I have delayed answering yours of July 18th hoping from day to day that I would be able to tell you that I had placed the order for the coal requirements for your large central heating plant, as well as the Executive Mansion and I am able to say to you now that I am placing today an order for two cars Pocahontas Egg coal for the Executive Mansion, with the CONSUMERS COAL COMPANY, wholesale coal dealers of this city. I am assured by the company that this is the best grade of Pocahontas coal and I am writing this company that it is for the Executive Mansion and must be of a high grade. The price will be Government mine price plus 15¢ a ton commission, which is authorized by the Fuel Administration.

I have not been able so far to place the order for the 650 tons required for your central heating plant but will keep the matter constantly before me and will place the order at the first opportunity.

In this connection I want to say to you that I am spending a good deal of time on North Carolina’s coal problem as a whole, which is seriously affected by the general coal situation and in particular since the large part of North Carolina’s supply ordinarily moves from the Pocahontas and New River fields now under order to the extent of close to the entire production of these fields for Tidewater movement. I may find it necessary to call on you together with Senators Simmons and Overman to assist me in bringing the proper pressure to bear upon the Fuel Administration with reference to the whole coal program as it affects North Carolina, and that you may have this matter in mind I am emclosing copy of a letter I have written Dr. Garfield on this subject.

I hope to be able to successfully prosecute the representations of this office without the necessity of bringing any political pressure to bear, but have in mind to do so, if the relief measures asked for are not forth coming and it appears that North Carolina, by reason of circumstances or for any other reason is not getting a square deal.

In the meantime I will thank you to hold in confidence what I am saying to you on this subject until further advised.

I am planning a trip to Washington during the coming week for the purpose of an extended conference and hope as result of this to abtain a satisfactory solution and will advise you of the outcome of my visit.