| Annual Report of the Virginia &
Tennessee RR |
| as of July 1, 1865, |
| Superintendent's Report |
| |
| Superintendent's Report |
| Office General Superintendent, Virginia
& Tennessee Railroad |
| Lynchburg, July 1st, 1865 |
| |
| Robert L. Owens, Esq. |
| Pres't. Va. & Tenn. Railroad Co. |
|
|
|
Dear Sir,
|
| I respectfully submit the
following report of the operations of this road for the fiscal year
ending June 30th, 1865: |
|
Earnings From Transportation
|
| From transportation of passengers |
|
$1,328,491.05 |
| From transportation of freight |
$1,844,803.34 |
|
| From less amount refunded |
373.18 |
1,844,430.16 |
| From transportation of express freight |
|
91,872.66 |
| From transportation of mails |
|
23,800.00 |
| From transportation of extra baggage |
|
1,256.34 |
| From rents of houses, fruit stands, &c. |
$2,117.58 |
|
| Less amount refunded |
60.42 |
2,057.16 |
| Total gross earnings from
transportation |
|
$3,291,907.37 |
| Operating Expenses |
|
|
| Conducting transportation |
$1,415,951.83 |
|
| Maintenance of way |
876,604.27 |
|
| Maintenance of machinery |
658,725.81 |
|
| General expenses |
39,222.85 |
2,990,504.76 |
| Net earnings from transportation |
|
$301,402.61 |
|
|
Being 9 1/6 per cent. of the gross earnings from
transportation. The
operating expenses amount to 90 5/6 per cent. of the gross earnings.
|
|
It will be observed that the Auditor's statement of earnings and
the above differ to the amount of $115,960.67, and his statement of expenses
and the above differ $342,060.06, being the amounts received and paid out for
premiums, discounts, &c., on Confederate notes, bonds, &c., which
amounts, although part of
the earnings and expenses of the Company, are not connected with the earnings
and expenses of
transportation.
|
|
The average earnings per mile by passenger, troop and
freight trains combined, are $16.23.
|
|
The earnings per mile of
road are $15,400.74; same being an increase over previous year of
$2,133.76
per mile of road, and $7.71 per mile run by trains.
|
| The decrease of earnings from passengers is |
$96,844.29 |
|
| The decrease of earnings from express is |
4,170.01 |
|
| The decrease of earnings from mail is |
6,658.55 |
$677,672.85 |
| The increase of earnings from freight is |
$608,118.79 |
|
| The increase from other sources |
1,171.25 |
609,290.04 |
| Showing actual increase of earnings |
|
$501,617.19 |
|
|
Being an increase of 19 98/100 per cent. on the earnings of last year.
The increase of expenses over the preceding year amount to
$1,212,963.44 -- equal to 59 43/100 per cent. For details of which,
see table No. 3, in the appendix.
|
|
Tonnage
|
| The number of tons transported west was |
45,010 |
| The number of tons transported east was |
31,508 |
| Total tonnage |
76,518 |
|
|
Same being a decrease from previous year of 59,342 tons. The total
freight movement, or number of tons moved one mile was 4,053,148, which is decrease from last year
of 3,748,222 tons.
|
|
The earnings per mile run by freight trains was $17.87;
the average amount received per ton of freight moved was $24.10; the number of tons of freight moved per
mile of road was 636.
|
|
Materials for road and bridge repairs, lumber, wood for
engines, supplies, &c., are not included in the above tonnage, and
are estimated at 52,500 tons.
|
| Add weight of passengers and troops |
15,770 tons |
| Add regular tonnage |
76,518 |
| Total tonnage exclusive of weight of trains |
144,788 tons |
|
|
Passengers
|
| The number of passengers, including
troops, moved east was |
93,025 |
| The number of passengers, including
troops, moved west was |
105,192 |
| Total number of passengers, including troops,
transported |
198,217 |
| For the preceding year |
300.364 |
| Decrease for the year |
102,147 |
|
The number of passengers, including troops, transported one
mile
|
19,534,677 |
| For the preceding year |
26,780,823 |
| Decrease |
7,246,146 |
| The number of troops transported one mile was |
72,455 |
| For the preceding year |
162,091 |
| Decrease |
89,636 |
| The number of other passengers transported was |
125,762 |
| For the preceding year |
138,273 |
| Decrease |
12,511 |
| Earnings from troops transported for the
government was |
$776,428.20 |
| For the preceding year |
879,939.91 |
| Decrease |
103,511.71 |
| The earnings from other passengers |
$552,062.85 |
| For the preceding year |
545,395.43 |
| Increase |
6,667.42 |
|
|
The average earnings, per mile run by passenger and troop
trains for the year was, $14.55.
|
|
Salt Works Branch
|
|
The general statements of tonnage moved, include the business of the Salt Works Branch,
which is as follows:
|
| Months |
Tonnage |
|
| Wood Cords |
Miscellaneous Tons |
Salt Tons |
Total tons |
| 1864 July |
|
47 |
74 |
121 |
|
August |
2,661 |
344 |
1,358 |
7,024 |
|
September |
2,665 |
242 |
3,131 |
8,703 |
|
October |
2,410 |
131 |
2,410 |
7,361 |
|
November |
3,579 |
93 |
2,794 |
10,045 |
|
December |
1,541 |
40 |
1,471 |
4,593 |
| 1865 January |
|
|
|
|
|
February |
|
|
|
|
|
March |
|
|
|
|
|
April |
|
|
|
|
|
May |
|
|
|
|
|
June |
|
|
|
|
| Totals |
12,856 |
897 |
11,238 |
37,847 |
| The freight on the above
due to the Salt Works Branch was |
$169,494.73 |
| For the Main Stem |
665,641,84 |
| Total freight on Main Stem and
Branch |
$835,136.57 |
|
|
Showing a decrease from last year on freight due the Branch of
$64,208.72, and an increase over the last year on Main Line of
$217,128.26, making a total
increase over last year of freight, incident to the Brach of
$152,919.54. The amount of salt
transported, as shown by the table, was 11,238 tons, or 449,520
bushels; 10,708 tons of which was moved east, and 530 tons west.
|
|
Comparative Statement of the Business of the Virginia & Tennessee
Railroad for the fiscal years ending 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865.
|
|
1861 |
1862 |
1863 |
1864 |
1865 |
| Number of troops transported |
34,000 |
103,737 |
130,786 |
162,091 |
72,455 |
| Total number of passengers transported |
124,789 |
197,106 |
311,974 |
300,364 |
108,217 |
| Freight transported -- in tons |
69,590 |
67,333 |
134,921 |
135,860 |
76,518 |
| Earnings per mile run by freight, passenger and
troop trains combined $ |
2.04 |
2.78 |
5.46 |
9.52 |
16.23 |
| Earnings per mile run by passenger and troop
trains $ |
1.82 |
3.08 |
6.54 |
9.24 |
14.55 |
| Earnings per mile run by freight trains $ |
1.96 |
1.82 |
4.37 |
8.64 |
17.87 |
| Earnings per mile of road $ |
3,690.16 |
4,923.73 |
8,346.13 |
13,266.98 |
15,400.74 |
| Miles run by passenger and troop trains |
215,268 |
156,081 |
162,106 |
154,380 |
99,522 |
| Miles run by freight trains |
145,080 |
220,987 |
164,124 |
143,182 |
103,229 |
| Miles run by other trains, engines, switching
cars &c. |
44,694 |
32,075 |
50,257 |
49,131 |
45,687 |
| Miles run by all engines |
435,042 |
409,743 |
376,487 |
346,693 |
248,438 |
| Earnings from passengers $ |
446,979.95 |
577,206.67 |
943,191.09 |
1,425,335.84 |
1,328,491.05 |
| Earnings from express $ |
16,032.03 |
33,797.29 |
86,282.97 |
96,042.67 |
91,872.66 |
| Earnings from transportation of mail $ |
49,786.49 |
35,934.55 |
30,248.21 |
30,458.55 |
23,800.00 |
| Earnings from freight $ |
284,592.48 |
193,385.14 |
717,813.43 |
1,236,311.37 |
1,844,430.16 |
| Other sources $ |
19,537.65 |
892.97 |
3,498.23 |
2,142.25 |
3,313.50 |
| Total earnings $ |
798,928.60 |
1,051,216.62 |
1,782,033.93 |
2,832,500.58 |
3,291,907.31 |
| Operating expenses $ |
399,414.66 |
462,429.81 |
722,486.26 |
1,737,551.32 |
2,990,514.76 |
| Net earnings $ |
399,513.94 |
588,786.81 |
1,059,547.67 |
1,012,738.86 |
301,402.67 |
|
|
The unusually large proportion of expenses to earnings is
accounted for by the exceedingly high prices paid for labor and
materials for repairs of road-way and bridges, so often destroyed by
the Federal troops, and the necessity of keeping up the organization
of the road, although trains run irregularly to protect the remaining
property of the Company on the road.
|
|
The following statement will exhibit the true condition
of the road throughout the year:
|
| No regular trains run |
91 days |
|
Road and bridges under repairs |
| Road open throughout |
143
" |
|
Lynchburg to Bristol 204 miles |
| Road open to Wytheville |
71
" |
|
Bridges west of Wytheville destroyed |
| Road open to Central |
21
" |
|
New River bridge impassable |
| Road open to Salem |
39
" |
|
Bridges west destroyed |
| Total |
365 days |
|
|
|
|
The road-bed and track, I regret to say, is not in as
good condition as I expected to have it. The unusual severity of the
last winter, the scarcity of labor and material, and the constant
interruptions met with by raids of the Federals, have retarded this
work; but it is hoped that with industry and perseverance, the road
can be placed in safe condition for trains at an early day, Ten miles
of track was destroyed, and the iron twisted and burnt by the Federal
troops during the past year -- 90 per cent. of which has been
straightened and laid again in the track.
|
|
Sidings
|
|
No permanent sidings have been laid down during the past
year. All good rails have been removed from them throughout the road
and laminated rails substituted instead.
|
|
Turn Tables
|
|
Two new turn-tables have been built and put in; one at
Salem, and the other at Big Spring.
|
|
The one put in last year at Salem was burnt by the
Federals.
|
|
Bridges
|
|
The past year has been eventful in the destruction of
bridges. Three covered span bridges only were left upon the road.
There have been destroyed by the Federals, during the past year:
|
|
4,272 feet |
of truss bridges |
|
2,394 feet |
of stringer bridges |
|
835 feet |
of trestle work |
|
228 feet |
of cattle guards |
| Total Bridging |
7,729 feet |
|
|
|
All of these bridges have been replaced by other structures, (with the
exception of one, which is at present under construction, and it will
be finished during this month), and built as securely as possible
under the circumstances. The structures over New River and Reed Creek,
will be made truss bridges at the earliest moment possible.
|
|
Wood Stations
|
|
During the past year the wood-sheds at Big Spring, Max
Meadow and Marion were destroyed by the Federals; and two new ones
erected at Lynchburg and Central where wood can be protected.
|
|
Water Stations
|
|
During the past year seven water stations were destroyed
and injured; of these, four have been repaired and three built anew.
|
|
Buildings
|
|
The Company have at present permanent depots on the road
only at two points, viz: at Central and Glade Spring. Eight depots
were destroyed by the Federals, as stated in my last report, and two
burned by the enemy during the past year; also the round-house and
passenger shed at Bristol.
|
|
No new buildings have been erected. Cars will be used for
depots until the Company is able to build new ones.
|
|
The repairs of road, bridges, water stations, &c.,
have been under
the supervision of Mr. T. V. Strange, Chief Road Master, assisted on
the Eastern Division by Mr. W. F. Yingling and Jas. S. Plunket, Bridge
Inspector, and Mr.
W. J. Sowers, Road Master, and on the Western Division by Mr. G. W.
Witt, Bridge Inspector, and Mr. B. F. Stanley, Road Master.
|
|
Locomotives
|
|
By reference to table No. 4, in the appendix, it will be
observed that there are upon the list of locomotives, belonging to the
Company, 39 engines
of all sizes and description.
|
| Of this number, there are laid aside as useless
and not worth repairs |
10 locomotives |
| Requiring extensive repairs |
4 locomotives |
| Now under repairs |
4 locomotives |
| Total |
18 locomotives |
|
|
Leaving 21 locomotives for the passenger, freight, wood, material and
ditching trains of the road. The total number of miles run, by all the
engines was 248,438, and the total cost of repairs of engines was
$284,472.45 -- equal to $1,14 1/2 cents per mile run.
|
|
The repairs of machinery have been conducted under the
supervision of Mr. R. H. Anderson, Master Machinist of the Company.
For condition, performance, &c., of engines, I refer you to table No. 4, in the appendix.
|
|
Cars
|
|
The number of cars owned by the Company is as follows,
viz:
first class passenger cars 13; second class 7; mail and baggage 7; box
freight 160; stock 8; platform 30; caboose 12; showing a loss of 6 1st
class passenger, 3 2d class passenger, 7 mail and baggage, 30 box
freight, 11 stock, 13 platform and 4 caboose cars, from stock reported
last year. Of the above, there were destroyed by the Federal troops
during the year, 6 1st class passenger, 3 2d class passenger, 4 mail
and baggage, 15 box freight, 3 stock and 9 platform cars.
|
|
4 stock and 7 box freight were thrown off the track on
the South-Side Railroad by Federal troopers, and 3 mail and baggage, 8
box freight, 4 stock, 4 caboose and 4 platform, were run off the track
and destroyed upon this road.
|
|
In every instance occasioning loss of cars, thr breakage
of wheels was the cause.
|
| The mileage of passenger cars was |
384,978 |
| The mileage of mail and baggage cars was |
134,000 |
| Total mileage |
518,978 |
| The repairs of passenger, mail and baggage cars
was |
137,770.14 |
| Equal to 26 54/100 cents per mile run by them. |
|
| The mileage of box freight cars, with troops was |
12,700 |
| The mileage of box freight cars, with freight
was |
702,958 |
| Total mileage of box freight cars |
715,658 |
| Cost of repairs |
$167,012.57 |
| Equal to 23 33/100 cents per mile run by them. |
|
|
|
The service cars upon the road were nearly all destroyed
by the Federal troops, leaving the road destitute of them.
|
|
The men on repairs of road-way and bridges are being
supplied with new cars as fast as our ability will allow.
|
|
The cost of repairs of old and construction of new
service cars was $16,697.13.
|
|
The repairs of cars has been conducted under the
supervision of Mr. Joseph W. Berry, Master of Car Repairs.
|
|
Accidents Resulting in the Loss of Life or Limb
|
|
October 25th, 1864 -- Mr. W. C. Hooper, engineman,
upon the engine, E. H. Gill, on mail train going west, had his leg
broken by his engine running off the track. Cause -- broken truck
wheel. He has recovered.
|
|
October 29th, 1864 -- Felix Newman, fireman, while
going west, on mail train, to join his engine, attempted to get upon
the pilot of the engine at Bosnack's, fell under and was run over by
the engine and killed.
|
|
November 27th, 1864 -- Randell Spinney, colored
man, while passing from one car to another, in a state of
intoxication, fell between them, was run over and killed.
|
|
December 1st, 1864 -- Allen Langhoren, colored
brakesman, on freight train, fell between the cars at forty mile tank,
was run over and killed.
|
|
March 7th, 1865 -- John O'Brien, while the
passenger train was being made up in the Lynchburg yard, attempted to
get upon it as it passed him; he was run over and his leg badly
crushed.
|
|
March 29th, 1865 -- Material train, J. W. Gills,
conductor, Peyton Burkett, engineman, engineer Reindeer, while
returning from Evergreen, on the South-Side Railroad, with a train of
lumber, broke through a bridge near Concord; J. W. Gills, conductor,
had thigh broken and knee cut -- recovered. Peyton Burkett, engineman,
injured internally -- died. J. W. Holleran, carpenter, injured --
recovered. Thos. Majors, train hand, injured slightly -- recovered.
Henry Gills, train hand, injured internally -- died. The engine was
badly injured, and two box freight and four platform cars demolished.
|
|
Estimated value of the Rolling
Stock, Machinery, Shop and Road Tools |
| Locomotive engines |
$274,000.00 |
| Passenger cars |
34,000.00 |
| Mail and baggage cars |
7,000.00 |
| Box, stock and platform cars |
160,000.00 |
| Hand, pole and dirt cars |
4,000.00 |
| Machinery and tools, Lynchburg shops |
14,000.00 |
| Machinery and tools, Central shops |
8,000.00 |
| Tools on the road |
2,000.00 |
|
$503,000.00 |
| Materials on hand |
|
| Lumber at Lynchburg |
$1,000.00 |
| Wrought iron and steel |
121,032.00 |
| Iron castings for engines and cars |
53,475.00 |
| Brass castings, copper, &c. |
4,800.00 |
| Wrought scrap |
11,250.00 |
| Cast scrap |
165,000.00 |
| Engine and car wheels |
3,000.00 |
| Engine wheel tyres |
10,550.00 |
| Engine, car and tender axles |
8,500.00 |
| 40 tons pig iron |
9,000.00 |
| Extra work for engines |
2,450.00 |
| Stock in store-house |
255,356.00 |
| Oil, tallow and grease |
111,934.00 |
| 3,343 cords wood |
50,145.00 |
| New iron rails |
5,000.00 |
| Old iron rails |
20,000.00 |
| Frogs, switches, bridge and other road castings |
3,000.00 |
| Cross-ties |
3,000.00 |
| Lumber on road |
5,000.00 |
| Provisions: 2000 lbs. bacon, 350 bus. meal & 4 bls.
flour |
35,200.00 |
|
$878,942.00 |
|
|
For list of officers and employees, I refer you to table
No. 45, in the appendix.
|
|
In closing this report, I take occasion to express to you
my approbation of the creditable and satisfactory manner in which the
officers, agents and employees have conducted themselves. Their duties
have been arduous, and at times the performance of them attended with
danger, but they have been discharged with cheerfulness and alacrity.
|
|
Respectfully submitted,
|
|
J. W. Goodwin, Gen'l Supt.
|
|