In confirmation of the telephonic conversation with Treasurer Lacy today, I wish to emphasize my request that you furnish the Hardaway Contracting Company with additional convict forces.

You are familiar with the responsibility and business methods of the Hardaway Contracting Company. I have known these people for years and have always found them first-class in every particular. I certainly hope that you, with your Board, can devise ways and means to furnish them additional convict labor, because it is extremely important for them, and all other interests closely associated with them, that the contract which they have be rushed to the earliest possible completion. This completed contract will not only give largely enhanced taxable values to property in this section, but in addition thereto will give permanent employment to a very large number of men, and it is important from every standpoint for the Hardaway Company to complete their work so that the actual and permanent operations may speedily begin.

I am not familiar with the distribution of your convicts at the present time, but I certainly hope you will be able to grant Mr. Hardaway's request, and furnish him at least two hundred additional men from various sections of the State. If you are able to grant his request, this action on your part will be very greatly appreciated by me and other friends of Mr. Hardaway who are familiar with the circumstances and conditions under which he is attempting to complete one of the notable industrial plants of our nation.

With highest personal regards.