The people all over this country have worked for years trying to build a railroad. By an act of the Legislature we were promised convicts to the Watagua Railroad Co. They have built 30 miles and have stopped work on account of not getting the convicts. If we fail to get the convicts, it means we do not get the road, after our people being so hopeful they would be keenly disappointed. These convicts have been expected for two or three years, and there has been a campaign made in this county for bonds on account of these convicts. We carried them almost unanimously, and now to fail in securing the convicts would leave us without hope.

We, therefore, beg you to stand by us now as we have always stood by you