| From the Gainesville Independent
(Gainesville, Ala.) |
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| July 6, 1861 |
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| Our working president, Capt. A. K. Ramsey {of
the Mississippi, Gainesville & Tuscaloosa RR} *** one main
object in view was to locate a depot. But our energetic engineer Mr.
Avery being unwell we had to defer this part of the programme. After a
bountiful dinner of ham, barbecued lamb, bread and condiments on the
greensward we adjourned for a ride to the junction 7 1/2 miles. This
we accomplished in 33 minutes, not very fast you will say but bear in
mind we wanted to look, see and enjoy the ride. We took the good
citizens at the junction by surprise, such an inroad from this quarter
having never occurred before. After a stay of 15 minutes we returned
to the "Palace," backed down by the good locomotive
"Paducah." |
| The ride was delightful, so
much so that one of our party fell into a somnolent state, and had it
not been for the Captain of the Gainesville Guards he might have
visions of future prosperity of our little village. He was satisfied
that the Gainesville road was a fixed fact. |
| We found the road in a very
prosperous condition. The iron is bought and paid for and President
Ramsey goes to Mobile tomorrow with money to pay the last of our
duties, and we have enough money left to send to Nashville for
provisions that will suffice until the road is finished. Still we do
need help and that is some twenty-five hands for a month, free gratis.
Raise us these hands and we pledge ourselves to bring in the road at
the rate of two miles per week. The hands will be well-treated and
will have comfortable quarters. There are less than fourteen miles to
go, and it must be and shall be completed at an early date. |
| Mc. M. {Robert G.
McMahon} |
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