I have read with a great deal of interest the report of Hon. J. S. Mann, Supt. of the State Prison, made to your Excellency and the Council of State, and published in the Raleigh News & Observer of July 9, with regard to the State Aid Railroads or the Railroads to which the State is furnishing Convicts and accepting stock for labor in accordance with Legislative Authority.

In the interest of the Statesville Air Line Railroad and the good people of Yadkin, beg to protest to you and the Council of State against the injustice done our Railroad and our people by this report which does not give facts as they are. You have promised us additional aid in the construction of this road in the way of furnishing more convicts, and we are therefore relying on you for this aid and we have faith in our Governor that he will comply with his promise.