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purchases.”
    “And no doubt sales of the same. I heard there was good money to be made in land speculation.”
    “It had to happen,” said Jackson. “If I had not freed up the economy by putting an end to the tyrannical hold of the Bank of the United States, thus encouraging the development of private banking institutes, many of those good men and women would be forever trapped in the cities of the East. Not that I favor everyone going west. The West is a harsh taskmaster and not for the weak of heart. But now, with loans more readily available, a poor man who is willing to work hard can purchase his own tract of land. Bank credit is definitely an American heritage.”
    “Not only that, Mr. President,” a new speaker chimed into the conversation, “but without the new lines of credit, the growing prosperity of the railroad would never have been realized.”
    Jackson grinned. “Gentlemen, some of you may not yet have met Mr. Philip Thomas, but I expect you will hear much of him in the future. He’s the president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.”
    Joseph was the first to shake Thomas’s hand. “I, for one, am fascinated with the railroad’s development.”
    “The railroad is the key to our future,” said Thomas.
    “I recall hearing those very words from a fellow at the fair today. Seems to me he looked a great deal like you.”
    “Indeed, I take the credit. I believe the truth of those words to go beyond mere jingoism, Mr.—”
    “Joseph Adams.”
    “Well, sir, I am convinced America must have the railroad if it seriously intends to open up the West to true settlement. With the growing number of people moving west, there has to be a means by which they can support themselves. Agricultural and livestock interests are promoted with the promise of cheap, and in some cases, free land. But there must be an adequate and profitable way to move those crops and animals.”
    “And you believe the railroad will resolve this issue?” Joseph already knew what he felt the answer to his question was; however, he wished to see if this man, who was obviously “in the know,” supported his beliefs.
    “I know it will.” Thomas spoke with an easy confidence, which Joseph took to be as much a confidence in his so-called product as in himself. “Canals certainly can’t be expected to meet the need. Digging them is ten times the work, and the water sources have to be consistent. Where will they find enough water in the ‘Great American Desert’? The railroad, on the other hand, can meet the needs of the settler and come nearly to his front door. Why, there may well come the time, Mr. Adams, when you could expect track to be laid right up to your plantation.”
    Joseph replied with an ironic smile. If only there had been such a thing when he was fifteen. He said more practically, “Though I heartily support the railroad, I don’t know if I’d like the tranquility of Oakbridge so compromised. Nevertheless, I understand what you’re saying. You truly think such accessibility possible?”
    “Possible and reasonable.”
    Joseph wanted to hear more, but it was time to rejoin the ladies. As the men filed from the sitting room, he sidled up to Thomas and said, “Perhaps we can discuss this at a later date?”
    “It would truly be my honor,” said Thomas. “I would very much like to show you our plans. Might I call upon you at your hotel?”
    “We are leaving in the morning,” Joseph replied. “But I would welcome you anytime to my home. Are you familiar with Oakbridge?”
    “I am, sir.”
    “Then I shall look forward to a visit from you soon.”
    On the drive back to the hotel Margaret wore a curious expression, one filled with wonder mixed with a bit of perplexity.
    “I trust you had an enjoyable evening, Mrs. Adams?” he asked, hoping to learn the cause of her unusual look.
    “I did indeed.” She paused and shook her head. “Do you know, Mr. Adams, that these women actually thought it wonderful that our