The history of the first locomotives in America. From original documents, and the testimony of living witnesses by Brown William H. (William Henry) 1808-1883

Author:Brown, William H. (William Henry), 1808-1883
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Collection locomotives
Publisher: New York, Appleton and Company
Published: 1871-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

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Horse-power Locomotive invented by C. E. Detmole, the successful competitor for the prize of $500 oifered by the South Carolina Railrpad, as it appeared on this road in 1829-30.

Sailing Car as it appeared with a party of excursionists on the South Carolina Railroad, March 19, 1830.

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for sailing were very hastily got up, and of course were not of the best kind; but owing to this circumstance the experiment afforded high sport. The wind blew very fresh from about northeast, which, as a sailor would say, was ' abeam,' and would drive the car either way with equal speed. "When going at the rate of about twelve miles an hour and loaded with fifteen passengers,' the mast went by the board, with the sail and rigging attached, carrying with them several of the crew. The wreck was descried by several friendly shipmasters, who kindly rendered assistance in rigging a jury-mast, and the car was again soon put under way. During the afternoon the wind changed so as to briag it nearly ahead when going in one direction; but this did not stop the sport, as it was ascertained that the car would sail within four points of the wind. We understand it is intended by some of our seamen to rig a car properly, and shortly to exhibit their skill in managing a vessel on land."

The president of tlie road, Mr. Tupper, in one of Ms reports to tlie board, informs them that on March 1, 1830, the committee to whom the matter was referred had reported that they had accepted the offer of Mr. E. L. Miller, of Charleston, to construct a Iqco-motive at the "West Point Foundeiy, in New York, and that it should perform at the rate of ten miles per hour, instead of eight, as first proposed, and carry three times her weight, which was required the year before, on the Liverpool and Manchester Railroad, at the trial for the premium of £500.

Mr. Miller immediately set about the construction of his locomotive. His plans and specifications were draw;n out by the same Mr. Detmole, who had invente4 the horse-power locomotive on the Charleston road, and who was then living in New York.

Meantime the work on the road was pushed forward, and another mile completed, making seven miles ready for use, and many more under contract and fast approaching completion.

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146 HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.

CHAPTEE XXVIII.

rtJETHEE TEIALS.

Me. David Matthew, wlio was foreman of the hands fitting np machinery in the "West Point Foundery, and had charge' of those fitting up the Stourhridge Lion, when she came from England, also had charge of the men fitting np the " Best Friend," the ;first locomotive ever built in America, for actual service on a railroad. In the same letter, which he addressed-to the author in 1859, after describing the Stourbridge Lion, he thus continues:

" The first American-'built locomotive for actual service upon a railroad was called the ' Best Friend of Charleston.

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