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    As the meeting broke up, James watched the commotion in the room for several moments before getting to his feet. The atmosphere was surprisingly light considering the weighty decision that would soon be made. The Christmas spirit was probably upon them, he reasoned, and he imagined everyone hurrying home to their families. It was, after all, a season for celebration and for being with the ones you loved.
    But that wouldn’t be a luxury afforded to James Baldwin.
    Standing away from the crowd, James mused that the future of the B&O looked far brighter than his own personal future. It thus meant more to him than ever before that the railroad include him. The railroad represented his dreams for America, as well as for himself. He longed to see the untamed West brought under control, and he envisioned the tie that would bind it all together to be a railroad tie.
    “James Baldwin,” a voice called out from behind him. “I hoped I might get a word with you before you hurried home.”
    James turned to find the brother of his old friend Ben Latrobe approaching him. John Latrobe was a family friend in his own right. He was also the general counsel for the B&O Railroad and had served faithfully with Philip Thomas, ironing out many of the legal problems that had plagued the railroad. Ben and John’s father, Benjamin Latrobe senior, had been instrumental in creating the architectural styling of Washington City.
    “Mr. Latrobe, a pleasure to see you again.” James gave a slight bow and met Latrobe’s searching eyes.
    “My brother, Ben, tells me that you’ll be joining him for some survey work.”
    James smiled. “Yes, you are quite right. The weather is holding us back now, but once the worst of winter is past us, I intend to find myself deep in the Virginia wilderness.”
    John nodded. “Ben has had his eye on you for a while. He likes the way you tend to keep yourself turned to the matter at hand. Not many young men would be willing to journey so far from home and family.” John paused long enough to check his watch. “Speaking of which, how are your father and mother?”
    James dreaded the question. He’d had no contact with his parents since his departure from Washington last October. Should he lie to John and tell them that they were fine? No doubt John knew more of the elder Baldwins than he did. Perhaps it would be better to avoid the subject altogether.
    “They’re well,” he finally said, then catching sight of Philip Thomas, he changed the subject. “Mr. Thomas seems to be bearing a heavy load these days. I have heard it said that his illnesses are getting the better of him.”
    Latrobe glanced across the room to where his old friend stood in conversation with several of the new board members. “I tried to talk him out of resigning the presidency. He’s convinced, however, that the railroad will not move profitably forward under his leadership.”
    Latrobe grimaced. “You know what they’ll say, don’t you?”
    James shook his head. “I’m not sure I follow you. Say about what?”
    “They’ll say the railroad positively burst into prosperity because Philip Thomas gave the job of president over to someone who knew what to do with it.” Latrobe seemed quite troubled by this. “I told him that the B&O was due to swing upward and that while the public could get testy over the low return of dividends, if he left now before the improvements began, people would always assume that he was the reason for all of the problems.”
    “But whether he stays or goes, the B&O still has a fair number of obstacles to overcome,” James offered.
    Latrobe nodded. “And well I know it. McLane will have his hands full when he comes on board. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced that McLane is the man for the job.”
    “I’ve heard nothing but good of the man. I’ve had the pleasure to meet him on several different occasions, and he is well spoken and deep thinking.”
    “True enough, but is he competent in the