There is no very convenient place at Station 9155 for a side track, but one can be made. Another difficulty will be water, but perhaps no more so there than at any other point along the lines.

There is one other item which should have its due weight in favor of the 1.8% grade long line; its advantage in being 1-1/4 miles nearer Prescott, via Hells Canon route. This should be valued at about $9450. at the present and perhaps twice that in a few years. From Station 9400 to Station 9700 we might possibly obtain a 1.8% grade line from 9400 to Bill Williams Summit we have a rise of 546 ft. in 246 stations. Allowing for compensation and some loss of grade I think it possible to get down in 341 stations - a grade of 6.6 pr. station or by the loss of 95 stations. The changes are against this, yet it may be done. 9500 ft. at $11.62 gives $110,390.00 value of the increased distance of 1.8% grade line - the increase in work would be at least $25,000. together would make $135,390.00 against the 1.8% grade line.

On the other hand, the cost saved on Pushing engines would be from Station 9400 to 9700 or equal to 5.68 miles. 6 trains x 2 round trips x 350 days x 40 cents x 5.68 miles gives $9,542.40 yearly cost. Capitalized at 7% gives $136,320.00; this gives $930.00 in favor of the long line, but as I have assumed the very best possible allowance in distance I cannot see any inducement to run this line.

The question of water which may be obtained at John Rogers, Station 9700 is another factor which clinches the decision without further choice.

From John Rogers to the end of this division there was no reason for running any other lines, the located line being in my judgment unquestionably the best that can be obtained, excepting one or two places where slight changes might be made.

Stakes have been marked and where possible driven at every 100 feet. On curves 8 degrees or more pr. station stakes have been driven at every 50 feet. Bench markers are put in and marked at every 2000 feet at stations 0.0-20-40-60-80-100. In some instances we would commence at a divide and run down or backwards and afterwards remark the stakes so the numbers are carried through continuously.

Preliminary lines and preliminary locations have been run over some of the most difficult work, I belive the field work has been done carefully and correctly. There are quite a number of points where had I the time I would like to change and "tinker" at, but I am hardly warranted in doing so at present.

Has been kept up as closly as could be reasonably done. Estimates have been made where there was any question in regard to lines, so that I acted with full knowledge as to facts when a line was chosen or discarded. On account of the lack of Manilla paper and tracing cloth, which failed to reach me, I felt much annoyed at the appearance of our map and tracing, but we have done as well as could be with the material at hand.

page 201 Splinters Volume 14 transcribed in altered form for the Web by Russell Crump

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