Annual reports of the president and directors and the chief engineer and superintendent of the Wilmington & Weldon R.R. Co., with the proceedings of the general meeting of stockholders

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^ISTISrUAL REPORTS
OF THE
PRESIDENT AND DIRECTORS
AND THE
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS
OF THE
Piittiiii§t0ii, Mmk I |ii§(igit
AND THE
iitiiig
RAIL ROAD COMPANIES,
WITH THE
PEOCEEDIN&S OF THE &ENEEAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS,
November 21st, 1876
WILMINGTON, K C:
THE MORNING STAR STEAM POWER-PRESSES.
1876.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
Ensuring Democracy through Digital Access (NC-LSTA)
http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportsofp1876wilm
OFFICERS FOR 1876,
Wilmington, Colnmbia & AogHsta R. R. Co.
HON. R. E. BRIDGERS,
President.
COL. J. B. PALMER,
W. T. WALTERS, Esq.,
Vice-Presidents.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
W. T. Walters, S. M. Shoemaker, B. F. Newcomer,
J. D. Cameron, J. B. Palmer, H. B. Short,
Geo. S. Brown, L. D. Childs, W. H. Graham.
J. W. THOMPSON, Secretary and Treasurer.
JAMES ANDERSON, General Superintendent.
T. D. KLINE, Master of Transportation da AssH SupH.
T. D. KLINE, Master of Machinery.
P. McLaughlin, Road Master.
R. M. WALKER, Road Master.
F. H. GORDON, Axiditor.
A. POPE, General Freight and Ticlcet Agent.
OFFICERS FOR 1876,
Wilmington & WeWon Rail Road Company.
Hon. E. K. BRIDGERS,
President.
B. F. NEWCOMER, Esq.,
Vice-President.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
W. A. Wright, W. T. Walters,
George Harriss, B. F. Newcomer,
C. H. Brogden, S. M. Shoemaker,
W. H. Willard, a. J. DeRosset,
George Howard, J. D. Cameron.
J. W. THOMPSON, Secretary and Treasurer.
J. F. DIVINE, General Superintendent.
JAMES KNIGHT, Master of Transportation.
J. F. DiyiNE, Master of Machinery.
JOHN BARRY, '^Road Master.
E. F. CASON, Storeheep&r.
F. H. GORDON, Auditor.
A, POPE, General Freight and Ticket Agent.
F^JROCEEDINQS
OF THE
SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
OF THE
Wilmington, Colombia & Angnsta R, R, Co
Held in Wilmington, at 12 o''clock M., on Tuesday, the 2\st of
November, 1876.
Wilmington, IS". C, Nov. 21, 1876.
The seventli annual meeting of tlie Stockholders of the
Wilmington, Columbia & Augusta Rail Road Company was held
at the office of the President, in this city, at 12 o'clock M. this
day.
On motion of B. F, Newcomer, Esq., Col. J. B. Palmer, of
Columbia, was called to the Chair, and J. W. Thompson ap-pointed
Secretary.
B. F. Newcomer and J. W. Thompson being appointed a
committee to verify proxies, reported that 2,862 shares of the
capital stock of the Company were represented.
The annual report of R. R. Bridgers, President, together with
the reports of the Superintendent, Treasurer and Auditor, were
submitted, and the Secretary was ordered to have 350 copies
published with the proceedings of the meeting.
The election of President being in order, Hon. R. R. Bridgers
was nominated, and elected unanimously.
The following gentlemen were then elected directors: J. B.
Palmer, W. T. Walters, B. F. Newcomer, H. B. Short, Geo. S.
Brown, W, H. Graham, S. M. Shoemaker, J. D. Cameron, and
L. D. Childs.
On motion, it was resolved that the next annual meeting be
held in "Wilmington on the first Tuesday after the third Mon-day
in November next.
The meeting then adjourned.
J. B. PALMER, President.
J. W. Thompson, Secretary.
I^ROCEEDINaS
OF THE
FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
OF THE
Wilmington & WeMon Rail Road Company,
Held in Wilmington, at 11 o'clock A. M., on Tuesday, the 21st of
November, 1876.
Wilmington, N. C, Nov. 21, 1876.
The Stockholders of the "Wihnington & Weldon Kail Road
Company convened alt the office of the President this day.
On motion of B. F. Newcomer, Esq., Hon. W. II. Battle, of
Raleigh, was appointed Chairman and J. W. Thompson, Secre-tary.
On motion of TV. A, Wright, Esq., B. F. Newcomer and J.
W. Thompson were appointed a cammitteeto verify proxies and
report the number of shares of the capital stock of the Company
represented. The committee reported 2,761 shares represented
in person and 6,291 by proxy, making a total of 9,052 shares,
which, being a majority, the Chairman declared the meeting
duly organized for the transaction of business.
Hon. R. R. Bridgers, President of the Company, made a
verbal report on the condition of the road, and stated that the
official reports would be published with the printed reports of
the Wilmington, Columbia &, Augusta Railroad Company, and
be ready for distribution in a few days.
8
On motion, the meeting then proceeded to elect a President
and ten Directors for the ensuing year.
Hon. K. R. Bridgers was unanimously elected President, and
the following stockholders were elected Directors: Wm. A.
Wright, A. J. DeRosset, George Harriss, C. H. Brogden, W.
H. Willard, George Howard, W. T. Walters, B. F. Newcomer,
S. M. Shoemaker and J. D. Cameron.
On motion, it was resolved that the next annual meeting be
held in Wilmington on the first Tuesday after the third Monday
in November, 1877.
The meeting then adjourned.
W. H. BATTLE, Chairman.
J. W. Thompson, Secretary.
Wilmington, N. C, November 21st, 1876.
To the Stockholders of the ^yibnington, Coluntibia & Avgusta
Hail Road Company :
Gentlemen :—The President and Directors submit tlie fol-loM^
ing report, showing the operations of the Koad for the year
ending the 30th of September last ; also, those of the Wilming-ton
& Weldon Rail Road for same time.
The Reports of the Superintendents of the two Roads, and
the Treasurer, and Auditor, will show the details of the opera-tions
and their financial condition.
Earnings, $1,137,009 91
Expenses, 758,265 24
Net, $378,744 68
which is less than the preceding year.
For three years there has been a diminution in the receipts
of the roads, caused by general business depression and exces-sively
low rates of transportation at several of the competitive
points.
During the past two years, while there has been a constant
decline in the price of cotton and naval stores, giving the pro-ducer
less money to spend in travelling and for supplies and other
articles, there has been a large increase in the production of
corn, wheat, and meats, to that extent diminishing freight
receipts.
On the Wilmington, Columbia & Augusta Rail Road there
has been a very great diminution in forest products, especially
lO
naval stores, lumber, timber and staves, from wliieli, previous
to 1874, the largest freight revenues were derived. In addi-tion
to this, necessity has taught some very rigid lessons in
economy, that have diminished inward freights ; and which, if
continued, must improve the financial condition of the country
that will increase railroad business.
It is a noticeable fact that sections of the South that have
grown their own supplies are more prosperous than those that
have grown cotton and purchased the former, and have not
been affected to the same extent by the great financial depres-sion.
The burning of the warehouse at Marion, with its freiu-ht
contents, cost the Company $9,046.30; the purchase of two
postal cars $5,514.88. It has been usual to buy iron on such
time that the greater portion fell due in the succeeding year,
and was charged when paid. This year it was bought on short
time, thus throwing the payment of the greater part of two
years into the present year. If these items be taken into
account, the net is about the same as the past year, and
there has been a diminution of expenses in proportion to dimi-nution
of receipts.
The removal of the Depot from the West to the East side of
the Cape Fear River has been completed, with the exception of
some quantity'^of wharf filling, which can be done in the leis-ure
months of next summer, at comparatively small cost. This
change saves the maintenance of six miles of track, one and a
half of which is trestle, also considerable expense of supervi-sion
and clerical force, with increased facilities and convenience
to shippers. The transfer of freights at the Union De])ot,
made necessary by tracks of different gauge, has been provided
for at the joint local station, where increased facilities and con-centration
will make a saving of expense. The new Passenger
Shed, on Front Street, is a very great convenience to the City,
and being nearer the shops and offices, renders it much easier
of an eflicient and more economical supervision, and is a great
improv^ement on the old Union Depot.
The shops have been transferred from the West side of the
II
River to Florence, and are completed, with the exception of the
Round House, which will soon be finished. These shops are
well planned—the arrangements are so complete that the sav-ing
in labor, as compared with the old shops, will pay a consid-erable
part of the interest in the cost of removal.
There has been filled 4,750 lineal feet of trestle, requiring /
169,078 cubic yards of earth. The filling of the trestle will
not be done as soon as was expected, but judging from the ex-perience
had, will cost less. Very soon all the heavier filling
will be done West of the Wateree River. On this river is the
heaviest work to be done, and it will be commenced about the
first of December, and, under the most favorable circumstances,
will require the most of the year, it being four miles long, and
from fifteen to thirty feet high, containing nearly one-half of
the work to be done. When these trestles are filled it will
make a large saving in working expenses ; the annual expense
being about $2,000 per mile.
The machinery, rolling-stock, and road-bed are all in good
condition, with an improved track.
There are from thirty-five to forty miles of rails that have
been in the track, in each road, from twenty to thirty years.
While it seems quite as strong as the new rail, judging from
actual experience, the bars are short and wearing out very fast,
and unless removed as soon as worn, jjreatlv increase the ex-pense
in keeping up track, engines and cars.
If we had the means, it would be more economical to remove
tliis iron at an early day ; but in view of the limited resources,
it may be best not to purchase more than 3,000 tons for the two
roads for this year, and a like amount for next year, after wliich
not more than 800 or 900 tons to the road per annum, will be
required. A rough track is always expensive and should be
avoided if possible.
There has been produced a very full supply of corn, and a
laro-e increase in wheat and meats, which must cause further
diminution in receipts, which it is believed will be more than
met by the saving made in discontinuing six miles of track,
moving shops, depot, and filling trestles.
12
The Roads pass through a good agricultural country, which
if properly developed, would give them such a business as
would make them very profitable. While the development and
increase of production has not been as fast as was expected, it
has been constant, but not as rapid as new railroads have been
built.
The great problems in making railroad investments pay in
the development of the country, is to get fair compensation for
transportation by stopping ruinous competition and practice the
greatest economy. The first will probably be the work of time,
while the two latter can be begun as soon as railroad managers
will agree on a wiser plan of management.
In these two Roads there is no prospect of increase of busi-ness,
but it is believed that further saving in expenses can be
made.
Respectfully submitted,
R. R. BRIDGERS,
President.
statement of Expenditures of the Wilmington^ Columbia
& Augusta Rail Itoad, for the Year ending
September SOth, 1874.
Conducting Transportation.
Advertising 1,057 41
Agents and Assistants at Stations 21,296 40
Agents Soliciting 22,185 83
Brakemen 10,202 59
Car Cleaning and Inspecting 2,116 92
Car Furniture and Fixtures 495 20
Car Service 117 17
Clerks 9,738 69
Conductors and Baggage Masters 11,273 80
Dispatchers and Yard Masters 2,060 01
Drawback and Allowance 12,858 14
Expenses of Stations, except Labor 282 75
Fuel for Stations 75 00
Fuel for Cars 396 75
Incidentals 4,965 03
Labor at Stations 15,774 70
Light at Stations 1,667 17
Light for Cars 553 62
Loss and Damage 20,458 71
Mail Service 612 50
Office Furniture 102 20
Personal Injury 250 00
Printing and Stationery 6,267 11
Revenue and Postage Stamps 350 64
Stations, repairs of, and Rent 654 71
Master of Transportation 2,093 75
Stock Killed 4,596 35
Switchmen 198 25
Telegraph Expenses, including Operators 2,531 33
Watchmen 3,439 87
Wrecking 401 12
Total $159,073 72
Maintenance of Cars.
Cars, Passenger and Baggage, repairs of 15,269 30
Cars, Express, repairs of 1,061 83
Cars, Freight, repairs of 24,806 03
Cars, Mail, repairs of 1,531 55
Car Shops and Sheds, repairs of 212 09
Superintendent 984 00
Incidentals 401 32
Oil, Waste and Packing 3,942 65
Tools and Repairs of Tools 676 54
Total $48,885 31
Motive Power.
Engineers and Firemen 34,764 54
Fuel for Locomotives 29,837 77
Fuel for Shops 1,135 25
Incidentals 791 64
Locomotive Engines, repairs of 24,274 53
Oil and Tallow 4,514 92
Patterns and Tools, repairs of 1,590 92
Shops and Engine Houses, repairs of 196 52
Shop Machinery, repairs of 471 33
Waste and Packing 495 08
Watchmen and Engine Wipers 2,638 09
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, repairs of . .
.
2,289 90
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, labor at 2,727 09
Total $105,727 57
Mainten^ance of Roadway.
Ballast 229 35
Bridges and Trestles, repairs of 10,053 73
Cars, Road, repairs of 365 49
Cross-Ties 25,181 18
Depot Grounds and Buildings, repairs of 2,106 06
Division Houses, repairs of 859 64
Frogs and Switches, repairs of 1,124 26
Incidentals 669 69
Iron Rails 7,111 87
Joints and Chairs 9,527 03
Oil, Tallow, Waste, &c 67 82
Platforms and Road Crossings, repairs of 1,394 55
Road-Bed, repairs of 8,034 54
Spikes 2,170 76
Subsistence 13,988 08
Superintendence 17,755 23
Tools and repairs of Tools 1,708 13
Track, repairs of 32,859 88
Turntables, repairs of 375 46
Watchmen 1,293 64
Building Cut Off, Meares' Bluff 8,353 93
Total $145,230 32
General Expenses.
Legal Expenses 2,042 90
Miscellaneous Expenses 930 32
Printing and Stationery 509 95
Salaries of Officers 14,958 27
Maintenance of Ferry 870 30
Traveling Expenses 1,252 46
Taxes—State, Municipal and County 21,948 22
Total $42,512 42
Recapitulation^ of Opeeating Expenses.
Conducting Transportation $159,073 72
Motive Power 105 727 57
Maintenance of Cars 48'885 31
Maintenance of Roadway 145,230 32
General Expenses 42,512 42
Total $501,429 34
F. H. GORDON,
Auditor.
•uptrintrniitnt's Jltport.
Wilmington, CoLrMBiA <fe Augusta Rail Eoad Co.,
General Superintendents Office^
Wilmington, JS\ C, Sept. 30tli. 1876.
Hon. R. R. Bridgers, Prendent Wilnnington, Cohnrdy'ia &
Augusta Rail Road
:
Sir—I res])ectfully submit my annual report of tlie opera-tions
of the road for the fiscal year ending September 30tl),
1876.
THE GROSS EARNINGS ARE
From Through Passengers $78,486 33
" Way " 58,018 97—$136,455 29
" Throuorh Freight $167,101 50
" Way Freight 190,954 55—$364,056 05
" Express Freight $4,373 94
" United States Mails 55,21152
" CTOvernment Transportation, 542 51
" Minor Sources, - 1,67180
Total receipts from all sources $532,311 11
or, $2,816 46 per mile of road, a decrease of
$324 36 per mile, as comi^ared with the year
previous.
THE EXPENDITURES ARE
Conducting Transportation .\ . $108,073 05
Motive Power 73,444 40
Maintenance of Cars 49.022 28
" Roadway 142.040 05
General Expenses 19,963 80
Total operating expenses, $392,543 58
Leaving a balance of $139,707 53
Less State, City and County Taxes, 23,133 60
Net Receipts, $116 633 93
In the above operatino; expenses is included the cost (jf liaul-
^"o 5?384 tons of material fV>r rebuilding of shops at Florence,
^4
on account of removal from Wilmin<^ton to that place ; also
the cost of four new Postal and Bao-gag-e Cars, purchased from
the Wilmington & Weldon Kail Road Company at a cost of
$11,544.88.
Maintenance of Way is also charged $48,10472 for new
rails and fastenings, a portion of which were used the previous
year ; also building a new warehouse at Marion, to replace
old one destroyed by fire, at a cost of $3,200.00.
The expenditures on Construction during the year were as
follows
:
Amount paid to Contractor for rebuilding Shops at
Florence $11,000 00
Amount paid for Steel Rail, rebuilding Passenger
and Freight Depots, Grading and Track Laying,
Pile Driving, and other Wharf Improvements at
Wilmington 43,143 89
Amount paid for Filling Trestles, including amount
paid for Steam Excavator and Cars, 25,483 11
Total amount paid on Construction, $78,627 00
The tonnage transported during the year, exclusive of the
materials used for new shops at Florence, is
Through Freight 75,211 tons, at $2.32 per ton.
Way " 39,557i " " 4.97.8 per ton.
Total Tonnage, 114,768^ tons, a decrease of 8,035 tons.
ROAD DEPARTMENT.
During the past year the road has been permanently improved
by the filling of several of the most dangerous trestle>s on the
line. Early in March a steam Excavator and two trains of
dump cars were provided for the purpose. We commenced
operations on the 16th of March, and have been in almost con-stant
operation since, working successfully night and day. The
work performed up to the present, has been done at a cost of 8
cents per cubic yard, exclusive of cost of machinery. We have
filled in the aggregate 4,750 lineal feet of trestle, containing
169,078 cubic yards of earth. We have expended on machinery^
cars and labor, $25,483. 11. The actual cost of the work done,
exclusive of machinery and cars, has been 5.2 cents per cubic
yard ; including machinery and cars the total work has cost
15.07 cents per cubic yard, showing a saving, as compared with
15
liand labor, for the same class of worl:, greater than the entire
cost of niacliinerj and cars.
The general repairs in this departnu-nt have been fully kept
lip. The improvement in the road bed has been continued as
far as practicable, and it is now generally in good condition.
We have laid, during the year, 400 tons of new rail, 34 new
frogs, 83,459 cross ties, and used in repairs of trestles and
building al)utments, 776,893 feet of timljer.
On the first of November the freight warehouse at Marion,
containing 108 bales of cotton, caught lire from some unknown
cause, and was completely destroyed, with its contents. A sub-stantial
brick building has been erected in its place at a- cost of
$3,200.00.
The changes and improvements at the Wilmington terminus,
are nearly completed, the cost of which is set forth in construc-tion
account.
During the coming year at least 1,500 tons of new rail will
be necessar}'^ to keep the Road in a safe condition.
CAR DEPARTMENT.
The principle additions made to the stock in this department
are four new postal and baggage cars, purchased from the Wil-mington
& AVeldon Co., and the completion of two parlor cars,
which were mostly built the previous year; one of these cars has
been turned over to the Wilmington & Weldon Co., in part
payment of the four postal cars furnished us. We have con-structed
two trains of dump cars, to be used in filling up the
trestles on the line. No. 3 first class passenger car has been
rel)uilt, and No. 2. thoi'oughly repaired and repainted; also one
baggage car, seven box and two flat cars rebuilt. The Road
Department has had built six new section cars, and one crank
car. In addition to the above, we have repainted one first class
and three express and two second class cars, also twenty-four box
cars.
Three of the Pullman Sleepers are now undergoing heavy re-pairs,
and two others, Nos. 13 and 14, will require the same.
286 new wheels have been used in car repaii-s during the
year, against 472 the year previous.
i6
On the 1st of November last an aeei<]ent oecnrred to a freight
train near Pee Dee, wliich destroyed seven cars, the property of
the Georgia Rail Uoad Company. To replace these we built
seven new ones in our shops, which have been turned over to
that Company.
Durino- the coniino; vear it will be necessary to build fifteen
or twenty new box cars, to make up broken numbers which
have been worn out or destroyed. With the exception of
the accident referred to above, our trains have been run with
the greatest regularity and success, no accident whatever having
occurred to any of our passenger trains.
MOTIVE POWER.
The present stock of motive power has been equal to the
demand of our business.
We have had no accidents to any of our locomotives during
the year, wliich, together with the decrease in value of material
and labor, has considerably reduced the cost of maintenance.
The following number of locomotives have been well repair-ed,
viz: Nos. 7, 9, 13, 19, 22, 26, 28, 29 and 5; the balance are
in fair running condition, with the exception of IS^os. 4 and 8,
which require heavy repairs.
The stationary engine which drives the shop machinery has
also been thoroughly repaired.
The number of miles run during the year is as follows :
Miles run by Passenger Engines, 21 5,506
u a a Freight " 214,050
Road Service, 8,32
1
Construction Trains, 19,71
1
Switching, 47^539
Total number of miles run by Engines, 505,127
Average number of miles run to one cord of Wood, . . 50-32
" " " " " pint Oil, 41.42
Cost per mile run for Repairs, 2.5
1
" " Fuel, 4 00
Engineers, Firemen and Cleaners, 5 -41
Stores, 46
Total cost per mile run, 12.38 cents.
17
WORK SHOPS."
On the I5tli of May the contract for the removal of our
workshops from Wihnington to Florence was awarded to R. B.
Wood, Esq., of "Wilmington. He connnenced work on the
22d, and has pushed it ahead with a reasonable degree of dis-patch.
The main buildings are all nearly completed, and it is
hoped that early in January the round-house will also be com-pleted.
The machine and blacksmith shops were put in operation
in August, and are now in full running order. The car shops
and foundry will be started in a few days, as soon as the neces-sary
repairs are completed on tlie stationary engine Avjiich is to
drive them. The round-house has been provided with a new
iron turn-tal)le, 50 feet long, built by Wm. Sellers S: Co., of
Philadelphia. When completed these shops will have every
convenience necessary to carry on work with comfort and dis-patch,
which will no doubt result in a vast saving, as compared
with the old esta!)lishment.
Respectfully submitted,
JAS. ANDERSON,
Superintendent.
qo
juperintmirent's Btpcrt,
Wilmington and Weldon Rail Road Company,
General Superintendents Office.
Wilmington, N. C, ISTov. 21st, 1876.
Hon, R. R. Bridgers, President, Wilmington <& Weldon R. R.
Sir—I have tlie honor to submit my fifth cannual statement of
tlie operations of this Company for the fiscal year ending Sep-tember
30th, 1876:
RECEIPTS AXD EXPENDITURES.
RECEIPTS
From through passengers $110,995 63
" local passengers 90,743 4G—1201,738 09
" through freight 174,385 90
" local freight 184,779 50— 359,165 40
" express 7,374 17
" U. S. mails 28,886 00
" CTOverninent transportat'n 500 21
" miscellaneous sources. . . . 7,034 93-$604,698 80
EXPENDITURES.
By conducting transportation... $ 83,252 86
'" motive power 82, 125 81
" maintenance of cars 48,939 15
" maintenance of roadway 133,467 41
" general expenses 17,936 43-$365,721 66
Leaving balance in favor of net receipts, $238,977 14
Equal to 60^ per cent, cost of oiierating.
19
The receipts and expenditures compared with the previous
year's business is as follows
:
Decrease from passengers $ 8,810 86
freight 44,581 41
'• " Gov. transportation.
.
410 06
U.S. mails 4,926 73-|58, 729 06
Increase " exjjress 255 59
" '* miscellaneous sources 1,876 92--$ 2,132 51
Making total decrease in receipts. . .
.
|56,596 55
Decrease in conducting transportat'n$22,583 75
" " motive power 1,990 26
" maintenance of roadway 5,730 47—$30,304 48
Increase " maintenance of cars 3,001 09
" general expenses 1,238 95— 4,240 04
Making total decrease in expenditures, 26,064 44
And a decrease in net receipts of. .
.
$30,532 11
EOADWAY DEPAETMENT.
The repairs in this departmejit have been fully maintained,
and the Roadway is in as good condition as in any previous year,
notwithstanding the fact that there is a decrease of $5,730 47
in the cost of operating same.
We have done nothing in way of ballasting since December
last, at which time the trains and hands engaged in this work
were transferred to Wilmington, to assist in lowering the grade
from the old depot on the Cape Fear River, to the Union Depot,
which has been reduced from 106 to 52 feet to the mile, and
in laying the numerous tracks necessary for the transaction of
our business, occasioned by the removal of the Union Depot to
Nutt Street.
..We have also extended out onr water front in Wilmington a
considerable distance, by using the dirt taken from the grade,
thereby not only increasing our facilities for handling freight
direct from vessels, but also giving us more yard room and adding
to the value of the Company's property.
During the year we have put in the track 1 100 tons new 56
pound iron rail, and 200 tons of steel rail, 100 of which was used
in the yard tracks at Wilmington, the other 100 tons at Weldon.
Deducting this 1300 tons from the amount of old worn rails in
track leaves us, at the present time, with about 40 miles of the
20
light rail still in use, wliicli is rapidly wearing away nnder the
heavy trains we are now running.
There is also a considerable portion of the 56 pound rail,
Avhich was put in service six, eight and ten years ago, that is also
badly worn.
For the coming year I would most respectfully recommend
the purchase of at least 2000 tons of new 56 pound rail.
The brick warehouse at Rocky Mount containing the neces-sary
agent's office and reception room for passengers, has been
completed. This gives us sufficient wareroom and passenger
accommodations for years to come, at this station. We are also
building a cotton platform at Wilson, which will be completed
in a short time.
During the year we have purchased and put in the track
69,829 cross ties, costing, on an average, about 26 cents per tie.
For the repairs of bridges and trestles we have used about
142,000 feet of timber.
MACHINERY DEPARTMENT.
AVith the exception of the tools mentioned in my last annual
report to you, tliis branch of the Road is in excellent order.
Owing to the dull season we have just passed through, and the
scarcity of money, I did not feel authorized to purchase any new
machinery for the shops, although we are badly in need of some.
I trust with increased receipts and your permission, during the
coming year to be able to replace at least a few of the old tools.
We have rebuilt one locomotive during the year, to replace an
old one, which is equal, in many respects to those purchased
direct from the manufacturers.
Below please find statements of the locomotive performance
as furnished by Master Machinist's Report:
Miles run by Passf nprer en^rines 12.'),883
" Freitrht " Si^.^TB
" Shiftinf? " 3!),2-2:$
" " Conistructinf; " 17,824
" Gravel " «.248
Total miles run 383,751
21
Cost per mile for repairs in cents 2.53
Fael " 4.35
Stores " 0.84
" " E. F. & Wipers in cents 5.68
" " all other expenses in cents 1.14
Total cost per mile run in cents 14.54
1^0 addition to our cars have been made, in way of l)uilding
new ones, all repairs have been kept up and our passen<i;er and
freight equipment are in as good condition as will be found on
any road. The Parlor cars have been completed and put in
service. The annexed statement, I think, shows conclusively
that they have proved a success, notwithstanding they were run
.only a part "of the year.
Cost of two Parlor cars ^12.500 00
* " " one Parlor car (i,0()0 00
Total cost of three Parlor cars $18,500 00
Receipts from sale of seats in cars from November 24th, 1875,
to Anjiust 1876 |6,126 56
Less porter hire and other minor expenses 475 00
Making net receii>ts of cars $5,651 56
Equal to 80i per cent, on the investment.
* Tliis car was received in exct ange for two Postal cars with the Wilminijton
Columbia & Aui;usta Rail Road. The Postal cars cost us this amount.
I will here state that the Parlor cars were not run as extra
cars attached to the train, but supplied the place of first-class
coaches which were taken off, and the Parlor cars used instead,
thereby increasing the expenses so far only as the hireing of
porters. We have always been obliged to run two first-class
coaches on our day passenger trains.
Below please find statement of Passenger and Freight equip-ments
:
PASSENGER EQUIPMENT. I FREIGHT EQUIPMENT.
First-class passenger coaches. .Ill Box cars 221
Second-class passenger coaches 8iPlatform cars 129
Mail, ba};e:a^e and express cars SjCrravel cars 20
Mail and baff^a^e cars 2
Express cars 3
Paymaster's cars 1
Postal cars 1
Parlor cars 3
Total 321 370
Note.—Last year we reported three postal cars, this year only
one, two of them having been exchanfjed for one parlor car with
Wilminjiton, Cokiuibia & Aut^usta Rail Road Co. There were also
two small express cars transferi-ed into freight cars.
TRANSPOPwTATION DEPARTMENT.
The business of this department sliows a decrease of $56,-
596.55 ; of this amount S44. 5 8 1.4 1 is from freight. The season
just passed has been no doubt the most unprofitable, in way of
freights, that Southern roads have passed thi'ough for many
years.
The expenses are $22,583.75, less than last year. At present
I regret to say that I see no bright prospect ahead for much
increase in our revenue for the coming year ; but since the cou-solidatioii
of the freiglit depots, and other changes lately made,
I am certain tliat the business at this point can be done at less
expense than heretofore. With our receipts the same and by
exercising strict economy in this, as .well as the other depart-ments,
we shall be able to increase the net receipts for coming
years.
The trains, both passenger and freight, have run with their
usual regularity, no accident of any importance having hap-pened
during the year.
It is now going on the third year since we have missed a
connection on our regular passenger trains.
In this respect I am proud to say, that we have gained abroad
a reputation equaled by few and excelled by no other line.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. DIVINE,
Siqyerin tendent.
24
Statement of the Financial Condition, of the Wilmington^ Co-
Construction and property account $4,337,634 35
Equipment account 532.435 58
Six engines in service on W. & W. R. R.
.
70,500 00
Land account 1,113 00—$4,941,682 93
Stock in Cheraw & Salisbury Rail Road.
.
15,847 61
" Wilmington Railway B. Co 10,000 00
" Pioneer S. Boat Co. (p'd on acc't) 4,026 03
" Chester & Lenoir J^arrow Gauge
Rail Road Company 347 10— $30,220 74
ASSETS.
Bills receivable 1,199 40
Due from Postofflce Department 6,302 87
" Southern E.xoress Company... 341 22
" Agents \ '.. .. 10,469 94
" ex-Agents 12,221 26
" Rail Road and Steamboat Cos. 58,615 09
" Individuals 8,75195
Wil.Rail'y Bridge Co., (expenses) 38.701 46
Steamer Isis 13,496 58
New iron rails 23,472 00
Anticipated interest 112,000 00
Cash 16,363 68— 301,935 45
Profit and Loss 161,419 03
$5,435,258 15
WiLMixGTOX, N. C, Sept. 30th, 1876.
Statement Showing the Business of the W. C. d; A. B.
Assets at commencement of year $ 257,095 44
RECEIPTS.
From Freight $364,056 05
" Passengers 136,455 29
" Southern express 4,373 94
" U. S. mails 25,21152
" United States 542 51
" Minor sources 1,67180— 533,31111
" W. & W. R. R. Co., net sales of bonds. 15,052 50
" N. E. R. R. Co., balance due Gr. G.
Hull receiver 19102— 15,243 52
Funded debt increased 336,000 00
$1,140,650 07
25
luinhia and A iigiista Rail Road Company^ September 30, 1 876.
Capital stock $ 300,000 00
First mortgapre bonds 18.200.000 00
Incouie bonds 600,000 00
Certiticate of indebtedness 83(5,000 00— 4,186,000 00
FLOATING DEBT.
Bills payable due to Southern Railway
Security Company 826,000 00
Bills payable due to individuals 45,875 00
Due Wii. Railway Bridge Co. (receipts)..
.
34,858 95
J)ue on pay roll 15,273 J)9
Due unpaid men 570 74
Due other comi^anies and individuals . .
77,184 47— 999,258 15
$5,435,258 15
F. H. GORDON, Auditor.
R. Co., for the Fiscal Year ending Sept. ^oth, 1876.
Paid operating expenses:
Conducting transportation $107,078 05
Motive power 73,444 40
Maintenance of cars 49,022 28
Maintenance of roadway 142.040 05
General expenses ' 19,963 80—$ 392,543 58
Paid taxes this year 23,133 60
Paid on construction and property account:
Real estate, moving shops to Florence, and
change of depot 50.524 45
Steam excavator and filling trestle 26,514 48 - 77,038 93
Paid judgment to S. C. R. R. Co., for main-tenance
of Camden Junction 2,369 71
Other accounts charged to profit and loss.
.
169 83
Reduced floating debt 51.968 02— 54,507 56
Coupons, interest and discount 291,490 95
Assets at close of the year 301,935 45
$1,140,650 07
J. W. THOMPSON, rreasarer.
26
Statement of the Financial Condition of the Wilmington
ASSETS.
Railroad and appurtenances, including
cost of construction, &c $3,252,320 19
New equipment 75,890 23—$3,328,210 42
Stock in Wilmington Railway Bridge Co. 10,000 00
Stock in Wil. and Weldon Rail Road Co.. 3.900 00— 13,900 00
Bills Receivable 960 74
Amt due from Postoffice Department. . .
.
7,317 50
" " Southern Express Co 422 01
" " other companies 22,637 85
Individuals 3,095 19
" " Agents in service. $2,454 55
Agts out of service. 19,510 45 21,971 00
Wil. Railway Bridge Co... 26,604 76
" of suspense account 2,066 31
" of cash in hand 6,476 39— 91,45175
J,433,562 17
Wilmington, N. C, Sept. 30th, 1876.
Statement showing the husiness of the Wilmington and Weldon
Assets at commencement of the year $104,712 87
RECEIPTS.
From freight $359,165 40
" passengers 201,738 09
" U.S. mails 28,886 00
" Southern Express 7,374 17
" United States 500 21
" minor sources 7,034 93—004.698 80
Interest 4,815 70
Net sales of $15,000 of bonds 15,052 50
Sale of Steamer Vesta 3,000 00— 22,868 20
Increased debt. 7,702 22
$739,982 09
27
and Weldon Rail Road Company, Septemher 2,0th, 1876.
IiIABILITIES.
Capital stock, 14,562 shares per value $100
each $1,456,200 00
FUNDED DEBT.
6 ^ cent, sterling bonds payable in London
in 1881, £129,740 at $5 per pound $648,700 00
7 "jy cent, sterling bonds payable in London
in 1886, £44,280, at $0 per pound 221,400 00
7 f> cent, gold interest bonds payable in
New York in 1896 749,000 00— 1.619,100 00
FLOATIXG DEBT.
Due individuals and other Companies 8,920 67
Unpaid dividends 6,776 00
Due on payrolls 13,108 19
Due unpaid men 295 97
Due Wil. Columbia & Augusta R. R. lessee 2,216 51— 31,317 34
Profit and loss 326,944 83
$3,433,562 17
F. H. GORDON, Auditor.
Rail Road Co., for the Fiscal Yea?' ending Sept. 2>oth, 1876
OPERATING EXPENSES.
Conducting transportation $ 83,252 86
Motive power 82,125 81
Maintenance of cars 48,939 15
Maintenance of Roadway 133,467 41
General expenses 17,936 43— $365,721 66
Coupons, interest and discount 119,933 61
Seven per cent, dividends for rental 101,601 00— 221,594 61
Judgment for personal damage 592 16
Judgment for land, damages and other
items chare:ed to profit and loss 1,187 50
Paid on construction and propei'ty account
for real estate and improvements 44,381 91
Paid W. C. & A. R. R. Co.. lessee net sales
of $15,000 of bonds 15,052 50— 61,214 07
Assets at the close of the year 91,451 75
$739,982 09
J. W. THOMPSON, Treasurer.
Note—$23,47:2.00 for lialance clue on account of iron rails used this year to be
chari^ed ni the next year's accounts.
28
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Statement showing the Earnings of the Wilmington d; Wddon
for Mails, dec, from Souihern Express Company, Col-
Throiujh Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
Railroad at eash Agency j also receipts from ZTnitecl States
lections hy Conductors^ and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending September ^oth^ 1876.
Statement shoioing the Earnings of the Wilmmgton <& Weldon
for Mails, cfec, from Southey^ni Express Company, Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
Ttailroad at each Agency ; also receipts from United States
lections hy Co)iductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending September ^oth^ 1876.
ROSE HILL.
Statement showing the Earnings of the Wilmington & Weldon
for Mails^ (&G.^ from Southern Express Company^ Coh
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
liailroad at each Agency ', also receipts from United States
lections hy Conductors^ and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending Septemher ^oth, 1876.
GOLDSBOKO'.
Statement showing the Earnings of the Wilmington dt Weldon
for Mails^ dec, from Southern Exjyress Company, Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
Railroad at each Agency / also receipts from United States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending September 30^A, 1 876.
TAKBORO'.
10
Statement sTiowing the Earnings of the Wilmington cfc Weldon
for Mails^ disc.
, from Southern Express Company^ Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
11
Railroad at each Agency ; also receipts from ZTnited States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending September ^oth, 1876.
WELDOK
12
Statement showing the Earnings of the Wilmi7igton & Weldon
for Mails, dtc, from Southern Express Company, Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
13
Railroad at each Agency ; also receipts from United States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending Septemher 2,oih, 1 876.
Conductors and
Special Trains.
14
Statement showing the Receipts of the Wilmington, Columhia <&
and Passengers I also emhracing Receipts from United
of I'hrough Tickets hy Other Roads, for the
15
Augusta Rail Road Company at each Agency, from, Freights
States, Express, Conductors, Minor Sources, and Sales
Fiscal Year ending September y^th, 1876.
16
Statement showing the Receipts of the Wilmington, Columbia &
and Passengers,, also emhracing Receipts from United
of Through Tickets hy Other Roads, for the
17
Augusta Rail Road Company at each Agency^ frorn Freights
States, hxpress, Conductors', Minor Sources, and Sales
Fiscal Year ending September ^oth, 1876.
PEE DEE.
18
Statement showing the Receipts of the Wilmington, Columhia <&
and Passe-ngers I also emhradng Receipts from United
of Through Ticlaets hy Other Roads, for the
19
Augusta Rail Road Company at eacli Agency^ from Freights
States, Express, Conductors, Minor Sources, and Sales
Fiscal Year ending September 30^A, 1876.
LYNCHBURG.
20
Statement showing the Receipts of the ]V{h)iington , Cfjlumhia dk
and Passenger's, also ernhracing Receipts from United
of 2'hrough Tickets hy Other Roads, for the
21
Augusta Rail Road Company at each Agency, from Freights
States, Express, Conductors, Minor Sources, and' Sales
Fiscal Year ending Septemher T,oth, 1876.
COLUMBIA.
22
Statement s/iowhu/ t/ie I?eeej)t^ of the Wilmingto?), Columhia c&
and Passengers ; also ejuhracing lieceipts from United
of Through Tk'kets by Other lioads^for the
23
Avfjvsta Rail Road Company at each Agency, from FreiyJUs
States Eicpress, CondactorH^ Minor Sourceit^ and Salea
FtHcal Year ending Septemher yyth, 1876,
WATEREE STEAMERS. CHARixrrrE Col. <fe Aug. R. R.
24
RECAPITULATION.
Freight
:
Throui^li $167,101 50
Local .". 196,954 55
$364,056 05
Passensrer
:
Throu^li $ 78,436 32
Local.". 58,018 97
136,455 29
United States Mail 25,211 52
Transportation of United States Troops and
Freisjlit 542 51
Express Freight 4,373 94
Minor Sources 1,671 80
$532,311 11
F. 11. GORDON,
Auditor.
•25
Statement of Expenditures of the Wilmi?igton ColiimMa &
Augusta Rail Road, for the Year ending Se/pt. "^oth, 1876.
Conducting Transportation.
Advertising $ 2,484 13
Agents and Assistants at Stations 15,1)32 33
Agents, Soliciting 8,028 82
Brakenien 6,317 52
Car Cleaning and Inspecting 1,343 69
Car Fnrnitnre and Fixtnres 32 00
Car Service 2,824 09
Clerks • .
.
10,547 77
Conductors and Baggage Masters 7,229 65
Dispatchers and Yard Masters 434 00
Drawback and Allowance 4,156 67
Expenses of Stations, except Labor 705 97
Fuel for Stations 58 15
Watchmen 3,969 28
Incidentals 1,755 89
Labor at Stations 10,520 27
Light at Stations 771 22
Light for Cars 856 51
Loss and Damage 14,273 40
Mail Service 815 80
Office Furniture 125 93
Personal Injur}^ 54 00
Printing and Stationery 4,482 87
Revenue and Postage Stamps 344 42
Stations repairs of, and Rent 267 00
Master of Transportation 1,999 92
Stock Killed 2,777 49
Switchmen 1,266 92
Telegraph Expenses, including Operators 3,383 29
Wrecking 314 07
Total $108,073 05
Maintenance of Cars.
Cars, Passenger and Baggage, repairs of 23,352 54
Cai's, Express, repairs of 4,104 22
Cars, Freight, repairs of 11,528 83
Cars, Mail, repairs of 3,890 91
Car Shops and Sheds repairs of 67 59
Fuel for Stoves 743 00
Incidentals 511 68
Oil, Waste and Packing 4,362 61
Superintendence 310 00
Tools and Repairs of Tools 150 90
Total $49,022 28
26
Motive Power.
Engineers and Firemen $24,053 61
Fuel for Locomotives 22,656 01
Fuel for Shops 1,752 40
Incidentals 194 50
Locomotive Engines, repairs of 12,437 36
Oil and Tallow" 2,674 04
Patterns and Tools, repairs of 1,571 08
Shops and Engine Houses, repairs of 692 53
Shop Machinery, repairs of 655 89
Superintendence 310 00
Waste and Packing 378 04
Watchmen and Engine Wipers 2,665 96
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, labor at 3,290 64
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, repairs of 112 34
Total $73,444 40
Maintenance of Koadway.
Bridges and Trestles, repairs of 14,119 20
Cars, Iload, repairs of 151 51
Subsistence 8,716 04
Crossties 23,205 44
Depot Grounds and P)uildings, repairs of 6,069 07
Division Houses, repairs of 1,022 72
Frogs and Switches, repairs of 1,276 29
Incidentals 12 72
Iron Eails 48,104 72
Joints and Chairs 2,249 62
Platforms and Road-Crossings, repairs of 46 82
Road-Bed, repairs of 3,112 85
Spikes 643 72
Superintendence and Supervisors 684 90
> Tools and repairs of Tools 896 80
^ Track, repairs of 30,029 37
Turntables, repairs of 405 36
Watchmen 1,293 80
Total $142,040 05
General Expenses.
Traveling Expenses 955 57
Legal Expenses 3,323 91
Miscellaneous Expenses 1,960 79
Printing and Stationerv 223 75
Salaries Of Officers . . .
." 13,499 78
Taxes—State, Municipal and County 23,133 6(»
Total 43,097 40
27
Recapitulation of Opekating Exkenses.
Conducting Transportation $108,073 05
Motive Power 73,444 40
Maintenance of Cars, 49,022 28
Maintenance of Roadway 142,040 05
General Expenses 43,097 40
Total $415,677 18
28
/Statement of Expenditures of the Wilmington & Weldon
Rail Road^for the Year ending Sept. 2)Ot/i, 1876.
CONDUCTING TRANSPORTATION.
Advertising $ 2,373 04
Agents and Assistants at Stations 17,014 33
Agents, Soliciting 7,859 14
Brakemen 4,988 50
Car Cleaning and Inspecting 658 27
Car Furniture and Fixtures v)7 27
Car Service 1,584 07
Clerks G,439 59
Conductors and Baggage Masters 7,648 75
Drawback and Allowance 3,872 77
Expenses of Stations, except Labor 1,071 86
Incidentals 2,924 55
Labor at Stations 9,145 09
Li. ht at Stations 782 96
Light for Cars 628 92
Loss and Dtimage 1, 184 79
Mail Service 459 35
Office Furniture • 215 80
Personal Injury, 1,770 34
Printing and Stationery 3,653 79
Revenue and Postage Stamps 229 85
Stations Repairs of, and Rent 550 83
Superintendence. 1.620 00
Stock Killed 513 35
Switchmen 802 73
Telegraph Expenses, including Operators 427 94
Wrecking 459 94
Watchmen 4,275 04
Total $83,252 86
MAINTENANCE OF CARS.
Cars, Passenger and Baggage, repairs of 24,165 82
Cars, Express, repairs of 1.592 06
Cars, Freight, repairs of 17.661 50
Cars, Mail, repairs of 1,147 94
Car Shops and Sheds, repairs of 500 51
Fuel for Stoves 491 50
Incidentals 170 81
Oil, Waste and Packing 2,451 23
Superintendence 405 00
Tools and Repairs of Tools 352 78
Total 48,939 15
29
MOTIVE POWER.
Engineers find Firemen 19,067 64
Fuel for Locomotives 29,849 94
Fuel for Shops 3,491 79
Incidentals 415 94
Locomotive Engines, repairs of 18,773 45
Oiland Tallow 3,345 12
Patterns and Tools, repairs of 1,456 14
Shops and Engine Houses, repairs of 65 35
Shops, Machinery, repairs of 515 90
Superintendence 532 00
Waste and Packing 332 18
Watchmen and Engine Wipers 978 13
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, repairs of 1,080 26
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, labor at 3,208 97
Total $82,125 81
MAINTENANCE OF ROADWAY.
Wharves 4,191 12
Bridges, and Trestles, repairs of 6,116 97
Cars, Road, repairs of 687 40
Crossties 18,239 68
Depot Grounds and Buildings, repairs of 7,045 72
Frogs and S\vitch8s, repairs of 3,564 89
Incidentals 40 45
Iron Rails 50,544 40
Joints and Chairs 567 08
Road-Bed, repairs of 4,039 81
Spikes 330 84
Superintendence and Supervisors 434 50
Tools, and repairs if Tools 650 79
Track, repairs of 27.126 91
Turntables, repairs of 316 85
Watchmen 735 00
Subsistence 8,835 00
Total $133,467 41
GENERAL EXPENSES.
Salaries of Officers 12,919 78
Traveling Expenses 775 89
Legal Expenses 2,660 29
Miscellaneous Expenses 1,406 28
Printing and Stationery 174 19
Total |1 7,936 43
30
RECAPITULATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES.
Conducting Transportation $ 83,252 86
Motive Power 82,125 81
Maintenance of Cars 48,939 15
Maintenance of Roadway 133,467 41
General Expenses 17,936 43
Total $365,731 66
31
32
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