At the close of our last walk we reached the level where the locomotive is sufficient to move the train, and after a lunch of cheese, bread and beer at a vende, (retail shop,) we took our seats in an open car and whirled along at a rapid rate over the road to São Paulo.
The use of iron stools of a concavo-convex shape as supports for the rail, instead of wooden cross-ties, is adopted here, but an accident from the breaking of one leads to the inference that they are unsafe.
There was one point upon the track at which two cars, loaded with dirt, discharged their cargo with remarkable despatch, by dropping the sides, that were attached by hinges, and then the negroes used their shovels to conclude the work.
We had on the train with us Mr. J. J. Auburtin, the general superintendent of the road; Mr. Henderson, superintendent of the working operations; Mr. Fox, president engineer; Mr. Hutchins, secretary to chief engineer; and Mr. Jesters, traffic agent. All the business offices are in the city of São Paulo, and the chief work-shops are located there also. The chief engineer of the company resides in England, and has his representative here looking after the business.
Upon reaching the Hotel da Europa, we met Mr. Bennaton, who informed us that arrangements were progressing for our trip; but it is most likely we may be detained several days, and we must practise that Brazilian virtue, patience.
Calling upon Mr. Blackford and lady during the evening, I found their house filled with ministers of the gospel, who are here with a view to organize a Presbytery, to exercise discipline among those who have become members of the Presbyterian church in this section, and to ordain a converted Catholic priest, who has been assisting in missionary work.
While the people here profess to be tolerant of other religions, some of the former enactments in regard to seats in the councils of state, and in regard to marriage, are calculated to discourage emigration, but it is expected that these things may be changed ere long.
Thursday, December 14, 1865.
The indications of delay here are evident, from all that can be learned to-day, and we feel that suspense which is natural to those earnestly desiring to accomplish an object.
I accompanied Dr. Shaw and Major Meriwether to purchase an outfit of water-proof overcoats and leggins, which cost each of them twenty-two dollars and fifty cents, but they are now well provided against the rainy season.