Early Governors' Papers

condition of the Country and be effectually secured. It would seem to ^be doing all, that in this way, can possibly be done to en= =sure the prosperity of an extensive and fertile tract of country in both States. I submit to the discretion and foresight of your Excellency, whether the present would not be a very propitious moment to induce both States to engage in a great and conjoint effort for their mutual & common benefit. The fund already at command would encourage the State of Alabama to engage in enlarged operations, especially of the liberal assistance and cooperation of the State of Tennessee would enable her to anticipate, with more certainty and confidence, a speedy and successful result. The very want of cooperation hereafter, which I think will be more difficult to obtain, may long continue this [business?] to the prosperity of both, which some energy at the present favorable moment, and an enlightened spirit of concert would speedily and easily remove. I write all this without any expression of the will of the Legislature, and the object is to prepare for any favorable impoulse, or peradventure to partake in giving the impulse itself. I should be glad to be favored with the views of your Excellency, and on some future occasion it will afford me great pleasure to give you mine more fully & in detail. I am assured that your Excellency would be disposed to promote any practical, useful and liberal object. I have the honour to be most respectfully yr most obt sert

John Murphy.

His Exy Governor Houston State of Tennessee