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

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HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
" This locomotive -was called the ' "West Point.' It was finished
and sent to Charleston by the ship Lafayette, in February, 1831.
" A third locomotive Tvas soon after constructed at our shops.
This machine was contracted for by John B. Jervis, Esq., chief
engineer of the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad, and was finished
and forwarded to Albany in June or early in July, 1831. This
engine was called the ' De Witt Clinton.' Mr. David Matthew,
who had charge of the hands fitting up all these engines, went on
to Albany with the ' Clinton ' to put it on the road and to run it.
" There can be no doubt whatever but that these locomotives,
the 'Best Friend,' the 'West Point,' and the 'De Witt Clinton,'
were the first ever built in America for actual service on a railroad.
Prior to and during that time, from 1829 to 1831, several small ma-
chines for experimental purposes were built and tried, but the
three above named were the first ordered to be built in America
for actual servicei upon a railroad.
" Hoping these facts may be of service to you in your forth-
coming work, I remain, dear sir,
" Tours respectfully
"WlIXlAil KrMBAU,."
CHAPTEE XXXIX.
THE ATTTHOe's AET.
The following are a few of over a thousand news-
paper comments and letters upon tlie author's skill
in the various departments of his art. They are given
here merely as proofs that our readers may rely upon
the accuracy of the representation of the "De Witt
Clinton" engine, cars, and passengers which accompanies
our work, and appears in simple black outline.
(iVom the Albany Argus, August, 1831.)
" Decidedly the best thing we have seen for many a day we
met with yesterday in dropping into the rooms of Mr. William H.
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