I came by Grandin and saw the railroad and those building it. I want to rather insist that you come up to Wilkesboro, come over the line, see what has been done, what a tremendous task is before us,—The climbing of the Blue Ridge. If you can not come, do you not think it wise to send Mr Mann? Perhaps a member of the Council should come, or a director of the Prison.

We told Mr H. C. London, Ch. Eng. of railroad, that 22 new men would be sent as soon as possible. He was very much pleased. It certainly will take all of the 75 to start up the mountain. They claim and want 150, but we understand there are other improvements, and we want to be eminently fair. However, there is no proposition so [illegible] as this one. It should be a great state policy to build this road. It is not a local matter. The people here are intent on this road, and nothing must be done to hinder.

We certainly do thank you for the warm reception, when in Raleigh, and for the manifest interest in this great undertaking. If built, the greatest thing the historian can record in your administration. It will have a greater interest for the commercial men than you may now think.

Governor, come up and see for yourself.