Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-03-15
THE NEW ORLEANS BATON ROUGE
PACIFIC RAILROAD.

Morse and some of the engineers,
reached our city for the object Of con-
ferring with our citizens regarding
the matter of selecting depot grounds,
right of way for the branch road con-
meeting Baton Rouge with the main
trunk, etc.
Through the kindness of Capt.Chas.
Stewart tug boat was placed ut the
disposal of the party, who embarked
thereon at about ten A. NJ, in com
pany with Col. Il. w. Robertson, Mr..
William Garig and Mayor Jastrcmski.
The tug ran up as high rs the Crosse
Tete Railroad Depot, after which she
descended the river down to Judge
Rsbertson's place. in West Baton
Rouge.
Upon inspecting the bank, the en-
gineers decided that the most eligible
site for depot grounds would be the
lower side of the Oaks plantation,
owned by Mr.. Ed. j. Gay.
The river was then crossed when
the party landed at the brick yard,
whence they examined that portion of
the city, with an eye toward the pro-
posed road to Clinton.
Returning,the gentlemen were hos
pitably entertained at the handsome
mansion of Mr.. VIM. Garig, after
which there was assembled n confer
ence of such citizens as could hastily
be convened at Mr.. Garig's office,
President Whcelock informed the
citizens present that it was ex-
pected by General Dodge, that Baton
Rouge should donate twenty five acres
OF land for depot grounds in West
Baton Rouge and aid the Company in
the matter of obtaining the right of
way from the terminus to the junction
with the main line, q distance Of from
six to seven miles. He stated that
upon the written pledge given by the
sentlemen present that the people of
Baton Rouge would subscribe the
amount necessary to accomplish these
ends, the contract would be signed,
whereby force would be put to work
Immediately to construct the said
branch and that under all probability
Baton Rouge would be i'll full COM
munication with New Orleans by
July LIST. 1t was necessary that IN
immediate answer should be given
lin, before his departure for New Or
leans, which you'd place ct 4 o'clock
After a short consultation the citi.
Zens present concluded that the inter
eests Of Baton Rouge demanded
-promptand decisive action. Trusting
therefore. that the engagements the.
would enter into would be sustained
by their citizens, they sub
scribed their names, with the accept
ance ofCol. Wheelock, to the follow
ing, which is the substance of tn
agreement:
The signers agree to raise by sui
.scription among the people of Bato
Rouge IL sum not exceeding twelv
hundred dollars, to be used in pu1
chasing twenty-five acres Of land Q
the Oaks plantation, in West Bate
Rouge, same to be used for temporal
terminus and depot grounds. The cit
zens agree to employ a notary
their expense, who will take the n
cessary steps to procure the right
way, etc.
In consideration of the above, t
Company agreed to commence wo
at once and not to allow the establis
ment of grog shops or stores on
lands given them,
They further agreed to cstabl
their terminus and depots in the C
of Baton Rouge as soon as the VI
ton Railroad reaches that point. I'll
will, then. also, place steamer
transfer the trains back and TO
across the Mississippi. The follc
ing gentlemen upon these conditi'
signed the agreement: Messrs. W
Garig, A. Rosenfield, Richard Bur
Charles Week, John d. Fisher.
w. Robertson and Leon Jastrems'
Vbourh il may he held by some