RAILCAR GOLD Chapter 9 . . . Lincoln
RAILCAR GOLD is a historically accurate multi-generational fictional tale of hidden treasure, primarily set in York County, Pennsylvania during the latter half of the Nineteenth Century. This is Part 2 of Chapter 9 . . . Lincoln. A new part will be posted every Thursday. Recent chapters stand alone, starting here; however new readers may want to start at the beginning.
CHAPTER 9 . . . LINCOLN . . . Part 2
Dan and George quizzed George Small about the location where they would have the best possibility to see President Lincoln. George Small told them, “Without a doubt, Hanover Junction is where you want to be. The President will change railroads at that point, offering the best chance that he’ll leave his car to stretch his legs.”
George Small also cautioned the boys, “I wouldn’t count on getting a ride on a train that day. I understand that a throng of Governors and people from all over will be converging on Hanover Junction on Wednesday. Everybody on a train has got to go through Hanover Junction to get to Gettysburg. It’s going to be a bottle-neck that bound to get clogged.”
Charles Billmeyer gave his permission for Dan and George to take a day-off from school. Belle packed them plenty to eat and they were off. They stopped by Roy’s place; he was ready to join them. Roy had worked for Billmeyer & Small for 6-years, his parents still lived just outside Hanover Junction.
That was one of the conditions Dan & George had to concede after Charles spent a day deciding if he would give his permission; they had to agree to go with Roy. For Roy the choice was a no-brainer, he got a day-off to see the President go through his hometown. All he had to do was keep an eye on Dan & George, making sure they did not get into any trouble.
They took their leisurely time riding the 14-miles from York to Hanover Junction. They headed south to Loganville then west to Seven Valleys before traveling a short distance south to the railroad station in Hanover Junction.
Yesterday in York, they heard rumors that the President’s train could pass through Hanover Junction as early as 11 o’clock Wednesday morning. Upon arriving at the station, they quickly learned 11 o’clock was definitely a rumor. The President’s train would not arrive until about 3 o’clock.
They stopped by Roy’s parents house. Roy showed the boys around the farm where he grew up. Belle need not have packed so much food. Roy’s parents prepared a hearty lunch. A question was raised about what the newspapers had to say about this occasion. Dan had a clipping from yesterday’s York Gazette in his pocket. He read it aloud.
In reference to the Consecration of the Soldiers National Cemetery on Thursday next, the Gettysburg Compiler says, “an immense concourse of people, from the different States, may be expected here on the occasion of the Consecration of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, which will occur on Thursday, the 19th inst. The number, we think, from indications had from all quarters, will reach many thousands. To accommodate these, the largest preparations will be made. Extra locomotives and cars are about being secured for the transportation of visitors over the Hanover Branch and Gettysburg railroads, and the town will do everything in its power to accommodate them whilst here.
We understand that a fine display of military, cavalry, infantry and artillery, will grace the occasion. Major General Couch will have charge of this department, whilst Marshal Leaman, of the District of Columbia, will act as Marshal of the civic branch. The procession will form in the forenoon, and march to the ground, where the ceremonies will take place—to consist of a prayer by Rev. Dr. Stockton, the address by Mr. Everett, Consecration ceremony by President Lincoln, the singing of a dirge by a choir selected for the purpose, and music by several bands.
The Odd-Fellows will be largely represented. Several of the Governors of the States will be here, with the Governor and Heads of Departments of this State.”
Leaving the horses in Roy’s parents stable, the group walked the short distance to the junction station.
