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

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HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
" My father says that he shall look for your book with much
interest. He, too, as fast as his impaired health permits, is putting
his recollections together, with the material for history in his pos-
session, on paper, with a view to publication.
" Truly yours,
" Haeeibt a. Weed."
Before we close tHis portion of our evidence, we can-
not refrain from giving to our readers a second letter
from Jotn B. Jervis, Esq., wlio was chief engineer of
the road, in reply to the author, who had transmitted
to him some documents for his examination. This let-
ter reads as follows
" William H. Beown, Esq.—
:
"Rome, N. Y., August 24, 1870.
" Mt deae Sie : Yours of the 22d inst. came to hand this
A. M. I have been quite interested in reading the letters and
papers you sent me. The photograph picture of the first locomo-
tive and passenger-train that certainly was the first, run on the
Mohawk and Hudson Railroad (Schenectady and Albany, now a
portion of the New York Central Railroad) is a good representa-
tion.
" The engine was the ' De Witt Clinton ' (and not the ' John
Bull,' as the newspaper scrap from the Boston Advertiser gives it).
There can be no doubt on this point—engine, tender, and cars, are
an unequivocal delineation.
" I have had a copy of this picture for Beveral years.
" I cannot speak as to exact date when the train was run, but
it was about midsummer of 1831.
" I have no doubt Mr. Clark is correct as to the date trials were
made, the latter part of July. The excursion-train was most prob-
ably made, as Mr. Clark states, on August 9, 1831. Mr. Clark's
account of the building of the engine, at the shops of the West
Point Foundery, in New York, is correct. I think, indeed I am
certain, the English engine ' John Bull ' did not arrive until the
spring of 1832.
" I was quite interested in your biographical remarks, and hope
the great*labor you have given to prepare a correct history of
the locomotive may prove amply remunerative. I shall be glad to
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