Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-08-28
Il CAL Z EE w 3.

Georoetovn. made, at the invitation of the
President, an excursion over this road yester-
day, which was very pleasant one, in every
respect, and afforded much qualification to
those who participated. The company pro-
ceeded in fine cars, built at the works at
the depot, aud equal to any in use, on the
great lines Of travel, being easy, commodious,
and we'll furnished, along the whole line Of the
road to where the laying Of the track, some
mile or two beyond Leesburg, is now being
rapidly pushed forward-the road to MERCER
depot being graded and ready for the rails.
The road is in excellent condition bridges
we'll built and strong-and every thing in con-
nection with the transportation and travelling
department, just as it should be. Ut Supern-
tendent Blythe, whose modesty is only equalled
by his merit, and Conductor VIM. +. Carhn,
one of the best railroad officials in the State,
we cannot speak too highly-whilst the Eng
neer and his assistants, about the locomotives,
are attentive, and careful.
But few stoppages were made at the stations
along the line-but they all seemed to be we'll
kept. At Thornton's depot, the hospltaDle
proprietor, who has large and Tine wooded
tract of land around there, had prepared .
splendid lunch, which was much enjoyed by
the company. Near Leesburg the lime klos
and lime stone quarry Of Nlessrs. }. NJ. Orr u
Manning, attracted attention, and we are hap.
py to learn, are doing q good business, likely
to be extended and increased considerably. a
good deal Of wood has been cut and piled along
the road for transportation to market, several
of the owners and purchasers having large con-
tracts with the government. Carlln's Springs
is really delightful rural place, and the ex.
cursion party spent a few minutes there, very
pleasantly.
The gentlemen FROM Georgetown and Wash
ington, were, of course, much engaged in exam
lining and discussing the proposed points OF
connection with the road, Tor the contemplated
extension to Georgetown--threc routes Tor
which are talked Of \ survey Of these routes,
will probably soon be made, and report made
on the subject.
Though the. scenery along the route to Lees
burg is not grand or very picturesque, 1t IS
nevertheless agreeable to the eye. One OF the
prettiest valleys in the tide water region is that
of Four Mile Run-fllel with the green and
growing crops, orchards, and skirts OF woods,
and dotted with pleasant looking farm houses.
The land generally, up to Leesburg, where
the richer country begins, is susceptible OF
improvement by the USE Of lime, phosphatcs,
and other manures, and when divided, as 1t
soon will be, into small farms, will become a
profitable agricultural region. The whole coun-
try is very healthy.
The indomitable energy and perseverance of
Mr. Mex enzie, the President Of this road, 10
the face of many difficulties, which have exist
ed, in restoring the road, and continuing it,
and extending it, have been observed by all
who take an interest In its success. 1t Is now
gradually penetrating farther and farther INTO
the great county of Loudoun, opening markets
for the farmers there, and giving them tacIl-
tiles which they never before had. We live in
hopes to see the original design Of the road
carried out, and its line stretch to the great
coal fields in Hampshire and that section OF
country.
After full view of the road, and all its be.
longings, the excursionlsts returned at sea-
sonablc hour in the afternoon. They had been
beautifully supplied with all that goes to make
the usual accessories to pleasure party
and the liberality and courtesy of the Prcsi-
dent were duly ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS was, also,
the poteness of Mr.. Thornton for his treat"
at his depot. We could have wished tor a
longer stay on the trip at several placcs-but
the time was not to spare, and but few mo-
ments only could be given for friendly greet
! ings with the people of good kind, hospitable
old Lecsburg-one of the best towns, inhabit-
ed by among the best people in Virginia.
We will not close this notice without referr-
| ing to the depot Of the Alexandria, Loudoun
! and Hampshire Railroad at this place At its
| workshops, the finest locomotives are built,
| and the best freight and passenger cars con-
structed, by our own people. The depot build
| ing itself is large, commodious brick struc-
ture, excellcntly arranged, and one OF the most
| comfortable in the State, atfordIng room tor
the various offices of the officials of the road,
and accommodations in all weather for passen-
| gers, and shelter for freight.
We wish the Alexandria, Loudoun and
| Hampshire Railroad great success, aud
| speedy march farther along the soil OF O:d
| Virginia. ---.-.
CHURCH D1FFICULTY.-A large crowd OF
co!ored people collected at tie office OF justice