I have just returned from Raleigh. I inclose a copy of telegram that caused me to go.

I find that the Watauga Railway Company and the Grandin Lumber Company are two separate and distinct corporations, owned for the most part by different people, though W. J. Grandin is President of both corporations. The Watauga Railroad has a contract with the Grandin Lumber Company to haul logs to the amount of $350 per day, when the road is finished to Darby. I was in the office of the Railroad Company on Last Saturday, and they gave me every assurance that the road will be built across the mountain when the convicts are available. They will locate road from Darby to Cook's Gap, build bridges, put down irons and ties, and operate the road as fast as built. All the mules--104--and machinery will be used, and they agree to employ other hands, too.

They are expecting convicts on account of our former visit to Raleigh. I thinks everything will be very slow, indeed, unless we get the negroes.

This is the most liberal proposition ever made to the State. The Legislature of 1909 passed the Act providing for these convicts unanimously, after a full discussion. It was made stronger by the Legislature of 1911. A Committee of the Legislature of 1913 investigated the whole matter, approved it, and recommended that the plan be carried out.

Now, Governor, we have done all we possibly could. I have spent much time and considerable money on this proposition. There is the iron delivered. The engines and the cars also. We as citizens and this great State of ours are morally bound to this, one of the most useful enterprises in North Carolina. The convicts can be had, 98 will come from the Norfolk and Southern July 1st. A large number could be spared from the State farm after June.

I appeal to you as Governor of this Commonwealth, to do all you can just now. I do not believe you will fail us at this time. The Council of State, every one of them, the Attorney General, have all promised these convicts for all these years, when we were ready. We have relied upon them. We have pledged our honor upon our faith. If we fail our disappointment will be so keen, we can never express it.

I trust you will send me a telegram at my expense on receipt of this letter that the convicts will be available July 1st. It will take only 47 more to increase the camp to 75 men. I myself will go direct to the Company's office. If they are in good faith the work will open. Anyway, we will test them.