While the bill for the purchase by the state of the summit of Mitchell's Peak was pending before the legislature, I wrote Mrs. Connally a letter in regard to her holdings and claims. The purpose of my letter was to induce her to make a donation of the five acres that she claims on top of the mountain. In this letter I made the following statement:

"I do not think that those who are interested in the passage of this bill consider that it would affect your possession at Stepp's Spring. The bill carries an appropriation of only twenty thousand dollars, and this twenty thousand dollars would be insufficient for the purchase of a sufficient amount of territory to include Stepp's Spring."

Mr. Pless came to Raleigh, as I understand it, with the intention of opposing the passage of the bill. He withdrew his opposition, and it may be that this statement in my letter to Mrs. Connally to some extent influenced his action. I am sure that the Commission will act in just regard to Mrs. Connally's rights under the circumstances. I had no authority to make any agreement with her as to the condemnation of Stepp's Spring, or as to any other matter, but I would be gratified if the Commission could avoid the condemnation of Stepp's Spring if it is feasible to do this. The Commission must be the judge of course.

I am glad to know that you will begin proceedings at once of the condemnation of the territory to be included in the park.