Early Governors' Papers

Murfreesboro Tennessee 23^d December 1820

The following are extracts from a letter written to William Torrey esquire on the above date. "I am much gratified on learning, that you have obtained, employment, in a contract with Governor Bibb; by which you are to make a survey of a parts of the Coosa River; with which stream I con =template with great pleasure, that the day is ap =proaching, when the Holston, and the Tennessee Rivers will be united, to it by a canal; and being well aware, that the State of Tennessee cannot fail to profit, by every successful exertion, that may be made, to improve the navigation of the rivers within the Alabama; calls for the expression of my best wishes, for your prosperity in the present service.

I am extremely sorry to learn that you esteem your salary inadequate to your service's, as I had flattered myself with your future usefulness in the event, and will feel mortified should, I find my hopes baffled, by a parsimonious policy on your