Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-10-24
H0MEwARD BOUND.

HOMEwARD BOUND.
The fredericksburg Route TO w Washington
StonewaIl Marye's Heights
The Proposed Alexandria and Fred
ericksburg Railroad-On Board the Key
port. =
Editorial Correspondence of The Star.l
On BOARD STEAMER KHYPoRT, Potomac
RIVER, Oct. 20, 1s65--Our Washington party is
now fairly headed for home. Previous 10
leaving Richmond the party received an invi-
tation from the new line of steamers from
Richmond to Baltimore to make the trip by
their fine boats to Baltimore. We had, how
ever, already accepted the invitation of the
Fredericksburg and Aqua Greek line to return
10 Washington by that interesting route A
new and handsomely furnished special car was
assigned us, and ON reaching it we Were met by
Superintendent Ruth and Capts. Bragg and
Gentry, of the fredericksburg road, through
whose courtesies the party were enabled TO
enjoy the trip TO the best ad vantage Our party
were also accompanied by several gentlemen
OF the Richmond press-Mf. Wade, Of the Re-
public; Mr. z. E Wiltz, jr, of the BaUetis, and
others.
At Ashland Station we were received by DIR.
Laekey Of the Ashland Hotel, where a break
fast had been prepared for the delegation
This important matter attended TO, the party
were in excellent condition TO do the sight-seeine
along the road from there to Fredericksburg,
which line abounds in localities made famous
during the war. For some ten miles south of
Fredericksburg the road courses through the
territory through which Grant forced his
stubborn way while "fighting ii out on that
line" Skirting US on the left were the long
line OF hills with their miles Of fortifications
held by Lee and .'right fianked" with such con-
unuous hghting by Grant Perhaps no railroad
in the country passes SO directly through a bat
tle-field with the marks OF contest SO visible ON
all sides. For miles the forest trees are Scared
and dismembered by balls after fashion
that gives a more vivid idea of the frightfuI
storm of metallic hail poured out in modern
warfare than whole volumes of description
To the right of the road Capt Bragg pointed
out a square brick house surrounded by shrup-
berry, the residence of DIR. Kenney, where
Stonewall Jackson breathed his last. jackson
is the demi- god of the South. Criticism deals
freely with Davis, and even with Lee (except
as defensive generally but for Jackson there
is no word but admiration. Not far from here
is the locality where Gen. Gregg, of South
Carolina, was killed. Marye's Heights and
the famous stone wall, taken and lost again
and again, are also in full sight as the train
enters the outskirts of fredericksburg
At Fredericksburg the Railroad Company
have re-erected a substantial bridge as thew
have also al Potomac Run and Accotinck
The road throughout is in excellent condi-
hon, well provided with rolling stock, and has
three new engines, nearly completed A road
is contemplated between Fredericksbure and
Alexandria, to connect with the Frsderic<s-
onrg road at Rockyfellow's Crossing, six and
a half miles from Aquia Greek If this branch
road should be constructed, in all proha-
biHty II will, the trip from Washington to
Richmond can then be made in FIRE hours and a
hdJ. The trip Is now made by this route to
Richmond in two and a half hours less tune
than by any other route. A sufficient amount
OF capital stock having already been SUBJ
scrlbeu for making this connection, and the
first instalment paid the commissioners under
the act Incorporating the Alexandria and
Fredericksburg Railroad Company, meeting
of the stockholders will be held i'm Alexandra
on the 2sth of October for the purpose of elect
ing a President and Board of Directors
At Aqnia creek the party were welcomed by
good-lookng, go-ahead Capt. Frank Hol-
lingshead, of the Potomac steamer Keyport
and by Mr.. Needham, of Baltimore, so well
known In connection with leading steamboat
enterprises, who is an owner in the Aquia
creek line. Mr.. Needham keeps some fifteen
steamboats, In motion, and he is a young
man yet, and full of business enterprise. the
chances are that he will have as many squad
rons afioat before he dies.
The courtesies of the Potomac, Fredericks-
burg and Richmond line eliminated in a fine
banquet on board the Keyport, to which the
addressed themselves with zest Can't. Hol,
lingshead did the honors, and remarks were
made by President Lloyd, of the Board of Al
aermen, and by other members Of the delega-
uon, expressive Of their warm appreciation of
the hndnesses and courtesies everywhere ex-
tended to them on the trip, and especially bv
the Potomac, Fredericksburg and Richmond
company. -"
In this connection, and in conclusion, it is
proper to say that while an enumeration OF all |
the attentions received by the Washingtonians |
nitely, the party have occasion TO express
special obligations TO the company and officers
OF the Orange and Alexandria and Virginia
Central Railroads, the proprietors Of the Spots
wood House, McChntoch T. Barry, agent of
Harnden's Express Company, Arthur Shep-
herd. (iate OF Washington, now carrying ON a
fourishing plumbing and gas fitting establish |
ment in Richmond,) j. +. Towers, (another |
Washingtonian doing business in Richmond in
the housefurnishing business In company with l
Maurice Clagett and w. II. =. Bayly,) Messrs
Crowley and A. b. Jones, (formerIy OF Browns /
Hotel,) Chief Quartermaster Cochrane of the /
ames River Transportation Department, and /
President Daniel. ]. b. Gentry, general ticket /
agent, Capts, Bragg and Hollingshead, Mr.. /
Needham and George Mattngly, ESQ l., of the Il
Fredericksburg and Potomac route: /
Manager Ogden, of the Richmond Theater. p
Z. agulre; formerly OF Washington proprl- /
etor of the Metropolitan. ..f
A trip Of this extent so entirely without a /
drawback TO enjoyment is rarely made and 1 /
am sure every member of our party will recall Il
with pleasure through life this visit to Viz \
einia---+ Q. s. N.