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

LETTERS FEOM OFFICIALS. 195
3^16 following is Mr. Clark's reply to Mr. Cormng's
letter. It was forwarded to tlie author
IJiiOA, N. Y., Novmier 21, 1869,
" Hon, Eeastus Cobning, Albany
"Mt beab Snt: I received, on the 18th inst., your note, "with-
Mr. Brown's letter to you, seeking for information as to the time
when the first experiment was made, with a locomotive-engine, on
the Mohawk and. Hudson -Railroad, and other particulars in re-
lation to the early history of the road.
" Before answering your letter, I wished to consult Mr. John
B. Jervis, of Borne, to procure from him some facts in relation to
details in the construction of the. first locomotive, , I went to
Rome on Saturday for that purpose alone, hut,, not finding him at
home, I send you to day such facts as I can gather from memory,
and some papers in my possession.
" The first experiment with steam upon the road was niade
with the locomotive ' De Witt Clinton,' in the latter part of July,
1831. This engine was built at the West Point Foundery Works,
New Tork. A Mr. Matthew had charge of the hands fitting up
the machine, and came with it in charge to Albany. This engine
was contracted for by John B. Jervis, Esq., the chief engineer of
the road. The estimated, weight of the ' De Witt Clinton ' was
about six tons. It was mounted on four wheels, of about five feet
diameter each, and had single drivers. The hubs and rims of the
wheels were of cast-iron, with wrought-iron spokes and tires. I
feel certain that the ' De Witt Clinton ' had an iron tank or tender
on four wheels. The first locomotive-engine which came from
England, and was afterward put on the road, was made by Stephenson,
and was called the ' Robert PuUon.' This engine was
double the size and weight of the ' De Witt Clinton.' It arrived
about the latter part of August, 1831, and was put on the road,
about the 10th to the 20th of September following. On the occa-
sion of an excursion which was to take place the latter part of
September, great preparations were made for a large crowd of
passengers, as the Governor, judges of the courts, and members
of the Legislature, were expected to participate in the ride, and
consequently the most powerful engine, the 'Robert Pulton,' pull
the train. But it did not so happen : something (I do not remem-
ber now) got wrong with ' Robert Pulton,' and ' De Witt Clinton
took his place at the head of the train, which being too heavy for
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