonry is being executed. The supeTstruc
ture is framed and ready to be raised whenever the
abutments finished. The entire structure, when
completed will be the most substantial and permanent
of its kind.
The renewal of the bridge at Great Pee Dee, antici
pated in my last report but not deemed urgent before
next spring summer, will complete the recCnsruC-
ton OF all the Bridges the ne and render this de-
partment of the Road comparatively inexpensive for
many years to come.
The motive power has, coDsC UeDce Of the difficulty
in procuring parts and materials for ordinary re-
pairs somewhat deterOrated, and for the present fewer
Engines be maintained in thorough working order
than at the date Of my last report 1t moreover
expected, about this time make an addition OF two
Engines to the stock which would have furnished
relief to old Engines and afford time for executing The
work Of repairs. Three of the best Engines are, now
ever, in shop and will be repaired and again in
vice by the expiration # some few weeks Materials
have also been ordered tor the renewal two others
Continued eXertions will be made to put the old stock
in good working order. Notwithstanding increased e-
penses may be shown in this department. in etacting
newal of of the Engues the Road can thereby be
placed upon and independent toOtng and main
tain fair operating capacity, apart from foreign pur
chases of pew motive power.
The stock OF Cars for passengers ample for ordinary
demands, improved, it will be in a short tine, by the
addition OF two large and COnm0dous coaches now be-
ing built in the CompaDys shop.
The stock of Freight Cars is still greatly deficient
and requires an addition OF at least thirty Cars-whch
should be built whenever the materials for Trucks can
be procured.
Construction has been charged with expenditures
amounting TO $40,3l3 81, the principal items in which
are $3.50 IS for completion Of Engine House, $l4,-
524 68 for new Wharf and foutdItions for Ware
| House, and $9,5l7 G3 for Trestie Filling
BY accident to the roof OF the Engine House, we
are deprived temporarily OF the shelter 50 much wanted
for the Eng gnes. be patentCes and contractors were
under an obligation to replace the roof aud the new
works well advanced in their shops when the block
ade interposed and prevented its shipment.
The new and extensive wharf alluded 10 in my last
report as having been commenced, was completed early
in April, and affords evidence OF the skill and reliability
OF the contractor.
The Trese filling in Great Pee Dee swamp has been
continued, with o force Of IS hands during the greater
portion OF the year. This work was commenced early
in the fiscal year and some 100 ueal feet have been
embarked.
A new and comfortable Ware House, containing
Ticket Cffice and Passenger rooln has been built at
Nichols depot, and new Tank Houses at Crisis and
MaxweIls
The officers and employees generally are commended
for their ready assistance and close attention to duty
Respectfully submitted,
j. P. ROBERTSON, Gen1 Sup't