| Annual Report of the Western North Carolina
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| as of July 1, 1864, |
| Committee of Inspection's Report |
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| Report of the Committee of Inspection |
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| To the Stockholders of the Western N.
C. Rail Road |
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| Gentlemen, |
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At the last annual meeting of the Stockholders, Wm.
Murdoch, T. G. Walton and myself, were appointed a Committee to
inspect the Road and report at this meeting. I have not had the
valuable services of Messrs. Murdoch and Walton, and much regret it,
as they are gentlemen of experience, and have had good opportunity to
examine other Roads and compare with yours. Before setting out,
however, with what I shall have to say, we wish to remind you that
these are war times, and although many things may not be as we would
wish, we have to do the best we can, and much allowance must be made.
We passed and re-passed over the entire Road and inspected every
culvert, bridge and station, and shall commence by calling your
attention to the property in Salisbury. First, the Shops. We find
since your last meeting, a substantial fence has been placed around
the entire grounds, adding very much to the appearance and safety of
the shop buildings. The machinery is in good order, and the neat
appearance of everything about the shops, speaks well for the workmen
engaged. A large supply of material is on hand for building and
repairing. Four of the engines are in good running order, and the
fifth (the one damaged by the raiders,) is being rapidly repaired, and
in a short time will be as good as ever. The coaches and cars are all
in good running order, and while on this subject must say the coaches
are kept near and clean, well supplied with good water, indicating the
efficiency of the Conductors employed on the Road.
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The passenger shed and office building have been much
damaged by soldiers, which under the circumstances could not be
helped. We would recommend that some arrangement be made with the
Confederate authorities to supply a comfortable house and fire-wood,
near the station, for the accommodation of soldiers awaiting the
trains.
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Leaving Salisbury, the first bridge we cross is Second
Creek, which we find in bad condition, never having been properly
planned and badly constructed. The masonry is good and in perfect
order; the superstructure, however, is too narrow, and objectionable
in many respects; but we consider the bridge safe, and may with
attention and repairs remain so for some time.
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The property at Third Creek Station is in good order. We
find the masonry of the bridge at Third Creek in good order, but the
same we have said about the superstructure of Second Creek bridge may
be applied to this one. This bridge has sunk in the centre about
fifteen inches. Trestle has been used to support it, but now requires
repairs. We find the timber on hand to make it entirely safe.
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The Station buildings at Statesville are in good order.
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No bridge has been built at Buffaloe Shoal Creek, but a substantial
trestle, built two years since, remains in good repair. The Catawba
river bridge is an excellent structure and in fine order. We find
nothing wanting about this bridge, unless it be a coat of paint.
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The buildings at Catawba Station are in good order, but
the station house is situated on the wrong side of the road, and
should be moved. The foundation has given way, and the building will
inure if not soon attended to. It is now difficult to load and unload.
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The buildings at Newton are in good condition, as are the
buildings at Hickory Tavern and Icards. At the Head of the Road a
temporary station house has been erected, affording store room
sufficient. The section houses are all comfortable and in good
condition, and at each we notice vegetable gardens for the hands,
which adds much to the health, and is quite a saving to the commissary
department.
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The facilities for water are fine -- the Six Mile Tank,
Rock Cut, Red Tank and Icards being supplied with never-failing
streams, supplying most of the water necessary, thereby saving the
expense of hands to pump. The pumps are in good order at all the
tanks.
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The Agents at each Station keep their rooms neat and in
order, and we must say are without exception accommodating and
efficient gentlemen.
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The Saw and Grist Mill is a complete arrangement,
supplying the Company with lumber to build and repair, and will be a
source of considerable profit to the Company. The Grist Mill will
enable the Company to save a considerable amount of corn. The Mills
are well arranged and very convenient to load the cars with lumber.
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From Salisbury to Third Creek a large amount of new sills
have been laid during the year. Still, more are needed to make the
track in complete order. From Third Creek to the river a number of new
sills have been laid, requiring only a few to put this part of the
Road in good order. From the river to the Head of the Road very few
decayed sills are to be found. A considerable number of new sills are
now being delivered, and by Winter the Road may be put in fine
condition.
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The wet cuts have been ballasted and ditches cleaned out,
but much remains yet to be done. This very important matter has
heretofore been too much neglected. We notice considerable number of
iron bars wearing out, which it will soon be necessary to replace. The
culverts and viaducts are in good order, and reflect credit on the
builders. The supply of dry wood on the Road is abundant to last the
coming Winter.
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All hands on the Road are well clothed and well fed. The
Road and Section Masters are careful of their health and provide the
best medical attention during sickness.
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In closing this report, we must say that the different
departments appear to be well managed. The condition of the Road and
amount of transportation done show that the Officers are men of energy
and judgment.
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I am, Very Respectfully,
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Your Obedient Servant,
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Hugh Reynolds
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