New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-10-30
NEW ORLEANS SUNDAY OCTOBER 80 1870

ing such high credit on the engineers and
constructors. julius Caesar would hardly
have failed to construct bridge over the
Pontine marshes, a feat he attempted III
vain, had he had at his command such en-
gincers as Van Brocklin, Rogers or Bal!arl-
tyne; and if Victor Emanuel should wish 10
have Caesars futile attempt renewed, he
could find the engineers for his purpose ON
the route of the Chattanooga Railroad.
At length we arrived at the point where
the junction Of the two portions was to take
place, about twentv-eight mIieS from the
city. The last rail had been laid IL the
morning, and little remand to do. AS the
excursion train halted, an engine and train
were deserted some distance ahead. This
was No 3, which had starred from Mobile
that morning, and was waiting fer the last
spike to be driven. and then finish
the trip to New Orleans. While
preparations We're making for the GROWING
event, as there were several gentlemen who
had come on the excursion train, and who
wished to 90 through to Mobile, so engine
No. 6 conveyed them to the RigOlets. where
another tam was in waiting on which they
could proceed to Mobile. These gentlemen.
Messrs f. 3. Wheeler, George ". Jonas. J.
|. Day, William IL. Dameron, Henry Payne
and L. l.. Lee, were then the first passen-
gers who ever went entirely Iy rail- from
New Orleans to Mobile. A copy o. the
New Orleans REPUBLICAN accompanied
them, being the first New Orleans daily
transmitted BY the Chattanooga road.
by the time engine No. Is had Ietyred
from the Rigolots to the point Of c0nnec-
ton. everything was ready for the driving
Of the last spike. There were two, how
ever; which, in honor OF the great event,
were one OF silver and one of gold in
cornuj. Amidst the solemn gathering OF
the assembled men Mr. II. Van Brock
lin drove into its place the golden spike,
and Mr. L. ". Rogers, IN his turn. drove
in the silver spike: and then, amidst shouts
and acclanations, the Chattanooga Rail
road. between the cities Of New Orleans
and Mobile. was declared complete. Get
ting on board the train. a short time was
devoted to a genial c0mmemOration eli tie
event by copi0Us offerings Of champagne TO
the inner man. Some remarks appropriate
10 the occasion. were made by Judge Robin
son. ably followed by Judge Dibble
ana tl.en the trains started for
New Orleans. the excursion going tirst, vi h
the wprilmeu II the road, and the tram
from Mobile tnliowin. with the gentlemen
who had come from New Orleans IN, the
morning. After leaving the trembling
prairie. It speed Of torty-tve miles per hoUr
brought us 10 Eiysiau Fields street. thence
to Canal street, where we arrived Al twenty
five minutes before eight O'Clock. where the
company seDaratnd. We have omitted 70
say that three OF the New Orleans daily
Journals were represented among the eX-
cursiouists.
The officers OF the road, in company with
the excur>ionist were Mr.. Van Br0cklin,
chief engineer Of division from New Or
leans to Mobile; Mr.. J. C.. Ballautvne. resi-
dent engineer al Bay St Louis, and Mr.. K.
w. Rogers. resident engineer at New Or
leans. The thanks OF the party are due to
u i.