The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-05-04


THE New SLEEPING CARS on THE FRED
ERICKSBURG RoAD.-EXCURSION TO ASHLAND
YESTERDAY EvENING.-The managers of the
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
railroad, who have already done so much
for the convenience of travellers upon
their line, have now received two Of the
elegant sleeping cars provided by the
Southern Transportation Company for use
upon the southern railroads. These cars
are fitted up in the most elaborate style
and with every improvement that can con-
duce to the comfort of their passengers.
Each car is tifty-five feet long, ten feet
wide, nine feet high, and will accommodate
fortv-eight persons with comfortable
bcrthS. Each car is also furnished with
water closets and washstands, with all the
requisites of the toilet, including even soap,
towels, and combs. There are i'll each four
state-roomS, where passengers can be as
retired and free from observation as in their
own chambers, and eight sections, each OF
which has double bed and two single
berths. These beds and berths will be sup
piled with clean linen every day. The
decorations and general appointments,
consisting of rich curtains, elegant mir
rorS, soft cushioned seats, and velvet car
pet, are handsome and in good taste. The
ventilating apparatus is excellent, and the
passenger, whatever may be the tempera-
turc in the car, is protected from the risk
of taking cold or exposure to the open air.
A box in each car contains tools OF all de-
scriptions, ready for use in case Of accident,
although they are not likely to be needed
on the Fredericksburg railroad. The inte-
rior woodwork is of ash and maple, highly
polished; while the exterior is painted a
light yellow, that color being found the
Each car is furnished with eight lamps, by
the light of which the traveller may lie Ill
his berth and read at pleasure. The cars
were built by Bolton, Dykeman & Co., OF
Philadelphia, at a cost OF nine thousand
! dollars each.
These cars, which will now regularly rur
upon the Richmond, Fredericksburg and
Potomac railroad, are owned by the
Southern Transportation Company, o
which Mr.. Thomas Ii. Wynne, of this city
! is President, and Mr.. James A. Dykeman
of this city, General Superintendent.
One great advantage of the present
sleeping cars is, that in the daytime they
NAV be used as first-class coaches for la
dies, and the company which provides
them only charges the various railroads
upon which they are used the extra price
of lodgings at night, which has been tixeC
at one dollar.
Yesterday afternoon, by invitation from
the President of the Southern Transporta,
ton Company, party, composed OF some
of the fairest daughters and best matron'
of our city, our Mayor and Common Coun
Gil, many citizens, and the Representatives
of the Richmond press, made an excursion
, on these ears to Ashland. At O'Clock th'
| train started, and away We went by greer
| fields and dark woods, through swamp
that looked impossible, and over the darl
and sluggish Chickahominy, which brough
sad "reminiscences of gallant and blood,
deeds, until finallyw reached the beautiful
village, Ashland. Here the party wa
greeted by Mr.. o. P. Baldwin in littl
/ speech replete with his usual eloquenc'
and beauty of expression. He was an
swered by His Honor Joseph Mayo in
few very appropriate remarks; after which
all hands were invited to the dining-room
Here they were regaled with the choices
of drinkables, concocted by Josiah White
of the Best Idea," and imported by Mr.
Oscar Cranz. A toast was proposed ant
drank to Mr.. p. V. Daniel President 0
the Fredericksburg Railroad Company
which was answered by that gentleman il
his usual elegance of manner and appro
priateness OF remarks. ~
Another was proposed to the Southern
| Transportation Company. 7. II. Wynne
our old townsman, answered this with man,
amusing illusions. His remarks were vel
conceived, and were received with mucl
applause and laughter. Mr.. John Perry
one of the owners of the Ashland Hotel
then invited the party to his house TO par
take of his hospitalities. The party tnei
all repaired thither, and half hour OF y
was spent in most conyiviai manner
Among the toasts drank was one TO +" An
drew Johnson, the champion OF eonstita
tional liberty" which was heartily re
sponded to by oil parties. While the gen
! tiemen were thus amusing themselves, tn,
ladies and the more gallant of the stronge
sex were listening to the charming voice Q
one of our best professional vocalists. Thi
lady, with her magnificent voice, please,
everybody, and had she commenced he
singing little sooner, John Perry woul,
have had but small party to follow hint