| {From the minutes of the
Directors' Meeting of the Virginia Central RR, May 8, 1862} |
| |
| Richmond May 8th 1862 |
| At a meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Virginia Central Rail Road Company, present |
| |
E Fontaine |
President |
| |
Saml Carpenter |
Directors |
| |
Jacob Baylor |
|
| |
Wm Overton |
|
| |
N B Hill |
|
|
| Frederick A Kuper testified that he was
very anxious to take the first train that left Gordonsville on the
night of the collision near Little River Bridge, but that Mr Fisher
the Gordonsville agent seemed to think it would be a reflection on
Mr Taylor as that train was composed entirely of stock from the
Orange & Alex Road, and it was concluded as Mr Taylor was regarded
an experienced and trusty Conductor he might be allowed to take
charge of the train. Mr Kuper further states that when train No 1
was about starting he distinctly heard the caution given as he
supposed by Mr Gooch, when Mr Taylor was standing in a circle of
several persons that the train must stop at the telegraph Stations
for orders; these orders he as the conductor of the 2d train
received. Now this testimony creates some doubt as to the amount of
censure which should attach to Mr Gooch, it makes the recklessness
of Mr Taylor appear in a still more culpable light |
| The Board are of opinion that Mr Taylor
was guilty of the most culpable reckless and neglect of duty and
having no authority over him, they can only state that if he was an
officer of the Company he would be removed, and they hereby protest
against his ever conducting a train on this Road |
| Upon a review of the facts relating to
the conduct of Wm Spice in the premises the Board regret to b e
compelled to come to the conclusion that the indifference manifested
to the proper discharge of his duty on that occasion requires that
he shall be removed |
| In reference to Mr Gooch if the Board
were to act solely on his own acknowledgement which shows that he
omitted to give as was required an important order, viz; that the
first train should stop at all the Stations, and without authority,
having said the track was clear, they would be of opinion that he
ought to be removed; But Mr Kuper thinks he instructed Mr Taylor to
stop for orders at the telegraph stations; his case is therefore
dismissed but with a decided expression of their disapprobation of
his conduct. |
| Resolved that the Rules and Regulations
for the Government of the Officers of the Co. adopted by the Board
of Directors March 25th 1855 be revised by the President and Supt
for the consideration of the Board so as to adapt them to the
present condition of things on the Road |
| Resolved, that each officer appointed
under the authority of the Board of Directors be requested to take
an oath before the Prest or Supt and subscribe the same, setting
forth that he will be faithful and loyal to the Government of the
Confederate States and that he will comply with the rules and
regulations of the Co. |
|
Form of Oath |
| I do solemnly swear upon the Holy Bible
that I will be faithful and Loyal to the Government of the
Confederate States of America and that I will comply with and be
governed by the Rules and Regulations of the Company especially the
first and second General Rules |