Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-04-19

and Fredericksburg to Aqua Creek, seventy-fve
miles, and thence connecting with Washington by
the Potomac River; the Manassas Gap, running
from Alexandria Through Front Royal TO Mount
Jackson, in the Shenandoah Valley, one hundred
and twelve miles; the Alexandria and Loudoun,
running from Alexandria to Leesburg, thirty eight
miles; the Winchester and Harper's Ferry, thirty
two miles long; the Richmond and York River, eX-
tending from Richmond to West Point, forty-one
miles: the Southside from Petersburg 10 Lynch
burg, one hundred and twenty five miles; the Rich
mopd and Danville one hundred and twenty-five
miles and the Virginia and Tennessee, from Lynch
burg to Bristol, two hundred and four miles.
We learn that it is the intention of the authori-
ties first to complete the through route from Rich
mond to Bristol, by the Richmond and Danville to
Burkesville, thence to Lynchburg by tho South
side, and thence to Bristol by the Virginia and
Tennessee roads. This route is already under
construction, as is also the route from Alex andria
to Lynchburg via Gordonsvlle and Charlottesville,
which is to be the next completed
The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
Railroad, from Richmond to Aqua Creek, will
then next receive attention. This railroad, con-
Meeting with steamers at Aqua Creek, was for
merly regarded as the most direct route from
Richmond to Washington. As it stands, it is,
owing to the skill and energy Of the officers who
have had it in change, better equipped than any
road in the State. Indeed, in point Of rolling
stock. il is in as good condition before the war;
The greatest obstacle to its being put in running
order is the absence of bridges the North and
South Anna and the Rappahannock rivers. But
before the energy of Gen. Mccall, and the
great resources of labor and material at his COM
mond. the reconstruction of these bridges is only
a matter of days.
While speaking Of this road, in the repair o.
which the citizens of Richmond cannot bu. feel
great interest, connecting them, as it does, more
directly than any other with the great centres of
trade and intelligence of the North, we cannot
forego to mention the fact that the preservation OF
its depots, workshops and rolling stock in this city
are in a great measure due to the vigilance and
exertions of Mr.. VIM. N. Bragg, Superintendent
Of the Road, and Mr.. Samuel Ruth, Superintendent
of Transportation. On the day of the late memo
rable conhagration, the depot and the buildings
were frequently on fire, but were saved either by
the efforts of these gentlemen or under their di.
| TeCtlO0. 7.
was cast into Castle Thunder by the rebel authori-
ties. about three weeks before the evacuation, on
the charges Of being a ''pestilent Unonist" and
communicating information to the United States
authorities. He was discharged before the evacu-
alton.
The York River Railroad, it is also natural, we
sbould also feel an interest in; but We have heard
nothing of the intention Of the authorities with
regard to it, The greatest expense will he the re-
construction of the bridges over the Chidlahominy
and Pamunkey. This road shortens, by several
bours. communication with Norfolk and Fortress
Monroe, and on this acc cunt will, we presume, re-
ceiye the carly attention Of the military author-
ties. It's repair would be Of incaculable advan-
tage to the hungry thousands Of Richmond, as it
connects there with oyster banks and fishing shores
of the Pamunkey, Mattaponi and York Rivers,
and penetrates a country Astounding with wood,
suitable for fuel. But, though We cannot but have
especial interest in particular roads, we look with
feelings of pleasure to the early completion of all
the lines of travel which connect the severafparts
of the State with Richmond, as the speediest
means by which all of our citizens can be reunited
in A common feeling of attachment and loyalty to
the Government.
We have not spoken OF the railroads diverging
from Norfolk, and know nothing Of them except
that we learn that Mr.. Phinius B. Thompson, of
the U. S. Military Railways, late from Tennessee,
has been ordered to Norfolk, and will Immediately
take them in charge.
THE UNION SENTINENHIN VIRGINIA.