he Company dispersed a
number of persons came forward and entered their names for stock.
The Stockholders dined together with the Louisville delegation at
Postlethwaite's Inn. We congratulate the friends of this noble
enterprise on the results of the meeting. We especially congratulate
the citizens of Lexington on the bright prospects ahead--the '_Winter_
of their discontent being made glorious summer'--by the proceedings
of this glorious day."

The Trustees of the town of Lexington later took $25,000 worth of stock.

* * * * *

At last the great day arrived for the laying of the first rail stone,
and the Lexington Observer of October 28th, 1831, gives a brilliant
description of this most momentous occurrence. Gives it with a vividness
which brings the picture so clearly before the reader that in spite of
himself he joins the merry throng and takes his place in the spectacular
parade which marks a new epoch in the history of Lexington. The Observer
says:

LAYING FIRST RAIL STONE.

"Agreeable to the arrangements published in our last paper the ceremony
of Laying the First Rail Stone of the Lexington and Ohio Rail Road, was
performed in the presence of a large concourse of citizens and strangers
on Saturday last.

At 11 o'clock the three Military Companies which formed the escort
marched from their place of rendezvous to the College lawn, where they
were met by the various societies and individuals named in the order of
the Marshal. The procession was then formed in the following order--

Col. Leslie Combs, Marshall, with J. B. Coleman, Esq., (his aid) on
horseback.

Maj. Gen. Pendleton and Staff, on horseback.

Field Officers and Staff, on horseback.

Officers of the Line--on foot.

Capt. Hunt's Artillery, in Platoons.

Gov. Metcalfe, supported by
Prof. Caldwell, Orator of the Day, and
Rev. N. H. Hall--Officiating Clergyman.

Judges Underwood and Buckner--Court of Appeals.

Judge Hickey, Fayette Circuit Court.

Hon. R. M. Johnson, R. P. Letcher, T. A. Marshall, Members of Congress.

Several Members of the Kentucky Legislature.

Capt. T. A. Russell--Ass't. Marshal.

President and Directors Lexington and Ohio R. R. Co.

Samuel H. Kneass, Chief Engineer--His Assistants and Treasurer
of the Co.

Contractors and Pioneers with their implements of Labor.

State Board of Internal Improvement.

President, Engineers and Direc