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San Antonio Sept. 23, 1861
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| To the Hon. C. R. Johns Comptroller of the State of
Texas |
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| Sir, |
| In accordance with the instructions
contained in the communication conferred on me by his Excellency, E.
Clark Governor of the State, bearing date May 10, 1861, to examine and
report upon the construction and character of that portion of the San
Antonio & Mex. Gulf Rail Road, extending upward from the end of
the third Section of five miles, already reported upon by the Hon. G.
Schleicher on the 20th of December 1860 as Special Engineer on behalf
of the State to the present terminus of the Same at the City of
Victoria, I have the honor to submit the following |
| Report |
| The length of Road completed above the
stake set at the end of the 15th mile from the Depot at Port Lavaca,
and terminating at the extremity of the track in the Engine House at
Victoria, including turnouts, side tracks &c, is, according to
measurement 12 20/100 miles. |
| The rails on this portion of the road are
mostly of the same weight and pattern as those on the 2nd and 3rd
Sections. Some are heavier, say weighing some 57 or 58 lbs to the
yard. A portion of the track is laid with sawed pine cross ties,
similar to those used on the lower sections of the road, and the
balance with heavy White and Live Oak cross ties, brought from the
Bottom of the Guadalupe river, which are fully equal if not Superior,
to the pine ties. |
| There are on this portion of the road,
three culverts, solidly built of pine, which are only intended to be
temporary, and also, one small bridge across the Canada de la Mula
which is also well and solidly constructed. The recent heavy rains
which occurred immediately before and during my examination, have
shown the necessity of establishing tow or three more small culverts,
which the Company intend putting in, as soon as the weather will
allow, and also of improving the drainage in the two cuts, on the road
all of which I have no doubt will be soon done, as the company keeps
some six or eight hands constantly employed in repairing the track,
the condition of which, I found to be, on the whole, satisfactory.
Owing to a deficiency of chairs which cannot be procured at
present, a small portion of the track is not supplied with chairs at
the Rail joints, but these are firmly fastened down with spikes, to
serve temporarily, until chairs can be procured. |
| The Company have erected in Victoria, one
Freight house, about 100 ft long, by 24 ft wide, with platforms about
6 ft wide, extending the whole length on both sides, 1 Engine house 57
ft by 24 ft, and also 1 Superintendent's office and passenger house
about 24 ft square and 2 stories high, with a platform 6 ft wide,
around 3 sides thereof. They have also placed on the track since the
last report, 1 Locomotive called the "Victoria" of 23 tons,
and one fine, first class Passenger car -- these in addition to the
rolling stock on hand, as per report of G. Schleicher in December
1860, place the Company in a condition to carry on any ordinary amount
of business, without difficulty. A good and convenient water station
has been also erected, and is in constant use, about 11 miles from
Victoria. All of which is respectfully submitted by your most
obedient Servant |
| F. Girand Engineer &c. |
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| Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th day of
Sept. A. D. 1861 |
| Witness my hand and official seal at San Antonio the
day and year last above written. |
| Julius Hafner |
| Not. Pub., B. Co. |
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