Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-07-26

and departure at such an early hour the
Succeeding morning, we were unable to see
much of that place, nor to shake by the
hand many friends. Among those whom
we did meet. however, was our gallant and
unfortunate friend, Colonel Mel. TURNER,
who having been shot entirely through the
right breast at FREDERICKSBURG, in Deem
Der 1862, reported for duty in May follow
ing, and in charge of the 18th Regiment at
GETTYSBURG, received wound which will
disable him for life, and from the effects of
which he is a great but patient sufferer.
His many friends will be glad to learn that
his general health is good and his spirits
very fine.
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD.
This road is in fine order, and we were
glad to learn that the work of construction
on the Western end was going on with en-
ergy Major N. E. SCALES, formerly Quar-
termaster upon the staff of ajor- General
PENDER and subsequently in the same po-
sition upon the staff of Major, General
Wilcox, is one of the contractors. The
rumor of their contemplating the employ
ment of few hundred Coolies brings a
characteristic growl from the Standard, and
affords senseless excuse to SANDER Colonel
TATE, the popular and efficient President
Of this road.
The road is completed to Morganton and
the cars run to that place. It is expected
that several miles will be added before the
end of the year.
WILMINGTON, CHARLOTTE AND RUTHERFORD
RAILROAD.
Travelling with several leading gentlemen
of this section, something of the great in
terest the people feel in the completion
of the Wilmington, Charlotte and Ruther-
ford Railroad to Lincolnton, and thence,
at least, to Hickory Tavern in this county,
looking ultimately to its extension into
Caldwell, was learned. Hickory Tavern,
next to Statesville, is the most important
depot upon the Western North Carolina
Railroad, and is about the same distance
from Wilmington via Lincolnton and Char
lottee, as it is from Raleigh, giving our
port nearly two hundred miles the advan-
tage of Norfolk. From Lincolnton to Hick-
Dry Tavern is less than twenty miles, along
a level ridge, upon which road can be
constructed, with comparatively little cost,
for this section of the country. The people
desire and look to our city as their future
port, and have sufficient State pride to
wish to build up their own cities. It will
in1aa1 ba q oraot dow for Vi1roi n orfo,, who,
her business relations are united with this
section by iron rails, and these people pur-
chase their supplies from us in exchange
for the productions of the beautiful and
rich valley of the Catawba.
The crops in this section are good. The
wheat, which has already been gathered,
is fine, and the promise for corn is most
encouraging. One good rain, for which
the corn is now suffering, within week,
will confirm the promise of an abundant
yield.
ARRIVAL AT THE SPRINGS.
Reaching Hickory Tavern about II
o'clock, we found hacks and baggage wag-
ons in readiness to carry the passengers, of
which there was about dozen, to the
Springs about six Or seven miles Distant
The road is level, shady and very fine, and
a little after II o'clock, amidst the delight
full strains OF Smiths Armory Band, the
shaking Of hands by old friends, the well
coming by Colonel WYATT the urbane pro-
prietor, we alighted at Hotel Reception
OF the Springs and its attractions we must
postpone for our next, as this letter has
already been extended beyond it's legiti-