NP, RW 7/19/1864

From the Richmond Whig
 
July 19, 1864
 
The Southern Express Company's Telegraph
   The Charlotte Bulletin speaks thus of the great use of the telegraph lines built by the Southern Express Company, and of the energy and enterprise displayed by them in projecting and completing new routes during the war:   
   Among the many facilities and advantages which have been afforded our Government and people by the Southern Express Company, there is none deserving more consideration than their telegraph department, which has been extended since the fall of 1860 over 500 miles, through the influence and indomitable energy of R. B. Bullock, Esq., Superintendent of that company.  Commencing in the summer of 1860, at Columbia, S. C., the line was completed to Charlotte, N. C. in November of the same year.
   The wire between Columbia and this place is of the best quality of galvanized wire, and has probably worked, and is continuing to work, better than any line in this or any other country. In the summer of 1862 seeing the absolute necessity of a telegraph over the North Carolina Railroad, Col. Bullock projected and carried forward, with unprecedented success, the line which now connects us with Raleigh and Goldsboro', which, from this point to Greensboro', is of the finest English galvanized wire, and the balance good iron wire procured in this country.
   Since this has been erected, the progressive spirit of the managers have brought Danville, Va., and Fayetteville, N. C., in connection with the main line, and they are now pushing forward their line rapidly to Weldon, N. C., via the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad — having already reached Ridgeway.  All of their offices are supplied with instruments and material manufactured at the South, and for neatness, cleanliness and beauty of arrangement, are unequalled by any telegraph offices we have ever visited.
      The Confederate States Government, on several occasions during this war, would have been without telegraph communications between Richmond and the South, but for the wisdom, energy and liberality of this company.
   The recent raids in the vicinity of Petersburg made it necessary to use this line as the only medium of communication, for nearly two weeks between headquarters at Richmond and the subordinate departments in the South.

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