| Annual Report of the Richmond & Petersburg RR |
| as of April 1, 1864 |
| Committee of Evaluation Report |
| |
| The committee on examination have made a
careful survey of the road, bridges, rolling stock and machinery
belonging to the Company, and report as follows: |
| The bridges over James river and Swift
creek, are in excellent condition. The engines and trains which have
been run on the road during the past three years, having been so
much heavier than any which were known of or contemplated when they
were constructed, they were not equal to the demands lately made
upon them, but a judicious plan of bracing having been adopted, by
which the strain on the cross beams which support the track, is
divided alike between the upper and lower chords, has so far
strengthened the whole structure as to secure the requisite
strength, and they are now equal to the demands made upon them. The
bridge over Falling creek, from the same cause, became deflected
some six or eight inches, but was speedily righted, and is now being
braced like the other two, and will, in a few days, be beyond the
possibility of injury by any train which can be moved by the
heaviest engines now in use. The timber in the lattice work of all
the bridges is in excellent preservation, and bids fail to last for
many years. The flooring of the James river bridge has suffered very
much from its constant use as a foot bridge, by persons who are
allowed to use it daily. While it may seem illiberal in the Company
to refuse the privilege to persons, who, without it, will have to
walk much farther, yet when we consider the high price of materials
necessary to replace the floor, and the importance of keeping it
tight to protect the body of the bridge from the action of the
weather, we have no hesitation in recommending that the use of the
bridge be limited to those who are compelled by their connection
with the Company, or by military order, to pass over it. |
| The road-bed and superstructure are in
remarkably good condition, without making any allowance for the very
unfavorable weather which, during the past three months, has been so
prejudicial to them. The ditches being deeply cut and kept clean,
have drained the road-bed, and by keeping it dry have secured the
ties from rot, and preserved the alignment of the track. At the
terminus of the road and at Chester, at which places the shifting of
cars and making up of trains, requires the track to be used more
than elsewhere, the rails are very badly worn, but along the whole
of the rest of the track they are in very good order. |
| The Engines and cars will compare very
favorably with any which we have seen in the Confederacy, and
considering the demands which are being constantly made upon them,
and the little time allowed for repairs, it is a matter of surprise
that this condition is so well maintained. |
| We have not had time or opportunity to
make a thorough examination of the books and accounts of the
Treasurer, but we can testify to the system and order with which
they are kept, and the result of examinations made upon previous
occasions, justify us in expressing every confidence in their
accuracy. |
| Thomas H. Wynne |
| Chairm'n pro tem. |
|