On Saturday, the 25th, the first excursion trip was made over the line of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad. The Company comprised Mr. Kennard, Chief Engineer (under whose direction and auspices the excursion was got up,) Mr. Reynolds, President; Messrs. G. Church, J. J. Shryock, John Dick, James E. McFarland, A.W. Mumford, and others of the Board of Directors, together with quite a number of other gentlemen connected with the road, a multitude of ladies and gentlemen of the place, and a choice band of music. Two new passenger cars, the handi-work of Messrs. Morrell & Bowers, of Cleveland, Ohio, had been especially assigned for the purpose, of which we understand there are some twelve or fifteen that will be ready for service in a few weeks. A more superior car is not be found upon any road in our country. They are of first class character in all respects. At precisely eight o'clock, A. M., the train was put in motion, and on we moved, smoothly and merrily, safely and pleasantly, up the valley, affording occular (sic) demonstration that the grand enterprise, that had been fondly nursed for so many years by the people of this locality, was at last accomplished-that the untiring energy and indomitable perseverance of the gentlemen having the matter in charge had triumphed, and that prophecy had passed into fulfillment. As we glided along, a merry and delighted throng, the beautiful French Creek valley-originally known as Venango River valley-the smiling countenances of those who had heard the rumbling of the approaching cars, or caught the scream of the whistle, which ever and anon reverberated over the hill and dale, and who had posted themselves for a "good sight," furnished abundant proof that they appreciated the realization of a long cherished anticipation. On we passed, flitting by Saegertown, Venango Borough, Cambridge and Union Mills, at the rate of about thirty miles to the hour. At Union Mills the train was stopped to receive Mr. P. G. Stranahan, and family, who had been invited, per telegraph, to join the excursion, and who has been a most devoted friend to the road. Ten miles from Union we reached Corry, that wonder of wonders, even among a "fast people." Two years ago, and the area now occupied by Corry was an unbroken wilderness, and the innumerable charred and blackened stumps that still remain in the village, clearly indicate the necessity for hasty action that has thus far attended the settlement and improvement of the place, which at present contains a population of several hundred persons, all apparently busily employed in various useful avocations. Here is one of the most extensive oil refineries in the United States, and from here a branch railroad runs to Oil Creek, at Titusville. The Philadelphia and Erie road also crosses the A. & G. W. R. R. at this point. Hence, in view of all things, past and present, the village of Corry seems destined to have a future of more than ordinary promise. After a few minutes stay at Corry we set off again and soon reached Pine Valley, where the heaviest grade on the road is encountered-some 60 or 70 feet to the mile-and near the summit of which runs the line between New York and Pennsylvania. Soon we come in view of Chautauqua lake, a most beautiful body of water, along the eastern margin of which the railroad passes. In a few minutes more we arrive at Jamestown, the point of destination, which is thirty-three miles west of Salamanca, the eastern terminus of the road.-At Jamestown all disembark to take a stroll through the town, and those of us who had never before seen the place, nor heard much about it, were most agreeably surprised with our observation. The town contains many very large and superior buildings, with some of the finest private residences we have ever seen; and we were pleased to notice that nearly all the residences were surrounded with ample ground, especially in the upper or more elevated part of the town. Jamestown is most abundantly supplied with water from Chautauqua lake, and, as may be supposed, does a heavy manufacturing business. The surroundings of the place are surpassingly romantic and attractive, and readily impress the stranger with ideas of local wealth, comfort and prosperity. Our allotted reccess (sic) of thirty minutes having expired, all hands hurriedly repaired to the cars, for the passage "homeward bound," and sorry, to take so hasty a leave of Jamestown.-- At half-past one we were again under way, and in three or four hours thereafter were safely landed at Dock street station, Meadville, Penn'a., closing the day's work with three thundering cheers for "mine host," Thomas W. Kennard, who richly merited the compliment, for to that gentleman's superior business qualifications and unflagging industry are we mainly indebted for the active prosecution and entire prospective completion of our great thoroughfare.
During the trip the company partook of refreshments served in the cars, at such times as seemed to be appreciated. If Mr. Kennard designed his conduct on this occasion to be the governing rule for the treatment of all passengers who may hereafter patronize the road, he will certainly defy all competition, and make himself the most popular railroader in the world. And, now, one word in addition to what we have hurriedly and imperfectly said about a very pleasant and delightful excursion.
The people of Meadville, of Crawford county, and, in truth, of the whole extended line of this road, are at length satisfied. All doubts have been removed-all opposition overcome-all fears dispelled. And to whom are we indebted for all this? Could the vast amount of money that has been requisite to the enterprise have been procured in this country? No.-Whence, then, was it derived? We answer from abroad-from without the limits of our own hitherto peaceful, happy and prosperous, but now, alas, warring, distracted and, comparatively ruined land. Foreign gentlemen, at the head of whom stands Messrs. Thomas W. Kennard and James McHenry, of England, impressed with the vast importance of the contemplated improvement, became its patrons, and extended that "material aid" and encouraging influence, which, probably, could have been secured in no other quarter. True, they met with obstacles in the way-not the least of which was the dark and ominous cloud of war, then hanging over our country-but, they proved adequate to the emergency, and that their efforts have been crowned with success, they deserve the greater praise in view of the difficulties that beset their path. "Honor to whom honor is due" then, say we. The practicability of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad is established, and there it is, to speak for itself, as one of the great commercial arteries of the world.