I have just been in communication with Mr. Mann, Superintendent of the Prison in regard to the convicts that have been detailed for work on the Hickory Nut Gap Road. He states that he does not contemplate furnishing anything in the way of tools for the convicts to work with. I took this matter up with you sometime ago; and, unless I am mistaken, you idea was similar to mine,---that the penitentiary authorities were to furnish the tools, such as, shovels, mattocks, picks, axes, that the convicts would use.

The section referring to this in the law is Section 3:

"That the cost of guarding, keeping, clothing, and all other expenses of the convicts detailed for such road work herein provided for, shall be paid by the Penitentiary authorities."

Do you think from this section, we would be justified in insisting that the Penitentiary authorities furnish the tools?

Another thing also came up, and that was in regard to quarters for sheltering the convicts. It seems to me that this is one of the necessary expenses connected with the convicts, but Superintendent Mann seemed to expect that we should provide the quarters.

I will appreciate it very much if you will let me have your opinion regarding this.