February 1860 Scientific American -
"Out West, they are going beyond anything ever attempted in reckless construction of railways. A western man, who, in his time, has been a merchant, a surveyor, an engineer, a land agent, a railway president and a professional politician (on more sides than one, by way of variety), once remarked to me, concerning a mutual acquaintance who was an engineer, 'a good theoretical man, Sir, but requires millions [of dollars] to carry out his plans; he might do well in England, with an unlimited supply of money, but he is not calculated for our western country; not practical, Sir, not practical! We want men who can build railroads of corn cobs, if necessary!'"
RCJ