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Contributed to Maine Memory Network by Maine Historical SocietyMMN # 102282Date: October 27, 1849Description: Neal Dow letter about Atlantic & St. Lawrence Railroad, Portland, 1849

Portland Oct. 27, 1849 Friend Taylor I rec’ yesterday, a letter from our Prest announcing the 8th, Nov- as the day of our meeting instead of the 6th, which was satisfactory to me. I hope bythat time we shall have the Rails all laid down; Iam very anxious to see the Cars go through the whole line. Our Portland people begin now tounderstand something of the importance of thisRoad to this city, and if we can but get moneyto finish all [up] fairly and honorably I have nofear of a lack of a fair return for the investment. At our next meeting, our appointments must be made, they cannot be deferred anylonger, and I have no other wish than tohave the best men – except to appoint theo l d a n d t r i e d f r i e n d s o f t h e R o a d , i fthey wil l do as wel l as any other persons. I d o n o t b e l i e v e w e c a n f i n d a n ym a n w h o c a n d o b e t t e r t h a n o u r f r i e n dSmal l , as mas ter of t ranspor ta t ion , and Ishould l ike to have h im t r ied . He i s t rueas s t ee l – has been a ha rd work ing and servantfai thful f r iend of the Company – and inmy opin ion . Should have tha t p lace , i f

he is capable of discharging its duties, of which I have no doubt. But in thismatter, I shall not take the lead–, I ama new member of the Board, and have beenas forward in this and other matters, asa proper modesty would permit, and perhapsmuch more so. I objected to the transferof friend Small, at the time– as strongly as I decently could – and now it only remains for you and friend [Ware] to express youropinions about it, and the thing is done. In all this, I go upon the suppositionthat you and friend [Ware] believe Small to be entirely capable of the duties of this Office – if I am mistaken in this, of courseI have not a word to say. He is a man of untiring energy and isnever happier than when full occupied, andhas all the qualities that constitute a faith==ful and trusty servant. I hope you will take an opportunitybefore our meeting, to talk with our friend[Ware], as I think he has a good opinion of friend Small, and would be glad to befriendhim if he can do so with propriety. We shall send up the new Engine from the Portland Co. on Monday, withsome gravel cars from the A. + St. L. Co.

I think the engine will prove to be a good one, so far as I can judge – and I rode onit about 25 miles to try it, and [ ] observe its performance. It is a verywell finished machine. I am very much afraid that our Treasurer will be after us againfor our more money, at our next meeting . Very Respectfully yours, Neal Dow