Mr. B. H. Hardaway, of the Hardaway Contracting Company who is constructing the dam at the Narrows of the Yadkin River for the Aluminum Company of America, was in to see me today. He is very anxious for more convicts and informed me that he would pay the State $2.00 per day cash for two hundred and fifty more.

It looks like a pity not to furnish them when we have them on hand, working for projects that are of little value to anybody. I hate to see the convicts removed from Ridge Crest until they work is finished, but as bad as the State needs money they ought to go by July 1st.

There is absolutely no excuse for the convicts remaining on the Watauga & Yadkin River Railway, as you know, that concern is in the hands of the Receiver, and has been for nearly a year. You would naturally hate to remove the convicts from the Statesville Air Line, yet that is a hopeless proposition. If we can possibly do so we ought to take some from the State farm. It would pay to let Mr. Hardaway have the convicts and hire free labor on these railroads where we can get it for $1.00 per day, when we can get $2.00 for the convicts. Think this matter over and let's see if we can't do something for the good of the State next Tuesday.

This enterprise at the Narrows of the Yadkin is the largest piece of constructing work in the State, and means big things for North Carolina and it should be encouraged in every way possible.

With best wishes, I am,