Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-03
CONFEDERATE RELICS.
A Subterranean Marine Railway
in the City Of Richmond.
Built For the Famous Confederate Cruiser
Alabama, Near Forty Years Ago-Pur-
Chased and Unearthed BY Mr.. Potter
Pryal, OF baltimore other Purchases.

or the hundreds OF relics constructed
of wood, iron. brass and copper, which
Mr.. Peter Pryal. OF Baltimore, known
far and wide as q dealer in second
hand railway and electric supplies, has
collected during the past 40 years, not
one surpases in historic interest and
value a marine railway which he
recently purchased from the United
States Government.
The purchase Of second hand railway
supplies by Mr. Pryal is not an unusual
occurrence. for he is an extensive deal
cr. but the one which forms the subject
matter of this story possesses an in
terest in which historic value, the ro-
nance which sometimes centerS around
mementoes of great events. and ahead
Of the age" are slngularly blended.
Therefore, Mr. Pryal prizes his recent
purchase and find very highly and Is
receiving the congratulations OF his
friends On his last find"
CONFEDERATE CRUISER ALABA-
MA.
To make a long story short. this find
Is a marine railway which was con-
structed in Richmond during the war
Secretary Of the Navy, Mr.. Mallory,
for the purpose OF taking the famous
Confederate Cruiser Alabama from
James River to & position on land, sew
eral hundred feet distant 1t will be re-
called that the Alabama was chased by
the u. S. Warship Tuscawaras, and es-
capped. and the construction of this rail-
way was determined upon and execut-
ed as precautionary measure.
After making his purchase Mr.. Pryal
went 10 Richmond, where, with the aid
of information obtained from the ar
chives of the government at Washing
ton, and old citizens of Richmond he To-
Gated the beginning OF this railway at
Rockets, on the James River in Rich
mond. BY excabating depth of ten
feet. by two posts in the ground. he dis
covered the end of chain and the
railway at the waters edge. He followed
this clue a distance of 400 feet and was
rewarded by finding the entire cable
and track, which are now in his poses
sion.
ANOTHER DISCOVERY.
Mr.. Pryal says that the most surpris-
ing thing in connection with this rail-
way, which was buried beneath the
ground. whether by Confederates or the
accumulation of earth and debris dur
ing a period of nearly forty years he
does not know, is the cable. This chain,
notwithstanding the bicycle had not
then come into fashion. is constructed
exactly like the bicycle chain now in
use. Every link in the 400 feet is hand
made and n perfect specimen of the
blacksmiths' art. 1t is. therefore, not
strange that he prizes this chain highly
and regardSit from asentimental stand
point as the most valuable of his re-
cent extensive purchases in the late
! capital of the Southern Confederacy.
OTHER PURCHASES.
Mr. Pryal, In addition to the purchase
| of the Confederate Marine railway OBJ
| tanned a large amount Of valuable ma
terial from the Trigg Shipbuilding
Company whose plant he says is a
great factor of Eichmond's Industrial
progress and status and thoroughly
| equipped for building merchant marine
and warcrafts. and Is destined to be-
come the competitor of the Cramps
and other great concerns.
| Mr.. Pryal also made large purchases
from the Tredegar Iron Works. an old
and historic plant of Richmond.
WELL-KNOWN IN NORFOLK.
The Norfolk readers CT the virginian-
| Pilot will recall Mr.. Pryal as a fire.
His name is in fact household word
In steam railway. shipping, electric
light and railway circles in the South
| and East.
Note-It Is suggested that either Mr..
| Pryal or his informants may be mis-
| taken as to names and dates. No Con-
| federate vessel could pass through
Hampton Roads into James river or
over the distractions in the latter en-
II -.