[MARSHALL] TEXAS REPUBLICAN, January 14, 1860, p. 2, c. 3

A Trip on the Southern Pacific Railroad.

                On Sunday last, in company with Col. A. R. Mitchell, of the Upshur Democrat, and a 
number of our citizens, we took a trip over the Southern Pacific Railroad to Swanson's landing.  It 
had been about eighteen months since we were over this road, and hence we were agreeably surprised 
at the improvements made during that period.  Until within a few months past, in consequence of 
litigation, the property was comparatively neglected, and the road out of repair.  Mr. Hynson has 
exhibited great energy within that period, as Superintendent of the company.  The road is now in 
complete repair, and is pronounced by competent judges, equal to any in the South.  Mr. G. G. Gregg, 
who was one of our company, said it was only inferior to the best Northern roads; those for instance 
connecting immediately with the large cities.  Sheds have been erected at this end of the line for 
storing cotton, and a commodious warehouse; temporary buildings.  Scott's bears striking resemblance 
to a village.  At Jonesville, also, there are like improvements.  At Swanson's there is a large frame 
warehouse, sheds sufficient to store any amount of cotton, and all the other necessary buildings for 
the use of the Company.  The engineer appears to be a very careful man, and the officers are polite 
and attentive.
                The weather was delightful; a May day could not have been more beautiful.  There had 
been two steamboats at Swanson's, we learned, that morning, and while we were there the Sallie 
Robinson a very respectable size boat, landed.  The Lake is now up, sufficient to admit the larger 
class of Lake steamers.  At Swanson's the wharf is nearly finished.  It will be completed this week, 
so that there will be no difficulty experienced by steamboats in landing.  We obtained a substantial 
dinner at the Lake.  An hour or two afterwards, we got aboard of the cars, and started homeward in 
double quick time.  At Jonesville we met the Shreveport stages loaded with passengers; among them Mr. 
Geo. L. Hill, and family, who were returning from Georgia, and Capt. R. H. Martin, as kind and 
accommodating a gentleman as ever commanded a steamboat.  We reached Marshall at an early hour.  It 
was conceded by all, that we had spent a very pleasant day.  The connection which has been formed 
by the railroad company with the Shreveport stage line is an admirable one, particularly at this season 
of the year, when the roads are so bad.
                We do not know the amount of cotton and produce shipped over the road this season; 
but we are satisfied that it has been considerable.  We found cotton piled up on the road side between 
the depots, and a quantity at Swanson's which has doubtless ere this been shipped and is now on its way 
to the city.  By next season, we hope to chronicle the fact, that a connection has been formed with 
Shreveport, and the road further extended into Texas from twenty-five to fifty miles.