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

LOCOMOTIVE-WORKS. 237
powerful 'jacks' to the track on the turn-tahle, whence it is run
out on the siding of the Reading Railroad, to be shipped to the
place designated" by the purchaser.
" During the past twelve months two hundred and seventy-one
complete locomotives have been sent from this shop, as follows
in October, 1869, twenty-two ; in November, twenty-six ; in De-
cember, twenty-two; in January, 1870, twenty-one; in February,
twenty-one ; in March, twenty-one ; in April, twenty-one ; in May,
twenty-eight; in June, twenty-eight; in July, twenty-eight; in
August, twenty-four ; in September, twenty-four. This is a decided
progress from the five engines turned out by Mr. Baldwin
in 1835. But the progress which has been made in the methods
of construction, resulting in increased efficiency, strength, speed,
ecoijomy in fuel and repairs, is no less wonderful. The archives
of the establishment, containing, as they do, communications cov-
ering a period of thirty-five years, and in the handwriting of rail-
road managers, engineers, and master-mechanics, are not only a
reflex of the general progress of railroad practice, but bear strong
testimony to the efficiency, and durability, and superior workman-
ship, for which the Baldwin engines have secured an enviable
reputation.
" Mr. Baldwin conducted the business of locomotive-building
from 1831 to 1839. Messrs. Vail and Hufty then became asso-
ciated with him. In 1841 Mr. Hufty retired, and was followed
soon after by Mr. Vail. Mr. Baldwin was now left alone in his
business, but in 1842 was joined by Mr. Asa Whiting, who con-
tinued in the firm until 1 846, when he retired to engage in the
manufacture of car-wheels. From 1846 to 1854, Mr. Baldwin was
again the sole proprietor of the woi-ks. In 1854 he connected in
the firm Mr, Matthew Baird, a practical mechanic, who had been
connected with the establishment since 1836.
"Mr. Baldwin died in 1866, when the establishment was reor-
ganized under the name of the! ' Baldwin Locomotive Works,'
Messrs. Baird & Co., proprietors. Subsequently, several enterprising
and practical men united their interests with the company.
The firm now consists of Messrs. Matthew Baird, George Burnham,
Charles T. Parry, Edward H. Williams, W. P. Heneszey, and
Edward Longstreth. In these gentlemen we have six active,
practical, experienced men, each in charge of a department of
operations of which he thoroughly understands all the minutim.
Under these there are private secretaries, book-keepers, draughts-
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