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

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HISTORY OP THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
We tave given evidence to show that the second
locomotive bnilt in America was likevdse constructed
at the West Point Foundery Works, and for the South
Carolina Kailroad, This machine -yvas ordered by Horatio
Allen, Esq., the chief engineer of the road, and
made from plans and drawings sent out by him. The
engine was completed and forwarded by the ship La-
fayette, and arrived in Charleston on the 28th day of
February, 1831, and made her first successful trial-trip
over the road on the 5th of March, 1831. This loco-
motive was called the " West Point," and was in charge
of Mr. Darrell, who meantime had recovered from the
injuries received by the explosion of the " Best Friend."
Mr. David Matthew also had charge of the hands fitting
up the "West Point" as well as the "Best Friend" at
the Foundery Works, New York.
We have produced satisfactory evidence to prove
that the third successful locomotive constructed in
America was the " De Witt Clinton," built also at the
West Point Works for the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad,
This engine was completed and taken to Albany
the latter part of June, 1831, in charge of Mr, David
Matthew, who put it upon the road, and, after several
experimental trials in July, made the first excursion-
trip with a train of cars on the 9th day of August, 1831,
as represented in the author's sketch taken upon the
spot just as the train was about to start.
We have shown that about this time (midsummer,
1831) the locomotive buUt by Mr. Davis at York, Pennsylvania,
was put upon the Baltimore . and Ohio Railroad,
as the most effective of the number presented at
the trial for the prize offered by that company. Of the
doings of this engine, we have a further and more particular
account in an extract we make from a work
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