OFFICE, 35 WALL-STREET. AMERICAN RAIL-ROAD JOURNAL. industry. The construction of a cheap and easy all seasons to the Falls, and the construction of a The subscribers now publishing a weekly paper, called the mode of communication from the Illinois to the Rail-road from Chicago to the foot of the rapids, will AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL. A princi! perfect the facilities for the transportation of iner. pal object in offering the proposed work to the Public, is to dif. Michigan, would be in a few years, to the present chandize from this city to Missouri, and of produce fuse a more general knowledge of this important mode of inter inland trade of New York, what the opening of a from the western states to this commercial empori nal communication, which, at this time, appears to engage the channel from an immense Lake upon an elevated um of the union. To the summit level and thence attention of almost every section of our country. plain, would be to the stream passing leisurely at its to the falls on the Illinois, the surface of the coun THE AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL is printed on base-the current from the lake would assume the try to the eye of the traveller, is as level as the a sheet of the largest size, (mammoth) and put up in a convefloor of a room, and were it not for the course of mastery, and the now immense trade of New York the stroams he would not be able to determine nient form for binding, each number containing sixteen large octavo pages of three columns each. The selections, upon the sub would be more than doubled in ten years. whether the descent was to the north or to the south. ject of railroads and other works of internal improvement, will In 1820 the inhabitants of Illinois amounted only The whole country is of the richest description of be from the best authors, both of Europe and America, and will to a fraction over 80,000, and in 1830 they exceed. Prairie, covered with a luxuriant growth of grass, be occasionally illustrated by engravings. A part of this Joured 162,000-having more than doubled in ten years. of the streams, and occasional "islands" of woods but without a shrub or tree except on the margins nal will be devoted to the subject of internal improvement-giv. ing a history of the first introduction of railroads into England In 1845 Illinois will number, should this Rail-road as they are termed by the Indian trader and emi. and their improvenients to the present day. It will also notice be constructed within two years from this time, over grant. No grading of any kind will be required in the meetings, in different sections of the country, upon the sub 400,000 as enterprizing and intelligent inhabitants the construction of a Rail-read; all that is requi jeet of railroads. The remaining part of the paper will contain site is to form a good foundation for the rails and as can be found in any other state in the Union.-to ditch on each side of the tracks. The only two the LITERARY, MISCELLANEOUS AND NEWS matter of the NEW-YORK AMERICAN, as prepared for that Its fertile soil, mild climate and advantages of loca. points which will require additional expenditure, paper, omitting all political subjects, except such as are of gene- tion between the two great natural seaports of the are the crossing of the Des Pleines eleven miles ral concern. United States, will ensure a rapid and healthy in. and a half from the Lake, and of the Fox river fif. teen miles from the foot of the Falls or termination The terms of the American Railroad Journal are THREE crease of population almost unprecedented. of the road. The banks of the latter stream are dollars per annum, payable in advance; and will not be sent We give the following extracts from the Courier perpendicular, of limestone rock formation, and the without. Any person who will obtain eight subscribers and remit the amount, shall have a copy gratis: and to companies of & Enquirer of the 23d inst., written by a gentle. crossing will not be attended with any difficulty and ten subscribers, who associate and remit twenty-five dollars, it man familiar with the ground, which fully sustains with but trifling expense. The banks of the Des will be sent for $2,50 each per annum. The Journal will be all we have said upon the subject:Pleines at the place where Indian traders have here. ment for any length of time desired, if paid in advance. It will tofore passed it, are also elevated above high water "Of the importance of this work it is scarcely mark, and it is to this elevation the survey has been be published on Saturdays. necessary to speak. The great and growing mar-made which determines the elevation from the Lake Letters upon the subject of the AMERICAN RAILROAD ket of the West which would thus be thrown open to be twenty-five feet. D. K. MINOR, AMERICAN RAIL-ROAD JOURNAL. NEW-YORK, JANUARY 28, 1832. JOURNAL. may be addressed, free of postage, to the publisher to our citizens-the business it would furnish our "From the facts within our own knowledge, we and part proprietor, canal-the certainty of its being a profitable invest- are satisfied that the road can be constructed for No. 35 Wall-street, New-York. ment-are all so obvious, that should not individuals much less expense than over any other piece of subscribe for the half of the stock, the Legislature country of tho same extent this side of the Missis of the State and the Corporation of our city, would sippi; and foreseeing as we do, the great advan be justifiable in taking it. tages which this city and State must derive from its The Illinois is formed by the junction of the ri-early completion, we trust that our enterprizing vers Des Pleines and Kankakee; the former of which capitalists will not hesitate to embark in the underILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN RAIL-ROAD. We again re. takes its rise between Lake Michigan and the Mis-taking. sume this subject with increased pleasure, not only sissippi, in latitude about 43 1.2, and runs southerly, passing within eleven miles of where the Chicago The process of farming consists in merely turning from a more firm conviction of its great importance, river, empties itself into the Lake. Its course is the sod over and planting, or sowing upon it, and to this state, and more especially to this city, but al- through a rich prairie country, and apparently its then dragging in the small grain, from which abunso from a knowledge of its having met with the de. bed is on a level with the Lake; but in the spring of dant crops are gathered. Steam flouring mills of a cided approval of, and that it is viewed in a very fa- the year when the river overflows its banks, the wa-fine order are, it is said, in operation, and others are ter flows to the Chicago and through it to the Lake, verable light by, those who are more familiar with and trading boats pass to and from the river to the now in contemplation. the location, the beautiful country by which it is sur-lake without inconvenience. At the distance of The present products of the country are Horses, rounded, and its immense resources, than we are. about thirty miles from Chicago, the Des Plaines re- Cattle, Pork, all descriptions of small Grain, Flour, ceives the waters of the Kankakee from the east, and We view it as the easiest and the cheapest, and the river then assumes the name of the Illinois. Tobacco and Hemp, large quantities of which are therefore the most likely to be accomplished, of any It is somewhat rapid in its course with innuemera. now valueless for want of an easy communication route that has been proposed, (although it is not the ble sand bars and other obstructions until it reaches with a good market. ately below the falls or rapids, the water is at all most direct) by which a continued line of internal the Falls as they are termed, but which are more per. The annexed extracts from a letter from Enoch communication may be opened between this city and perly speaking rapids, impassable for boats. Immedi. C. Marsh, Esq. an intelligent merchant of St. Louis, New Orleans and when completed it will open a times and in the driest seasons, about seven feet in whose enterprize and perseverance are worthy of door by which the produce of a more extensive and depth; from thence to its junction with the Missis-high commendation, wiil give a good idea of the fertile section of country than can be found elsewhere sippi, it varies in depth, but in no place having less advantages of this route, even now, over the circuit. in North America, may be brought to this market, site of old Fort CLARKE, where, in the driest seasons, than seven feet water, except on a bar opposite the ous voyage by New.Orleans, or by Pittsburgh. aud at such a rate of transportation as will ensure to the water has been found only four and a half feet "All looked at my late experiment [of taking mer the enterprizing agriculturist ample returns for his deep. It is consequently navigable for Steamboats at chandize to St. Louis through the Erie Canal, Lakes, and across by land to the Illinois, in wagons, RAIL-ROAD FROM THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO LAKE UNIFORMITY OF RAIL ROAD TRACKS.-The commu. and then by steamboat to St. Louis] as one certain ERIE.-A petition was presented in the Assembly, nication on this subject published in our last number, of failure. But when my goods were received in good order, and when they were informed of the on Monday last, signed by Morgan Lewis, Stephen seems to us so important in its suggestions as to incost of transportation, they were greatly surprized, Whitney, and other of our substantial citizens, in fa- duce us to revert to, and dwell anew upon, it. The and some have come to the conclusion that the In-vor of the projected Rail-road from this city to Lake object which it is desired to accomplish is, either by surance Companies of New York in this instance, Erie. Many similar petitions are now in the course the common consent of Rail-road companies, or conissured for less than the usual rates, in order to di. He is under the conviction that when a pier is c. the two routes ?" To this I answer-that I can now save one third of the cost. vert the western trade from Philadelphia (which of receiving signatures here, and will be forwarded to curring legislation on the part of the States-for, was not the case). After the reception of my goods Albany. The proposed route of this road is from from obvious reasons, the general government could Richard H. M'Gill (a merchant of this place) return the southerly line of the State in the county of Rock-not interfere in the matter to produce uniformity ed from Lake Michigan, where he had gone with land, through the south-western tier of counties, to in the width of the carriage track, and such goneral others on business. He found that the merchants Lake Erie-striking the Lake at some point between resemblance in the form and shape of the rail, as of the Wabash were preferring that route (i. o. via Chicago) to any other, and that the facilities of trans. Cattaraugus and the Pennsylvania line. The objects will enable the same carriage to travel on every Railportation from Michigan to the Wabash were infe. of bringing the road down to the southerly line of road. rior to those from the Lake to St. Louis. Rockland are-first, because at that point, about the The immense advantages of such a regulation wi!l rected at the mouth of Chicago river, it will be for Tappan Sea, the Hudson is never-or so rarely that occur at once to every one. One great cause of exthe interest of all the merchants in the vicinity of we may say never-frozen; and that steamboats and pense in the transportation of goods and merchan. the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, to transport their other craft can ply between it and the city at all times dize, is the frequent “breaking of bulk," as it is calgoods as I have done, and that they will doubtless of the year, winter and summer; secondly, that in. led—that is, the shifting of articles from one vessel do so. Mr. M'Gill however has determined for him- asmuch as the Legislature of New Jersey have, it is or vehicle to another. Now if, as we suppose may self, that whether there be pier or no pier, Canal, Railway, or not, he will bring out his own goods believed, aiready authorized the construction of a for the sake of arguiment be assumed, continuous next fall by the way of the Lakes, and so down the Railroad from Paterson to the northern line of that Rail-roads shall one day connect the most distant Illinois river. I have no doubt that others of our State, the Erie road might there be made to con- points of our empire-and especially that along the merchants will do the same. nect with it, and thus, by means of the Paterson sea-board there will be such a connected chain-the You inquire 1st " Admitting a Rail-way or canal to be completed-what would be tho comparative Rail-road, make a continuous chain down to Hobo. great advantage, both in safety and economy, of cost of transportation from the city of New York or ken opposite the city. So, as to the object of striking loading cars at the point of departure which shall be other Atlantic port to the city of St. Louis, between Lake Erie, so far to the South; the distance is there. carried to their ultimate destination without any ne. by lengthened; but the important end would be cessity for unloading, or in any way deranging them, attained of having an open navigation of the Lake cannot fail to appear. In such a state of roads we 2nd What would be the comparative difference in the spring and fall some weeks longer, perhaps, should have cars, "the Yankee pedlars" for instance, as to the safety of a cargo and vessel ?” than if the point of termination were further to the numbered from 1 to 20-or as many, more or less, I clearly think, that as the Illinois is the safest of northeast. Thus much as to the two extremes of this as experience may teach to be the proper average our rivers, and as the lakes are not of difficult navi. gation, the difference is in favor of the Northern projected Rail-road. The region through which it is number of a brigade for a busy bustling locomotive to pass, and which, if we may use with regard to-duly stowed, locked up and sealed, which starting 3rd "What would be the comparative difference such an outlet the term applied to rivers, it would from the banks of the Merrimac, or from those of as to expedition ?" drain, is populous, fertile and vastly varied in its the Connecticut, shall travel away diligently to the I can get goods on from New York in twenty-five days when the arrangements of the next year are productions. Not the least important of these would Potomac, perhaps even to the Roanoke, if John "of effected. be the article of coal; for besides crossing the track that ilk" be not there with his double barrelled gun 4th. "What would be the difference as to the safe. of the Lackawana coal, it would almost touch upon to warn them off-to the Santee, the Savanuah, and ty of particular articles from the effect of climate?" a range of country in Pennsylvania abounding in bi- the far Mississippi, delivering upon each the tribute There are no articles of merchandize brought to tuminous coal, which hitherto has not been able for destined for its vicinage, and bringing back again this country, that can suffer by any cold temperature, or can in any way be effected by cold, in a manner, want of an outlet to find its way to market. This under the lock and seal of the respective consignees, or degree, different from what they would be expo-consideration will be very sensibly felt just now, whatever those regions might afford as return cargoes. sed on their arrival here. Oil is the only article when winter has come back upon us with all its rig. Surely this would be in all respects better than that which can be affected by the climate of the lakes.But that would congeal here about as soon. ors, and without any new supply of fuel having been (as in stage travelling)at the end of each contractor's it is a fact that oil will never congeal except when received; since, if such a road be once established, route, the carriage should be changed, and the goods exposed to a temperature colder than that at which the supply would be as regular and as cheap, or al. be unladen unceremoniously in a great public yard it was strained, we may safely conclude that winter most so, in winter as in summer. The counties Those who know how human creatures are, in the strained oil will not be materially changed on is through which this road would pass, are all alive to night-time, and bad weather, frequently bundled out passage from the East by the route of the Rail-way. There are several articles, such as fruits, woollen the benefits they would derive from it; and if second. of a stage into soft places of mingled mire and ma. goods, hats, &c., which would not be injured on the ed by this city, which has, after all, the greatest nure, will be at no loss to conjecture how dainty, route by way of New Orleans if they were speedily comparative interest in promoting such enterprizes, but inanimate packages of dry goods and other da. forwarded, but which by being detained frequently because each one of them pours fresh treasures into imageable commodities, might fare under like circum. at that city, are often injured. Such goods there. fore ought to avoid the Southern route. I would her lap,--it will undoubtedly be undertaken-provid.mstances. route. And as minution of the commercial intercourse between say then that the difference would be in favor of the ed always the Legislature shall sanction it. It is pos. It is however, we confess, easier to make this sug. lake passage. sible the objection may be made, that such a road, if gestion of uniformity, than to point out the manner 5th. "What would be the probable increase or di- perfected, might divert a great part of the Ohio trade, in which it may be carried into effect. Perhaps we these portions of the western country, and the Atlan- and through the Seneca Lake and other sources, may rightfully look to the Baltimore and Ohio Railtic ports or any one of them, by the completion and much of the produce of the more northern counties, road Company, as at the head of the vastest and use of the work contemplated ?" from the Canal, and thereby impair its revenues. most forward enterprize of this sort, to take the load In my opinion the intercourse between the East Even if this were certain, it should form no obstacle in any measures that may produce so desirable a reand the West would be much increased by means of this new communication. What would be the pro- on public grounds, to refuse the application, because sult. At any rate, it is worth the consideration, as portion of that increase it is difficult to estimate. It that route which is shortest and cheapest must event- we think, of all such companies, and of the public. is reasonable to suppose, that the facilities of travel-ually be most advantageous, both to individuals and As a beginning, on our part, we will endeavor to ling, the diminished expense of transporting goods, the State. But the truth is, the actual surplus of our ascertain, as soon as practicable, the width of track and the lower rates at which they will be finally sold, together with a safe, cheap, and expeditious mode of canal fund, and that which would still accumulate and form of rail and of wheel, now used on such transporting the produce of the country to the oast. before the completion of the N. York and Erie Rail-Rail-roads as are already in operation; and will ern markets, will all combine to hasten the settle-road, should suffico to allay any uneasiness about the publish the result of our inquiries. ment of the State, and thereby add to the now in-ability and indeed facility of shortly redeeming the [In the communication upon this subject published in our creasing intercourse between the East and the West. All the gentlemen of this city with whom I have canal debt,even though after the construction of such last, the concluding word of the second paragraph was er roneously printed means. It should have been "success."] conversed and who have had opportunities of per.a Rail-road as is here in question, the tolls should be sonal observation, concur with me in the views I have materially diminished. expressed." From these considerations, we cannot but think Thus it will be seen that what was by all deemed not only the project of a Rail-road from the banks of the Hud. hazardous, but as certain of failure, has been, by individual son to Lake Erie, is entitled to the support of our enterprize, shown to be both practicable and highly advanta citizens, and to such a degree of favor from the Le. geous. It shows, too, beyond a doubt, that when a Rail-road from the foot of the Illinois Rapids to Lake Michigan shall have gislature, as that they will permit those who are wil. been completed, it will be the great thoroughfare for trade and ling to spend their money on such an undertaking, travel for a great extent of country watered by the rivers of the to do so, under the protection of an act of incorporation. south-west. As doubts have been expressed at a distance as to the con- Editors who have published the Prospectus, are requested to give the above six insertions. Mauch Chunk, $20,000 4,700 Boston to Providence, to Albany to Brattleborough, each estimat. 15,000 face of the stones which compose this work, remains in the rough and rugged state in which they come from the quarry, while those parts which come in contact are accurately finished. This novel style is in admirable accordance with the rapid stream over which it is thrown, and the wild and romantic scenery by which it is surrounded. In the second number of the Journal was publish- eration and as a rational basis for their calculations. bridge is the peculiar style of architecture appropried a communication and letter upon the subject of The Baltimore and Ohio Rail-road is estimated to ately denominated" rustic work" by which the surthe contemplated Rail-road from Newburgh to the cost per mile. Delaware river, the Lackawana coal mines, and to Owego, where it would connect with that which is now constructing to Ithaca. We are now enabled to give the result of the surveys and estimates of its cost, which is only $8,640 50 per mile, and the The tract of country between this place and Provi. The Tarpeian Rock is a laborious cut through a whole distance from Newburgh to Ithaca 235 miles. dence has been cursorily inspected with a view to solid rock, situated a few hundred yards beyond the The estimates appear to us too low for a good a Rail-road, by a distinguished engineer, who gave Oliver viaduct. It received its classic name many road; yet we have no doubt of the correctness of it as his opinion, that it was very feasible for the years before the rail-road was contemplated, and was the policy, in our country, where so much de. Purpose-no considerable obtacles presenting them always much resorted to, by company, on account selves. It is therefore fair to presume, that the con. of the picturesque view from its summit. Since the pends upon a ready means of transportation, and templated Road would not cost more than the last cut has been made through this rock, it has been where surplus capital is not very abundant, of con- three mentioned, but probably much less. looked upon as a curiosity, and is much resorted to. strusting Rail-roads with less durable materials, than It gives us much pleasure to learn that our enter. those of which the Liverpool and Manchester, or prising friends and neighbors at Norwich, are alive Gentlemen having the superintendence of to this highly important project.-The Road if it Rail-roads now completed or constructing, will the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-road is built. A per- should be made through Stonington, will be about greatly oblige us, and aid in the success of our Jour. manent one would doubtless be preferable; but, for 45 or 46 miles long; if through Norwich the length nal, by communicating at an early period the condi want of the ability to make one worth twenty-five will be but little increased. At a meeting of a few of the citizens of New-Lon. tion and prospects of the work under their care— thousand, shall we do without any, whilst a pretty don, convened at Prentis's Hotel on Friday evening the mode of constructing-materials used-width of good one, that will last ten or twelve years may be last, friendly to the construction of a Rail-road be- track, and shape of Rails, together with other parconstructed for seven or eight thousand dollars ?tween Providence and this town, Wm. P. Cleveland ticulars which may be of use or interest to those Would it not be more for the convenience and pros. was called to the Chair, Andrew M. Frink, appoint- who seek information upon the subject. ed Secretary. perity of the community to have the cheap Rail road, Several gentlemen addressedthe resting on the ANTICIPATED-We were not a little surprized, a day or and thereby obtain the means of constructing, importance of taking immediate moasures to secure two since, in looking over our exchange papers, to find that hereafter, and at our leisure, one of permanent this importan object; and a Committee was appoint-murs was not the on y publication devoted to the same cause.materials? Would not the difference between eight ed consisting of the following gentlemen whose We had never heard that there was another Rail-road paper puband twenty-five, or seventeen thousand dollars, build a duty it shall be to obtain such information as to a lished; but were pleasantly disappointed on beholding survey of a route, &c. as mighs be neaessary, and Rail-road Advocate, a co-worker in the great cause—a better road ten years hence, with the aid of the cheap to call a general meeting of the citizens at an early quarto semi-monthly paper, published at Rogersville, Tennesroad and the experience of that period of time, than day, aud report their proceedings. the twenty-five thousand dollars would now? There cannot be a doubt of it. With this view of the sub. ject we are in favor of permanent and substantial Rail-roads where the business will warrant the ex. penditure; but of those of a less durable nature where it will not. Jonathan Coit, New London, Jan. 17. COMMITTEE. "The see, conducted by an Association of Gentlemen We are obliged to them for the 12th number of their interesting "Advocate" of Rail-roads, and shall be still more obliged if they will send us their back numbers, as we have ours to them. "Whole Pigs."-Two last spring's pigs, only eight months and twenty-three days old, were slaugh. tered last week by Capt. Samuel Bradley, of Wolcottville, one of which weighed, when dressed. 369 We give below the statement alluded to, and hope) pounds, the other 310. Capt. Bradley informs us that the work may be completed within the estimate :We have received No. 1 of the beautiful Views on coal with their food. Who can beat this ?-[Litchhe was in the habit of frequently giving them charTo the Editor of the Rail-road Journal: the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, from the Lithofield Inquirer.} Sir-Having, since my former communication, graphic Press of Messrs. Endicott & Swett, of Balreceived Mr. Sargent's Report of his Surveys from timore. It contains a view of the Carrollton Via-mon in the interior of our country. Who, then, will Similar instances of lusty porkers are not uncomNewburgh west, perhaps the following summary, duct, Buzzard's Rock, the Patterson Viaduct, and refuse to aid in the construction of Rail-roads, that exhibiting the general results obtained, inay be in- the Tarpeian Rock, accompanied by a short descrip- they may be brought to market at so cheap a rate that teresting to the readers of your Rail-road Journal: tion of each, which we annex. They may be had at we of this city may have pork with our cabbage, and our country friends be enabled to raise cabbage to 647,728 43 The Carrollton Viaduct is the first prominent ob. eat with their pork. 465,750 00 ject which attracts the attention of the traveller in 234,812 50 his route to the west-and, which for its beauty, so. 172,000 00 lidity, and extent, is unrivalled in this country. The facilities for transportation on the Baltimore and wing, wall, and abutments are laid upon a solid Ohio Rail-road, wood has been kept down in Balti235 miles 14 21-100 do $2,030,521 10 rocky foundation. The viaduct is three hundred and From Newburgh to the Delaware river, Distance. Estimated Cost 51 miles 69 6-100 chains, $510,231 17 Thence to Lackawana, 65 do 67 15-100 lo Thence to the State line,51 do 60 Thence to Owego, Thence to Ithaca, Total, Ne wburgh o Ithaca, 36 de 10 29 6-10 miles I am respectfully yours, &c. do do 111 Nassau street. of Ellicott's Mills. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT—ITS BENEFITS.-By the twelve feet in length, and sixty-three feet nine inch more to 5 and 6 dollars a cord, while in New-York es in height, span of the arch eighty feet and three and Philadelphia, at the same time, it has been up By the notice of a meeting held at New London, inches, travelling path is twenty-six feet six inches to 12 and 16 dollars. Conn., which is inserted below, it will be seened granite, finished in a manner which combines the in width. The whole viaduct is composed of dress. We have been disappointed in obtaining for this that measures are about to be taken to continue the essential requisites of every mechanical work; beau-number the necessary information to give a fair Boston and Providence Rail-road to that place.-ty, simplicity, and strength. statement of the advantages which would result from Should this be accomplished, the facilities for bu. The granite used in the construction was princi- the construction of a Rail-road from this city to Al. siness with the Eastern cities will be greatly in. pally obtained from the quarries in the neighborhood bany, on the east side of the Hudson. We are parcreased, as we believe the harbor of New London is Buzzard's Rock takes its name from the fact that ticularly desirous to obtain the statements, which never closed by ice. By this route the passage to those birds have built their nests and hatched their were made at a meeting we believe held in Dutchand from Boston might be performed in from 17 to young on its summit in perfect safety, it being about ess connty, of the amount of transportation 20 hours, both by passengers and merchandize, with two hundred feet above the bed of the river. The which would naturally pass upon a Rail-road on that scenery about this roek is wild and romantic, and as much ease in winter as it is now performed in sum- but few travellers look upon the stupendous work, route. Any gentleman possessing those statements mer, in twenty-four hours,-affording at the same without feeling a degree of admiration for the ener. will oblige us by their communication. time important advantages to the inhabitants of gy and untiring zoal manifested by the constructors RAIL-ROAD FROM NEW-YORK TO ALBANY.-Annex. more than double the distance on the route; a con- of the great road which is to insure prosperity to ed we give the proceedings of a meeting held at sideration of the first importance in the construc- Baltimore. Amenia, Dutchess county, the fore part of last month, The Patterson Viaduct is the most extensive on to take into consideration the expediency and prac. the Rail-road, so far as finished, by which, the road ticability of constructing a Rail-road on the east small part of the benefits resulting from such works crosses the Patapsco. This immense structure inside of the Hudson River, to connect the cities of are attained when the interest of those at the ex-common with the other viaducts, is composed of the New York and Albany, and to adopt measures tremes are only consulted. In this, as in all other granite drawn from the qurries above spoken of. It relative thereto. Delegates were present from New Rail-roads tending in this direction, the city of New. is three hundred and seventy-five feet in length, the York city, from the counties of Rensselaer, Colum width of the road surface is upwards of thenty-eight bia, Dutchess and Westchester, N. Y.; from Berk. York is deeply interested. feet. The two centre arches have each a span of shire county. Mass.; and from Fairfield and Litch. about fifty-five feet, and rise fifteen feet above their field counties in the State of Connecticut. tion of works of intercommunication, as but a [From the New London Gazette of Jan. 17.] RAIL-ROADS. As the attention of our citizens is chords. The small arches at each side of these are Albro Akin, Esq. of Dutchess, was called to the much excited on the subject of a Rail-road from this intended for the country roads which pass through chair, and Abraham P. Holdridge, Esq. of Colum. place to Providence, and the speculations on the ex. them, and in case of a freshet, will afford an addi- bia, appointed Secretary. The account of the propence in many instances are widely variant, we pre. tional passage for the increase body of water. The ceedings says— sent them with the following data, for their consid. most striking feature in the construction of this The Delegates present stated, that, owing to the The objects of the meeting having been stated, a Committee was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the views, who reported the following, which were unanimously adopted: JOHN STEVENS. inclemency of the weather, and other causes, a large charing the lower ends, and if thought necessary, by|lation to the work on which they may be engaged, proportion of their colleagues, who had been ap-boring also. as would lead to a knowledge of the manner of its pointed to attend, were deprived of the ability. In passing through the lower part of Broadway it construction, noticing defects, suggesting improvewill become necessary to elevate the rails in order ments, and, in a word, giving any statements which to preserve the necessary approach to a level. might be deemed valuable, a fund of information Hoboken, Jan. 23, 1832. would be collected, and through your useful paper disseminated, that would lead to results in the RailResolved, That this Convention view with deep The following letter has been inadvertently omit-road department of Engineering, highly important solicitude the proposed establishment of a Rail-road ted until the present number. It however lores none and advantageous to the public. between the cities of New York and Albany, on the easterly side of the Hudson river, believing that it of its interest by delay. We shall be pleased to hear will not only promote the Agricultural and Manu- often from the same source: facturing interest of the region through which it GREENBUSH, JANUARY 9, 1832. would pass, and be highly beneficial to the cities To the Editor of the Rail-road Journal: which would be the points of termination, but af ford an ample remuneration to the capital employ constant. I may, in accordance with this view, offer you oc casionally some matter for publication relative to the important work on which my services are now engaged. Wishing you every success, I am very respectfully, R. RAIL-ROAD MEMORIALS. The proceedings of divers inhabitants of the City of SIR-Enclosed you will find the amount of my ed in its construction. It would open a way from subscription to your interesting and useful paper.our great seaport into the interior, for four months At a time like the present, when Rail-roads seem to in the year, during which the navigable waters are promise all the benefits to our country that can be closed. It would thus keep up among us the transportation anticipated from this novel mode of conveyance, At a Meeting of the imhabitants of the city of of merchandize, and the interchange of cemmodities such a work is almost indispensably necessary. New York, held at the Bank Coffee-House in the throughout the year, without cessation, and conse- As I have been engaged on the Schenectady and said city, on the sixth day of January, 1832, to take into consideration the feasibility and propriety of ently render the demand for labor, in all the de. Saratoga Rail-road almost from the time of its com- making a Rail-road from the city of New York to partments of industry connected with transportation mencement, some informatation relative to the pro- the city of Albany, on the eastern bank of the Hud. It would bring all the places along its route, which gress of that work may not be uninteresting to you. son river, DR. DAVID HOSACK was called to the Chair, are now shut out from the advantages of commerce, The entire length of the Road with the exception of and JAMES SMITH, ESQ., appointed Secretary. near by a sea port and market. a few miles, is completely graded and ready for the The object of the meeting having been stated, it And it would necessarily lead to a nearer connex. was Resolved that it was practicable, and would be ion and more constant intercourse with New En-reception of the rails. On one section, the stone highly beneficial to the people of this State, to congland, from all the western parts of which, their va. blocks are laid nearly throughout its whole length, struct a Rail-road on the eastern bank of the Hudrious agricultural products, their manufactures of and had it not been for the premature arrival of win-son river, from the city of New York to the city of cotton and wool, and their marble, lime, iron, and ter, the work would have progressed to a degree and Elijah Paine, were appointed a Committee to Albany. Whereupon, John Slidell, James Smith, other minerals, would pass speedily and continually to our cities, for sale or export. scarcely anticipated by its most sanguine friends. draw up a Memorial to the Legislature of this State, Resolved. That we cannot doubt the ready ac. It is presumed that by the first of July next, it will for a charter for said road, which Memorial should quiescence of the Legislature of this enlightened be sufficiently completed to admit of the conveyance briefly state the advantages that would arise from State in granting such an act of incorporation for of passengers and freight. the road in question. these objects, as, while it might abundantly protect As both Ballston (through which place the Road Resolved, also, That the said Committee make the Tights of others, would furnish inducements for passes) and Saratoga are the annual resorts of thou. their Report in the premises, on Friday next the 13th the investment of capital in this enterprize. sands of the "beau monde,” as well as of invalids, day of January inst. at 4 o'clock, P. M. to which Resolved, That we are equally confident in the the Road can depend upon an overwhelming amount time the meeting adjourned. good feelings of our brethren in other parts of the of conveyance during the summer months. Doubt- Friday, January 13, 1832, the Meeting met purState, who have been materially benefitted by the ap. less numbers (who have never before visited those suant to adjournment, when Doctor HOSACK resumed propriation of public funds in works producing great places) will, on account of the reduced rate of travel, the Chair. The minutes of the preceding Meeting local advantages, and we look to them for their sup. be induced to take a "trip to the Springs," where having been read and approved, the Committee ap port in our proposed application. they can have so good an opportunity of witnessing pointed to draw the Memorial to the Legislature Resolved, That the members of this Convention the successful application of those scientific princi- made their report in the premises and the same was will use their individual exertions, and procure the plos which have wrought such wonders in England, read. After which it was Resolved that the said co-operation of their townsmen, in endeavoring to and are now rapidly being introduced into our flour. Memorial be approved of, and that a Committee be obtain from the Legislature of this State at their ishing country. appointed to present the same to the Legislature of As I shall be at leisure this winter, I shall take this State at its present session, aud to solicit a charapproaching session, a charter for the object in view. pleasure in forwarding you such information respect-ter pursuant to the prayer thereof. ing Rail-roads as I think interesting to you. DAVID HOSACK, Chairman. Resolved, That we recommend to our fellow.citizens of Massachusetts and Connecticut, to endeav. or to obtain from the Legislatures of their respective -States, correspondent charters for branches to con Respectfully, L. The following letter is from a source which rennect with the proposed route, believing that such ders it alike gratifying to us, and its suggestions branches would afford important avenues for the products of their industry, and prove highly benefi. worthy of the attention of those engaged upon or incial to the stocks of the incorportion. BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAIL-ROAD, JAN. 16. terested in Rail-roads. We shall look for more of Resolved, That a committee of one from each equal interest from the same able per: town represented in this convention, be appointed to form a general committee of correspondence, and to adopt such other measures, as may appear calcu. To the Editor of the Rail-road, Jonrnal : lated to advance the objects of this convention, with power to increase their number by the addition of one from each town interested in the route but not represented. The following suggestions, upon the subject of Rail-roads through the streets of New York, are from the pen of a gentleman who has reflected much upon the subject, and whose opinions, as we have already shown, are entitled to great respect: JAMES SMITH, Secretary. To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of NewYork, in Senate and Assembly convened: The Memorial of the President, Directors and Company of the Highland Turnpike, and others associated with them, respectfully representThat the said Company was chartered by your honorabla body in the year of our Lord, 1806, and that a short time after they had become organized, and had expended a large sum of money in making DEAR SIR-Aecident threw in my way a day or a portion of their road, steamboats were introduced two since the 2d number of your Journal. I can ex-ies of New-York and Albany, as to render the afore. and so far engrossed the travelling between the cit press the satisfaction a perusal of it afforded to my said charter of no value, and as to occasion an entire self and to others in no better way than by enclosing loss of the capital already invested upon the said $6, and requesting you to consider Mr. R. G. B., road. That your memorialists do now consider that a Rail road between the cities of New-York and Aland myself, subscribers from the commencement of bany upon the banks of the Hudson river, would be the work. an object of great public utility, and one by which The tendency of your publication, if aided and sup. the interests of the principal part of the inhabitants ported, as I feel no doubt it will be by a liberal pub. of this state would be materially promoted; that the route in question has many decided advantages lic, cannot fail to be highly serviceable to the cause of Rail-roads. Something of the kind has for a long respect to the construction and operation of the road over any other which has been proposed, as well in time appeared necessary as a means by which the as to the general benefit to be derived from it; and variety of information connected with this subject, they beg leave to enumerate some of the reasons might be collected and disseminated. Rail-roads, which occur to them in support of this position. It is agreed that nothing is more important in the unlike other means of Internal communication, construction of a Rail-road, than a dead level, and My plan is to erect single posts on each side of the have various modes of construction. Canals and that this advantage can only be obtained on the street in immediate contact with the curb stone. turnpikes differ very little under any circumstances. margin of the river. With such a route, many of These posts to rise ten or twelve feet high from the But you will scarcely find two of all the numerous toe expenses of reducing hills, filling up valleys, of level of the pavement, and to be placed at such dis. projects of Rail-roads now in progress in this coun- deep cuts, and of stationary engines, are avoided.tances from each other as will ensure stability to the Even on the same work a variety of modes is some- character of its shores, banks, and inlets, are consi. try, whose construction is after the same plan.-That the general course of the Hudson, and the rails fixed thereon, which may be either single or times used-as, for instance, upon the Baltimore and dered by your Memorialists as presenting no obsta double; I should, however, prefer double ones as Ohio Rail-road, where four different methods of con- cles to the work in question; but rather (by the fa being most out of the way. The posts, if thought struction, or more definitely, of laying the rails, have cility with which they may be overcome,) as giving been pursued. this a decided preference over any other route. In necessary, may be housed, but, I am inclined to be. If Engineers or other persons feeling sufficient in- a climate like ours, the frequency of snow storms lieve, the pine from South Carolina or Georgia may terest in the matter, were to make communications and severe frosts in the winter season, forms a seribe made sufficiently durable by burning and thereby from time to time, imparting such information in re-ous objection to a Rail-road constructed in the inte To the Editor of the American Rail-Road Journal Sir,-In my late short communication to you, 1 have merely asserted my full confidence in the practicability of my project, without going into any de tails on the mode of construction. rior of a country, where high banks or deep cuts It would be much preferred by all travellers, to a nent interests and prosperity of both city and counmust often be unavoidable. The trenches thus for- route in the interior of the country, because being a try, in affording a certain and speedy mode of transmed are sure to be filled with snow, and there being dead level, the danger of all stationary engines port for property and persons at those seasons of the no place to which it can be removed, the road will would be avoided; and because, also, the road would year in which our canals and rivers are frozen, and often be obstructed and travelling be suspended at pass through many populous towns and villages, and our roads-rendered impassable by excess of moisthe very season of the year, when the facility of where the comforts of travelling and the means of ture. Our great seaport would, be this means, rail-road transportstion would be chiefly required.-providing for the reparation of Rail-road accidents maintain an active business in winter, like that enThese objections are obviated on the proposed route: could be readily obtained. joyed by our more southern cities. Our farmers here there would be no valleys or deep cuts, and the Your memorialists do further represent, that they would dispose of their surplus products to the best now which might fall upon the road, could be read. are induced to believe that three millions of dollars advantage at a seoson of leisure, and, thus assisted, ily thrown into the river. A Rail-road from New. will be sufficient to defray the costs and expenses of could bring a larger number of acres under profitaYork to Albany will be principally required after the constructing the said road on the margin of the ble cultivation. Our manufactures would spring up frost has closed the navigation of the river. While river, and they submit to your bonorable body, that in places now unknown and flourish unshackled by it remains open, it is presumed that produce can be inasmuch as the Highland Turnpike Company have the restrictions which winter imposes. Our trading transported cheaper by water, and that travelling already certain vested rights in respect to their said and mercantile classes would be enabled to multiply would chiefly continue to be performed by steamboats. road, and have greatly suffered by the means herein their exchanges and the advantages and producThe proposed road, therefore, will not prejudice, but first above mentioned, that they are entitled to the tiveness of active capital be increased. Beyond rather benefit the proprietors of sloops, decks, and favorable consideration of the Legislature in regard all this the resources of our common country steam boats; and while the navigation of the river to the present application. would be greatly multiplied, and its strength in should continue closed, the inhabitants residing on And they therefore pray that a charter may be time of war he augmented to an extent which is both sides of it, might avail themselves of a Rail- granted to your memorialists, by the name of the greatly beyond the range of our ordinary conceptions road upon its margin, and thus be in some measure Hudson River Rail-road Company, for constructing In no part of our country could arsenals and depots indemnified for the suspension of navigation.-a Rail-road from the city of New-York to the city be established with so much advantage, and from no Whereas your Memorialists insist that if a Rail-road of Albany, on, or adjacent to, the eastern bank of other position could military force or supplies be (between the aforesaid cities) should be constructed the Hudson river, with a capital of three millions thrown in such various directions, and upon so masome thirty or forty miles east of the Hudson river, of dollars, with power to increase the same to any ny important points with celerity and effect as from only a small part of the inhabitants of this state, sum not exceeding four millions, giving to them the region contiguous to this route. would derive any benefit from the same. Those re. such privileges and advantages, and subjecting them But your memorialists cannot conclude, without siding in the counties on the west, and in the towns to such regulations and restrictions, as to your ho- alluding with much interest to the benefits which the and villages immediately on the east side of the river norable body may seem meet. inhabitants of our Atlantic cities may hope to enjoy from the establishment of such a Rail-way, which, by means of short branches, shall have an access even in the most inclement seasons to the rich coal beds of Carbondale, and to the extensive fields of bitaminous coal which are found near the termination of the river route would be convenient for ninety-nine The Memorial of the undersigned citizens of the the route. By this means a profitable tonnage will hundredths of those who pass to or from the capital in State of New York, residing in the City of New not only be secured, but we may hope that the disthe direction of the city of New-York. There are, York, and in the Southern and Western counties of tress among the poorest classes in these cities, which as your Memorialists believe, very few travellers per- said state, respectfully represents. in winter so often occurs, will, in a great degree, be manently residing on the proposed eastern route, That your memorialists have associated themselves prevented. compared to the number of those inhabiting the with a large number of their fellow citizens in the Your memorialists in view of these and numerous banks of the Hudson; and with respect to produce, several counties aforesaid, for the purpose of apply. other considerations which will suggest themselves the country through which it would pass furnishes ing co your Honorable Body for an act of incorpora- to the wisdom of your Honorable body, respectfully no importand articles, such as coal, plaster of paris, tion, authorizing the construction of a Rail-road solicit an act of incorporation upon principles which The farmers and manufacturers residing on from the City of New York, or its vicinity, through will demonstrate that important internal improve. it, are situated between two navigable rivers, the the Southern counties of the state, at as great a dis. ments can be as efficiently and liberally patronized Hudson and the Connecticut, and all their produce tance from the Erie Canal as the topography of the by state authority, when located in border counties is now brought to the city of New-York on one or country will admit, to the Chemung Canal, in the as when leading through the central districts of a the other of those rivers, at a less expense than town of Elmira, and county of Tioga, with power to state. would seldom if ever travel upon it. The proposed And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will versa; but it would afford no facilities to a majority To the Honorable the Senate and Assembly of the &c. could be afforded by Rail-road transpoatation. Be. construct branches to the borders of each county And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will pray, fore the frost closes the navigation of those riv- through which it may pass. ers, all produce (which has not been reserved for con- Your memorialists need not press upon the atten &c. siderable, if not the principal, part of the personal intercourse and labor. blocked up with ice some time after the Canal is open to naviga sumption during the winter) has been sent to mar. tion of the Legislaturo the manifold advantages To the Honorable the Legislature of New-York, &c. ket, and the farmer has nothing in addition to sell which would result to our commercial metropolis until the severity and length of the winter is ascor- and to the country at large from the establishment New-York, respectfully represent: The subscribers, inhabitants of the County of tained. But if any portion of the freight or produce of such a line of conveyance through the country That the excellence of the harbor of New-York; its casi. which now comes to the city of New-York on either in question. Owing to the early establishment of ness of access; and, more especially, its uninterrupted navigaof those rivers, could be withdrawn from its usual important roads in the more northern counties, and ion. at all times and seasons, and during every period of the channels and be transported at even the same ex. their proximity to inland waters, their early settler has constituted the city of New-York the great depository o which are freighted the productions of every quarter of the pense on a Rail-road, what advantage would be ment and increase in wealth has been greatly accele. globe, to be distributed, in exchange, for those of our own gained by it? It would only give to the proprie-rated, and these primary advantages have been great state and of the greater portion of our continent. A very contors of a new and unnecessary mode of transporta-ly increased by the construction of the Erie Canal, and correspondence of foreigners with the North American tion, a fair per centage for money uselessly expend a work of unrivalled utility, which, while its con- region, is also diverted, by these advantages, through the chaued, while it would impoverish and injure every struction imposed equal burdens and responsibilities hel of the same city. owner of sloops, docks, dwelling houses, store upon the Southern counties, has tended to lessen their merchandize. and their manufactures, was, to a vast ruaThis our great mart, so easily approachable by foreigners, houses, and tow boats, upon either the Hudson or the comparative value of their lands and labor, and jority of our citizens, living in the interior of this and of the the Connecticut rivers--it would benefit very few, thus to affect unfavorably every department of their surrounding states, only accessible at a heavy expense of time while it would seriously injure very many of the industry. So soon as this great work had been constituents of your honorable body. Whereas if brought to a completion, a sense of justice induced considerable extent; but they have, of necessity, been conerected on the margin of the river, without injuring the proposition for opening a great road to Lake structed so as to pass only through the more northern sections of any, it greatly tend to the general convenience of Erie for the relief of these counties, and their inur state. The waters of these Canals, and of that part of the Lakes and of the Hudson River with which they are connected, this community. habitants indulged the hope of enjoying, in some consequently become frozen at a very early, and so continue for It would form a connexion with the great Rail- degree, the benefits derived by their inore fortunate an extended, period of the colder seasons of the year. At the road that may be brought from the west into the fellow-citizens from an unexampled expenditure junction of the Great Canal with Lake Erie, the latter remains thrifty towns of Catskill, Newburgh, &c. &c. It from the public Treasury. It is not the design of tion: thus is the interchange of our own western interior, and would, while the Navigation of the river is closed, your memorialists to inquire into the causes which of the western states, with the port of New-York, entirely eusenable the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company have hitherte rendered all such hopes delusive; but pended for a period of from three to five months, or more, in to transport to the city of New-York, any quantity to urge upon the consideration of your Honors the To counteract, as far as practicable, so very serious an inof coal from their great place of deposit at Bolton, important fact that these counties are now to a terruption to the Commercial Relations of our State, and of our where it can, until required, remain yarded without great extent deprived of a market in their own Country, it becomes extremely desirable to connect the port of New-York with a more Southerly part of Lake Erie by the expense. State, and forced to convey their productions means of some direct and inmediate communications through It would enable the state of New-York to trans- through hazardous and uncertain channels to the the Southern section of the State, which will not be liable to port from Sing-Sing to market, large quantities of markets of Baltimore and Philadelphia; and if new obstruction from the severity of the climate, in any degree, or marble, which are required faster than it can be de- outlets are about to be opened to a small portion of great a degree, as are the waters of a Canal. livered, and which trade is wholly suspended while these citizens it is in a direction coutrary to the the river remains closed. market sought, and must be attended with an ex-or It would enable all owners of produce brought pense which will greatly affect the nett value ofrentest facilities of active and social intercourse and correspon to any of the market towns on the river, or remain. their productions, and lessen the rewards of their Your Memorialists therefore pray for the passage of an Act ining in market vessels or tow boats overtaken by the industry. Owing to the want of proper communi- corporating a Company with a capital of six millions of dollars ice, to carry the same forthwith to market, and also cations, large and valuable districts in this region construction of a Rail-road from the City or County of Newand the right of extending it to ten millions of dollars, for the to get from the city such articles for the winter's still remain to a great extent uncultivated, which, York, or from the western side of the North River, at or near supply, as an early frost may have prevented dealers by the aid of Rail roads, are capable of adding inil. the Southerly line of the State in the County of Rockland.to that or others from obtaining. lions to the wealth and resources of the State. part of Lake Erie lying between the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek and the Pennsylvania line; together with a branch to the AlleYour memorialists feel it incumbent on them to zany River; and also, for the establishment of a Ferry across draw the attention of your Honorable Body to the such part of the North River as the route of the main Rall-road importance of a communication by Railway, through may pass over with the liberty, also, of constructing a branci Rail-road to the Southerly line of the State in the County of the counties aforesaid, as connected with the perma- Rockland. It would, in the winter season, greatly facilitate the intercourse between the cities of New-York and Albany, and all of the intermediate towns and coun tjes. the year. This your Memorialists believe can be accomplished by the construction of a Rail-road, which will not only remedy in part, altogether, the evils complained of, but will also afford the dence. |