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

100
HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
even in the most urgent cases, and at all seasons of tte
year, in the old-fasHoned stage-coaches over a rough
turnpike, or in canal-packets. But at that time nothing
better was known ; and the fast line of stages, and
the packet-line on the canal, were the best the country
could boast of, if we except the beautiful steamers that
navigated some of our rivers. The early methods of
travelling when railroads were first brought to notice
were only one remove," in convenience and improvement,
from those we have just described.
In connection with the early operations of the Baltimore
and Ohio Eailroad, as compared with the present,
the following "travelling memoranda," published in
the New -York Gazette^ in May, 1831, furnish some
reminiscences worthy of preservation.
" TRAVELLING MEMORANDA.
" Messrs. Lang, Turner