Daily Richmond Times

VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD

Commencement Ceremonies in Lynchburg.

The ceremony of commencing work upon the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, took place in Lynchburg on Wednesday last. A procession was formed in front of the Masonic Hall at 11 o'clock, consisting of the military, the Governor of the State, the President and Directors of the road, and citizens. It moved through several streets to the point which had been selected as the spot on which the earth was to be broken. The ceremonies commenced with prayer, by Rev. John Early; after which Joseph K. Irving, Esq., delivered an eloquent address. Gen. Clay and Mr. C. F. M. Garnett then made brief addresses to Gov. Floyd, who responded in a handsome speech; after concluding, he took the spade and proceeded to break the ground. The spade was used in succession by the President, Engineer and Directors of the Company; Mr. Tunstall, the President, Capt. Talcott, Engineer, and Mr. Gifford, one of the Directors of the Richmond and Danville Railroad Company, and many citizens of Lynchburg. At this moment, a salute was fired by the Mechanic Artillery, Capt. Shields, and the Governor having been escorted to his lodgings by the military, the procession was dismissed. Notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the weather, a large concourse of people turned out to witness the ceremonies.

At night, the company and invited guests sat down to a sumptuous entertainment, prepared by Mr. Dibrell, of the Union Hotel. The Virginian gives the following graphic description of the proceedings at the supper, as well as the subsequent festivities:

Among the invited guests from a distance were his Excellency Gov. Floyd, Mr. Senator Woods, of the Franklin District, W. P. Tunstall, President, Captain Talcott, Chief Engineer, and Mr. Gifford, a Director of the Richmond and Danville Railroad Company, Mr. Cook of Grayson, and Mr. H.L. Brooke of Richmond.

Judge Wilson presided, assisted by several Vice Presidents. In response to the regular toasts, complimentary to Gov. Floyd, that gentleman responded in one of his happiest efforts, which called forth the unbounded applause of the company. In answer to toasts, or in compliance with direct calls made upon them, the company was addressed by Messrs. Tunstall, J. K. Irving, Clay, Deane, Cralle, Gifford, Talcott, Garnett and R. J. Davis. In reply to a toast, complimentary to the Lynchburg Press, Mr. McDonald, of the Patriot, made a brief, but pertinent and eloquent address. There were passages of wit between Messrs. Tunstall and Irving, which delighted the listeners. The company did not disperse until the "small hours" had arrived.

We must not omit to mention that the Armory Band was in attendance at the supper, and delighted the company with strains of music not often heard in this quarter.

On Thursday, the President, Directors and Engineer of the V. & T. Railroad Company entertained the Governor and a company of twenty-five or thirty persons, at a dinner furnished by Mr. Dibrell, in his usual style of elegance. There were many brief addresses made and good things said.

Later in the evening, the Governor was the guest of one of our most respected citizens, at a large and very elegant entertainment. And thus concluded the festivities of the occasion.

The Governor left town for Richmond in the packet, on Friday morning, having won golden opinions from our citizens of all parties.