I find that it will be impossible for me to come to Raleigh on Monday as I have to be in New York on that day to meet Mr. Stayton and begin work on the formation of the new Construction Company that we are expecting to organize on that date.

I asked Gen. Davidson to write you fully if he could not appear before the Council of State and he told me that he would do so.

So that you and the Council of State can get some idea of the situation I am taking the liberty of writing a letter which is inclosed in this and will ask you to have same read at your meeting.

The present condition is a very critical one and we will need to use the greatest care in carrying the enterprise through and I trust that I have made myself clear.

There is no coloring or attempt to put any construction on what has been done or on what should be done, I am simply stating the facts and asking the Council of State to form their own judgment. I feel safe in leaving to their sound judgment the wise course for the State to pursue.