Question -

[Art Loux]

(02-28-2013 08:56 PM)John Stanton Wrote:  [quote='BettyO' pid='14149' dateline='1362079398']
Curious as to how long it would have taken Booth and Powell to travel from DC (Surratt House on the afternoon of March 17 or morning of March 18) to reach New York by Train?

Hours? A Day? Anyone want to take a guess?

Thanks!
[/q This is better than a guess. I have an 1860 timetable. A train left Washington at 7AM and arrived in Jersey City 7 20 PM. End of the line. Then they have to cross the Hudson. Say another hour. People rarely traved at night - No sleeping cars. If you are interested, the whole trip was- on the train-off the trail,on again off again.

In addition to the long time to get from one place to another the conditions on the trains were unpleasant. This is from “A Nuisance,” Alexandria Gazette, May 15, 1875:

"The Richmond Compiler very properly exposes the offensive and disgusting practice of many passengers upon the Rail Road Cars, in spitting great streams of tobacco juice on the heated stoves, thereby rendering the confined atmosphere not only offensive, but sickening to those who have no taste for the “vile weed.” But this is not all. Every corner and space under the seats is also filled by the filthy saliva, so that, if by accident you drop your handkerchief, gloves or cloak, they are rendered unfit for decent hands ever after."

"A Nuisance – The evils and annoyances resulting from tobacco chewing have always been complained of, but just now a loud cry on the subject comes up from those who travel in railroad cars, and who, confined to close quarters, have to endure the “abominations” consequent upon the practice. It is proposed that the Railroad Companies charge tobacco chewers double price or furnish them with a car to themselves."