☛ Grand Trunk Railway
The Sarnia Observer and Western Advertiser
January 5, 1854
Numerous surmises having been afloat lately regarding the Grand
Trunk Railway, and the difficulties with which the enterprise was surrounded,
– the following extract of a letter from the Chief Engineer, Mr. Shanly, to a
gentleman in Michigan, will be read with interest as affording reasonable
ground to hope that the undertaking will be proceeded with with all possible
expedition: –
The rumors afloat in your quarter as to the financial
embarrassments of the Grand Trunk Railway Company, are without foundation.
West of Toronto, all the work that we ever contemplated entering
upon this year, (112 miles) is now in full course of construction. On the
uncommenced portion, westward, there exists some local alarm, because of our
not yet having bound ourselves to the first surveyed line, and because that for
local reasons, we are exploring another, both terminating at Sarnia.
In early Spring, all the work between Toronto and Sarnia, whatever
the location may be, well under way.
With respect to the line eastward of Toronto, to Montreal, the
contractors and engineers are taking proper steps for doing such work as can
reasonably be expected during our rigorous winter. Ties and other such
material are contracted for, over the whole route — to be delivered during the
coming winter. The Grand Trunk Railway of Canada will be built.
Touching the Huron and Michigan Project, our people are as
resolved as ever to do their part in carrying it out and trust that there will be
nothing wanting on yours. I am about sending out a party of Engineers, to
commence an exploring survey between Lyons, through your city, to Grand
Haven — that portion of the route presenting the principal obstacles to be
overcome.
I am very respectfully, yours
W. SHANLY
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