Our people are intensely interested in the Watauga Railroad. I went over the entire proposition with you between here and Lenoir if you remember. We promised the Company not less than fifty nor over one hundred and fifty convicts and $100000 in hand. We voted the bonds 1960 to 257. We have not had but 31 negroes. I wanted to talk to you about the matter during the sitting of the Legislature, but each time I called, you were over run.

Governor, this is the biggest undertaking in North Carolina today. As a public good, it is most important. It is one to which our people have long looked, and they have always had the most implicit faith that when you became Governor, it would be done. As to age, it holds the right of way over all other propositions of the kind, save the Elkin and Alleghany road. The company is anxious for more convicts. We ought, to keep good faith, encourage them some.

What do you think will be the prospects?