Just as soon as the convicts are available they will be sent to the county of Madison.

No new convicts were ordered to any railroad. We did not withdraw the convicts that were already working upon railroads that the State aids, but the Council of State passed resolutions that may result in the withdrawal of some or all of these convicts.

In my opinion the Hickory Nut Gap road is of superior importance to the road in Madison county. All roads are of great importance but this Hickory Nut Gap road is a link in the highway across the Blue Ridge connecting all of the south-eastern part of the State with the mountain section of the State. It is peculiarly a State road and would be of service to all western counties and all eastern counties. It was for this reason that I concluded that the Hickory Nut Gap road should have preference over any other road. Thirty convicts would have been ordered on this Hickory Nut Gap road but for the fact that Mr. Mann stated that he could not work less than fifty convicts economically.

I am greatly interested in all road improvement in the State. My identity of interest with the mountain people and my preculiar regard for them interests me in our mountain roads and I will do all I can to help you.