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

78 HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
lections are that it was put in motion on the Carbondale Eailroad,
at Honesdale, in August, same year, most probably the early part
of August. This locomotive and two or three others were ob-
tained from England for the sfeid road, but only the Lion was set
up. It worked very well, and no doubt would have done good
service, had the trestle-work (of which there was a large portion
on the road) been sufficient to sustain the weight of the engine in
working. It was the intention of having engines of one and a
quarter ton on a wheel as the heaviest ; but the builders of the
engine at that time had little experience, and when the machine
was constructed it was found to have nearly two tons on a wheel,
and this the road was not designed for. Subsequently the road
has been made a gravity railroad, all the power in both directions
being stationary; which is no doubt the best economy for the
circumstances and nature of the traffic.
"Mr. Allen's letters, which follow, will give you all necessary
facts relative to the arrival of the first locomotive in America.
In regard to the present officers of the Delaware and Hudson
Canal Company, I have little acquaintance with them ; all the old
ones are gone, excepting, perhaps, Isaac, N. Seymour, who was for
many years treasurer (now retired), and living in New York.
He could give you much information, by referring to the file of
letters for 1829, in the office of the company in New York,
including those of August ; they would give the time of the run-
ning of the engine at Honesdale, in letters from Mr. Horatio
Allen to myself. In your last letter to me, you make some inqui-
ries concerning my invention of the principle of using the truck
under the front part of the engine, to support and to govern the
machine in running curves. I believe I sent you, gome time since,
a copy of my work iipon railway property, etc. In that work, commencing
at page 153, you will find all the information upon that
subject you may desire. I shall only say here that I was the
inventor, and put in successful operation, the locomotivfr-truck.
" I notice that they are giving more attention to it in England,
where they heretofore had strong prejudices against it, and now
they attribute it, as a new thing, to Farlie, who introduced it in
some new and small machinery in England. All that Farlie has
done is simply tO adopt my truck. Wishing you great success in
your undertaking, I am very truly yours,
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"John B. Jekvis."