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

184
HISTORY OF THE FIEST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
and charges as per invoice of locomotive-engine, per sMp
Mary Howland, from Liverpool, $3,763.67. Custom
fees, $1,017.25. FreigM-bills, September 18, 1831,
$88.67.
THe following extracts from tlie Albany Argus will
clearly show that the "West Poiat Foundery engine was
the first to run upon the Mohawk and Hudson Eailroad,
and that no English locomotive was in existence upon
that road until the " Eobert Fulton," built by Stephenson,
arrived about the last of August, and was put on
the road the 16th or l7th of September after:
i^From the Albany Argus, July 25, 1831.)
" Mohawk astd Hudson Railroad.—We travelled over part of
this road on Saturday, wtich is ready to receive the cars on Monday
next, the 1st of August, if not earlier. The road will be open
from the head of Lydius Street to the brow of the hill at Schenec-
tady, a distance of about twelve miles and a half, and travelling
Upon it will be forthwith commenced. We learn that the company
have decided on using steam-power alone. The company will
begin their operations with an engine from the West Point
Foundery, which we understand will be placed on the road for ^
service on Wednesday, the 27th, being precisely twelve months
from the day the ceremony of breaking ground was performed
last year.
" In less than a month the company expect from Englahd one
of Mr. Stephenson's engines, similar to those now in use on the
Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
" The work, we have no doubt, will do credit to the skill of the
engineer, John B. Jervis, Esq."
" Mohawk, aio) Hudson Railroad.—On Saturday this work
was completed and prepared for the passage of the cars. On that
day an experiment was made with the locomotive f De Witt Clin-
ton,' from the West Point Foundery, but, owing to some defect in
the ignition of the Lackawanna coal, the speed did not at any time
exceed six or seven miles an hour. On Saturday next, if the
weather is favorable, the company propose to celebrate the com-
pletion of the work, so far, by inviting our citizens to a ride
through the entire line."
Digitized by Microsoft®