J. Edgar Thomson, the President of the Pennsylvania Railroad writes the Canal Commissioner complaining about rates, taxes, and tolls for transport of freight and emigrants on their rail lines.

       “Dear Sir,

              Will you have the goodness to inform me whether the Board has agreed to the reduction desired upon the Columbia Rail Road – say to $ 100 – for 1^st class – 60 for 2^nd 45 for 3^rd & 35 for 4^th -  The extent of our business and the low charges we have made this winter to secure the western trade to the Penna Route – against the unnecessarily reduced rates of the B& ) R R Company is an excuse for urging this matter which I took occasion to draw your attention to draw your attention to more than a month since  - Our last reduction was made on the 15^th ult from which time at least we expect the draw back to be allowed.

           I may here state that we have offers to carry our freight and Emigrants to Philadelphia at 25 per cent less rates than I have mentioned above – the acceptance of which would for a month past have saved us from 600 to 1000 dollars pr day in taxes & tolls – This is rather too much to ask of our Patriotism when borne down as we have been by excessive state taxes – yet we yield it for the sake of harmony – trusting that it will lead to a better state of things hereafter.

             Mr. Baker and myself have arranged the basis of an agreement for the use of our Road below the South Fork of the Conemaugh – under which we again exhibit our intention not to allow our interests to prejudice those of the State.

             We are aware that our motives for so doing have heretofore been impugned but I trust that wiser councils now influence the decisions of the Board of canal commissioners – while the results have justified our predictions … Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servt J. Edgar Thomson Prest. …”