We are ready now to work our full quota of hands and wd be glad if you would stir Hicks up. He of course wishes to keep as many as possible inside of his pen. It is now the best season of the year for work and would like all I can get and will work them to advantage. We need badly a good smith or two and carpenters and a few [stem?] cutters for about six weeks I have concluded to use iron not steel nails and am offered it at $35.00 the lowest bid will ship by Wilmington as I have secured liberal rates from them. Wish to buy cross-ties at once to begin bedding them. How shall I go about this? Will need at once about $1000, shall I file a note and security with you for the amt until I bring the vouchers for ties paid for and then take up my note. Dana & Co. of New York offers iron 40 c lower than any other firm and of as good quality. The work is progressing favorably and if I can only get the 600 hands will complete to Asheville in nearly 12 months.