The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

94 HISTOEY OP THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
At this "banquet Mr, Swann, the president of the
company, in his address, naade this beautiful allusion
to the venerable and patriotic Carroll: "There are
those present who witnessed the enthusiasm which at-
tended the laying of the first stone, by the illustrious
Charles Carroll, of CarroUton. Glarvm et venerahile
Tiomenr He then produced the trowel which had been
used by Mr. Carroll, and was still preserved by the com-
pany, with this memorandum on it :
" This trowel was'
used by Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, to lay the first
stone of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, July 4,
1828." This interesting relic was received by the assem-
bled company with rapturous applause. Mr. John B.
Morris, who delivered the address for the president and
directors, took occasion to remark of Mr. Carroll, in
connection with the interesting event : " In the full possession
of all his mental powers, with his feelings and
affections still buoyant and warm, he now declares that
the proudest act of his life, and the most important
in its consequences to his country, was the signature of
the Declaration of Independence ;
the next, the laying
of the corner-stone of the work which is to perpetuate
the union of the American States, and to make the
East and the West as one household in the facilities
of intercourse and the feelings of mutual affection."
Benjamin H. Latrobe, Esq., then followed in a few brief
remarks, in reply to the beautiful and flattering allusion
made to his services by the president of the road. Mr.
Latrobe was the chief engineer of the long work just
completed, and to his great energy and ability, as well
as to his indomitable perseverance in overcoming all
obstacles, the success of this stupendous undertaking is
largely to be attributed. To the kindness of Mr. La-
trobe, also, is the author indebted for much of the
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