Chap. 857.—An ACT to incorporate the Richmond and Tidewater railroad co
pany.

Approved March 8, 1808.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That Henry
Price, Charles Picot, L. C. Catlett, M. J. Enright, of Virginia; Edwy
Taylor, Owen E. Houghton, of New York, and George FE. Detwiler,
Virginia, or any five of them who may accept the provisions of this a
their associates and successors, are hereby constituted a body politic a
corporate, by the name of the Richmond and Tidewater railroad cot
pany, and as such may have all the privileges, franchises, and immur
ties applicable to such corporation,
2. The said company may construct and operate a standard gauge
railroad either of single or double track, commencing at the point on the
Chesapeake bay, the York, Rappahannock, or North rivers, in the coun-
ties of Gloucester, Mathews, or Middlesex, running thence to the city of

tichmond by w hat it may deem the most practicable route, passing
through the counties of Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent,
King WwW illiam, King and Queen, Essex, Hanover, and Henrico, or any
of them. he said railroad may pass through the city of Richmond by
and with the consent of the city council of said city being first obtained.
The said company may have the power to construct branch or lateral
lines not exceeding twenty miles in length, within the limits as to time
and place, prescribed by the charter.

3. The motive power of said railroad company may be by steam or
electricity, or both, as it may elect.

“4. The said railroad company may have the power to construct and
operate, in connection therewith, steam vessels for the carriage of freight
and passengers, or both, on the Chesapeake bay or any of the navigable
streams emptying thereinto, subject to all the laws of the state of Vir-
ginia or the United States, governing the navigation of steam vessels.

5. The said railroad company shall have the right to construct and
maintain all necessary bridges across all rivers and streams over which
the said railroad will pass: provided the said bridges shall be constructed
with proper draws so as not to obstruct navigation.

6. The capital stock of said railroad company shall be five hundred
thousand dollars, divided into fifty thousand shares of the par value of
ten dollars each. Each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for
each share of stock held by him.

7. It shall be lawful for said company to borrow money, issue bonds,
and other evidences of debt, and to secure the same by one or more mort-
gages or deeds of trust on its properties, rights, and franchises, or any
part thereof.

8. The said railroad company shall have its principal office in Vir-
ginia, and may have such offices as its business may require without the
state.

J. The said railroad company may acquire by contract, lease, purchase,
or consolidation, the property and franchise of any company which is not
a parallel or competing line, or any property that may be necessary for
its business, upon such terms as m: ay be mutually agreed upon. It shall
have the power and right in Jike manner to transfer its franchise and
property by sale, lease, or consolidation, to any company which js not a
parallel or competing line.

10. The said railroad shall be commenced within two years, and its
lateral or branch lines be completed, within five years from the time
when this act shall hecome a law.

11. This act shall be in force from and after its passage.