| From the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph |
| |
| May 21, 1864 |
| |
| S. W. Railroad {South
Western RR} |
| We are satisfied that there is
no road in the Confederacy that can boast of more gentlemanly
conductors that can be found on this one. With difficulties and
crosses that would try the temper of Job, they preserve a serenity
that seems to be immovable. Occasionally our old friend, Mr. George J.
Langsford, sings out in a little louder key to the negro boy to hurry
up with water for the passengers, but as it is for their comfort, that
sounds and seems quite natural. Besides, George has good strong lungs,
and if there is one place better than another to use them, a railroad
car is the place. |
| Mr. C. F. Ansley is decidedly
different, he says everything in the quietest manner imaginable. He
goes along as smoothly as the piston-rod on any of their beautiful
engines it takes some time to make his acquaintance, and from this
circumstance he is very apt to be misunderstood. Those who know him
intimately esteem him very highly. |
| Mr. George F. Dasher is next
on the list, and we have hardly forgiven him for a very cruel joke
that he perpetrated on some friends and ourself, some months ago. We
wrote the following paragraph some months ago, but never published it;
we give it now for his benefit: |
|
A Waggish Conductor |
| We heard recently of a
practical joke perpetrated by one of the Conductors of the
Southwestern Road, on a party of hunters who had spent the day in
Pataula Swamp, and were waiting on the road for the train to stop and
take them up. The great monster was seen some half mile off, and
instantly the party commenced waving their handkerchiefs with great
vehemence -- still the train moved on, no sound of "whistle down
the breaks was heard" -- farther, still farther, came the
terrible "machine," and as no sign of stopping was shown,
the hearts of the entire party sunk below zero. The train still moved,
and after proceeding about 200 yards came to a stand still. The party,
with great alacrity, gathered up their baggage, and a race commenced,
if not for dear life, to reach the cars. When they had approached
within fifty yards of the cars the signal was given, by this heartless
conductor, to start, and if ever the agony was piled on by runners it
was then. A celebrated Judge from Mississippi led the van, a local
editor, of Eufaula, received the credit of making powerful good time,
and a tail Engineer, who had felt unwell during the day, forgot his
sickness for the moment, and made the most frantic efforts to reach
the iron "hoss." Three corpulent gentlemen have not yet
recovered from their unwonted exertions -- tar and feathers, a
midnight assault, and other jokes are being devised as a Roland for
that Conductor's Oliver. |
| We will not state that the
crowd eventually forgave Mr. D., for they did not wish to separate so
clever a trio. Long may they flourish. |
| Eufaula Spirit of the South |
|