Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-07-20
FROM OMAHA.

OMAHA, NEB, July 18th, 1870.
FRIEND KEYEs.-I have thought at times
that few lines from me might be read
with interest by some o f my friends in that
dear old spot-Wa tertown-and I venture,
though out of my line, to write you few
words which you are at liberty to publish
if you think best.
This city has sprung into existence as
| though by magic. The man is here who
Eltde the first claim sixteen years ago The
fist settlers are hereyet and they are young
men. Still meet them and they tell me
Of their exploits and what adven lures they
have had with the Indians-what times they
have had with the trappers of the noun
tains, with the trainsmen, who fitted out
here and started out for their long and
perilous journey across the plains.
But oh how changed everything is now
since the Union Pacific Railroad was
located here. The city has grown to its pres
ent position alta truly wonderful "a to-
Omaha at that time, am told, only had
about 5000 inhabitants, now it boasts of
at least 20, 900 and this number is rapidly
on the increase-as this Railroad is the real
cause of the rapid growth of this city.
propose to say something in this letter of
the men who manage this road. 1t would
be folly for me to tempt to explain about
the road itself, as so much has been said on
that point that every child should be well
posted, and yet | have seen but little
concerning the individuals who
manage this gigantic wonder-I will speak
of Col. c. G. Hammond, super ntendent
l firstsaw this man in 1865, at Boston, as
an officer in the National Congregational
convention held that summer. The next
time | was surprised to meet him here at the
head of the large force of men engaged in
running this road. To say he is the
most perfect specimau of Christian gentle
man it has been my privilege of meeting is
not saying too much. In his Office he il firm,
decided and yet kind and gentlemanly to all.
He is universally respected and yet it has
been my privilege to maet him almost every
week in the sanctuary a devout and humble
worshiper-such in a word is Col. Ham
mond. l can see clearly that the last FIVE
years of labor and anxiety is fast making an
old man of him and yet hope he may be
spared a long time at the head of this road on
account of the valuable influence he is exert
ing in many respects, but more particularly
in gathering men Of like character about
him and which is doing very much for good
in that respect, not only for Omaha, but
also on the whole line of the road. He has
selected gentlemen of the highest order to
be associated with him in all the various
departments. will mention one only as a
specimen of all the rest of whom have be-
come acquainted. speak of Mr.. Cotton,
General Ticket Agent. He is a man oflarge
wealth and influence. A few years since
his health failed him and he journeyed to
Italy. He became acquainted with some
American Missionaries, and interested in
the work, and seeing their need, he went
to work and succeeded, and by use has own
means and that of his friends, he blu lit a
large Protestant church right there in Italy
With his health improved he return ed to
his native country, and hearing about
Omaha, he thought he would like to see
this wonder of the world. Here he formed
the acquaintance Of Col. Hammond, and
the result is he is at the head of that de-
partment, beloved and respected by all who
know him.
such are the men control ling the affairs of
this road which is doing 50 much in build
ing up this central city of this great nat ion.
o, K, Coz.