Yr letter was recd this evg. I had written before in regared to the same matter but it must have been lost. Had sent the pop to Judge McCoy to North Hampton Co. The shaft was struck exactly correct, we were looking for it and there was no injury to any one or panic with the hands. We are now beyond the shaft and are driving at the rate of 3 feet per day in fact all the work is progressing very favorably. I wrote you in regard to another matter which will I hope meet your view.
The 1/2 mile of iron has been ordered as you directed and expecting it every day, have never heard from you whether it was advisable to put in the remainder of the 70000 for this year. The cross tie money shd be drawn out as they have to be gotten during the winter months when the sap is down this will amount to about $14000 to take us to Asheville, and the ties are being cut. Three convicts had made a key and at dinner time unlocked their shackles and ran, two were shot by a young man named Finly from McDowell the other escaped unhurt, no unnecessary cruelty as the boys were 50 & 75 yards off and has refused to halt. It has I think had a good effect. Mr. Page has hands to fix up all he wishes, I am getting for him his timber & shingles for his house & fence, he has not found out that up here no one keeps bills of lumber & shingles on hand and have to be cut & made after an order is given. I will see that all he wishes to protect his fish shall be done in time. Am looking for hands this week and will make the pond.