Section 3 of the act relating to the Hickory Nut Gap road reads as follows:

"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."

It is not clear to my mind that this act contemplates that the prison shall furnish the tools. If the prison has any tools on hand for such work I presume that it would be a matter of inconsiderable cost to the prison to allow them to be used on this road. It seems pretty clear that the word "keeping" would imply lodging as well as board and to strengthen this idea the statute adds "clothing," and all other expenses." Providing the camp is certainly as expense. It seems to me clear that the statute contemplates that the prison shall provide the camp. In fact I do not see how the statute could be any strong along this line then by saying "guarding, keeping, clothing and all other expenses."

I do not suppose that the cost of the camp would be large. If you knew how anxious these people are and how insistent they are I feel sure that you would sympathize with me and them and I earnestly hope that the work can be forwarded at an early date.