58 . WESTERN INCIDENTS.

called that august body together at once, for the purpose
of conferring upon the subject, and giving a proper re-
ception to the distinguished strangers.

It was finally arranged that the freedom of the city
should be tendered to the excursionists; and that a grand
reception ball and supper should be given them at the
Hernden House, on the evening of their arrival in town.

ANTECEDENTS AND OBJECTS OF THE EXCURSION.

Before speaking further of this great excursion, it may
be well to refer briefly to its objects, as well as to its im-
mediate antecedents.

The public generally, is so ignorant respecting the
identity of the many railroads in this country, which bear
in some form the appellation of Pacijic, that I will take
the liberty of inserting the following letter written upon

that subject, and published for general information, more
than a year ago, in the National Intelligencer, at Wash-
ington.

The status of many of the roads referred to has un-
doubtedly become changed somewhat since the letter was
written ; but itis believed that it will be found substan-
tially correct for our present purpose :—

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD.

Confused Ideas as to its Locality—Nine Different Pacific Railroads—
Location and Present Condition of Hach—Giovernment Aid, ete.

OrFIcE oF THE Unton Pactric Rartroap Company,
No. 13 Wiitram Srreet, New Yorr, February 10, 1866. t

To the Editors of the National Intelligencer :-—

So much doubt and confusion appears to exist in the minds of the
people, and possibly of some members of Congress, in relation to the